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Cabinet Pushes Bank of Thailand for Rate Cut to Boost Inflation File photo In a decisive move, the Thai cabinet has urged the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to consider reducing interest rates to avoid inflation drifting below its target range. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352897-cabinet-pushes-bank-of-thailand-for-rate-cut-to-boost-inflation/

File photo In a decisive move, the Thai cabinet has urged the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to consider reducing interest rates to avoid inflation drifting below its target range. Following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced they had formally requested the central bank to reassess its monetary policy ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for Wednesday. A Persistent Concern: With inflation currently lingering at 1.3%, marginally within the BoT's desired 1-3% range, the cabinet expresses concern. Last year saw inflation at a historic low of 0.4%, despite the economic revival and booming tourism. The government believes a rate cut could stimulate inflation, sustaining economic growth. Policy in Alignment: Paopoom emphasized the necessity of synchronizing monetary policies with existing fiscal strategies to efficiently foster economic development. "Fiscal efforts alone aren't enough; alignment is crucial," he noted. The cabinet is attempting to ensure that monetary adjustments remain harmonious with their broader economic vision. Potential Impacts: The MPC had previously reduced the rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% in October, supporting financial system capital flow and economic activities. However, there's caution from experts about preserving monetary tools for unexpected economic challenges. Yet, Paopoom reassurred on having ample room to manoeuvre without straying into risky terrains. Looking Forward: With the final 2024 MPC meeting looming in December, the spotlight will be on examining the economy's contours amidst reduced credit growth and pandemic-induced debt repayment pressures. The interest rate is currently holding at a neutral 2.25%. However, the cabinet's pro-active stance suggests potential adjustments, aiming to invigorate the economy whilst easing debt burdens. This appeal by the cabinet highlights a strategic push to shield the economy from unforeseen economic shifts while anchoring fiscal and monetary coherence going forward. The forthcoming MPC dialogue will invariably weigh these issues as it steers cautiously through external pressures and domestic demands, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-26

Picture courtesy: Naewna THAILAND - Following a renewed spat at the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple on the Thai-Cambodian border, the Thai army is taking steps to quell any rising tensions stemming from these incidents. Situated in the Phanom Dong Rak district of Surin province, Prasat Ta Muen Thom has become a focal point of contention between Thai and Cambodian nationals. Recently, a Thai tour guide clashed verbally with Cambodian soldiers, escalating tensions at this culturally significant site. This altercation follows a previous incident where Cambodian soldiers were filmed singing their national anthem at the temple, a scene that subsequently went viral. In the latest episode, Thai troops accompanying Bangkok tourists encountered friction when the guide broadcasted through a megaphone, describing the temple as lying on neutral ground, overseen by soldiers from both nations. Cambodian soldiers objected to the use of the megaphone, prompting a heated exchange. Despite attempts by Thai soldiers to mediate, the situation nearly escalated into a physical confrontation, with clips of the incident rapidly circulating online. -- 2025-02-26

Thai Army Intervenes to Ease Temple Tensions at Thai-Cambodian Border Picture courtesy: Naewna THAILAND - Following a renewed spat at the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple on the Thai-Cambodian border, the Thai army is taking steps to quell any rising tensions stemming from these incidents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352876-thai-army-intervenes-to-ease-temple-tensions-at-thai-cambodian-border/

Prawit Prepares Key Censure Debate on Alpine Land Issue In a notable turn of events, General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPP), is set to lead a critical censure debate against the government. As part of the opposition, General Prawit confirmed on 25th February that the debate will cover various topics, hinting at including the controversial "Alpine land" issue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352894-prawit-prepares-key-censure-debate-on-alpine-land-issue/

In a notable turn of events, General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPP), is set to lead a critical censure debate against the government. As part of the opposition, General Prawit confirmed on 25th February that the debate will cover various topics, hinting at including the controversial "Alpine land" issue. When prompted by journalists about the inclusion of matters related to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, particularly concerning the 14th floor, General Prawit cryptically stated, "There is the Alpine issue." He remained tight-lipped when asked if the debate might shake the government's standing, simply urging patience by saying, "Just wait and see." In a separate statement, Paiboon Nititawan, Secretary-General of the Palang Pracharath Party, announced that General Prawit will personally lead the PPP MPs during the debate’s first session. Although he won't be speaking himself, General Prawit will set the agenda and debate topics. The party plans to finalise their discussion points and select speakers in a meeting next week. The unfolding situation has captured public interest, as the opposition's challenge could potentially rattle the political landscape, reported Siam Rath. -- 2025-02-26

