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- Foreigners Face New Hurdles in Opening Thai Bank Accounts
Picture courtesy: Royal Vacation
Foreign nationals in Thailand are encountering increased difficulties when trying to open bank accounts, following a new crackdown aimed at combating financial crime. This development is part of a broader initiative by the Thai government, led by the Bank of Thailand, targeting mule accounts linked to fraud and money laundering activities.
Starting February 17, even foreigners applying for bank accounts required for visas, such as the Destination Thailand Visa or the non-immigrant "O" retirement permit, face potential challenges. Popular agencies in places like Jomtien have announced they can no longer assist foreigners in opening accounts until the situation stabilises.
The Thai authorities have been vigorous in their campaign, freezing approximately 1.8 million accounts and arresting 2,500 individuals over the past year. Attention is now directed towards telecommunication companies, digital platform operators, and consumers suspected of facilitating financial crimes.
This crackdown aligns with the Thai government’s efforts to dismantle scam call centres, particularly those operating from Myanmar and Cambodia. Measures, such as cutting off electricity to certain regions, have had limited impact.
There’s also an ongoing initiative to ensure that Thai mobile banking accounts are registered under the actual SIM card owner's name, which has caused complications for some, including foreigners using bank accounts in their spouse’s name or linked to corporate accounts, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail.
Currently, there's no official ban on opening new accounts, but banks are exercising caution. Many are rejecting applicants citing ambiguous intentions, affecting tourists and others holding short-term visas. Banks are also empowered to suspend existing accounts suspected of being involved in money laundering or other illicit activities.
While necessary for addressing financial crime, this sweep has inadvertently complicated matters for legitimate foreign account holders. Observers argue for a more precise strategy targeting criminals without widespread account freezes, which are creating more problems than solutions.
Until banks and authorities clarify requirements and streamline processes, foreign nationals and businesses are advised to prepare for possible banking disruptions during this challenging period. Patience and resilience will be key as regulations evolve in Thailand's dynamic financial landscape.
-- 2025-02-17
16 February 16 20251351977 - Taiwan Labels Thailand as High-Risk Travel Destination
CNA, MOI photo courtesy by: Taiwan News
In a decisive move, Taiwan has designated Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos as high-risk travel destinations due to their connections with burgeoning fraud rings. Announced by Taiwan's Ministry of Interior on Friday, this development highlights growing concerns over regional crime syndicates specifically targeting international visitors.
Travellers flying to these countries will now see explicit warnings printed on their airline tickets. Additionally, they are urged to download a dedicated travel safety app developed by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance their security awareness while abroad.
This heightened caution comes on the heels of various incidents in recent years where Taiwanese citizens were lured into working in fraud rings, particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar.
The release earlier this week of 260 foreign nationals from a scam centre in Myanmar, including seven Taiwanese, has underscored the gravity of these operations. The freed individuals are currently undergoing interviews with Thai police and are expected to be repatriated soon.
To mitigate these risks, Taiwan's National Immigration Agency and the Aviation Police Bureau will intensify their efforts to prevent Taiwanese citizens from inadvertently becoming entangled in these fraudulent networks. Airlines are asked to participate by incorporating safety warnings onto electronic tickets.
The travel safety app, available since 2022, offers vital guidance to tourists about potential threats and established safety protocols. It aims to equip Taiwanese travellers with the knowledge needed to navigate these high-risk areas wisely.
This proactive stance by Taiwan underscores the importance of international cooperation and vigilance in counteracting fraud and ensuring the safety of global tourists. As Taiwan continues to safeguard its citizens, these measures illustrate the ongoing commitment to confronting the risks posed by such international crime syndicates, reported Taiwan News.
-- 2025-02-17
16 February 16 20251351984 - Thai MP Calls for Visa Policy Review to Tackle Scam Gangs
Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV
People's Party MP, Rangsiman Rome, has urged the Thai government to reassess its visa-free entry policy to combat the rise of scam gangs allegedly operating across the Thai-Myanmar border. During a trip to the border town of Mae Sot in Tak province, Rome shared his concerns over the current border security measures' efficacy in preventing illegal activities.
As the Chair of the House Committee on Security, Border Affairs, National Strategies, and National Reform, Rome met with the Rajamanu Task Force to discuss cross-border crime and call centre scams. The filter system in place has been deemed insufficient to deter foreign nationals either joining or being trapped into scam operations based in Myawaddy township.
Rome pinpointed the need for heightened scrutiny over the visa-free entry system, as current measures cannot fully block foreigners intent on crossing over illegally. He emphasised the necessity for more extensive investigative strategies, possibly requiring individuals to obtain specific permission for entry into border areas.
