The Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill is nearing completion and could be put before Thailand's parliament by mid-December. Leading the review, Mr Wisarn Techathirawat, head of the special scrutinising committee, stated the bill is now 80% complete.
Born out of five distinct drafts, the proposal underwent a demanding eight-month integration process.
The five preliminary drafts, originally submitted by various entities including the government, the Pheu Thai Party, and public health advocates, had unique approaches to alcohol control.
However, the committee has successfully amalgamated their key points into a single draft, currently 70–80% realised.
Central to the new legislation is the devolution of power to local provincial alcohol control committees. This move aims to empower these bodies with the authority to determine zoning areas and establish tailored regulations.
Discussions around the draft were held during a national conference on alcohol. Mr Wisarn remarked that alcohol prevention among youth remains a focal point.
As such, representatives from youth councils are set to join provincial committees. This ensures young voices influence pivotal decisions on alcohol zoning and sales restrictions.
The timeline is tight. By December 11, the bill should be ready for inclusion in the House of Representatives' draft agenda.
The new parliamentary season begins December 13, providing a narrow window for initial review. Mr Wisarn hopes parliament will prioritise this legislation.
One of the bill's principal aims is to tackle Thailand's increasing trend in alcohol consumption, especially among women.
Control of alcohol sales promotions is covered extensively, with the law envisaged to curb related societal issues like health risks and road accidents.
The legislation introduces strict penalties for selling alcohol to minors or visibly drunk persons, alongside empowering provincial committees with localised authority.
Such provisions promise to fundamentally alter how alcohol is regulated, fitting concerns of public health with practical governance adjustments, reported Bangkok Post.
Thailand is actively considering changes to its real estate laws to encourage foreign investment, as outlined by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.
The potential amendments aim to revise the "rights over leasehold assets" laws, offering more attractive lease agreements that could bolster the nation's economy. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to draw foreign investors, improving Thailand's economic growth, which has been sluggish and hampered by increasing household debt.
The real estate industry is crucial to Thailand's economy, influencing various related sectors. As domestic purchasing power diminishes, the government led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aims to adopt ideas from previous administrations to allow foreigners to invest in Thai real estate.
Current Thai laws restrict foreign ownership of land, presenting a political challenge. Thaksin Shinawatra, a key figure in the governing party, previously suggested that land sold to foreigners should first transfer to state management under the Treasury Department.
This proposal would let foreigners lease the land for up to 99 years, keeping land ownership with the state after lease expiry. Implementing such measures would require amendments to existing state land laws.
To further entice foreign investment, there's a move to extend lease terms from the current maximum of 30 years to 99 years.
This extension could make investments more appealing. In April 2023, the cabinet directed ministries to explore these longer lease terms, and by June, tasked the Interior Ministry with advancing these proposals.
Thailand's 2019 Rights Over Leasehold Assets Act currently allows lease terms from 3 to 30 years. These rights enable the transfer and use of property as collateral, yet the law hasn't been fully utilised or integrated into the market as intended.
Revised laws could better define and expand these leasehold rights, aligning them more closely with international standards and encouraging real estate investment.
In comparison, countries like England, Wales, France, and Cambodia have their own special lease laws, allowing long-term leases and granting tenants greater rights.
These models provide insights for Thailand as it seeks to modernise its approach to leasehold real estate, making it a more competitive and attractive market for international investors, reported Bangkok Post.
On November 14th, 2024, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced that Suvarnabhumi Airport has been ranked among the six most beautiful airports in the world by UNESCO for 2024.
The newly constructed Satellite Terminal 1 (SAT-1) was a key factor in the award, featuring an architectural design that reflects Thai heritage and prioritizes environmental sustainability.
SAT-1 has also been nominated for the prestigious Prix Versailles award in the architecture and design category, with the winner to be announced on December 2nd, 2024, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
The SAT-1 terminal spans 216,000 square meters across four floors, with two additional basement levels. The structure offers 28 contact gates and combines cultural elements with modernity, from sculptures of Thai mythical creatures like Kinnaree and Himmaphan animals to statues of elephants symbolizing Thailand's identity.
Thailand is taking decisive action against foreign businesses using Thai nominees to conduct operations within the country. The Commerce Ministry has unveiled a new plan spearheaded by Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang.
This initiative aims to tackle illegal business practices that undermine local economic interests. The Ministry's subcommittee on nominee business prevention and suppression held significant discussions on Wednesday, bringing together several agencies to brainstorm strategies for identifying and prosecuting companies engaged in these unlawful practices.
Key representatives from several agencies attended, including the Department of Business Development (DBD), Department of Special Investigation, Central Investigation Bureau, Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), Tourist Police Bureau, Immigration Office, Department of Employment, Department of Tourism, Department of Lands, and Revenue Department.
