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Anutin Charnvirakul. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath Thailand’s Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul mandated provincial governors and district officers nationwide to enforce strict measures against burning activities to reduce PM2.5 pollution. Offenders will face legal consequences. On 22nd January 2025, Traisulee Traisoranakul, Secretary to the Interior Minister and Ministry spokesperson, reported that due to current weather conditions, many areas across the country are suffering from increased PM2.5 pollution, adversely affecting public health. To address this, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed all provincial governors to issue directives to their district officers. The aim is to monitor air quality closely and implement measures that prevent open burning, particularly in agricultural areas and the burning of waste, which are major sources of toxic dust. The ministerial directive also emphasises collaboration between governors, district officers, and relevant agencies to inspect and educate the public on the adverse effects of pollution and the necessary control measures. Non-compliance with these rules will result in strict legal action. Traisulee highlighted that the minister expressed concerns over weather conditions that trap pollutants, worsening the PM2.5 crisis and posing a severe health risk to the public. Therefore, authorities nationwide are urged to implement a no-burning policy rigorously, increase inspection frequency, and ensure compliance, with penalties enforced against violators as the problem of air pollution remains a significant threat to public health, reported Daily News. -- 2025-01-23

Gordon Ramsay Visits Bangkok to Try Top-Tier 'Pad Thai Pratu Phi Picture courtesy: Gordon Ramey Facebook Renowned celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, celebrated for his Michelin-star success, recently took to social media to share his culinary delight in the heart of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349613-gordon-ramsay-visits-bangkok-to-try-top-tier-pad-thai-pratu-phi/

Picture courtesy: Gordon Ramey Facebook Renowned celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, celebrated for his Michelin-star success, recently took to social media to share his culinary delight in the heart of Bangkok. Ramsay praised the "excellent Pad Thai" from the iconic Thipsamai Restaurant at Pratu Pee, expressing his excitement about being in the vibrant city. On 22nd January 2025, Ramsay posted a picture of himself smiling broadly, holding a plate of the renowned dish with chopsticks ready in hand. The scene, beautifully captured, features Ramsay on a balcony with Bangkok’s bustling backdrop, as a branded Thipsamai paper bag sits on the table beside him. Captioning his Instagram post, Ramsay wrote, "When in Thailand ... you learn from past mistakes. This is outstanding Pad Thai from Thipsamai – thrilled to be in Bangkok!" The post quickly garnered attention, with both local fans and international followers reacting enthusiastically, liking and sharing the joyful culinary moment widely across platforms. -- 2025-01-23

Love Wins: Bangkok Celebrates First Day of Equal Marriage Says "I Do" File photo for reference only Bangkok will make history as the Marriage Equality Bill comes into effect, allowing equal marriage registrations for all couples across the city's 50 districts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349603-love-wins-bangkok-celebrates-first-day-of-equal-marriage-says-i-do/

Russian tourist attacked in Pattaya over livestream mix-up By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English A Russian tourist’s harmless social media livestream took a violent turn on Pattaya Beach when a local woman, mistakenly believing she was being filmed, assaulted him in a dramatic scene outside the Pattaya City Police Station. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349587-russian-tourist-attacked-in-pattaya-over-livestream-mix-up/

Thai driver released on 600,000 baht bail after killing motorcyclist By Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon The Bangkok South Criminal Court released a Thai sedan driver on bail set at 600,000 baht this afternoon after he intentionally hit and killed a motorcyclist on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349500-delivery-rider-killed-in-road-rage-incident-involving-indian-driver-on-sukhumvit-road/#findComment-19531909

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 23 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1349586-thailand-live-thursday-23-january-2025/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand tackles high airfares for Songkran festival By Puntid Tantivangphaisal The Transport Ministry has directed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to tackle the high cost of airfares during long weekends and holiday periods, in preparation for the Songkran festival in April. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349576-thailand-tackles-high-airfares-for-songkran-festival/

