Nyheter fra Thailand - levert av ASEAN-now (Tidligere Thai Visa)
My RSS Feed
- Israel-Iran Conflict Puts Thai Tourism in Jeopardy
File photo for reference only
The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict is taking its toll on Thailand's tourism sector, with a potential 50% decline in arrivals from five key Middle Eastern markets. The recent turmoil has already led to decreased visits to popular destinations like Phuket as a result of airspace disruptions.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that the Middle East crisis significantly impacts air travel. Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have rerouted their flights to avoid affected zones. Only Tehran-based Mahan Air has temporarily stopped flights to Bangkok and Phuket as a direct result of Iranian airspace closures, disrupting Iranian travel completely.
The Middle Eastern markets of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, which represented 7% of June 2024’s Middle Eastern tourist arrivals, face a potential 30-50% drop. June's travel typically sees increased traffic during the Eid al-Adha festival; last year, it attracted 7,165 tourists. This sharp decline could significantly affect anticipated tourist numbers, with projections falling between 3,500 and 5,000 visitors.
Thapanee also voiced concerns about the broader impact on Middle Eastern tourists from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain—nations accounting for 80% of the region's market—should they perceive travel as unsafe. Key Thai destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai may experience the most significant disruptions in hotel occupancy rates.
The tourism situation remains fluid, with the potential for rebounding arrivals in July if tensions ease. Airlines like Royal Jordanian plan to introduce new routes, including a biweekly Amman-Bangkok service launching in August.
Nonetheless, a complete recovery hinges on how extensively the conflict inflicts damage and disrupts travel.
The TAT aims for a 1.06 million Middle Eastern visitor influx in 2024, a growth of 11% from the previous year, targeting an impressive revenue of 86 billion baht. Whether these ambitions are met will largely depend on resolving the current geopolitical tensions.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-18
17 June 17 20251363960 - Global Casino Giants Eye Bangkok for Billion-Dollar Resorts
File photo for reference only
Bangkok is set to become a hotspot for international casino titans as it prepares to approve integrated entertainment complexes. This initiative promises to significantly boost Thailand’s economy and tourism industry.
Global giants like Wynn Resorts, MGM, Melco, and Galaxy Entertainment are ready to invest billions, aiming to transform the nation’s economic landscape with multi-billion-dollar proposals.
Wynn Resorts: Tech-Driven Focus
Wynn Resorts has met with Thai officials to discuss the Entertainment Complex Business Act, expected in Parliament by July 2025. Chris Gordon, President of Wynn Development, stressed the importance of a clear legal framework and offered insights on tech-driven solutions to combat money laundering and manage gambling risks. Wynn’s vision includes a “Thai-style Las Vegas” featuring casinos, hotels, cultural attractions, and retail spaces integrated with AI for risk management.
MGM Resorts: Investment Tied to Tax Rates
MGM Resorts is keen to invest US$3-5 billion, contingent on a 17% Gross Gaming Revenue tax, similar to Singapore’s rate. They propose controlled local access to casinos, requiring income verification and a 5,000 baht entrance fee, to encourage economic opportunity without exclusion.
Melco Resorts: Gambling-Free Focus
Melco Resorts highlights its plans for “gambling-free experiences,” focusing on family-friendly spaces and cultural attractions. Their approach includes AI systems to monitor player behaviour and a commitment to adhere to Thai regulations.
Galaxy Entertainment: Strategic Positioning
Galaxy Entertainment plans to invest in an integrated resort in Bangkok, with a focus on balanced development. They support limiting casino space and emphasize Thailand’s strategic location as a nexus between China, India, and the Middle East.
Other Contenders Watching
Companies like Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and Genting Singapore are closely monitoring the situation, ready to enter the market following legislative approval expected in 2025.
Thailand’s Economic Gamble
Thailand’s decision to embrace integrated entertainment resorts represents a bold move to position the country as a global hub for creative economy and tourism. With a well-crafted legal framework, this initiative could mark a transformative moment for the nation’s economic future, establishing a foundation for a forward-looking urban development.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-06-17
17 June 17 20251363921 - Anutin Denies Pheu Thai Demand, Bhumjaithai Faces Coalition Exit
Picture courtesy of Thai Newsroom
Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul has firmly rejected Pheu Thai's demand to return the interior portfolio, a move that could lead to the party's expulsion from the Pheu Thai-led government.
Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister and interior minister, stated that Bhumjaithai would not need to wait for the June 19 deadline set by Pheu Thai. The demand required them to surrender the interior portfolio in exchange for the public health portfolio and a ministerial seat at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, officially proposed this exchange to Anutin. The decision is reportedly influenced by Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of Pheu Thai.
