Stories tagged with krabi
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Baht onshore/offshore rates equalize
The Thai baht onshore and offshore rates have now equalized following the lifting of the reserve on March 3, said Bank of Thailand (BoT) governor Tarisa Watanagase.
The 30 per cent withholding measure was imposed in 2006 to stem the baht’s speculation due to the gloomy economic outlook back then, and was a bonus for foreigners bringing in currency and utilizing the higher onshore rates.
Khun Watanagase said that the baht had equalized automatically, ‘without intervention’, following the reserve lift and that the economy had improved.
Onshore traded baht is now a lot closer to offshore traded baht since the measure was scrapped, with onshore and offshore dollar transactions at about 31.41 and 31.42 respectively.
Previous figures at the offshore rate of 31.42 baht to the dollar would have seen an onshore rate at roughly 34!
Thailand’s international reserves have also risen sharply in the last couple of years - at US$108 billion today compared with $67 billion at the end of 2006.
Posted by: Andrew on 24 Apr 2008, 20:54 -
Suvarnabhumi to keep on growing
Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi airport has been given the go ahead with the second-phase of expansion to include a third runway and a new domestic terminal.
A total of 10 new projects worth in excess of 73 billion baht will be undertaken by the Transport Ministry.
Two of the 10 projects will be implemented this year, including the construction of the third runway. Future projects will include an automated people-mover, a new car park, as well as the ongoing reduction of noise pollution over five years.
The creation of the new domestic terminal will relieve congestion at the main terminal and will cost in the region of six billion baht.
Interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont originally put the airport expansion plans on hold and re-opened up Don Mueang airport to save money.
Don Mueang made way for the new Suvarnabhumi in late September 2006 but was reopened for domestic flights.
Since then Suvarnabhumi Airport has been beset by construction flaws, including cracks in the main runway, as well as corruption scandals.
The new expansion scheme would run from 2008 to 2013 and when finished would enable Suvarnabhumi to serve 60 million passengers a year; an extra 15 million passengers over its current 45 million.
It is also likely that the new work would signal a closure of Don Mueang airport by the government.
AoT have earned more than 10 billion baht from the management of Suvarnabhumi airport and would be footing the bill.
As part of the runway expansion, the third runway will feature an auto-landing system allowing aircraft to land even in low visibility conditions.
Suvarnabhumi may then receive a safety measure of three, with Category 3 being the safest. In comparison, regional airports have a category rating of 1, with Don Mueang being Category 2 rated.
Plots of land on the eastern side of the airport will also be surveyed for the project.
Posted by: Andrew on 23 Apr 2008, 10:31 -
Songkran road toll soars
More than 200 people across Thailand have already lost their lives over the period from Friday through Monday during the Songkran festival.
This year’s water festival has already seen more people killed and injured on the roads than at the same point last year, with 229 dead and over 3,300 injured - around 5.5 per cent up on last year.
Petchabun province had the highest death toll with 11 dead so far, followed by Rayong, and Suphan Buri provinces.
The highest number of accidents was in Chiang Rai province, at 50, followed by Phetchabun province at 42.
Most accidents occurred on village roads and mainly at night with the great percentage of those being alcohol-fueled.
Although the powers-that-be were thinking of imposing a ban on the sale of alcohol over Songkran; in reality, people will just hoard beer and spirits before the event.
The Thai Red Cross has reported that it was running out of blood supplies and needs about 1,500 units of blood daily during this busy time, whereas it only received 973 units on April 12 and 950 units on April 13.
Blood goes to hospitals nationwide from the red cross’s blood banks.
Tourists taking part in the Songkran festivities are advised not to ride motorcycles and take public transport.
Posted by: Andrew on 15 Apr 2008, 17:11 -
Songkran set for 12-16 April
This year's Songkran water festival will commence on Saturday April 12th and continue until Tuesday 15th, as gazetted by the Government. Since it falls over a weekend, a further holiday has been added on the 16th, although banks will open on this day.
Songkran is the busiest of Thailand's festivals and is a time when many Thais travel home to visit their families, making travel in the Kingdom crowded. Tourists are advised to make their plans in advance or avoid travelling during this period, especially on highways when accident rates increase.
Traditionally the splashing associated with Songkran starts several days in advance of the official dates (which according to the lunar calendar should commence on Sunday the 13th this year), therefore the whole country descends into an anarchic-like water fight for almost a week. Traffic jams ensue in the cities, and those travelling by motorbike find themselves drenched by roadside revellers.
