Bang Phli police officers escort a Cambodian woman to reenact her confession at a jewelry store in a market in Samut Prakan Province on September 20, 2024.
SAMUT PRAKAN — A Cambodian woman attempted to steal three red gold necklaces from a jewelry store in Samut Prakan Province. She was apprehended by bystanders while holding the necklaces and visibly shaking with fear.
The incident occurred at 1.40 p.m. on September 20. Officers from Bang Phli Police Station took her into custody for questioning and charged her with theft.
Sreyno stated she was a chicken farm worker who had traveled from Kabinburi District, Prachinburi Province, that Friday morning to visit her aunt near the incident location. Unable to find her aunt, she went to this market where she had previously sold gold. She intended to steal the red gold necklaces to sell in Cambodia.
The Cambodian suspect points at the three red gold necklaces which she grabbed and ran with. However, locals and store employees caught her in the parking lot.
She pretended to examine three necklaces and, when the staff was distracted, grabbed them and ran. However, locals and store employees caught her in the parking lot.
Sreyno explained she stole due to a 60,000 baht debt incurred to support her two children, receiving no help from her husband. She believed the red gold necklaces would fetch a high price in Cambodia, enough to repay her debt.
Pimduean Sophonphan, a 59-year-old noodle shop owner who witnessed the incident, recounted seeing the suspect examining the necklaces before hearing the staff’s cries for help. Vendors then chased and caught the thief in the market’s parking lot.
The red gold necklaces would fetch a high price in Cambodia.
Pol. Col. Phairot Phetphoi, Superintendent of Bang Phli Police Station, stated that the suspect had a work permit for Thailand and was employed at a chicken farm in Prachinburi. Due to the nature of the crime, she was charged with theft by snatching.
According to Section 336 of the Criminal Code, theft by snatching is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 100,000 baht. If the act causes physical or mental harm to others, the penalty increases to 2-7 years imprisonment and a fine of 40,000 to 140,000 baht.
A video circulating online shows a Chinese tour guide is arguing with a female Chinese tourist on September 17, 2024.
BANGKOK — A video circulating online shows an incident where a foreign illegal tour guide is arguing with a female Chinese tourist, prompting a police investigation into a suspected zero-dollar tour at a Bangkok jewelry store.
In the video, the illegal guide is berating the tourist for not buying products from the store and accusing her of disrespecting him. The guide then attempts to push the female tourist to prevent her from filming. The tourist cries for help, claiming she’s been physically assaulted. Security guards eventually remove the illegal guide from the premises.
This incident occurred at a well-known jewelry store in the Lat Krabang District on September 17, 2024.
The Facebook page “Tourism Industry” states that this jewelry store is known for catering specifically to zero-dollar tours. Foreign illegal guides bring tourists here to purchase goods in exchange for commissions. It’s suspected that this illegal guide was upset because the tourist didn’t buy anything, resulting in no commission for him and a loss on the fee he paid to the tour company.
A group of Thai tour guides talks to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Sorrawong Thienthong, on September 16, 2024.
After the video was shared online, many Thai tour guides commented, as the behavior of this foreign illegal guide significantly impacts the economy and image of domestic tourism.
This incident occurred one day after a group of Thai tour guides submitted a complaint to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, on September 16.
They urged for a crackdown on foreign illegal guides and tour operators who are unlawfully taking jobs reserved for Thai nationals. They called on relevant authorities, especially the Department of Tourism and Tourist Police, to eliminate these illegal guides to restore confidence and improve Thailand’s tourism image.
Tourist Police Bureau, along with officials from the Department of Tourism, inspects the incident site at a jewelry shop in Lat Krabang District, Bangkok, on September 19, 2024.
In response to the incident, Police Colonel Somchai Theeraphatpaisan, Deputy Commander of Tourist Police Division 1, led a team of investigative police officers from the Tourist Police Bureau, along with officials from the Department of Tourism, the store manager, and witnesses to inspect the incident site.
The officials examined the location shown in the video clip, spoke with the property owner and manager to understand the situation, and took journalists to inspect the product sales area and the entire sales process. They also checked the standards of buying and selling goods to prevent fraud and exploitation of tourists, including verifying price tags and product warranties.
