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Leopard captured on video/Bluport plans 9th anniversary/Dengue fever in Thailand/Drugstore plan worth a try/PM Highlights Thailand’s Universal Healthcare/Melbourne teenagers fight for life/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Thai economy to shake off risks in 2025/Growth seen boosting housing demand/To Legalize Casinos Next Year/To invest $1B in data center park/Tech start-ups get extra funds/Crypto ‘more than just a fad’/CPF profits surge/Minor International Tops Thailand/TOURISM: Medical Tourism Market/China’s tourist spending boom/ITA Airways’ Begins Rome-Bangkok Service/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Visit Thailand, get special gifts/Riverside restaurants in Bangkok/Best not to bring suitcases/CLIMATE THAILAND: Increasing Dugong Death Toll/Accessing Green Climate Fund/Cement Manufacturers Champion Green Energy/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

Leopard captured on video at Kaeng Krachan Park

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Bluport plans 9th anniversary celebration

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What to know about Dengue fever in Thailand

Dengue fever is a common mosquito-borne illness in Thailand, especially during the rainy season when mosquitoes thrive. Every year, thousands of people become infected, posing a serious health concern for everyone. In this article, we will cover the symptoms, how to prevent them, treatment options, and tips to stay safe while in Thailand.

Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by four types of dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, making countries like Thailand particularly vulnerable to outbreaks. Continued …

Drugstore plan worth a try

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) and the Medical Council of Thailand are at odds over a project that allows people with common illnesses to seek free medicines from drugstores without a prescription instead of going to see a doctor at hospitals.

The project, which was launched in 2022, is a joint venture between the NHSO and the Pharmacy Council of Thailand. The scheme is designed to ease over-crowdeding at state hospitals, while ensuring access to basic care for people with common illnesses. Continued …

PM Highlights Thailand’s Universal Healthcare at APEC Summit

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has addressed the APEC CEO Summit in Peru, showcasing Thailand’s success in achieving universal health coverage (UHC) since 2002. The program now provides health insurance to over 99% of the population, greatly reducing medical expenses and improving access to healthcare over the past two decades.

During a speech, Paetongtarn pointed to the challenges posed by Thailand’s shift toward a super-aged society, with an increasing elderly population and a shrinking workforce. To address these challenges, the prime minister called for advancements in healthcare systems through innovation and digital technology. She urged APEC economies to work collaboratively across public, private, and civil society sectors to create inclusive and adaptable healthcare frameworks. Continued …

Melbourne teenagers fight for life in Thailand after toxic vodka shots

Two Melbourne teenagers are fighting for their lives in Thailand after allegedly downing poisoned vodka shots, raising alarm among travelers in the region. The pair, both 19 years old and fresh from university holidays, were rushed to hospital from the Laotian capital Vientiane, with police suspecting their drinks had been laced with lethal methanol.

Those dreams of carefree travels have quickly turned into a nightmare for the best friends, believed to be Beaumaris Secondary College graduates, as they face a precarious battle for survival. They’re now receiving critical care in hospitals in Udon Thani and Bangkok. One father has rushed to stand vigil at his daughter’s bedside. Continued …

Illegal E-Cigarette Factory Raided, Chinese Financier Arrested – Continued …
Thai Police Bust Chinese Call Center Gang – Continued …
Foreign man assaults loud restaurant worker – Continued …
Intoxicated tourist detained after Pattaya restaurant altercation – Continued …

Thai economy to shake off risks in 2025 but growth limited

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) expects the Thai economy to sustain its upward momentum in 2025 despite growing risks, from a projected 2.6% growth rate this year, up from 1.9% in 2023.

According to Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the NESDC, the Thai economy is projected to grow between 2.3% and 3.3% in 2025, with a midpoint estimate of 2.8%. Continued …

Projected growth seen boosting housing demand next year

The projected economic growth for 2025, along with measures to address household debt, support for vulnerable groups and an anticipated increase in foreign arrivals, are expected to boost housing demand after an estimated 4.4% decline in 2024.

