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Today’s news: Measures Implemented to Combat Illegal Burning/Snooker’s gambling status in Thailand/Myanmar youths flee to Thailand/Economy: Threat of cheap Chinese goods/Manufacturers cut production/VAT exemption sought/Bt7 billion in foreign investment/Big jump in foreigner investments in condos/Land bridge project gets nod/EU may sanction Thai firm/EV production hub road map/Tourism: Phuket illegal weed activities/Phuket tour boat operators arrested/International news/Links: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers

Measures Implemented to Combat Illegal Burning and Improve Air Quality

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has disclosed directives following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin that instructed governors to conduct field inspections and engage communities to halt illegal agricultural burning.

The Ministry of the Interior, Natural Resources and Environment, and Royal Thai Army united per the prime minister’s order to assist locals in agricultural disposal and explore alternatives to crop burning. Continued …

First challenge in 89 years to snooker’s gambling status in Thailand

The status of snooker as a Class B gambling game is set to be challenged for the first time in 89 years, as an agreement has been reached to propose its cancellation to the interior minister.

This initiative has garnered support from the Billiard Sports Assn. of Thailand, the Interior Ministry, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and the House Committee on Sports. Continued …

Myanmar youths flee to Thailand to escape military draft

Dozens of young Myanmar nationals have been arrested in Thailand’s border province of Tak, apparently fleeing compulsory military conscription that now also includes women.

Soldiers from the Ratchamanu Taskforce, based in Tak’s Mae Sot district, on Friday arrested 27 young Myanmar nationals – 13 men and 14 women – near a stream in Phop Phra district. Continued …

PM wakes up to threat of cheap Chinese goods dumped on Thailand

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered urgent action to tackle the influx of cheap imports from China into the kingdom, fueling a ballooning trade deficit with its northern neighbor. Officials are proposing to reimpose some regulations on tax charged at the point of entry, in addition to other measures.

However, the threat posed by China’s state subsidies and economic policies to Thailand is also long-term. Of course, it has also been exacerbated by the policies pursued by the previous government. Continued …

Thai manufacturers cut production as cheap Chinese imports take a toll

An influx of cheap imports from China is posing a serious threat to Thai manufacturers, Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) said on Friday.

Citing statistics from the Commerce Ministry, KResearch said Thailand in 2023 imported consumer products worth 469.52 billion baht from China – increasing 2.8% year on year – which accounted for 41% of all imports of consumer products. Continued …

VAT exemption sought only on online imports under Bt1,000

The Ministry of Finance is planning to revise the criteria for value-added tax (VAT) exemption on products sold via online platforms by reducing product value from 1,500 baht to 1,000 baht, a source familiar with the matter said Friday.

The move stemmed from a request of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), which was seeking measures to counter cheap imports from overseas that are flooding Thai markets, and ensure fairness to Thai manufacturers, the source said. Continued …

Thailand attracts over Bt7 billion in foreign investment in January

Japanese were the largest group of foreign investors in Thailand last month, contributing more than half of the total 7.12 billion baht foreign investment, the Commerce Ministry said on Friday.

The first month of this year saw 54 foreign entities invest in ventures ranging from retail businesses and filmmaking services to data centers and solar energy. Continued …

2023 saw big jump in foreigner investments in Thai condos

Foreigners invested over 73.16 billion baht in condominiums in Thailand last year, increasing 23.5% year on year (YoY), the Government Housing Bank’s Real Estate Information Center (REIC) reported on Friday.

A total of 14,449 condominium units worth 73.16 billion baht were transferred to foreigners in 2023, the center said. The number of units sold increased 25% YoY, while the value of condos also increased 23.5% YoY. Continued …

Land bridge project gets nod from Parliament despite concerns

Parliament voted on Thursday to proceed with the land bridge project after deliberating on the feasibility report. The project faced opposition due to concerns about profitability and environmental impact.

The four-hour House debate concluded with 269 lawmakers voting in favor and 147 opposing the mega-project, citing the report conducted by a special House committee chaired by Pheu Thai MP Wisut Chaiyarun. Continued …

EU may sanction Thai firm for aiding Russia in war with Ukraine

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry says it has received no official notice that the European Union is poised to sanction a Thai company accused of aiding Russia’s war effort.

Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara was responding on Friday to rising public concern over a report that the EU will penalize a Thai firm, along with counterparts in China, Kazakhstan, Serbia, and other countries, for helping Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Continued …

Ministry outlines EV production hub road map

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) has launched three policies aimed at making Thailand the biggest electric vehicle (EV) production hub in Southeast Asia.

Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi outlined the policies: developing skilled workers, increasing EV usage, and supporting research and development. Continued …

Phuket police target foreigners for illegal weed activities

Phuket provincial police are intensifying efforts to halt the illegal marijuana trade on the tropical paradise island. The move arrives in response to public grievances about foreigners unlawfully importing cannabis flowers and hosting impromptu gatherings.

Heading the charge is Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Sinlert Sukhum, who recently convened with the Phuket Cannabis Assn. to strategize methods to keep tabs on the holiday resort’s marijuana outlets. Continued …

Phuket tour boat operators arrested for safety breaches

Officials from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Marine Police Region 8 yesterday arrested two tour boat operators in Phuket for a series of breaches.

The authorities detailed their infractions in an online post, including operating boats with expired registrations, failing to provide adequate life rafts, and overloading their vessels with passengers. Continued …

Trump fined $355 million, banned from NY business in fraud trial

A New York judge ordered Donald Trump to pay $355 million over fraud allegations and banned him from running companies in the state for three years Friday in a major blow to his business empire and financial standing. Continued …

The life and death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny

Alexei Navalny, Russia’s top opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin’s fiercest foe, died in prison on Friday, a statement from the Federal Penitentiary Service said. Navalny, who was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism, felt unwell after a walk and collapsed, it said. Continued …