Thai Govt exempts fee for tourist visa applications

Thailand tourism has been hit drastically by the recent political turmoil and the global recession and the Thai Government is leaving no stones unturned in its efforts to revive

Thai travel and tourism industry. As a step towards this, the Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for a three month period, effective March 5, 2009 to June 4, 2009.

On 3ebruary 3, 2009, the Thai Cabinet approved a visa exemption scheme for transit passengers through Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Thailand gets thousands of such transit passengers daily who sometimes have to wait long for upto 8 hours to catch a connecting flight and the scheme will allow such passengers to temporarily leave the airport premises on a short visit or to shop at places near the airport without a visa.

Thailand presently gives Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not over 30 days. Those who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in Thailand.

Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT Governor, said: “The support we are getting from the highest levels of the Royal Thai government is a clear indication that Thai travel and tourism is back to business with excellent deals and marketing support for our friends in the travel trade. Thailand is and continues to be a wonderful diverse tourism destination with great beaches, food, spas, hotels, nature, sports, and smiles, and is fabulous value for money. We welcome all visitors from around the world.”

Demonstrations disturb Thailand once again

To control the 3 day protest from thousands of supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra outside Thailand’s seat of government in Bangkok, riot police had to be called in. The protesters surrounded Government House and called on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve his 2-month-old government and hold snap elections, saying they would stage a three-day sit-in to press their demands. They also shouted and threw plastic bottles at riot police and soldiers who were guarding the area, but the gathering remained largely peaceful.

The latest rally comes a few days before Thailand is to host the annual summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. However, the protestors say that they had no plans to disrupt the summit itself.

On Tuesday, as many as 20,000 protesters surrounded the prime minister’s office, as Abhisit held his weekly Cabinet meeting in the beach resort town of Hua Hin, 90 miles (150 kilometers) southwest of Bangkok, instead of its usual venue at Government House.

On Wednesday, the Thai prime minister entered the Government House compound through a side gate without hindrance. Protesters also did not attempt to obstruct ASEAN defense ministers who arrived later to meet Abhisit ahead of the regional summit.

The latest protests have been organized by the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship — commonly known as the “red shirts” because of their attire, which contrasts with the yellow shirts worn by their the People’s Alliance for Democracy, who dominated last years’ protests.

Widening of Chiang Mai Initiative

At a summit held on Sunday in Phuket, Thailand, finance ministers from China, Japan, South Korea and the 10 Asean states agreed to create a $120 billion foreign exchange reserve fund to help the members save their currencies from speculative attacks, and also to provide them with emergency short-term financing. The pool was supposedly planned for $80 billion in May but has turned out to be 50% larger than what was planned. The scheme is also a widening of the so-called “Chiang Mai Initiative”, which was launched at the beginning of the decade.

China, Japan and South Korea will supply about 80% of the pool, while the individual contributions of the Asean countries will probably be decided at the next meeting in May.
Meanwhile, bilateral agreements will continue and are being strengthened. On February 21, Japan and Indonesia increased the size of an existing bilateral agreement to $12 billion from $6 billion.

Speculative attacks and capital flight devastated the foreign exchange reserves of Indonesia, Korea and Thailand during the Asian financial crisis a decade ago, prompting recourse to loans by the International Monetary Fund and hence the imposition of IMF “conditionality”.

As a result, the Asian governments decided to build up their foreign exchange reserves, sustained by the revenues from export-oriented economies. And in the past 10 years, the 13 Asian countries have built up more than $3.5 billion of foreign exchange reserves. A large chunk of that is held by the People’s Bank of China, of course, but the total makes up nearly half of the world’s total foreign exchange reserves.

Thailand’s economy shrinks with slump in GDP and exports

With a slump in tourism and exports, Thailand’s economy contracted 4.3 percent in the three months ended Dec. 31 from a year earlier, and may shrink by at least that much in the first quarter. With a dwindle in demand for its agricultural products, automobiles and electronics, Thailand is steadily heading towards recession following its neighbors Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan.

