Category: The Bangkok Post

Airports of Thailand (AoT) is expanding international air links through new partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and flydubai as it seeks to strengthen Thailand’s position as a regional aviation hub while boosting tourism, trade and investment.

Vietnam Airlines launched its new Ho Chi Minh City-Phuket route on July 2 under an agreement with AoT. The service operates four flights a week, offering 39,500 seats annually to meet growing demand from Vietnam, which sent more than 300,000 visitors to Thailand in the first half of the year.

Meanwhile, flydubai began daily Dubai-Bangkok flights on July 1 following discussions with AoT at Routes World 2025. The airline plans to increase the service to twice daily from Sept 15, raising flights between Dubai and Thailand to as many as 28 a week.

Regional airport upgrades

In a related development, Thailand is preparing to introduce a new air traffic management system at regional airports to improve aviation efficiency, support tourism and strengthen connectivity with secondary cities.

Lalida Persvivatana, deputy government spokeswoman, said the Ministry of Transport had asked Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (Aerothai) to introduce the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) to Thailand.

AFIS uses advanced technology and automated processes to provide aerodrome flight information.

Designed for airports with relatively low traffic volumes, it is expected to improve airspace management, reduce staffing requirements and enhance operational efficiency.

The AFIS system will be piloted at Phrae and Phetchabun airports by 2028 before being considered for other regional airports.

She cited Phitsanulok Airport as a strategic gateway to the lower North, linking nearby provinces including Sukhothai, Phetchabun, Uttaradit and Tak.

New revisions in Thailand’s electricity tariff structure will lower power rates for household consumers and remove public street lighting costs from residential electricity bills, expected to take effect as early as the August billing cycle.

The changes were among a number of measures approved on Wednesday by the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC), chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Others include expanded access to clean energy, and more opportunities for businesses to make direct power purchases from clean energy providers.

For households, a flat rate of 3 baht per kilowatt/hour (unit) will apply for the first 200 units of electricity used each month. That compares with the current rate of 3.95 baht. A typical medium-sized household with 2-3 air conditioners consumes about 400 units per month.

The street lighting charge, meanwhile, will no longer be included in household electricity bills. Many people were surprised when it was revealed last month that Thai households had been paying for street lighting for 40 years. The current charge adds about 0.10 baht per unit to monthly bills.

Instead, the government will determine alternative funding sources, including revenue generated from electricity tariffs on future data centre investments, said Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchwee, who oversees the Provincial and Metropolitan electricity authorities.

The NEPC resolution will now be forwarded to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which will conduct a 15-day public consultation involving the country’s three state electricity utilities before determining the new tariff rates, said Mr Polapee.

Data centre tariffs

Revenue generated from the revised tariff structure for data centres will be used to help cover the cost of public electricity services, estimated at 18 billion baht annually. The proposal will be submitted to the cabinet for final approval, with adoption targeted for the August billing cycle.

Asked whether the government would need to allocate additional funds if the cost of public lighting could not be fully recovered from data centres, Mr Polapee said the funding method was still being finalised.

The MEA and PEA would examine ways to absorb the costs through profits generated from various activities, while the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) would also share responsibility.

‘The exact proportion and allocation model will be discussed further with the Energy Regulatory Commission. The public should not have to bear this burden,’ he said.

The NEPC also discussed whether higher electricity tariffs for data centres could discourage investment.

Mr Polapee said a committee chaired by Energy Minister Akanat Promphan would study the issue, taking into account electricity pricing and investment conditions across Southeast Asia and other competing markets.

While such projects bring substantial capital investment, they generate relatively few jobs and consume significant amounts of electricity and water, Mr Polapee noted.

Greater electricity demand also increases power generation costs by requiring more natural gas, potentially pushing up overall electricity prices.

‘The objective is to ensure that these costs do not become a burden on the public,’ he said.

The ERC is currently reviewing options for electricity tariffs for the final four months of the year. The new rates could range from 3.95 to 4.73 baht per unit, depending largely on how much revenue will be set aside to help Egat pay down its debts from subsidising power rates.

