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☆ Macao did it. Singapore too. Now Thailand looks to build casinos to attract tourist dollars
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-02 | by ( Charmaine Jacob | In Charmainemariajacob | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Thailand is working on a new game plan to boost foreigner arrivals and increase tourism spending: casinos. The strategy has worked for Macao — which has overtaken Las Vegas as the world's largest gambling hub — and Singapore, with two successful 14-year-old casinos. If Thailand's draft bill gets passed into law, the country could be Macao and Singapore's largest competitor by the end of the decade, industry watchers told CNBC. If the law gets passed, Thailand's casinos could generate 187 billion Thai baht ($5.5 billion) in revenues, or 1% of the country's GDP, according to Maybank research. The Thai economy grew 1.9% in 2023, and is expected to grow 2.7% this year, the finance ministry said.

Persons: Ben Lee, —, Lee, Srettha Thavisin, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Yin Shao Yang Organizations: Macao, Las Vegas, CNBC, IGamiX Management, Consulting, Tourism, Thai, Investment Bank Locations: Pattaya, Thailand, Singapore, Macao, Macau

☆ Why Thailand is making it easier for travelers to stay longer
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-28 | by ( Karla Cripps | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The popular Southeast Asia destination recently introduced a new five-year visa targeted at remote workers and other travelers looking to stay in the kingdom for extended periods. According to a statement issued by the Thai prime minister’s office, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) will allow eligible travelers a period of stay up to 180 days per visit, on a multiple-entry basis, within five years. Thailand certainly isn’t alone in its desire to bring travelers in for longer periods. “A global trend we have observed throughout the post-Covid-19 period has been that travelers are staying at destinations for longer,” he says. “These measures will likely enhance the appeal of Thailand for long-term visitors, potentially increasing these proportions over time.”

Persons: It’s, it’s, ”, Gary Bowerman, ” Bowerman, “ You’ve, Olivier Ponti, Ponti, “ Organizations: Bangkok CNN, Muay, Thailand Visa, CNN, ” Locations: Bangkok, Phuket, Muay Thai, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Thai, Asia, –, Asia Pacific

☆ Thailand's political uncertainty is affecting investor sentiment, analyst says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThailand's political uncertainty is affecting investor sentiment, analyst saysKasem Prunratanamala, head of Thailand research at CGS International (Thailand), discusses the outlook for the Thai market in light of political developments, such as the indictment that Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces.

Persons: Kasem Prunratanamala, Thaksin Shinawatra Organizations: CGS International, Thai Locations: Thailand

☆ Thai prime minister says legalizing casinos is good for revenue and jobs, eyes entertainment project
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin seen during the Asian World Cup qualifying round, second round, Group C match between Thailand and South Korea at Rajamangala Stadium. Thailand's government is considering drafting a casino bill and if passed by parliament, it would generate more jobs and state revenue and allow for the creation of a mega entertainment project, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Friday. Casinos are illegal in Thailand and the only gambling allowed is on state-controlled horse races and the lottery, though illicit gambling is commonplace, with underground casinos and soccer betting rife. Southeast Asia's second-largest economy is considering allowing casinos as another means of drawing in investment and tourism, according to a study in parliament that was passed late on Thursday. "We can regulate the grey economy and collect taxes ... We do not want to promote gambling, but would rather supervise it and use the investment to create jobs," Srettha said in a post on X.

Persons: Thavisin, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha Organizations: Rajamangala, Casinos Locations: Thailand, South Korea, Macao, China

☆ Debate heats up as Singapore prime minister says exclusive Taylor Swift deal isn't 'unfriendly'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Marylou Costa | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Tuesday that a closed-door deal for Taylor Swift to perform in the city-state ensured she would not perform in other Southeast Asian countries during her Eras tour. The statement is the first confirmation from the city-state that the agreement for Swift to perform in Singapore contained exclusivity terms preventing her from performing in other countries. He also did not reveal the size of the grant to Swift, but stated the amount is "not anywhere as high as speculated." During her first three concerts in Singapore, Swift asked her audience to applaud — first the locals, then those who had traveled from overseas to come to the show. Edwin Tong Singapore Minister for Culture, Community and YouthSome liken the deal to how cities vie to host major sports events, such as the Olympics, the Super Bowl and the World Cup.

