Flood situation will not be as severe as in 2011, Chadchart assures Bangkokians. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has assured Bangkok’s residents that although the capital will face a two-pronged battle of rising sea tides and floodwaters from upstream Friday to Sunday, the situation will not be as severe as in 2011. The Nation

Flood situation will not be as severe as in 2011, Chadchart assures Bangkokians

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has assured Bangkok's residents that although the capital will face a two-pronged battle of rising sea tides and floodwaters from upstream Friday to Sunday, the situation will not be as severe as in 2011.

Chadchart gave the assurance while he and his deputy, Wisanu Subsompon, inspected a community on the Chao Phraya River bank in Dusit district on Wednesday night.

His team was accompanied by the director of the district office on a visit to the Wat Thewa Ratkunchorn community, which is located outside the boundary of flood levees.

About 45 of 100 houses in the community have been flooded after heavy rains and a rise in the level of Bangkok's main river.

Chadchart made the visit after the community chief urged the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to build a levee to protect the community from the overflowing river.

The governor told reporters there were three types of communities on the Chao Phraya's banks that are being affected by the overflowing river.

One is 16 communities located outside flood levees, with Wat Thewa Ratkunchorn residents being among them.

The other type is situated around 24 spots with no embankments due to certain reasons. The areas that lack the levees stretch to a distance of 3.2 kilometres. Officials have used sandbags to build temporary levees, Chadchart said.

The third type is situated at old levees which leak. Officials have installed pumps to drain water that is seeping in. They will fix the leaking embankments in the long run, Chadchart promised.

He said the BMA would closely monitor the water situation from Friday to Sunday, when the sea tide will rise and waters released from Pasak Jolasid Dam and Chao Phraya Dam enter Bangkok.

The Chao Phraya is able to handle a flow at the speed of 3,500 cubic metres per second without bursting the flood levees, the governor said.

He noted that in 2011, floodwaters streamed through the Chao Phraya at a speed of 4,500 cubic metres per second.

"The situation is not as serious as in 2011. It is far less severe," Chadchart assured reporters. "We know our weak points and I believe we can survive it. There are only some communities that may suffer from a little flooding."

He made it clear that it was not easy to expand the flood levees from the current boundary because it would require a lot of money, so the BMA was considering other measures to help communities at risk.

The BMA "will have time" to be prepared to handle the situation because it is closely monitoring the water flow rate at Bang Sai Station I Ayutthaya, Chadchart said, adding that he could not tell whether the situation would be aggravated by additional rains or not.

"I can't say whether there will be more rains or not as the world's climate has changed a lot. Anyway, cold winds have started. Without rains, we'll focus on coping with floodwaters from upstream provinces," the governor said.

He and senior BMA officials will on Thursday discuss how to use lessons learned this year to be prepared for coping with the flood/rain situation next year.

"We will make preparations by acquiring water pumps and dredging canals. Most of all, we'll draft a clear-cut operation plan. We can do it if we have more time to make preparations," Chadchart added.



Remembering the gruesome October 6 event. Today, Thursday, marks the 46th anniversary of the killing of students by police and ultranationalist forces in a political clash on October 6, 1976, also known as the October 6 event. The Nation

Remembering the gruesome October 6 event

Today, Thursday, marks the 46th anniversary of the killing of students by police and ultranationalist forces in a political clash on October 6, 1976, also known as the October 6 event.

Thais nationwide remember the event as one of the worst massacres in political history.

The massacre followed a riot in which thousands of students and concerned citizens gathered at Thammasat University and nearby Sanam Luang square to protest the return of former military dictator Field Marshall Thanom Kittikachorn to Thailand from Singapore.

Before that, an uprising on October 14, 1973, overthrew Thanom's unpopular regime, forcing him to flee Thailand to the neighboring country.

On September 7, 1976, a group of political activists held a rally at Thammasat University to discuss the possibility of Thanom's return and its impact on peace and order.

On September 24, Wichai Ketsriphongsorn and Chumphon Thummai, two labour activists from Nakhon Pathom, who put up anti-Thanom posters, were attacked and beaten to death. Their bodies were gruesomely hung from a gate in the province's Muang district, which later became known as the "Red Gate".

On September 28, more than 10,000 people gathered at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok's Pathum Wan district to protest against Thanom returning. The rallyists who comprised college students and the general public decided to move to Thammasat University in Phra Nakhon district on October 3, and later announced they would disperse on October 6 during the day.

