Thai PM Denies VAT Increase to 15 Percent, Reaffirms Economic Policy. On December 7th, 2024, government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap dismissed rumors of increasing VAT from 7% to 15%, clarifying that Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra firmly opposes such a move.- The Pattaya News

Thai PM Denies VAT Increase to 15 Percent, Reaffirms Economic Policy

Kittisak PhalaharnSaturday, 7 December 2024, 19:52

National —

On December 7th, 2024, government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap dismissed rumors of increasing VAT from 7% to 15%, clarifying that Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra firmly opposes such a move.

Paetongtarn emphasized that tax policy changes require gradual, well-researched implementation, often taking over a decade in other nations.

The government's priority remains reducing public expenses, enhancing state efficiency, and creating new income opportunities for citizens.

The administration pledged to make decisions carefully, consulting all sectors, and ensuring the best interests of the Thai people to drive sustainable national progress, according to Jirayu.

This effectively ends any speculation about such an increase happening anytime soon.

Read related articles about VAT 15%:

Public Input Urged on Proposed 15 Percent VAT Tax Reform Strategy.

Restaurant and Hotel Industries Fear Collapse Over Proposed 15 Percent VAT Hike.

Dual Pricing in Thai Tourism: Economic Necessity or Hidden Bias? Opinions diverge sharply on this issue. Critics label it as an unfavourable practice that creates a rift between locals and tourists. Many visitors feel targeted due to nationality-based pricing, viewing it as an implicit form of discrimination. ASEAN NOW

FILE photo for reference only

 

ANALYSIS

 

Thailand's dual pricing policy, where foreign tourists often pay more than locals at attractions, sparks ongoing conversation. This practice, grounded in economic rationale, sometimes stirs feelings of exclusion among visitors, leading to mixed reviews and accusations of inequity—although it's crucial to note the difference between nationality-based pricing and racial discrimination.

 

Visitors to popular destinations, such as temples and national parks, encounter this tiered pricing structure, which charges foreigners higher fees compared to local residents.

 

Supporters argue it boosts domestic tourism by offering locals affordable access to cultural sites and helps fund and sustain these attractions amidst the influx of foreign tourists. Defending this strategy, proponents assert it's necessary for the upkeep of the nation's cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

 

Opinions diverge sharply on this issue. Critics label it as an unfavourable practice that creates a rift between locals and tourists. Many visitors feel targeted due to nationality-based pricing, viewing it as an implicit form of discrimination.

While not racially motivated, this differential treatment based on nationality can unintentionally harm Thailand's reputation as a hospitable destination, provoking feelings of inequity among international travellers.

 

Furthermore, the higher costs could deter some tourists, potentially affecting Thailand's competitiveness compared to neighbouring nations without such policies. Charges for foreigners can be significantly steeper, leading tourists to question the fairness of paying more for identical experiences as locals.

 

Nevertheless, Thailand remains a magnetic tourist destination thanks to its diverse cultural offerings. Despite higher fees, many visitors continue to flock to its renowned sites, suggesting that the exotic appeal outweighs financial grievances, at least for now. Advocates for dual pricing insist that these funds are critical for sustaining the infrastructure and services that make the sites attractive and accessible to all visitors.

 

The challenge moving forward lies in balancing the financial needs of maintaining tourist attractions with maintaining Thailand's image as an open and inclusive environment for all travellers.

 

Exploring a more balanced pricing strategy that respects both local and global visitors might enhance Thailand's tourist appeal and mitigate feelings of exclusion. Transparent dialogue about the purpose and benefits could bridge divides, fostering a more understanding atmosphere among international guests and aligning economic strategies with Thailand's longstanding tradition of warm hospitality, reported Pattaya Mail.

