Smoke Haze, Bushfire, Drought, and Cold Weather Situation in Thailand

(10/02/2012)

Prompt action is being taken to deal with the smoke haze and bushfire situation in the upper northern region, comprising eight provinces, namely Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, and Nan.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to prevent and ease the problem.

The smoke haze and bushfire problem usually arises from January to April each year. It is caused by all kinds of burning in various communities, as well as the slash-and-burn farming technique employed by farmers. Dust and smoke particles from forest fires cause air pollution and health hazards, particularly respiratory illness. They also contribute to global warming and affect the country’s tourism, as well as land and air traffic.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment believes that the smoke haze and bushfire situation this year will be less severe than last year because of the “La Niña” phenomenon, which has resulted in a large amount of rain in the early months of the year. The amount of rain has eased the smoke haze problem. At the same time, because of a successful campaign, local residents have cooperated with the authorities by reducing the burning of farmland after harvest.

The Pollution Control Department is implementing an action plan on the solving of the problem from 2012 to 2016. It has also sent officials to Laos and Myanmar to monitor the situation there in order to reduce the problem in the region. Lampang Governor Booncerd Kidhen signed an announcement on February 8, controlling the burning of waste and leaves in the entire province to prevent aggravation of the problem. The decision was meant to maintain the level of dust particles in the air at not more than the accepted safe standard of 120 micrograms per cubic meter.

The floods have abated in many provinces in Thailand and, for the most part, the situation has returned to normal, but several provinces are now facing drought, a new natural disaster. According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, five provinces are suffering from drought. They are Kamphaeng Phet, Lamphun, Sukhothai, Loei, and Chanthaburi. The affected provinces have set up relief centers and assigned officials to deal with the situation.

Regarding the cold weather problem, the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Wiboon Sanguanpong, said that cold weather posed a major problem in many provinces this year. Thirty-three provinces were declared cold disaster zones: 13 in the north, 17 in the Northeast, and three in the central region.

Thailand’s Bid to Host World Expo 2020 Placed on the National Agenda

(10/02/2012)

Thailand’s ambition to host the World Expo 2020 has been included in the national agenda. The decision was made by the Cabinet, during its meeting on 7 February 2012, when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was assigned to serve as the core agency in the campaign for hosting the World Expo 2020. A national committee, chaired by the Foreign Minister, will be formed to work out strategic and action plans for the campaign. The Government will call a meeting of related agencies to discuss ways to translate the plans into action. Among the related agencies are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transport, and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board. The World Exposition, also known as the World Expo, is one of the world’s oldest and largest international events; it takes place every five years and each time it runs for six months. Since the first exposition, which took place in London in 1851, member countries have taken turns being the host when it joined the 1862 universal exhibition. Thailand became one of the first three Asian nations to participate in the exposition, along with China and Japan. The Thai government on May 16, 2011 submitted a letter of intent to the Bureau of International Expositions in a bid to host the World Expo 2020 in Ayutthaya province, Thailand’s former capital. Ayutthaya has been cited as a city where industry and agriculture coexist and where tradition and innovation are seen going hand in hand. Thailand is the only country in Asia that has been successfully nominated as an official candidate to host the World Expo 2020. It was among the five countries submitting a proposal to host this event. The four other countries include Turkey, Russia, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates. The voting on the bid will be held in late 2013. The winner will have to gain the majority vote from 157 members of the Bureau of International Expositions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Cabinet that the campaign for the bid would last two years, from 2012 to 2013. During the period, Thailand needs to submit progress reports on its preparations for hosting this event. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau attended the General Assembly of the Bureau of International Exposition in November last year for the presentation of Thailand's bid to host World Expo 2020. It also proposed themes for side-events under the overall concept of "Redefine Globalization: Balanced Life, Sustainable Living", and highlighted progress in the awareness-building campaign for the bid. This was Thailand's second opportunity to join the General Assembly to present progress in the country’s bid to host World Expo 2020. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the campaign was an urgent task and needed a clear policy from the Government.

Thailand and Vietnam Moving Closer Together as ASEAN Partners

(08/02/2012)

Thailand has stressed its intention to work closely in partnership with Vietnam, which expressed its support for Thailand’s proposal on ASEAN connectivity and the East-West Economic Corridor. Vietnamese Foreign Minister, Mr. Pham Binh Minh, during his official visit to Thailand on February 6, discussed ways to strengthen Thai-Vietnamese bilateral cooperation with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul. The two countries also touched on the issue of convening the second Thailand-Vietnam Joint Cabinet Retreat. Thailand initiated the first Thailand-Vietnam Joint Cabinet Retreat, which was held in Danang, Vietnam, and Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, on 20-21 February 2004. During Prime Minister Yingluck’s visit to Vietnam on November 30 last year, both countries agreed to assign relevant agencies to convene the second joint cabinet meeting soon. Thailand and Vietnam have constantly exchanged high-level visits. In particular, the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam and the Vice President of Vietnam are scheduled to visit Thailand this year. The Thai government has also invited Vietnam to join the World Economic Forum on East Asia and the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit, to be hosted by Thailand in 2012. The Vietnamese Foreign Minister urged Thai businesses to invest more in Vietnam, while Prime Minister Yingluck reaffirmed her invitation for Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to visit Thailand. Both sides also discussed the establishment of a joint committee to promote rice cooperation in order to strengthen the ASEAN region. A report from the Office of Agricultural Economics, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, shows that Thailand has retained its status as the world’s largest rice exporter, followed by Vietnam and Pakistan. The report quoted the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, which said that, in the next 10 years, Thailand would export 8.6 million tons of rice and Vietnam 7.5 million tons. Notably, Thai rice exports would drop by 14 percent, while Vietnam’s rice exports would increase by 25 percent. Statistics compiled in 2008 indicate that Vietnamese rice captured 56.9 percent of the market share in ASEAN, while Thai rice had a market share of only 39.6 percent in this region. Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom revealed that he had assigned the Department of Foreign Trade to step up cooperation in rice trading with neighboring countries, especially Vietnam, in order to shore up rice prices in the world market. Mr. Boonsong will visit Vietnam in March this year to discuss trade cooperation on rice and other products, such as natural rubber, tapioca, and maize. Apart from boosting agricultural prices, the discussion is also meant to exchange information and prevent price cutting.

