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- Nestlé Files B577 Million Coffee Lawsuit
Nestlé has initiated legal action against former business partners, Prayudh Mahagitsiri and Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, over alleged infringement of the Nescafé trademark. The company is seeking 577 million baht in damages for losses incurred during an eight-day suspension of Nescafé sales in Thailand, following an emergency court order from the Minburi...
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Nestlé has initiated legal action against former business partners, Prayudh Mahagitsiri and Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, over alleged infringement of the Nescafé trademark. The company is seeking 577 million baht in damages for losses incurred during an eight-day suspension of Nescafé sales in Thailand, following an emergency court order from the Minburi Civil Court on April 3 that prohibited Nestlé from manufacturing, distributing, or importing products under the Nescafé name.
Later in April, the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court confirmed that Nestlé (Thai) Ltd holds exclusive rights to the “Nescafé” and “เนสกาแฟ” trademarks within Thailand.
On May 28, a mediation session at the same court took place involving the Mahagitsiri family, but the parties could not reach an agreement. The case has now been scheduled for trial on June 9 to resolve the dispute.
Previously, on March 14, Nestlé filed a petition with the Southern Bangkok Civil Court seeking to liquidate Quality Coffee Product Ltd (QCP), a 50:50 joint venture between Nestlé and the Mahagitsiri family, including Prayudh and Chalermchai. Nestlé’s goal was to facilitate each shareholder group’s independent reinvestment by dividing their shares and to appoint an administrator to oversee the company’s financial obligations until a resolution is reached.
The court examined three plaintiff witnesses on May 19, and the process is set to continue with defendant witnesses scheduled for June 26.
Despite the legal challenges, Nescafé distribution resumed in April, restoring sales to pre-dispute levels, according to Ekkapong Chokchaiwitut, CEO of Mother Marketing Plc, which operates several retail outlets in southern Thailand. However, overall market sales have dipped, likely due to the low tourism season.
Milin Veraratanaroj, chairman of Udon Thani’s Tang Ngee Soon Superstore, noted that rapid restocking of Nescafé products prevented significant customer shifts to other brands. He also mentioned that Nestlé Thailand might have imported some Nescafé stock from countries like Vietnam in anticipation of the termination of QCP last year.
Regarding the ongoing legal disputes, Mr. Milin suggested that Nestlé might limit its distribution and imports temporarily to observe how the court proceedings unfold.
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31 May 31 2025Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=207860 - Thai Factory Output Increases in April, But 2025 Forecast Reduced
Photo Credit: Shimzu corporation Thailand’s manufacturing production index unexpectedly increased by 2.17% in April compared to the same period last year, driven by growth in manufacturing, exports of industrial goods, and tourism, the Industry Ministry announced on Friday. However, overall output for the first four months of 2025 declined by...
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Photo Credit: Shimzu corporation
Thailand’s manufacturing production index unexpectedly increased by 2.17% in April compared to the same period last year, driven by growth in manufacturing, exports of industrial goods, and tourism, the Industry Ministry announced on Friday.
However, overall output for the first four months of 2025 declined by 0.75% compared to the previous year. As a result, the ministry revised its economic forecast for 2025, lowering the growth projection from the previous range of 1.5% to 2.5% down to a forecast of 0% to 1%.
April’s growth exceeded expectations, with a Reuters poll predicting a decline of 2.95% annually. March’s data was also revised, showing a marginal increase of 0.05% after an initial report of a 0.66% decline.
Earlier this week, export figures showed a 10.2% annual increase in April; however, the commerce ministry noted that the outlook remains challenging due to ongoing U.S. tariffs.
Thailand remains heavily affected by U.S. trade measures, with a potential 36% tariff if negotiations do not lead to a reduction before the July end of the current tariff moratorium.
Additionally, automotive manufacturing in Thailand, a key regional auto hub, declined for the 21st consecutive month, falling 0.4% year-over-year, according to recent data.