Together, they crafted a comprehensive strategy, proposing short-, medium-, and long-term measures for the cabinet's approval.
In the immediate term, existing laws will be utilised to scrutinise and take legal action against suspect businesses, explained Mr Napintorn.
Moving forward, the DBD plans to build an analytical system to detect nominee use by examining unusual business behaviour. This medium-term solution aims for completion in six months, adding an extra layer of vigilance by practising stricter law enforcement.
Looking to the future, the ministry is contemplating amendments to Amlo's laws, permitting the DBD to reject or cancel business registrations tied to money laundering risks. Proposed changes to the Foreign Business Act could increase penalties, hoping to deter nominee practices altogether.
Driven by numerous complaints against foreign businesses flouting Thai laws, the DBD is expanding its investigations. Particular attention is on online platforms, warehousing, and logistics sectors. The penalties for nominees could include imprisonment and hefty fines.
With this proactive stance, Mr Napintorn emphasised the government's determination to safeguard the Thai economy. He encouraged those involved in nominee practices to cease activities and cooperate with authorities, ensuring protection for compliant witnesses, reported Bangkok Post.
On November 14th, 2024, CP All PCL announced its Q3 2024 earnings, reporting total revenue of 241.28 billion baht, a 6.6% increase from last year.
The rise in revenue was attributed to robust sales growth across all business units, including convenience stores, retail, and wholesale, supported by ongoing government economic stimulus measures and increased tourism.
Despite challenges from heavy rains, CP All's O2O strategy helped drive revenue, with the company's 7-Delivery and All Online services contributing approximately 11% of total sales.
The 7-Eleven convenience store sector, which opened 199 new branches in Q3, recorded sales of 107.85 billion baht, up 8.8% from the previous year. Average sales per store per day reached 81,781 baht, with a 3.3% growth in same-store sales.
Net profit for Q3 was 5.61 billion baht, marking a 44.1% increase. Over the first nine months of 2024, CP All and its subsidiaries earned a total revenue of 730.23 billion baht, with net profit up 46.3% year-over-year at 18.46 billion baht.
Koh Pha Ngan terror threat claims Is-rael-y nothing, says police
Bob ScottPublished: 09:12, 14 November 2024
Security chiefs have stepped up to quash swirling rumours of a supposed terror plot targeting Israelivisitors on Thailand's dazzling isle of Koh Pha Ngan. These whispers, dismissed outright by local officials, had sparked unwarranted concern among holidaymakers.
The reassurance comes hot on the heels of advisories from Israeli authorities urging their nationals to stay alert amid murmurings about the upcoming Full Moon Party being a potential target.
Israeli media were quick to fan the flames, claiming leaked Thai policedocuments hinted at possible threats, which led to heightened police activity based on supposedly "concrete information." Yet, no shred of evidence has surfaced to validate these allegations.
In a bid to clear the air, Noppadol Khaomali, head chief of the Koh Pha Ngan district office, took to the podium with Police Colonel Panya Niratmanon, the island's top cop, and other key players. Together, they declared that media reports stirring the pot at home and abroad had added fuel to the fire unnecessarily.
Both the Loy Krathong festival and tomorrow's Full Moon bash are already under the watchful eye of routine security measures, said Noppadol.
"This terror threat talk is utter tripe."
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sermphong Sirikhong, leading the charge in Surat Thani, assured sun-seekers that all touristsare in safe hands, with boosted security protocols in place. Natthriya Thaweevong, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, backed this up, confirming extensive probes by security forces found zilch to support the terror talk.
Meanwhile, joint patrols by police, military, and local officials are doing the rounds, ensuring merry-makers can enjoy the festivities without a care. Despite the Israeli National Security Council keeping its threat level unchanged, it still urges Israelis to keep their wits about them.
Theerut Supawiboonphol, Surat Thani's deputy governor, stated no sketchy characters or activities have been spotted. Yet, he's told security teams to dial up their checks on people and goods entering the party island.
Today, November 14, hordes of international travellers were seen hopping on ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, under the watchful eye of tourist police and patrol officers, guaranteeing a smooth journey.
In a display of unity and reassurance, Noppadol Khaomali was spotted flanked by law enforcement and security reps in a press briefing video, comforting tourists with a solid promise of safety.
Original story: Israeli tourists face terror threat at Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon party
Royal Thai Police (RTP) issued a spine-tingling warning, revealing that terrorists are targeting Israeliholidaymakers at the infamous Full Moon party on Thailand's tourist haven, Koh Pha Ngan.
In a bombshell announcement, the RTP disclosed that they'd received info indicating a sinister plot to attack Israeli tourists at the island celebration. The party, a hot favourite among Israeli adventurers, coincides with Loy Krathong, Thailand's enchanting Festival of Lights, set for Friday, November 15.
