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Saturday’s news-July 20

July 20, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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Expats angry at Thai visa changes/No alcohol sales this weekend/Hua Hin 94 Road Improvement/Cha Am-Phetchaburi Food Festival/Hua Hin collects invasive fish/PKK rubber farmers oppose fish purchase/Microsoft cloud outage/Fix delivered for tech outage/No increase in power bills/Floods swamp 5 provinces/Thai meal can give you liver cancer/Organic approach to sustainable well-being/Thailand changes Olympic uniforms/Thai tenant shocks owner/Government ‘united’ on weed policy/Opposition to outlawing cannabis/Put weed plan on hold/Foreigners behaving badly/Economy: Economists worry about Thai economy/Thailand as Financial Hub/Thailand’s medical device market/Banks post mixed results/SCBX profit of 10 billion baht/CIMB Thai profit of Bt1.2946 billion/Krungsri earnings of 15.75 billion baht/Drought, Flood, And Rice Security/SolarEdge Introduces New Products/Tourism: Cashing in On Amateur Events/Tourist safety upgrades in Phuket/Enhance safety on Pattaya beaches/Thai AirAsia X suspends Sydney route/Thailand Experience: Thailand’s Tranquil Retreats/Thai traditional medicine/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

Expats angry at huge concessions in latest Thai visa announcements

Longstay expats with expensive visas say the new 60-days visa-exempt policy and the 180-days Destination Thailand Visa have made the Elite visa and the annual extensions of stay for retirement and marriage worthless. Geoffrey Fisher, a Brit who recently paid 900,000 baht (about 20,000 UK pounds) for the five-year Elite visa said he had wasted his money, as more or less anyone can now stay in Thailand almost indefinitely for a paltry sum.

The disenchanted argue that the 60-days visa-exempt can evidently be extended at local immigration for 30 days more, followed by a border run to start the whole process again. Some immigration officers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport have allegedly told new arrivals they can now do as many border runs as they like. Continued …

Reminder: No alcohol sales this weekend

Thailand celebrates the start of Buddhist Lent, a three-day religous holiday, this weekend – meaning no alcohol sales for the duration. Today is Asahna Bucha Day, Sunday is Khao Phansa Day, and Monday is a second Asahna Bucha Day.

Alcohol sales are banned from Friday night at midnight until Monday night at midnight.

Asahna Bucha Day is the celebration in Thailand of the “Four Noble Truths” preached by Buddha in his first sermon after his enlightenment. These four noble truths are dukkha, tanha, nibbana, and the eight-fold path.

Khao Phansa Day is a Buddhist holiday observed in Thailand on the first day following the full moon occurring in the eighth month of the Thai lunar calendar. Khao Phansa marks the first day of “Buddhist Lent”, a time when observant Buddhists fast from such things as meat, alcohol, and tobacco. For the most part, only Theravada, rather than Mahayana, Buddhists observe Khao Phansa, and even many Theravada practitioners choose not to fast.

Email link – kenbrown@businessclassasia.com

Hua Hin 94 Road Improvement Project Begins Monday

This week, Hua Hin municipal officials and staff, and representatives from Chok Kijcharoen Ltd., the contractor responsible for the project, inspected the site for the upcoming renovation of Hua Hin 94 Road. The project involves installing drainage pipes and resurfacing the road from the western railway intersection to Ban Chang Heng.

During the site visit, project officials announced that construction machinery would be deployed on Monday to begin the first phase of the project. This phase will cover the area from Hua Hin 94 Soi (in front of the 7-11) to the Amara Resort intersection. Continued …

Cha Am-Phetchaburi Food Festival set for July 24-28

The Cha Am-Phetchaburi Food Festival, running from July 24-28, promises an array of delicious food, live music, and fun activities. Held at the Cha Am Beach viewpoint in Phetchaburi from 4 pm to 11 pm daily, the event aims to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy.

