webfact

Thai tourism targets wealthy Asian expatriates for industry boost by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Freepik The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set their sights on the growing wealth of Asian expatriates as a potential boon for the Thai tourism industry. Chinese nationals residing in Cambodia and Laos have been particularly targeted due to their propensity for choosing Thailand as a location to send their children for education. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299339-thai-tourism-targets-wealthy-asian-expatriates-for-industry-boost/

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set their sights on the growing wealth of Asian expatriates as a potential boon for the Thai tourism industry. Chinese nationals residing in Cambodia and Laos have been particularly targeted due to their propensity for choosing Thailand as a location to send their children for education. According to Oranooch Pakapan-Rutten, TAT’s marketing representative for Cambodia and Laos, the potential for growth lies in the foreign investors from Japan, Korea, and China who reside in these regions. These investors frequently utilise their proximity to Thailand’s offerings, crossing the border to acquire high-quality goods and services, thus making them an enticing prospect for Thai tourism. The existence of the new China-Laos high-speed rail service has opened up transportation opportunities, allowing Thailand to anticipate more tourists from northeastern China via Vientiane in Laos, commented Pakapan-Rutten. Pakapan-Rutten expounded further stating that the high-spending segment of both Cambodia and Laos could be effectively encouraged to expand their tourism experiences towards Thailand. This segment, primarily made up of employed individuals reaping the rewards from foreign investments in their countries, has already established a positive relationship with Thailand. by Alex Morgan Top Photo Courtesy of Freepik #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thai-tourism-targets-wealthy-asian-expatriates-for-industry-boost -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Return of foreign buyers helping property sector to grow Foreign buyers will fuel growth in Thailand’s property market during the second half of this year but domestic buyers have not fully regained their purchasing power due to unfavourable factors, real estate appraisal and consultancy agencies say. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299338-return-of-foreign-buyers-helping-property-sector-to-grow/

Foreign buyers will fuel growth in Thailand’s property market during the second half of this year but domestic buyers have not fully regained their purchasing power due to unfavourable factors, real estate appraisal and consultancy agencies say. Thailand’s economy has shown signs of improvement thanks to foreign purchasing power, particularly since China’s reopening, and the country’s tourism sector as well as selected businesses are experiencing a resurgence and growth. The Ministry of Finance’s Fiscal Policy Office predicts Thailand will welcome 29.5 million tourists in 2023, earning the country 1.3 trillion baht in revenue. However, rising interest rates, inflation and political uncertainties are still hindering growth in the property sector. The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank reports that the number of condominium transfers by foreigners across the country increased by 79.2% to 3,775 units, while the value of these transfers rose by 67.6% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/return-of-foreign-buyers-helping-property-sector-to-grow/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Pheu Thai concedes House speakership, promises to stick with Move Forward The Pheu Thai party has reportedly conceded the House speakership to Move Forward, which will stay in the coalition, even if Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward prime ministerial candidate, does not receive enough parliamentary votes to become the prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299335-pheu-thai-concedes-house-speakership-promises-to-stick-with-move-forward/

The Pheu Thai party has reportedly conceded the House speakership to Move Forward, which will stay in the coalition, even if Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward prime ministerial candidate, does not receive enough parliamentary votes to become the prime minister. Sources told Thai PBS that, if Pita fails to take the premiership, Pheu Thai will lead the government, with Move Forward promising to stay in the coalition to form the administration. With members of both parties exchanging heated opinions on the House speakership for days, Pheu Thai and Move Forward have agreed that their members should no longer voice their opinions on the matter publicly since it might affect the talks among 8 coalition partners, scheduled to take place this Sunday, July 2nd. #news Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pheu-thai-concedes-house-speakership-promises-to-stick-with-move-forward/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

The leader of the Pua thai party yesterday reconfirmed his party will never leave the Move Forward despite their dispute over the position of House speaker. His comments came in response to speculation that the Pheu Thai might opt out. Move Forward and Pheu Thai negotiators are due to meet on Sunday to hold a final talk to settle the dispute. Don Mueang airport officials have promised a thorough investigation after a 57 year old woman lost part of her left leg below the knee after tripping over her luggage on a moving walkway.. she had been due to board a flight to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Airport medical staff stabilized her before rushing her to the hospital. She has since been transferred to Bumrungrad Hospital, which said the woman's leg can be reattached. All walkways at Don Muang Airport are to be checked for safety. An academic at Kasetsart University’ has called for buildings to be strengthened to withstand earthquake tremors, A minor quake that struck Phitsanulok and was felt in Phichit yesterday prompted the call. Regulations governing seismic resistance of structures became effective in 2021, leaving most buildings at risk. The government says More than 200 films were shot in Thailand by overseas production companies during the first half of this year, generating 1.84 billion baht in revenue, Movie production is seen as effective soft power to boost tourism and encourage further production in Thailand. Around the Region: Taiwan has rejected applications by Chinese tourism officials to enter the island for an international travel fair next month, Taiwan reopened its borders to most tourists last October, but those from China remain barred. The island also does not allow tour groups from its territory to enter China, though individual travellers are free to do so. The weather: Sunny Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy thundershowers 34C Bangkok: Sunny..partly Cloudy thunderstorms 34C Pattaya, bright, cloudy 32 Phuket and the south: cloudy,thunderstorms 29C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny partly cloudy this afternoon, isolated shower 32C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2023-06-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Gangland-style gunfight in Thai restaurant leads to death of 45 year old man by Nattapong Westwood Photo Courtesy of Ben Christopher, calmatters.org In an unsettling event in Ang Thong, a ferocious gunfight erupted in a restaurant, resulting in Phumphat (last name withheld), also known as “Ek Wat Channiramit”, aged 45 years old, losing his life. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299332-gangland-style-gunfight-in-thai-restaurant-leads-to-death-of-45-year-old-man/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 30 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299333-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-30-june-2023/

