Latest news with #SisdivachrCheewarattanaporn
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Thai assaults on Malaysian tourists, hurting tourism confidence
BANGKOK: A stressed Thai national's assault on Malaysian tourists further shakes confidence in Thai tourism, with ATTA urging the government to clearly communicate safety measures, while the Tourism Ministry pledges full care and compensation until the victims can return home. Following the assault of two Malaysian tourists in Bangkok's Ratchadamri area on the night of Aug 7, 2025, in which a stressed Thai national reportedly poured thinner on the victims, the Thai tourism industry has voiced concern over the country's safety image. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, honorary president and senior advisor to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), described the incident as serious and deeply disturbing. He said it not only directly affects tourists' perceptions of Thailand but also damages the country's safety image in the eyes of the international community, particularly among Asean countries, which place strong emphasis on security. He noted that the attack would inevitably undermine confidence, especially if video footage or news of the incident spreads widely. Although it did not occur during the high season, it is a crucial test of how effectively state agencies can manage the situation and restore trust. Thailand, he said, must urgently strengthen tangible safety infrastructure for tourists and clearly communicate these measures in official foreign-language channels to reassure both travellers and foreign governments that their citizens can visit without fear. 'We have repeatedly talked about safety measures, but the problem lies in weak communication. We must deliver messages in multiple languages to foreign media, embassies and the platforms that international audiences use. Proactive communication from relevant agencies, such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and even the Tourist Police, is essential, and they must work closely together,' he said. He added that the swift arrest of the suspect, coupled with the Tourism Ministry's public updates assessing the situation and clarifying the cause, was a step in the right direction. However, he stressed that Thailand must continue communicating clearly to demonstrate how seriously the state treats crimes that affect tourists. Sisdivachr also addressed external factors affecting tourism, notably the recent appreciation of the baht to 32 per US dollar. He said that while the stronger currency may influence some travellers' decisions to visit Thailand, the impact was not yet severe as the exchange rate had not risen to an uncompetitive level. However, he said operators were hopeful that the Bank of Thailand, under its new governor from the private sector, would better understand business needs and implement policies to lower interest rates. Such a move, he said, would help ease cost pressures on tourism businesses that have yet to fully recover. 'We have raised this issue many times without any real response. This time, we hope to see concrete action, both in terms of lowering interest rates and attracting more foreign tourists, so that the industry can keep moving forward,' he said. Another key priority, Sisdivachr added, was developing new attractions to inject variety and appeal to repeat visitors seeking fresh experiences. He noted that many travellers were now choosing Vietnam for its new tourist spots and more convenient transport links, much as Thai tourists were increasingly visiting China for its interconnected and well-developed attractions. Thailand, he stressed, needed to ensure that its secondary destinations were genuinely accessible, safe and rich in compelling stories. He recommended that the TAT and local administrative organisations work together to expand existing thematic routes so they link effectively across multiple provinces. This, he said, should be paired with investment in transport infrastructure such as roads, public transport and intercity connections, to create attractive new options for travellers. Natthriya Thaweevong, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, expressed her deepest condolences on behalf of the Thai government and all relevant agencies over the assault on two Malaysian tourists in Bangkok. She said the authorities were committed to providing full medical care and assistance until the victims could be safely repatriated. The incident on Aug 7 involved an unemployed Thai national who, reportedly suffering from hunger and mental distress, attacked the two Malaysian tourists in the Ratchadamri area by dousing them with flammable liquid and setting them alight. 'This was a deeply saddening incident for both Thais and Malaysians,' Natthriya said, adding that Malaysia remains one of Thailand's top source markets for international tourists. Both victims remain hospitalised. The male tourist sustained burns to 69% of his body and remains unconscious, while the female tourist suffered burns to 36% of her body, is conscious and able to communicate through writing. Doctors say their conditions are stable and gradually improving, though the male victim's injuries are more severe. The government has discussed initial compensation with the victims' relatives, who will also check the victims' travel insurance coverage with AirAsia. Relatives have expressed a wish to transfer the patients to Malaysia for further treatment, but doctors have advised against immediate travel. The male victim is expected to remain