The Jomtien headquarters of Chonburi Immigration had its busiest Monday morning for months following a big increase in foreigners visiting the Pattaya area. Almost 1,000 persons were processed in four hours. The majority were seeking visa extensions or registering their Thai address on arrival. Pattaya Mail

Busiest day at Pattaya Immigration

Pattaya MailNovember 14, 2022

The Pattaya-Jomtien headquarters of Chonburi Immigration had its busiest Monday morning for months following a big increase in foreigners visiting the Pattaya area.

The Jomtien headquarters of Chonburi Immigration had its busiest Monday morning for months following a big increase in foreigners visiting the Pattaya area. Almost 1,000 persons were processed in four hours. The majority were seeking visa extensions or registering their Thai address on arrival.



Most of those queuing were Europeans, especially Brits and Scandinavians, and Russians. Many reported that their flights to Bangkok were full and that the main problem in home countries was the shortage of flights. Not many Indians were seen as they tend to arrive in tour groups with all necessary immigration procedures sorted out by agents in advance. Chinese tour groups are still banned by Beijing, although individuals can still travel abroad as long as they submit to several days quarantine on return.

The Cambodian border post at Pong Nam Ron also reported increases in the number of visa exempt applicants seeking another 45 days entry to Thailand. The strong advice is to use a travel agency as passports have to be presented in advance of travel. Individual travelers report delays of several days if unescorted.

Serious COVID-19 infection cases on the rise in Bangkok and tourist provinces. COVID-19 infections in Thailand last week increased 12.8%, compared to a week earlier, and it is anticipated that the number of patients requiring hospitalisation is likely to increase in the next 2-4 weeks, according to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Disease Control Department. | Thai PBS World :

Serious COVID-19 infection cases on the rise in Bangkok and tourist provinces

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COVID-19 infections in Thailand last week increased 12.8%, compared to a week earlier, and it is anticipated that the number of patients requiring hospitalisation is likely to increase in the next 2-4 weeks, according to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Disease Control Department.

Describing the rising number of infections as just a "small wave", he said that the situation was not unexpected, with the fatality rate remaining stable despite the increase in more serious cases, after Thailand designated COVID-19 as a "communicable disease under watch" on October 1st.

He disclosed that increased hospitalisations were reported in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, as well as in tourist provinces in eastern and southern regions, adding that more than half of the cases reported between November 6th and 12th are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable.

Meanwhile Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn, the department's deputy director-general, said that they attach importance to the so-called "608" group, which includes those aged over 60 and those suffering from underlying diseases, by treating them with Long Acting Antibody (LAAB) after they develop symptoms and test positive for COVID-19.

He advised elderly people who are not fully vaccinated to try to avoid going out and their younger relatives and family members to avoid visiting night entertainment venues.

He offered an assurance that there is enough LAAB to cope with an increase in infections, especially for those who are immunocompromised, such as patients who have had an organ transplant or who suffer from chronic kidney disease.

Immigration ramps up checks on foreigners. The Immigration Bureau (IB) is tightening up security across all international airports in the country ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit, which takes place later this week. Bangkok Post

Immigration ramps up checks on foreigners

The Immigration Bureau (IB) is tightening up security across all international airports in the country ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit, which takes place later this week.

IB commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat Sajjapan, said on Sunday authorities are taking a closer look at foreign arrivals, particularly those who may pose a security threat to the summit.

Since the start of October, authorities have barred over 2,000 individuals from entering the country, many of whom were already on the immigration blacklist, he said, adding authorities will also monitor the activities of foreign residents more closely during the summit.

"Those who are found to be involved in suspicious activities will be questioned and deported," he said.

The bureau is also coordinating with its foreign counterparts to ensure its officers have the latest data on suspected and/or wanted criminals that may attempt to enter the country, Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat said.

The IB chief said more officers will be deployed to staff the immigration checkpoint counters at Suvarnabhumi airport, as the airport will see an increased number of travellers as the summit takes place.

Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat said between Oct 10 and Saturday, 785 foreign migrant workers were arrested for overstaying their visa, while 1,249 others -- 770 from Laos, 349 from Myanmar, 108 from Cambodia and 22 "others" -- were arrested for illegal entry.

Among those arrested were two individuals on Interpol's Red Notice list, he said.

The first, he said, was a 27-year-old Chinese citizen, identified only as Li, who was arrested for allegedly defrauding more than 400,000 victims out of 50 million baht via a mobile application.

According to Interpol, Li and his accomplice launched an investment app to scam victims in China, before making off with the money.

A tip-off later led to his whereabouts at a house in Bangkok's Sutthisan area.

The other is a 40-year-old Chinese national, named by police as Hu, for the alleged possession of illicit properties and forgery.

An investigation showed the suspect had been hiding around Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan.

In addition, immigration police also arrested a Taiwanese national, known only as Zhang, who headed a call centre scam ring in the Philippines.

His arrest came after immigration police found his 24-million-baht Ferrari at a department store in Bangkok.

He showed his Cambodian passport to authorities, but a check showed his biometric information was linked to two counterfeit Taiwanese passports.



