A scenic concrete platform that was being built over the sea in Bangsaen, Chonburi, collapsed and injured three workers on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024.
The incident occurred at around 6:00 PM at a restaurant on Soi 18 in the Saen Suk Municipality, Saen Suk sub-district, Mueang district, Chonburi. The workers were building a viewing platform that extended into the Bangsaen Sea when the beams of the platform gave way.
Three workers (two women and one man) were injured in the collapse. They were all taken to the Burapha University Hospital for treatment.
One of the women, Ms. Kamonchanok Somboon, 21, was trapped under the rubble for a short time before being rescued by other workers, locals, and rescue workers from the Tri Khun Tham Foundation. She suffered a leg injury and a laceration.
An initial police investigation found that the beams on the platform may have been overloaded or that the supports may have been inadequate.
The construction site has been temporarily closed while the investigation is ongoing. TPN notes that some people on social media were also questioning if the building of this platform on a beach could be encroaching on public land and were hoping relevant officials would investigate, as in Thailand all beaches belong to the public.
Visa-free travel throughout south east Asia faces many hurdles.
The Thai premier has won international praise for his marketing push to introduce a Schengen-type tourist visa arrangement for Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The suggestion has actually been kicking around for 10 years but hasn't got anywhere because of the nature of ASEAN. It is a regional organization, to be sure, but is founded on the principle of non-intervention: no interference in the national policies and laws of member states is a huge barrier to political innovation.
Bloomberg thinks it may be different this time. A recent article emphasizes that the Thai initiative has not fallen on deaf ears across the region. Maybe the success of Thailand in abolishing visas in advance and visas on arrival for 90 percent of arriving tourists is having an impact. The PM's spokesman claims that enthusiasm about the 70 million tourists who have already visited at least one country in the region this year is on the rise. Thailand and Malaysia alone this year have benefitted to the tune of US$48 billion.
Yet the prospect of a Pan-Southeast Asian Zone is not remotely on the horizon. Visa rules in the six countries are very diverse. Tourist entry to Thailand is mostly free although whether an individual receives 15 or 30 or 90 days depends on his passport country: Russia and South Korea are at the top end. Cambodia, by contrast, charges nearly everybody between US$30-US$40 for a flat 30 days either on arrival or via e-visa. Vietnam has a complex mixture of fee-based and no-payment entry which appears to change on a regular basis. Some ASEAN partners allow Chinese and Indian nationals easy entry, whilst others require pre-flight approval and a hefty fee.
Bill Bennett, managing director of C9 Hotelwork, believes that bilateral arrangements might be the best way forward: two countries have a better chance of creating a common zone than all six. This cautious alternative also avoids the well-known Schengen problem in Europe where some potential visitors work out which member offers the lightest terms to get in so that they can visit the rest hassle-free. During the premiership of Thaksin Shinawatra Thailand and Cambodia discussed a bilateral tourist visa, but nothing came of the modest idea.
Yet another variant, sometimes promoted by Thai spokespersons, is that a local Schengen arrangement for six countries would be dependent on Thailand becoming the sole entry country. In other words, tourists would only be able to visit partner countries visa and hassle free provided they visited Thailand first. This would throw on Thailand a very heavy responsibility for approval and security across the region, perhaps too heavy for potential rivals to swallow. A Pan-Southeast Asian Zone would certainly transform international tourism – and potentially business – throughout the region. But don't bet on it.
NNT - Air Pollution Spurs Lung Cancer Spike in Northern Thailand
BANGKOK (NNT) - Northern Thailand is confronting a critical public health issue, with Chiang Mai and Lampang provinces experiencing alarmingly high mortality rates from lung cancer linked to the pervasive presence of PM2.5 particles in the air. According to Assoc Prof Chalerm Liewsisakul of Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Medicine, the last decade has seen a notable deterioration in air quality in the region, correlating with an increase in lung disease cases.
