Category: The Bangkok Post

The Transport Ministry is preparing to transform Phuket into the Andaman region’s main transport hub, aiming to make the island a model for logistics and mobility development across southern provinces.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced the plan on Monday during a high-level meeting to review nine major infrastructure projects worth a combined 130 billion baht.

Phuket governor Saransak Srikruanet and representatives from key agencies — including the Department of Highways, Marine Department, and State Railway of Thailand — attended the session.

Projects seeking funding include the 16.76-billion-baht Kathu-Patong Tunnel, expected to cut travel time between the airport and Patong to 20 minutes; the 46.75-billion-baht Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Expressway; and the 1.3-billion-baht Muang Mai-Airport Junction flyover.

Other initiatives include the expansion of Highway 4027, a traffic management upgrade, and the 46-billion-baht Phase 1 Light Rail Transit system linking Phuket airport to Chalong Intersection.

Additional developments include the Andaman Port project connecting Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket; a new cruise terminal for large vessels; and Phase 2 of the Phuket Airport Development Project, which aims to boost annual passenger capacity from 12.5 million to 18 million.

“These initiatives will be a game changer for Phuket over the next five years,” Mr Phiphat said. “They will ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and solidify the island’s status as a global smart mobility hub.”

Phuket Chamber of Commerce president Kongsak Khoopongsakorn urged the government to fast-track implementation, citing daily traffic woes and the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has confirmed the recovery of another deceased Thai national from Gaza, one of the last two Thai citizens whose remains had yet to be found following the Hamas attacks on Oct 7, 2023.

Identity verification is currently underway before the repatriation of the body to Thailand. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Israeli authorities to secure the return of the final remaining Thai national’s body.

MFA spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said on Monday that Hamas had handed over one of the hostage bodies from Gaza following the peace deal between Israel and Hamas on Oct 13.

On Sunday morning, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv received an initial report from Israeli authorities confirming the discovery of the body of a Thai worker, who had been missing since the October 2023 attacks. Later that day, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced via Facebook that one of the two unrecovered Thai workers had been identified as Sonthaya Oakkharasri, 30, an agricultural worker at Kibbutz Be’eri.

According to the MFA, the Israeli forensic agency will confirm Sonthaya’s identity. Once confirmed, the Thai embassy will coordinate the repatriation process immediately.

Mr Nikorndej extended the ministry’s deepest condolences to Sonthaya’s family, adding that officials will provide full assistance after a wait of more than two years. He reaffirmed that Thailand will continue working closely with Israel to ensure every affected Thai national is identified, honoured, and brought home with dignity.

The Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Thai Retailers and Wholesalers Association and over 90 networks of modern trade and malls nationwide, will hold the “Local Low Cost” campaign from Nov 1 to 15, offering essential items at discounts of up to 60%.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the ministry has joined forces with the association and over 90 modern trade and mall operators that operate more than 800 branches in total across the country to provide the heavily discounted essential items, including consumer products, cosmetics, pet food and electronic items.

The campaign aligns with the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme and also allows state welfare cardholders to access the discounts.

“The 15-day campaign is expected to generate at least 5 billion baht in economic circulation and help reduce living costs by over 1 billion baht. The discounts will be available at both large retailers and community grocery shops,” Mrs Suphajee said.

Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, honorary president of the Thai Retailers and Wholesalers Association, said over 400,000 grocery stores have been struggling amid weakening consumer purchasing power and the rapid growth of online commerce.

He urged grocery store owners to adapt by integrating digital channels and passing the business on to younger generations familiar with e-commerce.

Mr Somchai believes the current Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme will boost income for small grocery stores more effectively than previous phases as it comes at the right time to address current challenges.

He said the scheme is expected to benefit small grocery stores that are not registered as legal entities, while those operating as legal entities will gain advantages through the “Blue Flag” programme, which supports spending by state welfare cardholders who receive a subsidy of 1,700 baht.

