- 21 crew members still missing from sunk Navy ship off PKK/KResearch revises Thailand 2023 GDP forecast to 3.2 % amid global economic recession/Central bank upbeat on long-term growth/8.1 million Thais are poor, 4.4 million below poverty line/State agencies prep new ‘gifts’/Food chain contamination found near e-waste processing facilities in Thailand/Food delivery businesses face slump in demand next year/UK Tesco accused of using slave labor in Thailand/Cops crack down on firearm traders/Nine provinces in southern Thailand suffer from flooding, three people die/
- Tourism: Thailand leads BBC travel destination poll/Anutin: Night venue hours ‘won’t be extended’/THAI plans more Europe, Japan flights/10 Best Thailand Resorts For Couples/Tourists Leave Samui Island by Plane as Boats are Banned from Leaving Ports/Driver leaves Norwegian at gas station – ‘I thought he was sleeping in the back’/Body of Canadian man washes up on beach in southern Thailand/
- Covid: China’s Covid surge hits trading floors, finance hub
- International: Indonesia’s foreign retirees fear being driven out by new visa scheme/House Jan. 6 panel recommends DOJ prosecute Trump on four charges/Five takeaways from congressional report calling for Trump charges/Dutch PM apologizes for 250 years of slavery/France bans disposable packaging, utensils in fast-food restaurants/
- Links: Airport schedule/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas
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21 crew members still missing from sunk Navy ship off PKK
In total, 84 members of the Royal Thai Navy have been rescued from the Gulf of Thailand after the HTMS Sukhothai navy vessel sank to the bottom of the sea amid rough conditions.
Navy vessels, tug boats, and oil tankers rescued 84 crew members from the water, three of whom are in critical condition, and are still searching for 21 missing marines. One body has been recovered. Continued …
KResearch revises Thailand 2023 GDP forecast to 3.2% amid global economic recession
Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) has revised its 2023 GDP growth projection to 3.2 % from the previous projection range of 3.2-4.2 %, though its 2022 GDP growth forecast has been upgraded to 3.2 % from the earlier projection of 2.9 %.
Nattaporn Triratanasirikul, KResearch deputy managing director, viewed that the global economy will see a significant slowdown in 2023 – presenting an obstacle for the Thai economic recovery. The U.S. and Eurozone are set to show no growth given their policy rate hikes to tame inflation and the impact of an energy crisis in Europe.
Meanwhile, it is more likely that China will reopen its borders in the second quarter of 2023. However, close attention should be paid to the situation there, especially the number of infected cases and deaths, as well as the adequacy of China’s public healthcare system. Continued …
Central bank upbeat on long-term growth
The Bank of Thailand expects the economy to continue to align with potential growth projections for the next two years, then strengthen in the longer term.
For 2022, 2023 and 2024, economic growth is estimated to be 3.2%, 3.7% and 3.9%, respectively, in accordance with potential growth output of 3-4%.
For the longer term, the potential growth of the economy should be higher than this level, assistant governor for the monetary policy group Piti Disyatat said at an analysts’ meeting on Monday. Continued …
8.1 million Thais are poor, 4.4 million below poverty line
More than 8.1 million Thais are poor, including 4.4 million living below the poverty line, according to the latest report by The Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council (NESDC).
The report on the poverty situation in Thailand in 2021, released this year, stated that the number of people who are below the poverty line is a decrease from 2020, when 4.7 million such people were recorded. The report attributed the reduction to the economic stimulus schemes, rolled out to ease the financial burden on poorer people.
As income is not the only factor that reflects the poverty situation in Thailand, the NESDC has used the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which identifies four dimensions of poverty; education, healthy living, quality of living and financial stability. Continued …
State agencies prep new ‘gifts’
Government agencies including the Finance Ministry are expected to propose measures to ease the cost of living for consumers and businesses, aiming to stimulate domestic consumption via “New Year’s gifts”, for cabinet consideration today, says a ministry source who requested anonymity.
The ministry will propose to the cabinet extension of the reduced jet fuel excise tax for another six months to support the airline and tourism sectors, the source said.
The current measure runs from July 1 to Dec. 31. It lowers the excise tax on jet fuel to 0.20 baht per liter from the original 4.726 baht to help local airlines ease operating costs amid the impact of the pandemic. Continued …
Food chain contamination found near e-waste processing facilities in Thailand
Recently published analysis confirmed that communities in Chachoengsao province face severe food chain contamination with some of the world’s most toxic chemicals caused by improper electronic waste processing.
