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Chinese automaker Hozon aims to double its EV sales in Thailand by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok International Motor Show Hozon New Energy Automobile Co, a Chinese manufacturer operating as Neta Auto, has set a target to double its electric vehicle (EV) sales in Thailand to 30,000 units this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324589-chinese-automaker-hozon-aims-to-double-its-ev-sales-in-thailand/

Hozon New Energy Automobile Co, a Chinese manufacturer operating as Neta Auto, has set a target to double its electric vehicle (EV) sales in Thailand to 30,000 units this year. The announcement was made during last month’s Bangkok International Motor Show. The company’s swift rise in popularity in Thailand, a market previously dominated by legacy automakers, is a testament to Chinese carmakers’ pivotal role in emerging markets. China’s automakers offer a wide range of affordable EV options, essentially becoming the only viable option for many consumers. Traditional automakers such as Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co., cannot compete with the variety and price points of Chinese EVs. The cheapest EV hatchback from BYD, China’s market leader, is priced around US$10,000. The rise in Chinese EVs threatens the long-standing dominance of Japanese carmakers, including Toyota and Isuzu Motors Ltd, in the Thai market. Last year, Japanese automakers’ market share in Thailand fell below 80%, a significant drop from previous years. The increased demand for EVs from companies like Hozon underscores the urgency of this shift. Wang Chengjie, Vice President of Hozon, does not foresee a wait of five years to double the output of the company’s new Thai factory, capable of producing 20,000 Netas annually. “It will come true very soon.” EV sales In the context of Thailand’s yearly vehicle sales, which is approximately 800,000, the planned production is a significant figure. EV sales in Thailand have seen a substantial increase, growing from less than 10,000 to about 76,000 last year. Tatsuo Yoshida, senior auto analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, noted that Chinese brands now constitute 10% of the entire market. The situation in Thailand is potentially an indicator of future trends in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, where Japanese brands have traditionally held sway. According to the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), new vehicle sales and registrations across ASEAN nations rose 18% to 3.27 million units in 2022. The region is one of the world’s largest automobile markets, positioned between Japan and Germany. Thailand, known as the Detroit of Asia, is Southeast Asia’s largest auto manufacturing hub. This is due to the network of suppliers created by Japanese companies for fuel-burning cars. This infrastructure has attracted EV makers like BYD and Great Wall Motor Co, who are eager to utilise local labour and expertise. China has surpassed Japan as the world’s top car exporter, with Chinese automakers not only establishing factories in Thailand but also exporting record numbers of new-energy vehicles. Analyst Takeshi Miyao from automotive consultancy Carnorama warns that “Japan’s carmakers must not remain complacent” as they observe the situation in Thailand and the rest of the region. Tax breaks The rise of Chinese EVs in Thailand can be traced back to a public initiative announced in February 2022, which included subsidies of as much as 150,000 baht (US$4,085) per EV and related tax breaks. In light of Thailand’s largely agricultural economy, pickup trucks account for about 40% of new car sales. Toyota and Isuzu have traditionally held a strong grip on this market, but they are now facing competition from Chinese brands expanding their lineups to include pickups. Great Wall Motor Thailand unveiled a hybrid pickup at the Bangkok motor show, targeting customers like sugar cane farmer Kamphon Thamwapee. The hybrid pickup is expected to offer better value for customers seeking to reduce fuel usage. Michael Chong, General Manager of Great Wall Motor Thailand, hinted at the possibility of an electric pickup in the future, reported Bangkok Post. In response, Toyota has plans to roll out an EV Hilux pickup truck in Thailand by the end of 2025. Isuzu also unveiled the D-Max, its first EV pickup, at the show. However, its rollout has only been confirmed for Norway. For other markets, the company plans to examine what kind of added value can be provided to customers interested in purchasing EVs. by Alex Morgan Top Picture courtesy of Bangkok International Motor Show Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Wildlife trafficker nabbed with protected macaques in Narathiwat by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod The Thai authorities recently apprehended a wildlife trafficker in a sting operation today, seizing two protected macaque monkeys confined in fertiliser bags. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324588-wildlife-trafficker-nabbed-with-protected-macaques-in-narathiwat/