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30 May 30 2025Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=207856 - Closely Monitoring the Variant
The Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC) is closely monitoring the Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1, which is anticipated to become the dominant strain in Thailand. Dr. Yongyot Thummavudhi, the director-general of the DMSC, stated yesterday that the World Health Organization continues to observe Omicron variants, including Variants of Interest like JN.1 and...
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The Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC) is closely monitoring the Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1, which is anticipated to become the dominant strain in Thailand.
Dr. Yongyot Thummavudhi, the director-general of the DMSC, stated yesterday that the World Health Organization continues to observe Omicron variants, including Variants of Interest like JN.1 and Variants under Monitoring, which currently includes six strains.
These six strains are KP.3, KP.3.1.1, LB.1, XEC, LP.8.1, and NB.1.8.1.
According to data from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data, covering March 31 to April 27, LP.8.1 remained the most prevalent variant after 14 weeks, though cases gradually declined over the following three weeks. Conversely, NB.1.8.1 increased from 2.5% to 10.7% of total cases during that time.
XEC infections also decreased slightly from 22.3% in week 14 to 17.8% by week 17.
Dr. Yongyot explained that NB.1.8.1, a subvariant of Omicron originating from the hybrid strain XDV.1.5.1, was first identified on January 22 and is now detected in 22 countries.
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30 May 30 2025Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=207852 - Analysts Warn Investors to Avoid Struggling Dusit
Investors are advised to avoid Dusit Thani (DUSIT) as issues within the listed hospitality group persist following a shareholders meeting this week that blocked the reappointment of four directors, raising concerns about internal conflicts among major shareholders. In a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Dusit stated that management...
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Investors are advised to avoid Dusit Thani (DUSIT) as issues within the listed hospitality group persist following a shareholders meeting this week that blocked the reappointment of four directors, raising concerns about internal conflicts among major shareholders.
In a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Dusit stated that management announced the decision to not re-elect four directors due to their retirement. The directors in question are Arsa Sarasin, Pranee Phasipol, Pakhawat Kovithvathanaphong, and Somprasong Boonyachai, reducing the board to eight members.
Shares of DUSIT fell as much as 2.7% to 7.20 baht in early trading yesterday, even as the Thai benchmark index rose over 1% to 1,178.24 points, following the US tariff ruling. Last month, more than 75% of shareholders failed to approve the company’s 2024 financial statements.
The next shareholders meeting will address the 2024 results, which remain pending approval. Analysts point out ongoing internal conflicts, particularly with major shareholder Chanut and Children Co., owned by the descendants of the company’s founder, which holds nearly 50% stake.
Company secretary Mantanee Surakarnkul stated that the reduction in directors would not impact management or operations. She added that the company intends to maintain at least one-third independent directors, in accordance with legal requirements, and that the nomination, remuneration, and governance committee will select suitable candidates for future approval.
She also noted that the 2024 financial statements, still awaiting approval, will be presented to the next shareholders’ meeting. An analyst from Yuanta Securities recommends investors steer clear of DUSIT amid the ongoing shareholder dispute.
The insider raised concerns about the potential implications if proposed directors are repeatedly rejected, warning it could negatively affect future business and project development.
Historically, Dusit Thani has posted significant losses—1.01 billion baht in 2019, 945 million in 2020, 501 million in 2021, and 570 million in 2022—with losses narrowing to 237 million baht last year following a tourism rebound. In the first quarter of this year, the company reported a net profit of 48 million baht, representing a 60% decline year-on-year and an 84.6% decrease quarter-on-quarter.
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30 May 30 2025Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=207850 - Thai Business Closures Increase by 8.3% in First Four Months
In the first four months of 2025, a total of 3,921 businesses in Thailand shut down, marking an 8.3% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Business Development. Amid concerns raised by lawmakers during this week’s debate on the government’s 3.78-trillion-baht budget for fiscal...
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In the first four months of 2025, a total of 3,921 businesses in Thailand shut down, marking an 8.3% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Business Development.
