Two viral images teased Lopburi as the Planet of the Apes in the Thai version.
LOPBURI – A great deal of monkeys is one of the main reasons why many businesses have closed and relocated from Lopburi’s downtown area. The authorities have attempted to address this issue, but they have yet to find a compromise between preserving Lopburi as a monkey city and ensuring that the monkeys don’t pose a threat to humans.
At the end of the Lopburi visit on Friday, when Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was about to return to Bangkok, a small group of local people presented the Prime Minister with a picture that went viral on the internet of a girl carrying an airsoft machine gun to avoid being attacked by monkeys and a comparison shot of a monkey holding a toy gun at the edge of the fence of Phra Prang Sam Yot Mueang Lopburi District.
The group’s leader asked that the Prime Minister address the issue of monkeys encroaching on Lopburi to avoid the image being shared globally. PM Srettha promised to resolve the problem, but he didn’t get this picture frame.
A local group brought the viral picture to ask the PM to solve the monkey’s problem in Lopburi.
Previously, a reporter asked the PM about the monkey problem in Lopburi Province two days before the Prime Minister’s visit, officials chased the monkeys and placed them in cages. Srettha said he had no idea about the capture, but there would be a discussion.
“In fact, monkeys are one of Lopburi’s unique features. But public safety is also important,” he remarked.
Monkey Management
On February 7, the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation signed a memorandum of agreement with the Mayor of Lopburi for academic collaboration in management to eliminate the monkey problem in the old city region through sterilisation.
The Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act protects macaques as wild animals, and the National Park Department is responsible for managing them, according to Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks.
“If a monkey attacks a person, they are not responsible. However, if anyone hurts monkeys, they will face urgent charges of animal cruelty,” he said.
The signing ceremony between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation and Lopburi Municipality for a collaboration in management to address the monkey problems in the old city area took place on February 7, 2024.
Mr. Atthaphon stated that the Parks Department will work with Lopburi Municipality to tackle problems systematically using academic methods. In addition to sterilising monkeys, they also want to construct monkey shelter cages. This facility will be used to train monkeys before they are relocated to the Monkey Park in Pho Kao Ton Subdistrict, Mueang Lopburi District. Some of them can even be released back into nature.
Recommend just run away
In a survey of the monkey population in Lopburi province by the National Parks Department in 2015, it was found that there was a total monkey population of 9,324 monkeys. In 2023, the total monkey population was 5,709, including those in Lopburi Municipality, which was about 2,206.
From 2014 until the present, officials have sterilised a total of 5,135 monkeys in Lopburi province, including 2,757 monkeys in Lopburi Municipality and Lopburi District.
“I recommend that you avoid them. If a monkey approaches you, you must flee. Just escape. However, not all monkeys are aggressive; just a few pose a threat. If you have to go to that area, don’t try to grasp onto anything. Dress smartly. We are currently building a cage of 2–3 rai in size for these monkeys to reside in, allowing them to live naturally as they do. During this time, more monkeys will be sterilised. Let there be a balanced number,” Mr. Atthaphon stated.
An alternative method
Jessada Denduangboripant, Lecturer, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, and science communicators have proposed a solution to the city’s monkey overpopulation problem: use the herb Pueraria mirifica for monkey birth control.
He demonstrated how to utilise the herb and place it in water sources where monkeys drink, noting that this method will assist lessen the difficulties of collecting and sterilising monkeys one by one, which is a challenging task at best.
The Shenzhen Stock Exchange in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
BEIJING – Three major stock exchanges in China released Thursday their first guidelines on corporate sustainability disclosure and started to seek public opinion.
According to the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE), companies included in the SSE 180, STAR 50, SZSE 100 indexes and the ChiNext Index, as well as those listed both at home and abroad, are required to publish their 2025 sustainability reports before April 30, 2026.
The capitalization of the related companies in total accounted for 51 percent of the entire market.
Meanwhile, companies listed on the Beijing Stock Exchange, generally small and medium-sized innovative enterprises, can issue voluntary disclosures, according to the exchange.
The guidelines covering the environmental, social and governance fields are expected to improve corporate sustainability disclosure.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission vowed to build and improve the corporate sustainability disclosure in a three-year action plan on improving the quality of listed companies in November 2022. The bourses have since been working to compile the disclosure guidelines.