Sjukförsäkringsjämförelse 2022 11 13 OBS! Rena sjukförsäkringar (ej reseförsäkringar mer än som jämförelse). Alla försäkringar jag kommer att tala om nedan inkluderar nuvarande nya Thailändska krav på medicinsk vård inkl. Covid-19 upp till 100 000USD / 3.0MB! Detta för att söka ett nytt Non O-A visa Retired från Sverige. (100 000 USD / 3.0 MB för vård inkl Covid!) Claes Ebler

Sjukförsäkringsjämförelse 2022 11 13

OBS! Rena sjukförsäkringar (ej reseförsäkringar mer än som jämförelse).
Alla försäkringar jag kommer att tala om nedan inkluderar nuvarande nya Thailändska krav på medicinsk vård inkl. Covid-19 upp till 100 000USD / 3.0MB!
Detta för att söka ett nytt Non O-A visa Retired från Sverige. (100 000 USD / 3.0 MB för vård inkl Covid!)
Även extension/förlängningen av sitt uppehållstillstånd med ett Non O-A visa i botten har nnumer kravet på en försäkring om minst 100 000 USD / 3.0 MB för vård inkl Covid. Det skall dessutom vara en "godkänd" Thailändsk försäkring!
OBS! Ett flertal immigrationkontor har fortfarande kvar de gamla kraven på 400 000B IP + 40 0000 OP och godkänd Thailändsk försäkring.
Först och främst ett stort tack till alla er som skickat in era olika försäkrings policys för olika bolag samt de som kommit med kommentarer på sina bolag såväl positiva som negativa!
Internationella heltäckande sjukförsäkringar 2022

För första gången på flera år halkar den tidigare ettan ner en placering.
Föregående år runner up WrLife anser jag helt själviskt är den mest prisvärda på den Thailändska marknaden för året.
Detta trots att den fortfarande är relativt ny på marknaden och vissa osäkerhetsfaktorer med detta inte skall underskattas!
OBS! Tar bara upp deras internationella policy Serenity / Elite!

WrLife
Har under senaste året fått en del frågor kring denna och har varit lite avvaktande i mina rekommendationer. Detta då det är ett helt nytt bolag på marknaden.
Med nästan för bra villkor för såväl kunder som mäklare. (Gäller deras Internationella planer.)
Sedan de startade för drygt ett par år sedan har jag haft fullt fokus på dem och kontinuerligt kollat med mäklare som sålt dem angående hur man hanterat kunder vid skador/olyckor.
Men so far har jag inte hört några klagomål eller sett några klagomål på nätet. Vet av vissa mäklare att det har fungerat bra.
Kan inte säga att jag fått in många kundomdömen trots att väldigt många har tecknat dem. Men har faktiskt fått in ett par positiva brev. Brukar alltid ramla in lite negativa men inte ännu.

När nu de som tecknat den för ett år sedan börjat få sina förnyelsebrev och detta med samma premie som för föregående år (om man inte haft en skada), så känns det nästan lite overkligt.
Känns som att tiden iaf är inne att berätta lite mer om dom så får man själv avgöra om man vill/vågar teckna dom eller ej.
För som sagt villkoren är minst sagt bra!
Vad sägs om detta!

Några höjdpunkter i WR Life-planerna:
WRlife International: täckning 100 000 USD till 2 000 000 USD (Elite) (Som sagt villkor och priser är väldigt bra.)
• Du kan ansöka i alla åldrar;
• Livstids förnybar;
• WRlife täcker Covid medicinska kostnader, endast asymtomatiska Covid kostnader kommer inte att täckas.
• Premierna vid ansökningsåldern kommer inte att ändras när du blir äldre! (Dvs har du köpt en som 60 åring så har du samma premie som 80 åring förutsatt att du inte haft någon claim för skada). Detta innebär dock att ju äldre man är när man nytecknar desto dyrare blir det eftersom deras risk då är mkt stor utan årliga prishöjningar.
• Maximal ökning efter en skadeanmälan är 3 %. (Gäller enbart för nästföljande års premie!)
• Möjlighet att försäkra även öppenvård / OP samt ett flertal tilläggsmoduler.
• Total frihet att välja sjukhus;
• Cancerbehandling (radio- och kemoterapi) omfattas i IP delen även om den utförs utan sjukhusinläggning, samt nödvändiga utredningar;
• Världsomspännande täckning (exkl. USA och Kanada) för medicinska nödsituationer under resor på högst 7 veckor i följd;
• Täckningen i landet där du är medborgare är begränsad till högst 3 månader per försäkringsår;

Finns några minus?

-Man inkluderar inte grå starr som tex April om man inte har Eye/Dental tillägget.
-Repatriering till Sverige ingår ej om man inte har Repatriation tillägget.
-Tar ett tag innan alla sjukhus känner till dem. Men har inte hört om några problem so far.
-Man har en 3 månaders väntetid för "specifika sjukdomar"*
*"Specifika"* sjukdomar: Hypertoni & kardiovaskulära sjukdomar, alla tumörer, polyp eller cysta, bråck, hemorrojder, prostatasjukdomar, diabetes, cancer, kolecystit, kolelithiasis, stenar i urinorganen.
För att få hela infotexten med övrig info så maila mig, se nedan.
Har ett par kontaktmän även från WR Life eftersom jag har haft frågor under året så är det något ni undrar över så ropa till.

I år får mao den tidigare mångåriga ettan April Thailand se sig förflyttad till en andra plats. Detta enbart pga av att priserna har sprungit iväg.
Den är fortfarande den bästa på flera plan men som sagt har börjat bli dyr.
-Andra platsen får de främst pga av deras utbudsalternativ, geografiska täckning och självrisk alternativ. Man erbjuder 4 nivåer av maxersättningar/år (3.275MB, 16.375MB, 32.750MB, 65.500MB). Mellan dessa nivåer skiljer sig även omfattningen till en viss del.
-Fortsatt gäller täckningen Europa + Asien exkl Singapore ingår i basutbudet. Sedan kan man välja till world wide.
-Man kan även välja att ha en självrisk för att få ner premien. Finns 5 nivåer från 16 375B – 327 500B, prisreduktionen från 10% - 65%.
-Är man fler än en har de mkt förmånliga familjerabatter i stegrande skala!
-Ett annat stort plus är att som medlem i "Skandinaver på Phuket" (300B årsavgift), erhåller man 10% rabatt.
-En nackdel är dock att senaste teckningsår är 65år (65år + 364 dgr), förlängning tom 99år.
-Utan extra kostnad har man även en tjänst som kallas TeleHealth. Där kan man ringa upp och be att bli uppringd av en läkare när man har frågor eller behöver hjälp av ngt slag.
-Även utan kostnad har man en tjänst där man utan kostnad kan få en "second opinion", tex när man har blivit rekommenderad en behandling eller operation och är lite tveksam.
-Värt att beakta är även deras servicenivå och transparens. Dom har ett stort kontor, akutcenter på olika språk och ersättningshantering i Bangkok.
-Klarar de nya extenison/förlängningskraven med ett Non O-A visa som bas.
Kan även säga att man av branschorganisationen för Asien gällandes försäkringsbolag utsetts bla som bästa sjukförsäkringsbolag i Asien 2020.