The Thai authorities recently apprehended a wildlife trafficker in a sting operation today, seizing two protected macaque monkeys confined in fertiliser bags. The suspect, 32 year old Haisu Salaere, was caught red-handed in Narathiwat province while attempting to sell the animals, which he admitted to capturing and training for obedience and tasks. Narathiwat police, in collaboration with the Provincial Police Region 9, arrested Haisu at an intersection in the Mueang district. He faces charges for possession and trafficking of protected wildlife without permission. The macaques, listed as protected species number 150, were discovered in two ventilated fertiliser bags. The investigation was spurred by a Facebook post in a group dedicated to primate care, where Haisu advertised the sale of the macaques for 4,500 and 5,000 baht respectively. Upon interrogation, Haisu confessed to capturing the macaques from a forest near his village and training them to follow commands and perform various tasks. He claimed that trained macaques fetch higher prices, which motivated his illicit activities. Following his confession, Haisu was taken into custody at the Mueang Narathiwat police station to face legal proceedings. This case highlights the ongoing illegal wildlife trade and the exploitation of vulnerable species. Macaques, often perceived as adaptable and trainable, are unfortunately frequent targets for such trades. The authorities’ swift response reflects the seriousness with which Thailand regards the protection of its wildlife and the enforcement of laws to combat trafficking. The confiscated animals are typically cared for and rehabilitated by wildlife officials, with the hope of reintroducing them into their natural habitat if possible. The public is reminded that the purchase of wildlife, especially protected species, not only fuels the illegal trade but also contributes to the decline of these animals in the wild. Efforts to protect and conserve wildlife require public awareness and participation in reporting any suspicious activities related to wildlife trade, reported KhaoSod. Picture courtesy of KhaoSod by Nattapong Westwood Top Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand braces for influx of 100,000 Myanmar refugees by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Care.org The escalating conflict in Myanmar has prompted Thailand to prepare for the potential influx of 100,000 displaced individuals, as stated by Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324581-thailand-braces-for-influx-of-100000-myanmar-refugees/

The escalating conflict in Myanmar has prompted Thailand to prepare for the potential influx of 100,000 displaced individuals, as stated by Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara. The announcement came before a Thai Cabinet meeting aimed at discussing the intensifying situation in their neighbouring country. Parnpree urged all parties involved in the conflict to pursue peace negotiations. Currently, Myanmar is grappling with an uprising against its military junta, with several towns and military posts, including significant sections of a key border town with Thailand, falling under the control of anti-junta groups. These groups are backed by a parallel pro-democracy government. This uprising represents the most formidable challenge faced by the Myanmar junta since they overthrew the elected government in 2021. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed concern over the situation. “The situation in Myanmar is crucial to Thailand.” The 62 year old Thai prime minister assured that his government was promoting collaboration from all parties to restore peace and stability in the region. In a recent interview with Reuters, PM Srettha suggested that the current weakening of the Myanmar regime could present an opportune moment to initiate peace talks. Last week, the Myanmar military’s credibility was potentially undermined when anti-junta forces launched coordinated drone attacks on military facilities in the country’s capital. Thailand, which shares a 2,000-kilometre border with Myanmar, has been actively engaging with the latter since the Bangkok-born Srettha assumed office in August of the previous year. This includes providing aid under a humanitarian initiative aimed at fostering dialogue between the conflicting parties. In a recent seminar on Myanmar’s political predicament attended by Thai lawmakers, opponents of the Myanmar military made appearances, despite the objections of the junta. In related news, the Government of Myanmar recently filed a request with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking clearance for evacuation flights to land in the Mae Sot district of Tak. The motive behind this request is the evacuation of 617 military officers and their dependents, who are expected to flee Myawaddy, a city now under the control of rebel ethnic forces. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Care.org Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 10 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324580-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-10-april-2024/

The Central Criminal Court has sentenced 15 policemen and seven civilians for failing to prevent the murder of a highway policeman during a dinner party at an official's house in Nakhon Phanom last September. Four policemen were jailed for two years, 11 others received 16 months (three suspended), and one was acquitted. The gunman who arrived then fled to Kanchanaburi was later killed by police. Thailand’s foreign minister yesterday confirmed the country is prepared to accept 100,000 people fleeing Myanmar following the seizure of Myawaddy by independent forces over the weekend. Centers are being set up to provide shelter on a temporary basis. A House committee report on legalizing entertainment complexes with casinos was endorsed by the cabinet yesterday. The department of finance will produce a report of the investment required within 30 days. The Transport Ministry will set up a feasibility study for the relocation of the 32-rai Bangkok Port in Klong Toey; to deep water facilities at Lerm chabang in Chonburi, parts of the bangkok site will be turned into a public park. locally The water supply to large parts of central Hua Hin will be disrupted today in a bid to conserve water for the upcoming Songkran festival. Low pressure or no water supply will affect mainly central Hua Hin until around 3:30 this afternoon. people living to the south and receive water from Pranburi should be unaffected Around the region Cambodian President Hun Sen yesterday denied recent suggestions that an upcoming navigation canal project through the country’s south could facilitate the entry of Chinese naval ships up the Mekong River, allowing Chinese troops into the country would violate the Constitution? WEATHER A change in the weather in the north east of the country With heavy rain likely. Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny partly cloudy 42C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 38C Pattaya: Sunny becoming cloudy 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny 34C Hua Hin: Sunny, light clouds winds light from the south 35 C AQI yellow moderate Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-04-10 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand ranks 44th in global crime index 'The Bangkok Hilton' | Photo via The Richest Thailand has ranked 44th in the Global Organized Crime Index, highlighting issues like human trafficking, arms trade, and copyright infringement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324578-thailand-ranks-44th-in-global-crime-index/

