Amazing Food Festival/Crab Release Walk and Run/Robe ceremony held at Wat Huay Mongkol/’F’ for handling Thailand’s education crisis/Would vote for new People’s Party/Thailand as a hub for senior citizens/Rice farmers to sue/Blackchin tilapia wash up in Phetchaburi/Thai Police Raid Chinese Factories/Economy: Thailand launches price cuts/GDP growth of less than 2%/Expert Warns Against ‘Hong Kong-ization’/Addressing the Thai nominee problem/Casino bill moves forward/Temu not registered to pay taxes/1 trillion baht for crop revenue/Franchise sector expands/Cross-border trade/Tourism: Big jump in Phuket’s August arrivals/Thailand Experience: Best Places To Visit In Thailand/Most beautiful places to visit in Thailand/Betong has plenty to offer/Observing the Ghost Festival/8 Stunning Airbnbs In Phuket/Links: Climate Thailand/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
Amazing Food Festival
There was plenty of food at this year’s Amazing Food Festival, held at Pone Kingpeth Park in Hua Hin central, albeit at tourist prices.
Experts give Srettha govt an ‘F’ for handling Thailand’s education crisis
Despite one year in office, the Srettha administration has yet to set a clear direction for improvement in Thailand’s stagnating education system.
“It’s as if the government doesn’t realize the need to prioritize,” said an exasperated Asst. Prof. Athapol Anunthavorasakul, of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Education. Continued …
84% of people would vote for new People’s Party tomorrow
Eighty-four percent of respondents to a recent poll said they would vote for the brand-new People’s Party if they were about to cast ballots in a general election tomorrow.
Of a total of about 51,000 people who responded in the latest poll via Matichon’s YouTube channel to the question of which specific party they would support if the election was held tomorrow, 84% of the respondents said they would vote for the People’s, a resurrection of the court-dissolved Move Forward. Continued …
Positioning Thailand as a hub for senior citizens to enjoy life post-retirement
The current global trend of social change toward an aging society is becoming more evident. According to the United Nations’ World Population 2022 report, the global population is projected to reach 8 billion, with 10% being over the age of 65. This percentage is expected to increase to 16% by 2050.
In Thailand, by 2024, the country will have fully transitioned into an aging society. Data from the Ministry of Interior shows that in 2023 Thailand had approximately 13 million people aged 60 and above, making up one-fifth of the total population of 66,057,967. This increase in the elderly population presents an opportunity for businesses catering to this demographic, particularly in the elderly-care sector or “nursing homes”, which are experiencing growth in Thailand. Continued …
Rice farmers to sue if water is drained into their rice fields
Rice farmers in the Sena district of Ayutthaya province are threatening to sue the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) for compensation if the department drains excess water into their rice fields before Sept. 15, flooding their unharvested crops.
Pradab Kongpramoon, a farmer in Ban Krathum in Sena district, said that there are more than 22,400 hectares of rice fields, with only some having been harvested. Of his own 8 hectares, he said his rice plants are about 90-days old and can be harvested in the next 30 days, adding that water from a nearby canal is already flooding his field. Continued …
Thousands of Blackchin tilapia wash up on Phetchaburi beach
Fishermen in Bang Kaeo subdistrict of Phetchaburi province have each reaped a harvest of over 100kg of Blackchin tilapia fish, which washed ashore on Bang Kaeo Beach this morning. Fishermen told the media that they had never seen so many Blackchin tilapia being washed ashore, although they had seen them at sea.
The fishermen kept only the large fish, to be used as food for crabs, and ignored the smaller ones, which were left to die on the beach. Continued …
Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com
Thai Police Raid Chinese Factories: Hazardous Chemicals Found Again
Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division police raided illegal aluminum dross-smelting factories, seizing over 10,000 tons of contraband. They identified it as hazardous to living organisms. The owners are Chinese nationals.
On Sunday, police from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, armed with a court warrant, searched Phoem Phoon Sap factory in Phrong Madua, Mueang Nakhon Pathom, and Tai Bao Aluminum factory in Bang Kachao, Mueang Samut Sakhon. Continued …
Thailand launches price cuts to boost economy before digital wallet
The Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with 150 manufacturers, retailers, and government agencies, is launching a nationwide price reduction event to alleviate living costs and stimulate the economy before the digital wallet launch.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced that the Ministry of Commerce invited government agencies, consumer goods manufacturers, wholesale and retail chains, the Thai Retailers Assn., and other trade organizations to participate in the government’s economic recovery initiative. This comes ahead of the 10,000-baht digital wallet rollout scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year. Continued …
Most business executives see GDP growth of less than 2% in 2024
As Thai ministers huddled together on Sunday to discuss the government’s agenda and Wednesday’s Constitutional Court decision on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s tenure in office, it was against a backdrop of an economy that is already struggling. This comes despite attempts by government spokespeople to talk it up.
In short, business leaders are warning that the country’s manufacturing sector cannot withstand a Chinese tide of cheap products. Meanwhile, consumer confidence is slipping, and unemployment is rising. Continued …
Expert Warns Against ‘Hong Kong-ization’ of Thai Real Estate Market
the Thai government is considering a plan to boost the real estate sector by allowing foreigners to buy or rent property in Thailand for up to 99 years. This proposal aims to attract foreign investment and stimulate the economy but has faced opposition from various groups.
Chinese investment in Thailand is growing rapidly, affecting nearly every business sector. Chinese supermarkets are expanding into the provinces, restaurant franchises offer low prices using mostly imported ingredients, and Chinese companies are involved in transportation, construction, and real estate. Continued …
Addressing the Thai nominee problem in foreign-owned firms
A large Chinese-language billboard explicitly offering a service to help customers obtain passports and citizenship for several countries, observed in Huai Khwang district last month, has again sparked a controversy regarding nominee businesses in Thailand.
An influx of cheap products, illegal tours, restaurants and supermarkets using Thai nominees have spread in the country, prompting local business operators to voice their concerns to the government, as Thai producers and service providers could be damaged without proper preventive measures. Continued …
Casino legalization bill moves forward
The government is pressing ahead with a bill to allow casinos to operate legally within entertainment complexes in the country.
According to government sources, the Finance Ministry has finished the draft of the Entertainment Complex Act. The bill will undergo a public hearing as required by Section 77 of the constitution to ensure public participation in the push for passage of the legislation. Continued …
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Chinese e-commerce platform Temu is not registered to pay taxes
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has instructed the Revenue Department to reach out to the Chinese e-commerce platform Temu, which recently entered the Thai market, to encourage it to register for the tax system.
Kulaya Tantitemit, director general of the Revenue Department, said the department has contacted Temu via email, advising it to register as a taxpayer according to Thai law. Continued …
Thailand targets 1 trillion baht milestone for crop revenue
The Commerce Ministry has urged Thai conglomerates and government bodies to collaborate on purchasing economic and secondary crops, targeting a revenue milestone of 1 trillion baht this year.
Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai highlighted that the agriculture sector supports approximately 27 million people, accounting for around 40% of the labor force. This includes 7.4 million households and encompasses key economic crops like rice, rubber, oil palm, corn, and cassava, totaling 87.7 million tons. Continued …
Franchise sector continues to expand
The franchise sector, currently valued at 300 billion baht, is growing contrary to the economic downturn, with expectations of a 9% expansion this year driven by the service sector, including spas, beauty clinics, and the influx of new Chinese franchises with innovative products and business models investing in Thailand.
The provincial market is also expected to see significant growth, particularly among the younger generation, who increasingly prefer to start their own businesses. Continued …
Cross-border trade sees positive trend
The value of Thailand’s cross-border and transit trade in the first six months of the year stood at over 912 billion baht, an increase of 3.6% on the same period last year, which the government attributed to the increased promotion of cross-border trade over the past several months.
Citing figures released by the Department of Foreign Trade, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said that during the past six months, the country’s cross-border trade and transit trade – defined as trade with third countries that take place via Thailand’s border checkpoints – was valued at 912.28 billion baht. Continued …
Big jump in Phuket’s August tourist arrivals
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was informed by the Airports of Thailand (AOT) that 20 to 30 flights are landing in Phuket every day in August, with this being over 100% increase from last year and the trend continuing during the high season.
Srettha used his vacation in Phuket to call a meeting of tourism agencies to prepare for the high season, including representatives from National Police headquarters, Region 8 Police, Phuket provincial police, tourist and marine police, plus the Navy, Provincial Gov. Sophon Suwannarat and AOT. Continued …
These Are The Best Places To Visit In Thailand
Thailand is so much more than a travel destination — visiting is a bona fide rite of passage. From hostel-hopping backpackers to well-heeled five-star hotel aficionados, there’s something for everyone in “The Land of Smiles.”
My most recent trip to Thailand was in early 2022 when the country implemented strict entry requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was one of a few hundred thousand tourists who were allowed into the country, and it felt like I had many of the typically crowded attractions all to myself. The beauty of Thailand is that it will show you different sides of itself no matter how many times you visit. Continued …
6 most beautiful places to visit in Thailand
Thailand is a land of breathtaking beauty, offering a diverse range of landscapes and experiences that captivate travelers from around the world. From pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters to lush mountains and vibrant cultural sites, this Southeast Asian gem has something for every kind of traveller
Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors, relaxation on a serene beach, or a deep dive into rich cultural heritage, Thailand’s natural and man-made wonders promise unforgettable memories. Continued …
Thailand’s border town of Betong has plenty to offer
A visit to the Ayerweng Skywalk in Betong, a town in the Yala Province in southern Thailand, is akin to having a wager with nature, a lottery to see whether there’d be clouds or no clouds on that particular morning.
If you win this lottery you’ll get a beautiful and surreal sea of clouds. But if you lose, then your view would be treetops, treetops and more treetops! To see this beautiful natural phenomenon, it is necessary to stay overnight in the border town of Betong, a small place with much to offer, especially in terms of food. Continued …
A list of ‘don’ts’ for people observing the Ghost Festival
As this year’s Ghost Festival falls on Aug. 18, superstitious Thai-Chinese people have been advised to undergo restrictions that could impact their lives. The aim of the festival is to remind people to pay their respects to their deceased ancestors, as well as promote family members to do activities together.
In keeping with Chinese people’s beliefs that their deceased ancestors, along with ghosts and spirits, will come to the human realm, they are traditionally advised to follow certain restrictions to ensure prosperity during the festival period. Continued …
Bookmark These 8 Stunning Airbnbs In Phuket For Any Kind Of Budget
Whether it’s hopping from one island to another, or sipping Pina Coladas by the shore, a tropical getaway is what everyone needs. What better place to relax and rejuvenate than in Phuket?
Being Thailand’s largest island destination, Phuket offers a magical retreat. The city, full of delicious food, white sandy beaches, and rich cultural history, ensures that there’s always something exciting to explore. With the island boasting a plethora of gorgeous Airbnb villas and stays for various budgets, let’s explore these topAirbnb picks below. Continued …
Amazing Food Festival/Squid and Seafood Festival/Hua Hin-area events/La Nina already under way/Online Fraud Losses Surge/Three more Olympics medals/War with sidecar vendors/Thailand’s revolutionary plastic road/Economy: Move Forward’s dissolution impacts/PM plays down foreign concerns/Facing economic and political turmoil/Small Retailers Sign Up For Digital Wallet/Crackdown on Chinese Imports/Growing trade deficit with China/SME factory closures/To Hold Interest Rate at 2.5% /How Thai Media Survive/Luxury retail market sales/Hyundai Mobility to churn out BEVs/WHA invests in AI for green logistics/Tourism: Domestic tourism over long weekend/How much do foreign tourists spend/Thailand’s Schengen-Style Visa Proposal/Most Likely To Approve Schengen Visa/British Airways flights to Bangkok/Thailand Experience: New level for Thai golf/International/Links: Climate Thailand/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
Squid and Seafood Festival Aug 9-11
The 2024 One-Sun Squid and Seafood Festival starts today and runs through Sunday at Laem Kade, on the beach front in Pak Nam Pran.
