The guide driver leads the three tourists to the ticket sales area for tour visit the Four Regions Floating Market in Pattaya on August 22, 2024.
PATTAYA — On August 24, the Tourist Police revealed that officers had arrested a foreigner for illegally operating a tour business without permission, as this action affects Thailand’s tourism industry.
While patrolling the parking area of Pattaya Floating Market along Sukhumvit Road, Moo 12, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on August 22, officers noticed a Honda CRV arriving with three foreign tourists at 12:30 p.m..
The driver then led the three tourists to the ticket sales area for tour companies/guides to visit and shop within the Four Regions Floating Market. He provided them with stickers for market entry, gave instructions, and waited outside while the tourists entered.
At 2:20 p.m., the man returned to wait for the tourists. Police officers then approached and inspected the man exhibiting guide-like behavior. He was identified as Mr. Hao, 41, a Chinese national. His bag contained multiple receipts for entrance fees to various tourist attractions.
This behavior reinforced that Mr. Hao was acting as a tour guide, a profession reserved for Thai nationals and strictly prohibited for foreigners.
Mr. Hao confirmed that he was conducting this tour independently, without affiliation to any company. He charged 500 yuan per day for his guiding services, totaling 3,000 yuan (about 14,500 baht) for 6 days. Payments were made via WeChat, and tours were booked through TikTok.
The guide driver leads the three tourists to the ticket sales area for tour visit the Four Regions Floating Market in Pattaya on August 22, 2024.
This action constitutes operating a tour business without permission. Police officers informed him of the charges. As the arrestee couldn’t speak or understand Thai, an interpreter was used to inform him that he had committed offenses of:
Operating a tour business without permission from the registrar.
Acting as a tour guide without a license from the registrar.
Working as a foreigner without a work permit or working beyond permitted rights (as a tour guide) according to the Royal Decree on Management of Foreign Workers’ Employment.
The police then transferred him to Nong Prue Police Station investigators for further legal proceedings.
Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuek-am, Commander of the Tourist Police, advised the public and tourists to book tours with licensed tour operators. Licensed operators must provide:
A tour guide job order with details including the tour operator’s name, license number, tour duration, fees, transportation details, destinations, accommodation, and number of guides.
Tour guides must present this to officials upon request. Online job orders that can be verified immediately are convenient for both operators and officials, preventing loss or claims of forgetting the document.
Licensed tour guides for trips with tourists (tour guiding is a profession reserved for Thai nationals; foreigners cannot work as tour guides).
Accident insurance for tourists and guides during the trip.
The public can report any violations to the Tourist Police Hotline 1155 or local Tourist Police stations 24/7.
A Kyrgyz boxer who visits Phuket for training is arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a sauna shop employee in Chalong Police Station, .on August 24, 2024.
PHUKET — A Kyrgyz boxer who visited Phuket for training was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a sauna shop employee.
On August 24, Chalong Police Station officers in Phuket arrested Mr. Sultan, age 28, of Kyrgyz nationality, a suspect in the rape of a female employee at a spa in Moo 3, Chalong Sub-district, Mueang Phuket District. He turned himself in at the police station after being contacted by the police.
According to the police report filed on August 21 by Miss A, age 19, the assaulted spa employee, the incident occurred on August 18 at 1:00 p.m. Mr. Sultan came in to use the ice bath service. Miss A prepared the ice for the customer and then returned to sit at the counter inside the shop.
Forensic officers collect evidence at the scene. Police later summoned the Kyrgyz boxer to inform him of the charges and collect fingerprints for prosecution.
Later, around 5:00 p.m., Mr. Sultan informed this female employee that he had finished using the room. She went to turn off the gas, with him following her, and he began to sexually harass her before attempting rape, but was unsuccessful. He walked out and used the Google Translate app to type, “Can’t continue due to back pain, and will come back the next day,” before ordering her, “Don’t tell anyone.”
