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- Thai Cabinet Gives Green Light to Electricity Cost Cut
File photo
In a move to ease financial strain, Thailand's cabinet has greenlit a reduction in electricity charges from 4.15 baht to 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour. This decision, targeting the billing period from May 1 to August 31, aims to lessen the financial burden on households and businesses.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, announcing the decision, stressed that this cut reflects the cabinet's commitment to aiding consumers without the need for state subsidies.
A final nod, however, is pending from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The Pheu Thai Party, leading the coalition government, has been a staunch advocate for driving electricity costs below the critical threshold of 4 baht per unit.
Energy regulators, though, find their hands somewhat tied, as a segment of the tariff is earmarked for reimbursing the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) and other entities for past subsidies.
Earlier this year, ERC voiced its readiness to cut charges by 0.17 baht per unit, conditional on the government's reduction in spending for renewable energy investment programmes.
Power tariffs undergo a review every four months, factoring in fluctuating costs such as fuel prices and exchange rates. The ERC's projections for the upcoming period indicated possible rates ranging from 4.15 to 5.16 baht per unit, contingent on reimbursement allocations for Egat.
An interesting backdrop to the decision is an ambitious agenda set by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, aimed at slashing the electricity tariff to approximately 2.70 baht per unit. Details on how this could be achieved remain unclear.
Notably, a considerable hurdle in reducing costs stems from Egat's binding long-term power-purchase agreements, leading to an electricity surplus of around 30%—a figure significantly higher than global norms.
Despite these challenges, the cabinet's current decision underscores a significant policy direction, oriented towards providing immediate consumer relief. The impending announcement from the ERC will solidify the lower rate, pending further strategic deliberations.
Based on a story by Bangkok Post
-- 2025-04-02
1 April 01 20251356477 - Thailand Tourism Shake-Up: New Safety Focus After Quake
Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post
Thailand is revamping its tourism strategy in the wake of a recent earthquake, aiming to restore confidence and address the dipping Chinese tourist market.
A fresh Tourism Risk and Crisis Management team is set to be established, involving various organisations like the Interior Ministry and the Department of Land Transport, as reported by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
Key initiatives include hotel safety checks, along with plans to engage Chinese media influencers to reassure potential tourists about Thailand's safety.
The recent quake in Myanmar and Thailand has sparked concerns among tourists, leading to a notable decrease in bookings. Chinese tourists, previously numbering 11 million in 2019, are particularly wary and numbers are predicted to only hit about 7 million this year.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is now taking specific actions to counter these concerns, such as issuing safety certificates for hotels and collaborating with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
To further support the tourism sector, especially with Songkran festivities approaching, the Tourist Police are being urged to boost safety measures and communication with tourists. The ministry is also recommending tourists download the Tourist Police app for instant alerts on any emergencies.
Meanwhile, hoteliers and airlines are feeling the pinch, with the latter reporting a drastic 40-60% drop in bookings just days after the quake, most notably from China.
The Thai Hotels Association is advocating for a swift roll-out of the domestic co-payment tourism scheme to stimulate local tourism. With hotel occupancy rates dipping to an average of 60% for April, the industry is clearly seeking immediate solutions to the ongoing challenges.
The Ministry is optimistic that their proactive measures will stabilize the situation and attract more visitors to Thailand, famed for its rich culture and hospitality.
Based on a story by Bangkok Post
-- 2025-04-02
2 April 02 20251356503 - Earthquake Rocks Bangkok: Building Collapses with 40 people inside
A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar today, sending shockwaves as far as Bangkok and causing widespread devastation. The epicenter was near Mandalay at a depth of 10 kilometers. The impact was strongly felt, prompting chaos and evacuations across the Thai capital.
In Bangkok, a building near Chatuchak Park collapsed, trapping more than 40 people inside. According to police and emergency services, 43 workers remain buried under the debris, while seven have managed to escape. Rescue operations are in full swing, with help from the National Emergency Response and Rescue Centre, as teams work tirelessly to reach survivors.
The Thai government has responded swiftly, convening an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Buildings in Bangkok, not typically designed for such quakes, suffered damage, highlighting the severity of the situation. The US Geological Survey and BBC reports confirm that strong tremors were felt even in southern China, making this a significant regional event.
28-03-2025
— The Thaiger (@ThaigerNews) March 28, 2025
28 March 28 20251356087 - King Charles III Sends Condolences to Thailand After Myanmar Earthquake
Photo courtesy of BBC News
In the aftermath of the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that devastated Myanmar and shook the region, King Charles III of England has extended his condolences to the people of Thailand. The earthquake, which struck on March 28, has claimed over 1,600 lives at its epicentre in Myanmar and caused significant injury and distress across affected areas, including Bangkok.
The British Embassy in Thailand released a touching message from the monarch, in which King Charles expressed his “heartfelt sympathy” to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the Thai people. He acknowledged the profound suffering and loss experienced in the wake of the disaster and conveyed his solidarity during this challenging time.