Persons: Lee Hsien Loong, Taylor Swift, Swift, Edwin Tong, Srettha Thavisin, Joey Salceda, Lee, Ashok Kumar, —, Selena Oh, de Boer, Irene Hoe, — haven't Organizations: Singapore, Reuters, Thai, Swift's, Philippine, Getty, Edwin Tong Singapore Minister, Culture ,, Super Bowl Locations: Singapore, Southeast Asia, Melbourne, Bangkok, ASEAN, Tokyo, Asia, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Asia — Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Philippines, Cambodia, what's, Edwin Tong Singapore

☆ Taylor Swift is making Singapore a mountain of money, and some of the country's neighbors are salty about it
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Edwin Tong, Singapore's culture minister, told local outlet Mothership on February 28 that the amount of grant given "is not what is being speculated online." As Tong, the Singapore culture minister, told Mothership, the city-state is looking "beyond just the economic impact" of Swiftonimics. Economists estimate that Swift's concerts in Singapore could contribute up to 500 million Singapore dollars, or $372 million, in tourist receipts. AdvertisementIt's a different story for spending on experiences — and it's heightened because Singapore is Swift's only stop in Southeast Asia. Mann said the people who have money to pay for flight tickets, Swift's concert tickets, and a hotel are likely to keep spending at other tourist spots.

Persons: —, Taylor Swift, Srettha, Edwin Tong, Swift, it's, Yun Liu, Tong, Kevin Cheong, David Mann, Mann, Coldplay, Si Ying Toh, Cheong, Joey Salceda, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno Organizations: Service, Business, HSBC, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, Nomura, Philippine Star, Bloomberg, Vegas Locations: Singapore, Southeast Asia, British, Thailand, Bangkok, Indonesia, Sands

☆ Thai economy in 'crisis' prime minister says, pledges more stimulus
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attends a session of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting at the Hotel Okura Tokyo in Tokyo on December 17, 2023. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / POOL / AFP) (Photo by KAZUHIRO NOGI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Wednesday he believes the country's economy is in crisis, adding the government would roll out stimulus measures in addition to handouts to boost growth. "I confirm that the economy is not doing well and is in crisis," he told reporters, adding it was fine if the central bank disagreed with him. Srettha's comments come after the central bank governor told Reuters on Tuesday that government stimulus measures would not fix structural issues plaguing Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy. The government this week slashed 2024's growth projections to 2.8% from an earlier forecast of 3.2% on weaker exports and foreign tourist arrivals.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Kazuhiro, KAZUHIRO Organizations: Thailand's, ASEAN, Japan, Getty Images, Thai, Reuters Locations: Tokyo

☆ Thai Mother Danced With Joy After Daughter Released From Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

By Napat WesshasartarBAN KHOK SAMRAN (Reuters) - When Natthawaree Mulkan's mother saw that her daughter was among the Thai hostages released by Hamas, she was so happy she danced with her 8-year-old granddaughter outside their home in northeastern Thailand. I came out and danced," Bunyarin Srijan, 56, said pointing to her patio. Natthawaree, a mother of two, was one of 10 Thai hostages freed by Hamas during the first truce of a seven-week-old war that started with the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel. Bunyarin said her daughter had planned to marry her boyfriend, Boonthom Phankhong, who was also abducted by Hamas and released on Friday. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Saturday that the government was still trying to secure the release of 20 Thai citizens who remain captive.

Persons: Napat, KHOK SAMRAN, Natthawaree, Bunyarin, clasped, Boonthom Phankhong, Srettha Thavisin, Chayut Setboonsarng, Christina Fincher Organizations: Hamas, Thai Locations: Thailand, Israel

☆ 'That's My Son!' Thai Family Overjoyed as Second Group of Hostages Freed
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Napat Wesshasartar and Chayut SetboonsarngBANGKOK (Reuters) -The mother of a Thai hostage freed from Gaza late on Saturday said she was indescribably happy her son was among the four most recent Thai nationals confirmed as freed from Hamas captivity. A first group of 10 Thai hostages were on freed Friday along with 13 Israelis, in return 39 Palestinians from Israel's prisons. More than 30,000 Thai nationals work in Israel, mostly as farm workers, making up one of the largest migrant worker groups in the country. Thailand's foreign ministry estimated 18 Thai nationals remained captive after Israel told it the number abducted had increased by two from the previous tally. "The Thai government will continue to make every effort towards the safe release and return of those remaining Thai nationals," the ministry said in a statement.