After he left, Miss A decided to file a police report. Subsequently, forensic officers collected evidence at the scene and summoned Mr. Sultan to inform him of the charges and collect fingerprints for prosecution.
According to Criminal Code Section 276, whoever commits sexual intercourse with other person by threatening by any means, using force, exploiting a situation where that person is unable to resist, or causing that person to mistake him for another person, shall be punished with imprisonment of four to twenty years and fined of eighty thousand to four hundred thousand Baht.
However, at approximately 3:30 p.m. on August 24, the Kyrgyz male suspect was still posting pictures of himself training boxing as usual.
Rescue workers find the bodies of a Myanmar couple under the ruins of their rented house that was buried by a landslide in Karon, Phuket, on August 24, 2024.
PHUKET — The death toll from the heavy rainfall incident causing flash floods from the mountains and landslides burying houses in Karon Sub-district of Phuket city has increased to 13 on Saturday.
Rescue workers found the bodies of a Myanmar couple under the ruins of their rented house that was buried by a landslide on August. They were lying in an embrace, with flashlights and phones clutched in their hands. When officials invited a female relative to confirm the identities, she cried heavily with grief. It was a heart-wrenching scene.
Meanwhile, the body of an elderly Myanmar woman, who was a bedridden patient, was also found in a rented house room that was buried by the landslide. Officials from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation have taken all the bodies to Vachira Phuket Hospital for doctors to conduct autopsy.
Later, Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket Province, held a meeting and announced the end of the search for missing bodies after officials had found all 13 missing persons.
These consisted of 5 males and 8 females, including 2 Thai women from Surat Thani and Sakon Nakhon provinces, 2 Russians who were a married couple in a villa, and 9 Myanmar workers (4 males and 5 females). There were 19 people injured, and 209 households in 3 sub-districts, and 9 villages were affected.
Rescue workers find the bodies of a Myanmar couple under the ruins of their rented house that was buried by a landslide in Karon, Phuket, on August 24, 2024.
This natural disaster in Phuket occurred after heavy rainfall that continued from the night of August 22 until the early morning of August 23, when many people were sound asleep. Mudslides came down from the Nakkerd mountain range, burying houses and luxury villas in Karon Sub-District, specifically in Soi Patak 2, affecting a total of 4 locations. More than 50 houses and rental rooms, as well as 4 luxury villas, were completely destroyed.
Later, rescue workers brought heavy machinery to the area and spread out to search for missing persons at various points throughout the day. On the first day, 10 bodies were found . Most were submerged under mud and collapsed buildings.
Subsequently, Phuket province declared disaster areas due to flooding, water drainage issues, flash floods, and landslides in Mueang Phuket District, including Chalong, Karon, and Rawai sub-districts.
Chada Thaiset, Deputy Minister of Interior, along with his team, visit the area of disaster area to inspect and encourage the victims on August 24, 2024.
On August 24, Chada Thaiset, Deputy Minister of Interior, along with his team, visited the area to inspect and encourage the victims. He said that immediate problems need to be addressed first, then the government must quickly discuss how to prevent such disasters in the context of different challenges faced by each area.
“Some areas have been encroached upon legally, some illegally. We need to study clearly whether the impact from the mountain range is truly due to temple construction. Experts and the Royal Forest Department need to be involved because Kamala sub-district has no temples or buildings, yet there were landslides. We will consider planting ground cover vegetation, and Kamala sub-district will be a pilot for flood ways,” he said.
Chada added that for the foreign casualties, officials have contacted the Russian consulate and the Myanmar embassy in Thailand. Officials have regulations for compensating both the families of the deceased and those affected.
Two entrepreneurs talk about their green businesses at the Prachachat Business ESG Forum 2024, under the topic "Time for Action, Turning the Tide on Climate Crisis," held at Plaza Athenee on August 22, 2024.
BANGKOK — Two entrepreneurs reveal the secrets behind building green businesses at the Prachachat Business ESG Forum 2024, under the topic “Time for Action, Turning the Tide on Climate Crisis” held at Plaza Athenee on August 22, 2024.