Tourist police are currently investigating the foreign guide and the tour suspected of being a zero-dollar tour.
Williams driver Alexander Albon of Thailand steers his car during the first practice session of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, in Singapore, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Monsoon Valley, Thailand’s top-selling and most internationally award-winning wine, is teaming up with superstar Thai artist Gongkan and F1 racer Alex Albon for the “THAI PASSION, THAI PRIDE” campaign.
They are crafting a one-of-a-kind Naga design F1 racing helmet for Alex Albon, Thailand’s only F1 racer and Monsoon Valley’s brand ambassador to wear at the Singapore Grand Prix, showcasing Thai creativity on the global stage. To mark this occasion, Monsoon Valley is also launching a limited-edition Grape Juice and a special release of Monsoon Valley Signature Red wine, both featuring Gongkan’s unique design.
This isn’t just a racing helmet; it’s a celebration of Thai talent to the world. By uniting Gongkan and Alex Albon, Monsoon Valley brings together two of Thailand’s biggest names in artistic and sporting excellence, proving that the very best in Thai creativity and sporting skill can shine on any stage.
Born and raised in Bangkok, Gongkan is one of Thailand’s top contemporary artists, known for his distinctive ‘Teleport Art’ style. His dreamy, cartoon-like depictions of teleportation have captivated audiences in major cities like New York, LA, Paris, Seoul, and Tokyo, gaining him a strong following among both the Thai public and prominent art collectors.
Alex Albon, Monsoon Valley’s brand ambassador, proudly represents Thailand on the global racing stage. As the country’s only F1 driver, Alex has impressed with his performances and resilience, earning acclaim as a rising star in the fiercely competitive world of F1. His deep connection to his Thai heritage makes him a perfect fit for Monsoon Valley, a brand dedicated to promoting the best of Thailand.
As part of the campaign, fans were invited to join the excitement by voting on their favorite Naga design from three options created by Gongkan. The winning Naga design was then applied to the helmet by Gongkan, and will be worn by Alex at the Singapore Grand Prix in mid-September 2024.
Alex Albon and Gongkan
The helmet design centers around the Phaya Naga (Naga), a mythical creature revered for its strength, resilience, and divine protection. In 2022, the Thai government designated the Naga as a national symbol, adding even more significance to this design. This collaboration is not just about art; it’s a proud expression of Thai heritage and cultural pride.
Mr. Varit Yoovidhya, Assistant Managing Director of Siam Winery Group, stated that this campaign brings together Thai art and world-class motorsports like never before.
“It’s an exciting collaboration between Monsoon Valley, Alex Albon, and Gongkan—three symbols of Thai excellence. We’re coming together to highlight Thailand’s extraordinary talent. With this project, we’re eager to showcase the spirit of Thai culture with the global audience, especially contemporary art and Formula One fans, and enhance Thailand’s visibility internationally,” he said.
For more information about the winning Naga design, visit www.monsoonvalley.com and on Facebook at Monsoon Valley for the latest updates.
Bringing together thought leaders and influencers across fashion industry for the first time in Southeast Asia, enhancing Thailand as a global fashion hub.
Bangkok (September 20, 2024): Siam Piwat Group – a leading real estate and retail business developer, the owner and operator of world-renowned projects such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint owner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok – is reinforcing its position as the number one leader in global destination development and a frontrunner in fashion and luxury retail through a collaboration with global partners and major media in the fashion industry, including globally recognized leader in fashion news Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), industry experts, and operators of leading global brands as well as KASIKORNBANK, to host the WWD x SIAM PIWAT GLOBAL FASHION SPOTLIGHT on Friday, October 4, 2024. This will be the first event in Southeast Asia ever to bring together thought leaders and influencers across the fashion industry and showcase the potential of Thailand’s fashion industry, with the goal of elevating the country into one of the world’s fashion hubs.
Tipanat Lenbury, Senior Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Relations for the Fashion Business Group at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., stated, “Siam Piwat is committed to driving Thailand’s fashion industry towards becoming a global fashion hub and one of the world’s best luxury destinations, with the goal to create a positive impact on the economy and growth for everyone in this industry chain. We play a crucial role in advancing the luxury market and have consistently earned the trust of leading global brands as a business partner. In addition, we have been a champion of the Thai fashion industry by fostering creativity and innovation and boosting its presence on the world stage.”
