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- Nationwide Alcohol Sales Ban Set for October 17th as Thailand Marks End of Buddhist Lent
The end of Buddhist Lent, Awk Phansa, will take place on Thursday, October 17th this year, and a nationwide sales ban on alcohol will be enforced for 24 hours.
Under the Alcohol Control Act, this ban applies to all establishments except duty-free shops in international airports. The official prohibition runs from midnight on Wednesday, October 16th, to midnight on Thursday, October 17th.
Violating this law can result in a fine of up to 10,000 baht, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
The end of Buddhist Lent is one of the five major Buddhist holidays in Thailand, alongside Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha, and Khao Pansa (the start of Buddhist Lent).
While many foreigners may only associate this day with the temporary closure of bars and a 24-hour alcohol sales ban, it holds deep significance for the Buddhist community.
By Kittisak Phalaharn
Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS
-- 2024-10-14
14 October 14 20241340629 - Bank of Thailand Intervenes to Manage Baht's Exchange Rate
FILE photo courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand
The Bank of Thailand has confirmed its active intervention to manage the value of the baht against the US dollar, aiming to ensure the currency’s fluctuations are in sync with regional currencies.
On Monday, Chayawadee Chai-anant, the central bank's assistant governor for corporate relations, announced that the bank has recently taken measures to regulate the baht's exchange rate. "Our intervention intends to align with regional currency movements, ensuring stability," she stated.
The central bank's international reserves have benefitted from both these interventions and the depreciation of the dollar. Gross international reserves climbed to $235.6 billion in August, up from $230.6 billion in July and $224 billion in June. Similarly, net international reserves rose to $262 billion in August, compared to $258 billion in July and $252.6 billion in June.
Ms. Chayawadee pointed out that while the baht’s appreciation against the dollar positions it as one of the leading regional currencies, it remains behind the Malaysian ringgit. She acknowledged the rapid strengthening of the baht and assured that the central bank is closely monitoring its movements to mitigate any negative impact on the economy.
The adjustment in the baht's value has mixed implications for local businesses. A stronger baht could reduce export revenues due to foreign exchange conversions, particularly for those lacking effective hedging strategies.
However, Ms. Chayawadee emphasized that the stronger baht is unlikely to impact the tourism sector adversely in the final quarter of this year. "International tourists generally welcome a firmer baht against the dollar, which helps them better manage their spending in Thailand," she said. Key visitor markets, including China, Malaysia, and Japan, have also seen their currencies appreciate relative to the dollar, supporting this optimistic outlook.
The central bank reported that foreign tourist numbers in August reached 3 million, after seasonal adjustments, marking a slight decline of 0.1% from the previous month. Despite this, tourist spending has remained steady. The bank anticipates an improvement in foreign traveler numbers in September compared to August, reported Bangkok Post.
Economic data shows a mixed picture: while visitors from China and Malaysia decreased in August, there was an uptick in tourists from countries like Japan and India. As per the central bank, tourism revenue remained stable, primarily due to higher spending per trip.
Adding to this, the Kasikorn Research Center noted that the baht strengthened to 32.17 baht per dollar during Monday's trading, hitting its highest level in 31 months. The central bank continues to monitor these trends closely to maintain economic stability.
-- 2024-10-02
2 October 02 20241339606 - Thai High-Risk Groups Urged to Get Covid-19 Boosters
Medical experts in Thailand are advising high-risk groups to receive boosters for Covid-19, given a recent surge in cases and fatalities. This push comes in light of new data revealing approximately 700,000 infections and 205 Covid-related deaths in 2023, positioning Thailand as having the highest infection and death rates for Covid-19 in Southeast Asia.
Assoc Prof Dr Piroon Mootsikapun, President of the Infectious Diseases Association of Thailand, highlighted that the current wave of Covid-19 is hitting the nation harder than any other country in the region.
Most concerning are the fatalities in the so-called 608 high-risk group, which includes those aged 60 and older, individuals with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women.
Dr Piroon emphasised the severity of Covid-19 compared to influenza, pointing out that the infection rate and death toll are significantly higher. "Of the Covid-19 fatalities, 80-90% were in the 608 risk group," he noted.
