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Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee Two health officials at Kantharalak Hospital in Sisaket province have been suspended and are under investigation following the death of 31 year old man. The incident, which sparked significant attention and concern, occurred after a video surfaced showing the patient, Sa-ard Boonlabeing, forcibly restrained by hospital staff. His family, deeply troubled by the circumstances of his death, sought an autopsy, which suggested brain injury from a hard object. The video, widely circulated and broadcast, depicted Sa-ard being held down by four staff members as he attempted to leave his hospital bed. This fuelled accusations that excessive force was used, leading to the tragic outcome. The family, suspecting foul play, had the body examined at the Police General Hospital’s forensic institute, where the cause of death was linked to brain trauma. Sisaket’s Public Health Officer, Thanong Weerasangphong, expressed condolences to Sa-ard’s family and apologised for the incident. He acknowledged the severity of the actions captured in the video and admitted that the situation highlighted a potential lack of training among staff in handling patients. Thanong emphasised that the health office is committed to conducting a fair investigation, ensuring justice without bias. The Provincial Health Office has initiated disciplinary action by suspending the involved staff members and forming a committee to investigate the incident further. Thanong assured the family that the hospital would fully cooperate with the inquiry and provide clarity once all information was gathered. He reiterated that any misconduct discovered would be addressed according to the rules and that the hospital’s director would issue a detailed statement on the matter soon. Hospital misconduct Additionally, Thanong mentioned that the case falls under the provisions of Thailand’s National Health Security Act, specifically Section 41, which deals with compensation for harm caused by medical treatment. The family will receive due consideration under these regulations, and discussions are ongoing regarding further steps. Meephon Boonla, 70 year old Sa-ard’s uncle, voiced his distress upon viewing the video, stating that his nephew did not display any aggressive behaviour warranting such treatment. “Seeing the footage made it clear to me that such actions were unjustifiable. He was neither fighting nor causing a scene.” He expressed his dissatisfaction with the hospital’s initial response and insisted that those responsible should have admitted fault from the beginning. The family’s disappointment extends to the perceived delay in law enforcement response, as they were unable to file a complaint immediately, reported KhaoSod. The Sa-ard family is now grappling with the aftermath of this incident, seeking both justice and accountability. Meephon, highlighting the emotional toll the situation has taken, questioned why it took so long for the truth to emerge and why institutional transparency was lacking. “If the roles were reversed, if it were your relative treated this way, what would you do?” Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-11

Thailand Boosts Holiday Tourism With Streamlined Airport Measures Photo: The Pattaya News In preparation for a significant influx of foreign tourists over the New Year holiday season, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanumas Bunyalak, the acting commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, inspected Suvarnabhumi Airport on December 9th. This initiative is in line with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's policy of boosting tourism through visa-free entry for 93 countries, a strategy first initiated by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This policy has proven successful post-COVID-19, with over 28 million foreign visitors entering Thailand since January 2024. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345842-thailand-boosts-holiday-tourism-with-streamlined-airport-measures/

Photo: The Pattaya News In preparation for a significant influx of foreign tourists over the New Year holiday season, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanumas Bunyalak, the acting commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, inspected Suvarnabhumi Airport on December 9th. This initiative is in line with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's policy of boosting tourism through visa-free entry for 93 countries, a strategy first initiated by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This policy has proven successful post-COVID-19, with over 28 million foreign visitors entering Thailand since January 2024. In response to the expected peak of 120,000 daily arrivals during the festive period, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanumas highlighted the implementation of streamlined operations at the airport. These efforts include advanced biometric systems and the elimination of cumbersome processes such as flight detail forms and stamp signatures. Additional personnel and contingency plans for potential system failures have also been put in place to prevent delays. Moreover, the Immigration Bureau has enhanced procedures to address potential passenger congestion. This includes the automation of boarding pass scans and expedited processing at Auto Channels. Concurrently, nationwide operations from December 11th to 17th aim at clamping down on foreigners violating immigration laws and other illegal activities. The acting commissioner assured that Thailand is committed to remaining a safe and inviting destination for tourists while rigorously enforcing immigration regulations alongside other governmental bodies, reported The Pattaya News. -- 2024-12-10

