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- Tourism Authority of Thailand Aims for ฿3 Trillion by Focusing on Emerging Markets
File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Bangkok Airways
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target of generating 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year. This bold objective comes as TAT diversifies its focus towards emerging markets like Southeast Asia, India, and Russia, with the aim of reducing dependency on the traditionally strong but unpredictable Chinese market.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool detailed this strategy, forecasting 2 trillion baht from an anticipated 39-40 million foreign arrivals, alongside 1 trillion baht from 200-220 million domestic trips. She highlighted the need to buffer against risks from China's fluctuating market conditions amid reports of human trafficking that sullies Thailand's image as a transit hub.
Particularly promising are Southeast Asian nations, which typically contribute 30% of total visitors. Last year saw a surge in Malaysian tourists, hitting a record 4.9 million.
TAT aims to promote rail and cruise travel as alternatives to traditional air and land routes, enhancing connectivity with Malaysia. New air routes such as Bangkok-Johor Bahru are expected to further bolster this market.
Indonesia presents another opportunity given its vast population of 270 million. Taiwan also registered over 1 million arrivals for the first time last year, while the South Korean market is projected to hit 2 million visitors by 2025, surpassing last year's 1.8 million.
India remains a key focus, with TAT eyeing 2.3-2.5 million tourists from there, buoyed by expanding air connectivity and routes. Meanwhile, Russia is set to maintain its position as the top European source market, with a projected 10% increase from 1.7 million arrivals last year.
The Middle East and Kazakhstan are eyed for over 20% growth given their previously low visitor numbers, providing ample room for expansion.
Despite renewed competition from other countries, China is still expected to be Thailand's largest source market. Thapanee acknowledged potential challenges in the coming years, including natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and policies from the US under Donald Trump, alongside potential new health crises.
In March, the TAT will participate in ITB Berlin 2025, a key European travel trade fair. With plans to double the space of the Thai pavilion, they aim to generate 5-6 billion baht from business deals, up from last year's 3 billion.
The government is also fostering participation from untapped Thai provinces by offering free booth rental, providing new players marketing strategy training in a push led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2025-01-22
22 January 22 20251349520 - Toxic air: Thailand considers work from home nationwide
Photo courtesy of Bangkok Postby Puntid Tantivangphaisal
The Ministry of Public Health is set to recommend a nationwide work from home directive next week after PM2.5 ultrafine dust pollution surpassed safe thresholds in nearly every province yesterday, January 21, with Greater Bangkok experiencing the highest levels.Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced that a meeting would be held today to formulate strategies to address the escalating pollution crisis. Among the proposed measures is a nationwide work from home policy, which will be presented during the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
Somsak expressed confidence that if government bodies adopt this policy, the private sector will follow. He referenced a University of Chicago study indicating that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 levels above 37.5 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) could reduce life expectancy by approximately one year.With PM2.5 levels anticipated to remain elevated, the minister advised the public to wear N95 masks for optimal protection.
Data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) yesterday revealed dangerously high PM2.5 levels throughout Bangkok, with Nong Khaem district recording the highest at 146.5µg/m³.
In response to the persistent unsafe levels in the capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has implemented three key measures. The first is encouraging remote work, initially advised for the first two days of the week, with a potential extension to Friday if pollution levels remain high. The BMA reported that around 200 companies and 100,000 employees adopted work from home arrangements last year, reducing traffic by 8%.
The second measure involves establishing low-emission zones (LEZs). Trucks with six or more wheels are prohibited from the Ratchadaphisek area when red PM2.5 levels are recorded and expected to persist for at least two consecutive days. Exceptions are made for electric vehicles, natural gas vehicles, and those on the Green List.
The final measure is the temporary closure of BMA schools, with four schools having shifted to online classes.The Pollution Control Department has cautioned that poor air quality is likely to continue nationwide until Friday due to stagnant air and agricultural burning. Recent reports indicated unsafe PM2.5 levels in 70 of 77 provinces, with Greater Bangkok being the most affected. Samut Sakhon recorded the highest level at 144.8µg/m³.
Only seven provinces—Phang Nga, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Krabi, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son—reported dust levels below the government’s safe threshold of 37.5µg/m³, reported Bangkok Post.
Source: The Thaiger
-- 2025-01-22
22 January 22 20251349525 - Philippines and Thailand Forge Tourism Pact Amid Casino Buzz
Picture courtesy: Facbook Asean Skyline
In a significant strategic partnership, the Philippines and Thailand have signed a five-year agreement to enhance their travel and hospitality sectors. The accord, formalised on Sunday, January 19, comes amidst buzz surrounding Thailand’s potential move to legalise casinos, which could revolutionise its tourism appeal.