Making its debut in Southeast Asia, the WWD x SIAM PIWAT GLOBAL FASHION SPOTLIGHT event aims to highlight the capabilities of Thailand’s fashion industry and elevate the country into a world-class fashion hub. This landmark gathering offers a unique platform for Siam Piwat’s partners, suppliers, and retailers to gain invaluable insights, connect with industry leaders, and gain inspiration.”
“We are thrilled to be hosting this important event with Siam Piwat”, said Amanda Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Fairchild Media Group. “The Thai market is quickly evolving into a true voice in the luxury retail conversation, and WWD is excited to shine a global spotlight to what this burgeoning region’s wave of growth means for the future of our industry.”
“There could be no better time to be organizing the WWD x Siam Piwat Global Fashion Spotlight in Bangkok, since South East Asia, and much of Asia in general, continues to have a major impact around the globe in areas ranging from fashion to film, music to the arts. We are thrilled to be partnering with Siam Piwat on this event, which will gather together key industry leaders from major brands to discuss the potential of the luxury market in the region, the culture of sustainability, the importance of craftsmanship and artisans and more,” said James Fallon, Editorial Director of WWD and Fairchild Media Group.
Themed “SOUTH EAST ASIA – LUXURY’S NEW FUTURE,” the event will feature panel discussions on various topics, including “Building Brands for a Global Consumer,” “Adapting to the New Luxury Landscape,” and “South East Asia Power of Global Influence.” Key figures and influencers across the fashion industry have been invited to participate in the seminar.
As the developer of some of the world’s most significant global destinations and a pioneer in fashion and luxury retail, Siam Piwat Group is driven by creativity and the aspiration to consistently exceed expectations – a DNA that has enabled it to deliver a diverse array of premium lifestyle experiences and attract over 100 million Thai customers and international tourists annually through the years. With long-standing success that transcends domestic competition, Siam Piwat’s shopping centers have established themselves as some of the world’s best and most closely watched fashion hubs and luxury destinations.
BANGKOK — BOI approves “Haier” investment of over 13 billion baht ($405 million), preparing to start production within 1 year, employing over 3,000 positions, increasing export value by 32 billion baht ($968 millon) per year.
The project consideration subcommittee, authorized by the BOI board, has approved an investment promotion application for smart air conditioner manufacturing by Haier Appliance Manufacturing Co., Ltd. under the “Haier” brand. Haier is a major home appliance manufacturer from China with the world’s No. 1 sales for 15 consecutive years (2009-2023), as ranked by Euromonitor.
The investment is as high as 13.4 billion baht, located on an area of over 200 rai at WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 3 in Chonburi province.
Haier Thailand executives hold a groundbreaking ceremony for their full-scale air conditioner manufacturing plant at WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 3 (WHA ESIE 3) in Chonburi province on August 24, 2024.
The project will produce smart air conditioners with sensor and electronic systems that can detect and receive data, and can connect to smartphones and other devices via Wi-Fi network, with a capacity of 6 million units per year. The first phase will accelerate investment and install a production capacity of 3 million units, ready to start production by September 2025.
The full project will be operational by 2027, with plans to employ over 3,000 Thai personnel. The production will mainly be for export, with an export value of over 32 billion baht per year.
Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), said that Haier has decided to make a major investment to build a new factory, choosing Thailand as its largest smart air conditioner production base outside of China. This is because Thailand has quality infrastructure, especially stable and sufficient electrical power, a strong supply chain, and a strategic location with logistics readiness, including ports and convenient transportation routes to support exports.
Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI)
Moreover, there are investment promotion measures from the government to attract quality investment projects that benefit the country in terms of job creation, personnel development, use of domestic raw materials, and increasing Thailand’s export value in the global market.
Previously, the Haier group has received investment promotion in various home appliance manufacturing businesses such as refrigerators, washing machines, electric rice cookers, electric kettles, and compressors for refrigerators, under Haier Electric (Thailand) Co., Ltd., totaling 9 projects with an investment of over 3 billion baht, located at Kabinburi Industrial Zone in Prachinburi Province. Currently, they are preparing to expand their refrigerator production at the existing factory site.
