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- Thailand Aims for 36.7M Tourists, Unveils Bold Campaign Plans
Thailand is doubling down on efforts to re-establish itself as a premier global tourism hotspot. In a significant announcement made yesterday at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) rolled out their strategy to attract more visitors.
Addressing representatives from TAT’s 74 offices, Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong shared ambitious targets: a hoped-for influx of 10 million additional foreign visitors by year-end, contributing to a potential total of 36.7 million tourists for 2023.
The country is seeing a promising trend; foreign arrivals increased by 30% compared to last year, totalling 26.08 million from January to September. Top visitors hailed from China, followed by Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Russia.
An uptick in both domestic and international flights during the peak tourism season is anticipated to support this surge. Currently, Suvarnabhumi Airport accommodates 200,000 passengers daily, and expectations are set for full recovery of flight capacities by the next year.
Despite the encouraging numbers, challenges loom. Minister Sorawong recognised potential setbacks from global issues like the Middle East conflict and a strengthening baht, along with local concerns such as flooding. Yet, the optimism is palpable.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool conveyed confidence in overcoming obstacles, noting a 200% increase in group tour bookings from China as a positive indicator of recovery.
With ambitious goals and momentum on their side, Thailand is determined to reclaim its status on the world tourism stage. The coming months will test the resilience and appeal of the "Land of Smiles."
File photo for reference only
-- 2024-10-04
4 October 04 20241339847 - Insurance firms to compensate school bus blaze victims
Insurance companies, in collaboration with the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC), are set to provide compensation to the families of the deceased and injured following the school bus blaze tragedy. Each person affected is entitled to an initial compensation of 660,000 baht (US$19,940).
The devastating incident, which occurred on October 1, claimed the lives of 23 students and teachers from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani. They were on an educational trip to Nonthaburi. Additionally, five individuals sustained injuries.
In a statement, the OIC confirmed it has examined the insurance details related to the incident and is ensuring fair compensation for the families affected.
The OIC’s investigation revealed that the bus had compulsory motor insurance with Viriyah Insurance. The policy, which began on April 30 and ends on June 30, 2025, covers death or permanent disability at 500,000 baht (US$15,105) per person. For injuries, the maximum medical expenses are capped at 80,000 baht (US$2,420) per person.
For loss of organs, the compensation ranges from 200,000 to 500,000 baht (US$6,040 to 15,105) per person. Permanent disability is compensated at 300,000 baht (US$9,060) per person, while inpatient treatment at a hospital attracts daily compensation of 200 baht (US$6) for up to 20 days.
The bus also had voluntary motor insurance, type 3, with Mittare Insurance Plc. This one-year policy, which started on June 30, provides coverage for third-party damage to life, body, or health up to 500,000 baht (US$15,105) per person, with a maximum of 10 million baht (US$302,040) per incident. Property liability is covered up to 600,000 baht (US$18,120) per incident.
Bus fire
Legal heirs of the deceased will receive compensation from the compulsory motor insurance, averaging no more than 10 million baht (US$302,040) per incident. The voluntary motor insurance, type 3, also offers an average payment of no more than 10 million baht (US$302,040).
Additionally, Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam School had group accident insurance with Viriyah Insurance. This one-year policy, which started on May 15, covers death at 80,000 baht (US$2,420) per person and medical expenses at 8,000 baht (US$240) per person per incident, said the OIC.
“Most of the deceased were from Uthai Thani, so the OIC office in Pathum Thani coordinated with the Uthai Thani office to facilitate insurance compensation. The office coordinated with the insurance company.”
For those injured and hospitalised, the OIC has contacted the insurance company to provide initial compensation for medical expenses under the compulsory motor insurance act, amounting to 30,000 baht (US$905) per person.
The OIC added that the commission is also liaising with the Thai Life Assurance Association and the Thai General Insurance Association to determine if the victims or deceased had any additional insurance coverage, reported Bangkok Post.
“If the passengers have other insurance, they will receive all rights according to the insurance contracts.”
By Bright Choomanee
Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post
4 October 04 20241339843 - New ‘Dee-Delivery’ regulation to combat COD fraud epidemic
With online scams skyrocketing, the Government of Thailand is stepping in to crack down on delivery fraud. Enter the new Dee-Delivery regulation, designed to shield cash-on-delivery (COD) shoppers from getting duped.
According to Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai from the Prime Minister’s Office, this drastic move comes after a jaw-dropping 365,000 scam cases were reported in the last 18 months, causing financial losses of 45 billion baht. With e-commerce crimes making up 40% of these incidents, it’s clear that something had to give.
But the Dee-Delivery regulation isn’t just a band-aid. It’s part of a broader government strategy to tackle online scams head-on. To back it up, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) has launched the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC). This new body will act swiftly to freeze bank accounts linked to fraudulent activities and help victims recover their money faster.
The regulation itself tightens the screws on COD services. From now on, delivery companies must include key details on packages, like the sender’s information, tracking numbers, and a description of the item. To add another layer of protection, the government is introducing a five-day payment hold. This grace period gives buyers time to inspect their purchases and request refunds if something’s amiss.
Kicking off today, October 3, the Dee-Delivery regulation promises to give scammers a run for their money and make online shopping safer for everyone, reported Pattaya Mail.
“This is a critical step towards consumer protection in e-commerce.”
By Puntid Tantivangphaisal
Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail
3 October 03 20241339753 - Corruption scandal hits the brakes: Thailand’s bus industry whistleblows dirty dealings
A shocking revelation has swept through the coach bus industry of Thailand as several anonymous companies have blown the whistle on rampant corruption within the Land Transport Department‘s vehicle inspection process. A sneaky bribe of 3,000 to 4,000 baht is all it takes to fast-track an inspection, making life suspiciously easy for some.
This disgraceful practice was put under the spotlight following the recent bus blaze tragedy that claimed the lives of 23 children and teachers. The vehicle involved was discovered to have illegally installed gas tanks. Out of 10 NGV gas tanks on the coach, only six were there legitimately. This scandal has raised alarming questions about the integrity of public transport vehicle inspections across the country.
Furthermore, some of the gas tanks were installed inside the bus, increasing the risk to both the driver and passengers in the event of a gas leak. In addition, police investigations into other buses from the same company revealed that every vehicle had more gas tanks installed than the approved number.
Channel 3 conducted interviews with multiple coach bus companies regarding the vehicle inspection process. Some stated that the inspection was carried out thoroughly as part of vehicle registration renewal and tax payment, which is required every six months. The inspection period usually runs from January to June each year.
These companies confirmed that bus operators couldn’t pay bribes to authorities to expedite the registration renewal process. However, according to media reports, some bus companies admitted to paying officials 3,000 to 4,000 baht or more for a quicker inspection.
They explained that long queues formed between January and June, as officials were only able to inspect 10 vehicles per day and were unavailable on weekends and public holidays.
Pay extra
The bus companies also stated that the queues were even longer in areas like Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Chon Buri, where many buses are registered.
While waiting in the inspection queue, buses would not have valid registration plates and were unable to operate, causing companies to lose significant income during this period.
As a result, some companies chose to pay extra to the relevant officials to speed up their inspection process. Paying 3,000 to 4,000 baht would hasten the process slightly while paying more would be considered as VIP treatment.
VIP companies could have their inspections conducted immediately after payment. Some bus companies felt they had no choice but to pay to continue providing services to passengers.
As of now, no relevant officials have come forward to verify the information shared in the media.
By Petch Petpailin
Photo by Chaowanon J via flickr
4 October 04 20241339842 - Bus Companies Lament Over Suspension of School Field Trips
Screenshot - for reference only
Tour bus companies across the nation are facing challenging times following a government directive halting school field trips. This decision came after a devastating bus fire in Pathum Thani on Tuesday, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 20 students and three teachers.
