Friday’s news-Dec 6 -

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Kui Buri park elephant intrusions/Rare tapir seen in Kaeng Krachan/Train service resumes/Video Of Massive Reticulated Python/Python in Toilet Bowl/6 months of free internet/E-cigarette legalization plans/Over 178,000 Illegal URLs blocked/ECONOMY: Raising VAT from 7% to 15%/Flat income tax rate proposed/Economic conditions showed stability/Ecosystem for semiconductor, electric sectors/Braces for dumping of goods/Major AI Infrastructure Push/Royal Enfield launches assembly plant/New coffee shops struggle/TOURISM: 40 million foreign tourists in 2025/US urged to launch direct Thai flights/What medication can you take to Thailand?/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: ‘Kebaya’ wins UNESCO listing/CLIMATE THAILAND: Supporting a Circular Economy/Thailand supports upcycling projects/Crab banks offer a sustainable solution/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

True system reduces damage from Kui Buri park elephant intrusions

True Corp. has utilized technology to address human-elephant conflict in collaboration with Kui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The telecom operator plans to expand the Kui Buri model to cover forests across the country where there are human-elephant conflicts.

The True Smart Early Warning System (TSEWS) used in Kui Buri National Park aims to reduce damage caused by elephants by up to 100%. The initiative uses 5G high-speed internet, 4G wireless broadband and Internet of Things (IoT) systems. Continued …

Rare tapir seen in Kaeng Krachan park

A rare sighting of a tapir has been reported at Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi. Park chief Mongkol Chaiphakdee said the sighting was made on Wednesday night by a park visitor who was staying at the Panoen Thung campsite.

Images of tapirs have been captured occasionally by camera traps, and footprints are sometimes seen, but up-close sightings in the park have been very rare. Continued and video …

Normal train service between Bangkok and Hat Yai resumes today

Train services between Bangkok and Hat Yai and between Yala and Su-Ngai Kolok, which were suspended for the past week due to heavy flooding, have resumed today following repairs to tracks and signalling systems, the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) announced. As for the service between Hat Yai and Yala, the SRT said repairs are underway and it will resume upon their completion.

Today, the Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain in the southern provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang and Satun,due to the moderate northeastern monsoon. Continued …

Video Of Massive Reticulated Python Floating In Thai Flood Waters

This video shows a giant, bloated reticulated python floating in flood waters in southern Thailand. This species is native to South and Southeast Asia, is among the three heaviest, and does hold the title of “world’s longest snake.”

Found in diverse habitats, including rainforests, mangroves, agricultural areas, and near rivers and streams, they are adaptable and can sometimes be found in urban areas, particularly near human settlements where prey is abundant. These massive reptiles are typically known to be excellent swimmers, though that doesn’t look to the be the case in this video out of Pattani. Continued and Video …

Homeowner Finds Python in Toilet Bowl, Snake Escapes Before Capture

A homeowner in a two-story townhouse in Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan, was left shaken after discovering a large python emerging from her toilet. Despite efforts by local rescue officers to capture the snake, it slipped back into the plumbing and remains at large.

Officials from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Na Khlong Bang Pla Kot were called to a house in a local housing estate after a report of a python seen breathing at the surface of a toilet bowl. Continued …

6 months of free internet for the poor and the disabled

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Department of the Promotion and Development of Quality of Life of the Disabled will distribute 1.1 million SIM cards to disabled and poor people, providing free internet for six months from February.

Those interested can register from now until the end of December, and distribution of the cards will commence in January. Continued …

Health advocates denounce e-cigarette legalization plans

Scholars and health experts have voiced their opposition to the House special committee on e-cigarettes’ advice to control its use in the country, saying the recommendations reflect the committee’s pro-smoking stance.

The committee recently concluded a study on e-cigarettes, which outlines three ways for the government to proceed on the matter. It said the government could keep its ban on all e-cigarettes, legalize heated tobacco products (HTP), which are devices that heat tobacco to release nicotine vapors without burning it, or legalize all kinds of e-cigarettes. Continued …

Thailand’s DES Ministry Blocks Access to Over 178,000 Illegal URLs

In a decisive crackdown on illegal online activities, Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has blocked over 178,000 unlawful URLs in just 14 months.

Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong announced the figure, highlighting an increased focus on tackling online crime through collaborations with internet service providers. Between October 2023 and November 2024, specifically, 178,609 URLs were taken offline, achieving an average of 12,757 URLs per month. Continued …

Thailand considering raising VAT from 7% to 15%

Thailand’s Finance Ministry is contemplating a significant hike in value-added tax (VAT), stirring considerable debate among government officials and the public alike. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently voiced her apprehensions regarding a potential increase from the current 7% to a hefty 15%. She acknowledged the stress such a change could impose on citizens, urging careful consideration.

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira clarified on Wednesday that deliberations are in the early stages with the Finance Ministry “studying” the global tax landscape. “We are analyzing both the advantages and disadvantages to secure maximum public benefit,” he remarked, promising that public consultations will precede any official decision. Continued …

VAT increase, flat income tax rate will only burden poor

A coalition MP voiced opposition on Thursday to the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s proposal to raise value-added tax (VAT) and implement a flat income tax rate, arguing that these measures would impact the low-income sector.

Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, a United Thai Nation Party list MP, said the tax reform plan proposed by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is worrisome. The proposal includes raising VAT and introducing the same flat rate for corporate and personal income tax. Continued …

Thailand’s economic conditions showed stability and growth in October

In October, Thailand’s economic conditions showed stability and growth in several sectors. Foreign tourist numbers remained stable, with an increase in revenue due to higher spending per trip.

Private consumption indicators rose across all major categories, partly due to a government stimulus program. Manufacturing production also increased, particularly in the chemicals, electrical appliances, and food and beverages sectors. Continued …

Thailand bolsters ecosystem for semiconductor, electric sectors

Thailand’s Semiconductor Board has approved a national strategy framework and skilled workforce development plan to prepare for an anticipated wave of foreign investments totalling Bt500 billion over the next five years.

Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi stated the country’s newly appointed National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Committee (Semiconductor Board), chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, approved the framework for Thailand’s national semiconductor strategys. Continued …

Customs Department braces for dumping of goods in Thailand

The chief of the Customs Department said on Thursday that the department has geared up to monitor greater influx of foreign goods into Thailand as the stage is set for a trade war between the U.S. and China.

Theerat Atthanawanit, customs director-general, said the department expected more goods to flow into Thailand after Donald Trump takes office early next year as U.S. president and steps up the trade war with China. Continued …

NVIDIA CEO’s Thailand Visit Signals Major AI Infrastructure Push

Jensen Huang, CEO and founder of NVIDIA, made a visit to Thailand this week, marking a major step forward in the country’s artificial intelligence development plans.

During his visit, Huang met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss AI infrastructure investments and development in Thailand. Huang expressed NVIDIA’s commitment to further catalyzing and strengthening AI development in Thailand, particularly in areas such as healthcare and smart agriculture, with the goal of rapidly advancing Thailand’s digital economy. Continued …

Royal Enfield launches new assembly plant in Thailand

Royal Enfield, a leading mid-size motorcycle manufacturer, launched its first fully owned assembly plant in Thailand, marking a significant expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. This CKD (Completely Knocked Down) facility in Samut Prakan province, Bangkok, will initially serve Thailand before expanding to other regional areas.

The plant, spanning 57,000 square feet, has an annual capacity exceeding 30,000 units. Royal Enfield aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for mid-size motorcycles in the Asia-Pacific region, viewing Thailand as a key market with strong growth potential. Continued …

New coffee shops struggle in Thai market

Newcomers to the Thai coffee business face steep challenges as banks tighten their lending approvals, says a supplier, manufacturer and distributor of coffee beans and equipment for coffee shops.

