Majority of Thais Support Reclassifying Cannabis as Narcotic; Public Backs Medical Use Over Recreational. On May 19th, 2024, Thailand’s first survey center, NIDA Poll, publicly revealed a survey between May 14th to 15th from 1,310 individuals on a proposal to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic illegal drug.- The Pattaya News

NIDA Poll: Majority of Thais Support Reclassifying Cannabis as Narcotic; Public Backs Medical Use Over Recreational

Kittisak PhalaharnSunday, 19 May 2024, 23:27

PHOTO: Thansettakij

National—

On May 19th, 2024, Thailand's first survey center, NIDA Poll, publicly revealed a survey between May 14th to 15th from 1,310 individuals on a proposal to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic illegal drug.

The data was collected from 1,310 individuals aged over 15 in a wide range of careers and incomes across Thailand, according to NIDA. The survey was made by a multi-stage sampling method on phone interviews. It was reported that the confidence value was at 97% in the results being accurate by the surveyors.

According to a survey on public opinions regarding considering cannabis as a narcotic, 53.74% of respondents agreed but said it also has medical and economic benefits, 33.59% agreed and said cannabis has no benefits, 11.60% disagreed, and 1.07% were unsure. 

Regarding public opinions on the government's cannabis policy, 74.58% of respondents indicated that it should be for medical and therapeutic purposes only, 19.39% indicated that the government should not implement any policy to support cannabis or cannabis products, 10.53% believed it should support legal cannabis products with 7.40% for boosting general public income, 3.21% for supporting recreational purposes, and 0.99% were unsure or did not answer.

On the issue of reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic, 60.38% of respondents strongly agreed, 15.27% somewhat agreed, 14.50% strongly disagreed, 8.93% somewhat disagreed, and 0.92% were unsure or did not answer.

Concerning compensation for cannabis farmers or businesses if cannabis is reclassified as an illegal narcotic, 46.95% of respondents believed the government should not compensate anyone, 35.03% thought the government should compensate both cannabis farmers and businesses, 10.08% said only farmers should be compensated, 2.06% said only cannabis businesses should be compensated, and 5.88% were unsure or did not answer.

Lastly, regarding their experiences with cannabis, 68.93% of respondents reported having no experience with cannabis, and 31.07% had some experience.
Among those with cannabis experience (407 respondents), 52.58% had used it in food or drinks, 34.64% had smoked or consumed it, 22.36% had used it for medical purposes, 15.97% had grown cannabis, and 0.98% had experience with commercial cannabis product processing and trading.

This poll comes in the wake of a growing debate between the Thai government and pro-cannabis groups over a proposal to reclassify cannabis as an illegal narcotic, as we have reported extensively such as here.

Pro-cannabis groups have already been protesting the proposal and delivering legal threats and formal letters to the Thai government, protesting the proposal that would basically recriminalize cannabis in Thailand except for medical use with strict government regulations, ending the ability for people to grow small amounts at home and potentially causing people to face the possibility of high fines and extensive jail sentences for even small amounts of marijuana.

The ongoing debate over what to do about cannabis in Thailand, with both sides of the debate having polar opposite views, has gone on for two years since cannabis was decriminalized but opposition fought finalizing laws to regulate the industry, leaving it in a legal grey area to this date.

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Queen Silvia of Sweden Supports Children in Bangkok. In Bangkok, the event was organized in collaboration with the Thai organization “Safeguardkids,” which also contributes significant funds nationally. Despite the festive atmosphere and Queen Silvia dancing to ABBA’s hit “Dancing Queen” (a song composed for her wedding), the evening’s serious purpose remained at the forefront for all attendees.- The Pattaya News

Queen Silvia of Sweden Supports Children in Bangkok

Adam JuddFriday, 17 May 2024, 22:32

Bangkok-A recent gala evening in  Bangkok was dedicated to children who have difficult childhoods. Queen Silvia of Sweden, who founded "The World Childhood Foundation" decades ago, has helped raise over 60 million dollars worldwide. In  Bangkok, the event was organized in collaboration with the Thai organization "Safeguardkids," which also contributes significant funds nationally. 

Over four million baht were donated during the evening, attended by only 70 guests including Dr. Darin Phanthusak, a prominent figure in this organization, is well-known in  Pattaya and co-owns establishments such as Tiffany's Theatre, Woodland Hotel, La Ferme, and La Baguette.