Kamonpop Veerapala, president of the Government Housing Bank and acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said the outlook for 2025 is expected to show growth of 2.8%-3.0%, with an average of 2.9%. Continued …

Thailand to Legalize Casinos Next Year

Thailand is poised to legalize casinos in 2025, a strategic move aimed at attracting foreign investment and enhancing tax revenue, particularly in light of the nation’s burgeoning tourism sector. The proposed legislation, designed as an “entertainment complex” bill, would allow casinos to operate within large venues, thus creating an integrated entertainment experience.

Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, announced that the Cabinet plans to approve this bill before it is presented to both houses of parliament for consideration in the forthcoming year. Continued …

GDS International to invest $1B in data center park in Thailand

GDS International intends to invest $1 billion in a hyperscale data center park in Chonburi. This investment aims to boost the local AI infrastructure and workforce capabilities, promoting regional technological advancement in response to the increasing demand for colocation services.

GDS International is a rising data center operator based in China. Chairman William Huang noted that the investment aims to establish a state-of-the-art data center park to address Thailand’s growing cloud and AI needs, while nurturing a vibrant data center ecosystem. The collaboration with local industries will enhance digital skills in the Thai workforce. Continued …

Tech start-ups get extra funds

The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry announced an increase of almost 20% of its technology fund for 270 projects to support tech entrepreneurs expand their start-up ventures for next year.

The ministry’s Technology and Innovation-based Enterprise Development Fund (TED Fund) recently hosted TED Fund Grant Day 2024 to celebrate its efforts in supporting emerging entrepreneurs to allow them to incorporate research and innovations into commercial ventures. Continued …

Crypto boom ‘more than just a fad’

The cryptocurrency boom following the U.S. election has pushed the price of Bitcoin, the world’s most popular cryptocurrency, to a new all-time high of more than 3 million baht, say industry executives.

The surge in crypto prices is more than just a fad, indicating a major shift in the global financial system amid political and policy changes that are having a wide impact, said Nirun Fuwattananukul, chief executive of Gulf Binance. Continued …

CPF profits surge by 504% to Bt7.3 billion in third quarter

Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CPF) reported a 504% increase in net profit to 7.3 billion baht in the third quarter this year, marking a strong recovery from the previous year’s loss.

The company and its subsidiaries, operating in 17 countries and shipping to more than 50 markets worldwide, posted total sales of 143 billion baht, with 62% from international operations and 38% from Thai operations. Continued …

Minor International Tops Thailand in TIME’s Global Ranking

Minor International Public Co. (MINT) has been recognized in the “World’s Best Companies 2024” by TIME magazine and Statista, the statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The recognition places Minor International at #425 out of 1,000 companies worldwide and ranks it as the #1 company in Thailand.

Now in its second year, the World’s Best Companies ranking is a comprehensive analysis carried out to identify the top-performing companies worldwide. After appearing in TIME’s inaugural 2023 edition, which named 700 companies changing the world, in 2024 MINT has improved its ranking by 180 places, achieving an overall score of 87.6 out of a possible 100. Continued …

Medical Tourism Market Expected To Grow US$35.9 Billion By 2032

Global medical tourism market size is expected to be worth around US$35.9 billion by 2032, from US$13.1 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 12.2% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.

This market expansion is primarily driven by advancements in healthcare technologies, cost efficiencies, and robust government initiatives that promote medical tourism. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly India, Thailand, and Malaysia, has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourists. These countries provide superior medical treatments at lower costs compared to developed countries, drawing international patients. Continued …

Is China’s overseas tourist spending boom coming to an end?

Nearly 60% of affluent tourists from China are signaling plans to rein in their shopping while overseas, according to Oliver Wyman’s latest Chinese Travelers Survey. Against a backdrop of slowed economic growth and reduced consumer confidence, the data highlights a profound recalibration among Chinese luxury consumers that could shift how international luxury brands engage this critical demographic.

The survey reveals that 57% of respondents plan to trim their overseas shopping budgets, while 45% expect to travel less frequently in 2025. Continued …

ITA Airways’ Begins Nonstop Rome-Bangkok Service

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has welcomed ITA Airways’ inaugural Rome-Bangkok flight, enhancing travel links and fostering stronger tourism and business ties between Thailand and Italy. This new direct route provides Italian travelers with streamlined access to Thailand’s renowned attractions and vibrant culture.

The inaugural ITA Airways Flight AZ0758, an Airbus A330-900neo with a seating capacity of 291, arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport from Rome Sunday, carrying over 300 passengers and crew, including ITA Airways executives and prominent Italian travel industry leaders. Continued …

Visit Thailand, register on the campaign site, and get special gifts

Just travel to Thailand and register on the campaign’s website to experience the unique charm of Thailand by receiving special gifts, the rare items that everyone wants to have, under the “5 Must Do in Thailand” concept.

Thailand Passport Privileges. Available only at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, and Phuket Airport. Continued …

Riverside restaurants in Bangkok for the best ambience by the water

The Chao Phraya river offers a unique location to dine — the chill wind in the air, Final Countdown playing from one of the Princess Cruises, and the great food that can be found at the restaurants here. These riverside restaurants in Bangkok do it correctly.

It’s dubbed the “River of Kings” for a reason: the Chao Phraya is historically one of the reasons why Bangkok is flourishing today, bringing in trade and culture, as well as becoming a beautiful backdrop for locals and visitors. From local street food to luxurious hotel venues, there are so many options to consider. Continued …

Best not to bring suitcases when visiting Railay Beach

A video capturing the logistical challenges of traveling in Thailand with suitcases has gone viral on TikTok. The clip posted by Manni (@awaywithmanni), taken on her journey through Asia, has garnered over 2.2 million views since it was uploaded on Nov. 7.

The video shows two travelers on Ao Nang beach, heading toward a boat they are aiming to board. But there is no dock, so they have to roll their luggage across the sand and then hoist it into the air, holding it above the water as they wade the remainder of the way to the boat. Continued …

Increasing Dugong Death Toll in Krabi investigated

Thailand’s dugong population is facing a serious decline, prompting an expanded investigation into rising death rates. The recent discovery of a dead juvenile dugong on Si Boya Island has heightened concerns about the survival of this vulnerable species.

The dugong was found just days after another adult female was discovered dead in Krabi’s Khao Thong subdistrict. The critical decline in seagrass, which serves as the primary food source for dugongs, has been identified as a major cause of the increased mortality. Continued …

Thailand eyes possibility of accessing Green Climate Fund

Thailand has held discussions with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to seek support for the country’s efforts in climate change mitigation and future climate investments.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP29, which is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan from Nov. 11-22. Continued …

Cement Manufacturers Champion Green Energy Transition

The Thai Cement Manufacturers Assn. (TCMA) is urging the government to accelerate the green energy transition by addressing legal and regulatory barriers, facilitating green funding, and promoting collaborative efforts under its 3C concept: Collaborative Mindset, Collaborative Action, and Collaborative Value.

At the Energy Symposium 2024, Dr. Chana Poomee, chairman of TCMA, highlighted progress in the cement industry’s journey toward carbon neutrality. Through the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, certified by the Global Cement and Concrete Assn. (GCCA), the sector has made strides in adopting renewable energy and low-carbon solutions, particularly through the “Saraburi Sandbox Low-Carbon City” initiative. Continued …

India’s Capital Chokes As Air Pollution Levels Hit 50 Times The Safe Limit

Authorities in India’s capital shut schools, halted construction and banned non-essential trucks from entering the city on Monday after air pollution shot up to its worst level this season. Residents of New Delhi woke up to thick, toxic smog enveloping the city of some 33 million as the air quality became increasingly hazardous. Continued …

Hong Kong jails 45 democracy activists

Hong Kong’s high court today sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to jail terms of up to 10 years in a landmark national security trial that has damaged the city’s once feisty democracy movement and drawn international condemnation. Continued …