Chalakorn Ekchaipattanakul, CEO of Pluk Pak Pro Rak Mae Co. (Public), shared experiences from his company, which currently grows its own organic vegetables and operates restaurants, while Jiraroj Potjanawarapan, MD of Sangcharoen Grand Co., Ltd., explained how his third-generation company collects textile waste and recycles it into fabric products.
The CEO of Pluk Pak Pro Rak Mae, which means “Growing Vegetables Because We Love Mom,” said that his restaurants are operating under three brands: Ohkajhu, Ohkajhu Wrap & Roll, and Oh Juice.
Chalakorn reminisced about the past, saying that his business dates back to his childhood in the Chiang Mai countryside. His father had a house on a hill in Mae Kampong village, which he often visited. His father often told him that Mae Kampong was important as the watershed forest of Chiang Mai Province
“Back then, my father wanted the land behind our house to be used by the villagers to grow and harvest coffee. My father’s goal was to preserve the forest in the catchment area, which awakened a deep-seated commitment to nature conservation in me from an early age. As I grew older, my friends, Jho and I, became interested in combining modern farming with traditional methods and so we started farming”
Chalakorn Ekchaipattanakul, CEO of Pluk Pak Pro Rak Mae Co. (Public)
ESG Is not an Option
“In the beginning, we wondered if we would dare to buy vegetables from the market, knowing that they were contaminated with pesticides or chemicals, and serve them to our families. Our answer was ‘no’ so we decided to grow organic vegetables ourselves. The name of the company, Pluk Pak Pro Rak Mae, came from our desire to help mothers, who are the central figure of every family, to live longer and healthier lives.”
Chalakorn added, “This morning, I heard news about flooding in Chiang Rai. Upon analysis, one of the reasons is deforestation due to burning.”
“I once went to the mountains and asked the farmers why they were slash-and-burn farming, as this is a cause of PM2.5 pollution. They replied that they need to earn money to pay for their children’s education and provide for their families.”
“I realized that they didn’t really want to burn down the forest to expand their agricultural land, but they lacked options and alternatives. So I invited them to grow organic vegetables, which I would buy directly. Today, over 100 households are part of our network.”
Two entrepreneurs talk about their green businesses at the Prachachat Business ESG Forum 2024, under the topic “Time for Action, Turning the Tide on Climate Crisis,” held at Plaza Athenee on August 22, 2024.
“We have been doing this for about 7-8 years and teach them all the know-how. The farmers take care of the cultivation to get results and send us their harvests. This approach has improved their livelihoods and health, as they no longer need to use herbicides or pesticides, and has increased their income so they can support their children’s education.”
Chalakorn explained that ESG is not seen as an option, but as a way to ensure a sustainable livelihood. “Combined with organic living, a method already used by our ancestors, companies like mine can offer farmers more opportunities.”
“In 2019, there were more and more closures in the textile industry, which prompted us to look for alternatives, but we didn’t want to give up the factory. My grandmother used to say, ‘We turn waste into gold’, which, combined with the opportunities I saw in the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, led us to use textile waste to create a brand for recycled fabrics.”
Turn Waste Into Gold
Jiraroj Potjanawarapan, Managing Director of Sangcharoen Grand Co, Ltd, or SC Grand, explained that his third-generation company collects textile waste from various industries and recycles it into fabric products.
He explained that the first generation worked in buying and selling in the textile industry and traded in textile waste. “The second generation, my grandfather, founded a yarn spinning mill that used waste yarn to make mass-produced products such as mop cloths.
Now, in the third generation, we saw opportunities related to the values inherent in our business and so we expanded into recycled fabrics. We also realized the importance of being a fashion hub and we are clearly moving towards ESG, because our goal is to reduce the negative impact on the environment.”
