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Tuesday’s news-Sept 10

September 10, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News 2 Comments

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Hua Hin releases annual report/Rabies eradication on PKK agenda,Elephant statues to decorate Hua Hin/Severe rainfall warning/Muzzled 10 Dogs With Tape/Halt Dog Sacrifice Ritual/Squabble over pets escalates to murder/Record number of medals at Paralympics/Breaking taboos in Thailand/Medical Cannabis Act/Economy: Thailand government’s policy statement/PM Promises Immediate Stimulus/Digital wallet to start this month/All restrictions on digital wallet lifted/Businesses expect revenues to rise/Thailand’s proposed mega projects/Three casino resorts in Bangkok/Positive news for construction sector/Bang Khun Thian land reclamation/Economy has passed its lowest point/Thai chicken export factories/Thai jewelry exports surge/Anadaman pier upgrades/MR. D.I.Y. kicks off IPO/Tourism: European travelers a driving force/World’s most overcrowded destination/Why eSIMs Are the Best Choice/Tourists ignore red flags in drownings/Thailand Experience: A golfer’s paradise/Millions of shrimp ‘marching’/Celebration of faith and merit/Climate Thailand: Hydro power plants in development/Environmental preservation index/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

Severe rainfall warning issued for 34 Thai provinces tomorrow

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for severe rainfall in 34 provinces tomorrow, urging residents to be cautious of potential flash floods and landslides. The warning highlights the risk due to heavy and very heavy rain expected in various regions.

TMD reported that the northern region will experience significant rainfall in provinces such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, and Tak. In the northeastern region, heavy rain is expected in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom. Continued …

Pattaya: Search For Culprit Who Muzzled 10 Dogs With Tape

Authorities are searching for an unknown individual who bound the mouths of 10 dogs with adhesive tape in Soi 12, Pattaya-Naklua Road, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Some of the dogs were also seen with plastic bottles hanging around their necks. Local residents speculate that the muzzling was due to the dogs’ loud barking and aggressive behavior toward tourists. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the dogs had been walking and lying along the streets with their mouths taped shut. The security guards in the area stated that although these dogs are usually looked after by someone, they remain muzzled day and night, with the tape only removed when someone comes to feed them. (aseannow.com)

Hope Thailand Intervenes to Halt Dog Sacrifice Ritual in Nan

Hope Thailand, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals, has intervened to stop a ritualistic dog sacrifice in the northern province of Nan. The tradition planned in Ban Huai Klaeb, Song Khwae district, was set for Sunday. However, thanks to action by Hope Thailand, the event was called off.

The turn of events began when a concerned individual uncovered the ritual plans via social media. Alarmed, the person reached out to Hope Thailand, seeking assistance. The organization swiftly fact-checked the report, confirming its authenticity. Continued …

Squabble over pets escalates to murder, suicide

A months-long dispute over two pets, a dog and a cat, culminated in a retired army officer shooting dead his neighbor and then ending his own life, in Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thanion Monday morning.

Police were called to a housing estate in tambon Khlong Sam. They found two bodies, one Col. Jaruchart Jarupan, aged 64, and the other, Saowagul Sasadoh, 53. The woman’s 30-year-old son was also injured, with a bullet wound to his left hand. Continued …

Thailand won record number of medals at the 2024 Paralympics

Thai athletes won 30 medals, ranking 21st on the medal table when the games ended on Sunday. Thai’s secured 6 golds, 11 silvers and 13 bronzes. This is a new record for Thailand, marking their highest medal count since joining the Paralympics.

Thailand exceeded expectations by winning more gold medals than at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where they won 5. Continued …

International Literacy Day breaking taboos in Thailand

Yesterday marked International Literacy Day, an event recognized by UNESCO to emphasize the role of literacy in personal development and societal participation. Literacy plays a crucial role in accessing knowledge and shaping futures. At the Danish Embassy in Thailand, efforts are being made to support education and empowerment through reading.

