Category: The Bangkok Post

A woman accused of acting as an agent for a major corporate mule-account network, backed by a Chinese financier, has been arrested in Bangkok. Police say accounts supplied by the network had been linked to more than 27 fraud cases.

Officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) searched a house at a luxury housing estate in Phasicharoen district on Wednesday, where they arrested the 31-year-old suspect who was wanted on a warrant issued by the Chanthaburi Provincial Court on Aug 13.

The woman, identified only as Ranwarat, or Pim, faces charges of fraud, entering false computer data into a computer system, and opening or allowing another person to use bank accounts.

The arrest followed complaint filed in August by a solar-panel business owner in Chanthaburi who was contacted by a prospective customer via the shop’s Line account seeking to buy a large quantity of solar-powered lamps worth 395,000 baht.

After establishing contact, the customer reportedly persuaded the victim to help purchase concertina razor wire worth 700,000 baht, claiming it was to be delivered to a military camp in Chon Buri.

The victim, believing the story, transferred the money to a bank account bearing the name of a limited partnership, thinking it belonged to a legitimate business.

However, the customer could not be contacted after the transfer, prompting the victim to realise that he had been scammed and file a police complaint.

During preliminary questioning, the suspect told police that financial trouble led her to look for ways to solve her problems. She started out by registering a limited partnership, with herself as its director, despite the entity having no genuine business operations.

She then opened a bank account in the partnership’s name and sold it through Facebook groups advertising the purchase of bank accounts, earning 80,000 baht.

An examination of evidence found on her seized mobile phone showed that she had also worked as a broker arranging for other such corporate mule accounts to be set up.

After realising such accounts could generate relatively high returns, she began advertising on Facebook for people willing to open limited-partnership accounts.

Investigators said checks on bank accounts she had previously sold revealed links to fraud cases reported by victims nationwide, with more than 27 cases involving various schemes, including being duped into performing activities and investing money. Investigators believe there are many more victims who had yet to file complaints.

The suspect also told the officers that during the Songkran period this tear she had contacted a Chinese financier known as ‘Ah Yao’ via Line and Telegram. He allegedly offered her money to recruit people to open ready-to-use limited-partnership mule accounts.

He said he would provide mobile phones and SIM cards sourced from the black market for her to use in recruiting account holders. In return, she was reportedly paid between 80,000 and 150,000 baht per account, depending on how ready it was for use.

The suspect said she earned about 100,000 baht a month during the four to five months she worked with the Chinese national.

Investigators are now expanding the probe to arrest the Chinese financier and bring all those involved to justice.

No more licences will be issued for new data centres in Bangkok, governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Wednesday, responding to growing concerns about potential negative impacts associated with the facilities.

About 30 or 40 data centres exist in the capital but they have not caused any negative impact on resources, the environment or safety, Mr Chadchart said at a briefing at City Hall.

Most of the data centres built in recent years were small-scale operations serving the internal requirements of individual businesses, he said. The emergence of large-scale and standalone data centres began about five years ago as demand rose for facilities to serve external organisations.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has received requests for the establishment of six large-scale data centres.

‘It has given permission to three projects and the other requests have been shelved for revision of relevant regulations. … There are no new licences for big projects now,’ Mr Chadchart said.

Regulations need changing because existing laws do not adequately define data centres, the governor said. Past permission was based on conditions for the construction of warehouses and was not subject to city-planning and factory rules.

Power and water consumption

Kasem Sathonghak, assistant governor of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, said existing data centres in Bangkok were designed to consume 20 megawatts of electricity each but their real power consumption was only about eight megawatts.

‘The Metropolitan Electricity Authority can supply power,’ he said. ‘Their energy consumption is very small compared with large facilities like department stores which consume more than 100 megawatts each.’

Supichete Thavorntaveevong, deputy governor of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, said larger data centres in Bangkok consumed about 7,800 cubic metres of water per month. By comparison, large hospitals need about 20,000 cu m and big department stores use 30,000 to 40,000 cu m per month, he said.

‘There has not been any impact on water services in Bangkok yet. The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority is ready to support data centre supervision by the Ministry of Energy and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. We will try to prevent or minimise impacts,’ he said.

