Thailand welcomes over 7 million foreign tourists from 1 January to 26 October 2022 - TAT Newsroom

Thailand welcomes over 7 million foreign tourists from 1 January to 26 October 2022

Heading into the traditional high season of October to March, the full year target for 2022 is 7-10 million visitor arrivals.

TAT Newsroom

Bangkok (file photo)

Bangkok, 28 October, 2022 – Thailand welcomed over 7 million tourists between 1 January and 26 October, 2022, with the full year target for 2022 being between seven and 10 million visitor arrivals.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said "With the difficult times of recent now behind us, Thailand is seeing its efforts across the board – from ongoing tourism marketing and promotion, to the Amazing Thailand SHA health and safety standards put in place – paying off, with more than 7 million foreign tourists having already returned to our shores so far in 2022."

The total number of visitor arrivals for the 1 January-26 October, 2022, period was 7,349,843. The top five source markets were Malaysia with 1,246,242 arrivals, India with 661,751 arrivals, Lao PDR. with 538,789 arrivals, Cambodia with 373,811 arrivals, and Singapore with 365,593 arrivals. Tabulated by the TAT Intelligence Centre based on data from the Immigration Bureau, these totals do not include migrants, United Nations officials, and non-nationalities.

The top five points of entry to Thailand were Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (3,891,196 arrivals), Phuket International Airport (958,027 arrivals), Don Mueang International Airport (564,008 arrivals), Sadao Border Checkpoint (451,578 arrivals), and Nong Khai Border Checkpoint (225,859 arrivals).

Now having fully reopened to international tourism, Thailand no longer requires tourists to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results, and a longer length of stay is being offered. Effective from 1 October, 2022 to 31 March, 2023, the period of stay is extended to 45 days (from 30 days) for tourists from countries/territories entitled for visa exemption, and to 30 days (from 15 days) for those eligible for a visa on arrival (VOA).

Major international and regional airlines are resuming flights to Thailand from countries around the world, while Thai Airways International (THAI) in its recently announced 2022-2023 winter schedule (30 October, 2022 – 25 March, 2023) is operating flights on 34 European, Australian, and Asian routes with increased frequencies on selected routes.

More international events and local festivals are again being held throughout Thailand, including the popular Loi Krathong annual festival in locations nationwide in the first part of November, and the Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB 2022) which is taking place through until 23 February, 2023, at various locations across Bangkok featuring works by 73 local and international artists.

Also, as the host of APEC 2022, a number of APEC meetings are taking place in Thailand, most recently the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) from 19-21 October, 2022. Next, the high-profile APEC Economic Leaders' Week (AELW) is to take place from 14-19 November, 2022.

Mr. Yuthasak said, "Looking ahead, TAT is actively working to ensure Thailand remains a top-of-mind destination for tourists from around the world, such as with the 'Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters' campaign."

Complementing the campaign, the 'Write Your New Chapter' TVC was launched to communicate the Amazing New Chapters message and to engage tourists around the world through a cinematic perspective to show them Thailand has a multitude of holiday possibilities in which there is something for all. The aim is to inspire tourists to explore Thailand and create their own chapters, which they can then share with their friends and family and encourage them to also visit.

Thailand is moving towards more sustainable, more responsible and more inclusive tourism in line with the Thai government's Bio-Circular-Green or BCG Economy Model. The kingdom will continue to be promoted as a world-class destination with existing and new tourism experiences waiting to be discovered by the world's tourists. This will be showcased alongside NFT products including Nature to keep, Food to explore, and Thainess to discover – which are the main highlighted products in the "Amazing New Chapters" campaign.

Toddlers to get free . At least 47 privately owned hospitals in major cities will provide the Covid-19 vaccine to children aged six months to four years old for free. Bangkok Post

Toddlers to get free vaccines

A child is vaccinated against Covid-19 at Central Westgate in Nonthaburi province on Aug 4, 2022. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

At least 47 privately owned hospitals in major cities will provide the Covid-19 vaccine to children aged six months to four years old for free.

The campaign aims to encourage parents to bring their children to get the jab and to help government efforts to administer two million doses to small children by the end of this year.

Dr Chalermkul Apibunyopas, speaking on behalf of the executive committee of the Private Hospital Association said that the private hospitals would like to support the government's policy to vaccinate the toddler group.

To encourage parents, its hospital members have agreed to provide the vaccine for free including 36 hospitals in the Bangkok Metropolitan area and 11 hospitals in Chiang Mai, Saraburi, Chon Buri, and Rayong.

"Any child can receive the vaccine for free even if they have never been patients of the hospitals. The service is available seven days a week," he said, adding that they can check the names of hospitals providing shots via the Department of Disease Control's hotline 1422.

The Ministry of Public Health on Oct 12 launched its campaign to give the Covid-19 vaccine to toddlers aged six months to four years to cover at least two million of them by the end of this year.

It is because toddlers are considered a risk group as the rate of infections is 1.5 times higher than in other child groups while the number of fatalities is triple when compared to other groups, he said.