Though the Thai authorities have initiated strict measures since February 5, cutting off electricity, internet, and fuel to nearby Myanmar border towns like Myawaddy, these efforts may not suffice. Officials have imposed checkpoints at airports and border roads, yet natural crossing channels at night remain a viable escape route for those determined to breach borders.
Rome also stressed the importance of international cooperation, mentioning a need for stronger actions against the Karen Border Guard Force leader, Saw Chit Thu. Despite the release of scam workers from complexes like Shwe Kokko and KK Park in Myawaddy, a substantial number remain trapped within these crime networks, potentially numbering in the tens of thousands.
To sustain the pressure, Thai authorities are also looking into the prevention of critical supplies, such as solar panels and satellite internet services, from reaching the scam gangs. Collaboration across various agencies is underway to disrupt these illegal operations effectively.
This ongoing issue underscores the significance of a robust and coordinated approach between Thai and Myanmar authorities while adapting existing entry policies to incorporate tighter security measures. As Thailand balances its thriving tourism sector with national security responsibilities, ensuring legal and safe entry becomes more crucial than ever, reported Thai Newsroom.
-- 2025-02-17
16 February 16 20251351975 - Thailand Ranked 106th in English Proficiency Out of 116 Countries
Picture courtesy of KhaoSod
Thailand's struggle with English proficiency has been highlighted in a global ranking, placing the nation 106th out of 116 countries, according to the EF English Proficiency Index released recently. This result underscores a significant challenge, positioning Thailand in the "very low proficiency" category.
The survey, conducted by EF Education First, a leading name in English language education, assesses proficiency levels worldwide. Thailand's score of 415 points highlights its positioning as 21st in Asia and 7th among ASEAN countries, lagging behind neighbours like Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Globally, the top rankings were claimed by the Netherlands (636 points), with Norway (610 points) and Singapore (609 points) closely following. This stark contrast emphasizes the formidable language barriers Thailand faces in comparison to these nations.
This ranking has prompted reflection within Thailand’s educational sphere. The Ministry of Education has previously explored efforts to modernise its basic educational curriculum, which has remained unchanged since 2008. The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) spearheaded this initiative last year, proposing a revision of the curriculum to include more contemporary, technology-centred subjects.
OBEC Secretary-General Thanu Wongjinda mentioned that an appointed revision panel would soon commence work to re-evaluate subjects and propose enhancements, particularly focusing on reducing school hours. Thai students currently face some of the longest school hours globally, a factor that might contribute to insufficient focus on effective language learning.
This issue raises the critical question: Will Thailand implement effective strategies to enhance its global communication skills, or remain behind in the linguistic race? Adopting measures that focus on practical English use beyond traditional classroom learning could be pivotal in overcoming this barrier.
As nations worldwide make strides in English proficiency, Thailand stands at a crossroads—either to embrace and enhance its educational strategies or continue facing challenges in global arenas. Now, more than ever, is the time for transformational changes in the educational landscape to equip future generations with the skills they need to thrive internationally, reported The Thaiger
-- 2025-02-14
14 February 14 20251351753 - Thailand's Content Boom: 3 Million Digital Creators Emerge
Picture courtesy of Daily Vanity
Thailand is witnessing a remarkable surge in the number of digital content creators, poised to reach an impressive 3 million this year. This significant increase from 2 million just last year highlights an emerging shift in how the nation engages with media and advertising.
Leading the charge in this digital revolution are creators who initially engaged in online product sales. Spotting opportunities for greater income, they have expanded their efforts into advertising and product reviews, becoming influential figures across social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Their efforts are transforming the advertising landscape. Last year, online advertising expenditures in Thailand reached a colossal 88.06 billion baht. That number is expected to reach 92.04 billion baht this year, an increase of 4.5%. This heralds digital media ad spend as the fastest-growing sector in Thailand for the second consecutive year, overshadowing traditional media, particularly television, which previously dominated the advertising world.
As television's grip on audiences loosens, viewers are increasingly choosing smartphones over the TV remote, embracing the endless stream of content provided by social media providers. This shift has prompted advertisers to reassign budgets from television to online channels, although TV news and popular series still capture a portion of the ad spending.
The findings from Media Intelligence Group Co., led by president and CEO Pawat Ruangdejworachai, illustrate a dramatic change in consumer habits and represent a golden opportunity for advertisers keen to connect with targeted audiences.
Digital creators have taken the role of trusted mediators, using their authentic brand personas to influence consumer decisions and introduce them to new products and experiences. In return for sponsorships, they provide endorsements and reviews which resonate personally with their followers.
For the everyday Thai internet user, this shift means more variety and access to content that speaks directly to their interests. Whether it’s exploring the next trendy café or unveiling the latest tech gadget, content creators are at the forefront of a new era in media consumption, making the digital space feel both personalised and engaging, reported The Thaiger.