International filmmaking boosts Thai film sector with 1.84 Billion Baht earnings from shoots by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Freepik Thailand has seen a prosperous influx of international filmmakers in the first half of this year with over 200 foreign films being produced in the country, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson, Tipanan Sirichana, who spoke about the matter yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299327-international-filmmaking-boosts-thai-film-sector-with-184-billion-baht-earnings-from-shoots/

Thailand has seen a prosperous influx of international filmmakers in the first half of this year with over 200 foreign films being produced in the country, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson, Tipanan Sirichana, who spoke about the matter yesterday. This number has resulted in a staggeringly high revenue of approximately 1.84 billion baht, signalling a successful outcome of the Thai government’s proactive endeavours to present the nation as a prime shooting location for international filmmaking. “The number of productions saw a rise of 12 whilst the increased income of 132.8 million baht exhibits a robust growth within this sector,” noted Tipanan, indicating a vibrant trend compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. She also surfaced the cinematographic venture of Warner Bros Discovery which is currently in progress, centred around Thai cuisine and featuring the renowned Thai actor duo – Prin “Mark” Suparat and Kimberley Anne Woltemas. This film is imminent to be broadcasted on HBO and HBO Go. by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Freepik #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thriving-thai-film-sector-nets-1-84-billion-baht-from-international-shoots-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Miraculous survival: Woman wakes up en route to her own funeral in Udon Thani by Nattapong Westwood Photo Courtesy of KhaoSod A baffling miraculous survival incident occurred in Udon Thani, when a woman aged 49 years old, supposedly dead, awakened just as her family prepared for her funeral at a local temple. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299326-miraculous-survival-woman-wakes-up-en-route-to-her-own-funeral-in-udon-thani/

Son and Friend Brutally Assault Father Over Drug Money Picture: Naewna On June 29th, a horrifying incident unfolded in Kalasin province, captured on surveillance video. The episode involved a man, partnered with a drug-dependent accomplice, launching a savage assault on his father. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299324-son-and-friend-brutally-assault-father-over-drug-money/

Don Mueang Airport ranks among the most dangerous airports in the world Photo: Sanook The renowned travel website, The Boutique Adventurer, has ranked Don Mueang Airport as one of the 29 most dangerous airports in the world in 2023. In a recent article published at the end of June 2023, the website revealed the list of the most perilous airports, with Don Mueang Airport securing the 26th position. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299315-don-mueang-airport-ranks-among-the-most-dangerous-airports-in-the-world/

The renowned travel website, The Boutique Adventurer, has ranked Don Mueang Airport as one of the 29 most dangerous airports in the world in 2023. In a recent article published at the end of June 2023, the website revealed the list of the most perilous airports, with Don Mueang Airport securing the 26th position. According to the report, the list of hazardous airports is not limited to those under development in various countries, as established airports are also included. Countries such as the United States, France, Japan, and Norway have their airports featured in the rankings. The danger and ranking of airports are determined based on multiple factors, including altitude, wind patterns, runway length, location, as well as social, political, and volatile events. Most Dangerous Airports in the World (2023) 1. Kansai International Airport Japan 2. Barra International Airport (Scotland) 3. Wellington International Airport (New Zealand) 4. Princess Juliana International Airport (Saint Martin) 5. Lukla Airport (Nepal) 6. Paro Airport (Bhutan) 7. Santos Dumont Airport (Brazil) 8. McMurdo Station (Antarctica) 9. Svalbard Airport (Norway) 10. Gustaf III Airport (Caribbean) 11. Saba Airport (Dutch Caribbean) 12. Gisborne Airport (New Zealand) 13. Madeira Airport (Portugal) 14. Narsarsuaq Airport (Greenland) 15. Gibraltar International Airport (Gibraltar) 16. San Diego International Airport (California, USA) 17. Toncontín International Airport (Honduras) 18. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (Colorado, USA) 19. Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (Peru) 20. Kai Tak Airport (Hong Kong) [While this airport might have seen its final flight in 1998, this closed-down plane hub in Hong Kong is still worth a mention due to its historically hair-raising landings of the past.] 21. Agatti Aerodrome/Airport (India) 22. Cleveland Hopkins International (Cleveland, USA) 23. Telluride Regional Airport (Colorado, USA) 24. Congonhas-Sao Paulo Airport (Brazil) 25. Courchevel Airport (France) 26. Don Mueang International Airport (Thailand) 27. Tioman Island Airport (Malaysia) 28. Shimla Airport (India) 29. Damascus International Airport (Syria) The top-ranked airport is Kansai International Airport in Japan, primarily due to its vulnerable location prone to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and seasonal typhoons. Don Mueang Airport, formerly known as Bangkok International Airport, initially commenced operations on March 27, 1914, before temporarily closing in 2006. Top Photo: Sanook #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Elderly Man Succumbs to Massive Wasp Attack in Chaiyaphum Yesterday morning, a horrific event unfolded in Chaiyaphum province when Saow, a 75-year-old local from Nong Bua Rawe, was attacked by an approximate swarm of 100 wasps (ต่อหัวเสือ) his garden. The wasp stings inflicted severe injuries, leaving him unconscious. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299314-elderly-man-succumbs-to-massive-wasp-attack-in-chaiyaphum/

