Author: Wadi

Ban on Casino Workers’ Travel The Royal Thai Army rolled out stringent border control measures on June 17, 2025, prohibiting Thai nationals employed in Cambodian casinos and entertainment venues from leaving the country, as reported on June 18, 2025. Effective from 8 a.m., the restrictions aim to bolster national security amid escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, particularly in Sa Kaeo’s Poipet area, a hub for cross-border gambling. Focus on Sa Kaeo and Beyond Burapa and Suranaree Forces Lead The measures target key border regions, with the Burapa Task Force overseeing Sa Kaeo province and the Suranaree Task Force managing…

Over 4,400 Arrests in Nine Months Thailand’s Labour Ministry, under Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, launched a robust crackdown on expatriates working in jobs reserved for Thai nationals, resulting in 4,437 arrests between October 2024 and June 13, 2025. Announced on June 16, 2025, the initiative aims to protect local employment in industries like vending and barbering, reinforcing legal barriers against unauthorized foreign labor. Strict Enforcement of Job Restrictions List-1 Occupations Under Scrutiny The ministry targeted “List-1” occupations, strictly prohibited for foreigners, such as traditional masseurs, secretaries, and chauffeurs. Of the 4,437 expats apprehended, 417 faced legal charges for violating these restrictions.…

Jurassic World Rebirth’s Impact Thailand’s economy received a significant lift from the production of Jurassic World Rebirth, filmed between June and July 2024, as reported on June 18, 2025. With a budget surpassing 400 million baht, the blockbuster employed over 2,245 local workers, including production crews and service providers. The Department of Tourism hailed the project as a catalyst for economic growth, showcasing Thailand’s vibrant film industry. Stunning Southern Locations Featured Krabi, Phang Nga, Trang Shine The film utilized breathtaking landscapes across three southern provinces—Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang—to create its dinosaur-filled scenes. Key sites included Khao Phanom Bencha National…

Casual Comment Sparks Violence A young man was brutally assaulted in a nearly empty barbecue restaurant in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district on June 16, 2025, after commenting on the lack of customers. The sole diner, reacting with fury, struck him with a glass, causing a head laceration. Reported on June 18, 2025, the incident has sparked outrage over the unprovoked violence in a public setting. Victim’s Innocent Remark Misunderstanding Fuels Aggression The victim, dining with friends, casually noted, “It’s not very busy here today,” upon entering the restaurant. This neutral observation, not directed at anyone, triggered an explosive response from…

New Srinakarin Campus Opens Samitivej International Children’s Hospital unveiled its state-of-the-art, eight-story facility at the Srinakarin campus in January 2025, transforming pediatric healthcare in Thailand. Treating over 50,000 children annually, including 3,700 international patients since 2019, the hospital has earned accolades like Asia-Pacific’s Bone Marrow Transplant Service Provider of the Year. This purpose-built center, designed for complex cases, offers 111 beds and specialized care for conditions like thalassemia, epilepsy, and congenital heart defects. Centers of Excellence Shine Specialized Treatments Excel The hospital’s four Centers of Excellence lead in innovation. Its Bone Marrow Transplantation unit achieves a 92% one-year survival rate…

Friday Deadline Looms Thailand is gearing up to present its initial trade proposal to the United States on June 20, 2025, as confirmed by Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, on June 18, 2025. Leading the negotiation team, Vuttikrai announced that recent video conference discussions with the US Trade Representative (USTR) office have shaped the proposal, aiming to address critical trade imbalances before a looming tariff deadline. US Outlines Key Negotiation Areas Five-Point Framework Proposed The USTR has outlined five focus areas for balanced trade: tariff measures and quotas, non-tariff barriers, digital trade management, rules of origin,…

20-Baht Fare Cap Expansion Thailand’s government is accelerating plans to repurchase electric train line concessions in Bangkok, aiming to finalize the process by 2026, as announced on June 18, 2025. The initiative seeks to make public transport more affordable by extending the 20-baht fare cap, currently applied to parts of the Red and Purple lines, across all lines by September 2025. This move aligns with efforts to ease commuting costs for residents in the capital. Committee to Drive Buyback Strategy Finance Minister Leads Talks A steering committee, chaired by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, is set to convene later in June…

Chef Ton Highlights Struggles Thailand’s restaurant sector is grappling with a severe downturn in 2025, driven by a sluggish economy and declining tourism, as reported on June 13, 2025. Renowned chef Thitid Tassanakajohn, known as Chef Ton, owner of Michelin-starred Le Du, described the widespread impact affecting all dining segments, from street food stalls to upscale establishments. Decline in Chinese Tourists Key Spenders Missing A sharp drop in Chinese tourists, significant spenders in Thailand’s dining scene, has hit restaurants hard. Areas like the Grand Palace, once teeming with visitors, now see fewer foreign faces. Chef Ton noted that while European,…

Opportunities in Domestic Market Thailand’s tourism industry, facing a downturn in foreign arrivals, is prompting hotel operators like Koko Global Hospitality (KGH) to focus on domestic travelers, as reported on June 12, 2025. Despite a quieter low season, KGH, which manages the Kokotel chain, sees potential in local vacationers to bolster its portfolio, maintaining optimism for a high-season rebound by year-end. Foreign Visitor Decline Shifting Market Dynamics From January 1 to June 8, 2025, Thailand welcomed over 15 million foreign tourists, a 2.87% drop year-on-year, with Malaysia overtaking China as the top source market. Chinese visitors, now second, constitute 15%…

40-Billion-Baht Investment Approved Thailand’s cabinet greenlit a bold proposal on June 17, 2025, to bid for hosting Formula One races in Bangkok from 2028 to 2032, with a projected cost of 40 billion baht. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced the initiative, aiming to elevate Thailand’s global profile and boost tourism through a world-class motorsport event. Proposed Street Circuit Details Bang Sue Station as Epicenter The planned 5.7-kilometer race circuit will weave through central Bangkok, centered around Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station. Spanning 800 rai at the station, 100 rai at Mo Chit 2 bus terminal, 240 rai…