Thailand Targets Tourism Surge with Bold 2025 Campaign Initiative File photo for reference only Thailand is ambitiously aiming to revamp its tourism sector with a new strategy targeting 3.4 trillion baht (£82 billion) in revenue by 2025. The "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025" campaign is the cornerstone of this vision, designed to attract over 40 million international tourists. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345841-thailand-targets-tourism-surge-with-bold-2025-campaign-initiative/

File photo for reference only Thailand is ambitiously aiming to revamp its tourism sector with a new strategy targeting 3.4 trillion baht (£82 billion) in revenue by 2025. The "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025" campaign is the cornerstone of this vision, designed to attract over 40 million international tourists. Key to the campaign's success is leveraging collaborations with major industry partners like Grab, Agoda, and Thai Airways to promote underexplored destinations. Enhancing connectivity and boosting flight capacities are priorities to establish Thailand as a leading regional tourism hub. Simultaneously, the country is energising domestic tourism with thematic events, notably the Thailand Winter Festivals 2024, which showcases the "7 Wonders of Thailand." By spotlighting cultural celebrations and unique culinary experiences, the government hopes to capture both international and local interests. In support of these efforts, the 72 Unique Travel Styles initiative, featuring tailor-made travel routes, aims to channel economic benefits to local communities. Visa reforms, including the introduction of 60-day visa exemptions, expanded e-visa services, and a new Destination Thailand Visa for digital nomads, are poised to ease entry and attract a broader range of visitors. Looking ahead, Thailand plans to simplify its visa system further by 2025, integrating it into an Electronic Travel Authorisation system. The strategy underscores Thailand’s commitment to becoming a top global travel destination while boosting its economic growth. -- 2024-12-10

Police in Bangkok arrest suspect, seize firearms in gambling case By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Nonthaburi apprehended a suspect linked to a notorious gambling website, seizing a cache of firearms and ammunition in the process. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345840-police-in-bangkok-arrest-suspect-seize-firearms-in-gambling-case/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee Police in Nonthaburi apprehended a suspect linked to a notorious gambling website, seizing a cache of firearms and ammunition in the process. The arrest underscores ongoing efforts to bring the site’s elusive owner to justice, following a violent incident involving the website’s admin. Police moved swiftly to arrest 22 year old Natthaphong Kosasaeng, at a car park in Royal Mansion, located on Rama 2 Road in the Chom Thong district of Bangkok. The arrest came as Natthaphong attempted to relocate firearms from a condominium on Wutthakat 57 Alley, also in the Chom Thong district, to evade a police search. The room in question belongs to Chakkrit, known as M Pilawan, the alleged mastermind behind the gambling operation. M is accused of assaulting the website’s admin, 24 year old Manoporn or No Phonin, inflicting serious injuries, including multiple leg fractures. Manoporn managed to flee M’s residence and sought assistance from a friend before reporting the incident to the police at Chaiyaphruek Police Station in Nonthaburi. The incident had previously been reported in the media, drawing public attention to the case. Investigations revealed that Natthaphong, or Art, had been directed by Chakkrit to remove the firearms and ammunition from his apartment to hide them elsewhere. This was intended to prevent the discovery of the weapons by law enforcement during anticipated searches. Police discovered a .45 calibre pistol with no serial number and 10 rounds of ammunition in Natthaphong’s possession. Consequently, all items were confiscated, and Natthaphong was charged with illegal possession and carrying of firearms and ammunition in public without a permit. He was subsequently handed over to Bang Mod Police Station for further legal proceedings. In a preliminary statement, Natthaphong admitted to following M’s orders to relocate the firearms and ammunition, fearing the police would discover them after the incident became news. He expressed concern that law enforcement would extend their investigation to the apartment, leading to the seizure of the weapons, reported KhaoSod. Police are intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend Chakkrit for questioning and to proceed with legal action. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-10

