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File photo Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge Gate. Courtesy: Wikipedia The escalating human trafficking crisis in Thailand has drawn the attention of fourteen nations. With their citizens reportedly ensnared by fraudulent scam operations just over the border in Myanmar, concerns intensify over Thailand being used as a passageway into what some are describing as "hell on earth". At the centre of this alarming surge are online scam and human trafficking networks reportedly operating right across the Moei River from Mae Sot in Tak province. House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, responding to appeals from both embassies and NGOs, convened a critical meeting on Wednesday to address the growing concerns. Notably, officials from Kenya and Sri Lanka have entreated Thailand for assistance in rescuing their nationals. The situation was spotlighted during a meeting of the Thai House of Representatives, where Fair Party MP Kannavee Suebsang urged for an enhanced mechanism to combat this grave issue. Emphasising that hundreds of thousands of foreigners traverse Mae Sot annually, Mr Kannavee suggested that while Thailand's existing frameworks address victim support, they are insufficient in arresting the root causes of trafficking. In a tactical response, Thai authorities recently established a checkpoint on Highway 12 in Mae Sot, aiming to intercept potential trafficking attempts. However, Mr Kannavee's call to action suggests this measure alone may not suffice. Advocacy from the civil society urges for broader and more comprehensive solutions from the nation's leadership to halt the country’s exploitation by international criminal syndicates. Picture courtesy: UN Women/Stephanie Simcox An advocacy group specialising in assisting trafficking victims revealed that over 300 individuals from more than ten countries are believed to be forcibly held in Myanmar, engaged in criminal enterprises such as online scams. Reports also indicate that Myanmar's Myawaddy region, located just across the river from Thai districts Mae Sot and Phop Phra, functions under the influence of entities like the Karen Border Guard Force and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army. These groups are allegedly profiting substantially from such illicit activities, further complicating diplomatic and humanitarian solutions. Data from various embassies corroborate reports of citizens lured into these perilous situations. Beyond online fraud, the critical risks encompass human and drug trafficking, notably involving Rohingya people. As diplomatic dialogue intensifies, the emphasis remains on transforming Thailand's image from a conduit in these international networks to a nation resolutely opposing human exploitation. Thailand now stands at a crossroads, challenged to augment its measures against transnational human trafficking. The international community watches closely, as successful intervention here could set precedents for regional efforts to combat these heinous crimes, reported Bangkok Post -- 2024-12-19 .

Thailand Faces Pressure Over Alarming Human Trafficking Route File photo Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge Gate. Courtesy: Wikipedia The escalating human trafficking crisis in Thailand has drawn the attention of fourteen nations. With their citizens reportedly ensnared by fraudulent scam operations just over the border in Myanmar, concerns intensify over Thailand being used as a passageway into what some are describing as "hell on earth". Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346587-thailand-faces-pressure-over-alarming-human-trafficking-route/

File photo courtesy: Thai Rath In a somewhat paradoxical development, Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) finds itself unable to mandate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to appear and provide evidence in a high-profile inquiry. The commission's investigation revolves around allegations that Thaksin wielded excessive influence over the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Navigating through these political waters, EC Chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong confirmed on Wednesday that while accusations have been lodged, the panel conducting the inquiry lacks the authority to summon Thaksin. Despite having gathered testimonies from those who lodged the complaints against the former premier and Pheu Thai, the absence of Thaksin remains a stumbling block. Mr. Ittiporn conceded that if Thaksin decides against cooperating, the panel is left to proceed with the limited information at its disposal. Nevertheless, he called upon the former leader to voluntarily contribute his side, suggesting that it would afford him an opportunity to clear his name and refute the accusations. The genesis of these complaints stems from a convergence of events in mid-August. It was reported that members of Pheu Thai alongside both current and former coalition partners met with Thaksin at his Bangkok residence. This gathering transpired after Srettha Thavisin was ousted from the prime ministership by the Constitutional Court on August 14th. During this meeting, potential successors to Mr. Srettha were discussed. In an intriguing twist, Thaksin is said to have played a role in steering these discussions, purportedly influencing the selection of a new prime ministerial candidate. The group initially leaned towards Chaikasem Nitisiri, a seasoned figure and former justice minister. However, subsequent developments saw Pheu Thai members propose Paetongtarn, Thaksin’s daughter, for the premiership. Leading the charge in these allegations are Warong Dechgitvigrom of the Thai Pakdee Party and Ruangkrai Leekitwattana of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), among others. The complaints contend that Thaksin continued exerting influence over Pheu Thai, demonstrated through multiple media interviews discussing party policies and coalition dynamics. As the panel progresses with its findings, the sufficiency of the evidence collected will determine the succeeding steps. The EC secretary-general, acting in the capacity of the political party registrar, will decide on whether to advance the case, an outcome that remains fervently anticipated in the corridors of Thai politics. In this climate of political intricacies, the saga concerning Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party continues to captivate public attention, spotlighting the ongoing interplay of power within the Thai political landscape, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-19