Pheu Thai has warned that if Bhumjaithai, led by Newin Chidchob, rejects the offer, they risk being excluded from the coalition with a new cabinet lineup imminent.
Anutin, who previously held the public health portfolio, asserts that his party will not accept the offer and is prepared to join the opposition if necessary.
If Bhumjaithai, with its 68 MPs, exits the coalition, the number of coalition MPs will decrease from 324 to 256, leaving Pheu Thai with a slim majority. However, support from some opposition MPs, including those from Palang Pracharath and Thai Sang Thai, could compensate for the loss.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-06-18
18 June 18 20251364047 - Cambodia Delays Thai-Cambodian Military Talks Amid Border Tensions
File photo for reference only
Cambodia has indefinitely postponed the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, initially set for June 27-28, as Thai-Cambodian border tensions persist. Deputy Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit, leading Thailand’s new Special Operations Centre for Thai-Cambodian Border Situations Management (SOC-TCBSM), confirmed the postponement without a specified reason.
Efforts to Restore Calm
The Thai side intended to propose a troop withdrawal to reduce military presence along the border. However, with the meeting delayed, Natthaphon announced that SOC-TCBSM aims to restore normalcy swiftly, having convened their first meeting to address these issues.
Framework for Future Talks
The RBC, designed for regional military dialogue, was expected to discuss troop reductions after a recent skirmish near Chong Bok pass. Thailand planned to suggest lowering troop levels to pre-skirmish numbers. SOC-TCBSM is now focused on rescheduling the talks.
Ongoing Deliberations and Communications
The centre's first meeting, attended by key government representatives, outlined a schedule for daily discussions to maintain momentum. Meetings will occur Monday to Friday, with press briefings streamed on NBT. Officials remain ready for weekend teleconferences if needed.
Cross-Border Casino Ban and Trade Measures
In response to Cambodia’s ban on Thai produce, Thailand has prohibited its citizens from working in Poi Pet's casinos. Night-time border closures have also been enacted due to military tensions.
Despite these measures, Natthaphon clarified that Thailand has not cut electricity to Cambodian towns, emphasizing restraint to avoid impacting civilians.
Inviting Academic Perspectives
Natthaphon invited academic input, expressing SOC-TCBSM’s openness to diverse perspectives on managing the border situation. He encouraged dialogue through a seminar to explore innovative solutions to the crisis.
As the situation unfolds, Thailand remains committed to diplomatic solutions while ensuring the safety and stability of its border regions.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-06-18
18 June 18 20251364058 - Thailand on Standby for Evacuation as Middle East Tensions Escalate
Photo courtesy of The Nation
In response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is standing by, fully prepared to evacuate tens of thousands of Thai citizens. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on June 17 that aircraft are ready and awaiting further instructions from coordinated local operations.
The Prime Minister assured that the Thai government has meticulously planned for the potential evacuation. “We are fully prepared. All agencies are synchronised and ready to act. We need to assess the readiness of our nationals on the ground, but once they confirm, we can issue an evacuation order immediately,” she stated.
The government has established a central support and coordination centre, bringing together the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Labour Ministry, and the military to implement emergency protocols effectively. This collaboration underscores the urgency and seriousness with which the Thai government is approaching the situation.
There are approximately 40,000 Thai workers currently residing in Israel, many of whom work in agriculture. These individuals are in regular communication with Thai authorities and have been briefed on emergency procedures to ensure their safety.
Beyond Israel, the Thai government is also focusing on Iran. Thai officials stationed there are mobilised and coordinating efforts to safeguard nationals. The Thai Embassy in Tehran has established a temporary shelter for Thai citizens, working closely with the Emergency Situation Coordination Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to manage any emergencies.
This evacuation readiness is part of a broader response by global powers, including the United States and China, who have already initiated the evacuation of their citizens from the increasingly volatile region.
Prime Minister Shinawatra, leading the Pheu Thai Party, emphasised the importance of continuous monitoring of the situation. “The timing of any evacuation will depend heavily on the ongoing conditions on the ground and the preparedness of our nationals to move quickly,” she explained.
As regional tensions and airstrikes continue to rise, Thai officials are keeping a vigilant watch. The scenario remains fluid, and the authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and swift evacuation of Thai citizens should conditions worsen.