Mr Chadchart said data centres did not discharge polluted water because they used water for cooling but City Hall would investigate if hot water was released into waterways.

Chaichanok Chidchob, the digital economy and society minister, claimed on Tuesday that many data centres were operating without permission in Bangkok. Authorities were investigating fuel stockpiling as well as the foreign investment status of some facilities, he said.

Two larger-scale data centres approved in the Rama IX area of Bangkok are Edgnex, a joint venture between the UAE-based property developer Damac Group and the MAI-listed IT services provider Proen Corp, and Telehouse, owned by the Japanese telecom company KDDI.

Thitipat Chotidechachainan, secretary to the energy minister, said data centres need to store fuel for electricity generation in case of blackouts. But Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has suspended the issuance of new fuel storage licences pending the revision of the relevant regulations concerning data centres.

‘We will have a data centre board to set conditions for water and electricity consumption and environmental protection,’ she said, referring to a new central body being set up to oversee the fast-growing sector.

According to Ms Thitipat and Mr Chadchart, the law limits fuel storage for internal use by organisations at 500,000 litres. Data centres must reserve fuel for 48 hours of electricity generation.

A data centre on Ramkhamhaeng 28 Road sought permission to reserve 200,000 litres. Another data centre on Rama IX Road has also received approval. Officials will check to ensure the facilities observe their approved limits.

Mae Hong Son: The Immigration Bureau (IB) has arrested a German man wanted in his country for assaulting and obstructing a public official, after he allegedly evaded arrest for more than three years.

Jrgen Herbert Schneider was arrested at a guesthouse in Mae Hong Son on Tuesday after frequently changing residences to avoid detection, according to the IB.

The arrest was part of a nationwide crackdown on foreign criminals wanted in other countries, conducted under directives from IB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak and deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Phantana Nuchanat.

Authorities said Mr Schneider had displayed aggressive and violent behaviour and had previously threatened embassy officials.

Following his arrest, Immigration Division 3 commander Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha revoked his temporary permission to stay in Thailand under the Immigration Act.

Mr Schneider was handed over to IB investigators as Thai authorities coordinate his extradition to Germany.

Police detained a 14-year-old boy on Wednesday after he entered a secondary school in Kamphaeng Phet and fired a pistol. No injuries were reported.

The teen entered the compound of Wachiraprakarn Witthayakhom School at 2pm and fired about eight bullets from his 9mm handgun into the sky, media outlets reported.

Teachers and students were ordered to stay inside classrooms and lock the doors for safety.

The suspect, whose name was not disclosed, is currently under police detention.

Daily News reported the gunman was a student of the school who was serving a suspension. He reportedly told officers he had returned to the school looking for a teacher.

According to local media reports, the boy had broken into his father’s car and stolen the handgun used in the shooting. His father is a patrol officer at the Muang district police station.

Parents quickly went to the school to bring their children home.

The incident in the northern province was the latest in a handful of incidents, along with some false alarms, that have had students and parents on edge recently.

They followed an attack on Aug 7 at Debsirin Nonthaburi School that killed seven people, including the gunman, who had shot his grandparents to death earlier.

Southern rice growers and millers warn of mounting food-security risks as rice-growing areas shrink rapidly and farmers switch to oil palm because of high costs, low yields, and weak returns.

Likhit Lekhaphan, president of the Southern Rice Millers and Farmers Association, said rice-growing areas across the South were declining by an estimated 10-15% a year.

In Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla and Phatthalung, the region’s main rice-producing provinces, registered cultivation areas have fallen from more than one million rai to just over 200,000 rai, he said. “The government must consider food security because over a million rai of rice-growing land has disappeared,” Mr Likhit said.

He blamed the decline on low returns, high production costs and inadequate support, saying many farmers were turning to oil palm because rice was no longer economically viable.

The shift also threatens businesses throughout the supply chain, including tractor operators, harvesting contractors, transport firms, fertiliser and agrochemical suppliers, rice mills and workers.

Mr Likhit warned that once paddies are converted into oil palm plantations, restoring them to rice cultivation would be prohibitively expensive. He called for government support to reduce costs for water, fertiliser, land preparation, seed, fuel and labour, saying production costs had risen by as much as 20%.

Although prices during the latest off-season crop were relatively firm, with RD varieties fetching 9,000 baht to more than 10,000 baht per tonne and some local varieties above 10,000 baht, high costs continued to squeeze margins.

Declining production could also raise costs for food businesses dependent on rice, including khanom jeen, khao yam, desserts and rice-noodle producers. Southern rice mills alone are worth about 3 billion baht, he said.

Pairot Rojnarat, chairman of the Phatthalung Rice Mill Association, said production of local varieties had fallen despite continued demand.

Chiang rice has almost disappeared from Phatthalung, while Tia Daeng production has dropped by 80-90%. Sang Yod remains relatively stable at about 7,000-8,000 tonnes a year.

Local varieties typically yield only 400-500 kilogrammes per rai per crop, compared with 700-800kg for faster-maturing commercial RD varieties, he said.

Mr Pairot urged authorities to provide farmers with clearer market guidance and improve access to suitable seed.

Seed shortages are already emerging. Prachuap Ketunim, chairman of the Khuan Khanun Large-Scale Rice Farming Community Enterprise Group in Phatthalung, said Leb Nok seed was difficult to obtain for the 2026/2027 main crop.

He said available seed had also lost some of its original soft-grain characteristics, reflecting inadequate varietal development.

Tossapol Khwanrot, owner of the Khok Nong Na Sufficiency Economy Project in Nakhon Si Thammarat, said southern farmers generally needed yields of about one tonne per rai to make rice farming worthwhile.

According to the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, electrical faults were the leading cause of the 1,745 fires recorded in Bangkok between 2023 and 2025, accounting for 823 cases in total.

Main causes of fires in Bangkok

Faulty electrical appliances accounted for the largest share, with 311 cases, followed by wall sockets and wiring, with 269 cases, and extension cords, with 243 cases.

Incense and candles caused 136 fires, while cooking, food warming and faulty gas cylinders were responsible for 108 cases.

Open burning of grass and rubbish, together with discarded cigarette butts, accounted for the remaining 62 cases.

Fire-prevention checklist

To help residents develop safer habits and prevent fires, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has grouped precautions into four key categories based on the leading causes of fires in the capital.

1. Electrical systems and appliances

When buying electrical appliances, residents should look for products bearing the Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) mark, rated for Thailand’s voltage and covered by a clear warranty.

Wiring and sockets should be checked regularly. Any signs of scorching, damage or looseness should be repaired immediately. Daisy-chaining multiple extension cords is not recommended, and users should remain alert for unusual sounds while appliances are operating.

After use, appliances should be unplugged, while sockets should be cleaned regularly to prevent dust build-up, which can contribute to sparking.

2. Incense and candles

Before lighting incense or candles, choose a stable location away from flammable materials such as curtains and stacks of paper. Extra care is needed in homes with young children, elderly residents or bedridden patients.

Once lit, incense and candles should never be left unattended. Make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving home or going to bed.

3. Cooking and gas cylinders

Before cooking, check stoves and gas lines for leaks, and use them in a well-ventilated area.

Never leave a stove unattended while cooking.

After cooking, turn off the gas valve and stove, and clean away accumulated grease, which can act as a readily available fuel source.

4. Burning rubbish, grass and cigarettes

People are urged to avoid burning rubbish or dry leaves, opting instead for composting or proper waste separation.

Smoking should be confined to designated areas. Cigarette butts must be fully extinguished before disposal to prevent them from igniting nearby flammable materials.

Survival guide for fire emergencies

Officials are also urging the public to prepare in advance and learn how to respond safely to fires and smoke. The following guidance is recommended:

1. Assess the situation.

If you smell smoke or hear an alarm, touch the door handle with the back of your hand. If it’s hot, do not open it as fire may be on the other side. For a small fire, use a fire extinguisher immediately. If it has spread, evacuate at once and call the 199 hotline.