However, he said the Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme is just a short-term stimulus measure, adding that long-term support such as tax incentives and business training is required to improve entrepreneurs’ capabilities and help their transition to legal entities.

Mrs Suphajee added that the ministry has collaborated with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank) to enhance the competitiveness of independent retailers.

Depa will focus on enhancing skills for small and medium-sized enterprise entrepreneurs and local grocery stores, enabling them to fully adapt to the digital economy.

The initiative offers free trials for store management software and provides up to 50% financial support, capped at 200,000 baht for digital adoption.

Meanwhile, the SME D Bank has introduced a special loan programme with a fixed interest of 3% a year for up to three years. Small businesses can apply for loans of up to 1 million baht while larger enterprises get a maximum loan of 30 million baht.

Heavily inspired by sugar palm trees, Pattaya Marriott Resort And Spa recently opened on Na Jomtien Beach.

Although it may appear newly built, it’s actually the impressive result of a renovation and extension of an existing property. Sigma Resort Pattaya got a Marriott makeover and has become the (posher) Pattaya Marriott Resort And Spa.

Pattaya Marriott Resort And Spa takes the “Sugar Palm Trees Paradise” concept seriously, as the local plant serve as the muse for the resort’s interior design while acknowledging the area’s coastal locality.

Before entering the lobby, guests can’t miss an outdoor sculpture inspired by a young palm fruit in the sun-lit garden while a slightly squished dome comprising many wooden discs greets them in front of the main doors.

Once they’re inside the spacious lobby, they’ll be under a canopy as each big pillar is crafted in an artistic rendition of sugar palm trees from their crisscross trunks to pinnate leaves.

While the lamps hanging from above look like glowing sugar palm fruits. The welcome drink even blends sugar palm with pineapple, coconut and lime to refresh guests with tropical sips.

The sugar palm theme is extended into the resort’s 289 rooms and suites, which range from 33m² deluxe rooms to 57m² family rooms with bunk beds and spacious premium suites with up to 88m² of modern, light-filled space.

A Premiere Deluxe room doesn’t feel cramped despite its 33m² size, thanks to its studio layout with an open closet and a living area next to the sliding balcony doors. Its private and roofed balcony is sizable enough for a sofa and a coffee table in case you want to take in the view.

I would recommend Garden Suite for those who want a home-like feel and are foliage fans. They are hidden among hedge shrubs and trees, and each unit, around 75m², is located behind private gates. A two-seater swing chair welcomes you on a brief walkway before you reach the door. The sizeable bathroom comes with a huge round bathtub, and it can be closed off or opened with corner sliding doors. Its patio, which connects to a garden, boasts another big tub, an outdoor daybed and a pair of rattan armchairs. The hedge could have been taller to prevent prying eyes.

Pattaya Marriott Resort And Spa boasts two beautifully mosaic main swimming pools – Family Pool and Adults Pool – and several water slides to boot.

Although the beach is just across the street, the resort brings the beach closer with plenty of sun loungers and daybeds set on an area of sand in front of the Family Pool on the ground floor. Adjacent to it is the children’s pool equipped with water guns and a slide.

The Adult Pool on the third floor serves as a chill spot for those who wish to catch the sunset from in-pool seats with cocktails from the adjacent Sunbird Bar.

There are several sliders to enjoy starting with the wide water slide on the fourth floor. From there, you can descend to the ground level with a few more rides on water slides. Then repeat the process with the help of an elevator (under construction when I stayed there) if you want more splashy fun. Combining all these rides and water features, it feels like a mini water park.

Guests are quite spoilt for choice when it comes to on-site F and B options as the resort offers six restaurants and bars. All-day-dining Goji Kitchen Grill and Bar stands out with live kitchens serving Thai, pan-Asian and international cuisine with buffet and à la carte options. Goji at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is known as one of Bangkok’s best buffet options and it’s clear Pattaya Goji tries to live up to that.

