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Mysterious ghostly footprints believed to belong to a dead neighbour have caused a stir in Rayong, with residents convinced he returned to say goodbye. Despite attempts to clean them, the footprints remain, adding to the eerie mystery. At 6pm yesterday, July 22, in Rayong, reporters investigated an unusual belief among locals that mysterious footprints found in the area belonged to a recently deceased neighbour, known affectionately as “Uncle.” The footprints were discovered by 35 year old Peerapat, who posted about them on Facebook. He recounted waking up at around 5am to find the footprints and initially thought it was a prank. However, after reviewing CCTV footage, he found nothing but blinking infrared signals. The footprints, smeared with mud not found at his home, seemed to come from the deceased neighbour’s house. This neighbour had kept to himself, with only Peerapat’s family being aware of his death. Peerapat led reporters to the footprints originating from the deceased’s house. The muddy footprints, approximately 40 centimetres in length, traced a path from the single-storey townhouse to a nearby shop, a distance of about 5 metres. He expressed confidence that the size and direction of the footprints indicated they belonged to Uncle. Despite further scrutiny of the CCTV footage from midnight to early morning, nothing unusual appeared except for the flickering infrared light. Mystery footprints Adding to the mystery, Peerapat tried washing the footprints away with water but they reappeared once the water dried. He suggested that perhaps only rain could wash them away. Peerapat’s 54 year old mother, Tai, who owns the local shop, also shared her experience. She saw the footprints early in the morning and traced them back to Uncle’s house. She noted that the footprints seemed to stop and circle in front of her shop. Tai firmly believes the footprints are Uncle’s, as they were close neighbours. Uncle, a fisherman, would often visit her shop to buy beer and chat after returning from his boat trips. Before his death, he had expressed feeling unwell and mentioned a premonition. He promised to buy sweets for the local children if he caught 100 kilogrammes of squid that evening. Shortly after returning home, an ambulance arrived, and Tai learned that Uncle had fallen in the bathroom. His wife called for help, and he was pronounced dead at the hospital. His family later took him to his hometown in Samut Sakhon for funeral rites. Tai is convinced that the footprints are Uncle’s, left as a final farewell. She noted that it was a significant religious day, the seventh day since his death, and the day of his cremation. She believes he returned to keep his promise to the children, leaving the footprints as a sign. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Sanook Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cabinet to approve Thai ESG fund boosting SET by 50 billion baht by Alex Morgan The Thai Cabinet is set to approve the new Thai ESG Fund tomorrow, with analysts anticipating that the revamped conditions of this environmental, social, and governance (ESG) centric fund will enhance trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) by 40-50 billion baht annually. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333612-cabinet-to-approve-thai-esg-fund-boosting-set-by-50-billion-baht/

The Thai Cabinet is set to approve the new Thai ESG Fund tomorrow, with analysts anticipating that the revamped conditions of this environmental, social, and governance (ESG) centric fund will enhance trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) by 40-50 billion baht annually. The fund’s revised structure includes a reduced holding period of five years, down from the original eight years, and bears similarities to the now-defunct tax-saving long-term equity fund (LTF). According to Asia Plus Securities (ASPS), this adjustment is likely to attract investments into Thai stocks, particularly those offering cheap valuations and sustainable growth. Investors will now be able to deduct up to 300,000 baht from their taxes, a significant increase from the previous 100,000-baht limit under the original Thai ESG fund. The Ministry of Finance plans to present the new Thai ESG fund to the Cabinet today, July 23. ASPS noted that this development could prompt institutional investors to shift from their current net selling of 556 million baht month-to-date to net buying, thereby giving the SET Index a short-term boost, said the brokerage. “The new Thai ESG fund is expected to boost the trading value by 40-50 billion baht. Every 10 billion baht increase in trading value boosts the SET index by 1-2%.” ASPS also highlighted that local institutions are expected to prefer stocks over bonds. As of May, there were 32 Thai ESG funds with total assets under management (AUM) of 6.8 billion baht, of which only one was a bond fund. The ongoing default issues with several bonds reinforce this trend. ESG stocks “Institutions are more likely to launch new equity funds investing in ESG stocks rather than bonds, boosting fund inflows into stocks.” SET ESG stocks boasting AAA