2. Stay calm and report the incident.

Do not panic. Assess the safest escape routes. When calling the 199 hotline, clearly state the location, the building’s layout and escape routes, and the number of people trapped so officers can respond quickly.

3. Using a fire extinguisher (pull-aim-squeeze-sweep).

Pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle and sweep from side to side. After use, ventilate the area, wear a face mask and have the extinguisher refilled immediately, as it cannot be reused as is.

4. Techniques for escaping smoke.

Crouch or crawl close to the ground, where the air may be more breathable. Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth. Do not hide in a bathroom or other enclosed space. Move towards a window to signal for help and leave the area as quickly as possible. Avoid opening doors leading to smoke-filled rooms.

Airlines are “cautiously optimistic” about the second half of the year, as volatile jet fuel prices and persistently high airfares could soften travel demand, requiring carriers to continue with tactical adjustment strategies, according to Alton Aviation Consultancy.

“It remains very much a wait-and-see situation, with airlines monitoring booking trends in this higher-fare environment,” said Clark Johns, director at Alton Aviation.

Flexible and tactical fleet planning is crucial as airlines may retain aircraft despite cutting flights, hoping to quickly expand services when demand surges during peak travel periods, he said.

Trends indicate airlines have mostly reduced capacity on regional or domestic routes with higher frequencies via merging some flights, while maintaining less frequent long-haul services to ensure sufficient network connectivity and keep their slots at airports, said Mr Johns.

Airlines have not yet made drastic changes, such as shrinking their fleets, unlike during the abrupt economic downturn during the pandemic.

High airfares could persist in the near term amid the ongoing crisis, he said.

Since the US-Iran conflict emerged several months ago, jet fuel prices have risen to around US$160 per barrel, surging by more than 75% year-on-year, but airlines are unable to pass on all of the costs to passengers.

Their first-half earnings were affected by fuel costs, and as a result airlines will likely seek to compensate for the losses by maintaining high airfares in the second half, said Mr Johns.

The cost uptick affected airlines to varying degrees, depending on their business models. Long-haul and corporate passengers on full-service carriers may be less price-sensitive than leisure travellers on low-cost airlines, who are more concerned with price increases, he noted.

“There are going to be customers who say, ‘This is too expensive to fly’,” said Mr Johns.

“This segment is where airlines need to find the right balance in reducing capacity.”

Airfares have also lagged behind jet fuel prices. Even if jet fuel prices begin to decline, this would not translate into an immediate reduction in airfares, he noted.

However, high airfares are unlikely to continue indefinitely. Competition among airlines will eventually intensify as carriers seek to capture market share on certain routes. If one airline lowers its fares, it will force others to follow, said Mr Johns.

As airlines in the Middle East start to restore their services, this should put further pressure on airfares.

Aviation hubs in the Gulf region will eventually regain some traffic for Europe-Asia routes from Asian hubs, which previously seized the momentum during the conflict, he noted.

A near-term challenge for airlines is supply chain disruptions, particularly delays in aircraft deliveries amid a large backlog of orders. Airlines have been forced to use older aircraft for longer than expected, increasing their maintenance and overhaul requirements.

Maintenance facilities also face capacity constraints, with airlines struggling to secure available service slots.

Airlines owning in-house maintenance facilities could be better positioned than those that need to fully outsource their maintenance, said Mr Johns.

In the long term, aviation growth in Southeast Asia should remain positive as aircraft manufacturers are banking on the region’s expanding population and rising disposable incomes to support greater air connectivity, he said.

The Comptroller-General’s Department is preparing legislation to control medical coverage expenses for civil servants and their families, as spending on benefits continues to accelerate.

In fiscal 2026, the government allocated a budget of 94.2 billion baht for medical welfare. In the first nine months of the fiscal year to June 30, 94 billion baht was disbursed, said Patricia Mongkhonvanit, the department’s director-general.

Spending is expected to exceed 100 billion baht for the fiscal year ending in September, attributed to Thailand’s ageing demographics and the improper use of benefits by some members, she said.

The Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme covers about 4.9 million people, including current and retired civil servants, other state employees, their spouses and families. Average annual per capita spending under the programme is about 12,000 baht.