Studies indicate a rapid rise in lung cancer deaths in the North, from 20.3 per 100,000 people in 2010 to 30.7 in 2019. This worrying trend highlights the critical need for immediate action to tackle air pollution and its detrimental health effects, particularly in Chiang Mai and Lampang. The data further reveals a higher incidence of lung cancer among the youth in these areas, suggesting a direct link to prolonged exposure to PM2.5 particles.
Research focusing on emphysema patients in Chiang Dao, a locality known for high PM2.5 levels, shows that exposure leads to cellular changes, hinting at the potential for genetic mutations and cancer development. The adverse health impacts of PM2.5 pollution are further evidenced by a spike in respiratory problems, with serious conditions like emphysema, coronary heart disease, and strokes becoming more common during high pollution periods.
An analysis by the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University also found a direct correlation between PM2.5 levels and mortality rates, with a 1.6% increase in deaths for every ten micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) rise in PM2.5. The faculty also confirmed the death of Prof Rawiwan Olarnratmanee, attributing her lung cancer to PM2.5 exposure.
Meanwhile, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital reported that over 30,000 patients sought treatment for pollution-related illnesses early this year, doubling last year's figures.
Thai cash usage plummets as Sweden turns around and seeks cash protection. Thailand embraces digital payments as cash transactions drop to 66%, signalling a shift in consumer behaviour. Meanwhile, Sweden's central bank pushes for cash protection, highlighting global concerns over a cashless future.
A new report shows Thai consumers drifting increasingly towards digital payments. The Bank of Thailand report studying payments throughout 2023 shows that cash transactions had fallen to 66%. Previously, Thai consumers were seen as strongly wedded to cash. This news has just been released and warmly welcomed by the central bank. However, it comes as Sweden's central bank, where only 2% of payments are now in cash, is moving in the opposite direction. In November 2023, the Nordic country called for the right to use cash for payments as legal tender, to be enshrined and protected by legislation.
A new report from the Bank of Thailand shows Thai consumers in 2023 shifting from cash towards digital payments. Only 66% of payments last year were in cash. Meanwhile, Sweden, the country that pioneered a cashless society, is moving in the opposite direction. In November 2023, the Riksbank or Swedish Central Bank called for cash payments to be protected by legislation despite cash transactions falling to only 1% of GDP.
In 2022, a shocking survey for central bank chiefs showed a marked reluctance by Thai people to switch to digital payments.
That survey came just after the pandemic era when millions registered for government digital applications to receive financial benefits.
At that time, only 27% of people continued to make online or digital payments while 50% vowed never to move from cash. However, in the last two years, there has been a change.
New report by the Bank of Thailand for 2023 shows that cash payments in the economy fell to 66% as the public embraces various digital payment networks
According to a recent report released by the Bank of Thailand (BoT), indeed, there has been a significant shift. In brief, the latest survey shows spending habits of Thai people moving sharply towards digital payments.
Significantly, the report shows cash usage among Thai citizens shrunk to just 66% of total spending in 2023. In truth, it marks an eye-opening decline from previous years.
The report indicates a growing trend towards digital payment methods. Conversely, digital payments have risen from 27% to 34%.
At this time, the data shows an average of 538 digital payments per person per year. In short, it represents a substantial increase compared to five years ago.
'The data clearly demonstrates the increasing adoption of digital payment methods among the Thai population,' explained a spokesperson for the Bank of Thailand.
'With 96% of total payments (non-cash transactions) being made through Internet & Mobile Banking, and accounting for 84% of the total payment value, it is evident that people are becoming more accustomed to incorporating digital payments into their daily lives.'
Sharp rise over 5 years in digital payments with 136.1 million accounts being used by Thai consumers during 2023. Average transaction value fell to ฿5k
At the end of December 2023, the number of accounts utilising digital payment methods reached 136.1 million. In effect, they came with a total transaction volume of 29.4 billion valued at ฿105.3 billion.