Construction firm accused of 30 million baht fraud By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A group of disgruntled individuals, led by Thammanun Tangtim, known as King of Saphan Mai, filed a complaint against a construction company owner for allegedly abandoning projects and withholding employee salaries, resulting in damages exceeding 30 million baht. The incident took place yesterday, December 9, at the Crime Suppression Division on Phahonyothin Road. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345839-construction-firm-accused-of-30-million-baht-fraud/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee A group of disgruntled individuals, led by Thammanun Tangtim, known as King of Saphan Mai, filed a complaint against a construction company owner for allegedly abandoning projects and withholding employee salaries, resulting in damages exceeding 30 million baht. The incident took place yesterday, December 9, at the Crime Suppression Division on Phahonyothin Road. Phrae, a former employee whose full name remains confidential, shared her experience of working for the construction company in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province for four to six months but received payment only for the first month. She mentioned that around 30 to 40 other employees faced similar situations. The company’s excuse was an inability to collect payments from clients, leading to a total damage of over 2 million baht (US$59,434). Although some employees have reported the matter to the police, others hesitate due to fear of threats. Reports were filed at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station but the case has seen little progress. Phrae suspects that the company owner has connections with influential figures in the province. Following her report, she received threatening phone calls and noticed people monitoring her whereabouts. She was even confined in an employee room for four hours when the owner demanded her resignation at night. Navaporn, a representative of the victimised clients, recounted her ordeal. She intended to build a house and posted a request for contractors on social media. The construction company owner contacted her, claiming they could deliver the desired house design for 1,162,815.29 baht (US$34,555). She agreed and made an initial payment of 220,608.88 baht (US$6,555). The owner also suggested selling her unused garage roof for 15,000 baht (US$445), yet she never received the money. After dismantling the roof, no further construction work was undertaken. When Navaporn inquired about the construction schedule, the company claimed an error in the house’s pricing, raising it to approximately 1,800,000 baht (US$53,487). Navaporn reluctantly agreed but still witnessed no progress, prompting her to cancel the contract. She subsequently reported the issue to Thung Khru Police Station, where the case was treated as a criminal matter due to multiple victims. Navaporn later discovered that the company had similarly defrauded about 10 other clients, resulting in damages of approximately 30 million baht (US$891,450), reported KhaoSod. Thammanun explained the group’s visit to the Crime Suppression Division, highlighting the numerous victims and significant financial damages involved. He called on the Ministry of Labour to consider the case and ensure justice for the affected parties. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-10

Man attacks neighbour with machete in Ang Thong Province By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A shocking incident unfolded yesterday as a 50 year old man went on a rampage, attacking a neighbour with a machete in Ang Thong Province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345838-man-attacks-neighbour-with-machete-in-ang-thong-province/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee A shocking incident unfolded yesterday as a 50 year old man went on a rampage, attacking a neighbour with a machete in Ang Thong Province. The attack by the man, Jerd, resulted in an injury to the legs and arms of the woman, Nongnuch. Thankfully, a passerby heard her cries for help and intervened just in time, allowing authorities to apprehend the man. At 2pm yesterday, December 9, the police were alerted to the situation, with Captain Somchai Phulilit of Pho Thong Police Station responding to the emergency call. The incident took place at a home in Village 4, Ongkharak subdistrict. On arrival, officers found Jed in a state of frenzy, shirtless, and brandishing a machete outside his house. Despite his aggressive stance, he was eventually subdued by the police using tactical methods and taken to Pho Thong Hospital for an examination. Initial tests showed no traces of drugs in his system, leading to his subsequent arrest and transport to Pho Thong Police Station for further questioning, reported KhaoSod. Uncle Auan, a 62 year old man, recounted the terrifying ordeal. “I heard Nongnuch screaming for help, so I rushed over. I saw Jed attacking her with a machete, leaving her injured on both legs, her left wrist, and her fingers. “I grabbed a knife to fend him off and managed to drive him away from her.” After the incident, Uncle Auan escorted the injured woman to Pho Thong Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, Nongnuch has since been discharged from the hospital and has filed a formal complaint against Jed with the police, ensuring that legal proceedings are initiated against him. In related news, tragedy struck as a 75 year old father was brutally attacked and killed by his son in a drug-induced frenzy. The elderly man was found with eight severe wounds across his body. This shocking incident was reported on December 5 in Den Chai district, Phrae province. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-10