National Campaign on the Force of the Land to Defeat the Drug Problem

(06/02/2012)

The Government has stressed the need to intensify its proactive campaign against drugs, based on the strategy “Force of the Land to Defeat the Drug Problem.” Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra called on all provinces to enhance the efficiency of drug suppression and control along the border and to seek cooperation from local residents to help reduce the number of drug addicts. The call was made at a meeting on the national anti-drug campaign, chaired by the Prime Minister on February 4 at Government House, with the participation of 800 officials responsible for anti-drug operations. The meeting was the second of its kind after the Government on 11 September 2011 kicked off the anti-drug drive as part of the national agenda, known as the Force of the Land to Defeat the Drug Problem. She said that people across the country pinned their hopes on the Government’s campaign against drugs in order to ease the problem and bring about peace and happiness. The Prime Minister said that the drug problem had spread to various communities nationwide and that the Government needed to prevent vulnerable groups, especially young people, from getting involved with narcotics by harnessing the efforts of members of society, who will join hands in fighting the drug menace. She asked Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Ubamrung, in his capacity as Director of the Center for the Force of the Land to Defeat the Drug Problem, to take special care of the families of officials who lost their lives in anti-drug operations. Within one year of the national anti-drug campaign, the Government aims to reduce drug abuse, which has spread to 60,000 villages nationwide. It will bring down the number of drug addicts in the country by at least 400,000, and about 80 percent of the drug addicts will be provided with treatment and rehabilitation. Moreover, the campaign seeks to reduce risks in all provinces, crack down on drug smuggling along the border, and bring all relevant agencies to work together in an integrated manner, in order to tackle the problem more effectively. The Prime Minister hailed all people involved for their efforts in the fight against narcotics during the past four months after the Government had kicked off the national anti-drug campaign in September last year. The number of drug addicts has so far dropped from 400,000 to 60,000. She wanted educational institutions, religious organizations, and public health offices to play a greater role in the proactive campaign against drugs. The Prime Minister urged the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Interior to work in parallel on drug suppression and control, and asked the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health to encourage vulnerable groups to turn away from drugs and drug users not to return to drug use. She also wanted to see Thailand step up anti-drug cooperation with neighboring countries.

Government Aware of the Importance of Investment in Women’s Development

(05/02/2012)

The Government is proceeding with its plan to set up a national women’s development fund in line with its urgent policy in the 2012 fiscal year. The fund came after the Government had sounded out the opinions of various relevant organizations and committees. It is scheduled to hold public forums to listen to public opinion on the fund in all regions of the country between February 11 and 17. According to the plan, each province will be provided with an allocation of 100 million baht to set up the fund. Information gained from the public forums will be used as guidelines for budget allocation in time for the celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2012. The fund will offer greater opportunities for women to develop their potential and occupations, promote their leadership, and ease problems. Campaigns will also be launched to create better understanding about women in all dimensions. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra stated that the Government realizes the significance of investing in the education of girls in order to improve their living conditions and increase their income, so they can help support their family. The statement was part of her remarks made recently in the plenary discussion under the theme “Women as the Way Forward” at Congress Hall, Congress Center, in Davos, Switzerland. The Prime Minister expressed her feeling that she is lucky to be born and brought up in Thai society, which respects equality between men and women. She has hence been given an opportunity to study, to assume the position of CEO in a private company, and to be elected the first female Prime Minister of Thailand. Although she was an example of some women in Thailand, the Prime Minister expressed her concern over many women residing in almost every region of the world who are now facing sexual inequality. Compared with men, women on average are less educated, have little opportunity to access monetary sources, earn less income, and encounter obstacles to possessing property and assets. Moreover, women are often victims of sexual harassment and abuse. She pointed out that, in order to create power for women and end sexual inequality, society must seek out the root cause of the problem, which lies deep in the culture and social values. Failure to address this problem is partly caused by an ignorance of the deeper causes of the problem. In the life and social security policy under the Yingluck Shinawatra administration, the Government will promote equal opportunities for women to take part in the country’s development by protecting women’s rights and improving laws that protect women from domestic violence and maximize their potential. It will establish a foundation for improving the role of Thai women in the modern world, as well.

Thailand’s Expected GDP Growth in 2012

(05/02/2012)