Dr Somsak Lohlekha, president of the Royal College Paediatricians of Thailand (RCPT), assured the vaccine was safe, saying that parents should not be reluctant to take their young children to get vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, acting chief of the Department of Disease Control, said that the department has not received any report of side effects, even flu symptoms from vaccinated toddlers.

He said that the department would like to have cooperation from local health volunteers to persuade parents to take their children to get the vaccine as fast as possible.

Thais in top 5 most anxious, stressed nations in the world, says Gallup book. A new book published by Gallup reveals confidence is falling and stress and anxiety are rising among the people of Thailand. | Thaiger

Thais in top 5 most anxious, stressed nations in the world, says Gallup book

By 

Bob Scott

Friday, October 28, 2022 15:00

A new book published by Gallup reveals confidence is falling and stress and anxiety are rising among the people of Thailand.

The book, Blind Spot, highlighted the percentage of Thai people who said they were worried for much of the previous day doubled between 2012 (18%) and 2019 (36%). It then surged again after the COVID-19 pandemic, to 50% in 2020 and 46% in 2021. Similarly, the percentage who reported a lot of stress the previous day rose from 17% in 2012 to 44% in 2021.

The Gallup World Poll revealed the percentage of people across the world who experienced worry for much of the previous day rose from 32% in 2012 to 42% in 2021. But the 28% rise in Thailand was one of the highest around the globe putting the kingdom in fifth place behind Afghanistan, Mali, Bangladesh, and Venezuela.

The US-based analytics and advisory company believes the increase in stress and anxiety is because of increasing economic inequality throughout the kingdom. Thai household incomes have plummeted among the people at the bottom of the nation's income distribution.

Gallup's poll brought to light that worry levels were higher among Thailand's poor between 2012 and 2021 (17% to 55%) than among those living in a more comfortable level of existence (23% to 38%).

According to Gallup, Thai people have little to no confidence in the kingdom's national institutions, government, judicial system, and local police, which hit record lows in 2021.

Gallup added tragedies such as the daycare centre massacre and similar catastrophes exacerbate a crisis of confidence in the country's democratic processes and rule of law.

Gallup's 2021 data show that confidence in the country's governing institutions is particularly low among younger people. Among Thais aged 15 to 49, only 39% say they have confidence in the military compared to 50% among those aged 50 and older.

Likewise, 81% of Thai people aged 15 to 49 have no confidence in the national government, versus 66% of those aged 50 and older.



Full team ahead for Thai economy in 2023 - Key leaders emphasise Thailand's economy is a growth course going into 2023 with GDP expected to rise by 3.8% in spite of 2023 headwinds. - Thai Examiner

Full steam ahead: Thailand's economy on course for steady GDP growth in 2023 despite headwinds

Joseph O' Connor

The prospects for growth in 2023 will be driven primarily by foreign tourism with over 21 million tourists expected to arrive. The real problem that the kingdom faces next year is a labour shortage in the sector.

Key leaders of the Thai economy this week including Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow, the Secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) Danucha Pichayanan and the Bank of Thailand governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput have come out to emphasise that it is on a growth course going into 2023 with GDP expected to rise by 3.8%. Indeed, the Bank of Thailand boss has predicted that the economic headwinds in 2023 are far more likely to buffet larger, developed economies such as the United Kingdom and Japan rather than Thailand and other, more adaptable, emerging economies.

Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow put his best foot forward at a Bangkok Post-sponsored seminar in Bangkok on Thursday themed 'Accelerating Thailand' as he confidently predicted that the country's economy will buck the trend next year with a slowdown in world trade and GDP growth predicted by both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Three of Thailand's key economic officials including (left) Danucha Pichayanan, the Secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), (centre) Economic Czar and Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow and Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput (right), have this week emphasised that the kingdom's economy will continue to grow into 2023 despite a predicted downturn in the world GDP growth.

Mr Supattanapong pointed to robust domestic consumption and plans by the government to boost infrastructural development next year with a population which is becoming increasingly computer literate, as signs of hope.

Infrastructure plans first mooted in 2015 coming on stream says Deputy PM Supattanapong Punmeechaow

In his speech, which made much of the government's nascent policy to develop a newer green economy, he said that infrastructural projects begun in 2015 in Thailand will soon be coming to fruition.

Mr Supattanapong pointed to a 250% increase in electric vehicles powered solely by battery this year on Thai roads with 13,000 registered in the kingdom from January to September as evidence of the progress that is being made.

Supporting this development, the minister pointed to 869 charging stations now in operation within the country with over three thousand charging points 

Last week, the Deputy Prime Minister unveiled a $5 billion or ฿200 billion investment in Thailand to construct data centres by US firm AWS Computing in Thailand, which will see ฿20 billion alone invested in the first year while, this week, Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha revealed that inward investment commitments for the opening nine months of 2022, approved by the Board of Investment (BOI), came to over ฿400 billion.

Thailand must attract big firms moving out of China and Taiwan as fear of geopolitical conflict rises

The conference also heard from Danucha Pichayanan, the Secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the kingdom's key economic advisory body.