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva has promised immediate cash handouts and long-term infrastructure projects to stem the economy’s slide. “The economy will face a very hard time in the first half of this year,” Abhisit said today in Bangkok. “I’m confident that the government’s spending will help the economy rebound in the second half.” GDP may shrink in the first six months of 2009 before picking up in the second half, he said last week.

Thailand’s SET Index of stocks fell 0.6 percent as of 11:49 a.m. in Bangkok. The decline in gross domestic product was the largest since the fourth quarter of 1998 and may shrink as much as 1 percent this year, the first annual contraction in 11 years, as predicted by the government’s National Economic & Social Development Board.

The finance ministry forecasts a budget deficit of 349.5 billion baht in this fiscal year ending Sept. 30. The shortfall for the year starting Oct. 1 may widen by 12 percent as the global recession crimps revenue, Duangsmorn Warrarith, a deputy director of the Budget Bureau, said Feb. 17.

Australian writer gets a royal pardon

The Australian writer, Harry Nicolaides, who had been jailed for insulting the Thai royal family has been released and he reached the city of Melbourne this Saturday to a tearful reunion with his family.

Nicolaides was sentenced to three years jail after pleading guilty to lese majeste, or slandering the monarchy, in his 2005 novel titled “Verisimilitude”. The charge against him related to a passage in the novel, of which Nicolaides says only a handful of copies were sold.

41-year-old Nicolaides was released Friday evening after officials approved a royal pardon — the result of intense lobbying by Canberra.

“I was informed I had a royal pardon and asked to kneel before a portrait of the king — a royal audience of sorts,” Nicolaides told reporters on arrival at Melbourne airport.

Speaking at his son’s side, Nicolaides’ father Socrates said the ordeal had been a “living death” for the family.

Brother Forde Nicolaides said he was “ecstatic” at the outcome. “Our emphasis to the Thai government was … for them to consider Harry’s case compassionately and expeditiously,” he told adding, “I think everyone was on the same page, as they have been reasonably expeditious with the application. We are very grateful for that.”

Delivery of first Rolls-Royce car to Thailand

As Dr Nikorn Hongsrisook, a prominent Thai businessman based in Bangkok and the President of Gems Gallery International Manufacturer Ltd, received his Phantom Extended Wheelbase car from Rolls-Royce Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Colin Kelly, this was the first delivery from Rolls-Royce to Thailand. The delivery of the car was supported by AAS Auto Service Co., Ltd.

At the handover ceremony, Colin Kelly said, “It is a great pleasure to be able to deliver this first car into Thailand to such an appreciative customer and automotive enthusiast. We look forward to being able to deliver more Rolls-Royce cars to customers in Thailand, in a market where we believe there is growing demand for ultra-luxury motor cars.”

Dr Nikorn Hongsrisook who was undoubtedly beaming said, “As a person who is truly fascinated with super-luxury cars, Phantom is a very special car which I have always aspired to own. I feel very proud to have become the owner of the first Phantom in Thailand”.

Dr Nikorn specified that the bespoke features of his car should include a Diamond Black exterior and an interior finished with piano black wood and contrast stitching. Amongst other Bespoke features, the car comes with the award-winning starlight headlining, an optional feature that incorporates 800 fine fiber optics in the ceiling, creating the impression of a star-filled night sky. Dr Nikorn’s car was built at the state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce Motor Cars manufacturing facility in Goodwood, West Sussex, England.

BFIT Securities may merge with UOB Kay Hian Holdings Ltd.

BFIT Securities BSEC.BK, Thailand’s second-largest stockbroker in terms of market share, has received a merger proposal from a Thai unit of Singapore’s UOB Kay Hian Holdings Ltd. The merger is expected to be concluded by the end of June and this would help UOB become one of the top five brokers in the Thai market.

Chaipat Narkmontanakum, co-chief executive of UOB Kay Hian Securities (Thailand) said, “Despite the gloomy outlook at the moment, we expect the Thai market to recover in the long run and we have positioned ourself so that we will be among the top five after the merger.”

