A group of female Myanmar workers presented evidence to Boonyarit Nipawanich, head of the Region 5 Registration Administration Center, Chiang Mai Branch on July 26, 2024
CHIANG MAI — Migrant workers have complained to Thai officials in Chiang Mai province that they were deceived by a fake law office, losing tens of thousands of baht for processing “zero-head cards”. At least 50 victims have been identified, with some losing over 100,000 baht. Authorities are preparing to coordinate with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to treat this as a special case.
On July 26, a group of female Myanmar workers presented evidence to Boonyarit Nipawanich, head of the Region 5 Registration Administration Center, Chiang Mai Branch. They claimed they were tricked by individuals at a law office in San Kamphaeng into transferring 25,000-60,000 baht each as a fee for processing new biographical data for working in Thailand.
The fraudsters claimed they could change the workers’ “pink cards” (non-Thai national ID cards) to “zero-head cards” (ID cards for persons without registration status).
The victims said these individuals falsely claimed to have government officials’ assistance and even staged visits to district offices. After several months without results and unable to get refunds, the workers became certain they had been scammed.
Myanmar workers point to a photo of the person who deceived them.
The victims reported that from late 2023 to early 2024, they were advised by fellow migrant workers about an office in Mae Pu Kha sub-district, San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province. This office, which appeared to be a law firm, offered to change pink cards to zero-head cards by deleting old registration data and creating new profiles for a service fee of 35,000 baht per person.
After the workers made contracts and transferred money, the man scheduled meetings at various district offices in Chiang Mai. He staged scenarios that appeared to be legitimate processes, including having people interview the workers and take fingerprints.
When the workers inquired about progress, the man cited various obstacles. When they tried to get refunds, they were constantly deflected and had difficulty contacting him. Recently, they found that the office was just a rented house and had closed down, leading them to believe they had been scammed. With at least 50 victims identified, they decided to file a complaint for assistance.
The workers hope to recover their hard-earned savings and prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
Boonyarit stated that this was certainly a scam, as normally, migrant workers with “pink cards” cannot change to “zero-head cards”, which don’t require time and expenses for card and visa renewals. He emphasized warning migrant workers not to fall for such offers.
Boonyarit added that this case not only caused financial damage to the migrant workers but also damaged the government’s reputation due to the false claims of official involvement. He stated that legal action would be pursued to the fullest extent.
Initially, he has coordinated with the DSI’s Special Case Operations Center, Region 5, Chiang Mai Province, to investigate and accept this as a special case.
Police officers inspect a Chinese supermarket in Nakhon Ratchasima province on July 25, 2024.
What a xenophobic, or more accurately a ‘sinophobic’, week for Thailand, particularly Thai netizens.
First, was the loud cries of condemnation against a large billboard solely in Chinese language found in the heart of Bangkok’s Huai Kwang district offering potential Chinese customers to purchase passports and nationalities from four countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Vanuatu. PM Srettha Thavisin felt compelled to visit the site in person and the billboard was quickly removed to ease the anger of Thai netizens. Two Chinese behind the ads quickly left Thailand, one slapped with a fine for 5,000 baht, and both told they are no longer welcomed in Thailand.
Just two days later, photos of a Chinese supermarket with a large sign in Chinese and smaller sign in Thai in Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima province, with virtually all goods made in China, spread on social media. Again, after a day, the supermarket, which was located just a short walk from the much-revered statue of Thao Suranari Monument, mysteriously shutdown.
What is going on? Why are some Thais becoming very upset, outraged even, and so fragile to anything from mainland China, particularly given that Thailand has a long history of centuries of gradual migrations and assimilation of Chinese migrants whom their children, grandchildren, (including this writer) became Thai?
The fears expressed on social media is that Thailand is becoming an economic colony of China, or a vassal state or China, if not it has already become one. What is more, they think corrupt officials and some politicians are enabling the takeover, which includes illegal businesses and activities.
Here are some of the reasons which they differ from the past waves of Chinese migrants to Siam and what eventually became known as Thailand:
The Wealth
Most are not migrants. They are not destitute or illiterate unlike the past waves of Chinese from southern China that made up the ancestors of Thai-Chinese today. They are fairly educated, with capital to invest, with technology and the might of a new superpower that is China in 2024 behind them.
