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- Thailand Supports Digital IDs for Smoother Airport Check-Ins
File photo for reference only
Thai nationals travelling by air can now enjoy faster check-ins with the introduction of the ThaID app, which allows them to use digital identification cards. This innovation aims to ease travel during the busy new year holiday season. As Jirayu Houngsub from the Prime Minister’s Office highlights, airports like Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi will especially see smoother check-in processes when combined with airline online services.
The app adds convenience by integrating with a new biometric identification system at airports, making boarding pass verification swifter and reducing queuing time. Passengers who check-in online through the Airports of Thailand platform can skip directly to the boarding gates with an electronic boarding pass. This move is part of the government's broader strategy to roll out digital IDs across state services.
Additionally, the ThaID app provides a handy backup for travellers who forget their physical IDs and streamlines other bureaucratic processes. It allows users to update government agencies on changes like residence address without needing to visit government offices, thus simplifying administrative tasks for Thai citizens.
-- 2024-12-23
23 December 23 20241346989 - Thai influencer dies after alcohol stunt for 30,000 baht
Picture courtesy of KhaoSod
By Nattapong Westwood
Bank Leicester, a well-known Thai influencer, has tragically died after being hired to consume an excessive amount of alcohol in exchange for 30,000 baht (US$880). Known for his unique approach of rapping while selling garlands to support his grandmother, Bank had gained significant popularity online. His untimely death occurred at approximately 3.40am, reportedly due to the drinking challenge.
Bank, whose real name is Thanakarn Gandhi, was 21 year old. His story of overcoming adversity and poverty had resonated with many. Born into a family of modest means in a slum community, Bank’s parents separated when he was only two months old.
By the age of seven, he was selling garlands as his primary income, but his life took a turn when he began incorporating rap into his sales technique. This innovative approach quickly made him famous.
Bank’s income from his garland sales often ranged between 6,000 and 10,000 baht (US$175 to 292) per day. However, his path was not without challenges.
On one occasion, a group of four teenagers bullied him into eating pork bones, promising to buy all his garlands, only to deceive him afterward. This incident left Bank feeling deeply saddened and reflective about his life.
His rise to fame was marked by controversy, particularly following his appearance on a popular Thai talk show, where he made several claims involving well-known personalities. Bank spoke of having to drop out of school following a car accident that left him with a disability.
Influencer death
Despite this, he claimed to have purchased a house worth 10 million baht (US$292,483) and was continuing his education at Sarasas School, funded by a famous producer, Poj Anon. He also boasted a grade point average of 3.1.
During the same talk show, Bank alleged interactions with various celebrities, including meeting Moddam Kachapha at the GMM Grammy studio, who purportedly introduced him to Bird Thongchai, a famous Thai singer. Bank claimed Bird had invited him to perform at a concert. Additionally, Bank credited his rapping inspiration to well-known Thai rappers Joey Boy and Twopee.
Beyond garland selling, Bank had also worked as a video editor for a YouTube channel, showcasing his versatility. He further claimed to have been an independent actor, involved in several television dramas and films, and mentioned upcoming concerts with the artist Milli in Singapore and England, expressing gratitude for the opportunities he received.
However, following the broadcast of the talk show, Poj Anon publicly criticised the program for inviting Bank without verifying his background or the veracity of his claims. Poj Anon clarified that he had never supported or even met Bank, reported KhaoSod.
Similarly, another celebrity, Tukky Ching Roi, stated that Bank had visited the Workpoint studio and taken photos with famous personalities, which he then reportedly used to falsely associate himself with them.
26 December 26 20241347220 - Council of State Declares Kittiratt Unqualified as BOT Board Chairman
Picture courtesy: Naew Na
In a recent development that has raised eyebrows across Thailand's financial and political sectors, the Council of State has ruled Kittiratt Na-Ranong unqualified to serve as board chairman of the Bank of Thailand.
The decision comes amidst concerns regarding his previous role as an advisor to former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a position deemed political, despite Kittiratt reportedly not receiving any remuneration.
The announcement relayed by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has thrown the Ministry into a search for a new candidate to assume one of the nation’s pivotal financial oversight roles. Until a suitable replacement is found, Paramethi Wimonsiri, whose term as chairman concluded on 11 September, will continue to serve in an acting capacity.
Kittiratt’s nomination, supported by a selection committee led by former Finance Secretary Sathit Limpongpan, initially positioned him as the preferred candidate. However, this sudden turn of events underscores the delicate balance between political association and institutional independence within the Thai government’s financial sectors.
The disqualification has garnered a response from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who implied that the procedural integrity must be maintained, though refraining from delving into specifics.
This reserved stance reflects the gravity with which the Thai leadership is treating the situation, understanding the critical implications for both policy stability and public confidence.