The exchanges said they will hear and study suggestions from market participants on the guidelines and make public release in a timely manner.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson prepare to an interview at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin used an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to push his narrative on the war in Ukraine, urge Washington to recognize Moscow’s interests and press Kyiv to sit down for talks.
For more than two hours, a largely unchallenged Putin showered Carlson with Russian history and Kremlin talking points.
Putin repeated his claim the full-scale invasion in February 2022 — which Kyiv and its allies describe as an unprovoked act of aggression — was to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from posing a threat to Russia by joining NATO.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking during an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Released Thursday, it was Putin’s first interview with a Western media figure since the invasion.
Appearing confident and at ease, he made occasional friendly jabs at Carlson, who appeared baffled by the history lecture and tried to interject questions, but the 71-year-old Russian leader stayed on topic for over 20 minutes.
Carlson didn’t ask Putin about war crimes Russian troops have been accused of in Ukraine, or about his relentless crackdown on dissent.
Putin said it’s up to Washington to stop supplying weapons to Ukraine, which he called a U.S. “satellite,” and persuade Kyiv to negotiate, saying a deal was the way to end the war.
“We have never refused negotiations,” Putin said. “You should tell the current Ukrainian leadership to stop and come to a negotiating table.”
Putin said the West won’t succeed in inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia in Ukraine and rejected allegations that Moscow harbors plans to attack Poland or other NATO countries.
He said Russia is ready to negotiate a prisoner exchange for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was jailed in March 2023 on espionage charges he denies. He suggested Moscow wants the release of a Russian imprisoned in Germany.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby tried to minimize the impact of Carlson’s interview ahead of its release, saying, “Remember, you’re listening to Vladimir Putin. And you shouldn’t take at face value anything he has to say.”
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Russian media on Friday gave the interview blanket coverage, with major broadcasters showing excerpts and one state news agency describing it as “a dagger blow through the curtain of propaganda of the dishonest media of the civilized world.”
Before leaving Fox, Carlson repeatedly questioned the validity of U.S. support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, asking why Americans are told to hate Putin so much. His commentaries were frequently circulated on Russian state-run media.
Asked why the Kremlin granted Carlson’s interview request out of many from Western media, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the former Fox host’s position is different from a “one-sided” stance by other outlets.
Putin has heavily limited his contact with international media since invading Ukraine in February 2022. Russian authorities have cracked down on independent media at home, forcing some outlets to close and blocking others, while also ordering a number of foreign reporters to leave. Besides the Journal’s Gershkovich, it also has jailed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Alsu Kurmasheva.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, listens to a question during an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Asked by Carlson if Russia would release Gershkovich, Putin said Moscow is open to talks but repeated he was charged with espionage, an accusation Gershkovich denies.
“He was caught red-handed when he was secretly getting classified information,” Putin said, adding that he doesn’t exclude the reporter could return home.
In a statement, the Journal reaffirmed that Gershkovich “is a journalist, and journalism is not a crime,” adding that “any portrayal to the contrary is total fiction.”
“We’re encouraged to see Russia’s desire for a deal that brings Evan home, and we hope this will lead to his rapid release and return to his family and our newsroom,” it said.
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson gestures during an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Putin said Russia is “ready to solve it but there are certain conditions that are being discussed between special services. I believe an agreement can be reached.”
He pointed to a man imprisoned in a “U.S.-allied country” for “liquidating a bandit” who had killed Russian soldiers during fighting in the Caucasus. Putin didn’t mention names but appeared to refer to Vadim Krasikov, a Russian serving a life sentence in Germany after being convicted of the 2019 killing of Zelimkhan “Tornike” Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian citizen of Chechen ethnicity.
German judges said Krasikov acted on the orders of Russian authorities, who gave him a false identity and passport and resources to carry out the killing.
Authorities in Pai inspect the accident site on Highway 1095 between the 82 and 83 km markers.
MAE HONG SON – A terrible crash occurred again between the Chiang Mai and Pai routes on Thursday night, injuring 13 Danish visitors and killing the Thai driver. Many individuals commented and criticised Thai authorities on social media for failing to improve road safety for citizens, including foreign visitors.
“As a side note, you’d think that given this keeps happening with the same company on the same highway, authorities would take an interest in its safety practices, but alas, this is Thailand,” one message stated at FacebookChiang Mai News in English.