Mr Danucha said that Thailand was working on improving its position regarding access to computer chip technology and the development of a manufacturing base for electronic chips as a key requirement to the emergence of its electric vehicle industry in the years ahead as a world player.

He also pointed out the need to attract foreign firms which are currently relocating to Southeast Asia to protect their supply chains from a rising possibility of geopolitical conflict, to Thailand.

Taiwanese firms are also moving off the island

This is currently something that is underway with over 25% of Taiwanese firms in mainland China having already shifted production out of the country with only 31% of the island's firms still there stating that they had no plans, as yet, to move. 

This information came in a survey earlier this month conducted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CCIS) which has already highlighted that a majority of US firms, most recently Apple, have begun the process of relocating manufacturing capacity out of the communist country.

Amazon becomes a key investor in Thailand as cloud computer firm AWS sets up shop in Bangkok

There is also a movement of Taiwanese firms from Taiwan itself fearing military conflict with 13% having already moved while 20.8% were actively considering the matter.

Healthy economic fundamentals, prudent public debt level leaves Thailand in a strong growth position

Mr Danucha also drew attention to Thailand's falling inflation number with the rate for September coming in at 8.2% compared to 8.3% in August.

He said that it was expected that the rate by the second half of 2023 would be within the Bank of Thailand's targeted rate of 1% to 3%.

Mr Danucha highlighted the kingdom's strong foreign currency reserves which he quoted at $220 billion saying it was three times higher than short-term foreign debt.

Last hurrah for economic stimulus in the opening months of 2023 says Finance Minister before focusing on balanced budgets including a higher tax take

In this regard, he pointed out that only 1.8% of the kingdom's public debt was in instruments held by foreign parties or not denominated in baht while the country's public debt level, at 60% of GDP, was quite prudent by international standards.

The top economist pointed to growing employment with Thailand's unemployment rate falling to 1.35% from 2% during the pandemic.

So much so, he declared, that the problem Thailand now faces is a labour shortage, particularly in the foreign tourism sector.

Tourism remains a growth engine with over 21 million visitors expected in 2023 and a labour shortage

The foreign tourism sector was now powering back to life. 

Mr Danucha said that the industry accounted for 17% of Thailand's GDP and predicted that the target for 10 million visitors this year would be achieved or surpassed.

The latest figure from the government, just released, to October 25th, shows 7.7 million visitors have already arrived with every indication that Thailand may ultimately welcome between 11 and 12 million visitors.

On Friday, the Ministry of Finance, however, trimmed back its GDP growth projections for 2022 to 3.4% from 3.5% but projected only 10.3 million foreign tourists this year.

GDP growth, this year, has been driven by a projected 8.1% rise in exports while the ministry projects a 2.5% rise in 2023, in the face of a world slowdown.

The export growth projection was ahead of a 1% growth rate quoted this week by the Bank of Thailand governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput for 2023.

The kingdom is targeting 21.5 million foreign tourists in 2023 or 53.75% of what was seen in the record year of 2019 when 40 million foreigners were welcomed and generated over ฿2 trillion in income.

This should also contribute to 3.8% growth in 2023.

Bank of Thailand boss claims Thailand and emerging economies are more adaptable to headwinds

Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput, speaking this week, at a digital conference, predicted that the kingdom was also on track to buck the trend in world economics and said that the headwinds are more likely to impact developed economies such as the United Kingdom and Japan, more than Thailand or even other emerging economies as such countries had economies that are more adaptable to external conditions.

'If the world economy is in recession, what will affect us first is the export sector. This year, we estimate that exports will grow by 8%, while next year we see only 1% export growth. The negative impact of the global recession is quite large. Therefore, from our previous projection that this year will grow at 3.2%, next year will expand by 3.8%, if there is a slight decrease, not much. The overall direction will continue to recover. In terms of domestic factors, the slowdown in the Thai economy can only occur when something affects the recovery of tourism. Because it is the main driving force, we see that the Thai economy will recover a lot, driven by tourism and that foreign tourists in the next year are likely to enter much higher than this year.'

Chinese tourists to Thailand no longer dependent on air travel. The opening of the China – Laos bullet train in December 2021 has transformed the future of regional vacations according to travel specialists.- Pattaya Mail

Chinese tourists to Thailand no longer dependent on air travel

Barry KenyonOctober 28, 2022

The Laos-China bullet train runs many times daily 24/7 with passengers and freight on the move.

The opening of the China – Laos bullet train in December 2021 has transformed the future of regional vacations according to travel specialists. The train runs several times daily from the Chinese border to Vientiane, capital of Laos, which in turn is close to the Thailand with plentiful rail and road connections. The top rail speed is 160 km an hour with a distance of 422 km.

The Association of Thai Travel agents points out that the Chinese government still bans group tours abroad, but that the rules are already being slackened. For example, compulsory quarantine on return to China is being replaced by home isolation in some provinces. In the meantime, most Chinese visitors to Thailand are business people, Elite card holders and Chinese nationals with longstay visas in Taiwan, Laos and Cambodia who are avoiding Beijing's Covid travel restrictions by residing outside of China.