Despite the festive atmosphere and Queen Silvia dancing to ABBA's hit "Dancing Queen" (a song composed for her wedding), the evening's serious purpose remained at the forefront for all attendees.

Queen Silvia's Childhood Foundation currently supports more than 115 programs across 17 countries, including Belarus, Brazil, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Nepal, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, and the United States. The foundation actively raises awareness about children's rights and combats child exploitation worldwide. Its offices are located in São Paulo (Brazil), New York City (USA), and Munich/Berlin (Germany), with headquarters in Stockholm (Sweden).



The number of unemployed people increased to around 410,000 in Q1 of 2024, representing an unemployment rate of 1%, compared to 329,000 or 0.8% in Q4 of 2023, according to the National Statistical Office of Thailand. Thai Enquirer



Thailand expands the range of 10 year visas once again - Pattaya Mail

Thailand expands the range of 10 year visas once again

Barry KenyonMay 15, 2024

The new Eastern Economic Corridor visa breaks new ground by stipulating a specific zone.

Newly added to the range of longstay visas comes the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) option for foreign investors in three eastern provinces which include Chonburi. The EEC visa, which allows multiple entries, offers automatic work permit procedures for targeted industries, and a discounted rate of 17 percent income tax for specialists, executives, professionals and (if necessary) dependants.

The EEC visa duration is actually linked to the life of the holder's work permit and is considered an investor type. There is obviously overlap with LTR which, however, is not linked to certain provinces and is much broader covering wealthy retirees, digital nomads with contracts and world travellers as well as executives. The benefits are similar – reduced income tax, avoidance of 90 days reporting and airport perks – but the EEC visa is specifically linked geographically to investment in high-tech industries and sunrise initiatives such as robotics, petrochemical, healthcare, tourism and biotechnology.

In recent years, Thailand has diversified its longstay visa regulations to encourage the overseas wealthy to make a base here. These include the Elite visa introduced in 2003, which has had a controversial history, the O/X 10 year visa for retirees from 2016 (not popular because of its bureaucracy) and the Long Term Residence started last year. The new EEC visa also illustrates the growing involvement of government agencies such as the Board of Investment, in addition to the immigration bureau, in the granting of longstay visas.

European Union pact to be unveiled this year including visa-free access for Thai passport holders. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin plans to visit France and Italy next week as the kingdom cements closer ties with the bloc. Talks with the 27-member bloc commenced in September in Brussels. Afterwards, the second leg of the talks was held in Bangkok in January 2024. The final stage of talks is due to take place within the European Union in June. Thai Examiner

European Union pact to be unveiled this year including visa-free access for Thai passport holders

Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor

European Union trade and cooperation pact with Thailand to be finalised this year. It will include visa-free access for Thai passport holders. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin plans to visit France and Italy next week as the kingdom cements closer ties with the bloc.

The government is confident that a new trade and cooperation framework will be unveiled this year with the European Union. Among the provisions will be visa-free access to the Schengen zone for Thai passport holders. It will also include a free trade agreement, which will boost Thailand's efforts to attract inward investment. The news comes ahead of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's visit to France and Italy this week.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee announced that Thailand hoped to finalise a free trade pact with the European Union this year.

Talks with the 27-member bloc commenced in September in Brussels. Afterwards, the second leg of the talks was held in Bangkok in January 2024. The final stage of talks is due to take place within the European Union in June.

Minister Jakkapong was formerly deputy minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the end of April cabinet reshuffle.

Thailand-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation pact to include a provision for Thai nationals to enjoy visa-free access to the EU Schengen zone

In addition to the trade aspect, the minister talked of Thailand ratifying a Thailand-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement this year. Part of this pact will be the green light for Thai passport holders to access the Schengen zone without a visa.

The Schengen zone includes 26 European Union countries and Iceland. In particular, it excludes Ireland which has a Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom.

PM and Macron discuss visa-free access for Thai nationals in the European Union's Schengen zone

'The FTA will not only stimulate economic growth in both regions but also benefit their businesses and supply chain,' Minister Jakkapong explained. He was attending an event organised by the European Union in Thailand to mark Europe Day on May 9th.

'To allow more convenient people-to-people connectivity, Thailand hopes for support from the EU to allow Thai nationals to enter the Schengen zone without the visa requirement.'

Thailand needs European Union access to compete for investment with Vietnam. Lack of access to the key market has impeded the kingdom's efforts since 2020

In addition, a free trade pact and easier access to the European Union market will help Thailand attract inward investment. Since the 2020 pact between the European Union and Vietnam, Thailand has been at a disadvantage against its key competitor for inward investment.

The news came at the event last Wednesday, in Bangkok at the Conrad Hotel.

Mr David Daly, the European Union ambassador to Thailand, addressed a business and diplomatic gathering. In short, it was to celebrate Europe Day. At length, he explained the background to the occasion.

It was to celebrate 74 years since the Schuman Declaration. This was issued by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Schuman, on May 9th, 1950.

In short, it was an agreement among the founders of the European Coal and Steel Community. The members of the 6 nation alliance agreed to work together and pool resources in relation to coal and steel production.

The founding countries were France, West Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Afterwards, the European Economic Community emerged and expanded from this alliance in 1957.

In turn, this entity grew and changed its name to become the 27-member European Union bloc today.

Bilateral trade between European Union and Thailand worth €1 billion a week or ฿39.7 billion

On Wednesday, Mr Daly revealed that bilateral trade between Thailand and the European Union now amounted to €1 billion a week or ฿39.7 billion. He is confident that a new free trade pact will certainly boost this figure.

At the same time, the European Union bloc is also, at this time, Thailand's third-largest source of inbound investment. In short, the 27-member bloc has created over 160,000 jobs in Thailand.

In addition, it is the kingdom's second most important tourism market after China.

The European Union ambassador especially praised Thailand's diplomatic efforts to bring peace to Myanmar. He also praised the kingdom's ongoing campaign to prevent illegal fishing and stamp out labour abuses within the industry.

Prime Minister set to visit Europe on a 6-day trip

The news comes ahead of a 6-day visit to Europe this week from May 15thto 21st by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The focus of the PM's visit will be France and Italy.

On a previous trip in March, Mr Srettha developed a strong rapport with French President Emmanuel Macron. On this trip, the French leader will convene the Thailand-France Business Forum.

The Thai leader will promote the government's 'Ignite Thailand 2025' initiative in both countries.

Later in May, Mr Srettha will again visit Japan to meet key business leaders and participate in the Nikkei Forum.

That visit will be from May 22nd to 24th. This is a speaking forum which will be held this year in Tokyo. The theme will be 'Asian leadership in an uncertain world'.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet many key business leaders and industrialists.

'It is a good opportunity to encourage further investment in Thailand,' Mr. Srettha explained to his followers on the social media site X.

Thai U-Turn on Cannabis: Protests and Lawsuits Loom. Thailand's recent decision to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has sparked widespread outrage, threatening to ignite street protests and cause a flurry of lawsuits brought by an industry built on the promise of decriminalisation. ASEAN NOW





 Stock photo credit: openverse

 

Thailand's recent decision to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has sparked widespread outrage, threatening to ignite street protests and cause a flurry of lawsuits brought by an industry built on the promise of decriminalisation.

 

Two years ago, Thailand decriminalised cannabis, classing it as a 'controlled herb' and leaving its recreational use unrestricted. The move spurred the creation of almost 8000 dispensaries dotting every corner of the country. Yet, these shop owners now face the spectre of complete re-criminalisation with Thavisin's order to redraw cannabis as a 'category five' narcotic.

 

This change would redefine the mere act of "production, sale, import, export, or possession" of cannabis as a criminal offence under Thai drug law. Medical use would remain legal.

 

Thailand's burgeoning cannabis market, promoted as a boost for agricultural growth and wellness tourism, stands aghast. Advocacy group, 'Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future', has called for a protest in Bangkok on May 16 whilst dispensary owners pledge legal action. Rattapon Sanrak, owner of Highland Cafe, sternly noted: "We're all doing everything by the book but then suddenly the book is going to change."

 

The pubic U-turn reflects the ruling Pheu Thai Party's aggressive anti-drug stance. Recently, Thavisin set law enforcement and local authorities a 90-day deadline to crack down on drugs in 25 identified 'red zones'. Political rival Bhumjaithai Party have challenged this strategy, espousing a regulatory approach over further criminalisation.

 

The seesaw of cannabis policy, from decriminalisation to the looming threat of re-criminalisation, seems set to harm Thailand's nascent cannabis industry struggling under legal uncertainties. 

 

The potential penalties for possession of cannabis post-reclassification are severe, with possible imprisonment of up to 15 years and fines reaching 1.5 million baht ($40,600). Industry insiders fear the move will damage foreign investor confidence, cripple the industry, and plunge cannabis distribution back into the shadowy reaches of Thailand's underworld.

 

They are urging health authorities to use science and facts to compare the effects of cannabis to those of alcohol and tobacco, and base their drug classification decisions on such comparisons.

 

Rattapon of Highland Cafe warns: "Instead of regulating the industry properly, you're choosing to close it up and make it worse by pushing it underground." With over a million households registered to plant cannabis, the stakes are high and consequences could be game-changing.

 

-- 2024-05-11

Thai Banks To Face Rigorous Compliance Regulations Starting June. ASEAN NOW

File photo credit: Wikipedia

 

Thailand is set to implement stringent new compliance regulations for customers opening bank accounts, in response to a sharp rise in the misuse of these accounts for illicit or fraudulent activities. From November last year through the present, Thai authorities have closed over 300,000 "mule" accounts. 

 

These regulations, as promulgated by the Bank of Thailand, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the anti-online scam centre AOC 1441, are poised to take effect by June 1st, as confirmed by Prasert Jantararuangtong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society. All banks will now be required to strictly adhere to a Customer Due Diligence (CDD) approach.

 

Local experts from the Thai authorities estimate that accounts exploited for offences could tally up to one million. Growing compliance in the digital banking sector has been encouraged due to the sustained efforts of financial institutions and related government initiatives.

 

The digital banking market in Thailand is projected to grow by 8.69% between 2024 and 2028, as per Statista research. This growth trajectory is likely to be aligned with a surge in compliance-related efforts, aimed at meeting regulatory mandates and safeguarding against financial crimes.

 

The Thai banking sector, a historical pillar of the nation's economy, has been undergoing a significant transformation. McKinsey's findings suggest a potential regain of regional clout, with a shift towards digital banking that necessitates a robust compliance framework to ensure transactional integrity.

 

In closing, Thailand's digital banking sector's compliance industry is witnessing dynamic changes driven by regulatory strides, technology, and a commitment to enhancing the digital banking experience. As the sector evolves, compliance will form a foundational anchor, ensuring a secure, sustainable digital banking revolution, tuned with international best practices.

 

These changes offer both opportunities and challenges to compliance professionals, who shall remain at the forefront of shielding the financial ecosystem from emerging risks.

 

-- 2024-05-11

BANGKOK, 8 May 2024 – Rain has finally brought relief to Thailand, but the country is still recovering from the record-breaking heatwave that gripped Southeast Asia throughout April and early May. Three dozen districts across Thailand’s 77 provinces saw record temperatures in April, with 26 provinces suffering from heat soaring over 40 degrees Celsius. The Pattaya News

Over 10 million children affected by high heat in Thailand: UNICEF

Goongnang SuksawatThursday, 9 May 2024, 21:47

Babies and young children are often at the greatest risk of heat-related mortality

BANGKOK, 8 May 2024 – Rain has finally brought relief to Thailand, but the country is still recovering from the record-breaking heatwave that gripped Southeast Asia throughout April and early May. Three dozen districts across Thailand's 77 provinces saw record temperatures in April, with 26 provinces suffering from heat soaring over 40 degrees Celsius.

Extreme temperatures pose critical challenges to children in Thailand and elsewhere, limiting outdoor activities, increasing their reliance on cooling methods and disrupting education. Simultaneously, changing weather conditions including unexpected storms can cause damage to homes and infrastructure and prevent many children from accessing basic services.    

Heatwaves – which are made more likely by climate change – present a serious health threat to children, who struggle more than adults to regulate their body temperature. Greater exposure to heatwaves raises the risk of various health issues such as chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Babies and young children are at greatest risk of heat-related mortality. 

UNICEF's recent reports underscore the gravity of the situation, revealing that millions of children worldwide are already grappling with the effects of rising temperatures, a number projected to soar in the coming decades.