This refers to the deadly accident on November 10, 2023, when a van going at 83 km/h crashed on the Chiang Mai-Pai highway in Pa Pae, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, killing two foreign visitors. One is a French woman, while the other is a Dutch man.
The van of Prempracha Transport Company Limited, carrying 13 Danish tourists from Chiang Mai, lost control and overturned on a sharp bend in Mae Hi Sub-district, Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province on February 8, 2024.
According to Mae Hong Son Tourist Police, the latest incident occurred on February 8, 2024, at 9:45 p.m. when the van of Prempracha Transport Company Limited, carrying 13 foreign tourists from Chiang Mai, lost control and overturned on a sharp bend near Mae Ya-Mae Ping checkpoint in Mae Hi sub-district, Pai district, Mae Hong Son province.
The Thai driver, Mr. Barami Panjachaya, 50, succumbed to his injuries at Pai Hospital at 00:12 on February 9.
All 13 passengers aged 19-28, Danish nationals, suffered injuries. Four of them are in serious condition. Several rescue teams, including the emergency medical team from Pai Hospital, police officers, tourist police and Mae Hong Son Immigration Police, immediately rushed to the aid of the injured and transported them to various hospitals.
The road where the accident occurred has a curved slope. There is a notice indicating that overtaking is prohibited.
Nine people remained hospitalized, 4 in Chiang Mai and 5 in Pai. They were coordinated and assisted by interpreters from Mae Hong Son Provincial Police to facilitate communication and provide necessary amenities to tourists.
Pai District Administrative personnel, together with Pai Provincial Police and Border Patrol Police officers, inspect the accident site on Highway 1095 between the 82 and 83 km markers in Mae Hi, which is a downhill slope. There is a left-right alternating curve along with a downhill slope. As a result, it may cause an accident involving a vehicle travelling at high speeds.
On February 15, the Pai District Road Safety Operations Centre will hold a meeting with key agencies and public transport companies in the area to discuss various actions.
The number of accidents involving tourist vehicles is similar to the number of road accidents in Thailand as a whole. In 2023, there were 14,094 reported fatalities and 808,165 injuries. By 9 February 2024, there were 1,688 fatalities and 98,046 injuries.
The location is supposed to be the same as in the VDO clip.
PATTAYA – Tourist police officers were dispatched to patrol Pattaya beach after a 1.25-minute video circulated on social media showing foreign tourists publicly engaging in sexual acts, prompting widespread criticism.
The one who posted the clip on Facebook stated that he received it on February 7, 2024 from a conversation group in the Telegram app, with the administrator of the group being the original poster.
During an investigation by the tourist police on February 8 at around 11:00 pm, Thai and foreign tourists were still sitting on the beach drinking. Normally there are many tourists there until around 2:00 am, leading to the assumption that the incident in the clip probably took place between 2:00 and 4:00 am.
The 1.25-minute video circulated on social media.
Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, stated that upon examination of the images in the clip, tents were seen near the Jomtien branch water sports center of the Pattaya Lifeguards. There were 2 tents present. Mr. Phudit Phongsan, a lifeguard at the Jomtien branch, stated that the tents had been moved for over 2 months, leading to the assumption that the incident in the clip probably occurred more than 2 months ago.
The location is supposed to be the same as in the VDO clip.
The Tourist Police warn that under Thai law, sexual acts in public places are considered an offense against public order. If someone witnesses such behavior, they can report it to the police under Section 388 of the Penal Code. Any person guilty of indecent acts in public, such as exposing the body or other lewd acts, can be fined up to 5,000 baht.
In cases where individuals distribute inappropriate images online, there are also legal consequences under the Computer Crime Act, which can be punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. Those who redistribute such images online are subject to the same penalties under Article 14 of the same Act.
AIS – Bangkok, Organizing the “Cool Teen Stop Cyber Threats” and leading the way to achieving 100% Cyber Wellness in School through the “Aunjai Cyber Course”
The results of the Thailand Cyber Wellness Index 2023 (TCWI) study on the digital health indicators of Thai individuals reveal that among the age group of 10-15 years old in the Bangkok area, more than 82.97% are at a developmental skill. This indicates that they are at risk of cyber threats.
Additionally, it was found that 81.49% lack of digital skills, and 75.15% lack of Cyber Security and Safety Skills. In response to these findings, AIS and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration have collaborated on the “AIS Aunjai Cyber” initiative.