Thai MP Denies Loan Shark Allegations Amid Scandal File photo courtesy: Thai Rath In a fresh twist to Thailand's political scene, Klathum MP 'Pi Lick' has been embroiled in controversial allegations this week, accused of being involved in loan shark operations. Pi, known for his ties with former Palang Pracharath heavyweight Thammanat Prompao, has come forward vehemently denying any such involvement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349590-thai-mp-denies-loan-shark-allegations-amid-scandal/

File photo courtesy: Thai Rath In a fresh twist to Thailand's political scene, Klathum MP 'Pi Lick' has been embroiled in controversial allegations this week, accused of being involved in loan shark operations. Pi, known for his ties with former Palang Pracharath heavyweight Thammanat Prompao, has come forward vehemently denying any such involvement. This revelation has gripped the nation, sparking widespread discussion about potential unethical conduct among public officials. Pi, representing Kamphaeng Phet, found himself thrust into the media spotlight following a barrage of claims circulated on social media. These allegations suggest that he dabbled in the unlawful lending business, possibly through connections with his former partner, actress Arisara Thongborisut. However, steadfast in his rebuttal, Pi asserted that he has never entertained any involvement in such illegal activities, emphasising his duty-bound stance to combat such practices given his capacity as a lawmaker. The accusations against Pi have been underlined by reports involving an unnamed individual, claiming to have been a personal secretary to Arisara during her alleged dealings. This individual purportedly demanded Arisara repay nearly nine million baht that she allegedly borrowed for funding the said illicit venture. The plot thickened when Arisara indicated she intended to settle this debt using funds gained from distributing government lottery tickets – a business alleged to have connections with Thammanat. Thammanat, a figure of intrigue himself, leads a faction of 20 MPs who defected from Palang Pracharath to join the Klathum party, a current coalition partner, raising eyebrows about the connections and loyalties within Thai politics. Despite the swirling allegations, Pi Lick has staunchly denied any implication of Thammanat in the supposed lottery quota scandal, aiming to distance his political ally from the claims of financial misconduct. This unfolding drama has not just captivated the attention of the public but has also magnified concerns over political integrity in Thailand. It echoes a broader issue of accountability among elected officials and their associates, driving serious conversations about reform and transparency within the country's power corridors. As the story continues to develop, it remains to be seen how these allegations could impact the reputation and political futures of those involved. For now, Pi Lick's emphatic denials stand as a challenge against these accusations, leaving the public watching for any new revelationsm, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-01-22

Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Law Stirs Debate Reference only photo courtesy: Wikipedia The Thai government's draft law on entertainment complexes has sparked a heated debate over its lack of clarity and purpose. According to Professor Chidtawan Chanakul of Kasetsart University's Faculty of Economics, there is growing concern over what the law aims to achieve. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349583-thailand’s-entertainment-complex-law-stirs-debate/

Reference only photo courtesy: Wikipedia The Thai government's draft law on entertainment complexes has sparked a heated debate over its lack of clarity and purpose. According to Professor Chidtawan Chanakul of Kasetsart University's Faculty of Economics, there is growing concern over what the law aims to achieve. Does it intend to boost tourism or tackle illegal gambling, or both? This ambiguity is causing confusion among supporters and those scrutinising its potential impacts. At the heart of this legislative conundrum lies the question of what defines a tourist-oriented entertainment complex versus a simple man-made attraction. Should these complexes include additional elements like casinos, or should they prioritise large-scale tourism attractions? Without clear guidelines, these questions remain unanswered, and the direction of the draft law seems uncertain. Professor Chidtawan highlights that pursuing dual objectives - attracting tourists and combating illegal gambling - simultaneously requires a carefully thought-out strategy. He points to Singapore’s model, where entertainment complexes featuring casinos come with strict regulations and laws that prevent citizens from gambling, thereby minimising social harm. "In Thailand, confusion surrounds the law's principles and rationale," notes Chidtawan. "It does not make it clear if the purpose is to legalise gambling to eliminate underground activities, or to keep gambling out of citizens' reach while focusing on tourism." The Atlantic City Cautionary Tale Professor Chidtawan also draws parallels to Atlantic City in the United States, which intended to emulate Las Vegas and become a hub for tourism by legalising casinos in the 1970s. However, the city encountered severe issues, such as illegal gambling, corruption, and increased prostitution. With insufficient planning and regulation, the project struggled, leaving few casinos operational today and failing to rejuvenate tourism. The New Jersey Department of Labour's recent study revealed that the city's casino workforce remains largely low-skilled, trapped in poverty, and providing little economic benefit. With these lessons in mind, Professor Chidtawan urges Thailand to define its goals lucidly. Implementing rigid regulations and preparing both infrastructure and workforce are crucial to mitigate potential negative outcomes. Should the government proceed without these measures, the initiative might spiral into another ill-conceived policy, saddling Thailand with significant social and economic costs. In a nation rich with cultural tourism potential, clarity in legislative definitions is essential to avoid repeating history's pitfalls, reported The Nation. -- 2025-01-22