17 February 17 20251352043 - Thailand Eyes Senior Tourists for '25, Aiming for 40 Million Visitors
File photo for reference only
Thailand is setting its sights on retirees and other older tourists as part of a robust plan to attract 40 million international visitors by 2025. This initiative is part of the "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports" campaign, anticipated to yield at least 3 trillion baht in revenue. With a focus on enhancing Thailand’s global reputation through exciting events and improved tourist infrastructure, the effort seeks to elevate the nation's status as a premier destination.
Associate Professor Saifon Suindramedhi from Thammasat University advocates for this targeted approach. She argues that older tourists, known for their extended stays and higher spending, are crucial to reaching the ambitious visitor and revenue goals. Last year, Thailand hosted about 35.5 million tourists, and snagging the additional 5 million could be more feasible by enticing older demographics.
Despite the emphasis on traditional tourism models such as music and sporting events, Saifon believes that these attractions primarily captivate younger visitors, who often have a lower economic impact due to shorter visits. The proposed shift would cater to seniors, with developments fostering elder-friendly environments.
Creating senior-friendly spaces, Saifon suggests, involves revising urban designs and policies to accommodate slower-paced travel preferences. Older tourists typically appreciate fewer daily activities, secondary city experiences, and a focus on comfort and security. Infrastructure enhancements, like elder-accessible hotels and healthcare facilities, alongside culturally enriching local interactions, are pivotal for delivering satisfying, sustainable tourism experiences.
This strategic pivot underscores a broader vision to craft a supportive ecosystem for senior travellers, thus embedding Thailand as a restful yet vibrant retreat, pivotal for achieving its tourism aspirations for 2025, reported The Thaiger.
17 February 17 20251352045 - Thai PM Paetongtarn Highlights Advantages of Recent China Visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shakes hands with Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Beijing, China, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Thailand's Government Spokesman Office via AP)
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed optimism that her recent official visit to China will yield significant benefits for Thailand, particularly in terms of security and enhancing trade relations.
Speaking on her monthly television segment "Opportunities for Thailand with Prime Minister Paetongtarn" on NBT HD2, she elaborated on the outcomes of her trip, which took place from February 5-8 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
During her visit, the Prime Minister engaged with prominent Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, National People's Congress chairman Zhao Leji, and Prime Minister Li Qiang. Discussions focused on strengthening the longtime friendship and exploring avenues of cooperation over the next half-century.
Key topics included a gesture of goodwill involving the transfer of two giant pandas to Thailand and the construction of a royal archway to honour His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday. The Prime Minister also extended a warm invitation to Chinese tourists to experience Thailand's Songkran festival in April, emphasizing the Thai government's commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all international visitors.
Concerns regarding cross-border scams affecting Chinese nationals were raised, and both parties discussed strategies to curb scam syndicates and cybercrimes. President Xi commended Thailand’s efforts to combat these criminal activities and agreed to collaborate on forming a task force to intensify the crackdown. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will appoint a liaison to work closely with this task force to quickly address any arising issues.
The Prime Minister further briefed President Xi on Thailand's ambitious first high-speed rail link project, which aims to connect Thailand and China through Laos. This development promises to cut logistics costs and unlock new business opportunities for farmers and small-to-medium enterprises. Encouraged by China's support, the Prime Minister pledged to expedite the project's progress.
Additionally, China has shown considerable interest in Thailand's southern Land Bridge project, seeking further details from feasibility studies as they evaluate potential investments. These discussions suggest a promising future for increased Chinese economic involvement in Thailand.
Overall, Prime Minister Paetongtarn's visit seems set to bolster bilateral ties, pave the way for new economic initiatives, and enhance safety and security cooperation between the two countries, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2025-02-17
16 February 16 20251351989 - Thai Baht Set to Weaken as US Tariff Tensions Escalate
Picture courtesy: Kasikorn Research Centre
The Thai baht is anticipated to weaken in the coming weeks, largely due to increasing global trade tensions in the wake of the United States' recent decision to elevate tariffs on aluminium and steel imports to a flat rate of 25%.
On Tuesday, the baht commenced trading at approximately 33.96 per US dollar, a slight appreciation from Monday's closing rate of 33.91, but it soon weakened, surpassing 34 baht during the day's trading, reaching 34.07 per dollar by late afternoon.
Poon Panitchpibun, a money market strategist at Krungthai Global Markets, explained that the baht's depreciation followed the announcement by US President Donald Trump of a significant tariff increase on steel and aluminium imports. The tariffs, now at 25%, represent a substantial rise from the previous 10%, marking the end of various exemptions and agreements.
This strategic trade move by the US has exerted pressure on the baht, said Mr Poon, as the US dollar strengthened in response to these measures. Despite opening at 33.89 on Monday—down from last Friday's 33.64 closing—the baht's weakening has been compounded by mounting market uncertainty.