Persons: Napat Wesshasartar, Thongkoon Onkaew, Srettha Thavisin, Thongkoon, Poppy McPherson, William Mallard Organizations: Reuters, Sunday, Thai Locations: Chayut, BANGKOK, Gaza, Thai, Palestinian, Israel

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas on Friday released 24 hostages who had been held captive in Gaza for weeks, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison in the first stage of a swap under a four-day cease-fire deal. The freed hostages included 13 Israelis, 10 people from Thailand and one from the Philippines, according to Qatar. The freed Israeli hostages included eight women — six of them in their 70s and 80s — and three children. FIRST HOSTAGES FREEDAfter nightfall Friday, a line of ambulances emerged from Gaza through the Rafah Crossing in Egypt, carrying the freed hostages, according to live footage on Egypt’s state-run Al-Qahera TV. Israel said the four-day truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

Persons: Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, “, ” Shelli Shem Tov, Omer Shem Tov, I’m, Omer, Ofer, ”, Sofian Abu Amer, Majed al, Ansari, Yoav Gallant, Netanyahu, ___ Federman, Jeffery, Bassem Mroue, Julia Frankel Organizations: West Bank, Israel’s, Foreign Ministry, Qatar, Israeli’s, . Police, Palestinian Prisoners ’ Club, FIRE, Associated Press, Hezbollah, Israeli, Gaza Health Ministry, Women Locations: RAFAH, Gaza, Thailand, Philippines, Qatar, Israel, Rafah, Egypt, Egyptian, Tel Aviv, Thai, U.N, Northern Gaza, Gaza City, Lebanon, United States, Jerusalem, Cairo, Beirut, israel

☆ Hamas releases Israeli and Thai hostages from Gaza, officials say
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Rob Picheta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —A group of Israeli and Thai hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7 has been released, as part of a deal struck between Israel and the militant group, according to officials. An initial group of 13 Israeli hostages was freed, according to the Israeli prime minister. The Thai prime minister said 12 Thai nationals had also been released. The released hostages are expected to enter Egypt through the Rafah crossing before returning to Israeli soil, where they will likely be taken to local hospitals. Pressure on the Israeli government had been mounting for weeks from the families of the hostages, who have demanded answers and action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, – Organizations: CNN, International Locations: Gaza, Israel, Qatar, Egypt

☆ Thai economy in 'crisis' and needs major stimulus - PM
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Speaking at a forum, Srettha said the economy was not in good shape with fewer foreign arrivals than targeted, and he would be prioritising attracting foreign investment and addressing household debt. "There needs to be big economic stimulus," said Srettha, who is also finance minister, adding a plan to tackle debt would be announced on Dec. 12. Thailand recorded 23.85 million foreign tourists arriving from Jan 1 to Nov. 19, spending 1 trillion baht. It is targeting 28 million arrivals versus a pre-pandemic record of nearly 40 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2019 who spent 1.91 trillion baht. In recent weeks, government officials have described the economy to be in a crisis, necessitating its signature plan.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Orathai Sriring, Kitiphong, Satawasin, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: Thai, Thais, Bank of Thailand, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand, Southeast Asia's

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is hosting the annual APEC summit of world leaders this week for the first time since 2011. But the main summit event will actually be on the sidelines: A face-to-face meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The annual leaders' conference brings together heads of nations and other top economic and diplomatic leaders. That decision was regarded as a snub by some APEC leaders. Since then, the APEC leaders have posed together in batik shirts (Malaysia, 1998), Chinese jackets (Shanghai, 2001), flowing ponchos (Chile, 2004) and "ao dai” tunics (Vietnam, 2006.)