The Speed
The ease of traveling, transportation, and communication means the speed of change is very rapid and the number of the new waves of Chinese in Thailand (not including Chinese tourists) is overwhelming.
The Style
They have little desire or inclination to really assimilate. Just like most of the millions of Chinese tourists who constitute the largest group of tourists in Thailand, they use Mandarin, and some expect us to understand. Some find some of them brash, loud, and inconsiderate.
The Scope
They are into many businesses, including de facto taking over local private universities. Or think of new EV plants in Thailand. It appears they could just do business with the most minimum use of Thai workforce and partners – or use them as proxies.
These are but some of the key differences. Thailand is not alone in the Southeast Asian region with such anxieties, however In Singapore, according to an opinion piece on Singapore’s Straits Times newspaper on Thursday, its government earlier in July blocked a network of 95 X accounts that “accuses Singapore of being a vassal state of the Communist Party of China.”
The key person behind the spread of the accusation was identified as Mr. Guo Wengui, a self-exiled Chinese businessman in the U.S. and “staunch critic of Chinese leadership and convicted fraudster” who alleged that “China was involved in the [recent] selection of Singapore’s fourth-generation leaders.”
Here in Thailand, we do not need to wait for a Chinese person in the U.S. to make such an allegation. More and more Thais do it themselves as they believe China’s growing influence is no longer benign if not even nefarious.
Thais and Thai-Chinese should not overreact. China is not going away, and Thailand cannot afford to become a hermit kingdom.
We will have to better adapt with the new reality in a calm and collected manner and publicly discuss how best to manage the rise of China. Let’s start from there instead of spreading xenophobia which leads to knee-jerk reactions.
Chiang Rai Police officers question Mr. Lin Chun Hung, a Taiwanese national, and Mr. Sophon, a Thai local, at Ban Du Police Station in Mueang district, Chiang Rai, on July 27.
CHIANG RAI — Officials combating scammers, or call center gangs, are currently investigating and expanding their operation against scammers who evade detection, following the arrest of a Taiwanese man with evidence in Chiang Rai province.
Mr. Lin Chun Hung, a Taiwanese national, and Mr. Sophon, a Thai local from Mae Salong Nok district, Chiang Rai, were taken for questioning at Ban Du Police Station in Mueang district, Chiang Rai, on July 27. They were arrested on July 25 with evidence including one set of telephone signal distribution equipment, or Simbox, along with one set of internet signal distribution equipment.
This arrest came after the police from the Investigation Division, Region 5, received information through a project collecting and analyzing call center number locations in Ban Du sub-district, Mueang district, Chiang Rai. They investigated and believed that the suspects were hiding equipment in an apartment building in Ban Du sub-district. They then obtained a search warrant from the Chiang Rai Provincial Court.
The police then searched Building G, room G03, and found one tp-link IP camera model: tapo C200, one tp-link internet router model: Archer MR600, and were able to arrest both suspects.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Lin brought various equipment to install for distributing telephone signals, randomly dialing numbers so that the call recipients couldn’t identify the caller’s identity or country of origin. Meanwhile, he hired Mr. Sophon as an interpreter to help coordinate the work for 1,000 baht per day.
Regarding the Simbox or mobile phone signal distribution equipment, the law does not allow individuals to install and use it for signal transmission without permission from officials. Therefore, the officials charged both suspects with jointly making, possessing, using, importing, exporting, or trading radio communication devices without a license from officials; jointly setting up a radio communication station without a license from officials; and jointly using frequency spectrum in telecommunication business without permission.
Previously, Prime Minister Srettha visited Chiang Saen district in Chiang Rai Province and ordered the cutting of telephone signals and the destruction of ‘poles, lines and SIM cards’ along border areas used by criminals to deceive the public. The first measures began in the King’s Romans area of Laos. He has urged the police to crack down on call center gangs that have been defrauding the public.
The Immigration Department is also working on a database of Thai nationals at risk of working in call center gangs, as well as foreign nationals, to expand arrests.
Learning Muay Thai is part of the promotion to attract French tourists to Thailand.