The nomination drawn from Kittiratt’s extensive background was met with strong dissent from various academia and former employees within the Central Bank.
Among the vocal critics were four previous governors, underscoring fears that his close ties with the Pheu Thai party could be perceived as compromising the Bank’s essential autonomy. They argue that the central bank’s independence is vital for unbiased monetary policy decisions, which would be at risk should politically affiliated figures assume control.
This unstable situation not only places Kittiratt under a harsh public spotlight but also puts into focus the often intricate web of influence between Thailand’s political apparatus and financial institutions.
With this decision, the Council of State has aimed to reiterate the importance of ensuring those in pivotal financial positions are beyond the shadow of political influence, safeguarding the nation’s economic integrity.
In the wake of these developments, the Ministry of Finance faces mounting pressure to identify a chairman who can assure both competency and neutrality, reported Thai PBS.
-- 2024-12-25
25 December 25 20241347108 - Gorilla Smuggling Plot Destined for Thailand Discovered at Istanbul Airport
FILE photo courtesy: Wikipedia
In an unexpected turn of events, a Nakhon Pathom-based company in Thailand has come under investigation after a thwarted attempt to smuggle a baby gorilla was uncovered at Istanbul Airport. The young primate, destined for Bangkok, was intercepted by Turkish customs during a routine check, leading to an international probe that has stirred up significant concern.
The capture of the gorilla occurred during a stopover from Nigeria en route to Thailand via Turkey. Customs officers, conducting a risk analysis at Istanbul's busy airport on 22nd December, discovered the animal crammed in a wooden crate amidst a shipment purportedly containing 50 rabbits.
The absence of proper CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) documentation further piqued their suspicions.
Following this discovery, Thai authorities swiftly obtained a warrant to search TK Farm International Trading in Nakhon Pathom. The company, owned by Siriwat Suphakitkasem, is registered as an animal importer and breeder, with a known presence in Bangkok's bustling Chatuchak Market.
The firm's owner, Mr Siriwat, claimed to have been contacted by David, an African national, requesting assistance to import the rabbits.
For a fee of approximately 150,000 Thai Baht, Mr Siriwat’s company managed the customs and related paperwork. He asserted ignorance of the gorilla’s presence, insisting that he believed the shipment only contained the rabbits, which were duly processed.
The present situation has raised suspicions about potential collusion involving airport staff in both Thailand and Nigeria, speculating that TK Farm may merely be a pawn in a larger wildlife trafficking network. The investigation is widening, as authorities seek to authenticate the legal status of other animals at TK Farm and unravel any deeper illicit connections.
Gorillas, listed in Appendix I by CITES, are strictly prohibited for import into Thailand. Currently, only one gorilla, named Bua Noi, resides in the country. Imported prior to the enforcement of CITES regulations in 1992, Bua Noi has lived in captivity at a department store zoo in Bangkok for decades, amidst ongoing campaigns from animal rights advocates demanding her release.
As Turkish veterinarians continue to care for the rescued gorilla, the complexities of this international smuggling attempt underscore the persistent threats faced by endangered species and amplify calls for stringent enforcement against wildlife trafficking. The unfolding investigation promises to shed light on what appears to be a well-organised, yet unlawful trade targeting one of nature’s most vulnerable inhabitants, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2024-12-26
25 December 25 20241347146 - Thaksin Predicts Pheu Thai Govt To Last Full Term Amid Challenges
Picture courtesy: Thai Rath
In a recent statement from Chiang Mai, Thaksin Shinawatra, an influential figure in Thai politics, confidently forecasted that the Pheu Thai-led coalition government, helmed by his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, will persevere through its full four-year mandate until 2027.
Despite the potential for intracoalition disputes, Thaksin assured that these would be manageable, hinting at the party's resilience and adaptability among its members.
Central to Thaksin's optimism is the ability of Pheu Thai, the coalition's dominant party, to mitigate tensions, particularly with Bhumjaithai, the second largest coalition partner led informally by Newin Chidchob. One major sticking point lies in the approach to amending the constitution.
Pheu Thai favours a single-tier referendum while Bhumjaithai pushes for a double-tier system, showing a clear divide on procedural preferences. Nonetheless, Thaksin underscored that such differences would not endanger the alliance, dismissing speculation that Bhumjaithai would be expelled.
Thaksin's stance appears to be one of cautious optimism, aiming to reassure both supporters and critics of the coalition's stability. In a hypothetical political crisis, Thaksin expressed confidence that Paetongtarn would maintain her role as Prime Minister without resorting to dissolving the House and prompting an early election.
Her leadership, according to him, will stay firm throughout the legislative term, reflecting her father's strategic influence behind the scenes.