Toddler in critical condition after falling into water container by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod An 11 month old boy tragically fell into a water container in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, leaving him in critical condition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349542-toddler-in-critical-condition-after-falling-into-water-container/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod by Bright Choomanee An 11 month old boy tragically fell into a water container in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, leaving him in critical condition. After being found without a pulse, emergency responders performed CPR and rushed him to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Medical professionals cautioned that if he regains consciousness, he may not recover fully. The incident occurred yesterday, January 21, when a rescue team from Sawang Metta Thammasathan Foundation received an alert about the accident at a village in Hua Thale subdistrict. The team coordinated with Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital’s medical responders and quickly proceeded to the scene. They arrived at an unnumbered abandoned house where they found a 76 year old great-grandmother holding her 11 month old great-grandson and crying inconsolably. The child had no pulse, prompting the team to administer CPR before transporting him urgently to the hospital. In tears, the great-grandmother recounted that the child is her great-grandson, the son of her granddaughter who was unprepared for motherhood. After his birth, the child was entrusted to her care, and they lived together with her husband in the abandoned house without electricity and water, relying on whatever they could manage. Before the accident, she observed the boy playing in water containers lined up in front of their home. She scolded him and slapped his hand to stop him from playing there and then went inside, with her great-grandson following. “While I was looking for things and a yellow bucket to store water, I assumed he was playing. After half an hour, I couldn’t find him. I called out for him but there was no response. Eventually, I found him headfirst in a black water container. I quickly lifted him onto my shoulder and patted his back to get the water out, not knowing how long he had been in the water.” Water accident The great-grandmother also shared that her great-grandson often played with water in the containers, using a scoop to splash around. She would regularly scold him, hitting his hand to deter him. He was an energetic child, always running and playing, full of joy and a love for dancing. They used the water in the containers, sourced from neighbours every two to four days, for laundry and dishwashing, reported KhaoSod. “Every morning before my husband left for work, he would kiss our great-grandson. Witnessing him drowning was heartbreaking. The doctors have informed us that he stopped breathing for a significant time, resulting in severe conditions. If he wakes, he may not return to normal, possibly becoming disabled or in a permanent coma. Despite this, my only hope is that he survives, regardless of any disabilities or conditions he might have.” Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-22

Thai actress accused of swindling 20 million baht and threatening victims by Petch Petpailin Photo by Molly Blackbird via Unsplash A news Facebook page claimed to have received complaints from three followers alleging that a Thai actress swindled them out of 20 million baht and used the name of a Thai politician to threaten them into remaining silent. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349541-thai-actress-accused-of-swindling-20-million-baht-and-threatening-victims/