China's president Xi is unlikely to waive all Covid travel restrictions before a national congress meeting in March 2023, but some estimates suggest more than half a million Chinese nationals have already visited Thailand this year. Recent reports of police raids in Bangkok suggest that there are clubs and casinos run and patronized by Chinese citizens, often contrary to immigration rules.

The Thai government is currently considering cancelling the 2,000 baht fee which accompanies the 30 days visa on arrival for Chinese nationals, with the option of a further 15 days on application at Thai immigration. The idea would be to increase Chinese tourism massively, especially as the bullet train access is expected to attract many more economy visitors once Covid rules are rescinded by Beijing.

Although Thailand is numerically dependent on Chinese tourism – about one third of 40 million visitors in 2019 hailed from China – critics say that few Thai business people benefit greatly from the phenomenon. The Chinese tourists are mostly zero-sum, that is paid for in advance of travel with favored hotels, restaurants, entertainment and hotels booked beforehand. This applies equally to economy tourists and the wealthy hi-fliers.

Over 4,700 villages in Thailand remain flooded | Thai PBS World

Over 4,700 villages in Thailand remain flooded

views  427

More than 4,700 villages across the country remain flooded, with over 400,000 households affected, as floodwaters recede, according to the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

The provinces which are still flooded are Phitsanuloke, Nakhon Sawan, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Roi Et, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Lop Buri, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri.

The department said, however, that more than 500,000 households in 59 provinces were inundated since September 28^th and, so far, 12 people have died as a result of the flooding.

Provincial administrations have been instructed to provide relief to flood victims.

Home owners in flooded areas, whose houses are damaged by floodwater, are expected to pay more to repair their houses, estimated at an average of 100,000 baht per house, due to increases in the prices of construction materials, according to the Home Builder Association.

The flood situation across the country is improving as the rainy season ends. The Thai Meteorological Department is expected to announce the official end of the rainy season and Saturday's onset of the cold season.



Thailand has now formed an alliance with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) for the purpose of reinforcing the country’s vaccine infrastructure. The move is expected to contribute to future preparedness for disease outbreaks. NBT World

Thailand has now formed an alliance with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) for the purpose of reinforcing the country's vaccine infrastructure. The move is expected to contribute to future preparedness for disease outbreaks.

Health minister Anutin Charnvirakul and health ministry executives attended a ceremony confirming Thailand's partnership with IVI. The Thai party also congratulated the institute on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its founding.

Thailand has operated its National Vaccine Institute (NVI) since 2012 for the purpose
of improving its vaccine infrastructure. The country's partnership with IVI will contribute to collaboration in the research and development of various vaccines. The pact will also open up greater opportunities for personnel development in the field of vaccines. This year, the NVI is sending 3 specialists to the IVI for the purpose of
knowledge exchange and forming a collaboration network.

According to the health minister, Thailand presented lessons it learned from the COVID-19 pandemic at World Bio Summit 2022. He elaborated that one of the learned lessons is that no one is safe until everybody is safe. Mr. Anutin called for preparations against future health threats. He said efforts against emerging diseases, including diagnosis kits, medicines, and vaccines, require concerted international input.

Thailand's health ministry has also signed a public health cooperation agreement with South Korea to bolster its healthcare system and digital health services. The agreement paves the way for knowledge and specialist exchange between the two nations.

Airlines can't keep up with growing demand. Japanese tourists want to come to Thailand but can't find plane tickets | Thaiger

Japanese tourists want to come to Thailand but can't find plane tickets

By

leah

Thursday, October 27, 2022 10:36

Tourists from Japan are few and far between in Thailand. It's not that Japanese tourists don't want to come, they just can't find plane ticketsbecause the Thais have booked them all up, according to the Director of the Thai Travel Service Association (TTSA) Jarivat Wongsomsri.

There simply are not enough flights available to facilitate growing post-pandemic tourism between the two countries. Currently, flight availability between Japan and Thailand is just 40% of pre-pandemic levels.

Thais are plucking up the courage to travel again after the pandemic and Japan is an attractive destination. Last month, Japan launched visa-free entry for eligible countries, including Thailand. What's more, the Japanese Yen has weakened against the baht.

Despite the cost of package holidays to Japan shooting up 80%-100%, Thais have snapped up tickets like hotcakes. All package deals are sold out until the end of the year, so Thais wishing to travel to Japan will have to wait until 2023, said Jarivat.

East Asian Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chuwit Sirivejkul revealed that from January – October this year, Thailand welcomed 230,000 – 240,000 tourists from Japan.

The TAT's goal is for 350,000 tourists from Japan to enter Thailand before the end of the year. Chuwit said he has been working with agents in Japan to design packages for the kingdom which are attractive to Japanese tourists.

However, the TAT is concerned their goal is out of reach since Japanese tourists are complaining they can't find plane tickets.

In July, budget airline Thai Vietjet commenced services between Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and Fukuoka Airport, on the north shore of Japan's Kyushu island. It is the airline's only service linking Thailand and Japan.