The Ministry of Education has ordered the temporary suspension for safety evaluations, putting a significant dent in the operations of many tour bus firms.
Bus operators like Thawatchai Wongwanitkanwarn from Nakhon Ratchasima insist they adhere to strict safety protocols, regularly inspecting buses and ensuring drivers and vehicles meet the necessary standards. Yet, the blanket suspension has hit their businesses hard.
Thawatchai’s fleet consists mainly of double-decker diesel buses, generally used for state agencies and private tours rather than school trips. Other operators, however, rely heavily on providing transportation for schools. The suspension, they argue, affects their single-decker buses used specifically for student outings.
The tragedy involved a severely modified bus more than 50 years old, with improperly installed gas tanks, leading to its operator's licence being suspended. In response, the government announced stricter safety regulations and broader inspections of gas-powered buses nationwide.
Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob has enacted a moratorium on school field outings as officials reassess safety practices. With plans already disrupted after the pandemic, tour bus operators now face another setback, reducing their recovery efforts. Passenger numbers have clawed back to only half of what they were before Covid, adding pressure on an already stressed industry.
Chamroon Wannapas, owner of Ae Transport in Khon Kaen, noted that about 80% of his contracts were cancelled after the fire, with school customers the most affected. Bus hire fees typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 baht daily, but with cancellations mounting, many operators share Chamroon’s empathetic understanding, offering condolences to the grieving families while hoping for clarity on when services might resume, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2024-10-04
3 October 03 20241339793 - Thailand Ranks 28th Among the World's Best Countries
Thailand has climbed to 28th place in the 2024 "Best Countries in the World" ranking by US News & World Report, marking a one-spot improvement from the previous year.
The ranking, developed by US News & World Report in partnership with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and global communications firm WPP, is based on insights from approximately 17,000 respondents across 89 countries, gathered between March and May.
This global assessment evaluates various factors, including cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, quality of life, and business friendliness. It also considers social progress, soft power, and potential for future growth.
Switzerland claimed the top spot with a perfect score of 100, followed by Japan in second place and the United States in third. The top ten also included Canada, Australia, and several European nations, reflecting their strong economies and high living standards.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand leads in 28th place, outperforming regional neighbors like Malaysia at 38th and Indonesia at 41st. Singapore, however, holds the highest regional rank at 14th.
The report highlights Thailand’s strong agricultural base, competitive manufacturing sector, and thriving tourism industry, which contributes about 7% to its GDP. Despite tourism’s supportive role in the economy, these sectors are key to the country's resilience.
Thailand's steady rise in the rankings underscores its dynamic cultural heritage and growing economic potential, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and investors, reported The Nation.
Picture courtesy: FREEPIK
-- 2024-10-04
3 October 03 20241339789 - Warrant issued for Pheu Thai MP in Tak Bai massacre case
The Narathiwat Provincial Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Gen Pisan Wattanawongkiri, a Pheu Thai MP and former commander of the 4th Army Region, to stand trial on charges related to the Tak Bai massacre about two decades ago.
According to the Cross Cultural Foundation, the court issued the warrant on Tuesday, after the lawyer for the families of the massacre victims asked the court to have him apprehended on a suspicion that Gen Pisan may try to flee the country.
Last month, the court issued warrants for the arrests of six other defendants, after they refused to show up for trial.
Photo: Thai PBS World
3 October 03 20241339771 - Bus Owner Caught Trying to Hide Illegal Gas Cylinders After Deadly Fire
Picture from responder
Authorities have uncovered attempts by the company responsible for the bus fire that killed 23 students and teachers in Pathum Thani, to conceal illegal modifications to other buses in its fleet.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) revealed that additional gas cylinders were being secretly removed from five of the company's buses just days after the fatal accident.
The tragic fire occurred during a school field trip when an aging bus caught fire, resulting in the deaths of 20 students and three teachers from Uthai Thani.