This endurance is contextualised by Thaksin's personal history with Thai politics. Both he and his sister Yingluck Shinawatra were previously deposed from the premiership in 2006 and 2014 coups. Despite this historical backdrop, Thaksin expressed his belief that a military coup is unlikely to challenge his daughter's administration.
Further countering his critics, Thaksin rejected claims of covertly controlling his daughter's government. In his characteristic manner, he encouraged those accusing him of undue influence to pursue legal avenues, if justifiable.
For those tracking developments in Thailand's political landscape, Thaksin's assertions provide a glimpse into the delicate dynamics of the current coalition, valued for its estimated budget management skills worth over 6.3 trillion Baht.
The coming months and years will test whether this coalition can indeed fulfil its term, balancing internal differences against the backdrop of Thailand’s broader political tensions, reported Thai Newsroom.
-- 2024-12-26
25 December 25 20241347153 - Thai Telecom Giant Rejects Claims of Supplying SIMs to Call Scams
File photo
True Corporation, a leading telecom provider in Thailand, has vigorously refuted allegations of selling large quantities of SIM cards to call centre syndicates. This denial follows a police operation on December 20th that uncovered a significant stash of illicit technology at a condo in Bangkok's Huay Kwang district. The raid resulted in the seizure of 286 SIM boxes, over 300,000 SIM cards, hundreds of smartphones, and computers, with six Chinese nationals detained in connection with the ring.
In response to the incident, True Corporation clarified that the apprehended SIM cards had not been bought from any of their primary distributors. They further explained that the majority of these SIM cards originated from outside Thailand and those within the country were acquired incrementally through local vendors.
Emphasising their commitment to preventing SIM misuse, the company has vowed to identify and sanction the retailers involved by tracking the serial numbers of the SIMs. True stated that the seized cards had not been activated, highlighting their strict measures on SIM registration to deter criminal activity.
True Corporation is enhancing its efforts to secure its network by employing artificial intelligence to detect and block suspicious activities, and by severing ties with untrustworthy partners. The telecom firm has also been proactive in aiding police investigations by terminating SIM cards linked to fraudulent operations and by notifying authorities of any irregularities in its systems.
As part of its ongoing strategy to safeguard customers, True has introduced a 'CyberSafe' feature aimed at thwarting phishing attacks. With a reinforced approach and advanced security techniques, True Corporation remains resolute in its mission to protect its users and combat cybercrime effectively.
-- 2024-12-26
26 December 26 20241347237 - Thai PM Pressured to Dissolve House Over Skyrocketing Power Costs
PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces intense pressure to dissolve Thailand's House of Representatives over her perceived inability to address soaring power bills affecting Thai households. Key leaders, including activist Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, hold her accountable for not achieving lower electricity rates—a pressing economic strain felt by consumers nationwide.
Nattapong, a prominent people's leader, has urged the Prime Minister to take immediate responsibility and step down by dissolving the House. He argues this step is vital to pave the way for fresh elections and a new government that can tackle the lingering energy cost crisis more effectively.
The crux of the discontent lies in Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s handling of decisions made by the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC), the governmental body managing power purchases and pricing. Critics, including Nattapong, argue that Paetongtarn, wielding significant influence, should have been able to guide NEPC decisions more forcefully, given that many council members also serve in her cabinet.
Despite Paetongtarn's reasoning that she could not sway collective council decisions dominated by powerful energy producers like Ratch Group Pcl. and Gulf Energy Development Pcl., this defence has not satisfied her critics. Nattapong labelled her justifications as "lame and irrational," suggesting that her government’s claimed initiatives to lower electricity costs lacked genuine commitment or urgency.
Adding to the intrigue, Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s father and Pheu Thai's influential figure, Thaksin Shinawatra, was seen playing golf recently with top energy executives and political figures, including Gulf Energy CEO Sarath Ratanavadi and Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai. Such engagements raise eyebrows amidst ongoing fuel cost negotiations, stirring public and political speculation about potential conflicts of interest and backdoor dealings.
The growing dissatisfaction over energy costs signifies a looming political showdown. Nattapong warns that unless Paetongtarn addresses the power rate crisis head-on, it could become a focal point for a likely no-confidence motion in Parliament. Meanwhile, her critics continue to clamor for immediate reforms or her resignation, painting a turbulent political picture as Thailand wrestles with its economic challenges.
Whether Prime Minister Paetongtarn will act by dissolving the House or find another path to soothe discontent remains uncertain. As the situation unfolds, public attention focuses intently on how these critical economic and political decisions will shape Thailand’s near future, reported Thai Newsroom.