The festival’s signature attraction is the “one-sun squid,” renowned for its unique taste. Squid from Pak Nam Pran is celebrated for being naturally sweet and tender, a result of the freshwater from the Pranburi River flowing into the sea and enriching the marine environment with plankton. Continued …
Weather office says La Nina already under way
The La Nina climate pattern has begun affecting local weather, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. Although there is heavy rainfall in some areas, officials say water volume in the reservoirs of major dams may not be sufficient to meet requirements during the dry season that runs from November to April.
Thailand began experiencing La Nina in July and the pattern is likely to continue until early next year, the department’s weather forecasters say. It will lead to heavy rainfall across the country, alongside tropical storms in August and September. Continued …
Online Fraud Losses Surge to 3.47 Billion Baht in July
Online fraud in Thailand has surged exponentially, recording total damages of 3.47 billion baht for the month of July alone. Government spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang has shared these statistics, highlighting the relentless advance of cybercrime.
The figure sits as an average loss of 111.98 million baht per day. Despite diligent efforts to tackle the issue, 13.54 billion baht in requests for account freezes had poured in. Of this, authorities managed to successfully freeze 1.49 billion baht. Continued …
Thailand scores three more Olympics medals
Thai athletes secured another three medals from taekwondo and weightlifting in the Paris Olympics on Thursday for a total of five medals.
Thai taekwondo star Panipak Wongpattanakit retained her Olympic title after beating Qing Guo from China 2-1 in the women’s 49-kilogram category. Panipak made her way to the final by beating Moroccan Oumaima El Bouchti, Dunya Ali Abutaleb from Saudi Arabia and Lena Stojković from Croatia. Continued …
Pattaya goes to war with sidecar vendors
Pattaya municipal officers fined many vendors on the Pattaya-Naklua Road for obstructing traffic following complaints from residents and tourists. The operation, carried out yesterday, was ordered by Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches.
Previously, residents and tourists traversing along Pattaya-Naklua Road have complained to the city about these vendors creating traffic congestion with their sidecars while selling goods and food on the roadside. Continued …
Thailand’s revolutionary plastic road
Thailand’s Department of Rural Roads is planning to use a revolutionary asphalt grade for repairs to the road connecting Muang District with Nakhon Ratchasima Airport. Recycled plastic waste will be used in the asphalt mix for the 3km road stretch. Work on the section of Highway No 3140 will commence in the third quarter of 2024 and continue until the third quarter of 2025.
This is the first time the use of plastic waste in an asphalt mix will have been trialled in Thailand and its use on a busy stretch of road handling high traffic volumes is highly innovative. Similar trials have been carried out in some European countries, as well as in Australia, India and South Africa. Continued …
Move Forward’s dissolution impacts western investor confidence: FTI
The Federation of Thai Industries’ president said on Thursday that the dissolution of the Move Forward Party will affect the confidence of investors from the West.
FTI chief Kriangkrai Thiennukul said the Constitutional Court’s decision on Wednesday to dissolve the party most certainly affected the confidence of investors, especially those from the West, as Europe and North America attach importance to political liberty. Continued …
PM plays down foreign concerns over Move Forward ruling
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Thursday acknowledged concerns expressed by other countries about the court-ordered dissolution of the Move Forward Party, but insisted that Thailand is a free and democratic nation that is not swayed by foreign influence.
Thailand is capable of addressing its internal affairs without external influence, he said in response to questions about a statement issued by the U.S. State Department after the Constitutional Court ruling on Wednesday. Continued …
Thailand finds itself facing economic and political turmoil
The dissolution of the Move Forward Party by the Constitutional Court in Thailand made news on Wednesday worldwide. Certainly, it is not the sort of news the government needs to attract inward investment. Neither does it send a signal that Thailand is politically stable.
Another, in the short term, even more momentous ruling, is due next Wednesday. The removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin would see the government collapse. A political crisis would ensue. Continued …
100,000 Small Retailers Sign Up For Digital Wallet Scheme
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has announced that approximately 100,000 small-sized merchants have offered to join the new digital wallet project. This scheme, initiated by the government, aims to modernize transactions and promote cashless payments among vendors and consumers.
Julapun expressed optimism that more retailers, food vendors, and restaurant owners would come on board by registering with the Ministry of Commerce from Oct. 1. Continued …
Government to Crack Down on Low-Quality Chinese Imports
In a bid to protect local businesses, the Thai Ministry of Commerce is considering stringent measures against the influx of cheap and substandard products from China. Local enterprises have been clamoring for action, citing the overwhelming presence of these products both online and in physical stores, which is threatening their survival.
Recently, a meeting was convened, attended by representatives from the Commerce Ministry, the ministries of Public Health, Digital Economy and Society, Finance, and various regulatory bodies. The focal point of the discussion was the negative impact of low-quality Chinese imports on local markets. Continued …
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Alarm bells rung over growing trade deficit with China
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has expressed concern over the widening trade deficit between Thailand and China.
In the first six months of 2024, imports from China increased by 7.12% year on year, amounting to over US$37.569 billion (approximately 1.33 trillion baht). This resulted in a trade deficit with China of $19.967 billion (about 720 billion baht), up 15.66% year on year. Continued …
SME factory closure jump spurs calls for state investment
The closure of more than 660 factories by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the first half of 2024 has raised alarms among economists and business leaders.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has called for government support after 667 SME production facilities shut down, marking an 86.3% year-on-year increase and averaging 111 closures a month. Continued …
Bank of Thailand To Hold Interest Rate at 2.5% Amid Inflation Concerns
The Bank of Thailand is anticipated to maintain the benchmark interest rate at 2.5% in its forthcoming meeting, responding to the gradual rise in inflation back within its target range. Experts are calling for more government stimulus, alongside existing digital wallet schemes, to invigorate the sluggish economy.
Headline inflation edged up to 0.8% last month, exceeding the consensus estimate of 0.7% and June’s 0.6% rise. This nearing alignment with the central bank’s inflation target range of 1%-3% was highlighted by Maybank economists in Kuala Lumpur. Continued …
How Thai Media Survive in Economic Challenges and New Landscape
The media industry is facing major challenges due to changes in consumer habits and economic instability. A sharp drop in advertising spending has hit media companies worldwide, forcing many to make significant adjustments just to survive.
In Thailand, 2024 has been particularly tough for media outlets. Several have had to close, cut jobs, and delay salaries. These problems highlight both the difficulties and potential within the current media landscape. With the economy remaining unpredictable, shrinking advertising budgets are affecting print, TV, and online media. Continued …
Luxury retail market sales four times higher than in pre-pandemic period
Sales in the luxury retail market in the first half of this year increased four times from the same period in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a market survey published by The 1 Insight on Thursday. The data insight platform that focuses on consumer lifestyles said the main contributors to the big growth despite the sluggish economy were new generation shoppers.
The 1 Insight said the trend was in line with the “lipstick effect”, which is used to describe the same situation in several countries around the world. The lipstick effect theorizes that when facing an economic crisis, consumers will be more willing to buy small indulgences such as premium lipsticks. Continued …
Hyundai Mobility to churn out BEVs, batteries by 2026
South Korea-based Hyundai Mobility Manufacturing (Thailand) plans to make battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and batteries in Thailand by 2026 after its 1-billion-baht project was approved by the Board of Investment (BoI).
The plan was announced by the board after granting approval for the project yesterday under the second-phase electric vehicle (EV) incentive package, known as EV3.5. Continued …
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WHA invests 60 million baht in AI for green logistics
WHA Corp., a developer of built-to-suit logistics facilities, is intensifying its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its green logistics operations and ultimately transition into a tech company.
This year, WHA plans to allocate 60 million baht to AI technology, which is expected to significantly boost business efficiency, according to the group chief executive and chairman of the WHA Executive Committee, Jareeporn Jarukornsakul. Continued …
Domestic tourism to generate Bt9.4 billion over long weekend
Some 2.6 million Thais are expected to travel domestically during the 3-day holiday this weekend, generating around 9.39 billion baht in revenue for local entrepreneurs, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicted on Thursday. Aug. 12 is Thailand’s Mother’s Day, as well as the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.
The estimates of domestic tourists over this weekend are lower than those for the long weekends in July, TAT Gov.Thapanee Kiatphaibool said, adding that she expected a drop of 3% over July 20-22 (Buddhist Lent Day) and 5% lower than July 27-29 (King’s birthday). Continued …
Quiz: How much do foreign tourists spend on a trip to Thailand?
Thailand, famous for its golden pagodas, friendly visa policy and diverse culture, is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia and let’s guess how much foreign tourists spend on a trip here. Continued …
Thailand’s Schengen-Style Visa Proposal Faces Hurdles
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has proposed a unified visa system, similar to Europe’s Schengen area, to boost tourism in Southeast Asia. Despite the economic benefits of increased tourist numbers, concerns about feasibility, overtourism and potential inflationary pressure persist.
The success of the visa proposal will hinge on the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and effective regional cooperation. Continued …
Countries Most Likely To Approve Schengen Visa Application From Thailand
If you’re planning a European holiday, understanding the latest statistics on Schengen visa approval rates may tell you which country is most likely to grant you a visa. While no country guarantees visa approval, certain nations have demonstrated higher Schengen visa approval rates for Thai citizens.
According to new data, Thai citizens are most likely to get their Schengen visas approved from Austria, followed by Switzerland and Czechia. On the other hand, Switzerland, France, and Germany are the most popular destinations, with the highest number of applicants from Thailand in 2023. Continued …
British Airways flights to Bangkok to resume end of October
British Airways is ramping up its flights from London to Bangkok and expanding its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, giving travelers even more options to explore Thailand and Cambodia.
British Airways’ direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok is back on Oct. 28, after a four-year hiatus. Initially operating three times a week, the service will increase to five weekly flights between January and March 2025, making it easier than ever to reach Thailand’s vibrant capital. Continued …
Stonehill: A new level for Thai golf
Stonehill stands as an example of the amalgamation of modern design principles and the timeless elegance of Golden Age architecture.
Hosting Asia’s inaugural LIV Golf event in October 2022, just a few months after opening, the 7,861-yard Kyle Phillips layout received glowing reviews from the LIV pros for impeccable conditioning and providing a fair test of their golfing skills. Continued …
Austria foils ‘terror’ plot to strike Taylor Swift concert
A 19-year-old Austrian terrorism suspect had taken concrete steps in planning an attack on a Taylor Swift concert, with chemical substances found during a search of his residence, officials said on Thursday. The American pop superstar’s three concerts in Vienna, expected to draw 195,000 people, were cancelled late Wednesday after the government flagged a planned attack. Continued …
Hottest oceans in 400 years endanger Great Barrier Reef
Water temperatures in and around Australia’s Great Barrier Reef have risen to their warmest in 400 years over the past decade, placing the world’s largest reef under threat, according to research published today. The reef, the world’s largest living ecosystem, stretches for some 2,400 kilometers off the coast of the northern state of Queensland. Continued …
The Best Retirement Visas/Chat Chai market thefts/Amazing Food Festival/Vote for Thailand’s best local food/20 durians fetch over Bt500,000/Heavy rain warning/Water buffalo race/Black chin tilapia problem/Illegal loggers lay landmines/Divers clean up marine waste/Plastic Waste Management in Thai Shopping Malls/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: What do Thais plan to do with stimulus?/Digital wallet registration/Thailand Advances Toward Legalizing Casinos/More opt to build or renovate homes/Probe into China’s Temu e-commerce/Temu poses significant challenges/Lack of regulatory on foreign franchises/Thai truckers under pressure/Better social welfare/AI and health tech innovation hub/Inward immigration may halt economic decline/Tourism: Tourism revenue from 55 secondary provinces/Massage association complains/Pattaya seeks to shed sordid image/53 surf rescues in July/Thailand Experience: Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai/International news/Links: Climate Thailand/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
7 Countries That Offer The Best Retirement Visas
If you want to spend your golden years abroad, you’re far from alone. While there are plenty of fantastic places to retire in, there are countries worldwide that are ideal places to spend the best years of your life.