 

-- 2024-12-06

Norse Atlantic Airways will fly from Stockholm to Bangkok. Effective October 29th 2025, Norse Atlantic will operate this route twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, with Boeing 787 Dreamliners that offer 338 seats in Premium and Economy cabins. One-way fares start from 2,550 SEK, and tickets are now available on www.flynorse.com.– Aeronews Global

Norse Atlantic Airways will fly from Stockholm to Bangkok

Teodor Stefan23-11-2024

Chaos at Don Mueang Airport as Singaporean Suspect Arrested for Bomb Threat. A bomb threat caused panic at Don Mueang Airport after a Singaporean man called to falsely claim there was a bomb aboard an AirAsia flight. Police acted swiftly, detaining the suspect and adding him to Thailand’s blacklist. ASEAN NOW

A bomb threat caused panic at Don Mueang Airport after a Singaporean man called to falsely claim there was a bomb aboard an AirAsia flight. Police acted swiftly, detaining the suspect and adding him to Thailand's blacklist.

 

On November 21, at 14:47, an individual speaking Thai with a Chinese accent called Don Mueang Airport's information desk, stating, "Do you know there's a bomb on the AirAsia flight to Hat Yai?" Authorities identified the flight as AirAsia FD 3114, carrying 162 passengers and six crew members.

 

At the time, the plane was taxiing for takeoff. Security immediately halted the aircraft and brought it back for inspection. Passengers were evacuated along with their belongings, and a thorough search was conducted. After no suspicious items were found, the emergency plan was lifted at 19:30. However, the incident caused significant disruptions to flight schedules and passenger plans.

  

Police Major General Choengron Rimpadee, spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau, reported that investigators traced the threatening call to Mr. Ho Wai Chong, a Singaporean national. Coordination between airport security, immigration, and Don Mueang Police revealed that the suspect had overstayed his visa by 28 days.

 

Authorities discovered Mr. Ho was still inside the airport. On November 22, at approximately 19:00, officers located and arrested him in the terminal. Upon questioning, he confessed, citing stress over family problems as his motive for the hoax.

 

Mr. Ho is now in custody at Don Mueang Police Station and faces multiple charges. Initial charges include overstaying his visa, with further charges under Thailand's 2015 Aviation Offenses Act, which criminalises false threats that cause panic or jeopardises aviation safety. Convictions under this law carry penalties of 5–15 years in prison and fines ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 baht.

 

Police revealed that Mr. Ho entered Thailand using an APEC Business Travel Card, allowing him frequent entry and exit. However, following his legal proceedings, he will be deported and permanently banned from re-entering Thailand.

 

Additionally, Don Mueang Airport, the airline, and affected passengers may pursue civil lawsuits for damages caused by the disruption.

 

Major General Choengron warned both Thais and foreigners against engaging in such reckless behaviour, emphasising the severe criminal and financial consequences. He stated, "This is not a joke. Such actions can lead to imprisonment, massive fines, and civil liabilities that outweigh any momentary thrill."

 

This incident serves as a stern reminder of the gravity of aviation-related threats and the consequences of such misconduct.

 

Picture of the suspect courtesy Matichon.

-- 2024-11-23

British lawyer latest to fall in Laos alcohol poisoning tragedy. A British lawyer has become the latest fatality of alcoholic poisoning in Laos taking the death toll to five people. The chilling incident has sent shockwaves across the globe. | Thaiger

British lawyer latest to fall in Laos alcohol poisoning tragedy

Bob ScottPublished: 09:23, 22 November 2024

Thai court delivers justice: Cyanide serial killer sentenced to death. The Criminal Court of Thailand delivered a nail-biting verdict today, sentencing the notorious cyanide serial killer to death for her chilling role in the murder of 14 innocent people. The Criminal Court wasn’t pulling any punches, as her accomplices didn’t get off lightly either. | Thaiger

Thai court delivers justice: Cyanide serial killer sentenced to death

Bob ScottPublished: 13:39, 20 November 2024

New Alcohol Control Bill Nearly Finalised; Set for December House Vote. ASEAN NOW

FILE photo courtesy: MGR online
 

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill is nearing completion and could be put before Thailand's parliament by mid-December. Leading the review, Mr Wisarn Techathirawat, head of the special scrutinising committee, stated the bill is now 80% complete.

 

Born out of five distinct drafts, the proposal underwent a demanding eight-month integration process.

