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Thai Government Defends Deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China This photo provided by Thailand's daily web newspaper Prachatai shows a truck with black tape covering the windows leave a detention center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.(Nuttaphol Meksobhon/Prachatai via AP) In a contentious move, the Thai government has defended its decision to deport 40 Uyghurs to China, arguing that it was the most viable option given the lack of offers from other countries willing to take them in. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353828-thai-government-defends-deportation-of-40-uyghurs-to-china/

This photo provided by Thailand's daily web newspaper Prachatai shows a truck with black tape covering the windows leave a detention center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.(Nuttaphol Meksobhon/Prachatai via AP) In a contentious move, the Thai government has defended its decision to deport 40 Uyghurs to China, arguing that it was the most viable option given the lack of offers from other countries willing to take them in. Russ Jalichandra, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, addressed the issue following a meeting with the House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform, emphasising the careful considerations that led to the decision. The deportation, carried out a week ago, was initiated following a formal request from Chinese authorities, which included written assurances concerning the safety of the deportees. "If a third country were inclined to receive them," stated Jalichandra, "they needed to negotiate directly with China, enabling Thailand to facilitate the process appropriately." Despite concerns voiced by human rights groups regarding the safety of the deportees upon their return to China, Jalichandra seeks to allay fears, describing such concerns as speculative. He asserted that the Chinese government has consented to monitoring the Palestinians once they are returned, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to involve representatives from the Chularatchamontri Office in overseeing their welfare. Reflecting on the current situation compared to a similar deportation event 11 years ago, Jalichandra noted changes in the Xinjiang region, the Uyghurs' origin. The region is frequently criticised internationally for the treatment of ethnic minorities. However, Jalichandra expressed confidence, owing to the written documentation from Chinese officials affirming their commitment to the deportees' safety. The deportation has understandably attracted international criticism, leading several foreign embassies to issue travel advisories regarding Thailand. The cautious stance reflects broader concerns about human rights and the impact of government policies that intersect with international diplomatic tensions. Critics argue that the decision to deport the Uyghurs contravenes international norms concerning refugee protection, stressing the lack of transparency and the potential for abuse against Uyghurs upon their return to China. Nonetheless, the Thai government underlines its commitment to diplomatically navigate these challenging waters while maintaining national security and fostering international relations. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community's reaction and subsequent developments could significantly influence Thailand's diplomatic landscape and the broader geopolitical discourse surrounding human rights and international refugee protection protocols, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-07

Bangkok Condo Owners and Agents Arrested for Illegal Rentals Picture courtesy of Skyscraper Center In a bold crackdown in Bangkok, authorities have apprehended several condominium owners and real estate agents accused of illegally renting out properties under the guise of short-term accommodations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353826-bangkok-condo-owners-and-agents-arrested-for-illegal-rentals/