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Gina Raimondo, isn't, Biden, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, that's, Morris Chang, Paul Chan, John Lee, It's, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Obama Organizations: WASHINGTON, APEC, Economic Cooperation, Biden, Pacific, Thai, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Financial, Moody’s Investors Service Locations: United States, Asia, San Francisco, China, U.S, Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Pacific, Bangkok, Chile, Thailand, China . Hong Kong, Seattle, American, Malaysia, Shanghai, ponchos, Vietnam, Philippines, Hawaii

Protests are expected throughout this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ conference, which could draw more than 20,000 attendees, including hundreds of international journalists. San Francisco has a long tradition of loud and vigorous protests, as do trade talks. In 1999, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Seattle during a World Trade Organization conference. San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott said he expects several protests a day, although it's uncertain how many will materialize. “People are welcome to exercise their constitutional rights in San Francisco, but we will not tolerate people committing acts of violence, or property destruction or any other crime,” Scott said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Suzanne Ali, ”, Bill Scott, ” Scott, “, Biden, Xi Jinping, Rory McVeigh, Xi, Vo Van Thuong, Bongbong Marcos, Ferdinand Marcos, Nik Evasco, “ It's, Huizhong Wu Organizations: FRANCISCO, —, Sunday, Economic Cooperation, ’, APEC, Moscone Center, Palestinian Youth Movement, U.S, Hamas, Trade Organization, Protesters, Thai, San Francisco Police Department, Center, University of Notre Dame, United Vietnamese American Community of, International Coalition for Human Rights, Associated Press Locations: Israel, San Francisco, Asia, Francisco, Seattle, Chile, Thailand, Bangkok, China, U.S, Mexico, Brazil, Philippines, United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California, Vietnam

☆ Thailand Tries to Rescue 162 Nationals Trapped in Myanmar Fighting
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand is trying to bring home 162 of its nationals trapped in Myanmar by a surge in clashes between junta troops and ethnic minority insurgents near the border with China, officials said. Heavy fighting erupted last week in northern Myanmar's Shan State where an alliance of ethnic minority forces battling for self-determination launched a series of coordinated attacks on junta positions. Newly formed pro-democracy insurgent groups have in some areas teamed up with ethnic minority guerrillas who have been campaigning for decades for greater autonomy. The latest fighting in Shan State has pushed thousands of refugees into China, and displaced thousands more internally, Myanmar media outlets reported. A "three brotherhood alliance" of ethnic minority armies in Shan and Rakhine states, said it is seeking to defend their territory and civilians from attacks by the junta.

Persons: Thais, Srettha Thavisin, Nobel, Aung, Panu, Poppy McPherson, Robert Birsel Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand, Myanmar, China, Israel, Myanmar's Shan State, Yunnan province, Thai, Suu Kyi, Shan State, Shan, Rakhine

☆ What is APEC? Asia-Pacific leaders head to San Francisco
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( David Brunnstrom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/Pool/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Leaders from the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum will meet in San Francisco this month for the 30th APEC summit, the first hosted by the United States since 2011. APEC leaders are due to gather between Nov. 15-17. From Nov. 11 senior APEC finance officials and ministers will meet ahead of the summit, while the annual APEC CEO summit will run from Nov. 14-16. As of 2021, APEC members made up seven of the United States' top 10 overall trading partners. FASHION SHOWTraditionally APEC leaders wear local costume for a final-day group photo.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Peng Liyuan, Prayuth Chan, ocha, Naraporn Chao, Athit, Joe Biden, Xi, Biden, Morris Chang, John Lee, Lee, Paul Chan, Vladimir Putin, Putin, Matt Goodman, BUZZWORDS, Goodman, Washington, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina, Michelle Nichols, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Thai, Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, Rights, APEC, U.S, Reuters Hong, Hong, Financial, The State Department, White, Economic, Thomson Locations: Asia, Bangkok, Thailand, San Francisco, United States, China, Bali, Canberra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Washington, U.S, Ukraine, APEC, Seattle, Francisco

☆ Explainer: What is APEC? Asia-Pacific leaders head to San Francisco
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( David Brunnstrom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —A teen suspected of shooting two people dead at an upscale shopping mall in Thailand has been charged with six counts including premeditated murder, police told CNN Wednesday. The 14-year-old boy was arrested on Tuesday shortly after the shooting rampage at the busy Siam Paragon mall in central Bangkok’s bustling commercial and tourist district. Thai Police General Torsak Sukvimol told reporters Tuesday the suspect “surrendered himself” after the shooting and still had ammunition when he was apprehended. Staff repair the glass doors of a furniture store where a 14-year-old suspect was apprehended after a shooting rampage in Bangkok. And the shooting of Chinese victims in downtown Bangkok may make some tourists think twice about traveling to Thailand.