However, at 5.30am on October 6, the police used war-grade weapons, including assault rifles, grenade launchers, anti-armour rounds and grenades, in a move to crack down on the protesters. The demonstrators frantically tried to defend themselves, but were quickly defeated.

Right-wing paramilitaries also lynched fleeing protesters, who were reportedly assaulted, robbed, sexually abused, shot, burned alive or beaten to death. Even some who had already surrendered were not spared.

Several sources claimed more than 100 died at the hands of the military, police and paramilitary forces, contradicting the government report which said 46 persons were killed. The report also said 167 protesters were injured and 3,094 arrested on that day.

Now, every year on October 6, relatives of the victims, representatives of political parties and various organisations make merit and lay wreaths and flowers at the Sculpture of 6 October 1976 Memorial near Thammasat University's Tha Pra Chan campus.

Thailand named among Top 3 Best Countries in the World by Readers of Condé Nast Traveler - TAT Newsroom

Thailand named among Top 3 Best Countries in the World by Readers of Condé Nast Traveler

Distinctions for the kingdom in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2022 also include Bangkok at No. 4 on 'Best Cities in the World' list, and Chiva-Som at No. 1 on 'The Best Destination Spas in the World' list.

TAT Newsroom

Bangkok, 5 October, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that in the just-announced Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2022, Thailand was named No. 3 on the 'Top Countries in the World' list and Bangkok No. 4 on the 'Best Cities in the World' list, while many Thai islands, hotels, and resorts also placed highly on other 'best of' lists.

With its 3rd place spot among the ranking of 48 'Top Countries in the World', Thailand was only one of two Southeast Asian countries to make the top 10. The kingdom scored 90.46, after Portugal (91.22) in first place and Japan (91.17) in second, and ahead of Singapore (90.09) in fourth.

Similarly, Bangkok was only one of two Southeast Asian cities to appear on the list of the 10 'Best Cities in the World'. The Thai capital placed in 4th spot with a score of 89.36, after San Miguel de Allende in Mexico (92.94) in 1st spot, Singapore (89.49) in 2nd, and Victoria in Canada (89.46) in 3rd.

On the list of the 10 'Top Islands' in Asia, Ko Samui was named 3rd with a score of 92.13, Phuket was 5th (90.88) and the Phi Phi Islands was 10th (76.41).

The list of 'The Best Resorts in the World' saw Rosewood Phuket named 11th best out of a total of 50 resorts.

The list of 'The Best Hotels in the World' saw two Thailand properties featured among the total of 50 hotels. These were The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok in 20th place, and Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River in 48th place.

On the list of 'The Best Destination Spas in the World', Chiva-Som in Hua Hin was named in the No. 1 spot with a score of 99.57, and Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa on Ko Samui was named in the No. 4 spot with 99.01.

On the list of 'The Best Train Trips in the World', the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia journey from Singapore to Bangkok was named 8th best out of a total of 20 train journeys.

There were five Thai properties included on the list of 'The Best Hotels in South-east Asia'. These were The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok in 1st place (99.45), Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River in 3rd (99.04), Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok in 5th (98.65), Capella Bangkok in 7th (98.49), and COMO Metropolitan Bangkok in 8th place with a score of 98.20.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2022 also featured Thailand-specific lists – 'The Top 15 Resorts in Thailand' and the top resorts in Thailand under 'The Best Resorts in the World' listings by country and region.

The list of 'The Top 15 Resorts in Thailand' was as follows:

1. Rosewood Phuket (99.49)

2. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai (97.63)

3. COMO Point Yamu in Phuket (96.62)

4. The Nai Harn in Phuket (96.62)

5. Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa (96.52)

6. Angsana Laguna Phuket (96.51)

7. The Slate in Phuket (96.09)

8. Anantara Hua Hin Resort (95.46)

9. The Sarojin in Khao Lak (94.74)

10. Banyan Tree Samui (94.73)

11. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort (94.59)

12. Trisara in Phuket (93.16)

13. Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort (92.02)

14. Pimalai Resort & Spa in Ko Lanta (91.94)

15. Avani+ Samui Resort (91.65)

The list of the top resorts in Thailand under 'The Best Resorts in the World' was as follows:

1. Rosewood Phuket

2. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai

3. COMO Point Yamu in Phuket

4. The Nai Harn in Phuket

5. Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa

6. Angsana Laguna Phuket

7. The Slate in Phuket

8. Anantara Hua Hin Resort

9. The Sarojin in Khao Lak

10. Banyan Tree Samui

Milder energy prices moderate inflation. Inflation in Thailand is showing clear signs of deceleration after the rate of price increases declined by more than one percentage point last month. Bangkok Post

Milder energy prices moderate inflation

Fresh food prices increased in September, especially for meats, eggs, vegetables and fruit. Somchai Poomlard

Inflation in Thailand is showing clear signs of deceleration after the rate of price increases declined by more than one percentage point last month.

The Commerce Ministry on Wednesday reported headline inflation, gauged by the consumer price index (CPI), edged up by 6.41% year-on-year in September, easing from 7.86% in August, 7.61% in July, 7.66% in June, 7.1% in May, and 4.7% in April.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, deputy permanent secretary of commerce, said the main contributions to the declining rate were a decrease in energy prices and a price growth deceleration for housing and seasonings, as well as a high base in September 2021.

"The high cost of production, flooding, and growing demand for goods and services were significant factors that kept inflation expanding, but at a lower rate," said Mr Poonpong.

Energy prices were 16.1% higher compared with September last year, following rising prices for fuel and electricity.

While fuel prices are still high compared with 2021, prices have been dropping for months. Prices for non-food and beverage items rose by 4.10% year-on-year in September, and prices of liquefied petroleum gas, personal care items, public transport, education, and tobacco and alcoholic beverages were higher than last year.

Prices of some items fell, such as face powder, ironing spray, shipping fees, TVs, air conditioners and washing machines.

Fresh food prices rose 11.0% year-on-year following rising costs for meat, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruit. Moreover, prices of prepared food increased slightly and seasonings started to decline amid high costs of production, ingredients and logistics.

Flooding damage to agricultural areas coupled with a recovery in domestic demand caused prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages to rise by 9.82%. However, prices of several items dropped, such as glutinous rice, shredded coconut, tamarind juice, bananas and delivered food.

Core inflation, which excludes raw food and energy prices, posted a year-on-year rise of 3.12% in September, compared with 3.15% in August and 2.99% in July.

On a month-on-month basis, the CPI rose by 0.22%, attributed to higher prices of prepared food, non-alcoholic beverages and fresh food.

For a nine-month average, headline inflation rose by 6.17% year-on-year, with core inflation increasing by 2.26%.

Mr Poonpong said inflation in the final quarter of 2022 is expected to decelerate from the previous quarter because of falling prices of crude oil and food products, combined with a high base in the fourth quarter of last year.

In addition, the government is expected to implement further measures to assist the public with rising costs of living.

However, promising demand for tourism and exports, the effects of recent floods on prices, and fears about baht depreciation are adverse factors that could limit the easing of inflation.

Headline inflation for the full year is projected to range between 5.5-6.5%, in line with the current economic situation and projections released by other government agencies.



Restaurants cautioned over 10% service charge. Restaurants are able to collect a 10% service charge only when they prominently display the fee to customers, according to the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). Bangkok Post

Restaurants cautioned over 10% service charge

Restaurants are able to collect a 10% service charge only when they prominently display the fee to customers, according to the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB).

Pol Col Prateep Charoengul, deputy secretary-general and spokesman of the OCPB, on Tuesday responded to a question over whether a customer needs to pay for a service charge. He responded by saying the service charge is an extra charge that restaurants collect from customers which differs from tips that customers give when they are satisfied with the service.

The service charge is normally collected at no more than 10% of the total bill. It is an optional and not a mandatory charge that a restaurant can choose to include on the bill, Pol Col Prateep said. But to ensure the fair treatment of customers, all business operators must comply with customer protection laws by clearly displaying a notice saying that they collect a service charge.

"It is the right of customers to know all the charges they will get from a restaurant before they decide to dine in the restaurant or not," he said.

If restaurant owners fail to comply, customers can refuse to pay the service charge, Pol Col Prateep said.

Customers can file a complaint with the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) or call its 1166 hotline if a restaurant collects a service charge of over 10% or does not display a notification that they will collect such a charge, Pol Col Prateep said.

The service charge issue has recently gained public attention after former senator Jermsak Pinthong, who is also a special lecturer from the Faculty of Economics at Thammasat University, questioned the necessity for a customer to pay a service charge in a restaurant.

In a Facebook post, he said after discussing with six legal experts, he found that customers have the right to refuse to pay the service charge. Restaurants, he said, have no right to force customers to pay a service charge.

In a restaurant, there are no special services other than serving food to customers, he said. But restaurants charge 10% for their service while some other restaurants in Bangkok collect a 15%-20% charge.

Stimulus plan revived as Prayut returns. Tourism scheme was put on hold in August. The Tourism and Sports Ministry is pushing ahead with its proposals for a 1-billion-baht stimulus project and a 4am closing time for entertainment venues as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha returns to office. Bangkok Post

Stimulus plan revived as Prayut returns

Passengers queue up to check in at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

The Tourism and Sports Ministry is pushing ahead with its proposals for a 1-billion-baht stimulus project and a 4am closing time for entertainment venues as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha returns to office.

Covid-19 was downgraded to endemic on Oct 1, prompting the phase-out of both the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA).

Tourism-related schemes were expected to be proposed to the CCSA and CESA, but they were delayed after Gen Prayut was suspended while waiting for the Constitutional Court's ruling on his eight-year tenure.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister, said without the CCSA and CESA, all proposals would follow normal pre-pandemic practices, which means related departments and ministers must review them before submission to the cabinet for approval.

Projects in the pipeline include a 1-billion-baht tourism stimulus scheme dubbed "Booster Shot", which has been slated for vetting by the National Economic and Social Development Council, but still requires cabinet approval for allocation of the budget.

The aim of this project is to solve the problem of insufficient seat capacity on planes, with at least 1 million seats to be added during the high season, along with other stimulus measures for tour bus operators and hotels.

Mr Phiphat said the proposal to extend the opening hours of night-time entertainment venues will need local administrative approvals.

Bangla Road in Patong, Phuket has been selected as a pilot area to test the new opening hours.

According to a case study from Bangla Road, most foreign tourists leave their hotels at 11pm to head to night entertainment venues.

They travel for an average of 30-40 minutes to reach their destinations, and as a result cannot stay there for long before closing time at 2am.

Because of this limitation, Thailand has been losing out on roughly 70 million baht per day, as tourists tended to spend the most between 1am and 4am, according to the study.

With Gen Prayut reinstated, Mr Phiphat said other projects should continue seamlessly, such as the 300-baht tourism fee, the promotion of Phangnga as a low-carbon destination, and turning certain provinces into medical hubs.

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said tourism needs stability as the industry is recovering.

She said if protests occur, the government needs to adopt a peaceful approach and ensure no street closures, particularly in tourist areas such as Ratchaprasong in Bangkok.

"The government must manage the crowds and demonstrations in an appropriate manner," said Mrs Marisa.

If Thailand holds a general election next year, she said tourism should be the priority for any government because it is driving the economy.



Bangkokians urged to work from home during Oct. 5-7 due to heavy rain. Metropolitan Administration (BMA) today (Oct. 4) said it is gearing up to ask the private sector to allow their staff to work from home during Oct. 5-7 to avoid the impact of torrential rain as some people were stranded in the floods last evening, Amarin TV said.- Thai Newsroom

Bangkokians urged to work from home during Oct. 5-7 due to heavy rain

October 4, 2022  TNR Staff

BANGKOK Metropolitan Administration (BMA) today (Oct. 4) said it is gearing up to ask the private sector to allow their staff to work from home during Oct. 5-7 to avoid the impact of torrential rain as some people were stranded in the floods last evening, Amarin TV said.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej admitted that draining of floodwater yesterday was slow with this being due to the heavy downpour. However floodwater has almost completely gone today but some alleys are still inundated.

BMA has worked out a plan to cope with more heavy rainfall during Oct. 5-7as forecast by the Meteorological Department with Deputy Governor Wisanu Sapsomphon implementing it. Initially more sandbags and barriers are being built in flood prone areas.

As seen yesterday, the sensitive zones are Laksi, Don Mueang and Bang Khen districts with large trucks being arranged to transport people home as some were left stranded in the floods last evening.

It is expected that more torrential downpour will occur today in the sensitive zones and BMA is speeding up informing the public an hour before the rain starts so that they have time to prepare and change their routes.

The Bangkok Flood Control Centre said at 6.15 p.m. yesterday that many cars and motorcycles broke down while going through the floodwater particularly on Phahon Yothin road, Bang Khen district, Chaeng Watthana road, in front Bitec at Sukhumvit-Bangna intersection, Rama 3 road, Khlong Toei district and  Vibhavadi Rangsit road in front of Yakult Co, INN News and Sanook.com said.

CAPTION:

Badly flooded Bangkok roads and some cars and motorcycles that broke down yesterday. Photos: INN News and Sanook.com

---

Also read: Many areas of Bangkok flooded after torrential rain

BMA gears up for weeks of heavy rain, floods

Chadchart apologises for floods, tells people to head home early

Academic: Big floods this year, Bangkok to disappear by 2100

---

Visiting address:

Palmtree Residence. House A7

42/26 Bangsaen Sai 4. Nua Road

Bangsaen, Chonburi

THAILAND

Postal address:

P.O. Box 5

Bangsaen Post Office

TH-201 30. Chonburi

THAILAND

Mobile:+66848700117

E-mail: ola.jnsvd@gmail.com

Sent from Ola's iPad



The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued the warning on Tuesday, saying higher sea tides may make the river overflow from Wednesday to next Thursday. The warning posted on the BMA Facebook page also said that runoffs from upstream areas and heavy rains influenced by the southwest monsoon would also raise the river’s level. The Nation



 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2022

THE NATION

SHARE

Bangkok's riverside communities have been warned of the possibility of the Chao Phraya River overflowing this week due to rising tide coupled with runoffs and heavy rain.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued the warning on Tuesday, saying higher sea tides may make the river overflow from Wednesday to next Thursday. The warning posted on the BMA Facebook page also said that runoffs from upstream areas and heavy rains influenced by the southwest monsoon would also raise the river's level.

The Chao Phraya may rise by 1.7 to 2 metres above median sea level, BMA said.

The BMA warning matched similar advisories from the Office of Natural Water Resources (ONWR) and the Navy's Hydrographic Department.

The ONWR warned people living along the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak rivers to watch out for overflows because the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak Chonsalit dams have increased their water discharge to accommodate continuous heavy rain.

On Monday, the Hydrographic Department predicted rising tides from 6am to 7pm from Wednesday to next Thursday, which it said would affect the level of the Chao Phraya River.

The department said rising sea tide will increase the level of the river near the Julachomklao Fort and nearby areas by as much as 2m above sea level.

THE NATION

Thai tourism targets high-spending travellers from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The Nation

Thai tourism targets high-spending travellers from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Thai tourism is targeting emerging markets in central Asia as a growing source of much-needed tourist dollars.

Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Monday that travellers from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have shown increasing interest in visiting Thailand since the Visa on Arrival was extended from 15 to 30 days on October 1.

On October 30, Air Astana will launch direct daily flights from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Bangkok and Phuket, expanding from the current three flights per week. Meanwhile, Sunday Airlines will also add new flights this winter from major Kazakh cities such as Almaty, Astana, Kostanay, Shymkent and Uralsk to Phuket and U-Tapao.

"Kazakh airlines and tour companies said last month they would like to see Thailand scrap all visa requirements and fees for Kazakhstan tourists this year so they can promote Thailand during the high season," Phiphat said.

In 2019, before the pandemic, Thailand received about 56,000 tourists from Kazakhstan, generating about 3.46 billion baht in tourism revenue.

The first nine months of 2022 saw around 22,000 arrivals from Kazakhstan. The ministry estimates that figure will reach 55,000 by year-end, almost returning to pre-Covid levels.

Phiphat said Uzbekistan tourists also have high spending power and qualify for the Visa on Arrival, but there are currently no direct flights from the country to Thailand. National carrier Uzbekistan Airways is preparing to resume international flights after being grounded during the pandemic, he added.

Currently, Uzbekistan tourists wishing to visit Thailand have to catch a flight from Tashkent or Samarkand to Almaty, Istanbul, Dubai, or the UAE and grab a connecting flight to Thailand.

Over 19,000 Uzbekistan tourists visited Thailand in 2019. The first eight months of 2022 saw 2,496 arrivals from Uzbekistan, with a total of 8,500 expected this year.

The ministry has reduced its tourism revenue target for this year from 1.5 trillion baht to 1.28 trillion baht after lower-than-expected bookings. Next year, it expects revenue of 2.4 trillion baht from an estimated 20 million foreign visitors and 160 million trips made by Thais.

If you thought 2022 has been, and continues to be, a very wet year, you’d be correct. Prachuap Khiri Khan province is on course to log its highest amount of rainfall in decades, with above-average rain forecast for the coming peak of the monsoon.- Hua Hin News - Royal Coast Review

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN'S HIGHEST RAINFALL IN 20 YEARS?

EditorOctober 4, 2022

If you thought 2022 has been, and continues to be, a very wet year, you'd be correct.  Prachuap Khiri Khan province is on course to log its highest amount of rainfall in decades, with above-average rain forecast for the coming peak of the monsoon.

October has historically been the province's rainiest month, and during the first nine months of 2022, Prachuap Khiri Khan has already exceeded its full-year precipitation (10-year) average, which was about 1,113 mm.