Picture courtesy of Skyscraper Center In a bold crackdown in Bangkok, authorities have apprehended several condominium owners and real estate agents accused of illegally renting out properties under the guise of short-term accommodations. The rush of recent arrests comes as part of a concerted effort to reinforce the nation's Hotel Act, aiming to curb unauthorised real estate activities that have flourished in recent times. The Department of Provincial Administration, spearheading the operation, has cited numerous infractions where property owners have bypassed standard hotel regulations, offering their apartments for short stays without the required license. According to Mr. Chaiwat, the department's director-general, these unauthorised rentals are in breach of the Hotel Act, which explicitly mandates that any property offering lodging to transient guests must possess a hotel licence. Caught in the legal net are both owners and intermediaries who have been casually letting out accommodations on platforms like Airbnb, contravening local regulations. Mr. Chaiwat further clarified that culprits might face severe repercussions, including up to a year behind bars or fines reaching 20,000 Thai Baht (approximately $570 USD), in addition to a daily penalty of 10,000 Thai Baht (around $285 USD) for continued violations. The crackdown sheds light on an issue that's been brewing beneath the surface in Thailand's popular tourist hotspots, where affordable rentals are in demand, but legislative oversight is lacking. This grey area has often led to friction between local authorities wanting to maintain order and those keen on boosting tourism revenue. However, amidst the controversy, there seems to be policy movement towards remedial action. The Pheu Thai Party, with Chanin Rungtanakiat as a deputy spokesman, has indicated that they are formulating proposals to amend the existing Hotel Act. Their vision is to legalise and regulate small-scale non-hotel accommodations, much like similar European models, which could provide a sustainable framework for such enterprises to flourish legitimately. Critics argue that these reforms could potentially open up more controlled avenues for property owners while boosting local economies. Supporters believe it could also enhance the quality of tourist accommodations by ensuring safety and standards are met consistently. This current situation highlights the tightrope that administrations worldwide must walk—balancing economic growth, resident concerns, and legal integrity. Ideally, Thailand’s move to amend the legislation would provide more clarity and streamline processes to accommodate both business interests and regulatory requirements. Nonetheless, until such changes are enshrined in law, authorities are likely to continue their vigilance, ensuring compliance and safeguarding the interests of legitimate hospitality providers. As the story evolves, stakeholders from all sides are undoubtedly watching closely, waiting to see how this legal and financial ripple affects the broader Thai real estate and tourism landscape, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-07

Casino file photo courtesy: Wikipedia In a move likely to spark debate, the Thai Ministry of Finance has indicated that the draft Entertainment Complex Bill will propose that only individuals with a bank balance of at least 50 million baht may enter Thai casinos. Despite differing opinions within the government, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat emphasised that parliament will have the final say on this controversial clause. The proposed requirement follows recommendations from the Council of State, the government's legal advisory body. This stipulation is part of an effort to regulate the casino industry while considering potential societal impacts. Mr Julapun, however, argues against this hefty financial threshold, stating it overlooks the significant number of Thais who gamble abroad. He proposed an alternative that involves proof of tax payment for three consecutive years and a 5,000 baht entry fee. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for casinos to become breeding grounds for grey and black market operations. Critics fear this could position Thailand as a hub for illegal financial activities. Mr Julapun dismissed these worries, asserting that strict national regulations and standards will be enforced. Moreover, he believes that reputable foreign investors, involved in multiple global markets, would be deterred from engaging in illicit activities due to the risk of losing licences in other countries. The Entertainment Complex Bill, encompassing casino operation guidelines, is a key policy of the Pheu Thai Party, the leading party in the current government. It aims not only to regulate gambling but also to enhance Thailand's tourism appeal by establishing entertainment hubs alongside its existing nature-based attractions. Foreign investment interest, particularly for projects valued over 100 billion baht, is being approached with caution. Investors will be required to operate transparently and comply with stringent regulations, which include periodic reviews every five years to ensure lawful operations. This legislative approach is intended to attract only credible international participants, thereby maintaining the integrity of the Thai financial and tourist landscapes. As the bill makes its way to parliament, the debate over the entry requirement reflects a broader conversation about balancing economic growth with social responsibility. While the objective is to boost tourism and economic activity, the details of the regulations will ultimately shape the landscape of Thailand's evolving entertainment complex industry. Parliament's eventual decision will be crucial in setting the tone for this new chapter in Thailand's tourism and gambling sectors, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-07

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia In light of tumbling rice prices, the Thai government plans to encourage rice farmers to diversify their crops by cultivating bananas. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced this initiative on Thursday, suggesting that bananas could provide a lucrative alternative due to their high yield and demand in international markets such as Japan. Currently, Thailand produces around 8,000 tonnes of bananas annually, with the potential to export approximately 2,000 tonnes. The aim is to tap into Japan's burgeoning demand for bananas, estimated at one million tonnes a year, creating a promising opportunity for Thai farmers to supplement their income. The proposal, however, faced scepticism in parliament. People's Party MP Narongdech Ularnkul questioned the government's commitment to rescuing the plunging rice prices, urging Minister Pichai to consult with the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry before advising farmers to make the switch to bananas. Amidst these discussions, Narongdech voiced concerns about the leadership within the National Rice Policy and Management Committee, questioning if the current government's leadership fully appreciates the farmers’ plight, especially since the post traditionally held by the prime minister is now occupied by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. To aid rice farmers, Pichai revealed plans to offload rice stockpiles through agreements with African countries and China. Discussions with India and Vietnam are also on the horizon to form strategies for stabilising rice prices. Additionally, a proposal to support rice prices by offering farmers an extra 1,000 baht per tonne for off-season rice awaits Cabinet approval. Coupled with current market rates, farmers could potentially receive around 9,500 baht per tonne. As the government explores diversification to bolster incomes, the debate underscores the broader challenge of balancing immediate market intervention with long-term agricultural sustainability. Ultimately, the success of this initiative may hinge on effective collaboration across governmental agencies and addressing the farmers' real-time concerns, reportedn Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-07

File photo for reference only. The Transport Ministry of Thailand has delayed the transfer of three significant airports—Krabi, Udon Thani, and Buri Ram—from the Department of Airports to Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT). This decision comes amid concerns about income generation and operational continuity. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri stated on Thursday that plans to hand over the management of these airports would be postponed indefinitely. Cited reasons include these airports' role as vital income sources for the Department of Airports, a necessity that could serve as a blueprint for enhancing the operations of 25 other regional airports. The minister elaborated that reconsidering the pros and cons of the transfer is crucial. However, a ministry insider disclosed that the plan was shelved due to issues related to employee preferences and property rights—department personnel are reportedly uneasy about transitioning to state enterprise roles, and there are complications about transferring state assets to a public enterprise like AOT. Moreover, the department believes retaining these airports will enable it to self-finance its 25 other airports, reducing the reliance on government funds. Previously, on 30 August 2022, the Cabinet had authorised the transfer of these airports to AOT, but the switch was never executed. In the wake of this decision, Deputy Minister Manaporn has tasked the Department of Airports with the development of all 28 state-owned airports under its management to foster self-sustaining income. She has emphasised the eradication of any undue influence, particularly in airports where such issues have been problematic, like Krabi. The initiative aims to create distinctive identities for these airports, tying them to local tourism and enhancing connectivity with public transport networks. The planned development will start with Krabi airport, which has been plagued with issues of influence and exploitation. The development plan also calls for airports to conduct fair bidding processes to allow private firms to manage commercial spaces effectively, thus boosting revenue streams. Additionally, renovation committees are to be formed, including representatives from local government agencies, such as provincial land transport offices, to streamline the integration of airport transportation with nearby tourist sites and enhance overall operational efficiency. This multipronged approach aims to ensure the long-term economic viability and improved service quality of these key regional airports, all while preserving governmental oversight and control, reported The Nation. -- 2025-03-07

Picture courtesy of FM91 A Bangkok taxi driver has been lauded for his integrity and kindness after finding and returning a bag containing nearly 160,000 baht to a Japanese tourist. The story unfolded when Chum Kamwiangsa, a 63-year-old driver from Phrae, discovered the forgotten item in his taxi. After picking up a passenger from Wat Arun and dropping them off at Pansuk Lane, the next fare noticed the left-behind bag. Realising it was not his, Chum quickly took the initiative to bring it to the Sorp Vor Por FM91 radio station to track down the owner. Inside the black tote was a red wallet and a small white purse holding various currencies, including US dollars, Japanese yen, Korean won, and Vietnamese dong, equating to about 160,000 baht. Identification inside revealed the owner as a Japanese tourist named Ayaka. The radio station staff at Sorp Vor Por FM91 acted swiftly, utilising contacts with local agencies and a central Bangkok hotel identified from documents in the bag. They confirmed the bag belonged to a Japanese visitor who had stayed in the hotel but returned to Japan. The hotel coordinated to collect the bag on the owner's behalf. Chum was initially unaware of the amount of money involved, concerned mainly about returning the belongings to prevent any inconvenience to the tourist. Relieved once the owner was found, he entrusted Sorp Vor Por FM91, a station he regularly tuned into, to handle the return process. The tourist expressed profound gratitude upon learning her belongings were found and safeguarded, showing appreciation for Chum’s honesty and the efforts made to return the bag. She anticipates returning to Thailand next month, reassured by the kindness she experienced, reported Daily News. -- 2025-03-07