Currently, the Philippines holds a leading position in the regional casino market, allowing both locals and foreigners unrestricted access to gaming.
This partnership is viewed as a chance to exchange expertise, capitalising on Thailand’s strengths in cultural and medical tourism, while offering insights into the Philippines' thriving hospitality industry.
Christina Garcia Frasco, the Philippines' tourism secretary, highlighted the opportunities this alliance presents: “This collaboration provides an exciting opportunity to tap into Thailand’s remarkable success in attracting visitors. In return, Thailand stands to gain from the Philippine expertise in hospitality, where we have earned a reputation for excellence.”
Thailand’s tourism minister, Sorawong Thienthong, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising the mutual benefits of shared expertise, professional training, and joint marketing efforts, alongside sustainable tourism practices.
The agreement spans from 2025 to 2030 and builds on a bilateral framework originally established in 1993. Major initiatives include tourism product development, exchange programmes, and promoting cultural heritage.
In recent statistics, the Philippines welcomed 5.44 million foreign visitors last year, marking an 8.7% increase from the previous year, although it fell short of the 7.7-million target. Out of these, Thailand comprised just under 1% with 45,896 visitors.
Conversely, Thailand celebrated a triumphant surge in tourism, exceeding its target with over 35 million visitors and generating a staggering 1.8 trillion baht (approximately £52.9 billion) in revenue, as reported by GGR Asia.
As talks of Thailand establishing its first casino resort by 2030 gain traction, this partnership suggests a strategic shift that could redefine tourism dynamics across Southeast Asia.
Both nations are set to ramp up their infrastructure, underscored by the Philippines’ 7.7-billion peso airport improvement plans, heralding a potentially transformative era for regional tourism.
In allied developments, Cebu Pacific has resumed international flights and introduced new domestic routes from the southern Philippine city of Davao, including a direct connection to Bangkok from August last year.
This expansion further strengthens travel ties and eases access between the two nations, fuelling the collaborative tourism vision.
-- 2025-01-22
22 January 22 20251349518 - Thai FDA Warns Against Unapproved Smart Health Devices
File photo for reference only
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stern warning against using Smartwatches and Smart rings for blood sugar monitoring. Leutchai Lerwut, the FDA’s Deputy Secretary-General, cautioned that these gadgets, though marketed as capable of measuring blood sugar, have not been scientifically validated.
With no FDA approval for these devices, Lerwut stressed the potential health risks posed by inaccurate readings leading to improper medical treatments. The FDA strongly advises consumers to rely on fingertip blood sugar monitors that comply with safety and accuracy standards.
Moreover, the FDA is pursuing legal action against entities engaging in false advertising related to these unauthorised devices. The Deputy Secretary-General encourages the public to report any suspicious medical products to the FDA hotline or through multiple channels provided for consumer protection.
These efforts highlight the importance of adhering to approved medical devices to ensure public health safety and prevent life-threatening mistakes in diabetes management.
-- 2025-01-21
21 January 21 20251349488 - Thai actress accused of swindling 20 million baht and threatening victimsPhoto by Molly Blackbird via Unsplash
by Petch Petpailin
A news Facebook page claimed to have received complaints from three followers alleging that a Thai actress swindled them out of 20 million baht and used the name of a Thai politician to threaten them into remaining silent.
The Facebook page, Big Kren, publicly reported the complaints it received from the three people yesterday, January 20. According to the page, the actress borrowed a total of over 20 million baht from these three and tried to avoid repaying the debt by invoking the name of a prominent Thai politician.
One of the victims stated that the actress first borrowed money from her in 2023. She lent the actress money on four occasions: 800,000 baht, 2.2 million baht, 2.8 million baht, and 3 million baht.The victim said she had been attempting to recover her money since November 2023, but her efforts were unsuccessful.
The actress reportedly claimed that she did not borrow the money for herself but that a politician had asked her to seek the funds on his behalf. She added that the politician failed to repay the money, leaving her unable to reimburse the victim.
Photo by Nzewi Confidence via Canva
The victims also shared screenshots of conversations between themselves and the actress on the Facebook page. In one of the conversations, the actress assured the victim that she would repay the money as soon as she received earnings from 88.The page and netizens speculated that 88 might refer to an illegal gambling website or an illicit lottery platform in which the actress allegedly had a stake.