ESG ratings (an ESG score of more than 90 out of 100) and excellent CG Report ratings (a score of 5 out of 5) are projected to benefit from institutional buying and Thai ESG fund inflows moving forward. Currently, the nine most commonly held stocks by Thai ESG funds include CP All (CPALL), Airports of Thailand (AOT), PTT, Delta Electronics (Thailand) (DELTA), GULF Energy Development (GULF), PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), CP Axtra (CPAXT), Central Pattana (CPN), and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS). Among the 29 stocks likely to attract investments from Thai ESG funds are Advanced Info Service (ADVANC), CP ALL, Kasikornbank (KBANK), Siam Cement (SCC), Central Retail Corporation (CRC), PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC), Tisco Financial Group (TISCO), BGrimm Power (BGRIM), CK Power (CKP), Sri Trang Agro-Industry (STA), Amata Corporation (AMATA), and Thaicom (THCOM). In a related development, the SET is gearing up to enhance its ESG ratings methodology to align with global standards, marking a significant step in promoting responsible business practices and sustainable growth among listed firms. by Alex Morgan Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thai man commits murder-suicide, kills 4 family members of ex-wife by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath A Thai man committed murder-suicide in the Isaan province of Sisaket, killing four family members of his ex-wife before taking his own life in his car. Only a 10 year old boy survived the incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333606-ex-husbands-rampage-leaves-five-dead-across-two-provinces/?do=findComment&comment=19085689

Thai man commits murder-suicide, kills 4 family members of ex-wife by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath A Thai man committed murder-suicide in the Isaan province of Sisaket, killing four family members of his ex-wife before taking his own life in his car. Only a 10 year old boy survived the incident. Officers from Mueang Sisaket Police Station were alerted to a shooting at a house in Nong Phai sub-district, Mueang district, Sisaket province, at approximately 9.30pm last night, July 22. They rushed to the scene along with a rescue team. Upon arrival, officers found two bodies outside the house: a 39 year old lawyer named Paramat Saman and his 64 year old mother-in-law, Yokmanee Kokraphan. Two more bodies were found inside the house: 62 year old Boonluen Aphaiphong and the lawyer’s wife, 39 year old Duangduen Kokraphan, who was the school director of Ban Non E-pang School in the province. Boonluen was reported to be the lawyer’s uncle. Paramat had been shot in the head, Yokmanee in the cheek, Boonluen in the forehead, and Duangduen in the mouth. Duangduen’s 10 year old son was the only survivor, having hidden in a bathroom during the shooting. The boy was the son of Duangduen’s first husband who was a police officer. Boonluen’s wife, 63 year old Datcharaporn Aphaiphong, told police she suspected Duangduen’s ex-husband, 42 year old Pathaphe Meebang, was the murderer. Pathawee was a school director in Buriram. Duangduen divorced Pathaphe and married the lawyer before he moved into her home two months before the shooting. According to Datcharaporn, Duangduen ended the relationship with Pathaphe due to his abusive behaviour. After their separation, the two argued over the ownership of the house, as Pathaphe claimed he bought it alone. Datcharaporn disclosed that Pathaphe had previously made violent threats against Duangduen and her family on multiple occasions. He also distributed leaflets in the community, claiming that the house belonged to him, not Duangduen. Officers tracked down Pathaphe in the Isaan province of Buriram and found evidence confirming that he was the killer. During the subsequent high-speed chase, Pathaphe parked his car and immediately committed suicide by shooting himself in his black sedan in front of the police. Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Shocking slump: Thailand’s premium EV sales plunge 35% by Bob Scot Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand has experienced a significant decline in the sales of premium electric vehicles (EVs), dropping 35% year-on-year in the first half of the year. Despite this downturn, BMW remains optimistic about its EV sales, banking on the appeal of its newly launched models in the Mini family in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333611-shocking-slump-thailand’s-premium-ev-sales-plunge-35/

Thailand has experienced a significant decline in the sales of premium electric vehicles (EVs), dropping 35% year-on-year in the first half of the year. Despite this downturn, BMW remains optimistic about its EV sales, banking on the appeal of its newly launched models in the Mini family in Bangkok. Sales of premium EVs fell to 3,844 units between January and June, according to Krisda Utamote, former president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) and BMW Group Thailand’s director for corporate communications. “This mainly resulted from banks’ stricter criteria in granting auto loans which affected people’s purchasing power and the economic slowdown which impacted the automotive industry.” Overall, sales of premium cars, including both EVs and internal combustion engine-powered vehicles, also saw a 25% decline year-on-year, totalling 16,000 units. This is in stark contrast to the same segment’s total sales in 2023, which recorded a 25% year-on-year increase to 40,406 units, up from 32,325 units in 2022. The EVAT predicts an economic recovery in the latter half of 2024, driven by the tourism sector and the government’s accelerated fiscal expenditure, Krisda added. “The automotive industry is hopeful that these factors will contribute to an improvement in the economy compared to the first half of this year.” Krisda spoke whilst BMW Group Thailand introduced new Mini models to the Thai market, including the fully electric Mini Countryman SE. BMW and Mini cars, as well as motorcycles under the BMW Motorrad brand, are sold in Thailand. Between January and June, BMW Group Thailand saw an over 40% surge in EV sales, with 950 EVs registered during this six-month period. Rene Gerhard, president and chief executive of BMW Group Thailand, mentioned that the company has not set a sales target for Mini cars in Thailand due to the current economic climate. “We believe Mini cars will appeal to Thai customers as their pricing aligns with the economic situation.” BMW has allocated its investment budget to its EV manufacturing plant in China, which produces EVs, including Mini cars, for export from China to Thailand under the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement. by Bob Scot Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ex-Husband's Rampage Leaves Five Dead Across Two Provinces Thai man went on a deadly shooting spree. Picture courtesy ThaiPBS A tragic series of events unfolded in Thailand's Sisaket Province on 23 July 2024, as an ex-husband went on a deadly shooting spree, killing his former wife, her new husband, and two relatives, before taking his own life in Buriram Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333606-ex-husbands-rampage-leaves-five-dead-across-two-provinces/

Thai man went on a deadly shooting spree. Picture courtesy ThaiPBS A tragic series of events unfolded in Thailand's Sisaket Province on 23 July 2024, as an ex-husband went on a deadly shooting spree, killing his former wife, her new husband, and two relatives, before taking his own life in Buriram Province. The incident began in Nong Phai Subdistrict, Mueang Sisaket District, where police found a horrific crime scene. The victims included the director of a local elementary school, her new lawyer husband, and two female relatives – her mother and aunt. A 10-year-old boy, the director’s son, escaped the carnage and sought help from neighbours. According to initial investigations by Mueang Sisaket Police Station, the suspected shooter was identified as the director's former husband. Relations between the two had soured significantly post-divorce, exacerbated by disputes over property rights. The ex-husband allegedly claimed ownership of the house where the shooting occurred and had previously issued threats, promising to kill the director and her family if they did not vacate the premises. The director had remarried just two months prior, but tensions with her ex-husband had not subsided. On the day of the massacre, he acted on his threats, leaving four people dead at the scene. Authorities immediately launched a manhunt for the suspect, tracking him as he fled to his hometown in Buriram Province. Police set up checkpoints across the province and soon spotted a suspicious vehicle matching the description provided. When officers approached the car in Phaisan Subdistrict, Prakhon Chai District, the suspect refused to surrender. In a final, desperate act, he turned the gun on himself inside the car, ending his life. -- 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 23 July 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333605-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-23-july-2024/

The Interior Minister Anutin has called for an urgent investigation into a large billboard in Chinese advertising the sales of passports from different countries. Which was displayed at Huay Kwang in Bangkok. The sign claimed the passports were genuine and the application process takes about 30 days. Authorities ordered the sign to be removed as the prime minister visited the local police station and instructed them to investigate the origin of the sign, and to address the problems of illegal Chinese businesses and drugs in the area. A violent incident resulting in four deaths occurred at a residence in Sisaket last night. The former husband of a primary school director broke into her house and shot his ex-wife, her new husband, and three other family members. Prior to the attack, the ex-husband had been distributing threatening leaflets targeting his ex-wife. police found his body late last night after he committed suicide. A Thai man stabbed a Myanmar national to death outside the Happyland shopping mall north of Bangkok during on Sunday. The 27 year old attacker gave himself up to police yesterday. He said his friend suddenly drove infront of him on a motorcycle and refused to apologise, a fight broke out resulting in the victim being stabbed twice. Around the region. The Bangladesh Prime Minister yesterday blamed her political opponents for deadly violence that swept the country during recent student-led protests against quotas in government jobs, at least 147 people were killed during protests, prompting the government to impose a curfew. The PM said the curfew would be lifted when the situation improved. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr yesterday ordered an immediate ban on widespread and mostly Chinese-run online gaming operations accusing them of venturing into crime, including financial scams, human trafficking, torture, kidnappings and murders. There are an estimated 400 Chinese gambling outfits across the Philippines. Todays’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Thunderstorms 32C degrees celsius Bangkok: thundershowers 32 Pattaya: thundershowers 31 Phuket and the south: cloudy with rain becoming brighter this afternoon 31 Hua Hin: Cloudy with thundery showers 32 Much the same over the weekend . AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Wunderground.com The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Windy.com. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-07-23 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cannabis Seller Surrenders After Fatally Stabbing Painter in a Fit of Rage Cannabis seller turned himself in to the police. Picture courtesy: Daily News BANGKOK - A young cannabis seller turned himself in to the police after fatally stabbing a Burmese painter in the neck and chest. The altercation started because the painter walked in front of the seller's motorcycle without apologizing and then insulted him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333604-cannabis-seller-surrenders-after-fatally-stabbing-painter-in-a-fit-of-rage/

Cannabis seller turned himself in to the police. Picture courtesy: Daily News BANGKOK - A young cannabis seller turned himself in to the police after fatally stabbing a Burmese painter in the neck and chest. The altercation started because the painter walked in front of the seller's motorcycle without apologizing and then insulted him. The incident involved Khun Shin Mon, a 34-year-old Burmese painter, who was stabbed twice and killed near the Happy Land Center on Happy Land Road 2, Khlong Chan Subdistrict, Bang Kapi District, Bangkok, on the evening of July 21. Pol. Col. Thanaphan Phadunggan, Superintendent of Lat Phrao Police Station, directed the investigation to apprehend the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Ek-Isara Sitthikam. At 9:00 AM on July 22, Pol. Col. Thanaphan Phadunggan reported that Ek-Isara had contacted the police and surrendered. He was taken into custody and questioned thoroughly to uncover the motive behind the crime. Ek-Isara, the suspect, admitted that he sells cannabis. On the day of the incident, he was riding his motorcycle when the victim and his group walked in front of him without apologizing and even insulted him. This led to a verbal altercation, which escalated into a physical fight. In his anger, Ek-Isara stabbed the victim twice with a knife he had with him. After the stabbing, he fled the scene on his motorcycle but later decided to surrender early the next morning. The police are currently gathering evidence to request an arrest warrant for charges of murder and carrying a weapon. -- 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man Kills 2-Month-Old baby in Thailand, After Mother Refuses Sex Crime reenactment. Picture courtesy: Daily News In a shocking incident in Wiang Kaen, Chiang Rai, a 2.5-month-old baby named Airin was killed by Mr. Lee, 40, who regretfully admitted to slamming the infant on the ground in a fit of rage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333602-man-kills-2-month-old-baby-in-thailand-after-mother-refuses-sex/

Crime reenactment. Picture courtesy: Daily News In a shocking incident in Wiang Kaen, Chiang Rai, a 2.5-month-old baby named Airin was killed by Mr. Lee, 40, who regretfully admitted to slamming the infant on the ground in a fit of rage. The tragedy unfolded after Mr. Lee attempted to force the baby's mother, Ms. A, into having sex with him. When she refused and fled the scene, Mr. Lee, consumed by fury, took the sleeping baby and inflicted the fatal blow. The incident has left the local community in deep mourning. Airin’s relatives performed a traditional Hmong funeral ceremony, filled with drumming and Hmong flute music. The atmosphere was steeped in sorrow as the family opted against an autopsy. The ceremonial rituals were set for 22-23 July, with the burial scheduled for Wednesday, 24 July. Ms. A recounted the horrifying event, stating she was outside collecting diapers when Mr. Lee forcibly entered her home. He threatened her, saying he would kill the baby if she did not comply with his demands for sex. Panicked, Ms. A ran out of the house, only to hear her baby's cries silenced moments later. She rushed back inside but was too late to save her child. "I want the police to take the harshest