Samples of analyzed soil, sediments, and duck eggs, common food rich in nutrients, contained record levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The dioxin level in duck eggs from a village near an e-waste recycling factory in Moo 9, Khao Hin Son, is the 10th highest ever measured level in poultry eggs in Asia, and the second highest level measured in eggs from Thailand.
The researchers collected samples of soil, sediments, dust, and free-range duck eggs at sites near factories handling electronic waste. Contamination with POPs was revealed at all three locations researched in this study – Nong Khok village in Moo 9, Khao Hin Son subdistrict, close to an e-waste recycling factory owned by Supcharoen Recycle Co.; an area in Moo 1, Khao Hin Son, close to an e-waste recycling factory owned by CT Steel Co., Ltd.; and an illegal waste dump site in Hat Nang Kaeo subdistrict, Prachinburi province. Continued …
Food delivery businesses face slump in demand next year
The research arm of Kasikornbank (KBank) expects the food delivery business sector in Thailand to slow down next year, in line with the situation in other countries as the Covid threat slowly ebbs.
A KResearch Center study, released on Monday, said that the food delivery business in Thailand next year would be valued at around 81 billion to 86 billion baht next year, a contraction of 0.8% to 6.5% compared to the value this year.
The center said the value would still be much higher than before the Covid pandemic. Continued …
UK Tesco accused of using slave labor in Thailand
The UK’s Tesco supermarket chain is being accused of using slave labor in Thailand. According to a Guardian investigation, Burmese workers who made jeans for Tesco Lotus in Thailand, allegedly worked 99-hour weeks. And, their received wages were allegedly too low to make the cut legally. The investigation also found that their working conditions were considered quite harsh.
Tesco faces a landmark lawsuit in the UK from 130 former workers at VK Garment Factory, who are suing the mega-grocer for negligence and unjust enrichment. The workers made jeans and denim jackets for Tesco Lotus between 2017 and 2020. Continued …
Cops crack down on firearm traders
Police have launched crackdown operations on major online illegal gun traders and seized huge amounts of illegal firearms and ammunition worth about 50 million baht.
Police Gen. Roy Ingkapairoj, deputy national police chief, on Monday told a press briefing that the 4th operation unit was tipped off about the illegal online firearms trading by two Twitter users named “Los Santos” and “Texas Gun”.
An investigation showed the two Twitter accounts linked to a Line account named “Los Santos Shop” and a “lossantos.lnwshop.com” website, offering a range of firearms, including rifles, and ammunition. Continued …
Nine provinces in southern Thailand suffer from flooding, three people die
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reports nine provinces in the south of Thailand are suffering from flooding as heavy rains continue. Three people have died in the floods.
The DDPM reports that monsoon rains have covered the Gulf of Thailand in the southern part of Thailand, causing heavy flooding from Dec. 17 until Dec. 20. Continued …
Thailand leads BBC travel destination poll
Thailand is viewed as the most popular destination to visit in Southeast Asia for visitors planning a trip from North America and Europe, according to a survey by BBC News.
All told, 57.4% of global respondents who are intending to travel to Southeast Asia said they would be likely to visit Thailand, more than any other country in the region, according to the survey of BBC Global Minds members.
Visitors to Southeast Asia are often experienced world travelers, looking for new and different experiences, the survey results found. Continued …
Anutin: Night venue hours ‘won’t be extended’
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday moved to assure concerned civic groups, saying the ministry is firmly opposed to the proposal that would see the opening hours of night entertainment venues extended by two hours.
Anutin gave his assurances to about 50 representatives of various civic groups who came to Government House on Monday to thank the ministry for prioritizing the public’s health and safety as the debate on extending the operating hours of bars and clubs across the country continues. Continued …
THAI plans more Europe, Japan flights
Thai Airways International (THAI) plans to add at least nine aircraft to its operational fleet in the first quarter of 2023 and will increase its flights to Europe and Japan to meet the rising demands of post-pandemic tourism, acting CEO Suvadhana Sibunruang said on Monday.
He said THAI would reinstate its three A330-300 and two B777-200ER jets, which were grounded due to the effects on the travel industry of the Covid-19 pandemic. All five aircraft are undergoing maintenance before returning to full service next year. Continued …
10 Best Thailand Resorts For Couples
Couples can enjoy luxury romantic getaways in Thailand, whether they’re planning a trip to the islands or staying in the heart of Bangkok for a weekend. These hotels and resorts are some of the top choices for amenities and romantic activities.
