6 Thai Airports Begin Biometric Check-in Nov 1 for Domestic Passengers

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30 October 2024, 17:09

SUVARNABHUMI — The Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) with facial recognition technology for passenger identification will be available for domestic passengers from November 1, 2024 and international passengers from December 1, 2024, in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Mr. Keerati Kijmanawat, Chief Executive Officer of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), explained that the biometric system has been developed and tested to increase passenger convenience, speed up processes and reduce waiting times at key service points at six airports managed by AOT: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang, Phuket, and Hat Yai.

Passengers who wish to use the biometric system can register their identity at check-in in two ways:

Check-in at airline counters: Passengers inform airline staff that they are registering their facial data using boarding pass scanners. The system stores facial recognition data and travel documents as tokens.
Self-service kiosks: After checking in, passengers select their airline, scan the barcode on their boarding pass, insert their passport or ID card and complete the process by scanning their face. The system stores the same tokenized data.

Once registered, passengers can use the biometric system to check in their baggage, pass through security and board their flights without showing their passport or boarding pass. Consent to use biometric data is only valid for a single journey and the entire process takes just 1-2 minutes.

biometric airport1 — Mr. Keerati Kijmanawat, Chief Executive Officer of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), explained that the biometric system has been developed and tested to increase passenger convenience.

Keerati has provided air traffic data for fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 – September 2024) and reports 119.29 million passengers, an increase of 19.22 percent year-on-year. This includes 72.67 million international passengers, an increase of 34.82 percent, and 46.62 million domestic passengers, an increase of 1.01 percent. There were 732,690 flights, an increase of 14.5 percent. The top five passenger nationalities were China, India, South Korea, Russia and Japan.

For the winter flight schedule (2024-2025), 370,239 flights have been allocated to AOT airports, an increase of 22.1 percent compared to last winter. This includes 222,780 international flights (up 33.1 percent) and 147,459 domestic flights (up 8.5 percent).

AOT expects passenger numbers to increase by 23 percent, with the top five routes coming from China, Malaysia, India, Singapore and Hong Kong.

visa — Tourists crowded at Suvarnabhumi Airport on February 25, 2024, but the cashier lady at a nearby coffee shop said it’s not a particularly busy Sunday afternoon. (Khaosod Photo / Pravit Rojanaphruk)

Looking ahead to fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 – September 2025), AOT forecasts 129.97 million passengers, a rise of 8.95 percent. This will include 78.61 million international passengers (up 8.17 percent) and 51.36 million domestic passengers (up 10.18 percent). AOT also expects 808,280 flights, a 10.32 percent increase, with 453,750 international flights (up 9.02 percent) and 354,530 domestic flights (up 12.02 percent).

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, 64.44 million passengers are expected, an increase of 7.4 percent, with 376,820 flights (up 8.69 percent). Meanwhile, Don Mueang Airport is expected to handle 33.2 million passengers (up 13.91 percent) with 223,200 flights (up 13 percent).

Deputy Transport Minister Monporn Charoensri emphasized the readiness of the Airports of Thailand and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI) to support increased air traffic with the full opening of the third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This expansion will allow Thailand to handle 94 flights per hour, up from 68 flights per hour previously.

In fiscal year 2024, the country is projected to handle 836,513 flights, a 16 percent increase from 2023. Suvarnabhumi Airport alone will see 348,980 flights, averaging 950 flights per day. The overall flight volume is approaching pre-pandemic levels and continues to rise, with a target of 1 million flights by 2025.

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Celeb Couple Nonny-Nutcha & Acme Gift Twins ฿15.5M in Digital Currency”

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MC Marketing

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30 October 2024, 17:09

Celebrity couple Nonny-Nutcha & Acme-Worawatwelcome their adorable twins with a digital currency 7,777,777 ACT worth 15.5 million Baht

Renowned investor, businessman, and DoubleDeep frontman Acme-Worawat Narknawdee and Thai actress Nonny-Nutcha Schuhmacher have welcomed a set of twins into the world of entertainment, naming their newborn daughter “Aurora” and son “Elite.” To celebrate the twins’ arrival, the first-time dad Acme welcomed them to the world of cryptocurrency by gifting each of them 7,777,777 ACT, valued at 15,555,554 Baht.