This spring, the Danish Embassy in Thailand, in collaboration with @BarefootBanana, released the first Thai translation of the Danish book “Det er bare blod” (It’s Just Blood) by Louise T. Sjørvad and Jette Sandbæk. The book addresses menstruation, a topic often surrounded by cultural taboos in Thailand. Menstruation is frequently viewed as unclean, despite being a natural biological process. Continued …

Medical Cannabis Act will be passed, Anutin says

Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday expressed confidence that the new government will continue pushing the act that allows the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

“We (the Bhumjaithai Party) have proposed the draft act to the prime minister and are waiting to see if it will be included in the policy statement to be delivered next week,” said Anutin, who is also the Bhumjaithai leader. Continued …

Key points of new Thailand government’s policy statement

Thailand’s new government published a policy statement on Sunday that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will deliver to parliament at a session from Thursday marking the formal start of her administration.

Following are key points of the statement from Paetongtarn, who has said her government will prioritize stimulating Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy while continuing with the policies of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin. Continued …

Thailand’s PM Promises Immediate Economic Stimulus

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized her commitment to stimulating Thailand’s economy immediately, aiming to continue the policies of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Following Srettha’s removal for ethical violations, Paetongtarn held a cabinet meeting to prepare new policy proposals for parliament’s two-day session starting Thursday.

At her first press conference, she stated her administration would focus on issues like debt restructuring and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in agriculture and tourism. However, she remained vague regarding adjustments to the controversial digital wallet scheme, which proposed cash handouts to millions of Thais. Continued …

Digital wallet handout to start this month

About 14.5 million state welfare cardholders and people with disabilities are expected to receive a 10,000-baht digital wallet handout after Sept. 20, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said on Monday.

“By the end of September, we will offer the digital wallet to 13.5 million state welfare cardholders and 2.2 million people with disabilities,” he said, adding that some people with disabilities also have state welfare cards. – The Nation

All restrictions on spending of digital wallet scheme lifted

About 14 million disabled and vulnerable Thai people will each receive 10,000 baht in cash under the “digital wallet” scheme this month, while the remaining 30 million people will receive the cash in two payments.

The first 5,000 baht will be in cash and the remainder in “digital money”, to be distributed next year, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Continued …

Thailand-based businesses expect revenues to rise sharply over next 3 years

Business sentiment in Thailand is on a rise after a new government has been put in place and all sectors are witnessing a resurgence in prospects of growth.

One big indicator has been the continued rise of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), which has risen by more than 141 points since August 16, when Paetongtarn Shinawatra won the mandate in the parliament to be 31st prime minister, has seen the SET Index rise of about 11% and overall sentiment has returned to being positive. Continued …

Thailand’s proposed mega projects: weighing the costs

Three economists have spoken out in favor of the government’s three mega-projects – the land bridge, entertainment complexs and land reclamation – which they regard as positive momentum for Thailand’s economy, but also point to the need for careful evaluation of all the options.

Pipat Luangnaruemitchai, managing director and chief economist of Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP), says that allowing private sector investment without subsidies or income compensation for entertainment complexes would positively impact the economy by attracting substantial foreign capital and driving long-term economic growth, but says he’s concerned about the potential “moral” considerations. Continued …

Thailand targeting three casino resort developments in Bangkok

Thailand’s newly appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to call for the development of up to seven integrated casino resorts nationwide as part of her efforts to boost the economy, including three in Bangkok, according to local media reports.

The update, which is sure to attract the attention of the world’s largest IR operators, follows publication on Sunday of a policy statement that Paetongtarn will deliver to Parliament later this week. Continued …

Proposed mega projects positive news for construction sector

Stocks in the construction industry will undoubtedly benefit from the government’s land bridge, Bang Khun Thian land reclamation and entertainment complex projects, with Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction (STEC), CH Karnchang (CK), and Italian-Thai Development (ITD), all of which have consistently demonstrated their capacity to manage large-scale construction projects, well-positioned to bid for contracts, Thai brokers say.