Investigators found that the bus had been improperly converted to run on gas, with far more cylinders than legally permitted. Only six of the 11 cylinders found onboard had been certified by authorities.
Following the incident, the DLT ordered the inspection of five other buses in the company's fleet. When the buses failed to show up for inspection, officials tracked them via GPS to a garage in Nakhon Ratchasima, where workers were found removing illegally installed gas cylinders.
Jirut Wisanjit, director-general of the DLT, said this clearly showed an intent to hide the illegal modifications.
The bus involved in the fire had been in operation for over 50 years and had undergone several unauthorized modifications, which likely contributed to the accident.
Police forensic teams confirmed that a gas leak occurred before the fire, though the exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Meanwhile, the company's license has been suspended pending further inquiries.
-- 2024-10-04
3 October 03 20241339780 - Thai visa agencies offer hassle-free DTV applications
Composite image by ASEAN NOW
Visa agencies in Thailand are stepping in to simplify the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) application process, helping applicants navigate the often complex bureaucracy of Thai embassies.
Since the DTV’s launch in July, it has attracted interest from digital nomads and expatriates, but inconsistent requirements at different embassies have created confusion.
Key issues include conflicting rules about cash bonds, proof of remote work for international clients, and qualifications for 'soft-power' applicants. These inconsistencies have led to delays and rejections, prompting visa agencies to offer streamlined services to smooth the process.
Many agencies now provide comprehensive packages that include visa runs to nearby countries, document preparation, and assistance with travel and accommodation.
Heavily marketed on social media platforms like Facebook, these packages range from 75,000 to 150,000 baht (£1,700 to £3,400), depending on the level of support, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail.
Agencies also pre-screen applicants to ensure they meet DTV requirements, making the process more efficient.
Initially, it was believed that applicants had to submit DTV applications from their home or employment country, but this has since changed. Applicants can now apply from any country, broadening opportunities for those in the service industry.
Embassy processing times vary, with some, like the informal consulate in Taipei, offering same-day services, while others in Europe and the U.S. may take several weeks. The average processing time is about a week, with faster service available for higher fees.
As long as regulations remain stable, Thailand's visa agencies are expected to continue thriving in this growing market, offering essential support to applicants navigating Thailand's complex immigration system.
-- 2024-10-04
3 October 03 20241339777 - 14-Year-Old Girl Recovers After School Bus Fire Tragedy
A 14-year-old girl, who was injured in a school bus fire incident on Tuesday, is gradually improving and has started physical therapy, according to the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.
The girl's condition is moving towards betterment as there are no signs of fever or infection from the burns on her arms. She is now able to carry out some tasks by herself, even as the rehabilitation team continues to assist her.
Although she is able to sleep and appears calm, further mental health assessments for her and her family are to be carried out by the institute.
During the horrific fire incident, the girl was amongst those who were able to escape as the coach went up in flames. The unfortunate incident led to the death of 20 school children and three teachers.
The students were from a school in Uthai Thani’s Lan Sak district. They were on a day trip to Nonthaburi when the tragedy struck.
Funeral services for the victims will be held at the school, under royal sponsorship, and will be overseen by Privy Councillor President Surayud Chulanont, with other high-ranking government officials attending.
Chada Thaised, Bhumjaithai's MP for Uthai Thani, disclosed today that due to the high number of fatalities, help from private sector crematoriums had been sought. The planned funeral site is currently partially flooded, but necessary adjustments will be made, he mentioned.
Family members of the diseased put toys, like footballs and dolls, on the coffins in memory of their deceased loved ones. A few were seen shedding tears.
Today, former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai visited the funeral site to pay his respects to the departed. He encouraged everyone to learn from this tragic accident, which took many young lives, and work towards how such incidents could be avoided in the future.
File photo for reference only
-- 2024-10-04
4 October 04 20241339854