You can easily notice that Goji goes beyond the usual suspects of hotel breakfast. The made-to-order kuay tiew station has more variety on noodles, meats, veggies and condiments (you know how much Thais love to season their kuay tiew without tasting first). The fresh fruit counter has four condiments, including Nam plan wan with a generous amount of dried shrimp.

Goji’s dinner buffet also offers many highlights, but a few that caught my eye include addictive Southern crab curry with wild betel leaves (which you can help yourself to), a sushi/sashimi selection with Wagyu nigiri and Unagi nigiri and succulent slices of lamb and beef. Heck, you can even get cooked noodle and salmon sashimi from their respective stations and ask the som tam station to make you Tam sen lek with pla ra and salmon. Don’t forget to save room for churros, DIY nam khaeng sai and cakes.

The other F and B outlets include La Familiare, which is helmed by chef Chef Marcello Piacentini, for authentic flavours of Italy with handmade pasta and classic regional specialties. Siam Bakery for coffee, juices and freshly baked pastries. Next to the Family Pool is The Siam Pool Bar and Lounge which serves drinks, light bites and kid-friendly treats while Sunbird Bar next to the Adult Pool offers crafted cocktails as the sun sets. The resort is also preparing to open a teppanyaki place on its top floor.

While you can hit the resort’s well-equipped gym anytime of day or night (it opens 24/7), to stave off vacay calories, you can also borrow a Sup board to brave the waves or join a Pétanque game on the beach.

For some peace and quiet, you can escape to Quan Spa, which has six treatment rooms, including two couple’s rooms.

In its next phase, the resort is planning to expand with more facilities for Mice in addition to the existing four flexible meeting rooms and the rooftop space on the forth floor, which could host a laid-back party or a morning pilates session.

The “Family Beach Break” package offers a 24-hour getaway, including daily buffet breakfast at Goji, complimentary meals for little ones, one kids’ club activity per day and ice cream treats. Available until Oct 31.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is accelerating renovation work at Lumpini Park in preparation for its 100th anniversary and the centennial commemoration of King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI).

The celebrations, scheduled for Nov 20-25, will feature various activities honouring both milestones.

During a BMA board meeting at Bangkok City Hall on Monday, agencies reported on current renovation projects expected to be completed in time for the celebrations. These include the construction of a new walkway that would directly link the Lumpini-Benchakitti Green Bridge on Witthayu Road to the park, and a privately funded dog park. These two projects are now 21.78% and 40% completed, respectively.

Other ongoing work includes the renovation of the 72nd Birthday Anniversary Pavilion, the park’s wall along Rama IV Road, the area surrounding the King Rama VI Monument, the playground and fitness zone, and the lake inside the park. The public library and the clock tower are also under renovation.

For the royal commemoration, the BMA will handle landscaping, coordinate venue management with the Office of the Prime Minister, and provide medical tents, mobile toilets, and municipal officers to ensure order and cleanliness. Decorative lighting, a musical fountain, and exhibitions of King Vajiravudh’s literary works will also be prepared.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has tightened measures regarding text messages sent from other countries in its efforts to curb fraud.

According to NBTC commissioner Pol Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn, the latest move is in response to scam SMS messages originating from overseas.

He added that while the number of scam calls has declined, the number of inbound scam text messages has increased since the beginning of last month, with over 1 million of them a day having been blocked.

Recently, the NBTC subcommittee on enforcing the law suppressing technology crime held a meeting with related authorities concerning its ongoing implementation of the measures aimed at preventing online crime.

The meeting discussed the new measures governing the sending of SMS messages in the application to persons or A2P format.

The measures requires the telecom operators to place the senders of A2P SMS messages into two categories — those sending such messages from within the country, and those sending them from overseas.

Moreover, the telecom operators must register those that wish to send SMS messages domestically in the A2P format. They must be clearly separated from those sending SMS messages from other countries.

In addition, the telecom operators must implement a firewall to screen potentially risky SMS messages, especially those sent from other countries.

After these SMS messages sent from abroad pass their screening process, the operators must place the symbol of an exclamation mark in front of these messages to alert users that it is an international SMS.

