by Daryl Lum | Jul 30, 2024 | Bangkok Property Market Updates, Infrastructure & Urban Development
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to launch the first train on the Northeast dual-track route on Sunday, July 28. This route extends from Mab Kabao to Muak Lek stations in Saraburi province, covering a distance of 13.2 kilometers.
This section is part of the larger 42.9-kilometer dual-track route that runs from Mab Kabao to Khlong Khanan Chit station in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Pichet Kunadhamraks, the director-general of the Department of Rail Transport, shared this development.
The inaugural train will pass through the Pha Sadet tunnel, situated between Mab Kabao and Hin Lab station. The dual tunnel is notable for its dimensions: 7.5 meters wide, 7 meters high for each side, and 5.41 kilometers long, making it the longest railway tunnel in Thailand.
Between Hin Lab and Muak Lek stations lies the Hin Lab tunnel. This double-track tunnel is 11 meters wide, 7.3 meters high, and stretches 265 meters long. It further enhances the efficiency and safety of the route.
Pichet highlighted that the Pha Sadet tunnel is fully equipped with essential safety equipment, including ventilation and lighting systems, a supervisory control and data acquisition system, fire extinguishers, CCTV surveillance, emergency telephones, and backup generators. The tunnel also features sensors that detect unauthorised personnel, heat, and levels of oxygen, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, adhering to the National Fire Protection Association 130 standard for transit and passenger rail.
There are 11 cross passages between the tracks in the Pha Sadet tunnel, located every 500 meters. These passages are designed to facilitate the evacuation of passengers in the event of an accident or other emergencies.
“The two new tunnels will help cut travel time to the northeastern region by rail by about 20 minutes,” Pichet stated. This improvement is a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency of Thailand’s railway network.
The entire route, from Saraburi to Nakhon Ratchasima, terminating at Thanon Chira junction, covers a total distance of 134 kilometers. It is scheduled to be fully operational by 2025, marking a new era in Thai rail transport.
With these advancements, Thailand is poised to offer faster, safer, and more efficient rail travel, benefiting both residents and tourists. The launch this Sunday is just the beginning of an exciting journey towards modernized rail infrastructure in the country.
by Willie Tan | Jul 25, 2024 | Bangkok Property Market Updates, Expat Living & Relocation
Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for an urgent investigation into the source of a Bangkok billboard advertising the sale of passports and nationalities. The billboard was located in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok. This investigation aligns with Mr. Anutin’s broader strategy to crack down on crime hubs and bolster the country’s reputation and public trust.
Ministry spokeswoman Traisulee Traisaranakul announced on July 22 that Mr Anutin had been informed about social media posts criticising the Chinese-language billboard, which advertised the sale of passports and nationalities from several countries.
Mr. Anutin, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, ordered the immediate removal of the billboard and a thorough investigation. Should any illegal activities be discovered, the investigation will expand to identify and penalise those responsible. The billboard had been taken down as of press time.
Ms Traisulee emphasised that while the government is implementing policies to facilitate easier entry for tourists, there must be stricter screening to prevent criminals from using Thailand as a base for illegal activities. “Since easing visa regulations for several countries, Anutin has directed provincial governors and local administrative bodies to work with police and security agencies for stringent inspections and monitoring,” she said. “This is to prevent Thailand from becoming a hub for criminal activity, which could harm the country’s image, tourism confidence, and long-term investments.”
Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP from the Move Forward Party, expressed concern, stating that the billboard represents a severe legal breach. “If true, it signifies a blatant disregard for Thai authorities. The billboard in Huai Khwang, where many Chinese nationals reside, suggests it targeted them. This could mean our country is becoming a centre for global threats,” Mr Wiroj said.
He added that such incidents damage the country’s reputation and could attract international criminals. If verified, authorities should pursue legal action. He also noted the possibility of the Chinese mafia and criminals with arrest warrants using Thailand as a haven. “Rumors suggest a network of Chinese criminals uses Thailand as a hideout before moving to other countries. This network seems well-organised, with the ability to bribe officials and turn Thailand into a hub for illegal activities,” Mr Wiroj added.
The billboard featured a prominent message in Chinese, first noticed by a Facebook user who used Google Translate to interpret it. The advertisement offered a legal passport and nationality within 30 days, including a price list for passports from Indonesia, Vanuatu, Cambodia, and Turkey. After gaining social media attention, the billboard was removed by 10 am on July 22.
Mr. Paitoon Ngammuk, director of the Huai Khwang district, confirmed that an initial investigation report has been received, and further detailed inspections will follow. Convicted individuals face penalties, including imprisonment and/or fines. Meanwhile, deputy immigration chief Panthana Nuchanart stated that while some countries sell nationalities, this practice is strictly forbidden in Thailand. Investigators will determine if any illegal activities occurred. Preliminary findings suggest the billboard advertised the sale of other nationalities, not Thai, using Thailand as the advertising venue. Nonetheless, thorough checks will be conducted to ensure no national security breaches.
by Willie Tan | Jul 24, 2024 | Bangkok Property Market Updates, Expat Living & Relocation, Legal, Tax & Due Diligence
On July 23, a deputy prime minister announced that Thailand would move forward with legislating marijuana for medical use, signalling a reversal from previous intentions to re-criminalise the plant. This marks another shift in the government’s uncertain stance on cannabis. In 2022, Thailand became one of the first Asian nations to decriminalise marijuana without establishing clear laws or regulations, leading to a surge in recreational use and the emergence of numerous cannabis cafes and retailers, raising public concerns about potential misuse.