The airline increased the frequency between Bangkok and Fukuoka from three to four times per week to meet growing demand. However, demand kept rising, so frequency was increased again in September to five times per week.

But it's still not enough. The TTSA said they hope airlines will launch more services between Thailand and Japan to give prospective tourists what they want.

A famous goalkeeper from the Chonburi Football Club has apologized for the fatal car accident that killed a 62-year-old female jogger and severely injured another this morning, pledging he will quit drinking for the rest of his life. Pattaya News

UPDATE: Chonburi Football Club's goalkeeper apologizes for fatal drunk driving accident, vows to quit drinking for life

Tanakorn PanyadeeWednesday, 26 October 2022, 14:43

PHOTO: ข่าวเมืองชล

Chonburi —

A famous goalkeeper from the Chonburi Football Club has apologized for the fatal car accident that killed a 62-year-old female jogger and severely injured another this morning, pledging he will quit drinking for the rest of his life.

Our previous story:

A famous goalkeeper reportedly crashed his sedan into two joggers in Chonburi at 4:30 AM today, October 26th, killing one and seriously injuring the other.

Now for our update:

Pol. Col. Eknithat Waenpradab from the Mueang police station interrogated Mr. Worawut "Bank" Sukuna, the 23-year-old goalkeeper of Chonburi FC who fatally crashed his sedan into two joggers while drunk early this morning.

The officer said Bank requested to give his statement in court. However, he was in grief about what had happened and apologized to the victims. Bank also pledged to stop drinking for the rest of his life.

As for two of his friends who had an altercation with police, Bank said they were drunk and only wanted to help him. Pol. Col. Eknithat revealed that he did not press charges against the two men, and they had already apologized for their intervention.

Bank is charged with reckless driving and causing death and injury to others, according to a police report.

Sasit Singtothong, manager of Chonburi FC, has publically apologized for the tragic incident, saying the club will fully compensate the victims and bar Worawut Sukuna from playing until his prosecution is concluded.

Chonburi FC does not support any unhealthy activities such as drinking among athletes and will prevent a similar incident from happening in the future.

Salaries seen rising 2.2% in real terms in 2023, above global average. Salaries in Thailand are expected to rise an inflation-adjusted 2.2% next year, the eighth highest in the world, a survey shows. Bangkok Post

Salaries seen rising 2.2% in real terms in 2023, above global average

A woman buys food at Bang Kapi market, Bangkok. (File photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

Salaries in Thailand are expected to rise an inflation-adjusted 2.2% next year, the eighth highest in the world, a survey shows.

Soaring inflation is set to put a major dent in salary increases for the second year running in 2023, according to a new survey that sees just 37% of countries globally expecting to report real-term wage hikes.

The worst-hit region is likely to be Europe, where real salaries — nominal wage growth minus the rate of inflation — are seen being driven down an average 1.5%, according to workforce consultancy ECA International.

UK employees suffered their biggest hit this year, since the survey kicked off in 2000. Despite a 3.5% average nominal pay increase, salaries in real terms fell 5.6%, due to 9.1% average inflation. They are set to tumble another 4% in 2023.

In the US a real-terms drop of 4.5% this year is expected to be reversed by falling inflation next year, translating into a 1% real-terms salary hike.

Asian nations make up eight of the top 10 countries forecast to see real salaries rise, led by India, up 4.6%, Vietnam rising 4.0% and China up 3.8%.

Brazil's 3.4% increase and Saudi Arabia's 2.3% bump round out the top five.

ECA International's Regional Director for Asia, Lee Quane, said: "Our survey indicates another tough year for workers globally in 2023. Only around a third of the countries surveyed are forecast to see real-terms salary increase, though this is better than the 22% that experienced increases this year." Average salaries fell 3.8% in 2022, according to ECA.

ECA's Salary Trends Survey is based on information collected from over 360 multinational companies in 68 countries and cities.

These are the top 10 countries and their predicted real-terms salary increases in 2023:

India (4.6%) 

Vietnam  (4.0%)

China (3.8%)

Brazil (3.4%)

Saudi Arabia (2.3%)

Malaysia (2.2%)

Cambodia (2.2%)

Thailand (2.2%)

Oman (2.0%)

Russia (1.9%)

And the bottom five, with their expected decreases:

Pakistan (-9.9%)

Ghana (-11.9%)

Turkey (-14.4%)

Sri Lanka (-20.5%)

Argentina (-26.1%)

Give way to ELEPHANTS in Thailand or face jail. Motorists using a highway also favoured by wild elephants in Muang district have been warned they face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a million baht fine if they hit and injure one of the giant animals, and wildlife authorities will strictly enforce the penalties. Bangkok Jack

Give way to ELEPHANTS in Thailand or face jail

October 24, 2022

One of 35 signs warning motorists of wild elephants crossing the road, posted along a 15km section of Highway 1399 in Muang district, Kanchanaburi. (Photo: Piyarat Chongcharoen)

Motorists using a highway also favoured by wild elephants in Muang district have been warned they face up to 10 years' imprisonment and a million baht fine if they hit and injure one of the giant animals, and wildlife authorities will strictly enforce the penalties.