The operators must urgently implement all the measures and immediately inform customers about the measures.

The NBTC will start registering SIM boxes in November and only registered ones are eligible to connect with telecom networks. This means the SIM boxes of call centre gangs will not be able to connect with the telecom operators’ networks.

The Senate has approved Anan Suwannarat and Narong Rakroi to serve as members of the Election Commission (EC), filling the two vacant positions.

The approval came during yesterday’s Senate meeting, presided over by Deputy Senate Speaker Kriangkrai Srirak, following a review by the Standing Committee on Background, Conduct, and Ethical Behaviour, chaired by Sen Chattawat Saengpetch.

After the deliberation, Gen Kriangkrai opened the floor for voting on the nominees.

The voting results were: out of 167 votes cast, 137 were in favour of Mr Anan, one opposed, and 29 abstained. As for Mr Narong, 135 votes out of 168 were in favour of him, 32 abstained, and one did not vote.

Earlier yesterday, the People’s Party (PP) called on the Senate to delay the vote to select the two new members of the EC over concerns about a potential conflict of interest among some senators.

PP spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu said he had asked Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during a debate in parliament on Sept 30 to urge the Senate to delay the vote, as several senators are currently under investigation by the EC for allegedly colluding to manipulate the outcome of the Senate election.

Allowing senators to pick new members of an agency which is currently investigating them posed a huge conflict of interest, which could undermine public trust in the electoral agency, which is meant to be an independent body, Mr Parit said.

Although Mr Anutin, as the head of the executive branch, has no authority to compel the Senate to act in any particular way, he said, the prime minister could use his influence to get the Senate to delay the vote, as the issue concerns public and international confidence in his government.

However, Mr Anutin had yet to respond, he said.

Speaking ahead of the vote on the new commissioners he said if it proceeded as planned, three of the nation’s seven election commissioners would have been appointed by senators currently facing corruption allegations, he said.

Two more election commissioners are due to complete their seven-year terms by the end of this year he said.

Mr Parit unsuccessfully called on the Senate to postpone the vote until the EC concludes its investigation, before urging the EC to proceed with the investigation in a timely manner.

Phuket and Songkhla are seeing more visitors and expect tourism revenue to exceed 4.1 billion baht during their vegetarian festivals this week, while Phuket is pushing the event as a flagship cultural celebration.

The vegetarian festival from Oct 20-29 is expected to generate 382,710 domestic trips, a 28% increase year-on-year, in the two southern provinces, said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Revenue from those trips is forecast to rose by 31% to 4.1 billion baht, up 31% year-on-year.

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is forecast to earn 2.3 billion baht from 198,239 domestic trips, with hotels registering an 81% occupancy rate on average.

The Songkhla event is expected to earn 1.76 billion baht from 184,471 trips, with a 75% occupancy rate.

In terms of foreign arrivals, 82% of the visitors to Phuket and Songkhla for the celebrations of Thai-Chinese culture are estimated to be from short-haul markets, led by Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, said Ms Thapanee.

Rangsiman Kingkaew, president of the Tourism Council of Phuket, said this year is the 200th anniversary of the Kathu Shrine, which is the origin of the celebration in Phuket.

Even though most attendees are locals, foreign tourists are increasingly interested in joining the celebration, he said.

Malaysian and Singaporean tourists typically visit the festival in Phuket annually because of their Chinese-rooted culture.

In addition, more European tourists already staying in Phuket during the high season want to explore the unique event, said Mr Rangsiman.

‘The vegetarian festival is considered one of our flagship events to promote the festival economy in Phuket,’ he said.

Other notable festivals held in Phuket include the Phuket Peranakan Festival, the electronic dance music event EDC Thailand, the Phuket Lobster Festival, and the Laguna Phuket Marathon.

Songchai Mungprasitthichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, said around 10,000 Malaysian tourists were expected to visit Hat Yai this weekend, when there will be a special parade to celebrate the festival.

However, the Hat Yai celebration is not as famous now as in the past, he said.