BANGKOK — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with Carrefour Voyages to promote Thai tourism through over 115 travel agencies in France. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Europe, America, Middle East and Africa Markets, announced this initiative aimed at attracting French tourists to Thailand before, during, and after the Paris Olympic Games.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Europe, America, Middle East and Africa Markets
TAT has set itself a target for 2024: 632,000 French tourist arrivals generating 42.9 billion baht in revenue. Taking advantage of the large influx of people traveling to Paris for the Olympics, the TAT is promoting Thai tourism in both online and offline media, hoping to reach 2,000 sales in August.
Travel packages, offered by 115 travel agencies, start at around 1,469 euros for a 17-day, 14-night trip, including international airfare and accommodation. Special packages include:
A package with international flight and a trip to Northern Thailand, starting from 1,799 euros.
A package with international flight and excursions to Northern Thailand and Phuket, from 1,849 euros.
TAT collaborated with the following local tour operators for the advertising campaign:
Joint promotion with Voyage Privé from July 30, 2024 to September 9, 2024, offering travel packages to Thailand with various sports activities such as learning Muay Thai in Pattaya, diving in Koh Samui and other islands in Surat Thani, trekking in Khao Yai and Flying Gibbons in Chiang Mai.
Joint promotion with Singapore Airlines and the Singapore Tourism Board from July 1 to 24, 2024, with special airfares and stopover packages in Singapore
Joint promotion with Oovatu focusing on Green Season tourism experiences in Thailand through gastronomy tourism in luxury 5-star hotels.
This marketing campaign primarily targets French tourists, 56 percent of whom are traveling to Thailand for the first time and 44 percent of whom are repeat travelers. The average length of stay is 17.88 nights, with an average spend of 66,796 baht per person per trip.
The most popular destinations include Bangkok, Krabi, Surat Thani, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
TAT is promoting Thai tourism in both online and offline media, hoping to reach 2,000 sales in August.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, attends the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Saturday, July 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim, Pool)
JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, VIENTIANE, Laos — Southeast Asian top diplomats on Saturday condemned violence in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war and urged for “practical” means to defuse rising tensions in the South China Sea during the last of the three-day regional talks with allies including the U.S., Russia and China.
Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith of Laos, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), hailed dialogue partners for “frank, candid and constructive exchanges” on key issues revolving around regional security.
The weekend talks in the Laotian capital were dominated by the increasingly violent and destabilizing civil war in ASEAN-member Myanmar as well as maritime disputes of some of the bloc members with China, which have led to direct confrontations that many worry could lead to broader conflict.
A group photo at the 25th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers session of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Saturday, July 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
In a joint statement issued at the end of the talks, the bloc said there’s an urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, and called for “all relevant parties in Myanmar to ensure the safe and transparent delivery of humanitarian assistance, to the people in Myanmar without discrimination.”
“We strongly condemned the continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities and called for immediate cessation, and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence,” it said.
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.
Thailand, which shares long borders with Myanmar, said it was given ASEAN backing to play a wider role there, including in providing humanitarian assistance in which it’s already heavily involved. It also said more peace talks have been proposed to include additional stakeholders, especially Myanmar’s neighbors Thailand, China and India.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa speaks during the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with Japan at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
More than 5,400 people have been killed in the fighting in Myanmar and the military government has arrested more than 27,000 since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. There are now more than 3 million displaced people in the country, with the numbers growing daily as fighting intensifies between the military and Myanmar’s multiple ethnic militias as well as the so-called people’s defense forces of military opponents.
ASEAN has been pushing a “five-point consensus” for peace, but the military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan, raising questions about the bloc’s efficiency and credibility. The peace plan calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties.
The meetings also served to highlight rivalries in the region as the U.S. and China look to expand their influence there. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Vientiane on Saturday after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held direct talks with Wang on Thursday. Washington’s two biggest rivals, Moscow and Beijing, which have grown closer over the past two years, prompting deep concerns about their combined global influence.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, gestures to Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sideline of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Saturday, July 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim, Pool)
Regarding tensions in the South China Sea, ASEAN said it maintains its position on the freedom of navigation over the sea and urged a full implementation of a South China Sea code of conduct, which the bloc has been working on with China for some time.
ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all have conflicts with China over its claim of sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea, one of the world’s most crucial waterways for shipping. Indonesia has also expressed concern about what it sees as Beijing’s encroachment on its exclusive economic zone.
ASEAN foreign ministers also welcomed “practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation,” in an apparent reference to a rare deal between the Philippines and China that aims to end their confrontations, establish a mutually acceptable arrangement for the disputed area without conceding each other’s territorial claims.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, right, hold a talk on the sideline of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Saturday, July 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim, Pool)
Prior to the deal, tensions between the Philippines and China escalated for months, with China’s coast guard and other forces using powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.
On Saturday, the Philippines said it was able to make a supply trip to the disputed area without having to confront Beijing’s forces, the first such trip since the deal was reached a week ago. Blinken applauded it as a success in his opening remarks at the meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers, while calling China’s past actions against the Philippines — a U.S. treaty partner — “escalatory and unlawful.”
The United States and its allies have regularly conducted military exercises and patrols in the area to assert their “free and open Indo-Pacific” policy — including the right to navigate in international waters — which has drawn criticism from China.
Wang said in his meeting with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo on Friday that the deployment of a U.S. intermediate-range missile system in the Philippines would create regional tension and trigger an arms race, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
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Associated Press journalist Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report.
Staff from The Voice Foundation place dogs in cages to remove them from the house in Nimit Mai Alley, Bangkok, for medical care and to find them new homes.
BANGKOK — A retired man living alone with over 30 dogs passed away, leaving his dogs hungry for several days and in poor health in unsanitary conditions.
On July 27, Nimit Mai Police Station officers were notified of a body found in a two-story house in a village on Nimit Mai 40 Alley, Sam Wa Tawan Ok Subdistrict, Khlong Sam Wa District, Bangkok. Upon arrival, they found the house in a dirty state, with garbage strewn about and several small dogs in shabby condition. Dog feces were scattered throughout the room.
Forensic doctors and evidence examination officers identified the deceased as Attapol, aged 62, the homeowner. He was found dead beside his bed on the second floor, with no signs of assault. However, his left leg had been gnawed to the bone, likely by 5-6 dogs surrounding him. It’s estimated he had been dead for at least a week.
Dogs guard their owner’s body, which had been lying lifeless beside the bed for weeks, until officials discover it on July 27, 2024.
Sompong, a 53-year-old neighbor who reported the incident, said he became suspicious when Attapol’s car remained parked in front of the house for weeks, contrary to his daily routine of driving out for groceries. After ringing the doorbell with no response and seeing lights on inside, Sompong alerted the authorities.
Initially, officials assigned Ruamkatanyu Foundation to transfer the body for examination at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Police General Hospital. They also contacted The Voice Foundation, led by famous model Chonlada Mekrat, to take care of the remaining dogs in the house.
Staff from The Voice Foundation place dogs in cages to remove them from the house in Nimit Mai Alley, Bangkok, for medical care and to find them new homes, on July 27, 2024.
At 3:00 PM, The Voice Foundation team came to rescue all the dogs in the house, numbering over 30. Veterinarian Benjalak Leeprapaiwong examined the Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus, finding them all malnourished. Two dogs were particularly weak, requiring blood tests and other health checks. Some dogs had eye problems needing continuous treatment for 2 weeks to a month.
“All dogs are in concerning condition. We need to check if there are any complications besides malnutrition, as they were kept in unhygienic conditions with a lot of accumulated dog feces in the room,” the veterinarian said.
Staff from The Voice Foundation place dogs in cages to remove them from the house in Nimit Mai Alley, Bangkok, for medical care and to find them new homes, on July 27, 2024.
Supawadee Sritassanakan, an officer from The Voice Foundation, said that in 2021, a veterinarian caring for dogs at Attapol’s house asked the foundation to inspect the house because dogs were dying every week. The team inspected with police and livestock officers, finding 44-46 dogs.
During that inspection, the foundation offered to neuter over 20 dogs to help manage the population, but Attapol filed a trespassing complaint. After negotiations at Nimit Mai Police Station, the neutered dogs were returned.
Attapol then agreed with the foundation that if he died, he would entrust the dogs to the foundation’s care. The case was suspended at that time. Today, they were notified by rescue workers to take care of over 30 dogs in the house.
