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Bangkok taxi driver berates passenger over travel distance Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A taxi passenger in Bangkok shared a harrowing experience where the driver shouted and insulted him, even refusing to stop the car. The passenger complained to the taxi company, only to be told there was no driver by that name. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338099-bangkok-taxi-driver-berates-passenger-over-travel-distance/

A taxi passenger in Bangkok shared a harrowing experience where the driver shouted and insulted him, even refusing to stop the car. The passenger complained to the taxi company, only to be told there was no driver by that name. A TikTok user recently posted a video capturing a distressing encounter with a taxi driver. The driver was seen shouting and cursing at the passenger after a dispute over the correct distance to the destination. The passenger had marked the location at 8.9 kilometres, whereas the driver insisted it was 15 kilometres. The passenger described the incident with a caption warning others about “mentally unstable taxi drivers,” expressing shock and distress over the encounter. The passenger, who spoke to a local news outlet yesterday, September 12, recounted their ordeal. They had travelled from a provincial area to Bangkok for work, landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Since the hotel they booked did not allow check-in before 2pm, he searched for a nearby café to complete some urgent work. He found a café on Bang Na-Trat Road, 8.9 kilometres away from the airport. Around noon, after collecting their luggage, the passenger proceeded to the taxi stand on the third floor, at Gate 2. They encountered two taxis: a new white MG EV taxi and a pink taxi. The drivers of both vehicles were arguing over who arrived first. Out of politeness, the passenger chose the white taxi, as the driver claimed he had arrived first. Initially, the driver seemed polite, helping with the luggage. However, as they started the journey, the driver began complaining about the other taxi, accusing the driver of queue-jumping. The passenger, preoccupied with work-related calls, did not pay much attention. Distance dispute The situation escalated when the driver questioned the exact location of the destination. Using his phone’s voice command, he marked the distance as 15 kilometres. The passenger, seeing a different distance on their map, mentioned it was 8.9 kilometres. The driver became agitated, insisting it was 15 kilometres and questioning why the passenger would argue with someone who drives that route daily. The passenger refreshed their phone map, which then also showed 15 kilometres, so they remained silent. However, the driver continued to use abusive language, calling the passenger names and criticising his intelligence. The passenger, trying to remain calm, acknowledged the 15 kilometres and asked to focus on his work. The driver’s behaviour worsened as he began cursing the passenger’s parents. The passenger was in shock and unable to react. He inadvertently recorded the incident on his phone. Upon reaching the destination near Central Village, the driver refused to stop initially, eventually pulling over and demanding 125 baht. The passenger, lacking cash, asked to pay via a banking app, which the driver initially resisted, accusing him of trying to evade payment. After some back-and-forth, the driver provided his bank details, and the passenger transferred the fare. The driver, still hostile, delayed unlocking the car to retrieve the passenger’s luggage. The passenger, exhausted from the journey, struggled to take a photo of the taxi due to shaky hands but the vehicle had already driven away. The passenger later relayed the incident to his sister, who suggested posting the story on social media. They also searched for the taxi company to lodge a formal complaint, providing the driver’s name from the bank transfer slip. The company responded, stating the vehicle belonged to them but denying any knowledge of the driver, reported KhaoSod. This incident left the passenger feeling deeply unjust. The abusive behaviour over a minor misunderstanding seemed excessive, and the passenger sensed the driver might have mental health issues. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-13 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Grab Thailand launches new cash loans for partner merchants Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Grab Thailand announced a revamped portfolio of cash loans aimed at its partner merchants, offering three distinct loan products to cater to businesses of all sizes. The new offerings include loan amounts up to 10 million baht with interest rates capped at 1% per month for larger businesses. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338097-grab-thailand-launches-new-cash-loans-for-partner-merchants/