Certainly, one key aspect of the report is the growing popularity of the PromptPay system for money transfers. With 77.2 million users, PromptPay transactions saw an average of 54.5 million daily transfers throughout last year. In turn, the value of transactions came to ฿129.9 billion.
The average value per transaction decreased to less than ฿5,000 at the end of 2023, reflecting a shift towards smaller-value transactions.
Furthermore, the usage of e-money or prepaid cards saw a significant increase in popularity. By the end of December 2023, there were 116.5 million e-money accounts. In short, this network saw a transaction volume of 3.0656 billion worth ฿ 713.4 billion.
Payment for goods and services emerged as the most common purpose for e-money transactions. Undoubtedly, this is due to the convenience and versatility of the payment method.
Credit and debit cards still being used extensively both for online and offline purchases in Thailand despite the multitude of new payment apps available
The report also highlighted the continued preference for electronic cards, including debit and credit cards, among Thai consumers. Online payment channels accounted for nearly 30% of the transaction volume in 2023.
This covered expenditures in shops, travel and within restaurants. By and large, these were the most popular categories.
However, despite the growing popularity of online payment apps, many consumers still prefer to use credit and debit cards offline. In particular when making purchases in-store.
'As Thailand's digital payment landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for businesses and financial institutions to adapt to changing consumer preferences,' disclosed the Bank of Thailand spokesperson. 'Efforts to enhance digital infrastructure and promote financial literacy will play a crucial role in facilitating the ongoing transition towards a cashless society.'
Bank of Thailand welcomes the trend saying it bodes well for the emerging fintech sector. Report confirms Thailand is moving towards a cashless society
The BoT's report points to the transformative impact of digital payments on Thailand's economy and consumer behaviour. In turn, it signals a promising future for the country's fintech sector. As digital payment methods become increasingly integrated into everyday life, a key question is access for the marginalised.
From the Bank of Thailand's upbeat report, it would appear that society is on the move eventually towards a cashless economy. However, there is increasing concern about what such a future may hold.
Currently, in Western countries, there are populist movements to retain the use of cash. The extent of the public backlash against moves to remove cash from retail markets has surprised many. Especially so in the corporate world.
However, it is gaining traction and recognition not just among activists but surprisingly, by governments who have led the move towards a cashless future.
The concerns which have emerged are significant. Firstly, a cashless society excludes the elderly or those without a grasp of digital technology.
This is coming at the same time as countries like Thailand face a changed future as rapidly greying economies.
Opposition to the whole concept of a creeping and assumed cashless society rises in Western countries. People horrified at the social experiment seen in China
Furthermore, one of the greatest fears is what the world has seen in China.
In the communist country, a dystopian system has been unleashed. This has seen digital payment technology combined with security databases. In effect, it is being used to control the population.
China's infamous social credit system is recognised worldwide as a tyranny on its population. It comes despite its reliance on an ethos and values that have been pedalled for decades by the left in Western societies.
Even beyond this, there are more practical reasons to be concerned.
One is the increasing threat of cyber attacks and theft.
For instance, rogue nations including China and North Korea have been linked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to major cybersecurity attacks on Western countries and banking systems.
Rising threat of cybercrime and identity theft has suddenly made cash safer when used with a standard bank account. It also saves money for traders
This has seen huge levels of identity theft targeting credit card holders.
Similarly, cybercrime gangs based in call centres around the world can cause bank account holders to lose significant sums.
In addition to this, there is the simple danger of system outages which can effectively leave consumers without payment options. These outages can leave whole economies paralysed.
At the same time, a bank account exclusively used for cash withdrawals for spending has become safer than online banking.
Digital payments, while in theory supposed to be cheaper because of the absence of printed notes, mean hefty turnover charges for all businesses.
The fear is that if cash is removed, this will be exploited by banks and financial institutions.
In particular, if such institutions experience financial difficulties or a crisis.
Undoubtedly, the past has shown that this is not only a possibility but a likely outcome.