action against him," Ms. A stated, her voice quivering with emotion. "He was so violent with my baby, who had just started to smile and was so precious.” During the initial police investigation, Mr. Lee confessed to his crime, explaining that he acted out of uncontrollable anger. He expressed deep regret, stating that he wished to apologize, although he acknowledged that it was far too late for any amends. Authorities found no drugs in Mr. Lee’s system and confirmed he had no history of psychiatric treatment. He lived alone after separating from his family, who reside in the same village. Usually quiet and employed as a labourer, Mr. Lee had not raised any suspicions before this tragic event. Fearing potential mob violence from over 200 angry relatives and villagers, police decided against conducting a public reenactment of the crime scene. Instead, the reenactment was carried out at Wiang Kaen Police Station. Mr. Lee now faces charges of premeditated murder. -- 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Urges Chinese EV Makers to Use Local Parts Aion Hyper GT. Courtesy: Wikipedia In a decisive move to bolster its automotive supply chain, Thailand’s Industry Ministry has asked Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to integrate at least 40% locally-sourced parts in their production processes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333600-thailand-urges-chinese-ev-makers-to-use-local-parts/

Aion Hyper GT. Courtesy: Wikipedia In a decisive move to bolster its automotive supply chain, Thailand’s Industry Ministry has asked Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to integrate at least 40% locally-sourced parts in their production processes. The aim is to bring more benefit to Thai auto parts makers and ensure they can keep pace with the rapidly evolving automotive technology. Following a series of discussions, GAC Aion New Energy Automobile, part of the Guangzhou Automobile Corporation (GAC), has committed to using 40% of local content in their EVs. This is seen as a significant commitment that other EV manufacturers might follow. Pimphattra Wichaikul, Thailand's Industry Minister, emphasised the importance of supporting local auto parts manufacturers who have predominantly focused on components for internal combustion engines (ICE). She highlighted the needed shift towards electric mobility technology. “We are keen to ensure local parts makers can adapt to these technological changes,” reported Bangkok Post. To this end, the Board of Investment (BoI) has engaged with multiple Chinese EV firms to encourage the use of Thai-made auto parts. Narit Therdsteerasukd, secretary-general of the BoI, reported promising developments, stating, “Most Chinese EV makers have agreed with the government’s request. This is a good sign." Specific commitments have already been made by various companies. Chongqing-based Changan Automobile plans to start with 60% local content, aiming to increase this to 90%. Neta, aiming for 60% initially, plans to push this to 85% in time. Great Wall Motor targets 80-90% local content. Meanwhile, BTD and GAC Aion both pledged over 40% local parts in their EVs. This initiative aligns with Thailand's broader strategy to incentivise the EV industry, having already backed investments worth 80 billion baht over the past 2-3 years. These investments are expected to result in the production of 400,000 EV units. The BoI is also promoting further growth in the sector, offering incentives for battery production and EV charging facilities. However, Wichaikul assured that traditional ICE manufacturers, along with hybrid and plug-in hybrid EV producers, will not be neglected, as they too have played a vital role in Thailand’s automotive landscape for over a decade. Top picture: Aion Hyper GT. Courtesy: Wikipedia -- 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand faces investment challenge post-1997 financial crisis by Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Precondo CA Thailand faces investment challenges post-1997 financial crisis despite natural gas discovered in the Gulf of Thailand around 40 years ago sparked nationwide excitement, marking the beginning of a golden era. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333598-thailand-faces-investment-challenge-post-1997-financial-crisis/

Thailand faces investment challenges post-1997 financial crisis despite natural gas discovered in the Gulf of Thailand around 40 years ago sparked nationwide excitement, marking the beginning of a golden era. This period saw the launch of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project aimed at developing the eastern coastal region. Foreign investment surged, propelling the economy to expand at double-digit rates, and raising hopes that Thailand would become Asia’s fifth tiger. However, internal political instability and poor economic policy management led to the 1997 financial crisis, known as the Tom Yum Kung crisis. This crisis was triggered by excessive lending by financial institutions and the liberalisation of the financial market, enabling commercial banks to borrow from foreign entities to provide loans domestically. Reviving