Grab Thailand announced a revamped portfolio of cash loans aimed at its partner merchants, offering three distinct loan products to cater to businesses of all sizes. The new offerings include loan amounts up to 10 million baht with interest rates capped at 1% per month for larger businesses. The initiative aims to boost working capital, enhance liquidity, and support entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses amidst challenging economic conditions. The loans boast user-friendly application processes, requiring no paperwork, quick approvals within one day, and convenient daily repayments. Chansuda Thananityaudom, Deputy Managing Director of Commerce and Marketing at Grab Thailand, highlighted the sluggish economic environment influenced by both domestic and international factors. She noted that Thailand’s household debt levels remain high, impacting the uptake of new loans. The second quarter also saw continued pressure from loan repayments, particularly in the public and business sectors, causing the commercial bank loan market to slow down by approximately 0.3% compared to the same period last year. Forecasts suggest that the loan market in 2024 will grow only by 1.5%, down from the previously expected 3%. Despite the overall slowdown in the loan market, Grab’s loan services have shown robust performance and continuous growth, especially in providing loans to partner merchants. In the first half of the year, the number of merchants receiving cash loans from Grab increased by more than 15% compared to the previous year. The non-performing loan (NPL) rate stood at 2.35%, which is lower than the national average, reflecting the quality of borrowers within Grab’s ecosystem. Big Data Grab has integrated AI and Big Data technologies into its risk assessment procedures, using a Behavioural Scorecard that evaluates the transaction behaviours of partner merchants via the application. This approach ensures more accurate loan approvals and reduces the risk of defaults. Most entrepreneurs seeking loans from Grab require funds for working capital and liquidity enhancement. They use these loans for various purposes, such as purchasing raw materials, managing stock, handling employee payroll, managing cash flow, refurbishing storefronts, upgrading technology, and expanding their businesses. Grab’s cash loan products for partner merchants are designed to assist small business operators and owners of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The loan limits are tailored to match the size and type of business, including: 1. Instant Cash Loan: Targeting small business operators (individual business owners) such as small shop owners, street food vendors, and small restaurants. The loan amount is up to 100,000 baht with an interest rate not exceeding 2.75% per month and a repayment period of up to nine months. 2. Instant Cash Loan Plus: Aimed at larger small business operators (individual business owners) who own bigger shops or have multiple branches. The loan amount is up to 1 million baht with an interest rate not exceeding 2.08% per month and a repayment period of up to 12 months. 3. Instant Cash Loan Extra: Designed for SME or franchise business owners operating as legal entities. The loan amount is up to 10 million baht with an interest rate not exceeding 1% per month and a repayment period of up to 12 months. In addition to loan services, Grab has partnered with Chubb Samaggi Insurance Public Company Limited to develop an insurance service for Grab’s partner merchants called Business Protection Insurance. This insurance offers coverage against unforeseen events such as fires or natural disasters like floods, with coverage amounts up to 5 million baht and premiums starting at just 14 baht per day, reported KhaoSod. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-13 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

ETDA plugs in: Powering up Thailand’s digital economy for 2024 Picture courtesy of 123RF Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) unveiled plans to further its role as a co-creation regulator and promoter next year, aiming to boost the digital economy’s value and generate positive social impact. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338096-etda-plugs-in-powering-up-thailand’s-digital-economy-for-2024/

Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) unveiled plans to further its role as a co-creation regulator and promoter next year, aiming to boost the digital economy’s value and generate positive social impact. The ETDA intends to enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure, focusing on promoting e-document management, improving governance of digital platform services, and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for good governance and effective data sharing. Additionally, the agency seeks to develop and refine related laws and standards. Discussions are underway with the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC) about the potential establishment of a national AI centre in Thailand. The ETDA will continue to drive the adoption of digital ID for the planned digital document wallet and will support the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises through funding. The agency aims to develop 90,000 highly skilled digital workers by 2027. These initiatives are designed to increase the contribution of Thailand’s digital economy to 30% of the total GDP and elevate the country to the top 30 in the digital competitiveness ranking by 2027, said ETDA executive director Chaichana Mitrpant. “Thailand is transitioning from a traditional economy to a digital economy. ETDA needs to continue its role as both a co-creation regulator and promoter of the digital economy to build trust in online transactions, improve the country’s competitiveness, and provide a better digital life for people.” Digital economy Currently, the ETDA manages crucial digital infrastructure such as digital ID, timestamp, digital signature, and certificate authority (CA) systems. There are 18 million digital ID users, with 449 government e-services already connected to digital ID systems out of 1,626 state e-services. A total of 12 companies hold 16 licences for providing digital ID services. ETDA aims to equip 80% of government services with digital ID by 2025. The agency is also contemplating the development of a digital document wallet, which would serve as a digital repository for storing and managing verifiable credentials. These credentials could include information verifying an individual’s identity or qualifications, such as a driver’s licence, educational certificates, health information, or other relevant data. Moreover, ETDA plans to enhance its oversight of digital platform services. As of September 2024, 1,813 digital service platforms have registered their information in compliance with the digital platform service decree that took effect last year. Chaichana noted that the agency would enforce the decree more stringently. “We will analyse the impacts on platforms like ride-hailing and food delivery and also e-commerce platforms to ensure appropriate consumer protection.” ETDA will also promote AI governance and data sharing to ensure the ethical use of AI and secure data sharing in an AI-based context, Chaichana said. “Some countries like Singapore have a national AI agency. We need to discuss this with Nectec on the position of Thailand in this regard.” The agency believes that updating relevant laws and standards to encourage the use of technology and innovation through an innovation sandbox is crucial for progress, reported Bangkok Post. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of 123RF Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-13 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Steps Up Security at National Sports Centre with CCTV Plan File photo for reference only In a move to bolster security, Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawad announced the installation of CCTV cameras at Pattaya’s National Sports Centre on Soi Chaiyaphruek 2. Unveiled during a recent city council meeting on September 11, the initiative aims to enhance public safety by closely monitoring the area. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338019-pattaya-steps-up-security-at-national-sports-centre-with-cctv-plan/