Ratasak Piriyanont, senior executive director at Kasikorn Securities, said the land bridge project is viewed as a positive for both industrial estate and construction stocks, including those of CK, STEC, and ITD. Continued …

Concerns raised at proposed Bang Khun Thian land reclamation project

Real estate experts have voiced their concerns about the proposed land reclamation in the Gulf of Thailand, urging the government to conduct a thorough study before releasing a comprehensive plan.

Proposed by former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, the Bang Khun Thian land reclamation project involves the construction of nine islands in the Gulf of Thailand. While some regard it as a significant mega-project for national investment, it has faced opposition due to concerns about environmental damage and the impact on local ecosystems. Continued …

FETCO: Thai economy has passed its lowest point

Kobsak Pootrakool, chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations (FETCO), says the outlook for Thailand’s economy in the fourth quarter of 2024 is to improve steadily from late September going forward.

He says the overall economy remains on track, with GDP projected to grow by around 3%, indicating that Thailand’s economy is beginning to recover, similar to the global economy. Continued …

China gives nod to three more Thai chicken export factories

China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) has approved three additional Thai chicken export factories, bringing the total number of certified and registered factories in Thailand to 26.

In 2023, Thailand exported frozen poultry products to China worth 16.9 billion baht. The trend continued into 2024, with exports exceeding 8 billion baht in the first half of the year. The department anticipates that the total value of frozen poultry exports to China in 2024 will exceed 18 billion baht. Continued …

Thai jewelry exports surge 6.65% to $5.1 billion in first 7 months

Thai exports of jewelry and gems in the first seven months of this year rose 6.65% from the same period last year to US$5.103 billion (172.78 billion baht), the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT) announced on Monday.

That figure excluded gold ornaments. With the addition of gold ornaments, the export value from January to July was $9.301 billion, up 13.86% from last year. Continued …

Thailand to ramp up Anadaman pier upgrades

The Transport Ministry has ordered the Marine Department to expedite its projects to improve maritime connectivity across the Andaman Sea provinces in an effort to boost economic activities in the region.

According to Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, the 740-million-baht project is a key part of a new push initiated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit to improve the region’s logistics infrastructure and boost tourism. Continued …

MR. D.I.Y. kicks off IPO listing process

MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand), a fast-growing general home improvement and lifestyle retailer, has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for an initial public offering (IPO).

Bualuang Securities and CIMB Thai Bank have been appointed as financial advisers to proceed with the listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Continued …

European travelers remain a driving force for Thailand’s tourism industry

With travel back in full swing, Thailand has set itself the goal of attracting 40 million tourists this year, looking to achieve 3.5 trillion baht in tourism revenue. With promising figures in the year so far, the Southeast Asian country is well on track to achieve, and possibly even exceed, the goal.

In the first quarter of the year, 9.4 million foreign tourists visited Thailand and, by July 31, it reached the half benchmark of 20 million. However, with the high season yet to come in November and December, the outlook for year-end numbers seems more than promising. Continued …

World’s most overcrowded destination has over 100 tourists per resident

One of the best parts of booking a holiday away is experiencing some of the world’s most beautiful destinations – but this can be ruined if you don’t plan ahead, and end up sharing your relaxing getaway with hundreds of other tourists, all trying to do the exact same thing as you.

Post-pandemic, millions of holidaymakers are making up for lost time by jetting across the globe to experience the best of what the world has to offer, which has led to some stunning locations becoming a little overcrowded. Continued …

Why eSIMs Are the Best Choice for Travelers in Thailand

Traveling to Thailand in 2024? Staying connected is easier and more affordable than ever with eSIM technology. Gone are the days of fumbling with physical SIM cards. With an eSIM, you can activate a local network with just a few taps on your device.