Persons: Thailand CNN —, Kanchana Patarachoke, General Nakarin Sukhonthawit, ” Nakarin, Nakarin, Lauren DeCicca, ”, Torsak Sukvimol, “, Thanamorn Noonart, Thanamorn, ” Thanamorn, Bangkok’s Pathum, “ it’s, Jack Taylor, Torsak, Lillian Suwanrumpha, Thailand ”, Srettha Thavisin, ” Srettha, Srettha Organizations: Thailand CNN, CNN, Siam Paragon, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Police, ” Police, Thai Police, Rajavithi Hospital, Video, Thai, Getty, Staff, Tourism Authority of, Survey, SAS, Institute for Health Metrics, University of Washington’s Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Siam, Myanmar, Laos, Pathum Wan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Bangkok’s, Bangkok’s Pathum Wan, Thai, AFP, China, Southeast Asia, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Cambodia, Weibo, Switzerland, Philippines, Nong Bua Lamphu

☆ Bangkok shooting: Attack in Thailand shopping mall kills at least one person
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —Police in Thailand arrested a 14-year-old boy, after a shooting at a luxury shopping mall in the capital Bangkok on Tuesday left at least one person and five others injured, the Metropolitan Police Bureau said. ET) at the Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok, Police Colonel Noppadol Thiammekha, Pathum Wan Police Chief told CNN on Tuesday. Bangkok Emergency Center revised an earlier death toll, which stated that three people were killed in the shooting. Siam Paragon shopping mall is seen empty, after people were evacuated from the scene of the shooting. “We saw all the people run, run, run, we didn’t understand what was happening,” Yahav said.

Persons: Noppadol Thiammekha, Pathum, Yutthana Setthanan, Yutthana, Lillian Suwanrumpha, Jack Taylor, Shir Yahav, “, ” Yahav, ” Susinee, Srettha Thavisin Organizations: Thailand CNN — Police, Metropolitan Police Bureau, Local, Thailand’s, Investigation Bureau, Siam Paragon, Pathum Wan Police, CNN, Bangkok Emergency, Bangkok Emergency Center, Getty, People, Reuters, Survey, SAS, Institute for Health Metrics, University of Washington’s, Twitter Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Siam, Chinese, AFP, Thai, Switzerland, Philippines, Southeast Asia, Nong Bua Lamphu

☆ Mid-Autumn Festival holidays: Millions of Chinese tourists are going on holiday again -- many headed for Thailand
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Kathleen Magramo Kocha Olarn Berry Wang Carina Cheng | Kathleen Magramo | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Only 2.2 million Chinese travelers arrived between January and September 10 this year, according to data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin greeted travelers on the first day of the government's visa-free scheme for Chinese tourists. “Competition is really intensifying in the region to attract Chinese tourists amongst all countries, and you have to make it as easy as possible,” said Bowerman. Chinese tourists pray in front of Thai dancers at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand on September 22, 2023. Rumors, film complicate efforts to lure back touristsPrior to the announcement of the visa-free policy this month, Chinese tourists had been slow to return to Thailand.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, It’s, ” Sretta, “, Chiang, Wang Wenbin, Peerapon Boonyakiat, pare, Gary Bowerman, ”, Bowerman, Huang, “ I’ve, coronavirus, Trip.com, Jin Junhao, Joanna Lu, Anusak, Wolfgang Georg Arlt, “ There’s, Thailand ”, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn Organizations: CNN, China’s, Tourism Authority of, Thai, Civil Aviation Administration, China Railway, Asia, Tourism Research Institute, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Thai Travel Agents Association Locations: China, Shanghai, Bangkok’s, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, ”, Beijing, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Asia, Sichuan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, United Kingdom, Erawan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Weibo

☆ Why Thailand's having second thoughts about decriminalizing cannabis
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Little more than a year after cannabis decriminalization, following an election that saw a more conservative coalition government come into power, there are signs Thailand’s laws on cannabis could be rewritten once again. Most cannabis dispensaries like his he says, have been responsible and diligent from the start in checking buyers’ IDs and educating customers about cannabis rules. “Thousands of cafes, stores, and other cannabis businesses have sprouted and hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent by tourists in a short amount of time,” Zaytsev said. The debate comes just as the quality of domestically produced cannabis in the country was improving, she added. “The quality of Thai cannabis has gotten better and better.