Mr Songchai said Phuket has emerged as a preferred destination for Malaysian tourists during the festival, with more flights from Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Regulations that forbid Malaysian tour buses from commuting out of Songkhla to other provinces also hamper the tourism market, he said.

Mr Songchai urged the government to extend the operating hours of border checkpoints to 24 hours a day.

Floodwater had drained from one province in Thailand by Tuesday morning, leaving 15 still flooded and the majority of those in the Central Plain region.

The eastern province of Chachoengsao was removed from the list of flooded provinces by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Earlier reports showed flooding in Bang Nam Priao district of Chachoengsao.

On Tuesday the department reported flooding in nine central provinces:

Uthai Thani in Muang district with lower floodwater.

Chai Nat in Sapphaya district with stable flood levels.

Sing Buri in In Buri, Phrom Buri and Muang districts with stable flood levels.

Ang Thong in Pa Mok, Wiset Chai Chan, Chai Yo and Muang districts with stable flood levels.

Suphan Buri in Muang, Bang Pla Ma, Song Phi Nong, Don Chedi, Doembang Nangbuat, U Thong, Nong Yasai, Sam Chuk and Dan Chang districts with stable flood levels.

Ayutthaya in the districts of Sena, Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Bang Sai, Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Maha Rat, Bang Pahan, Ban Phraek, Tha Rua, Nakhon Luang and Ban Sa-ai with stable flood levels.

Pathum Thani in Sam Khok and Muang districts with rising flood levels.

Nonthaburi in Muang and Pak Kret districts with lower flood levels.

Nakhon Pathom in Bang Len, Sam Phran and Nakhon Chai Si districts with stable flood levels.

Ayutthaya still had the most affected households, 52,543, of the 15 inundated provinces nationwide.

In the North, flooding was in four provinces:

Phitsanulok in Wang Thong and Bang Rakam districts with lower floodwater.

Sukhothai in Muang, Kong Krailat and Khiri Mat districts with lower flood levels.

Phichit in Sam Ngam, Pho Thale, Pho Prathap Chang, Bung Narang, Bang Mun Nak, Thap Khlo, Muang, Dong Charoen, Sak Lek, Wang Sai Phun, Taphan Hin and Wachira Barami districts with lower flood levels.

Nakhon Sawan in Chumsaeng, Muang, Phaisali, Phayuha Khiri, Krok Phra and Tha Tako districts with stable flood levels.

In the Northeast, flooding was reported in:

Ubon Ratchathani in Muang, Warin Chamrap, Phibun Mangsahan, Sawang Wirawong, Trakan Phuetphon and Don Mot Daeng with lower flood levels.

Udon Thani in Phibun Rak, Sang Khom, Nong Han, Ban Dung, Phen, Kut Chap, Muang, Nong Wua So, Na Yoong and Kumphawapi districts with lower flood levels.

Laos’ ambassador, Khamphan Anlavan, met Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday at the conclusion of his posting to Thailand and to reaffirm continued strong bilateral ties between both nations.

According to government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Mr Anutin expressed his appreciation for Mr Khamphan’s contribution in promoting Thai-Lao diplomatic relations during his posting, including the Thai premier’s official visit to Laos on Oct 16.

Mr Anutin also passed on his thanks to Laos’ president, Thongloun Sisoulith, and prime minister, Sonexay Siphandone, for a warm and friendly welcome from both the Lao people and the government.

He emphasised Thailand’s determination to work with Laos in every aspect for shared benefits for the people of both countries.

Mr Khamphan then expressed appreciation to Mr Anutin for choosing Laos as a destination for his first official international visit as Thailand’s PM, signalling the close ties both countries share.

Other areas of collaboration were raised, including a proposal from Thailand for Laos to extend the electricity purchase concession for energy security.

They also discussed cross-border logistics fees to facilitate consumers.

Both nations agreed to use a Joint Commission and a Joint Boundary Commission as a mechanism for further cooperation, said Mr Siripong.