The warning follows a number of recent collisions resulting in the severe injury or death of wild elephants.

Paitoon Inthabut, chief of Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, said on Thursday that 35 signs warning of wild elephants crossing the road had been posted along the 15-kilometre section of Highway 1399 between tambon Wang Dong and tambon Chong Sadao.

Elephants regularly crossed the road when moving from one feeding area to another.

The warning signs also set a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour and warned of imprisonment and fines on motorists who hit a wild elephant.

With so many warnings posted, motorists could not make the excuse they were unaware of the presence of wild elephants along that section of highway or the legal penalties for hitting one, Mr Paitoon said.

Even so, there were several cases of vehicles crashing into wild elephants.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had ordered the wildlife sanctuary office to intensify measures to protect wildlife, he said.

"If motorists break the speed limit and hit a wild elephant, they will be prosecuted," Mr Paitoon said.

He said the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act provided for a prison term of up to 10 years and/or fine of one million baht if a wild elephant was killed or injured by a motor vehicle, whether intentionally or not

Under the same act, the offending motorist would also have to pay hundreds of thousands of baht in compensation for each harmed elephant.

In the case of a hit-and-run, a driver who failed to assist an injured wild elephant was liable to a prison term of up to three months and/or fine of 2,000-10,000 baht under the Land Traffic Act, Mr Paitoon said.

The law would be strictly enforced.

Recently, on Jan 9 a pickup truck hit a wild elephant on the highway in tambon Wang Dong. The man driving the vehicle was unscathed, but his two women passengers were hurt. The elephant, a mature bull aged about 30 years, was very seriously injured and was found dead in the jungle two days later.

And on Feb 1 another elephant was hit by a van on the same highway, also in Wang Dong.

Officials found the tracks of an elephant showing an injured left hind leg leaving the area and were still looking to find and treat it.

This wild bull elephant, aged about 30 years, was found dead in the jungle on Jan 11, about two kilometres from where it was hit by a pickup truck on Highway 1399 in Muang district, Kanchanaburi, two days earlier. (Photo: Piyarat Chongcharoen)

Is mass tourism a thing of the past in Thailand? Bangkok Jack

Is mass tourism a thing of the past in Thailand?

October 23, 2022

Is mass tourism a thing of the past in Thailand as the streets of the most popular tourist destinations are still unnervingly quiet.

Along Chaweng's Beach Road, a usually raucous party area, shuttered shops stretch into the distance.

Before the coronavirus debacle, it was buzzing with traffic. Now, taxi drivers sit on the roadside, with little hope of finding customers.

Where bikini-clad sunseekers once browsed souvenir shops and drank at neon-lit bars, a lone street dog stretches on the pavement.

Elsewhere, swathes of Samui's idyllic, sandy white beaches are almost entirely free of people.

About 40 million tourists flocked to Thailand in 2019, drawn by its spectacular coastlines, ornate temples and famous cuisine.

In 2022, the country will struggle to attract even a quarter of that number, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Tourism ground to a halt in April 2021, when Thailand imposed a ban on all incoming passenger flights. The country – which has so far managed to contain Covid-19, recording 3,255 cases and 58 deaths – is discussing travel bubbles with low-risk neighbouring countries, but no one knows when these might be established. Borders remain shut to almost all foreign tourists.

The travel sector has survived devastating crises before, including the 2004 tsunami, bird flu and Sars outbreaks.

But the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is beyond comparison, says Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor for marketing communication at the TAT.

During previous crises, revenue dropped by around a fifth, he said. This year, the coronavirus pandemic is expected to cause a 80% fall in revenues. "It's a huge impact," he said.

To make matters worse, Thailand's economy has become even more reliant on tourism, accounting for almost 20% of GDP, according to Tanes. About 4.4 million people are employed across the industry – in transport, travel agencies, restaurants and hotels.

In Samui, many have gone for months without work. Before coronavirus, Jarunee Kasorn, who works in a local massage parlour in Chaweng, says her colleagues would welcome up to 90 clients a day.

They're one of the few businesses to reopen on Beach Road, but a whole day can go by without a single customer. "If there are no tourists, then there's no business," she said.

Most of the shop's 20 staff have left the island altogether, and returned to their family homes elsewhere in Thailand.

Though modest social assistance payments were offered to workers during lockdown, this is no longer available.

"Many people say we won't die from Covid, but we will die because we are not able to eat," says Ta Sasiwinom, who has just reopened her stall at an outdoor market in Fishermen's Village, known as the walking street. The past few months have been a struggle for her and her two daughters. "We cook more cheaply – eating egg and rice, rice and egg," she says.

Parts of the market, and the nearby beach, have begun to return to life. There are groups of visitors and locals peering at the discounted stalls, but it is still nowhere near as busy as it would usually be.

Among those shopping are tourists stuck abroad, foreign residents living in Thailand, and Thais – who the government has encouraged to travel domestically through a stimulus package that offers subsidised hotel bookings.