 

The five preliminary drafts, originally submitted by various entities including the government, the Pheu Thai Party, and public health advocates, had unique approaches to alcohol control.

 

However, the committee has successfully amalgamated their key points into a single draft, currently 70–80% realised.

 

Central to the new legislation is the devolution of power to local provincial alcohol control committees. This move aims to empower these bodies with the authority to determine zoning areas and establish tailored regulations.

Discussions around the draft were held during a national conference on alcohol. Mr Wisarn remarked that alcohol prevention among youth remains a focal point.

 

As such, representatives from youth councils are set to join provincial committees. This ensures young voices influence pivotal decisions on alcohol zoning and sales restrictions.

 

The timeline is tight. By December 11, the bill should be ready for inclusion in the House of Representatives' draft agenda.

 

The new parliamentary season begins December 13, providing a narrow window for initial review. Mr Wisarn hopes parliament will prioritise this legislation.

 

One of the bill's principal aims is to tackle Thailand's increasing trend in alcohol consumption, especially among women.

 

Control of alcohol sales promotions is covered extensively, with the law envisaged to curb related societal issues like health risks and road accidents.

 

The legislation introduces strict penalties for selling alcohol to minors or visibly drunk persons, alongside empowering provincial committees with localised authority.

 

Such provisions promise to fundamentally alter how alcohol is regulated, fitting concerns of public health with practical governance adjustments, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-19

Thailand Considers Law Revisions to Attract Foreign Real Estate Investment. Thailand is actively considering changes to its real estate laws to encourage foreign investment, as outlined by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. The potential amendments aim to revise the "rights over leasehold assets" laws, offering more attractive lease agreements that could bolster the nation's economy. ASEAN NOW



Picture courtesy: Kapook

 

Thailand is actively considering changes to its real estate laws to encourage foreign investment, as outlined by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. 

 

The potential amendments aim to revise the "rights over leasehold assets" laws, offering more attractive lease agreements that could bolster the nation's economy. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to draw foreign investors, improving Thailand's economic growth, which has been sluggish and hampered by increasing household debt.

 

The real estate industry is crucial to Thailand's economy, influencing various related sectors. As domestic purchasing power diminishes, the government led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aims to adopt ideas from previous administrations to allow foreigners to invest in Thai real estate.

 

Current Thai laws restrict foreign ownership of land, presenting a political challenge. Thaksin Shinawatra, a key figure in the governing party, previously suggested that land sold to foreigners should first transfer to state management under the Treasury Department.

This proposal would let foreigners lease the land for up to 99 years, keeping land ownership with the state after lease expiry. Implementing such measures would require amendments to existing state land laws.

 

To further entice foreign investment, there's a move to extend lease terms from the current maximum of 30 years to 99 years.

 

This extension could make investments more appealing. In April 2023, the cabinet directed ministries to explore these longer lease terms, and by June, tasked the Interior Ministry with advancing these proposals.

 

Thailand's 2019 Rights Over Leasehold Assets Act currently allows lease terms from 3 to 30 years. These rights enable the transfer and use of property as collateral, yet the law hasn't been fully utilised or integrated into the market as intended.

 

Revised laws could better define and expand these leasehold rights, aligning them more closely with international standards and encouraging real estate investment.

 

In comparison, countries like England, Wales, France, and Cambodia have their own special lease laws, allowing long-term leases and granting tenants greater rights.

 

These models provide insights for Thailand as it seeks to modernise its approach to leasehold real estate, making it a more competitive and attractive market for international investors, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-16

UNESCO Ranks Suvarnabhumi Airport Among Worlds Top 6 Most Beautiful Airports. On November 14th, 2024, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced that Suvarnabhumi Airport has been ranked among the six most beautiful airports in the world by UNESCO for 2024. - The Pattaya News

UNESCO Ranks Suvarnabhumi Airport Among Worlds Top 6 Most Beautiful Airports

Kittisak PhalaharnSaturday, 16 November 2024, 0:33

National —

On November 14th, 2024, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced that Suvarnabhumi Airport has been ranked among the six most beautiful airports in the world by UNESCO for 2024. 