Prof Dr Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul, from the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand, echoed the call for vaccinations, stressing the importance of boosters in preventing severe illness. The current booster shots are reported to offer 60-70% effectiveness in reducing hospitalisations and deaths among the most vulnerable.
Reports of Long Covid, which can affect other organs and significantly impact health post-recovery, were found in 15% of Covid-19 patients. Given this, the boosters gain added importance.
Community advocates, like Tanapol Dokkaew from the Kidney Friends Association of Thailand, are urging the government to ensure a steady supply of vaccines, particularly for high-risk individuals. “Covid-19 is here to stay, so booster shots are crucial, especially for the 608 group,” he commented, urging continued vigilance amidst increasing complacency, reported Bangkok Post.
Picture courtesy: Freepik
-- 2024-10-12
11 October 11 20241340477 - Top Suspect in 2004 Tak Bai Crackdown May Evade Prosecution
In a case nearing its two-decade statute of limitations, retired Lieutenant General Pisan Wattanawongkiri, now a list MP for Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai Party, is poised to avoid facing justice over his alleged role in the 2004 Tak Bai crackdown. Despite being the top suspect, Pisan is among seven ex-officials sought by police for the deaths of 78 protesters, as legal proceedings edge towards the October 25 expiration date.
On that fateful day, soldiers and police fired upon a protest in Narathiwat, resulting in seven fatalities. The authorities arrested 1,370 individuals, who later suffered further deaths due to overcrowding during transport. The case languished without charges for 19 years until survivors and families pursued justice in court this year.
Despite arrest warrants being issued, Pisan and at least one other suspect have reportedly fled Thailand, citing medical needs overseas. Pisan, who served over 15 years in the troubled southern region, denies ordering violence, claiming personal ties to the victims.
Thai authorities are now engaging Interpol to locate the absconding suspects, as legal action hangs precariously in the balance with mere days before the statute of limitations extinguishes hopes for accountability in the Tak Bai incident.
Photo: Thai PBS World
-- 2024-10-14
14 October 14 20241340672 - iCon Group CEO tearfully vows to compensate investors
In tears and on television, embattled iCon Group CEO Waratphol Waratvorakul vowed today to compensate investors for the losses they sustained from his e-commerce business “until the end of my life.”
He said he feels sorry for the investors who suffered losses, while claiming, however, that he had been totally unaware ofthe losses or that a few investors had taken their own lives because of them, adding that none of them had contacted him about their grievances.
Breaking his silence for the first time on the popular “Hone Krasae” TV talk show, hosted by Kanchai Kamnerdploy, Waratphol said that he had initially been afraid to appear on the TV program, but had changed his mind, believing that it would be more useful to speak out “while he is still alive.”
Photo: Thai PBS World
14 October 14 20241340670 - Thai worker killed by leftover ammunition in Israeli orchard
The explosion in northern Israel that claimed the life of 42 year old Thai worker Nisan Meerum, prompted the Ministry of Labour to extend its condolences and seek answers from the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) regarding the deployment of Thai labourers in a closed military zone.
Israeli government officials and the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv reported the death of Nisan, a native of Buriram province, on Saturday, October 12. The explosion that occurred while he was working in an apple orchard, involved leftover ammunition.
Labour Ministry permanent secretary Bunsong Tapchaiyut stated that Thai officials are currently awaiting confirmation of Nisan’s identity from Israeli officials before repatriating his body for religious rites in Thailand. The government has assured that Nisan’s family will receive all entitled benefits.
Minister of Labour Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn expressed deep condolences to the families affected by the incident. He mentioned that the ministry is working to verify with PIBA whether the accident site was indeed in a closed military zone and the reasons Thai workers were permitted to enter. Additionally, the ministry is also waiting for a detailed report from the Israeli government on the incident.
Nisan’s wife, 43 year old Phrueksa Meeram recounted that her husband first went to work in Israel in December 2020. He returned in October last year following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, about seven months later, his Israeli employer requested he return to complete his five-year and three-month employment contract.