The Government expects a strong GDP growth of 5 percent in 2012, with more export diversification into the Middle East, India, and ASEAN. Emphasis will also be placed on Australia, New Zealand, China, and Japan, all of which have implemented free trade agreements (FTA) with Thailand, which will benefit from tariff elimination. Speaking about Thailand’s GDP growth this year, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra cited 2012 as the year of challenges for Thailand as it works to restore confidence in the country following the flood crisis last year and the ongoing global economic uncertainties. She urged the people to monitor the changing situation and adjust themselves, so that they would be able to move forward amidst the challenges. The Thai economy depends heavily on exports, and foreign trade accounts for a major portion of GDP. Its share was 34.78 percent of the GDP in 1990 and has increased to 70 percent now. In order to reduce risks, Thailand is striving to diversify its exports into emerging markets, instead of emphasizing its traditional markets, especially the United States and Europe. Prime Minister Yingluck stressed the need to focus on strengthening the domestic economy in an effort to reduce risks. She cited three major risks Thailand was facing in 2012. The first risk involves economic volatility in Europe and the United States, which are Thailand’s major markets. The second one is that the Thai baht has become volatile because of capital movements from several countries. However, the baht depreciation might turn out to be positive for Thai exports, as well. The third risk involves natural disasters and climate change, which are problems faced by all countries. Regarding natural disasters, the Prime Minister said that the Government plans to issue an executive decree to seek loans amounting to 350 billion baht for water management. The issuance of the decree is an urgent matter and is necessary to restore investor confidence. Since Thailand needs to strengthen the local economy, she said, investment from the public sector would help stimulate the economy and bring down the unemployment rate. In this regard, the Government will boost private sector spending and increase people’s income. In particular, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will receive a major boost. When SMEs become stronger, she said, the grassroots economy will improve and larger companies will also benefit. Another reason to raise spending is that the Government wants to boost the local economy in order to cushion impacts from the global economic turmoil. The Prime Minister stated that the Government wanted to see the recovery of the Thai economy in the form of a “V shape.” The recovery is likely to be evident in the second quarter of 2012. Moreover, she said, Thailand also needs to develop infrastructure linking with neighboring countries, as they prepare for the integrating of the ASEAN Community in the next few years.

Plans Underway to Prevent a Recurrence of Severe Flooding

(03/02/2012)

As preparations for effective water management are now underway, the Government believes that a flood crisis will not reoccur, after Thailand suffered the worst flooding in its recent history last year. Chairman of the Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development Virabongsa Ramangkura said that despite the early arrival of rain, no severe flooding was likely to take place this year, since the authorities were rectifying shortcomings that the country faced last year. According to the Government’s flood prevention plans, he said, canals and other waterways are being cleared to facilitate water drainage. Existing embankments were being improved, while new ones are being built. Accurate information about water management has been provided and disseminated. All relevant agencies are also working in an integrated manner for water management. In addition, a major flood drill is expected to be held in August to look for problems that may arise. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra informed political and business leaders during her recent overseas trip that Thailand had emerged stronger after floods last year. The Government had set aside 11 billion US dollars to create a new and improved water and crisis management system. Dykes and barriers would be built to protect infrastructure and key economic areas. Early warning systems, business continuity plans, and the preparedness of communities would be improved. And most importantly, she said, a water management organization in the form of “single command” will be established to handle the entire water management system. In this regard, Mr. Virabongsa explained that a public organization would be formed to deal with flooding and other natural disasters on a long-term basis. A draft bill on the setting up of the new organization would be submitted to the Cabinet for approval soon. The new organization will be managed by a committee, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, with representatives from water-related management agencies as members. All relevant agencies, such as the Royal Irrigation Department, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Marine Department, would act in accordance with the resolutions made by the committee. Mr. Virabongsa stressed that this public organization must be free from political intervention and must operate efficiently with great flexibility in disaster management. He believed that, with efficient water management, Thailand would not suffer huge damage as it did last year. Regarding long-term flood management, Prime Minister Yingluck said that more water retention sites, known as “Kaem Ling – Monkey’s Cheek,” would be acquired. She had also instructed governors of all provinces to come up with flood prevention and warning plans to cope with the possible flooding situation.

Thailand to Help Vietnam Develop Universal Health Care Coverage

(02/02/2012)

Thailand and Vietnam have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on health cooperation, under which Thailand will help Vietnam develop its universal health care coverage scheme. The MOU was signed on 26 January 2012 in Bangkok by Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri and the Minister of Health of Vietnam, Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien. It came after the two countries agreed to enhance public health cooperation at the first Thailand – Vietnam Joint Cabinet Retreat, held in Danang, Vietnam, on 20 and 21 February 2004. At the meeting, the Thai and Vietnamese Public Health Ministers exchanged information and experience on health management in coping with the outbreak of SARS and avian influenza. They also agreed to foster their cooperation on the control and management of possible infectious diseases through the establishment of surveillance mechanism and early warning system. According to the MOU, Thailand and Vietnam will cooperate in developing the management of the universal health care coverage scheme and research on the health insurance program. They will exchange knowledge on this health policy and financial support for the scheme. In this regard, hospitals in the two countries will work in pairs to improve knowledge sharing. For instance, Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok will work with Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, while the Queen Sirikit National Health Institute of Child Health in Thailand will work with Vietnam’s National Hospital of Pediatrics. Moreover, both countries will develop their capabilities for dealing effectively with any new emergence of SARS or avian influenza. Vietnam will adopt the universal health care coverage policy in 2014, so it is planning to develop a funding mechanism in line with this policy. Minister Wittaya stated that Thailand had carried out the universal health care coverage scheme for 10 years now. The program, which started in April 2001, has been successful and is recognized internationally. The main objective is to create universal health insurance coverage for all Thais. He said that the present Thai government has a clear-cut policy to further develop the health insurance system, so that people would receive access to quality, convenient, timely, and equitable healthcare. Thailand will hold a workshop on universal health care coverage in February 2012. Vietnam, China, and the Philippines will also send representatives to attend this workshop. Because of Thailand’s successful universal healthcare coverage scheme, the World Health Organization is planning to encourage a similar model worldwide. The scheme is also seen as a form of investment for the country’s economic and social development. Household surveys revealed that this health system was strongly supported by the beneficiaries. The people’s satisfaction with the scheme has increased significantly.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister to Visit Thailand

(02/02/2012)

Vietnamese Foreign Minister, Mr. Pham Binh Minh, will pay an official visit to Thailand on 6 February 2012 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul. A report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that the visit will not only help strengthen bilateral ties between Thailand and Vietnam, but will also provide an opportunity for both countries to discuss various areas of cooperation. In particular, it will follow up on the results of the official visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on 30 November 2011. This will also coincides with the Thai government’s priority to restore and develop relations with neighboring countries, so as to promote economic development within the region. On this occasion, the Vietnamese Foreign Minister will pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Yingluck at Government House and hold bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Surapong, who will subsequently host a dinner in honor of the Vietnamese Foreign Minister and his delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thailand and Vietnam established diplomatic relations on 6 August 1976. Relations between the two countries have expanded in several dimensions and these cordial ties have benefited not only the two countries but also the ASEAN region as a whole.