Jiraroj Potjanawarapan, Managing Director of Sangcharoen Grand Co, Ltd,
“One of the turning points that led us to recycling and upcycling was in 2019, when we saw that many friends in the textile industry had to close, which led us to look for new options. But we didn’t want to give up the factory because my grandmother loved it very much. She always said: ‘Our family turns waste into gold’, which means that we create great value from worthless materials.”
“In conjunction with the opportunities I saw in the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, we decided to recycle old fabrics into new fabrics using textile waste from the fashion industry. We also expanded our range to create a brand for recycled fabrics. For example, we have helped recycle old Thai Airways uniforms into over 10,000 polo shirts and have collaborated with several other brands.”
Jiraroj added that one trend that has been seen post- COVID-19 is that every country in the world keeps discussing just a few key issues, and ESG is one of them. In Thailand, there are already clear guidelines on this topic and we have seen that many organizations have taken it very seriously in the last 3-4 years.
“The future of ESG is clear. We just need to develop a strong strategy as the trend gains momentum. For me, ESG is an opportunity and will become the norm in the future. This includes the circular economy, which enables business to adapt to future changes.”
Police officers reveal themselves to arrest an Australian suspect who fled Thailand 7 years ago, at a residence in Silom, Bangkok, August 24, 2024.
BANGKOK — Immigration police investigators, through international cooperation, arrested Mr. Bradshaw, who was once an Australian suspect and had fled Thailand 7 years ago, when he reappeared in Bangkok as a Canadian tourist.
Investigators were informed by an informant about a foreign national with an outstanding arrest warrant staying in the Silom area, Bangrak district, Bangkok. Upon investigation, they found a foreign national matching the description of the wanted person, Mr. Bradshaw, 39, a Canadian citizen who had been granted a tourist visa exemption.
On August 24, 2024, therefore, they revealed themselves to arrest him. He confessed to being the same person wanted on a 2017 arrest warrant and stated that he had never been arrested for this case before.
In 2017, customs officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport inspected Bradshaw’s luggage, then an Australian citizen, as he was pushing his bag through the nothing-to-declare channel. They found more than 20 Apple iPhones, which he claimed he intended to resell for profit.
He was accused of customs evasion, which means the act of importing or exporting goods without paying duties, bringing in controlled imports, or moving goods in or out of Thailand without properly going through customs procedures. Anyone who violates this law faces maximum penalties: the smuggled goods will be confiscated, and the offender will be fined 4 times the value of the goods including taxes, or imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both fined and imprisoned.
At that time, officers charged him and handed him over to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for prosecution. However, while the case was still in court, Mr. Bradshaw left the country. Seven years later, he returned to Thailand and was finally arrested.
This time, officers informed him of his rights upon arrest. The suspect has contacted relatives or trusted individuals to notify them of his arrest at the first opportunity. The arresting officers then handed him over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
BANGKOK — Thailand prevents Mpox: passengers from Africa required to register for Thai Health Pass system.
On August 23, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Division of International Disease Control and Quarantine, Ministry of Public Health, jointly discussed before issuing international guidelines and measures to support the surveillance of Mpox (Monkeypox) in Thailand through an online system.
This system is a collaboration between airline operators, medical departments, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, International Air Transport Association, Thai Airways Ground Customer Services Co., Ltd., and Phuket International Airport to determine measures and guidelines for screening travelers from risk areas.
WHO is scaling up response to curb a growing mpox outbreak in the African region. WHO/Katson Maliro
CAAT and the Division of International Disease Control and Quarantine have been monitoring the Monkeypox situation since its outbreak. The Division has conducted risk assessments and implemented situation-based measures. As the infection differs from past epidemics, appropriate control measures need to be put in place.
Initially, it was found that areas with high infection rates are the same as Yellow Fever areas in Africa. Therefore, there has been continuous monitoring for signs of Monkeypox in passengers on direct flights from these areas.
To manage the situation more effectively, the Division has added measures requesting airlines to cooperate by having passengers traveling from risk areas register in the Thai Health Pass system. This system will record entry and exit dates and times, making it easier to track and manage cases if infected individuals are found. Passengers who haven’t registered before travel can also register at Thai airports.
