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Hua Hin Wine Expo/Hua Hin Marriott earns Awards/To intensify fruit and vegetable screening/Police arrest elderly gamblers/Cops bust luxury car scam/Crackdown on crypto laundering/Economy: Ministry growth goal at 3.5%/Manufacturing index slips/Thailand seeks OECD membership/More businesses registered in 2024/Digital ad outlay/Low oil prices give airlines hope/Gogolook’s new Thai HQ/Tourism: Medical Insurance Rules Confuse Tourists/Who pays for traveling tax/Airports of Thailand: 120 Million Passengers/High-Speed Rail Project Faces Delay/Lisa to usher in the New Year/Gatwick-Bangkok flights back on/Thailand Experience: The heart of Isan/Art, Food, And Culture Tours/Climate Thailand: Start-up sweeps up ocean plastic/EV Makers To Bet $20 Billion/International/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Hua Hin Wine Expo tomorrow, to feature 150+ labels

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Hua Hin Marriott earns four World Luxury Awards

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Thai FDA to intensify fruit and vegetable screening after toxic residues found

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to intensify the screening of fruits and vegetables for consumer safety. Following the detection of 50 types of toxic residues in Shine Muscat grapes, there has been growing concern over the safety of imported produce among Thai consumers.

Thai-PAN (Pesticide Alert Network) revealed on Oct. 24 that an analysis of 24 samples from 15 locations in Greater Bangkok showed contamination with seven to 18 types of toxic residues, with 23 samples exceeding legal limits for up to six toxins. Continued …

Bangkok police arrest elderly group for gambling

Police in Bangkok arrested a group of elderly people for illegal gambling, seizing 200 baht in cash and other gambling paraphernalia. The raid, prompted by complaints about parked vehicles blocking traffic, saw an 80-year-old among the detainees engaging in a friendly game of chance with peers.

Police launched a raid on a townhouse in the Thung Khru district yesterday. The operation, initiated after a tip-off about suspicious activity, resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal gambling activities. Continued …

Cops shift gears to bust Thai luxury car scam

In a story more fitting for a Jason Statham heist movie, police finally cracked a high-rolling car scam, seizing a £6.5 million (285 million baht) stash of stolen luxury motors, including a jaw-dropping £220,000 (9.65 million baht) Lamborghini Huracan Spyder.

These wheels were fraudulently whisked away from Britain and shipped to Thailand eight years ago but now they’re coming home, destined to be reunited with their rightful owners. Continued …

SEC cracks down on crypto laundering in Thailand

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has thrown down the gauntlet, demanding digital asset operators report suspicious transactions as part of a crackdown on crypto money-laundering scams.

This action follows hot on the heels of accusations against iCon Group, a direct sales outfit allegedly involved in laundering dirty money through the stablecoin USDT. The Department of Special Investigation is digging deep, having already swooped in to seize the company’s assets amid fears of sneaky money laundering using digital currencies. Continued …

Ministry pegs growth goal at 3.5%

The Finance Ministry has set a lofty economic growth target of 3.5% for next year. In his keynote speech at the CEO Econmass Awards 2024, organized by the Economic Reporters Assn. on Wednesday, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said the growth rate next year is expected to be about 10% higher than this year, potentially reaching 3%.

“This 3% rate does not take into account the opportunities or potential Thailand has. Historically, Thailand’s GDP has grown as high as 5%-6%,” said Pichai. Continued …

Manufacturing index slips in September

Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) fell by 3.5% year-on-year to 92.4 points in September, due mainly to sluggish car and construction industries, while the outcome of the U.S. presidential election may pose a fresh challenge in this year’s final quarter, says the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE).

The decline in September led to the MPI dropping in the third quarter by 1.2% year-on-year to 94.7 points, with capacity utilization standing at 58.2%. Continued …

Thailand seeks OECD membership for global economic standing

Thailand aims to elevate its global standing by seeking membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as announced by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

This move highlights the country’s strategic alignment with the OECD’s objectives, further underscored by the formal launch of Thailand’s OECD accession process. Continued …

Thailand sees more businesses registered in 2024, but less capital

The Business Development Department saw the registration of 69,686 new businesses in the first nine months of this year, the department’s chief said on Wednesday. Oramon Sapthaweetham, the department’s director-general, said 1,021, or 1.49% more, businesses had registered this year compared to the same period last year.