In a move to bolster security, Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawad announced the installation of CCTV cameras at Pattaya’s National Sports Centre on Soi Chaiyaphruek 2. Unveiled during a recent city council meeting on September 11, the initiative aims to enhance public safety by closely monitoring the area. Deputy Mayor Kritsana proposed allocating funds from the 2025 fiscal budget for the CCTV project, which received fast approval from the council. The initiative is grounded in the Pattaya City Administration Act 1999, ensuring legal backing for deploying surveillance measures to safeguard residents and visitors alike. This CCTV rollout is only a part of Pattaya City's larger effort to modernise infrastructure ahead of the December 2025 opening of a 20,000-capacity stadium. The new stadium, expected to host global concerts and sports events, is seen as a significant boost to local tourism and the economy. Mayor Poramet highlighted the progress, noting that construction is ahead of schedule and emphasising the need for continued government support for future expansions. However, not all projects are progressing smoothly. The renovation of the Pattaya Youth Centre on Soi Thepprasit 9, intended to become a multifunctional hub for music, sports, art, and performance, faces notable delays, causing concern among city officials, including Deputy Mayor Kritsana and Chairman Visan Petchtrakul. As Pattaya fortifies its venues with enhanced security and upgraded facilities, the city’s emphasis remains on ensuring a safe and vibrant environment for its residents and visitors. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-12 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Palang Pracharath Party Denies AI-Generated Audio Clip Alleging Prawit's Ambition File photo for reference only In a swift rebuttal, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) unequivocally denied the authenticity of an explosive audio clip aired on the popular programme Inside Thailand. The controversial recording supposedly features the party’s leader, General Prawit Wongsuwan, expressing his desire to lead the country. Party officials insist the clip is an AI-generated fake. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338018-palang-pracharath-party-denies-ai-generated-audio-clip-alleging-prawits-ambition/

In a swift rebuttal, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) unequivocally denied the authenticity of an explosive audio clip aired on the popular programme Inside Thailand. The controversial recording supposedly features the party’s leader, General Prawit Wongsuwan, expressing his desire to lead the country. Party officials insist the clip is an AI-generated fake. The first of four clips shared on the programme contained a voice claiming to have served as deputy and worked closely with the prime minister, stating, "I’ve been a deputy and worked for the prime minister for a long time… now I want the people to give me a chance to be number 1." Another voice in the recording urged, "You should try to communicate with the people." PPRP spokesman, Police Lieutenant General Piya Tawichai, quickly addressed the scandal. After consulting General Prawit and deputy party leader Chaiwut Thaanakamanusorn, Piya confirmed that both men denied the voices were theirs. "We believe the clips were created using AI," he asserted, criticising the programme for not verifying the recordings' authenticity. Other clips featured conversations about party leadership conflicts, monetary distributions, and ministry appointments, allegedly within the Interior Ministry. The situation took a turn when Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Suttiphong Julcharoen admitted his voice appeared in one clip, where he discussed dissolving a party while Prawit was responsible for security and the ministry. This incident follows another controversy involving General Prawit, where he reportedly slapped a reporter in a heated exchange. The News Broadcasting Council of Thailand (NBCT) and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association have requested House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha to investigate Prawit’s actions. NBCT president Supan Rakchuea noted that video evidence shows Prawit visibly frustrated before resorting to physical aggression. As the drama unfolds, all eyes remain on how the PPRP will navigate these turbulent waters, particularly with the looming question of leadership ambition and the use of AI technology in political controversies. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-12 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Recognized for Leading Anti-Corruption Efforts in Thailand File photo for reference only In a triumph for transparency, Phuket's anti-corruption champions have gained national recognition. The Phuket Provincial Governance Committee and the Phuket Chamber of Commerce recently received the esteemed White Space Network Model Award for their outstanding work in fighting corruption throughout the fiscal year 2024. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338017-phuket-recognized-for-leading-anti-corruption-efforts-in-thailand/