JW Marriott Khao Lok Resort and Spa, Phang Nga
Couples looking for a luxury getaway in Thailand will find everything they’re searching for in the JW Marriott Khao Lok Resort and Spa. This is a 5-star resort with stunning grounds and 10 restaurants to dine at on-site.
Guests also enjoy a variety of fun activities, including snorkeling, water sports, and access to a waterslide. The spa and wellness center is the ideal spot for a relaxing and romantic couples massage. Continued …
Tourists Leave Samui Island by Plane, as Boats are Banned from Leaving Ports
Tourists have had to leave Samui Island by plane, as boats are being banned from leaving ports.
The order restricting boats is to remain in effect with no new announcements. There are strong waves of up to four meters in the open sea in the Gulf of Thailand near Samui Island, Pha Ngan Island and Tao Island.
Thais and foreigners on Samui Island have had to change their plans by leaving Samui Island via Bangkok Airways at the Samui International Airport instead of by ferry. Continued …
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Driver leaves Norwegian at gas station – ‘I thought he was sleeping in the back’
A Norwegian tourist found himself up the proverbial creek without a paddle yesterday afternoon.
He was on his way from Koh Chang to a hotel in Yannawa, Bangkok, in a hired car when the driver stopped to relieve himself at a gas station in Nong Ree subdistrict of Muang Chonburi.
The tourist used the opportunity to get out the back and buy some snacks at the shop. Continued …
Body of Canadian man washes up on beach in southern Thailand
The body of a 63-year-old Canadian man washed up on a beach on the mainland of Surat Thani province in southern Thailand yesterday evening. He went missing from Koh Pha Ngan island six days ago.
At 8pm, officers from Khanom Police Station rushed to Khanom Beach after a decaying body was discovered on the shore in front of the Khanom Power Plant in Thong Nian subdistrict.
Police identified the man as Albert Floyd Newotta, of Canadian nationality, who was last seen at Phangan Villa Hotel in Koh Pha Nganon Tuesday, Dec. 13. Continued …
China’s Covid surge hits trading floors, finance hub
Covid-19 is sweeping through trading floors in Beijing and spreading fast in the financial hub of Shanghai, with illness and absence thinning already light trade and forcing regulators to cancel a weekly meeting vetting public share sales.
Many banks and asset managers have dusted off plans devised to cope with previous Covid crises, injecting another layer of unpredictability into currency and stock markets, where the outlook is clouded by a rocky exit from strict health curbs.
With mass testing halted after China abruptly dropped its zero-Covid policy earlier this month, official data no longer reliably capture new case numbers. Internal surveys by several big asset managers and banks suggest more than half of their employees in Beijing, the epicenter of the virus surge, have tested positive. Continued …
Indonesia’s foreign retirees fear being driven out by new visa scheme
Indonesia’s bid to increase international investments with a so-called second-home visa for the wealthy may drive out foreign retirees who have long considered the country their only home. Continued …
House Jan. 6 panel recommends DOJ prosecute Trump on four charges
The U.S. House of Representatives committee investigating the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, voted Monday to recommend the Justice Department bring criminal charges against Donald Trump. The committee report documented how Trump repeatedly tried to overturn the 2020 election, pressured state officials, assembled a mob and sent it to the Capitol to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. Continued …
Five takeaways from congressional report calling for Trump charges
Much of the detail on Donald Trump’s alleged misconduct aired Monday by the panel probing the 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection had already been made public. But a summary of the upcoming report on the congressional committee’s findings was full of tidbits that had not come out before. Continued …
Dutch PM apologizes for 250 years of slavery
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Monday officially apologized for 250 years of the Netherlands’ involvement in slavery, calling it a “crime against humanity”. Continued …
France bans disposable packaging, utensils in fast-food restaurants
Fast-food eateries in France will soon no longer be able to use disposable containers, plates, cups and tableware for clients eating in, the latest measure from a 2020 law to combat waste and encourage recycling. Continued …
Hua Hin World Cup won by Swiss team
Baht hits 6-month high against dollar after US Fed rate hike
CP and Toyota join forces to study path toward carbon neutrality in Thailand
Thai firm to buy used cooking oil to convert to plane fuel
Industrial estates to install solar systems
EV producers cheered by bookings at motor show
House panel reverses cannabis status as narcotic
TAT sees Chinese tourists returning soon
Thailand renowned for high medical care standards at friendly rates among foreign tourists
Call of the mountains
Japan unveils future-food breakthrough: ‘meat’ made from rice bran