Thai central bank reports strong signs of recovery in 3 regions

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Thai central bank reports strong signs of recovery in 3 regions

Thai central bank reports strong signs of recovery in 3 regions

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has reported strong signs of economic recovery in September, crediting a tourism revival and subsidies to stimulate spending.

Reports from BOT offices in three regions showed the economy is rebounding fast from Covid-19, government spokeswoman Tipanan Sirichana said on Monday.

The northern office reported that a rebound in the tourism sector had boosted purchasing power and employment, mainly thanks to events such as King’s Cup football in Chiang Mai and the advent of the high season.

The report added that subsidies offered by the government had also shored up consumers’ confidence, prompting them to spend more.

The BOT’s northeastern office reported a rise in consumer spending driven by the subsidies, which had aided economic recovery. Employment rates also improved as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism got back on track.

The Thailand Moto Grand Prix in Buri Ram on October 2 also boosted the local economy thanks to spending from domestic and foreign spectators, the report said. However, it added that the Northeast was now facing a labour shortage after workers returned to jobs in Bangkok.

The BOT’s office in the South reported that tourism continued to grow in September, adding momentum to economic recovery via government spending subsidies.

Foreign tourist continued to return in high numbers while more events were held. The high season had also boosted tourism employment in the region.

The report said government travel and accommodation subsidies had prompted an influx of visitors to tourism provinces in the South, also helping to boost economies of nearby provinces.

The government’s “We Travel Together” tourism subsidy pays 40 per cent of accommodation costs and 600 baht per night for food while its Khon La Kruen co-payment scheme offers 150 baht off daily shopping bills. Both have proved popular among Thais seeking relief from financial burdens triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thai private sector targets Apec summit with 5-pronged strategy

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40021329

Thai private sector targets Apec summit with 5-pronged strategy

Thai private sector targets Apec summit with 5-pronged strategy

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

Thailand’s business leaders said on Monday they will table five issues to boost the Thai economy at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Bangkok next month.

Federation of Thai Industries chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul said his Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac) will tap opportunities at the summit, especially for Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The five issues Abac will put to world leaders are regional economic integration; digital infrastructure; sustainable practices of micro-entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); sustainability; and finance and economics.

Abac submitted feedback from the Thai private sector to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha earlier this month, with a focus on handling inflation, food and energy insecurity, climate change and regional economic integration.

Kriengsak said the private sector urged support for MSMEs and digital infrastructure to boost economic recovery and growth.

Meanwhile, Thai Chamber of Commerce chairman Sanan Angubolkul said the summit was Thailand’s big opportunity to connect with the global economy.

The summit would also attract foreign investment, boost tourism and stimulate trade and exports.

“Foreign businesspeople attending the meeting will help generate revenue for Thailand’s economy, aiding recovery,” he said.

The meeting will discuss other issues related to people’s lives, such as public health, the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model, and global warming, resulting in benefits to the government, private and public sectors, he added.

Sanan pinpointed an urgent need to boost Thailand’s competitiveness by applying digital infrastructure to enhance SMEs’ potential and access to funds.

He added that the creative and knowledgeable new generation would accelerate Thailand’s competitiveness.

He also expected an influx of long-term foreign residents following an easing of visa rules.

“Hence, Thailand should improve investment privileges, tax incentives and rules related to the property sector to facilitate foreign investors,” he said.

“Apart from generating revenue for Thailand, this will also help promote technology exchange and employment.”

He added that Thailand should tap 5G technology and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to attract more foreign investment.

Flood victims welcome Prayut in Singburi, Thaksin’s daughter in Ubon Ratchathani

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40021338

Flood victims welcome Prayut in Singburi, Thaksin’s daughter in Ubon Ratchathani

Flood victims welcome Prayut in Singburi, Thaksin’s daughter in Ubon Ratchathani

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

Though Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha received a warm welcome when he visited Singburi, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter was met with effusive cheers in the Northeast province of Ubon Ratchathani.

The leaders of the two opposite sides of government were meeting flood victims in their strongholds on Monday.

Prayut flew to Singburi in a helicopter with Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda, Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin and Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakhamanusorn.

Landing at the provincial stadium in Muang district, Prayut was welcomed by Palang Pracharath Party MP Chotwut Thanakhamanusorn and several locals, some of whom held up placards reading “Uncle Tu fighting” and “We Love Uncle Tu”. The premier’s nickname is Tu.Flood victims welcome Prayut in Singburi, Thaksin’s daughter in Ubon Ratchathani

After receiving a briefing on the situation from Chotwut, Prayut’s entourage then travelled by car to Moo 3 village in Muang’s Bang Krabu sub-district, where they took boats to visit flooded areas near the banks of the Chao Phraya. The river broke its banks and submerged the area for more than a month now.

Before boarding the boat, Prayut met villagers and told them he had come to give them moral support. He even hugged and agreed to pose for selfies with them.

Upon arriving in the inundated area, the premier said he had come to see what can be done to ease the situation and on his way back he told the locals that he had instructed officials to deploy water pumps to drain the floods. He promised that the floods should be cleared in a few days.Flood victims welcome Prayut in Singburi, Thaksin’s daughter in Ubon Ratchathani

Prayut then checked out flooding in the Tha Chang district’s Wat Phikulthong area before flying back to Bangkok.

Northeast visit

Meanwhile, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who oversees the Pheu Thai Family Project, headed to Ubon Ratchathani in the Northeast on Monday. She was accompanied by Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew and several core party members including secretary-general Prasert Chanruangthong and spokesperson Theerarat Samretwanich.

Flood victims welcome Prayut in Singburi, Thaksin’s daughter in Ubon RatchathaniHer entourage was met at Ubon Ratchathani airport by hundreds of supporters dressed in red, many of whom handed her red roses and tied pha khao ma cloth to her waist.

The group also shouted slogans like “Pheu Thai Family Fighting, Ung Ing fighting”, referring to Paetongtarn by her nickname.

Flood victims welcome Prayut in Singburi, Thaksin’s daughter in Ubon RatchathaniThe group first headed to the mitigation centre in Ubon Ratchathani’s Muang district to check on the progress made in registering complaints and helping flood victims.

Ubon Ratchathani has been hit hard by massive runoffs from upstream provinces bombarded by heavy downpours.

Paetongtarn’s entourage then visited the flood shelter in Warin Chamrap district where some 1,000 villagers are being housed after they were evacuated from Bung Mai sub-district.

The villagers, who have been there for two months now, were delighted to see the politicians and greeted them with offerings of the traditional pha khao ma loincloths.

Flood victims welcome Prayut in Singburi, Thaksin’s daughter in Ubon RatchathaniPaetongtarn and the Pheu Thai leaders also stopped at a tent to speak to an 82-year-old woman, who said she wanted to go home.

People at the centre said the floods this year were worse than in 2019, but they had received little help from the government or the private sector. The villagers were also very understanding when the party told them they could not offer support because it would break Election Commission (EC) regulations.

Flood victims welcome Prayut in Singburi, Thaksin’s daughter in Ubon RatchathaniSpeaking to reporters later, Paetongtarn said she and her party members were very sad they could not offer even basic necessities due to the election rules.

The EC has set May 7 as a tentative election date and declared that any handouts given to potential voters within 180 days of the poll will be seen as vote-buying.

Cholnan said that with the opposition’s hands tied, the government should accelerate help provided to flood victims.

Bookings open for sale of BMW cars that will be used at Apec Summit

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Bookings open for sale of BMW cars that will be used at Apec Summit

Bookings open for sale of BMW cars that will be used at Apec Summit

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

Want to own a BMW car used to drive around an Apec delegate? Here’s your chance.

Millennium Auto Group (MAG) is accepting bookings for BMW cars that will be used to transport delegates attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings in Bangkok from November 14-19.