Chaipat also rvealed that UOB would make a tender offer to buy BFIT stock from minority shareholders after the merger and would then delist BFIT from the market. This year BFIT has market share of 6.2 percent, which ranks it second after the market leader Kim Eng Securities KEST.BK. Shares in BFIT have jumped nearly 80 percent in the past month on speculation about the merger.

UOB Kay Hian said in a statement that the merger would involve BFIT’s existing business, assets and employees, but exclude all licences relating to securities businesses.

GM Thailand cuts off 790 full-time jobs

Owing to the global recession, economic slowdown and fall in export orders, US automotive giant General Motors laid off 790 of its 3,000 labour force in Thailand. Following this came the closure of local assembly plant of the company for two months to avoid an inventory buildup as export orders fell off.

This came as a big blow because though several Japanese automotive companies in Thailand have been forced to lay off part-time workers in recent months but GM Thailand was one of the first carmakers to cut full-time jobs. Of the 790 laid-off workers, 700 had opted for a voluntary early retirement programme and the remaining 90 were forced to quit.

GM is one of 15 international automobile makers with assembly and manufacturing plants in Thailand to supply the domestic and export markets.

‘Cobra Gold’ comes to an end

After two weeks of joint military exercises with troops from the United States, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia, Thailand ended its annual war games this Tuesday. About 11,600 military personnel from the five nations were involved in “Cobra Gold,” the biggest war games in Southeast Asia, which began on February 4.

It was a grand affair with nearly 7,300 troops from the US which conducted air, water and ground exercises alongside about 4,000 troops from Thailand, 106 from Singapore, 75 from Japan and 113 from Indonesia.

The closing ceremony of the ceremony was held at Chiang Mai when the US Ambassador Eric John said the exercise was a “vital tool” in strengthening regional ties.

“This year (the games) demonstrate once again the importance of Cobra Gold to the bilateral US-Thai military relationship and to friends in the region,” John said adding, “The work our troops have done in this exercise can help to save lives in future operations, peacekeeping deployments and disaster responses.”

Wat Chalong – The largest temple in Phuket

Situated approximately eight kms southeast of Phuket town, Wat Chalong is the largest as well as the most ornate among the 29 Buddhist temples of Phuket today. Also known as Chaitararam Temple, this one is dedicated to two highly venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang who were for famous their work in herbal medicine and tending to the injured. Statues honoring them stand in the sermon hall (viharn).

The intricate ornamentation of the exterior contains a collection of huge Buddha images and beautiful wall mural paintings which depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha inside the building.

Several Thais come here to blessed by the monks and receive a good luck charm in the form of a string tied around the wrist. The holy thread is charmed by the monks which they believe protects them from injury and illness. There is no admission fee for entering into the temple, but donation contributing to maintenance and restoration cost is highly appreciated.

To reach the place, one can take Vichit Songkram Road to the Bypass Road and turn left, then drive for about 10 minutes. Wat Chalong is on the left. The best transport to reach Wat Chalong is a taxi.

Koh Samui has seen a recent development in tourism

Koh Samui along with 40 other unpopulated islands makes up the Ang-Thong Archipelago, a chain of islands north-east of Surat Thani. Since the construction of the airport on Koh Samui, this island has seen a steep rise in the number of tourists. One can also take a bus from Surat Thani to Dan Sak and from here boat to Koh Samui. The best time to visit Koh Samui is between February and April, as in the following months the Gulf of Thailand is subject to heavy monsoon storms.

The chief town of the island is Nathon where there are fine beaches and some hotel and villa complexes. Other beaches with reasonable accommodation are Ao Maenam, Ao Bo Phut (with an enormous statue of Buddha), Ao Cherngmon, Chaweng Noi Beach and Chaweng Yai Beach (the two longest beaches on Koh Samui). Motorcycles and bicycles can be rented and are a good way of exploring the island.

The fishing villages in Koh Samui together with coconut and durian plantations and waterfalls hidden in the dense jungle among the 600-m (1968-ft) high mountains are the main attractions of this island. Besides, Koh Samui offers every kind of water sport: diving, snorkeling, windsurfing. It is advisable to check that the diving school belongs to one of the two international associations that regulate the safety standards of the equipment and quality of instruction.

