Two hours of heavy rainfall triggered devastating flash floods in several areas of Sri Racha district, Chonburi province, on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024.
According to The Pattaya News reporters, the most significant flooding occurred at the intersection under the Nong Yai Bu Bridge in the Nong Kho area of Nong Kham sub-district. Water levels rose to nearly 1 meter, totally blocking small cars and motorcycles from passing.
The Pattaya News reporters observed motorcycles submerged in the floodwaters, forcing motorists to push them through the current. This resulted in significant traffic congestion in the area.
Similar situations unfolded in other parts of Sri Racha. Heavy rain pounded the Pinthong Road area in Mab Aeng, Nong Kham sub-district, terribly flooding the entire road. Water cascaded from nearby hills also added to the devastation, leading to several cars nearly being submerged to the roof.
Flooding was also reported at the entrance of Supalai Park Ville. Due to the low-lying nature of the area, water inundated the road, making passage extremely difficult.
Several provinces of Thailand experienced heavy rainfall this morning, March 20th, as well including Bangkok.
A man walks past a forex kiosk in Bangkok. (File photo: Somchai Poomlard)
The baht is expected to slide further after falling below 36 to the US dollar on Tuesday as the Bank of Japan opted to hike the interest rate for the first time in 17 years, which failed to help Asian currencies.
The market expects the Federal Reserve to keep US rates unchanged on Thursday, which could strengthen the dollar, said Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research).
The Thai currency was quoted at 36.07 to the greenback Tuesday afternoon after slipping to a two-week low of 36.04 in early morning trade and closing on Monday at 35.98, said Kanjana Chockpisansin, head of the research, banking and financial sector at the think tank.
K-Research now predicts the baht to trade at 36.20-30 to the dollar later this week, she told the Bangkok Post.
The yen dipped Tuesday to below 150 to the dollar after the Bank of Japan raised its key interest rate from -0.1% to a range of 0%-0.1%, the first rise since 2007, following Japan's biggest companies agreeing last Friday to raise wages by 5.28% for 2024.
The hike means there are no countries with negative interest rates.
The central bank also abandoned its radical yield curve control policy for Japanese sovereign bonds and abolished the purchase of high-risk assets such as exchange-traded funds.
However, the regulator said it would keep buying long-term government bonds.
"The Bank of Japan's decision on rates is quite minimal and the market expected this kind of move, so it failed to improve the sentiment for other Asian countries," said Ms Kanjana.
"No additional measures are likely to be launched by the bank at its next meeting late next month."
The Fed is expected to keep the US interest rate unchanged on Thursday, which could make the dollar appreciate further against Asian currencies, according to K-Research.
"The market expects the Fed will delay the first rate cut of the year from June to the second half, with less than three reductions this year," she said.
"The baht could trade at around 36.30 to the dollar by the end of the week, but if the Fed upgrades the US economic growth forecast, hinting rate cuts may be delayed further, then the dollar could strengthen and pressure a deeper baht slide."
Immigration officers told to increase screening of foreigners in Thailand
By
Peter Roche
Foreigners in Thailand can expect increased scrutiny from the authorities in the wake of several high-profile criminal cases. Khaosod English reports that police have been issued new instructions to strictly enforce immigration laws.
Following two separate assault cases involving Swiss nationals, and the more recent case of two New Zealanders allegedly assaulting a Phuket police officer, the authorities are promising to 'get tough'.
Roy Ingpairoj, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police, has issued instructions to the Commissioner of Immigration calling for increased scrutiny of foreigners in Thailand. In particular, the authorities are targeting those who have entered the kingdom illegally and who have ulterior motives for being here.
Newly-issued instructions include…
• All foreigners entering and leaving the kingdom to be strictly screened. Enhanced screening will also apply to those seeking extensions of stay, visa stamps, and any change in visa status.
• All crimes committed by foreigners to be investigated and prosecuted, including violations of the Immigration Act, the Alien Employment Act, the Entertainment Places Act, illegal business operations, nominee arrangements where Thai nationals own shares or real estate on behalf of foreigners to avoid legal compliance.
• Foreign residents will be investigated to determine if they have any connection to mafia-like criminals.
• Revoke the visas of foreign nationals found to be in the kingdom without a valid reason or who engage in criminal behaviour, in accordance with the Immigration Act.
In addition, the Immigration Bureau has been told to come up with an action plan and a schedule for comprehensive, ongoing inspections across all areas.
Each arrest made must be further investigated and the results reported by the 10th of every month, beginning April 10.
The government has announced plans to make 2025 a landmark year for tourism, aiming to position Thailand as a premier destination with a series of cultural events, concerts, festivals, and an international motor racing series.
During a recent brainstorming session for the "Ignite Thailand: Tourism" strategy, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin highlighted the nation's ambition to become a global hub across eight sectors, including tourism and the digital economy.
The prime minister emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the tourism experience, citing the introduction of temporary visa exemptions for visitors from several countries and a reciprocal visa exemption agreement with China as key initiatives. Efforts are also underway to secure visa-free travel arrangements with European Schengen area states, aiming to simplify access for international tourists.
To accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors, the government is focusing on infrastructure improvements and immigration system upgrades. Srettha mentioned that his discussions with Formula E executives during trips to Germany and France have sparked interest in hosting the electric-car racing championship in Thailand, with Chiang Mai province being considered as a potential venue.
Additionally, the central administration is leveraging Thailand's cultural heritage to promote local products and crafts through partnerships with major retail business operators. The initiative, dubbed "Thainess Station: Thai Products Unify Thai Communities," is set to showcase traditional Thai handicrafts in shopping malls and airports, enhancing the visibility of local communities' work.
Chonburi and Pattaya officials released the official schedule for the "Big Days" of Songkran for each area of Chonburi today. Wan Lai means day of water. Keep in mind some areas, notably tourist parts of Pattaya, will celebrate for days prior to the big day.
14 April 2024 : Wan Lai at Phanat Nikhom District
15 April 2024 :Wan Lai Phan Thong District
16 April 2024 : Wan Lai Wat Tham
16 April 2024 : Wan Lai Bang Saen
17 April 2024 : Wan Lai Soi Nern-Wat Suthawas
17 April 2024 : Wan Lai Bangsaen
18 April 2024 : Wan Lai Na Kluea
18 April 2024 : Wan Lai Koh Larn
19 April 2024 : Wan Lai Pattaya
20 April 2024 : Wan Lai Bang Saray
21 April 2024 : Wan Lai Map Ta Phut
21 April 2024 : Wan Lai Ban Khai (Wat Phai Lom)
22 April 2024 : Wan Lai Ban Bueng
Tourists take photos with an airplane at Mai Khao beach in Phuket. BANGKOK POST
Phuket has been in the limelight the past six months after the government announced a plan to elevate Thailand to an aviation hub, with Phuket the key gateway in the South.
The plan includes a new airport project in Phangnga, which is estimated to cost 80 billion baht and accommodate 20 million passengers per year, providing support to Phuket airport.
As foreign tourists and long-stay visitors continue to flock to Phuket, the carrying capacity of existing services has been tested, as airports, flights, hotel rooms and road traffic are all congested.
The business sector has raised concerns about overwhelming demand, which has triggered inflated prices for land, accommodation and domestic airfares to Phuket, while some ill-intentioned foreigners have exploited visa exemptions and illegally operate businesses.
The environmental impact is another topic of debate as the lack of proper supply management might harm natural resources on the island.
If the administration desires to elevate Phuket to the "hub of the Andaman", the private sector wants the government to draw up a master plan and development roadmap to improve the island's infrastructure, which is struggling to keep up with rapid urbanisation and growing real estate development.
GROWING COMMUNITY
Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, a hospitality consultant based in Phuket, said the island is in the early stages of becoming a new business hub in the region, attributed to strong relocation demand from foreigners across the globe.
"People consider Phuket to be a safe haven," said Mr Barnett, citing the island's attractiveness amid global turbulence, such as wars and geopolitical tensions, bolstered by growing trends such as remote work and digital nomads.
He said there is strong demand from Russians, Chinese, Eastern Europeans and North Americans seeking long stays in Phuket.
Other growing segments include retirees and entrepreneurs relocating from other cities with their families, drawn by international hospitals and schools that cater to their lifestyles, said Mr Barnett.
He credited the government with successfully building an international community in Phuket, offering several policies that benefit long-stay arrivals, such as extending the length of stay for more nationalities, and promoting the Thailand Elite programme and the retirement visa scheme.
Over the next five years, about 14,000 new hotel rooms will be added in Phuket, with half included in real estate components to capture strong demand from long-stay visitors, such as branded residences, said Mr Barnett.
He said Bang Tao, a prime location, already has more than 20,000 units available.
The province recorded an influx of foreign and local investors, including large Thai developers such as Sansiri, CG Capital, Asset Wise and One Origin.
"We haven't seen this level of investment in Phuket in 20 years," said Mr Barnett.
Tourists relax on Karon beach, the longest beach in Phuket. Achadtaya Chuenniran
INFLATED PRICES
The substantial foreign demand in the Phuket residential market, primarily from Russians in terms of property value, has spurred both new supply and property prices to historic levels, which market analysts predict will continue this year.
According to residential developers and property consultants, Russians were the largest foreign buyers in the luxury villa market.
In the first half of 2023, luxury villa market sales surged more than fourfold year-on-year, with Russians accounting for half.
"This high demand came with some expected hurdles," said Phattarachai Taweewong, director of the research and communications department at property consultant Colliers Thailand.
"As developers, both Thai and foreign, flock to Phuket, reasonably priced land plots have become more challenging to identify as some prices have doubled in recent years."
In locations near Laguna, situated on the west coast, the price of land within walking distance of the beach was 70 million baht per rai, while it was 20-30 million baht for plots farther away from the beach.
Meanwhile, land in prime locations such as Patong, Kamala, Kata and Karon beaches is mostly developed, teeming with hotels and condos.
The Phuket villa market did not traditionally attract wealthy Thais, who preferred Hua Hin or Khao Yai, with the primary target foreign buyers.
Since the pandemic, some wealthy Thais have purchased luxury villas in Phuket as second homes to work remotely, though the number remains limited.
Prakaipeth Meechoosarn, head of Phuket sales at property consultant CBRE Thailand, said the arrival of listed and Bangkok-based developers to the Phuket residential market has attracted Thai buyers who form their customer base.
"Thai buyers who previously purchased Phuket properties solely as investments are now seeking holiday homes they can rent out when not in use," she said. "The top three buyers remain Russians, Chinese and Europeans."
Last year, Phuket ranked as the 14th-most visited city, with 9.89 million tourist arrivals. It offers direct flights from 70 cities around the world.
The demand for resort real estate totalled more than 3,000 units in 2023, more than double the 1,500 in 2022 and 1,300 in 2019.
Prime land prices rose 100% in the last two years, while housing prices grew 150% over 15 years, averaging 10% per year.
WEAK STRUCTURE
Despite booming private development, Phuket still lacks sufficient public infrastructure, as existing services have not caught up with the island's fast growth.
"Phuket is no longer dependent on tourism, and that's probably a good thing, but we need infrastructure," Ms Prakaipeth said.
Notable transport projects have been delayed for many years, pending funding approval from the cabinet, said Mr Barnett. These include Patong Tunnel, the Heroine Monument interchange and Muang Mai interchange, which is the starting point of a new expressway.
He said locals and investors are also awaiting new airport development, as another runway is needed to absorb excess demand from Phuket airport.
The government needs to determine whether the development will be paid for by investment from Airports of Thailand or other investors, said Mr Barnett.
During the high season, the lack of public transport in the city and expensive taxis and ride-hailing services have caused trouble for commuters, as the island is marred by traffic congestion.
Other problems include a water shortage during the high season because of ageing municipal water pipes, while the transition towards sustainability via electric vehicles and solar power needs to be incentivised, he said.
The new draft of land regulations may allow building development up to a height of 45-75 metres in the red zone, up from 23m at present. Mr Barnett said this revision in certain inland areas makes sense for taller buildings, enabling major developments similar to along skytrain routes in Bangkok.
As Phuket becomes more urban, the provincial authority and central government should adopt a better zoning system for the province, applying the floor area ratio system, similar to Bangkok, he said.
This system calculates the building size in relation to road width, only allowing big structures and projects to be built along main roads, instead of haphazardly along small avenues.
Land prices have skyrocketed on the island, especially in prime areas, said Mr Barnett. For instance, the Bang Tao area recorded a 300-400% price hike over the past two years.
Given the insufficient infrastructure and limited building regulations, developers have refused to construct tall projects, deeming them infeasible, he said.
Locals are awaiting airport development, as demand at Phuket airport outstrips capacity.
CALL FOR MASTER PLAN
Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the private sector and the public want to see concrete action plans for the short, medium and long term, as well as feedback on work progress.
Even though this vision will take time to accomplish, the chamber believes with a clear roadmap, political stability and continued policy advocacy the vision can materialise, he said.
Mr Barnett agreed Phuket requires a well-structured urban master plan, outlining all key infrastructure projects and mass transport so that tourism, new businesses and trade can prosper in the long run.
The government should consider making Phuket a special administrative zone, similar to Pattaya and Bangkok, for the sake of management and economic development continuity, he said.
Regarding public concerns over foreigners, especially the recent case of a Swiss man assaulting a local doctor at his villa on Yamu beach, Mr Barnett said the incident would not harm tourism sentiment as negative news always comes and goes, and the island has many good aspects to promote.
However, these issues require leadership and clear collaboration between responsible authorities in enforcing the law to ensure the safety of tourists, locals and operators in Phuket, he said.
FIRM COMMITMENT
A source in the aviation industry who requested anonymity said the real problem for mega-projects in Thailand is the lack of long-term commitment, as they can be easily affected if the government shifts from one political party to another.
The source said such worries are not exaggerated, citing the flagship Eastern Economic Corridor, as some investors gradually lost confidence because of delays to key infrastructure projects, particularly the high-speed rail linking three airports, which is the most important component supporting economic activities.
Before proceeding with a plan to establish an aviation hub in the South, the source said the government should guarantee any investment will be permanent, offering a clear timeline and receiving full authorisation from landowners before commencing the project.
Similar concerns plague a project to build a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre at U-tapao airport, which occupies land belonging to the Royal Thai Navy.
If state authorities or agencies must be involved, the government should ensure they collaborate with the private sector, not hamstring the process with red tape, said the source.
"Without proper infrastructure as a solid foundation, it might be difficult to attract local and foreign investment for any plan to establish an aviation hub in the region," said the source.
BEYOND PHUKET
Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said authorities need to expedite addressing obstacles for Phuket development, as well as other major tourist destinations, such as Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen.
One common issue is the transport system from airports to city centres. Some provinces, such as Phuket, rely on expensive taxi services, lacking a reliable mass transit system like those available at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.
"The assault by a Swiss man in Phuket is unlikely to impact overall tourism, as the legal process is continuing," he said. "One response from this incident should a thorough survey of Phuket to determine if there are invasions or blockages of beaches and, if so, opening them to the public."
Provinces in other regions can help the government achieve its ambitious goal to make Thailand a hub for tourism, especially medical and wellness tourism, said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries.
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand can form part of the medical and wellness hub scheme, drawing foreign visitors who want to experience local culture and seek healthcare services, said Mr Kriengkrai.
What the government lacks is a roadmap and action plans to develop it, he said.
"The government should support medical and wellness tourism in other provinces to boost the local economy," said Mr Kriengkrai. "The plan to develop this sector is making slow progress."
Mr Sanan said Phuket's robust tourism may elevate it to a medical and wellness as well as aviation hub, also channelling tourists to Ranong, Phangnga, Krabi and Trang.
The government should develop infrastructure to help create a hub, he said, with related departments and agencies working in unison on clear integrated plans.
Additional reporting by Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Lamonphet Apisitniran and Phusadee Arunmas
A Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) survey has revealed that foreign tourists have increased their spending on accommodation post-pandemic, showing a preference for luxury hotels or resorts despite higher airfares.
The survey, which involved 30,054 tourists in 2023, highlighted that average spending per trip rose to 50,900 baht, up from previous years. Accommodation costs accounted for a significant portion of this expenditure, averaging 23,518 baht per trip.
The survey also showed a shift in dining preferences among tourists, with an increase in those opting for street food, rising from 63% to 77.3%. This change has led to a decrease in the average spending on food and beverage to 4,094 baht, down from 5,875 baht in 2019.
Café hopping has emerged as a new trend, increasing in popularity among tourists. The TAT observed spending patterns among different nationalities, with tourists from the Middle East being the biggest spenders, followed by visitors from Oceania, the US, and Europe.
The survey highlighted the evolving landscape of travel bookings, with a majority of individual travelers (53.7%) using online platforms for trip arrangements. Despite this, travel agents and tour operators still play a significant role in the industry.
TAT's digital strategy includes a substantial budget request for fiscal 2024 aimed at leveraging social media to target potential tourists. Platforms such as TikTok have seen notable growth, indicating the effectiveness of short video content in attracting new visitors. TAT plans to collaborate with influencers to promote Thailand's destinations and activities further, capitalizing on the expansive reach of its global social media presence.
✨🧳Check-in and load your bagage easily by yourself with the CUBD system ❗️ Easy to use, no need to wait in long queues, very convenient ✨💙
✈️✔️In addition to self check-in, some airlines have also implemented the Common Use Bag Drop system (CUBD), which allows passengers to drop off their checked baggage on their own. Currently, 12 airlines allow passengers to use the CUBD system for self baggage drop-off. These airlines include: 1. Thai Air Asia 2. Thai Asia X 3. Air France 4. Austrian Airlines 5. Bangkok Airways 6. Emirates 7. Eva Airways 8. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 9. LUFTHANSA 10. Qatar Airways 11. SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES 12. Thai Airways International 🔸These technologies have helped to reduce check-in time and make the travel experience more convenient for passengers. With the ability to check in and drop off baggage on their own, passengers can save time and enjoy a more seamless travel experience.💙 March 7 , 2024
Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok ranked among the worst air travel hubs in Asia according to Business Financing's recent report.
The financial information and research website from the UK, Business Financing, launched the Best & Worst Airports in the World, According to Business Travellers in February this year. This rank is based on the business travellers across the world on the online forum, Air Quality.
Aside from information provided by the Air Quality website, Business Financing did not explicitly outline the additional criteria and conditions considered in the rankings.
Scores ranged from 1 to 10, with only 12 airports achieving a score above 5. Noi Bai International Airport in Vietnam claimed the top spot with a score of 6.8, while Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Belgium was deemed the worst in the world this year.
Noi Bai International Airport also secured the top position in Asia, surpassing Singapore's Changi Airport, which held the top spot in Skytrak's 2023 ranking. Kuwait International Airport was identified as the worst airport in Asia.
Two of the 10 worst airports in Asia were the airports in the capital of Thailand, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueng Airports.
Suvarnabhumi Airport was in seventh place while Don Mueang Airport was in tenth place. The rank together with the complaints about the two airports, garnered attention in Thailand.
Thai MP opposes ranking
Last week, Suvarnabhumi Airport experienced an electric system failure in its driverless automated people mover (APM) train, causing a 30-minute delay for over 500 passengers.
A well-known Thai actor Jesdaporn "Tik" Pholdee also expressed dissatisfaction with the smoking prohibited area at the airport, citing a significant amount of cigarette butts.
Concerns about the overall atmosphere and facilities at Don Mueang Airport, along with delays at Suvarnabhumi Airport, continue to surface on social media.
Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Chai Watcharong responded to the ranking on Twitter. He urged Thai people to carefully check the source of the rank before concluding or depreciating airports in Thailand.
Chai questioned the expertise and international acceptance of Business Financing within the airport industry, emphasising the need to assess every aspect of the evaluation. He added that the rankings may be based on the satisfaction assessment of some travellers regarding factors such as queue times at check-in counters.
by Petch Petpailin
TOP: The Passenger Terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport | Photo by Ruben Sukatendel via Unsplash
Temperatures predicted to exceed 40 degrees next week
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Temperatures are expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius in several provinces next week, as tomorrow the "heat index" is expected to reach 48.1 degrees in Bangkok and 51.4 degrees in Chon Buri, according to Somkuan Tonjan, head of the Central Weather Forecast Division of the Meteorological Department.
The Heat index, also known as the apparent temperature. is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. This has important implications for the body's comfort.
Two weeks after Thailand officially entered the dry season, Somkuan said that temperature has already reached 39 degrees or 40 degrees in some provinces and is forecast to reach 41 degrees in Lampang, Uthai and Lop Buri provinces next week.
Temperature is expected to reach 44.5 degrees in some provinces before the end of the hot season in mid-May, he said.
Today's heat indices are:
9 degrees in the northern region
1 degree in the central region
6 degrees in the eastern region
5 degrees in the southern region
Heat indices for tomorrow are forecast as:
6 degrees in the northern region
4 degrees in the north-eastern region
1 degree in the central region
1 degree in the eastern province of Chon Buri
3 degrees in the southern region
Meanwhile, Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, vice dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, warned today that corals in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea are in risk of massive bleaching in the next three months, as the sea temperature has risen by 1 degree this year, compared to last year.
Real-time sea temperature measured at the station in Si Racha has already exceeded 31 degrees, which is the warmest ever recorded, he said.
He also said that coral bleaching has already affected corals in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, covering a distance of 1,000 km.
He said seagrass and the ecological system will also be harmed, as well as plankton blooms, which will affect fishing, aqua culture and tourism.
In the wake of our recent discussion on the stringent immigration checks faced by Thai nationals abroad, a torrent of responses has unveiled a disconcerting undertone. It prompts us to ask maybe Thailand should go the path of Korea and be more selective of the visa-running, draft dodging, racist, mysoginistic sexpats we let in.
The previous sentence was only a slight hyperbole.
But here is a nice cross section of people that replied to our story.
Thailand's hospitality should not be mistaken for leniency towards those who disrespect the nation and its people.
The derogatory commentary from these expatriates stands in stark contrast to the values of mutual respect and understanding that are integral to Thai society. It reflects not just a personal failing but a systemic issue where certain expatriates exploit Thailand's welcoming nature while harboring and expressing contempt for its people.
The conversation about immigration and expatriate communities must evolve. So to must we target a better subset of tourists and expats who come to our country. Maybe it's time we stop letting in the English-teaching, Nana Plaza/Patong-dwelling, bottom-feeding, losers-back-home that come to Thailand only to bitch about the country they now live in at every opportunity.
It is time to consider the implementation of more rigorous vetting processes, akin to those our citizens face abroad. This is not about xenophobia or generalizing a whole community based on the actions of a few; it is about safeguarding the respect that every Thai citizen deserves.
Existing laws and regulations that govern the conduct of foreigners in Thailand must be applied with renewed diligence. Those who engage in illegal activities, exploit the vulnerabilities of Thai society, or display a persistent pattern of racist and disrespectful behavior should be subject to review and potential deportation.
Views expressed are the author's alone and not an official stance of the Thai Enquirer.
The Thai government is in the process of developing a new regulation, requiring producers of alcoholic beverages to feature large, graphic health warnings on their products, much akin to those found on cigarette packaging. This move, orchestrated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee and the Department of Disease Control, has sparked criticism from alcohol producers and the tourism industry, who question its effectiveness in altering consumer behaviour.
The public has until Thursday, February 29 to voice their opinions on the proposed regulation via the Council of State's website before the rule comes into effect 180 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette, reported Bangkok Post.
According to the new regulation, the graphic warning will cover at least one-third of the container, accompanied by text warnings on the dangers of excessive drinking. Some examples include: Alcoholic beverages can cause cancer, and selling alcoholic beverages to people under 20 is punishable by imprisonment and a fine.
The new rule has faced opposition from Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok, who champions the liberalisation of rules on alcohol production. He argues that the regulation will not only fail to deter drinking but will also increase production costs for small-scale alcohol producers.
Furthermore, Taopiphop believes that the health warnings will detract from the aesthetics of the containers' unique designs.
"The designs of craft beer cans are made by artists, and they are like contemporary art. Health warnings and scary pictures will decrease their value. There is no proof as to how effective the health warnings on beer cans would be, the same way it is unclear whether the warnings on cigarette packs actually reduced smoking."
Potential impact
According to him, the new regulation, if approved, will affect all producers—large and small—but will disproportionately impact smaller players in the industry. He also highlighted concerns that the health warnings may violate an international trade agreement.
Taopiphop suggested that if the public strongly opposes the regulation, it might cause policymakers to reconsider before finalising it. He also pointed out that current alcohol control laws and regulations are already extremely strict, and the government should prioritise enforcing them to prevent abuse and harm.
Sanga Ruangwattanakul, Khao San Road Business Association President, also criticised the draft regulation, considering it a step backwards for the country that could affect sales of alcoholic beverages. Several netizens echoed similar sentiments, with some expressing that the new regulation will not impact drinkers but collectors of bottles or cans for their unique designs and brand labels.
Presently, cans and bottles of alcohol feature a text warning, with many highlighting the dangers of drink-driving.