domestic investment remains a significant challenge for Thailand’s government as it seeks to lift the economy out of its prolonged low-growth phase. The director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office under the Finance Ministry, Pornchai Thiraveja, highlighted that since the 1997-98 financial crisis, the total investment ratio of both public and private sectors has fallen below 25% of GDP. In 2023, total investment reached 2.6 trillion baht, nearly the same as 25 years ago, which was 2.7 trillion baht. Pre-crisis, in 1996, Thailand’s total investment to GDP ratio was as high as 51%. Private investment against GDP, peaking at 41% in 1995, dropped to 18% in 2023. Public investment in GDP, which peaked at 13% in 1997, has steadily declined to 6% in 2023, said Pornchai. “It is necessary to shift our investment towards new engines of growth, which include 10 sectors such as agriculture, food and biotechnology, healthcare, and automotive and machinery.” According to the Board of Investment, estimated investments in these 10 sectors are projected to reach 465 billion baht in 2023, 579 billion baht in 2024, and 638 billion baht in 2025. Infrastructure investments Thailand has a history of significant infrastructure investments, including Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which began construction in 1960 and opened in 2005, and the Eastern Seaboard Development Programme launched in 1982. Other projects include the electric train projects in Bangkok and surrounding provinces starting in 1990 and the ongoing Mass Rapid Transit project initiated in 1997. More recent initiatives such as the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) beginning in 2018 with 650 billion baht in infrastructure investment, and the integrated entertainment complex project with about 100 billion baht investment, underscore the country’s commitment to large-scale development. Moreover, future investment projects under the Ignite Thailand initiative include eight visions: 1. A tourism hub, focusing on enhancing secondary cities, upgrading SMEs, and promoting soft power through tax measures. 2. A wellness and medical hub, integrating healthcare with tourism to generate national income and support SMEs. 3. An agriculture and food hub, aiming to elevate agricultural and food production. 4. An aviation hub, enhancing infrastructure to boost SMEs’ capabilities. 5. A logistics hub, investing in Land Bridge infrastructure to connect coastlines and boost business opportunities. 6. A future mobility hub, supporting electric vehicle production and the automotive industry. 7. A digital economy hub, attracting digital industry investment and supporting startups. 8. A financial hub, enhancing the financial system and capital market, promoting digital assets, and developing carbon credit trading. Plans are also in place to enhance transportation systems nationwide. The Transport Ministry aims to expand primary and secondary roads by 2050, increasing the length of the country’s motorway tenfold from 250 kilometres to nearly 2,500 km and expanding national highways to four lanes from the current 20,000 km to 23,000 km. By 2030, the nationwide rail system will expand, increasing double-track rail by 2,000 km to 5,500 km, connecting Thailand with China and Malaysia. Bangkok and regional electric train routes will increase to cover almost 700 km, and high-speed trains will connect three airports and the border with Laos at Nong Khai. Deep-sea ports like Laem Chabang will also be expanded. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stated that the economy should not grow below 3.5%, but due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the economy grew by an average of only 0.4% over the past five years. The National Economic and Social Development Council projects growth of around 2.4-2.5% for this year, with potential acceleration to 3% following the 2024 budget. Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) highlighted structural economic issues, noting that the industrial sector lags behind global market demands. The manufacturing production index (MPI) is expected to contract by 2% this year, following a 3.8% decline last year, primarily due to poor performance in sectors like electronic equipment, automobiles, and construction materials. K-Research emphasised the need for a significant overhaul of Thailand’s industrial sector, pointing out the lack of investment in enhancing national competitiveness over the past decades, especially in comparison to Vietnam, reported Bangkok Post. by Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Precondo CA Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. 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Record Visitor Numbers Boost Phuket’s Tourism Industry By Tom Sinclair Phuket experienced a remarkable increase in visitor arrivals in April 2024, according to figures released this week. Leading the influx were tourists from Russia, with approximately 63,500 visitors, making them the largest group of international travelers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333596-record-visitor-numbers-boost-phuket’s-tourism-industry/