After confirming Nonny’s pregnancy through stem cell banking with the MEDEZE Group, an ultrasound test revealed that the soon-to-be parents Acme-DoubleDeep and Nonny-Nutcha were expecting fraternal twins. The celebrity couple eagerly counted the days until October 23rd, when Nonny successfully gave birth to the twins at the MedPark hospital, assisted by the renowned Dr. Vorachai Chuenchompoonut. Both babies are reported in excellent health, with the first-born girl twin weighing 2,040 grams at birth and the boy twin weighing 2,215 grams.

Upon seeing the newborns for the first time, Nonny expressed her overwhelming joy “The moment I saw my babies for the first time was incredible. I was so blessed. They truly resemble both Acme and me so much and they are perfectly healthy. With all my love, I am devoted to giving them my full care and attention. I want to ensure the best futures possible for them. Welcome to our family.” “Warm welcoming my sweety twinnies.”

Acme also shared his excitement: “Realizing I would become a first-time dad was the happiest moment of my life. I promise to be the best dad my children will ever have. Now, I am ready to fulfill that promise by becoming a loving father and giving full commitment to my duties as a father. I have already planned for their lives and education so they can grow up in the new world of our future. I’ll be your Super Dad for you, my TWINS!”

Moreover, to celebrate this special milestone for their new family, father Acme who is not only the frontman of DoubleDeep but also a renowned businessman with expertise in the global financial industry, a crypto mogul and the superstar trader of Thailand who founded ACT (Acet) token, decided to fulfill the grandness of this special occasion. Embracing the digital currencies and decentralized finances trend, Acme deposited 7,777,777 ACT, valued at 15,555,554 Baht (as of October 27th, 2024) into the accounts of each twin, sparking amazement amidst the public. This token had previously peaked at $1.90 per one ACT.

“As a gift for your arrival in this world, I am giving each of you, Aurora and Elite, 7,777,777 ACT. You will be able to use these funds once you reach the age of 18 to ensure your good future. Until that time comes, I will put in until the last of my efforts to increase their value as much as I possibly can,” said Acme.

Having stunned the world with their grandeur wedding, Acme DoubleDeep and Nonny Nutcha have once again captured people’s hearts with the arrival of their fraternal twins. This truly adorable family continues to shine in both the world of entertainment and cryptocurrency!

Chiang Mai Police Arrest Filipino Woman Who Fled Defamation Charges

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Khaosod English

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30 October 2024, 14:36

filipio defame1 — Chiang Mai Immigration Police inform a 27-year-old Filipino woman that she has an arrest warrant for defamation by publication charges, leading to her arrest and transfer back to Pathum Thani on Oct 29, 2024.

PATHUM THAINI — A 27-year-old Filipino woman who fled from a defamation case involving a love triangle was found by Chiang Mai Immigration Police to have an arrest warrant from Thanyaburi Provincial Court. She was arrested and transferred to Pathum Thani police.

Police Colonel Surachai Iamphueng of Chiang Mai Immigration revealed that on October 27, the immigration investigation team received information from an informant that Miss A, a Filipino woman wanted on an arrest warrant from Thanyaburi Provincial Court, had fled to Chiang Mai. They investigated and arrested her on October 29.

Chiang Mai Immigration found that Miss A was staying in the kingdom on a tourist visa and was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by Thanyaburi Provincial Court dated October 22, 2024. After her arrest, she was transferred to investigators at Khlong Luang Police Station in Pathum Thani Province.

filipio defame2 — A 27-year-old Filipino woman who fled from a defamation case involving a love triangle was found by Chiang Mai Immigration Police to have an arrest warrant from Thanyaburi Provincial Court.

On October 30, investigators at Khlong Luang Police Station revealed that Miss A, who worked as a language teacher at an international school, was charged with defamation by publication after being reported by parties involved in a love triangle (one man and two women) at Khlong Luang Police Station. Evidence included YouTube social media clips where Miss A allegedly made damaging statements about them.

After immigration police transferred her back, Khlong Luang Police Station officers questioned her with Philippine Embassy officials present. She was later released on bail.

According to Thai criminal law, the offense of defamation by publication, broadcasting, or other public announcement methods carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht.

