Monday’s news-June 10 -

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Feedback/Hua Hin copper theft/Cha Am beach erosion/Severe monsoon warning/Children’s Syrups Recalled/5 Top Real Estate Agents/Bangkok-Vientiane Railway to open/Rare twin elephants born/Confidence in Government Plummets/Economy: Euro 2024 on Thai TVs/Economy expected to improve/SMEs rely on informal economy/Cools jets on aviation hub/Land bridge threatens island/Bids Next Year for Land Bridge project/Advantage for Thai cosmetics-makers/32nd in trade modernization/Chiang Mai could be digital hub/Suzuki Motor exodus/Tourism: To drop Bt300 tourism fee/New Automated Passport Control/Phuket Lifeguards Save Toddler/Thailand Experience: Head to the Hills/A guide to Koh Lanta/Bangkok’s best-kept foodie secret/6 of the best Thailand holiday destinations/International news/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

Re: Chinese tourist missing in Thailand, 25 million baht ransom!

Reader: “She’s not missing, she’s been KIDNAPPED! Why can’t they just say it like it is instead of always dumbing things down?”

Expat News: “We would have changed it to kidnapped – except it’s not clear she was. This could be a swindle. So until she is confirmed as ‘kidnapped’, it would be incorrect to say so.”

Today: Chinese woman safely located following a 25-million-baht scam in Bangkok Continued …

Suspect arrested in Hua Hin copper theft case

Hua Hin police have arrested a suspect in connection with a series of thefts targeting air conditioner compressors in villas across the Hin Lek Fai and Nong Kae subdistricts.

Between June 2 and June 4, several residents filed complaints at the Hua Hin Police Station, reporting that copper pipes connected to air compressors had been stolen from their properties. The thief, who targeted homes owned by foreigners or out-of-town residents, left behind plastic covers while taking the compressors. The thefts occurred in unoccupied or for-sale houses, making them easier targets. Continued …

1.4-billion baht to combat Cha Am beach erosion

Deputy Minister of Transport Monporn Charoensri recently visited Cha Am Beach to inspect a 1.4-billion-baht beach- sand-replenishment project aimed at reducing erosion, restoring the beach, and boosting the local tourism economy.

The project, scheduled to begin later this year, is set to cover a total distance of 6.05 kilometers along the beach. Continued …

Severe monsoon warning issued for 40 Thai provinces

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning about severe monsoon conditions affecting 40 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. Heavy rainfall is expected in 60% of the areas, with potential flash floods and sudden water surges.

The monsoon trough will traverse Thailand’s upper northern and upper northeastern regions. Additionally, the southwest monsoon covering the upper Andaman Sea and upper Thailand is intensifying. Continued …

15 Children’s Syrups Recalled Amid Safety Concerns

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has urgently recalled 15 types of children’s syrup from store shelves. Tests revealed these products contain ethylene glycol levels exceeding the permitted safety limits. This discovery has prompted immediate action to protect public health.

TFDA Secretary-General Dr. Narong Aphikulvanich shared that the Medical Sciences Department recently tested samples from various syrups, unearthing unsafe ethylene glycol concentrations. Ethylene glycol, an organic compound typically used in antifreeze and polyester manufacturing, is tasteless, odorless, and dangerously toxic in high amounts. Continued …

5 Top Real Estate Agents in Thailand

Navigating the complex world of Thai realtors can be a challenge, particularly as a foreign investor. With so many options and potential risks, having a trusted real estate company by your side is crucial – especially if you’re new to the market and aren’t living in Thailand already!

In this article, we’ll introduce you to five of the top real estate agencies in Thailand that can help make your property search easier. The list is no particular order. While each of their specialties vary, all of the realtors listed below claim high standards in general. Continued …

Bangkok-Vientiane Railway to open later this month

Thailand and Laos are set to inaugurate a groundbreaking new railway network connecting Bangkok and Vientiane. This comes as a result of extensive planning and collaboration between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Lao National Railways, with a trial run scheduled for later this month, according to official announcements.

The railway initiative aims to dramatically improve connectivity for travelers and facilitate the seamless movement of goods between the two nations, thereby positioning Thailand as a critical logistics hub in Southeast Asia. Continued …

Rare twin elephants born in Ayutthaya

A 36-year-old elephant named Chamchuree has given birth to a pair of male and female calves, a rare event for the animal, according to the Phra Kochaban Foundation.