Amid concerns raised by lawmakers during this week’s debate on the government’s 3.78-trillion-baht budget for fiscal 2026, the department reported that the total registered capital of closed businesses was 15.99 billion baht.
The industries with the highest closures are:
- General construction: 372 closures, with a registered capital of 652 million baht
- Real estate: 184 closures, with a registered capital of 912 million baht
- Restaurants/eateries: 159 closures, with a registered capital of 391 million baht
Factors contributing to closures include rising household debt reducing consumer spending, global economic volatility, and uncertainty over US trade policies. During the same period, 30,148 new businesses were registered, representing a 4.4% decrease of 1,385 registrations from early 2024.
The sectors with the most new registrations are:
- General construction: 2,394, with a registered capital of 5.1 billion baht
- Real estate: 2,047, with a registered capital of 7.83 billion baht
- Restaurants/eateries: 1,237
Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research) forecasted that more Thai factories may close this year than in the past two years, citing a weakening manufacturing sector and ongoing economic difficulties.
The four-day budget debate in the House of Representatives is set to conclude with a vote on the first reading scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m.
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30 May 30 2025Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=207847 - US Trade Talks Continue
Photo Credit: Government house Thailand announced it will continue negotiations with the United States despite a U.S. trade court blocking President Donald Trump’s broad import tariffs. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that the court’s decision is an internal U.S. matter, and it remains uncertain how Trump will proceed. She emphasized...
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Photo Credit: Government house
Thailand announced it will continue negotiations with the United States despite a U.S. trade court blocking President Donald Trump’s broad import tariffs. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that the court’s decision is an internal U.S. matter, and it remains uncertain how Trump will proceed.
She emphasized that Thailand must move forward and cannot afford to pause its efforts. During the recent ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, regional leaders discussed the tariffs, and all ASEAN countries, including Thailand, are in the same position—having submitted proposals and awaiting a U.S. response to set a negotiation date.
Paetongtarn clarified these discussions predated the court ruling and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to the 90-day timeframe for formal negotiations, with ongoing informal communication between the two countries. She described this dialogue as constructive and maintained that it’s a positive sign of continued engagement.
Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Russ Jalichandra also commented on the ruling, noting that negotiations between Thailand and the U.S. will proceed as planned and are actively ongoing. He expressed optimism about early progress.
He added that Thailand’s current trade surplus with the U.S. doesn’t position it as a rival like South Korea, Japan, China, or India. He emphasized the U.S. remains a strategic partner, viewing this as an opportunity to reevaluate and strengthen bilateral economic ties for mutual benefit.
The U.S. federal court in Manhattan blocked most of Trump’s sweeping tariffs, ruling they exceeded presidential authority. This setback challenged Trump’s effort to reshape global trade relations by using tariffs as leverage for negotiations.
Trump argued that the tariffs, aimed at addressing trade deficits and national security concerns like drug inflows, were justified by a national emergency. However, the court’s decision effectively halted most of his trade measures since taking office in January.
The White House criticized the ruling and quickly filed an appeal, continuing the ongoing legal battle over the tariffs.
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30 May 30 2025Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=207844 - Stricter Screening Measures for Arrivals
National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch has directed immigration authorities to enhance screening procedures for incoming travelers. On Wednesday, Pol Gen Kittharath announced new measures aimed at combating prostitution rings operated by foreign nationals in Thailand. These include implementing a digital arrival card as part of pre-entry screening protocols....
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National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch has directed immigration authorities to enhance screening procedures for incoming travelers.
On Wednesday, Pol Gen Kittharath announced new measures aimed at combating prostitution rings operated by foreign nationals in Thailand. These include implementing a digital arrival card as part of pre-entry screening protocols.
This initiative is a joint effort between the Immigration Bureau (IB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Traveler data will be cross-referenced with information from foreign embassies to identify individuals on watch lists or blacklists.