In his message, King Charles stated, “My wife and I were so deeply saddened to learn of the recent earthquake affecting Myanmar, Thailand, and other countries in the region. Our profound and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to Your Majesty and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand.”
The tremors originating near Myanmar’s Mandalay region led to widespread destruction, impacting buildings, temples, and monasteries, and were felt as far away as China and India, prompting panic and emergency evacuations.
Beyond expressing his condolences to Thailand, King Charles also conveyed a heartfelt message to Myanmar via social media, acknowledging the tragic circumstances and praising the resilience of the Burmese people. The UK has committed £10 million as humanitarian aid to assist recovery efforts in the most affected areas.
Meanwhile, King Charles, who is 76 and undergoing cancer treatment, remains at his Highgrove estate after canceling a visit to Birmingham per medical advice. Despite his health challenges, he continues to monitor international developments and offer his support to those impacted by such crises, reported The Thaiger.
-- 2025-04-01
1 April 01 20251356443 - Thailand Urged to Certify Hotel Safety Amid Post-Quake Tourism Concerns
Photo courtesy of Thairath
In the wake of recent earthquakes, private sector organisations are pressing the Thai government to issue safety certifications for hotels to boost tourist confidence. Tourism and Sports Minister Suwang Theinthong recently discussed these matters with various stakeholders, fearing a potential decline in tourist numbers due to the seismic events.
Efforts are underway to clarify that Bangkok is primarily affected, and to reassure travellers, flight and hotel bookings will be closely monitored ahead of the upcoming Songkran festival. The tourism sector is advocating for safety certificates for structurally sound buildings, with the Bangkok governor deploying volunteer engineers for rapid inspections. These certifications, once issued, will be shared globally by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to affirm safety.
In addition, the private sector is calling for the retraction of the emergency disaster declaration, as it influences tourism insurance interpretations in English, posing challenges to the industry. These proposals have reached the prime minister's desk for consideration.
Kris Patanasarn of the Thai Airways Association highlighted that there have been over 1,000 hotel cancellations, although tourist hotspots like Pattaya remain unaffected. The primary concern, however, is the significant drop in flight bookings, particularly from China, which has seen nearly a 60% decrease. Bookings from other key markets like India, Vietnam, and Malaysia have also registered substantial declines.
Despite these challenges, the industry remains hopeful. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, aims to circulate reassuring messages globally, striving to reassure travellers that Thailand remains a safe destination. There are plans to engage directly with the Chinese ambassador to address specific concerns from this critical market.
While the drop in daily passenger bookings of 40-60% is troubling, the Songkran festival preparations proceed as planned, with the tourism sector hopeful that these efforts will restore confidence swiftly, reported The Thaiger.
-- 2025-04-01
1 April 01 20251356442 - Thai government reassures safety after Bangkok building collapse
Picture courtesy of Thai Rath
The Thai government is ramping up efforts to bolster international confidence in the country following March 28 earthquake, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
During her remarks at the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Centre opening ceremony in One Bangkok, the Thai premier addressed concerns about the collapse of the newly constructed State Audit Office building.
The 38 year old PM She explained that the collapse resulted from technical errors specific to that building, assuring the international community that other structures in Bangkok meet earthquake-resistant standards and are not at risk.
She further emphasised Thailand’s dedication to restoring its image and public trust, noting that a detailed investigation into the approval, design, and construction materials of the project is currently underway.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, are set to examine the construction materials used. Samples have already been collected for analysis, and preliminary results are expected within two or three days.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that the capital’s situation has nearly stabilised. He mentioned that normal traffic has resumed throughout Bangkok, including major expressways and metro lines, though minor congestion persists near the collapsed building site in Chatuchak district and areas with crane removal operations in Bang Sue district.
Building inspections are ongoing in the city, with over 13,000 reports received. While most cases involve minor wall cracks, two buildings have been declared unsafe, impacting approximately 2,000 residents.
Temporary accommodations have been arranged for those affected, with support from corporate and government bodies.
Italian-Thai Development PCL (ITD), part of the ITD-CREC joint venture responsible for the collapsed building, expressed deep regret over the incident.
The company committed to full cooperation with investigators and compensation for the families of victims and those injured. ITD also expressed confidence in the safety of its other construction projects.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has not confirmed whether ITD will be blacklisted by the government but indicated that criminal charges are under consideration.
Based on a story by The THaiger
-- 2025-04-02
2 April 02 20251356480 - Thailand's Digital Card Chaos: Say Goodbye to TM6, Hello to Confusion!
Picture courtesy of Vietnam Investment Review
Thailand is scrapping its much-dreaded TM6 arrival form, replacing it with a new digital system—the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)—from May 1.
However, travellers should hold off on celebrating as the latest digital venture appears as perplexing as the form it replaces. The TDAC might ease entry formalities eventually, but the system launch is anything but smooth.