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STelligence Launches Four AI Platforms to Transform Thai Business

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Khaosod English

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30 October 2024, 13:40

STelligence2 — Dr. Santisook Limpeeticharoenchot, CEO and Founder of STelligence and Mr. Saruj Thipsena, Executive Director and CTO of STelligence

BANGKOK — STelligence, a leading Thai digital solutions provider, has unveiled plans to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand while launching four innovative AI-integrated business platforms, marking a significant evolution in the company’s strategic direction since its founding in 2013.

Dr. Santisook Limpeeticharoenchot, CEO and Founder of STelligence, highlighted AI’s crucial role in enhancing Thailand’s competitive edge. “AI is a pivotal change that can elevate the competitiveness of Thailand in every industry,” he stated, emphasizing the company’s commitment to empowering local organizations and driving national GDP growth through AI adoption.

The company’s new AI platforms include Enterprise Risk Management, AI Market Insight, Conversation Assessment System, and Graph-Driven Knowledge Management. These innovations recently earned STelligence the AI Innovation award at the Microsoft Thailand Partner of the Year Awards 2024.

STelligence1 — Dr. Santisook Limpeeticharoenchot, CEO and Founder of STelligence

STelligence’s CTO, Mr. Saruj Thipsena, showcased their latest advancement in legal and regulatory compliance.

“AI allows us to create a comprehensive database linking legal regulations with specific requirements,” he explained, citing how manufacturers can now access all relevant regulations for chemical imports within minutes through their system.

The company is expanding its reach across multiple sectors, including finance, manufacturing, energy, government, retail, healthcare, and education. Their service portfolio has evolved to integrate generative AI capabilities into their core offerings of cybersecurity, data analytics, and automation solutions.

Looking ahead, STelligence is strengthening its international partnerships and investing in R&D while preparing for its IPO. The company is collaborating with global experts and Thai professionals worldwide to develop industry-specific AI solutions, aiming to establish itself as a key player in Thailand’s technological advancement and global competitiveness.

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UN Envoy Warns Myanmar Is In Crisis, with Conflict Escalating and Criminal Networks ‘Out of Control’

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Associated Press

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30 October 2024, 13:38

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar warned that the Southeast Asian nation is in crisis, with conflict escalating, criminal networks “out of control” and human suffering at unprecedented levels.

Julie Bishop told the U.N. General Assembly’s human rights committee on Tuesday in her first report since being appointed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last April that “Myanmar actors must move beyond the current zero-sum mentality.”

The army in Myanmar ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed widespread nonviolent protests that sought a return to democratic rule, leading to increasing violence and a humanitarian crisis.

In the past year, three powerful ethnic armed militias have gained territory, keeping the government’s ruling military increasingly on the back foot in fighting that has forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes. According to the U.N., 3 million people are displaced across Myanmar and some 18.6 million need humanitarian assistance.

Bishop called for an end to the violence, stressing that “There can be little progress on addressing the needs of the people while armed conflict continues across the country.”

The former Australian foreign minister said she has engaged with the government, including Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, as well as opposition representatives, ethnic armed organizations, women’s groups, human rights defenders and numerous countries. She gave no details about the meetings.

AP24178562407927 — FILE – Charred homes sit in piles of ash in Mwe Tone village of Pale township, in the Sagaing region, Myanmar, on Feb. 1, 2022. (AP Photo, File)

She said she has engaged with the current, previous and incoming ASEAN chairs in Vientiane, Laos; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The U.N. envoy said she has also visited Myanmar’s neighbors China and Thailand and will soon visit India and Bangladesh, “continuing to urge neighboring countries to leverage their influence.” She said she will also return to Naypyidaw but gave no time frame. She gave no details about any of the meetings.

At the recent summit between the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, known as ASEAN, Bishop said Secretary-General Guterres backed strengthened cooperation between the U.N. envoy and the ASEAN chair “on innovative ways to promote a Myanmar-led process.”

This includes “effective implementation” of a five-point ASEAN plan Myanmar’s rulers agreed to in April 2021 but have done little to fulfill. It calls for the immediate cessation of violence, a dialogue among all concerned parties mediated by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid and a visit to Myanmar by the association’s special envoy to meet all concerned parties.

