Thailand’s drop in global competitiveness rankings temporary, says govt

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Thailand’s drop in global competitiveness rankings temporary, says govt

Thailand’s drop in global competitiveness rankings temporary, says govt

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

Despite Thailand’s drop in competitiveness rankings, the many state subsidy schemes have helped businesses keep their heads above water, the government spokesman said.

Spokesman Anucha Buraphachaisri said on Sunday that though Thailand has dropped five points to 33 in this year’s International Institute for Management Development competitiveness list, the country is still improving in many respects.

The institute studied the competitiveness levels of 63 countries, with Denmark topping the list followed by Switzerland and Singapore.

Thailand’s ranking in economic performance has dropped from 21 to 34 as the Covid-19 pandemic had a short-term impact on the import-export sector, Anucha explained.

“However, Thailand’s exports will start rising once the situation returns to normal,” he said.

He added that Thailand’s consumer spending was still on a positive trajectory despite rising fuel prices, thanks to the government’s co-spending schemes like “Khon La Khrueng”.

The government’s ranking for efficiency has also dropped from 20 to 31 due to high public debts. Anucha said this was because the authorities had to take huge loans to boost the country’s liquidity, revive the economy, maintain employment and boost investment.

Anucha said that though Thailand’s business sector has dropped from 21 to 30, the country’s productivity is rising thanks to the government’s many projects, like Sustainable Manufacturing Centre, launched to enhance production.

Moves are also being made to boost entrepreneurs’ potential through tools like the Digital Economy Promotion Agency’s digital start-up fund.

The spokesman added that though Thailand’s ranking for overall infrastructure has dropped by one point to 44, basic infrastructure is improving because of new railway and road projects.

“The government is developing the digital infrastructure to meet the business sector’s needs and cover the changes in consumer behaviour,” he said.

“The government is also paying close attention to investment in the telecommunications industry.”

4.4 million Thais still earn less than 3,000 baht a month, says NESDC

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4.4 million Thais still earn less than 3,000 baht a month, says NESDC

4.4 million Thais still earn less than 3,000 baht a month, says NESDC

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

About 4.4 million Thai nationals are living below the poverty line now, dropping from 4.7 million during the Covid-19 crisis, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

Danucha Pichayanan, NESDC secretary-general, said 4.4 million people or 6.3 per cent of the population are below the poverty line, which according to him is defined by a monthly income of 2,762 baht.
In 2019, before Thailand was struck by Covid-19, 4.3 million people were below the poverty line but that jumped to 4.7 million in 2020 when the country was at the height of the crisis.
In 2020, the Thai economy also contracted by 6.2 per cent, with 650,000 people left unemployed, marking a 74.4 per cent increase from a year earlier.
By region, Thailand’s South is worst hit with 1.1 million or 11.6 per cent of residents living below the poverty line. The Northeast came in second with 11.5 per cent of residents living in abject poverty, followed by the Central region (6.8 per cent), the North (3.2 per cent), and Bangkok (0.5 per cent), NESDC data show.

Meanwhile, people living in rural areas have seen a higher jump in income compared to those living in urban areas, NESDC said.
In 2021, the average monthly income of rural residents came in at 8,130 baht, a 7.1 per cent surge from 7,588 baht in 2019. Urban residents, meanwhile, earned an average of 12,018 baht per month in 2021, a 2.6 per cent gain when compared to 11,712 baht two years ago.
Thailand saw the gap between rich and poor expand slightly last year compared to 2019 before Covid-19.
The country’s income Gini coefficient is 0.43 in 2021, up from 0.429 in 2019, according to the NESDC.
The Gini coefficient is based on the comparison of the cumulative proportion of the population against the cumulative proportion of the income they receive, and it ranges between 0 in the case of perfect equality and 1 in the case of perfect inequality.
A World Bank report released last week says that Thailand had the highest income inequality rate in the East Asia and Pacific region in 2019, when the top 1 per cent captured 21 per cent of national income, while the income share of the bottom five deciles constitutes only 14 per cent.
The World Bank report, titled “Thailand Rural Income Diagnostic: Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Farmers”, cites Credit Suisse’s Global Wealth Report, which says that despite a decline in the wealth share of the top 1 per cent from 67 per cent in 2018 to 40 per cent in 2020, Thailand’s income gap remains wider than the East Asia and Pacific average of 38 per cent.