The scheme, and a looming long weekend, has provided a welcome boost, says Lloyd Maraville, general manager of Nora Buri resort and spa.

Of the hotel's 144 rooms, about 100 are empty, though this will fall to 85 over the holiday.

Government measures, he adds, "might sustain hotels for a while but it will not be a long-term [solution]." Rooms have been booked at far below the usual rates. "Profit is out of the question at this moment, we just want to maintain the resort," he says.

Tanes believes that when tourism is able to begin again, the industry will be altered completely.

He hopes for positive change. "I think this is a good time for Thailand to upskill the human resources of the industry to move Thailand [away] from [being an] overcrowded tourist destination," he says. Mass tourism, and the dependence on large tour groups, he argues, will be a thing of the past.

In Samui, businesses are focused on survival for now. Just last month it was announced that nearly 100 local hotel owners had been forced to sell. Many more remain shut indefinitely.

"I've lived here for 20 years and I'm shocked, I never thought it could be like this," says Rattanaporn Chadakarn, who runs a stall at the walking street.

No one knows if the Great Panic will continue. For now, she adds, everyone is just waiting for the skies to reopen.

Bangkok hospitals report surge in medical tourists as Covid recedes. The uptick is being driven by patients from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam who have high purchasing power and are seeking the advanced medical technologies that Thailand has to offer, he said. The Nation

Bangkok hospitals report surge in medical tourists as Covid recedes

Three private hospitals in Bangkok have reported a surge of foreign patients since Thailand lifted Covid-19 travel controls in June.

Panacee Hospital director Dr Perapat Tangjai said the performance of Thai private hospitals has dramatically improved in the fourth quarter as foreigners return to the country for treatment.

The uptick is being driven by patients from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam who have high purchasing power and are seeking the advanced medical technologies that Thailand has to offer, he said.

Perapat also expects the number of Chinese medical tourists to increase once China reopens.

"Foreign tourists are also arriving for alternative hospital treatments such as traditional herbal remedies and natural therapy," he said.

He predicted fourth-quarter revenue of private Thai hospitals will double in the fourth quarter from the same period last year.

Academics in Thailand welcome President Xi's third term. President Xi’s third term will be viewed as undemocratic and autocratic by the Western powers but Thailand’s top boffins believe continuation is the key which will benefit the kingdom and ASEAN countries. | Thaiger

Academics in Thailand welcome President Xi's third term

By 

Bob Scott

Monday, October 24, 2022 11:39

Academics in Thailand welcomed news yesterday that Chinese leader President Xi Jinping secured an historic third five-year term as general secretary of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

President Xi's third term will be viewed as undemocratic and autocratic by the Western powers but Thailand's top boffins believe continuation is the key which will benefit the kingdom and ASEAN countries.

Thai academics reckon the nation needs to remain impartial to the West's belligerent war-like attitude toward the mainland and grow its economy with China.

Piti Srisangnam, director for academic affairs at Chulalongkorn University's ASEAN Studies Centre, told Bangkok Post that he believes most of the newly-elected senior members of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee favour reform, which is good news for Thailand.

"This is a signal that China is now ready to emerge as a global economic power that will focus on joining development initiatives with other countries.

"China has rivals on the global economic stage. Even though Thailand has close ties with China, it does not take sides in conflicts, and this should benefit the country if China eases travel curbs and allows its citizens to travel abroad.

"With small numbers of Covid-19 fatalities and infections as well as amicable ties with China, Thailand will always be among the top destinations."

A mass influx of Chinese tourists to Thailand is unlikely until next year, however.

The mainland still insists on seven days of quarantine for any traveller, Chinese or foreign, as it maintains its strict zero-Covid-19 policy. This largely puts off people from travelling.

Thailand is more likely to see more tourists around Chinese New Year next year in late January and thereafter.

An expert on China's economy at Thammasat University's faculty of economics, Aksornsri Phanishsarn, reckons there will be little change to Xi's previous two terms as Chinese president.

Aksornsri believes Xi will continue economic reform, strengthen growth from within, and continue its zero-Covid strategy. With that in mind, she believes Thailand needs to target a different consumer than previous visitors to the Land of Smiles.

"Chinese tourists cannot be expected to visit Thailand in large numbers in the upcoming high season as long as the quarantine requirement for arrivals into China remains in place.

"Before the pandemic, many Chinese tourists in Thailand were first-time travellers and budget travellers.

"We should turn our attention to upmarket tourists. They may not come in large numbers but they will include businessmen and investors.

"China is seeking to invest in Thailand, particularly in the electric vehicle industry."

Thailand’s economy stuck in the middle. Southeast Asia’s second largest and once one of its most dynamic economies is struggling under the weight of an ageing population, a deteriorating education system and low yield rice farming. | East Asia Forum. Author: Richard Yarrow, Harvard University and ANU

Thailand's economy stuck in the middle

Richard Yarrow23 October 2022

Author: Richard Yarrow, Harvard University and ANU

Southeast Asia's second largest and once one of its most dynamic economies is struggling under the weight of an ageing population, a deteriorating education system and low yield rice farming. Thailand looks trapped as a middle-income country, unable to get rich, and stuck between a younger, dynamic Vietnam and larger Indonesia.

