Thailand’s Economy Set for 2.8% Growth in 2025, NESDC Projects

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17 February 2025, 16:41

BANGKOK — Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) forecasts the country’s economy to expand by 2.8% in 2025, supported by rising government spending and tourism recovery.

Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, NESDC Secretary-General, reported on February 17 that Thailand’s economy grew 3.2% in Q4/2024, bringing the full-year growth to 2.5%, up from 2% in 2023. For 2025, the NESDC projects GDP growth to range between 2.3-3.3%. Building on this momentum, private consumption is expected to grow by 3.3%, while export value is projected to increase by 3.5% in USD terms.

Key supporting factors include: (1) the increase in government expenditure, particularly investment spending; (2) the continued expansion of private consumption and the recovery of private investment; (3) the sustained recovery of the tourism sector and related services; and (4) the continual growth of merchandise exports.

The economic agency outlined key priorities for 2025, focusing on cushioning potential impacts from international trade policy changes and accelerating private investment. The government aims to boost foreign direct investment, particularly through joint ventures benefiting local SMEs.

Tourism, a crucial economic driver, remains a priority. The NESDC emphasized the need to address air pollution (PM2.5) concerns and enhance tourist safety measures while improving infrastructure, including airport capacity and transportation.

The council also highlighted plans to accelerate budget disbursement, targeting a minimum 75% disbursement of the total investment budget. Additionally, measures will be implemented to assist households and businesses with debt restructuring, particularly focusing on small-scale debtors and SMEs.

Inflation is expected to remain controlled between 0.5-1.5%, while the current account is forecast to maintain a surplus of 2.5% of GDP.

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AIS Launches “Turn E-Waste into Internet for Kids” to Bridge Digital Divide

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Contributor

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17 February 2025, 16:20

AIS invites Thais to share love and educational opportunities with children in remote areas during the month of love through the campaign “Turn E-Waste into Internet for Kids.” Every piece of E-Waste disposed of will be converted into 1GB of internet, donated to schools in remote communities. This initiative is part of the Green Energy Green Network for THAIs project, aiming to promote learning and improve the quality of life for students in highland areas. E-Waste can be dropped off at any AIS Shop or at over 2,700 collection locations nationwide, including more than 235 partner organizations, from now until December 31, 2025.

Saichon Submakudom, Head of Public Relations and Business Relations Business Unit at AIS, stated, “AIS champions systematic E-Waste management and environmental awareness, aiming to be the ‘Hub of E-Waste.’ The ‘Turn E-Waste into Internet for Kids’ campaign, in partnership with allies, converts E-Waste into internet for students in remote areas. This initiative promotes proper disposal, protects the environment, and enhances digital access, supporting education under our Digital Inclusion pillar.”

The “Turn E-Waste into Internet for Kids” campaign will initially be piloted at six remote schools under the Green Energy Green Network for THAIs project, a collaboration between AIS, GULF, and the Highland Research and Development Institute (HRDI). The E-Waste collected will be converted into internet access for these schools: Ban Nong Bua School (Ban Dok Mai Sod Branch) in Tha Song Yang, Tak Province; The Hilltribe Thai Community Learning Center, “Mae Fah Luang,” (Ban Moko Poke) in Tha Song Yang, Tak Province; The Hilltribe Thai Community Learning Center, “Mae Fah Luang,” (Ban Khun Kong) in Mae Tha, Lamphun Province; Ban Mae Khong School in Omkoi, Chiang Mai Province; Ban Mae Mong Yao School in Mae Suai, Chiang Rai Province; and Ban Mae Tola School in Sop Moei, Mae Hong Son Province. The internet provided will be used to support teaching, learning activities, and promote reading through e-books on the AIS ReadDi Digital Library platform. AIS also plans to expand this initiative to other areas continuously.

Icons Series new celebrity golf event hosted by Reignwood Park

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Contributor

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17 February 2025, 16:18

Football and golf fans unite as global icons bring their rivalries to the golf course! Witness Team England vs. Team World at Reignwood Icons of Football, Bangkok, March 1-2, 2025.

Get closer than ever with a ticket to see your favourite footballers on the golf course in this globally viewed sporting event.