“Any pathway to reconciliation requires an end to violence, accountability and unfettered access for the U.N. and its partners to address vulnerabilities among the marginalized, including Rohingya, ethnic communities and particularly women and youth,” Bishop said.

But instead she pointed to rising civilian casualties and the rule of law “so severely undermined that transnational crime emanating from Myanmar is proliferating.”

“The sheer scale of arms productions and trade, human trafficking, drug manufacture and trafficking, and scam centers means Myanmar now ranks highest among all member states for organized crime,” she said. “The criminal networks are out of control.”

Bishop backed Guterres who stressed the urgency of forging a path toward a democratic transition and return to civilian rule.

“I share his concern regarding the military’s stated intention to hold elections amid intensifying conflict and human rights violations,” she said.

Bishop warned that “the Myanmar conflict risks becoming a forgotten crisis.”

“The regional implications of this crisis are evident, but the global impact can no longer be ignored,” she said.

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Cabinet Approves Thai Citizenship for 483,000 Long-term Immigrants

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Khaosod English

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30 October 2024, 07:04

BANGKOK — Thai government approves Thai citizenship for 483,000 people – forwards to Interior Ministry for implementation within 60 days, expected to stimulate economy

Jirayu Huangsap, Government Spokesperson, announced after the cabinet meeting on October 29, 2024, that the National Security Council (NSC) proposed to the cabinet to approve criteria to expedite citizenship and status solutions for long-term immigrants in Thailand and their children born in Thailand, replacing the cabinet resolution of January 26, 2021.

Currently, there are long-term immigrants in Thailand in several groups: The first group, from 1984-1999, consists of approximately 120,000 people, and the second group, from 2005-2011, consists of approximately 215,000 people.

The third group includes approximately 29,000 children of ethnic minorities born in Thailand, and the fourth group consists of about 113,000 surveyed children born in Thailand to persons without registration status, totaling 483,000 people. Today, the cabinet considered streamlining various procedures, as processing all 483,000 cases would otherwise take 44 years.

Regarding concerns about potential impacts of granting citizenship, the cabinet has approved the principle and forwarded it to the Ministry of Interior to announce and implement the details within 30-60 days.

Mr. Jirayu stated that these 483,000 people have lived in Thailand for a long time, can work normally, and have important documents. Thailand therefore believes it should properly address their status to allow these people to travel freely, stimulate the economy, and maintain proper records of their whereabouts. This is expected to benefit many sectors.

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21M Baht Crypto Scam Ring Busted, Used Bangkok Condo for Money Laundering

By

Khaosod English

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29 October 2024, 20:41

scam condo2 — Two of the five suspects are arrested in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — A transnational scam ring comprising Thai, Myanmar, and Cambodian nationals has been arrested for defrauding a Thai woman of over 21 million baht ($620K) through cryptocurrency investments and subsequently laundering 10 million baht through a luxury Bangkok condominium purchase.

On October 29, Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchanarot, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Department, released details of the case. He explained that the scam dates back to late 2023 when a group of foreign scammers, in collaboration with some Thai nationals, tricked Ms. Mallika, the victim, into investing in stock trading and cryptocurrencies.

They set up a public Facebook page called “Investor Chat Room” where they offered advice on high-yield investments.

When Ms. Mallika got involved in the conversation, the scammers persuaded her to continue communicating via the LINE application. Gradually, they tricked her into transferring money to several accounts.

scam condo1 — Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchanarot, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Department, explaining case details with a chart at the Immigration Office on October 29, 2024.

The criminals used tactics such as telling her that the funds had to remain in her portfolio for a minimum period of time or that additional transfers were required to trade with leverage. The scammers even transferred partial profits back to her to make the victim believe the trades were legitimate. In total, she transferred 21 million baht.

Investigations revealed that the gang was well organized, with assigned roles ranging from wire-pullers to mules. Mr. Moon, a Cambodian national, and Mr. Ko from Myanmar acted as courier account operators and transferred the funds on the instructions of a Burmese broker. The money was eventually forwarded to Mr. Win, a Burmese businessman who operated a front company in Thailand.