Photo by Molly Blackbird via Unsplash by Petch Petpailin A news Facebook page claimed to have received complaints from three followers alleging that a Thai actress swindled them out of 20 million baht and used the name of a Thai politician to threaten them into remaining silent. The Facebook page, Big Kren, publicly reported the complaints it received from the three people yesterday, January 20. According to the page, the actress borrowed a total of over 20 million baht from these three and tried to avoid repaying the debt by invoking the name of a prominent Thai politician. One of the victims stated that the actress first borrowed money from her in 2023. She lent the actress money on four occasions: 800,000 baht, 2.2 million baht, 2.8 million baht, and 3 million baht. The victim said she had been attempting to recover her money since November 2023, but her efforts were unsuccessful. The actress reportedly claimed that she did not borrow the money for herself but that a politician had asked her to seek the funds on his behalf. She added that the politician failed to repay the money, leaving her unable to reimburse the victim. Photo by Nzewi Confidence via Canva The victims also shared screenshots of conversations between themselves and the actress on the Facebook page. In one of the conversations, the actress assured the victim that she would repay the money as soon as she received earnings from 88. The page and netizens speculated that 88 might refer to an illegal gambling website or an illicit lottery platform in which the actress allegedly had a stake. The page further revealed abbreviations of the actress’s name, prompting Thai netizens to speculate about her identity. As of now, no celebrities or politicians have issued statements regarding the allegations. Photo by Dillon Kydd via Unsplash In a related case, a Laotian actress, Wanmanee “Lilly” Ponsavan, sought justice last year, claiming that a former Thai singer, Aongart “Aerk” Lederer, swindled her out of 34 million baht. She accused the singer of deceiving her into investing in a beauty clinic, resulting in significant financial losses. Additionally, Lilly accused another Thai actress, Mantana “Pu” Himathongkham, of owing her 670,000 baht, leading to ongoing legal and social media battles. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-22

Hospital admits infant body swap due to name, age similarities by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Thairath The Department of Medical Services has addressed the issue of a hospital mistakenly swapping two infants’ bodies, acknowledging the error occurred due to similarities in the children’s names and ages, as well as their passing occurring close together. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349531-hospital-admits-infant-body-swap-due-to-name-age-similarities/

Picture courtesy of Thairath by Bright Choomanee The Department of Medical Services has addressed the issue of a hospital mistakenly swapping two infants’ bodies, acknowledging the error occurred due to similarities in the children’s names and ages, as well as their passing occurring close together. Yesterday, January 21, the Department of Medical Services issued a statement through the Pathology Institute explaining the incident. The institute clarified that they had received two infants’ bodies from the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health on January 15. The first was a four-month-old boy, and the second was a two-month-old boy. The Pathology Institute admitted the error in the transfer of the bodies, with the first child’s body already cremated before the mistake was discovered. Upon realising the mistake, the institute informed the families, extended their condolences, and accepted responsibility for the error. The closeness in the children’s ages, names, and times of death contributed to the mix-up. In response, the Pathology Institute has established a committee to investigate the facts and reported the findings to senior management. The aim is to identify the cause and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence, reported KhaoSod. The institute also engaged directly with the families involved, taking responsibility for organising merit-making ceremonies for the two infants and accepting accountability for the incident. In related news, a shocking incident of baby swapping at a hospital left a father devastated after discovering his newborn daughter had been switched with another baby. The hospital has admitted to the mistake, corrected its actions and has since scheduled a meeting to discuss compensation for the families involved. The father initially noticed the issue when his newborn daughter’s appearance seemed different after she was separated from the mother for medical reasons. The baby, who had been taken to the intensive care unit due to fast breathing, looked different from the photos taken before the hospital discharge. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-22