Visitors who wish to avoid the water fights are advised to stay within the grounds of their hotel, take day trips away from the busy areas or travel by taxi. But the vast majority enter into the spirit of fun and join locals in the world's biggest water fight. The centre of urban areas, or locations near water are most populoar and lively and each city has a focal point for fun. In Chiang Mai - considered the best place to experience Songkran - the action is all around the moat, in Bangkok it can be found on the Khao San Road, while Pattaya's walking street is the 'wet' venue. In Phuket, Patong beachfront is perhaps the most popular, while other busy beach areas will also be active.
The first official day, Sunday, is likely to be the best day to participate, as the festival wears on people become tired and the turnout and atmosphere of the third day, Tuesday, is likely to be less lively. These are usually pre-occupied with the procession, while many Thai perform their traditional duties on these days. However, there is always a busy itinerary of events throughout the festival, taking place at local civic centres and temples, including sand castle building, parades, beauty pageants and more. Read your local press for more details.
Posted by: Andrew on 02 Apr 2008, 09:15 -
Lofty tourism income target for 2008
Under the newly elected government, the Tourism and Sports Ministry has set an ambitious target of Bt800 billion for tourism revenue, up from Bt490 billion in 2007.
Minister Weerasak Kowsurat made the proposal at the first meeting between travel agencies and the private sector recently. The original target was 547 billion, a reasonable 10% increase but the minister, in line with the ambitious economic growth projections of the Samak led government, has upped it to a whopping 90% increase.
Weerasak said he would search for more "quality" tourists as they could spend more money while staying. He did not elaborate how this was achievable however, given that tourism as a luxury item would be the first item to be cut from people’s spending during an economic slowdown.
TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn, plans to organise 28 foreign roadshows and join 150 trade shows this year to promote Thailand as a destination, especially in emerging new markets like Eastern Europe.
From June 6-8, the TAT is scheduled to join the International India Fair to promote wedding and honeymoon trips to Thailand. The TAT also hopes to attract up-to 520,000 Indians this year.
But big question marks remain. Despite a return to democratic rule political instability still exists and this might affect confidence in the country during 2008. Then there is the gradually strengthening baht which is making Thailand a less value-for-money destination. This is coupled with a looming recession in the US, likely to affect inbound numbers from North America.
Other issues, such as poor law enforcement and news of murders involving policemen, continuing incompetence in managing the new Suvarnabhumi airport and environmental hazards such as burning in the Northern provinces during dry season, continue to hamper efforts to promote tourism here.
The council also called on the ministry to set a target for inbound tourism revenue to reach Bt1 trillion in the next four years.
Posted by: Andrew on 06 Mar 2008, 12:02 -
Less baht for your dollar
Tourists to Thailand this year will find themselves getting less value for their money, as the baht continues to strengthen against foreign currencies. Easing of restrictions on capital controls on March 1st are likely to accellerate this appreciate, with the baht expected to soon hit 30 to US1$. This is a 20% gain in 18 months.
The original capital controls were implemented in December 2006 to guard against speculators as the baht continued to strength. Unattractive economic factors in the US have caused investors to flood the Thai markets with money, causing a steadily improving baht to dollar exchange rate that was hurting the country’s export competitiveness.
The Thai baht has appreciated at a much stronger rate against the floundering dollar compared to other Asian currencies. The introduction of capital controls had created a dual rate with the offshore exchange rate set at 31 baht to a dollar while rates given here in Thailand were a more favourable 33.5. The two will now merge but the Bank of Thailand is expected to spend several billion baht in foreign reserves to manage the appreciation gradually.
The baht has also moved up to its strongest exchange rate against the British pound in more than five years, reaching 63 baht to £1. The net result is that monies exchanged are devalued by approximately 8% year-on-year and regular visitors will certainly notice the increased expense of their holidays.
Posted by: Andrew on 06 Mar 2008, 11:40 -
Thaksin’s back
Thailand’s ousted premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, returned home on Wednesday 27th February ending 17 months of exile abroad.
After falling to his knees and kissing Thai ground outside Suvarnabhumi Airport, Mr Thaksin briefly greeted well-wishers carrying banners and signs before heading off to the Supreme Court in Bangkok.
On arrival at the airport with his son Panthongtae, he was greeted by his wife, Khunying Potjaman, his youngest daughter and sister Yingluck.
Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, and Transport Minister Santi Prompat were also at the airport to welcome the ex-premier.
On exiting the building a roar went up and Mr Thaksin gave a traditional wai greeting. He said he just wanted to be an ‘ordinary citizen.’