Clear Strategies Needed for Thailand’s Tourism

(01/02/2012)

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has stressed the importance of tourism to the Thai economy and declared that clear strategies were needed to set directions for the country’s tourism industry in the future. The Prime Minister called on the public and private sectors to join forces in working out tourism strategies, saying that tourism was now a major income earner for Thailand. She stated that despite the flood crisis in 2011, the number of foreign visitors rose to 19.1 million, accounting for an increase of 20 percent. The tourist arrivals generated 730 billion baht in earnings for the country, and they are likely to continue to increase. The Prime Minister believed that the tourism business would face greater competition in the future. So all sectors involved should give a helping hand in impressing visitors and making Thailand better known, which would lead to more economic value from tourism. Prime Minister Yingluck said that during her recent visit to India, she learned that Thailand was a popular destination among Indian tourists, who enjoyed shopping and organizing wedding ceremonies here. She suggested that tourism business operators pay greater attention to the Indian market by arranging various tour package programs for visitors from India. As Thailand will host the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2012 in Bangkok on May 30 and June 1, the Prime Minister urged people involved to take this opportunity to step up tourism campaigns to attract more tourist arrivals. In the next few years, she said, the ASEAN Economic Community will be formed, focusing on the free flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor. As a result, people in the 10 ASEAN countries will travel within the region more conveniently. This will contribute greatly to the tourism business. In order to cope with the situation, Thailand needs to be prepared for the ASEAN market, with a total population of about 600 million. As for the impact on the tourism industry by the recent travel alert on a possible terrorist threat issued by the US Embassy in Bangkok, followed by a travel advisory from several embassies, Prime Minister Yingluck said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was now discussing the matter with the US Embassy. But time is needed, and both Thailand and the United States have already reached better understanding about this matter. Several countries have also lifted the warning. The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects 19.5 million international tourist arrivals in 2012, bringing in 766 billion baht. Domestic travel is expected to see 107 million trips, generating 442.2 billion baht. Thailand is revitalizing its tourism industry under the campaign “Miracle Thailand” this year. In response to the campaign, the Prime Minister expressed her support for the move to help boost confidence among tourists.

Four Countries Lift Travel Advisory on Thailand

(31/01/2012)

China, Germany, France, and Israel have lifted or withdrawn the travel advisories and alerts for Thailand over possible terrorist threat. Mr. Jesda Katavetin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the Ministry has been constantly monitoring the travel alert and advisories issued by countries around the world. He said that China withdrew its travel alert on 20 January 2012. Germany lifted the statement regarding the current possible terrorist threat in Bangkok from its travel advisory for Thailand on January 25. France lifted the statement regarding this matter from its travel advisory for Thailand on January 26, and Israel withdrew its travel alert, which warned Israeli citizens to avoid traveling to Bangkok due to this matter, on January 26; there were also reports in the Israeli media regarding the withdrawal of the alert. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of January 27, there remain 18 countries which have retained their travel advisories and alerts for Thailand over possible terrorist threats. They include the United States, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Greece, Norway, the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, Romania, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Regarding these travel alerts and advisories, these countries have advised their citizens to exercise caution when traveling to crowded places but are not raising the level of warning nor advising their nationals not to travel to Thailand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to provide updated information on the latest situation and measures taken by the Thai government to agencies concerned of other countries and to monitor the development closely.

Straw Bird Festival: A Major Cultural Event in Chai Nat

(31/01/2012)

Known as an important rice bowl of Thailand, Chai Nat province in the central region will organize a Straw Bird Festival to promote local tourism and preserve local culture. The 10-day event will take place from 3-12 February 2012 at the stadium in front of the Chai Nat Town Hall. One of the highlights will be spectacular processions of gigantic birds fashioned out of rice straw. Other activities include a Thai Red Cross fair, a bazaar of local products under the “One Tambon, One Product” (OTOP) program, a contest of straw birds, a food fair, and cultural shows. During the festival, visitors will be invited to visit Chai Nat Bird Park, a major tourist attraction in this province, and other places of interest, such as the Chao Phraya Dam, which is Thailand’s first irrigation dam. In February each year, thousands of birds are seen flying over the Chao Phraya Dam, a view that attracts many birdwatchers. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Chai Nat is an ancient city founded in the 12th century. The majority of the population is engaged in rice-farming, so there is plenty of straw to make artificial birds from. The province is rich in water resources and is also famous for a special variety of pomelo, khao taeng kwa. In 1985 when the Bird Park was under construction as a tourist attraction, farmers in Chai Nat built a huge dummy out of straw in the form of a field rat, as part of activities to join the government’s anti-field rat campaign. The Chai Nat governor at that time came up with the idea of building huge straw birds to publicize Chai Nat Bird Park. The first straw bird was created jointly by Chai Nat Technical College and the Office of Chai Nat Primary Education. It attracted a large number of people and the innovation was widely recognized. For this reason, the provincial authorities decided to organize the Straw Bird Festival on an annual basis. The first Straw Bird Festival was held in February 1986, with 130 straw birds on display, and it drew a big gathering of both Thais and foreign visitors. The Tourism Authority of Thailand later invited a straw bird procession to participate in a ceremony to open the Visit Thailand Year 1987 at Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Since then, the Straw Bird Festival has become a major festival in Chai Nat. It has not only brought glory to the province, but has also brought in many visitors. As for Chai Nat Bird Park, it was established in 1983 and has become the largest aviary in Thailand and Asia. Covering an area of 26 rai, or about 10 acres, the bird park is the home for 200 species of birds amidst natural beauty. Inside the Bird Park, there are snake and rabbit farms, gardens, a swimming pool, a man-made waterfall and many figures mainly in the form of animals, especially birds. This year’s Chai Nat Straw Bird Festival is the 27th of its kind. There will be 12 processions of straw birds, and “hi-tech” straw birds will be displayed throughout the festival.