Ex-finance minister slams Prayut govt for agreeing to sell land to rich foreigners

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Ex-finance minister slams Prayut govt for agreeing to sell land to rich foreigners

Ex-finance minister slams Prayut govt for agreeing to sell land to rich foreigners

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

Former finance minister Suchart Thadadamrongvej, who was once Pheu Thai Party leader, condemned the government for letting rich foreigners buy up land in Thailand.

Suchart said on Sunday that he believes the policy will do more harm than good and will make Thais poorer.

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Interior Ministry’s proposal to let foreigners purchase houses and up to 1 rai of land if they can show an investment of at least 40 million baht.

This regulation will be in effect for five years after it is published in the Royal Gazette, which the government says will be soon.

Suchart pointed out that the cost of living in Thailand is affordable compared to other developed countries, which is why the value of the baht is low against the dollar. This means, most rich foreigners will find land in Thailand very cheap and will buy up huge swathes for speculation.

This, he said, will push up the prices and even middle-class Thais will find the cost of land and houses unaffordable.

“In other words, this policy will make Thais poorer,” he said.

Ex-finance minister slams Prayut govt for agreeing to sell land to rich foreignersHe warned that the situation will be much like wealthy urbanites buying up farmland for speculation and leaving farmers landless.

Suchart also warned that there is a chance that foreigners will buy up land and hire locals to look after it or lease it to them for a profit.

He added that like the case in Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, Thais may be blocked entry to large clusters of land bought up by groups of foreigners.

Also, he said, some countries may interfere in Thailand’s sovereignty to protect clusters of land bought by their citizens, which could spark diplomatic quarrels.

He added that if the government wants to boost the GDP, it should do so by propping up the manufacturing industry instead of selling off land.

Suchart led Pheu Thai when it was created to house MPs from People Power Party before it was dissolved in 2008.

Move Forward’s Pita beats Prayut in Bangkok’s best choice for PM poll

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Move Forward's Pita beats Prayut in Bangkok’s best choice for PM poll

Move Forward’s Pita beats Prayut in Bangkok’s best choice for PM poll

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat is Bangkok voters’ top choice for prime minister, a recent opinion survey found.

The survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) from October 21 to 27, involved telephone interviews with some 2,000 people from Bangkok’s 50 districts. The results were announced on Sunday.

Pita, who was nominated as the Move Forward candidate for the May 2023 general election, beat Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha by a fair margin.

In response to who they will choose as PM, the respondents said:

• 20.40%: Pita because he has political determination and is a capable, new-generation politician

• 15.20%: Prayut because he has integrity, performed well as PM and has brought peace to the nation

• 14.10%: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra

• 12.20%: Undecided

• 7.70%: Sudarat Keyuraphan, Thai Sang Thai Party leader

• 6.85%: Korn Chatikavanij, Chart Pattana Kla Party leader

• 6.35%: Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, Seree Ruam Thai Party leader

• 3.15%: Somkid Jatusripitak, Sang Anakot Thai Party chairman

• 3%: Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok governor

• 2.15%: Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party leader

• 1.8%: Cholnan Srikaew, Pheu Thai Party leader

• 1.15%: Jurin Laksanawisit, Democrat Party leader

• 4.45%: Others, including Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, former PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, and ex-Chart Thai Pattana leader Kanchana Silapa-archa.

As to which party Bangkokians would choose in a constituency-based election, Pheu Thai came up top with 28.5%, followed by Move Forward (26.45%), Palang Pracharath (9.50%), Democrat (9.45%) and the remaining 26.1% shared among several parties.

The Thai also topped the list for party-list election, with 28.60% choosing it, followed by Move Forward (26.10%), undecided (10.15%), Palang Pracharath (9.15%) and Democrat Party (9%) and other parties (17%).

Thai, Myanmar police target precursor smugglers in bid to halt meth tide

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Thai, Myanmar police target precursor smugglers in bid to halt meth tide

Thai, Myanmar police target precursor smugglers in bid to halt meth tide

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

The Royal Thai Police is upping efforts with Myanmar to halt the tide of chemicals used to make methamphetamine and amphetamine that flows between the two countries.

Thai national police deputy chief Chinnapat Sarasin said the two sides met in Yangon this week for talks amid Thailand’s worsening drug situation.