This modern solution offers travelers unmatched convenience and flexibility, making it the best choice for anyone visiting Thailand. Continued …

Tourists ignore red flags, involved in drowning incidents at Kata, Karon

Two foreign tourists were involved in separate drowning incidents at Kata and Karon beaches on Phuket Sunday after ignoring red no swimming flags and entering the water. Continued … https://www.thephuketnews.com/tourists-ignore-red-flags-involved-in-drowning-incidents-at-kata-karon-93594.php

Why the south of Thailand is a golfer’s paradise

If you want to know what it’s like to play golf in paradise, then southern Thailand may be the place for you. Hitting the fairways in this lush locale is a dream for golfers. It combines beautiful beaches and gorgeous sunsets with a fantastic mix of challenging and fun courses, and it’s all wrapped up in that world-renowned Thai hospitality.

Golf in the south of the country is divided across two main areas – Phuket in the west and Koh Samui in the east. Phuket’s vibrant mix of luxury resorts, lively nightlife, and stunning beaches make it an ideal destination for those seeking both challenging rounds of golf and exciting off-course activities. Continued …

Tourists flock to witness rare phenomenon of millions of shrimp ‘marching’

A unique natural event is drawing tourists from Ubon Ratchathani and nearby provinces to witness millions of freshwater shrimp, including the rare giant river prawn, marching from the river’s end to their spawning grounds in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range. This phenomenon, occurring between late August and the end of September each year, is one of a kind in the world.

The shrimp make their way upstream from the Kaeng Lam Duan area in the Yod Dome Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Dom Pradit subdistrict, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani, to their breeding sites on the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, which forms a natural border between Thailand and Cambodia. Continued …

Salak Yorm: a celebration of faith and merit

Each September, the tranquil province of Lamphun in northern Thailand springs to life with the vibrant Salak Yorm Festival, a cherished celebration of spiritual devotion led by Yong women.

While Yong men traditionally enter the monkhood for three months, the women express their deep connection to Buddhism through elaborate rituals, centered on towering trees adorned with intricate offerings. Continued …

Top five hydro power plants in development in Thailand

Hydro capacity accounted for 15.4% of total power plant installations globally in 2023, according to GlobalData, with total recorded hydro capacity of 1,407GW. This is expected to contribute 10.9% by the end of 2030, with capacity of installations aggregating up to 1,562GW.

Of the total global hydro capacity, 0.29% is in Thailand. Listed below are the five largest upcoming hydro power plants by capacity in Thailand, according to GlobalData’s power plants database. Continued …

Thailand scores low on environmental preservation index

Thailand’s potential for environmental preservation fell from 87th to 91st this year, according to the recent Environmental Performance Index (EPI).

The report, which surveyed 180 countries and territories, was published by Yale University’s Center for Environmental Law & Policy and Columbia University’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network. Continued …

46 confirmed dead, 22 still missing in Vietnam after Typhoon Yagi

Typhoon Yagi and floodings and landslides triggered by heavy downpours have killed 46 people, and 22 people remained missing in the northern region as of yesterday. Only nine were dead during the storm, while floods claimed 53 and landslides claimed six people in the days after the storm passed. Continued …

Australia plans social media ban for children

Australia said today it planned to introduce legislation this year to ban children from using social media platforms, citing the risks it could pose to physical and mental health. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his center-left government would begin an age verification trial over the next few months. Continued …

South korea begins robot delivery service as food delivery app

Yogiyo, a South Korean food delivery app, has officially launched the country’s first robot delivery service. The self-driving delivery robots will operate within a 1.2-kilometer radius of participating restaurants, delivering food to locations such as apartment complexes, universities and office buildings. Continued …

China opens up medical sector, manufacturing to foreign ownership

China will allow wholly foreign-owned hospitals to be set up in several major cities, and let foreign investors offer human stem cell and gene therapy services in pilot free-trade zones, as part of efforts to bring back foreign investment and stabilize growth. Continued …

Bus Tickets

Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule May 3-Aug 31

FD901: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
10:20 – 11:50
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
12:20 – 13:35

FD900: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Chiang Mai – Hua Hin
09:00 – 10:30
Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
11:00 – 12:15

Hua Hin train schedule

To book online

Van/minibus service at Market Village

Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:

Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)

The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.