Mr. Gu Wenhai, President of Haier Electric (Thailand), said that Haier entered Thailand in 2002. Then in 2007, Haier acquired Sanyo’s business and officially entered Thailand.
“As a multinational company, we prioritize localization, including research and development that focuses primarily on local needs. From this perspective, Haier didn’t come to Thailand just for production and sales, but we also brought advanced techniques and technologies to Thailand, elevating the local area. Ultimately, we want Haier in Thailand to be produced by local people, creating pride for both those involved in production and our company itself,” he said.
Haier Electric (Thailand)
Gu said that the billion-baht investment in the new factory where we will establish our air conditioner production base aims to gain recognition for environmental concerns in the Thai and ASEAN markets.
The next goal is to increase competitiveness, because in the past, there was a belief that Thai consumers didn’t trust Chinese brands. But since Haier entered Thailand when we didn’t yet understand local behavior, until now we’ve passed that point and thoroughly learned the behavior and needs of people in Thailand. This has led to increased sales and users of Haier products, reflecting that consumers are increasingly accepting and trusting Chinese brands.
“Looking at the current situation where Haier has invested in building a new factory in Chonburi, and we have development plans to expand our refrigerator factory in Prachinburi, these two points indicate that Haier still has confidence in Thailand’s economy. And if we look at the relationship between Thailand and the United States, having a factory in Thailand and exporting to the United States doesn’t have much impact. We consider the factory in Thailand as our opportunity for future development,” he said.
Mr. Zhou Yunjie, CEO of Haier Group, added that the factory has a construction plan divided into 3 phases, scheduled to be completed by 2027. The first phase will open with a production capacity of 3 million units in September 2025. The second and third phases will be completed and operational in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
After construction is completed, this factory will become the largest air conditioner production base in Southeast Asia and Haier’s largest overseas production base in the air conditioning industry.
“Haier’s investment in Thailand demonstrates the good cooperation between China and Thailand in driving sustainable international economic growth together. It also extends Haier’s vision to grow rapidly as an internationally standardized home appliance brand, creating an excellent user experience recognized by consumers worldwide, and continuing to deliver endless creative power according to the concept ‘More Creation, More Possibility’,” Mr. Zhou said.
Mr. Zhou Yunjie, CEO of Haier Group
Currently, Thailand is a leading production base for the home appliance industry in the ASEAN region and is one of Thailand’s top export products. Smart home appliance products tend to expand continuously due to the development of digital technologies including AI, 5G, and IoT, which are changing the standard of living in the modern world where consumers can connect and control various devices in their homes via the internet.
According to BOI, promoting the upgrading of the home appliance industry to “smart appliances” is one of BOI’s important goals. From 2023 to June 2024, there were 144 projects in the home appliance and parts industry applying for BOI promotion, with a total investment of 98,550 million baht.
Over 80% are products in the smart appliance group. Besides Haier, there are other leading brands with production bases in Thailand such as Mitsubishi, Sony, Daikin, Samsung, Electrolux, and Midea.
LONDON (AP) — Scientists searching for the origins of COVID-19 have zeroed in on a short list of animals that possibly helped spread it to people, an effort they hope could allow them to trace the outbreak back to its source.
Researchers analyzed genetic material gathered from the Chinese market where the first outbreak was detected and found that the most likely animals were racoon dogs, civet cats and bamboo rats. The scientists suspect infected animals were first brought to the Wuhan market in late November 2019, which then triggered the pandemic.
Michael Worobey, one of the new study’s authors, said they found which sub-populations of animals might have transmitted the coronavirus to humans. That may help researchers pinpoint where the virus commonly circulates in animals, known as its natural reservoir.
FILE – The Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, sits closed in Wuhan in central China’s Hubei province on Jan. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Dake Kang, File)
“For example, with the racoon dogs, we can show that the racoon dogs that were (at the market) … were from a sub-species that circulates more in southern parts of China,” said Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona. Knowing that might help researchers understand where those animals came from and where they were sold. Scientists might then start sampling bats in the area, which are known to be the natural reservoirs of related coronaviruses like SARS.
While the research bolsters the case that COVID-19 emerged from animals, it does not resolve the polarized and political debate over whether the virus instead emerged from a research lab in China.