The twins were born in the Royal Elephant Kraal Village in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district on Friday night, foundation President Laithongrian Meephan said on Saturday. Continued …

Confidence in Government Plummets, Public Dissatisfaction Peaks

A recent survey shows widespread discontent with government performance over the past nine months. The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) conducted a phone survey on June 4-5, engaging 1,310 individuals from various backgrounds, all aged 18 or older.

The results paint a stark picture. A substantial 31.7% of respondents expressed total dissatisfaction. Their primary gripe? The government’s failure to deliver on election promises. Another 34.4% echoed similar sentiments, citing a lack of tangible improvements and delays in several key projects. Continued …

Euro 2024 on Thai TVs to boost country’s economy and foreign tourism efforts

Thailand’s private sector and the government came together on Thursday to promise the public free-to-air coverage of the European Football Championships tournament in Germany, concluding on July 14.

The issue was seen as critically important, given the rising popularity of football in Thailand and its links to the foreign tourism trade. Thousands of bars and hostelries throughout Thailand are set to gain. Continued …

Thai economy expected to improve from July-Dec but concerns remain

The business sector is closely monitoring factors that could impact the economy and business activities for the remainder of 2024. These include the Constitutional Court’s upcoming ruling on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s appointment of Phichit Chuenban as minister of the Prime Minister’s Office despite his being disqualified from holding a ministerial post.

Another is the case of the Move Forward Party, accused of attempting to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. Business leaders are also closely watching the U.S. presidential election, which will take place in November. Continued …

‘Limited funding sources forcing Thai SMEs to rely on informal economy’

Most small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) rely on the informal economy, as they cannot access proper sources of funding, according to the Federation Thai SME, which called for more incentives and measures to help this group.

Speaking at a seminar titled “Credit Guarantee Mechanism, Helper for SMEs in Accessing Funding” held by the Bank of Thailand last week, the federation’s president, Saengchai Teerakulwanit, said that the Thai grassroots economy continues to slow down, with some yet to recover post-pandemic. Continued …

Trade group cools jets on aviation hub

The International Air Transport Assn. (IATA) says Thailand may be constrained in its pursuit of becoming the region’s leading aviation hub by 2030 because of global supply chain disruptions, adding that Thailand needs to remove unnecessary regulations and move towards digitalization for aviation efficiency.

“I think Thailand can achieve its ambition, but it will probably take longer than 2030,” Willie Walsh, IATA director-general, said at the group’s annual general meeting in Dubai. Continued …

Land Bridge threatens island gem

Located 17 kilometers off the Andaman Sea coast, Koh Phayam, covering a 35km² area, is the second largest island in Ranong province.

Blessed with unspoiled forests and pristine beaches, the island attracts visitors seeking peaceful recreation amid pristine nature and the charming lifestyle of islanders who still make a living by catching fish. Continued …

Bids Next Year for Thailand’s Pacific-to-Indian Ocean Land Bridge project

Thailand’s anticipated land bridge project, aiming to connect the Pacific and Indian oceans, is set to become reality, with bidding anticipated by late next year, the Transport Ministry confirmed.

The colossal 1-trillion-baht project will construct deep-sea ports in Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong on the Andaman coast, linked by a state-of-the-art transport route. This ambitious infrastructure aims to alleviate congestion in the Malacca Straits, the current primary trade artery for cargo. Continued …

Emphasis on natural ingredients ‘advantage for Thai cosmetics-makers’

The Thai beauty market will grow at 9% to 9.3%, but Thai entrepreneurs must use more research and innovation to offer scientific evidence about their products, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said.

Cosmetics exports are a significant contributor to the Thai economy, generating an average annual revenue of 70-80 billion baht, making the cosmetics industry one of the top five sectors contributing to Thailand’s GDP. Continued …

Kingdom ranks 32nd in trade modernization index

Thailand now ranks 32nd out of 65 countries on the Global Trade Modernization Index (GTMI) 2024.

Montri Mahaplerkpong, chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), on Sunday told the media that growth in international trade in the first quarter was less than expected due to regional instability, particularly the unrest in Myanmar. Continued …

PM: Chiang Mai could be digital hub

Chiang Mai has the potential to become a digital startup hub in Southeast Asia, and the government will support the province to achieve that goal, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said during a visit to the northern province on Saturday.

Srettha described Chiang Mai city as an established digital nomad paradise and one of the world’s best creative cities. Continued …

PM not worried by Suzuki Motor exodus

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed confidence that other auto manufacturers will not withdraw their production bases from Thailand, following the decision of Suzuki Motor Corp. to do so.

