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Luxury Furniture Fuss as State Audit Office Faces Backlash
They are just doing what comes naturally to them. -
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Falling Crane Smashes Pickup on Rama 2, Driver Seriously Injured
In the west, it would make the claims office gasp in horror. Here it's just a normal day -
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Pattaya Hotels Boom Amid Post-Quake Guest Surge as Hua Hin Falters
Picture courtesy of Travel Weekly A surge of local travellers fleeing Bangkok's recent earthquake filled Pattaya hotels to capacity, while Hua Hin accommodations reported underwhelming results. On the quake's day and the following weekend, Pattaya saw unexpected full occupancy as many opted for a last-minute escape from the capital. In contrast, hotels in the typically bustling resorts of Hua Hin and Cha-am struggled, maintaining only 60% occupancy. Morrakot Kuldilok, president of the Thai Hotels Association's Eastern Chapter, highlighted the Qingming festival and Bangkok evacuees as factors for Pattaya's full house. Many Bangkok residents returned to the city for work by Monday, as remote working options remained limited. Despite structural safety concerns from foreign travel agents, especially after worldwide broadcast of the State Audit Office building's collapse, tourism in Pattaya remains optimistic heading into Songkran with an expected 80% occupancy rate. In Hua Hin, fears over travel safety on Rama II Road, notorious for recent accidents and delays, deterred last-minute visitors fleeing Bangkok's tremors. Udom Srimahachota of THA’s Western Chapter expressed concerns over potential tourist diversion during Songkran due to road safety issues despite official reassurances. The Dao Khanong expressway's ongoing debris clearance and congestion further intensified travel apprehensions. While Hua Hin hopes to attract foreign tourists seeking refuge from the aftereffects in Bangkok, concerns linger. The government is encouraged to assure safe travel conditions and infrastructure improvements ahead of Songkran. Recent THA data highlighted a total of 897 room cancellations across 85 surveyed hotels, with significant losses in Bangkok, indicating a broader impact on the hotel industry due to the quake's disruption. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-04 -
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Thai Baht Plummets with US Tariff Blow: 34.50 per Dollar Test Looms
Picture courtesy of Kasikorn Research Centre The Thai baht is expected to plunge to an alarming 34.50 per US dollar following the US's unexpected announcement of a hefty 37% reciprocal tariff on Thai imports. On Thursday, the baht staggered to its weakest in two and a half months, recording a value of 34.38 per dollar in trading, primarily due to these severe trade measures. Kanjana Chockpisansin from Kasikorn Research Center, Thailand, shared that the latest tariff decisions might drive the baht further downwards. The surprising 37% tariff, significantly above the anticipated 10-25% range, is likely to erode investor trust and stir a ‘risk-off’ sentiment amongst investors. This approach may accentuate economic woes, with greater pressure anticipated for the baht against the dollar, even amidst a rise in global gold prices, traditionally seen as a financial safe haven. As the baht flittered between 34.07 and 34.45 per dollar post-announcement, analysts note the unsettling environment across markets. Krungthai Global Markets noted the baht began Thursday at 34.38 per dollar, recording a notable drop from the prior day’s 34.16, highlighting forex volatility. While the 37% tariff sits below American predictions of a towering 72%, it surpasses market assumptions, leading to intensified market uncertainty and heightened risk aversion amongst investors. Pipat Luengnaruemitchai of Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group urged the importance of strategic negotiations to dampen these tariff impacts. Internal and external discussions, particularly those targeting critical economic spheres like agriculture, food, energy, and finance, may be pivotal. The Thai government's task is now to smartly navigate looming opportunities and threats in light of this significant US tariff challenge. In summary, the baht's facing a tumultuous path ahead, with potential to dip further if strategic measures aren't promptly deployed. The situation underscores the volatile nature of international trade and finance, demanding vigilant and tactful economic diplomacy to safeguard Thailand's financial stability amidst US tariff frictions. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-04 -
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US Tariffs Threaten Thai Economy with B360bn Blow
Composite image courtesy of Kasikorn Research Centre Devastating tariff hikes from the United States could hit Thailand with a jaw-dropping 360 billion baht loss, shaving a staggering 2% off the nation's GDP, as warned by experts at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). The clampdown, set for April 9, sees reciprocal tariffs soaring to 37% on Thai goods, thanks to President Trump's latest executive order. Initially pegged at 36%, the official document put the rate at a hefty 37% instead. These sweeping tariffs, primarily targeted at steel, aluminium, and automotive sectors, could severely dent export values, potentially slashing it from $4.73 billion to $4.08 billion, equivalent to a staggering 22 billion baht loss. Experts fear an influx of Chinese goods into Thailand as China redirects its exports. As economic losses stack up—recent events including a natural disaster have compounded the trouble—predictions put losses at a grim 375 billion baht, slicing GDP growth estimations to a mere 1% this year. The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), with Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan at the helm, is rallying for strategic responses—pivoting toward negotiations and considering free trade agreements with new partners to dodge pitfalls. Industries are bracing for impact, with a more crystalline picture anticipated by May. In the ready-to-eat food segment, hefty tariff increments hit exports hard, notably crippling canned tuna, veggies, and fruits. Urgent calls ring out for accelerated government negotiations and preventive actions against potential reroutes of Chinese goods facing US tariffs. As businesses grapple with these looming challenges, industry leaders stress cost management, inventory planning, and timely coordination with US partners. Highlighting hidden opportunities, Mr Visit Limlurcha advocates for leveraging the import of US pork offal for pet food, boosting protein supply while addressing consumer health concerns. In a similar vein, Suriyon Sriorathaikul of Beauty Gems—an export giant—urges for government interventions to soften the relentless economic blow, proposing interest cuts or pandemic-mode relief for embattled producers. Gems and jewellery trade make a whopping contribution of 400 billion baht to the economy, underlining the severity of a potential tariff-triggered slump. As talks intensify, all eyes are on the government, tasked with tackling these tariffs head-on to keep Thailand on a competitive footing in the global market. The next steps could determine the balance of trade, growth, and economic resilience in a markedly turbulent year. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-04
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