For years, non-Thai passport holders have filled out blue-and-white cards to enter the country, but the digital transition is meant to streamline this decade-old process.
The new system requires entrants to fill in personal, travel, and accommodation data online, promising a seamless experience with a QR code to present at immigration. But alas, the jargon-heavy user manual and an unreliable video tutorial only leave people scratching their heads.
As users grapple with a non-functioning tutorial and murky submission procedures, confusion reigns supreme. In fact, there's no word yet on whether travellers must continue carrying a paper form alongside their digital submission.
Screenshots from TDAC website
Further complicating matters, the authorities haven't confirmed if the TDAC will double as a customs declaration or whether an exit card is on the horizon.
Contrary to visa requirements, the TDAC is a separate consideration. No matter their visa status—whether visa-free for up to 60 days, extended duration, or work permits—foreign nationals must fill out the TDAC. The digital card is part of the grand plan to digitise Thailand's immigration, but right now, users are faced with a tangled web of uncertainty.
As the May 1 deadline looms, travellers are left wondering if the immigration process will be ready for prime time or if more chaos will ensue. Without clear instructions and user-friendly solutions for tech-challenged visitors, the initiative is in danger of reinforcing red tape, not removing it.
How the situation unfolds remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Thailand's digital promise is a work-in-progress. Stay tuned for more updates.
Based on a report by The Thaiger
-- 2025-03-29
29 March 29 20251356153 - Thai Health Ministry Issues Advice for "Earthquake Drunk" Symptoms
Picture of people outside their buildings in Laksi district yesterday courtesy of Bangkok Post
In response to the unusual phenomenon of "earthquake drunk" symptoms affecting residents, Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has introduced expert guidelines to help those feeling unsteady post-quake. Reports of dizziness and disorientation have become common as people's balance systems grapple with seismic after-effects.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak shared practical tips for alleviating these symptoms. Breathing slowly and deeply, staying hydrated with water or ginger tea, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine top the list of recommendations. Reducing screen time, focusing on distant objects, and lying down can also help regain equilibrium.
While these symptoms are often short-lived, they can extend for individuals prone to anxiety or migraines. The ministry recommends steering clear of stress-inducing news and considering motion sickness medication for additional relief.
Anukul emphasised the government’s dedication to public well-being, offering reassurances that support is available for those whose daily lives are significantly impacted by stress. Though earthquake drunk isn’t life-threatening on its own, it raises the risk for falls and injuries in unstable environments.
Looking at past earthquakes, such as Japan's Tōhoku disaster in 2011 and the 1995 Kobe earthquake, disorientation delayed evacuations and contributed to poor decision-making, exacerbating risk.
Thai residents are encouraged to seek mental health support through avenues like here2healproject.com for consultations. Persistent symptoms should prompt a call to the emergency helpline at 1669 or the mental health hotline at 1323, ensuring help is always within reach, reported The Thaiger.
-- 2025-04-01
1 April 01 20251356441 - Thailand Ranks 3rd in Global QR Code Payments, China Leads
File photo for reference only
China leads in global QR code use, with Thailand securing third place, according to recent data from Data Reportal.
On 25th March 2025, Data Reportal released new figures highlighting the worldwide use of QR codes via smartphones in 2024.
The results show that QR codes, largely used for making payments for goods and services, are most popular in China, with 67.4% of the population using them.
Malaysia follows closely with 66.1%, while Thailand ranks third at 61.5%. Argentina and Brazil complete the top five, with utilisation rates of 61% and 60.8% respectively, reported Daily News.
-- 2025-03-25
24 March 24 20251355681 - Rescue Efforts Continue in Bangkok as Scanner Detects 70 Signs of Life
Photo: Bangkok Post
A US Military scanner has identified 70 potential signs of missing individuals within the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok. The collapsed sections between the 17th and 21st floors were the sites of intense focus as many of the missing were reportedly working there during Friday's earthquake.
Bangkok's deputy governor, Tavida Kamolvej, noted that of the 70 detected signs, only six have been confirmed as human bodies. The remainder are still unconfirmed amid the chaos of the collapsed multi-storey structure. With floors pancaked upon each other, identifying precise locations and navigating the debris pose significant challenges to rescue teams.
Rescuers face a daunting task. The 30-storey building was still under construction, which means there's no comprehensive blueprint to guide the rescue efforts. Excavation is painstakingly slow due to metre-thick walls and the precarious state of the site. Heavy machinery cannot be used safely, forcing workers to clear debris manually from the top down.
As the operation enters its fifth day, rescuers are continually adapting their strategies to maximise survival chances for those potentially trapped beneath the rubble. So far, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has confirmed 13 fatalities and 19 injuries, with many still unaccounted for.
The situation remains urgent and dynamic, as the rescue mission strives to bring closure and aid to those affected by the disaster, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2025-04-01
1 April 01 20251356438