The collected data will be shared with the Tourist Police and local law enforcement agencies, enabling them to monitor and track suspicious individuals.
The enhanced screening will also apply to visitors entering on tourist or student visas.
When questioned about the presence of foreign prostitution rings in Bangkok’s nightlife districts such as Sukhumvit, Soi Cowboy, and Nana, Pol Gen Kittharath stated that these measures will aid in addressing issues related to transnational crime and human trafficking.
In related news, cybercrime investigators arrested 50-year-old Bulgarian national Ivan Valchev for installing devices that compromised 13 ATMs.
Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor, head of Cybercrime Investigation Division 1, explained that the suspects, disguised as ATM repair technicians, used master keys to access and manipulate data transmission lines. They embedded fake cables containing a “jackpot” virus, which was controlled via SIM-based internet signals to disrupt ATM operations.
Authorities tracked Mr. Valchev through rental car records.
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29 May 29 2025Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=207841 - Thailand Considers Reinstating Outbound Travel Tax
Thailand’s Revenue Department is exploring the possibility of reintroducing an outbound travel tax for Thai citizens. The department’s officials are examining the practices of other countries, particularly developed nations, that have similar taxes in place, according to Pinsai Suraswadi, the department’s director-general. Thailand has had a departure tax since 2007,...
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Thailand’s Revenue Department is exploring the possibility of reintroducing an outbound travel tax for Thai citizens. The department’s officials are examining the practices of other countries, particularly developed nations, that have similar taxes in place, according to Pinsai Suraswadi, the department’s director-general.
Thailand has had a departure tax since 2007, which is currently set at 700 baht and included automatically in the price of international airline tickets. If reintroduced, the outbound travel tax would be collected separately from the ticket fare.
Historically, Thailand first implemented an outbound travel tax in 1981 to curb capital outflows during an economic crisis. This tax applied to all modes of travel—land, sea, and air. Over time, the tax was gradually phased out and eventually abolished. During the period when the tax was active, Thais continued to travel abroad despite economic challenges. While the tax generated revenue, the high collection costs and operational hurdles, such as requiring travelers to buy coupons at designated booths, made it inefficient.
The Revenue Department is now considering alternative collection methods, including online payment systems or transactions via the Krungthai Bank (KTB) mobile app, to improve efficiency and convenience. Mr. Pinsai noted that the department is assessing whether imposing the tax is appropriate and is exploring suitable payment platforms.
In addition to the outbound travel tax, the department is contemplating a policy to encourage repatriation of income earned from foreign investments, potentially offering a two-year tax exemption. After this period, normal tax rates would resume. Details of this proposal are still being finalized.
However, this move has drawn some criticism. Chotechuang Soorangura, vice-president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, expressed concern that introducing such a tax could negatively impact travel sentiment and the overall tourism industry. The travel sector relies heavily on both inbound and outbound tourists and the connectivity between key countries, which could be disrupted by additional costs.
He also pointed out that collecting the tax separately from airfare could be challenging, citing the difficulties experienced when the tax was previously imposed 44 years ago. Notably, some countries, like Japan, embed outbound taxes within airline fares, applying them universally to all passengers regardless of nationality.
While the government aims to enhance revenue sources, critics argue that taxing travelers during an economic downturn may be unreasonable, especially when the current economic environment is quite different from four decades ago.
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29 May 29 2025Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=207838 - Crocodile? No, Just a Lizard! Foreign Tourist’s Panic Triggers Rescue at Udon Thani Restaurant
Crocodile? No, Just a Lizard! Foreign Tourist’s Panic Triggers Rescue at Udon Thani Restaurant Udon Thani — Diners at a local restaurant in Udon Thani were treated to an unexpected spectacle on May 27 when a foreign tourist mistook a large water monitor lizard for a crocodile, prompting a dramatic...