The foundation is now seeking people interested in adopting these dogs. Those interested can contact The Voice Foundation at phone number: 098-878-8477.
Committee Members of the World Heritage Committee inscribe 'Phu Phrabat' on the World Heritage List on July 27, 2024.
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a keynote address via a teleconference on July 27, 2024 at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee following the decision made by Committee Members of the World Heritage Centre to inscribe “Phu Phrabat” on the World Heritage List.
The event took place at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre, New Delhi, Republic of India. Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke disclosed gist as follows:
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation toward the Committee Members of the World Heritage Centre, and the Advisory Bodies for recognizing the Outstanding Universal Value of “Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sima stone tradition of the Dvaravati period”, which led to its inscription on the World Heritage List.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivers keynote address to express Thailand’s appreciation on inscription of “Phu Phrabat” on World Heritage List on July 27, 2024.
With Phu Phrabat’s inscription, Thailand’s World Heritage List now includes five cultural and three natural sites. Udon Thani, where this new site is located, is now the only province in Thailand that is home to two World Heritage Sites.
According to the Prime Minister, the Phu Phrabat site consists of Phu Phrabat Historical Park and the Sima cultural sites. It represents the Sima stone tradition from the Dvaravati period, dating back to around the 8th Century, and preserves the largest corpus of Sima stones in the world.
The inscription of Phu Phrabat on the World Heritage List today is not only significant to Thailand, but it will also benefit future generations. This will bring forth conservation, restoration, and protection efforts at all levels, as well as contributions in academic research in the interest of humankind.
In closing, the Prime Minister stated that he looked forward to welcoming everyone to Thailand to visit the country’s newly inscribed World Heritage Site.
Committee Members of the World Heritage Committee inscribe ‘Phu Phrabat’ on the World Heritage List on July 27, 2024.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is located on a small sandstone mountain in the Phu Phan mountain range, Ban Phue District, in the western part of Udon Thani Province. It is situated within the Khuea Nam National Forest Reserve, at an elevation of approximately 320-350 meters above sea level. The landscape is characterized by large rock shelters scattered throughout the dense forest area.
These unusually shaped rock shelters were formed by glacial movement during the Mesozoic-Cretaceous period and differential erosion of rock layers. This resulted in large flat rocks resting on one or more stone pillars of varying heights, resembling giant mushrooms scattered throughout the mountainous area.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is unique compared to other historical parks because most of the ancient structures found in the park are naturally formed. These structures were created by natural processes that altered the area’s geomorphology before humans in the past adapted them to serve their cultural needs in different periods.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is located on a small sandstone mountain in the Phu Phan mountain range, Ban Phue District, in the western part of Udon Thani Province.Committee Members of the World Heritage Committee inscribe ‘Phu Phrabat’ on the World Heritage List on July 27, 2024.
The unusual rock formations in the park include spires, massive boulders and balanced rocks and form the backdrop for the prehistoric art and religious shrines created there. The geological origins of these rocks are thought to be from under-sea erosion that occurred fifteen million years ago.
Prehistoric art paintings on the rocks can best be seen where some rocks have formed a natural shelter. Others have faded considerably. The formations named Tham Wua and Tham Khon are particularly good examples; in the former oxen are depicted, the latter has huma n figures. The park’s rock paintings are believed to date from 6,000 years ago.
Phu Phra Bat’s rock formations are the setting for a local legend about a king, his daughter and her suitor. The park’s most striking rock formation, Ho Nang Usa, is where the overprotective king forced his beautiful daughter to live. Despite her confinement, she was able to get a message out to her suitor prince and the two were married in defiance of her father.
Ho Nang Usa is one of a number of the rock formations where a shrine has been constructed. Early shrines date to the Dvaravati period in the seventh to tenth centuries. Shrines feature Hindu and Buddhist influences.
Ho Nang Usa is one of a number of the rock formations where a shrine has been constructed.
Thailand submitted documents for Phu Phra Bat Historical Park to be registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2004, over 20 years ago. It finally succeeded in being declared a World Cultural Heritage site in 2024.