These top seven choices offer long-term or retirement visas and are perfect picks for anyone setting their sights overseas. Continued …
The Ministry of Culture has called upon the public to vote for Thailand’s best local food in a new initiative aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous cuisine while boosting its economic value.
Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced yesterday that the nation’s culinary heritage is a significant cultural asset that embodies Thai identity. The ministry launched the “Thailand Best Local Food: The Lost Taste” project for the 2024 fiscal year to align with the government’s policy of enhancing Thailand’s soft power. Continued …
20 durians grown on mountain fetch over Bt500,000 at charity auction
A total of 20 durians grown on a mountain in Chiang Mai province, where mineral water is used to irrigate the trees, fetched 514,999 baht in a charity auction on Saturday.
The most expensive fruit during the auction to raise funds for the Mae On district hospital on Saturday went for 33,000 baht, according to Sihadej Jiajessada, president of the Rak Lanna Tour Guide Club and vice president of the Federation of Professional Tourist Guide of Thailand (northern chapter). Continued …
Heavy rain warning for 55 Thai provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for severe rainfall across 55 provinces, particularly affecting the eastern, northern, and northeastern regions, as well as Bangkok. The public has been advised to stay vigilant for potential flash floods and landslides.
In the southern region, the east coast will have thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 23°C to 35°C, with southwesterly winds at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour. The sea will have waves around 1 meter high, with areas experiencing thunderstorms seeing waves exceeding 2 meters. Continued …
Water buffalo race kickstarts rice cultivation season in Thailand
Thai farmers raced their water buffaloes at a muddy annual race on Sunday to mark the beginning of the new rice growing season at the start of the monsoon season. Video …
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Black chin tilapia problem ‘will be resolved in two months’
The Ministry of Agriculture has said that the black chin tilapia problem affecting the country’s fish stocks will be resolved within two months.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Attakorn Sirilatthayakon on Saturday visited Khlong Dan Market in Samut Prakan province to meet with aquaculture farmers and fishermen. Continued …
Illegal loggers lay landmines in border forests to deter Thai officials
Army troops successfully deactivated three anti-personnel landmines on Friday, which had been planted at the stump of a Siamese rosewood tree (Dalbergia cochinchinensis) in the Phnom Dongrek wildlife sanctuary near the Cambodian border.
Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said the landmines were discovered by wildlife officials and troops from the Suranaree Task Force, who were on patrol to prevent illegal loggers from Cambodia poaching the precious Siamese rosewood on Thai soil. Continued …
Divers collaborate to clean up marine waste off Koh Phangan
A group of divers, including local officials, tourists, and private sector representatives, joined forces on Friday to clean up marine debris in the waters off Koh Phangan. The initiative aimed to restore the island’s renowned coral reefs to their former glory.
Organized by the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center, the activity was carried out in collaboration with the Phangan Sea Guardian Divers Club and various international students, including British, New Zealand, Italian, and French divers. Continued …
Revolutionizing Plastic Waste Management in Thai Shopping Malls
A new study conducted by researchers from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok and the Universite de Toulouse in France explores the significant contribution of shopping malls to plastic waste management, assessing various alternatives that balance environmental and economic impacts.
The researchers propose a novel business model centered on resource recovery, based on an analysis of the plastic waste landscape from both macro-factors and key stakeholders’ perspectives. By enhancing plastic recycling rates, this model could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 19.88 tCO2-eq per year and generate an annual revenue of USD 584. Continued …
Pattaya Police Seek to Expel Kuwaiti Nationals Involved in Recent Violence with Locals – Continued …
Former Dutch Soldier Arrested for Drug-Making in Pattaya – Continued …
Foreign fortune-teller harasses Thai women for money – Continued …
What do Thais plan to do with their 10,000-baht stimulus?
Local media in Nakhon Ratchasima interviewed low-income residents from various professions at the Thao Suranaree (Ya Mo) Monument in mueang about their plans for the 10,000-baht they will receive from the digital wallet scheme.
Tichila Buranathit, a 55-year-old street vendor, shared her hopes. Having completed her registration for the program, she is awaiting final approval. Continued …
Digital wallet registration passes 23.7 million users
More than 23.7 million Thais have registered to receive a 10,000-baht handout under the digital wallet program, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said.
Initially, government agencies opened 5,000 walk-in spots to help Thais register to join the scheme, and now Krungthai Bank has provided 900 more walk-in spots for registration assistance. Continued …
Thailand Advances Toward Legalizing Casinos
Thailand is moving forward with plans to legalize casinos, aiming to enhance its appeal as a top tourism destination and attract substantial foreign investment. The Council of State, the government’s legal agency, has released draft rules for public feedback.
These rules propose a 30-year licence for casinos, with the possibility of a 10-year extension. These casinos would be part of expansive entertainment complexes, featuring hotels, convention centers, and amusement parks. Continued …
Amid tight mortgage lending, more opt to build or renovate homes
Banks are tightening mortgage lending, making it harder to buy a house. As a result, buyers are changing strategies and opting to build or renovate homes, especially in rural areas, the suburbs, and the outskirts of Bangkok.
Most set a construction budget of no more than 3 million baht, while renovation costs come from savings, typically between 110,000 to 300,000 baht. Continued …
PM calls for probe into operations of China’s Temu e-commerce platform
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Saturday said he had asked authorities to look into Chinese e-commerce platform Temu entering the Thai market, as well as other global markets.
Speaking during his visit to Narathiwat, he expressed worries that profits might be repatriated to China without paying taxes in Thailand. To address this issue, he has instructed the Revenue Department and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to investigate, emphasizing that these issues are significant due to rapid technological advancements, and Thailand must stay prepared. Continued …
Chinese e-commerce giant Temu in Thailand poses several significant challenges
The entry of Temu – China’s e-commerce behemoth – into the Thai market last month is expected to intensify cross-border competition that will affect both online and offline businesses in Thailand, according to e-commerce pioneers.
The country’s e-marketplace landscape has been dominated by foreign operators, including Lazada of China’s Alibaba, Shopee of Singapore’s SEA and China’s TikTok Shop. Many local sellers have relied on these platforms to sell their products and face additional service fee increases. Continued …
Lack of regulatory control allowing foreign franchises to prosper
Chinese capital is increasingly making inroads into the Thai food and beverage market through foreign-owned restaurants and franchises. Businesses like ice cream shops, grilled chicken sellers, and beverage vendors are prime examples, and their affordability is making them popular with Thai consumers.
Recent checks revealed that brands popular among teenagers include MIXUE, which sells ice cream and bubble tea, and WeDrink, which offers tea and ice cream. But can these foreign franchises legally operate in Thailand? Continued …
Thai truckers under pressure from influx of Chinese companies
Local freight truck operators have claimed their businesses are being badly hurt by an influx of lorries from China and the operations of Chinese warehouses and freight companies using Thai nominees.
Land Transport Federation of Thailand (LTFT) Chairman Thongyoo Kongkhan on Sunday called on the government to step in to protect local truck operators. He plans to send a letter requesting a meeting with Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit to find ways to deal with the problem. Continued …
Better social welfare: Boost or bane for the Thai economy?
Despite one year in office, the government has yet to honor its pledge to improve social welfare for millions of struggling Thais.
On April 30, a subcommittee comprising representatives from both the government and civil society agreed that state subsidies for children, women, people with disabilities, and the elderly should be increased. Continued …
Thailand emerges as AI and health tech innovation hub
Venture capitalists are intensifying their focus on investment opportunities in startups centered around artificial intelligence (AI), transformative digital healthcare, and the burgeoning pink technology sector.
According to industry experts, Thailand’s robust healthcare, agriculture, and tourism industries, coupled with local companies’ consistent investment in innovation, position the country as a formidable launch pad for startups. Continued …
Inward immigration may be the only thing that can halt Thailand’s economic decline
As Thailand’s government launched its digital wallet scheme, and with results for the second quarter expected shortly, maybe it is time to look at the bigger picture and confront Thailand’s economic prospects. In short, the genuine likelihood is that its GDP may at some point go into decline if it fails to overcome its population crisis.
This week, an Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) study from Siam Commercial Bank suggested that Thailand is on the same road as Japan. It suggested weak growth extending until 2050. However, the reality is that the kingdom, whose population may halve over the next 5o years or so, is facing a severe decline in GDP. The answer, if there is any, may lie in inward immigration. Continued …
TAT eyes 370-billion-baht tourism revenue from 55 secondary provinces
After launching the “365 Days of Wonders: Amazing Places to Visit” campaign this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) syas it expects a 40% increase in revenue year on year, or 370 billion baht, from domestic tourists visiting secondary tourist provinces nationwide.
TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Friday that the agency estimated that Thai tourists will make some 118 million trips to these second-tier tourist destinations this year, a jump by 18% from the previous year. Continued …
Thai traditional massage association complains foreign workers taking jobs
A Thai traditional massage association has appealed to the Minister of Public Health to address issues with massage therapist registration and foreign workers illegally entering the profession.
Pitak Yotha, president of the Charawi Association for the Conservation of Thai Massage (CCM), submitted a letter to Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin outlining concerns about lengthy registration processes and foreign workers taking jobs reserved for Thais. Continued …
Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com
Pattaya tourism operators seek to shed sordid image
Pattaya tourism operators submitted a tourism development proposal to the tourism minister, aiming to shift its image to family oriented-tourism and remove its associations with sex tourism and illegal gambling. The Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation (ACTF) recently held a meeting with Tourism Minister Sermsak Pongpanit.
The ACTF and Sermsak discussed the outcome from a workshop engaging foreign tour agencies from five key markets – Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Germany, South Korea, China and India – along with the ACTF’s plan to collaborate with the government in boosting Pattaya tourism and rebranding it. Continued …
Patong lifeguards mark 53 surf rescues in July
Lifeguards at Phuket’s Patong Beach are urging people to obey red “no swimming” flags and lifeguards’ warnings after 53 people were rescued from rip currents in 29 incidents at Patong Beach alone in July. Continued …
25 of the Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai
Like Bangkok, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. It receives millions of visitors annually and is without a doubt the most visited city in northern Thailand.
With so many tourists and digital nomads flocking to Chiang Mai every year, it isn’t surprising to find dozens of restaurants vying for your attention (and baht) at every turn. Continued …
Zelenskiy unveils Ukraine’s F-16s
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that Ukraine’s air force pilots had started flying F-16s for operations over Ukraine, confirming the long-awaited arrival of the U.S.-made fighter jets more than 29 months since Russia’s invasion. Continued …
Is population decline a problem to solve or just one to rethink?