In a triumph for transparency, Phuket's anti-corruption champions have gained national recognition. The Phuket Provincial Governance Committee and the Phuket Chamber of Commerce recently received the esteemed White Space Network Model Award for their outstanding work in fighting corruption throughout the fiscal year 2024. The accolades were presented yesterday at the Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel in Nonthaburi. Key figures like Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol, Inspector-General of the Prime Minister’s Office; Phiraphi Ongcharoen, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Governance Committee; and Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, President of the Chamber of Commerce, were spotlighted as the driving forces behind this achievement. Ananya Rakmanee, from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), underscored the critical role of community engagement. "This starts with building trust and confidence, empowering people, and creating strong networks," she stated. Phuket's commendable efforts fall under the PACC’s Network Project to Surveillance Corruption, known as PACC Connect. Impressively, Phuket scored over 80 points in evaluations, positioning itself among the 56 "excellent" networks across Thailand. Nationwide, 91 networks were honoured for their anti-corruption initiatives. Among them, 59 received honorary plaques, inclusive of standout networks from the upper southern region—Surat Thani, Krabi, and Ranong. Rakmanee highlighted the PACC's unwavering commitment to corruption prevention, emphasizing public participation and improved access to justice. Through initiatives like public forums and the Open House programme, the PACC engages civil society to address corruption and local issues effectively. "The PACC also plays a key role in monitoring, staying alert, and gathering information about corruption or cases of unfairness involving government officials," Rakmanee added. This recognition not only honours Phuket's efforts but also sets a benchmark for other regions aiming to enhance transparency and governance across Thailand. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-12 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Named World’s Most Overcrowded Destination Amid Tourism Boom File photo for reference only Phuket, Thailand’s picturesque island getaway, has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s most overcrowded destination. Once renowned for its serene beaches and tranquil atmosphere, Phuket now sees tourists outnumbering locals by an astonishing 118 to one. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338016-phuket-named-world’s-most-overcrowded-destination-amid-tourism-boom/

Phuket, Thailand’s picturesque island getaway, has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s most overcrowded destination. Once renowned for its serene beaches and tranquil atmosphere, Phuket now sees tourists outnumbering locals by an astonishing 118 to one. The issue of overtourism has been thrust into the spotlight since the global travel industry roared back to life post-Covid. Holidaymakers, eager to make up for lost time, have inundated many popular spots, putting immense pressure on local infrastructure and environments. Recently, Venice took the drastic step of introducing a tourist tax to curb the influx of visitors, joining Thailand, which imposed a similar levy earlier this year. Other Thai holiday destinations such as Pattaya and Krabi also feature high on the list of crowded hotspots, ranking second and third, respectively. Meanwhile, Macau in China and Miami in the United States round out the top ten. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, boasts 90 miles of stunning coastline and world-famous beaches like Kata and Karon. Nevertheless, not all parts of the island are idyllic. Patong, the most popular resort area, is heavily crowded with tourists, beach gear, and vibrant nightlife, leading to a less than peaceful experience for many visitors. One disillusioned tourist expressed their frustration: “Nothing could have prepared me for the hordes of people. The island, the beaches, even the tours to nearby islands felt overwhelmingly crowded.” Despite the throngs of visitors, there are still quieter corners of Phuket to be discovered. The northern and eastern regions of the island offer a more genuine Thai experience with fewer tourists and more affordable prices. However, the island’s infrastructure is struggling to cope. The influx of tourists, particularly arriving on non-stop, large aircraft, has pushed Phuket to its limits. In response, Thailand has implemented a 300-baht tourist tax on all airline tickets to the country. This measure aims to regulate the soaring visitor numbers, which plummeted from 40 million in 2019 to just 200,000 during the pandemic, before surging back dramatically. The world’s most overcrowded destinations: (Source: MIrror, UK) Phuket, Thailand Pattaya, Thailand Krabi, Thailand Mugla, Turkey Hurghada, Turkey Macau, China Heraklion, Greece Venice, Italy Rhodes, Greece Miami, USA TOP PictureL: file photo for reference only -- 2024-09-12 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe As destinations worldwide grapple with the challenges of overtourism, finding a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the local character and natural beauty of places like Phuket remains an ongoing challenge.