By comparison, the figure for coverage of roughly 12 million private-sector employees under Section 33 of the Social Security scheme is about 7,100 baht. The Universal Coverage or ‘gold card’ scheme, which covers 75% of the population, is around 3,400 baht per year.

Recent public hearings found that most respondents supported strengthening governance in reimbursing medical expenses and establishing shared responsibility among family members.

According to a proposed royal decree being drafted by the department, if any family member violates the rules governing medical reimbursements, the benefits of the entire family are suspended.

This approach is intended to encourage family members to monitor one another, said Mrs Patricia. If their government medical benefits are suspended, they can still receive treatment under the 30-baht universal coverage scheme. (Story continues below)

Four proposals

Stakeholders were invited to comment on four issues during the drafting of the legislation.

First, mechanisms are to be established requiring healthcare facilities to adopt effective reimbursement policies and measures based on good governance principles. Eighty-nine percent of respondents agreed with this proposal.

Second, the responsibilities of eligible beneficiaries regarding family members’ use of medical benefits need to be clearly defined, which 68.6% of respondents supported.

This proposal would allow members to choose which family members, such as a parent or spouse, may use their medical benefits.

In practice, there have been many cases in which civil servants have personal disputes with family members and do not wish to extend benefits to them, noted the department. Family members previously had no alternative for basic healthcare coverage, but now they can utilise the 30-baht healthcare scheme.

Third, an entire family’s medical benefits are suspended if one member commits a violation. Around 60% of respondents supported this measure, which is intended to promote shared responsibility and encourage family members to monitor one another.

Fourth, healthcare facilities are required to register with, and process direct reimbursements through, an electronic system. Three facilities have yet to join this system, but only 54% of respondents supported this proposal.

However, 53% of respondents disagreed with the proposed amendments to the legislation. The department believes this may be a misunderstanding that the changes would reduce or remove medical benefits.

The amendments are not intended to reduce benefits, but rather to improve transparency, Mrs Patricia said.

The amendments are expected to be proposed as a royal decree to fast-track adoption after public hearings and submission to the cabinet, in a bid to ensure state spending is as efficient as possible. (Story continues below)

New guidelines

To ensure sustainable control of expenses, the department is preparing new operational guidelines.

The first guideline promotes the use of generic drugs as the first option before resorting to brand-name drugs, reducing medication costs.

The markup criteria for medicines and hospitals’ medication management fees are also being revised.

The department is preparing to abolish the current rule allowing healthcare facilities to add a 10% management fee to all types of medicines. Instead, the markup is adjusted according to the type of medicine.

In addition, controls are being tightened on weight loss/diabetes medications. More conditions cover reimbursement of diabetes drugs that have a side effect of promoting weight loss, which are becoming more popular.

Such drugs must be prescribed by a specialist, with clear procedures governing their use.

Another guideline reduces duplicate laboratory tests, intended to prevent patients from undergoing repeated blood tests or lab examinations when they change hospitals. Patients’ treatment histories are to be linked, with appropriate intervals established for each type of test.

Finally, the revisions address fraud involving the diversion or resale of medicines. Clear procedures are expected to cover investigation and penalties, ranging from warnings to temporary suspension of healthcare benefits.

Mrs Patricia said spending on those aged 60 and above is driving the increased expenses. This group accounts for around half of all eligible beneficiaries and often incurs high medical costs towards the end of life.

Another factor is the treatment expenses for the 10 most prevalent non-communicable diseases, which account for more than 40 billion baht in drug costs.

As of the end of July, there were 4.89 million eligible beneficiaries under the scheme, comprising 2.3 million principal beneficiaries, or 47.2%, and 2.6 million family members, or 52.9%, according to the department.

Emergency medical service officers demonstrate how to safely transfer a victim to medical facilities in an emergency situation. Spending on government officials’ welfare benefits has continued to rise in recent years, due partly to Thailand’s transition into a fully aged society and partly to the improper use of medical benefits by government officials.

The insurance regulator has set clearer rules for influencers and content creators discussing insurance online, drawing a firm line between general education and activities that could amount to unlicensed insurance sales.

The Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) issued guidelines concerning individuals who are not licensed insurance agents or brokers, but produce insurance-related content for digital media, including influencers, bloggers and content creators.

The guidelines are intended to protect consumers from inaccurate, exaggerated or misleading information, said OIC secretary-general Chuchatr Pramoolpol.

“Social media has become an important source of insurance information, with more influencers using digital platforms to raise public awareness of risk management,” he said.

“However, some types of content could cross into soliciting, recommending or facilitating an insurance contract — activities that must be conducted by licensed agents or brokers under Thai law.”

Content creators can only provide general insurance knowledge, explain basic principles and terminology, publish statistics, research or news from reliable sources, and explain policyholders’ rights and obligations without a licence.

They may also present factual information on general product features and policy conditions, provided they do not interpret or recommend which product is better or more suitable for a particular person, said Mr Chuchatr.

Personal experiences with insurance are also permitted, but creators must clearly state that such comments reflect individual experience and do not constitute advice to others, he noted.

DISCLOSURE RULES

A licence is required if an individual solicits, recommends or facilitates a person’s purchase of insurance from a specific company, or analyses, advises on or compares products to determine which policy, coverage, sum insured or premium is suitable for a particular individual, when compensation is linked to the number of policies sold or premiums generated.

For influencers hired by insurers or insurance sellers, a written agreement must be in place before publication. Each piece of content must receive written approval from the insurer or seller, while compensation cannot be tied to the number of policies or premiums.

Any additional personal comments or revisions must also be approved before publication. Sponsored or commissioned content must clearly identify the sponsor and disclose whether the creator holds an insurance agent or broker licence.

The OIC urged creators to present information fairly and accurately, including key benefits, limitations, conditions and exclusions. They should avoid using fear or anxiety to drive sales, creating unreasonable time pressure, making exaggerated claims about returns or benefits, or generating fake engagement.

Creators remain responsible after publication and should monitor comments and links, removing or correcting misleading or unlawful information promptly, Mr Chuchatr said.

The guidelines also reinforce a prohibition on soliciting or recommending insurance contracts offered by foreign insurers that are not licensed to operate in Thailand.

He said the regulator found public posts and videos on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok promoting foreign insurance products, including purchase links and application instructions.

Such products may leave consumers without protection under Thai law and create difficulties in making claims, as well as increasing the risk of fraud or unpaid claims.

The OIC said the guidelines aim to make digital insurance communication accurate, transparent and useful, enabling consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions. Questions can be directed to the OIC hotline at 1186.

Seven Thai airlines have joined to offer passengers free check-in of up to 10 kilogrammes of fresh fruit on domestic flights in a bid to boost revenue for local farmers and tourism.

The campaign, initiated under collaboration between the ministries of Transport and Commerce, started on Tuesday and will run until Aug 31 of next year.

The move aims to help farmers to distribute their produce during peak fruit harvest times, while also promoting the consumption of Thai fruits and supporting domestic tourism, according to Banjongjitt Angsusingh, adviser to the minister of commerce.

The airlines joining the project are Thai Airways, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air and Ezy Airlines.

Throughout the period, retail spaces will be designated for farmers to sell seasonal fruits at airports nationwide, with 10kg capacity boxes provided for passengers.

Each passenger is allowed to receive only one box, which may then be checked as aircraft cargo free of charge. Passengers must use the official fruit boxes provided at airports only.

The initial target for the project is 100,000 boxes, equivalent to approximately 1,000 tonnes of fruit, Ms Banjongjitt said.

To ensure smooth transport, only fresh fruit is eligible. Packed fruits must be free from moisture. The boxes must be securely sealed with adhesive tape or straps to prevent insects, contaminants, leakage and odours.

The project is being carried out at 20 regional airports to start: Nan, Lampang, Tak, Phitsanulok, Loei, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Trang and Narathiwat.

Ms Banjongjitt added that the collaboration would serve as another important way to help farmers market their produce, expand distribution channels and strengthen consumer confidence in Thai fruits.

Passengers would be able to bring fruits from tourist destinations back to their hometowns without worrying about transport costs, she said, adding that this would also expand market opportunities for Thai fruit.