This heightened state of alertness reflects Thailand's proactive stance in safeguarding its citizens abroad amid the ongoing conflict, ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to respond swiftly and efficiently if the need arises.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-18
18 June 18 20251364055 - ‘Am Cyanide’ Denies All Charges as Court Sets 2026 Hearings
BANGKOK – 'Am Cyanide' has denied all charges in a court appearance, with witness hearings set for mid-next year. On 16th June 2025, at 9:00 AM, the court addressed evidence for case number A.928/2568, where the prosecutor charged Sararat Rangsivuthaporn, known as 'Am Cyanide', with poisoning and falsifying documents.
The prosecution alleges she deliberately poisoned Phusadee Samboonmee by contaminating her food, medicine, and drinks with cyanide, leading to the victim's death.
Additionally, she allegedly forged borrowing documents for the deceased’s father, a charge she denied and recognised as related to previous cases under court files referenced.
In court, Sararat insisted on her innocence, claiming friendship with the victim and no involvement in forgery. She argued that she wasn't present during the incident, citing the victim's cancer.
She also denied the restitution claim filed by the victim’s father, opting to submit a civil response within 15 days. The prosecution plans to present 54 witnesses over seven sessions, beginning their first testimony on 23rd June 2026. Sararat intends to summon four witnesses within a single session.
The court also reviewed evidence for another case, A.929/2568, where Sararat is charged with premeditated attempted murder and food tampering.
It involved an incident on 23rd September 2022, where she allegedly spiked Kantima Paesa-ard’s food and drink with cyanide, causing severe health issues.
Though surviving, Kantima was hospitalised with low blood pressure and required mechanical ventilation. Another attempt to poison her with cyanide-laced capsules, purportedly as a weight-loss aid, was unsuccessful as Kantima did not consume them. Sararat again denied all allegations.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Rath 2025-06-17
16 June 16 20251363869 - Cambodian Crypto Firm Linked to Scams Targeting Thais
Photo courtesy of Post Today
A Cambodian cryptocurrency company, Huione Group, is at the centre of alleged online scams and gambling operations preying on Thai citizens, according to Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB).
Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiewphan, head of the CCIB, highlighted Huione Group as a key player in dubious financial transfers linked to criminal networks. The firm operates from a border zone in Cambodia, raising suspicions due to its strategic location.
Trairong explained that funds stolen from victims' bank accounts are moved to mule accounts, converted into cryptocurrency, and then either laundered into cash or used for asset purchases. Despite being legally registered, the company's location near the Thai-Cambodian border makes it a hotspot for scams.
“Many cybercrime cases trace back to this firm,” said Trairong, though no confirmed connections to Cambodia’s influential Hun family have been found despite media rumours.
The alert comes amid rising cybercrime targeting Thais, with scams and gambling rackets exploiting cryptocurrency to obscure financial trails and facilitate rapid cross-border fund movements.
In May, the US Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) designated Huione Group as a “critical node” in regional criminal activities, citing its role in "pig butchering" scams. These frauds manipulate victims into fake relationships or investments, ultimately draining their savings.
Trairong urged public caution online, cautioning that seemingly innocuous online interactions might be part of larger traps. “People need to be very cautious,” he warned.
The CCIB continues its probe, collaborating with international agencies to track the flow of digital currency.
As cross-border scams grow more sophisticated, Thai authorities acknowledge that the fight against cybercrime is ongoing, with efforts intensifying to protect citizens from these evolving threats.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-18
18 June 18 20251364052 - Duty-Free Drama: King Power Wants Out of AOT Airport Deals
File photo courtesy of King Power
King Power Duty Free Company Limited (KPD) has formally requested a cancellation of its duty-free concession contracts with Airports of Thailand (AOT). This move affects key airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai, and rocked the market as AOT's stock nosedived by 8.40% following the announcement.
AOT swiftly convened a board meeting on June 16 and announced the formation of a task force to navigate this business challenge.
Acting CEO Paveena Jariyathitipong stated that the board is consulting with university experts to explore legal and economic alternatives, set to conclude their study by August 2025. AOT relies heavily on revenue from King Power, which constitutes 17% of its total earnings, so the company is pushing forward with plans to diversify its income streams to buffer against this shift.
Despite the disruptions, Thibodi Wattanakul from the State Enterprise Policy Office remains hopeful that any lost revenue due to duty-free concessions could be mitigated if AOT secures new tenants.
Approximately 3 billion baht (about £70 million) annually is at stake from these contracts, with a significant portion linked to Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Ministry of Finance, a stakeholder in AOT, is keenly observing the situation as both parties adhere to contractual rules, including penalties if termination proceeds.
