Pretending to be Prayut on National Children’s Day
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023
Like every year, youngsters were given the chance to sit in the prime minister’s chair at Government House on National Children’s Day.
Children’s Day in Thailand falls on the second Saturday of January every year.
The PM’s office on the second floor of Government House’s Thai Khu Fah building was opened at 8am on Saturday to let children in, so they could pretend at being the prime minister.
The first child to sit at Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s desk this year was Chotika “Kubkib” Mangmee, a third-grader from Wat Ratcha Singkhon School in Bangkok’s Bang Kho Laem district.
Young Chotika said the prospect of visiting the PM’s office was so exciting that she had woken up at 5am to arrive at Government House with her grandmother at 6am.
She added that she is a great fan of Prayut and wanted to take a selfie with him.
The PM was not present at Government House, which has been transformed into a wonderland for children featuring large dinosaur models and vintage cars. The event, which will wrap up at 3pm today, also includes booths set up by state agencies inside the compound.
Immigration police arrest 3 South Koreans wanted for investment scams
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023
Immigration Police nabbed three South Korean investment scammers who had fled to Thailand after duping victims out of 60 billion won (1.6 billion baht).
The Immigration Bureau told the press on Friday that it has been hunting for foreign suspects hiding in the country after Interpol issued a red notice at the request of South Korea.
The three suspects – Kim, 54; Yang, 60; and Ye Jun, 51 – have been accused of scamming many people out of as much as 1.6 billion baht. The three pretended to be owners of five textile firms in South Korea and sold shares to potential investors with the offer of inflated profits.
Police said that in early December last year, they arrested Ye Jun in Chonburi for overstaying his visa and he is under custody.
On Tuesday, police arrested Kim and Yang at a golf course in Pathum Thani following a tip-off. They too were charged with overstaying their visa.
Investigation revealed that Kim entered Thailand on July 25 and Yang on August 3 last year.
Both arrived on a visa-exempt stamp for 90 days, and their visa expired on October 22 and October 31, respectively.
The suspects reportedly admitted that they fled to a condominium in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area after learning of Ye Jun’s arrest.
The Immigration Police have coordinated with the South Korean Embassy and Interpol to transfer the suspects to South Korea to face legal action.
Spotlight on ‘child grooming’ problem as Thailand marks Children’s Day
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023
The Department of Children and Youth (DCY) used the occasion of National Children’s Day on Saturday to warn parents about the scourge of “child grooming”.
This problem is becoming larger now that youngsters have easier access to the internet and smart devices.
Child grooming is befriending and establishing an emotional connection with a minor, and sometimes their family, to lower the child’s inhibitions with the objective of sexual abuse.
The method is also used to lure minors into various illicit businesses such as child trafficking, prostitution, cybersex trafficking or the production of child pornography.
DCY director-general Jatuporn Rojanapanich said on Friday that a 2022 survey found that some 12% of Thai children from the age of 10 and above had been “groomed” and 11% admitted to being sexually harassed or assaulted.
The May-July survey covered 31,965 samples aged 9 to 18 years and found that most of the respondents have easy access to the internet or smart devices. This increases the risk of cyber child abuse, she added.
The survey also found that 81% of respondents have their own smartphones or tablets, while 85% use social media almost every day.
Among them, 36% said they have been approached for a romantic relationship online, 26% have been cyberbullied and another 26% admitted to having participated in nude or erotic video calls.
The survey also found that 7% of children have gambled online and 18% have paid real money to buy random items in online games, which is considered a form of gambling.
“Parents need to keep a close eye on their children and beware of threats that can affect your children at any time, especially since they are more exposed to online media and communication,” Jatuporn said.
To help parents combat online threats against children, DCY has set up the Child Online Protection Action Thailand (COPAT) which monitors illegal and gambling websites. COPAT has also published a guidebook for the safe usage of digital media as well as software to help boost digital literacy skills.
The centre has also published the latest information on online threats at facebook.com/copatcenter/.
Another THB3-billion worth of Tuhao’s assets under spotlight: justice minister
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023
Thai authorities are in the process of confiscating more assets valued at about 3 billion baht owned by suspected crime boss Chaiyanat “Tuhao” Kornchayanant and his alleged accomplices.
Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said on Friday that this imminent seizure will be in addition to the 5.3-billion-baht worth of assets already confiscated, including real estate, buses, bank deposits, businesses and an aeroplane.
The minister said he has ordered the seizure of another 216 million baht in assets, including 262 buses and a plot of land belonging to the alleged Chinese triad leader.
An investigation by the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) has uncovered assets valued at more than 8.5 billion baht believed to be owned by Tuhao and people in his network. Somsak made the announcement at a press conference on Friday at which NCB secretary-general Wichai Chaimongkhon was also present.
The justice minister also told the press that in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 (October-December 2022), 20.2 billion baht worth of assets were confiscated from 242 drug-trafficking rings.
He added that this accounted for 20% of this year’s target of confiscating 100 billion baht worth of assets from drug gangs, which he said “will certainly be achieved”.
Somsak said that in 2023, 541 million baht in seized assets have been added to the Narcotics Fund to fight drug trafficking, compared to only about 30 million baht a year previously.
The minister also put on display several items used to conceal heroin and “ice” (crystal methamphetamine), including umbrellas and brochures. The items, heading for Hong Kong, were recently intercepted by customs officials.
Government House opens doors to children for first time since pandemic
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023
Officials at Government House were happily racing on Friday to welcome young visitors to the compound on National Children’s Day tomorrow – for the first time in three years.
The opening of Government House to children includes the prime minister’s office, where they can take turns sitting on his chair.
Thailand celebrates Children’s Day on the second Saturday of January, but most public celebrations were cancelled after the Covid-19 pandemic began its deadly march around the globe three years ago.
Children’s Day activities will be held at Government House from 8am to 3pm, with many state agencies and businesses setting up booths inside the compound.
Large dinosaur models were placed on the lawn in front of the Santi Maitri Building, as well as vintage cars that can offer photo ops for the visiting children and their parents or accompanying adults.
The Royal Thai Air Force will also stage air shows across the country to mark Children’s Day.
Jet-flying demonstrations will be held at Kamphaeng Saen Aviation School in Nakhon Pathom and at the air force’s regional airfields in Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani. The air shows were canceled during the pandemic.
The Department of Corrections will offer Children’s Day activities at 15 prisons across the country, its director-general Ayuth Sintoppant said on Friday.
Large prisons, including the Bang Kwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi province, have areas that have been opened to members of the public, in line with a policy of Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. Ayuth said these areas would be used for Children’s Day activities.
TAT working on increasing flights, longer visa on arrival to hit 25m target
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to increase the number of flights in a bid to boost tourism during the high season.
“The flight load capacity must reach 90 per cent during the high season this year,” TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said on Friday. The high season in Thailand is from November to March.
He added that Chinese authorities have requested information from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to boost the number of flights to 2019 levels, before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Yuthasak said the TAT aims to attract high-spending tourists to Thailand to help achieve the goal of generating 2.38 trillion baht from 25 million foreign travellers.
“TAT will propose extension of visa on arrival from the current 30 days to enable tourists to stay in Thailand until the end of this year,” he said.
He confirmed that the fifth phase of the “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) scheme to stimulate domestic tourism will continue.
“We hope the Cabinet will approve the scheme soon in order to boost domestic tourism revenue to 1 trillion baht,” he said.
He added that the TAT will promote Thailand’s tourism under the policy “Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters” using the country’s soft power to attract foreign tourists.
Phuket governor drums up support for bid to host 2028 expo
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023
Phuket’s governor and the chair of the island’s tourist association met with officials at the Foreign Ministry in Bangkok on Thursday, as they intensified their efforts to increase support for the bid to host the 2028 Specialised Expo.
Phuket governor Narong Woonciew said Expo 2028 dovetails with the province’s long-term development strategy to promote sustainability.
It also aligns with the province’s 2023 to 2027 development strategy, Narong said. The ambitious plan includes elevating Phuket as a destination for gastronomy, medical and sport tourism, and international education. It also calls for expanding marinas, increasing the number of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, creating a smart city and turning the island into the tuna industry hub of Asean.