Master Plan on Water Resources Management

(28/01/2012)

The Government will spend a budget of 18.11 billion baht on various activities to decrease the level of damage from floods that may occur in 2012. The activities are contained in the 2012 Action Plan, which is part of the Master Plan for Water Resources Management, aimed at improving the existing flood prevention system, building confidence in flood prevention in communities, agricultural areas, industrial sites, and important economic zones, and integrating the participation of stakeholders from all sectors for effective water management. The master plan was drawn up after the flood crisis in Thailand in 2011. It was announced on January 20 by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who stated that the flood damage was estimated at 1.42 trillion baht and almost one million workers were affected. According to the 2012 Action Plan, a National Water Information Center will be set up in order to develop effective and unified information, forecast, and warning systems, using modern technology, such as satellite and long-distance monitoring systems. In managing watershed areas, emphasis will be placed on reforestation in line with His Majesty the King’s concept for the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. His Majesty advised that tree planting should start in the hearts and minds of the people, so that they would help increase forested areas throughout the land. Water drainage management will focus on such major dams as Bhumibol, Sirikit, Pa Sak Jolasid, and Chai Nat. About 100 canals will be dug and more dikes will be built. As for water management in industrial estates, more embankments, sluice gates, and pumping stations will be built and reinforced. Soft loans will be offered to industrial estates to help them develop their own flood prevention systems. An integrated water management organization in the form of "single command" will be established to handle the entire water management system and improve the warning system and the response to an emergency. Related laws and regulations will be improved, while public participation will be promoted. Apart from the 2012 Action Plan, the Action Plan for Integrated and Sustainable Mitigation of Floods will also be implemented. It calls for the development of a database and forecast and warning systems, with a budget of three billion baht. A total of 60 billion baht will be spent on forest and ecosystem rehabilitation and conservation, including reforestation, construction of check dams, planting of vetiver grass, and building of reservoirs. Another 60 billion baht will be used to designate areas to hold overflow water and to provide assistance for people living there. In addition, 177 billion baht will be spent on the construction and improvement of the country’s large drainage structures. All these projects will minimize the effects of flood damage in the future.

Indian Investors Urged to Invest More in Thailand

(27/01/2012)

Indian business people have been urged to increase their investments in Thailand, which will provide a link between India and other countries in ASEAN and the Greater Mekong Subregion. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, during her visit to India on 24-26 January 2012, stimulated confidence in Thailand among Indian investors and called for the promotion of Thai-Indian partnerships. She told Indian business people that Thailand was building road and rail linkages to Thailand’s neighboring countries and beyond, which would open new trade and investment opportunities. It is also planning to construct a sea route linking Chennai Port in India with Dawei deep-sea port in Myanmar and Laem Chabang deep-sea port in Thailand. Since the signing of the Thailand-India Free Trade Agreement in 2003, bilateral trade rose significantly from one billion US dollars to more than seven billion dollars now. Prime Minister Yingluck said that both countries would accelerate the completion of the Thailand-India FTA by the middle of this year, with the target to increase the two-way trade to 14 billion dollars by 2014. She pointed out that Thailand has a strong economic foundation and the country’s economic growth this year is expected to be 5 percent. The country has also enjoyed fiscal stability and its policies are favorable to investors and business people. The corporate tax now stands at 23 percent, and the rate will drop to 20 percent next year. Thailand also has a labor force of good quality to accommodate foreign business operations. Regarding flood prevention, she explained that Thailand was investing more than 11 billion dollars in water resource management. This would ensure that businesses would be free from the flooding in the future. In this connection, effective water management systems would be set up and floodways would be built, while forecast and warning systems would be improved. The Prime Minister believed that efforts to enhance Thai-Indian strategic partnership would help expand business growth between the two countries, and they would explore cooperation in various fields, such as information technology, tourism industry, and medical services. She expressed support for the organizing of a CEO Forum to promote bilateral investment. In her meeting with Thai business people in India, Prime Minister Yingluck said that the Government would form a working group to lower trade barriers between the two countries; Thai investments in India now stand at 81.77 billion dollars. Thai investors asked the Government to negotiate with India on the subject of land allocation and the tackling of double taxation. Thailand would like to increase flights between both countries, as well.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Stimulate Confidence in Thailand at the World Economic Forum

(26/01/2012)

After her official visit to India, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is scheduled to attend in the 42nd Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum on 27-28 January 2012 in Davos, Switzerland. The Prime Minister will take this opportunity to stimulate confidence in Thailand after the flood crisis in 2011, causing huge damage to the business sector. The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Over 2,500 participants from all over the world, including heads of state or government, business leaders, and members of the media, are joining this year’s meeting. The forum in 2012 focuses on the theme “The Great Transformation: Shaping New Models,” which reflects the need for a profound overhaul in the face of a fraying global financial system and lingering economic malaise. Prime Minister Yingluck will participate in three sessions on “Defining the Imperatives for 2012,” Women as the Way Forward,” and “Public-Private Interaction on Thailand.” She will hold talks with leaders of several countries, such as Poland, Tanzania, Switzerland, and Pakistan. Moreover, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with business leaders from such companies as Sumitomo Chemical, Coca-Cola, and Swiss Re. She will also give interviews to CNBC, Euronews, and the Financial Times. The Prime Minister will explain to the global audience the issues regarding the political and economic situation in Thailand and the Government’s water resource management plan. She will also work to restore investor confidence and touch on the issue of Thailand’s investment promotion policy. In addition, Prime Minister Yingluck will inform participants in the meeting that Thailand will host the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2012 in Bangkok from May 30 to June 1. Located at the heart of ASEAN and representing its second largest economy, Thailand is an ideal place to discuss how senior decision-makers can shape the region’s future opportunities while creating the models for improved risk management and sustainable and equitable growth. In this context, the 21st World Economic Forum on East Asia will be an exceptional opportunity not only for leaders from the ASEAN region, but also for those who see in the ASEAN countries a major evolving geopolitical and geo-economic pillar of the global economy. The 10 ASEAN countries, with a combined population of about 600 million, are scheduled to form a single market and production base by 2015.