The newly constructed Satellite Terminal 1 (SAT-1) was a key factor in the award, featuring an architectural design that reflects Thai heritage and prioritizes environmental sustainability.

SAT-1 has also been nominated for the prestigious Prix Versailles award in the architecture and design category, with the winner to be announced on December 2nd, 2024, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

The SAT-1 terminal spans 216,000 square meters across four floors, with two additional basement levels. The structure offers 28 contact gates and combines cultural elements with modernity, from sculptures of Thai mythical creatures like Kinnaree and Himmaphan animals to statues of elephants symbolizing Thailand's identity. 

Thailand Cracks Down on Foreigners Using Thai Nominees. Thailand is taking decisive action against foreign businesses using Thai nominees to conduct operations within the country. The Commerce Ministry has unveiled a new plan spearheaded by Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang. ASEAN NOW



Image composite courtesy: MGR online

 

Thailand is taking decisive action against foreign businesses using Thai nominees to conduct operations within the country. The Commerce Ministry has unveiled a new plan spearheaded by Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang.

 

This initiative aims to tackle illegal business practices that undermine local economic interests. The Ministry's subcommittee on nominee business prevention and suppression held significant discussions on Wednesday, bringing together several agencies to brainstorm strategies for identifying and prosecuting companies engaged in these unlawful practices.

 

Key representatives from several agencies attended, including the Department of Business Development (DBD), Department of Special Investigation, Central Investigation Bureau, Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), Tourist Police Bureau, Immigration Office, Department of Employment, Department of Tourism, Department of Lands, and Revenue Department.

Together, they crafted a comprehensive strategy, proposing short-, medium-, and long-term measures for the cabinet's approval.

 

In the immediate term, existing laws will be utilised to scrutinise and take legal action against suspect businesses, explained Mr Napintorn.

 

Moving forward, the DBD plans to build an analytical system to detect nominee use by examining unusual business behaviour. This medium-term solution aims for completion in six months, adding an extra layer of vigilance by practising stricter law enforcement.

 

Looking to the future, the ministry is contemplating amendments to Amlo's laws, permitting the DBD to reject or cancel business registrations tied to money laundering risks. Proposed changes to the Foreign Business Act could increase penalties, hoping to deter nominee practices altogether.

 

Driven by numerous complaints against foreign businesses flouting Thai laws, the DBD is expanding its investigations. Particular attention is on online platforms, warehousing, and logistics sectors. The penalties for nominees could include imprisonment and hefty fines.

 

With this proactive stance, Mr Napintorn emphasised the government's determination to safeguard the Thai economy. He encouraged those involved in nominee practices to cease activities and cooperate with authorities, ensuring protection for compliant witnesses, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-16

CP All Expands Nationwide in Thailand with 199 New 7-Eleven Stores as Sales Rise 8.8 Percent. On November 14th, 2024, CP All PCL announced its Q3 2024 earnings, reporting total revenue of 241.28 billion baht, a 6.6% increase from last year.- The Pattaya News

CP All Expands Nationwide in Thailand with 199 New 7-Eleven Stores as Sales Rise 8.8 Percent

Kittisak PhalaharnThursday, 14 November 2024, 22:51

National —

On November 14th, 2024, CP All PCL announced its Q3 2024 earnings, reporting total revenue of 241.28 billion baht, a 6.6% increase from last year. 

The rise in revenue was attributed to robust sales growth across all business units, including convenience stores, retail, and wholesale, supported by ongoing government economic stimulus measures and increased tourism.

Despite challenges from heavy rains, CP All's O2O strategy helped drive revenue, with the company's 7-Delivery and All Online services contributing approximately 11% of total sales. 

The 7-Eleven convenience store sector, which opened 199 new branches in Q3, recorded sales of 107.85 billion baht, up 8.8% from the previous year. Average sales per store per day reached 81,781 baht, with a 3.3% growth in same-store sales.

Net profit for Q3 was 5.61 billion baht, marking a 44.1% increase. Over the first nine months of 2024, CP All and its subsidiaries earned a total revenue of 730.23 billion baht, with net profit up 46.3% year-over-year at 18.46 billion baht.