FDA dismisses cancer fears linked to plastic water bottles/Eighty percent of Thai consumers purchased health-focused food/DSI to summon Israeli businessman
THE IRAN WAR: Brent and US crude prices jump
ECONOMY: Severe crisis in small business sector/Overrun with data centers/Turn data center investment into jobs/Thailand approves three southern double-track lines
FDA dismisses cancer fears linked to plastic water bottles
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reassured consumers that PET water bottles are not made using BPA, after social media posts claimed bottles left in hot cars or direct sunlight could release dangerous chemicals and cause cancer.
FDA Deputy Secretary-general Pichet Puedkhunthod said yesterday that the information being shared online could give the public a misleading impression about the safety of bottled drinking water. Most drinking water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, which must meet safety standards under the Ministry of Public Health’s 2022 regulations on plastic food containers. Continued …
80% of Thai consumers buy health-focused food and drinks, while safety concerns reach 91%
Eighty percent of Thai consumers purchased health-focused food and beverages in the past 12 months — more than double the global average of 35% — according to new research from PwC Thailand.
Yet, health claims alone may no longer be enough to win consumer trust. The survey found that 91% are concerned about chemicals and pesticide residues in food, highlighting growing demand for transparency on safety, sourcing and proven value — and increasing competitive pressure across the food, health and technology sectors. Continued …
DSI to summon Israeli businessman over Thai nominees
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is preparing to issue its first witness summons to Israeli businessman Maimon David Marciano over suspected use of Thai nominees in businesses and property holdings.
Justice Minister Rutthapol Naowarat said Marciano is not currently a suspect, but investigators want him to explain arrangements involving law firms, hotels and condominiums in Chonburi. Authorities say the assets linked to him in eastern Thailand are worth more than 1 billion baht. Continued …
Brent and US crude prices jump over 6%
Brent and US crude futures climbed more than 6% yesterday, finishing above US$100 a barrel as escalating attacks on Middle Eastern shipping heightened fears for oil supplies. Reuters described the surge in attacks as the largest since the Iran war began, threatening further disruption to an already tight market.
Iran said it attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, following US strikes on five Iranian oil tankers. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that further attacks would bring an intensified response. Continued …
Bank of Thailand warns economic potential is falling, with a severe crisis in the small business sector
Thailand’s economic growth potential has almost halved in two decades, while SMEs remain locked in their worst credit squeeze since the 1997 crisis. The Bank of Thailand now puts potential growth at just 2.7%, with GDP forecast at 2.3% this year and 1.8% in 2027.
Meanwhile, SME lending has contracted for 16 straight quarters, retail sales have fallen 7.1% and loan rejection rates have reached 86%. Yet, exports and technology investment remain strong, exposing an increasingly divided economy. Assistant Gov. Don Nakornthab warns that aging, weak investment and slow productivity could drive Thailand’s economic ceiling lower still. Continued …
Bangkok is overrun with data centers
Thailand’s been in a data center boom, flush with billions of dollars of AI investment cash. But these facilities weren’t built in remote, sparsely populated areas with uncontested resources. Instead, dozens of them were spotted across Bangkok, data centers that were unregistered or unauthorized.
Thailand is scrambling to rein in these projects, but it has no intention of abandoning an industry that is single-handedly propping up its industrial sector. Video …
IFC urges Thailand to turn data center investment into jobs
Thailand must use data-center investment to create jobs and help local businesses raise productivity through wider adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), rather than treat capital inflows as an end in themselves, according to Arnaud Dupoizat, director for East Asia at the International Finance Corp. (IFC).
Dupoizat outlined how investment in new industries could help Thailand move toward a higher-value economy, provided the benefits extend to domestic businesses. IFC is the World Bank Group’s private-sector development arm. Continued …
Thailand approves three southern double-track lines to support trade
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat has outlined six projects under the second phase of Thailand’s double-track railway program, describing them as essential infrastructure that must extend across every region of the country.