According to UNICEF's 2022 report, "The Coldest Year of the Rest of Their Lives: Protecting Children from the Escalating Impacts of Heatwaves," 559 million children worldwide are currently grappling with frequent heatwaves, a figure projected to soar to 2.02 billion by 2050. 

In Thailand, the situation is particularly alarming, with a significant majority of children experiencing the harsh realities of frequent heatwaves. Over 75 percent of children—approximately 10.3 million—were affected by high heat factors in 2020 alone, the report said. Without intervention, it's forecast that every Thai child under 18 will face more frequent and prolonged heatwaves by 2050.

Another climate-related report conducted by the Thailand Development Research Institute and UNICEF released last year pointed out that children in Thailand are at a high risk of climate change including high temperatures, flood and drought. Children living in Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Rachasima, Sri Saket, Nakhon Srithammarat and Narathiwat are at highest risk.

Experts in Thailand also pointed out that severe climate change will lead to declining agriculture yields with farmers and their families among the most vulnerable victims from climate crisis. 

Despite these alarming statistics, the voices of these children have often gone unheard. Children are missing out on climate discussion and action. They are being recognized as vulnerable groups rather than active citizen or agents of change. 

"Heatwaves have become significant challenges lately. With temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several weeks, being in the sun has become nearly impossible. This situation is particularly challenging for young children, as they are unable to engage in outdoor activities," said Kwanjira Jaikla, 18, a member of the UNICEF Young People Advisory Board from Roi Et Province. "While I acknowledge the current efforts being made to tackle this issue, I hope to see more urgent actions in addressing climate change impacts on children. I also hope that adults include children and young people in climate actions, given their role in our daily lives."

Just 2.4 per cent of major global climate funds are allocated towards initiatives that address children's needs, according to a 2023 study — Falling short: addressing the climate finance gap for children conducted by members of the Children's Environmental Rights Initiative (CERI) coalition; Plan International, Save the Children, and UNICEF.

This neglect not only perpetuates their vulnerability but also silences their voices in critical climate discussions. 

"As we confront the reality of a boiling world, it is imperative that governments, communities, and individuals alike work together to ensure the world we all live in is a livable one," said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. "By prioritizing investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and climate-smart basic services, promoting sustainable practices, and amplifying the voices of children in decision-making processes, we can create a future where they can thrive in safety and security."

The challenges posed by heatwaves are just one facet of the broader climate crisis facing our planet, said Kim. "As we navigate this uncertain terrain, let us not forget our responsibility to safeguard the well-being of future generations. We must work towards a sustainable future for every child, ensuring that they inherit a world that is resilient to the challenges of a changing climate." Kim said.

The preceding is a press release published with full permission and authorization by the organization(s) listed in the PR material and TPN media. The statements, thoughts, and opinions of the organization involved in the press release are entirely their own and may not necessarily represent those of TPN media and its staff.

Thai government to reclassify cannabis as narcotic. In a reversal of the previous administration’s policy to decriminalise cannabis and hemp, the Pheu Thai-led government has decided to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic, with the exception of medical and health uses. | Thai PBS World

Thai government to reclassify cannabis as narcotic

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In a reversal of the previous administration's policy to decriminalise cannabis and hemp, the Pheu Thai-led government has decided to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic, with the exception of medical and health uses.

Public Health ministry was instructed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to amend its ministerial regulations to include cannabis on the list of Category 5 narcotics, to be completed for enforcement within this year.

There is an exception for the controlled use of cannabis for medical and health purposes, but not for recreational use.

This reversal of policy is a slap in the face for the Bhumjaithai party, one of the government's coalition partners, which promoted decriminalisation of cannabis and hemp as its flagship policy during the Prayut administration, leading to widespread cultivation of cannabis and the emergence of many cannabis retail outlets.

The prime minister held a meeting today with agencies involved in illegal narcotic suppression and control, including the Public Health, Justice and Interior ministries, as well as national security agencies.

Another key issue raised by the prime minister is the law concerning methamphetamine, or "yaa baa". He said that the current law does not specify the number of pills that can be considered possession for personal consumption or for trafficking, making it difficult for law enforcement to know whether to treat a suspect as a drug user or a drug dealer.

To clear up the confusion, the prime minister said that the law must be rewritten to make clear that possessing one meth pill will be considered for personal consumption and two or more pills will be regarded as possession for trafficking purposes.