Across the globe, populations are in precipitous decline. People are simply not having children at the fertility rate needed to sustain our global demography. That means not enough new workers, on whose taxes the rest of us depend as we age. What else do we need to know about the issue, and importantly, what can be done about it? Continued …
Tourists overwhelm Greek island of Santorini; locals want to limit visitors
Tourism has risen in Greece and many locals are not quite happy with the influx of visitors. Curious voyagers are especially making their way to Santorini, about 297 miles south of Athens, to get a glimpse of the island’s beauty in its natural state. Continued …
From the Editor/Feedback/Thailand Open stage in Hua Hin/Squid and Seafood Festival/Amazing Food Festival Hua Hin/Floods hit 11 provinces/Climate change August deadline/Monk wins 12 million baht lottery/New Thai-Lao bridge delayed/Expert warns against six foods/Bangkok waste disposal crisis/10 baht meals for conscripts/Economy: Potential ‘lost decade’/Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies/Detailed timeline for digital wallet/20 million register for digital handout/Online retailers set to hike fees/Foreign ad film shoots in Thailand/Network for small EV batteries/Support for ICE car sector/Norwegian Seafood Aims for Bt10 billion/Four guidelines for property developers/Tourism: Tourist Arrivals Expected to Fully Rebound/Sports and music tourism/Apple Withdraws Ad/Tourism Cares Travel Summit/Direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai/South Korean drowns/Thailand Experience: Thailand for Under $500/Best Time to Visit Bangkok?/Ultimate guide to Transportation/Thailand-China bond deepens/Links: Climate Thailand/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
From the Editor:
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Re: Temu’s Thailand entry puts factories at risk
“Before using Temu’s services, I would strongly urge people to watch a UK Channel 4 documentary called “Dispatches: The Truth About Temu.” – BP
WTA’s Thailand Open stage to be held in Hua Hin Sept 18
The WTA on Friday announced two key changes to the 2024 calendar during the Asian swing later this season. The WTA 500 sanction previously held by the Zhengzhou Open will be transferred to the Ningbo Open starting in 2024, increasing its status from a WTA 250 event. The new WTA 500 Ningbo Open will take place during Week 42 of the calendar, commencing Oct. 14.
The vacant WTA 250 sanction will see a special one-year return to Hua Hin for the second staging of the Thailand Open this season, which will be held in Week 38 and begin Sept. 16. – wtatennis.com
Squid and Seafood Festival Aug 9-11
The 2024 One-Sun Squid and Seafood Festival is set to take place from Aug. 9-11 at Laem Kade, on the beach front in Pak Nam Pran. This annual event returns after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The festival’s signature attraction is the “one-sun squid,” renowned for its unique taste. Squid from Pak Nam Pran is celebrated for being naturally sweet and tender, a result of the freshwater from the Pranburi River flowing into the sea and enriching the marine environment with plankton. Continued …
Fuel subsidies ‘only for the needy’ proposed
The Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) is considering revising its price subsidy programs to focus only on groups of people who badly need help, rather than making them universal.
The agency has hired Thammasat University to evaluate its fund management since the passage of the Offo Act in 2020. The findings will be used to improve performance. Continued …
Srettha to discuss water management plan, as floods hit 11 provinces
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called a meeting on Monday with officials of concerned agencies to discuss water-management plans after continuous downpours inundated some areas in 11 provinces, the Royal Irrigation Department said on Friday.
According to weather reports, several provinces in the north and northeast regions have been experiencing heavy rains since Tuesday this week, which are expected to continue until Sunday, department Director-general Chuchart Rakjit said. Continued …
Climate change: the August deadline
When you spend four years writing a book on climate change, you get to know most of the leading players. I have never seen them so dismayed.
“By August, if we’re still looking at record-breaking temperatures, then we really have moved into uncharted territory,” said climate scientist Gavin Schmidt in April. Well, July 22 was the hottest average global temperature ever recorded – and July 23 promptly broke that brand-new record. Here we are in August, and it is not looking promising. Continued …
Monk wins 12 million baht lottery, plans to help community
The abbot of Wat Si Chumphon in Khon Kaen received a warm celebration from devotees after winning 12 million baht in the national lottery. The 69-year-old monk shared his journey of finding the winning numbers and his plans for the prize money.
Wat Si Chumphon in Ban Nong Kiao, Khon Kaen, was buzzing with excitement as locals and followers gathered to congratulate Phra Nopporn Khemako, who recently won the first prize in the lottery. The abbot purchased two winning tickets, netting him a total of 12 million baht. Continued …
Opening of new Thai-Lao bridge delayed
A new bridge over the Mekong River connecting Thailand and Laos is now expected to open in mid-2025, a delay from the earlier plan for this year.
The bridge, located between Bung Kan province and Bolikhamxay in Laos, is more than 90% complete, Highways Department Director-general Sarawut Songsivilai said on Friday. Continued …
Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com
Taiwanese expert warns against six foods for better sleep
Taiwanese nutritionist Li Wanping issued a warning about six types of foods that should be avoided before bedtime, highlighting popular Thai dinner dishes. This, she claims, is a key reason many people struggle with insomnia.
Modern life is often filled with stress, and many people remain emotionally tense well into the night. This ongoing stress can lead to daily bouts of insomnia. Li Wanping, a nutritionist, revealed on a health program that consuming certain foods before bed can significantly impact sleep quality. Continued …
Bangkok waste disposal crisis: Garbage trucks queue for kilometers
A long line of garbage trucks formed across Bangkok yesterday, with drivers waiting from morning until afternoon to dispose of waste. Authorities are being urged to address the issue promptly.
A video clip shared on social media yesterday shows a queue of numerous garbage trucks waiting to offload their waste. A social media page posted a video along with a plea for responsible agencies to resolve the problem. Continued …
Thai army introduces 10 baht meals for conscripts after criticism
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) introduced a meal plan priced at 10 baht per meal, offering high-quality dishes that include both savoury and sweet options. This initiative follows social media criticism regarding the quality of food provided to conscripts in Bangkok, where a video showed inadequate meals.
The video, which quickly gained attention online, featured two breakfast dishes: cucumber soup with egg and fried Chinese sausage. The food appeared spoiled, consisting mostly of water. The conscript who posted the video urged higher authorities to address the issue. Continued …
Economists warn of potential ‘lost decade’
SCB EIC, a research center under Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), has raised concerns that the economy might be on the verge of entering a “lost decade”. Drawing from Japan’s experience, SCB EIC warns that Thailand could face economic stagnation extending until 2050.
The term “lost decade” is used to describe Japan’s economy during the 1990s, characteried by two key features: (1) prolonged low economic growth and (2) a loss of confidence among the Japanese people that the economy would recover to its former growth levels, leading them to save more and spend less. Continued …
Vietnam, Thailand among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies
The six leading economies in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, are projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.1% over the next decade.
This projection was released in a report on Aug. 1 by the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS), consulting firm Bain & Company, and the Angsana Council. Continued …
Detailed timeline for digital wallet scheme to be revealed on Monday
Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Friday that his ministry will call a special press conference on Monday to clarify the digital-wallet timeline for merchants.
Approximately 2 million shops are expected to join the digital wallet scheme, including street vendors and local government organizations. The initiative also includes retailers and “Thong Fah” stores, which aim to provide goods at fair prices to alleviate the cost of living. Continued …
20 million register for digital handout in two days
At least 20 million people registered for the digital wallet scheme during the first two days.
Spokesman Chai Watcharonke said the government is impressed with the positive feedback on its flagship policy, which saw 20.1 million people registering as of 1pm on Friday. Continued …
Online retailers set to hike sales fees
Shopee, Lazada and TikTok are expected to continue to increase sales transaction fees to grow revenue, which raise costs for local merchants. TikTok Shop announced two fee increases this year. In April, it changed from a flat 4% fee for all product categories to a range of 4%-5.35%, depending on the category.
A further increase is planned, raising commission fees by roughly 1% per category, which will take effect in September. The sales transaction fee for fashion items will rise from 4%-4.28% to 4%-5.35%, while fees for fast-moving consumer goods and lifestyle items will increase from 4.28% to 5.35%. The fee for electronics items will remain at 4.28%. Continued …
Foreign ad film shoots in Thailand generate Bt588 million in first half of 2024
Thailand earned over half a billion baht from serving as a location for advertisement shoots in the first half of 2024, according to the Thailand Film Office (TFO). Crews from 21 countries filmed 107 projects in Thailand, with Bangkok being the top filming location.
Thailand attracts an average of 400-500 foreign film productions annually, generating over 4 billion baht each year. Advertisements are among the most common types of films shot in Thailand, thanks to favorable conditions that meet the needs of international film crews, the TFO said. Continued …
Thailand launches network for standardized small EV batteries
A public-private network was recently launched to promote cooperation to develop technology for the making of standardized swappable batteries for small electric vehicles (EVs). This development matches the government’s policy of making Thailand an EV hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), an agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), unveiled its tie-up with the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Assn. (TESTA) at the International Energy Storage Forum 2024 in Bangkok on July 5. Continued …
Ford Thailand urges support for ICE car sector amid EV rise
Ford Thailand is urging the government to extend support to companies in the internal combustion engine (ICE) car segment, particularly motorcycle manufacturers, who are struggling to adapt to the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Despite the implementation of measures such as tax cuts and subsidies to promote the EV industry, ICE sector operators have yet to see government initiatives to help them manage the disruptions in the automotive industry, according to Ford Thailand Managing Director Ratthakarn Jutasen. Continued …
Norwegian Seafood Aims for Bt10 billion in Thai Market for 2024
The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) has launched a new campaign, “Norwegian Thai Taste: Valuable Ingredients…for Thai Food in 4 Regions”, aiming to expand its market in Thailand by partnering with local restaurants and stores nationwide.
Åshild Nakken, director of Southeast Asia for the NSC, announced the initiative, which builds on the success of the “The Story from the North” campaign in 2022. The campaign kicked off in Bangkok on Aug. 1 at Gaysorn Tower with Thai-Norwegian actress Yaya-Urassaya Sperbund, who will join to promote Norwegian seafood in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Khon Kaen throughout this month. Continued …
Four guidelines for property developers to create eco-friendly projects
Property developers in Thailand need to follow four guidelines in order to become eco-friendly and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, property research and development company LWS Wisdom and Solutions said on Friday.
The property sector is among industries that have been urged to play a role in mitigating environmental degradation. “These guidelines aim to meet consumer trends, as well as the government’s policy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero carbon emission by 2065,” the company’s managing director, Praphansak Rakchaiwan, said. Continued …
Thailand’s Tourist Arrivals Expected to Grow in 2024 and Fully Rebound by 2025
Our 2024 forecast for Thailand’s tourist arrivals is growth of 28.3% y-o-y to 36.1 million. However, the market’s 2024 arrivals will fall short of the pre-pandemic level in 2019, meaning that the recovery will still be playing out over the year.
We forecast a further expansion in Thailand’s tourist arrivals in 2025, growing by by15.1% y-o-y to reach 41.6 million, with the year marking a full recovery. The market’s arrivals will continue to increase over the remainder of our medium-term forecast period (2024-2028), primarily driven by key source markets in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America. Continued …
Sports and music tourism will soon represent a 53 trillion baht economy
If you have lost track of how many people in your orbit have recently posted pictures of themselves at a Formula One race or Taylor Swift concert, chances are you are not alone.