A total of six routes have now been presented, with a clear direction for implementation. Three double-track routes in the south have now been approved for construction because they are fully prepared and the supporting information is complete. Continued …
TAT targets 2.7 trillion baht in 2026 with high-season events and festivals
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is stepping up festivals, events and travel promotions during September–December to help generate 2.7 trillion baht in tourism revenue for the year. The high-season campaign covers domestic and overseas markets, with new airline routes intended to help Thailand reach 33 million foreign arrivals.
TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the 2026 revenue target comprised 1.6 trillion baht from international tourism and 1.1 trillion baht from domestic travel. NationThailand put Thailand’s 2025 tourism receipts at 2.6 trillion baht and also quoted Thapanee as setting a growth target of at least 7% for 2026. Continued …
Thailand sets out three-tier EV excise tax based on local investment
Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary for finance, said the Finance Ministry and Excise Department had the authority to draw up excise tax rates for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and other vehicle types. He expected the proposal to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval by the end of September.
“We are not yet able to disclose the proposed adjustment to EV excise tax rates because it requires Cabinet approval. The Finance Ministry and Excise Department are responsible only for preparing the information. We believe it would be best to submit the proposal to the Cabinet as soon as possible.” Continued …
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
New Year Eve activities/113-year celebration at Hua Hin Railway Station/Hua Hin Bike Week/Hua Hin Jazzical Festival/AIS unveils streaming package/Heavy rain warnings/Collision on Chao Phraya River/More medicines made free/Bugs – a boon/Foreigners behaving badly/ECONOMY: Crackdown on proxies/Headline inflation at 0.95%/Business sector protests 400-baht minimum wage/Government’s financial mismanagement/Minister floats tax changes/Healthcare and wellness industry/Data center platforms poised to gain/Less investment in power plants/TOURISM: Dual pricing/1.56 million foreign arrivals for New Year/Cheaper domestic flights/Phuket Unfazed by Terror Threats/Bangkok to Sydney Direct Route/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Visit these lesser-known destinations/Ubon Art Fest 2024/CLIMATE THAILAND: Urgent increase in climate finance/New tax structure for EVs/Green and smart future logistics hubs/Combating Greenwashing/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
Advanced Info Service (AIS) has launched its Play Ultimate package, combining top streaming platforms into one package for post-paid customers.
Rungtip Jarusiripipat, head of AIS Play, said the Play Ultimate package costs 999 baht per month. The package offers content from six leading platforms: Netflix, Max, Disney+ Hotstar, iQIYI, VIU, and WeTV. Continued …
Heavy rain warnings and flash flood risks in nine Thai provinces
Heavy rain warnings have been issued for nine provinces in Thailand, with risks of flash floods, forest runoff, and overflowing rivers. Coastal areas are also facing two-meter high waves, while Bangkok experiences morning fog and cooler temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius.
A moderate northeast monsoon currently affects the Gulf of Thailand and the southern regions, combined with a low-pressure area over the Strait of Malacca expected to move toward Sumatra. This weather pattern is causing heavy rainfall in parts of the southern region. Continued …
Collision on Chao Phraya River Near Bangkok Bridge, One Boat Sinks
A boat collision occurred on the Chao Phraya River near the Bangkok Bridge yesterday, resulting in one vessel sinking and damage to five others. Police officers from Bang Kho Laem Police Station, along with the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department and the Marine Department, were dispatched to the scene to investigate.
The incident took place near the Bangkok Bridge, where six boats were involved. One boat, a 40-seat vessel, completely sank, while another sustained significant damage to its side and rear. Three additional boats were also damaged during the collision. A number of the boats damaged are tourist boats, used for dining cruises. Continued …
More medicines made free for patients
The National Drug System Development Committee has added more drugs to the national list of essential medicines that patients can benefit from free of charge.
Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said yesterday the committee had increased access to more than 20 essential drugs on the national list, which catalogs the drugs, vaccines and radioactive substances available to those in need. Continued …
Bugs – a boon for the health, the environment and the economy
Amid the growing global concern about food security and meat consumption, edible insects are proving to be a main food source of the future. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations says they have essential nutrients and are high in protein, which can help the body to repair cells.