The festival, officially titled the Cha Am-Phetchaburi Soft Power & Food Festival, features numerous booths offering a variety of foods from different vendors. Continued …

Hua Hin collects 50 kilograms of invasive fish in one day

Continued …

PKK rubber farmers oppose fund use for fish purchase

Rubber farmers in Prachuap Khiri Khan raised concerns over the Ministry of Agriculture’s decision to use funds from the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) to buy black-banded trevally fish at 15 baht per kilogram. The farmers question the fairness and appropriateness of this policy.

Rungroj Ratanakaw, a resident of Thong Mongkol subdistrict in Bang Saphan district, voiced his disagreement with the ministry’s policy. He stated that using funds from the RAOT to support the Department of Fisheries in purchasing large quantities of black-banded trevally fish seems unreasonable. Continued …

Thailand affected by Microsoft cloud outage

Thailand faces disruptions as a global IT meltdown wreaks havoc across key sectors, impacting airports, banks, offices, and retailers. The crisis, attributed to a recent Microsoft Windows update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, has left many organizations in disarray.

Airports of Thailand (AOT), managing six key airports, reported significant delays and urged passengers to arrive at least four hours before departure. Among the affected airlines at Suvarnabhumi Airport were Cebu Pacific Air, GoAir, Hong Kong Express Airways, IndiGo Airlines, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Scoot, SpiceJet, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, and Norse Atlantic Airways. Continued …

Fix delivered for tech outage that caused chaos worldwide

The cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike has deployed a fix for a software problem that triggered one of the biggest tech outages the world has ever seen, affecting industries ranging from airlines to banking and healthcare worldwide, the company’s CEO said on Friday.

All Windows computers affected by the failure will need to be manually rebooted, CrowdStrike said. Continued …

No increase in power bills through end of year

The government will try to keep the power tariff unchanged for the rest of the year to curb electricity bills, amid predictions that gas prices will rise in the second half, despite more financial pressure on the state budget.

Businesses and households are likely to pay bills determined by the current tariff rate of 4.18 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) during the last four months of this year, although the latest calculation made by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) indicates that the rate must increase, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said on Friday. Continued …

Satellite images show floods swamping 5 provinces

Satellite images have shown extensive flooding across Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Phitsanulok, Maha Sarakham and Khon Kaen provinces, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).

Captured by COSMO-SkyMed-2 on Thursday evening, the photos show more than 118,000 rai of land inundated. Of the affected areas, more than 2,800 rai are rice farms. Continued …

This Thai meal can give you liver cancer if you take just one bite

Foodies will already be aware that Southeast Asian cuisine is best known for blending strong aromatic components with ingredients such as tamarind and lemongrass. And while you may have tucked into a couple of bowls of steaming Tofu Pad Thai and Gang Gai Khao Mun (Thai chicken curry) in your time, there’s another popular dish you probably haven’t tried.

That’s because this cheap food is reportedly responsible for around 20,000 deaths per year. Koi Pla is the name of this deadly dish and it’s claimed that millions of people regularly tuck into it every year. Continued …

Organic approach to sustainable well-being

Although progress has been made in production and policy measures, organic agriculture is still considered to be at an early stage of development in Thailand when it comes to major actors such as private companies, government projects, grower cooperatives, grassroots support groups and non-government organizations.

Plearnprai Organic Social Enterprise Co. is a social enterprise established by a team of doctors that develops healthy products from sustainable agricultural practices. Continued …

Thailand changes Olympic uniforms after criticism

The National Olympic Committee of Thailand will replace the controversial outfits worn by Thai athletes used for the 2024 Summer Olympics’ opening ceremony.

The new uniforms, designed by Grand Sports and four other teams, will feature the Ban Chiang pattern for the ceremony in Paris next Friday, the NOCT announced on Friday. Continued …

Thai tenant shocks owner by bringing 29 cats for one night

A tenant staying at a daily rental room shocked the owner by bringing 29 cats along for just one night. Initially, the situation seemed amicable, but it ended poorly.

