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Thai hotels, tour agents focus on Chinese market following 3 year absence PHOTO: Chinese visitors arrive in Thailand The Association of Thai Travel Agents says that despite the global economic slowdown, Chinese tourists’ spending has not been affected, due to pent-up demand following a 3 year hiatus. But the ATTA president Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn says most Chinese visiting Thailand at the moment are certainly independent travellers and the formerly prominent ‘tour groups’ only made up around 10% of the market for the first quarter of 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287418-thai-hotels-tour-agents-focus-on-chinese-market-following-3-year-absence/

PHOTO: Chinese visitors arrive in Thailand The Association of Thai Travel Agents says that despite the global economic slowdown, Chinese tourists’ spending has not been affected, due to pent-up demand following a 3 year hiatus. But the ATTA president Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn says most Chinese visiting Thailand at the moment are certainly independent travellers and the formerly prominent ‘tour groups’ only made up around 10% of the market for the first quarter of 2023. He points out that Thailand needs all segments of the Chinese market to help the bruised tourism industry recover quickly and is hopeful the number of tour groups will pick up in the third quarter of the year as more flights become available. Sisdivachr adds that scandals that have made international headlines recently, such as VIP police escorts and the assault on a Chinese tourist in Phuket, have prompted concern among Chinese agents. He is calling on the government to implement urgent measures to address these issues. Sisdivachr was speaking as ATTA and the Tourism Authority of Thailand launched the first China roadshow in 3 years. According to a Bangkok Post report, around 61 representatives of Thai hotels, airlines, tour agents, and other tourism operators, will travel to the cities of Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou as part of the roadshow. The labour shortage is proving a challenge on both sides, with Chinese agents suspending operations until they can hire more staff. Similarly, in Thailand, tour operators are struggling to find Chinese-speaking guides. In addition, the hotel industry continues to face a significant labour shortage, according to Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi from the Thai Hotels Association. She points out that Thailand being a preferred destination for the Chinese presents the kingdom with a significant advantage. In addition, the Chinese like to seek out new experiences and Marisa suggests introducing secondary cities to the Chinese market, which would also help alleviate congestion in the traditionally more popular locations. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/thai-hotels-tour-agents-focus-on-chinese-market-following-3-year-absence/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-23 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thai Executives Visit Japanese Airports for Insights BANGKOK (NNT) - The executives of U-Tapao International Airport have visited two airports in Japan to explore the practices and development for developing guidelines for the Thai airport. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287417-thai-executives-visit-japanese-airports-for-insights/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The executives of U-Tapao International Airport have visited two airports in Japan to explore the practices and development for developing guidelines for the Thai airport. Keeree Kanjanapas, Executive Chairman of U-Tapao International Aviation Company Limited (UTA), and senior executives visited Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport in Japan. The delegates first visited Narita International Airport between February 15 and 16, and were welcomed by Akihiko Tamura, President & CEO of Narita International Airport Corporation, and the airport’s Executive Director Hideharu Miyamoto. The Thai executives were given a tour of the airport facilities and information on facility systems such as maintenance and their latest facial recognition technology. They also went to the airport’s NEC Future Creation Hub, which is a hub that fosters innovation in the business sector and travel within the airport. On February 17, the Thai delegates went to Haneda International Airport to visit Innovation City, a city built on the concept of merging trade and business. The group also visited the Airport Garden, a vibrant passenger rest zone with spas, hotels, shops, and transportation systems connecting directly to the airport. Narita International Airport is the number one airport in Japan and the third busiest in the world. It is also the main airport that serves as a hub for flights between Asia and the Americas. The airport was ranked 4th in the World’s Top 10 Airports of 2022 by airport users and was rated 4 stars for its facilities, cleanliness, safety, immigration, and services by leading aviation organizations. These airport visits offered Thai airport executives information to establish guidelines and best practices for U-Tapao International Airport and serve as examples for improvements. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230223141833884 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-23 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

TAT Launches Roadshow in China to Boost Tourism BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has initiated the ’Amazing Thailand Amazing New Chapters Roadshow to China 2023’ to foster business relationships between Thailand’s 61 tourism suppliers and Chinese tourism professionals. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287416-tat-launches-roadshow-in-china-to-boost-tourism/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has initiated the ’Amazing Thailand Amazing New Chapters Roadshow to China 2023’ to foster business relationships between Thailand’s 61 tourism suppliers and Chinese tourism professionals. The roadshow, which seeks to raise awareness among Chinese travellers regarding Thailand’s vast array of quality tourism experiences, began in Shanghai on February 21 and would later move to Chengdu and Guangzhou. The event is expected to result in tourism business deals and will provide relevant media in the cities with updates on Thailand’s tourism situation and information. TAT has also introduced the “Tiew Muang Thai Ying Pai Ying Sanook” tourism campaign to promote quality tourism products and services that focus on exclusivity and excellence, catering to different Chinese travel segments such as hyper millennials, families, workation, and silver luxury. From January 1 to February 15, 2023, over 160,000 Chinese tourists visited Thailand. The tourism body now expects the roadshow to help Thailand achieve its goal of welcoming 5 million Chinese tourists in 2023. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230223125738838 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-23 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thailand To Host World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention BANGKOK (NNT) - The World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention will be taking place in Thailand this year. Related private firms and Thai authorities expect this meeting to yield no less than 10 billion baht worth of additional investments in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287414-thailand-to-host-world-chinese-entrepreneurs-convention/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention will be taking place in Thailand this year. Related private firms and Thai authorities expect this meeting to yield no less than 10 billion baht worth of additional investments in Thailand. Thailand will be hosting the 16th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) on 24-26 June at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. The organizers are the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and related agencies. The upcoming convention will be the first-ever WCEC held in 4 years, following the outbreak of the coronavirus. Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit said this convention will help improve the cooperation on trade and investment, with deals resulting in a total of at least 10 billion baht worth of additional investments expected from this convention. The Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce has already invited major trade organizations around the world, major Chinese businesses, and Thai firms to participate in this convention. Around 4,000 people are expected to arrive in Thailand for this convention, resulting in an event-related cash flow of no less than 500 million baht. China is Thailand’s number one trade partner, with the trade value between both countries in 2022 recorded at 2.69 trillion baht, a 1.53% year-on-year growth. This trade value amounts to 17.9% of all trade between Thailand and other countries. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230223100108773 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-23 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Ex-NACC deputy chief gets suspended jail term, fined for concealing wealth Former deputy secretary-general of Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Prayad Puangchampa was sentenced today (Thursday) to four months in jail, suspended for 12 months, and fined 10,000 baht after being found guilty of making a false declaration of his assets and liabilities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287413-ex-nacc-deputy-chief-gets-suspended-jail-term-fined-for-concealing-wealth/

Former deputy secretary-general of Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Prayad Puangchampa was sentenced today (Thursday) to four months in jail, suspended for 12 months, and fined 10,000 baht after being found guilty of making a false declaration of his assets and liabilities. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders also banned him from holding office as a state official for five years. Prayad was dismissed from his post last August. According to the NACC investigation, he was foundto have amassed 658 million baht in wealth, of which 227 million baht was held in his wife’s name, which he did not declare. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ex-nacc-deputy-chief-gets-suspended-jail-term-fined-for-concealing-wealth/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-23 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

1.5 million Thai youths are suffering from depression, numbers rising About 1.5 million Thai youths, aged over 15, suffered from depression in 2021 and the number of depression and psychological disorder cases in Thailand is increasing by 1-2% each year, according to Dr. Apichat Jariyavilas, spokesman for the Department of Mental Health. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287411-15-million-thai-youths-are-suffering-from-depression-numbers-rising/

About 1.5 million Thai youths, aged over 15, suffered from depression in 2021 and the number of depression and psychological disorder cases in Thailand is increasing by 1-2% each year, according to Dr. Apichat Jariyavilas, spokesman for the Department of Mental Health. While depression in the United States and Europe affects about 10% of the population, he said that the rate in Thailand ranges from 1-2%, adding, however, that the rate is increasing, as witnessed by the rising number of patients seeking medical counselling or treatment. Dr. Apichat noted that depression or psychological disorders may be rising because, previously, those who suffered from these disorders did not know and did not seek medical counselling or treatment. Today, however, more people go to see doctors when they feel that they might have a psychological problem. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/1-5-million-thai-youths-are-suffering-from-depression-numbers-rising/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-23 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Eating too much sodium blamed for high rate of kidney disease in Thailand About 17.6% of the Thai population, or eight million people, are suffering from chronic kidney disease, of which 200,000 are in the final stages. These figures are increasing by an average of 7,800 a year, according to Professor Dr. Atiporn Ingsathit, deputy director of Ramathibodi Hospital, quoting a 2020 report by the Ministry of Public Health. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287410-eating-too-much-sodium-blamed-for-high-rate-of-kidney-disease-in-thailand/

About 17.6% of the Thai population, or eight million people, are suffering from chronic kidney disease, of which 200,000 are in the final stages. These figures are increasing by an average of 7,800 a year, according to Professor Dr. Atiporn Ingsathit, deputy director of Ramathibodi Hospital, quoting a 2020 report by the Ministry of Public Health. According to the US Renal Data System (USRDS), Thailand ranks 5th in the world for kidney disease. One of the causes of the high incidence of the disease is excessive consumption of sodium, averaging 3,635mg/day, or about two teaspoons full, which is twice the amount recommended. Sodium is present in seasonings, such as soy saucy, fish sauce, shrimp paste, soup and seasoning powder. Dr. Atiporn recommended that the best way to prevent kidney disease is to change eating habits, by consuming less than 2,000mg of sodium per day. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/eating-too-much-sodium-blamed-for-high-rate-of-kidney-disease-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-23 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

BRN agrees to have other rebel groups join peace talks Malaysian facilitator Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, flanked by Thai chief negotiator Gen Wallop Raksanoh (left) and BRN representative Anas, during the press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. More separatist groups will be invited to join the BRN in peace talks with the Thai government, the Malaysian facilitator of the peace process said on Wednesday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287409-brn-agrees-to-have-other-rebel-groups-join-peace-talks/