Partially Blind Thai Man Walks 14 Days to Find Son, Gains Support Photo: The Pattaya News An 85-year-old Thai man, partially blind, embarked on an arduous 14-day journey from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chonburi, in search of his estranged son, whom he hadn't seen in nine years. Upon his arrival in Nakhon Ratchasima, local inquiries with neighbours were fruitless, as his son appeared to have moved away. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345769-partially-blind-thai-man-walks-14-days-to-find-son-gains-support/

Photo: The Pattaya News An 85-year-old Thai man, partially blind, embarked on an arduous 14-day journey from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chonburi, in search of his estranged son, whom he hadn't seen in nine years. Upon his arrival in Nakhon Ratchasima, local inquiries with neighbours were fruitless, as his son appeared to have moved away. Armed with a walking cane and limited funds, Lung Lek Wongjaiya spent all his 2,000 baht on motorcycle taxis seeking his son, leaving him with just 8 baht for the walk back to his hometown of Koh Pho in Chonburi. With only one set of clothes, he endured sleeping rough, sustained by the kindness of strangers who offered food, water, clothing, and a small amount of cash. Despite his right eye being completely blind, which compounded his ordeal, Lung Lek remained determined. Along the way, near a temple, a local kindly provided him with soybean milk, cash, and a meal. Touched by his plight, a local reporter arranged a bus ticket for Lung Lek’s return journey, with the minibus owner offering a special fare. Efforts are now underway by relevant agencies to assist Lung Lek in his quest to find his son, with hopes rising as they continue their search, reported The Pattaya News. -- 2024-12-09

Thai woman seeks justice after attack by unidentified man in Bangkok By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 7 A Thai woman is seeking assistance after she and her male colleague were attacked by an unidentified man on Soi Charan Sanitwong 35 in the Bangkok Noi district of Bangkok on Friday, December 6. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345768-thai-woman-seeks-justice-after-attack-by-unidentified-man-in-bangkok/

Photo via Channel 7 By Petch Petpailin A Thai woman is seeking assistance after she and her male colleague were attacked by an unidentified man on Soi Charan Sanitwong 35 in the Bangkok Noi district of Bangkok on Friday, December 6. The 31 year old victim, identified only as A, reached out to the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive and shared her story publicly, hoping to identify the attacker soon. The incident occurred at approximately 10am on the road she used daily to commute to work. A explained that she and her colleague were riding a motorcycle along Soi Charan Sanitwong when a man wearing a green long-sleeve jacket and a full-face motorcycle helmet approached them from behind. The man attempted to kick their vehicle to force them to crash, prompting her to speed away. The man persisted and manoeuvred in front of them, forcing them to stop. He then suddenly punched both A and her colleague, focusing his attack on A. Witnesses intervened, causing the attacker to flee the scene. A and her colleague immediately reported the incident at Bang Khun Non Police Station before seeking medical treatment at a hospital. The police have not yet provided any updates on the case. A insisted she had no prior conflict with the attacker or anyone else. She stated that she was riding the motorcycle slowly and carefully, ruling out the possibility of a traffic-related altercation. Since the attack, A has been living in fear, concerned that the man might return to harm her or her four-year-old child while they travel alone. The founder of Saimai Survive, Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, pledged to follow up on the case with Bang Khun Non Police Station. He also plans to accompany A to the Ministry of Justice to seek government protection and compensation. This incident is reminiscent of a similar random attack in July near the On Nut BTS Station in Bangkok, where a homeless man punched a female victim in the face as she exited the station. The victim revealed that the attacker accused her of staring at him before launching the assault. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-09

Ex-husband sets Chon Buri home on fire over lost military ID card By Ryan Turner Photo via KhaoSod A heated domestic dispute in Chon Buri turned fiery when a former military husband allegedly set his ex-wife’s house on fire after a disagreement over a lost military ID card. The incident took place in Bang Saray, Sattahip district, leaving the single-storey home severely damaged. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345767-ex-husband-sets-chon-buri-home-on-fire-over-lost-military-id-card/