According to new research from Collinson International, which owns Priority Pass and LoungeKey airport lounges around the world, sports and music tourism are growing at unprecedented rates and are forecast to represent a USD1.5 trillion (53 trillion baht) industry by 2032. Continued …
Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com
Apple Withdraws Ad Amid Thai Backlash, Extends Apology
Apple has apologized and withdrawn the latest ad in its “Underdogs” series, following significant backlash in Thailand. The tech giant’s fifth installment, meant to highlight Thai culture positively, instead sparked controversy, prompting the company to halt its distribution.
In a statement, Apple expressed regret, acknowledging the ad failed to accurately represent contemporary Thai life. The company had collaborated with a local Thai firm, intending to feature Thailand in a flattering light. Yet, the move backfired, as the portrayal was widely criticized for not aligning with modern Thai society. Continued …
Tourism Cares’ 2025 Global Meaningful Travel Summit to be Held in Thailand
Tourism Cares, a leading non-profit dedicated to advancing sustainability within the travel industry, will be holding its 2025 Global Meaningful Travel Summit in Thailand.
The invitation-only event will bring together travel industry leaders, tour operators, travel advisers, travel associations and the media to explore meaningful and sustainable travel practices. Continued …
Cebu Pacific unveils first direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai
Cebu Pacific is introducing direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai, starting Oct. 29. This new route marks the airline’s fourth destination in Thailand, adding to its existing services from Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports.
Cebu Pacific’s President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao highlighted the significance of this new route. “Chiang Mai’s natural heritage, ancient temples, and laid-back atmosphere promise a tranquil escape,” he said. Continued …
South Korean drowns while snorkeling off Larn island
A South Korean tourist drowned yesterday afternoon, as he was snorkeling in the sea near Ta Waen Beach on Larn Island, off the coast of Pattaya City. The victim, 37-year-old Eik Yu-han, and another South Korean visited Larn Island yesterday and went snorkeling together.
After being in the water for a long time, the other South Korean reportedly told the police that he found his friend floating face down and rushed to his rescue. He pulled him ashore and called for help. Continued …
How to Have the Time of Your Life in Thailand for Under $500
Thailand is well-known as one of the most idyllic tropical places in the world, and as someone who lived there, I can certainly vouch for this.
Your dollar will also go far in Thailand, making it a super economical option as well. If you have a $500 budget, you can have the time of your life in Thailand by following a few simple steps. Continued …
When Is the Best Time to Visit Bangkok?
Whenever you go to Bangkok, the delights remain abundant, from spicy pork noodles pulled from curbside woks to serene mornings, watching the laundry flutter on the canal tributaries.
There’s incredible shopping at every price point (and incredible spa treatments at the same) as well as historic nostalgia around every turn, whether you tour the famous palaces or wander the back streets of Talat Noi, visiting petite ancestor shrines with smoldering incense. Continued …
Ultimate guide to Transportation in Thailand
Discovering the vibrant streets and serene landscapes of Thailand can indeed be an electrifying adventure. But, like any journey, it has its challenges. Experiencing the bustling traffic of urban cities or the tranquil island ferries, you will find that Thailand’s transportation system reflects the country’s vast diversity.
A mosaic of transportation options awaits in Thailand, reflecting the country’s diversity. Let’s delve into the specifics of these transport modes to aid your exploration in the vibrant Land of Smiles. Continued …
Thailand-China bond deepens over decades
As China and Thailand have benefited from cultural exchange since ancient times, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are increasingly close, showing unprecedented vitality over the past years with the all-round development of bilateral relations, said Fu Zengyou, former dean of the Confucius Institute at Chulalongkorn University.
Recalling his first trip to Thailand in 1980, Fu said many people from the two countries barely knew each other then, partially due to poor transportation and a lack of communication. The condition did not change until 1975 when China and Thailand officially established diplomatic relations. Continued …
Amazing food Festival/Air Sea Land Festival/Expat tax seminar/S.Ken’s flower farm/Bill targets stable oil and LPG prices/Fight against Hepatitis/Rail tunnel in Saraburi closed/Thais enjoy reading/Giant python eats fighting cocks/Python farms offer alternative protein/Work ahead on marijuana change/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Data centers, cloud service investments/Becoming Anxious About the Rise of China/Instant coffee market/Golden year for fruit/Free trade negotiations with EAEU/Tourism: 20 million tourists/On Track To Hit 50 Million By 2028/Easier for travelers to stay longer/Historical park wins UNESCO recognition/Five cultural sites on UNESCO list/Tourists rescued/Promoting walking tourism/Special tourism train/New Apple Ad Criticized/Brakes put on electric suitcases/Thailand Experience: Tigers are disappearing from Southeast Asia/Harmony for wild elephants/Elephants to undergo ‘behavior modification’/Bangkok’s Best Along The MRT Blue Line/International/Links: Climate Thailand/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
Amazing food Festival set for Pone King Petch Park Aug 10-12
S.Ken’s Bistro also has an edible flower and herb farm
Chef Ken at S.Ken’s Bistro in Kao Tao is known for his use of flowers in his cuisine. Now the chef is growing his own edible flowers, both for his restaurant and for other dining establishments.
His Chivit Chiva farm exclusively harvests flowers, leaves, and herbs from these gardens, where harmful chemicals are not used, with only natural compost and fertilizers.
Assorted edible flowers are now available for Bt65 per 25-gram box, Bbt95 for a 45-gram box, and Bt125 for a 55-gram box.
Please check for availability when placing your order if you have specific requirements or preferences, as some edible flowers are more seasonal, while others are available year-round.
To ensure that the edible flowers and herbs are in the best shape and quality, they are picked and packed daily based on your order. Flower picking takes place in the very early morning, before 9 AM, so please place your order by 10 PM the night before. The flowers can be stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer or vegetable compartment for 4 to 7 days.
And now, if you buy 10 bags, you get one bag free.
Energy Ministry’s new bill targets stable oil and LPG prices
The Energy Ministry’s new bill aiming to control domestic oil and cooking gas prices requires a public hearing to assess its impact on oil traders and governmentrevenue, according to an energy expert.
Currently under review by the Council of State, the bill proposes the establishment of a new commission, akin to the Energy Regulatory Commission, to regulate retail prices of oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through taxes and subsidies. Continued …
Thailand steps up fight against silent killer Hepatitis
Responding to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious goal of eradicating hepatitis, Thailand is intensifying its efforts to combat this silent health crisis. With an estimated 2-3 million people living with hepatitis B and C, the country is grappling with a significant public health challenge.
To address the stigma often associated with the disease, the Thai government is promoting a “screening by year of birth” approach. Individuals born before 1992 are encouraged to undergo one-time hepatitis screening. This strategy aims to destigmatize the process and facilitate early detection. Continued …
Rail tunnel in Saraburi closed within hours of opening
The State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) stopped services through Phasadet tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in Thailand at 5.2km, yesterday within hours of its opening. The decision was taken after videos of dust blowing into carriages were posted online.
Repairs are expected to take two weeks and the tunnel is provisionally scheduled to reopen on Aug. 12. Images and a video posted by a foreign Facebook user showed strong wind blowing dust into the train and the post also mentioned a strong smell of diesel. Continued …
Thais enjoy reading more than alleged, publishers say
A claim that Thais read no more than eight paragraphs of books annually has been proved false, as they actually read for at least two hours a day, experts in the publishing industry said on Sunday.
According to a survey of 1,500 readers ranging from teenagers to the elderly early this year, Thai people now read for 113 minutes a day, Suwich Rungwattanapaiboon, president of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), said. Continued …
Giant python eats fighting cocks in Udon Thani coop raid
A giant python measuring 4 meters in length caused quite a stir in Udon Thani by sneaking into a chicken coop in the middle of the night and devouring three prized fighting cocks.
The incident led to a rescue team being called to capture and release the snake back into the wild. Villagers, believing the snake brings good fortune, quickly sought out lucky numbers to try their luck. Continued …
Snakes as sustainable meat source? Python farms offer alternative protein
In a warehouse in the lush humid farmlands of central Thailand, thousands of pythons lie coiled in containers, rearing and striking at the glass as people pass by.
They are being raised for their robust, diamond-patterned skins, which are sold to high-end European fashion houses for belts, bags and handbags, but some scientists and industry insiders believe the snakes’ true value could lie in their meat. Continued …
Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com
More work ahead on marijuana change
The government’s backtracking from its plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic drug is a step in the right direction. The reversal was ordered by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin just days before a meeting of the Narcotics Control Board (NCB).
Cannabis advocates praised the decision, ending a 10-day protest by advocacy group Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future near Government House. While it has momentum, the advocacy group must work hard to find scientific evidence to justify its pro-cannabis stance and even harder to fight the stigma surrounding this medicinal plant. Continued …
Russian Tourist Apprehended in Phuket for Exchanging Counterfeit Currency – Continued …
Foreign Racers’ Motorbikes Seized In Pattaya Crackdown – Continued …
Taiwanese Man Arrested in Thailand’s Crackdown on Call Center Scams – Continued …
Data centers, cloud service investments get backing
The government fully supports investments in data centers and cloud service projects in Thailand so it can become a digital economy hub, says government spokesman Chai Wacharonke.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin says that putting money into such projects is vital for the development of the digital economy and will help establish the country as an important investment base for the international community, he says. Continued …
Why More Thais Are Becoming Anxious About the Rise of China
What a xenophobic, or more accurately a “sinophobic”, week for Thailand, particularly Thai netizens. First, was the loud cries of condemnation against a large billboard solely in Chinese language found in the heart of Bangkok’s Huai Kwang district offering potential Chinese customers to purchase passports and nationalities from four countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Vanuatu.
PM Srettha Thavisin felt compelled to visit the site in person and the billboard was quickly removed to ease the anger of Thai netizens. Two Chinese behind the ads quickly left Thailand, one slapped with a fine for 5,000 baht, and both told they are no longer welcomed in Thailand. Continued …
Instant coffee market set for 5% growth
Thailand’s instant coffee market is expected to grow by 5% this year as Nescafé Thailand plans to allocate 620 million baht for brand communication advertising.
Jojo Dela Cruz, business executive officer of Nestlé (Thai) Ltd.’s coffee and creamer business unit, said that in this year’s first quarter the value of the country’s instant coffee market was 5.7 billion baht, up 5% when compared with the corresponding period last year, while the value of the ready-to-drink coffee market reached 3.8 billion baht, up 10% from the corresponding period last year. Continued …
Department sees golden year for fruit
Thailand has shifted its focus to stimulating domestic consumption and the export of fruit to help farmers capitalize on new markets such as the U.S., Europe and Canada, according to the Department of Internal Trade.
Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the department, said 2024 is another golden year for Thai fruit due to stable and high prices compared to last year. Continued …
Thailand ready to start free trade negotiations with EAEU
Thailand is ready to start negotiations on concluding a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced this following a meeting with Arman Issetov, Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Thailand, at Government House.
Both sides discussed ways to promote bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, particularly trade, investment and tourism. Continued …
20 million tourists in seven months
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that from Jan. 1 to July 25, more than 20 million international visitors arrived in Thailand, reflecting a 34% increase from last year.
Tourism from Taiwan and India reached unprecedented levels, largely credited to the visa-free scheme. This initiative allows visitors from 93 countries to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. Initiated late last year, the scheme has been extended until Nov. 11 and stands as a cornerstone of the government’s tourism strategy. Continued …
Thai Tourism On Track To Hit 50 Million By 2028 – IF Peace Prevails
Thailand’s tourism comeback forged ahead in the first half of 2024 with 17.5 million arrivals, up 35% over 12.9 million in the first half 2023. Thai tourism is on track to regain the 2019 level of 40 million this year and hit 50 million by 2028, only if global, regional and local risks and threats are alleviated/mitigated.