Mr Thaksin spent about an hour at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to hear charges brought against him over the 770-million-baht Ratchadaphisek land deal.
He was subsequently bailed and then made his way to the Peninsula Bangkok hotel. His house in Bangkok is currently undergoing renovation.
More on Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 01 Mar 2008, 10:07 -
Baht hits 11-year high
The Thai baht reached its highest point since August, 1997 on Wednesday making it among the Top 10 most traded currencies in the world.
The Thai currency actually reached the 30 baht to the US dollar mark at closing in the afternoon New York time.
The Bank of Thailand has spent many billions of dollars in an attempt to weaken the baht although this has had little effect and actually helps weaken the dollar further while boosting the value of the baht.
While the offshore rate his 30 baht to the dollar, the onshore rate also hit a record 32.06 baht per dollar; the highest it has been since just before the 1997 Asian currency crisis.
The British Pound is also trading at under 60 baht to the pound; a value also not seen for several years.
When tourists exchange foreign currencies for Baht, they would be better off waiting to exchange currencies within Thailand to obtain the more favourable onshore rate as opposed to obtaining baht in their home countries.
If transferring funds into Thailand, always ask banks to transfer in foreign currency so that the exchange is made in Thailand to obtain the better rate.
More on costs in Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 29 Feb 2008, 08:29 -
Suvarnabhumi short on immigration staff
A shortage of immigration staff at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport was causing extremely long queues for foreign visitors admitted the commissioner of immigration.
The reason being, according to Immigration Bureau commander Pol Lt-Gen Chatchaval Suksomchit, is that the Immigration Bureau has limited staff numbers at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s many immigration counters.
The Immigration Bureau has received numerous complaints from irate passengers, both foreign and Thai, and as the Royal Thai Police control immigration and border posts, they are considering asking for more immigration staff from other agencies.
The extended queues have caused many passengers to miss flights when checking in less than one hour before their scheduled departure.
There isn't enough time to check-in and pass immigration within the hour and Pol Lt Gen Chatchaval said that 45 to 60 minutes should be set aside for immigration procedures alone.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is now Thailand’s main airport serving in excess of 100,000 international passengers per day - 45,000 arriving, 40,000 departing, and 15,000 in transit.
There are only 200 immigration officers on duty during each shift, with 124 counters for arriving passengers and 80 counters for departing passengers. The airport is short of about 400 immigration officers every day between the arrival and departure counters.
General Suksomchit suggested that passengers arrive at check-in at least two hours before their departure time.
More on Thailand Transportation
Posted by: Andrew on 25 Feb 2008, 09:35 -
Ban on cell phone driving
The Thai Traffic Police Office declared that the NLA (National Legislative Assembly) had passed the 8th draft of the land transport act, paving the way for a new law to be imposed banning the use of a hand-held mobile communication device while driving.
Thailand’s move to outlaw using a mobile phone while driving is due to take effect on May 8 and is hoped to help curb worsening road traffic accident statistics in the country.
As with other countries that observe a similar law, individuals will still be able to use mobile phones while driving, albeit ones that are connected up to a hands-free device.
The law specifically details that mobile communication devices must not be held, or even touched, while driving.
Those who are caught using a cell phone while driving after May 8 can expect to be stopped and fined between 400 and 1,000 baht.
Road blocks will periodically be set up to catch perpetrators as with current road blocks for speeding motorists, tax/insurance violators, and for other offences.
More on driving in Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 18 Feb 2008, 21:52 -
Dengue fever on rise in Thailand
Thailand’s public health ministry has confirmed more than 2,800 cases of dengue fever so far this year, four of which were deaths, and that dengue fever is ‘back with a vengeance.’
The total number of patients reported to have the disease has soared to 2,824 in just over a month, according to permanent secretary for Public Health Dr Praj Boonyawongvirot,.
The highest percentage of sufferers, at 70 per cent, was in the Central region of Thailand.
The figures were collated from January 1 to February 9 of this year and durig the same period of 2007, there were just over 1,700 patients and no deaths reported, said Dr Praj.
The totals for 2007 were 29 deaths and around 60,000 patients.
People should not discount that they may have contracted dengue fever if they have had a high fever for more than two days, warned Dr Praj.
The striped mosquito is the carrier of the disease and they have adapted to better withstand drought and give birth faster.
Dr Praj also noted that there would probably be more dengue fever patients this year due to the effects of global warming.
The wearing of good mosquito repellant is a must for tourists when out and about especially in country areas of the Central region of Thailand.