Chinnapat said one tonne of sodium cyanide can be used to make 20 million tablets of amphetamine.

“Over the past four years, many metric tonnes of sodium cyanide have been transported from Thailand to Myanmar,” he added.

Fuelled by cheap and abundant supplies of precursor chemicals, the street price of methamphetamine has plummeted to around 15 baht per pill, according to Thailand’s Office of Narcotics Control Board. The chemicals are smuggled to Myanmar’s Golden Triangle, where labs controlled by the rebel United Wa State Army churn out methamphetamine that floods Southeast Asia.

According to the United Nations, 594 million meth tablets, 18,000kgs of crystal meth and 1,500 tonnes of precursor chemicals were seized in Mekong countries from last October to August this year. The seizures failed to dent the low street price, indicating they were just a tiny fraction of the supply.

Chinnapat, who doubles as director of the Police Narcotics Control Management Centre, said Thailand and Myanmar police have tightened monitoring on the use of all precursor chemicals.

Myanmar authorities are screening imports of the chemicals in a bid to weed out smuggling, he added.

“Thailand and Myanmar will exchange information to ensure that precursor chemicals are not misused,” he said.

Thai, Myanmar police target precursor smugglers in bid to halt meth tide

Chinnapat added that Myanmar police expressed willingness to arrest drug suspects that flee over the border from Thailand.

He said the suspects usually hide among ethnic groups living along the border.

“Suspects who commit crimes in both countries will be punished under Myanmar laws before they are sent back to Thailand,” he said.

The cooperation with Myanmar authorities comes after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered a drugs crackdown following a mass shooting by a reported drug addict and former policeman earlier this month. Panya Khamrab killed 38 people, mainly young children, on October 6 just hours after appearing in court on a drugs charge.

Thai chefs battle to wow world leaders at Apec summit

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Thai chefs battle to wow world leaders at Apec summit

Thai chefs battle to wow world leaders at Apec summit

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

Thailand’s latest soft-power weapon will be “future food”, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said on Saturday.

Don was speaking at the final of the “Plate to Planet Competition”, held ahead of next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Bangkok.

The contest challenged 2,000 chefs to create new dishes to enhance Thai cuisine’s reputation. The winning team will receive 1 million baht and have its dishes served to world leaders at the summit.

Praising the 21 finalists at CentralWorld in Bangkok, Don said their efforts were also part of Thailand’s drive towards sustainability.

“Thailand is recognised internationally for its food expertise, so we should be proud of it,” he said.

Don PramudwinaiDon Pramudwinai

He also vowed to add future food to the Land of Smiles’ global soft-power reach.

Future food is defined as sustainable food, including plant-based products.

Future food is a growing trend in the 300-trillion-baht global food industry, now accounting for 1.6 trillion baht, said Prime Minister’s Office Minister Anucha Nakasai.

“This [trend] is an opportunity for new generations to develop businesses and use our resources to the fullest to boost the country’s economy,” he said.

Anucha NakasaiAnucha Nakasai

He also invited people to vote for their favourite dish among the 21 finalists at www.futurefoodapec.com.

Thai chefs battle to wow world leaders at Apec summit

Thailand’s tourism industry revving up thanks to Covid-19 downgrade, say pollsters

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Thailand's tourism industry revving up thanks to Covid-19 downgrade, say pollsters

Thailand’s tourism industry revving up thanks to Covid-19 downgrade, say pollsters

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

Most people believe Thailand’s tourism industry will start picking up now that the government has declared Covid-19 a “communicable disease under surveillance”.

Most of the 1,148 Suan Dusit Poll respondents said that downgrading the virus’s status on October 1 will also help stimulate the economy.

The results of the survey conducted nationwide between October 23 and 28 were announced on Sunday.

Thailand's tourism industry revving up thanks to Covid-19 downgrade, say pollsters

In the survey, 79.88% of the respondents said tourism will improve during the rest of the year, while 17.94% expect it to remain unchanged and 2.18% say it will worsen.

Thailand's tourism industry revving up thanks to Covid-19 downgrade, say pollsters

As for the most attractive province during the New Year break, 38.85% chose Chiang Mai, followed by Chiang Rai (19.30%), Nan (15.79%), Phuket (13.28%) and Prachuap Khiri Khan (12.78%).