The landlord, who owns daily and monthly rental rooms, posted a clip showing the aftermath of a guest who rented a room for a single night and brought along 29 cats. The incident was reported yesterday after complaints from other occupants on the same floor about a foul odor emanating from the room. Continued …

Government ‘united’ despite weed policy U-turn

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai insisted the government is still united despite recent hiccups with the plan to re-list cannabis as a narcotic, adding that he already talked with Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The decriminalization of cannabis was a flagship campaign policy of the Bhumjaithai Party led by Anutin. A related bill has already passed the first reading in the House. However, it was shelved due to opposition from the medical profession. Continued …

Anutin raises the stakes, expresses opposition to the PM’s policy outlawing cannabis

The question of cannabis is fast becoming a political headache for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This week he was confronted by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who voiced his opposition to the process presently underway to re-criminalize possession and use of the drug for recreational purposes.

At a meeting between the key coalition partner and Srettha, Anutin confirmed he would vote against the criminalization of cannabis at a forthcoming meeting of the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) to be chaired by the PM. Afterward, the deputy prime minister also noted ominously that this was currently a ministerial matter that had not reached Cabinet level yet. Continued …

Put weed plan on hold

The government, especially Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, needs to immediately put on hold the plan to put cannabis back on the narcotics list, and engage in dialogue on the issue with all stakeholders.

The decision to fast-track the re-criminalization of the herb is just arrogant, authoritative and wilfully ignorant of the importance of public participation in such policy shifts. Continued …

Gambian Man Arrested After Seven Years Overstay – Continued …
Foreign Suspect Sentenced to 1,073 Years Imprisonment Over Patong Child Sexual Exploitation – Continued …
Four Colombians arrested for Bangkok area home burglaries – Continued …
Chinese men flee to Hong Kong after Chon Buri home invasion – Continued …
South Korean man faces jail for hiding illegal Thai worker’s body – Continued …
10-Year Canadian Friend Steals $400k Gems from Bangkok Merchant – Continued …

Economists worry despite IMF’s positive forecast for Thai economy

Though the Finance Ministry is optimistic about Thailand’s economic prospects after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) upgraded the country’s GDP growth to 2.9% from 2.7%, many economists remain worried.

Despite the modest increase, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira described the revised forecast as encouraging. “Although the difference of 0.2 or 0.3% is low, it is still good amid an ongoing downturn,” he said. Continued …

Thai PM Launches Project to Transform Thailand into Financial Hub

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a keynote address at the Finance Ministry’s “Ignite Finance” Initiative on Friday, part of his “Ignite Thailand” vision to position the country as a global financial hub.

The “Ignite Finance” initiative seeks to propel Thailand onto the global financial stage with a strategic focus on banking, securities, derivatives, digital assets, and insurance. It aims to broaden financial accessibility for underserved communities and small businesses, fostering inclusive economic growth. Continued …

Thailand’s medical device market to grow at CAGR 6.9% to 2028

Thailand’s medical device market is projected to value $2.5 billion (Bt97.6 billion) in 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% in local currency terms.

According to BMI, the market’s positive outlook is due to strong import growth from the past year. Moreover, the market’s growth is attributed to the country’s continued efforts to promote medical tourism and integrate digital health technologies in line with the Thailand 4.0 policy. Continued …

Country’s leading banks post mixed results for first half

The big three banks reported mixed results for the first half of this year. Despite lowering loan rates to support vulnerable customers amid a sluggish economic recovery, their overall income growth remained positive.

Bangkok Bank (BBL) and its subsidiaries posted a net profit of 22.3 billion baht for the first half of 2024, up 4.2% from the same period last year. Continued …

SCBX announces Q2 net profit of 10 billion baht

SCB X Public Co. (SCBX) reported a consolidated net profit of 10 billion baht for Q2 2024, a 15.6% YoY decrease. For the first half of the year, net profit was 21.3 billion baht , down 6.9% YoY.