Registered capital, however, was 285.89 billion baht or 57.8% less compared to last year, she said. The combined capital of the newly registered businesses as of September came in at 208.48 billion baht, Oramon added. Continued …

Digital ad outlay projected to exceed Bt30 billion this year

Digital ad spending is forecast to surpass 30 billion baht this year as Thais embrace the digital lifestyle. The Digital Advertising Association of Thailand and Kantar Insights Thailand, a marketing data and analytics company, released the Thailand Digital Ad Spending Report for mid-year 2024.

Digital ad spending is projected to reach 33.8 billion baht this year, marking 16% growth, according to the report. However, the overall marketing budget for both offline and online platforms may remain flat or increase in line with the inflation rate, said Paruj Daorai, president of the association. Continued …

Low oil prices give airlines hope for 2025

Rising supply chain costs still hamper the aviation industry, even though airlines should benefit from cheaper oil prices until next year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Marie Owens Thomsen, senior vice president of sustainability and chief economist at IATA, said the profitability of airlines next year should improve, thanks to lower oil and jet fuel prices. Continued …

Gogolook to use new Thai HQ to expand within the region

Taiwan’s Gogolook, the developer of the Whoscall app, has opened a headquarters in Thailand as part of the company’s expansion strategy in Southeast Asia, capitalizing on a forecast that the global anti-scam industry will be worth US129 billion in 2029.

“We selected Thailand for our second headquarters to increase staff here and use the country to expand in Southeast Asia,” said Jeff Kuo, co-founder and chief executive of Gogolook. The Thailand office will manage the company’s global marketing and business development. Continued …

Thailand’s Medical Insurance Rules Confuse Tourists

Recent events have highlighted a pressing issue that has left some tourists in Thailand perplexed: medical insurance coverage. Jonathon Cobb, a 28-year-old tourist from the UK, uncovered this muddle firsthand.

While traveling in Pattaya, Cobb suffered a severe accident after falling from a motorcycle, resulting in a broken arm and facial injuries. Under the impression that the Thai government offered free medical treatment to foreigners holding tourist visas, he sought assistance, only to find out otherwise. Continued …

Who needs to pay for Thailand’s new traveling tax in 2025

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry has announced plans to implement a travel tax of 300 baht (approximately US$8.88) for air passengers starting in mid-2025. This new tax, referred to as a “traveling tax”, is set to be submitted to the cabinet for approval in January 2025, with implementation anticipated six months later.

The tax will primarily affect foreign air travelers, who account for around 70% of all arrivals in the country. The funds collected will be used to purchase insurance for foreign visitors, while the remainder will contribute to a tourism development fund aimed at enhancing tourist facilities, including accessibility improvements and public restroom upgrades. Continued …

Airports of Thailand: 120 Million Passengers in Fiscal 2024

Airports of Thailand (AoT) recently reported a significant rise in air traffic, marking nearly 120 million passengers during the last fiscal year ending Sept. 30. This figure represents a 19% increase compared to the prior year, showcasing a strong recovery for the aviation industry post-pandemic.

AoT manages six major airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Mae Fah Luang in Chiang Rai, and Krabi. Of the total passengers recorded, 72.6 million were international travelers, a 34.8% increase, while domestic flyers marginally rose by 1%, amounting to 46.6 million. Continued …

High-Speed Rail Project Linking Airports Faces New Delay

The ambitious high-speed rail project connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports has hit another delay, stemming from disagreements within the coalition government.

The proposed revisions to the contract need the coalition partners’ approval, but according to sources from the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, internal disagreement has caused a stall in progress. Continued …

Lisa to usher in the New Year at ‘Amazing Thailand’ countdown event

Lisa, the global K-pop sensation from Blackpink, is set to headline the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025” at ICONSIAM in Bangkok. The event, scheduled for Dec. 29-31, promises a spectacular celebration of Thai culture and international artistry.

