Politics
Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Visa-Free Deal with European Union Proposed, and More
Thailand is consistently devising techniques to enhanced its global relationships and tourism industry with the premier minister Srettha Thavisin saying that France may possibly implement a mutual visa free agreement with 26 Schengen region nations. The conclusion of this arrangement is expected to remedy the tourism and business sectors difficulties, paving the way for increased collaboration across various fields to take place between Thailand and the 27 Schengen nations.
In front of Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee meeting during the World Songkran Festival, the public announcement about control of drinking alcoholism were broadcasted by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew.
“The proposed National Alcohol Control initiative will span April 1st to 21st, encompassing Songkran from April 11th to 17th and the post-festival period from April 18th to 21st.”
A private jet belonging to the former Thai PM, Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter Pheu Thai party leader Ms. Prajakteertha Shinawatra, as well as other members in their family, flew to his ancestral homestead in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. On his return, Thaksin had a very warm welcome both from amongst the red shirts and presence of locals, while he was away from Thailand for being an exiled political figure.
Mrs. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, addressed at the press conference that the statistics successfully demonstrate that the visit of Chinese tourists to Thailand has gone up to the plateau. According to TAT projections, in 2024, there will be twice as many Thai visitors going to China compared to the numbers before COVID-19 epidemic,
and Chinese tourist arrivals in Thailand will be three times higher than in the time before the same epidemic.
The investigative team handling the gambling network case known as “Minnie” summoned Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakparn, the Deputy National Police Chief of Thailand, to address allegations related to money laundering offenses. According to Thai national media, Pol. Gen. Surachet is required to present himself at the Metropolitan Police Division 2 on March 21st, 2024. He maintains his innocence amidst the allegations.
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Politics
Thai PM Srettha Thavisin Addresses Media Following Constitutional Court’s Petition Consideration
On May 23rd, 2024, at 4:30 PM (Japanese local time), Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, while on an official visit to Japan, spoke to the press about the Thai Constitutional Court’s consideration of a petition against him regarding the appointment of former Minister Pichit Chuenban.
Earlier that day, the Constitutional Court voted six to three to proceed with the petition against Srettha. However, by a narrow margin of five to four, the judges opted not to suspend him from his duties as Prime Minister during the investigation. The court granted him a 15-day period to respond to the complaint from the date he received a copy, as reported by Thai national media.
Srettha informed the media that he would consult with his legal team in response to the court’s order for an investigation. He underscored his responsibility as Prime Minister to govern the country and confront its challenges. While acknowledging that legal scrutiny is part of a political career, Srettha emphasized the importance of transparency and clarity in handling such matters.
“It is crucial to provide clarity to the public.”
Despite recognizing the difficulty in satisfying all political factions, Srettha appealed for trust in his leadership, emphasizing the well-being of Thai citizens as his foremost priority. He also expressed willingness to address any no-confidence motions in parliament, respecting the legislative process.
Srettha highlighted the roles of both the Legal Affairs and Executive Divisions in ensuring fair and thorough oversight. As part of the Administrative Division, he pledged to elucidate matters comprehensively and transparently to the public.
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Politics
Thai Political Activist Group Protests at Government House in Bangkok, Demands Justice for Activist’s Death
National News:
On May 21, 2024, at 11:30 AM, Thai national media reported that the Talufa Group held a protest at the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC). They aimed to submit a letter to Mr. Somkid Chuekong, the deputy secretary-general of the Thai prime minister for political affairs, demanding justice in the investigation of Ms. Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom’s death.
The activist group gathered at the OPDC to hear about the progress in Netiporn’s case. However, after an hour of protest, no official responsible for the case appeared to receive the letter.
The group then moved to the Government House, where police officers prevented them from entering due to an ongoing cabinet meeting.
The Talufa Group publicly stated that the Pheu Thai Party had previously committed to considering amendments to Section 112 (Lèse Majesté) and granting amnesty to political prisoners under the same section. Despite the Pheu Thai Party being in power for ten months, there had been no response from the party, according to Thai national media.
After protesting in front of the Government House, the activists returned to the OPDC and successfully submitted the letter to Somkid.
Previously, a lawyer from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights representing Netiporn had questioned the Thai Corrections Department regarding the cause of her death. However, the report was still pending, leaving the circumstances of Netiporn’s death in doubt, noted Kritsadang, the lawyer from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.
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Politics
Thai Tourism Authority Seeks Increased Government Funding to Boost International and Domestic Flight Promotions
National—
On May 21st, 2024, Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the Deputy Governor for International Marketing in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, requested financial support from the Thai government to bolster tourism markets through mutually beneficial alliances.
Despite the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) receiving only a small portion of government funding, the TAT collaborated with various partners to promote remote marketing, particularly with international and domestic airlines, Siripakorn stated.
The TAT supported flights to both primary and secondary cities in Thailand. However, Siripakorn emphasized that the Thai government should increase financial support to enable more promotional activities with airline partners.
As Thailand approaches its high season in winter, there is an expected gradual recovery of airlines, with new airlines reportedly being approved to operate.
Furthermore, the TAT is exploring ways to assist airline operators in accessing Thailand’s aviation hubs via inter-indicators, Siripakorn added.
From April 2nd to 5th, 2024, over 20 airline representatives, in cooperation with public and private sectors, recognized the potential of Thailand’s aviation market and new routes during a meeting. Siripakorn reported that, with the high season approaching, four airlines are interested in launching new routes, offering a total of 200,000 seats by the end of the year.
Expanding flights to Thailand aligns with the Thai government’s strategy to enhance connections between Thai airports and international airports such as Istanbul-Bangkok and United Arab Emirates-Bangkok, along with charter flights. Additionally, new routes are now available from Middle Eastern airlines, Air Arabia, Air Canada, and others, Siripakorn noted.
Siripakorn also mentioned that in 2024, the TAT aims to generate tourism revenues totaling three trillion baht from both foreign and Thai tourists. However, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has set a higher goal of 3.5 trillion baht.
“It is possible to generate over 3.5 trillion baht if the government approves financial support for the TAT,” asserted Siripakorn.
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