Suzuki said on Friday that it would close its 12-year-old plant in Rayong at the end of 2025, affecting 800 workers, as it wanted to focus on producing electric vehicles elsewhere. Continued …

Thailand to drop Bt300 tourism fee policy

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Saturday that his government would scrap the proposal by the previous administration to charge a 300 baht tourism fee from foreign tourists entering Thailand by air.

Srettha said his government was not considering implementation of the policy proposed in February last year, which had encountered opposition from the private sector. Continued …

New Automated Passport Control Enhances Suvarnabhumi Airport Experience

The new automatic channel for passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport was personally tested by Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), before its official launch yesterday. This state-of-the-art system aims to ease congestion at immigration checkpoints.

The new system is part of AOT’s initiative to assist immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport by addressing issues related to the old system, which had been operational for over 15 years and only served Thai nationals. Continued …

Phuket Lifeguards Save Toddler, American Father Swept Away

An American man took his Thai wife and their 3-and-a-half-year-old child to go swimming in the sea in Phuket province on Sunday afternoon, which should have been a happy holiday. However, they encountered a tragedy when a wave swept him away.

Officers from Chalong Police Station in Phuket received a report of a drowning incident at Nai Han Beach, Rawai subdistrict. They went to investigate and notified the diving team from the Phuket Kusoldham Foundation and Rawai Municipality officials to inspect and conduct a search. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

The Next Time You’re in Thailand, Head to the Hills

So you’ve snorkeled in the cerulean waters, partied away the full moon nights on the remote islands and kayaked around the towering limestone rocks that reach out to the skies as they emerge from the sea. What next in Thailand?

My answer: Head away from the beaches to the hills of northern Thailand, to soak up local food and culture, and some fresh mountain air. Continued …

A guide to Koh Lanta, a sparkling alternative to Krabi’s crowded beaches

A journey to Koh Lanta could seem lengthy, with many travelers opting for a flight, taxi, car ferry or possibly a speed boat in season to get to the idyllic cluster of islands in the Andaman Sea. But this is precisely what makes it charming and a complete antithesis to the beaches of Phuket and Krabi that are packed to the rafters year-round.

An archipelago of 50-plus islands south of Krabi, Koh Lanta lets you experience the Thailand that was many decades ago — unrushed and unspoiled — minus the loud party spots, packed streets and blaring tuk-tuks. The shores are secluded, the seafood fresh and the sunsets dramatic. Here’s a guide on how to kick back on Koh Lanta. Continued …

Hotel buffets are Bangkok’s best-kept foodie secret

Bangkok is famed for its street food but, as I learned while living in the Thai capital, its best-kept foodie secret is the hotel buffet.

Many of the city’s four- and five-star hotels offer breakfast, lunch or dinner buffets that are considerably cheaper than their equivalents in Hong Kong. Continued …

6 of the best Thailand holiday destinations for luxury retreats and budget breaks

With culture-stacked cities, world-famous beaches and jungle interiors, Thailand’s unique landscape begs to be explored. Home to some of the best yoga retreats, beach bars and Buddhist temples in the continent, it’s no wonder that history-rich Thai towns have become such tourist hot spots.

Whether passing through on a budget world tour or relaxing on a family holiday, there’s something for everyone on the traditional shores of Thailand. Take a cooking class to get familiar with the local cuisine, go on a boat trip to scuba dive in lively reefs or take a tuk-tuk to share in the street food of the bustling night markets with good-natured locals. Continued …

Far-Right Advances In EU Election, France Calls Snap National Vote

Gains by the far-right in voting for the European Parliament on Sunday prompted a bruised French President Emmanuel Macron to call a snap national election and added uncertainty to Europe’s future political direction. Continued …

Philippines rejects ‘absurd’ Beijing demand over South China Sea

The Philippines said it will continue to maintain and supply its South China Sea outposts without seeking permission from any other nation, dismissing Beijing’s demand to do so as “absurd, nonsense and unacceptable”. Continued …

Modi, reliant on coalition partners, sworn in for rare third term as PM

Narendra Modi was sworn in Sunday for a rare third consecutive term as India’s prime minister, relying on his coalition partners after his party failed to win a parliamentary majority in a surprise outcome. Continued …

Gaza Health Ministry: 274 Palestinians killed in Israeli raid rescuing 4 hostages

At least 274 Palestinians, including dozens of children, were killed, and hundreds more were wounded, in the Israeli raid that rescued four hostages held by Hamas, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Sunday. Continued …

#thailandeconomy #huahin #prachuapkhirikhan #thailandtourism #thailandtravel #thailandfdi #thailandinvestment #thailandexports #thailandretirement #thailandimmigration #thailandtransportation #thailandrealestate