Phuket experienced a remarkable increase in visitor arrivals in April 2024, according to figures released this week. Leading the influx were tourists from Russia, with approximately 63,500 visitors, making them the largest group of international travelers. Chinese tourists were the second-largest group, contributing around 46,700 visitors. Additionally, there was a significant presence of tourists from India and Australia, further emphasizing Phuket’s global appeal. The resurgence of tourism in Phuket is a testament to the island’s enduring charm and its successful recovery efforts post-pandemic. The increase in visitor numbers is not only a positive indicator for Phuket but also for Thailand’s broader tourism industry, which relies heavily on international travel. Phuket’s tourism authorities have been actively promoting the island’s diverse attractions, ranging from its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife to its cultural landmarks and culinary delights. These efforts seem to be paying off as the island continues to attract a diverse array of visitors from around the world. By Tom Sinclair Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Digital Wallet Scheme Excludes 18 Products and Services Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Image courtesy: Thai Post The Thai government has unveiled a new "digital wallet" scheme aimed at bolstering local economies and benefiting smaller retailers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333595-digital-wallet-scheme-excludes-18-products-and-services/

Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Image courtesy: Thai Post The Thai government has unveiled a new "digital wallet" scheme aimed at bolstering local economies and benefiting smaller retailers. However, 18 specific products and services have been excluded from being purchased through this initiative, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed today. The "digital wallet" scheme permits citizens to make transactions using government-provided benefits aimed at encouraging spending within communities. Yet, to ensure the scheme is utilised for essential, everyday needs and not for luxury or non-essential items, the government has outlined a list of excluded products. These include lottery tickets, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, cannabis, kratom, and their derivatives. Also on the exclusion list are souvenirs, cash vouchers, gold, diamonds, gemstones, fuel oil, natural gas, electrical appliances, electronic equipment, and communication devices. Minister Phumtham emphasised that while these exclusions are firmly in place, the list is not set in stone and may be revisited. "If we find that certain excluded products are essential for daily life or job creation, we will review and adjust the list as needed," he said. In response to concerns that the scheme might disproportionately benefit large corporate retailers, Phumtham assured the public that the focus would be on smaller, community-based businesses. The scheme aims to uplift independent retailers, grocery stores, community shops, Blue Flag chains, and cooperative stores, deliberately excluding major retail giants and wholesale outlets. To prepare for the launch, Thailand's Commerce Ministry, along with other relevant departments such as Internal Trade and Business Development, the Interior, and Agriculture ministries, are finalising their processes. Businesses interested in joining the scheme will soon be able to register. Currently, about 146,000 Blue Flag outlets, 5,000 Blue Flag eateries, and approximately 400,000 retail outlets including food shops are eligible to participate. The registration process for both businesses and individuals is slated to start in August. -- 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese Tourist Dies After Falling From Songthaew In Pattaya by TNR Staff The songthaew passenger vehicle from which the Chinese tourist fell. Photo Amarin TV A CHINESE man holidaying in Pattaya who fell from a songthaew passenger vehicle early this morning (July 22) later died from his injuries after being rushed to a hospital, TV Channel 7 and Amarin TV said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333594-chinese-tourist-dies-after-falling-from-songthaew-in-pattaya/?utm_source=240723-03

The songthaew passenger vehicle from which the Chinese tourist fell. Photo Amarin TV A CHINESE man holidaying in Pattaya who fell from a songthaew passenger vehicle early this morning (July 22) later died from his injuries after being rushed to a hospital, TV Channel 7 and Amarin TV said. The tourist, identified as Mr. Chi Fai Lam, 48, was seriously injured after falling from the songthaew on Pattaya Sai Song road at around 8.30 a.m. with the driver not stopping to help him. Ms. Sri Phai Panthongdi, 56, a motorcycle taxi rider who was waiting for a passenger at a nearby stand, said someone called out that a tourist was lying injured on the road after falling from the public vehicle with the driver zooming off without helping him so she quickly called the authorities to come and help and investigate. by TNR Staff Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe