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Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Myanmar is preparing to return approximately 7,000 victims of call centre scams to Thailand. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, confirmed this plan, stressing that these victims should be repatriated directly to their home countries without being temporarily housed in Thailand. On 12th February, Phumtham announced that 261 victims have already been released, with more awaiting repatriation. He emphasised that Thailand's approach is to coordinate with the victims' home countries so they can be received directly, avoiding any delays in regions like Tak Province. Efforts with various military groups have led to the apprehension of leaders of these scams, who have been enticing individuals, particularly from China, to work for these illicit operations. Legal proceedings against these gang leaders are underway. Embassies from regions including Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia—especially Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia—have confirmed their readiness to welcome their citizens back. Thai authorities, supported by police commissioners, are ensuring that the victims currently housed in Thailand are processed and returned to their respective countries promptly, reported Thai Rath. -- 2025-02-13

Thailand Targets Karen Leader in Cross-Border Crime Crackdown Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Authorities in Thailand are making significant strides in combating cross-border crimes with plans to secure an arrest warrant for Saw Chit Thu, a prominent figure in the Karen Border Guard Force. This move comes amid allegations linking him to illegal activities that cross into Thai territory. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351617-thailand-targets-karen-leader-in-cross-border-crime-crackdown/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Authorities in Thailand are making significant strides in combating cross-border crimes with plans to secure an arrest warrant for Saw Chit Thu, a prominent figure in the Karen Border Guard Force. This move comes amid allegations linking him to illegal activities that cross into Thai territory. Saw Chit Thu is suspected of being a key player in transnational call-centre scams and human trafficking rings that have been traced back to Myanmar's Myawaddy township, just across the border from Mae Sot, Thailand. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is actively working with public prosecutors to obtain judicial approval for the arrest warrant against the Karen leader. The civilian government in Bangkok, led by Pheu Thai, is eager to collaborate with Myanmar's junta administration in bringing this case to justice. They believe that Saw Chit Thu's extradition could open avenues to understanding any collusion with Thai officials possibly complicit in these crimes. People’s MP Rangsiman Rome, who chairs the House Committee on State Security, has underscored the gravity of the situation, suggesting that financial kickbacks may have greased the machinery facilitating these illegal cross-border operations. The crimes allegedly orchestrated from the Shwe Kokko area, under Saw Chit Thu's influence, have not only targeted Thai victims but have also posed a broader security concern. His rebel group, known to support the Myanmar junta, wields considerable influence in Myawaddy and surrounding regions of Kayin State. Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, assured on 11 February that Thailand is resolute in its efforts against such cross-border criminal activities. He emphasised that the government is firm in its strategy to curb these illicit operations and expects Myanmar's compliance in resolving them. The firm stance includes cutting power, fuel supplies, and internet access to certain border areas like Myawaddy, to hinder scammers' reach to potential Thai victims, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-02-13

NBTC Cracks Down on Fraudulent IPs to Combat Tech Crimes Reference picture courtesy: Freepik The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has launched a decisive campaign against fraudulent IP addresses in Thailand, aiming to curb technology-related crimes threatening both societal and national security. On 7th February 2025, a directive was issued to all telecommunications providers, demanding the identification and suspension of IP addresses linked to illicit activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351615-nbtc-cracks-down-on-fraudulent-ips-to-combat-tech-crimes/

Reference picture courtesy: Freepik The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has launched a decisive campaign against fraudulent IP addresses in Thailand, aiming to curb technology-related crimes threatening both societal and national security. On 7th February 2025, a directive was issued to all telecommunications providers, demanding the identification and suspension of IP addresses linked to illicit activities. The move comes in coordination with banks and law enforcement, compelling commercial banks to divulge IP addresses used by criminals in mobile banking schemes. These institutions are tasked with tracing the digital footprint of fraudsters, particularly around server locations facilitating money transfers, sharing this vital data with investigative bodies. The Central Investigation Bureau, along with the Technology Crime Suppression Division, has provided a database of fraudulent IP addresses to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across the nation. This comprehensive dataset includes IP details, transmission timestamps, and server destinations used by criminal enterprises, along with relevant URLs and case identifiers as lodged by victims. ISPs have been instructed to immediately deactivate these IP addresses to stymie further fraudulent activities. They are also required to compile and convey related user data swiftly to police authorities within 24 hours, reinforcing the collaborative effort to dismantle digital crime networks. On 11th February 2025, NBTC's Deputy Secretary-General Triarat Wiriyasirikul reiterated the urgency of these measures in a follow-up communication to network providers. He stressed the importance of adhering to governmental mandates designed to safeguard consumer rights and national security, highlighting the potential for administrative action should compliance falter. In parallel, efforts have been intensified across Sa Kaeo province where cross-border mobile signals have been scrutinised. This region-specific focus aims to preemptively dismantle opportunities for call centre scams to exploit signal overlap across borders. Various measures, including signal cuts and adjustments to antenna placements on local towers, have been undertaken to minimise this risk. While these interventions might briefly impact the general public's mobile phone connectivity, the NBTC is actively working with service providers to install substitute mobile stations to mitigate potential disruption. In a landscape where technology misuse threatens to outpace regulatory capabilities, these proactive steps by the NBTC are a robust effort to protect the public and preserve the integrity of financial systems. As this initiative unfolds, the cooperation between telecommunications sectors and law enforcement will be crucial to maintaining a secure digital environment in Thailand, reported The Nation. -- 2025-02-13

Chinese Tourists Choose Japan Over Thailand for New Year Picture courtesy: Freepik In a surprising turn of events, Thailand has been knocked off its pedestal as the favourite destination for Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year period, with Japan now taking the crown. This shift in travel preferences has been linked to a combination of favourable factors such as lower airfares to Japan, a weaker yen, and relaxed visa requirements, alongside rising safety concerns regarding travel in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351612-chinese-tourists-choose-japan-over-thailand-for-new-year/

Picture courtesy: Freepik In a surprising turn of events, Thailand has been knocked off its pedestal as the favourite destination for Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year period, with Japan now taking the crown. This shift in travel preferences has been linked to a combination of favourable factors such as lower airfares to Japan, a weaker yen, and relaxed visa requirements, alongside rising safety concerns regarding travel in Thailand. According to reports from Nikkei Asia, Japan saw a doubling in travel reservations from Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year festivities, held from 25 January to 1 February this year. This development follows a consistent trend observed since 2024, where Japan edged out Thailand in terms of total international arrivals, welcoming 36.87 million visitors compared to Thailand’s 35.55 million. Insights from Trip.com Group reveal a 30% increase in international travel from China during this festive period, with Japan emerging as the most popular destination. Similarly, Dongcheng Travel's data places Japan at the forefront, ahead of other adored spots like Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and, notably, Thailand. Several factors have contributed to Japan’s rising appeal. Notably, the Civil Aviation Administration of China recorded a 24.6% rise in international flights out of mainland China, bringing a surge in outbound travel. Carriers like China Eastern and Spring Airlines boosted their flight schedules significantly, especially towards Japan, making travel more accessible and affordable. Hotel bookings in Japan surged over 300% on New Year’s Eve compared to last year. Interest in regions with emerging popularity, such as Sapporo and Chiba in Japan, has soared, with flight bookings more than quintupled and hotel bookings doubling in these newly favoured areas. Japan's appeal is further bolstered by eased visa policies and economic factors such as the weaker yen, encouraging more Chinese tourists to choose Japan over other destinations. Tourism consultancy JTB anticipates a 33% increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan by 2025, while Japan ambitiously targets attracting 60 million tourists by 2030. The recovery of outbound tourism from China has been sluggish due to continuing economic challenges, but Japan’s strategic efforts to draw Chinese tourists remain undeterred. Meanwhile, Thailand’s appeal has been somewhat dampened by recent social media uproars, including concerns over safety following high-profile incidents involving Chinese nationals. Despite unexpected events, such as the unfortunate news of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu’s demise in Japan, travel to Japan has remained robust, indicating the resilience of its allure for Chinese tourists. Japan's position as a top destination for Chinese tourists appears secure for now, supported by favourable economic conditions and evolving tourist preferences, as the global tourism landscape continues to adjust post-pandemic, reported The Nation. -- 2025-02-13

Xi Raises Concerns Over Thai Casino Project, PM Defends Plan FILE - Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left, is ushered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, in Beijing, China, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Thailand's Government Spokesman Office via AP) During a recent diplomatic visit to China, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in discussions surrounding Thailand's proposed casino-entertainment complex with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting, centred on assessing potential societal impacts, revealed President Xi’s apprehensions regarding an increase in crime related to such projects. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351606-xi-raises-concerns-over-thai-casino-project-pm-defends-plan/

