THE VISA-FREE access to Thailand by Chinese tourists has led a large number of them inquiring and then deciding to undergo plastic surgery, infertility treatment as well as general medical examination here, Matichon newspaper said this evening (Mar. 30).
Mr. Sitthi Panupattnapong, chairman of Synphaet Co. Lt.'s board of directors, said the visa waiver had turned the foreign medical market more lively with Chinese finding it convenient to fly here for treatment.
However patients from Middle Eastern countries usually come here for more difficult treatments including heart problems, cancer, gastrointestinal problems and knee replacement.
He added that of his company's seven hospitals it is Synphaet Srinakarin that treats foreign patients with most of them being from Taiwan and the Middle East.
He is optimistic and the free-visa scheme which makes it convenient for patients to fly here will increase the number of foreign patients by 10% this year.
Moreover patients usually come with their relatives and stay long with this boosting tourism revenue.
Citizens of other countries too want Thailand to open the door for visa-free entry, Sitthi added.
Thailand and China signed an agreement for a mutual visa-free entry for citizens of both countries on January 28, 2024, which officially came into effect on March 1, 2024.
Thailand previously granted temporary visa exemption for Chinese tourists from Sept. 25, 2023 to Feb. 29 2024.
The previous temporary visa exemption scheme for Kazakhstani tourists, which started on September 25, 2023 ended on 29 February 2024, was extended till August 31, 2024.
On October 31, 2023, the visa exemption scheme was extended to India and Taiwan for not more than 30-day stay with this running from Nov. 10, 2023 to May 10, 2024.
CAPTION:
Representative image of Chinese people flocking here for plastic surgery. Photo: Matichon
AOT Opens Grab Taxi Service at Suvarnabhumi Airport to Provide More Convenient, Fast and Safe Travel Options for Passengers
Bangkok, Thailand – March 28, 2024 – Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has partnered with GrabTaxi (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to open a Grab service center at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The center will provide information, assistance, and a pick-up point for passengers and users of the Grab application.
Dr. Kitipong Kitimanawat, President of AOT, said that the opening of the Grab service center is in line with the government's policy to promote Thailand's airports to be among the top 20 in the world. He said that AOT is committed to providing convenient, fast, and safe transportation options for passengers.
Ms. Methinee Anwarakul, Assistant Managing Director for Passenger Business and Driver Partner Management, Grab Thailand, said that Grab is pleased to partner with AOT to provide its services at Suvarnabhumi Airport. She said that Grab is committed to providing a safe and reliable transportation option for passengers.
The Grab service center is located on the first floor of the passenger terminal, Gate 4. It is open 24 hours a day.
Passengers can use the Grab application to call a Grab taxi, Grab car, or Just Grab. They can then pick up their ride at the designated pick-up point.
AOT plans to expand the Grab service to other airports in its network in the future**.
The Immigration Bureau has warned tourists not to fall victim to online advertisements that offer fast-track immigration service for 2,900 baht per flight at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.
Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimphadee, commander of Immigration Division 2, said a car-rental company called Richcarsbangkok recently posted such advertisements in English on its website.
The English-language ad offered "Fast track arrival-departure 2,900 baht/flight" to entice foreign tourists to use its service without having to queue at immigration counters at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.
Immigration Division 2 launched an investigation and concluded that the ads were false, said Pol Maj Gen Choengron.
While immigration counters do not provide fast-track services at any airports, he said, passport checking procedures have been improved and shortened to expedite the flow of tourist arrivals and departures in response to recent complaints.
During peak flight arrival and departure periods, he said, waiting times at immigration counters were no more than 15 minutes and it was not necessary for passengers to use fast-track services.
There is a special arrivals lane that gives priority to the disabled with caretakers, children and their parents, the elderly and holders of diplomatic and official passports, holders of Thailand Elite Card, Thai long-stay and Apec cards only, he said.
At the departure level, Airports of Thailand (AoT) has a fast-track lane at Suvarnabhumi airport for business card passengers, smart visa holders, the disabled, the elderly and crew members only, said Pol Maj Gen Choengron.