Despite escalating efforts to crack down on illegal narcotics and the government's decision to add the problem to the national agenda, the prime minister said that more illegal narcotics, meth pills in particular, continue to be smuggled into the country and remain readily available.

Srettha said that one issue behind the failure to stem the inflow and widespread availability of meth pills is that authorities are still unable to crack down on major dealers, as he urged authorities concerned to intensify their efforts to close down the "big fish" and to seize their assets.

10 reasons why your online 90 days reporting fails - Pattaya Mail

10 reasons why your online 90 days reporting fails

Pattaya MailMay 6, 2024

Address reporting for expats every three months is sometimes easier said than done.

Dear Editor,
It's a chaotic situation, folks, which varies person to person!
10 reasons why your online 90 days reporting fails
1. You have been abroad since your last report.
2. You haven't completed a TM30 form for two years or so (even if you haven't left Thailand).
3. You have recently changed, or even renewed, your visa or permission.
4. It's your first time reporting 90 days.
5. You haven't put your room or apartment number on the form.
6. You were one day early or one day late.
7. You have changed your passport.
8. Your browser is not Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
9. You haven't updated your permission to stay date.
10. You give up after your fourth attempt.
Yours faithfully,
Ken Thomas

Chonburi Ranks Second as Top Tourist Destination After Bangkok, Beating Phuket. Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok remains the most popular tourist destination in March, 2024, followed by Chonburi, Kanchanaburi, Phuket, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. - The Pattaya News

Chonburi Ranks Second as Top Tourist Destination After Bangkok, Beating Phuket

Aim TanakornSunday, 5 May 2024, 17:47

National —

Thailand's capital city of  Bangkok remains the most popular tourist destination in March, 2024, followed by Chonburi, Kanchanaburi, Phuket, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

According to the data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports,  Bangkokretained its top spot with 4,459,579 visitors, of which 49.60% were international tourists. The occupancy rate for Bangkok hotels was 76.32%.

Chonburi, the home province of the resort  city of Pattaya Pattaya, came in second with 1,892,712 visitors, of which 49.88% were international tourists. The hotel occupancy rate was 76.69%.

Kanchanaburi came in third, welcoming 1,185,695 visitors. The tourists, however, mostly consisted of Thai people with only 3.04% being foreigners. The hotel occupancy rate was 65.19%.

Meanwhile, in the fourth place was Phuket, which saw only 1,171,189 visitors. 78.75% of these were international tourists. The province's hotels saw an occupancy rate of 86.37%.

Lastly, Prachuap Khiri Khan rounded out the top five with 979,818 visitors, including 6.08% international tourists and an occupancy rate of 72.83%.

The least visited province was Amnat Charoen with 23,207 visitors, followed by Nong Bua Lamphu, Mahasarakham, Pattani, and Yasothon.

Overall, Thailand welcomed 29,151,310 visitors in March 2024, representing a 12.15% growth compared to the previous year. International tourists generated approximately 583.902 billion baht in revenue.

The top five nationalities visiting Thailand in the first four months of 2024 were Chinese (2,351,909), Malaysian (1,569,856), Russian (767,210), South Korean (679,481), and Indian (643,587).

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports noted that Chinese tourists surpassed Malaysians as the top nationality. In 2023, the top five nationalities were Malaysian (4,563,020), Chinese (3,519,735), South Korean (1,658,688), Indian (1,626,720), and Russian (1,481,878).

PRESS RELEASE: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has outlined the Thai government’s strategy to transform Thailand into a high-income economy, focusing on attracting foreign investment and implementing projects that enhance the quality of life for its citizens.- The Pattaya News

Thai Prime Minister Outlined Strategy to Transform Thailand into High-Income Economy, Focusing on Foreign Investment

Goongnang SuksawatSaturday, 4 May 2024, 12:00

PRESS RELEASE:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has outlined the Thai government's strategy to transform Thailand into a high-income economy, focusing on attracting foreign investment and implementing projects that enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Speaking at a Pheu Thai Party event, Srettha highlighted the government's proactive approach to addressing national issues since assuming office.

At the event themed "10 Months Without Waiting, Moving Forward to Achieve 10 out of 10," Srettha discussed the improvement of water resource management to mitigate flooding, new strategies for addressing unrest in the deep South, measures to boost tourism by opening borders, and ways to regulate agricultural product prices to combat haze pollution.

