Suvarnabhumi Airport offers free parking for Constitution Day long weekend
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022
Suvarnabhumi International Airport will offer free parking from December 9 to 13 for travellers taking flights for the Constitution Day long weekend.
Travellers can leave their cars for free in Zone C of the airport’s long-term parking area, which accommodates 718 vehicles, during the five-day period.
Constitution Day is held on December 10, but because it falls on a Saturday this year, the following Monday is a public holiday.
A free, round-the-clock shuttle bus service runs every 15 minutes from Zone C to the passenger terminal.
For more information, call the airport’s Parking Building Operation Centre at 0 2132 9511, or the Airports of Thailand contact centre at 1722.
Government pushing for Thailand’s emergence as EV hub in Asean
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022
The government is putting in efforts to promote Thailand as an electric vehicle (EV) production base for the Asean region, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Friday.
He said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed related agencies to implement their environmental targets to meet the PM’s carbon neutrality, EV and renewable energy policies.
He added that the government is accelerating the development of renewable energy, green economy and the EV industry under its 30@30 policy in order to promote Thailand as EV production base in the Asean region.
The 30@30 policy stipulates that Thailand must boost manufacturing capacity of zero-emission vehicles, or EVs, by 30% by 2030.
“The private sector has responded to the government’s policy and guidelines well,” he said, adding that more foreign investors were investing in Thailand’s EV industry.
Thailand was also included in the group of emerging EV markets along with the US, Japan and the United Arab Emirates, he added.
“This proves Thailand’s EV industry development over the past four years,” he said.
Anucha also thanked related parties for boosting the growth of Thailand’s EV industry, adding that the government is ready to launch policies to assist related parties and meet consumer trends.
“The government is ready to hear opinions from all sectors and expand investment to maintain a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation,” he added.
New dept will tackle Thailand’s climate-change challenges more effectively: Varawut
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has said it is setting up a special department to help tackle climate change challenges more effectively.
“The new department’s mission will be to set up policy, strategy and measures to deal with climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the country,” Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said on Thursday.
“The department will also assess climate change risks and propose guidelines in line with international pacts, protocols and agreements.”
He added that the new agency will also cooperate with public and private sectors as well as local and foreign organisations on tackling global warming as well as conducting research on climate change-related technology.
Varawut said the department will also adjust its role and duties in line with the global situation to ensure maximum efficiency.
“Such departments have been established in 26 countries so far,” he said, adding that his ministry was drafting an act on climate change which will feature mandatory regulations, carbon-credit management, financial mechanisms and targets.
He expects the draft to be proposed to the Cabinet at the beginning of 2023.
“Cooperation among all sectors is necessary to help Thailand achieve its [carbon neutrality] goals,” he said.
He added that the new generation should contribute to protecting the environment as their ideas are essential for Thailand’s future.
“Sustainability means all parties need to work together to make it a reality,” he said.
Thailand already has a National Committee on Climate Change Policy that defines climate change and environment-related policies at the national level. The committee, chaired by the PM, works with different ministries, the public and private sectors, academic institutions and climate change experts.
Thailand investigating whether foreigners are using proxies to buy land
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022
The Department of Lands is investigating whether foreigners are using Thai proxies to own residential projects around the country.
The investigation comes after police sought court warrants to search 50 houses in two Bangkok projects they suspect were bought by representatives of Chinese businessman Chainat “Tuhao” Kornchayanan.
Chainat surrendered to a police team investigating Chinese criminal gangs on November 23. He denies being the boss of a triad drugs ring.
The housing projects under investigation are in Soi Lasalle and Charoen Nakhon Road.
Department of Lands deputy director-general Panitavadee Prachnakorn confirmed on Thursday that by law, residential projects in Thailand must be owned legitimately by Thais.
“Anyone who owns residential projects in foreigners’ stead will face punishment in line with the law,” she said.
She said the department will investigate shareholdings and acquisitions of residential projects where proxy ownership is suspected.
Department officials have been instructed to investigate carefully as news of foreigners acquiring land in Thailand has caused unease among the public, she added.
The government recently backtracked on its move to allow foreigners to own residential land after a public outcry.
“Officials have also been asked to publicise that Thais who own land in a foreigner’s stead are breaking the Land Code and Criminal Code by making a false statement,” Panitavadee said.
Meanwhile, penalties for foreigners found using proxies to own land in Thailand include jail, fines, and having the land seized and sold by the department, she said.
Thailand switches off World Cup C-band satellite signal after Fifa warning
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022
Viewers in Thailand are no longer able to watch World Cup matches on C-band satellite television, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) said.
The C-band signal was switched off on Thursday after a warning from Fifa over broadcasting copyright.
As a result, viewers with black-mesh satellite dishes were unable to watch the Costa Rica vs Germany and Japan vs Spain matches on Thursday night.
The ban on C-band match broadcasts will last for the whole tournament, NBTC said.
It came after Fifa warned Thailand that its broadcast rights could be revoked over the leakage of its World Cup signal to other countries in the region. Fifa has issued six warnings to Thailand over the leakage, according to NBTC.
“Thailand will be banned from broadcasting the World Cup if the country does not tackle this issue immediately,” it said. The rights were bought for 1.4 billion baht but could still be revoked, it added.
NBTC said it has asked television operators to set up advanced encryption and suspend any C-band satellite broadcasts of the World Cup.
Viewers in Thailand can still watch live World Cup matches via digital television, the Samart KU-Band satellite system and TrueVisions channels.
Bus company gears up for long weekends, New Year celebrations
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022
Interprovincial bus operator Transport Co Ltd says it is prepared for a large increase in passengers for two long weekends this month as well as the New Year celebrations, and that passengers can now reserve seats on its website.
Transport Co president Sanyalak Panyawatthanalikhit said on Thursday the company had increased the number of buses and minivans on its routes ahead of this and next week’s long weekends.
It has scheduled 2,900 bus and minivan departures from the capital each day of both long weekends, he said, adding that they can accommodate 32,000 passengers per day The company has also scheduled 3,000 daily return trips that can accommodate 33,000 passengers per day, Sanyalak said.
The company is also taking reservations on every route to reduce overcrowding and prevent the spread of Covid-19, Sanyalak said, adding that reservations can be made online or at bus stations.
He said the company would strictly follow Covid-19 prevention measures, and that all buses and drivers would be inspected before departure. To further ensure safety all drivers have been instructed to avoid speeding, he added.
This weekend is a long weekend due to the holiday for Fathers’ Day on Monday. Next weekend is also a long weekend due to Constitution Day on December 10. It falls on a Saturday this year so the following Monday will be a substitute holiday.
Chao Phraya river to light up with spectacular firework displays during new year countdown
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022
To emphasize the role of the country as a “global countdown destination”, Bangkok’s largest shopping mall ICON SIAM is hosting the event “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023” at Icon Siam River Park, with the 1,400-meter length of fireworks being displayed alongside the bank of Chao Phraya river.
The event, scheduled to be held on December 31, under the theme – win the World for Thailand, resulted from a collaboration between Icon Siam, government agencies, and its business partners.
ICON SIAM’s managing director Supoj Chaiwatsirikul said that “The resolution of ICON SIAM is to represent the historical Chao Phraya River to the world as a global countdown destination. We are honored to provide both Thai and foreigners with a special night at the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023 event, taking place on December 31. This year, we have invested more than 100 million baht to create this fantastic celebration as a gift for Thai people and tourists coming to Thailand through this new year festivity.”
Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023 will welcome travelers with the 1,400-meter length of more than 30,000 eco-friendly fireworks amidst the riverside view of the Chao Phraya river at night. The firework displays are separated into 7 shows namely; 1. The Joy of Siam, 2. Enchanting Land, 3. Eternal Prosperity, 4. Heroic Spirit, 5. Sharing Possibilities, 6. Beautiful Harmony, and 7. Win the world for Thailand together.
All firework displays will be broadcast via TV channels as well as online platforms such as ICON SIAM’s Facebook page.
Also, The event offered visitors special line-ups of both Thai and international artists such as Mark Tuan, who is one of the renowned South Korean boy band GOT7’s members.
For photo freaks, ICON SIAM has organized a photography competition for the fireworks show under the theme “Amazing Shot of Happiness”, with cash prizes totaling more than 200,000 Baht.
“I would like to invite everyone to celebrate the new year festival at the beautiful Chao Phraya river. We are ready to provide visitors with a majestic new year celebration” added Supoj at the press conference.
The shopping mall is accessible by all modes of public transportation including cars, buses, passenger boats, and BTS sky train (taking Silom line to Krung Buri Station and then taking the connected golden line to Charoen Nakhon station).
ICON SIAM has been regarded as a landmark in Thailand, and it has held a countdown event for 4 consecutive years.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the number of tourists visiting Thailand next year is expected to reach 18 million people, generating around 970 billion baht in the country’s revenue.