Thailand's Election Commission Powerless to Compel Thaksin to Testify File photo courtesy: Thai Rath In a somewhat paradoxical development, Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) finds itself unable to mandate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to appear and provide evidence in a high-profile inquiry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346582-thailands-election-commission-powerless-to-compel-thaksin-to-testify/

Thammanat and 20 MPs Realign with Klatham Party Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Former Palang Pracharath heavyweight, Thammanat Prompao, and his faction of 20 MPs are creating ripples in Thai politics as they transition to the Klatham party, shifting the dynamics within the current Pheu Thai-led coalition government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346580-thammanat-and-20-mps-realign-with-klatham-party/

Picture courtesy: Thai RAth Former Palang Pracharath heavyweight, Thammanat Prompao, and his faction of 20 MPs are creating ripples in Thai politics as they transition to the Klatham party, shifting the dynamics within the current Pheu Thai-led coalition government. The strategic move, confirmed by party insiders, will see these lawmakers formally align with Klatham under the restless political waters of Thailand. Thammanat, who once held the position of secretary-general within the Palang Pracharath Party, recently parted ways with the group led by ex-deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan. This departure paves the way for new political alliances and strategies, with Thammanat’s team rallying behind the Klatham party, steered by Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat. Narumon, known for her close associations with both Thammanat and Prawit, is poised to remain as the leader of Klatham, a crucial player in Thailand’s coalition framework. Meanwhile, Thammanat is expected to take on the role of chief advisor to the party, and MP Pai Lick is likely to be appointed as the secretary-general. This realignment is ostensibly driven by Thammanat’s desire to reinforce support for the Pheu Thai Party, Thailand's largest coalition member, amid speculations of influence from prominent political figure Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin is considered a de facto leader of Pheu Thai, despite his well-known exile. The defection from Palang Pracharath follows a critical political rupture earlier in the year. In August, 39 Palang Pracharath MPs had supported Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as a prime ministerial candidate following the impeachment of Srettha Thavisin. However, only Thammanat’s group of 20 MPs were reportedly manoeuvred by Thaksin to actively align with Pheu Thai, leaving their former colleagues in opposition territory. Prawit’s absence from the parliamentary sessions during the pivotal nomination also hints at broader divisions within the opposition ranks. Moreover, Thaksin’s recent, albeit vague, accusations have fueled speculation, implying Prawit’s covert involvement with senators to initially elevate Srettha, which climaxed in political turmoil leading to his impeachment on misconduct charges. This realignment presents a crucial chapter in contemporary Thai politics and raises questions about future coalition stability and allegiance shifts. It's a shifting terrain where alliances could redefine governmental landscapes and policy directions, carrying implications beyond partisan rivalries to broader governance and policy execution in Thailand, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-12-19