The funds were then transferred to Ms. San, another Burmese national, who consolidated the money. The money was then combined with the accounts of Ms. Thuay, also from Myanmar, and used to purchase a luxury condominium in the Rama 9 district worth about 10 million baht. The plan was to quickly resell the apartment to a Burmese third party.

scam condo3 — Mr. Ko was arrested at his private home in Pathum Thani province.

The investigation team has gathered enough evidence to obtain arrest warrants from the South Bangkok Criminal Court. The suspects are charged with fraud against the public, identity fraud and entering false information into a computer system, causing potential public harm.

After tracking down the money and identifying the individuals involved, immigration authorities launched a coordinated arrest operation. Mr. Ko was arrested at his private home in Pathum Thani province, while Mr. Moon was arrested at a factory in Saraburi province, where he had fled in search of work.

Ms. San was arrested at a luxury condominium on Ratchadaphisek Road, and Ms. Thuay was arrested at Don Mueang airport when she re-entered Thailand to manage the assets. Finally, Mr. Win was arrested while walking on Ratchadamri Road in Bangkok.

Further questioning of Mr. Ko, Mr. Moon and Ms. San led to the issuance of another arrest warrant for another Burmese national who is still under investigation. The Immigration Department has transferred the five suspects to Bang Rak Police Station for further investigation and to extend the case to the Thai nationals involved.

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Jay Fai Denies Retirement, Still Going Strong After 7 Years of Michelin Stars

By

Khaosod English

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29 October 2024, 18:46

jay fai-celebs — Famous visitors who came to taste Jay Fai's exquisite food: Russell Crowe, Lisa BLACKPINK, and Ed Sheeran. / ig: jayfaibangkok

BANGKOK – The Thai culinary world was shaken by news that Jay Fai, the 81-year-old master behind Bangkok’s famous Michelin-starred street food stall, will retire and close her beloved shop near Phra Tu Phi in 2025. However, on Tuesday she denied this news.

On October 29, Jay Fai explained that the story stemmed from her participation in a UN refugee fundraising event, which was a major function attended by many ambassadors. When someone asked if she would retire at 80, she merely responded that she had some plans in mind. This response was then blown out of proportion. She confirms she will continue running her business.

Jay Fai explained that the story stemmed from her participation in a UN refugee fundraising event, which was a major function attended by many ambassadors. When someone asked if she would retire at 80, she merely responded that she had some plans in mind. This response was then blown out of proportion. She confirms she will continue running her business.

jay fai UNHCR — Jay Fai cooking at the UNHCR charity brunch event at Blue Elephant Bangkok, Oct 20, 2024.

“I still have many international commitments, including in France where I need to cook. How could I quit? It’s impossible because I’m still bound by these commitments. I’m still strong, even though I’m 81 this year. I can stand and cook comfortably – about 15 hours a day,” she said.

Additionally, she has projects and contracts with Korea and other countries, after she has appeared on Shin ramyun x Jayfai tom yum goong flavored instant noodles, cementing her fame across Asia and globally.

Previously, she had mentioned considering retirement at 80. Now at 81, she has been gradually scaling back operations. From initially closing only on Sundays, the restaurant changed to closing two days (Sundays and Mondays), and currently operates just four days a week, Wednesday through Saturday at 09.00 a.m. – 7.30 p.m.

Regarding her eventual retirement, Jay Fai said she has no plans for her daughter to take over the business but is willing to share her recipes and teach those interested in learning them.

jay fai michelin — Jay Fai with her 7th consecutive Michelin star in 2024 / ig: jayfaibangkok

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), had commented that Jay Fai’s retirement would be a big blow to Bangkok’s street food culture, as her restaurant is renowned both locally and internationally, serving as a soft power that has long promoted tourism and Thai cuisine.

Jay Fai, also known as Jay Pia Supinya Junsuta, is a true Thai soft power icon who rose to fame in her 70s when she earned a Michelin star in Bangkok’s first Michelin Guide in 2018. Her restaurant, famous for its legendary “crab omelet,” is a street food establishment that has maintained its one Michelin star for 7 consecutive years.