Before implementation, CAAT and the Division rehearsed understanding with all airlines at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket Airport on August 22, and announced it to all remaining airlines on August 23.
These measures were implemented shortly after the Public Health Ministry announced that a European man who traveled from an African country to Thailand on August 22. They took effect immediately upon announcement, and the situation will be monitored with measures adjusted as appropriate.
A landslide from a mountain have destroyed buildings in Soi Patak 2, behind Kitti Sangkharam Temple (Kata Temple) in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province on August 23, 2024.
BANGKOK — Heavy rain and a landslide from a mountain have destroyed buildings in Soi Patak 2, behind Kitti Sangkharam Temple (Kata Temple) in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province. The incident has resulted in 10 deaths. Search efforts are ongoing for additional missing persons. 250 households have been affected by the disaster.
On August 23, officials set up an incident command center at Kitti Sangkharam Temple (Kata Temple) to coordinate operations and request assistance.
The Mueang Phuket District reported continuous heavy rainfall from the night of August 22, 2024, until the morning of August 23, 2024, measuring 200 millimeters of rainfall. This led to the landslide that caused fatalities: 7 Myanmar nationals, 1 Thai nationals, and 2 Russian nationals.
A landslide from a mountain have destroyed buildings in Soi Patak 2, behind Kitti Sangkharam Temple (Kata Temple) in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province on August 23, 2024.
The first 8 people found by the officials were distributed across different locations as follows:
Location 1: Lower Soi Patak 2, 1 female
Location 2: Lower Soi Patak 8, 1 female
Location 3: Middle Soi Patak 8, 4 bodies: 2 males, 2 females
Location 4: Upper Soi Patak 8, 2 Russian nationals: 1 male, 1 female
Ms. Sukon Nakmat, 34, originally from Trang Province and residing in the landslide area from Nakkerd Mountain, recounted her escape. She was sleeping when she heard a loud noise, then felt everything being dragged down, including walls and the roof. She ran to the roof to escape. The flood and mud hit around 5 a.m. She suffered injuries including a cut eyebrow and scrapes on her arms and legs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and the Phuket Governor to coordinate assistance for the victims.
A landslide from a mountain have destroyed buildings in Soi Patak 2, behind Kitti Sangkharam Temple (Kata Temple) in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province on August 23, 2024.A landslide from a mountain have destroyed buildings in Soi Patak 2, behind Kitti Sangkharam Temple (Kata Temple) in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province on August 23, 2024.
He emphasized the importance of providing information about weather conditions, tourist areas, and locations at risk of rainstorms, flooding, and landslides, advising people to avoid high-risk areas and providing guidelines for what to do in case of emergencies.
The flooding has affected two subdistricts: Chalong and Karon. The landslide occurred behind Kata Temple. The Phuket DDPM Office, DDPM Region 18 Phuket Center, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization President, Mueang Phuket District Chief, Karon Subdistrict Municipality, Kusoldhamma Foundation, emergency response teams, rescue teams, and related agencies have reached the area and are assisting the victims.
A landslide from a mountain have destroyed buildings in Soi Patak 2, behind Kitti Sangkharam Temple (Kata Temple) in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province on August 23, 2024.
Global leader in hospitality continues to strengthen its presence in the region, expanding in emerging destinations and beyond gateway cities
Adelaide Marriott Hotel – Exterior
22 August 2024 – Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced the opening of its 600th property in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region with the Adelaide Marriott Hotel. Paying homage to the company’s flagship brand, the opening marks the first Marriott International property in South Australia, underscoring the company’s focus on growing its presence in emerging destinations.
With the 150-year-old landmark Adelaide General Post Office (GPO) building as its façade, the Adelaide Marriott Hotel boasts a 14-storey tower with 285 guestrooms, including 12 suites with sweeping views of the city skyline. This opening aligns with the rising trend of domestic and intra-regional travelers seeking unique travel experiences in new destinations closer to home.
Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International, has had a rich heritage rooted in family values since its inception in 1957. The first Marriott Hotels hotel in the APEC region opened in Sydney in 1989 with the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay. Today, there are over 50 Marriott Hotels operating in the region, with close to 40 in the pipeline. This growth is a testament to the trust and confidence that owners, franchisees, and guests have in the Marriott Hotel brand, which carries a legacy of wonderful hospitality and heartfelt service.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our 600th property milestone in the region with the Adelaide Marriott Hotel, a brand that bears the name of our founding family,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “With 600 operational properties across the APEC region and close to 400 in the pipeline, our growth trajectory is robust. Our strategy to be everywhere our guests want us to be is further reinforced by our recent announcement of plans to enter the midscale hospitality segment, providing more opportunities to extend our portfolio presence in new markets and beyond the major gateway cities.”
Marriott International’s growth strategy includes a focus on giving back to the communities in which it operates to help drive long-term economic impact. With over 95,000 associates from both managed and franchised properties in the region, Marriott International has been instrumental in creating job opportunities and nurturing the next generation of talent. By the end of 2024, nearly 10% of Marriott International managed associates would have taken new roles within APEC, which will allow them to deepen their skillsets and further their work experiences. Marriott’s recent certification as Great Place to Work in 8 APEC countries, including Australia, demonstrates the company’s dedication to putting people first.
A joint investigation team examines the site of a hotel burnt by Thursday's fire in Bucheon, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
BUCHEON, South Korea (AP) — A fire that killed seven people in a South Korean hotel was possibly made worse by the lack of sprinklers, fire officials said Friday as they investigated the cause of the blaze.
Twelve people were being treated for injuries related to the fire that broke out Thursday evening at the nine-story property in the city of Bucheon, just west of the capital, Seoul.
Officials say the fire didn’t spread broadly after starting in an unoccupied room on the 8th floor. But with the room was unprotected by sprinklers and toxic smoke quickly filled the upper floors. Most of the victims were found in the rooms and hallways of the eighth and ninth floors.
A joint investigation team arrives to examine the site of a hotel burnt by Thursday’s fire in Bucheon, South Korea, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
The hotel, which was built in 2003, wasn’t mandated to have a sprinkler system, said Lee Sang-don, an official with the Bucheon Fire Station. While South Korea began requiring sprinklers on all buildings with more than six floors starting in 2017, the requirement wasn’t retroactively applied to most older buildings, except for some medical facilities and nursing homes.
“When we got there, (the floors) were already filled with smoke, which was also pouring out of the windows,” Lee said in a briefing. He said that the fire started in Room 810, which was unoccupied after a guest complained of smelling something burning and requested a room change to the hotel’s management.
Among the seven people killed, five died from inhaling smoke, said Cho Seon-ho, chief of the Gyeonggi provincial fire services, during a briefing to Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min at the scene.
The two others died after leaping from an 8th-floor window while aiming for an inflatable cushion fire fighters had installed on the ground, Cho said. The first person hit the harder edge of the cushion, which also caused it to flip and fatally injure the second person, who jumped shortly after.
A government team of fire officials, forensic experts and police started an on-site inspection Friday to investigate the cause of the blaze. Cho told Lee the fire was likely caused by electrical problems.
BANGKOK — Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, gave his first public speech and shared his vision after being officially pardoned. This event took place on a Thursday night, August 22, 2024, at Siam Paragon. His speech and subsequent interviews lasted for over two hours.
He discussed economic policies likely to be implemented by the government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, his daughter. Thaksin also addressed political matters, including the formation of the government and the origins of his conflict with General Prawit Wongsuwan, who was one of the three leaders of the military coup that ousted Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, from power.
“If anyone wants my advice, you’ll have to buy me a coffee. I’ll drop by for a chat,” Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, shared his vision and discussed solutions for Thailand’s economic and political issues moving forward at the Vision for Thailand 2024 forum.