BANGKOK – Known for bringing the world’s biggest sporting icons to the golf course, Icons Series has chosen Bangkok as the first destination in Asia to host a new and exciting sports-entertainment event – Reignwood Icons of Football. To be held 1-2 March, 2025 at the world-class Robinswood Golf Course at Reignwood Park, 24 global football stars, lead by team captains and golf legends Lee Westwood and Serio Garcia, will swap the pitch for the fairway and compete Team England versus Team World in a world-first event format.

The two-day event will showcase iconic rivalries reimagined on the Robinswood Golf Course, with world-renowned footballers trading goals for golf shots in a matchplay format. Fans can expect intense action, gripping moments, and the unique opportunity to watch their favorite players compete up close.

Reinforcing Thailand’s position as a world-class sports tourism destination, Reignwood Icons of Football enables spectators to get closer than ever to their footballing icons on the golf course, and golf enthusiasts and sports fans can also tune into the global broadcast that will be available in more than 80 countries around the world.

The current team lineups are as follows:

Team England – Captained by Lee Westwood
Paul Ince
Robbie Fowler
Joe Hart
Theo Walcott
Paul Scholes
John Terry
Phil Jagielka
Teddy Sheringham
Phil Jones

Team England Captain Lee Westwood said: “As a massive football fan, I’m thrilled to be back to captain Team England for a second Icons Series event. I captained Team England to victory back in 2017 and I’m coming to take the trophy home again. We’ve picked a really strong England team, full of composed and talented sports stars that all play great golf. It’s a format that works exceptionally well for players and fans and we can’t wait to show Sergio and his boys how it’s done.”

Team World – Captained by Sergio Garcia
Dwight Yorke
Patrik Berger
Gabriel Batistuta
Luís Figo
Peter Schmeichel
David Ginola
Ruud Gullit
Nemanja Vidić
Gianfranco Zola
Diego Forlán
Ronald De Boer

Team World Captain Sergio Garcia added: “I’ve enjoyed seeing the concept of the Icons Series build over the years and it’s something I’ve always wanted to get involved in. This is a serious competition and we’ll be doing everything we can to win. We’ve announced an incredible first five players and I have some massive players lined up to complete our team. The rivalries have already started and I’m excited to take on Lee Westwood and Team England – a bit like Spain did in the Euro’s final this summer!”

Over two action-packed days, the event will feature matchplay formats like Alternate Shots, Fourballs, and Singles matches. Fans will get an up-close view of the action, with unmatched access to the players and the drama unfolding on the course.

Broadcast globally, Reignwood Icons of Football will also welcome thousands of fans onsite. Tickets start from just 650 THB and are available now at www.icons-series.com.

Betagro Selects Blue Yonder to Transform Its Transportation Operations

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MC Marketing

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17 February 2025, 14:15

BANGKOK and DALLAS – Feb. 17, 2025 – As global supply chains continue to face disruptions and growing customer expectations, the need for digital transformation in logistics has never been more urgent. In response, Betagro Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leading integrated food company, has selected Blue Yonder to lead the digital transformation of its transportation operations. Betagro will implement Blue Yonder’s transportation management solutions, which will be carried out by Blue Yonder Professional Services.

Betagro, Thailand’s leading integrated food company, operates across the entire food value chain—from animal feed and pharmaceuticals to livestock, poultry, eggs, processed foods, pet food, and food distribution. With production and distribution networks spanning every region of Thailand, Betagro also exports its products to key international markets and neighboring countries across Asia.

As part of its Cost Transformation Program, Betagro sought a solution to reduce its logistics and transportation costs. Blue Yonder’s comprehensive expertise in the “farm-to-fork” supply chain and its strong experience in agriculture and food processing made it the ideal choice for Betagro’s needs.

With Blue Yonder’s transportation management solutions, Betagro will leverage new capabilities and expects to achieve the following benefits:

Significantly reduced transportation and logistics costs
Near real-time, end-to-end visibility across its operations
Greater agility and responsiveness in a dynamic market
Improved scalability for future growth

“Our primary goal under the Betagro Cost Transformation Program is to achieve significant cost savings across the company,” said Paitoon Jiranantarat, chief operational development & supply chain officer, Betagro. “Transportation is a major cost driver, so we recognized the need to digitally transform our transportation management. We are confident that Blue Yonder’s solution will help optimize our logistics operations, delivering immediate and long-term cost benefits.”