She also received the Icon Award in 2021 from The World’s 50 Best website. Her other famous dishes include curry powder stir-fried crab, tom yum seafood soup with giant prawns, noodles with seafood, Japanese abalone with stir-fried kale, and dried seafood Congee.

jay fai michelin2 — Crab omelet, Jay Fai’s signature dish / Khaosod Photo

jay fai michelin3 — Other popular dishes masterfully prepared by Jay Fai / Matichon Photo

Prachachat Business reported that she grew up in a family running a chicken noodle shop, completed only fourth grade, and previously worked at a tailor shop before helping her mother cook.

When her house near Mahakan Fort burned down, leaving her with nothing, she had the idea to try selling food on her own. She asked her younger sister to teach her. Although she was an impatient person, she proved that impatience and deliciousness could go hand in hand.

Jay Fai has helped make Phra Tu Phi area, or Samran Rat intersection (the intersection of Mahachai and Bamrung Muang roads), a must-visit landmark for people seeking to try her delicious, though expensive, crab omelet.

Her distinctive character includes wearing large glasses and a head covering while standing at her charcoal stove. For years, her stove’s flames never dimmed, even on days when there were no customers, only people taking photos before eating pad thai nearby instead.

International food media and major news agencies have featured stories about her and her delicious menu items.

French news agency AFP featuring Jay Fai’s story as an internationally renowned chef on December 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Lillian SUWANRUMPHA

Many celebrities visiting Thailand have tried her cooking and posted photos on social media, including Russell Crowe, Ed Sheeran, and Lisa BLACKPINK, who congratulated Jay Fai along with executives from “Nongshim,” the famous Korean noodle company that recently collaborated with her.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will be the next celebrity to dine at the restaurant, after expressing that it’s a pity she has never had the chance to eat there. She mentioned that she would have her friends take her to queue up so she can try Jay Fai’s food.

Regarding the Prime Minister’s wish to have friends help secure a reservation, Jay Fai said she was very honored, especially considering hers is just a small establishment.

“I also want to say that I fully support this Prime Minister because I see her as a new generation leader who can develop her capabilities very quickly,” Jay Fai added.

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Hua Hin on Its Way to Becoming a “Special Tourist City”

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Khaosod English

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29 October 2024, 17:56

HUA HIN — One of Thailand’s most famous tourist destinations, Hua Hin, is being transformed from a ‘municipality’ in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to a ‘township’ in order to become a special tourist city.

Over the years, Hua Hin has experienced rapid economic and social growth. The municipality covers an area of 86.36 square kilometers and comprises two sub-districts: Hua Hin and Nong Kae, with a registered population of 62,454 (as of August 2023).

As a popular destination for domestic and international tourists, the town’s growth has brought with it numerous challenges, including a large unregistered population.

Due to these challenges, the Hua Hin Municipal Council decided on August 11, 2023 to change the town’s status from a “municipality” to a “township”,” which is scheduled to come into effect on March 28, 2025.

Prachachart Business interviewed Nopporn Wutthikul, the mayor of Hua Hin, or “Mayor Nui”,” about his plans for the future. He expressed a desire to enact special laws to strengthen the city’s autonomous administration and envisioned Hua Hin as a “special administrative city” similar to Pattaya.

Nopporn huahin — Nopporn Wutthikul, the mayor of Hua Hin

Legal Restriction Hurdles

Mayor Nui explained that despite ongoing development efforts, becoming a municipality in March 2025 would not fully meet the demands of the population. To solve this problem, the Hua Hin Municipality has teamed up with the Thammasat College Research Institute to study the possibility of becoming a “special local administrative organization” with the aim of transforming Hua Hin into a “special tourist town” – a happy destination and a global center of relaxation.

However, Hua Hin is currently facing administrative challenges, particularly with budgeting and legal constraints. These problems, he said, resemble “one-size-fits-all” solutions that do not fit Hua Hin’s unique circumstances. The nationwide uniform regulations have hindered the town’s potential and slowed tourism development despite its natural assets.

Under the current municipal status, Hua Hin is heavily dependent on central government support for budget planning, project approval and tourism policy. The lack of autonomy limits the municipality’s ability to respond quickly to challenges and opportunities. This has led to delays in important projects, such as the development of a skywalk on Hin Lek Fai Hill to attract more tourists and generate revenue for the country.

Planning for several initiatives is already underway, but many projects are currently on hold due to legal hurdles.