Violent Night Out: Security Guard Assaults Tourists on Bangla Road Photo courtesy of Patong Police via The Phuket News In the early hours today, February 25, a night out on Bangla Road turned ugly when two tourists were violently attacked by a security guard. The incident has prompted Patong Police to launch a hunt for the assailant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352848-violent-night-out-security-guard-assaults-tourists-on-bangla-road/

Pai's Big Bust: 7 Tourists Nabbed for Public Cannabis Use Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In a decisive move to curb disruptive behavior, Pai Police have arrested seven foreign tourists for causing a public nuisance, including smoking cannabis in public. These arrests were made on February 24 as part of a campaign to maintain order in the popular tourist destination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352845-pais-big-bust-7-tourists-nabbed-for-public-cannabis-use/

Public Concerns as Naked Foreigner Walks into Phuket Convenience Store Phuket residents have voiced concerns over foreigners’ behaviour after a video surfaced of an unidentified man walking completely naked to a convenience store in Soi Ta-Iad, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352820-public-concerns-as-naked-foreigner-walks-into-phuket-convenience-store/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 26 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1352837-thailand-live-wednesday-26-february-2025/

British Man Arrested in Thailand After 25-Year Visa Overstay Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News In a major crackdown, Chiang Mai Immigration recently arrested a British man who astonishingly overstayed his visa by 9,135 days—more than 25 years. This case marks one of the longest recorded visa overstays in Thailand's history. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352834-british-man-arrested-in-thailand-after-25-year-visa-overstay/

Thailand's Visa Policy Not Causing Crime Spike, Experts Say File photo for reference only Recent concerns linking the surge in crime to Thailand’s visa exemption policy have stirred headlines. Introduced earlier this year by the Pheu Thai government, the 60-day visa exemption allows tourists from various countries to enter without a visa, with a potential 30-day extension, covering over 90% of foreign visitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352815-thailands-visa-policy-not-causing-crime-spike-experts-say/

File photo for reference only Recent concerns linking the surge in crime to Thailand’s visa exemption policy have stirred headlines. Introduced earlier this year by the Pheu Thai government, the 60-day visa exemption allows tourists from various countries to enter without a visa, with a potential 30-day extension, covering over 90% of foreign visitors. This initiative, designed to bolster tourism, has faced criticism, with detractors arguing it has inadvertently fostered criminal activities such as scams, disorderly conduct, and illegal employment. The Thai Hotels Association recently highlighted the illegal renting of condominium units to tourists short-term, leading to property damage and disturbance among long-term residents. Meanwhile, Sisdivachr Cheerwarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, has pointed the finger primarily at lax law enforcement rather than the policy itself. He suggested trimming the visa-free period from 60 to 30 days might mitigate issues, even if it results in fewer tourist arrivals. However, many experts argue that the visa policy is not the root cause of these problems. Prior to this scheme, tourists were already able to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days through a combination of 30-day visa exemptions followed by extensions. Furthermore, the possibility of same-day border runs made it feasible for tourists to extend their stay considerably. Immigration lawyer Jessataporn Bunnag notes that such policies have seen various iterations over the years, including a previous allowance for a 45-day stay with a 30-day extension. Significantly, a new requirement slated for April 2025 will see a shift in how tourists enter Thailand. All visitors will need to complete an online entry authorization form ahead of their trip, detailing personal, travel, and accommodation information. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists this is not a de facto visa, immigration officials indicate it is part of broader efforts to streamline data and prevent unwanted entries. While the debate continues, the focus remains on achieving a balance between facilitating tourism and maintaining security. The effectiveness of these measures will undoubtedly evolve, shaping the landscape of international travel to Thailand in the coming years. Ultimately, the ongoing changes in policy and enforcement underscore a proactive approach to addressing both tourism and security challenges in the kingdom, reported Pattaya Mail. -- 2025-02-25