Narong explained that the economic diversification strategy would ensure that the province could better cope with climate change, pandemics and the disruptions inherent in the development of new technology.
Currently, 95% of the province’s revenue is generated by tourism, the governor said. The new development plan not only diversifies the economy but also aligns with His Majesty King Bhumibol the Great’s Sufficiency Economy.
Narong Woonciew
Phuket’s long-term development strategy makes it a fitting place to inspire and foster the positive changes necessary to create a sustainable future, Narong added.
“The expo is not only for the future of people in Phuket, but also the world,” he said.
Phuket Tourist Association’s advisory chairman Bhummikitti Ruktaengam said the world-famous island’s tourism potential had yet to be fully tapped. Increasing transport connectivity and world-class facilities will boost its appeal, Bhummikitti said.
The government has already started developing new infrastructure in Phuket and it will be completed before the expo begins, he said.
“Hosting the expo in Phuket will also contribute to local development, which will benefit local communities and those beyond,” he said.
Thailand launched its bid for Phuket to host the 2028 Specialised Expo in Paris in June last year, highlighting the island’s suitability to host the event under the theme “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity”. The Bureau of International Exposition will announce the country that will host the event in June. There are five candidates: the US, Argentina, Serbia, Spain, and Thailand.
Thailand eyes reopening checkpoints safely now that Covid is easing
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023
Border provinces are calling on the government to speed up the restoration of cross-border travel and trade to boost local economies.
Provincial governors along with representatives of local administration and trade agencies met the House committee for national security and border affairs on Friday to discuss the reopening of borders now that the pandemic has eased.
Attending the meeting were governors from Trat, Chiang Rai, Loei, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Sa Kaew, Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani and Narathiwat, while other border provinces sent representatives.
The House committee has accepted the request to reopen the borders and revive cross-border trade, House committee member Mallika Boonmeetrakool-Mahasook told the press later.
Mallika, a party-list Democrat MP, said the committee will check each border province’s situation first to ensure the reopening of borders poses no threats to residents or to national security.
“As the Covid situation improves, the government has been working with the private sector to reopen the borders as soon as possible to restore the economy,” said Mallika. “Meanwhile, the Export-Import Bank is also granting loans worth more than 6 billion baht to help small and medium businesses get back on their feet.”
Supreme Patriarch shines guiding light for Children’s Day
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023
Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX on Friday advised children to avoid impacts on their wellbeing and develop their minds to help Thailand prosper.
He offered the guidance on the eve of National Children’s Day, which is marked each year on the second Saturday of January.
The Supreme Patriarch said children are the next generation who will grow up to drive the country’s development. But they will not be able to bear that burden unless they cultivate intelligence and good health, he added.
“Avoiding impacts on wellbeing is an important duty for all children. Meanwhile, adults should manage the ecosystem, society and rules to support children’s wellbeing.”
Citing the Buddha’s teaching, the Supreme Patriarch said people should shun alcohol and drugs as consuming them has negative effects on property, mind, health and reputation.
“Hence, children should not get involved with alcoholic drinks and narcotics,” he said, adding that these substances were like flames that can burn down your home.
The Supreme Patriarch also asked children to cultivate virtuous minds and bring benefits to themselves, their communities and Thailand.
Unprecedented events have been challenging for all of us, pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation pressures, and hence, aggressively increasing policy rates were seen in various regions. Thailand, is no exception, had increased the interest rate by 0.25% for the first time in August 2022 since the pandemic occurred in order to battle inflation situation.
As entered to 2023, Thai economy seems to gain recovery from the resuming tourism and private consumption. Both IMF and the Bank of Thailand also announced that Thailand’s GDP would grow at 3.7% for 2023 amidst the global slow down.
Tourism, known as Thailand’s key engine for economic growth in pre-Covid, is recovering from more relaxed measurements and reopening of the border. As of December 2022, the country had already reached the 2022’s target of 10 million of foreign tourists, mainly contributed by Malaysia, India, and Laos, and is expected to reach around 22 million for 2023. Besides, China’s faster-than-expected to reopen the border would also push up number of foreign tourist arrivals.