Getting out of its economic rut won't be easy, but investment in education and higher quality human capital and agricultural and governance reform should be priorities.

Thailand has the lowest fertility rate in Southeast Asia, bar Singapore. Its demographics are arguably more worrisome than those of South Korea, which has a fertility rate close to 0.8. Between 2000 and 2021, South Korea's population aged 20–24 declined by 15 per cent. In Thailand, that number fell by 20 per cent, moderately better than the 27 per cent decline in Japan. But Japan and South Korea generate over four times the per capita GDP of Thailand, and they have more resources to support ageing citizens and attract skilled immigrants to reinforce greying workforces.

As in many other countries, COVID-19 exacerbated Thailand's ageing. Between 2020 and 2021, the number of Thai infants declined by 8 per cent. Middle and working-class households, stressed by growing debt, inflation and poor employment prospects, are hardly eager to have more children. During the pandemic, Thai household debt soared to 90 per cent of GDP.

In the 2000s, Thailand outperformed its regional peers across many education metrics. Nearly all age-eligible children attended primary school and a high proportion of young people entered junior secondary school. Most Thai workers in 2006 had a primary school education at best. By 2019 most had some post-primary education.

These gains in education and skills can help ameliorate the effects of rapid ageing. But vital to human capital formation and breaking out of the middle-income trap is the uptake and quality of higher education. Over the past decade, declines in university enrolments have begun outpacing the demographic decline in the numbers of young people.

Thailand's gross tertiary enrolment ratio — the number enrolled in tertiary education over the main tertiary level age cohort — peaked at around 50 per cent in the early 2010s and then fell toward 40–45 per cent in recent years. Technical or vocationally oriented programs fared better, but most general university programs lost many students. Between 2015 and 2019, undergraduate degree enrolments fell by a sharp 18 per cent.

Thai universities' problems relate to quality, jobs and household finances. With fewer enrolments, universities have fewer resources and incentives to invest in improving quality in the way that Chinese or Singaporean universities have done. In turn, graduate employment prospects have weakened. The wage premium of Thai tertiary education has fallen since the early 2010s, with many graduates underprepared for the workforce.

During the pandemic, the number of unemployed college-educated workers more than doubled. For debt-laden households, the extra years of university education might no longer seem worthwhile. Many Thai universities are faced with eliminating programs or closing altogether.

Agriculture, still a major pillar of the Thai economy, is another worry. The sector contributes around one tenth of Thailand's GDP but employs around one third of the labour force. While the sector has diversified toward fruit and animal husbandry, rice remains a core crop — Thai farms account for 14 per cent of international rice trade. Yet, Thailand's rice farms are not very productive or efficient. Thailand's average yields are now lower than those of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The average Thai rice farm is too small and farmers too poor or elderly for investments in the equipment or infrastructure to improve productivity.

These challenges have prompted policymakers to pivot to relying on new industrial technology to resuscitate economic growth. For instance, political leaders dream of a shift to electric vehicle manufacturing, and, in May 2022, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed hope that Thailand would become the world's largest electric vehicle production hub. But a purely national strategy focussed on electric vehicles would be a costly gamble, in a region where few consumers can afford the technology in the first place.

Thailand, and its auto industry in particular, benefits from large investments from Japan and China. Thailand's exports have performed well since 2020, with rising vehicle sales to Japan and agricultural exports to China. Foreign investment-driven trade has given a strong economic boost and opens opportunities for structural change. But foreign investment is discouraged by an uncertain legal and political environment, corruption, powerful domestic oligopolies and restrictions on foreign ownership. The Eastern Economic Corridor and the special economic zones created under recent governments have yet to broaden or deepen investments into Thailand.

Rejuvenation of higher education requires reform of higher education financing, the consolidation and internationalisation its universities.

Alleviating stagnation in agriculture requires a pivot from agricultural price supports toward mechanisation, investment in irrigation and farm consolidation.

The challenges of Thailand's demography, education and agriculture seem symptomatic of an unequal economy with concentration of resources and power around large conglomerates and the wealthy. Such an economic structure restrains middle class demand and increases capital outflows to nearby countries like Vietnam, even while Thailand has too little domestic private investment. Likewise, there are too few incentives for students or farmers to upgrade capabilities and few supports for families to have children.

Changing direction is at heart a governance and political problem. Many Thailand 4.0 proposals — for example, for regionally-balanced investment and joint partnerships to direct resources into higher education — show there's no shortage of good ideas from Thai civil servants and scholars about what is needed. But implementing them is another question.

Richard Yarrow is Fellow at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center at the Harvard Kennedy School, Visiting Research Fellow at the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research at the ANU, and Visiting Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute at NUS. He recently published the monograph Thailand's Economic Dilemmas in Post-Pandemic Asia.

#APEC2022 will be held in Bangkok, Thailand this November. With the event rapidly approaching, how much do you know about APEC? PBS World