Significant Growth in Thai Exports

(25/01/2012)

Thai exports in December 2011 were better than expected despite severe floods, resulting in a significant growth in Thai exports for the whole year. According to the Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Mr. Yanyong Phuangrach, exports were adversely affected in October and November as a consequence of the flood crisis in 2011. The improved export situation in December showed that the industrial sector had picked up quickly. Exports last year were valued at 228.8 billion US dollars, accounting for an increase of 17.2 percent over the previous year. The figure surpasses the growth target of 15 percent set earlier. In terms of the baht, the export value came to almost 6.9 trillion baht, representing an increase of 11.7 percent. Imports in 2011 were recorded at about 228.5 billion dollars, an increase of 24.9 percent. In terms of the baht, they were valued at 6.9 trillion baht, accounting for an increase of 19 percent. Last year, Thailand gained a trade surplus of 334 million dollars in terms of the US dollar; however, however, owing to the exchange rate, it converted to a trade deficit of 77 billion baht. Major export items that have enjoyed continued growth in both volume and value include rubber, tapioca, and food, especially frozen seafood and frozen and processed chicken. Thai exports saw a decline in such major markets as the European Union, Japan, and the United States, but saw an increase in ASEAN, India, Russia, Latin American, and Canada. As for border trade in 2011, Thailand exported 587 billion baht worth of goods to Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, accounting for an increase of 20.7 percent. Imports from those countries came to 312.4 billion baht, an increase of 15.6 percent. Thailand enjoyed a surplus of 274.9 billion baht in border trade. Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Department of Export Promotion, Mrs. Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, said that industrial groups affected directly by the severe floods in 2011 involved agricultural and food production and electronics manufacturing. Light industries, such as cosmetics production, were not affected directly. But orders for products under these groups have dropped for various reasons, such as the decline in the number of tourists. She said that several warehouses in Bangkok and the provinces had been damaged by the flooding and companies had not been able to move raw materials and products to safe places. In order to help the affected entrepreneurs, the Department of Export Promotion has coordinated with various trade associations, asking them to provide space for the flood-hit enterprises. The Department is also seeking cooperation from other organizations, such as Airports of Thailand and the Port Authority of Thailand, in offering available areas to facilitate the operations of the affected businesses.

China Withdraws Travel Alert for Thailand

(24/01/2012)

China has lifted its travel alert for Thailand over a possible terrorist threat, following the meeting between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Mr. Guan Mu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand, during the Chinese New Year reception at the Chinese Embassy on 18 January 2012. Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul expressed his appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador and the Chinese authorities concerned for the decision to lift the travel alert, which demonstrated the Chinese government’s confidence in the actions and measures taken by the Thai government. The Foreign Minister also stated that this decision was good news for Thailand’s tourism, especially during the Chinese New Year holidays. As for other 19 countries which still retain their travel advisories and alerts for Thailand, most of which referred to the alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, the Foreign Minister expressed hope that these countries would take into consideration actions and measures taken by the Thai security agencies, as well as the latest situation in the country and consider lifting their travel advisories and alerts for Thailand, as China had done. He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been providing updated information on the current situation, along with the actions and measures taken by the Thai government, to diplomatic missions and international organizations in Thailand as well as to Thai embassies and consulates-general abroad, so that they may inform their respective host countries of the latest situation. Moreover, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had expressed concern over the U.S. Embassy’s travel alert with Mrs. Judith Cefkin, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., during their meeting on 17 January 2012. The U.S. Embassy would consult with the U.S. government on the matter.

Thailand and India to Enhance Strategic Partnership

(23/01/2012)

Since Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will join India’s Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2012, she will also take this opportunity to pay an official visit to India from January 24 to 26. The visit is at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, whose recent visit to Thailand was made in October 2009 during the Seventh India-ASEAN Summit meeting. Prime Minister Yingluck will be the third Asian leader to attend the Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guest. The first one was South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak in 2010, and the second was Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2011. India has shown a clear intention to strengthen relations and forge closer cooperation with Thailand during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Yingluck. Both countries are expected to enhance their strategic partnership, as Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said earlier that Thailand and India should try to give their relations a forward-looking and strategic focus, and build a partnership for the future. On the part of Thailand, it has prepared various topics to be discussed with India, such as trade, energy, tourism, and economic cooperation. Water management is another major issue to be raised for discussion. Thailand and India have enjoyed a close and mutually enriching relationship for a long period. Thailand considers India as an important strategic partner, in addition to being a friend of Thailand. In 1947, Thailand was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with India. Both countries signed the Thailand-India Free Trade Agreement Framework on 9 October 2003, covering trade in goods, services, and investment, as well as economic cooperation. They began FTA negotiations in 2004 and agreed to start tariff reduction for trade in goods in January 2010. Since the signing of this FTA, bilateral trade between them has tripled. Foreign Minister Surapong pointed out that both countries should make every effort to conclude the bilateral FTA by the middle of 2012, as well as the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement. Thailand and India have also cooperated in the framework of BIMSTEC, which stands for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Bilateral trade between Thailand and India expanded from 4.7 billion US dollars in 2007 to 6.7 billion dollars in 2010. Both countries have agreed to double their two-way trade between 2010 and 2014. They have concluded and are implementing bilateral agreements on agriculture, science and technology, ICT, renewable energy, education, and cultural cooperation. Thailand and India will sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation during the visit of Prime Minister Yingluck to India later this month.