SEC files criminal charges against EARTH chairman, 13 others over alleged stock price manipulation
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2022
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed criminal charges against 14 individuals for allegedly manipulating the share price and futures contracts of Energy Earth Plc (EARTH), which is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
The company’s chairman of the executive board, Khajohnpong Khamdee, is among the 14 charged in an SEC complaint filed with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).
In September 2018, the SEC had imposed a civil sanction on Khajohnpong and 10 other individuals for their alleged involvement in insider trading of EARTH shares.
The 13 others — eight men and five women — who were charged along with the chairman are identified as: Phipat Phihakendr, Phiroon Phihakendr, Phisudhi Phihakendr, Phiboon Phihakendr, Jittkasaem Kunchayangkul, Rungkan Sunyavirat, Supaporn Saikham, Parinda Visutthana, Luckana Jantem, Chidchanok Sri-in, Pachawat Kunchayangkul, Kasaemson Kunchayangkul, and Sompong Bovornkaisri.
The SEC on Thursday accused the 14 of violating the Securities and Exchange Act, the Advance Contract Trading Act, and the Penal Code.
The agency also reported the case to the Anti-Money Laundering Office for further investigation into possible violations.
State agencies now embroiled in World Cup broadcast rights saga
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2022
The controversy following Thailand’s last-minute acquisition of broadcast rights for the Fifa World Cup 2022 has not only triggered a clash between broadcasters but could also lead to a showdown between two state agencies.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) on Tuesday sent a written request to the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) seeking the return of its 600-million baht contribution towards the 1.2-billion-baht fund for the purchase of broadcast rights from football’s world governing body.
The NBTC move came after subscribers to the IPTV cable service were prevented from viewing live broadcasts of World Cup matches from Qatar.
The telecom watchdog, which accused the SAT of failing to follow their agreement on the World Cup 2022 broadcasts, demanded a return of the money within 15 days along with interest in case of delay.
The regulating agency had ruled that IPTV subscribers, like viewers of free television, are also eligible for World Cup live broadcasts under the NBTC’s “must-carry” rule applied to all broadcasters for major sporting events.
In response to the NBTC’s decision, True Corporation, which contributed 300 million baht to the pooled fund, took its case to the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, asking for an injunction on live broadcasts through IPTV’s cable system. The request was granted.
Later, Super Broadband Network Co Ltd (SBN), which is part of the IPTV transmission system, asked the court to review its injunction, arguing that the broadcasters in their group were properly following the law involved and would abide by the NBTC’s relevant decision.
SAT governor Kongsak Yodmanee said on Thursday that his agency had not yet received the letter from the NBTC. He added, however, that the SAT would follow a court verdict in the case filed by SBN.
“The SAT signed a memorandum of understanding with True because the company contributed as much as 300 million baht to buy the World Cup broadcast rights. The SAT had asked private businesses to join in, but True made the highest contribution,” Kongsak argued.
Thai govt reforming revenue generation to repay Covid debt: Finance minister
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022
The government is reforming revenue generation to repay the huge debt it built up with schemes to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 in the past two years, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith revealed on Thursday.
During a special talk organised by Krungthep Turakij and Thansettakij, Arkhom said the government had borrowed more than 1.5 trillion baht to tackle the Covid-19 crisis, causing public debt to increase.
He added that people were also suffering from rising household debt after more than two years of Covid-19 hardship.
“We have to repay debt when we are in debt,” he said.
The government is now reforming its revenue generation to increase its ability to repay the debt, Arkhom added.
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a tax on trading in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).
The plan to tax SET traders has been around for 30 years but successive governments have waived it to support market development.
The move, which was proposed by the Finance Ministry, is expected to generate 10-20 billion baht per year for the government.
Arkhom said debt repayment potential is important for both the government and the people.
“If we borrow more cash, it will cause inflation to rise, and our currency will weaken compared to the US dollar,” he said.
He said the government has also launched debt restructuring measures, such as switching debt from short term to long term, seeking low-interest loans and mitigating volatility in currency exchange.
The government’s revenue reform come as Thailand faces economic challenges including high inflation, falling exports and lower-than-expected tax revenue. The government projects inflation at 6% this year, well above the Bank of Thailand’s 3% target. Exports also dropped 4.4% year-on-year in October while tax revenue in the third quarter fell 5% short of the target.
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