Despite family opposition due to safety concerns, Nisan returned to Israel in June, driven by financial pressures. Phrueksa mentioned that she communicated with her husband daily out of concern for his safety. Her last call to him was at 10am on Friday local time. Subsequent messages went unanswered until a co-worker informed her of his death.
Explosion casualty
The Thai embassy in Tel Aviv later confirmed that a bomb in the apple orchard had exploded on Saturday morning.
Bangkok Post revealed that a Thai colleague shared that he was part of a group of 24 Thai workers in the orchard at the time of the explosion. The colleague recounted that four rows of workers were picking apples, with Nisan in the second row.
Upon hearing the explosion, the workers ducked for cover until another worker shouted that Nisan had been killed. Soldiers arrived to remove Nisan’s body and none of the other Thai workers saw him again.
The Israeli Defence Forces declared five new closed military zones in northern Israel near the Lebanon border on Saturday. These zones include Zarit, Shomera, Shtula, Netuya, Even Menachem, Rosh Hanikra, Shlomi, Hanita, Adamit, Arab al-Aramshe, Metula, Misgav Am, Kfar Giladi, Dovev, Tziv’on, and Malkia.
By Ryan Turner
Image: NPR
14 October 14 20241340660 - Short changed: Bolt rider stunned by unexpected 2 baht fare
A Bolt rider received a surprising fare of only 2 baht from a customer, leaving both parties bewildered. The incident occurred recently when a Facebook user shared their experience in the Facebook group Bolt Drivers Thailand.
The post revealed that the fare displayed on the app was indeed 2 baht, causing the rider to feel awkward when asked about the fare. The rider shared in his post that he accepted the fare to not upset his customer.
“After completing the ride, the customer asked how much it was. I didn’t know how to respond, feeling quite embarrassed. So, I pointed to the fare displayed on the phone. The customer was willing to pay, and I accepted. I didn’t want to refuse and upset them. #RiderLife #DriversExploitedByCompanyForever!”
The post included screenshots showing the fare of 2 baht, with an additional note from Bolt indicating that the company would compensate the rider with an extra 50 baht, bringing the total fare to 52 baht. Another image showed the payment of two baht made by the customer.
The post quickly garnered numerous comments. Many expressed sympathy for the rider’s situation, highlighting the challenges faced by drivers with such low fares. However, some argued that since the company compensated the rider, they were not actually losing out, as they still received the total fare.
The situation sheds light on the ongoing debate about the fairness of compensation for ride-hailing drivers. While some customers benefit from promotional fares, drivers often find themselves caught in a system where their earnings might not reflect the effort and costs involved in providing the service.
By Ryan Turner
Image courtesy of the Bolt Rider, Ruslän Fäteehah
14 October 14 20241340662 - Frozen in time: British expats losing out on pensions in Thailand
Three British expats reveal their nightmare experiences of having their UK pension frozen, thanks to a government policy that leaves them with unadjusted savings, sparking widespread outrage.David McConkey believed he was heading for paradise when he retired to Bangkok in May this year. After 40 gruelling years as an electronics buyer, the 72 year old Scot was ready to bask in the sun, sandy beaches, and exotic cuisine of his favourite city. But his dream retirement turned into a financial nightmare when he discovered his UK state pension had been frozen.
Despite decades of hard work and contributions, McConkey has been blindsided by a policy affecting 500,000 British expats. Unlike their counterparts in the UK, who enjoy annual increases through the triple lock system, expats like McConkey are left stranded with pensions stuck at their current rate.
“I fully paid my contributions to the last penny, but now I am being penalised. People who emigrate to countries like the US get the annual uplift, but Thailand isn’t included. Why?”
The triple lock guarantees UK pensioners an increase linked to inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%. Next April, this will mean an extra £460 (nearly 20,000 baht) a year for most. But expats like McConkey will miss out unless they live in a country with a reciprocal agreement with the UK.
It’s not just McConkey who is struggling. George Lewis, a 76 year old British citizen, moved to Thailand in 2004 but now lives hand to mouth.
“We don’t have heating bills but air conditioning is expensive, and fans just don’t cut it in 40-degree heat.”