While these invertebrates can be incorporated into a healthy diet plan to promote health and well-being, some people still turn their noses up at them due to their appearance, taste and texture. Continued …
Foreign driver at large after hit-and-run and chase in Bangkok – Continued and video …
British Man Arrested for Sexual Assault of 6-Year-Old Thai Stepdaughter – Continued …
Chinese Call Center Gang Busted Operating from Resort in Chiang Mai – Continued …
Australian Man Runs Amok, Sets House on Fire – Continued …
Finnish Man Arrested for 10-Year Visa Overstay – Continued …
1,000 arrests made in crackdown on proxies
More than 1,000 Thai and foreign nationals have been rounded up in a joint operation by police and commerce ministry authorities for the use of Thai nominees by foreign businesses over the past few weeks, authorities said on Wednesday.
The investigations targeted 442 companies with more than 3.6 billion baht in circulation in 46 locations across the country, said Police Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). Continued …
Diesel, food price hikes raise Thailand’s headline inflation by 0.95%
Thailand’s headline inflation rose by 0.95% in November, driven by rising diesel prices and higher cost of food and beverages, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) reported on Wednesday.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, TPSO director-general, said that the consumer price index (CPI) for November stood at 108.47, compared to 107.45 in the same month last year, marking the highest inflation rate in three months. He attributed the rise to increased diesel prices, and higher costs for food items, including fruit. Continued …
Thai business sector protests against 400-baht minimum wage plan
Thailand’s three major business agencies will submit their formal protest to the government on Friday, opposing the plan to increase the daily minimum wage for unskilled workers to 400 baht nationwide.
The decision was reached on Wednesday by representatives of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Banker Assn., who are part of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking. Continued …
Thailand at risk due to government’s financial mismanagement: TDRI chief
The president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has warned that Thailand could soon suffer an economic crisis, as the Pheu Thai-led government lacks financial discipline.
TDRI President Somkiat Tangkitvanich was speaking at the “World Economic Pulse to Turn Around Thailand’s Economic Crises in 2025” seminar held on Wednesday at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel. The event was organized by the Senate committee on economic, monetary and fiscal affairs. Continued …
Finance minister floats tax changes, higher VAT
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has floated the idea of increasing value-added tax (VAT), while reducing corporate and personal income tax rates to strengthen state revenue, drive national development, enhance competitiveness and address domestic disparities.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has introduced guidelines stating that everyone engaged in business should contribute by paying a minimum 15% corporate income tax. Continued …
Healthcare and wellness industry expected to grow 9% annually
The healthcare industry is expected to grow by close to 9% annually amid beauty trends and the transition towards an aging society, several experts said on Wednesday.
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the wellness economy is expected to be worth at least US$7 trillion (230 trillion baht) next year. The market is expected to expand by 8.6% annually and reach $8.5 trillion (306 trillion baht) in 2027. Continued …
Data center platforms in Thailand poised to gain from surging demand
Empyrion Digital is expanding in Bangkok, aiming to enhance cloud computing capabilities amid regional competition. Thailand’s cloud spending may rise from $1.6 billion to $7.3 bkillion by 2030, growing at 28.9% CAGR.
While Thailand will continue to face stiff competition against regional peers, in attempt to become a digital hub, expansions from data center operators and telecom operators will remain key to reaching national targets. Continued …
Call for less investment in power plants
Energy advocates are asking the government to downgrade its forecast for electricity demand in the 2024 power development plan (PDP) and promote free electricity trade to reduce power bills, which impose a huge financial burden on households and businesses.
The PDP, enforced from 2024 to 2037, expects power demand in Thailand to increase to 112,391 megawatts at the end of the plan, up from 51,000MW at present. Continued …
Dual pricing – an economic strategy or a source of unintended discrimination
In Thailand, the practice of dual pricing at tourist attractions, where foreigners are charged higher entry fees than locals, has long been a topic of debate. While this pricing system is not officially linked to any form of racial discrimination, it is often perceived as promoting inequality and fostering a sense of exclusion among visitors.