The premier also addressed the government's ongoing efforts to alleviate people's debt burdens, noting recent successes such as the agreement by commercial banks to reduce the minimum retail rate (MRR) for loans by 25 basis points for six months.

Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who also spoke at the event, defended the decision to form a coalition government and criticized the Bank of Thailand's independence, which she described as an obstacle to solving economic challenges. However, she expressed optimism that the current government could improve the nation's fortunes before the next election.

Paetongtarn has also praised the recent cabinet reshuffle, viewing it as a positive step forward. She also reaffirmed the party's commitment to pursuing its policy goals, expressing determination to achieve significant progress in various areas to bolster Thailand's economic standing on the global stage.

The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.

Thailand's central bank halts proposed 1% fee on credit cardholders | Thaiger

Thailand's central bank halts proposed 1% fee on credit cardholders

Alex MorganPublished: 10:01, 04 May 2024

The Bank of Thailand has stalled the proposed introduction of an additional 1% fee on local credit cardholders, necessitating card issuers to consider other alternatives. This decision was taken after several credit card issuers declared that they would be waiving the 1% fee for payments made in baht to overseas registered merchants and online shopping platforms.

Earlier in March, these issuers had announced their intention to impose a 1% fee on Thai credit cardholders for foreign currency conversion on payments made at overseas merchants with Visa and Mastercard. Known as dynamic currency conversion (DCC), this fee was expected to take effect on May 1. This fee would also be applicable to the withdrawal of baht banknotes from ATMs overseas.

However, the announcement was met with considerable dissatisfaction from local credit cardholders, which led the Bank of Thailand to encourage all parties to create a better understanding and ensure fair and reasonable banking fees.

The decision to impose the fee was a result of the significant costs credit card issuers had to bear due to the increase in overseas payments and online payments on foreign platforms by local cardholders. At present, local credit card providers impose a foreign currency conversion fee of up to 2.5% of total spending on Thai-issued Visa and Mastercard for overseas spending and on foreign-registered online platforms.

Given the central bank's directive, an anonymous banking industry source has revealed that credit card issuers are likely to indefinitely waive this fee. The regulator is urging credit card providers to understand the grievances of cardholders about the fee and encouraging them to look for alternative payment methods that would be beneficial to cardholders.

Kulthirath Pakawachkrilers, president of the Thai E-commerce Association, had earlier voiced concerns about the impact of DCC on consumers using Visa and Mastercard for high-purchase spending. She suggested that consumers might prefer other payment options, such as e-wallets.

Kulthirath also mentioned that several platforms, including Spotify, VIU, Agoda, Booking.com, Expedia, Klook, Airbnb, Trip.com, Facebook, Google, TikTok, Paypal, Alipay, eBay, Amazon, Alibaba, and Taobao, are likely to be affected by the DCC. However, platforms such as Shopee (Thailand), Lazada (Thailand), and Grab Taxi (Thailand) should remain unaffected, reported Bangkok Post.

According to a Bank of Thailand report on e-payments last year, their value reached 28.8 trillion baht (US$ 783 billion), marking a 10.4% increase from 2022. Card payments accounted for 5.9 trillion baht (US$ 160 billion), up by 8.2% from 2022.

Business News

Outrage Over Public Indecency in OnlyFans Bangsean Beach Video. The viral video has emphasized the negative impact, not only on the ethical standards of the community but also on Bangsean’s reputation as a family-friendly locality. ASEAN NOW

 

A viral OnlyFans video showing a man and woman involved sexually on Bangsean Beach, Chonburi, has sparked public anger.

 

The couple was seen performing indecent acts against a coconut tree along the Bangsean beachside path, somewhere known as a family-friendly spot. The video's circulation online has resulted in widespread condemnations, with residents terming the act as inappropriate.

 

Local traders expressed their disbelief and questioned why the couple did not consider filming in a more private location, like hotels or resorts. They further called on authorities to address the issue, primarily due to the potential negative influence on youth.

 

As it stands, local law enforcement is reportedly investigating the incident, with a possible prosecution for the couple under Thai obscenity laws. The viral video has emphasized the negative impact, not only on the ethical standards of the community but also on Bangsean's reputation as a family-friendly locality.

 

Picture courtesy by MGR

 

-- 2024-05-04