“Blue Yonder stood out as our supply chain solutions provider of choice due to their impressive track record in successfully transforming supply chains across Southeast Asia,” said Tependra Lohumi, chief technology and digital officer, Betagro. “Their in-depth knowledge of our industry’s challenges, combined with their innovative transportation management solutions, makes them the perfect supply chain solutions provider for this critical transformation.”

With Blue Yonder’s advanced transportation management solutions, Betagro will unlock real-time visibility and leverage predictive analytics to optimize routes, reduce transit times, and improve operational efficiency. This transformation will allow Betagro to better serve its consumers and retail partners with faster, more reliable deliveries.

“We are honored to have been appointed by Betagro to help optimize their supply chain operations,” said Antonio Boccalandro, president, APAC, Blue Yonder. “Betagro operates a highly complex supply chain, and with our solutions, they will achieve full visibility and control over their transportation network, ensuring the right products reach the right customers at the right time, and at the right cost.”

Additional Resources:

Watch a video of the signing ceremony between Blue Yonder and Betagro
Discover more about Blue Yonder’s transportation management solutions
E-book: Moving On: Transportation Management for a Transformed World

About Betagro Public Company Limited

Betagro Public Company Limited (“BTG”) is Thailand’s leading integrated food company dedicated to enriching people’s lives with better food. Betagro’s business encompasses the production and distribution of animal feed, animal pharmaceuticals and supplements, livestock, pork products, chicken meat, eggs, fish, and processed food for domestic consumption and export to more than 20 countries worldwide. Betagro is also active in pet food, the distribution of farm equipment, and investment in neighboring countries, including Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. In addition, Betagro operates production and processing facilities with the highest standards and efficiency. The company engages in research and development, focusing on consistent tracking and controlling the quality of products and services through the Betagro Quality Management (BQM) and top-level biosecurity measures that are certified and accepted by international standards. Moreover, Betagro places importance on conducting business in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and operating under the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework to create sustainable growth for all stakeholders. www.betagro.com

About Blue Yonder

Blue Yonder is the world leader in digital supply chain transformation. Retailers, manufacturers and logistics service providers worldwide rely on Blue Yonder to optimize and accelerate their supply chain from planning through fulfillment, delivery, and returns. Blue Yonder’s AI-driven supply chain platform and multi-enterprise, multi-tier network enable more accurate forecasting and dynamic management of capacity, inventory and transport. Blue Yonder helps businesses navigate modern supply chain complexity and volatility with more resilient, sustainable supply chains to delight customers, scale profitably, and run flawlessly. blueyonder.com

“Blue Yonder” is a trademark or registered trademark of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. Any trade, product or service name referenced in this document using the name “Blue Yonder” is a trademark and/or property of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of the companies with which they are associated.

Thailand: 400+ Companies Race to Meet Carbon Footprint Goals

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Khaosod English

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17 February 2025, 12:56

BANGKOK — The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) expects more than half of its listed companies to disclose their carbon footprint data this year, marking a significant step toward environmental transparency in Thai business sector.

Mr. Soraphol Tulayasathien, SET’s Deputy Managing Director, revealed that following the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) requirement for listed companies to disclose greenhouse gas emissions data under the Form 56-1 One Report, there has been notable progress in corporate environmental reporting.

Currently, about 267 companies, representing 30% of the total 860 listed companies, have already verified and disclosed their carbon footprint data. This shows improvement from last year’s 20% disclosure rate. The initiative aligns with Thailand’s upcoming Climate Change Act, expected to take effect in 2027, which will mandate responsibility from high-emission businesses and industries.

To facilitate this transition, SET launched the “SET Carbon” system in January, providing companies with an efficient tool for calculating organizational carbon footprints. According to Tulayasathien, 170-180 companies have already expressed interest in using the system, with SET projecting that over 445 companies (50% of listed companies) will disclose their carbon footprint data by year-end.

“Greenhouse gas emissions disclosure is a crucial mechanism for enhancing Thai businesses’ global competitiveness in an increasingly environmentally conscious market,” Tulayasathien emphasized.

Adding to Thailand’s environmental leadership, Ms. Anothai Sangthong, Director of Communication and Carbon Credit Registry at Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO), highlighted that Thailand is the only ASEAN nation with a national carbon credit certification standard (T-VER). Developed by TGO, this standard provides credible certification for greenhouse gas reduction projects, following international protocols for verification and assessment.

The T-VER standard’s credibility is reinforced by TGO’s status as a government organization, ensuring that carbon credits certified under this system meet global standards. This positions Thailand as a regional leader in environmental certification and verification systems.

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Thailand Reports Progress in Battle Against Blackchin Tilapia Invasion

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Khaosod English

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16 February 2025, 21:24

BANGKOK — Thai authorities and private sector partners are making headway in controlling the invasive Blackchin tilapia population, with recent surveys showing a reduction in affected provinces from 19 to 17 as of December 2024.

A multi-stakeholder initiative, led by the Department of Fisheries and supported by major corporations including CP Foods, has transformed the environmental challenge into an opportunity for sustainable development and local economic growth.

CP Foods has committed to purchasing 2 million kilograms of the invasive fish for fishmeal production and providing 200,000 seabass fingerlings as natural predators. The company is also supporting local fishing activities and collaborating with academic institutions on food processing innovations.

The Rubber Authority of Thailand has launched Phase II of its Bio-Fermented Solution Project, which uses harvested Blackchin tilapia to produce fertilizer for rubber plantations. Meanwhile, the Samut Songkhram Provincial Fisheries Office has introduced the “One in Ten” Project, helping farmers reduce costs by using natural predators in aquaculture ponds.

Local communities are finding innovative ways to add value to the captured fish, developing products such as fish sauce, fermented fish, northern Thai sausages, and pickled fish. The Phetchaburi Provincial Fisheries Office has established a “Seabass Fund for Farmers” to support small-scale operators in controlling the invasive species through natural predation.

While the initiative shows promising results, CP Foods noted that legal proceedings related to the Blackchin tilapia issue are ongoing. The company maintains it has followed all legal procedures and continues to work actively with authorities to address the situation.

This collaborative approach between government agencies, private sector companies, and local communities demonstrates how environmental challenges can be transformed into sustainable opportunities while protecting Thailand’s aquatic ecosystems.

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International Musician’s Deportation from Pai Sparks Controversy

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Khaosod English

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16 February 2025, 20:53

Foreign nationals perform at Jazz House Pai in Moo 3, Wiang Tai Sub-district, Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province, moments before police officers identified themselves and made arrests on February 13, 2025.

PAI — A Brazilian musician’s girlfriend has appealed to the media, claiming Thai immigration authorities used excessive measures in handling a minor work permit violation in Pai, Mae Hong Son province. The incident has prevented the musician from performing at scheduled concerts in Japan.

Yael, an Israeli tourist, sent an urgent email to local media on February 16, detailing the arrest and subsequent treatment of her boyfriend Matheus, a renowned Brazilian bassist, and other musicians at Jazz House restaurant in Pai. The musicians were arrested on February 13 for performing without work permits.

“They are still being held with no explanation, no information, and no dignity,” Yael wrote in her emotional appeal. “Everyone who knows them knows how good-hearted and respectful they are toward the place and the local people. The treatment they are receiving right now is simply appalling. When will this end? I have no idea what else can I do?”

pai music2 — Officers document the arrest of four foreigners working as musicians without permits in front of Pai Police Station on February 13, 2025.

According to Yael’s account, the group was detained under harsh conditions, forced to sleep on the floor without basic necessities for two nights. After appearing in court on February 15, they were fined 5,000 baht each. However, instead of being released, they were transported to Mae Hong Son immigration detention center.

The case involves four individuals: the Irish venue owner, Brian, and three musicians – Matheus from Brazil and two Israeli nationals, Mr. Yishay and Mr. Shay. Brian, who operated Jazz House without proper business registration, was released on 120,000 baht bail. Matheus and Mr. Yishay were fined 5,000 baht each for working without permits, while Mr. Shay received an 8,000 baht fine for working outside his permit’s scope.

jazz house pai1 — Foreign nationals perform at Jazz House Pai in Moo 3, Wiang Tai Sub-district, Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province, moments before police officers identified themselves and made arrests on February 13, 2025.