Thailand is becoming a true Alliance of Civilizations destination. Its broad-based diplomacy and neutral foreign policy is providing the bedrock support for the IGNITE Tourism Thailand project and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s multi-pronged marketing strategies. Continued …
Why Thailand is making it easier for travelers to stay longer
Maybe you want to escape the winter months at home, opting instead to take care of your business on a laptop from the comfort of your rented Phuket villa as you gaze over the Andaman Sea. Or perhaps you’re ready to step into the ring and embark on a new career as a Muay Thai fighter.
Either way, Thailand has you covered. The popular Southeast Asia destination recently introduced a new five-year visa targeted at remote workers and other travelers looking to stay in the kingdom for extended periods. Continued …
Udon Thani historical park wins UNESCO recognition
Udon Thani locals in Ban Phue expressed happiness over the Phu Phra Bat Historical Park being recognized as Thailand’s latest World Heritage site by UNESCO on Saturday, saying they had waited for this moment for the past 20 years.
They also hope for an influx of tourists to the historical site, which became the province’s second World Heritage site following the Ban Chiang archaeological site in 1992. Continued …
Five cultural sites across Thailand placed on UNESCO ‘tentative list’
A total of five cultural places across Thailand have been added to a tentative UNESCO list of potential new world heritage sites, a government spokesman said Sunday.
The latest entry, the fifth, was the historic cluster of towns and adjacent sites connected to Songkhla Lake in the southern province of Songkhla. Continued …
Tourists rescued from Khao Yai run-off, Trat underwater
Numerous tourists were rescued from run-off at Khao Yai National Park in Thailand’s Prachin Buri province on Sunday, while a locality in Trat was facing its worst flooding in three decades.
Ten tourists were rescued when run-off trapped them on one bank of a stream connecting to the Sao Noi waterfall in tambon Pho Ngam of Prachantakham district in Prachin Buri. Continued …
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Thailand now promoting walking tourism
Tourism is a service sector driven by people’s proclivity to travel and their consumption habits while traveling. Strolling through a town or city to explore the local attractions and features has become a popular activity among tourists seeking to gain in-depth knowledge about local neighbourhoods.
According to UN Tourism, walking tourism enables tourists to better engage with the local population, as well as with nature and culture. Continued …
SRT offers special tourism train for rainy season
People were being invited to experience romantic vibes in the rainy season on a special Kiha 183 tourism train, which will make 16 trips on seven routes in August and September. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) said on Sunday that Kiha 183 trips include both one-day and overnight trips during weekends.
Tickets became available from Saturday, July 27, and are limited to 202 seats per trip, the agency said, adding that the price includes fees for air-conditioned buses, admission to attractions, food and beverages, and accident insurance. Continued …
New Apple Ad Criticized: Is It Intentionally Stereotyping Thailand?
Netizens are displeased with Apple’s new advertisement, “The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office) | Apple at Work”. Despite being filmed in Thailand and featuring Thai elements such as food, clothing, and public transport, many commenters feel it’s discriminatory. The old-fashioned color tone, outdated appearance, and difficult travel depicted seem to portray Thailand as a third-world country.
This advertisement, recently filmed in Thailand, presents what Apple describes as “Join Apple at work for one heck of a business trip, as the Underdogs head to Thailand to get stuff made! See Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro come together to help them find a new packaging factory, solve last-minute design changes, create prototypes, break down language barriers and so much more.” Continued …
Japan puts the brakes on electric suitcases amid tourism boom
The growing popularity of rideable suitcases with electric motors designed to get people quickly around airports and train stations has alarmed Japanese authorities following a rise in incidents of foreign visitors using them illegally on public roads.
Japan currently classifies electric suitcases, which are particularly popular in the rest of Asia, as motorized vehicles that can be ridden on roads only with the required safety equipment and a driver’s license. Continued …
Tigers are disappearing from Southeast Asia. A forest in Thailand is offering new hope
As Global Tiger Day rolls around, there’s good news for the big cats in Thailand. The tiger population in the country’s Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) — an 18,000-square-kilometer (6,950-square-mile) area of forest encompassing 11 national parks and six wildlife sanctuaries — is estimated to have more than tripled between 2007 and 2023, from 41 to 143.
The remarkable comeback was observed in a new collaborative study led by Thailand’s Department of National Parks (DNP) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), newly published online in the scientific journal Global Ecology and Conservation. Continued …
Thai harmony for wild elephants and locals alike
The Eastern Forest Complex is regarded as the most important low-lying forest landscape in the central region of Thailand. Covering more than 1.363 million rai in five provinces, namely Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chon Buri and Sa Kaeo, the complex is home to two wildlife sanctuaries and three national parks.
It’s also home to over 600 wildlife species, including 450 wild elephants, which have an annual population growth of 8.2% – the highest in the country. Continued …
Thai wild elephants to undergo new ‘behavior modification’ training
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has announced plans to build three elephant training centers in the eastern provinces to tame aggressive wild elephants in the region.
Police Gen. Phatcharavat Wongsuwan has ordered the Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to establish three “Wild Elephant Behavior Modification Centers”. Many wild elephants leave the forest to find food, disturbing communities and annoying residents, said Phatcharavat. Continued …
Explore Bangkok’s Best Along The MRT Blue Line
The Bangkok MRT Blue Line, also known as the MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line, is the city’s very first metro line. Operated by Bangkok Expressway and Metro, it opened to the public on July 3, 2004, initially covering a 20-km distance from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue. Subsequent extensions over the years have expanded the line to a total length of 48 km.
As a fast, affordable, and convenient way to navigate Bangkok, this route also brings you closer to some of the city’s most popular attractions. We have done the research so you don’t have to! Discover (and delight at) all the things you can do when traversing Bangkok via the MRT Blue Line. Continued …
North Korea executes 30 young students for watching TV
Credible reports from North Korea suggest that 30 students were executed by gunfire last week for watching South Korean TV shows. The news comes as the pariah state has become a key ally of Russia, China and Iran as the prospects of war have significantly risen. Continued …
Soi 94 resurfacing, drainage improvements/Amazing food festival/Sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs/Siam Venezia undergoing makeover/Why is Thai health care so good?/Transboundary Haze in Southeast Asia/Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain/Chinatown fire victims/Action against graffiti vandalism/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Real cost of living for foreigners in Thailand/Thailand’s new energy roadmap/Registration for digital wallet to start in August/Tax measures to cushion blow of wage increases/Raise the Retirement Age/Digital economy hub/Home improvement retailers/Surge in services sector employment/Property businesses face decreasing demand/Oil plan faces rocky financial road/EV insurance in the driver’s seat/BYD acquires 20% stake in Thai dealer/Four trade shows this week/Legal Implications of Cannabis Reclassification/Tourism: Major Upgrades for Key Airports/Thailand-China flights surge/Krabi Airport Set for Surge/Minibus crash in Surat Thani/Tourists rescued after speedboat sinks/Thailand Experience: Explore Kui Buri/Why do people in warm countries eat spicy food?/Links: Climate Thailand/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
Soi 94 resurfacing, drainage improvements planned
Hua Hin municipality has announced that extensive resurfacing work will soon commence on Soi 94, one of the most uneven and damaged road surfaces in central Hua Hin. The project, which includes the installation of new drainage, is expected to take approximately seven months to complete.
The repair work will involve the installation of drainage pipes and resurfacing the road from the western railway intersection to Baan Chang Heng, extending to the far end of Soi 94 where the road turns right. The project scope includes the stretch from the railway tracks toward Lucky 13, Amara Resort, and The Happy Pig, reaching the top of the soi. Continued …
Group sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs in Hua Hin
Homeless dogs in Thailand often face tough lives. Many puppies will die young from starvation, disease and road accidents. Sterilization is the most humane way to reduce the stray population, and enable people and animals to peacefully co-exist.
PAT, a project by Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), was originally founded in 2019 to help reduce the roaming homeless animal population in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi provinces, and increase their welfare. Continued …
Siam Venezia undergoing makeover, renamed Simon Siam
Siam Venezia is set to undergo a significant transformation aimed at promoting Thai arts and culture and attracting more international visitors.
The transformation will see Simon Venezia become a venue for regular events, both large and small scale, while a hotel will also be constructed on the site. Continued …
Why is Thai health care so good?
Political turmoil in Thailand is unrelenting. Over the past two decades, 11 different prime ministers have led the country. In the coming weeks that number could increase, as the constitutional court considers dismissing the current leader, Srettha Thavisin, over an allegedly illegal cabinet appointment. Yet amid such instability, one aspect of Thailand’s governance flourishes: its public-health system.
Thai health care is among the most effective in the world. The average Thai can expect to live to 80, much longer than their regional counterpart (the Southeast Asian figure is 73) and even slightly longer than the average American and European (each roughly 79), according to the latest data from the United Nations. Last year, a whopping 99.5% of the population of 72 million was covered by health insurance. Continued …
The Pressing Issue of Transboundary Haze in Southeast Asia
Air pollution has long been a significant health concern in Southeast Asia, with the issue of transboundary haze taking center stage in recent years. This environmental challenge knows no borders, as smoke from wildfires and land-clearing activities in one country can easily drift across national boundaries, blanketing entire regions in a thick, hazardous haze.
One of the main causes of transboundary haze pollution in the ASEAN region is peatland fires. The ASEAN region is home to 56% of the global tropical peatlands, yet more than 3 million hectares of peatlands in Southeast Asia have been destroyed by fire. Continued …
Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for 45 provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for severe weather, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rain across 45 provinces, with Bangkok expected to be significantly impacted. Citizens are advised to take precautions against the potential dangers of severe rain and flooding.
Today, the TMD forecasts that the southwest monsoon will cover the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. This weather pattern will bring thunderstorms and heavy rain to various parts of the country. People in these areas should be cautious of hazardous conditions due to accumulated rainfall. Continued …
Chinatown fire victims mostly migrant workers
More than 260 people have registered for assistance following the Yaowarat fire on Saturday night in Bangkok’s Chinatown, most of them migrant workers, according to the permanent secretary for human security.
The fire in Trok Pho community started about 8.40pm on Saturday. Sixty-six wooden houses in the community were burned down or badly damaged. The fire also damaged parts of two hotels and adjoining commercial buildings on Yaowarat Road. Patients were evacuated from nearby Thianfah Hospital. Continued …
Pattaya residents demand action against graffiti vandalism
Residents in Pattaya are calling for decisive action against vandals who have marred the city’s landscape with graffiti. Electrical control boxes, traffic signs, and private properties along major roads such as Sukhumvit Road, Third Road, and South Pattaya Road have been defaced with graffiti, including gang symbols and vulgar language.
The graffiti, which has been unchecked, has significantly impacted the city’s visual appeal, leading to growing frustration among the local community. Concerned citizens are urging police to take action to address the issue and restore Pattaya’s beauty. Continued …
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Foreigner Steals Van and Crashes into another Van – Continued …
Russian DJ Arrested After Hit-and-Run Accident in Surat Thani – Continued …
Can of Beans raises the issue of the real cost of living for foreigners in Thailand
A can of Heinz beans went viral on social media site TikTok last week. Two young tourists from Ireland and the United Kingdom expressed horror at the price tag of Bt420.