This practice has raised concerns about its implications and whether it unfairly targets tourists based on their nationality rather than their race. The dual pricing system is typically seen at popular cultural and natural attractions such as temples, parks, and historical sites. Locals enjoy discounted rates, while foreign visitors are required to pay a higher fee. Continued …
Tourism Authority expects 1.56 million foreign arrivals for New Year
Thailand is expected to generate 62 billion baht in tourism revenue from Thai and foreign travelers during the New Year festival, up 23% year-on-year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said today.
TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool expects 1.56 million foreign travelers to visit Thailand between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1, representing a 16% increase over 2023. They are expected to generate 45 billion baht in tourism revenue, up 20% year-on-year, she added. Continued …
Cheaper domestic flights up for grabs
Thai Airways International (THAI) has planned to offer 8,000 domestic flight tickets at a 30% price discount from today to Saturday (Dec. 5-7) in a bid to facilitate traveling among Thai people during the New Year festival.
The move aligns with the Transport Ministry’s policy to offer New Year gifts for people who wish to travel domestically between Dec. 26 and Jan. 5. Continued …
Phuket Unfazed by Terror Threats to Israeli Tourists
Phuket remains poised and undeterred despite recent warnings from Israel regarding potential terrorist threats targeting Israeli citizens in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand.
The threats were highlighted following the assassination of an Israeli rabbi in the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns for Israeli tourists in popular destinations like Phuket. Continued …
Email link: sivanavillas@gmail.com
Thai AirAsia X Launches Bangkok to Sydney Direct Route
Thai AirAsia X has resumed its direct flights between Bangkok and Sydney as of Dec. 1. This new route offers travelers a convenient and affordable way to traverse the continent, with six weekly flights now connecting Don Mueang International Airport to Sydney.
As the only low-cost carrier with this direct service, Thai AirAsia X enhances travel options for Australians looking to visit Thailand and other Asian destinations. Passengers can connect to popular spots like Krabi, Phuket, and major cities in Japan and India. Continued …
It’s high season in Thailand. Avoid the crowds by visiting these lesser-known destinations
When it comes to holiday destinations, Thailand is one of the most popular countries in the world. It’s already attracted approximately 31 million international tourists this year, according to reports, with 2025 set to be even busier.
The Southeast Asian nation is well known for its stunning beaches, gastronomy, vibrant nightlife and temples. But it’s also known for its crowds, too. Continued …
Ubon Art Fest 2024 lays out a feast of art and culture
The northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani celebrates the arrival of the festive season with some of the most creative art around, along with concerts by renowned artists and Isaan cultural activities, at the Ubon Art Fest 2024. The event runs from Dec. 13-15 at Yuu Hotel & Café in downtown Ubon.
Organized by Ubon Ratchathani Province, Ubon Ratchathani University, the National Innovation Agency and various public and private sector partners, this year’s festival features six highlights: Continued …
Bank of Thailand calls for urgent increase in climate finance
The Bank of Thailand has called for urgent action to increase climate finance to support Thailand’s sustainable development goals. Roong Mallikamas, BoT deputy governor, emphasized the significant gap between current climate finance and the estimated global needs during her keynote address at the Sustainability Forum 2025, hosted by Krungthepturakij on Tuesday.