Malaysian facilitator Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, flanked by Thai chief negotiator Gen Wallop Raksanoh (left) and BRN representative Anas, during the press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. More separatist groups will be invited to join the BRN in peace talks with the Thai government, the Malaysian facilitator of the peace process said on Wednesday. BenarNews quoted former Malaysian military chief Zulkifli Zainal Abidin as saying that representatives of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) have given their consent to other rebel groups taking part in future peace dialogue. Zulkifli said that he hopes the other groups, from the Malay-majority in Thailand’s Deep South, will be present at the next round of negotiations in March, which would mark the first time they have participated in peace talks since 2018. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/brn-agrees-to-have-other-rebel-groups-join-peace-talks/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-23 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

More Than 500 Motorbike Accidents in Two Months in Phuket Involving Foreign Tourists, Says Officials More than 500 motorbike accidents in Phuket have involved foreign tourists in just two months, said relevant officials. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287341-more-than-500-motorbike-accidents-in-two-months-in-phuket-involving-foreign-tourists-says-officials/

More than 500 motorbike accidents in Phuket have involved foreign tourists in just two months, said relevant officials. A meeting was held this morning (February 22nd) and was led by Phuket Vice Governor Arnuparb Rodkhwan Yodrabam. Vice Governor Arnuparb told the Phuket Express. “Many accidents recently have involved foreign motorbike riders.” Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/02/22/more-than-500-motorbike-accidents-in-two-months-in-phuket-involving-foreign-tourists-say-officials/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-02-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Spat between Move Forward Leader and former Future Forward grandee Move Forward Party Leader Pita Limjaroenrat and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, former secretary-general of the now defunct Future Forward Party, are engaged in a spat over the former’s prediction of a landslide general election victory for his party. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287340-spat-between-move-forward-leader-and-former-future-forward-grandee/

Move Forward Party Leader Pita Limjaroenrat and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, former secretary-general of the now defunct Future Forward Party, are engaged in a spat over the former’s prediction of a landslide general election victory for his party. In his Facebook post, Piyabutr, currently a key member of the Progressive Movement, said that the landslide victory may not be achieved for a number of reasons, such as the number of constituency MPs, which must be increased, and the leadership abilities of the party’s leader, which do not convince the people to believe that the Move Forward Party can be the core party in forming the next government. Responding to Piyabutr’s criticism, Pita wrote in his Facebook post that he has sacrificed to assume the leadership of the Move Forward Party, after the dissolution of the Future Forward Party. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/spat-between-move-forward-leader-and-former-future-forward-grandee/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Southern peace dialogue offers “a light at the end of the tunnel” The two-day peace dialogue, aimed at ending the conflict in southern Thailand, wrapped up this afternoon (Wednesday) on an upbeat note, with the Thai chief negotiator describing it as a step closer to seeing “a light at the end of the tunnel.” Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287328-southern-peace-dialogue-offers-“a-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel”/

The two-day peace dialogue, aimed at ending the conflict in southern Thailand, wrapped up this afternoon (Wednesday) on an upbeat note, with the Thai chief negotiator describing it as a step closer to seeing “a light at the end of the tunnel.” Gen Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, the Malaysian facilitator for the peace talks, said the meeting gave rise to hope for peace in the strife-torn border region. Speaking at a news conference at the end of the talks, held at a hotel in the Malaysian capital, he said representatives of the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) will continue to talk at technical levels, to develop an action plan in accordance with the so-called Joint Comprehensive Peace Plan, upon which the two sides have agreed. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/southern-peace-dialogue-offers-a-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Multiple Drug Suspects Nabbed Across Thailand With 12 Million Meth Pills In a major, nationwide anti-drug operation carried out by Thai police, multiple drug suspects were arrested with what could be one of the largest hauls of illegal drugs, consisting of 200kg of crystal meth, 300kg of ketamine, and 12 million meth pills. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287327-multiple-drug-suspects-nabbed-across-thailand-with-12-million-meth-pills/

In a major, nationwide anti-drug operation carried out by Thai police, multiple drug suspects were arrested with what could be one of the largest hauls of illegal drugs, consisting of 200kg of crystal meth, 300kg of ketamine, and 12 million meth pills. Anti-drug police led by Pol. Gen. Chinnaphat Sarasin, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, held a press conference on Tuesday, February 21st, to announce the crackdown on six drug cases with 24 arrests. The first case occurred in the Tha Sae district of Chumphon province. Checkpoint police searched a pickup and found three million meth pills concealed in seven white sacks. Three suspects were apprehended including 22-year-old Mr. Piyawat Songphang, 26-year-old Ms. Nora Samo, and 19-year-old Mr. Nuttawut Niamhom. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/02/22/multiple-drug-suspects-nabbed-across-thailand-with-12-million-meth-pills-200kg-of-crystal-meth-and-300kg-of-ketamine/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-02-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Female Motorist Rear-Ends Truck on Chonburi Bypass and Dies A 36-year-old woman fatally rammed into the back of a stationary truck on a Chonburi bypass yesterday, February 21st. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287325-female-motorist-rear-ends-truck-on-chonburi-bypass-and-dies/