Chinese New Year Celebration 2012 in Thailand

(22/01/2012)

Many activities have been planned in Bangkok and other major provinces in celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year and to welcome the Year of the Dragon. This year's Chinese New Year’s Day falls on January 23. Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, is the focal point of celebrations in the capital. In the provinces, grand celebrations will take place in Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, (especially Pattaya), Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Songkhla, in Hat Yai district in particular. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been invited to preside over the opening of the Bangkok Chinatown Festival 2012 on January 23 at 5:00 p.m, taking place at the King’s Birthday Celebration Arch at Odean; the arch was built to commemorate His Majesty’s 72nd birthday anniversary in 1999. The festival, which will run for two days, includes such interesting activities as a lion dance contest, kung-fu boxing, Chinese opera, and other cultural shows. One of the highlights will be special performances sponsored by China’s Ministry of Culture, which provides performers for only five countries on Chinese New Year. Apart from Thailand, the other four countries are Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. Bangkok’s Chinatown is an old business center, covering a large area around Yaowarat and Charoen Krung roads. In this area, there are many small streets and alleys full of shops and wholesale and retail outlets selling all kinds of goods. Bangkok’s Chinatown is famous for its gold shops, restaurants, and food stalls offering numerous delicacies. Although it is normally a congested area and a busy part of town, the Chinese New Year Festival provides visitors a chance to walk along the streets without worrying about traffic. Some experts in feng shui, the traditional Chinese art of geomancy, compare the curving shape of Yaowarat Road with the dragon’s sinuous body. The traffic flow on Yaowarat is one-way, and from the head of the dragon to the tail, there are cars running day and night, as if it were a live dragon, moving all the time. A paradise for shoppers, Bangkok’s Chinatown, the mythical “golden dragon” packed into a couple of square kilometers, is the center where Thai-Chinese people have played a part in strengthening Thailand’s economy and culture for a long period. The Tourism Authority of Thailand believes that at least 300,000 tourists from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore will visit Thailand to celebrate Chinese New Year. It is expected that more than 200 charter flights will bring Chinese tourists to Thailand, especially to Phuket province, during the Chinese New Year celebrations. The Cabinet, during its meeting on January 10, decided to declare Chinese New Year Day a public holiday in the four southern border provinces of Pattani, Satun, Yala, and Narathiwat. The decision is the first move ever to recognize Chinese New Year as a public holiday in Thailand. The observance of Chinese New Year Day in the four provinces will begin on January 23 this year.

Government to Cut the Number of Drug Addicts by 400,000 in 2012

(21/01/2012)

The Government is taking serious action to bring down the number of drug addicts in Thailand by at least 400,000 in 2012, in an effort to reduce the spread of the narcotics problem. Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri said that the number of drug addicts increased rapidly, from 470,000 in 2007 to 1.4 million in 2011. In response to the Government’s clear intention to reduce the drug problem by 80 percent within one year, Mr. Wittaya said that the Ministry of Public Health would set up 928 drug rehabilitation centers in community hospitals nationwide. The centers will be located in 878 districts in the provinces and 50 districts in Bangkok. A total of 5,000 doctors, nurses, psychologists, and health volunteers in various villages will be equipped with knowledge on drug treatment and rehabilitation. They will help encourage drug users not to return to drug use and prevent vulnerable groups, especially young people, from getting involved with narcotics. The Government in September 2011 launched a national anti-drug campaign, chaired by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who declared the anti-drug drive part of the national agenda, known as the “Force of the Land to Defeat the Drug Problem.” According to Mr. Wittaya, the Ministry of Public Health has taken steps to act in accordance with the anti-drug drive policy. First, it has instructed the Food and Drug Administration to strictly control precursors and essential chemicals used in the manufacture of narcotic drugs. Second, the Ministry of Public Health is working with the Ministry of Interior in drug rehabilitation, based on the concept that drug addicts will be regarded as patients who should receive treatment, so that they will return to their homes as productive members of society. Third, the Ministry of Public Health has joined the “To Be Number One” project, an anti-drug campaign with Princess Ubolratana serving as chairperson. To Be Number One aims to promote solutions to drug problems and prevent drug addiction. It provides drug dependents with chances to become good citizens, while promoting family values and education among young people. The project currently has more than 37 million members across the country. From October 2010 to September 2011, about 155,000 drug users underwent treatment and rehabilitation nationwide. While getting tough on dealers and traffickers, the Government has set a policy to provide addicts with treatment and rehabilitation. Measures have also been worked out to prevent drug addicts who have given up their addiction from returning to drug use.

Developments Regarding the U.S. Embassy’s Travel Alert for Bangkok over Possible Terrorist Threat

(20/01/2012)

The Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, has expressed concern over the travel alert issued by the U.S. Embassy, as this was an issue that required careful consideration due to the repercussions it could have on Thailand as a whole.

Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, said that Mr. Sihasak met Mrs. Judith Cefkin, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, regarding the travel alert for Bangkok over a possible terrorist threat issued by the United States Embassy.

The Permanent Secretary said that both sides had been in close co-ordination and that necessary measures had already been taken since Thailand became aware of the threat toward the end of 2011. They reaffirmed the importance attached to counter-terrorism and agreed that this particular case underscored the need for closer co-ordination between the two sides.

The Permanent Secretary hoped that the U.S. side would reconsider the travel alert issue, taking into consideration actions and measures taken by the Thai agencies concerned as well as the latest situation in the country, which was normal despite the heightened security as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. Mrs Cefkin stated that these factors would be taken into account and thanked the Thai side for taking appropriate action and attaching importance to the issue, which has provided the U.S. side with a sense of confidence in the situation.