Matheus, who had been touring Thailand as a tourist for three months, was scheduled to perform at 11 venues across Japan starting February 17. The musicians expected to be released after paying their fines but were instead processed for deportation, a decision that has sparked debate about proportional enforcement.

The incident highlights growing tensions in Pai regarding foreign workers, as local residents have increasingly called for stricter enforcement of work permit regulations, particularly concerning foreigners taking jobs from local workers. Immigration authorities have responded with intensified enforcement measures, though some question whether the response in this case was disproportionate to the offense.

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Previous report:

Foreign Musicians Arrested in Pai for Working Without Permits

Police Hunt for Chinese Tourist After Woman Found Dead in Bangkok Hotel

By

Khaosod English

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16 February 2025, 15:09

BANGKOK — Thai Police are searching for a Chinese national in connection with the death of a 21-year-old woman at a Ladprao district hotel, as the victim’s family raises serious allegations of police misconduct and attempted cover-ups.

The case began on February 10 when staff at a hotel in Ladprao district discovered an unresponsive woman at approximately 7:10 a.m. According to hotel records, the victim, later identified as Airada, had checked in with a Chinese national at 11:16 p.m. the previous night. The male guest, identified as Mr. Douying, 37, reportedly alerted hotel staff about the woman’s condition before hastily departing the scene after she was pronounced dead.

Initial police investigation found the deceased unclothed with no visible signs of physical trauma. However, social media posts later revealed concerning details about the incident, including chat messages showing the victim had been hired through a modeling agency for a 4-5 hour service at 6,000 baht, during which she expressed reluctance about drug use but was allegedly pressured to comply.

chinese hunt hotel4 — Ms. Airada, 21, in a photo provided by her family (left), and in her last CCTV image before entering the hotel on the evening of February 9. She was found dead on February 10, 2025.

Immigration records show Mr. Douying entered Thailand on a tourist visa valid until July 2025. CCTV footage confirmed he was the only person to enter and exit the hotel room during the relevant timeframe. Immigration police have been notified to locate him for questioning.

The case took a controversial turn when reports emerged that the modeling agency had attempted to offer the victim’s family 100,000 baht to prevent police involvement. On February 13, the family, having received no compensation, had to borrow money to hold a modest one-day funeral ceremony at Bueng Thong Lang Temple in Bangkok.

On February 16, Airada’s mother, Ms. Sawanee, and sister traveled from Roi Et province to meet with investigators at Chokchai Police Station. They reported a disturbing interaction with the investigating officer who, despite initially promising a thorough investigation, later presented unsubstantiated claims about the victim’s alleged drug use, citing four unnamed witnesses. The officer indicated toxicology results would take 45 days to process.

chinese hunt hotel3 — Ms. Airada’s mother and sister, who traveled from Roi Et province, meet with police officers at Chokchai Police Station on February 16, 2025 to follow up on the case of Ms. Airada’s death at a Bangkok hotel.

The family alleges they were then pressured to choose between two options: accept a settlement including the return of Airada’s belongings and compensation, or pursue legal action with what the officer claimed was an 80% chance of losing. This development has raised serious concerns about potential interference in the investigation, particularly after the family learned of possible connections between the modeling agency and law enforcement.

As of now, the Chinese suspect remains at large, no compensation has been provided to the family, and questions continue to mount about the handling of the investigation. Police are trying to respond the criticism. Police are trying to respond to the criticism, announcing they have obtained a court-approved arrest warrant for the Chinese national.

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Chinese Minister Visits Thai-Myanmar Border to Plan Mass Repatriation

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Khaosod English

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16 February 2025, 14:23

Liu Zhongyi, Chinese Vice Minister of Public Security, and his delegation visit the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge on February 16, 2025. The site will serve as a processing point for foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, from Myawaddy, Myanmar, who will undergo screening procedures before repatriation.

MAESOT — Chinese Vice Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi crossed the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge today to prepare for the repatriation of Chinese nationals rescued from scam operations in Myanmar.

Liu, accompanied by a delegation of 26 officials, traveled on February 16 from Myanmar to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport before flying to Mae Sot International Airport in Tak province. The delegation then inspected the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, where Acting Superintendent of Tak Immigration Police Colonel Phloen Klinphayom explained the procedures for processing foreign nationals from Myawaddy, Myanmar, through Thailand’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM).