For the quarter, net interest income rose 5.8% YoY to 32.6 billion baht, driven by an expansion in net interest margin (NIM) and a slight overall loan growth of 0.6% YoY through strict new loan underwriting practices and a focus on quality customers amid a challenging business environment. Continued …

CIMB Thai posts net profit of THB 1.2946 billion

CIMB Thai Group recorded a consolidated net profit of THB 1.2946 billion, a year-on-year (“YoY”) decrease of THB 74.3 million, or 5.4%, while profit before tax (“PBT”) decreased by THB 117.2 million, or 6.8%, YoY to THB 1.611billion.

The decline was mainly from a 1.7% contraction in operating income and a 7.7% increase in operating expenses, partially offset by a 22.7% decline in expected credit loss (ECL). Continued …

Krungsri reports 2024 earnings of 15.75 billion baht

Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya PCL and its business units) posted a net profit of 15.75 billion baht for H1 2024, a 7.9% YoY decline due to increased prudential provisions. Operating profit growth was driven by revenue from 2023 ASEAN acquisitions and higher domestic income.

In the first half of 2024, Krungsri’s corporate and SME loans grew by 0.8%, driven by support for businesses’ working capital needs, while retail loans contracted by 3.5%, highlighting strict lending standards amid high borrower debt burdens. Total loans contracted by 1.3%. Continued …

Drought, Flood, And Rice Security In Central Thailand

Rice continues to play a fundamental role in income generation and in ensuring food security for millions of households in Thailand and abroad. As a key global rice supplier, Thailand exported 5.27 million metric tons of rice from January through August 2023 and, due to increased global rice prices and India’s rice export ban, its shipment is projected to reach at least eight million metric tons this year.

The top export markets include Indonesia, Iraq, South Africa, the U.S., and China. Rice exports account for about 16% of Thailand’s total export revenue derived from agricultural-related products. Continued …

SolarEdge Introduces New Products Amid Thailand’s PV Boom

Thailand’s photovoltaic (PV) market is experiencing significant advancement, propelled by several key factors, including the push for electrification, the rise of electric vehicles, ongoing decarbonization efforts, and increasing electricity prices.

This evolving landscape is driving a shift from standalone PV systems to more sophisticated integrated PV storage solutions, which address the challenge of solar energy intermittency and enable more efficient energy management. Continued …

Cashing in On Large-Scale Amateur Events

Restaurants, hotels, golf clubs and local economies around the region are set to cash in on an increase in the number of large-scale amateur tournaments. Such has been the success of Golfasian-organized events in recent years that the demand for additions to the calendar is growing.

Last month, Golfasian staged the Centara World Masters in Hua Hin and the Avani Pattaya 2-Ball. Spanning two weeks, the tournaments featured more than 550 amateur golfers from 20 countries. The impact on the two cities was substantial, with income generated through hundreds of room nights for local hotels, while food and beverage departments were busy organizing nightly parties and gala dinners. Continued …

Tourist safety and infrastructure upgrades urged in Phuket

A leading business organization has called for the improvement of safety measures and infrastructure to maintain the resort island as a prime destination for quality tourism.

Phuket Tourist Assn. President Thaneth Tantipiriyakij said on Friday that members were “somewhat” worried about the deaths of foreigners in Thailand, as they reflected badly on safety in the country. Continued …

New regulations implemented to enhance safety on Pattaya beaches

A meeting was held at City Hall this week to regulate beaches and boat docking in order to enhance water safety in Pattaya. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn and attended by officials from the Marine Office, Tourist Police, and City Council members.

Several issues concerning Pattaya Beach were discussed, including the disorganized nature of water sports activities, which sometimes endanger both residents and tourists. The disorderly docking of jet skis and other watercraft was also highlighted as negatively impacting Pattaya’s tourism image. Continued …

Thai AirAsia X suspends Sydney-Bangkok route

Thai AirAsia X announced the suspension of its sole Australian route between Sydney and Bangkok, effective Aug. 1. Despite the temporary halt, the airline assures it remains committed to the Australian market and plans a grand return in December with increased flights and enhanced connectivity.

