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- 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 - 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 - 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 - Seafood Allergy Warning: Near-Fatal Experience Highlights Risks
Image composite courtesy of MGR online
A heartfelt warning about the dangers of severe seafood allergies has been shared on Facebook by Chayutpol Sukkaew, after a near-fatal incident at a restaurant.
Chayutpol, who suffers from anaphylaxis, recounted how he experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction despite informing restaurant staff about his shrimp allergy. Unfortunately, he was served dishes containing shrimp-based ingredients like shrimp paste, known as kapi in Thai.
After eating a squid dish cooked with shrimp paste, he immediately experienced symptoms, with his heart rate soaring. Thankfully, he had an adrenaline injection prescribed by his doctor, which he used to prevent a fatal reaction. A doctor relative’s quick actions also ensured he was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.
While frustrated with the restaurant’s oversight, Chayutpol does not seek compensation. Instead, he hopes his story will serve as a cautionary tale for others with food allergies. He urged restaurants to clearly label allergenic ingredients and train staff about allergy risks. He also advised those with allergies to carry emergency medication and never assume safety when dining out.
The post has sparked widespread reactions. Many expressed anger over some Thai restaurants’ lack of understanding of food allergies, while others wished Chayutpol a speedy recovery. Comments stressed the importance of specifically asking about shrimp or shrimp paste in dishes, as staff might not realise kapi contains shrimp.
Some were surprised to learn that the squid dish included shrimp paste, noting that recipes can vary and diners should remain cautious.
Chayutpol concluded with an apology to anyone who may have been offended, expressing a sincere hope to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-18
18 June 18 20251364045 - Irish Woman Jailed in Norway for Cannabis Smuggling from Thailand
Picture courtesy of the Irish Mirror
An Irish woman has been sentenced to three years in a Norwegian prison after being caught with nearly 30 kilogrammes of cannabis in her luggage. Jamie Mahon, 32, from Drogheda, Co Louth, was arrested at Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport on January 9th, following an X-ray that revealed two suitcases packed with cannabis, valued at approximately 600,000 euros (22.5 million baht).
Mahon, who arrived on a flight from Bangkok, initially claimed the bags were given to her in Thailand, asserting she was unaware of their contents and was merely transiting through Norway on her way to Ireland. However, the court saw through her defence. Describing her role as crucial to drug distribution, the judge found her guilty of acting intentionally as a courier.
Images show Mahon at Bangkok airport collecting the baggage moments before her flight to Norway. Despite admitting to the charges, Mahon will have her three-year sentence reduced by 92 days, already served.
This arrest is a significant setback for an Irish organised crime gang linked to two fugitive brothers, one based in Dubai and the other believed to be in Thailand. The seized drugs were meant to fund an ongoing feud between these brothers' gang and associates of paralysed mob boss Owen Maguire, a conflict already resulting in multiple deaths.
Maguire was shot by notorious hitman Robbie Lawlor in 2018, leaving him paralysed. Lawlor was later killed in Belfast in 2020, the main suspect in the brutal murder of 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods, whose remains were found in one of Ireland’s most shocking gangland crimes.
Recently, gang associates Paul Crosby and Gerard “Rocky” Cruise were jailed for facilitating Mulready-Woods' murder, receiving ten and seven-year sentences respectively. Mahon’s arrest and conviction add another grim chapter to this violent saga, echoing through a Norwegian courtroom.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-18
18 June 18 20251364044 - 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 - Bhumjaithai Given Days to Hand Back Interior Ministry
Anutin Charnvirakul. Picture courtesy of Naewna
BANGKOK – The Pheu Thai Party, leading the current coalition, has issued a firm directive to its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai, to relinquish the coveted Interior Portfolio. This ultimatum comes with a tight deadline, wherein the second-largest coalition partner must comply within days or face expulsion from the government coalition.
Under the direction of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and influenced by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, the Pheu Thai Party has resolved to reassert control over the Interior Portfolio. This strategic move targets the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Newin Chidchob, with a formal request to cede the portfolio by tomorrow, June 19.
Thaksin Shinawatra. Picture courtesy of Thai Rath
The implications are clear: failure to meet this demand could lead to Bhumjaithai's exclusion from a reshuffled cabinet, anticipated later in the month. Yesterday, Paetongtarn chaired a critical meeting with Pheu Thai MPs and executive board members at the party’s headquarters to solidify this decision.
In an attempt to balance this power play, Pheu Thai has proposed a swap. Bhumjaithai is being offered the Public Health Portfolio along with a ministerial position in the Prime Minister’s Office.
This offer strategically places Bhumjaithai's titular leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, back in familiar territory, as he previously led the public health sector in a prior administration.
Anutin has recently eased his steadfast stance on holding the Interior Portfolio. He has suggested a comprehensive cabinet reshuffle to impact all coalition partners, not solely Bhumjaithai.
This could potentially provide a smoother transition and maintain coalition stability. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Bhumjaithai’s response, which will shape the immediate political landscape.
The resolution or defiance of this ultimatum holds significant ramifications for the power dynamics within the Thai government.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-06-18
18 June 18 20251363996 - Thai Actor's Contract Terminated Amidst Scandal
Photo via Instagram/ @anotherboytj
A Thai entertainment agency has terminated its contract with actor Ratchaphat "Promp" Worasarn following shocking allegations of engaging in unprotected sex with multiple women and coercing a pregnant woman into having an abortion. The claims surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) when a user exposed the actor’s behaviour.
The user revealed that the actor, a star in a popular Thai boys’ love series, maintained a serious relationship while pursuing other women. Screenshots of conversations were shared, supporting these allegations.
In a notable exchange, the woman informed Promp of her pregnancy:
Woman: “I missed my period. I’ve tested and I’m pregnant. What are you going to do?”
Actor: “Have you had sex with anyone else? Didn’t you take a pill?”
Woman: “I took a morning-after pill. I haven’t been with anyone else.”
Actor: “You need to have an abortion.”
Woman: “If you weren’t serious, you should’ve used a condom.”
Actor: “I thought it would waste plastic, hahaha.”
Woman: “Seriously?”
Actor: “I was just joking, OK?”
The woman reportedly agreed to an abortion but requested Promp accompany her, which he refused, citing fear of being recognised.
Following these revelations, social media users quickly identified Promp as the actor. Hashtags #PrompRatchaphat and #Promppay trended on Thai X.
His agency, YWPB Official, announced his contract termination, allowing him time to address personal matters. The agency promised updates as the situation evolves.
Promp has yet to respond to the allegations publicly. However, he has removed all followings on his Instagram account, which remains active with 1.3 million followers.
The scandal has sparked widespread criticism of both the actor and the woman involved, highlighting the risks of unprotected sex and unwanted pregnancies.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-17
17 June 17 20251363932