Efter dessa 2 kommer ett antal olika som i mina ögon inte riktigt når ända fram. Kan bero på prisbild (oftast), service nivå, ersättningsnivå mm. Därmed inte sagt att de behöver vara dåliga men kanske för dyra i förhållande till vad man erbjuder.
Vill ni ha mer information om dessa eller någon annan försäkring så maila mig enligt nedan.

OBS! Vill bara påpeka att mina rekommendationer är högst subjektiva så ni måste naturligtvis läsa igenom villkoren så ni själva kan avgöra att vald försäkring passar för just er.
Friskriver mig från allt ansvar för felaktigheter och ändringar i bolagens villkor.
Kriterier (ej i rangordning) som jag bygger mina bedömningar på:
-Max ersättningsbelopp (ev. begränsningar)
-Självrisk (utgår från 0 THB)
-Organ-/benmärgstransplantation (täcks det? Ev. Ersättningsnivå?)
-HIV/AIDS (kan fås på många sätt. Täcks det? Villkor)
-Hjälpmedel (ersättningsnivå?)
-Proteser/implantat (täcks det? Ersättningsnivå?)
-Lokalt kontor i Thailand?
-Ingår ngn reseförsäkring vad gäller olycksfall/akutvård (länder som täcks? Ersättningsnivå?)
-Finns möjlighet till valfri vård när man är i tex Sverige (samma vård som i Thailand? Antal dgr? Restriktioner?)
-Premiestorlek idag och imorgon (man blir ju äldre). Flera faller ifrån en topplacering här!
-Livslång förnyelsebarhet (vilken är senaste anslutningsålder?)
-Direct billing (dvs bolaget betalar direkt till sjukhuset?)

-En annan mycket viktig faktor är hur de agerar efter ersättning av skada! (Finns fler bolag som efter ersättning av skada kraftigt höjer premien för nästa år, vissa har även nekat förlängning av försäkringen).
Tänk på att premierna baseras på åldern, sjukdomshistorik, ersättningsnivåer och olika tillval.
Kan inte nog poängtera detta trots att Thailändare har "fri" vård där de är skrivna.
OBS! Se till att era fruar/sambos, barn även tar en internationell försäkring. Oftast inte dyrare än en Thai försäkring och har en helt annan ersättningsnivå!
Slutligen om ni kikar på andra försäkringar så glöm inte att fråga hur stora premierna är om 5/10/15/20 år (beroende på nuvarande ålder). Man blir ju äldre och vill gärna ha råd att ha kvar försäkringen så länge som möjligt. Här finns stora skillnader hos bolagen!! Man kan som tidigare sagt välja en självrisk för att få ner premierna!

Snälla gör mig och er själva en tjänst och vänta inte tills det har inträffat något allvarligt! Var och varannan dag får jag en förfrågan om hjälp med att hitta en bra försäkring därför att man just råkat ut för ngn sjukdom/olycka. Då är det oftast försent, har man en försäkring kan man normalt uppgradera eller nedgradera den. Att byta försäkringsbolag i detta läge innebär att den nya försäkringsgivaren givetvis friskriver sig från det ni råkat ut för om dom ens godkänner en!

(Samma text som tidigare år men minst lika viktigt)
Många har frågat om man bara har en IP (inpatient försäkring, täcker enbart om man är inlagd på sjukhus) får man ngn hjälp vid ingrepp som kan göras utan att bli inlagd på sjukhus?
De allra flesta seriösa bolag inkluderar ingrepp/operation som kan utföras som dagpatient, med lite olika begränsningar så kolla vilken som passar er bäst, själv anser jag April är bäst på denna punkt, men här spelar givetvis även nivå på premien en viss roll.

Skillnad mellan reseförsäkring och sjukförsäkring, kort sammanfattning

Reseförsäkring:
-En reseförsäkring täcker i normalfall inte existerande tillstånd!
-Kan endast tecknas om man är mantalsskriven i Sverige. (Undantag tex Coris)
-Har man den via sin hemförsäkring måste man givetvis ha en adress/hem i Sverige.
-Den ersätter normalt ett antal olika saker förutom olycka/sjukdom. Tex vid flygförsening, bortkommet bagage, stöld mm.
-Den ersätter normalt både vid läkarbesök och när man blir inlagd på sjukhus vid olycka eller sjukdomsfallsamt läkarbesök vid akuta besvär även om man inte behöver läggas in på sjukhus.
-Vid allvarligare åkomma är deras prioritet att transportera hem en till den svenska vården så fort som tillståndet medger. Undantaget tex Luma Thailand pass som ger vården i Thailand samt Coris, se vilkoren!
-Den kan tecknas för olika tidsperioder
-Innehåller normalt endast en liten livförsäkringsdel om man avlider (Gouda tex ca 80 000B). Undantaget tex Luma Thailand Pass som har en livförsäkringsdel på mellan 1-3MB om man avlider!

