Thailand reveals tourism strategy to beat Covid at World Economic Forum
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023
Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith revealed Thailand’s successful formula for reopening the country to tourists while preventing the spread of Covid-19, at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday.
Arkhom was speaking at the “Travelling Again, Differently” seminar hosted by CNN’s Richard Quest during the annual four-day forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Arkhom told Quest that Thailand had launched the Phuket Sandbox as early as July 2021, to pilot the reopening of borders to international visitors in a controlled area.
The tight restrictions were gradually lifted as the pandemic receded, allowing larger numbers of foreign tourists to enter the country.
Meanwhile, the government supported the tourism sector with subsidies to boost domestic travel, and promoted tourism in secondary provinces to distribute income to small businesses and local communities.
Arkhom also highlighted Thailand’s “5F strategy” of Food, Fashion, Festival, Fighting, and Film. The strategy is designed to lure tourists to other provinces and reduce crowding in major cities. Tourism infrastructure has been prepared in these areas, especially facilities targeted at retiree travellers who have high spending power, he said.
Arkhom mentioned that Thailand is also considering measures to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel to fulfil the country’s environmental goals.
Also joining the session were Clare Akamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board; John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited; and Jeffrey Katz, CEO of Journera, a travel technology platform.
JobsDB: ‘Keep your guard up’ and how to spot job scams
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023
Given the rising number of job scams in recent months, JobsDB Thailand is advising jobseekers to ‘keep their guard up’ and to try spot differences between a job scam and a legitimate job ad.
“Online fraud is a real threat, and, unfortunately, quite a few Thais have fallen victim to these scams,” said Duangporn Promon, Managing Director of Jobs DB Recruitment (Thailand) Limited
“Given the rising costs of living, it’s understandable that more people are looking for opportunities to supplement their income. One of the consequences of the demand for jobs is that there have also been increased opportunities for fraud. “As job recruitment scams grow prevalent on the internet, being able to tell the difference between a genuine position opening, and a scam can mean the difference between losing money and earning money.”
Some tell-tale signs of job scams are as follows:
1. If it is too good to be true, then chances are, it is
High-paying jobs are usually given to people with more experience or higher levels of expertise. If you want to get hired for a high-paying job, there are many legitimate ways to do so. You can gain more experience or even upskill to qualify for jobs outside your level of expertise. Jobseekers should always keep in mind that ‘Nothing in life comes easy’. Your career should not be an exception, as it should be earned and developed naturally through hard work and a willingness to grow.
When it comes to advertisements for overseas positions, candidates should also be cautious and consider.
2. The hirer communicates exclusively through social media
If a supposed hirer reaches out to you through social media, then you should already be sceptical. Most hirers from legitimate companies communicate primarily through email, phone, or messaging apps where their actual identities are shown. Some may message candidates through social media but will eventually move to more formal means of communication as talks advance.
If an alleged headhunter only messages through social media and has no other contact information, then maybe it is time to ignore those message alerts. When in doubt, always search for information about the company online. All companies that operate legally will always have an online presence.
If a hirer is claiming to be affiliated with a certain company, you can check the company’s website or social media and email the company or message one of their representatives to confirm whether the job offer is genuine or not.
3. The company sends you suspicious emails Communicating via email does not automatically make a hirer legitimate. In fact, you can spot a job recruitment scam based on the contents of the email.
Is the message coming from an official company email address? If it is coming from a personal email address or one that is unrelated to the company it claims to represent, then the job ad could be a scam.
You can also tell from how the email is written. If it is not written professionally and filled with grammatical errors, the offer may likely be fake. Always check from whom the email is. If it is from a proper hirer, you must be able to search the person through social media or within the company’s official website.
4. The hirer asks you for your personal details Real job hirers are only interested in the things in your resume: your work and educational background, expertise, and basic personal information. Beyond that, no company will have an actual use for any additional information, such as your bank details or social security number. You should only give this private information once the company employs you.
People asking for more information from you than job hirers typically need might be after something else. Beware of job ads or job offers that require personal details that you are not comfortable sharing.
5. You get instant job offers—with no application needed If someone reaches out to you online with an outright job offer, that is a serious red flag. A typical job offer comes after a thorough job application, which involves submitting a resume and cover letter, a proper screening of candidates by the hirer, and a formal job interview. It is not handed out freely and randomly to anyone with an email address or a social media account.
Some job hiring scammers will claim to have seen your credentials online and have deemed you qualified for the job. Even if this were true, the fact that they did not screen you further suggests that they are not taking their talent search seriously. Hiring an employee is a process that usually takes weeks. In contrast, job scams are usually urgent in nature and require quick action.
6. They ask you for money Job scammers were able to take millions of baht from jobseekers last year. They convinced their victims to shell out money as part of their job, with the promise of getting an even larger amount down the line.
Employers asking for your money are among the biggest red flags when looking at job ads or job offers. If you have to pay to apply for a job, it is likely not real. When you encounter such fraudulent individuals, report them to the proper authorities so they stop victimising more people.
Do not give your credit card information to fake job sites either. However, as a general rule, applying for jobs online should not cost anyone.
Kalapapruek House, the Best Living Upon the Fullest Lifestyle Nearby Bangkok CBD
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023
Choosing where to purchase your dream home is one of the toughest and most grueling decisions you will make in life. And as housing developments and high-rise condominiums are becoming more prevalent in Bangkok, land in the capital is becoming more scarce.
You might feel pressured to choose a house slightly outside of Bangkok as a result, such as housing locations in the surrounding metropolitan areas.
But take a short drive through Kalapapruek road—a hidden gem within the capital’s Thonburi side—and you might just reconsider your options.
Kalapapruek is home to one of the fastest-growing lifestyle developments, with restaurants, malls, hospitals, and schools all located within a few kilometers away. The road is directly connected to Bangkok’s central business district (CBD), and has long been secretly known as one of the prime real estate destinations in Thailand.
So in the pursuit of the best location for your dream house, let’s explore where Kalapapruek actually is, what it’s known for, and where the best housing developments in the area actually are.
Where exactly is Kalapapruek in Bangkok?
Kalapapruek road (officially spelled Thanon Kanlapaphruek), is a six-lane paved road connecting Ratchapruek road and Kanchanaphisek road, stretching around 7.7 kilometers from end to end.
First opened to the public in 2002, the road has rapidly grown to become one of the hottest real estate locations in Bangkok. This is mainly because Kalapapruek also connects three of Bangkok’s districts: Bang Khae, Chom Thong, and Phasi Charoen.
Many Bangkokians have abandoned the dream of getting a brand-new house nearby any BTS or MRT station. Kalapapruek, however, is less than 5 kilometers away from the nearest MRT station, depending on the house’s location.
Kalapapruek was first opened to the public in 2002, and it is now clear to see why it has grown to become one of the hottest real estate areas in the capital.
Buying a House in Kalapapruek: A Complete Lifestyle Hub Near Bangkok’s CBD
Here are some noteworthy nearby destinations & lifestyles that are reachable while living within Kalapapruek road:
Malls & lifestyle:
• The Mall Bang Khae – A popular shopping mall on Phetkasem road, reachable by MRT • The Mall Tha Phra – Also reachable by MRT • Seacon Bang Khae – Also reachable by MRT • Homepro Kanlapaphruek – A home decor and equipment department store • Makro Kanlapaphruek – A wholesale department store for buying in bulk • Lotus Bang Khae – A highly-frequented hypermarket
Schools & higher education:
• Assumption College Thonburi • Assumption College Bang Rak • Bangkok Christian College • Saint Joseph Convent School • Shrewsbury International School • Siam University
Considered one of AP Thai’s most exclusive neighborhoods, THE CITY is just a 10-minute drive away from the Sathorn area, known as Bangkok’s most bustling CBD.
House owners can enjoy spacious views from an all-two-floor housing setup across the entire neighborhood, such that one would no longer expect to find from an area so close to the city.
THE CITY Sathorn-Kallapapruek features four different house types, ranging from 233 to 330 square meters in size, with parking for two to three cars available, depending on the type.
And with only 121 units available throughout the whole neighborhood, along with its close proximity to the locations above, THE CITY is surely not to be overlooked.
Although this neighborhood is generally an option for slightly smaller families, CENTRO is no less convenient by any means. Also featuring four house types, CENTRO’s houses range from 175 to 225 square meters in size.
And with two parking spaces per house, this location is perfect for new or soon-to-be families, or existing families who need a location slightly closer to the city.
With only 173 units available, it has now become one of the most high-in-demand neighborhoods in the entire Kalapapruek area.
Buying a house in Kalapapruek will offer a surreal experience of being nearby Bangkok’s most frequented destinations, while still being surrounded by your own personal space. So when looking to buy a house in or around Bangkok, be sure to include Kalapapruek house in your potential list.
First ‘Terrifying Thai Film Festival’ to haunt Khao Yai on Feb 3-5
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023
Thailand’s first “Terrifying Thai Film Festival” will shatter the serenity of Khao Yai National Park next month. The haunted forest of Dong Phayayen will be the fitting backdrop for a weekend of supernatural thrills and gory goings-on for horror fans, filmmakers and tourists from February 3-5.
Guest of honour will be trailblazing female Laotian director Mattie Do, showcasing her award-winning feature “The Long Walk”. Iconic horror filmmaker Brian Yuzna (“Re-Animator”, “Return of the Living Dead” and “Amphibious 3-D”) will be chatting via video link, while other well-known filmmakers including Paul Spurrier, owner of Bangkok’s excellent Friese-Greene cinema club and creator of “The Forest” and “The Maestro”, will be there in the flesh.