Another retiree, 76 year old Guy Lindsay-Watson, echoes the sentiment.
“We are hardly coping.”
The End Frozen Pensions campaign warns that many pensioners, including ex-nurses, firefighters, and police officers, now live in poverty. Some are even forced to return to the UK, putting extra strain on the NHS and social care system, reported iNews UK.
“Government help is what we need, and we need it soon.”
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal
Frozen in time: British expats losing out on pensions in Thailand. Photo courtesy of iNews UK
Source: The Thaiger
-- 2024-10-02
1 October 01 20241339589 - Thailand retains 10th spot in Asia Power Index 2024
Thailand maintained its position as the tenth most powerful and influential country in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Asia Power Index 2024 released by the Lowy Institute.
Scoring 19.8 points, Thailand gained 1.1 points from last year but remains in the same ranking as in 2023. The Lowy Institute praised Thailand for its cultural influence and economic relationships, where it ranks seventh, highlighting its successful integration with other Asia-Pacific countries through economic activities and people exchanges.
Additionally, Thailand was commended for its foreign relations policies.
The country, however, scored poorly in the future resources category due to its ageing population and the projected impact on its future demographics. Thailand’s lowest ranking (16th) in this category reflects a less favourable demographic outlook by 2050, as noted by the institute.
Singapore emerged as the most powerful member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ranking eighth, with Indonesia following closely behind. Malaysia was ranked just below Thailand, with Vietnam in twelfth place.
The United States retained its top spot on the index, scoring 81.7 points, closely followed by China with 72.7 points. Japan, which had consistently held the third position since the index’s inception in 2018, slipped to fourth place, overtaken by India, which rose due to its fast-growing economy.
The Asia Power Index evaluates the comprehensive power of 27 countries and territories in the region, and uses a weighted average across eight measures, including military capability, economic resources, diplomatic influence, and cultural influence, calculated by 131 indicators.
Japan’s slip to fourth place was attributed to its prolonged economic stagnation. The country lost 1.4 points in economic capability and 4.2 points in economic relationships. The report indicated that Japan’s technological advantage has eroded sharply due to competition with South Korea, China, and Taiwan, leading to a redirection of foreign investment away from Japan’s technology sector and contributing to declining productivity.
India, on the other hand, gained 8.2 points in future resources. The report highlighted that India’s youthful population could deliver a demographic dividend over the coming decades, referring to economic growth resulting from a growing working population outpacing the overall population growth, reported Bangkok Post.
By Ryan Turner
Image: HelpAge
14 October 14 20241340669 - Thai Baht weakens as government pushes for lower rates
The Thai baht has started to lose value this month, leading to speculation that its recent rally could be losing momentum. This comes as conflict increases between Thailand's government and its central bank.
In October, the Baht weakened 2.7% against the US dollar. This came after it had its best quarter since the Asian Financial Crisis. Mizuho Bank predicts that by the end of the year, the baht could slide to 33.6 per dollar. Increased pressure from upcoming Bank of Thailand and Federal Reserve policy meets might negatively influence the Baht. By Friday, the currency had dropped to 33.2.
Thailand's government is planning to increase the inflation target next year. This could give them more leverage in their push for lower borrowing costs. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been publicly urging the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to reduce rates to stimulate growth. This has been making investors nervous, causing the baht to depreciate further.
Despite this pressure, the central bank is expected to keep its rate at 2.5% this week, resisting requests to ease and insisting on making its own decisions free from government interference.
Investors have sold a total of $1.178 billion from Thailand's stock and bond market this month. This move by the government for a higher inflation target of 1.5%-3.5% for 2025 has led to a negative shift in sentiment towards the currency.
As the local tourism season approaches its peak months, pressure on the baht could begin easing. Local stimulus measures, like cash handouts, expected to boost economic growth, limit the harm of a slower pace in Federal Reserve rate cuts. Lloyd Chan, a currency strategist at Mufg Bank, anticipates the baht to reach 32.5 per dollar by the end of 2024.
However, market concerns remain over the potential erosion of the independence of Thailand's central bank due to government interference.
File photo for reference only
-- 2024-10-14
14 October 14 20241340658