Through the implementation of the “ Aunjai Cyber Course,” 437 schools in Bangkok have participated, involving teachers, education personnel, and students in digital skills learning.
Most recently, the ” AIS Aunjai Cyber – Bangkok School Tour: Cool Teen Stop Cyber Threats” event has taken a proactive approach, incorporating the concept of Gamification or the world of learning through games. This initiative has been implemented in four leading schools: Naluang School, Watyairom School (Wattana Radangkorn), Prachauthit School (Chanthaboon Anusorn) and Bangkapi School.
The objective is to transform these schools into Cyber-Safe Schools while expanding the impact on digital development. The aim is to elevate the use of media and the online world for educational personnel and students in the 437 affiliated schools in Bangkok, totaling over 250,000 individuals.
They will be enrolled in the Cyber Wellness Course, receiving certificates within the academic year 2024. AIS, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, will continue to tailor the promotion format appropriately, integrating the “Aunjai Cyber Course” to align with the learning indicators that support computational and critical thinking skills for the affiliated schools in Bangkok in the upcoming years.
Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration commented, “The Gen Z or children in the primary and secondary school age group are growing up alongside the digital world, making them familiar with various digital formats. However, on the flip side, they are also exposed to hidden dangers associated with unaware usage.
In the past, we emphasized the importance of enhancing digital literacy to empower children and adolescents to stay abreast of cyber threats, aligning with the educational mission of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration this year. We aim to instill critical thinking skills in students.
Collaborating with AIS, we have incorporated digital curriculum principles, such as the “Aunjai Cyber Course,” in Bangkok schools. Our goal is to integrate these principles into the teaching methods of teachers, reaching students in the 437 affiliated schools in Bangkok. Together, we have organized pioneering activities in four areas, namely Naluang School, Watyairom School (Wattana Radangkorn), Prachauthit School (Chanthaboon Anusorn) and Bangkapi School.
The key objective is to establish model schools where teachers, students, and personnel, through the study of the Aunjai Cyber Course, possess comprehensive digital skills. We intend to continue working together to create 100% Cyber-Safe Schools in the academic year 2024, addressing challenges and guiding students and youth in the Bangkok area to use the online world correctly, safely, and creatively.”
Saichon Submakudom, Head of Public Relations and Business Relations AIS said “Cool Teen Stop Cyber Threats” initiative stems from the collaboration between AIS and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to promote digital learning skills among students. Our intention is to convey the content from the Aunjai Cyber in a gamified format, making it easily accessible and enjoyable for students. Beyond the element of fun, the activities also integrate knowledge about safe online usage, encouraging further learning on digital platforms. This initiative marks a significant starting point in building cybersecurity resilience among students.
By gamifying the content, we aim to engage students not only in a playful manner but also to impart practical knowledge that can be applied in their digital activities. This event serves as a crucial starting point in our efforts to enhance cybersecurity awareness and skills among students and youth.
We hope that this initiative will contribute to improving the digital well-being of students in Bangkok, leading to the resolution and reduction of issues arising from online activities. Aunjai Cyber Course is positioned as a central hub in raising awareness because we believe it will drive sustainable solutions to address cyber threats effectively.”
Siam Piwat, has received the Top 50 Companies in Thailand 2024 award, and is ranked 24th as one of the top 50 companies to work for in Thailand among the young generation of professional candidates, reinforcing its capabilities as a future-ready organization.
The award was presented by WorkVenture, a leading employer branding and consulting firm for major companies in Thailand, which conducted online and offline surveys with over 10,000 young professionals with bachelor’s degree or higher aged 22-35, living in Bangkok and surrounding areas.
Mrs. Amporn Chotruchsakul, President of Business Support, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. said, “It is a great honor for Siam Piwat to be ranked among the top 50 companies that the new generations most want to work for in 2024. It is a testament to Siam Piwat’s strength in the field of human resource management. In the past, the Company has changed its organizational structure to be more flexible and created a corporate culture for working in the modern world.
Siam Piwat has promoted the participation among employees in every generation to develop their potential without limits with our ‘Empower limitless possibilities’ campaign, as well as change work styles to suit the behavior of employees in today’s rapidly changing society that brings with it new challenges.”