Thaksin Accused of Using Money to Secure Power and Privilege Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The political landscape in Thailand is abuzz as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces accusations of leveraging his wealth to secure power and privilege since his return from self-imposed exile. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346579-thaksin-accused-of-using-money-to-secure-power-and-privilege/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The political landscape in Thailand is abuzz as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces accusations of leveraging his wealth to secure power and privilege since his return from self-imposed exile. A joint petition has been filed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) by a coalition of former Red and Yellow Shirt activists, urging an investigation into potential misconduct by high-ranking government officials. The core of the allegation focuses on Thaksin's controversial return to Thailand last year, following which he allegedly bypassed the country's legal and judicial norms. Since then, the billionaire, who is also the father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been accused of manipulating the system to avoid serving a curtailed one-year prison sentence. Instead of serving time in Bangkok Remand Prison, Thaksin reportedly spent six months at Police Hospital, claiming critical health conditions—an assertion shrouded in secrecy and scepticism. Among those targeted by the allegations are several senior officials, including Justice Minister Thavee Sodsong, Undersecretary for Justice Pongsawat Neelayothin, Corrections Department Director-General Sahakarn Petchnarin, and Police Hospital Chief Doctor, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thavisilp Vechavitharn. The petitioners argue these officials abused their positions to grant undue privileges to Thaksin—an action they assert amounts to abuse of power and misconduct. The group of petitioners includes notable figures such as former Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan, ex-Yellow Shirt leader and former senator Kaewsan Atibodhi, and Thai Pakdee chair Warong Dechgitvigrom. Their appeal for investigation comes hot on the heels of the NACC's decision to launch an ad hoc committee dedicated to examining these allegations of power abuse and misconduct linked to Thaksin's case. A prior effort by a fact-finding committee from the NACC found it challenging to gather concrete medical evidence to substantiate Thaksin's health claims during his stay at Police Hospital. The lack of significant medical records following his release on parole earlier this year only adds to the intrigue and suspicion surrounding his case. As the investigation unfolds, the specter of billions of Thai Baht looms over these accusations, drawing public and governmental scrutiny. The developing events are set to draw the nation and its observers' attention, raising questions about the influence of wealth and power within Thailand's complex political landscape, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-12-19

Russian Tourist Fined for Flashy Christmas Lights on Car in Pattaya Photo: The Pattaya News A Russian tourist in Pattaya, named Mr. Ivanov, was fined for decorating his car with flashing Christmas lights, unaware that it was against the law in Thailand. On December 17th, around 6:01 PM, Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346559-russian-tourist-fined-for-flashy-christmas-lights-on-car-in-pattaya/

Thailand rolls out red carpet with bigger rebates for filmmakers By Puntid Tantivangphaisal File photo for reference only The Thail Cabinet approved an increase in the rebate offered to foreign film productions, raising it to a range of 15 to 30% to attract more international filmmakers to shoot in the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346560-thailand-rolls-out-red-carpet-with-bigger-rebates-for-filmmakers/

Thailand Unveils E-Visa System, Streamlining Travel for 2025 Thailand has launched its pioneering Thai E-Visa system, set to revolutionise travel from January 1, 2025. This new digital approach will allow international travellers to obtain their visas online, eliminating the need for paperwork and embassy visits. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346569-thailand-unveils-e-visa-system-streamlining-travel-for-2025/

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 19 December 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1346552-thailand-live-thursday-19-december-2024/

Photo by Ján Žilla via Canva Thailand’s first F1 race planned for Bangkok’s Chatuchak by 2027 By Petch Petpailin The Thai government is continuing the Formula One (F1) project initiated by former Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin, with plans to hold Thailand’s first F1 race in the Chatuchak neighbourhood of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346547-thailand’s-first-f1-race-planned-for-bangkok’s-chatuchak-by-2027/

Thai Constitutional Court Dismisses Challenge to PM's Handout Policy FILE photo courtesy: Thai Rath In a significant legal decision, Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed a challenge against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's controversial handout policy. The complaint, filed by activist Sonthiya Sawasdee, was rejected on the grounds that he wasn’t directly impacted by the policy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346542-thai-constitutional-court-dismisses-challenge-to-pms-handout-policy/

FILE photo courtesy: Thai Rath In a significant legal decision, Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed a challenge against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's controversial handout policy. The complaint, filed by activist Sonthiya Sawasdee, was rejected on the grounds that he wasn’t directly impacted by the policy. Sonthiya's appeal centred around the alleged deviation from the Pheu Thai Party's electoral promise regarding the distribution of the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. The party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, had pledged during their campaign to provide a digital currency, amounting to 10,000 baht, to Thai citizens aged 16 and above via a digital platform. The intended beneficiaries were estimated at approximately 50 million, with a stipulation to use the funds locally within their districts. However, the government's actual implementation diverged from the original plan. Instead of digital disbursement, the policy delivered 10,000 baht to specific vulnerable groups, such as the needy and disabled, in cash form. Plans are underway to extend this handout to also include the elderly, marking a significant shift from the campaign's digital promise. Sonthiya contended that the move breached the initial commitment and called for the court to consider suspending the Prime Minister if the case proceeded. However, the court's verdict articulated that the policy complaint appeared more as a political disagreement with the Pheu Thai Party rather than a matter of legal breach impacting Sonthiya directly. The court's decision underscores the complex integration of political pledges and their legal standing, drawing attention to the flexibility often required in policy execution post-election. This judgment not only reinforces the autonomy of elected officials in adapting policies but also highlights the legal system's role in delineating the scope of politically motivated litigation versus actionable legal grievances. As the government moves forward with its cash handout policy expansion to other qualifying demographics, this ruling may serve as a robust precedent for future policy-related challenges, encapsulating the nuanced balance between political expectations and practical governance realities. For citizens, the pathway remains clear: the continuation of cash handouts may, in fact, align more closely with immediate needs, especially in challenging economic climates. The outcome also points to the broader context of policy adaptation amid shifting socioeconomic landscapes, where political leadership must walk the tightrope of fulfilling campaign promises while pragmatically responding to the national context, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-18

