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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015614

Thailand’s aviation industry has seen steady recovery in the first four months of 2022 with domestic flights at almost 100 per cent but international flights at only 20 per cent of pre-Covid levels, the Thai Airlines Association said.

Association president Putthiphong Prasatthong-Osot said international and domestic passenger numbers had been boosted by relaxed travel restrictions and the government’s economic and tourism stimulus campaigns. However, it could take years before the industry recovers to pre-Covid levels, he added.

“We expect airlines to restore more domestic routes and also new routes to tourist destinations in the remaining eight months of the year,” he said. “This is more likely to happen after the Thailand Pass is cancelled.”

Thai airlines this year were likely to focus on short-haul travel to destinations such as Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, South Korea, Japan and Maldives. He expects them to start adding more long-haul flights from 2023.

“Opening of international flights still depends on the Covid-19 situation and screening policy of destination countries, especially in major markets such as China, India, Japan, Europe and the Middle East,” Putthipong said.

The impact of Covid-19 would linger despite travel bans being lifted in many countries and most people being vaccinated, he added.

“It could take years for the airline industry to recover to the same level as before the outbreak.”

Thailand has seen a surge of foreign tourists since May 1, when it scrapped the pre-travel test requirement and lowered mandatory Covid insurance from $50,000 to $10,000.

However, visitors are still required to register via the Thailand Pass system and present proof of vaccination.

Only unvaccinated tourists without a pre-travel test now need to quarantine in a hotel for five days.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015613

Ministry of Public Health reported on Tuesday (May 17) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 3,893 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 3 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 38, while 7,323 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,159,542.
 

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015608

Saudi Arabia agreed to sell fertiliser to Thailand to help ease the shortages caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) chairman Sanan Angubolkol said on Monday.

Sanan is part of a business delegation led by Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai visiting Saudi Arabia to pursue business opportunities.

The TCC chief said Don urged Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih to consider selling fertiliser to Thailand at a meeting in Riyadh on Sunday.

Al-Falih said that though many countries have made similar requests, Saudi Arabia prioritises its ties with Thailand and that he has instructed suppliers to meet the delegation on Tuesday.

He also said that he has instructed 140 Saudi companies to attend the Saudi-Thai Investment Forum on Monday to explore trade and investment opportunities with Thai businesses.

Representatives from some 40 Thai companies also attended the forum.

“It is a good thing that the government has been able to solve the fertiliser problem, and is expanding trading opportunities,” Sanan said.

Thai-Saudi ties were thawed in January after being frozen for more than three decades over the Blue Diamond affair.

Published : May 16, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015607

Economic tsar and former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak listed six points of concern for Thailand while speaking at the “Livelihoods: A key to drive Thailand” event on Sunday.

The event was held by the Right Livelihood Foundation.

Somkid, who was also finance minister in Thaksin Shinawatra’s government, said many things have changed over the past two years and the only way to overcome these problems is to work together.

Of the six points of concern, he said the first and biggest one is the global uncertainty triggered by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Covid-19 crisis.

“Both these factors have had a severe impact on the global economy, including economic slowdown, inflation and a surge in prices. Nobody knows when these crises will end,” he said.

He added that the poor are the worst hit by these negative factors, which in turn have had an impact on society and politics, as evidenced by what is going on in Brazil, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

“Hence, people who are responsible for the country’s management should be careful and think one step ahead,” he said.

The second concern, he said, is the uncertain and hard to control situation in Thailand.

He said in the two years since Covid-19 first emerged in Thailand, the government has spent a lot of cash to take care of people and stimulate the economy.

“If we cannot see a clear solution, we should check how we can use resources effectively, how we can free Thailand from its traps and how businesses can be helped to move forward, especially small businesses that are unable to seek funding,” he said.

He advised the government to spend cash to mitigate the impact on consumers along with boosting their confidence that the economy will expand despite the country’s limited sources.

He also said the government should diversify the management of the country’s finances and work on stimulating the local economy.

For the third concern, he said, the Interior Ministry should change its perspective and management style by working hand in hand with people to eradicate poverty.

“If we don’t eliminate this obstacle, the grassroots economy will not get stronger,” he said.

Thailand’s weakening competitiveness in the industrial sector, especially the electric vehicle industry, is the fourth factor of concern.

“If new industry is not developed fast enough, other countries will gain an advantage,” he warned.

The fifth concern is that Thailand has lost its standing on the global stage, which is making many supply chains diversify to other countries nearby.

“If we don’t pay attention to this issue, many countries will forget Thailand, so we must improve our role,” he said, adding that every Thai should take responsibility for this.