Cost-of-living crisis, pushed by inflation and production costs, saw improving as Thailand’s headline inflation had peaked at 7.9% in August 2022, decelerated to 5.6% in November 2022, and is expected to return to the target rate at 3% by the end of this year. However, Thailand would still face high energy prices as the country is a net importer of crude oil.
By comparing our currency to peers, Thai baht depreciated to 38 per USD in October 2022 mainly from the US’s rising interest rate. Recently, Thai baht has been stronger in response to Fed’s announcement in slowing down the US interest rate increase. TDRI’s forecast in November 2022 also indicated the value 36.87 per USD for 2023.
Looking at industries in Thailand, they are performing in varied directions. Those saw recovering and better-than-Covid19 level are wholesale and retail, department stores with the supports from government scheme, purchasing power from the middle to high income group, and rising tourists. Surge in internet usage also would lead information and communication industry bloom, while changing behavior since Covid will also drive e-commerce, delivery services, and electrical equipment. However, those saw less sign of recovery are internal combustion engine automotive industry due to prolonged semiconductor shortage, high cost of raw material, and rising trend of electric vehicles, while metal industry from the high raw material price which both of the finished steel consumption and import also contracted by 23% in October 2022 (YoY), according to ISIT.
Thailand’s 2023 Key risks and opportunities
Key risks that could deter Thai economic recovery are geopolitical tensions (e.g. war in Ukraine, China-Taiwan tension), resulting in supply disruption or rising energy prices and costs of raw material. FED and other regions to further increase interest rate in response to the inflation would also lower purchasing power, together with, Thailand’s current high level of household debt. China’s economic recovery which might recover slower-than-expected also saw influence on tourism sector and Thai export. However, the bright sides are rising tourist arrivals from other regions’ reopening their borders, recovery in domestic consumption after Covid, and the relocation of production from China.
Looking ahead for 2023 Business Trends
Digital transformation and ESG are two major global trends for all businesses regardless of which industry they are in. It is vital that business leaders need to comprehend and make the most use of these trends.
Digital transformation is no longer an optional for business, as pandemic pressure and consumer trends change to be more digital. As recent Deloitte Tech Trend 2023 articles, the impact of emerging technology is widely affected organization in both challenge and opportunities.
Startups’ mantra – move fast, fail fast and break things – might not be applicable to established companies, as they don’t have any legacy to protect. Successful businesses must realize that they can’t risk breaking thing, as Startups, in pursuit of new. It is crucial that leaders need to balance their digital transformation initiatives from modernizing its core business technologies/processes to extending its business capability or even reimagine their business models.
Hence the roles of leadership are vital in driving successfully digital transformation initiatives. Leaders is in the position to foresee what the business trends & challenges in the future, then set the vision of what their business would be. This aspiration and ambition will be the key to define what the role and level of involvement of leaders.
Organizational readiness is another key factor; leadership, culture, structure and capabilities. Leadership in C-suite level must be motivated and capable of executing the vision with positive attitude and willingness to transform. Culture of innovation, take risk must be instilled against those bureaucratic or risk-averse mindset. The proper talents & team structure are needed to be designed supporting the initiatives with the capabilities in scalability and nimbleness. Both leadership ambition and organizational readiness will help business shape and structure on how they should manage and drive successful digital transformation initiative in a sustainable way.
ESG issues are more crucial at this moment. Investor interest in companies taking ESG goals seriously is also becoming prevalent. According to Deloitte Thailand’s ESG and sustainability survey 2022, most business leaders prioritize awareness of ESG in the organization and integrating ESG into the corporate strategy. Additionally, 34% of respondents already have sustainable committee to oversee or drive ESG in their businesses. Majority of the respondents also view that better corporate sustainability performance will bring about three key benefits: operational efficiency and cost saving, brand credibility and image, and risk management.
By Narain Chutijirawong, Executive Director – Clients & Markets and Tasada Sangmanacharoen, Senior Consultant – Clients & Markets at Deloitte Thailand
Narong Woonciew
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