90-day online reporting

Emergency hotline numbers:

Emergency hotline – 191
Emergency medical services – 1554
Water accident – 1196
Motorway hotline – 1586
Emergency medical – 1669
Highway police – 1193
Tourist police – 1155
Bus ticket – 1490
Department of Highways – 1586

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Wednesday’s news-June 5

June 5, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News 2 Comments

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Today’s news: Thailand to tax expats’ foreign income/No need for Covid boosters/Heavy rain and flash floods/Stiffer drunk-driving penalties/Best eSIM providers/Jurassic World 4/Bangkok to end to smoking at schools/Thailand’s weed dilemma/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Nearly 15 Million Entitled To Digital Wallet/Move to Legalize Casinos/Experts divided over casino/Global tax from multinational firms/Shippers fear rising freight rates/New state company to run provincial airports/Tourism: New Tax Measures/Visa Waiver Approved for EU/Thailand Experience: Durian: A delicious devil/Thailand on a Budget or in Style/Climate Thailand: Today’s Thai environmental news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Thailand to tax expats’ foreign income irrespective of remittance

The Revenue Department of Thailand will amend a law to tax individuals with foreign income, even if that income is not brought into Thailand.

Director-General of the Revenue Department, Kulaya Tantitemit, stated that the current tax law mandates individuals residing in Thailand for over 180 days per year to pay taxes on foreign income if it is brought into the country. Continued …

No need for Covid boosters

Most people do not need to get a booster against the latest strain of Covid-19, except for vulnerable groups and the unvaccinated, as the symptoms are relatively mild and the vaccine must be paid for, according to virologist Yong Poovorawan.

Dr. Yong, from the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, said the severity of the virus has consistently decreased, similar to other respiratory illnesses, thanks to the high levels of vaccinations and herd immunity. Continued …

Heavy rain and flash floods expected in 37 Thai provinces

Heavy rain is expected to hit 37 provinces across Thailand today, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warning of potential flash floods and sudden water surges, including in Bangkok. The forecast predicts that 60% of these areas will experience significant rainfall today and tomorrow.

The TMD issued a 24-hour weather forecast, indicating that the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, upper Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is strengthening. Additionally, a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin is contributing to the adverse weather conditions. Continued …

Calls mount for stiffer drunk-driving penalties

Authorities are pushing to increase the penalties for drunk drivers who cause injuries and road accidents.

The Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation (DDD) recently filed a petition to a House committee studying the Alcohol Control Act amendment, demanding more severe punishment for those charged with offenses related to driving under the influence, committee Chairman Wisarn Techatheerawat said on Tuesday. Continued …

Best eSIM providers and plans in Thailand

An eSIM is a digital version of the traditional SIM card. So, instead of it being a physical object that you need to insert into your device, eSIMs are software that you can simply install. Therefore, you should indeed consider them if you plan to travel to Thailand.

Some of the great benefits that you can enjoy with eSIM Thailand plans are high-speed Internet connections, swift activation, keeping your phone number, no need to sign a contract and no roaming costs. Continued …

Three Thai national parks could be filming locations for Jurassic World 4

The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department is expected to take a few days to consider a request from the production team of “Jurassic World 4”, the latest film the Jurassic Park franchise, to use three national parks as locations.