Sjukförsäkring:
-Oftast kräver de olika bolagen att man tillbringar mer än 185 dgr i Thailand/Asien för att få teckna den (inte alla).
-Man kan nästan uteslutande endast teckna dem på årsbasis. Skulle man behöva avbryta den tidigare tillåter de flesta en återbetalning för återstående tid om man inte har haft några krav på dem tidigare under perioden.
-De flesta innehåller en liten del som livförsäkring om man skulle avlida eller förlora en kroppsdel. Ca 100-200 000B.
-Normalt sett ingår även en reseförsäkringsdel, för akut sjukdom eller olycka, stora variationer här!
-Man får vården i Thailand även vid allvarligare tillbud, hos vissa kan man välja land där man vill få den godkända vården beroende på den geografiska täckningen.
-Man får välja om den skall gälla för IP/OP eller båda (vård som inlagd på sjukhus / öppen vård vid vanliga läkarbesök). OBS! De Thailändska long stay Visa försäkringarna inkluderar både IP och OP.
-Ersättningsnivåerna (inte bara maxersättningen utan även vad de ersätter varierar kraftigt mellan bolagen och de flesta bolag har olika nivåer).
-Det viktigaste! De inkluderar medicinskt nödvändiga men inte akuta ingrepp/vård så kallad planerad vård. Tex grå starr som inte är akut men utan behandling blir man blind eller Cancer mm.
OBS! Alla sjukförsäkringar jag har hjälpt till med går via AA Insurance, då bolagen vill att man skall gå via agent/mäklare. Jag brukar säga låt inte mäklare/agent rekommendera er en sjukförsäkring för de måste givetvis främst tänka på var de har högst kommission. (Gäller givetvis även för AA).
Men jag har valt AA då de är väldigt stora och seriösa, vilket är viktigt för er om ngt skulle hända och ni behöver hjälp mot försäkringsbolaget. De får som sagt en kommission så ni är under deras vingar. Har själv bra kontakt med de flesta bolag men alltid trevligt med en stor drake i ryggen!
-Som vanligt gäller att behöver ni en offert från April, Cigna mfl. så har vår förening Skandinaver på Phuket fått egna kontaktpersoner som gör livet så mkt lättare. Det går givetvis att kontakta bolagen direkt.

-Vill ni ha kommentarer på er försäkring.

-Har ni sjukförsäkringsfrågor i största allmänhet.

-Genomgång av en gällande försäkring. (Vet att många fortfarande har onödigt dyra och inte helt bra försäkringar, så jämför!)

Så mailar ni mig på "clas.007@hotmail.com" Bifoga gärna födelsedata, år mån dag så kommer ett eller fler förslag.

Ha en riktigt skön vinter! Så hörs vi snart igen.

Mvh

Clas

Ps. Friskriver mig för ev felaktigheter i priser eller text men vore tacksam om ni ville höra av er om ni upptäcker ngt fel så jag kan rätta!

Why Thai roads are among world’s deadliest. Poor social values, governmental neglect and superstition are among the reasons Thailand consistently has one of the world’s worst traffic safety records, which recently prompted a renewed campaign to improve the country’s road culture, according to an expert. Bangkok Jack

Poor social values, governmental neglect and superstition are among the reasons Thailand consistently has one of the world's worst traffic safety records, which recently prompted a renewed campaign to improve the country's road culture, according to an expert.

Thailand currently suffers Asia's highest traffic-related fatalities, according to the World Health Organization, culminating in last month's death of a doctor, whose killing at a zebra crossing by a speeding police officer caused nationwide anger.

"I think road safety is related to things such as urban planning and public transportation. When the state doesn't see the importance of its people, something like road safety is then neglected," Pinyapan Potjanalawan, social sciences professor at Lampang Rajabhat University, told EFE in a recent interview.

The death of Waraluck "Kratai" Supavatjariyakul, killed following a hit-and-run incident by Lance Cpl. Naravich Buadok as he was riding his Ducati motorbike is one of thousands. According to the Thai Road Accident Data Center for Road Safety Culture, Thailand recorded 13,479 deaths and 880,578 injuries from road accidents in 2021.

World Health Organization data shows it ranked as high as first in the world's traffic fatality rates in 2011, consistently featuring among the top 10 countries this past decade.

Pinyapan, whose focus on Thai transport dynamics includes research on road accidents, said such incidents are related to society's values, and that people in Thailand aren't valued much.

He said the high volume of cars on the road not only increases the likelihood of accidents but turns pedestrians into a minority group, as in the case of Waraluck, who was pronounced dead in hospital.

Naravich, later arrested after fleeing the scene, was charged with multiple offenses, including reckless driving causing death, not stopping at a zebra crossing and speeding. Investigators found he was traveling at up to 128 kmph. His motorbike had no rearview mirrors or license plate.

Public outcry led police to push for law reforms, with an amendment to the Land Transport Act expected in July, whereby motorists will now be fined THB 4,000 ($ 122) instead of THB 1,000 for failing to stop at crossings, according to National Deputy Police Chief Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapat.

"Traveling from one point to another is being pushed to be something personal instead of public. This causes people to purchase their own car," Pinyapan said. "The more cars on the road, the more accidents happen, since we cannot expect humans to be able to control safety 100 percent."

He said the high number of car users make Thais blame people's discipline, such as in the case of drunk drivers, adding that inebriated people have few public transport methods available to them, so they drive. Pinyapan said Thailand's transport system doesn't support people to travel safely.

In his work, the professor wrote about truck drivers and motorcycle riders being portrayed as "villains," since accidents often involve them, but said the real cause of road incidents is the lack of transportation policies.

"In a way, it's our system of roads that is the villain," he said, adding that superstition in Thailand also feeds the idea of ghosts causing accidents.

"When people die on the road, we throw in beliefs in the supernatural. We often hear about the 'Haunted Curve' or '100-Death Curve,' [whose defects] could be caused by construction errors. People blame ghosts instead of engineering errors," Pinyapan said, adding that the solution to Thailand's high rate of traffic-related fatalities is research.

"I think it's essential to do research on accidents, whether it's engineering research or social studies research," he said, adding that it should be conducted in parallel to the highway department's work to balance their power.

Zebra crossings and overpasses should be tailor-made for each spot and the "distance from traffic lights and other factors should all be calculated. All this needs research," he said.

Pinyapan said affordable public transport would be a long term solution, especially for those traveling outside Bangkok, and that the government had a vital role in improving Thailand's road safety, adding that to reduce accidents, calls for discipline had to match a good transportation system. – EFE

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Soaring baht as the Thai economic spirit rises with one of the world’s lowest levels of inflation. Thailand’s economy and currency have come thundering back in the last three weeks with the baht’s value soaring through multiple barriers to hit ฿35.93 to the US currency while both consumer and industry confidence are on the rise. Thai Examiner

Soaring baht as the Thai economic spirit rises with one of the world's lowest levels of inflation

James Morris and Son Nguyen

Definitive US inflation data showing lower inflation figures interpreted by the markets this time as meaning the Federal Reserve might be more inclined to reduce the level of future interest rate hikes. This and signs of life from China that its economy may be ready to relaunch after a disturbing shutdown imposed by authorities to fight the pandemic, has been enough to send the baht surging against the US dollar since October 19th last.

Thailand's economy and currency have come thundering back in the last three weeks with the baht's value soaring through multiple barriers to hit ฿35.93 to the US currency while both consumer and industry confidence are on the rise. The country's inflation rate has also been ticking downward while the kingdom finds itself at the bottom of the scale, ranked 107 out of 130 countries, on the basis of inflation, far behind developed economies such as the United Kingdom, United States and Germany.

Chayawadee Chai-Anant Assistant Governor of the Bank of Thailand commented this week on the rise of the Thai baht and the purchase by foreign investors of ฿107 billion in securities including bonds and shares.

The Thai currency has staged a rapid comeback against the US dollar in the last three weeks which has seen the world's default currency fall in value by 6.2% against the baht.

On October 19th, the greenback was valued at ฿38.31 and by Saturday 12th November, this had fallen to ฿35.93 breaking through three barriers in what appears to be a rapid decline in the value of the dollar.

Baht at its highest point in five months against the US dollar as economic data shows Federal Reserve's medicine may be working to tamp down inflation

The baht is now at its highest point in some five months with the turnaround being attributed to signs of a reopening of the Chinese economy and definitive data from the United States showing that inflation has begun to taper down.

The latest data from the United States shows the consumer price index rose 7.7% in October down from 8.2% in September.

This was based on a US Labour Department report.

The figure was even better because core inflation rose by only 0.3% from the previous month.

Bank of Thailand official urges caution and still advises both importers and exporters to hedge against future currency trends, fearing ongoing volatility

However, analysts are urging caution with even the Bank of Thailand, while appearing to welcome the stronger baht based on renewed investor confidence in the kingdom, telling the country's importers and exporters to, nevertheless, prepare for volatility ahead and that they should adopt hedging measures.

While many market analysts in the United States are surmising that the latest figures may mean the Federal Reserve can ease off on the size of future interest rate hikes which are still expected, its chairman Jerome Powell, earlier this month, warned that interest rates would end up higher than the market is currently expecting on the basis that the United States cannot afford to take chances with the possibility of continued inflation which must be subdued and brought back to targeted policy levels.

In Bangkok, the Kasikorn Research Centre's Kanchana Chokpaisarnsilp noted that the rise in the baht has also been linked to the trajectory of the Chinese Yuan.

Economic analyst sees a link between the trajectory of the Thai currency and that of the Chinese Yuan

This is something that has been a more pronounced trend in recent decades and may be linked to the interconnected nature of the relationship between China's economy and Thailand's.

In Singapore, Mr Christopher Wong, a foreign exchange expert with the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp, saw the slide in the dollar as more connected with US inflation data and heralded it as possibly good news for emerging economies whose currencies have been hammered in 2022.

'A softer dollar should create a conducive environment for stretched Asian currencies to rebound,' he said. He also saw a higher upside for the Thai baht and the South Korean won. 'Some of those that could benefit more on a relative basis include the baht and the won.'

Senior Bank of Thailand executive heralds new confidence in Thailand with over ฿107 billion in foreign purchases in the stock and bond markets

In Bangkok, Ms Chayawadee Chai-Anant, Assistant Governor of the Bank of Thailand saw the sharp change in fortune for the baht as indicating renewed investor confidence in Thailand in addition to US data showing a softening in inflation stateside.

She also noted that the baht had gained more than 5% against regional currencies and outlined that foreign buyers have this year invested ฿107 billion in Thai securities comprised of ฿89 billion in bonds and ฿18 billion in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). 

Earlier this week, the good news for the economy kept coming with the Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Montri Mahapruekphong, unveiling a fifth consecutive month of rising confidence among industrialists with the index recorded at 93.1 in October compared to 91.8 in September.

Senior industrialist still warns of tightening monetary policy in Thailand with a gradual rise in interest rates being planned by the Bank of Thailand

At the same time, Mr Montri warned of rising interest rates with the Bank of Thailand still pursuing a tightening of monetary policy but at a gradual pace in an effort to keep inflation in the kingdom under control while not impeding growth with the same sort of rate hikes seen in the United States.

Baht slide continues as Bank of Thailand sticks to its dovish and soft approach to interest rates

This policy has been one of the reasons attributed to the lower Thai baht which hit a sixteen-year low on October 19th last.

The Thai base interest rate is currently at 1%, well below the 3.75% to 4.25% in the United States which is expected to rise further.

The Thai rate is expected to rise to 1.25% by the end of 2022 with further increases expected in 2023.

The industry leader called for government incentives to manufacturing businesses including corporate tax breaks for capital expenditure on plant and machinery to assist the country's economic recovery.

Welcome for the government's 2023 spending stimulus plans which the Fiscal Policy Office says can be partially self-financing while boosting GDP

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) senior official welcomed the government's planned stimulus measures, administered by the Ministry of Finance, pencilled in for early in the new year to encourage consumer spending in a boost to economic growth prospects.

Recent studies from the Fiscal Policy Office have shown that such programmes generate significant gains for the economy in terms of GDP growth and can be partially self-financing through additional tax revenue if managed properly.

Last hurrah for economic stimulus in the opening months of 2023 says Finance Minister before focusing on balanced budgets with higher taxes

Mr Montri also urged the government to introduce schemes to keep electricity prices stable in 2023 for industry to help maintain Thailand's competitive position which is the key to driving exports.

Higher consumer confidence as inflation has trended down led by food and energy costs where the annual inflation rate has fallen back with lower prices

Thailand's consumer confidence in October also reached a new 10-month high.

Data from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) showed it reached 46.1 in October from 44.6 in September.

Thailand's inflation rate for October was 5.98%, falling for the second month and putting the kingdom on course for an annualised inflation rate of 6% for 2022.

The consumer price index, as published by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office at the Ministry of Commerce, was 108.6 for the month compared to 101.96 in September.

Director Poonpong Nainapakorn said the price of oil, fuel and food had all reduced and attributed this to close cooperation between the public and private sectors.

He said the rising cost of living had been slowed by external events and initiatives from the government and private firms.

Food inflation rate in Thailand was 9.58% in October with fresh foodstuffs up by 10.48% from a year ago

Nevertheless, food and non-alcoholic beverages had an inflation rate of 9.58% in October with fresh food this year up by 10.48% including foodstuffs such as chicken, pork, soy sauce, curry paste, rice and flour.

Energy prices rose 13.07% in October although the rate of growth slowed from 16.1% in September.

Mr Poonpong said that prices from September to October had appreciated by only 0.33% overall with a sharp drop in the price of fresh food and energy costs, which if excluded would have left an appreciation rate of 3.17%.

'Inflation in November and December is expected to continue to decline. It is unlikely to grow as high as 6% because prices of essential consumer goods have begun to slow down. The flood began to ease, causing more agricultural products to enter the market in the past 10 months. The Dubai crude oil price is moving at $99.14 a barrel and the baht is at 35.96 baht to the US dollar which is still within the framework of the expected assumptions. But there are still risk factors from higher energy prices from the tight supply of crude oil therefore need to be closely monitored. As for inflation this year, it is expected that it will be between 5.5% to 6.5% or the median is 6.0%, which is the rate in line with the economic situation and inflation forecasts of the Thai economic authorities.'

Mr Poonpong highlighted that inflation in Thailand this year has been significantly lower than in most countries with the kingdom ranking 107 out of 135 countries globally experiencing higher levels of inflation.

Thailand's inflation rate was significantly lower than that of the United States, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, the Philippines, India and Laos.

Aeroflot set to add extra flights to Phuket from Russia. Love it or not, Russia has already provided Phuket with 20,453 tourist arrivals since Nov 1 and more flights are expected to be launched this month. Total arrivals for Nov 1-11 stand at 83,428. Phuket News

Aeroflot set to add extra flights to Phuket from Russia

4am curfew proposal protested by drunk driver victims. One protester said half of all night-time road accidents involve drunk drivers. | Thaiger

4am curfew proposal protested by drunk driver victims

By

Neill Fronde

Saturday, November 12, 2022 12:24

PHOTO: Anti-Drunk Driver activists rally to stop a 4amcurfew extension. (via Marco Verch Flickr)

Entertainment venue and nightlife operators are fervently pushing for a 4amclosing time for closing time and have gained support from many key government officials. But a protest outside Government House pushed back against a later curfew, fueled by victims of drunk drivers and a coalition of anti-drink driving activists.

The 4am curfew extension is expected to be officially proposed to the Cabinet for approval at its weekly meeting on November 15.Famous nightlife spots like Patong in Phuket, Khao San Road in Bangkok, Ao Nang in Krabi, and Koh Lak in Phang Nga top the list of areas that would be considered for this extension, according to The Phuket News.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn has been a strong supporter of the later curfew, seeing it as a boost to the Thai economy, especially after his visit to the busy and profitably drunk Full Moon Party in August. The measure has also gained the support of Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt who recently expressed approval for a later curfew in key nightlife areas of the capital city.

But the Network for the Quality of Life gathered some 60 protesters yesterday to demand that the proposal is rejected. They believe more nightlife time will lead to a sharp increase in drinking-related road accidents and deaths. The leader of the Network of People Affected by Drinking in Bangkok is wheelchair-bound due to a drunk driver and spoke out strongly against the curfew extension.

"We don't have enough of those injured, disabled or dead today when nightspots close at 2am? Adding two more hours might not be long. But how many people would die, be injured or become disabled in a year as a result of that?"

Thailand spends about 90 billion baht per year on damages caused by drunk driving and more than 20% of all accidents involved alcohol, according to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation along with other similar non-governmental groups. One rescue volunteer at the protest yesterday said more than half of accidents at night in Bangkok involve drunk drivers.

Activists pushed the tourism minister as well as Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose Bhumjaithai Party supports the curfew extension after being an influential factor behind the legalisation of cannabis. They are pleading for powerful government officials to consider how many people will die as people have two more hours to knock back cocktails before getting behind the wheel for a late-night drunk drive home.

Queen Sirikit Convention Centre and 19 hotels off-limits to protesters Nov 14th-19th. PBS World

Protests or public gatherings which will disrupt officials in their performance of duties during the APEC Summit and related meetings, between November 14thand 19th, are banned from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and 19 hotels during that period, according to an announcement from the Prime Minister's Office.

The 19 hotels are:

• Grand Hyatt Erawan
• Anantara Siam
• Park Hyatt
• Rosewood Bangkok
• The Okura Prestige
• The Athenee
• Conrad Bangkok
• KIimpton Malai Bangkok
• Sinthorn Kempinski Bangkok
• Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit
• Siam Kempinski Bangkok
• So Bangkok
• Waldorf Astoria
• The Saint Rigis
• Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park
• Sukhothai Bangkok
• Banyan Tree Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
• Shangri-La Bangkok

First cruise ship visiting Chon Buri since Covid arrived. Bangkok Post

First cruise ship visiting Chon Buri since Covid arrived

The Viking Orion cruise ship docks at Laem Chabang port in Si Racha district, Chon Buri, on Thursday. It was due to leave on Friday. (Photo: Pongpat Wongyala)

CHON BURI: The first cruise ship to visit the Gulf of Thailand since the Covid-19 pandemic began two years' ago docked in Si Racha district for a brief visit on Thursday.

The Viking Orion, with 930 passengers and 499 crew, moored at Laem Chabang port on Thursday morning after travelling from Singapore. The Norwegian flagged vessel was scheduled to leave on Friday for Malaysia.

Chon Buri governor Thawatchai Srithong, Vice Adm Pichai Lorchusakul, director of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Region 1, and senior officials were at the port to welcome tourists and crew. Traditional Thai dancers entertained them.

Mr Thawatchai said the arrival of the cruise ship showed that Chon Buri province was again open to tourists with the easing of the Covid-19 threat. He expected more cruise ships would visit the province soon, bringing a welcome boost for the economy. 



Citrus Extract Spray Prevents Covid, influenza. kvot.net / TNA

BANGKOK, Nov 11 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha praised Thai researchers for developing the world's first nasal spray from citrus extract that protects users from COVID-19, influenza and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the prime minister recognized the success of the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, the Faculty of Tropical Medicine at Mahidol University, Quantum Biotech Co and Healthlead PCL in developing the world's first nasal spray, Besuto Qlears, from citrus extract to protect users from the virus that caused respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza (H1N1) and RSV. 

The research for the product development was sponsored by the Innovation Technology Assistance Program (iTAP) of the National Science and Technology Development Agency.

Ms Rachada said the Faculty of Tropical Medicine found that the spray could stop 99.9% of COVID-19, Influenza A virus and Human Coronavirus in line with the ASTM E1053-20 standard. It rarely kills RSV but can stop more than 90% of the virus.

The Besuto Qlears spray can protect users for 3-4 hours per use and users can be people aged 2.5 years and over. The Food and Drug Administration already approved its use. It is available at Pharmax, Icare, Vitamin Club and Super Drug stores. (TNA)

Airports of Thailand (AOT) is negotiating with Grababout using their services to fill taxi shortages at two airports in the kingdom. Airports have always been a strict no-go zone for Grab taxis, but waiting times for passengers are getting out of hand. The Thaiger

AOT turns to Grab to fill shortage of airport taxis in Thailand

By

leah

Friday, November 11, 2022 11:05

Airports of Thailand (AOT) is negotiating with Grababout using their services to fill taxi shortages at two airports in the kingdom. Airports have always been a strict no-go zone for Grab taxis, but waiting times for passengers are getting out of hand.

Now that High Season is in full swing, there are simply not enough airport taxis to facilitate the uptick in arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airportand Don Mueang Airport, two international airports servicing the capital.

According to President of AOT Nitinai Sirisatthakarn, only 500 of the 2,500 taxis registered at Don Mueang Airport are actually in service. At Suvarnabhumi Airport, only half of the 5,000 registered taxis are back in service, creating long waiting times for passengers.

Nitinai said…

"There is a shortage of taxis right now. It's clear to see at Don Mueang Airport. Some days, we have needed 700 taxis but only 500 are in service. With bad traffic in the city, taxis can't make it back to the airport quickly. We cannot meet the demand."

Nitinai said that AOT will propose testing out using Grab taxis to fill the shortage. Taxi drivers currently registered at the airports would be involved in the discussions to find a solution to the problem together, added the president.

AOT is also considering using more advanced technology to combat congestion at immigration at the two airports. Despite immigration officers spending only 45 seconds checking the paperwork of each foreigner arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, passengers are still waiting for hours to gain entry into the kingdom upon arrival.

Technology could be leveraged to screen patients earlier on their journey so that immigration officials can be better prepared, said Nitinai. If immigration knows exactly how many passengers are coming and when, more airport personnel can be deployed and more booths can be staffed during busy periods.

If you're flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport, the fastest and cheapest way to get into the city is by Airport Rail Link. It costs between 15 to 45 baht depending on which station you're going to, whereas an airport taxi might cost around 500 baht and take much longer.

Last week, around 800 Grab delivery drivers gathered in Bangkok to protest new policies implemented by the company. Grab said they will respond to the delivery driver's demands within two weeks.

The Transport Ministry and taxi drivers have agreed on new fare rates for Bangkok and its vicinity that will see passengers paying about 7% more for a ride. Bangkok Post

Taxi fares to rise in Greater Bangkok

A tourist talks with a taxi driver at Suvarnabhumi airport. Fares will rise by an average 7% in Greater Bangkok in about two weeks. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

The Transport Ministry and taxi drivers have agreed on new fare rates for Bangkok and its vicinity that will see passengers paying about 7% more for a ride.

It will be the first fare hike in eight years and is expected to be approved by the transport minister before the end of the month.

Wirat Pimpanit, an adviser to the minister, said on Thursday that taxi drivers' representatives had agreed to a new fare schedule proposed after a study by the Thailand Development and Research Institute.

The flagfall for ordinary taxis would remain at 35 baht, but rise to 40 baht for large cabs, for the first kilometre.

Fares would increase for all taxies from the current 5.50 baht per kilometre to 6.50 baht for the next 1-10km. The next 10-20km would be 7 baht/km; 20-40km, 8 baht; 40-60km, 8.50 baht; 60-80km, 9 baht; and for distances beyond 80km, 10.50 baht per kilometre.

The waiting time metre charge for traffic jams would rise from two to three baht per minute.

The changes would cost passengers 7.34% more on average. The last increase was eight years ago. 

Mr Wirat said the new fares would be applied only to taxis operating in Bangkok and its vicinity.

Large taxis are mainly converted sport utility vehicles and normally operate at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

Jirut Wisanjit, the director-general of the Land Transport Department, said the agency would work on the fine details and then forward the fare rate to Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob for approval. 

The entire process would take about two weeks The new fare structure would be announced as a ministry regulation.

Mr Jirut said the new fares had been calculated to reflect core inflation in Greater Bangkok.