Although probably an error or mistake, it comes with a growing conflict between reports from ordinary people, including expats and Thais, about the cost of living and official Thai government data. It came in a week in which the Ministry of Commerce confirmed 0% inflation for the first six months and when June’s inflation rate was only 0.67%, defying a Reuters poll that predicted 1.13%. Continued …
Thailand’s new energy roadmap: a path to eco and economic crisis?
Thailand is set to boost renewable energy used in electricity production from 36% to 51% in its latest power-development plan (PDP). Yet, many experts argue that the plan is a blueprint for failure in meeting emissions targets and ensuring energy security.
Prepared by the Energy Ministry, the PDP is the country’s master plan for power production based on forecasts of rising demand over the next 15 to 20 years. The PDP was aired at a week-long public hearing and will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval soon, said Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo, director of the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO). Continued …
Registration for 10,000-baht handout to start in August
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has confirmed that registration for Thai people eligible for the 10,000-baht handout under the digital wallet scheme would start next month.
Meanwhile, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke warned Thais not to click any SMS link that told them to register for the digital wallet scheme, saying no such link would be sent by the government. He urged people to beware of call-center gangs. Continued …
Tax measures for employers to cushion blow of wage increases
The Finance Ministry expects to introduce measures soon to alleviate the impact on businesses burdened by an increase in the minimum wage.
According to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, a hike in the minimum wage must be accompanied by tax measures to ease the burden on businesses, similar to past wage increases. Continued …
Time to Raise the Retirement Age in Thailand
Social activist Sombat Boonngam-anong, founder of the Mirror Foundation, which deals with missing persons as well as helping homeless people, wrote last week week saying he was recently approached by a 61-year-old man while he was having a meal.
The man asked if he could be hired to work for some of his non-profit enterprises, adding he could sing and play music, as he used to do so for a living when he was younger, and had worked looking after a building. He can do watercolor paintings and more. The man then told him the real motive – he does not want to be a financial burden to his daughter, the sole breadwinner. Continued …
How Thailand aims to become a digital economy hub
Thailand is positioning itself to become a leading digital economy hub, with support from global tech leaders such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google.
Recently, there are 37 data center and cloud service projects that have received approval from the BOI, with an investment value over USD2,800 million. They include AWS, NextDC, STT GDC, Supernap (Switch), One Asia, Alibaba Cloud, and Huawei Technologies, according to a Thailand PRD report. Continued …
Home improvement retailers contending with slowing economy
Higher household debts, coupled with slowing economy and weaker consumer spending, has taken a toll on the sales growth of home improvement retailers such as Home Products Plc (HMPRO), DoHome Plc (DOHOME) and Siam Global House Plc (GLOBAL), with the outlook for the remaining part of the year continuing to remain bleak.
Home improvement players such as HMPRO and DOHOME have been shielded from the volatility of the retailing market but their performance during the 2nd quarter of the year is likely to show a dip in sales that has not been seen in years. Continued …
Factory closures drive surge in services sector employment
The majority of more than 300,000 laid-off industrial workers from recent factory closures are flocking to the services sector, particularly the hospitality industry, according to the Tourism Industry Council of Thailand’s most recent Tourism Confidence Index report.
According to the data, 561 factories were closed during the first five months of this year. Still, more than 3,573 factories closed between January 2011 and May 2024, resulting in the loss of more than 300,000 jobs. Continued …
Property and leasing businesses face decreasing demand
Tris Rating, a Thai credit rating agency, warns that property and leasing businesses should be strictly monitored in the second half based on decreasing demand, after 20 companies were downgraded in the first six months.
President Sakda Pongcharoenyong said the real estate and leasing industries have a gloomy outlook in the second half, as declining demand may affect their operating results. Continued …
Thai oil plan faces rocky financial road
The government’s plan to increase Thailand’s strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) faces resistance from executives in the oil refining and ethanol production sectors, who point to financial challenges.
A plan to increase the SPR, which was upgraded in the 2024 oil plan, was initiated by Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who stressed the need to enhance national oil security. Continued …
EV insurance in the driver’s seat
Electric vehicle insurance has emerged as a crucial factor that could shape the future of Thailand’s burgeoning EV industry.
Although a recent report suggesting two insurance companies have ceased insuring electric cars remains unconfirmed, it has prompted insurers, automakers and bankers to seriously consider insurance and various issues that could impact EV sales. Continued …
BYD acquires 20% stake in Thai dealer
The Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD will acquire a 20% stake in its local distributor Rever Automotive in Thailand, its largest market outside of China where it is the EV market leader, the companies said on Saturday.
The Shenzhen-based automaker opened its first factory in Southeast Asia in Rayong last week. The $490-million plant will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 150,000 vehicles and employ 10,000 workers. Continued …
Bitec to host four trade shows this week
Four premier international trade shows will be held under one roof to help stimulate the country’s economy in the second half of the year, at Bitec Hall, Bang Na-Trat Road, daily from 10am to 7pm, starting Thursday to Sunday.
Organized by Kavin Intertrade, the Thailand Franchise & Business Opportunity (TFBO 2024), the Thailand Retail, Food & Hospitality Services (TRAFS 2024), the ASEAN Retail 2024, and Pub & Bar Asia 2024 will bring 330 companies to showcase over 10,000 products at 630 booths, spanning an area of 20,000m². Continued …
Deputy PM Questions Legal Implications of Cannabis Reclassification
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reaffirmed Bhumjaithai Party’s stance that cannabis should be used for medical and economic purposes, not for recreation. Anutin questioned the rationale behind this reclassification, as it reverts to a previous status set by the same board during his tenure as minister of public health.
Anutin expressed concerns about the legal implications for community-level cannabis growers and questioned how the Thai government would address the thousands released for cannabis-related offenses in 2022. Continued …
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Thai PM Pledges Major Upgrades for Key Airports
In an ambitious stride toward redefining Thailand’s airspace, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged to overhaul the nation’s airports, aiming to meet global standards and establish Thailand as a top regional aviation hub.
The plan, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit, targets enhancements in aviation safety, customer service, and operational efficiency. Continued …
Thailand-China flights surge 213% after visa exemption deal
Flights between Thailand and China have surged to 55,000 in the past eight months, following the signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement, according to the Ministry of Transport.
Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote reported that the 55,433 flights from October last year to May marked a 213% increase compared to the same period the previous year. He projected that 86,150 flights would operate between the two nations by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. Continued …
Krabi Airport Set for Surge in Flights This Winter Season
Krabi Airport is preparing for an unprecedented increase in passenger volume, as 13 international and local airlines have scheduled additional flights for the upcoming winter season.
This boost is aimed at servicing the anticipated influx of tourists heading to Thailand’s famous Andaman coast from October 2024 to March 2025, which is considered the peak tourist period. Continued …
Minibus crash in Surat Thani injures 10 foreign tourists
A minibus carrying foreign tourists overturned yesterday, injuring 10 passengers. The accident occurred around 6.30am yesterday on Phunphin-Mueang Road in the Tha Lon subdistrict, Phunphin district, Surat Thani Province.
Police and rescue workers promptly arrived at the scene where they found the minibus overturned on the roadside. The 10 foreign tourists, who sustained minor injuries, were swiftly transported to Phunphin Hospital for medical treatment. Continued …
Tourists rescued after speedboat sinks off Surat Thani coast
A speedboat carrying tourists on a fishing trip was hit by large waves, causing it to take on water and eventually sink. Five people were left stranded in the sea before being rescued by local fishing boats and the marine police.
At 12.20 am today, the marine police received a distress call from relatives of the speedboat’s driver, alerting them that the boat was sinking. The marine police, led by Yuranan Meedet, quickly dispatched a rescue team from Surat Thani to the scene. Continued …
Explore Kui Buri, the ‘Safari of Thailand’ near Hua Hin
Just an hour and a half drive from Hua Hin, Kui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts.
Renowned as one of Thailand’s premier destinations for observing wild elephants, the park is currently experiencing a surge in wildlife activity, making it an ideal time for locals, expatriates, and tourists to visit. Continued …
Why people in warm countries eat spicy food?
Take a moment to sit back and think about the spiciest dish you’ve ever tasted. Try to recall how it made you feel — the heat, the sweat, the tears. Did it set your mouth ablaze and make your heart race? And did you feel the burn long after the meal was over?
Now, which cuisine was this fiery blast from the past a part of? Chances are, it hailed from a warm country like India, Mexico, or Thailand. Indeed, some of the world’s spiciest foods originate from countries with the hottest climates. But why is that? Continued …
Baht tipped to rise to 36.1/Heavy rain and high waves forecast/Bus routes to link airports/Baby twin elephants receive blessings/University Degree-Buying Scandal/True iService app unveiled/Blaze Takes Lives of 21 Cats/Flooding Thailand with meth/Why Aren’t There More Christians?/Economy: Stronger growth needed/Thailand gears up for digital wallet launch/PM to announce all details of digital wallet/Social Security’s survival mapped out/Crucial for Thai agriculture/Thailand, Japan join hands/Thai AirAsia expects profit to hit record/Chinese EV price cuts/7 billion baht for EV subsidies/Food waste a major contributor/KFC Thailand’s CMO/Form cannabis impact panel/Thai cannabis market worth billions/Tourism: TAT eyes 7.5% revenue growth/Luxury tourism niches/Boost appeal to Muslim tourists/Incentives for Chinese Airlines/International news/Links: Climate Thailand/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
Baht tipped to rise to 36.1 to the greenback
The baht could appreciate further to 36.1 to the U.S. dollar in the short term following recent gains to a one-month high on Monday, as weaker than expected U.S. economic data prompted the market to anticipate the Federal Reserve may start trimming U.S. interest rates in September.
The Thai currency led Asian currency gains, trading at 36.4 baht to the dollar on Monday morning, up 0.4% from Friday’s close of 36.58, as investors rushed to sell dollars after personal consumption expenditure (PCE) and core PCE pointed to cooling U.S. inflation. Continued …
Heavy rain and high waves forecast across Thailand
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning about the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, causing waves exceeding two meters and heavy rain across Thailand, including Bangkok and its vicinity, with thunderstorms expected in 60% of the area.
The TMD forecasts weather conditions for the next 24 hours, highlighting the impact of the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. This weather pattern is expected to result in thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in various regions of the country. Continued …
Bus routes to link airports
State-run bus operator Transport Co. will launch bus services to three major airports run by Airports of Thailand (AoT) and open ticketing offices in an effort to allow seamless travel to destinations in other provinces, the company announced on Monday.
The so-called feeder buses will serve mainly principal cities, tourism hotspots, and some secondary provinces, including Pattaya city in Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat, Nakhon Ratchasima and Hua Hin district in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Continued …
Baby twin elephants receive blessings from monks
The Royal Elephant Kraal Village in Ayutthaya’s Suan Prik subdistrict on Sunday hosted a merit-making ceremony to celebrate the world’s first twin elephants of different sexes reaching the age of one month. A 36-year-old elephant named Pang Jamjuree gave birth to male and female calves on the night of June 7. The male calf weighs in at 104.9kg and the female at 62.15kg. Both are showing healthy growth under the constant supervision of veterinarians and caretakers. (The Nation)
Minister Supamas Acts Swiftly Amid University Degree-Buying Scandal
In an effort to maintain academic respectability, Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi pledged to take immediate action over accusations of a private university purportedly trading degrees to rich students without requiring them to attend classes.
Whisperings surrounding this issue led to an announcement yesterday by Minister Supamas about the creation of a formal inquiry committee headed by the ministry’s Deputy Secretary, Supachai Pathumnakul. While the minister did not directly name the accused university, speculation is rife that it belongs to the city of Phitsanulok. Continued …
Latest True iService app unveiled
True Corp. has launched a new version of its True iService application powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to unify all of its services in one place, aiming to enhance customers’ digital life through the gateway concept.