Cash gives users anonyminity and freedom. Sweden, the country in the world that has pioneered the cashless society has suddenly backtracked on the issue
Certainly, fears are rising about the danger posed to human rights. This aspect cannot be overestimated. Basically, a digital payment cannot be anonymous.
While the freedom of cash makes it an ideal vehicle for tax evasion and criminality, it also protects the privacy and the freedom of the individual.
These downsides have recently been recognised by Sweden's central bank, the Riksbank in Stockholm.
The Nordic country has seen cash transactions fall to only 2% in recent years with only 1% of GDP now being cash-related.
Nevertheless, the Riksbank in November 2023, in a detailed submission to Sweden's Ministry of Finance, called for a strengthening of the position of cash in government legislation.
Riksbank calls for cash payments to be protected and enshrined in legislation in recent move with only 1% of Sweden's GDP presently being generated by it
In short, the Swedish central bank wants the ability of consumers to use cash in payments to be enshrined in law. Basically, to see it acknowledged as a fundamental human right.
The proposal was contained in a document titled 'The State and Payments'. The submission came after an inquiry into the matter was finalised.
It asserted that the state 'should have a more active role in the payment system and that several of the inquiry's proposals need to be tightened and clarified.'
After that, the northern kingdom's central bank boss, at a press briefing, made the bank's position clear.
'Firstly, the position of cash needs to be strengthened so that consumers can use cash for payments,' declared Riksbank Governor Erik Thedéen. 'Secondly, more consumers and businesses need access to payment accounts. Everyone who needs to pay must also be able to pay.'
Bangkok, 3 April 2024 – Prime Minister and Finance Minister, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, outlined his vision to 'Ignite Tourism Thailand' in 2025 with a multifaceted approach to establish the country as a tourism hub.
Prime Minister Srettha reiterated the government's commitment to boosting Thailand as a tourism hub to drive the economy and bring prosperity to the country. "The goal is to establish Thailand as a leading destination for tourists from around the world."
He stated that the government's target of 3.5 trillion Baht in tourism revenue this year, with an aim to earn much more in the coming years, would be achieved through five strategies.
Conceptualised at the "Ignite Thailand's Tourism Workshop" held in Bangkok on 15 March 2024 with participation from public and private agencies, the strategies include elevating the tourist experience, promoting must-do activities, raising awareness of hidden-gem destinations, developing intra-regional travel linkage with neighbouring countries, and hosting more world-class events.
Tourism and Sports Minister, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said the five strategies aligned with the government's policy to make Thailand a global aviation hub, handling more than 150 million air travellers annually by 2030.
"In 2025, Thailand's tourism is set to experience growth on an unprecedented scale. The new 'Up Level, Add Story, Create Value' concept will enhance every step of the tourist journey across all touchpoints,"Minister Sudawan said.
Outlines for the five strategies include:
1: Elevating tourist experience
Steps will be taken to promote Thailand's tourism information and promotion to allow tourists to plan an informed trip to the country.
Existing measures will be strictly enforced to ensure tourist safety and convenience, including accessible 'Tourism for All', one-stop Tourist Police Hotline 1155, and universal coverage for emergency patients.
Travel facilitation will be further enhanced in the next three months. This includes improving queue management in airports, raising hotel standards, extending visa-free entry to more countries, enhancing tourist safety and security measures, and ensuring good maintenance and hygiene in public restrooms.
In the next six months, the government plans to push for the amendment of related tourism laws, including hotel regulations, alcohol restrictions, import duties on mega-event equipment, and VAT refund requirements.
2: Five must-do activities
Must Beat (Muay Thai) highlights four unique styles of ancient Thai boxing and presents the sport as a form of cardio exercise.
Must Eat (Thai food) promotes Thai kitchen to the world with 77 local dishes and 77 local desserts.
Must Seek (Thai culture) tells the story of a faith-based journey, cultural superstitions, and folklore culture.
Must Buy (Thai fabric) partners with world-renowned designers to turn Thai fabrics into fashion items.
Must See (Thai shows) showcases impressive traditional and contemporary performances.