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a key advocate for marijuana liberalisation, stated that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has now endorsed legislation as the appropriate course of action. Anutin thanked the prime minister for considering and deciding to proceed with legislative action.
The government continues to prohibit recreational cannabis use, and Prime Minister Srettha, from a different political party, had previously suggested re-criminalisation, with allowances for medical and research purposes. The legislation will be debated in parliament, where a draft law already exists, according to Prommin Lertsuridej, the secretary-general to the prime minister. The determination of cannabis as a narcotic will be up to the legislative body.
A draft cannabis law had been presented to the legislature under the previous administration, but parliament was dissolved before it could be voted on. It remains uncertain whether actions will be taken to restrict recreational cannabis use, as advocated by Prime Minister Srettha. The domestic marijuana retail sector in Thailand is rapidly growing, with projections estimating it could reach up to USD 1.2 billion by 2025.
The Bhumjaithai Party, led by Anutin and the second largest in the ruling coalition, has promoted the use of marijuana for health and economic purposes but officially does not support recreational use and opposes re-criminalisation. Nattabhorn Buamahakul, managing partner at Vero Advocacy, a government affairs consultancy, noted that the latest policy shift suggests improved coordination among coalition parties on the complex issue of cannabis compared to last year when the government was formed.
by Daryl Lum | Jul 23, 2024 | Bangkok Property Market Updates, Developer Watch
Ananda Development, a publicly traded company on the SET, sold shares in five serviced apartments, totaling 2.54 billion baht, to generate revenue in the second quarter. This decision came after several months of being unable to transfer condo sales to buyers from Myanmar.
Prasert Taedullayasatit, the CEO of Ananda’s property division, explained that many developers, including Ananda, have been unable to recognise revenue from condo purchases made by Myanmar buyers since April.
“These units, valued at billions of baht collectively, have been stuck at the Lands Department offices following the Myanmar government’s crackdown on Thai condo purchases by Myanmar nationals in April,” he stated.
Mr. Prasert highlighted that this situation would affect condo transfers and developers’ revenue in the second and third quarters of this year, as Myanmar buyers had emerged as a significant market for Thai condos.
The number and value of condo transfers to Myanmar buyers have been increasing and tend to be substantial, unlike purchases by local buyers. Meanwhile, the recovery of the major foreign buyer market in China has been slower than anticipated, Mr. Prasert noted.
In the first quarter of 2024, residential transfers in Greater Bangkok to Myanmar buyers surged by 333% to 2.1 billion baht, second only to Chinese buyers, who recorded 5.36 billion baht, an 8% decrease.
Ananda transferred residential units worth 3.34 billion baht in the first quarter, a 3% year-on-year decline. Of this, condo transfers amounted to 2.9 billion baht, a 10% drop, while low-rise house transfers doubled to 432 million baht.
The company’s transfer value to foreign buyers almost tripled to 1.2 billion baht from 485 million baht year-on-year. The proportion of foreign transfers surged to 36% from 14%, while transfers to Thai buyers dropped to 64% from 86%.
Ananda announced on Monday the sale of ordinary shares in five subsidiaries, each 51% owned by Ananda, for a total of 2.54 billion baht. The shares were sold and transferred on 30 June 2024, to Mitsui Fudosan Asia Development (Thailand) Co, which owned the remaining 49% of each subsidiary.
The buyer, a subsidiary of Japanese developer Mitsui Fudosan, has partnered with Ananda on more than 30 joint venture condo projects since 2013.
The five apartments sold include Ascott Thonglor Bangkok (451 rooms valued at 3.47 billion baht), Ascott Embassy Sathorn (393 rooms valued at 3.34 billion baht), Somerset Rama 9 (445 rooms valued at 2.5 billion baht), Lyf Sukhumvit 8 (196 rooms valued at 644 million baht), and Somerset Pattaya (324 rooms valued at 1.9 billion baht).
by Willie Tan | Jul 22, 2024 | Bangkok Property Market Updates, Infrastructure & Urban Development, Legacy Events
The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train service has officially commenced, operating between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station in Bangkok and Khamsavath Railway Station in Vientiane.
An opening ceremony held in Vientiane on Saturday was attended by Lao Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, Saysongkham Manodham, Thai Deputy Minister of Transport, Surapong Piyachote, and representatives from both countries.
The inaugural train departed from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station on Friday, arriving at Khamsavath Railway Station on Saturday, completing the 12-hour journey.
During the ceremony, Hinphet Lakhonevong, deputy director of the railway department under the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport, stated that the new train service will facilitate travel for citizens of both nations, boost trade, investment, and tourism, and strengthen connectivity between Laos, Thailand, and the Greater Mekong Subregion countries.
Thai Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote emphasized that the new service will enhance convenience for the people of Thailand and Laos, fostering greater exchange between the two nations.