Photo via KhaoSod By Ryan Turner A heated domestic dispute in Chon Buri turned fiery when a former military husband allegedly set his ex-wife’s house on fire after a disagreement over a lost military ID card. The incident took place in Bang Saray, Sattahip district, leaving the single-storey home severely damaged. Police were alerted to the fire at 8pm yesterday, December 8. Chaiwat Nemmee, a police officer from Sattahip Police Station, responded promptly to the scene, coordinating with local disaster prevention and mitigation teams from Bang Saray and Kled Kaew municipalities to tackle the blaze. Firefighters battled the flames for over 20 minutes before successfully bringing it under control. The fire originated in the storage room of the house, causing complete destruction of the belongings inside, including clothing, storage cabinets, and electrical appliances. The estimated damage ranges between 50,000 and 100,000 baht. The homeowner, 59 year old Wattana Leesisai recounted the events with visible distress. She explained that after separating from her husband, she found his long-lost military ID card while clearing out the room. She had asked someone to return it to him, which apparently led him to mistakenly believe she intended to evict him, reported KhaoSod. As tensions escalated, the former husband arrived at her home, and an argument ensued. During the altercation, he threatened to burn the house before dashing inside. Moments later, flames and smoke emerged from the room, as he fled the scene in a vehicle. Police have documented the incident and are preparing to issue a summons for the ex-husband to be questioned and face legal proceedings. The police are determined to investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure justice is served. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-09

Trang Airport Contract Terminated; Security Fund Seized Amid Delays File photo for reference only The Airports Department has officially terminated its contract with Port and Marine Corporation (PAM) due to delays and deficiencies in the construction of a new passenger terminal at Trang Airport, southern Thailand. This decisive action resulted in the confiscation of PAM's security deposit amounting to 53 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345765-trang-airport-contract-terminated-security-fund-seized-amid-delays/

File photo for reference only The Airports Department has officially terminated its contract with Port and Marine Corporation (PAM) due to delays and deficiencies in the construction of a new passenger terminal at Trang Airport, southern Thailand. This decisive action resulted in the confiscation of PAM's security deposit amounting to 53 million baht. The decision, sanctioned by Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, was announced by Director General Danai Ruangsorn. The Transport Ministry emphasised the necessity to swiftly identify an alternate contractor, aiming to meet the March 2025 deadline for the terminal's completion. Meeting this deadline is crucial to accommodating the growing influx of arrivals at Trang Airport. Issues with the former contractor included severe rain leaks damaging ceilings and a lack of security leading to theft of power cables. Images of the infrastructure damage circulated widely, fuelling public concern. In response, the department has deployed additional security personnel to the site and Trang police have since apprehended those responsible for the thefts. A committee formed on November 21 is charged with assessing the damage and preparing for a new contractor. With a 45-day timeline set, this task force is pivotal in keeping the project on track. Danai remains optimistic, voicing confidence that despite setbacks, the department is committed to the 2025 completion date. The terminal stands as a significant upgrade to Trang Airport's facilities, pivotal for bolstering tourism and improving the passenger experience. -- 2024-12-09

Private Sector Opposes Uniform 400-Baht Minimum Wage Proposal File photo for reference only The private sector has voiced significant concerns over the government's proposal to implement a fixed minimum wage of 400 baht across Thailand, fearing potential negative repercussions for businesses. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, emphasised today that the minimum wage should account for the distinct economic conditions of each province. He urged the Tri-partite Wage Committee to respect the suggestions made by the provincial wage subcommittees, advocating against a one-size-fits-all approach. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345764-private-sector-opposes-uniform-400-baht-minimum-wage-proposal/