According to data from the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD), from January 1 to September 29, 2022 the province received 1,138.5 millimetres of rainfall, which is 44% higher than the 1995 baseline year-to-date "normal" value of 790.1mm. 

To date this year, Thailand's Early Warning System has triggered nine incessant rainfall advisories in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Six issued in May were in Bang Saphan and Thap Sakae districts, and three issued in February were in Mueang District.  The highest level of these was when 112.5mm fell in Khlong Wan in less than 24 hours on February 15. 

Advisories are issued when excessive rainfall is recorded within a 24-to-48-hour period, posing flash flood and landslide threats. 

The TMD's Climatological Center forecasts Prachuap Khiri Khan to continue to receive above-average precipitation in October. Large portions of the province are expected to receive in excess of 300mm of rainfall this month. 

In the last two decades, the highest amount of rainfall recorded in Prachuap Khiri Khan was in 2017, when the province annual rainfall average was logged at 1,474.5 mm.   The province would need to receive at least 340mm in the final three months of 2022 to exceed this and thus attain a new 20-year high.



Thailands ‘winter’ will start late but will last longer, says Met Dept . The department also warned that more tropical storms may hit the Gulf of Thailand and the South in November and December. The Nation

Thailands 'winter' will start late but will last longer, says Met Dept

The cool season will arrive towards the end of this month and stay until late February, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast on Sunday.

The forecast said that though the cool season is starting later than usual, it will last longer this year.

During this period, temperatures in the North and Northeast may drop to as low as 8 degrees Celsius, with frost on hilltops. Greater Bangkok, meanwhile, can expect lows of 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.

The department added that though the weather will only get chilly on some days in the upper South, the region will continue being hit by heavy rain in November and December, resulting in flash floods and overflows. The worst hit will be the eastern coast of the South of Thailand.

The department also warned that more tropical storms may hit the Gulf of Thailand and the South in November and December.

Thailand’s 10 year golden visa outshone by Philippine alternative. The Board of Investment has offered little comment to date, although deputy secretary general Narit Therdsteerasukdi says that Thailand can no longer rely on short-term tourists for much-needed income.- Pattaya Mail

Thailand's 10 year golden visa outshone by Philippine alternative

Barry KenyonOctober 2, 2022

Thailand and her neighbors are all searching for wealthy foreigners.

Many countries in south east Asia are looking to attract global tycoons and wealthy retirees to boost their local economies. Thailand's LTR (Long Term Residency) has so far not excited much public interest as it overlaps with other visa options, does not lead to permanent residency or a second passport and requires a 40 million baht (one million plus US$) investment to be eligible to buy a small plot of land. The Board of Investment has offered little comment to date, although deputy secretary general Narit Therdsteerasukdi says that Thailand can no longer rely on short-term tourists for much-needed income.



By contrast, the recently-announced SRIV (Special Investors Resident Visa) in the Philippines immediately offers permanent residency for as long a foreigner invests at least US$75,000 in business or securities. In return, investors can come and go as they like as well as including their wives and dependent children without additional registration fees. Gill Harris, spokesperson for International Move, said, "If the Filipino golden visa is marketed properly, its sheer simplicity will compare favorably with competing products in other countries."

Malaysia has also joined the fray with its PViP (Premium Visa Program) offering 20 years residence for an investment deposit of around US$220,000. However, it overlaps heavily with existing visa options such as MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) and, according to Malaysian member of parliament Lim Lip Eng, suffers from ambiguity about financial details. The country also acquired bad publicity when it banned MM2H holders from entering Malaysia for a period of six months during the Covid crisis.

Manila in 2022 outshines most other capital cities in the region.

Cambodia's CM2H (Cambodia My Second Home) attracted a lot of initial attention when first announced last July. It appeared to offer a possible path to citizenship within five years for investors bringing over US$100,000. However, the deal requires a property investment in the Khmer Home Charity Association, a registered charity, with close Chinese connections. None the less, the detail includes an automatic work permit as does the Thai LTR. The Malaysian and Filipino variants do not, even for digital nomads.

Gill Harris concluded, "All the golden schemes have their own idiosyncrasies. There can be exorbitant registration fees, as in the case of Malaysia, or a cumbersome bureaucracy with the Thai version. There may be half-promises about citizenship, permanent residency or the right to buy property which are not binding on governments. As things stand, the Filipino golden visa looks the best investment for expats wanting a regular base in south east Asia."