-- 2024-12-26
25 December 25 20241347156 - Japan dethrones Thailand as top tourist spot
People walk through the annual year-end illumination in Roppongi district | Photo via AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko
By Ryan Turner
Japan’s rise as a favoured tourist destination over Thailand is attributed to a weaker currency and its preparedness to welcome independent travellers. In response, tourism operators in Thailand are urging the government to enhance attractions and improve service quality to achieve the target of 40 million visitors.
For the first eleven months of this year, Japan received over 33.3 million foreign visitors, surpassing its previous record of 31.8 million in 2019, despite implementing measures against overtourism. Meanwhile, Thailand welcomed 32 million tourists during the same timeframe.
Japan anticipates closing this year with 35 million visitors, matching Thailand’s figures, although, in 2019, Thailand attracted nearly 10 million more tourists than Japan’s projected figures.
Adith Chairattananon, the honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, highlighted that Japan’s cities, both major and secondary, offer better facilities for independent tourists. These include excellent rail connectivity, safety, cleanliness, and an array of attractions.
Adith noted that the number of Thai tourists travelling to Japan surged to 1.3 million in 2019, up from around 400,000 when the visa requirement for Thais was lifted. There’s potential to reach 2 million in the coming years.
Japan continues to be a popular choice for Chinese tourists, despite the need for a visa. Should the visa requirement be removed, it could challenge Thailand’s status as a leading destination for Chinese tourists, alongside Macau and Hong Kong.
Cohesive tourism marketing
Adith pointed out that Japan’s tourism marketing is cohesive, with efforts aligned from the national government down to local agencies. Provincial tourism bodies actively participate in international travel fairs, such as the Thai International Travel Fair organised by the Thai Travel Agents Association.
Despite Thailand’s appeal with its natural attractions, warm hospitality, and rich culture, foreign tour operators observe a lack of new selling points. Adith sees potential for Thailand to develop new attractions and improve transportation to meet international standards, as well as employing creative strategies to attract tourists.
He referenced the Black Myth: Wukong online game’s success in China, which spurred domestic tourism to locations featured in the game. Visitors sought to collect in-game items, illustrating the power of creative marketing.
La-iad Bungsrithong, a board advisor for the Thai Hotels Association, commented on the growing competition and noted that Chiang Mai and Thailand are no longer top priorities for foreign tourists, highlighting the need for innovative development to add value.
Currently, tourism operators in Chiang Mai are concentrating on enhancing key events like the Flower Festival in February and Loy Krathong in November, alongside improvements to facilities, reported Bangkok Post.
23 December 23 20241346969 - Thai Govt Gambling on Integrated Entertainment Complex with Casino
Thai Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has revealed plans for a new integrated entertainment complex that will include a casino, but with restrictions on its size. The casino component will be limited to no more than 5% of the overall project area.
Similar to Singapore's model, where gambling areas make up only 3% of the total complex, the Thai government aims to strike a balance between entertainment offerings and responsible gambling.
The project, which also features hotels and other investments, is currently under scrutiny by the Finance Ministry to assess its feasibility. A special House committee has conducted a study on the potential impacts of the development, which will be presented to the Cabinet for further evaluation.
The project's details, such as location, regulations, and revenue generation, will be discussed with relevant agencies to ensure its smooth implementation. Measures will be put in place to address potential negative consequences of the integrated entertainment complex, including the establishment of a fund to mitigate any gambling-related issues.
The government is considering new legislation to regulate the project effectively and ensure that it complies with existing laws on gambling and entertainment venues. Implementing a casino tax and setting appropriate rates for fees and taxes on the gambling component are also part of the plan.
As Thailand ventures into the realm of integrated entertainment complexes, the government aims to strike a balance between economic growth and responsible gambling practices to benefit both the country and its citizens.
Picture courtesy: Freepik
-- 2024-05-13
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13 May 13 20241327140 - Thailand Announces New Minimum Wage Increase for 2025
File photo for reference only
Starting January 1, 2025, Thailand will introduce a new minimum wage across its 77 provinces. This change follows a lengthy meeting led by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour. The meeting, held on December 23, resulted in a unanimous decision to raise daily wages by 7 to 55 baht, averaging a 2.9% increase.
The highest minimum wage will be 400 baht per day, while the lowest will be 337 baht. This new structure considers factors like rising living costs and economic conditions, aiming to help workers cope with financial pressures.
Provinces including Phuket, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, and Koh Samui will see the highest rate of 400 baht per day. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai (Mueang district) and Hat Yai will have a rate of 380 baht.
In Bangkok and nearby areas like Nakhon Pathom and Samut Prakan, the minimum wage will be 372 baht per day. Other regions like Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai (excluding Mueang district) will offer 357 baht daily.
The lowest rate of 337 baht will apply to Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. Officials hope this adjustment will better reflect the current economic scenario and support workers' livelihoods throughout the nation.
-- 2024-12-24
24 December 24 20241347060
