The Phuket Periodical - 0118 - 25.05.2025
The 'Ark' Issue
Sawadee Khrub Dear Reader,
It seems the memo about 'dry season' got rather spectacularly mislaid in the celestial post again this week, as Phuket's skies continued to perform their best impression of a particularly enthusiastic monsoon preview. While the rain drummed a familiar rhythm on rooftops and turned soi-side explorations into minor aquatic adventures, life on the island and across Thailand carried on with its usual captivating blend of the significant and the slightly surreal. The scales of justice tipped, albeit with a notable absentee, in a long-running local drama. The Prime Minister embarked on a European charm offensive, juggling culinary diplomacy with high-octane sporting ambitions. Meanwhile, the nation's economic forecasters peered at their tea leaves, offering a brew of cautious optimism mixed with a hefty dose of tariff-induced trepidation. And for those navigating the airways, a new set of rules landed, promising at least a sandwich for your troubles. So, grab a cuppa (or something stronger, no judgment here), and let's unpack the week that was.
... On with the news.
Phuket Justice Served: Swiss National Gets Month in Jail for Beachside Kick – A Slap on the Wrist or a Sign of Shifting Sands?
In a significant development that has captured widespread attention both locally and nationally, the Appeals Court on Friday, May 23rd, sentenced David, a 45-year-old Swiss national and proprietor of an elephant sanctuary, to one month in prison without suspension. The conviction relates to the assault on Dr. Thardao Chandumm, also known as Dr. Pai, on February 24, 2024, an incident that occurred on the contested steps leading to Yamu Beach in Thalang district.
The verdict overturns an earlier decision by the Phuket Provincial Court on September 3, 2024, which had dismissed the charges, citing reasonable doubt. The Appeals Court, however, found the evidence compelling. Key to the reversal was mobile phone footage that, while not clearly capturing the kick itself, depicted David aggressively approaching and verbally abusing Dr. Pai. Perhaps more damning were David's own words to Dr. Pai's boyfriend immediately after the incident: "She trespassed herself, so I kicked lightly. If it were you, I would do worse." This statement, coupled with medical reports detailing the bruising Dr. Pai sustained to her upper back, requiring seven days of treatment, and a subsequent diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) necessitating ongoing medication and psychotherapy, formed the crux of the prosecution's successful appeal.
Dr. Pai expressed immense relief following the judgment, stating she felt justice had finally been restored after the discouragement of the initial dismissal. Her lawyer, Nipit Intarasombat, also commented on the case's importance. The court read the judgment in absentia, as David had failed to appear for the original judgment reading on April 20th, leading to an arrest warrant. Should he return to Thailand, he faces immediate imprisonment.
The case has resonated deeply, touching upon sensitive issues of foreigner-local interactions, access to public spaces – the "public stairs" becoming a focal point of debate – and the broader perception of justice within the Kingdom. The initial dismissal had led to considerable public disappointment, and the Appeals Court's decisive action may be viewed as an attempt to reassert judicial fairness, particularly in high-profile incidents involving foreign nationals. For the expatriate community, the outcome serves as a stark reminder that actions have consequences, and perceived impunity can be challenged through the legal system, however protracted the process. The reliance on mobile phone footage also underscores the increasing role of citizen-captured evidence in legal proceedings, a double-edged sword that promotes accountability but also raises questions about privacy in an ever-more recorded world. While justice for Dr. Pai has been delivered, the fact that the sentence was handed down in absentia leaves a lingering question about its ultimate practical enforcement and whether it will truly recalibrate behaviour or simply add another chapter to the island's collection of cautionary tales.
The PM’s Grand Tour: Paetongtarn Courts Europe with Cuisine, Culture, and a Curious Eye on Formula One
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra embarked on a significant diplomatic and trade mission to the United Kingdom and Monaco from May 21st to 25th, a trip designed to bolster Thailand's "soft power" credentials and explore new economic avenues. The agenda was a carefully curated mix of cultural promotion, trade discussions, and a rather eye-catching foray into the world of elite motorsport.