Japanese Tourist's 160,000 Baht Returned by Honest Taxi Driver Picture courtesy of FM91 A Bangkok taxi driver has been lauded for his integrity and kindness after finding and returning a bag containing nearly 160,000 baht to a Japanese tourist. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353809- japanese-tourists-160000-baht-returned-by-honest-taxi-driver/

Transfer of Three Airports to AOT Delayed by Transport Ministry File photo for reference only. The Transport Ministry of Thailand has delayed the transfer of three significant airports—Krabi, Udon Thani, and Buri Ram—from the Department of Airports to Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT). This decision comes amid concerns about income generation and operational continuity. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353804-transfer-of-three-airports-to-aot-delayed-by-transport-ministry/

Thailand Eyes Banana Farming to Support Struggling Rice Farmers Picture courtesy of Wikipedia In light of tumbling rice prices, the Thai government plans to encourage rice farmers to diversify their crops by cultivating bananas. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced this initiative on Thursday, suggesting that bananas could provide a lucrative alternative due to their high yield and demand in international markets such as Japan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353802-thailand-eyes-banana-farming-to-support-struggling-rice-farmers/

50m Baht Casino Entry Requirement Up for Future Debate Casino file photo courtesy: Wikipedia In a move likely to spark debate, the Thai Ministry of Finance has indicated that the draft Entertainment Complex Bill will propose that only individuals with a bank balance of at least 50 million baht may enter Thai casinos. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353800-50m-baht-casino-entry-requirement-up-for-future-debate/

Udon Thani Hospital Staff Assaulted by Patient Seeking Treatment Picture courtesy of Thai Rath Hospital staff in Udon Thani have been attacked again, with an incident at Nam Som Hospital drawing attention. A hospital worker was assaulted by a man seeking medical assistance, prompting calls on social media for measures to prevent such occurrences. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353823-udon-thani-hospital-staff-assaulted-by-patient-seeking-treatment/

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath Hospital staff in Udon Thani have been attacked again, with an incident at Nam Som Hospital drawing attention. A hospital worker was assaulted by a man seeking medical assistance, prompting calls on social media for measures to prevent such occurrences. On 6th March, a video of the incident was widely shared online. Deputy Prime Minister's Assistant, Dr Thanakrit Jitareerat, posted the footage, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by healthcare staff. The assault took place on 5th March at around 8:56 AM at Nam Som Hospital. A female hospital assistant was attacked by a male patient while she was distributing queue tickets, resulting in injuries to her arm, face, and head. The incident has prompted numerous public responses, with many urging strict legal action to set an example. There are growing calls for enhanced protective measures for hospital staff and for laws to be enforced stringently to deter such behaviour in the future, reported Thai Rath. -- 2025-03-07

Termite Infestation Causes Roof Collapse in Rayong Family's Home Photo via Facebook/ เพจรู้เรื่องเมืองระยอง A family in Rayong's Mueang district narrowly escaped injury this week when their home's roof collapsed due to severe termite damage. The incident occurred on Tuesday at a house in Soi Koh Kloy 5. The family of three escaped unharmed, but the collapse left the house's central region with significant structural damage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353777-termite-infestation-causes-roof-collapse-in-rayong-familys-home/