The NEPC on Wednesday also approved a 1,500-megawatt community solar programme, with a ?cap of 30 megawatts per developer. As well, it said, legacy renewable-energy contracts with some smaller producers will be revised to reflect current generation costs.

Dave Kendall, a former Bangkok Post sub-editor and Deeper Dive host, has died at the age of 63. He served on the Post’s editorial staff from 2017 to 2025.

During his years at the Post, he played a key role in the newsroom as a sub-editor, helping shape the newspaper’s editorial standards and mentoring younger journalists.

He later became the host of Deeper Dive, the Post’s podcast interview programme, where his thoughtful and well-prepared conversations with newsmakers, business leaders and public figures earned the respect of colleagues and viewers alike.

Before settling in Thailand, the British-born journalist who contributed to music publications including Melody Maker, built an international broadcasting career.

He was best known for his work at MTV in the United States, where he developed and later hosted 120 Minutes, a programme that introduced audiences to alternative and emerging music at a time when such artists received little exposure on mainstream television.

The programme became widely recognised for helping bring influential bands and independent music to a broader audience. As news of his passing spread, musicians and devoted viewers posted tributes on social media.

Following his time at MTV, he continued working as a television presenter, producer and club DJ, as well as on a number of online ventures in the early days of the internet.

Kendall relocated to Thailand in 2005, where he produced the weekly travel programme Destination Thailand. Upon joining the Post in 2017, he shifted away from entertainment, covering fields that ranged from politics to technology, the environment, climate change and social issues.

He will be remembered for his calm sensibility and passion for journalism.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will pay an official visit to China from July 16-20 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Talks will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, artificial intelligence, advanced technology and security as the two countries seek to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the visit marks another milestone as the two countries celebrate the 51st anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The five-day visit will take Mr Anutin to Shanghai, Chengdu and Beijing.

In Shanghai, the prime minister is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Chinese President Xi Jinping and to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) at the president’s invitation.

In Chengdu, Mr Anutin will preside over the opening of the Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum 2026 and inaugurate the investment section of Thailand’s Consulate-General in Chengdu, with the aim of expanding Thailand’s investment promotion network into western China.

He is also expected to meet leading Chinese companies and Thai business executives operating in China to promote trade and investment cooperation.

In Beijing, Mr Anutin will hold full bilateral talks with Premier Li and meet Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress.

The two governments are also expected to witness the signing of a series of bilateral agreements covering trade, investment, agriculture, public health, science, technology, education and media cooperation.

According to the government, the visit aims to strengthen cooperation in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, science, innovation and future industries, while expanding collaboration on regional security, transnational cybercrime and online fraud.

Ms Rachada said the trip reflects the close relationship between Thailand and China as comprehensive strategic partners and major trading partners.

It will also help to create new economic opportunities, enhance Thailand’s competitiveness and improve the well-being of both countries’ citizens, the spokesperson added.

Separately, Deputy Government Spokesperson Capt Phattharatsami Thongsaluay said the cabinet has approved five draft cooperation agreements on higher education, science, research and innovation.

Three policemen in Pattaya have been transferred to inactive posts for allegedly collecting off-the-books fines from Kuwaiti motorcyclists who violated traffic rules.

Pol Lt Col Kosala Ngampong, the acting Pattaya police chief, has sidelined a senior sergeant major, a sergeant major and a sergeant pending an investigation by a committee of senior officers at the station, according to local reports.

The moves followed a complaint from a group of Kuwaiti tourists who said they were frequent visitors to the tourist city in Chon Buri.

They told reporters on Tuesday that they often visited Pattaya and rode motorcycles in ways that they acknowledged could breach traffic rules.

When they were caught, the same group of three policemen usually showed up to fine them at high rates of 2,500 to 5,000 baht, the visitors said, adding that there were two to five such arrests each night over the past month.

The Kuwaiti tourists said they had to pay the fines; otherwise, their motorcycles would be confiscated.