He warned people not to fall victim to false advertisements. Immigration officers are now checking whether there were other websites or social media pages claiming to provide fast-track immigration services. Legal action would be taken against those involved, he said.
Suvarnabhumi Airport immigration officials inspected readiness as the summer approaches. Following a recent incident on February 24th, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the immigration area unannounced and expressed dissatisfaction with certain operational aspects, particularly immigration processes. He urged immigration authorities to assess peak passenger times and streamline services accordingly.
Picture: Siam Rath
On March 25th, Police Lieutenant General Kittirat Ratana, Deputy Director of the Airport Authority, along with other immigration officials, conducted an inspection. They assessed whether the Prime Minister's directives had been implemented and addressed any issues, particularly during peak passenger times, reported Siam Rath.
Kittirat Ratana reported adjustments in passport inspection processes at immigration counters, reducing entry time from 45 to 30 seconds. Automatic passport scanners now expedite the process in just 20 seconds.
Picture: Siam Rath
In cases of heavy passenger traffic, additional immigration staff are deployed to assist, ensuring efficient service delivery.
Furthermore, infrastructure and biometric systems at immigration checkpoints have been upgraded to prevent system failures.
Picture: Siam Rath
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed concern about the upcoming influx of foreign visitors in the fourth quarter and emphasized preparedness across all immigration units.
Today's inspection reaffirmed the airport's commitment to efficient immigration service provision.
"Strictly screen foreigners entering and leaving the Kingdom", Deputy Chief of police
By
Peter Roche
As Thailand's tourism industry roars back to full speed, and attracting many new nationalities to the Land of Smiles, there has been a noticeable uptick in cases reported involving foreigners violating the law. Statistically, the rise has not been significant, but the reporting and social media frenzy over recent incidents, is spurring the police and Thai immigration officials into a reactive stance.
Police now claim that some of the recent cases "pose significant threats to societal order". So, Pol. Gen. Roy Ingpairoj, Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Police, is taking decisive action. He has publicly issued a number of public directives to the Commissioner of Immigration, "mandating stricter enforcement of immigration laws".
Even as turmoil swirls in the upper ranks of Thailand's police force (the Chief of the Royal Thai Police and one of his high profile deputies are currently transferred to desk duties at the prime minister's office pending an investigation into allegations of corruption involving some online gambling gangs), Pol. Gen. Roy Ingpairoj has issued the orders that will, at the very least, shine a spotlight on some, or many, visa renewals, the issuance of new long-term visas, and greater scrutiny on tourists arriving into the Kingdom.
He says that it has come to light that "certain individuals" from abroad have "unlawfully entered Thailand" with "hidden agendas". These individuals have demonstrated a blatant disregard for Thai laws, and their presence in the country has proven to be detrimental rather than beneficial.
"Their actions have inflicted harm upon Thai society, economy, politics and national security."
In the past, the, then, deputy commissioner of Thai Immigration, Surachate Hakparn, coined the phrase "good guys in, bad guys out". These new directives are a more specific, and aggressive, gesture towards foreigners living in Thailand that have short-circuited the immigration laws or visas.
To curb and prevent instances of foreigners who are granted temporary stay in the Kingdom of Thailand from engaging in criminal activities, causing disruptions, or posing threats to the peace, security, or national interests of the populace, the following instructions (quoted directly from an article by khaosodenglish.com) have been issued…
Strictly screen foreigners entering and leaving the Kingdom. This includes the consideration of applications for extensions of stay, visa stamping, and changes in visa status. All relevant laws, regulations, and orders must be strictly follow
Investigate and prosecute all crimes committed by foreigners. This includes violations of the Immigration Act, the Alien Employment Act, the Entertainment Places Act, illegal business operations, nominee arrangements where Thai nationals hold shares or real estate ownership on behalf of foreigners to avoid legal compliance. The behavior of foreigners should also be investigated to determine if they have any mafia-like influence. Cooperation with relevant agencies is required for integrated law enforcement.
Revoke the stay permits of foreigners who are found to be staying in the Kingdom without a legitimate reason or who have other behaviors that warrant the revocation of their permits. This should be done in accordance with the Immigration Act.
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