In addition, Hua Hin has traditionally hosted tourist events such as the “Huahin Jazz Festival”, which was once a popular event attracting jazz fans from all over the world. However, restrictions on alcohol sales in public places, including the beaches, have impacted such events. Even with special permits, the sale of alcohol was not allowed, limiting the festival’s potential and reducing tourism revenue.

If the legal restrictions can be eased, it would greatly benefit tourism promotion, attract more visitors and boost the local economy.

The city’s infrastructure is also struggling to cope with the growing number of tourists. Among the biggest challenges are waste disposal, sewage treatment and traffic congestion during the high season. Environmental problems such as coastal erosion have also affected the beauty of the beaches and the quality of the seawater. For the future, the municipality needs to find a balance between the management of natural resources and the sustainable development of infrastructure.

In addition, the rapid growth of tourism has increased the demand for quality service personnel. However, training programs for the hospitality industry remain inadequate, especially to meet the expectations of international visitors who are accustomed to global standards of service.

Special Administrative City Status

Once Hua Hin becomes a municipality, there will be significant changes, especially in terms of administration and development potential. The city will have greater autonomy in decision-making, resource management and budgeting, allowing it to better respond to local needs. This independence will allow for more efficient planning and problem solving, particularly in attracting investment and improving infrastructure.

The upgraded status will also support Hua Hin’s ambition to become a world-class tourist destination. The community will be able to implement large-scale public service projects, including mass transit systems, waste management solutions and environmental protection initiatives.

Mayor Nui stated that he would like Hua Hin to eventually become a “special administrative city” dedicated to tourism. Thammasat College’s research team recently held public consultations with representatives from academia, business, private organizations, civic groups and local leaders to examine the economic, social and environmental aspects of this change.

If Hua Hin were granted special administrative status, the city would have more flexibility and powers to better respond to the needs of residents. This would require the passing of a special law, probably a royal decree, to improve the city’s administration and operational efficiency.

An important aspect of the plan is to give the municipality control over its beaches so that it is able to organize high-profile events, such as the internationally renowned “Hua Hin Jazz Festival”.

In 2023, the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan generated 44.24 billion baht in tourism revenue, of which over 70 percent came from Hua Hin. The Thai tourism industry is expected to recover further in 2024. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is aiming to generate up to 3.5 trillion baht in tourism revenue nationwide, from which cities such as Hua Hin will benefit significantly.

The transformation into a municipality and plans to establish Hua Hin as a Special Administrative City will play a crucial role in increasing its global tourism appeal. With improved infrastructure, services and administration, Hua Hin will become a major international tourism center.

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Swedish Scammers Who Targeted Elderly Found Hiding in Pattaya

By

Khaosod English

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29 October 2024, 15:57

Immigration police announce the arrest of two Swedish nationals who fled fraud charges in Sweden to stay in Thailand, where they had been overstaying their visas for almost two months, on October 29ม 2024.

BANGKOK — Typically, foreign scammers arrested in Thailand usually come from Southeast Asia or are Asian, but this time the scammer duo who fled to Pattaya are Swedish.

Police Colonel Phloen Klinphayom, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3, announced on October 29 the arrest of international fugitives who were subject to an Interpol Red Notice. They were involved in a scam causing damage worth over 50 million baht and had fled to hide in Pattaya while overstaying their visas.

The Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau 3 received information about two Swedish men, Mr. John and Mr. Vladis, who had committed criminal fraud in Sweden through a call center gang operation. They targeted elderly victims, obtaining their personal information. Once victims were convinced to download an application, the scammers would drain their money and transfer it to other regions such as Asia and South America.

Swedish authorities had already arrested 9 suspects in this network. These two suspects fled to Thailand and were hiding in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

Investigation officers conducting checks in front of an apartment building in Pattaya, noticed suspicious-looking foreigners in front of the building. They identified themselves as immigration police officers and requested to check their passports, subsequently arresting both individuals.

Investigation revealed they had overstayed their visas by 57 days. The officers charged them with being aliens staying in the Kingdom beyond their permitted duration. They were handed over to investigating officers at Pattaya City Police Station, Chonburi Province, for legal proceedings, after which they will be deported.

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Legal Restriction Hurdles

Special Administrative City Status

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