However, they said, the policemen usually fined them in deserted areas and had another man receive the money from them. The officers accepted cash only and prohibited them from paying fines at the police station.

Moreover, the Kuwaitis said they were surprised to find out later that the ‘receipts’ they were given were nothing more than the simple cash receipts that old-fashioned grocers use.

Public complaints about Kuwaiti motorcyclists in Pattaya have been a recurring issue, mostly to do with reckless driving, stunts, street racing at all hours and loud modified exhaust systems.

The frequency of violations prompted Pattaya City Police to hold meetings with Kuwaiti Embassy representatives to curb the disturbances and educate visitors about local traffic laws.

Thailand’s national football team convened on Tuesday for a ten-day training camp ahead of the Asean Championship, branded the Hyundai Cup 2026.

The camp marks the start of their bid to reclaim regional dominance, with the opening fixture against Laos scheduled for July 25 at the Laos National Stadium.

Among the notable names reporting for duty are Sarach Yooyen, Manuel Tom Bihr, Teerasak Poeiphimai and Pansa Hemviboon.

Training began last evening, with head coach Anthony Hudson emphasising both realism and ambition.

“With the squad we have now, I am quite pleased,” Hudson said. “We will try to go as far as we can.

“Vietnam, with their strongest squad and extended preparation, are the favourites. They stopped their league, they’ve had three weeks of training and friendlies. On paper, they are ahead. But I am happy with our group and confident we can progress.”

Thailand, seven-time champions of the competition, have been drawn in Group B alongside Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

While Hudson acknowledged the challenge posed by Vietnam and Singapore, he insisted Thailand would not be overawed.

“We don’t want to put pressure on them, but comfortably I would say they are the favourites,” he added.

Off the pitch, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) confirmed changes at board level.

Adisak Phancharoenworakul has been appointed as a member of the FAT executive board to replace Tanawat Nitikanchana.

FAT president Nualphan Lamsam, widely known as “Madam Pang”, chaired an online executive committee meeting on Tuesday from the association’s Bangkok headquarters, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to stability as the national side embarks on its campaign.

Adisak is the chairman of Thai League 1 side Ayutthaya United.

Thailand’s premium and luxury car market is bracing for a slowdown as household debt, sluggish economic growth and stricter lending criteria weigh on consumer demand, says Performance Motors, a subsidiary of Malaysia-based Sime Motors and authorised dealer for BMW, Mini and Porsche.

Paul Chan Aing Sheng, managing director of Performance Motors, said local banks and financing companies have tightened loan requirements, demanding additional documentation from buyers.

While this has not resulted in outright loan rejections, around 10% of prospective customers in the premium segment are facing delays in securing approvals, he said.

The move reflects lenders’ concerns over rising non-performing loans, with household debt tallying 86% of GDP, according to the Public Debt Management Office.

Industry data underscores the slowdown. The Department of Land Transport reported new registrations of premium and luxury cars fell by 19.1% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 to 6,518 units.

BMW led the segment, followed by Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

Meanwhile, Chinese automakers have steadily expanded their presence, intensifying competition in the high-end market.

The market is more difficult compared with the pre-pandemic era, compounded by aggressive competition from Chinese premium carmakers, said Mr Chan.

Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that BMW, Mini and Porsche would continue to strengthen their foothold in Thailand.

Performance Motors expects its market share to rise to 15% in 2026, up from 12% last year, driven largely by strong sales of its three flagship brands. In the first half of 2026, the company’s share has already reached 14%.

Sime Motors has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Thailand.

Since 2021, the company has invested more than 1.5 billion baht in the country. In 2025, it poured more than 500 million baht into the Porsche Pattaya project, signalling confidence in Thailand’s role as a key market in Southeast Asia, where consumer spending per person remains high.

Performance Motors operates five showrooms and service centres across Bangkok and provincial areas, along with body and paint facilities and certified used BMW outlets.

The company plans to expand its certified used car business in Bangkok, adding to its existing venues in Bangkok’s Don Muang and Ayutthaya.