in hospital for about one month, and the female for two to three weeks. The ministry is coordinating with the Tourist Police to assist the victims' relatives, providing transport to and from their accommodation and responding to requests for support. Under the government's compensation scheme for foreign tourists, assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis: Medical expenses will be reimbursed based on receipts, up to a maximum of 500,000 baht, with any insurance payouts deducted. An additional 50,000 baht will be provided for emotional distress, bringing the total to no more than 550,000 baht. The government will also review whether further assistance is appropriate. Natthriya stressed that authorities must also determine the attacker's true motive in order to improve risk assessments and strengthen tourist protection measures. - The Nation/ANN
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
Tourism hotspot Thailand introduces mandatory digital arrival card for foreign visitors
Thailand will require foreign visitors to fill out a pre-departure digital form from May 1, a move that will make it easy for authorities to track travellers amid a broadening crackdown against human trafficking into Southeast Asia's illegal cybercrime centres. Starting Monday, travelers can fill up the Thailand Digital Arrival Card for trips beginning Thursday. The online card replaces the previously used paper form, and is mandatory for all foreigners entering the country by air, land or sea routes, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The forms can be accessed on the Thai Immigration Bureau's website. The arrival cards will be synced with the Thai immigration bureau's biometric database, which will allow for the screening of criminal backgrounds of visitors, Choengron Rimpadee, chief of the Immigration Division 2 at Suvarnabhumi Airport, told reporters last week. The introduction of a mandatory pre-departure card comes in the wake of a multinational crackdown against criminal gangs operating cyber scam centres in the border towns of Myanmar and Cambodia. The viral kidnapping of a Chinese actor earlier this year triggered the campaign as trafficking through Thailand has stoked security concerns among Chinese travellers, who were the largest group of tourists last year. Thailand is popular among tourists for its tropical climate, pristine beaches, a vibrant nightlife and Buddhist temples. The industry, which employs one in five of the country's workforce and accounts for about 13% of gross domestic product, has welcomed about 12 million tourists since the start of the year, little changed from a year earlier. Travellers may submit the online forms up to three days before their scheduled arrival date, and they can be submitted individually or as a group, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Required details include passport information, personal and travel details, accommodation in Thailand, and a basic health declaration. It's modelled on the digital arrival card requirements in many other countries. Still, the mandatory arrival cards are unlikely to affect tourism sentiment, according to Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents.
Business Times
28-04-2025
- Business Times
Thailand launches digital arrival card for foreign visitors amid human trafficking crackdown
[BANGKOK] Thailand will require foreign visitors to fill up a pre-departure digital form from May 1, a move that will make it easy for authorities to track travellers amid a broadening crackdown against human trafficking into South-east Asia's illegal cybercrime centres. Starting on Monday (Apr 28), travellers can fill up the Thailand Digital Arrival Card for trips beginning on Thursday. The online card replaces the previously used paper form, and is mandatory for all foreigners entering the country by air, land or sea routes, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The forms can be accessed on the Thai Immigration Bureau's website. The arrival cards will be synced with Thai immigration bureau's biometric database, which will allow for screening of criminal backgrounds of visitors, Choengron Rimpadee, chief of the Immigration Division two at Suvarnabhumi Airport, told reporters last week. The introduction of mandatory pre-departure card comes in the wake of a multinational crackdown against criminal gangs operating cyber scam centres in border towns of Myanmar and Cambodia. The viral kidnapping of a Chinese actor earlier this year triggered the campaign as traffickings through Thailand have stoked security concerns among Chinese travellers, who were the largest group of tourists last year. Thailand is popular among tourists for its tropical climate, pristine beaches, a vibrant nightlife and Buddhist temples. The industry, which employs one in five of the country's workforce and accounts for about 13 per cent of gross domestic product, has welcomed about 12 million tourists since the start of the year, little changed from a year earlier. Travellers may submit the online forms up to three days before their scheduled arrival date and they can be submitted individually or as a group, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Required details include passport information, personal and travel details, accommodation in Thailand, and a basic health declaration. It's modelled on the digital arrival card requirements in many other countries. Still, the mandatory arrival cards are unlikely to affect tourism sentiment, according to Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents. BLOOMBERG