The repatriation effort follows the Myanmar Border Guard Force’s (BGF) recent crackdown on scam operations in Shwe Kokko, where approximately 2,000 people were detained, half of whom are Chinese nationals. The group includes both victims of human trafficking and individuals connected to fraudulent call center operations.

BGF forces inspect hundreds of foreigners at a Shwe Kokko building as leader Maung Chit Thu pledges to return illegal workers to Thailand, February 14, 2025.

Liu closely examined all processing steps and indicated that China plans to use the same repatriation method employed in 2024, bringing Chinese aircraft to Mae Sot Airport. Colonel Phloen detailed the facility’s capacity, noting it can handle 200-300 people daily, with a maximum of 500, pending bilateral agreements on the exact procedures.

The Chinese delegation later crossed into Myanmar, where local officials explained their verification requirements. Liu personally inspected the facilities before returning to the Thai side of the border.

The operation marks China’s latest effort to address the growing issue of transnational scam operations in the Myanmar border region.

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Relaxation of Alcohol Sale: To Do or Not To Do?

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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16 February 2025, 12:29

This week’s government’s proposed lifting of the bans on alcohol sale on Buddhist holidays and from 2pm to 5pm in a bid to further boost tourism revenue and to be in line with this year’s tourism theme, “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year” have raised concerns among religious people as well as health-conscious anti-alcohol campaigners.

There are concerns that more Thais, particularly young people, would become alcoholic, that there will be more alcoholics, higher medical costs, road accidents and that it is something that is not approved in religious teachings, particularly in Buddhism and Islam. These are valid concerns, particularly non-religious ones, and the government should seriously consider how they can prevent, or mitigate, the undesirable effect of greater access to alcohol by the general public in order to lessen the concerns. There’s a need for the government to be able to clarify these issues to the public.

As for the religious concerns, it should be up to the religious teachers of both Buddhism and Islam to teach their followers that if they are sufficiently devout, then they should have nothing to do with alcohol. Their religious beliefs should not interfere or prohibit others, including foreign tourists, to have access to alcohol, however, since Thailand is a secular state.

People should not be forced to not do something, or have access to something, simply because it’s against certain religious teachings. For example, devout Thai Muslims have adapted to the new reality of people’s right to have same-sex marriage. At mosques in Bangkok and elsewhere one can see large banners telling (devout) Muslims that a marriage between man and man, or woman and another woman, is prohibited in Islam.

Now, it’s up to each Thai, or Thai-Malay Muslim, who are LGBT to decide whether to adhere to the religious rules or not. The same can be said about Catholics and Christians in Thailand and whether they are devout, or sufficiently orthodox – it’s their choice now.

The same should apply when it comes to adult’s access to alcohol. The individual should have the right to decide whether he or she wants to buy booze at 3pm, or on Buddhist holidays, and consume it or not.

Thailand took certain freedom to decide away from university students where a law banned the setting of pubs and bars within the radius of 300 metres while in the UK, Oxbridge Colleges do have wine cellar serving booze at subsidised price, and yet it doesn’t prevent them from maintaining its world-class university status. The Thai approach doesn’t encourage responsible decision making by university students and is based on the belief that they don’t know what’s best for them. One unintended effect is that students were not encouraged to grow and to be responsible for themselves.

Thailand should move away from the urge to be a nanny state because this is not a recipe for a mature society. Citizens should be able to learn about the pros and cons of drinking, or excessive drinking, the risk of alcoholism, and in the end, should be able to decide on how best to conduct themselves. Thailand’s de facto decriminalization of marijuana for recreational purposes has shown that most people are able to handle weed in a responsible manner and the kingdom has not become a country of people getting high on broad daylight, wandering and smiling aimlessly.

As much as the legal access to cannabis has boosted tourism among certain groups of foreign tourists, the lifting of the ban of sales of alcohol during certain times of the day and during Buddhist holidays will definitely generate more tourist income. The government will have to prove that they are capable, and ready, to deal with additional negative impacts from drunk people and drunk drivers, however.

Nevertheless, people, both Thai and foreigners, should be able to decide whether they want to buy and consume alcohol during certain hours of the day or certain Buddhist holidays or not. The matter should be that of freedom to choose and the right to make the decision by oneself.

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