In an all-out bid to thwart any potential attack, Thai police are ramping up security, with roadblocks and intensive operations launched across the island. RTP insiders claim this isn't mere scaremongering, insisting there's hard evidence behind the terror threat targeting Israelis.
A security chief in Israel confirmed that despite RTP's internal memo, steps are being taken to handle the situation. An announcement from Israel's National Security Council is anticipated at any moment.
Koh Pha Ngan has gained legendary status for its throbbing Full Moon parties, where revellers dance till dawn by moonlit beaches. The jamborees draw massive crowds of Israelis yearly, with travel guides like Erez Roth, based in Kosmoy, shepherding partygoers aplenty.
"In my experience, Israelis get jumpy at even the tiniest bother but with the drama in the Netherlands last week, it might be wise to steer clear of big crowds and anything that screams 'Israeli'. That's my two cents!"
Thai officials urgently advised Israelis on the island about the threat, prepping an emergency protocol for more than 10,000 Israelis vacationing on Koh Pha Ngan. Just weeks ago, Israeli travellers in Sri Lanka got a similar scare, told to scram from Arguam Bay over terror cell jitters.
Adding fuel to the fire, The Daily Mirror reported that a recent US indictment claims Iran plotted a barbaric mass shooting of Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka, commemorating the October 7 anniversary of Israel and Hamas' year-long conflict.
Farhad Shakeri, a 51 year old Iranian national, stands accused by the FBI of hatching not just this gruesome plan but also an assassination plot against President-elect Donald Trump. Two other alleged conspirators are cooling their heels in custody over the menace.
As the clock ticks down to Koh Pha Ngan's raucous revelry, anxious tourists are left wondering if the Full Moon party will indeed go off without a hitch, or be marred by the shadow of terror.
What Other Media Are Saying
News18.com reports Thailand's police raising alarms over a potential terror attack on Israeli tourists during the upcoming Full Moon Party, prompting heightened security measures and public vigilance. (read more)
Jerusalem Post reports a heightened alert for Israelis in Koh Pha Gnan due to potential terrorist threats, urging caution.(read more)
The Industry Minister of Thailand, Akanat Promphan, has issued a concerning report stating that the majority of electric cable brands sold within the country fail to meet international safety standards.
Numerous complaints have drawn attention to the potential hazards posed by thin copper wires employed in many of these brands, which can result in overheating and pose serious risks of fires or short circuits.
The investigation covered 78 different brands available on the Thai market, both domestic and imported. Alarmingly, it was found that only 20 of these brands satisfied the safety criteria established by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). This revelation has prompted the minister to demand immediate remedial measures to protect public safety.
In response to these troubling findings, Minister Akanat has instructed the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) to initiate legal proceedings against those importers and manufacturers whose products do not meet the required ISO standards.
He emphasised the critical need for these entities to ensure that their products are safe for consumers, given the potential dangers substandard cables pose to both life and property.
Moreover, TISI has been tasked with coordinating efforts with related agencies to lodge police complaints and revoke the licences of non-compliant companies. This directive is intended to curb the sale and distribution of inferior electric cables in Thailand, thereby safeguarding consumers from yet another source of risk in daily life.
Minister Akanat's call for heightened regulatory enforcement and quality assurance highlights an urgent need to align local products with global safety measures. This move marks a pivotal step for Thailand as steps are taken to enhance the safety of electrical products nationwide, reported The Nation.
Tax expert Thomas Carden has advised expatriates residing in Thailand for 180 days or more in 2024 to obtain a tax identification number from the Thai Revenue Department (TRD).
Addressing members of the Pattaya City Expat Club, Carden emphasised the need for expatriates to register and submit tax forms by the first quarter of 2025, even if they believe they owe no tax, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail.
Carden clarified that only overseas income transferred to Thailand is relevant for taxation. Issues like pre-taxed pensions and double taxation treaties should also be considered.
He warned that failing to register could lead to audits and potential penalties in the future. "If you delay, the financial penalty screws can become tighter and tighter," he noted.
There has been some confusion at local revenue offices due to a lack of information from the TRD head office in Bangkok, making it challenging for expatriates to understand their obligations.
Carden advised using professional tax services to navigate the system, as most pensioners on savings may owe little or nothing. Supporting bank or tax documents are unnecessary when submitting the forms.
Reflecting on global trends, Carden mentioned that taxing foreign residents has become common worldwide, and it's essential to comply even if no income is remitted to Thailand. He reassured attendees that registration doesn't automatically mean payment is due.
Discussing potential changes to Thailand's tax system, Carden mentioned the speculative nature of shifting from a residence-based tax system to one that includes worldwide income, which would require parliamentary approval.
He stressed that while personal income tax enforcement is imminent, it's vital to stay informed and proactive rather than ignore the situation, reported Pattaya Mail.
The issue applies to Thais receiving income from overseas as well, highlighting its broad impact.