The changes include empowering the new generation to participate in driving organizational strategy with Creativity and Innovation, providing opportunities for employees to access learning anywhere any time through a world-class Learning Platform, organizing Career Day where employees have the opportunity to understand and design the life and career they want, adjusting the digital experience to improve convenience for employees to work.
Using HR services, such as HR Chatbot, creating co-working spaces in various corners of the office with designs that emphasizes modernity, open spaces emphasizing transparency, reflecting work-life integration while prioritizing diversity and equality are also included.
The Company also adjusts employees’ working hours to give them more freedom with the “Flexi Hour” system, and takes care of employees’ health, both physical and mental to provide complete aspects of well-being that extends to the employees’ families. In addition, the Company hosts various activities that enhance emotional engagement and purpose that bond the employees with the organization.
This is the development of skillset and mindset readiness that is in line with the organization’s strategy in preparing for future business expansion.
Siam Piwat is a leading real estate and retail developer, the owner and operator of world-renowned destinations including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and co-owner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok.
It is strongly committed to applying creativity and innovation to continuously develop and drive the organization towards great goals as part of its commitment to its role as a well-growing platform for all and its position as a future ready organization.
For inquiries, please contact the Corporate Public Relations Department, Siam Piwat Company Limited. Supris Netekien (Boss) [email protected]08 4555 7273 Sireetorn Niyomsen (Koi) [email protected]08 1831 1406
A 37-year-old Burmese man who is suspected of flogging two Rohingya women was arrested in front of a house in Village 1, Khuan Lang Subdistrict, Hat Yai District on Feb. 7.
HAT YAI – Officials from Songkhla Immigration Police and Hat Yai Police Station confirmed on February 9 the arrest of Mr. Ye Nai, a 37-year-old Burmese man who is suspected of flogging two Rohingya women. Another 14-year-old youngster who escaped claimed he had also been whipped.
Ye was caught in front of a home in Village 1, Khuan Lang Subdistrict, Hat Yai District. The house he rented on 38 Phetkasem Road was also searched.
Mr. Ye told police that he housed three foreigners from a forest in Songkhla province in his rented house while he waited for an intermediary to bring them to Malaysia. He was paid 500 baht per person to look after them.
As for the pictures and video clips found on his phone, Mr. Ye did not want to give any details.
Two Rohingya women were whipped in the rented house in Hat Yai.
The woman, who was arrested with Mr. Ye and flogged in the clip, said she and other immigrants sneaked into the country through a natural canal in Myawaddy, opposite Mae Sot district in Tak province. They had already paid 10 million kyat (about $4,770) in late January to an intermediary who helped them sneak into the country to find relatives in Malaysia.
When she and 10 others traveled by truck to a forest in Songkhla Province, some of the group split up to sneak into Malaysia. She and the rest were picked up to stay at the rented house. While there, they were not allowed to go outside because the door was locked.
Police interrogated a Rohingya boy who escaped, which led to the arrest of a Burmese man.
During that time, Mr. Ye ordered Mr. Jo, a Burmese man who was traveling with them, to help beat her in order to take a video clip to send to her relatives to demand an additional 500,000 kyats ($240) for travel expenses. Those who paid in full would be allowed to continue traveling, but she and two other immigrants had not yet received additional money from their relatives, so they were detained.
In the meantime, a 14-year-old Rohingya boy who was also whipped managed to escape and asked for help from the villagers. This led to the police investigating and arresting Mr. Ye on February 7, 2024.
The authorities charged Mr. Ye with harboring, concealing or assisting aliens in any way to avoid arrest, punishable by imprisonment of not more than five years and a fine of not more than fifty thousand baht.
GULF included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for the third year Reinforcing its position as a sustainable company in the region
Gulf Energy Development Plc (GULF), a leading sustainable energy and infrastructure companyin the region, was selected as a member of the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 in the electric utilities industry for the third year.
S&P Global, an international data and corporate sustainability index provider, compiled the Yearbook based on the corporate sustainability assessment scores of 9,400 companies assessed globally, from which only 759 made the cut. This achievement highlights GULF’s commitment to conducting business in a sustainable manner.
In joining the ranks of the world’s most sustainable companies for the 3rd year, GULF has taken another important step forward in its ambition towards long-term value creation founded on the principles of ESG – environmental, social, and governance.