Mark Woolhouse, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh, said the new genetic analysis suggested that the pandemic “had its evolutionary roots in the market” and that it was very unlikely COVID-19 was infecting people before it was identified at the Huanan market.
A Xinhua file photo of doctors at Huoshenshan hospital in Wuhan, China.
“It’s a significant finding and this does shift the dial more in favor of an animal origin,” Woolhouse, who was not connected to the research, said. “But it is not conclusive.”
An AP investigation in April found the search for the COVID origins in China has gone dark after political infighting and missed opportunities by local and global health officials to narrow the possibilities.
Scientists say they may never know for sure where exactly the virus came from.
In the new study, published Thursday in the journal Cell, scientists from Europe, the U.S. and Australia analyzed data previously released by experts at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It included 800 samples of genetic material Chinese workers collected on Jan. 1, 2020 from the Huanan seafood market, the day after Wuhan municipal authorities first raised the alarm about an unknown respiratory virus.
Chinese scientists published the genetic sequences they found last year, but did not identify any of the animals possibly infected with the coronavirus. In the new analysis, researchers used a technique that can identify specific organisms from any mixture of genetic material collected in the environment.
Worobey said the information provides “a snapshot of what was (at the market) before the pandemic began” and that genetic analyses like theirs “helps to fill in the blanks of how the virus might have first started spreading.”
Woolhouse said the new study, while significant, left some critical issues unanswered.
“There is no question COVID was circulating at that market, which was full of animals,” he said. “The question that still remains is how it got there in the first place.”
This exhibition offers a glimpse into aespa’s personal world through an immersive media art display like never before seen
ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the Chao Phraya River, in collaboration with SM Entertainment to host a special exhibition—the “#potd #aespa Exhibition in Bangkok”— the first in Southeast Asia. This cutting-edge exhibition from South Korea will allow fans to get up close with the four idols including KARINA, WINTER, GISELLE and NINGNING through an immersive media art display that seamlessly blends the real and virtual worlds. The exhibition provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a glimpse into aespa’s personal world in ways never before seen. The exhibition will be showcased on the 7th floor of ICONSIAM (Napalai Terrace exit) from September 27 to October 27, 2024.
#potd #aespa Exhibition Zones
The second floor is made up of engaging zones. Here, fans can enter the SNS world and the special room with vibrant neon visuals and displays representing aespa’s world. Also, fans will be able to dive deeper into aespa’s world and experience variety of interactive content. Exhibition also has the living room; an interactive space replicates the actual living room setting from aespa’s “Better Things” MV. In this living room, fans will be able to take photos and exit through the very special gateway to the next adventure!
On the first floor, fans will encounter the MD Zone which features an array of official aespa merchandise, including fashion/accessories and lifestyle items, and exclusive photocards equipped with scannable QR codes. Next to the MD Zone, fans can visit two distinct photo spots: one featuring aespa’s characters in human sizes, and the Photoism Booth machines where they can take photos with aespa members and get printed on paper.
Special Notes:
Even more heightened energy is expected as aespa’s upcoming concert in Thailand is scheduled to take place on 28th Sep at Impact Arena, the day after #potd #aespa Exhibition in Bangkok opens.
Get ready to visit ICONSIAM for this extraordinary journey into the world of aespa!
<Event Details>
Dates: September 27 (Sat) – October 27, 2024 (Sun)
Location: ICONSIAM, 7th Floor (Two Floors, including Terrace)
Ticket Price : 700 THB (Purchase tickets upon entry)
Special offer: ONESIAM members receive a 10% discount on exhibition tickets by presenting a coupon downloaded from the ONESIAM application. For more information, please call 1338 or Facebook: ICONSIAM
Chonburi Immigration officers arrest Mr. Hun Chon, 42, a South Korean national, at an apartment on Pattaya 3 Road, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, on September 19, 2024.
PATTAYA — A South Korean male suspect, previously deported by immigration police in 2017, secretly re-entered Thailand and had been living in Pattaya for half a month before being arrested by police. Heroin syringes were found scattered in his room, which he claimed belonged to a Thai woman.
On September 20, Police Lieutenant Colonel Weerachai Thinkamut, Superintendent of Chonburi Immigration, known as “Inspector Dak, the foreign mafia buster,” revealed that Mr. Hun Chon, 42, a South Korean national, was a person prohibited from entering Thailand.