Thongtham Wechayachai, managing director of Peaberry Thai, a subsidiary of PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), said it has been particularly difficult for new entrants in the Thai coffee shop market this year. Continued …

TAT projects 40 million foreign tourists in 2025, revenue to rise 7.5%

Foreign arrivals in Thailand are expected to reach 40 million in 2025 following the government’s measures to stimulate the economy and tourism, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool expects Thai tourism to continue its upward trajectory next year, with 29 million short-haul tourists and 11 million long-haul tourists. Tourism revenue is expected to rise by 7.5% compared to 2024, she said. Continued …

US urged to launch direct Thai flights

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to encourage U.S. airlines to undertake the first-ever direct flights to Thailand, as Thai carriers seem unlikely to add the routes, following regulators reopening the flights from next year.

According to the Transport Ministry, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave a favorable evaluation of Thailand’s aviation safety standards following its inspection, and is expected to upgrade the status of the country from Category 2 to Category 1, enabling airlines to expand operations to the U.S. Continued …

What medication can you take to Thailand?

Planning a trip to Thailand with some medication on hand? Make sure you understand the medication rules to avoid any issues. Thailand has strict laws about importing prescription medicines, especially narcotics or psychotropics.

You can bring medications for personal use, but non-controlled drugs are limited to 90 days, while controlled substances must not exceed 30 days. Prepare the right medication, know what you can bring, and follow Thai regulations to stay healthy and avoid issues at customs. Continued …

‘Kebaya’ wins UNESCO listing after 5-nation bid

Kebaya, a traditional dress for women in the south of Thailand, has been declared an intangible cultural heritage item by UNESCO, after being proposed by five countries including Thailand.

The decision was announced at a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on Wednesday in Asuncion, Paraguay, according to Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. Continued …

Supporting a Circular Economy in Thailand

A circular economy for any type of material is a disruption to the traditional, linear thinking of “take-make-dispose”, in which natural resources are developed into products and then disposed of after use. It is a new way of doing business and consuming goods that maximizes the value of resources — supporting the repurposing, or circularity, of materials.

This transition is important to support a more sustainable future around the world, and it will take collaboration and innovation to achieve it. A circular economy takes a product’s total lifecycle into account — from the resources used to create it, to how it is made, to its use, disposal, and reuse. Continued …

Thailand supports upcycling projects to bolster sustainability

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce is running various projects to support upcycling businesses, adding value to products and services and promoting sustainability.

According to Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Ministry of Commerce, these projects include developing knowledge, supporting entrepreneurs and improving Thai products through innovation and technology. The goal is to align Thai businesses with global trends while maintaining competitiveness and promoting sustainable practices. Continued …

As Thailand’s blue swimming crabs decline, crab banks offer a sustainable solution

The sea is quiet except for the swish of the longtail boat cutting sharply through the waves. Fishermen Sutham Abmanee and Komsan Witan, from Phum Riang in Thailand’s Surat Thani province, set out at 7 a.m., just as they do every day.

When they reach the right spot, Sutham starts to pull out the nets he’d set the night before. They’re strung with silvery sea bass, tiny golden starfish, and blue swimming crabs. The men expertly pluck them out, keeping the valuable catch and dropping the rest back into the ocean. Continued …

China’s ban on exports of gallium, germanium and more could cost US billions

China banned exports of critical minerals gallium, germanium and antimony – elements considered essential by many tech and defense industries – to the U.S. on Tuesday. The ban, which applies only to the U.S. market, is China’s response to expanded American restrictions on chip-related technology shipments to China, Reuters reported. Continued …

Global billionaires’ wealth up 17%

The wealth held by the world’s billionaires has jumped by about 17% over the past year, as significant gains among the super-rich in the United States more than offset a decline in China, the Swiss bank UBS said on Thursday. Continued …

Chinese researchers tout ‘invisibility’ breakthrough

Chinese researchers say they have developed a material that quickly changes color at a molecular level based on the surrounding light, creating a new form of camouflage that could help people blend into their environments — much like a chameleon. Continued …