Thailand's New PM Outlines Bold 10-Point Plan to Revamp Economy File photo for reference only Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, presented a comprehensive policy statement on Thursday, emphasizing ten urgent initiatives aimed at invigorating the economy and enhancing the quality of life for Thai citizens. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338013-thailands-new-pm-outlines-bold-10-point-plan-to-revamp-economy/

Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, presented a comprehensive policy statement on Thursday, emphasizing ten urgent initiatives aimed at invigorating the economy and enhancing the quality of life for Thai citizens. In her 58-minute address to Parliament, Shinawatra detailed plans to introduce digital wallets, modernize agriculture, implement flat-rate electric train fares, and combat online crime and drug trafficking. Additionally, she pledged to draft a new constitution and overhaul the tax system. Shinawatra's speech underscored a commitment to equal opportunities, stating, “everyone has enough to eat, enough to use, with dignity and honour.” The freshly elected government inherits significant challenges, including a lethargic economy, high debt levels, income inequality, and deep social and political divides. She expressed a determination to transform these obstacles into opportunities, promising collaboration with all societal sectors to achieve their ambitious goals. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-12 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Visit Flood-Affected Chiang Rai File photo for reference only In response to severe flooding in Chiang Rai province, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced an urgent visit scheduled for tomorrow, September 13. The Prime Minister ordered immediate relief efforts while addressing a cabinet meeting on Thursday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338012-thai-pm-paetongtarn-shinawatra-to-visit-flood-affected-chiang-rai/

In response to severe flooding in Chiang Rai province, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced an urgent visit scheduled for tomorrow, September 13. The Prime Minister ordered immediate relief efforts while addressing a cabinet meeting on Thursday. Shinawatra has directed multiple government ministries to expedite the evacuation of residents and their pets, ensuring access to essential supplies such as food and water. The health ministry has been tasked with delivering medical supplies, especially for ailments like foot rot, and moving vulnerable groups to safer locations promptly. Highlighting the urgency, the Prime Minister stated that emergency funds have been allocated to support flood victims. She urged all agencies to focus unstintingly on saving lives and protecting property. “I request no formal welcome for my visit. Direct me to the affected areas so we can provide immediate aid,” she emphasised. Further, Paetongtarn called for a critical review of the early warning system, noting issues with its efficacy and residents’ reluctance to evacuate. She instructed the ministries of interior and defence to reassess and enhance the warning protocols to ensure better communication of risks. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, along with the Ministry of the Interior, has been mandated to bolster flood prevention measures and enhance drainage infrastructure. Paetongtarn underscored the necessity of long-term solutions to mitigate recurrent flooding in the region. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-12 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

White Temple Offers Flood Victims Free Vehicle Parking in Chiang Rai File photo for reference only Chalermchai Kositpipat, founder of the renowned White Temple in Chiang Rai, has stepped forward to aid flood victims by offering free parking at the temple's extensive car park. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338011-white-temple-offers-flood-victims-free-vehicle-parking-in-chiang-rai/