The page further revealed abbreviations of the actress’s name, prompting Thai netizens to speculate about her identity. As of now, no celebrities or politicians have issued statements regarding the allegations.
Photo by Dillon Kydd via Unsplash
In a related case, a Laotian actress, Wanmanee “Lilly” Ponsavan, sought justice last year, claiming that a former Thai singer, Aongart “Aerk” Lederer, swindled her out of 34 million baht. She accused the singer of deceiving her into investing in a beauty clinic, resulting in significant financial losses.Additionally, Lilly accused another Thai actress, Mantana “Pu” Himathongkham, of owing her 670,000 baht, leading to ongoing legal and social media battles.
Source: The Thaiger
-- 2025-01-22
22 January 22 20251349541 - PM Paetongtarn to Assure Xi Jinping of Chinese Tourists' Safety During Thailand Visit
In this photo released by Thailand's government spokesman office, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks to a reporter during a news conference at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP)
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to extend personal assurances to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the safety concerns of Chinese tourists. This significant diplomatic engagement is scheduled for next month, as part of an effort to sustain and expand the influx of Chinese visitors to Thailand, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
Thailand's ambitious target for 2023 is to welcome 9 million Chinese tourists, marking a 35% increase from the previous year's 6.7 million. Building confidence amongst these visitors is a top priority for the Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), particularly in the wake of recent high-profile cases that have raised safety concerns.
Minister Sorawong highlighted on Tuesday that current efforts are not yet fully resonating across the myriad social media platforms frequented by Chinese nationals. In response, direct communication strategies are being reinforced, including collaborative efforts with the Chinese embassy to effectively convey reassurances. The ambassador has committed to aiding these communication endeavours.
Recent incidents, such as the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai-Myanmar border earlier this month, have spotlighted vulnerabilities. The 31-year-old actor, who was safely repatriated to Thailand shortly after, is suspected to have been a victim of human trafficking, amplifying safety concerns among potential visitors.
During the impending official visit to China, Prime Minister Shinawatra plans to address these concerns directly with President Xi, reaffirming Thailand's commitment to ensuring a secure environment for tourists. This diplomatic dialogue is crucial not only for mitigating immediate fears but also for bolstering long-term tourist confidence.
Despite the recent safety scare, Minister Sorawong was keen to note that Chinese tourist numbers are on the rise. As of January 20, daily arrivals have averaged 22,000, surpassing the usual average of about 17,000. He remarked that cancellations predominantly involve first-time group tourists who are hesitant due to safety worries, whereas seasoned independent travellers remain largely unaffected.
In further efforts, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai urged cabinet colleagues to prioritize stringent security along border areas, targeting the operations of transnational criminal groups. Additionally, China has sought cooperation with ASEAN members to launch coordinated crackdowns on scam networks and expedite the rescue of their victims.
Defence Minister Phumtham expressed optimism that these measures would rejuvenate confidence among Chinese tourists, ensuring a robust return to Thailand's welcoming shores. With the collective commitment of both nations, the outlook remains positive for achieving the year’s ambitious visitor targets, thereby boosting the Thai tourism sector and its economic contributions, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2025-01-22
22 January 22 20251349522 - Thailand bets big on casino boom under entertainment banner
Police swoop on an illegal gambling den in Nonthaburi. Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post
By Bob Scott
In a daring move set to shake up the Land of Smiles, the Government of Thailand is pushing forward with a controversial plan to legalise casinos, sneakily packaged as entertainment complexes.
This bold move comes hot on the heels of outspoken former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s call to legalise online gambling, promising a windfall of tax revenue. Now, the Digital Economy and Society Ministry is immersed in talks with various stakeholders to thrash out the details of online gambling regulation.
Currently nestled in the House of Representatives for review, the proposal has sparked a heated debate. Civil society groups have rung alarm bells, expressing fears that loosening the reins on gambling might unleash a Pandora’s box of social issues if regulations aren’t strict enough. Rumbling concerns suggest that the glitzy project could end up lining the pockets of a select few powerful investors whilst leaving society to grapple with the fallout.
Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, who holds the reins at the Association of Thai Travel Agents, admits that civic groups have an uphill battle against the tide of legislative momentum. Despite the glittering potential for a tourism boost, he warns that lax regulations could tarnish Thailand’s sterling reputation, and raise the spectre of money laundering.
Sanan Angubolkul of the Thai Chamber of Commerce echoes these sentiments, underscoring tourism as the driving force behind the policy while urging caution regarding its broader impacts.