"If the baht continues its decline and breaks through the resistance threshold of 34-34.10 per dollar, it might challenge the 34.20 zone next," he suggested. He further noted that the baht could stay volatile depending on the evolving US trade policies and economic statistics. The global upswing in gold prices has offered some respite, yet a short-term correction in the gold market is possible given recent peaks.
Kanjana Chockpisansin, who heads research in the banking and financial sector at Thailand's Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), observed that the baht's dip past 34 per dollar marks its lowest point in a week. This depreciation aligns with a general downward trend among regional currencies, largely spurred by the stronger US dollar amid shifting trade policies.
As global tensions are projected to escalate amidst ongoing US trade developments, Ms Kanjana advises close watching of forthcoming tariff enactments. In this climate, the US Federal Reserve might delay rate cuts, bolstering the dollar against the baht.
Looking forward, K-Research anticipates the baht to fluctuate within a range of 33.85-34.15 per dollar in the near term. As these economic dynamics unfold, both domestic and international market participants will remain on high alert, assessing the impact on trade and investment strategies, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2025-02-13
12 February 12 20251351596 - Thailand Urged to Investigate Criminal Use of Satellite Internet
Wikipedia file photo for reference only.
A Thai parliament member has urged the government to establish a working group to investigate the potential criminal misuse of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity. This comes amid concerns that call centre gangs operating on Thailand's borders might exploit satellite internet to sustain their illegal activities.
The closure of ground-based telecom networks has been a primary strategy for disconnecting these gangs from internet access. However, Takorn Tantasith of the Thai Sang Thai Party warns that resilient satellite connections could undermine these efforts. He pointed specifically to networks operated by major satellite companies OneWeb and Starlink, both of which have expansive global coverage that includes Thailand.
OneWeb's network consists of 648 satellites, while Starlink, known for its extensive deployment, operates around 6,000 satellites worldwide, serving continents and regions including North and South America, Europe, Australia, parts of Africa, and across Asia. Importantly, Starlink's use of Ka and Ku frequency bands facilitates robust internet connectivity via portable signal-receiving equipment.
Takorn emphasized that even if terrestrial internet is severed, neighbouring countries could still exploit LEO satellite networks. As such, he called for an immediate governmental study into these satellite systems' potential impacts on national security and crime prevention efforts.
Government efforts, which include cutting off electricity and internet in certain border zones and limiting oil sales, have been previously praised by Takorn. In fact, last year, Thai authorities, including the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry, confiscated 58 Starlink satellite equipment sets intended for use by fraudsters.
Currently, there's a significant push to clamp down on such illicit satellite use, with the DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong noting that measures to disrupt illegal online activities have led criminals to modify their tactics. This includes removing unauthorised signal towers and cross-border communication cables to stay beneath the radar of law enforcement.
This call to action signals the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and technological strategies to prevent criminal exploitation of satellite internet, ensuring the sustainability of Thailand's anti-crime initiatives along its borders, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2025-02-17
17 February 17 20251351993 - Thailand's Economy Misses Predicted Growth, Eyes 2025 Forecasts
Picture courtesy of Daily Sabah
In a twist of economic expectations, Thailand's recent growth figures did not quite reach analysts' elevated forecasts. Official numbers indicate a respectable 3.2% increase in the last quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. This marks a deviation from the anticipated 3.9% growth initially forecasted by financial analysts in a Reuters poll.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) presented these findings, showing Thailand's position as Southeast Asia's second-largest economy. The nation achieved a 0.4% growth from October to December, which, while growth nonetheless, lagged behind the estimated 0.7% rise.
In contrast, the preceding quarter yielded a significant 3.0% year-on-year growth, alongside a 1.2% quarterly increase. Over the entirety of 2024, the economy expanded by 2.5%, showing improvement from a revised 2.0% in 2023. For the coming year, NESDC keeps a cautiously hopeful outlook, forecasting growth between 2.3% and 3.3%.
This optimism hinges on various factors: increased government spending, rising private consumption and investment, a resurgence in tourism, and an export boost. The consensus among experts is that these elements could provide a sturdy foundation for economic stability in 2025.
Despite the soft growth figures, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan remains optimistic. He seems focused on using diplomatic acumen to navigate potential trade challenges, particularly in relation to avoiding US tariffs due to trade surplus concerns.
Contributing to this economic narrative, the Bank of Thailand maintained its primary interest rate at 2.25% in December. This followed a surprising reduction by 0.25% in October, a move attributed to mitigating elevated household debt levels.
As the next Bank of Thailand policy review approaches on February 26, stakeholders are keenly observing fiscal strategies. The aim is to steer Thailand through turbulent economic waters and maintain a steady course towards sustainable growth. With targeted investments and strategic alignments, there is cautious optimism that Thailand will overcome economic fluctuations and continue on its path of growth, reported The Thaiger.
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