by Willie Tan | Aug 9, 2024 | News
Hyundai Motor Company, the South Korean automaker, has announced a 1 billion baht (US$28 million) investment to establish an electric vehicle (EV) and battery assembly facility in Thailand, as reported by the country’s Board of Investment (BOI) on Wednesday.
Currently, Chinese automakers such as BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Great Wall Motors dominate Thailand’s rapidly growing EV market, using the country as a key manufacturing base to supply vehicles across Southeast Asia.
The new Hyundai factory, which will be located southeast of Bangkok, is scheduled to commence production in 2026, according to a statement from the BOI.
BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi noted that Thailand’s well-established supply chain will enable Hyundai to source at least one-third of its raw materials and components locally, further bolstering the domestic industry.
As EV sales surge across Southeast Asia, led by BYD, they are increasingly capturing market share from the internal combustion engine vehicles long dominated by Japanese and Korean manufacturers. In the first quarter, Thailand, Southeast Asia’s largest automotive manufacturing hub, accounted for 55% of the region’s EV sales, according to Counterpoint Research.
Source: Bangkok Post
by Willie Tan | Jul 25, 2024 | News
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 | News
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 $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.
Source: Bangkok Post
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The editorial team at Invest Bangkok Property
by Willie Tan | Jul 22, 2024 | Events, News
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.
Source: Bangkok Post
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The editorial team at Invest Bangkok Property
by Willie Tan | Jul 15, 2024 | News
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Sunday that he will sign an extension to the visa waiver on Monday, allowing citizens from 93 nations to enter Thailand without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival and stay for up to 60 days.
He expressed confidence that immigration and security agencies will smoothly implement the measures to screen foreign arrivals in the long term. “We prepared for visa waivers for travellers from China, India, and Kazakhstan with measures implemented last year,” he added.
To boost tourism and attract more tourist dollars, the Cabinet decided on May 28 to extend visa waivers to a total of 93 nations.
The 57 nations or regions that already had a visa waiver and can now receive a 60-day stamp on arrival include: Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, the Republic of Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Peru, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, and Brunei.
The 13 nations whose citizens previously received a 30-day stamp on arrival and will now receive a 60-day stamp are India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Fiji, and Georgia.
The six new nations or regions whose citizens now qualify for a visa waiver and a 60-day stay are China, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia, and Cambodia.
The 17 new nations eligible for visas on arrival, receiving a 60-day stamp, include Guatemala, Jamaica, Jordan, Kosovo, Morocco, Panama, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Uruguay, Albania, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador.
Source: The Star
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The editorial team at Invest Bangkok Property