'The Bangkok Hilton' | Photo via The Richest Thailand has ranked 44th in the Global Organized Crime Index, highlighting issues like human trafficking, arms trade, and copyright infringement. These challenges hinder cooperation within ASEAN and call for urgent action. Thailand is labeled a "hub" in these illicit activities, emphasizing the need for joint efforts. In the 2023 Global Organized Crime Index by GI-TOC, Thailand scored 6.18, placing it 44th globally, 18th in Asia, and 7th in Southeast Asia, up from 2021's 56th place, reported Thai Rath. Major contributors to Thailand's high crime index include human trafficking, arms trade, and intellectual property violations. Transnational criminal groups, seeking income post-COVID-19, engage in drug trafficking and counterfeit goods trade, including cigarettes and alcohol, mostly from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Such activities reflect the heightened crime severity in Southeast Asia, ranked fifth globally and second in Asia. Despite law enforcement efforts, illegal trade thrives, with 3,202 cases recorded in March, involving fines exceeding 77.02 million baht and estimated fines over 568 million baht, mainly for illicit alcohol (1,651) and tobacco (1,199). The crime index aids governments in identifying vulnerabilities, boosting public confidence, attracting foreign investment, and addressing legal loopholes, corruption, and fostering regional cooperation to combat crime and fulfill Thailand's aspirations to be a hub for investment and trade, ultimately improving citizens' quality of life. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand's currency becomes one of Asia’s worst performers Thailand's currency THB may extend its recent declines to test support at last year’s low amid growing pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates, according to the US website Bloomberg.com. Shoppers pass through a street market in Bangkok, Thailand.(Photo:bloomberg.com) Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand's currency THB may extend its recent declines to test support at last year’s low amid growing pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates, according to the US website Bloomberg.com. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324577-thailands-currency-becomes-one-of-asia’s-worst-performers/

Thailand's currency THB may extend its recent declines to test support at last year’s low amid growing pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates, according to the US website Bloomberg.com. Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand's currency THB may extend its recent declines to test support at last year’s low amid growing pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates, according to the US website Bloomberg.com. The currency has already dropped almost 7% since the start of January, making it one of Asia’s worst performers, and putting it less than 1.4% away from October’s low of 37.237 per dollar. Some analysts see that level being tested if the Bank of Thailand trims its benchmark on April 10. While economists expect BoT policymakers to further delay rate hikes this week, traders were cautious after the two BoT members voted in favour of a rate cut at their previous meeting in February. In the same month, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's government called for an emergency rate cut. TOP picture: Shoppers pass through a street market in Bangkok, Thailand.(Photo:bloomberg.com) Full story: Vietnam Plus 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cabinet agrees to Bt235Bn to fund health Gold Card scheme next fiscal year The cabinet approved a Bt235 billion budget for 2025 fiscal year today, to fund the universal health security scheme (Gold Card) for the Thai population, under which each citizen will be entitled to medical coverage worth an average of Bt3,844.55. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324576-cabinet-agrees-to-bt235bn-to-fund-health-gold-card-scheme-next-fiscal-year/

The cabinet approved a Bt235 billion budget for 2025 fiscal year today, to fund the universal health security scheme (Gold Card) for the Thai population, under which each citizen will be entitled to medical coverage worth an average of Bt3,844.55. Deputy government spokesman Karom Pholpornklang said that the new health security budget is an increase of 9.53% over the 2024. The bulk of the money, about 181 billion baht, will go to the universal health security scheme for about 47 million Thais. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

“Kamnan Nok” imprisoned for two years following murder of police officer at his house Praween Chanklai, aka “Kamnan Nok”, who allegedly ordered the killing of a highway police officer during a party at his house in Nakhon Pathom on September 6th last year, in front of over a dozen other police officers, was sentenced to two years in prison today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324575-“kamnan-nok”-imprisoned-for-two-years-following-murder-of-police-officer-at-his-house/

Praween Chanklai, aka “Kamnan Nok”, who allegedly ordered the killing of a highway police officer during a party at his house in Nakhon Pathom on September 6th last year, in front of over a dozen other police officers, was sentenced to two years in prison today. Fifteen officers who partied at the house at the time of the shooting and did not intervene to stop the shooting, allegedly by a body guard of Chanklai, were sentenced to serve jail terms of 16 months to two years without suspension by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. Chanklai was found guilty of attempted murder and of ordering the shooting of Pol Maj Siwakorn Saibua, an inspector of Highway Police Sub-division 2 at the party. The officer had, reportedly, denied Chanklai’s request that his nephew be promoted, resulting in a quarrel between the two men and the shooting to death of the officer. The court found all the 15 police officers, with the ranks from a major down to master sergeant, guilty of malfeasance in office and dereliction of duty. One officer, MSgt Apirak Rotepuang was, however, acquitted. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Government Aims to Elevate Koh Samui to Top 10 Most Attractive Islands Worldwide By Kittisak Phalaharn On April 8th, 2024, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai Tourism and Sports Minister, publicly revealed a Thai government policy to enhance Koh Samui to be one of the top 10 most attractive islands worldwide. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324574-thai-government-aims-to-elevate-koh-samui-to-top-10-most-attractive-islands-worldwide/

On April 8th, 2024, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai Tourism and Sports Minister, publicly revealed a Thai government policy to enhance Koh Samui to be one of the top 10 most attractive islands worldwide. Recently, the Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inspected Koh Samui, and Surat Thani, and discussed with locals regarding tourism and the economy. Srettha aimed to have Koh Samui ranked in the top 10 globally most attractive islands. The Tourism and Sports Minister, President of the Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association, and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would integrate to publicize its local identities including delicacy and the way of life, according to Sudawan. Although current tourism in Koh Samui had returned to normal similar to the pre-COVID-19 period, local entrepreneurs such as masseuses and other specialties were in a shortage. Sudawan stated that the current number of specialty workers had been reduced from 120,000 individuals to 50,000 compared to the pre-covid 19 period. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese Man in Pattaya Arrested for Illegally Entering Thailand and Working as Guide By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด Pattaya — A Chinese man was was arrested in Pattaya on April 8th, 2024, for entering Thailand illegally and working as a guide. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324573-chinese-man-in-pattaya-arrested-for-illegally-entering-thailand-and-working-as-guide/

Pattaya — A Chinese man was was arrested in Pattaya on April 8th, 2024, for entering Thailand illegally and working as a guide. The man, identified as Mr. Ke Pan, 36, was found sitting in a car with his windows down. According to arresting officers, Mr. Ke appeared suspicious when he saw their car driving by and tried to drive away. The police stopped Mr. Ke and asked him for his passport. He was unable to produce any documentation, so he was taken to the Chonburi Immigration Office. No illegal items were found in his car. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian Man Arrested in Phuket with 351 Days of Overstay By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket –A Russian man was arrested in Koh Kaew, Phuket City after he was found to have overstayed his legal visa by 351 days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324572-russian-man-arrested-in-phuket-with-351-days-of-overstay/

Phuket –A Russian man was arrested in Koh Kaew, Phuket City after he was found to have overstayed his legal visa by 351 days. Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they arrested a suspect identified only as MR. SERGEY, a 46 year old Russian national, on a road in a housing estate in Koh Kaew. The arrest followed after the Phuket Immigration officers found through their computer system that MR. SERGEY was overstaying. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Boom boom: Thai people ranked No.1 in Asia’s list of top shaggers Photo by Crew via Unsplash The World Population Review website released its ranking for the Average Number of Sexual Partners by Country in 2024, revealing that Thai people are Asia’s top shaggers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324518-boom-boom-thai-people-ranked-no1-in-asia’s-list-of-top-shaggers/

Prachuap aims for safer Songkran with fewer than 35 accidents, 36 injuries, and 3 deaths on the roads By Online Reporter As is customary this time of year, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has unveiled a new campaign dedicated to the prevention and reduction of road accidents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324571-prachuap-aims-for-safer-songkran-with-fewer-than-35-accidents-36-injuries-and-3-deaths/

As is customary this time of year, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has unveiled a new campaign dedicated to the prevention and reduction of road accidents. Governor Somkid Chanthamrik inaugurated a new operation center on April 9, 2024, at the provincial hall, marking the start of a campaign to enhance road safety and traffic management from April 11-17, 2024. Under the slogan “Drive Safely, Thailand Without Accidents,” the initiative seeks to mitigate the heightened risk of accidents during Songkran, a period when thousands travel to their hometowns or vacation spots. Prachuap Khiri Khan, a crucial thoroughfare for travelers heading to and from the southern provinces, is the focus of these efforts. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe