THAI NEWS

Phuket gears up for Discover Phuket Pride 2024 to boost tourism

Phuket City Municipality is preparing for Discover Phuket Pride 2024 @ Old Town on June 29 to bolster tourism and promote inclusivity. Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas emphasized the communal effort involving government bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to showcase Phuket as a welcoming community for diverse sexualities. The event will feature a vibrant parade, concerts, and awareness campaigns to foster LGBTQ+ acceptance and contribute to the local economy. With over 300 participants and various activities planned, the festival aims to cement Phuket’s status as an inclusive and welcoming destination for all travelers.

Japanese tourist’s 6,000 baht tuk tuk ripoff shocker in Bangkok

A Japanese tourist shared a shocking experience on social media about being charged an exorbitant 6,000 baht (US$162) by a Bangkok tuk-tuk driver for a trip that should have cost around 32 baht on the BTS Skytrain. The tourist, traveling with three others, sought a traditional Bangkok experience but was severely overcharged for the journey from Asoke to Sala Daeng. Despite frequent business trips to Thailand, the tourist fell victim to this common scam, highlighting ongoing issues with overcharging by taxi and tuk-tuk drivers. The incident has sparked criticism about the negative impact of such practices on Thailand’s tourism industry, with recent similar cases reinforcing concerns over the lack of effective measures to address this problem.

Thailand’s transgender rights echoed by Pheu Thai Party

Efforts to champion transgender rights in Thailand are gaining momentum, with Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra endorsing legal recognition for transgender individuals. This aligns with Thailand’s bid to host World Pride by 2030. At a recent event, Paetongtarn announced the Pride Month schedule and highlighted the party's dedication to LGBTQ+ rights, despite opposition to a gender recognition bill. The party also facilitated the passage of a marriage equality law in the House, aiming for Senate approval. Additionally, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau plans to bid for World Pride 2030, while Siam Piwat Group launched the "Celebration: Right to Love" campaign, supporting same-sex marriage legislation.

Thailand introduces 10-year EEC visa to attract global talent

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a 10-year EEC visa to attract top professionals and experts to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This visa, announced by deputy spokeswoman Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri, allows a five-year stay with extensions and multiple entries, targeting specialists, executives, professionals, and their families. To further entice talent, the government offers a personal income tax incentive capped at 17% for EEC residents, significantly lower than the national rate. This initiative aims to boost Thailand’s industrial competitiveness. Concurrently, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has tasked the Agriculture Ministry with upgrading agricultural infrastructure to transform Thailand into a leading agricultural hub, with plans to be implemented by June. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding has been ratified to enhance agricultural collaboration with Saudi Arabia.

Durian scam: Street vendor gets seven years for scale trickery

A woman in Chumphon province was caught using a rigged scale at her durian stall, leading to severe consequences. A customer, suspicious after finding a weight discrepancy in their purchase, reported the fraud to the Department of Internal Trade. Undercover officers found the vendor using a modified digital scale that obscured the actual weight and unit price, misleading buyers. The vendor violated the Weights and Measures Act and faces up to seven years in prison and a 280,000 baht fine under fraud charges. Meanwhile, a 22-year-old bikini-clad durian vendor in Kamphaeng Phet has sparked social media controversy, and a durian stall confrontation in Samut Prakan led to an arrest after a man threatened violence with a gun.

Phuket Airport: Swedish-Russian man nabbed for extortion

At Phuket International Airport, immigration officers apprehended Oleksandr, a 25-year-old Swedish-Russian man, as he attempted to flee to Kuala Lumpur. The arrest followed a robbery and extortion incident involving a young Russian woman, Diera, who had met Oleksandr to exchange cryptocurrency. Along with an accomplice, Oleksandr assaulted Diera, forced her to transfer funds, and stole a total of 104,546 baht before releasing her. Diera reported the crime, leading to Oleksandr's arrest at the airport, while the accomplice remains at large. In related news, five Chinese businessmen were extorted by a group of Thais, including law enforcement officers, in Bangkok.

Foreigners detained for illegal daycare services on Koh Pha Ngan

Police in Surat Thani detained several foreigners on Koh Pha Ngan for illegally operating a daycare and a wakeboarding service center. A 26-year-old Russian woman and an 18-year-old Myanmar woman were apprehended for running the daycare, admitting they worked under a Belarusian employer, who is now being sought by authorities. Additionally, police raided Back & Forth Wake Park, arresting a Russian man for operating without proper permits and employing a Ukrainian and a Moldovan man. All four foreigners were charged with illegal employment, with the Myanmar woman facing an additional charge for not reporting her employment. The investigation continues to locate the Belarusian woman involved.

Bangkok beats the heat: A top summer destination

Bangkok ranks 7th among the world’s top 10 summer destinations, as per the Mastercard Economics Institute's "Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries" report. The city is experiencing a significant surge in tourist demand, with visitor numbers just 7% below pre-pandemic levels. Chinese and Malaysian tourists are driving this resurgence, with regional flight traffic up nearly 20% from 2019. Munich tops the list, followed by Tokyo, Triana, Nice, and Cancun. APAC destinations are increasingly popular, with Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Perth being top picks for Singaporeans. Economic factors and spending power are crucial in travel decisions, influencing businesses to adapt. Tourists are extending stays in APAC by an average of 1.2 days, favoring experiences over material goods. The MEI predicts continued growth in travel, with a focus on unforgettable experiences.

Bangkok’s electrifying plan to bury cables sparks into life

Bangkok's Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) announced an ambitious plan to bury 1,454 kilometers of electrical cables underground over the next decade, a move spearheaded by newly elected Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Since taking office, Sittipunt has energized the initiative to clear the city's skyline of unsightly cables, starting with Asok Montri Road. The project, which began in 1984, aims to replace and bury outdated cables, with 91 kilometers already completed and a target of 236.1 kilometers by 2027. MEA Governor Wilas Chaloeysat emphasized the project's goals of improving electricity distribution and implementing smart technology for efficient infrastructure management. The plan includes increasing smart meters from 33,265 to 441,400 by 2027, aiming for a more convenient and sustainable future for Bangkok residents.

THAI EVENTS

THE ‘PRIDE NATION SAMUI INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

• 24-29 JUNE 2024

• Pru Chaweng Public Park, Samui Island, Surattani

The "Let’s Join PRIDEradise" event aims to transform Samui Island into a PRIDEradise island, with Pride Week scheduled for June 24-28. Activities include creative seminars, welcoming LGBTQIAN+ tourists, workshops, and marriage certificate registration. The event features vibrant parties, trendy photo spots, art installations, and activities at various hotels and landmarks. The main celebration will occur on June 29 at Chaweng Walking Street, involving government partners, private sectors, locals, LGBTQIAN+ icons, artists, and influencers. The festival finale, a music celebration, will feature popular Thai artists and international DJs. More information is available at www.pridenationsamuifestival.com.

THAILAND UNFILTERED

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi, Thailand, is a stunning destination known for its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. Home to the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai, the Erawan National Park with its beautiful waterfalls, and the serene Death Railway, Kanchanaburi offers a unique blend of historical significance and scenic landscapes. Whether exploring ancient temples, trekking through lush forests, or relaxing by the riverside, Kanchanaburi has something for everyone.

Discover this captivating province's hidden gems and vibrant culture in our next newsletter.