Thailand Faces Scam Surge: 168 Million Calls and Texts in 2024 File photo courtesy: Security Intelligence Amid the technological boom, Thailand is experiencing an unprecedented rise in scam attempts, with an astonishing 168 million fraudulent calls and SMS messages reported in 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352813-thailand-faces-scam-surge-168-million-calls-and-texts-in-2024/

File photo courtesy: Security Intelligence Amid the technological boom, Thailand is experiencing an unprecedented rise in scam attempts, with an astonishing 168 million fraudulent calls and SMS messages reported in 2024. This alarming figure marks the highest in five years, according to Gogolook Thailand, the firm behind the anti-scam app Whoscall. The surge highlights the increasingly sophisticated nature of these scams, fuelled by cutting-edge generative AI technologies. Crafty scammers are leveraging these advancements to indulge in impersonation fraud, financial deception, and data breaches, preying on unsuspecting individuals through phone calls, SMS messages, and deceptive links. Manwoo Joo, Head at Gogolook Thailand, stated, “Since launching our annual report in 2020, we’ve kept a keen eye on the ever-evolving scam scene in Whoscall’s core markets.” The report’s revelations are anything but comforting. Scam attempts soared by 112% compared to last year's 79.2 million. Scam calls alone have surged to approximately 38 million from the previous year's 20.8 million, while SMS scams have more than doubled, reaching nearly 130 million from last year's 58.3 million. Despite this, Whoscall’s Smart SMS Assistant successfully mitigated a portion of these attempts. The culprits behind these scams are reportedly focused on gambling and money loan schemes. Furthermore, they impersonate delivery and utility services, exploiting government policies such as electricity bill reductions and digital wallet initiatives to deceive people. In response to this escalating situation, Whoscall launched its innovative Web Checker feature in 2024, offering users a safer online browsing experience and helping them steer clear of malicious scammers' traps. Alarmingly, the report also uncovered significant personal data breaches, with 41% of Whoscall users in Thailand having sensitive information exposed on the dark and deep web. The most frequently compromised details include email addresses (97%) and phone numbers (88%), with potential leaks also encompassing birth dates, names, and passwords. This disturbing trend signals a critical need for increased vigilance and security measures, as scammers continue to use advanced technologies to exploit vulnerabilities and deceive individuals across the country, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-25

Lisa Praised by Thai Govt for Showcasing Thailand in 'The White Lotus' Picture courtesy: NBT World Thai pop sensation Lalisa "Lisa" Manobal has been warmly commended by the Thai government for spotlighting Thailand’s picturesque locales in her recent appearance on HBO's hit series, 'The White Lotus'. Filmed across vibrant Thai locations including Bangkok, picturesque Phuket, and the idyllic Koh Samui, the series has brought Thailand’s scenic beauty to the forefront of international travel discussions, attracting fresh waves of tourists and significant global attention. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352809-lisa-praised-by-thai-govt-for-showcasing-thailand-in-the-white-lotus/

Picture courtesy: NBT World Thai pop sensation Lalisa "Lisa" Manobal has been warmly commended by the Thai government for spotlighting Thailand’s picturesque locales in her recent appearance on HBO's hit series, 'The White Lotus'. Filmed across vibrant Thai locations including Bangkok, picturesque Phuket, and the idyllic Koh Samui, the series has brought Thailand’s scenic beauty to the forefront of international travel discussions, attracting fresh waves of tourists and significant global attention. The show, renowned for its sharp storytelling and lush visuals, utilised Thailand’s striking landscapes as a stunning backdrop, weaving in destinations like the Ang Thong National Marine Park, the serene Choengmon Beach, and the bustling Fisherman’s Village. Such exposure has not only enriched the show’s appeal but has significantly enhanced Thailand’s global standing as a top-notch travel and filming destination. Following the airing of 'The White Lotus' Season 3, Thailand has witnessed a palpable boost in tourism figures. Koh Samui, in particular, has become a hotspot for would-be travellers, boasting a 12% rise in accommodation searches. Notably, U.S. tourist interest has surged by an impressive 65% month-on-month, reflecting an increased curiosity and desire to explore Thailand’s offerings. Moreover, Thailand has quickly ascended to secure a place amongst the top five most-searched travel destinations on platforms like Agoda. This newfound popularity is especially vibrant within the luxury travel segment, where demand for premium experiences is burgeoning. Consequently, this uptick in interest has pushed hotel bookings up and elevated the average daily room rate by a significant 40%. To maintain this momentum, Thailand has introduced a series of strategic policies aimed at bolstering its attractiveness as a filming hub. Enhanced financial incentives now offer up to a 30% cash rebate for film projects, with previous rebate limits eradicated to encourage bigger and bolder productions. These measures, coupled with additional perks for international investors in the film and entertainment sectors, are fortifying Thailand’s standing in the global film industry. Officials anticipate that the ripple effect of exposure from 'The White Lotus' will cultivate enduring benefits for Thailand's tourism and economy. Not only does it promise to draw continuous streams of international visitors, but it also paves the way for future collaborative projects, reaffirming Thailand as a premier choice for film and travel aficionados alike, reported NBT World. -- 2025-02-25