The sixth point of concern, he said, is that the power in Thailand is disintegrating, as misinformation has sparked conflicts.

To tackle this issue, the government has to gain the public’s trust and confidence, he said.

“The government will face difficulties if it doesn’t have these elements,” he said.

Published : May 16, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015606

Tourism in Phuket and Surat Thani’s Samui Island is now bustling after Thailand reopened the country to foreign travellers on May 1, Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Monday.

He said up to 10,000 foreign tourists entered Thailand each day, while Thai entrepreneurs have reskilled their employees to meet with changes in tourists’ behaviour due to the Covid-19 crisis.

“Thailand’s tourism is changing as tourists are entering the country in small groups rather than large groups,” he said.

He said 150,596 tourists had visited Phuket from Friday to Monday (May 13-16). They were expected to generate THB1.82 billion in revenue.

“The province’s occupancy rate during such long holidays was 44.46 per cent,” he said.

He expected the occupancy rate to rise to between 60-80 per cent, especially in famous tourist attractions, such as Patong Beach and Phuket Town.

Thanakorn added that many tourists flocked to Samui Island to participate in the Full Moon Party today, resulting in positive sentiment for tourism-related businesses in Samui and Pha Ngan islands. This famous event will be held again on June 14, he added.

“All this is due to the government’s move to ease travel restrictions during the country’s high season between March and May,” he said.

He added that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has urged police and agencies in tourism provinces to ensure safety of Thai and foreign tourists.

“The premier also asked Thais to maintain a good tourism image to stimulate the economy and generate revenue for Thailand,” he added.

Published : May 16, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015605

E-commerce platform Lazada’s parent company, Alibaba Group, has promised that the Tiktok incident, which hurt Thai sentiments, will not happen again and the company would find ways to resolve this issue.

Alibaba Group said recently that it had told Lazada to investigate this incident to resolve this issue and prevent it from happening again.

Alibaba added that it respects the cultures and traditions of every country. The company also strictly follows the laws, rules, and regulations in each country.

The company said that it always supports underprivileged people. It added that it was determined to support the labour market and generate revenue for the local community. It said it also tries to generate business opportunities for small to medium-sized businesses in the local market.

Lazada has come under fire over a video ad featuring a transgender social-media influencer known as “Nara Crepe Katoey”, and a woman in a wheelchair, raising calls for a ban on Lazada.

The manner in which the disabled woman was treated in the advert led to criticism that it was a mockery of disability. Meanwhile, royalists viewed the portrayal of the wheelchair-bound woman as a veiled reference to a Royal Family member.

Soon after, the #BanLazada hashtag went viral on Thai social media. Many netizens said that they had deleted their Lazada app while some also offered information on how Lazada accounts could be deactivated.

Published : May 16, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015602

An elderly German tourist who went missing on Phuket a week ago has been found safe, according to local reports.

Barbara Lange, 75, was found in Sirinat National Park by a search team on Monday, according to tourist police quoted by Phuket News.

Lange had last been seen seven days ago, caught on security camera as she left her hotel in Mai Khao at 11.25am. The security guard on duty at the time said he tried to talk with her but she did not respond.

Her family informed authorities that she suffers from Alzheimer’s and had wandered out of the hotel once before but was spotted and brought back.

Tourist police and park officials launched a full-scale search on Wednesday after Lange was reported missing.

Yesterday, search efforts intensified as the Royal Thai Navy scoured 25 kilometres of Mai Khao beach and Naiyang Beach by helicopter. Meanwhile national park officials checked reefs and coastal waters over concern Lange had fallen victim to monsoon waves.

However, a search team scouring the park this morning managed to locate her “safe and unharmed” beside a lake.

Published : May 16, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015593

Residents of Bangkok and upper Thailand have been warned of possible flash floods and run-offs due to heavy rain this week. The severe weather will spread South from Tuesday, according to authorities.

“More rain with gusting winds is forecast for the whole country and isolated heavy to very heavy rain is possible in the North, Northeast, Central region including Bangkok, and East,” the Thai Meteorological Department said on Monday.

Moderate southwest monsoon conditions will prevail across Thailand, the Gulf, and the Andaman Sea until Tuesday, the deparment said.

It warned that people caught in heavy rains and strong winds should stay away from big trees and unsecured billboards, while transport modes should take extra caution and farmers prepare for crop damage.

The following areas are at risk of rainstorms on Monday:

North: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet and Tak.

Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani.

Central: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Suphanburi, Lopburi, Saraburi, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Bangkok and its vicinity.

East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaew, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

The following areas are at risk on Tuesday:

North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet and Tak.

Central: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Suphanburi, Singburi, Ang Thong, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Bangkok and its vicinity.

East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaew, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Meanwhile the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DDPM) warns of possible flash floods in Bangkok and other 16 provinces from Tuesday to next Monday (May 17-23).

The other provinces are Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat.

“The water level in rivers is expected to rise due to high sea levels and a strong south-westerly wind in the Gulf of Thailand,” the department said, citing the Royal Thai Navy’s Hydrographic Department.

Local authorities have been told to set up makeshift flood walls in at-risk areas, and prepare disaster-relief teams and equipment.

Updates are available via the Thai Disaster Alert application, while people in need of assistance can contact the @1784DDPM Line account, the “PhonPhai” (Safe) application, or the department hotline at 1784.

Published : May 16, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015592

Public Health Ministry reported on Monday (May 16) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 5,238 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, two of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 40, while 9,168 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,155,649.

Published : May 16, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015590

A TikTok clip that was supposed to be funny and encourage shoppers to buy clothes on Lazada backfired and resulted in many netizens boycotting the shopping platform instead.

The controversy was sparked when a clip created by transgender influencer Aniwat Prathumthin aka Nara Crepe Katoey hit the net to promote Lazada’s 5.5 sale.

Lazada Group was founded in 2012 and fast became a leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, with operations in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.

In fact, it became so popular in Thailand that Alibaba Group bought its operations here and made it the regional flagship for Alibaba Group.

Play-acting

Aniwat, who made a name for herself by campaigning against the lese majeste law, sparked an uproar when she posted the clip on her TikTok page. The clip also featured fellow influencer Thidaporn “Nurat” Chaokuwiang, who plays the part of a disabled woman of noble birth dressed in a traditional costume. The clip shows Nara accusing Thidaporn of stealing her clothes.

However, instead of encouraging people to buy clothes, this so-called campaign drew harsh criticism and calls for people to boycott Lazada immediately.

Boycott campaign

As of May 6, the #BanLazada hashtag in Thai social media had attracted up to 102,000 retweets, with many netizens saying they had deleted their Lazada app. Many netizens also offered information on how Lazada accounts can be deactivated.

Some netizens cried foul because they considered the clip offensive to disabled people, while royalists accused the influencer of making an oblique reference to a Royal by the way Thidaporn was dressed and even her hairstyle.

The furore drew immediate apologies from Intersect Design Factor, the advertising agency that had hired the two influencers, and from Lazada.

The shopping platform issued an apology on the morning of May 6 saying the incident was “an unacceptable mistake and “a result of our oversight”.

“Our brand does not condone the mockery of others including those with disabilities. It is absolutely unacceptable and a breach of Lazada’s value of being respectful and inclusive,” Lazada said in its apology.

Intersect Design Factory also said it had no intention of mocking the disabled or any individual in particular.

However, Aniwat’s refusal to issue a public apology or show regret has only added fuel to fire.

In a television interview, the influencer was heard saying that “anyone has the right to wear a traditional costume”, referring to the attire Thidaporn was dressed in.

She also said that the so-called reference to a Royal was imagined by the netizens.

Further escalation

The issue further escalated when Army chief General Narongpan Jitkaewtha announced on Monday that he has banned members of all military units to stop buying goods from Lazada. He also banned all Lazada delivery trucks and motorbikes from entering Army compounds.

Then on May 10, he announced that the Lazada boycott was aimed at protecting the monarchy.

The Navy and the Royal Thai Air Force followed suit.

The government also joined in, with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha voicing concern about the clip on May 7 and noting that Thais love and respect the monarchy.

The Digital Economy and the Society Ministry also instructed the Police Technology Crime Suppression Division to check if the TikTok clip violated any laws.

Then on May 11, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Anucha Nakasai said the clip may be in violation of Section 22 of the Consumer Protection Act.

This clip and the public sentiment it sparked reverberated so much that the Chinese Embassy stepped in on May 13 to say the ad was “unacceptable”.

In a Facebook post, the embassy said it was aware of the “incident” and “shares the same view that the content in the video is unacceptable”.

However, despite calls for a boycott, it is business as usual for Lazada. So far, only shops of royal projects like Doi Tung, Doi Kham and Chitralada have suspended their sales via the platform. No other leading brands have joined the boycott.

Citing case studies overseas, some marketing experts have said that such debacles only lead to boycotts for a short period and consumers soon forget the issue and return to their old shopping habits.

Published : May 15, 2022

By : THE NATION