The company is deploying several cars for the event, including 30 electric sedan BMW i7 (first edition), 12 BMW X7 xDrive40d M Sport, and 30 BMW 330 Li M Sport. It also has offered 100 BMW 530e M Sport for officials involved in making preparations for the summit since the start of this year.

Bookings open for sale of BMW cars that will be used at Apec Summit

“The BMW 530e M Sport will be sold at a special price of 3.45 million baht, bundled with free return business class tickets for two to Japan, valued at 150,000 baht, under a promotional campaign with Thai Airways International,” said Sompraj Bosuwan, MAG’s assistant managing director for sales and marketing.

Other cars are priced as follows:

BMW 330 Li M, 2.69 million baht

BMW 745 Le M Sport, 5.35 million baht

BMW X7 xDrive40d M Sport, 6.05 million baht

The price of the BMW i7 has yet to be revealed.

All cars will be sold as used, unregistered vehicles when the summit is over. They will come bundled with BMW Service Inclusive package of up to five years and a petrol coupon valued at 20,000 baht. Those who trade in their cars will also receive a set of GoPro 10 camera.

Thailand hopes Bangkok Apec Summit could serve as venue to resolve international conflicts

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40021334

Thailand hopes Bangkok Apec Summit could serve as venue to resolve international conflicts

Thailand hopes Bangkok Apec Summit could serve as venue to resolve international conflicts

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

Thailand has expressed hope that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit it is hosting in Bangkok next month will become a venue where superpowers can hold talks to try to settle international conflicts, the Thai Foreign Ministry has said.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat said the world is now facing tensions and conflicts in several areas and the 21 Apec members included several superpowers.

“So the Apec venue can play a very significant role like what Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai has said. Don has said the Apec Summit will provide a crucial opportunity for world leaders to talk and seek a chance to resolve tensions in several regions of the world,” Tanee said.

While the Foreign Ministry expressed the hope, it appears that leaders of the two superpowers involved in the Ukraine conflict — Russia and the US — would not have a bilateral meeting in Bangkok.

US President Joe Biden will not attend the summit on November 18-19 but will instead send Vice President Kamala Harris, US media reports have said.

Don himself said last week that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not confirmed whether he would attend the summit in Bangkok.

Thailand hopes Bangkok Apec Summit could serve as venue to resolve international conflictsTanee said host Thailand would present “measures for sustainability” of economic development during this year’s annual Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

He said the global economy was impacted by climate change that had caused the sea level to rise and had also affected Apec’s economic members, so Thailand would present measures to deal with environmental issues for sustainable economies.

Tanee said since the summit next week would come after the end of the Covid pandemic, it would be held under the theme “Open. Connect. Balance” to connect investments and travel among members of Apec after the pandemic to make it convenient and safe for travellers among them.

The host will also present a sustainable goal under the theme of “Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy”, Tanee said.

He said Thailand would present Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) developments for sustainable economic development to the 21 members of Apec under “Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy”.

During the summit, member economies would also discuss issues related to supply chain and food security that are challenging the world and they would also discuss energy security by exploring alternative and clean energy, Tanee said.

The spokesman said Don last week had chaired a meeting of the Apec preparation committee and the panel had summarised its work that would be reported to the national committee, headed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, which is in charge of organising Apec.

The report would be presented to Prayut’s committee on October 31, Tanee added.

He said Don has set up a war room to monitor preparations that include security measures, health and Covid preventive measures and ceremonies during the summit.

Apart from the leaders of 21 Apec members, and special invitees, over 2,000 foreign journalists would also attend the summit at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The Foreign Ministry would use the chance to promote Thai culture, the spokesman added.

Bangkok police swoop in on 8 modified supercars, owners fined for illegal racing

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Bangkok police swoop in on 8 modified supercars, owners fined for illegal racing

Bangkok police swoop in on 8 modified supercars, owners fined for illegal racing

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

Police officers lying in wait for traffic offenders ambushed eight luxury cars on Bangkok’s Sirat Expressway and slapped them with speeding tickets on Sunday night.

Pracha Chuen police officers had set up two checkpoints at the entrance of the expressway to look for violators on Sunday evening after receiving complaints about parts of the highway being used for illegal racing.

Of the 15 vehicles checked, the owners of eight were found guilty of violating several traffic laws, including illegal engine modification, driving without a licence and using unregistered vehicles.

Bangkok police swoop in on 8 modified supercars, owners fined for illegal racing

All eight cars had been modified for higher speed and producing noise exceeding the legal limit, said Pol Maj-General Atthaphol Anusit, chief of Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Division 2.

Bangkok police swoop in on 8 modified supercars, owners fined for illegal racing

The owners have been slapped with fines and ordered to fix their vehicles within 30 days. The cars have also been banned from public roads during the period.

Police have promised to keep an eye out for street racers who disturb nearby communities and pose a danger to other motorists.

Bangkok police swoop in on 8 modified supercars, owners fined for illegal racing
Bangkok police swoop in on 8 modified supercars, owners fined for illegal racing

Thailand risks ‘spike in depression’ amid lack of psychiatrists

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Thailand risks 'spike in depression' amid lack of psychiatrists

Thailand risks ‘spike in depression’ amid lack of psychiatrists

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

A severe shortage of mental health professionals in Thailand is leaving many millions suffering from depression and other psychological disorders.

The latest indicator of this was the October 6 shooting in Nong Bua Lamphu province, where a mentally disabled former cop massacred 36 people, including many very young children.

“Without more mental health professionals added to our public health system, Thailand is at risk of seeing more psychiatric patients being left untreated, as well as a spike in people suffering from depression,” the Department of Mental Health warned on Monday. “The economic disparity in different regions of Thailand is also an obstacle in distributing health professionals to cover all areas.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), at least 1.5 million people in Thailand suffer from depression, which can contribute to suicide. Stress-related to the Covid-19 pandemic has also pushed the numbers up, records show.

However, as of July 2022, Thailand had only registered 845 psychiatrists and 1,037 psychologists, which works out to 1.28 psychiatrists and 1.57 psychologists for every 100,000 people.

This is significantly lower than the world’s average of 10.15 mental health professionals for every 100,000 people.

Thailand is not alone in facing these problems. Other countries in Southeast Asia also suffer a severe lack of mental health professionals.

For instance, Malaysia has 1.21 psychiatrists and 0.56 psychologists for every 100,000 people, while the ratio in the Philippines is even lower at 0.22 psychiatrists and 0.08 psychologists per 100,000 people.

The only exception is Singapore, which has the highest ratio at 4.7 mental health professionals per 100,000 people, which the department puts down to a higher per capita income.

According to WHO’s 2022 World Mental Health Report, an eighth of the world population is living with mental health problems and at least one in 100 deaths is suicide. The most worrying trend is that eight out of 100 people who kill themselves are in the 15-29 age range.

To combat this, WHO is urging countries to boost their spending on this sector, so mental health problems do not become a more widespread problem.

Bangkok hospitals report surge in medical tourists as Covid recedes

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Bangkok hospitals report surge in medical tourists as Covid recedes

Bangkok hospitals report surge in medical tourists as Covid recedes

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

Three private hospitals in Bangkok have reported a surge of foreign patients since Thailand lifted Covid-19 travel controls in June.

Panacee Hospital director Dr Perapat Tangjai said the performance of Thai private hospitals has dramatically improved in the fourth quarter as foreigners return to the country for treatment.

The uptick is being driven by patients from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam who have high purchasing power and are seeking the advanced medical technologies that Thailand has to offer, he said.

Perapat also expects the number of Chinese medical tourists to increase once China reopens.

“Foreign tourists are also arriving for alternative hospital treatments such as traditional herbal remedies and natural therapy,” he said.

He predicted fourth-quarter revenue of private Thai hospitals will double in the fourth quarter from the same period last year.

Elsewhere, Vimut Hospital has expanded its alternative medicine and physical check-up programmes, conducted staff training, and recruited interpreters to handle the increasing numbers of foreign patients, director Dr Santi Ueanoraset said.

The interpreter team is fluent in English Chinese and other languages, while a coordinating team is on hand to help foreign patients with visas, documentation and insurance, he added. The hospital has also been drawing more customers from other provinces as the Covid-19 crisis recedes, he said

Bangkok hospitals report surge in medical tourists as Covid recedes

Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG) CEO Dr Tanatip Suppradit said medical travellers had led the return of tourists to Thailand after the country reopened in June.

He expects the number of medical tourists to rise further in the fourth quarter, adding that THG would especially benefit from Australian and Arab visitors seeking treatment.

Rescuers pluck 148 furry flood victims to safety in central Thailand

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Rescuers pluck 148 furry flood victims to safety in central Thailand

Rescuers pluck 148 furry flood victims to safety in central Thailand

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

Around 150 dogs and cats at Ban Hong Meow animal shelter in Angthong’s Muang district had to be evacuated to safety after being hit by floods on Sunday.

The urgent rescue mission was overseen by Department of Livestock Development officials as floodwaters rose, said Agriculture Ministry deputy permanent secretary Somchuan Ratanamungklanon.

“The department provided animal food, cages, trucks and physical check-ups for 50 dogs and 98 cats,” he said.

Weeks of flooding have wreaked havoc in the province just north of Ayutthaya as the swollen Chao Phraya River overflows into Thailand’s Central Region.

Sunday’s mission was a complicated affair as several agencies coordinated to ferry 148 animals by boat to safety.

Rescuers pluck 148 furry flood victims to safety in central Thailand

Somchuan thanked Poh Teck Tung Foundation, Angthong Rescue Association and The Sun Rescue team for providing boats to rescue the cats and dogs.

He added that all the animals were evacuated to Ang Thong Nong Chet Sen Sawan Park.

Rescuers pluck 148 furry flood victims to safety in central Thailand

Flooding has now hit 431,367 households in 30 provinces across Thailand, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Thanathorn attacked in Bangkok by man yelling ‘I have a bomb’

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Thanathorn attacked in Bangkok by man yelling ‘I have a bomb’

Thanathorn attacked in Bangkok by man yelling ‘I have a bomb’

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit was attacked on Sunday as he met fans at a book fair being held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok.

The attacker was identified as Khanesphitsanuthep Jakkraphopmahadecha, also known on social media as “K-100 million”, a businessman of Indian descent. The same man was arrested by police in February 2019 after releasing cobras in front of Bangkok’s CentralWorld and cutting himself with a knife in a bizarre ritual act. He has also changed his first and last names several times.

Thanathorn told reporters that he was talking to supporters and signing autographs when the man approached from behind and grabbed him by the neck while yelling, “I have a bomb” repeatedly. This triggered panic among visitors who were browsing stalls at “Book Expo Thailand 2022” in Halls 5-6 of the downtown convention centre.

“Luckily, security guards and witnesses helped me and pinned the man to the ground without anyone else being injured,” said Thanathorn, the former leader of the dissolved Future Forward Party.

No explosives were found in Khanesphitsanuthep’s backpack, which he had thrown to the ground before attacking Thanathorn.

Khanesphitsanuthep was escorted out of the building by the police, who will reportedly charge him with assault and circulating false information that caused public panic.

Thanathorn attacked in Bangkok by man yelling ‘I have a bomb’

Thanathorn, who suffered bruises to his neck in the attack, told The Reporters news outlet that he was worried about violence being used as a political weapon in Thai society.

“We should never resort to using violence against those who have different political views than us,” he said. “I want all parties to keep an open mind and solve their differences via peaceful debate using reason instead.”

Using violent means to solve disputes only results in a never-ending cycle of violence, he said.

“Political differences should be dealt with via a mechanism that promotes peace, as well as an efficient justice system,” Thanathorn added.

Thanathorn attacked in Bangkok by man yelling ‘I have a bomb’