Thai Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Economic Caution FILE photo courtesy: Bank of Thailand In a widely anticipated move, the Bank of Thailand announced on Wednesday that it would maintain its key interest rate at 2.25%. This decision comes after a surprise dip last October, marking the conclusion of the bank's final meeting for the year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346539-thai-central-bank-holds-interest-rates-steady-amid-economic-caution/

FILE photo courtesy: Bank of Thailand In a widely anticipated move, the Bank of Thailand announced on Wednesday that it would maintain its key interest rate at 2.25%. This decision comes after a surprise dip last October, marking the conclusion of the bank's final meeting for the year. The Bank's Monetary Policy Committee reached an unanimous decision, aligning with expectations from the majority of economists polled by Reuters. Out of 30 economists surveyed, just two had foreseen a further reduction, predicting a 25 basis-point cut. The consensus, however, suggests a potential decrease by mid-2025. This pause in interest rate adjustments arrives amidst ongoing economic challenges and calls from the Pheu Thai government for more aggressive measures to invigorate the economy. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavachira argues that with inflation lingering below 1%, the economy isn't demonstrating robust growth signals. Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, has been trailing behind its regional counterparts. Factors such as high household debt and subpar export performance have impeded growth, as evidenced by last year's modest 1.9% GDP growth rate. The central bank contends that current low inflation figures are skewed by populist policies, specifically fuel subsidies, which obscure the true economic picture. The Bank revised its 2024 headline inflation forecast to 0.4%, down from an earlier 0.5%, which remains beneath the target range of 1% to 3%. Slightly higher inflation is projected for 2025 at 1.1%, albeit still below previous forecasts. Central Bank Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput clarified that the October rate cut was not indicative of a broader trend, suggesting a cautious approach moving forward. This sentiment was echoed by Supavud Saichuea, Chairman of the National Economic and Social Development Council. He highlighted that while fiscal policy would take a step back due to deficit concerns, monetary policy will increasingly become a pivotal force in promoting economic growth. Looking ahead, Saichuea forecasts that the Pay Committee are likely to commence key rate reductions in the latter half of 2025, potentially lowering the benchmark rate from 2.25% to 1.5% by year's end. This anticipated strategy underscores the central bank's role in maintaining economic momentum in lieu of fading government stimulus measures. As Thailand navigates these economic uncertainties, the central bank's cautious stance aims to balance stabilization with growth aspirations, keenly observing regional economic shifts while planned fiscal cutbacks may necessitate strategic monetary interventions, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-18

British mother’s tourist warning after drugs kill daughter in Thailand by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of the Daily Mail A grieving British mother urged tourists travelling to Thailand to steer clear of drugs after her daughter overdosed on a lethal cocktail of an unknown substance in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346510-british-mother’s-tourist-warning-after-drugs-kill-daughter-in-thailand/

Picture courtesy of the Daily Mail by Bob Scott A grieving British mother urged tourists travelling to Thailand to steer clear of drugs after her daughter overdosed on a lethal cocktail of an unknown substance in Bangkok. The 64 year old heartbroken mother, Anita Turner, from Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, has been left shattered by the loss of her beloved 36 year old daughter Rebecca, who died in a Bangkok hotel room after snorting what she believed to be cocaine with her partner. It was tragically revealed that the powder Rebecca and her partner bought was a lethal cocktail comprising nine different drugs, including painkillers, sleeping pills, and anxiety medications. Anita now warns young travellers to resist the temptations of pushy street dealers, warning that you never really know what you’re getting into. “My heart is just broken in two. I can’t believe I’ll never see her again. Every morning, I look at her photo and just cry. It’s killing me. The pain of losing a child is indescribable. You can’t imagine such agony until it happens to you. There’s a massive drug problem out there, and you need to be really careful. It’s just not worth the risk.” Rebecca, who had been exploring Thailand, was set to return home in April, earlier this year, but tragically died on March 15. Having previously spent four years in Laos, a place she considered her second home, she had been attending a friend’s wedding before checking into Bangkok’s Khaosan Palace Hotel with Sam, her partner. CCTV captured Sam entering the hotel half an hour before Rebecca that fateful day, having texted a friend about purchasing cocaine, according to Anita. Tragically, both Rebecca and Sam were found dead around 1pm by concerned friends. Sam’s body was discovered in bed, Rebecca’s on the floor. Picture of Khaosan Palace Hotel courtesy of Alarmy Police later disclosed to Anita that Rebecca had a concoction of nine drugs in her system: including opiates, morphine, codeine, noscapine, and a slew of benzodiazepines. “So many people are dying, and they need to know about this. The road where Rebecca was staying is particularly notorious: a boy died of the same thing just a day before. I just want to shake people and tell them: please don’t take anything.” Though Anita received an autopsy report from Thailand, she claims sections were censored. A UK inquest into the tragedy is expected to be heard in January. Picture or Rebecca and her mother Anita courtesy of LBC Original story: Mother mourns British woman found dead in Bangkok hotel The heartbroken mother of a 36 year old British woman from Bexhill, East Sussex, southeast England has paid an emotional tribute to her daughter, who was recently found dead in a Bangkok hotel room. Rebecca Turner was on an adventure in Southeast Asia with friends when tragedy struck. Her mother, Anita Turner, described her as a vivacious and outgoing woman who lived life to the fullest. “Bec was always the life of the party, loved travelling the world, and made friends wherever she went.” During a four-year stay in Laos, Turner became an integral part of a local village community. “I’ve only recently discovered the depth of her impact, as many people from around the world and the Laotian community have reached out to me with heartfelt messages. Bec generously supported the local school, providing significant help. The village mayor even held a ceremony to thank her, which was truly touching.” Turner’s kindness extended beyond financial support. She and a friend from London often biked through the village, buying dolls from underprivileged children and redistributing them to those with nothing. After her death, an Irish bar where she was well-known held a memorial for her, and villagers queued to pay their respects. “Laos captured Bec’s heart, and she loved it there.” Turner had attended a friend’s wedding in Laos in February and spent some time there before heading to Bangkok, where other friends joined her. She planned to stay in Thailand for two months, with a return to the UK scheduled for April 16, just in time for a holiday in Peru, reported the Daily Mail. Tragically, on March 16, the British woman and her boyfriend were found dead in their Bangkok hotel room, reported Sussex Express UK. Turner’s body was repatriated to the UK, and her funeral took place on May 10 in Eastbourne. An inquest into her death is set to open next Tuesday, June 4. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-18

Pheu Thai: Panthongtae Shinawatra plays no role in govt by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Chanat Katanyu via Bangkok Post The Pheu Thai Party swiftly quashed rumours spreading across social media about Panthongtae Shinawatra’s alleged appointment as chief of strategy and national economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346509-pheu-thai-panthongtae-shinawatra-plays-no-role-in-govt/

Photo courtesy of Chanat Katanyu via Bangkok Post by Puntid Tantivangphaisal The Pheu Thai Party swiftly quashed rumours spreading across social media about Panthongtae Shinawatra’s alleged appointment as chief of strategy and national economy. Chayapa Sindhuprai, serving as the party’s deputy spokesperson, made an emphatic statement on X, clarifying that these reports were unfounded and likely intended to sow confusion and damage the coalition government’s reputation. Chayapa asserted that during the Pheu Thai Party’s recent seminar in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin district, no such appointments were made. She further clarified that Panthongtae, who is the elder brother of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and a prominent figure in the Shinawatra family, holds no official role within the party or the Pheu Thai-led government. “The report is completely baseless and aims to create misunderstandings among the public.” The rumours began after a photograph of Panthongtae aboard a train to Hua Hin was shared online, accompanied by a caption suggesting he was attending the seminar in an official capacity as the “chief of strategy and national economy.” The post gained traction, prompting reactions from various figures, including legal expert Paisal Puechmongkol, who shared it on Facebook with a seemingly sarcastic congratulation for Panthongtae’s supposed new role. Meanwhile, Election Commission (EC) chairperson Ittiporn Boonpracong announced that the commission would review remarks made by Thaksin Shinawatra at the same Hua Hin seminar. Thaksin, a former premier and influential figure within the Pheu Thai Party, reportedly accused certain coalition parties of deliberately skipping a Cabinet meeting last week, raising questions about potential manipulation within the party. The EC has received four complaints alleging Thaksin’s undue influence over Pheu Thai. These complaints cite meetings between coalition party leaders at Thaksin’s residence before the selection of a prime minister to succeed Srettha Thavisin. Additionally, the government’s policy statement to Parliament, which some claim mirrors Thaksin’s vision as presented at a previous forum, is under scrutiny. The complaints were submitted by the Thai Pakdee Party, the Palang Pracharath Party, Noppharut Worachitwutthikun, a former leader of the political group Phirap Khao 2006, and an unnamed individual. The EC’s inquiry panel will be looking into these allegations thoroughly to ascertain any potential breaches of conduct within the party’s leadership dynamics, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-18