Iranian Man Arrested at Bangkok Airport for Indecent Act Against Female Rider Picture courtesy: Khaosod An Iranian man was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi Airport while attempting to flee Thailand. He is accused of committing an indecent act against a female rider. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352802-iranian-man-arrested-at-bangkok-airport-for-indecent-act-against-female-rider/

Picture courtesy: Khaosod An Iranian man was apprehended at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport while attempting to flee Thailand. He is accused of committing an indecent act against a female rider. Authorities had been on the hunt for the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Mohsen Teimourbalghour, following a complaint lodged on 23rd February. The complaint reported that the incident occurred when the female rider was making a passenger delivery. In distress, she ran to a police station for assistance. Upon receiving the complaint, officers at Lumpini Police Station quickly began gathering evidence, including video footage and CCTV images, which confirmed the suspect's identity. Consequently, the Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Mr. Teimourbalghour on 24th February for "committing an indecent act on a person over 15 years old." With the arrest warrant in hand, authorities collaborated with immigration officials to track the suspect. On the evening of 24th February, officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport were alerted that Mr. Teimourbalghour was attempting to leave the country. Immigration police detained him at the airport and he was subsequently transferred to Lumpini Police Station for further questioning and legal proceedings, reported Khaosod. -- 2025-02-25

Baht Poised for Dip to 35 per USD by Mid-2025, Experts Predict File photo for reference only The Thai baht is predicted to weaken to around 35 per US dollar by mid-2025, according to forecasts from Standard Chartered Bank (Thai). This anticipated dip is largely attributed to escalating global trade tensions, particularly between the US and China. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352799-baht-poised-for-dip-to-35-per-usd-by-mid-2025-experts-predict/

File photo for reference only The Thai baht is predicted to weaken to around 35 per US dollar by mid-2025, according to forecasts from Standard Chartered Bank (Thai). This anticipated dip is largely attributed to escalating global trade tensions, particularly between the US and China. Tim Leelahaphan, Vice-President and Economist at the bank, highlights trade disputes among international partners as a principal factor in the baht’s expected depreciation. The prediction notes that by the second quarter of 2025, these tensions will negatively impact the baht's strength, though the currency is anticipated to partially rebound to approximately 34.50 by the year's end. This year is also set to see significant volatility in the baht compared to other regional currencies. Contributing factors include shifts in gold prices and the performance of Thailand’s vital tourism sector, Mr Tim explained. Reflecting on recent history, the baht began 2024 at about 34 to the USD, weakened to nearly 38 by August, then appreciated to 32, influenced heavily by internal political dynamics. It concluded the year steady at around 34 to the dollar. Looking forward, Standard Chartered expects the Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to maintain its interest rate at 2.25% in its meeting tomorrow. This stance reflects ongoing economic recovery and stable prices, offering a balanced policy approach. The MPC will also weigh the potential risks from trade conflicts and monitor domestic economic conditions closely. Tim Leelahaphan remarked, "Our analysis points to an 80% probability that the central bank will keep the current policy rate during the upcoming meeting and into the next quarter. Any rate cut, potentially by 0.25 percentage points to 2%, is anticipated in June." There’s a strategic intent to preserve policy flexibility in anticipation of evolving trade tensions, particularly surrounding US trade policies, which are expected to become clearer by mid-year. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve is anticipated to delay policy rate adjustments previously expected sooner. Amidst these financial conditions, Standard Chartered forecasts Thailand's GDP will grow by 2.8% in 2025, buoyed by strong performances in tourism and domestic spending. Thailand’s tourism sector is notably recovering well, with foreign arrivals reaching 3.97 million by early February, matching pre-pandemic figures from 2019. This resurgence is expected to gain momentum in the second half of the year. Moreover, the third phase of the government’s digital wallet initiative, allocating a substantial 140 billion baht (approximately 1% of GDP), is set to commence in the second quarter, providing a further boost to consumer spending. Despite these positive indicators, Mr Tim warns of heightened uncertainty in the coming months, particularly concerning US trade policy impacts, which could introduce additional economic risks in later quarters, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-25