Nititum Kovitgoolkri, head of the product and services division at True Corp., said the company aims to bolster its service and elevate the customer experience through development of True iService into a comprehensive digital service hub for customers. Continued …
Blaze Takes Lives of 21 Cats from Poor Woman, 5 Survive
A tragic fire broke out at 4-story commercial building in a residential area in Bangkok, late Sunday night, killing 21 cats that were under the care of a female traditional massage therapist.
Officials took 10 minutes to control the fire. There were no human injuries or fatalities. However, 21 cats on the second floor died. Officials managed to save five cats that had inhaled smoke. The owner cried, both saddened by the loss of the beloved cats and grateful that officials were able to save five of them. Continued …
Myanmar rebels flooding Thailand with meth
Armed ethnic groups are producing more illicit drugs to traffic in or through Thailand to finance their fight against the forces of the Myanmar government, a senior army officer said on Monday.
The Pha Muang Force had seized 151 million methamphetamine pills so far this fiscal year, a leap from 42 million in the same period last year. It also confiscated 256 kilograms of heroin and 1,350 kilograms of crystal meth, known as “ice”. Continued …
Missionaries Have Gone to Thailand for 200 years. Why Aren’t There More Christians?
In Asia, Thailand is the go-to location for Christian conferences. Thanks to its sunny weather, low cost of living, bountiful hotels, and close proximity to countries closed to missionaries, Thailand is often the gathering spot for missionaries and international evangelical organizations.
Though Theravada Buddhists make up about 93% of the population, the Thai government is open and accommodating to Christian groups, to the point where the country has become a popular spot for numerous mission agency headquarters. Continued …
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Russian man arrested with 300,000 baht in fake euros in Pattaya
Thailand’s economic recovery is uneven and stronger growth is needed, Bank of Thailand (BoT) governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput told a seminar.
Sethaput said Thailand’s potential economic growth rate of about 3% was not high enough. The central bank has forecast economic growth of 2.6% this year and 3% next year. Continued …
Thailand gears up for digital wallet launch: 10,000 Baht Payout Per Citizen
Thailand is preparing to launch an innovative digital wallet initiative, sponsored by the government, that aims to distribute 10,000 baht to every citizen. This move is part of a wider effort to stimulate economic growth by encouraging consumer spending within local markets.
Deputy Finance Minister Paopum Rojanasakul recently clarified details of the project timeline and addressed opposition concerns regarding potential misuse of funds and procedural delays. Continued …
PM to announce all details of digital wallet scheme on July 24
Prime Ministre Srettha Thavisin will announce the complete details of the government’s digital wallet handout scheme on July 24, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said.
The details will include the list of products that digital money recipients can buy and the dates when potential recipients and vendors can register to participate in the project, Paopoom said on Monday. Continued …
Path to Social Security’s survival mapped out
The Social Security Fund’s accumulated total is projected to reach 5 trillion baht by 2025, but this amount risks being drastically depleted by 2054 due to two major factors: increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates, leading to a shrinking workforce and low contribution rates.
The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) and the insured’s representatives are proposing such solutions as adjusting the criteria for old-age pensions, recalculating social security, raising the retirement age, modifying the contribution ceiling, and increasing the number of insured individuals in other categories to ensure the fund grows and remains solvent. Continued …
Political mindset crucial for Thai agriculture
Thailand needs a political mindset on agricultural policies to cope with the impacts of the changing landscape of markets, climate change, advanced technology, and aging population.
The need to rethink the way agriculture is handled comes as the Thai GDP expanded only 1.5% year on year in the first quarter, mainly due to the ongoing US-China trade war and the impact of geopolitical conflicts on the global economy, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council. Continued …
Thailand, Japan join hands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Thailand and Japan have partnered under the joint crediting mechanism (JCM) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote low-carbon technology to achieve goals set in the Paris Agreement.
Adopted in 2015, the international agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and work to reduce CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050. Continued …
Thai AirAsia expects 2024 core profit to hit record
Asia Aviation Plc, owner of Thailand’s biggest low-cost airline, expects record earnings from core operations this year, as a surge in overseas visitors boosts seat demand and airfares.
Thai AirAsia, the company’s 100%-owned budget airline unit, also intends to add more flights to China and India to capitalize on a boom in travel from its two biggest markets, Asia Aviation Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya said in a July 4 interview in Bangkok. Continued …
Chinese EV price cuts get official green light
The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) says price wars among electric vehicle (EV) dealerships do not violate the trade competition law, but rather foster competition.
Visanu Vongsinsirikul, secretary-general of the TCCT, said recent price slashing by Chinese EV brand BYD in Thailand is not considered a violation of the Trade Competition Act of 2017, as the product is not being sold below production costs. Continued …
Thai government seeks 7 billion baht for EV subsidies
The Thai government plans to request an additional 7 billion baht in funding to support the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). This effort aims to subsidize 35,000 EVs, with expectations for EV production facilities to compensate with 80,000 to 90,000 units in the first year. Over 30 automotive companies are participating in the initiative.
Previously, the department had already disbursed over 7 billion baht in subsidies, supporting 40,000 EVs. The total subsidy expenditure thus far amounts to around 14 billion baht. Continued …
Food waste a major contributor to global warming, Thai company trying change that
Over a billion metric tons of food is wasted each year. Food waste management is crucial — the issue currently contributes 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions at a time when 783 million people around the world face chronic hunger.
According to the most recent UN Environment Program’s Food Waste Index Report, about 28% of food waste is from food services. Now, one Thai company is trying to lower that statistic. Continued …
KFC Thailand’s CMO on local flair, innovation, and his recipe for success
Anyone in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry knows the term “quick” is a misnomer. Sure, the delivery is fast, but behind the scenes there is a meticulous strategy of pricing, adaptation, understanding local tastes and culture, and a commitment to long-term brand building.
Suhayl Limbada, the chief marketing officer at KFC Thailand, embodies this ethos, steering the brand through the complexities of a market renowned for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. Continued …
Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com
Government urged to form cannabis impact panel
Cannabis advocates are calling on the government to set up a committee to study the impacts of the plant before proceeding to relist it as a narcotic.
Prasitchai Nunual, secretary-general of the Writing Thai Cannabis’ Future group, which held a protest near Government House on Monday, said the study should cover physical health, mental health, its effects on society and its therapeutic benefits compared to tobacco and alcohol. Continued …
Recriminalization of hemp, pot would wipe out Thai cannabis market worth billions
More signals surfaced last week indicating Thailand is likely to reverse course on cannabis by shutting down a combined legal CBD and marijuana market projected to reach billions in value. A key drug committee passed a resolution that would limit products made from flowers of both marijuana and industrial hemp to medical applications that require a doctor’s prescription.
The country famously joined a trend toward 1.0% THC by dry weight allowable in hemp crops in 2019, setting a separate limit of 0.2% for food and cosmetics products. The country then removed all cannabis from its Narcotics Act and decriminalized cultivation and possession in December 2020, opening up the market for CBD and pot. Continued …
TAT eyes 7.5% revenue growth in 2025
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is targeting 7.5% revenue growth or 3.4 trillion baht in 2025, while private operators suggest offering subsidies for airfares to accelerate income.
During the TAT Action Plan 2025 meeting on Monday, board Chairman Natthriya Thaweevong said as the government aims to designate 2025 the “Thailand Grand Tourism Year”, the industry could be the fastest-growing sector among the eight pillars of the “Ignite Thailand” scheme. Continued …
Report pinpoints luxury tourism niches
As Asia-Pacific continues to be a growth engine for luxury travel, a new report from the Luxury Group by Marriott International has identified new expectations and travel preferences among wealthy travelers in the region.
Across Asia-Pacific, 68% of those surveyed are planning to spend more on leisure travel over the next 12 months. Some 74% of respondents are planning to travel within Asia-Pacific, and 88% are prioritizing gastronomy as the reason to travel. Continued …
Government keen to boost appeal to Muslim tourists
The government will continue to develop a strategy to turn Thailand into the region’s hub for halal tourism, according to spokesman Chai Wacharonke, adding Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered all tourism-related agencies to promote the country as a Muslim-friendly destination.
Chai’s statement on Monday came after Thailand came in fifth among non-OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries on the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) published by Crescent Rating and Mastercard, which ranks countries based on the conveniences they offer to Muslim travelers — including halal food options, travel environment and ease of accessing a place of worship. Continued …
Thailand Wants To Offer Incentives for Chinese Airlines
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is negotiating with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and Airports of Thailand (AOT) to increase the number of slots for flights from China to Thailand.
They are proposing incentives to encourage airlines to add more flights to secondary cities. If the number of slots is increased by only 10% in the fourth quarter, monthly tourist arrivals could exceed 1 million and the annual target of 8 million Chinese tourists could be reached. Continued …
Saudi Aramco Cuts Oil Prices for Asian Market Amid Demand Weakness
Saudi Aramco, the world’s top crude exporter, has cut prices for its oil grades to Asia for two consecutive months, signaling a perception of weak demand in its key market. The company reduced the official selling price for August shipments by $0.60 to $1.80 per barrel over the Oman/Dubai average, reflecting challenges faced by OPEC producers amid increasing supply from non-OPEC nations. Continued …
Singapore says yes to edible insects in boost to food security
Certain types of grasshoppers, moths and crickets could be appearing on Singapore’s supermarket shelves and restaurant tables after the government approved the import of insects and insect products for human consumption and animal feed. Continued …
Mother’s Day robe ceremony held at Wat Huay Mongkol
Experts give Srettha govt an ‘F’ for handling Thailand’s education crisis
84% of people would vote for new People’s Party tomorrow
Positioning Thailand as a hub for senior citizens to enjoy life post-retirement
Rice farmers to sue if water is drained into their rice fields
Thai Police Raid Chinese Factories: Hazardous Chemicals Found Again
Expert Warns Against ‘Hong Kong-ization’ of Thai Real Estate Market
Casino legalization bill moves forward
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu is not registered to pay taxes
Thailand targets 1 trillion baht milestone for crop revenue
Big jump in Phuket’s August tourist arrivals
Squid and Seafood Festival Aug 9-11
Thailand’s revolutionary plastic road
Alarm bells rung over growing trade deficit with China
SME factory closure jump spurs calls for state investment
Hyundai Mobility to churn out BEVs, batteries by 2026
Revolutionizing Plastic Waste Management in Thai Shopping Malls
Thailand emerges as AI and health tech innovation hub
Inward immigration may be the only thing that can halt Thailand’s economic decline
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Squid and Seafood Festival Aug 9-11
Fuel subsidies ‘only for the needy’ proposed
Srettha to discuss water management plan, as floods hit 11 provinces
Vietnam, Thailand among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies
Cebu Pacific unveils first direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai
How to Have the Time of Your Life in Thailand for Under $500
Ultimate guide to Transportation in Thailand
Thailand-China bond deepens over decades
New Apple Ad Criticized: Is It Intentionally Stereotyping Thailand?
Group sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs in Hua Hin
Tax measures for employers to cushion blow of wage increases
Bitec to host four trade shows this week
Thai PM Pledges Major Upgrades for Key Airports
Missionaries Have Gone to Thailand for 200 years. Why Aren’t There More Christians?
Path to Social Security’s survival mapped out
Thai government seeks 7 billion baht for EV subsidies
KFC Thailand’s CMO on local flair, innovation, and his recipe for success