The department’s director-general, Atthaphon Charoenchansa, said the Hollywood production has already submitted its detailed plan for the use of the locations between June 17 and 28, which include the Kradan Island and Morakot cave in the Hat Chao Mai National Park in Trang province, Huai To waterfall in Khao Phanom Benja National Park in Krabi and Tapu, Nakha and Song Phi Nong islands in Phang-nga Bay National Park in Phang-nga province. Drones will also be used during the shoot, he added. Continued …

Bangkok governor orders end to any smoking at schools

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt announced a campaign to eradicate smoking and vaping from schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). This initiative focuses intensely on preventing cigarette and e-cigarette use among children and youth and builds on annual anti-smoking efforts.

The newly issued five strict orders in the campaign include: Continued …

American, Russian Men Die In Falls From Pattaya Hotel, Condo

An American man fell to his death from the seventh floor of a hotel in Pattaya early yesterday morning, while a Russian man plunged to his death from the 29th floor of a 35-story condo at noon yesterday.

At 6 am, Police Maj. Wutinan Kongdee, an inspector at Pattaya city police station, was alerted to a guest at a hotel in Thappraya Soi 15, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, having fallen from a high floor and quickly went there with a police team and some rescuers to investigate. Continued …

Man trampled by elephant while foraging in Nam Nao Park

A 61-year-old man lost his life after being trampled by an elephant while foraging for mushrooms in Nam Nao National Park. This incident marks the second fatal elephant attack in the area this year, with the animal believed to be a protective mother startled by the man’s presence.

Police investigator Pichet Thonglor, on duty at Nam Nao Police Station in Phetchabun Province, received a report yesterday about a fatal elephant attack on a local within the park’s forest. Continued …

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

King cobra nest discovered in Hat Yai rubber plantation

A team of southern herpetologists and rescue workers recently discovered a king cobra’s nest in a rubber plantation in Hat Yai. They plan to incubate the eggs before releasing the hatchlings into the wild.

Upon arrival, the rescue team found a large king cobra consuming a lesser snake beside its nest. They waited for the cobra to finish its meal before attempting to capture it. The process took approximately 13 minutes due to the snake’s aggressive nature and protective instinct over the eggs. The captured cobra measured 3.10 meters in length and was placed in a sack for relocation. Continued …

Thailand’s weed legalization dilemma

When cannabis or ganja was legalized (the plant was removed from the illicit drugs list) in 2022 by the Prayut Chan-o-cha government, this led to mass confusion, whereby the public misunderstood and perceived it as “liberalization”. This resulted in widespread and unregulated cannabis consumption.

Internationally, cannabis use is generally divided into two categories: either medical/non-medical or recreational/non-recreational. However, in Thailand, there are three categories for cannabis use: medical, recreational, and others. The last category is problematic due to its ambiguity, which cannot be classified as medical or recreational. Continued …

Somsak: Relisting cannabis will weed out bad actors

Relisting cannabis as a narcotic will make it easier to control the use of the plant for positive purposes such as medicinal use, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said on Tuesday.

The government aims to allow cannabis to be used for medicinal purposes, to promote good health and to stimulate the economy, he said. He was responding to growing calls by pro-cannabis groups and political parties for a law to control its use rather than blacklisting it completely. Continued …

Thai lifeguards nab American phone thief at Kata Beach – Continued …
Russian Tourist Detained for Disruptive Behaviour in Phuket Hotel – Continued …
Burmese Man Arrested After Fatal Stabbing in Thailand Grocery Store – Continued …

Nearly 15 Million ‘Fragile’ People Entitled To Digital Wallet by September

Officially named as “fragile” types of people, nearly 15 million nationwide will be entitled to the 10,000-baht, digital wallet handout project before fiscal 2024 ends, government spokesperson Chai Wacharong confirmed yesterday.

The 14.98 million “fragile” Thai nationals who may currently hold state welfare cards will be the first recipients to the 10,000-baht digital wallet to be handed out within the end of September, which marks the end of the current fiscal year, while other categories of recipients totaling some 35 million will have to wait until the fourth quarter of this year or during October and December, according to the government spokesperson. Continued …

Thailand Moves to Legalize Casinos

Thailand is preparing to introduce a bill to legalize casinos, aiming to create large entertainment zones to attract more tourists and generate additional state revenue.