3: Travel linkage between major and hidden-gem destinations
Promotion of travel linkage between well-established cities and hidden gems in lesser-known destinations is set to better balance the distribution of tourist arrivals and tourism income between urban and rural areas.
Recommended routes include Lanna Culture (Chiang Mai – Lamphun – Lampang), UNESCO Heritage Trail (Sukhothai – Kamphaeng Phet – Nakhon Ratchasima), NAGA Legacy (Nakhon Phanom – Sakon Nakhon – Bueng Kan), Paradise Islands (Trang – Satun), and The Wonder of Deep South (Pattani – Yala – Narathiwat).
4: Hub of ASEAN
Plans include promoting intra-region travel and helping to enhance the development and promotion of ASEAN as a single tourism destination, introducing the ASEAN Pass in partnership with airlines, and raising awareness of cross-border QR payment.
5: Word Class Event Hub
Incentives will be launched to attract major festivals, concerts, and events to Thailand, thus establishing the country as a centre of world-class events.
Upcoming world-class events include Summer Sonic Bangkok 2024, KAWS Arts, Moto GP, and Volleyball World Championship.
Minister Sudawan said, "These five strategies are planned to ignite Thailand to a tourism hub status to attract more tourists to the country and spending more time and budget, further boosting Thailand as the number one tourist destination."
From 1 January to 1 April 2024, Thailand recorded 9.4 million visitor arrivals, representing a 42 per cent increase over the same period in 2023.
On April 1st, 2024, the Thailand weather forecast publicly revealed a heat map of Thailand using colors to indicate the predicted temperatures from April 2nd to the 6th at 1:00 PM daily. As a result, the heat map showed black colors indicating scorching weather across Thailand.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecasted weather in April and revealed that the average temperatures were higher than normal rates. Total rainfall would be about 30 percent less than normal.
In the upper parts of Thailand, there was scorching weather and heat waves in many areas, with the highest temperature ranging from 43.0 to 44.5 degrees Celsius, especially in the northern and northeastern regions, as well as the upper parts of both the central and eastern regions.
However, there would be thunderstorms in many areas periodically, which could alleviate the heat because of the low-pressure areas caused by the hot weather covering the upper part of Thailand intermittently. Additionally, there would be southerly or southeastern winds almost throughout this period.
As for the southern region, there would be hot to scorching weather in many areas, with thunderstorms covering about 20 percent of the area, mostly towards the end of the month.
This was due to the influence of the eastern or southeastern winds covering the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region.
However, towards the end of the month, weather would begin to shift to the southwestern monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the southern region.
In summary for this month, the average temperature was expected to be higher than normal, and the total rainfall would be lower than usual, approximately 30 percent.
This month tended to have summer storms, strong winds, and the possibility of falling hail in some areas. This could cause damage to buildings, homes, and agricultural areas.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has reportedly endorsed the idea of establishing entertainment complexes with casinos in Thailand, highlighting the potential to transform illegal gambling operations into regulated entities that contribute to the state's revenue.
The proposal came as the House of Representatives approved a feasibility report on the subject. The prime minister earlier addressed concerns about possible social repercussions, emphasizing that strict regulations and oversight by security agencies, as well as local officials, would mitigate negative effects.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat detailed the economic advantages identified in the study, such as job creation, tourism enhancement, and the reduction of illicit gambling activities. The recommendation includes legislative support for these complexes, which are planned to include a mix of hotels, shopping malls, and amusement parks, each demanding an investment of at least 100 billion baht. The initial complex is proposed for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with the possibility of expansion based on its success.
The committee also explored regulatory frameworks inspired by Singapore and the US to ensure responsible operation. A portion of the revenue would support a fund dedicated to mitigating gambling's adverse effects. The study now moves to the cabinet for further deliberation, with the possibility of broader consultations before any legislative action.
Amidst these developments, civil society networks from 16 provinces have voiced their opposition, citing concerns over social issues such as family disruptions and gambling addiction.
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.