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Crocodile? No, Just a Lizard! Foreign Tourist’s Panic Triggers Rescue at Udon Thani Restaurant
Udon Thani — Diners at a local restaurant in Udon Thani were treated to an unexpected spectacle on May 27 when a foreign tourist mistook a large water monitor lizard for a crocodile, prompting a dramatic call to emergency services.
The incident unfolded at “Rong Rod” restaurant along the city bypass road in the Ban Deua community. At around 4:00 p.m., the Udon Thani Municipal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Unit received a report that a “crocodile” had entered the premises.
In reality, the commotion was caused by a 1.3-meter-long, 10-kilogram water monitor lizard, which had wandered inside and taken refuge behind the beverage counter. The foreign tourist, startled by the sight of the reptile through the glass, shouted, “Oh!! Crocodile, crocodile!” — sending staff into a brief panic and prompting a quick response from local authorities.
Rescue workers arrived to find the lizard hiding behind crates, beer pitchers, and wine glasses. Though the animal initially escaped the capture noose by thrashing about, the team eventually subdued and safely removed it. Leeches clinging to its body suggested the monitor had emerged from a drainage canal near the restaurant.
Boonrit Thatpaiboon, a 22-year-old employee, admitted he too was momentarily fooled. “I was shocked because I thought it was a crocodile too, and I wondered how a crocodile could get here,” he said. “When I realized it was a water monitor, I was still scared. It was huge, so I called the authorities.”
Following local tradition, Boonrit touched the lizard’s tail for good luck after the rescue. He added that while snakes had previously entered the restaurant, this was the first time a customer had confused a lizard with a crocodile — leading even the tourist’s Thai girlfriend to ask if crocodiles were kept on-site.
The water monitor was later released back into its natural habitat, bringing the unexpected lunchtime drama to a peaceful conclusion.
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28 May 28 2025Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=207835 - Pom-Pom Pow! Big Pom Slammed for Mock Punch at Reporter Amid Political Tensions
Pom-Pom Pow! Big Pom Slammed for Mock Punch at Reporter Amid Political Tensions Bangkok — Controversial politician General Prawit Wongsuwan, widely known as “Big Pom,” is facing renewed criticism after a bizarre and tone-deaf encounter with the press, where he pretended to punch a female reporter instead of addressing mounting...
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Pom-Pom Pow! Big Pom Slammed for Mock Punch at Reporter Amid Political Tensions
Bangkok — Controversial politician General Prawit Wongsuwan, widely known as “Big Pom,” is facing renewed criticism after a bizarre and tone-deaf encounter with the press, where he pretended to punch a female reporter instead of addressing mounting political tensions.
The 78-year-old leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) made his first public appearance on May 27 following a fall down temple stairs earlier this month. Dressed in a green-and-white tracksuit emblazoned with his party’s new logo, Prawit returned to party headquarters to chair an executive meeting — but quickly veered off script during his interaction with the media.
When a female journalist asked about his recovery, Prawit responded in a high-pitched voice, “I’m fine,” and then mimed throwing playful punches at her. When she replied, “I’m very fine,” he continued the pantomime, insisting he was fit and healthy.
The light-hearted act quickly soured when the conversation turned to serious political issues.
Asked whether party MPs were being warned against defection ahead of the 2026 budget debate — a move commonly dubbed “going cobra” in Thai politics — the former army chief snapped, “Whoa, what are you barking about?”
Pressed further about a possible “cobra wave” and escalating tensions between rival political factions known as the Red and Blue camps, Prawit abruptly ended the exchange. He entered his vehicle, rolled down the window briefly, and delivered a blunt dismissal: “None of my business.”
The incident, reported by KhaoSod, has sparked backlash online, with critics accusing Prawit of disrespect toward the press and a lack of transparency on crucial political issues.
Prawit, long a divisive figure in Thai politics, now faces fresh scrutiny — not only for dodging questions but also for his dismissive behavior at a time when his party is under pressure to maintain unity ahead of key budget negotiations.
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28 May 28 2025Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=207832