Pattaya Officials Propose to Hire Better Lighting Decorators to Enhance City’s Festivals By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: สายตรงนายกเมืองพัทยา Pattaya — At a council meeting on Wednesday, July 28th, Pattaya council members proposed to the mayor to hire better lighting decorators to enhance the city’s festivals to attract tourists more effectively. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299313-pattaya-officials-propose-to-hire-better-lighting-decorators-to-enhance-city’s-festivals/

New Parking Building in Naklua to be Available for Public Use on July 3rd By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: PRPattaya Pattaya — On Wednesday, June 28th, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches chaired a ceremony to hand over the newly constructed parking building in Naklua to the public. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299312-new-parking-building-in-naklua-to-be-available-for-public-use-on-july-3rd/

Controversial Thai Tourism Fee Postponed Again By Adam Judd The 300-baht ‘land entry’ fee collection has been postponed to January 1st of next year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299311-controversial-thai-tourism-fee-postponed-again/

The 300-baht ‘land entry’ fee collection has been postponed to January 1st of next year. The Caretaker Minister of Tourism and Sports Piphat Ratchakitprakarn told Thai media, “We have agreed to postpone the 300-baht ‘land entry’ fee collection which previously was expected to take effect this month to January 1st of next year.” “When arriving in Thailand tourists will have to pay a 300 baht fee for aircraft transportation and 150 baht for marine transportation. The fee will not be collected from foreigners with Border Passes, work permits and babies younger than two years old”, Mr. Piphat added. By Adam Judd #news Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/29/controversial-thai-tourism-fee-postponed-again/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

French expats enjoy one day trip of art and local experiences in Bangkok Programme highlights landmarks and activities in Bangkok’s old town area including Rattanakosin Island, Bang Lamphu and Tha Phra Athit as well as the National Museum. by TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) showcased an exciting taste of the various cultural, historical, and culinary experiences on offer in the Thai capital to the French expat community in a special ‘One Day Trip of Art and Local Experiences in Bangkok’ on 24 June 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299310-french-expats-enjoy-one-day-trip-of-art-and-local-experiences-in-bangkok/

Pattalung school teacher investigated for alleged child abuse by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of หมอข่าว Facebook A female teacher is under investigation for alleged child abuse at a school in Pattalung‘s Pa Phayom district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299308-pattalung-school-teacher-investigated-for-alleged-child-abuse/

UPDATE: TRAGIC ACCIDENT RESULTS IN AMPUTATION AT DON MUEANG AIRPORT By Editor A passenger had her left leg amputated after getting stuck in a moving walkway at Don Mueang International Airport early this morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299283-passenger-sustains-serious-injury-on-escalator-at-don-mueang-airport/?do=findComment&comment=18173345

Move Forward, Pheu Thai exploring a “compromise” As the deadline for the election of the House speaker draws near, both the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties are reported to be considering a compromise, to settle what looks like a serious schism that could threaten their ongoing efforts to form a post-election coalition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299306-move-forward-pheu-thai-exploring-a-“compromise”/

As the deadline for the election of the House speaker draws near, both the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties are reported to be considering a compromise, to settle what looks like a serious schism that could threaten their ongoing efforts to form a post-election coalition. The election of the House speaker is expected to be held during the first House session which is set to take place by July 12. But as things stand today (Thursday), the two parties seem far from resolving their differences. The Pheu Thai party has made it clear that it wants the House speakership as well as 14 cabinet seats, as part of the power-sharing formula with Move Forward and six other parties which would form the next administration. Move Forward, meanwhile, insists that, as the party has the highest number of MPs in the House, it entitled to the House speakership, plus 14 cabinet seats. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-pheu-thai-exploring-a-compromise/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.