Key Points:
Thaksin noted that “Thai people no longer smile as they used to” because they are heavily indebted and their economic opportunities are limited, leading to an unhappy life.
He expressed concern about the increasing dependence on superstition in rural areas, where drug addiction, gambling and alcohol addiction are rife, weakening the workforce needed to boost the economy.
He criticized the lack of cleanliness and inadequate maintenance of infrastructure, attributing this to a lack of accountability and a focus on individual organizational success rather than the national good.
“The essence of the nation is to think together about how the country can be improved and how we can make a contribution.”
Debt Traps:
Thaksin spoke about the debt trap that many Thais find themselves in, explaining that while government debt could be tackled through GDP growth.
Over 90% of household debt burdens the people. He doesn’t want to see Thais losing their homes and cars. He proposes restructuring personal debt. “If we can ‘haircut’ and restructure business debt, why can’t we do the same for personal debt?”
Thailand’s underground economy is large, about 50% of the official economy. If we can bring it above ground, GDP will increase by 50%, which will reduce the debt ratio and improve repayment capacity.
Drugs have a significant impact on people. It’s difficult to suppress because the production base is abroad. The dealers in Thailand are mostly small-scale, with the large suppliers delivering directly. Therefore, the solution is to rehabilitate drug users, which reduces demand, making it harder for supply to thrive.
“Our industry is lagging behind the world. Agriculture leads the way in lifestyle, but we lag behind in technology.”
As for the stock market, he said that it has lost investors’ confidence. The management and resolution of problems is not quick and precise.
External Opportunities:
Thaksin urged Thai businesses to compete globally, with government support, and to adopt strategic thinking and robust capabilities.
He pointed out the high cost of living and energy, noting the need for research and development to reduce energy costs.
Thaksin recognized global geopolitics as both an opportunity and a challenge for Thailand, especially in the context of U.S.-China trade relations, urging the country to position itself within global supply chains.
He mentioned the rapid growth of technology, particularly AI, and the need for Thailand to adapt to these changes.
“Thailand is fully aware of its problems but refuses to address them,” he said. He pointed out that this is a weakness of the country, and the government needs to assign responsible parties to resolve each issue.
Solutions and Proposals:
Thaksin suggested that the Ministry of Finance should work with the Bank of Thailand to align monetary and fiscal policies while respecting the central bank’s independence.
He proposed the use of digital wallets to stimulate the economy, introduce new technology to the public, and eventually integrate them with government services.
Digital wallets can hit three targets with one bullet:
Stimulate the economy: Digital wallets are backed by blockchain technology and smart contracts, which allow for precise control and use in different areas. “The economy will flourish across the country.”
Educate the Thai people about technology: “It’s not difficult.”
In the future, they can be used for all government services. The government may also issue bonds and sell them to retail investors through digital wallets.
If there is opposition and misunderstanding about digital wallets, the format may change.
It could start by targeting 13.5 million vulnerable people and 1 million people with disabilities, totaling 14.5 million people, to stimulate the economy with over 100 billion baht in September.
In October, when the new budget is released, nearly 30 million people who have registered will also receive benefits.
Digital wallets can stimulate the economy more accurately than cash, as some people may spend cash in ways that stimulate the economy less effectively or with a lower multiplier effect.
To restructure industries, we must attract investment. The former Prime Minister cited NVIDIA, a technology company that is expanding opportunities in semiconductors. Thailand should position itself as the safest haven for the industry.
“Anyone who wants to sell to China, America, or Europe can set up in Thailand without any problems,” as we do not face geopolitical issues.
There is significant interest in establishing data centers in Thailand, but challenges remain regarding electricity costs and clean energy.
With Chinese EVs entering the market, I suggest Thailand becomes a production hub for right-hand drive vehicles.
Regarding the automotive industry ecosystem, as combustion vehicles are phased out, we need to negotiate to ensure Chinese electric vehicles use Thai components or local content.
China is developing and launching a large number of satellites; Thailand should negotiate to collaborate.