The timing of this cancellation request follows the appointment of King Power's new CEO, Nitinai Sirisarntkarn, who has oversight experience having served as AOT’s CEO for eight years.
King Power cites declining tourist numbers and reduced tax incentives as primary triggers for their decision. They propose a transitional concession-fee arrangement during renegotiations, emphasising that their operations have become untenable due to factors like COVID-19 and global economic slowdowns.
With KPD's current contract with AOT valid until March 2033, the pressure is on both companies to reach a resolution within the 45-days negotiation window set by KPD.
However, AOT remains unmoved financially by these developments if they can swiftly find replacement partners to fill the commercial void left by King Power. The discussions set for June 17 will be crucial in paving the way forward in this unfolding business saga.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-06-17
17 June 17 20251363883 - Thailand's Grand Ambition: Hosting F1 with 40 Billion Baht Plan
Picture courtesy of KhaoSod
Thailand is racing towards a new ambition: hosting a Formula One (F1) Grand Prix by 2028, backed by a substantial 40 billion baht investment. Announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong on June 17, the nation’s Cabinet has given the green light to this high-octane initiative aimed at transforming Thailand into a world-class sporting destination.
Surawong revealed that a specialised working group will be established to delve into logistics and feasibility over the coming years. This project is anticipated to significantly boost international tourism and enhance Thailand's global sporting reputation.
"The Cabinet has approved Thailand's proposal to host a Formula One race, allocating a 40 billion baht budget to study the logistics," Surawong declared at Government House.
For years, Thailand has flirted with the idea of hosting a Grand Prix, exploring options like Bangkok street circuits and securing partnerships with international investors. As Singapore has enthralled F1 enthusiasts with its dazzling night race since 2008, Thailand is now poised to create its own spectacle on the F1 calendar.
If successful, the Thai Grand Prix would join legendary races in Monaco, Silverstone, and Suzuka, becoming a prestigious stop that attracts mega-events and affluent tourists. This aligns with Thailand's broader economic strategy, which includes opening registration for the "We Travel Together" scheme and discussing a 157 billion baht stimulus package on June 18.
Thailand’s F1 aspiration is about more than just motorsport. It’s a strategic move to rebrand the nation as a global hub for sport, entertainment, and high-profile tourism. With engines potentially revving by 2028, Thailand could soon race onto the world stage, boosting its status and economy significantly.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-17
17 June 17 20251363923 - Thai Street Food and Beverage Sector Faces Three-Year Slowdown
File photo courtesy of TTG Asia
In a challenging period for Thailand's bustling street food and beverage sector, operators are preparing for a prolonged downturn, as street food traffic dwindles and key areas like Banthat Thong see declining patronage from both Thai and Chinese customers.
Paisarn Aowsathaporn, Senior Executive Vice President at Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, the company behind well-known brands such as Shabushi and KFC, expressed concerns about the industry's trajectory. He noted that while the sector, valued at nearly 700 billion baht, continues to grow in line with economic trends, forecasts indicate a slowdown by 2025. This comes after the Department of Internal Trade reported that approximately 3,000 restaurants closed in the first quarter, despite a comparable number of new openings—a reflection of the sector's natural business fluctuations.
Amid this backdrop, mass-market, quick service, and full-service restaurants are performing better, though buffet establishments face fierce competition. Paisarn highlighted that aggressive pricing wars, particularly in sukiyaki buffets, have eroded profit margins and suggested that price-cutting is not a sustainable long-term strategy for any brand. ThaiBev, instead, opts to focus on consistent quality over price-based competition.
Meanwhile, The Coffee Club under The Minor Food Group, which operates over 2,100 outlets in Thailand, has adjusted its strategy to rely heavily on international tourists, who constitute 70% of its clientele. Nongchanok Sathananon, General Manager, emphasized the importance of maximizing sales during peak tourist seasons while aiming to break even during low seasons. With the economic slowdown, the brand's growth plan centres on enhancing existing outlets rather than expanding aggressively, investing in store refurbishments to deliver an appealing dining experience without resorting to promotional discounts.
The Coffee Club's strategy highlights a shift toward accommodating local customers, increasing their proportion from 30% to 40% to bolster long-term sustainability. A key initiative involves redesigning seating layouts to optimise space for solo diners, catering to both students and professionals who require an inviting space for work or study.
As the industry navigates these challenging times, both ThaiBev and The Minor Food Group underscore the need for strategic adjustments focusing on quality, customer experience, and sustainable growth to weather the projected slowdown in Thailand's vital food and beverage sector.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-06-16
16 June 16 20251363801