This move is part of a broader strategy to position Thailand as a premier tourism hub. A government spokesman, Chai Wacharonke, confirmed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed the finance ministry to draft the necessary legislation. Continued …

Experts divided over Thailand successfully creating an attractive casino environment

Top experts are divided about the potential for Thailand to successfully move forward with an effective, realistic, and long-lasting casino industry, which will be attractive to top international gaming operators.

In the short term, industry analyst Daniel Cheng opines that “legislation could even happen as soon as early next year”. Cheng notes that the current government “would like to see the fruits of pushing this legislation, construction and opening when they are still in government,” however, he notes that “that’s a bit of a stretch”. Continued …

Thailand readies bill to collect global tax from multinational firms

The Finance Ministry will have a global minimum tax bill ready for Cabinet approval within two weeks, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said on Tuesday.

He added that the bill, once enacted, will help the Revenue Department collect up to 20 billion baht more from multinational enterprises every year. Continued …

Shippers fear rising freight rates could dent exports in H2

A group of shippers is concerned rising freight rates could potentially impact exports in the second half.

The group plans to propose to the Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee on Commerce, which includes the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), that it address the issue of high costs. Continued …

New state company to run provincial airports

Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) is studying the creation of a subsidiary to operate small airports to be handed over by the loss-ridden Department of Airports under the government’s plan to stabilize state coffers.

AoT President Kirati Kijmanawat said on Tuesday the planned subsidiary would be directly under AoT, with the parent company and Vayupak funds among the main shareholders. It would not be open to private investors because its operations will involve state assets. Continued …

New Tax Measures to Boost Tourism

The Thai government has introduced new tax measures to invigorate the tourism sector during the low season. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul confirmed that these incentives will run from May to November, aiming to stimulate domestic travel and improve the economy.

The initiatives include tax deductions for companies hosting conventions and seminars, encouraging more business-related travel within the country. Continued …

Visa Waiver Approved for EU Official Passport Holders

Thai Cabinet has approve a draft ministerial regulation on visa exemption for holders of EU official passports.

The deputy government spokesperson said that on March 7, 2023, the Cabinet approved an agreement between the government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the European Union on the recognition of laissez-passer, i.e. the recognition of travel documents issued by the European Union (EU) as full travel documents for EU officials traveling to Thailand. Continued …

The Mall Group joins 35 organizations to form tourism ecosystem

The Mall Group marches forward to join forces with their various tourism industry partners, including hotels, airlines, international payment platforms, travel websites, and others, to form a Tourism Ecosystem and expand the Tourism Network.

This aims to attract foreign tourists, which the latest expansion has seen the partnering with 16 leading airlines, international payment platforms, and leading international travel websites to offer experiences and special privileges, beyond any other offers for foreign tourists, at The Mall Group’s department store. Continued …

Durian and how it can be a delicious devil

Durian, often referred to as the “king of fruits”, may not be to everybody’s liking, but its sweet, buttery flesh has plenty of devotees. The best time to enjoy this fruit is between May and June when most of the harvesting is done ahead of the rainy season.

Though the spiky fruit has high calorific and sugar content, making too much of it bad for diabetes patients, it also carries plenty of nutrients. Continued …

How Much a Trip to Thailand Will Cost on a Budget or in Style

When it comes to how to best spend your vacation and leisure time away from work, taking a trip to Thailand should be top of your list. This beautiful country is unlike any other place on Earth. Whether it’s deep in the heart of Bangkok or across the rest of the country, you’ll never be without things to do or see.

Thailand can be much less expensive compared to locations like Athens or Rome. Of course, you can enjoy Thailand like a VIP if you have the means. Continued …

Today’s Thai environmental news

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

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