The country's core inflation, which excludes oil and raw food prices, was 3.17% in October, according to the Commerce Ministry. The ministry did not release a breakdown of inflation statistics for the provinces.

A cheap flight to Thailand? Don't bank on it anytime soon. Looking for a cheap flight to Thailand? Don’t count on it just yet says airline industry executives. The world’s industry chiefs made known, as if we didn’t already know, that airfares are expensive and they expect to remain that way for the time being. Flights are pricey for a number of reasons, ranging from surging fuel costs, labour shortages, and a lack of planes, would you believe? | Thaiger

 A cheap flight to Thailand? Don't bank on it anytime soon

By

Bob Scott

Thursday, November 10, 2022 15:22

Looking for a cheap flight to Thailand? Don't count on it just yet says airline industry executives.

The world's industry chiefs made known, as if we didn't already know, that airfares are expensive and they expect to remain that way for the time being.

Flights are pricey for a number of reasons, ranging from surging fuel costs, labour shortages, and a lack of planes, would you believe?

The US Labour Department revealed the consumer price index (CPI) for airfare was up 43% in September from a year earlier.

Trade group Airlines for America reported that ticket prices were still depressed last year but airfares in the CPI were up 8% from September 2019.

Airlines reportedly counterbalanced their operations after a turbulent start to the summer that was hit by cancellations and delays. They did it by cutting back on flights and airline chiefs reckon the industry's growth will be hemmed in for the time being.

Southwest Airlines chief operating officer Andrew Watterson admitted the situation is unusual.

"You have demand quickly outstripping supply like this. I think we have a couple of years where demand and supply may not be as aligned as it was pre-pandemic."

The higher fares helped cover about 80% increase in jet fuel prices and revenues over the summer that beat those in 2019.

Prices have reduced in recent months but industry executives aren't expecting any low fares anytime soon.

Flights departing in March 2023 are averaging US$350 a domestic round-trip ticket — 26% higher than last year and 28% above 2019.

Ryanair reported a 14% rise in ticket prices across its short-haul network over the summer compared with 2019.

Ryanair chief financial officer Neil Sorahan said…

"There has been a structural change in capacity in Europe over the last two years. The days of the kind of 9.99 euro (US$10) fares are probably gone."

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said…

"Pilot shortages, aircraft delivery shortages from both Boeing and Airbus, Air Traffic Control saturation and airport infrastructure constraints around the world are all real, and they are constraints that will take years to fully resolve."

Airports in Toronto, Amsterdam, London, and Sydney all labour shortages and operational challenges as they tried to return to pre-pandemic operations.

Deutsche Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr said…

"There are many still-unfilled vacancies at airports, ground service providers and security check organizations around the world, continuing to limit any significant capacity expansion."

Plane delivery delays, spare parts shortages and maintenance slots have also affected an airline's ability to operate.

Furthermore, dozens of airlines have gone out of business or scaled back their operations as Covid-19 travel restrictions took their toll while the pandemic forced British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways to permanently retire 747 superjumbos. That capacity hasn't returned, leading to fewer jumbo jets operating in key markets.

It sounds all doom and gloom at the moment. It is true the airline industry is ailing but in time it expects to be back on the runway and ready for takeoff with a reasonably healthy price that won't burn a hole in consumers' pockets.

Thai Airways to keep some old planes instead of selling. Air travel recovery increases demand for flights. Bangkok Post

Thai Airways to keep some old planes instead of selling

Thai Airways International planes seen from the passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport on Sept 1. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thai Airways International is bringing back almost half a dozen aircraft originally put up for sale in an effort to revive flights more quickly amid buoyant demand.

The global air travel recovery from Covid has put a squeeze on newer planes that are available on the open market, chairman Piyasvasti Amranand said in an interview at the airline's headquarters in Bangkok on  Wednesday.

As a result, the carrier is struggling to find capacity available on operating lease, prompting Thai Airways to hold onto its own aircraft, he said. "It's not all that easy now, the market is changing -- to be getting new or second-hand leasing of wide-bodies or narrowbodies," the chairman said.

He was speaking ahead of the carrier hosting of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines annual meeting on Nov 10-11, which counts Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways among its 14 members.

Three Airbus SE A330s and two Boeing Co 777-200ERs will return to service early next year, joining four new A350s that Thai has already secured.

As part of the restructuring plan, the state-controlled national carrier planned to add a total of 10 wide-bodies next year and a further eight in 2024. The airline has 61 aircraft in its fleet right now, including 20 for its low-cost unit Thai Smile, down from around 100 previously.

Thai Airways is the midst of a court-monitored debt restructuring, having already undertaken painful cuts which saw it eliminate half of its workforce and 40% of its fleet. Thai Air's US$2.3 billion capital-raising plan is led by the government  The airline needs $750 million funding and hopes to get loans

As the airline's president between 2009-2012, Piyasvasti is no stranger to Thai Airways or its woes, having overseen a debt restructuring at the airline at the time. The Asian carrier has already sold 12 Boeing 747s, and five Airbus A340s, and is in the processing of selling four more A340s. It has also returned a dozen A330s.

Thai Airways is also mulling temporarily bringing back some of its six Airbus A380s, the out-of-production double-decker model, from 2024 to fill a gap in demand as it waits for newer, more efficient aircraft to be delivered later in the decade. The airline is set to show improvement in its financial performance at the operating-profit level when it unveils its third-quarter results on Nov 11, thanks to higher ticket prices.

Thai Airways is expected to hit 60% of its pre-pandemic revenue by the end of this year, Piyasvasti said, and it could recover to a high of 90% by the end of 2023, even with the reduced fleet. The reopening of Thailand's borders and those of countries including Japan in the last month has bolstered the airline's reserves to about 32 billion baht from a low of 6 billion baht.

As part of the airline's efforts to bolster its finances, it plans to issue new shares by next year to raise about 25 billion baht, the chairman said.

"I think I would like to see it come not too late because things are improving, financial results are looking good, it would be a good opportunity to do it," Piyasvasti said.