Toxic air: Thailand considers work from home nationwide by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Ministry of Public Health is set to recommend a nationwide work from home directive next week after PM2.5 ultrafine dust pollution surpassed safe thresholds in nearly every province yesterday, January 21, with Greater Bangkok experiencing the highest levels. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349525-toxic-air-thailand-considers-work-from-home-nationwide/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post by Puntid Tantivangphaisal The Ministry of Public Health is set to recommend a nationwide work from home directive next week after PM2.5 ultrafine dust pollution surpassed safe thresholds in nearly every province yesterday, January 21, with Greater Bangkok experiencing the highest levels. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced that a meeting would be held today to formulate strategies to address the escalating pollution crisis. Among the proposed measures is a nationwide work from home policy, which will be presented during the upcoming Cabinet meeting. Somsak expressed confidence that if government bodies adopt this policy, the private sector will follow. He referenced a University of Chicago study indicating that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 levels above 37.5 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) could reduce life expectancy by approximately one year. With PM2.5 levels anticipated to remain elevated, the minister advised the public to wear N95 masks for optimal protection. Data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) yesterday revealed dangerously high PM2.5 levels throughout Bangkok, with Nong Khaem district recording the highest at 146.5µg/m³. In response to the persistent unsafe levels in the capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has implemented three key measures. The first is encouraging remote work, initially advised for the first two days of the week, with a potential extension to Friday if pollution levels remain high. The BMA reported that around 200 companies and 100,000 employees adopted work from home arrangements last year, reducing traffic by 8%. The second measure involves establishing low-emission zones (LEZs). Trucks with six or more wheels are prohibited from the Ratchadaphisek area when red PM2.5 levels are recorded and expected to persist for at least two consecutive days. Exceptions are made for electric vehicles, natural gas vehicles, and those on the Green List. The final measure is the temporary closure of BMA schools, with four schools having shifted to online classes. The Pollution Control Department has cautioned that poor air quality is likely to continue nationwide until Friday due to stagnant air and agricultural burning. Recent reports indicated unsafe PM2.5 levels in 70 of 77 provinces, with Greater Bangkok being the most affected. Samut Sakhon recorded the highest level at 144.8µg/m³. Only seven provinces—Phang Nga, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Krabi, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son—reported dust levels below the government’s safe threshold of 37.5µg/m³, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-22

Thailand braces for cold mornings and air pollution alert by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Nopparuj Lamaikul, Unsplash The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted that the cool air mass will continue to blanket the region, leading to cold mornings and frost on mountain peaks. The south will experience rain, and there is a warning for increased air pollution. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349524-thailand-braces-for-cold-mornings-and-air-pollution-alert/

Picture courtesy of Nopparuj Lamaikul, Unsplash by Bright Choomanee The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted that the cool air mass will continue to blanket the region, leading to cold mornings and frost on mountain peaks. The south will experience rain, and there is a warning for increased air pollution. Today, January 21, the high-pressure system or cool air mass persists over upper Thailand and the South China Sea, causing morning fog and a slight temperature increase. The north, northeast, and central regions will remain cool to cold, while the east, upper south, and Bangkok including its vicinities will experience cool mornings. Mountain peaks and highlands will be very cold, with frost in some areas. Residents are advised to take care of their health due to the cold weather, be cautious of fire hazards due to dry conditions, and exercise caution when travelling through foggy areas. The TMD has issued a warning about rising PM 2.5 pollution due to an inversion layer, which can spread air pollutants. The northeast monsoon continues to cover the Gulf of Thailand, the south, and the Andaman Sea, causing 1 to 2 metres waves in the lower Gulf. Mariners in these areas should navigate with caution. The current weather conditions contribute to the accumulation of dust particles. Air ventilation is currently rated as poor to weak, with the wind over upper Thailand weakening. Dust particle concentration is expected to remain steady with slight fluctuations. Weather forecast North: Cool to cold with morning fog and a slight temperature increase. Minimum temperatures will range from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures of 29 to 32°C. Mountain peaks will be very cold, with some frost and minimum temperatures of 3 to 13°C. Southwest winds will blow at 5 to 15 kilometres per hour. Northeast: Cool to cold with some morning fog and a slight temperature increase. Minimum temperatures will range from 12 to 18°C, with maximum temperatures of 28 to 32°C. Highlands will be very cold, with minimum temperatures of 6 to 14°C. Northeast winds will blow at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour. Central: Cool to cold with some morning fog and a slight temperature increase. Minimum temperatures will range from 15 to 18°C, with maximum temperatures of 31 to 34°C. Northeast winds will blow at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour. East: Cool with some morning fog and a slight temperature increase. Minimum temperatures will range from 16 to 22°C, with maximum temperatures of 32 to 34°C. Northeast winds will blow at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves below 1 metre and around 1 metre offshore. South (east coast): Cool mornings with isolated light rain, mainly in the lower part. Minimum temperatures will range from 18 to 24°C, with maximum temperatures of 30 to 33°C. From Nakhon Si Thammarat upwards: northeast winds at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, sea waves around 1 metre high. From Songkhla downwards: northeast winds at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, sea waves 1 to 2 metres high. South (west coast): Partly cloudy with cool mornings in the upper part. Minimum temperatures will range from 21 to 25°C, with maximum temperatures of 32 to 34°C. Northeast winds will blow at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves below 1 metre and around 1 metre offshore, reported KhaoSod. Bangkok and its vicinities: Cool with some morning fog and a slight temperature increase. Minimum temperatures will range from 18 to 22°C, with maximum temperatures of 32 to 34°C. Northeast winds will blow at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-22

PM Paetongtarn to Assure Xi Jinping of Chinese Tourists' Safety During Thailand Visit In this photo released by Thailand's government spokesman office, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks to a reporter during a news conference at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to extend personal assurances to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the safety concerns of Chinese tourists. This significant diplomatic engagement is scheduled for next month, as part of an effort to sustain and expand the influx of Chinese visitors to Thailand, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349522-pm-paetongtarn-to-assure-xi-jinping-of-chinese-tourists-safety-during-thailand-visit/

In this photo released by Thailand's government spokesman office, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks to a reporter during a news conference at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to extend personal assurances to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the safety concerns of Chinese tourists. This significant diplomatic engagement is scheduled for next month, as part of an effort to sustain and expand the influx of Chinese visitors to Thailand, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Thailand's ambitious target for 2023 is to welcome 9 million Chinese tourists, marking a 35% increase from the previous year's 6.7 million. Building confidence amongst these visitors is a top priority for the Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), particularly in the wake of recent high-profile cases that have raised safety concerns. Minister Sorawong highlighted on Tuesday that current efforts are not yet fully resonating across the myriad social media platforms frequented by Chinese nationals. In response, direct communication strategies are being reinforced, including collaborative efforts with the Chinese embassy to effectively convey reassurances. The ambassador has committed to aiding these communication endeavours. Recent incidents, such as the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai-Myanmar border earlier this month, have spotlighted vulnerabilities. The 31-year-old actor, who was safely repatriated to Thailand shortly after, is suspected to have been a victim of human trafficking, amplifying safety concerns among potential visitors. During the impending official visit to China, Prime Minister Shinawatra plans to address these concerns directly with President Xi, reaffirming Thailand's commitment to ensuring a secure environment for tourists. This diplomatic dialogue is crucial not only for mitigating immediate fears but also for bolstering long-term tourist confidence. Despite the recent safety scare, Minister Sorawong was keen to note that Chinese tourist numbers are on the rise. As of January 20, daily arrivals have averaged 22,000, surpassing the usual average of about 17,000. He remarked that cancellations predominantly involve first-time group tourists who are hesitant due to safety worries, whereas seasoned independent travellers remain largely unaffected. In further efforts, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai urged cabinet colleagues to prioritize stringent security along border areas, targeting the operations of transnational criminal groups. Additionally, China has sought cooperation with ASEAN members to launch coordinated crackdowns on scam networks and expedite the rescue of their victims. Defence Minister Phumtham expressed optimism that these measures would rejuvenate confidence among Chinese tourists, ensuring a robust return to Thailand's welcoming shores. With the collective commitment of both nations, the outlook remains positive for achieving the year’s ambitious visitor targets, thereby boosting the Thai tourism sector and its economic contributions, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-22

Tourism Authority of Thailand Aims for ฿3 Trillion by Focusing on Emerging Markets File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Bangkok Airways The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target of generating 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue this year. This bold objective comes as TAT diversifies its focus towards emerging markets like Southeast Asia, India, and Russia, with the aim of reducing dependency on the traditionally strong but unpredictable Chinese market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349520-tourism-authority-of-thailand-aims-for-฿3-trillion-by-focusing-on-emerging-markets/