This reflects GULF’s position and role as part of the Thai private sector driving sustainability on a global scale by laying down operational guidelines that comply with international standards, which is the key to expanding growth and enhancing synergy between sustainable infrastructure businesses in the energy, utilities, logistics, and digital sectors, while simultaneously improving the quality of life of people in the region.
Mr. Shigeto Kimura, president of Thai Honda Co., Ltd., described the Thai motorcycle market at the 'Thai Honda Meets Motoring Press 2024' event held on February 8, 2024 at the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel.
BANGKOK – Thai Honda dominates 2023 motorcycle sales after winning all segments, solidifying its leading position in the Thai motorcycle industry in 2023 with 1.47 million units. A.T. Group also sees growth, highlighting the resilience of the Thai motorcycle industry.
With an impressive 1.47 million units registered out of the total 1.88 million new motorcycle registrations in 2023, Honda demonstrates a growth rate of 6% compared to the previous year, maintaining its stronghold as the top contender for the 35th consecutive year. Furthermore, Honda secures its position among the top 5 in total registrations.
Mr. Shigeto Kimura, President of Thai Honda Co., Ltd., remarked at the press conference on February 8 that the overview of the Thai motorcycle market in 2023 indicates a favourable trend, evident in the registration of over 1.47 million new Honda vehicles. The A.T. vehicle segment, ranging between 110CC and 300CC, emerges as the most favored segment, commanding a market share of 49%, marking an increase from the previous year.
Mr. Shigeto Kimura
Additionally, the 5% growth observed in the fourth quarter signals a segment with continuous potential. The introduction of the New Honda Giorno+ model has resonated positively among the young custumers, contributing to the robust growth of motorcycles in the A.T. group over the past year.
In the family car category, Honda secures the second position with a 47% market share, while the sports car segment demonstrates a 3% growth.
The Honda Wave retains its status as one of Honda’s top-selling motorcycle models, maintaining its position since 2009. In 2023, the Honda Wave110i leads with 511,659 units, followed by the Honda Wave125i with 254,141 units.
The Honda Scoopy leads the AT car group with 218,113 units sold, while the Honda PCX160 and Honda Click Series follow closely with registrations of 146,212 units and 114,202 units, respectively. In the sports motorcycle category, the Honda CRF300L leads with sales of 7,840 units.
FILE – Dr. Arak Phonprapha, then-Vice President of Thai Honda Company Limited, participated in handing out Honda Scoopy Urban prizes to lucky winners of the MATICHON-KHAOSOD SEA GAMES 2023 activity on June 19, 2023, at the Khaosod office.
In the big bike category, comprising motorcycles with a size of 400cc and larger, a total of 15,468 units were registered in 2023, with Honda accounting for 7,035 units. Honda anticipates a stable outlook for the big bike market in 2024, with sales projected to remain around 7,000 units, consistent with the previous year’s figures.
Shadow over 2024 Motorcycle Market
Reflecting on the dynamics of the motorcycle market, Thai Honda observes a robust growth trend throughout 2023, with motorcycle sales surging to 1.88 million vehicles. This surge is attributed to the easing of Covid restrictions, which has spurred increased consumer spending. Consequently, demand for finance loans, including those for motorcycles and cars, has surged, propelling significant growth in the motorcycle market for 2023.
Mr. Wiwat Lertphati, Chief Executive Officer of the Sales and Marketing Division at Thai Honda Co., Ltd., anticipates a more subdued outlook for the motorcycle market in 2024 compared to the previous year. Honda projects the overall motorcycle market to range between 1.70 million to 1.75 million units, representing a decline of approximately 7% to 10% compared to 2023 sales figures.
Three primary factors underpin this cautious projection. Firstly, stringent lending regulations, particularly concerning hire purchase loans, enforced by the Bank of Thailand, are expected to curtail financing options. Secondly, the prevailing economic landscape, characterized by sluggish export performance and supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, is dampening overall motorcycle sales. Lastly, the persistently rising household debt poses a significant challenge, exerting downward pressure on consumer spending.
“Considering these factors, Thai Honda anticipates Honda motorcycle sales to hover around 1.30 million to 1.35 million units in the small car market, marking a decline from the previous year. However, in the Big-Bike segment, Honda expects sales to remain stable, mirroring the 7,000 units sold in the previous year,” stated Mr. Wiwat.