Chalermchai Kositpipat, founder of the renowned White Temple in Chiang Rai, has stepped forward to aid flood victims by offering free parking at the temple's extensive car park. As northern Thailand grapples with severe flooding, Chalermchai announced via a live social media broadcast that the White Temple's parking lot would be available for affected residents to safely store their vehicles. The parking facility, capable of accommodating hundreds of vehicles, will also have security guards on duty to ensure the cars are well-protected. "My parking lots are huge. The temple is a bit far from downtown, but it is safe to park cars here. I will take the best care of the vehicles," expressed Chalermchai, extending his heartfelt support. Chalermchai, a celebrated national artist who designed and established the White Temple, exhorted the people of Chiang Rai to stay strong, stating, "Fight on together, because the situation is quite serious." Since 1997, the White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, has been a major tourist attraction known for its striking white architecture and cultural significance. This initiative underscores Chalermchai’s enduring commitment to his community, blending his artistic legacy with genuine humanitarian assistance. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-12 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Teen Altercation Turns Deadly: Cambodian Man Fatally Stabbed File photo for reference only A violent clash between teenage groups in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district resulted in a tragic fatality last night. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338005-bangkok-teen-altercation-turns-deadly-cambodian-man-fatally-stabbed/

A violent clash between teenage groups in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district resulted in a tragic fatality last night. At approximately 9.30pm on September 11, police were notified of a stabbing near Phahonyothin 48 Alley. The incident occurred in front of the U4 building of Baan Suan Condominium. The victim, Bao, a 24-year-old from Cambodia, was discovered lying in a pool of blood with two stab wounds to his back. Despite the swift response from emergency medical personnel, Bao succumbed to his injuries shortly after being found. An eyewitness recounts the chaotic scene: “I saw about 10 teenagers from two different groups shouting insults near the U3-U4 buildings. After a few minutes, a fight broke out and they scattered, leaving Bao bleeding on the ground.” Bang Khen Police Station’s Police Lieutenant Colonel Phiphatphong Phuempun, alongside Police Colonel Anan Worasat, led the investigation and were on-site with medical examiners from Bhumibol Hospital and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Initial investigations suggest that the assailants are local teens from the same condominium complex. Authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend those responsible, urging witnesses to come forward with any additional information. The community is advised to stay cautious and report any suspicious activities to the local police. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-12 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Hotels Struggle as Mid-Priced Rooms Fail to Attract Tourists File photo for reference only Thailand's hotel industry grappled with occupancy challenges in August, particularly within the budget and mid-priced segments. Despite a nationwide average occupancy rate improvement to 61.8% from 58.4% year-on-year, levels still lagged behind the pre-pandemic figure of 64.7%. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338003-thai-hotels-struggle-as-mid-priced-rooms-fail-to-attract-tourists/

Thailand's hotel industry grappled with occupancy challenges in August, particularly within the budget and mid-priced segments. Despite a nationwide average occupancy rate improvement to 61.8% from 58.4% year-on-year, levels still lagged behind the pre-pandemic figure of 64.7%. Three-star and lower-rated hotels faced the toughest test, with occupancy rates dropping to 49.3%. In stark contrast, rates for four-star or higher-rated hotels surged to 68.8%. This disparity highlighted the ongoing struggle for budget hotels to draw in tourists. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), disclosed these data through the August hotel operator sentiment index. Amongst the surveyed hoteliers, 40% had not fully restored their revenue streams, and 20% foresaw normalcy only by mid-next year. A small 7% doubted a full return to pre-pandemic levels. Interestingly, 31% of respondents had indeed surpassed pre-pandemic revenue markers, mostly by hiking their room prices following renovations and service upgrades. Foreign tourists from regions such as China, the Middle East, Europe, and other Asian countries formed the bulk of their customer base, filling over 50% of hotel rooms. For budget hotels, competitively low rates, intense market competition, and a noticeable reduction in bookings were pointed out as significant hurdles. These establishments kept their rates below 1,500 baht (£34) per night compared to the more expensive four-star hotels (1,500-2,499 baht) and five-star hotels at prices exceeding 5,000 baht. On top of this, the hospitality sector in Thailand continued to wrestle with a pernicious labour shortage since July, with 40% of hotels failing to fill vacant positions. This issue was most pronounced in Central Thailand, exacerbating the woes of the struggling mid-range and budget hotels. As the Thai tourism landscape adjusts and rebuilds post-pandemic, the road to recovery for mid-priced and budget hotels remains fraught with price sensitivity and competitive pressures. The industry's fight to reclaim its pre-pandemic vibrancy continues. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-12 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

New Thai Commerce Minister Targets High Living Costs, Chinese Imports File photo for reference only Newly appointed Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has committed to taking swift action to combat the high cost of living and to expedite Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Following his first day in office, Pichai highlighted the urgency of addressing the economic challenges facing Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338002-new-thai-commerce-minister-targets-high-living-costs-chinese-imports/