The brainchild of SP Somtow, award-winning author of classic horror novels like “Vampire Junction”, and his sister Premika who created Somtow’s World in Khao Yai as a retreat and performance space for artists of all kinds, the festival asks only one question of its attendees: What Scares You?
“People are scared by many things. It might be the supernatural. It might be a serial killer. It might even be politics, the police, or even their own dark natures. When filmmakers submitted to us, we did not restrict them to any strict ‘genre’ — just to tell compelling stories about the terror of the human condition. So yes, we do have submissions that are like mini-horror films. We have environmental horror, personal horror, and just plain paranoia. All are represented,” said Somtow.
Chat with legend behind ‘Re-Animator’ Participating via zoom will be Yuzna, friends with Somtow for more than 30 years and a seminal figure in the horror movie genre. “We hope to show two of Brian’s movies at the festival: one is “Society”, his very first film and still one of the most disturbing horror films ever made, and “Amphibious” [co-written by Somtow] a giant sea-scorpion monster movie notable for being set in an Indonesian fishing platform,” Somtow said.
Calling All Horror Buffs Horror buffs, filmmakers and movie fans are all invited to Somtow’s World in Pakchong for a weekend of panels, workshops, and special all-night classic horror films curated by the Friese-Greene Club, Bangkok’s private classic movie club. Discuss how to fund your film, how to write a screenplay and other topics with experts. Food and beverages are available around the clock from Pink Le P’tit Café.
The fun starts on Friday with a welcome reception, opening ceremony, and premiere screening. Classic horror movies all night long. Saturday and Sunday: short films, panel discussions, kaffeeklatsches and presentations in the daytime. Saturday: more all-night films. Sunday: judges announce awards, people’s choice award, and final award ceremony and closing.
A festival pass for the entire weekend, including films, panels, workshops, discussion groups and demos, is 2,000 baht, or 900 baht per day. Students can use the promo code STUDENT to get a 50% discount. Organisers say discounts for large student groups are also available upon request. For more info, check out www.terrifyingthai.com. Festival passes are available at www.ticketmelon.com/terrifying.
Mankind’s ability to overcome difficulties captured in Bangkok exhibition
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023
Walk!, an exhibition showcasing photographs of people who lost a limb to accident or illness will be held at the Central Embassy shopping mall in Bangkok from Thursday.
The four-day exhibition is being held in collaboration with the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation, the Prostheses Foundation of HRH the Princess Mother and the Thai fashion house Voravaj Bangkok.
On display will be oversized photographs of amputees in fashionable attire along with a synopsis of their life stories and what they did to overcome the difficulties in life.
“The exhibition wants to send a message to all of those who face similar difficulties, that whatever the circumstances may be, dreams can always be achieved.”
Thai players rewarded with 35 million baht after being crowned Asean kings
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023
THE NATION
Thailand manager Nualphan Lamsam has handed the squad 20 million baht as a reward for successfully defending their Asean title with a 1-0 win over Vietnam on Monday night.
Thailand’s 3-2 win on aggregate was sweet revenge on their arch-rivals Vietnam, who beat them in the Asean Championship final 15 years ago.
Monday also saw the War Elephants cement their status as regional football kings with a record seventh title.
Nualphan said Thailand had to shoulder huge pressure as only seven players were left from the squad of 23 that won the 2020 title.
However, the team’s unity saw them crowned champions for the seventh time in 14 editions, she added.
“I want to thank every club that allowed their players to join the national team despite the competition not being on FIFA’s international match calendar. Every stakeholder must work together if we want to develop the country’s football team.”
She also praised Thai fans for their support after tickets for the final sold out fast.
The title-winning will receive a total reward of about 35 million baht – 20 million from Nualphan, 5 million from Somyot Poompanmoung, president of the Football Association of Thailand, and around 10 million from the Asean Football Federation.
“The players had already won 10 million baht after the group stage and semi-final (5 million baht each) as well as 10 million baht after defeating Vietnam in the final, totalling 20 million baht as reward for their dedication,” Nualphan said.
She added that the team’s next goal was to compete at the World Cup, just as the Thai national women’s football team has done.
Vietnam lost the 2022 AFF Cup Final after a 1-0 loss (2-3 on aggregate) against Thailand on Monday.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023
Thailand’s winning goal, courtesy of Theerathon Bunmathan, was an inevitable outcome after enormous pressure from the Thai side.
Vietnam could not provide an excellent send-off for Park Hang-seo, who ended his five-year tenure after the match.
Park made five changes to his starting line-up after the first leg in My Dình, with Nguyen Thanh Binh, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Phan Van Duc, Nguyen Tuan Anh and Vu Van Thanh replacing Bui Tien Dung, Do Duy Manh, Nguyen Quang Hai, Pham Tuan Hai and Ho Tan Tai.
Other than Tien Dung, who was injured in training, the remaining players were replaced due to a disappointing performance in the 2-2 draw in the first leg.
But the heavy rotation by Park could not hide the fact that Thailand’s advantages were far greater than Vietnam’s. With two away goals in Hanoi and 25,000 home fans screaming in Thammasat Stadium, the Thai side played comfortably, knowing a 0-0 or a 1-1 draw would be enough for the cup.
Albeit playing slow, Thailand kept possession and waited for their chance to attack. Vietnam had no dangerous chances during the first part of the half, instead making a lot of unforced errors in passing.
Theerathon Bunmathan, who many pundits saw as the difference between the two teams in the first leg where he provided two crucial assists, was again the centre of attention.
After some dangerous corners and free-kick attempts, Theerathon proved his class as one of Asia’s top players in the 24th minute. In a rare opportunity, he got near Vietnam’s six-yard box, Theerathon found acres of space and fired a powerful shot past Dang Van Lam and into the net, opening the scoring for Thailand.
Vietnam needed at least two goals to have a chance but could not find harmony in their attack. Replacements Tuan Anh and Viet Anh made stray passes and lost possession multiple times, putting the defence on high alert and cutting Vietnam’s counters short.
In the 36th minute, Park had seen enough of Tuan Anh’s dismal performance and replaced him with Nguyen Quang Hai. He then made two more changes during halftime, subbing off Viet Anh and Van Duc.
The first few minutes of the second half went the way of Vietnam, and the changes seemed to have worked. The Vietnamese got into Thailand’s box far more than they did in the first half and even shouted for a penalty twice, only to have their appeals waived away by the referee.
However, the pressure in Thammasat Stadium got to them again, as misplaced passes and lapses in concentration led to Thailand slowly reclaiming control. A desperate Park subbed Nguyen Van Toan on and even played Nguyen Thanh Chung as a centre-forward in the final minutes, but the Golden Star Warriors still could not a goal.
With a comfortable lead on aggregate, Thailand slowed down even further and protected the 1-0 win to claim the AFF Cup for the seventh time. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the trophy to Theerathon Bunmathan, who also won the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award.
Vietnam’s Nguyen Tien Linh, with six goals to his name, shared the Top Scorer award with Thailand’s Teerasil Dangda.
During his five years as the national team coach, Park Hang-seo won one AFF Cup in 2018 and took Vietnam to the third qualifying round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also took the U23s team to the final of the 2018 AFC U23 Championship and won two SEA Games medals in 2019 and 2022. Although his time in Vietnam ended sadly, the inspiration and success he brought to Vietnam’s football are tremendously appreciated.
Park’s replacement remains unknown at the moment, but his achievement will put a heavy burden on the next coach.
Thailand beat Vietnam 3-2 on aggregate to win their 7th AFF Championship title
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023
THE NATION
Captain Theerathon Bunmathan scored the winner as Thailand beat Vietnam 1-0 on Monday, 3-2 on aggregate to win their 7th AFF Championship title in Pathum Thani on Monday.
Two away goals in the first leg on Friday (13th Jan) gave Thailand a slender advantage after a thrilling 2-2 draw in Hanoi.
Tournament’s all-time top scorer Teerasil Dangda remained on the bench for the second leg due to injury, but a clean sheet performance was enough for the hosts to win the AFF Championship title back to back.
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, will be present for the regional championship after traveling to Thailand to observe the building of FIFA’s new office.
On Monday at Thammasat Stadium, he will watch the second leg of the 2022 AFF Cup final between Thailand and Vietnam and present the trophy to the winner.
Defending champions Thailand will go into the second leg of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup as the favourites after a thrilling 2-2 draw at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on Friday
The match will be also broadcasted on MCOT HD and T Sport 7 channels.
Tidy up to make way for the Rabbit as it hops across for Chinese New Year
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023
With the Year of the Rabbit almost upon us, SCG Ceramics is offering advice on how best to prepare our homes for a year that is full of good fortune.
In Chinese belief, cleaning homes before the Lunar New Year is necessary to welcome prosperity and good health. The Chinese New Year this year falls on Sunday (January 22).
The four main areas in the home that must be cleaned according to Feng Shui beliefs are:
Entrance
This area, including the drive, doors and windows, should be cleared, washed and prettified to draw wealth.
Bathroom
Bathrooms generate “negative energy” and sickness according to Feng Shui, so they should be made spick and span.
Kitchen
The kitchen is considered the heart of a household’s good fortune, and broken utensils are believed to draw bad luck. Hence, all chipped bowls, plates and cups should be thrown away and the area cleaned.
Bedroom
A clean and orderly bedroom is required to strengthen relations between family members. So tidy up!
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