He attributes the resilience of big bike sales to the segment’s immunity to financing and interest rate fluctuations, as buyers typically possess substantial purchasing power.
“Motorcycles play a vital role as the fifth essential factor for many households, serving both daily transportation needs and livelihoods. The confluence of high interest rates, tightened finance, and escalating household debt in the 2024 market, coupled with lower sales figures, raises concerns about the accessibility of motorcycles, a quintessential aspect of Thai households.” Mr. Wiwat explained.
Given that approximately 70% of motorcycle purchases in Thailand are made through installments, Thai Honda remains committed to providing quality motorcycles at affordable prices to its customers, prioritizing their needs amidst challenging market conditions.
EV motorcycles still not the answer
Electric motorcycles have yet to emerge as the definitive solution in Thailand’s transportation landscape. Despite the burgeoning popularity of electric cars in the country, Honda notes that the adoption of electric motorcycles remains gradual. In 2023, sales of electric motorcycles surged to 21,800 units, marking a remarkable 221% increase from the previous year. Projections for 2024 indicate a continued upward trend, with anticipated sales ranging between 32,000 to 35,000 units.
However, significant challenges persist, particularly concerning infrastructure. Unlike electric cars, which predominantly rely on charging stations, electric motorcycles in Thailand predominantly utilize battery swapping systems. Furthermore, consumers perceive minimal disparity in fuel efficiency between electric and gasoline-powered motorcycles. Additionally, both electric motorcycles and cars face depreciating resale values, further deterring widespread adoption.
Thus, despite the evolving electric vehicle (EV) trend, Honda acknowledges that a complete transition to 100% electric motorcycles in Thailand remains impractical for drivers. Nevertheless, Honda reaffirms its commitment to aligning with the EV trend while recognizing the existing barriers to full-scale adoption
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Shigeto Kimura expressed heartfelt gratitude to Thai customers for their unwavering support throughout his five-year tenure as President of Thai Honda Co., Ltd. He announced his imminent departure in April, marking the conclusion of his service in Thailand as his transition back to Japan to assume administrative responsibilities.
Regarding inquiries about the evolving landscape of Japanese automotive companies in Thailand, particularly concerning the appointment of Thai executives, Mr. Kimura elucidated Honda’s flexible approach. He emphasized that Honda does not impose strict rules or restrictions dictating the nationality of executives.
While acknowledging the advantages of having Thai executives for clear user communication, Mr. Kimura underscored the importance of seamless coordination between Thailand and Japan. He highlighted that the timing and mutual understanding between executives in Japan and Thailand play pivotal roles in decision-making, indicating openness to considering senior executives of Thai nationality when circumstances align appropriately.
Honda’s profit rose on the back of strong U.S. demand
In Tokyo, the Associated Press reported that Honda’s profit rose 3.5% in the October-December quarter from a year earlier on the back of solid demand in the U.S. and Europe and a recovery in its home market, the company said Thursday.
Tokyo-based Honda Motor Co.’s profit in the last quarter was 253.3 billion yen, or $1.7 billion. Quarterly sales jumped 21% to 5.39 trillion yen ($36 billion).
A favorable exchange rate helped amplify Honda’s overseas profits in yen terms and is expected to continue through the rest of the fiscal year, which ends in March.
The dollar has been trading at about 148 Japanese yen, up from about 140 yen last year.
The newly unveiled concept car, Honda Zero Series “Saloon” electric vehicle is displayed during a Honda news conference during the CES tech show Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
All the automakers have been hurt by shortages of computer chips and other parts, partly due to disruptions in manufacturing because of the coronavirus pandemic. The latest results show Honda has mostly but not yet fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels in some locations.
Honda’s motorcycle sales grew in recent months in Brazil and Europe, according to the manufacturer of the Fit small car, Super Cub motorcycle and Asimo robot.
Honda said it remained committed to “initiatives toward electrification,” pointing to the global electric vehicle concept models shown at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, such as the Saloon and Space Hub.
Japanese automakers including Honda have lagged in the global push toward pure EVs, partly because of their strength in other green models such as hybrids and fuel cells.
Over the first nine months of the fiscal year, Honda sold 3.1 million vehicles, up from 2.7 million vehicles the previous year, with sales especially strong in the U.S.
A decline in Honda’s vehicle sales in Thailand and Indonesia was offset by rising sales in China.