The vendor also modernised its showrooms by introducing co-working spaces aimed at younger, lifestyle-driven customers, complemented by Pacamara-branded coffee service.

The Office of the Judicial Commission (OJC) on Tuesday dismissed a former chief justice of the Civil Court in Bangkok for showing favouritism in cases related to the Narongdej family dispute.

Chairing the OJC meeting, Supreme Court president Adisak Tantiwong said that the dismissal order followed CCTV footage showing the former chief justice entering a litigant’s house.

According to the commission, the former chief justice had maintained personal relationships with the case’s litigants or with others relevant to the case. The former chief justice also acted in favour of litigants in the distribution of case files.

These actions undermined public trust in the judicial system and constituted a serious violation of disciplinary regulations, the commission said.

The commission also reviewed a case against the deputy chief justice of the same court. The judge is accused of providing an opinion regarding the repatriation of case files from another court, violating regulations, procedures, and official practices under Section 33 of the Judicial Court Act.

This is considered a minor disciplinary offence, and the judge is advised to withhold promotion or salary increases for two years, said the OJC.

This deputy chief judge is the person who reportedly claimed that the chief judge of the same court had solicited a large sum of money, alleged to be 100 million baht, in exchange for having the case revoked. Later investigations found no evidence that such a bribery exchange ever occurred.

Responding to the dismissal, Was Tingsamit, former senior justice of the Supreme Court, said that the order was issued in consideration of people’s trust in the justice system.

This means that even though no bribery amounting to 100 million baht was committed, an erosion of public trust in the judicial system has already occurred.

The OJC’s grounds for dismissal were not concerned with terms like “corruption in office” or “accepting bribes”, said Mr Was.

A regulation that would have increased salaries for parliamentary assistants and other political support staff has been revoked, with authorities citing the weak economy as the rationale.

The repeal was published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday and will take effect on Oct 1.

The new rule abolishes an amendment to the parliamentary regulation governing the appointment of individuals who assist the work of parliament, the House of Representatives, the Senate, members of parliament and parliamentary committees.

House secretary-general Sirote Paetphan said the now-revoked regulation was intended to increase remuneration for parliamentary personnel.

That list includes assistants to MPs and senators, personal experts, specialist advisers, secretaries to standing committees of both the House and Senate, as well as political staff serving the parliament president, vice-presidents of both chambers and the opposition leader.

After Parliament President Sophon Zarum assumed office in March, he asked that the planned pay increases be suspended in response to the economic situation.

Mr Sirote said the parliament president believed now was not an appropriate time to raise salaries for parliamentary support staff and instead ordered their current pay rates be maintained. A committee will study the issue further.

Two more victims of the fire at Rong Beer Na Ladprao in Bangkok succumbed to their injuries during treatment in hospital, bringing the death toll to 32, with all identified.

Pol Maj Gen Wirun Supasinghsiripreecha, commander of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital (PGH), confirmed the number on Wednesday morning. Of 32 victims, 27 died at the scene late on Sunday night, while five were treated for severe injuries at various hospitals before being pronounced dead.

Relatives of the victims continued to arrive throughout the morning to claim their loved ones’ bodies. A total of 28 have been released over the past three days.

Family members and colleagues of a police officer, Sitthichok Butthitak, who died on the night of the incident in Chatuchak district, were the first to receive a body on Wednesday. They told reporters that he had served in the police force for just over a year and was deeply loved by people surround him.

His body will be taken to his hometown in Kalasin province for funeral rites.

Pol Maj Gen Wirun confirmed that all 32 victims have now been positively identified, and authorities expect to return all remaining bodies to their families by the end of Wednesday.

Regarding the progress of the investigation, at least 51 people have been interviewed, according to the Metropolitan Police Division 2.

These included business operators, employees of the venue, relatives of deceased and injured patrons and officials who participated in the scene inspection.

On Thursday, the investigative and inquiry teams will meet with building and electrical system experts.

Information and CCTV footage from around the incident site have been gathered as evidence while officers were continuing to interview all injured survivors to obtain statements and testimony for inclusion in the case file.