In response to reporters’ questions on whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would also meet with other heads of missions of countries that had issued similar travel advisories and alerts, the Spokesperson stated that this would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Currently, around 15 countries had issued travel advisories and alerts on this issue, with most providing updated information on the current situation and advising their nations to monitor the news closely and exercise caution, not raising the level of warning nor advising their nationals not to travel to Thailand.

First Cabinet Reshuffle of the Yingluck Shinawatra Administration

(20/01/2012)

After almost six months in office, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has decided to reshuffle her Cabinet. The first Cabinet reshuffle of the present administration took place on 18 January 2012. Prime Minister Yingluck stated that Cabinet changes had been made for appropriateness and the benefit of national administration. By a royal command countersigned by the Prime Minister on January 18, 16 Cabinet members were discharged and 16 members were appointed. Out of the 16 portfolios, six members of the first Yingluck Cabinet were transferred to new positions and 10 new faces were brought into the Cabinet. This means that there are both new and old faces in the second Cabinet of the Yingluck administration. According to the royal command, Mr. Kittiratt Na-Ranong was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, General Yuthasak Sasiprapha as Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Woravat Auapinyakul as Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mrs. Nalinee Thavisin as Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisal as Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat as Minister of Defense, Mr. Tanusak Lekuthai as Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Natthawut Saikua as Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Charupong Ruangsuwan as Minister of Transport, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt as Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Arak Chonlatanon as Minister of Energy, Mr. Boonsong Teriyapirom as Minister of Commerce, Mr. Suchart Tadathamrongvej as Minister of Education, Mr. Sakda Kongpet as Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Surawit Khonsomboon as Deputy Minister of Public Health, and M.R. Pongsvas Svasti as Minister of Industry. Many business leaders shared the view that the Cabinet reshuffle was likely to improve the performance of the Government, and that the new Cabinet members would be able to continue the Government’s policies. The President of the Federation of Thai Industries, Mr. Payungsak Chartsutipol, said that the business community would like to see the Cabinet keep pace with the changing situation to enable the private sector to become competitive. The new Minister of Education, Suchart Tadathamrongvej, stated that he would accelerate the implementation of the “One Tablet Per Child” policy. Emphasis will also be placed on providing equal educational opportunities to all Thais and preparing the country’s personnel for the realization of the ASEAN Community in the next few years. In this regard, foreign language proficiency would be enhanced among Thai students.

First Cabinet Reshuffle of the Yingluck Shinawatra Administration

(19/01/2012)

After almost six months in office, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has decided to reshuffle her Cabinet. The first Cabinet reshuffle of the present administration took place on January 18. Prime Minister Yingluck stated that Cabinet changes had been made for the sake of appropriateness and for the benefit of national administration. By a royal command countersigned by the Prime Minister on January 18, 16 Cabinet members were discharged and 16 members were appointed. Out of the 16 portfolios, six members of the first Yingluck Cabinet were transferred to new positions and 10 new faces were brought into the Cabinet. This means that there are both new and old faces in the second Cabinet of the Yingluck administration. According to the royal command, Mr. Kittiratt Na-Ranong was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, General Yuthasak Sasiprapha as Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Woravat Auapinyakul as Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mrs. Nalinee Thavisin as Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan as Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat as Minister of Defense, Mr. Tanusak Lekuthai as Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Natthawut Saikua as Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Charupong Ruangsuwan as Minister of Transport, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt as Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Arak Chonlatanon as Minister of Energy, Mr. Boonsong Teriyapirom as Minister of Commerce, Mr. Suchart Tadathamrongvej as Minister of Education, Mr. Sakda Kongpet as Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Surawit Khonsomboon as Deputy Minister of Public Health, and M.R. Pongsvas Svasti as Minister of Industry. Many business leaders shared the view that the Cabinet reshuffle was likely to improve the performance of the Government, and that the new Cabinet members would be able to continue the Government’s policies. The President of the Federation of Thai Industries, Mr. Payungsak Chartsutipol, said that the business community would like to see the Cabinet keep pace with the changing situation to enable the private sector to become competitive. The new Minister of Education, Suchart Tadathamrongvej, stated that he would accelerate the implementation of the “One Tablet Per Child” policy. Emphasis will also be placed on providing equal educational opportunities to all Thais and preparing the country’s personnel for the realization of the ASEAN Community in the next few years. In this regard, foreign language proficiency would be enhanced among Thai students.

Ensuring the Growth and Safety of Thailand’s Tourism

(19/01/2012)

The Government has ensured the safety of local people and foreign tourists as Thailand steps up security measures, following news reports on a possible terrorist threat. The country’s tourism in 2012 is expected to continue to grow further and the growth will generate many billions of baht in revenue.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered security-related agencies to pay more attention to safety precautions around the clock.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is placing emphasis on creating better understanding about Thailand’s situation among foreign countries in an effort to provide them with factual information.

The Royal Thai Police insisted that Thailand is not a terrorist target. Although Thailand is not on the target list, the police will nonetheless intensify security measures and keep a close watch on intelligence information.

According to Mr. Kongkrit Hiranyakit, President for Policy and Planning of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand this year will increase by 8 percent and bring in more than 760 billion baht in tourism earnings.

Mr. Kongkrit advised the Government to link two management plans together, so that government and private agencies could work in the same direction. The two plans include the prevention of natural disasters and epidemic outbreaks, and the reduction of man-made disaster risks, especially from political conflicts.

Mr. Kongkrit urged the Government to step up its public relations campaigns while maintaining the existing strategies, such as the provision of risk insurance for foreign visitors to keep their confidence high. He said that the Government should also encourage the private sector to invest in neighboring countries to maintain Thailand’s competitiveness as it moves toward the ASEAN Community in 2015.