Thai SMEs are struggling because they are too similar to each other, leading to market domination by Chinese products. We need to improve and design products to be more unique to compete, while also ensuring protection and fairness.
Promote “soft power” in all forms, including esports, art, fashion, and Thai cuisine.
Enhance agriculture and improve production efficiency to increase profitability.
Increase potential from tourism by expanding Suvarnabhumi Airport; given Thailand’s location, there are still many opportunities.
Develop “Entertainment Complexes,” with casino areas comprising no more than 10% of the space. Each investment would exceed 100 billion baht.
Large-scale public investments must address systemic issues, such as flood and drought problems. One proposal is to reclaim land in Bang Khun Thian and Pak Nam to reduce congestion in Bangkok and increase green space, allowing only electric trains to operate in the area. This would also help prevent flooding in Bangkok.
Connect the world with high-speed rail from Bangkok to Nong Khai, which must be completed to link with China’s Silk Road initiative.
Implement the 20-baht electric train fare by charging tolls on cars in the capital and creating an infrastructure fund to improve traffic systems.
Manage resources and resolve maritime boundary disputes with neighboring countries to achieve the best benefits for the people.
Establish Thailand as a financial center by inviting global banks to set up in the country for international transactions, while Thai banks should set up branches abroad to enjoy reciprocal rights.
Amend laws on foreign land ownership with rules that benefit both economic growth and access for Thai citizens.
Online gambling causes a massive outflow of Thai money; we need to manage taxes and ensure that the benefits are used, particularly in education.
Make the tax system fairer and more competitive for both living and working, by systematically managing value-added tax.
Reform the bureaucracy to reduce public spending and the number of personnel, utilizing more technology.
Acknowledging Reality:
“We live in a capitalist system. Whether we like it or not, it’s a capitalist economy. But many capitalist economies have collapsed because of a lack of compassion.”
“If there is no compassion for those who are less fortunate, it will be difficult for the country to grow, and it will grow in a crippled way.”
“Before I finish, I’d like to ask one thing: I want Thais to love one another. We are all Thai. I’ve been through the most, seen both hell and heaven in the same lifetime.”
“Today, if you ask why I can get along with this person or that person, I consider the past as the past. It’s not that I’ve forgotten—I remember everything—but I want to live in the present and the future. I want to see Thais united.”
“I love this country and want to see it prosper. I’m ready to support both the public and private sectors from behind the scenes. If anyone needs my advice, you’ll have to buy me a coffee, and I’ll drop by for a chat.”
Cause of the falling out with Prawit
Regarding the question of whether he has talked to General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, since returning to Thailand a year ago, Thaksin said that before coming back, he had phone conversations through intermediaries about forming a government together and exchanging pleasantries. However, they haven’t spoken directly or met in person. He added that General Prawit doesn’t know him anymore, only remembering him from when he was the 1st Army Area Commander until becoming the Army Commander-in-Chief.
Thaksin revealed the reason for their estrangement: When General Prawit retired, he wanted to become the chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Thaksin commented, “How can a soldier become the NACC chairman? Does he know the law?” This comment was relayed to Prawit by his friend Suchon Chaleekrua, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, which angered Prawit. They haven’t spoken since, and Thaksin added, “Why should I talk to him? After that, I was betrayed.”
When asked if he thinks the Palang Pracharath Party will be a significant variable or obstacle for Paetongtarn’s government, Thaksin said no, because they have enough votes.
When asked if he had anything to say to General Prawit, Thaksin said, “We’re both old now. He should listen to some Buddhist teachings to calm his mind. I’ve been abroad for 17 years, faced many issues and cases. At first, I was angry, then indifferent, and later I even laughed at another case.”
When asked how he would support his daughter, the youngest and first female Prime Minister, Thaksin said he must do his duty, help with ideas and suggestions, but the decision-making is hers. When he finds areas that need improvement or directions the country should take, he will tell her. However, the decisions ultimately lie with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