File photo for reference only The private sector has voiced significant concerns over the government's proposal to implement a fixed minimum wage of 400 baht across Thailand, fearing potential negative repercussions for businesses. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, emphasised today that the minimum wage should account for the distinct economic conditions of each province. He urged the Tri-partite Wage Committee to respect the suggestions made by the provincial wage subcommittees, advocating against a one-size-fits-all approach. Sanan clarified that while the private sector supports initiatives to enhance workers' livelihoods through wage adjustments, a uniform rate could misalign with economic variations nationwide. He cited that a vast majority of provincial subcommittees—around 90%—consider the proposed 400-baht wage as disconnected from regional realities. In light of global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and climate change, increasing the minimum wage to a flat rate could elevate production costs, diminishing the competitiveness of Thai products on the international stage. This move could adversely affect vital sectors like agriculture and services, potentially leading to job losses or even business failures. Sanan called on the National Wage Committee to provide compelling justification for the nationwide wage proposal. Rather than a blanket wage increase, the private sector suggests aligning pay with skill levels, advocating for improved skill development among Thai workers to better meet various industry needs. -- 2024-12-09

Thai Ministry Urges Nationals to Avoid Travelling to Syria Amid Unrest File photo for reference only The Thai Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens against non-essential travel to Syria following the recent overthrow of President Bashar Assad's government by opposition rebels. The Thai Embassy in Tehran, responsible for Syria, has reached out to the 23 Thai nationals present there since the turmoil began on December 8, assuring that all are safe for now. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345763-thai-ministry-urges-nationals-to-avoid-travelling-to-syria-amid-unrest/

File photo for reference only The Thai Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens against non-essential travel to Syria following the recent overthrow of President Bashar Assad's government by opposition rebels. The Thai Embassy in Tehran, responsible for Syria, has reached out to the 23 Thai nationals present there since the turmoil began on December 8, assuring that all are safe for now. Most of these individuals reside in Damascus, with one based in Daraa, near Jordan. The group includes masseurs, students, and people married to Syrians. The embassy is poised to assist in evacuation processes if necessary. Constant monitoring and communication with Thai nationals remain a priority for the embassy, and they are encouraging those in Syria to remain informed about developments and restrict their travel within the country. This proactive stance demonstrates Thailand's commitment to safeguarding its citizens amidst the ongoing political upheaval. -- 2024-12-09

Thailand Boosts Rice Innovation with 'Rainbow' Rice to Outshine Rivals File photo for reference only Thailand's rice industry is taking innovative steps to enhance its global standing amid lower yields compared to major Asian producers. The country faces a notable gap, with average rice yields at 400 to 500 kilogrammes per rai, starkly contrasted by Vietnam and China's yields exceeding 1,000 kilogrammes per rai. Despite this disparity, Thailand aims to capitalise on its famed jasmine rice and niche varieties to rewrite its narrative in the global rice market. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345762-thailand-boosts-rice-innovation-with-rainbow-rice-to-outshine-rivals/

File photo for reference only Thailand's rice industry is taking innovative steps to enhance its global standing amid lower yields compared to major Asian producers. The country faces a notable gap, with average rice yields at 400 to 500 kilogrammes per rai, starkly contrasted by Vietnam and China's yields exceeding 1,000 kilogrammes per rai. Despite this disparity, Thailand aims to capitalise on its famed jasmine rice and niche varieties to rewrite its narrative in the global rice market. The Department of Rice plans to elevate the status of Thai rice through targeted marketing and creative agricultural zoning. By promoting coloured and indigenous rice varieties, officials hope to tap into niche markets and position these products as luxury items. High-value rice varieties, such as coloured rice, only make up 5 to 10% of Thailand’s production but have gained popularity, particularly in China, for their unique health benefits. In a move to increase appeal, seven new varieties of coloured rice, collectively known as 'rainbow rice', are set for a 2024 debut. These varieties, featuring an array of vibrant colours, will be creatively planted in fields, forming captivating designs to attract tourists and increase awareness. Partnerships with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will see these rice patterns integrated into tourism campaigns. Beyond aesthetics, coloured rice farming offers promising financial prospects. Farmers can tap into various income streams, from selling protein-rich leaves to producing animal feed, providing significant economic benefits. The Department of Rice is actively encouraging this practice, especially in the Mukdahan province, to meet burgeoning demand. While yields for traditional rice varieties might lag behind regional counterparts, Thailand's inventive strategies demonstrate a determined pivot towards quality and uniqueness to capture the attention of affluent markets, thus shaping a new narrative for Thai rice on the international stage. -- 2024-12-09