Economic pundits predict that, if rolled out successfully, the entertainment complex could be a game-changer for GDP and job creation, with tantalising estimates of 69.6 billion baht in revenue.
Pornchai Thiraveja, leading the charge at the Fiscal Policy Office, points out that while gambling itself might not directly prop up the economy, the ripples from associated activities could pack a punch in GDP growth.
Amonthep Chawla, chief economist at CIMB Thai Bank, highlights the juicy tax revenue poised to flow from legitimising the once-underground gambling scene. Meanwhile, Krungsri Securities sees the formalisation of online gambling as a financial goldmine waiting to be tapped.
Kriengkrai Thiennukul, head of the Federation of Thai Industries, views the entertainment complex as a catalyst to stimulate the economy by pulling in tourists and stemming the flow of cash to neighbouring countries.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking is betting on tourism-led GDP growth, buoyed by a surge of foreign visitors and government stimulus efforts.
Thaniwan Kulmongkol, President of the Thai Restaurant Association, suggests placing the entertainment complex in lesser-known locales to spruce up tourism there, steering clear of already bustling hotspots like Pattaya. But the spectre of managing gambling within these complexes looms large.
Taking no chances, a network of anti-gambling advocacy groups is banging the drum against the proposal, wary that its fruits will be harvested by only the elite echelon of investors.
Amidst these unfolding debates, police forces have been busy cracking down on illegal dens of chance, keeping the gambling landscape under a watchful eye.
As Thailand flirts with its dicey casino gamble, the nation awaits to see whether this high-stakes bet will usher in an economic boon or bring the house down with it. The stakes are high, and only time will reveal which way the chips will fall in this bold new venture.
20 January 20 20251349345 - Thaksin’s Medical Leave Under Scrutiny: Protests Demand Reimprisonment
Picture courtesy: The Nation
Opponents of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are rallying for his return to prison. The protest unfolded in Bangkok, with critics questioning the validity of Thaksin’s medical parole and urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to act against her father.
Thaksin, who returned to Thailand on 22 August 2023 after years in self-imposed exile, was initially taken to Bangkok Remand Prison to start an eight-year sentence for corruption.
However, he was swiftly transferred to the police hospital the same night, allegedly due to severe health conditions. This move raised eyebrows and suspicions of preferential treatment.
During his six-month hospital stay in a VIP room, Thaksin’s sentence was notably reduced to one year following a royal clemency. He was eventually released on parole, but his release is now at the centre of a political storm, with accusations of orchestrated leniency.
At the forefront of the protests is Kaewsan Atibodhi, an academic and co-leader, who has publicly called on Paetongtarn to prioritize justice over familial ties.
He criticised her for not compelling the Police General Hospital to disclose Thaksin’s medical records to investigative bodies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Medical Council.
Warong Dechgitvigrom, another outspoken critic, demanded that full medical records be shared, not merely fragments. He warned of escalating protests should Paetongtarn fail to act, suggesting that the legitimacy of her position as prime minister could be at stake.
Adding to the pressure is Dr Tul Sitthisomwong from the multi-coloured group, who contended that Thaksin’s avoidance of prison time undermines the royal clemency process and disrespects the Supreme Court’s initial sentencing.
There are allegations that former Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin pre-emptively adjusted ministerial directives, paving the way for Thaksin's controversial "hospital stay."
The protest culminated in an hour-and-a-half demonstration, after which Deputy Prime Minister Secretary-General Somkid Chuakong received the protesters' open letter at Government House.
This letter demanded Paetongtarn leverage her authority to ensure transparency in the investigation of Thaksin's alleged bogus illness and urged the full disclosure of medical records by both the Police General Hospital and the Corrections Department.
The matter not only questions the former prime minister's sentence but also challenges the current government’s integrity. With the possibility of larger protests on the horizon, all eyes remain on how Paetongtarn Shinawatra will navigate this political conundrum, reported The Nation.
-- 2025-01-22
21 January 21 20251349506 - Banged up: Thai prison nightmare exposed by British tourist
Picture courtesy of The Daily Mailby Bob Scott
A British tourist revealed the grim conditions banged up abroad in a Thai prison and issued a chilling warning to fellow travellers about the reality of being detained abroad.The 29 year old former soldier, who wished to remain anonymous, endured a 15-day ordeal in two police cells and a Bangkok deportation centre after overstaying his visa, a blunder he deeply regrets.