File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Wikipedia Thailand's thriving tourism industry is facing a new challenge: the surge in illegal hotel operations. Particularly in hotspots like Phuket and Bangkok, the practice of renting out residential properties as short-term lodging is raising concern. The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has highlighted this issue, pointing fingers at both foreign and local investors for circumventing the Hotel Act's regulations, which stipulate a minimum 30-day rental period for such accommodations. Recent incidents, such as the chaos caused by a foreign national in a Bangkok condo, have brought this issue into the spotlight. These short-term, daily rentals often disrupt neighbourhoods, drawing the ire of local residents and creating tensions within communities. Phuket, renowned for its upscale villas, has seen a significant portion of its luxury properties snapped up by Russian investors. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Chinese buyers frequently scoop up entire blocks of condos, sometimes even whole villages of high-end single houses, transforming them into short-term rental hubs complete with tourist shuttle services. This rampant growth of illegal accommodations is causing alarm among tourism and hospitality professionals. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the THA, stresses the need for stricter regulations, particularly limiting the number of properties a foreign buyer can acquire. This, he argues, would prevent the monopolisation of condo floors for illegal rental purposes, ensuring fair distribution of ownership opportunities across developments. The burden of illegal activities extends to the tourism sector's reputation. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta), voiced concerns over Thailand’s image as a place where money supposedly makes law-breaking possible. Weak law enforcement, he asserts, undermines confidence and safety, discouraging potential visitors in a post-pandemic tourism recovery landscape. Despite governmental crackdowns on organised crime, the anticipated rebound of Chinese tourists is not yet in full swing. Currently, daily arrivals from China are around 10,000, considerably down from the 30,000 daily visits seen in 2019. Illegal work practices among foreigners are also chewing into local job opportunities, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. In response, the government is being urged to consider reducing the visa-free stay duration from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 93 countries. This policy adjustment could help curb the influx of those leveraging lenient visa durations for unauthorised activities. However, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s aim of attracting 8-9 million Chinese visitors this year might fall short unless these safety and regulatory challenges are adequately addressed. The rise of illegal hotel practices not only threatens the local economy but also tests the resilience of Thailand's tourism sector. With decisive action, the country hopes to protect both its communities and its cherished tourist industry, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-25

Thailand Faces Backlash Over Rise of Illegal Hotel Operations File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Wikipedia Thailand's thriving tourism industry is facing a new challenge: the surge in illegal hotel operations. Particularly in hotspots like Phuket and Bangkok, the practice of renting out residential properties as short-term lodging is raising concern. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352795-thailand-faces-backlash-over-rise-of-illegal-hotel-operations/

DSI Poised to Investigate Thai Senatorial Election Scandal File photo for reference only In a significant development, Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is preparing to tackle allegations of electoral malpractice in the recent senatorial elections. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352791-dsi-poised-to-investigate-thai-senatorial-election-scandal/

Thai Workforce Needs Foreign Skills: Academics Dismiss Job Fears ASEAN NOW picture for reference only Recent concerns over Chinese students in Thailand potentially outcompeting Thai graduates have been played down by leading academics. They argue that rather than edging out Thai job seekers, these students help plug the skills gap and enhance economic relations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352787-thai-workforce-needs-foreign-skills-academics-dismiss-job-fears/