Persons: “, ” Iemvijan, –, Nitikrist Attakrist, ” Attakrist, Chiang Mai, Srettha Thavisin, ” Thavisin, Iemvijan, Cannabis, ”, Wisawa Mcintyre, Anutin Charnvirakul, Athit Perawongmetha, hasn’t, Ley Singdam, Ley, ” Ley, Kitty Chopaka, Chopaka, Michael Zaytsev, LIM, ” Zaytsev, Gloria Lai, ” Lai, ” “, Thavisin, Manan Vatsyayana Organizations: CNN, Thai, Bloomberg, Thailand’s Public, Thai Health, Staff, Reuters Observers, ” Farmers, Thais, International Drug Policy Consortium, Bhumjaithai Party, Getty Locations: Thai, Bangkok, Thailand, Southeast Asia, San, Thonglor, Phuket, ‘, ”, Athit, New York, Asia, Singapore, Indonesia, AFP

☆ Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse: Thai King's son signals willingness to talk about lese majeste as he attends exhibition
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, 42, the King’s second-oldest son, who lives in New York, confirmed that he went to see the exhibition on his official Facebook page Monday. “The King can do wrong.”Nonetheless lese majeste prosecutions continued in the last decade of his reign, and increased dramatically when the military seized power in a 2014 coup. An unprecedented demand was royal reform to ensure the King is answerable to the constitution and amendments to the royal insult law. A political toolFor years, human rights organizations and free speech campaigners have said lese majeste has been used as a political tool to silence critics of the Thai government. At least 253 people have been charged with lese majeste during that time, the group said.

Persons: Thailand’s, Maha Vajiralongkorn, King, LeRoy Neiman, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, lese, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, “, ’, ” Vacharaesorn, Vacharaesorn, Thais –, Thais, ”, Pavin, ” Pavin, King Vajiralongkorn, Bhumibol Adulyadej, Bhumibol, Srettha Thavisin, lese majeste, majeste, King Bhumibol, Prayut Chan Organizations: CNN, LeRoy, New York’s Columbia University, Kyoto University’s Center, Southeast Asian Studies, Elections, Thai, YouTube, Facebook, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Thai Prime Locations: New York, Thailand, Thai, Local

☆ Former Thai PM Thaksin eligible for parole in February - official
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Panarat Thepgumpanat | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. While abroad, Thaksin was found guilty in absentia in three cases involving abuse of power, conflict of interest and malfeasance. There was speculation that Thaksin reached some deal with his old foes, after the pro-military parties gave the Pheu Thai candidate Srettha their backing to form a new government. On his first night in Thailand, Thaksin was transferred to a police hospital with chest pains and high blood pressure where is currently being treated. "After serving six months of his sentence, Thaksin will be eligible for parole for prisoners older than 70 or those who are ill," Corrections Department Deputy Director General Sitthi Sutivong, told Reuters.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Thaksin, Thailand's, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Sitthi Sutivong, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Corrections, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Thai

☆ Thailand to roll out more populist policies this year - PM
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Electric poles with electrical and telephone cables are seen in Bangkok, Thailand, August 9, 2017. "In addition to lowering cost of living is increasing wages," he said, adding that an announcement could be expected in November. Srettha, a real estate mogul and political newcomer, has come under fire in parliament for policies the opposition say lack clear direction. But the PM has said the policies would be fiscally responsible. He also plans to meet top business executives during his U.S. trip to draw more investment to Thailand.

Persons: Athit, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Thai, Southeast, United Nations General Assembly, U.S, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, El, Africa, New York, China, United States

☆ Thailand to roll out more populist policies this year, says prime minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Srettha Thavisin, Thailand's prime minister, arrives at Thai Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. Thailand will dole out 560 billion baht ($16 billion) to its 55 million adults in the next six months to spur domestic demand and investment, with new Prime Minister Srettha pitching the revival of a sluggish economy as his government's top priority. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Monday his government will be rolling out more policies by the year's end to lower living costs, including gradually reducing electricity prices and raising the minimum daily wage. The economy is expected to grow 2.8% this year, but Srettha has a target of 5% annual growth. "In addition to lowering cost of living is increasing wages," he said, adding that an announcement could be expected in November.

Persons: Srettha, Srettha Thavisin Organizations: Thai, Southeast Locations: Thai, Bangkok, Thailand, El

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