ICONSIAM officially announced on Wednesday a highly anticipated performance by “Lisa”, an iconic artist who has elevated Thailand’s profile internationally and inspired fans worldwide. Continued …

British Airways’ Gatwick-Bangkok flights back on

British Airways has relaunched its direct flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok. The inaugural flight, BA 2231, took to the skies from Gatwick Tuesday, making a touchdown at Suvarnabhumi Internationa Airport yesterday afternoon.

British Airways has now rolled out three weekly flights until March 30, 2025, and there’s even more on the horizon, with plans to stretch services until April 26. And when things get busy? Expect a fourth and fifth weekly flight. Continued …

Experience the heart of Isan

Jim Thompson Farm 2024: Isan Calling invites everyone to experience a once-a-year celebration across its sprawling 600-rai grounds, offering a complete immersion into Isan culture from Dec. 7 to Jan. 1, in Nakhon Ratchasima.

This year, Jim Thompson Farm presents “Isan Calling” as its theme, inviting visitors to reconnect with Isan roots and reunite after nearly a year apart. Transformed into an Isan Culture Oasis, the Farm promises an unforgettable celebration in a unique setting that captures the heart and soul of Isan. Continued …

Unmissable Art, Food, And Culture Tours In Bangkok

Exploring Bangkok through its art, food, and culture tours provides a richly immersive way to experience Thailand’s bustling capital. From exploring street art in hip neighborhoods to tasting the sizzling flavors of authentic Thai street food and marveling at centuries-old temples, these tours create a memorable journey through the city’s essence.

Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, Bangkok’s top tours provide an authentic experience that reveals the heartbeat of this dynamic metropolis. Here’s a guide to the top tours that will ensure a memorable experience in Bangkok. Continued …

Start-up sweeps up Thai ocean plastic

As a long-tail boat arrives at a fishing village on the southern Thai island of Koh Chang, residents gather to sell their wares — not seafood, but plastic. The villagers, members of the semi-nomadic Moken people, are selling to Tide, a start-up attempting to create new value from old plastic collected from or near the sea.

Recyclers have long scooped up some of the over six million tons of plastic that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates enters the ocean each year. But Tide works directly with everyone in the process, from collectors in remote Thai fishing villages to carpet manufacturers in the Netherlands. Continued …

EV Makers To Bet $20 Billion On South And Southeast Asia

The building of an electric car industry in South and Southeast Asia (SSEA) will be expensive. It will involve execution risk typical for cross-border expenditure, where entities will try to anticipate shifting policies over long investment horizons. And yet, we anticipate the creation of the EV sector in SSEA will be somewhat credit positive, particularly for the Chinese car firms.

S&P Global Ratings estimates rated carmakers will be spending more than US$20 billion building electric vehicle (EV) production in this region for the next few years. The expansion will likely enhance the business strength of some rated entities. Continued …

North Korea fires intercontinental ballistic missile

North Korea said today that it test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile in the morning on the orders of leader Kim Jong Un, with the test demonstrating the credibility of the country’s “most powerful strategic deterrent.” Continued …

UN Envoy Warns Myanmar Is In Crisis

The UN special envoy for Myanmar warned that the Southeast Asian nation is in crisis, with conflict escalating, criminal networks “out of control” and human suffering at unprecedented levels. Continued …

Canada links Indian minister to murder plots

Indian Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah authorized a wave of violence across Canada that included extortion and homicides, a senior Canadian government official has said. Continued …

EU imposes tariffs on China EVs, risking retaliation

The European Union (EU) has imposed higher tariffs peaking at 45% on electric vehicles (EVs) from China, ratcheting up trade tensions between the world’s leading export powers, paving the way for threats of Chinese retaliation and auto-industry pleas to avoid escalation. Continued …

Spain races to save victims as floods kill 95

Spain braced for a heavier human toll on Wednesday after 95 people died in flash floods that launched muddy waters through towns, tossed cars and wreaked transport havoc. Rescuers were expected to find more bodies in the European country’s deadliest flood in more than 50 years. Continued …