The decision to suspend services was driven by fleet management and operation hub movement. As part of a strategic shift, Thai AirAsia X will relocate all operations back to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) from Oct. 1, moving away from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). Continued …

Recharge and Reconnect With Thailand’s Tranquil Retreats

When the fast-paced, round-the-clock action in big cities becomes too routine, you can find plenty of wonderful destinations to recharge and reconnect to the qualities that make Thailand so unique.

From Chiang Dao’s rustic charms to Sakhon Nakhon’s cultural heritage and Songkhla’s vibrant mix of history and art, each offers a unique experience that invites you to slow down, savour the local life and immerse yourself in Thailand’s natural bounty and rich traditions. Continued …

Public Health Ministry promotes Thai traditional medicine

The Public Health Ministry has added 18 herbs to the national list of essential medicines, with the ranking based on the total value of drugs dispensed over five years, from 2019 to 2023.

The ministry said it has tasked the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) to promote the use of Thai herbs instead of modern medicine to reduce the reliance on imports and promote Thailand’s traditional medical practices. 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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Tuesday’s news-June 25

June 25, 2024 Hua Hin Expat News

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Re: New tax on foreigner income

“It is upsetting the Thai tax authorities want to double tax expatriate retirees, etc. As most of us live on a fixed income, it is already difficult to pay for food, rent, utilities, etc.

“Many of us pay heavily to support a Thai family and outside relatives with consistent monetary support. Now we are to be burdened with additional taxation? In many countries where we originated from, we are already taxed heavily and every dollar counts.

“This new idea of double taxing expatriates will have unintended consequences for Thai revenue aspirations. Many retired people will not be able to pay more tax than they already are already paying in their home countries. Or, even if they are able, they will deeply resent being double taxed. This idea of double taxation will have unintended consequences for the Thai economy.

“Many of us who have bought homes and condos will sadly be leaving Thailand. Some of us who support entire Thai families will reluctantly be doing the same. Those who are renting homes or apartments can leave more easily. The Thai economy will be impacted by the exodus of retired expats. This is an ill conceived idea but I am sure this Thai double tax will continue to be enacted by the Thai tax enforcers.

“Many foreigners who have lived in Thailand for years or even decades will soon leave Thailand, and not look back. It feels like the Thai government, by double taxing us, does not want foreigner retirees to live in Thailand. If that is their goal then they will surely succeed.” – Left Already

(Editor note: Scores of countries already have tax agreements with Thailand that will protect expats living in Thailand from the planned tax. The author apparently hails from a country that does not have such a tax treaty with Thailand. Expats from those countries will definitely feel the effects.)

Lots of rain forecast for Hua Hin

The Thailand Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning, forecasting heavy rain for Hua Hin over the next week.

Thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area, with heavy rainfall in some places such as Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phatthalung. Temperatures will range from 23-27°C at the minimum and 31-34°C at the maximum.

Hua Hin International Contemporary Art festival June 25-July 13

The Hua Hin International Contemporary Art 2024 festival kicks off today, bringing artists from around the world to Hua Hin.

Nern Chalet Hotel Hua Hin, in collaboration with Dee Changmo, invites art lovers and enthusiasts to indulge in the pleasure of art and participate in various art workshops with 12 international artists from eight countries. Continued …

Older banknotes pushed for occasions

The Bank of Thailand has requested consumers use banknotes that are already in circulation to mark special occasions, rather than demanding newly printed ones, to allow for the longer time frame that banknotes are now in circulation.

The present banknote circulation cycle – known as a first-in, first-out cycle – means banknotes are in circulation for around 10% longer than in the past. The extended turnover is primarily attributed to the increase in digital payments and the improved quality of banknotes. Continued …

Wildlife rescuer removes snake that sought warmth in sleeping man’s boxers

A nightmare is more often than not just that — a nightmare. But sometimes it comes true, like when a sleeping man in Rayong, woke up to find a venomous snake nestled in his boxer shorts.

This led to a hasty snake-retrieval operation, which was uploaded onto a snake rescuer social site. The caption read: “A little cobra with big venom. It seeks warmth in human’s boxer shorts. Don’t catch the wrong snake!” Continued and video …

Traders bullish on outlook for gold prices

Traders expect gold prices to remain high over the next 3-5 years because of ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical conflicts.

They recommend investors allocate 5%-15% of their portfolio to gold to diversify investment risk and hold the precious metal as a safe-haven asset. Continued …

Uncovered: Trafficking of Thai Teenagers for Elderly Care in China

A new problem of trafficking Thai teenage girls for elderly care in China has been discussed in a meeting between Thai and Chinese authorities in Kunming, China.

According to a media report, the Central Investigation Bureau sent Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division police to coordinate with Chinese police in Yunnan Province to address human trafficking and call center gang issues. Continued …

2 drunk Russian women attack Thai woman after Phuket car crash

Continued …

From challenges to opportunity: Transforming Thailand’s capital market

In recent years, Thailand’s economy has navigated challenges from diverse sources, both domestic and international. Domestically, political instability has caused delays in budget disbursement, while external factors such as global conflicts affecting oil prices and the purchasing power of our trade partners have also exerted significant influence.

Additionally, the pandemic has severely impacted tourism and service sectors, key drivers of the Thai economy, resulting in a -6.1% GDP contraction in 2020, with ongoing recovery efforts. Continued …

Thai economy buffeted by many negative factors, say economists

A decline in purchasing power, ineffective government expenditure, geopolitical risks and household debts could affect the Thai economy during the rest of the year, several economists warned on Monday.

Amonthep Chawla, the chief economist at CIMB Thai Bank, said the economy was being pressured by a drop in the purchasing power of the lower- to middle-income sector, as well as a slowdown in the recovery of the retail sector. Continued …

Outdated laws said hindering growth

Thailand’s economy has become sluggish and can’t be salvaged by simply injecting money through programs such as the government’s 500-billion-baht digital money handout scheme, which will likely help stimulate the economy in only one or two quarters, according to former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Abhisit also pointed to the need to speed up amending laws seen as obstacles to the development of both modern businesses using clean energy and that of the green economy, which he sees as an ideal cure for the country’s economic stagnation. Continued …

Thai Hotels Object to 75% Foreign Condo Ownership Proposal

The Thai Hotels Assn. (THA) has openly criticized the government’s plan to permit foreign ownership of up to 75% in condominium units. The association fears the proposal could spark fierce price competition and disrupt the hospitality market. The concerns were voiced during a recent meeting focusing on key industry issues.

At the meeting, Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich outlined Thailand’s tourism direction and government policies aimed at supporting the sector. He invited association members to openly discuss their challenges and provide feedback. Continued …

PM Srettha races to transform Rayong and Chon Buri

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led a delegation to Rayong and Chon Buri on Sunday to inspect pivotal projects within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

At Rayong’s U-Tapao International Airport, Srettha scrutinized the progress of an ambitious project aimed at linking the airport with a high-speed rail network that will connect three major airports. Continued …

Thai Handicrafts to Drive Economic Growth, Says Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has prioritized enhancing Thai handicrafts to boost the national economy. This initiative is spearheaded by the Institute for the Promotion of Thai Arts and Crafts (SACIT).

In a directive issued at Bang Sai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phumtham underscored SACIT’s mission to preserve and develop Thai handicrafts. He stressed the importance of Thai crafts as a form of soft power, crucial for economic growth and generating national revenue. Continued …

Lopburi’s Monkey Control Efforts Revive Business Confidence

Efforts to get the monkey population under control are making progress and businesses in Lopburi Province are regaining confidence because they believe the problem is being tackled properly. Many companies are planning to revive instead of going out of business.