The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee is held during July 21-31, 2024 in New Delhi, Republic of India. At the session, two Thailand’s heritage sites have been included in the agendas:
1) Deliberation on inclusion of Songkhla and its Associated Lagoon Settlements in the the World Heritage Centre’s Tentative Lists
2) Deliberation on inscription of the Phu Phrabat Historical Park and proposal of title change to “Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sima stone tradition of the Dvaravati period” on the World Heritage List (Cultural Landscape) for its Outstanding Universal Value.
International tourists walk to board a boat from Pattaya to Koh Larn on July 28. 2024.
BANGKOK — The Thai economy is expected to grow 2.7% in 2024, according to increased government estimates; tourism and exports lead the rise, without the digital wallet scheme.
Paopoom Rojanasakul, Deputy Minister of Finance, announced on Friday that the estimated growth of the Thai economy in 2024 is expected to be 2.7 percent, an increase from the previous estimate of 2.4 percent, due to tourism, exports, and private consumption.
He emphasized that the GDP estimate does not include the expected impact of the Digital Wallet project.
The Finance Ministry’s preliminary estimate on April 10, 2024, suggested that the Digital Wallet project alone could boost economic growth by 1.2-1.8 percent over the project’s duration, depending on the source of funds, project conditions, the number of participants, and spending behavior of beneficiaries.
General inflation is expected to be 0.6 percent per year, he said. The service balance surplus is driven by the increase in the number of foreign tourists, with the current account balance surplus expected to be 11.0 billion USD or 2.4 percent of GDP in 2024.
“Visa-Free Policy’ Is Showing Results
The economy will be supported by the tourism sector, with both the number of tourists and spending per tourist exceeding previous estimates. The number of foreign tourists is expected to reach 36 million in 2024, an annual increase of 27.9 percent compared to the previous estimate of 35.7 million.
The average spend per tourist is expected to be 47,000 baht per trip, up from the previous estimate of 44,600 baht. This increase is partly due to the visa waiver for 93 countries and the higher proportion of tourists from high-spending countries. Overall, the tourism sector is expected to generate over 1.69 trillion baht in 2024, an increase of 37.4 percent.
International tourists are waiting to board a boat from Pattaya to Koh Larn on July 21. 2024.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted a message on July 27 that the government’s Visa Exemption policy is already showing results, with tourist numbers from Taiwan and India entering Thailand reaching record highs compared to post-COVID figures, and trending to surpass 2019 levels as well.
“Our measure to exempt visas for Indian and Taiwanese tourists, extending their stay to 60 days since late 2023 and continuing the project until November 11, 2024, along with cooperation from all sectors, is contributing to the continuous recovery of tourism. In just half of 2024, we’ve already increased tourists from a major market like India by more than 30%, and we expect this to reach 2 million people by the end of this year,” the Prime Minister said.
He also mentioned that the government has extended the 60-day stay to 93 more countries, which will increase the number of tourists with high per-capita spending. Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is preparing activities to attract tourists from each country throughout every month.
“I urge the tourism sector to be prepared. Today, Thailand’s big door is open,” the Prime Minister stated.
Figures Don’t Align with People’s Feelings
Exports are showing better-than-expected growth, projected to grow by 2.7 percent, up from the previous estimate of 2.3 percent. Demand from major trading partners, particularly the USA, China, and the Eurozone, has improved. The GDP of the top 15 trading partners is expected to grow by 3.2 percent, up from the previous estimate of 3.1 percent.
Private consumption is expected to grow by 4.5 percent, compared to the previous estimate of 3.5 percent. This is partly due to an 8 percent increase in farmers’ income and a 3.6 percent increase in real VAT, indicating increased spending and money circulation in the economy. This growth is supported by continued fiscal measures and government credit and liquidity measures.
However, Phaopoom admitted that the increased economic forecast figures do not align with the feelings of many citizens, who face high costs of living and economic hardship. This sentiment is reflected through the representatives of the people, both from opposition parties and government parties.
“The expansion of the Thai economy has improved beyond the forecast made this April. However, we must acknowledge that this may contradict the feelings of some people who feel that the economy is still not doing well. This is because the recovery of the Thai economy has a K-shaped characteristic, where economic growth is not evenly distributed. Therefore, the government aims to improve this situation further to help reduce income inequality among the country’s population,” he said.
Athletes travel by boat along the Seine river during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
PARIS (AP) — Celebrating its reputation as a cradle of revolution, Paris kicked off its first Summer Olympics in a century on Friday with a rain-soaked, rule-breaking opening ceremony studded with stars and fantasy along the Seine River.
On-and-off showers did not seem to hamper the enthusiasm of the Olympians, with some holding umbrellas as they rode on boats down the river in a showcase of the city’s resilience as authorities dealt with suspected acts of sabotage targeting France’s high-speed rail network.
Widespread travel disruptions triggered by what French officials called coordinated arson attacks on high-speed rail lines as well as the weather had dampened the mood ahead of the ceremony.
Ceremonial smoke in the colors of the France flag appear over the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Crowds crammed along the Seine’s banks and bridges and watching from balconies “oohed” and “aahed” as Olympic teams paraded in boats down the waterway. Undeterred from the festivities, many of the hundreds of thousands of spectators huddled under umbrellas and jackets as the rain intensified, though some dashed from their seats to seek shelter.
As global audiences tuned in, Paris put its best foot forward — quite literally, with a spectacular launch that lifted spirits and joyous French cancan dancers featured early on. A humorous short film featured soccer icon Zinedine Zidane. Plumes of French blue, white and red smoke followed. And Lady Gaga sang, in French, with dancers shaking pink plumed pompoms, adding a cabaret feel to what is expected to be a more than three-hour show.
French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura, the most listened-to French-speaking artist in the world, sang her hit “Djadja” accompanied by the orchestra of the French Republican Guard. She emerged from a pyrotechnic display, wearing an all-gold outfit as she performed with a Republican guard band of the French army.
Lady Gaga performs in Paris, France, ahead the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Merging the elements of opera and rock metal music on the global stage, band Gojira brought their progressive and technical death metal style, while singer Marina Viotti inserted her mezzo-soprano vocals.
With the opening ceremony, the stakes for France were immense. Dozens of heads of state and government were in town and the world was watching as Paris turned itself into a giant open-air theater. Along the Siene, iconic monuments became stages for dancers, singers and other artists.
The sprawling ceremony gave organizers bigger crowds to transport, organize and safeguard than would have been the case if they’d followed the example of previous Olympic host cities that opened with stadium shows.
Still, as the show got underway, optimism soared that Paris – true to its motto that speaks of being unsinkable – might just see its gambles pay off.
Paris organizers said 6,800 of the 10,500 athletes would attend before they embark on the next 16 days of competition.
The boats carrying the Olympic teams started the parade by breaking through curtains of water that cascaded down from Austerlitz Bridge, the start of the 6-kilometer (nearly 4-mile) parade route. The jetting waters were a wink at the splendid fountains of Versailles Palace, now the venue for Olympic equestrian competitions.
A boat with the delegations from Dominica, Egypt and El Salvador sails past the passerelle Debilly footbridge on the river Seine during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Luis Robayo/Pool Photo via AP)Athletes from Thailand react as the travel by boar down the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Per Olympic protocol, the first boat carried athletes from Greece, birthplace of the ancient Games. It was followed by the Olympic team of refugee athletes and then, the other nations in French alphabetical order.
Usually during Olympic opening ceremonies, the parade of athletes takes place during a pause in the razzmatazz. But Paris shattered that tradition by having the parade and pageantry at the same time, blending sports and artistic expression.
Some spectators who followed organizers’ advice to arrive well ahead of time along the ceremony route fumed over long waits to get to their seats.
“Paris has been great, anything to do with the Olympics and dissemination of information has been horrible,” said Tony Gawne, a 54-year-old Texan who turned up six hours in advance with his wife.
“When you spend $6,000 on two tickets, well, that’s a little frustrating.”