Foreign Patient Surge Strains Thai Border Hospitals Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Thailand's border hospitals are experiencing increased strain as more foreign nationals cross into the country seeking medical attention. This has raised serious concerns over the impact on healthcare resources and the accessibility of services for Thai citizens. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346505-foreign-patient-surge-strains-thai-border-hospitals/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Thailand's border hospitals are experiencing increased strain as more foreign nationals cross into the country seeking medical attention. This has raised serious concerns over the impact on healthcare resources and the accessibility of services for Thai citizens. The issue came to prominence after a medical professional made a public post on social media, highlighting the treatment of a pregnant woman from Myanmar. She and other foreign patients were reportedly taking advantage of Thailand's healthcare provisions, knowing they could obtain free or subsidised care for their children born in Thailand. This situation is indicative of a broader challenge faced by hospitals near the borders. Thailand has mechanisms like the Tor Ror 99 Fund, designed to aid individuals with unresolved residency status. While this fund aims to uphold humanitarian principles, it faces financial burden as more foreign nationals learn to navigate and access these benefits. Concerns are mounting that such practices might soon overwhelm the system, jeopardising healthcare quality and accessibility for Thai citizens. In response, Dr. Thanakrit Chitrareerat from the Ministry of Public Health explained that healthcare benefits in Thailand are typically reserved for legally registered workers. Yet, those entering illegally for medical care, particularly in border areas such as Mae Sot, are often provided with essential humanitarian assistance, reflecting Thailand’s commitment to human rights. Nonetheless, this influx places significant pressure on hospitals that must balance ethical medical care against their capacity. The increasing demand impacts waiting times and resource availability, making it more challenging for local Thai communities to receive timely care. The Thai government recognises the need to address these challenges through international cooperation. Talks with neighbouring countries could lead to agreements that enable shared healthcare responsibilities, possibly improving medical services on both sides of the border and alleviating some of the burdens on Thai facilities. Meanwhile, plans to enhance infrastructure and resources in border hospitals are being considered, targeting both immediate relief and long-term sustainability. Such measures are crucial to maintaining service provision without compromising on ethical and humanitarian standards. Ultimately, managing this complex issue requires coordinated efforts between the government, healthcare providers, and regional partners. Through collaboration and strategic improvements, Thailand aims to uphold its healthcare commitments while ensuring that its citizens receive the care they need, reported Thai Rath. -- 2024-12-18

Thailand Launches Tourist Police App to Aid Visitors Picture courtesy: Daily News The Tourism Police Division of Thailand, in collaboration with the tourism sector, has launched the "Thailand Tourist Police Application" to enhance visitor safety during the high season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346502-thailand-launches-tourist-police-app-to-aid-visitors/

Picture courtesy: Daily News The Tourism Police Division of Thailand, in collaboration with the tourism sector, has launched the "Thailand Tourist Police Application" to enhance visitor safety during the high season. On 17th December, at Suvarnabhumi, the Tourist Police Headquarters, Police Lieutenant General Sak Seera chaired a meeting with over 50 representatives from relevant agencies, including the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and other tourism associations. The aim was to prepare for the influx of tourists expected in the coming months. The newly launched app allows tourists to contact the tourist police, report emergencies, and share their location online for immediate assistance, thereby ensuring greater security and peace of mind. This initiative aligns with government policies to enhance safety, satisfaction, and revenue within the tourism industry, providing both domestic and international tourists with a secure and enjoyable experience in Thailand during the busy season, reported Daily News. -- 2024-12-18