Posted by: Andrew on 17 Feb 2008, 21:29 -
High Asian salary increases
Asian workers are receiving the highest salary increases globally, with average figures above 7 per cent according to the ECA International’s Salary Trends Survey.
The survey contains information from multinational companies about salary increases for the previous year and predicted increases for the following year.
Although Singapore has one of the lowest increases in the region – 5 per cent - it’s ‘developed’ status means the wage increases from last year’s 4.5 per cent is very high.
General Manager of ECA Lee Quane, ‘Most other developed economies in our survey are showing forecast wage increases of approximately 4 per cent’ he states.
Hong Kong’s worker’s pay will remain at 4 per cent despite its strong economy over the previous year and strong labour force; while conversely, China’s salary increases are to remain static at 8 per cent.
The Philippines will be the fifth Asian country in the top ten to see the largest age increase, after India, Indonesia, Vietnam and China.
Compared to last year’s salary rises, India and Vietnam are expected to see the biggest increases, with India seeing a 14 per cent wage rise and Vietnam 10 per cent.
Japan is forecast to remain fixed at 3 per cent.
Posted by: Andrew on 13 Feb 2008, 08:33 -
New Anti-mosquito garments
Natty new mossie garments developed for Buddhist monk rovebs to stop mosquitoes from biting them is to be made available in a range of garments.
Thai Covenant Co Ltd’s new invention features saffron-robes infused with bug repellent to keep monks bite-free.
The herbal bug repellent-drenched robes, brainchild of a Thai designer, will soon be made available in Buddhist countries around Asia, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka and India.
Managing Director of Thai Covenant, Mr Wisan Wanasaksrisakul, said that their product had already passed WHO tests and they will soon come up with a range of new products, including bed sheets, pillow cases, and curtains which will work in a similar way.
T-shirts, polo shirts, jackets, pants, and blankets have already been designed and produced and are available in most sizes and colours.
Thai Covenant took several months to develop their product using teams of experts in textiles, insects and herbs.
The market for monk robes in Thailand is worth 2 billion baht per year alone so there is great potential.
Posted by: Andrew on 09 Feb 2008, 21:41 -
Olympics to attract more tourists
According to Qantas and British Airways, Thailand will receive more tourist arrivals from Europe and Australia this year owing to the Olympic Games in China.
Thailand is conveniently located between Australia, Europe and China, and Qantas and British Airways believe that Thailand will be the main beneficiary from tourism and international travel directly related to the Olympics.
Thailand has been a major tourism hub for the last 20 years or so and the last decade has seen a massive increase in the number of tourist arrivals, mainly to the beach resorts of the Gulf and the south.
The summer is the quietest time in Thailand when the Olympic Games are on and therefore hotels are easier to come by and deals to be negotiated.
Naturally, British Airways is receiving many more bookings from people coming from Europe, while Qantas is seeing an increased amount of bookings from Australian travelers who will be visiting Thailand either before or after the Games.
Both British Airways and Qantas operate daily flights from London to Bangkok and also from Sydney to Bangkok using Boeing 747/400s.
More on Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 08 Feb 2008, 09:08 -
Condo-owners await new valuations
According to the Treasury Department's forthcoming assessment, luxury condos on main roads are expected to rise 15-20 per cent in Bangkok.
Consequently, units in cheaper buildings are expected to see price reductions by as much as 10-15 per cent after the valuation at the end of February.
Property experts motioned that condo prices in the CBD would definitely rise following the release of the valuations.
Luxury condos in the central business district of Bangkok are currently priced at an average of between 80,000 and 100,000 baht per square metre.
Director of the Treasury Department's Property Valuation Bureau, Klayo Thongsom, said the new valuations, effective next January, will lead to an increase of 10-15 per cent in Don Muang, Bang Kapi, Bueng Kum, Lat Phrao, and Min Buri, as well as in 50 provinces.
The latest valuation, on January 1, saw increases of nearly six per cent in Bangkok and over 27 per cent elsewhere. Market prices were still higher than the new valuations, however.
Although the new valuations have no effect on market prices, the subsequent increase on the tax on land transactions for buyers could be significant.
The tax could rise by as much as 27 per cent this year over last year, according to Klayo.
Info on Thai visas
Posted by: Andrew on 04 Feb 2008, 21:08 -
Thailand’s WiWorld mobile
A mobile satellite television antenna for watching TV in cars has been launched by Shin Broadband Internet (Thailand).
The aim of the company, which is a sub-division of Shin Satellite, is to try to tap into the world of the executive and their offspring, for those who like to watch their favourite television programmes while on the go.