But Paris had plenty of aces up its sleeve. The Eiffel Tower, its head still visible below the clouds, Notre Dame Cathedral — restored from the ashes of its 2019 fire — the Louvre Museum and other iconic monuments will star in the opening ceremony. Award-winning theater director Thomas Jolly, the show’s creative mind, was using the signature Paris cityscape of zinc-grey rooftops as the playground for his imagination.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron, righ, and IOC President Thomas Bach wave as they arrive for the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Loic Venance/Pool Photo via AP)
His task: Tell the story of France, its people, their history and essence in a way that leaves an indelible imprint on Olympic audiences. Refresh the image and self-confidence of the French capital that was repeatedly struck by deadly extremist attacks in 2015. Capture how Paris is also aiming to reboot the Olympics, with Summer Games it has worked to make more appealing and sustainable.
It’s a big ask. So Paris is going big, very big. That goes for the security, too. Large fenced-off stretches of central Paris were locked down to those without passes and the skies during the ceremony were a no-fly zone for 150 kilometers (93 miles) around.
Many details of the spectacle that will stretch through sunset and into the Paris night had remained closely guarded secrets to preserve the wow factor.
Zidane, who led France to World Cup ecstasy in 1998, was among the guesses for who might light the Olympic cauldron. Another suggestion is that organizers might bestow that honor on survivors of the 2015 attacks by Islamic State-group gunmen and suicide bombers who killed 130 people in and around Paris.
The identity of the final torch bearers has been the country’s biggest secret. Chief Paris Games organizer Tony Estanguet said Friday morning that only he knows “the personality or athlete” and that he still hadn’t told that person.
“I plan to tell the last carrier today,” he said. “He or she doesn’t know.”
The ceremony’s broad-brush strokes have been previously announced and are stunning in their ambition. French President Emmanuel Macron said they initially felt like “a crazy and not very serious idea.”
This aerial photo shows the Invalides with the river Seine in the foreground in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Lionel Bonaventure/Pool Photo via AP)
During the athletes’ waterborne adventure, Paris’ splendors unfurled before them. They were passing historic landmarks that have been temporarily transformed into arenas for Olympic sports.
Concorde Plaza, where French revolutionaries guillotined King Louis XVI and other royals, now hosting skateboarding and other sports, and the Grand Palais of iron, stone and glass, the fencing and taekwondo venue.
The golden-domed resting place of Napoléon Bonaparte, the backdrop for Olympic archery, and the Eiffel Tower, which donated chunks of iron that have been inlaid in the gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals. They’ll be won in the 32 sports’ 329 medal events.
Up to 45,000 police and gendarmes, plus 10,000 soldiers, were safeguarding the ceremony and its VIP guests, with IOC President Thomas Bach and Macron presiding.
Paris’ aim, said Estanguet, is “to show to the whole world and to all of the French that in this country, we’re capable of exceptional things.”
Pattaya police officers intercept motorcycles disturbing residents in South Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on July 26, 2024.
PATTAYA — A group of foreigners in Pattaya who caused disturbance to local residents by riding motorcycles back and forth while honking horns and revving engines loudly was confronted by 10 patrol police officers around 5 a.m. on Friday.
On July 26, officers deployed forces to intercept motorcycles disturbing residents in this area, both at the entrance and end of VC Soi, South Pattaya, Moo 10, Nongprue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
They set up checkpoints to inspect the motorcycles. Most were rental motorcycles, some modified with loud exhaust pipes.
Officers confiscated 10 motorcycles of this type and stored them, waiting for the owners to bring documents to reclaim their vehicles and pay fines according to the Traffic Act.
Pattaya police officers intercept motorcycles disturbing residents in South Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on July 26, 2024.Officers confiscate 10 motorcycles modified with loud exhaust pipes on July 26, 2024.
The reporter also noted that while on-site, a group of foreign youths, aged approximately 18-25 years, attempted to surround the patrol officers and offered 2,000-3,000 baht to release the seized motorcycles. However, the officers refused and instead advised them to return to their accommodations and contact the police station to pay the full fines as per the Traffic Act.
Previously, police had conducted the same operation in this area on July 24. They focused more on public relations and warning tourists, mostly Kuwaitis, about their driving behavior, such as prohibiting reckless driving, revving engines, making loud noises, and causing disturbances to residents in the vicinity.
Police officers also enforced the law by arresting those violating the Traffic Act and confiscating dozens of motorcycles for inspection. But just two days later, groups of foreign youths continued to exhibit the same behavior, forcing the police to increase their enforcement measures.