Marriott International launches Courtyard at two hotels in Phuket

Marriott International has launched the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Patong Beach and by Marriott Phuket at Kamala Beach in Phuket, Thailand. The 390 room Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Patong Beach looks quite promising with room amenities, such as flat screen TVs, DVD players and high speed Internet. Again, the 180 room all-suite Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Kamala Beach offers one, two and three bedroom options, with kitchenettes, private balconies and living rooms.

Both these properties have a lot to offer to their visitors including the MoMo Café, an all day restaurant that combines local cuisine with western favourites, KIDSWORLD, which offers toys, activities and entertainment for children of all ages and many more amenities.

The company is operating both hotels under a management agreement with Destination Properties Company, Limited. Sigrid Stelling is General Manager for Patong, while Lutz Mueller is General Manager in Kamala.

TAT launches Thailand Tourism Update website

To give the latest information about the tourism situation on the ground in Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the “Thailand Tourism Update” website (www.tourismthailand.org/thailandtourismupdate).

Key elements of the fact-rich Web 2.0 site include constantly-updated reports from independent news sources and organizations, topical feature articles on the country, blogs about Thailand by travelers around the world, RSS feeds, and a forum for travelers to discuss issues. Apart from this, a Thailand Tourism Update forum team is available online to share information and insights with forum participants.

Thailand Tourism Update is the first online space provided by TAT for tourists around the globe to share their knowledge, interest, and experiences about travel in Thailand.

“Tens of thousands of tourists are here in Thailand right now having a great holiday enjoying the sun, smiles, and cuisine we are famous for,” said TAT’s Deputy Governor for policy and panning, Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni. “Please help us get that message out to everyone around the world.”

The shirts war on Valentine’s Day

The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in yellow shirts plans to hold its “PAD Caravan for New Politics” concert at a public park in the Northeastern province on Saturday, the Valentine’s Day. In the meantime, the red shirts plan to gather at a temple in Bangkok’s Don Muang district on Saturday. The red shirts belong to Udon Thani – people who support ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s bid to make a political comeback.

The Udon Thani governor chaired a meeting of senior officials from state agencies Thursday (12 Feb) in a bid to prevent serious incidents during the concert by ‘yellow shirts’. The PAD concert’s venue, a park, was the site of a violent clash last year when hundreds of red shirts stormed a political rally organised by the PAD.

Amnat Phakarat, governor of Udon Thani, said that strict safety measures would be taken to prevent any undesirable happening during the concert. The concert area will be sealed off Friday, one day before the event, for bomb searches. More than 1,400 police officers, including a crowd-control unit, will be involved in keeping law and order. Military staff will also be available to help police. Health personnel and ambulances will be on standby in case of emergency. He said officials were ordered not to use force with protesters but that “necessary measures” would be taken if the protest turned violent or protesters attempted to break into government offices.

Also, local leaders of the red shirts and yellow shirts assured him that no violent incident would take place.

US ambassador requests ease in foreign trade restrictions

This Wednesday, Thai Government was requested by US ambassador, Eric G. John. To ease some restrictions contained in the Foreign Business Act, as this would facilitate foreigners doing business in the kingdom.

According to the statements given by Thai Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai after the meeting with Mr. John, the envoy wanted a change in some restrictions in the Act, such as a foreign executive being required by the Thai law to attend an executive board meeting, which he said might cause inconvenience to foreign businesspersons who live abroad.

Mrs. Pornthiva said the issue is now under consideration by the Council of State and the ministry would bring up the issue to the Cabinet. She added that during her official visit to US next month, she would explain to the authorities about Thailand’s efforts and progress made in stamping out counterfeit and pirated products. This would influence the US government’s decision to remove the country from its ‘Priority Watch List’ to the ‘Watch List’.

The US Trade Representative Office (USTR) placed Thailand and 11 other countries, including China, India and Russia, on its ”Priority Watch List” of countries to be closely monitored regarding their protection of intellectual property rights.