Damrongchai Market, for example, is rejuvenating its stalls to offer vendors over 60 blocks again, and the former shopping district known as “Heavy Alley” is being revitalized. In addition, the large department store “Apinya” has abandoned its plans to sell its property and is preparing to renovate the building, while launching promotions to attract customers. Continued …

Three Thai airlines devising fundraising plans to exit rehabilitation

Nok Air, Thai AirAsia X and Thai Airways International (THAI) have come up with fundraising plans to exit rehabilitation now that business performance has greatly improved thanks to the tourism recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wutthiphum Jurangkool, Nok Air CEO, said on Monday that he has every confidence that the airline will exit the rehabilitation plan within two years, or in 2026. Continued …

True’s growth in 5G revenue hits 15% per year

True Corp. has focused on expanding its 5G usage among tourists, with 60% of inbound visitors applying for its telecom service, and the company recording 5G revenue growth of 15% per year.

The company plans to expand its 5G coverage from 90% of the country’s population at present to 98% within two years, said Chief Executive Manat Manavutiveth. Continued …

Plant-based market set to grow

Thailand’s plant-based food market is expected to grow around 10%, with the value estimated to reach 45 billion baht this year.

Following a recent workshop entitled “The Future of Essential Agricultural Products of Thailand: A Case Study of Plant-Based Food”, which was jointly organized by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) and Fiscal Policy Research Institute Foundation, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the TPSO, said plant-based food products are likely to grow rapidly in both the domestic and international markets. Continued …

Flying Goose Aims for Top Sriracha Sauce Brand

Exotic Food Public Co. celebrated its 25th anniversary with a declaration to position its Sriracha chilli sauce as the world’s number one Thai sauce. For over 24 years, the company has exported Sriracha sauce under the Flying Goose brand and has consistently achieved all-time high profits.

The company specializes in manufacturing and distributing seasoning sauces, dipping sauces, curry pastes, and Thai culinary ingredients, as well as ready-to-eat and semi-ready-to-eat products like green curry, tom yum, and pad Thai. Continued …

Increased Tourism from China Should Not Come at the Cost of National Sovereignty

In a bid to rejuvenate its tourism sector following the economic slump induced by Covid-19, Thailand has granted citizens of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) a temporary visa waiver, effective since September 2023. This initiative aims to boost the inflow of Chinese tourists, who constitute a significant portion of Thailand’s tourism market.

Additionally, Thailand signed an agreement with China for mutual visa exemption, which came into effect in March 2024. While these measures promise substantial economic benefits, they also raise serious concerns about the potential erosion of Thailand’s national sovereignty and security. Continued …

Hotels worry as another German firm goes bust

Another tour firm in Germany has filed for bankruptcy, but the impact should be less than the recent FTI insolvency, according to the Thai Hotels Assn. (THA).

The THA recently acknowledged an alert from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) that Itravel, a luxury tour company based in Cologne, officially filed for bankruptcy this month. Continued …

Qatar Airways 2024’s best airline, Bangkok Airways best regionally

Qatar Airways has been named the best airline in the world for 2024, overtaking last year’s champion, Singapore Airlines. Meanwhile, Bangkok Airways secured the title of the world’s best regional airline for the eighth consecutive year, according to Skytrax’s World Airline Awards.

Qatar Airways achieved the top spot in the annual rankings, while Singapore Airlines fell to second place. Emirates landed in the third position, followed by ANA All Nippon Airways in fourth, and Cathay Pacific in fifth. Continued …

Top tourist destination Barcelona plans to shut all holiday apartments by 2028

Barcelona, a top Spanish holiday destination, announced on Friday that it will bar apartment rentals to tourists by 2028. This unexpectedly drastic move is part of a larger effort to rein in soaring housing costs and make the city livable for residents.

The city’s leftist mayor, Jaume Collboni, said that by November 2028, Barcelona would scrap the licenses of the 10,101 apartments currently approved as short-term rentals. Continued …

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