FILE - Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left, is ushered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, in Beijing, China, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Thailand's Government Spokesman Office via AP) During a recent diplomatic visit to China, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in discussions surrounding Thailand's proposed casino-entertainment complex with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting, centred on assessing potential societal impacts, revealed President Xi’s apprehensions regarding an increase in crime related to such projects. The proposal, part of the Pheu Thai-led government's agenda, seeks to integrate a casino within a broader complex featuring hotels, dining, and entertainment. Prime Minister Paetongtarn assured President Xi that the casino would occupy less than 10% of the space, emphasising the ongoing studies assessing its broader implications. Gambling remains illegal in both mainland China and Thailand, prompting Mr Xi’s concerns about potential social issues should Thailand move forward with legalisation. In response, Ms Paetongtarn highlighted the advantages of regulation over criminalisation, suggesting taxable revenue from legalised gambling could aid national development. Addressing domestic contexts, the Thai cabinet granted preliminary approval in January for a bill facilitating the development of these complexes. The Council of State is currently reviewing the legislation, expected to finalise by March 6. Pakorn Nilprapunt, the council’s secretary-general, confirmed ongoing refinements to the bill, which maintains its primary provisions despite notable revisions. Contention persists over whether a public referendum should dictate the project's fate. Government officials uphold that parliamentary approval suffices, aligning with the ruling party’s election promises. However, public opinion challenges this stance, with the Stop Gambling Foundation spearheading a petition campaign to advocate for a referendum. The prospective legislation mandates a licensing scheme for operation, with a 5-billion-baht registration fee and an annual 1-billion-baht levy, valid for 30 years before potential renewal. Furthermore, entry restrictions would apply, barring individuals under 20 and imposing a 5,000-baht entrance fee for Thai citizens. As debates continue, the balance between economic incentive and social responsibility remains a focal point, with Thailand navigating the complexities of integrating casino operations into its regulatory and cultural framework, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-13

Thai Baht Set to Weaken as US Tariff Tensions Escalate Picture courtesy: Kasikorn Research Centre The Thai baht is anticipated to weaken in the coming weeks, largely due to increasing global trade tensions in the wake of the United States' recent decision to elevate tariffs on aluminium and steel imports to a flat rate of 25%. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351596-thai-baht-set-to-weaken-as-us-tariff-tensions-escalate/

Picture courtesy: Kasikorn Research Centre The Thai baht is anticipated to weaken in the coming weeks, largely due to increasing global trade tensions in the wake of the United States' recent decision to elevate tariffs on aluminium and steel imports to a flat rate of 25%. On Tuesday, the baht commenced trading at approximately 33.96 per US dollar, a slight appreciation from Monday's closing rate of 33.91, but it soon weakened, surpassing 34 baht during the day's trading, reaching 34.07 per dollar by late afternoon. Poon Panitchpibun, a money market strategist at Krungthai Global Markets, explained that the baht's depreciation followed the announcement by US President Donald Trump of a significant tariff increase on steel and aluminium imports. The tariffs, now at 25%, represent a substantial rise from the previous 10%, marking the end of various exemptions and agreements. This strategic trade move by the US has exerted pressure on the baht, said Mr Poon, as the US dollar strengthened in response to these measures. Despite opening at 33.89 on Monday—down from last Friday's 33.64 closing—the baht's weakening has been compounded by mounting market uncertainty. "If the baht continues its decline and breaks through the resistance threshold of 34-34.10 per dollar, it might challenge the 34.20 zone next," he suggested. He further noted that the baht could stay volatile depending on the evolving US trade policies and economic statistics. The global upswing in gold prices has offered some respite, yet a short-term correction in the gold market is possible given recent peaks. Kanjana Chockpisansin, who heads research in the banking and financial sector at Thailand's Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), observed that the baht's dip past 34 per dollar marks its lowest point in a week. This depreciation aligns with a general downward trend among regional currencies, largely spurred by the stronger US dollar amid shifting trade policies. As global tensions are projected to escalate amidst ongoing US trade developments, Ms Kanjana advises close watching of forthcoming tariff enactments. In this climate, the US Federal Reserve might delay rate cuts, bolstering the dollar against the baht. Looking forward, K-Research anticipates the baht to fluctuate within a range of 33.85-34.15 per dollar in the near term. As these economic dynamics unfold, both domestic and international market participants will remain on high alert, assessing the impact on trade and investment strategies, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-13

Top Thai Officers Probed Over Links to Scams in Myanmar File-General view Myawaddy district in eastern Myanmar, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File) The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is conducting an investigation into alleged connections between senior police officers and criminal activities linked to scam operations across the Burmese border. This action follows the transfer of five senior officers from the Tak province, a move that has raised eyebrows due to the significant wealth of one of the officers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351595-top-thai-officers-probed-over-links-to-scams-in-myanmar/

File-General view Myawaddy district in eastern Myanmar, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File) The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is conducting an investigation into alleged connections between senior police officers and criminal activities linked to scam operations across the Burmese border. This action follows the transfer of five senior officers from the Tak province, a move that has raised eyebrows due to the significant wealth of one of the officers. At the heart of the investigation is Pol Maj Gen Ekkarat Intasueb, acting chief of Inspection Division 6 for the Office of the Inspector General. His duties encompass seven provinces, including Tak, which is directly opposite Myawaddy—a known hub for scam syndicates. As inquiries progress, he has been relocated to Bangkok by order of the national police chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch. Reports have surfaced highlighting Pol Maj Gen Ekkarat’s affluence, including ownership of an opulent mansion covering five rai featuring luxurious amenities such as a waterfall and a golf driving range. Despite this, he reportedly favours residing in police housing provided for the Mae Sot chief. Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, now leading the investigation panel, stated that the process would be driven by evidence, promising a just and fair investigation for all involved. Alongside Ekkarat, Pol Maj Gen Samrit Emkamol, the Tak Provincial Police commander, has also been transferred to Bangkok. Additionally, superintendents from Mae Sot, Mae Ramat, and Phob Phra district police stations have been moved to the provincial office. These changes are part of an effort to scrutinise any police role in the alleged disappearance of Chinese tourists. These individuals were reportedly deceived by call centre operators and lured into crossing the border into Myanmar for employment opportunities. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasised that although the transfers raise questions, they do not imply direct involvement in criminal activities. He stressed the urgency of the investigation to understand the high incidence of cross-border crime within their jurisdiction. The government's crackdown against scam operations has intensified, partly due to international scrutiny following the high-profile rescue of a Chinese actor trafficked to Myawaddy. In tactical moves to disrupt these illegal networks, Thai authorities have cut electricity and internet services to five border areas suspected of harbouring scam syndicates. Additionally, 261 foreign nationals were repatriated from Myawaddy to Thailand as the service cuts began impacting the operational capacity of these scam networks. With the investigative committee in place, all eyes remain on the outcomes of these probes. How these developments unfold could significantly impact ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational crime rings operating in the region, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-13

Thailand Eyes $9 Billion Jackpot with Casino Ambitions File photo for reference only Thailand is on track to become a global gaming hotspot with ambitious plans to establish a lucrative casino industry. The country aims to tap into billions of dollars in revenue while boosting its thriving tourism sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351587-thailand-eyes-9-billion-jackpot-with-casino-ambitions/

Thai PM Faces Scrutiny Over Thaksin Influence Allegations Thailand' s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center, arrives at Government House for the cabinet meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) //File photo. Thailand's political stage is set for another showdown as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares to tackle allegations involving her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, in an upcoming no-confidence debate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351554-thai-pm-faces-scrutiny-over-thaksin-influence-allegations/

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 13 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1351582-thailand-live-thursday-13-february-2025/

Thailand' s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center, arrives at Government House for the cabinet meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) //File photo. Thailand's political stage is set for another showdown as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares to tackle allegations involving her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, in an upcoming no-confidence debate. With the opposition poised to file the motion by 27th February, the debate is expected to shine a spotlight on Thaksin’s alleged behind-the-scenes influence in recent elections, sparking fierce discussions in the parliament and the public alike. Thaksin, a figure who continues to polarise Thai politics, has been accused by critics of wielding undue influence on the current administration. His alleged role in campaign efforts for the Pheu Thai Party has raised eyebrows, fuelling speculation about the extent of his involvement in governmental affairs. Prime Minister Paetongtarn, standing firm amidst the political tempest, has assured the public of her readiness to address these questions, recognising her obligation to dispute any accusations as the nation’s leader. Central to the debate will be allegations of government interference in the Ministry of Justice's handling of Thaksin’s detention arrangements. Thaksin reportedly received preferential treatment during his time at the Police General Hospital’s premium ward, situated on the 14th floor. Pakornwut Udompipatskul, leading the opposition and representing the People's Party, has highlighted this issue as a key point of contention. The opposition, seeking a five-day platform to explore these issues, faces a government advocating for a concise three-day scrutiny. Beyond accusations of personal favouritism, the debate promises to explore the Pheu Thai-led coalition's alleged failures in governance, corruption, partiality towards large business entities, and manipulation of the judicial system for individual gains. These are not new criticisms, yet Pakornwut hints at fresh revelations poised to capture public attention. The motion also directly targets Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, whose comments on the matter have underscored the legal constraints surrounding the disclosure of details currently under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. With the Anti-Corruption Act in play, any unapproved disclosures during the debate could have legal repercussions, a point Pol Col Tawee is keen to enforce. The Pheu Thai Party has cautioned the opposition against focusing the debate solely on Thaksin, reminding them of potential legal ramifications should they overstep and infringe upon Thaksin's rights, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-13

Thailand Braces for Influx Post-Myanmar Gang Release Crackdown Picture courtesy: MGR online Thailand is on high alert as the government prepares for a potential wave of foreigners freed from scam gangs in Myanmar. This comes after Thailand cut off electricity to pressure the gangs into releasing captives, as revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351580-thailand-braces-for-influx-post-myanmar-gang-release-crackdown/

Phuket Raid Captures Four Foreign Hackers Behind 560M Baht Scam Photo via Thai News Agency In a decisive operation, Thai authorities arrested four foreign nationals in Phuket, accused of orchestrating a major malware scam that defrauded over 1,000 victims. This sophisticated cybercrime netted losses exceeding US$16 million, equivalent to approximately 560 million Thai baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351443-phuket-raid-captures-four-foreign-hackers-behind-560m-baht-scam/

Photo via Thai News Agency In a decisive operation, Thai authorities arrested four foreign nationals in Phuket, accused of orchestrating a major malware scam that defrauded over 1,000 victims. This sophisticated cybercrime netted losses exceeding US$16 million, equivalent to approximately 560 million Thai baht. The hackers, wanted in Switzerland, fled to Thailand to evade international arrest warrants. Working closely with Swiss officials, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) launched Operation PHOBOS, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Immigration Bureau and Provincial Police Region 8, to track and apprehend the suspects. The operation culminated in raids across four Phuket locations, including the Mono Palai Private Pool Villa and Supalai Palm Spring. The hackers were caught red-handed, though local authorities have not yet disclosed their identities. It is assumed they hold Swiss nationality due to their association with Swiss arrest warrants. The modus operandi of these cybercriminals involved deploying ransomware to infect and encrypt victims' data. They then demanded a cryptocurrency ransom in exchange for decrypting the data, threatening to leak sensitive personal information if their demands went unmet. This use of digital currency posed additional challenges to those trying to trace and catch them. Photo via Facebook/ THAI PRESS Globally, the group's malware scam entrapped over a thousand unsuspecting individuals, resulting in combined losses of more than US$16 million (560 million baht). Despite being under scrutiny in Switzerland, the group managed to escape to Thailand, continuing their illicit activities until their capture. A comprehensive search of the suspects’ residences uncovered an array of evidence, including mobile phones, laptops, and various digital wallets linked to the cryptocurrency transactions used in their demands. The legal repercussions for these cybercriminals are severe. Switzerland seeks to extradite them, where they face charges of conspiracy to commit offences against the United States and wire fraud. Their prosecution will likely serve as a cautionary tale against digital crime, demonstrating the rigorous pursuit by international authorities. This significant breakthrough in cyber law enforcement comes on the heels of another high-profile extradition from Thailand. Just weeks earlier, a Chinese national was deported to face charges for defrauding victims via a fraudulent loan application, amounting to 112 million yuan (approximately 520 million baht). Together, these arrests underscore the commitment of Thai authorities to collaborate internationally in the fight against cybercrime, ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice irrespective of geographic boundaries, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-11

Thailand Introduces Biometric SIM Registration to Curb Scams Picture courtesy: Thai PBS The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is launching a stern clampdown on unauthorised SIM cards and the digital rogues behind online scams. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351441-thailand-introduces-biometric-sim-registration-to-curb-scams/

Picture courtesy: Thai PBS The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is launching a stern clampdown on unauthorised SIM cards and the digital rogues behind online scams. With the introduction of biometric identification for SIM card registration, fraudulent SIM dealers are now on notice. Those breaching this new system could face crippling penalties. In a country where more than half of the population relies on prepaid SIM cards, this initiative could revolutionise how mobile subscriptions operate in Thailand. Floating predictions previously foresaw 94 million mobile subscriptions by 2025. However, this expectation is now tempered by a projected 19% decline, with numbers settling around 77.8 million subscribers. This adjusted vision considers a post-registration world where the subscriber rate per 100 people aligns at roughly 100%. Thailand's current mobile penetration rate stands impressively at 140%. This figure is expected to drop to 111% as the biometric registration system eliminates numerous unauthorised multiple SIM card users and dodgy practices. Nonetheless, doubts remain as to whether crafty users might still find loopholes, potentially impacting the forecast. Drawing comparisons with other nations, Thailand might witness a substantial dip, echoing the 25% reduction experienced by the Philippines in 2024 during a similar registration process. The possibility of a mobile market contraction hovers as factors such as legislative changes and various SIM ownership complicate clarity. Despite this uncertainty, the mobile market is anticipated to rebound. By 2034, it's projected to regain a penetration rate of 131%, equating to an estimated 91.6 million subscribers. With emerging markets already navigating the choppy waters of multiple SIM registrations and accompanying regulations, upcoming shifts in forecasts are quite likely. While the introduction of biometric authentication is hailed by regulators as a necessary step to cut down on fraud, it poses a conundrum for mobile operators who face increased operational costs to maintain compliance with these stringent measures. Initially, this translates to temporary pressure on their profit margins as they adapt to the new systems. Failure to adhere to these new regulations would attract considerable fines, albeit a financial challenge for any non-compliant network providers. This analysis is brought to you by BMI, a part of Fitch Solutions, with no affiliation to Fitch Ratings' Credit Ratings framework. The data and insights stem independently from BMI and affiliated sources. As Thailand navigates this biometric frontier, the nation sets its sights on a more secure and streamlined digital communication landscape, with hopes of eliminating fraudulent activities and reinforcing its mobile market structure, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-11

Thailand Cracks Down on E-Cigarettes to Protect Schoolchildren Picture courtesy: You Quit Two Quit The seminar underscored the urgent need for a unified approach to combat the e-cigarette crisis, fostering cooperation across various sectors to implement effective solutions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351439-thailand-cracks-down-on-e-cigarettes-to-protect-schoolchildren/

Picture courtesy: You Quit Two Quit The seminar underscored the urgent need for a unified approach to combat the e-cigarette crisis, fostering cooperation across various sectors to implement effective solutions. The participating bodies recognised that without cohesive action, the health and well-being of Thailand's young population could face serious jeopardy. Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoen, the Director-General of the Department of Health, highlighted the peril e-cigarettes pose. He pointed out that the public, particularly the younger demographic, often misunderstands e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products. This misconception, fuelled by savvy marketing strategies and attractive product designs, demands immediate educational initiatives aimed at correcting these false beliefs. The bolstering of educational campaigns is poised as a cornerstone strategy in this fight. Schools, Dr. Suwanchai proposed, should be at the forefront of this campaign, embedding awareness programmes within the curriculum to enlighten students about the true risks associated with vaping. Beyond education, robust enforcement measures are equally vital. Opas Almaseri's call for more stringent customs operations is aligned with ongoing efforts to seal the border against the inflow of illicit vaping products. This includes not only strengthening checks and seizures but also enhancing penalties for those caught violating the e-cigarette ban. Furthermore, the committee urges a collaboration with international bodies to track and dismantle smuggling networks that supply e-cigarettes to the Thai market. These measures, they believe, will significantly diminish the national distribution channels of these contraband goods. Stirring national consciousness, the ad hoc committee's resolute stand marks a critical milestone in Thailand's public health policy discourse. By tackling the e-cigarette surge head-on, there is a hope to yield long-term benefits for the youth, safeguarding them from the clutches of nicotine dependency and its associated health risks. In conclusion, while the journey to eradicate e-cigarettes from schools will not be without hurdles, the newly sparked crackdown represents a crucial step towards protecting the younger generations. As the House committee’s call reverberates across the nation, it is a clarion call for communities to unite in crafting a safer, healthier future for the children of Thailand, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-11

Bangkok Contractor Secures Contract to Demolish Old Korat Police Station Picture courtesy: THai PBS A Bangkok-based construction contractor has won the bid to dismantle the antiquated Klang Dong police station in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Klang Dong district, securing the contract with a bid of 25,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351433-bangkok-contractor-secures-contract-to-demolish-old-korat-police-station/