Only $1.5 trillion was raised for climate initiatives in 2022, far short of the $7.4 trillion required annually, according to the Climate Policy Initiative, an independent advisory group. Roong said this shortfall poses a major challenge, particularly for developing countries like Thailand. Continued …
New tax structure for EVs would promote hybrids
The national committee in charge of promoting the electric-vehicle (EV) industry has approved a new car tax structure to support the production of hybrid vehicles as part of a plan to convert internal combustion engines to electric power.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment, said the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee (EV Board) yesterday approved an adjustment of the auto tax structure for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV) with no more than 10 seats. Continued …
Port Authority working toward green and smart future logistics hubs
The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) is setting its sights on transforming the nation’s ports into green and smart hubs within the next decade, Director-general Kriengkrai Chaisiriwongsuk revealed in a keynote speech on “The Green Port: Efficiency of the Future” on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 5th “Sustainability Forum 2025: Synergizing for Driving Business”, he outlined the PAT’s ambitious plan to leverage technology to enhance services and partner with shipping line operators to implement innovative logistics solutions. Continued …
Combating Greenwashing: Implications for Thailand
In today’s market, sustainability is increasingly prioritized. Advertisements frequently highlight the environmental benefits of products, claiming “packaging made from 30% recycled plastic” or “carbon emissions reduced by 50% compared to 2020.”
Yet, beneath these claims lies a challenge: how accurate are they? Instances such as T-shirts allegedly made from recycled plastic bottles — where only 1% of the material is recycled — raise concerns about greenwashing, the practice of overstating environmental efforts. Continued …
‘Classified’ data suggest huge Russian losses in Ukraine
Forty-eight thousand relatives of Russian troops have submitted DNA samples, a government minister has been recorded as saying, in a sensitive discussion apparently referring to attempts to identify dead soldiers by their remains. Continued …
French lawmakers vote to oust PM
France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined together on Wednesday in an historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forced Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962. Continued …
UK starts to nationalize more rail services
The Labor government in Britain is preparing to nationalize three train services currently run by the private sector, the start of a plan to take the industry back into public hands. Continued …
China warns against ‘worship’ of faster growth
Chinese state media have warned against blindly chasing faster growth and signaled more focus on boosting consumption in a flurry of articles setting the stage for a key economic meeting next week. Continued …
How a country’s economy was looted dry by politicians
The new governor of Bangladesh’s central bank calculates that about US$17 billion was looted from the country’s financial system by politicians in the 15 years before the government of Sheikh Hasina collapsed in August. Continued …
Bitcoin passes $100,000 milestone
Bitcoin rose above $100,000 for the first time on Thursday as the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president has spurred expectations that his administration will create a friendly environment for cryptocurrencies. Continued …
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reassured consumers that PET water bottles are not made using BPA, after social media posts claimed bottles left in hot cars or direct sunlight could release dangerous chemicals and cause cancer.
Eighty percent of Thai consumers purchased health-focused food and beverages in the past 12 months — more than double the global average of 35% — according to new research from PwC Thailand.
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is preparing to issue its first witness summons to Israeli businessman Maimon David Marciano over suspected use of Thai nominees in businesses and property holdings.
Brent and US crude futures climbed more than 6% yesterday, finishing above US$100 a barrel as escalating attacks on Middle Eastern shipping heightened fears for oil supplies. Reuters described the surge in attacks as the largest since the Iran war began, threatening further disruption to an already tight market.
Thailand’s economic growth potential has almost halved in two decades, while SMEs remain locked in their worst credit squeeze since the 1997 crisis. The Bank of Thailand now puts potential growth at just 2.7%, with GDP forecast at 2.3% this year and 1.8% in 2027.
Thailand’s been in a data center boom, flush with billions of dollars of AI investment cash. But these facilities weren’t built in remote, sparsely populated areas with uncontested resources. Instead, dozens of them were spotted across Bangkok, data centers that were unregistered or unauthorized.
Thailand must use data-center investment to create jobs and help local businesses raise productivity through wider adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), rather than treat capital inflows as an end in themselves, according to Arnaud Dupoizat, director for East Asia at the International Finance Corp. (IFC).
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat has outlined six projects under the second phase of Thailand’s double-track railway program, describing them as essential infrastructure that must extend across every region of the country.
Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary for finance, said the Finance Ministry and Excise Department had the authority to draw up excise tax rates for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and other vehicle types. He expected the proposal to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval by the end of September.
More medicines made free for patients
Bank of Thailand calls for urgent increase in climate finance