The set up requires a fairly expensive antenna, which comes in at a little under 33,000 baht plus an installation charge of 2,000 baht.
Shin Broadband is hoping to sell 1,500 units of WiWorld antennas this year, according to general manager Thanadit Charoenchan.
The sale of 1,500 units would generate significant revenue for the company, although its expected 500 million baht revenue this year would come mostly from its sales of satellite-TV dishes for home users.
That is a huge increase in revenue from the 200 million baht last year, and they plan to sell a further 500,000 home-satellite dishes this year.
The company also provides a high-definition, video-on-demand service via its HD Cinema brand.
Shopping for Electronics in Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 04 Feb 2008, 20:46 -
Rain closes Jakarta airport
Sukarno Hatta Airport in Jakarta was closed on Friday by Indonesian authorities due to a heavy downpour which limited visibility.
The Jakarta based online news portal, Detik.com, reported that the limited visibility compromised safety.
Detik quoted an official at the Sukarno Hatta Airport named Luki as saying ‘We have delayed more than 120 flights coming in and out of the airport. If rain continues, there will be more flights delayed.’
Parts of Jakarta were inundated by filthy brown water which reached levels of nearly a metre, causing traffic in Jakarta to become seriously congested.
Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, was even forced to switch cars while traveling towards the state palace across the capital.
Indonesia has been hit by heavy rains since Thursday and they are expected to continue until well into Friday night, according to weather forecasters. China is also currently seeing excessive rain.
Those traveling between Thailand and Indonesia are advised to check ahead on the situation or choose another airport before booking tickets.
Getting to Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 01 Feb 2008, 19:29 -
Thai hoteliers on smoking ban
The new ban on smoking in Thailand’s bars, pubs and nightclubs has been played down by Thai hoteliers.
General manager of Bangkok’s Siam Design Hotel and Spa, Sanya Saengboon, said that the hotel’s food and beverage restaurants and cafes were already smoke-free and separate smoking areas had been set up for guests who prefer to smoke.
He went on ‘The impact from the new smoking ban will be minimal. There have been no serious complaints about this so far,’ he said.
In Chiang Mai, general manager of Holiday Inn Chiangmai, Alan Watts, said that despite the new law probably not effecting the hotel’s food and beverage outlets, it may create an impact for the other indoor entertainment venues.
The new regulation to ban smoking in air-conditioned entertainment venues by Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is to begin in February. The new ban will also effect the popular Chatuchak outdoor weekend market.
The new regulation is in addition to the Public Health Ministry ministry’s ban on smoking in public areas including in hospitals, train and bus stations, and government buildings, and was imposed four years ago.
Hefty fines will be put into place for violators and venue owners, where violators will be fined 2,000 baht owners of nightclubs, pubs and bars 20,000 baht.
More on Health in Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 31 Jan 2008, 17:18 -
King endorses PM Samak
People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej has been endorsed by His Majesty the King to officially become Thailand's 25th prime minister.
The royal endorsement comes a day after the former Bangkok governor was elected by House of Representatives on Monday.
Samak lead by 310 to 163 votes, easily beating Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who was candidate of the lone opposition party.
Mr Samak later received a good luck tap on the head from a senior monk.
Phrakru Palad Sopit Chotikul, from Wat Arun Rajavararam (Temple of Dawn), also gave the new prime minister a Buddha statue and put a necklace around his neck bearing an amulet.
Thai and international media waited outside Mr Samak's home in Bangkok's Buengkum neighbourhood hoping for some interaction with the new PM, although he stayed in his house and had no plans to leave according to his aide.
More on Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 29 Jan 2008, 21:20 -
Samak Sundaravej new Thai PM
Samak Sundaravej won a parliamentary voting session Monday morning to become Thailand’s new prime minister.
The leader of the People Power party (PPP) received 310 votes with Democrat party nominee Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva receiving just 163 votes. Three people abstained and one was not present.
Mr Samak duly became Thailand’s 25th prime minister and is expected to be endorsed as prime minister by His Majesty the King.
The PPP leader’s win didn’t come as a surprise, given the high level of support from the rest of the PPP and coalition.
Mr Samak said that the new Cabinet would be announced within a few days after he has been royally bestowed by the King.
Seventy two year old Samak Sundaravej has been in politics almost 40 years and is one of the country’s most veteran politicians.
Although he was in favour of the 1976 coup which suppressed the student uprising, it was no secret that he opposed the 2006 coup which ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
More on Thailand's coups
Posted by: Andrew on 28 Jan 2008, 20:50