“The only way I can describe it is hell.”Held with 130 other people in a stifling room devoid of ventilation, he added, “We could only go out for an hour a week.”
The grim picture didn’t end there. Guards would distribute food in trays washed on the filthy bathroom floor using cold water.“Everywhere I stayed was infested with fire ants and cockroaches. The rubbish just piled up in a corner.”
Pictures courtesy of The Daily Mail
His Thai adventure began with hope and ambition in April of the previous year, as he planned to settle and start a business. However, his dreams crumbled in November when a spat with an ex landed him in hot water in Pattaya.
Police, alerted to his visa status, arrested him and dragged him to court, claiming he had overstayed by a few days.“The police were very violent. Two officers ambushed me in a public toilet and beat me. They threw me onto the flatbed of a truck and cuffed me to the side.”
Dazed and disoriented, the British man suspected he suffered a concussion and was left in the dark about his fate until Russian cellmates enlightened him about the process.
“They lent me money to pay my court fine, otherwise, it would have been much worse.”
Packed into a cramped police cell measuring six-by-four feet alongside eight other inmates, he resorted to bribery to make life fractionally more bearable.The prisoners jostled for space and struggled to rest, with no room to lie down properly.
“There was a pregnant girl from Laos who was really struggling, always crying with her head on the floor. It was horrible, especially as another cell, the same size, was packed with 13 people.”
After eight gruelling days in Pattaya, he was moved to Bangkok’s deportation centre, where behaviour worsened. Sharing four grim toilets with 130 detainees, they relied on a bucket of cold water for cleaning and bathing.
Weekends granted an hour of fresh air in a roofless, barred area, barely a respite.
“A guy sold pot noodles in one corner. That’s all I’d eat.”
His mother fought tooth and nail with the British embassy to secure his release, eventually getting him flown home. It cost 500 baht (£11.94) per night for his stay at the deportation centre, plus airfare.
Remarkably, the British tourist managed to smuggle a phone inside, hidden in baby wipes, to capture the conditions, the Daily Mail reported.
“Once you’re locked in, you have zero contact and no way to access money. Someone outside must fight for you. I’m fortunate I sneaked my phone inside and my mum contacted the embassy, otherwise, I’d still be stuck there.”
His experience served as a stark warning to travellers.
“Don’t risk overstaying your visa thinking it’s just a small fine. It’s not worth becoming a victim of this.”
Bitter from his ordeal, he declared he would never return to Thailand. He criticised the system as a “cash-making scheme” for the government, claiming that tourism, the backbone of Thailand’s economy, exploits foreigners through such detentions.
The former soldier’s ordeal serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of visa lapses and the stark realities lurking behind Thailand’s tourist veneer, urging cautious adherence to immigration laws to avoid a similar nightmare.
Source: The Thaiger
-- 2025-01-20
20 January 20 20251349356 - Thai tax tangle: Expats warned of new rules on overseas income
Photo courtesy of Expatica
By Puntid Tantivangphaisal
A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers.
Hosted by Thomas Carden, director of American International Tax Advisers, and tax attorney Patcha Inkudanonda, the session offered clarity, and raised fresh concerns, about the Thai Revenue Department’s evolving guidelines.
Patcha explained that not all expats are required to file Thai tax returns. Exemptions apply to those in Thailand for less than 180 days in 2024, individuals who haven’t transferred money from abroad, those who only moved income earned before December 31, 2023, and holders of the 10-year Long Term Residence (LTR) Visa. For others, the advice is clear: obtain a tax identification number and file a return by March 2025.
“All foreign income must be declared but this doesn’t always mean a tax liability.”
In a surprise revelation, it was disclosed that foreign credit card usage in Thailand, if converted to Thai baht, is now considered taxable income. Carden urged expats to carefully review double taxation treaties between Thailand and their home countries but noted these are not blanket exemptions.
“Each treaty has unique terms, referencing them in tax submissions could help as a caveat.”
Attendees raised questions about investment transfers, such as using overseas funds to buy a Thai condominium, but Carden admitted such matters remain unclear. He acknowledged the Revenue Department’s intent to widen the tax base, with small earners inadvertently caught in policies aimed at wealthy Thais, reported Pattaya Mail.
Concerns about enforcement were addressed, with Patcha citing international agreements like the Global Forum on Transparency, enabling Thai officials to request banking information globally. Both experts urged expats to retain detailed records of foreign transactions to avoid audits and potential penalties.
15 January 15 20251348917
Photo by Molly Blackbird via Unsplash