He had previously been deported by immigration for drug abuse (methamphetamine) and overstaying in 2017. He illegally re-entered Thailand from Cambodia through Sa Kaeo province without an immigration stamp, indicating he used natural border crossings.
Officials learned that he had been staying at an apartment on Pattaya 3 Road, Moo 9, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province for about two weeks. They planned his arrest accordingly.
Chonburi Immigration officers arrest Mr. Hun Chon, 42, a South Korean national, at an apartment on Pattaya 3 Road, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, on September 19, 2024.
On the night of September 19, the Chonburi Immigration Police team raided and arrested Mr. Hun at a room in central Pattaya, Chonburi Province. A search of the room revealed numerous intravenous needles similar to those used for heroin in plastic bags. However, his urine test was negative for drugs. Hun claimed that all the drug paraphernalia belonged to a Thai woman who had stayed with him two days earlier.
Chonburi Immigration investigators also have information that Hun was involved in drug trafficking to South Korea. He allegedly procured drugs in Thailand for Koreans to collect and smuggle back to Korea. A suspect arrested for smuggling drugs into Korea implicated Hun as the source.
Initially, officials arrested Hun for illegal entry and will coordinate with South Korean police for further investigation.
LONDON (AP) — A soccer player who once appeared for Arsenal in the Champions League has been charged in connection with trying to smuggle cannabis worth 600,000 pounds ($800,000) through a British airport.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who currently plays for Scottish second-tier team Greenock Morton, was arrested at his home near Glasgow early Wednesday, the Press Association agency reported Thursday.
Emmanuel-Thomas was detained by police and taken to the northern English city of Carlisle to be questioned, the National Crime Agency said.
The 33-year-old forward started his career with Arsenal, where he played five games including in the Champions League at Shakhtar Donetsk in November 2010.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas / Pic: instagram officialjet10
He later played for English clubs Ipswich, Bristol City and Queens Park Rangers, Aberdeen in Scotland, and in Thailand for PTT Rayong.
The drug-smuggling case followed customs officers detecting about 60 kilograms (130 pounds) of cannabis in two suitcases at Stansted airport near London that arrived on a flight from Bangkok on Sept. 2. Two women were arrested.
Emmanuel-Thomas is expected to appear in court Thursday in Carlisle accused of importing class B drugs, PA reported.
In August, the National Crime Agency warned travelers arriving from Thailand, Canada and the United States that they face jail sentences if caught attempting to bring cannabis into the United Kingdom. The maximum sentence for drug couriers is 14 years.
Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, meets with Thai and foreign media in Meet the Press #2 event at Buakaew Room where more than 100 media attending on September 19, 2024. (MFA Photo)
BANGKOK — Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, who has resumed his role as Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Paetongtarn government, outlined his vision for the country’s foreign policy. This policy will maintain a neutral stance and aim to boost the country’s economy.
On September 19, 2024, at the “Meet the Press #2” event, Mr. Maris emphasized that despite the change in leadership, from Srettha Thavisin to Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s foreign policy will remain consistent and transparent. However, he noted that in the next three to six months, the government aims to make this policy more tangible.
The new administration plans to build on the previous government’s efforts, with a focus on “diplomacy for the people” and “proactive economic diplomacy.”
These initiatives, he said, will impact various sectors and reach citizens through government projects and policies. He also highlighted that Thailand has gained increasing recognition from the international community, both politically and economically.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prepared to take a leading role in opening trade opportunities between Thailand and other countries. He stated that the ministry is actively working to secure cooperation agreements with various nations and international organizations, confident in its ability to collaborate with both the Thai government and private sector to achieve these goals.
He assured that the ministry is operating with a proactive and serious approach, aiming to bring tangible benefits to both the people and the private sector.
People and Commercial Diplomacy
In discussing the policies of People’s Diplomacy and Commercial Diplomacy, the minister highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing a range of cross-border issues, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, water management, call center scams, PM2.5 pollution, and transnational crimes.
These challenges, he noted, are not confined to any single country and require joint efforts for resolution. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he emphasized, plays a crucial role in these efforts. He stressed that the era of the ministry working in isolation from the central government has passed. To better understand the real needs of affected communities, Mr. Maris has personally visited various areas and consulted with MPs from all political parties.
Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, walking towards the “Meet the Press #2” event room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 19, 2024.
Regarding the management of the Mekong River, Mr. Maris revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has engaged in discussions with China and Laos through the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) framework. The aim is to protect communities living along the Mekong River from the dangers of flooding and the resulting damage to their homes.
Additionally, the ministry recently held talks with Myanmar, agreeing to work closely to ease the hardships of people in both countries severely impacted by floods. The discussions focused on ensuring that water management efforts are both effective and sustainable.
He also reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to a neutral foreign policy, emphasizing the country’s stance of “not taking sides” and maintaining balanced relations with all global powers.
He also highlighted the successful negotiations for the release of 24 Thai hostages in Israel, where Thailand became the first nation to secure the release of all its citizens. This achievement, he said, underscores Thailand’s active role in international diplomacy.
Reflecting the government’s foreign policy, Prime Minister Paetongtarn has prioritized working with other nations to promote peace and prosperity. Mr. Maris reiterated that Thailand’s non-alignment in international conflicts and its friendly, impartial relations with all countries will bring significant benefits to the nation.
On the issue of Myanmar, Mr. Maris stressed that Thailand must take a more proactive role in promoting peace within Myanmar and in efforts to establish peace in Thailand’s southern provinces bordering Malaysia. “Thai diplomacy must be tangible, impactful, and bring real benefits to the people, including boosting the inflow of money into the country,” he said.
Regarding commercial diplomacy, the minister outlined plans to strengthen Thailand’s soft power policy, making it more concrete and connecting local communities to the global stage. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the country’s 93 embassies and diplomatic mission as gateways for future trade negotiations.
He also expressed confidence that the annual Thai Festival, held in various countries, would serve as an effective platform to showcase and distribute Thai products to international markets.
To successfully implement soft power, Mr. Maris emphasized the need for two-way cooperation between Thailand and foreign countries. This approach aims to connect local Thai communities with global partners, allowing foreign nations to collaborate with local Thai people. Such cooperation, would provide financial support and technology to help develop local communities. He confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fully committed to supporting these efforts, ensuring that local-to-global connections are strengthened and mutually beneficial.
Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, meets with Thai and foreign media in Meet the Press #2 event at Buakaew Room where more than 100 media attending on September 19, 2024. (MFA Photo)
DTV and ETA Visas
In his policy statement, Mr. Maris outlined plans to enhance visa options, including the introduction of the long-term Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This visa would allow foreigners to stay or work in Thailand for up to 180 days, with the possibility of an additional 180-day extension. The DTV is expected to boost the Thai economy by attracting more international visitors and professionals.
Additionally, Thailand is preparing to implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa system to enhance convenience, security, and speed for travelers. Mr. Maris also revealed that Thailand is in the process of negotiating with five ASEAN countries—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Malaysia—to establish a joint tourist visa.
Similar to Europe’s Schengen Visa, this initiative would allow tourists to travel between these countries with a single visa. Under the concept of “6 countries, 1 destination,” the aim is to position Thailand as a tourism hub in ASEAN.
Taking Care Thai abroad
As a former ambassador to several countries, Mr. Maris emphasized the importance of protecting the interests of Thais abroad, noting that he understands the challenges they face, especially in unexpected situations. He highlighted the crucial role the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays in emergencies, with embassies and consulates ready to provide immediate assistance to Thai citizens. Referring to the recent case of Thai hostages in Israel, he pointed out that Thailand was able to assist all of them, showcasing the country’s neutrality and strong diplomatic relations with all nations.
He mentioned the saying, “the sun never sets on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” emphasizing the global presence of Thai embassies and consulates, which enables the ministry to receive reports and provide aid around the clock. With a 24/7 hotline, the ministry is always ready to help Thais in need, whether they are working, traveling, or studying abroad.
Mr. Maris also touched on the ministry’s efforts to protect Thai workers, particularly in South Korea. The Thai embassy there has issued travel documents to allow Thai workers who entered illegally to return home voluntarily before facing legal action.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating with relevant agencies to address this issue comprehensively, including offering skill training for Thai workers to meet international market demands. The Ministry is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Thai citizens abroad, no matter the purpose of their stay.