Thailand's tourism industry revving up thanks to Covid-19 downgrade, say pollsters

As for what sort of trips are most attractive, 55.62% chose relaxing in fancy hotels, 51.41% preferred beaches, while 45.43% opted for visiting temples and holy sites.

Thailand's tourism industry revving up thanks to Covid-19 downgrade, say pollsters

As for what motivates them to travel upcountry, 71.65% said it was affordable, 68.50% put it down to convenience, while 46.98% said they were attracted by discounts.

Thailand's tourism industry revving up thanks to Covid-19 downgrade, say pollsters

As for suggestions to stimulate tourism, 60.16% suggested the government introduce new measures, followed by promoting secondary cities (57.34%) and opening new routes (56.29%).

Many of these questions offered several choices.

Regarding travel this year, 54.01% said they had trips planned for this year. Of them, 87.58% said they will travel within the country, while 12.42% plan to go overseas.

“People will spend more if the government makes travelling easier and creates new routes and destinations,” Pornphan Buathong, who led the study, said.

Bangkok’s Saen Saeb boat fare to rise on Monday

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Bangkok's Saen Saeb boat fare to rise on Monday

Bangkok’s Saen Saeb boat fare to rise on Monday

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

The operator of the popular shuttle boat service on Bangkok’s Saen Saeb Canal will raise fares by one baht, starting on November 1.

The Family Transport Company put up signs at its piers announcing that the high price of diesel had prompted it to raise fares by one baht to 12 baht, 14 baht, 16 baht, 18 baht, 20 baht and a maximum 22 baht for the full trip from end to end.

It said the rise was permitted by the Marine Department’s June 9 announcement on fare-capping. The new fare rate is based on a diesel price of 31 to 33 baht per litre.

The Family Transport Co said the current diesel price is even higher, at 34.94 baht per litre.

The Saen Saeb boat service is popular among Bangkok commuters during rush hours as a way of beating road congestion to get to their offices in time.

The company said it would lower fares immediately if it receives a fuel subsidy from the government or if the diesel price falls.

Bangkok's Saen Saeb boat fare to rise on MondayIt also apologised to passengers for having to raise the fare.

The price of diesel and other fuels has soared on the world market after sanctions were imposed on Russian energy exports following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

Total lunar eclipse to grace Loy Krathong festival in Thailand

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Total lunar eclipse to grace Loy Krathong festival in Thailand

Total lunar eclipse to grace Loy Krathong festival in Thailand

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

A total eclipse of the Moon will occur during the Loy Krathong festival on November 8, according to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT).

The Earth’s shadow will fall across the moon from 3.02pm to 8.56pm, Thailand time.

The moon will be totally eclipsed for almost an hour between 5.44pm and 6.41pm, NARIT explained.

After that, the Earth’s shadow will slip to reveal a partial eclipse until 7.49pm.

This will be followed by a penumbral eclipse – when the outer shadow of the Earth brushes the edge of the Moon.

The lunar eclipse will end at 8.56pm, NARIT said.

People can watch the lunar eclipse for free at Thailand’s observatories – including the Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark in Chiang Mai and regional observatories in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chachoengsao and Songkhla.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon are closely aligned.

Head to Muang Thong Thani for a spectacular Loy Krathong celebration

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Head to Muang Thong Thani for a spectacular Loy Krathong celebration

Head to Muang Thong Thani for a spectacular Loy Krathong celebration

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

A sparkling Loy Krathong extravaganza will be held by the lake of Nonthaburi’s Impact Muang Thong Thani on November 7 and 8.

The organiser’s spokesperson, Jintana Pongphakdee, said on Saturday that a special pier will be set up for people to release their krathongs from, which will then float towards the 8-metre-tall yellow duck in the middle of the lake.

Also featured will be a concert, open-air films and more than 30 stalls selling souvenirs and food.

Jintana said an area has also been set aside for students to freely exhibit and sell their artwork. She added that more than 1,300 floats made from bread, flowers corn husks and other eco-friendly products will be up for sale at 100 baht each.Head to Muang Thong Thani for a spectacular Loy Krathong celebration

Loy Krathong, which is marked on the full-moon night of the 12th month of the lunar calendar, falls on November 8 this year. Thais release little floats with a candle, incense, flowers and money as an offering to the water goddess. Many believe the krathongs float away with their sins, so there is room for better fortune.Head to Muang Thong Thani for a spectacular Loy Krathong celebration