The primary objectives included expanding the European market for Thai products, with a particular emphasis on food. This involved the official launch of a revamped "Thai SELECT" logo, a certification intended to guarantee the quality and authenticity of Thai cuisine served in restaurants abroad. During her UK leg, the Prime Minister was scheduled to present Thai SELECT certificates to 115 restaurants, meet with major UK food importers and representatives from the Association of Thai Businesses in the UK, and attend a promotional event at the Wing Yip Superstore in Cricklewood, a significant importer of Asian food products. The promotion of Muay Thai also featured, with a visit to a renowned British training camp planned.
Perhaps the most ambitious element of the tour was the stop in Monaco. Here, Ms. Paetongtarn was slated to meet with Formula One executives to discuss the feasibility of Thailand hosting a Grand Prix. This high-profile aspiration, while potentially transformative for Thailand's international sporting and tourism profile, is also fraught with considerable logistical and financial challenges.
For expatriates in Thailand, such diplomatic endeavours can seem distant, yet their potential ripple effects are noteworthy. A successful "soft power" push can enhance the country's global image, which may indirectly benefit tourism and foreign investment, including in regions like Phuket. The F1 bid, if it progresses beyond exploratory talks, could signal a major investment in infrastructure and attract a new tier of high-spending visitors, though it might also divert national resources. The success of initiatives like Thai SELECT could also subtly elevate the standards and recognition of Thai businesses, including those in Phuket's extensive hospitality sector. However, the immediate question for many might be whether the diplomatic efforts translate into tangible benefits, or if, for instance, the dream of F1 cars navigating Bangkok's notorious thoroughfares remains just that – a dream.
Delayed? Don’t Despair! New Flight Rights Law Lands – What’s in It for Phuket’s Weary Travellers?
For anyone who has experienced the unique form of limbo that is an unexpectedly protracted airport delay, a new piece of Thai legislation offers a glimmer of hope and, more tangibly, compensation. The Thailand Flight Delay Law, effective from May 20, 2025, marks a significant overhaul of the Kingdom's aviation regulations, aiming to provide clearer protections and entitlements for both international and domestic passengers.
Under the new law, compensation is tiered according to the length of the delay and the flight distance. For international flights, delays of over two hours mandate the provision of complimentary food and beverages, along with access to communication. If a delay stretches beyond five hours, passengers are entitled to 1,500 baht (or its equivalent in vouchers or air miles), and if an overnight stay becomes necessary, airlines must provide free accommodation and transport. Furthermore, passengers facing such delays have the option to cancel their trip for a full refund or an equivalent voucher. For more substantial delays exceeding ten hours, or in the event of a flight cancellation without at least seven days' notice, additional compensation is stipulated, ranging from 2,000 baht for short-haul flights (such as those between Phuket and Singapore) to 4,500 baht for long-haul journeys.
Domestic travellers within Thailand also see enhanced rights. Compensation for delays over five hours has been doubled from 600 baht to 1,200 baht, while cancellations will now secure passengers 1,500 baht, up from the previous 1,200 baht. Airlines can offer vouchers or miles, but their value must meet or exceed the stipulated cash amounts.
Crucially, the law also addresses the often-uncomfortable reality of tarmac delays. Airlines are now required to ensure adequate ventilation and access to toilets during such groundings. Immediate medical assistance must be provided if needed, and passengers have the right to disembark if a delay on the tarmac exceeds three hours without a confirmed departure time, unless safety concerns preclude this.
This legislation brings Thailand more in line with international passenger rights standards, such as the EU261 regulations familiar to many European expats. While the promise of a meal and a modest sum might not entirely soothe the frustration of a severely disrupted travel plan, it represents a formal acknowledgement of passenger inconvenience. The true measure of the law's success, however, will lie in its enforcement and the ease with which passengers can claim their entitlements. The hope is for a smoother process, though seasoned travellers might reserve judgment until the first claims are processed, wondering if it will be a streamlined affair or another test of bureaucratic patience. The very existence of these clearly defined rights could, however, incentivize airlines to improve their operational efficiency and communication to avoid payouts, a potential long-term benefit for all who fly to, from, or within Thailand.
Phuket’s Soggy Saga Continues: Floods Swamp Thalang as Warnings Issued – Time to Invest in an Ark?
The familiar sigh of "not again" likely echoed across parts of Phuket this week, as persistent heavy rainfall, a characteristic feature of the early monsoon period, led to renewed flood warnings and disruptions. While specific incidents for the May 18-24 period would depend on the daily downpours, reports from earlier in the month (around May 11-12) indicated significant inundation in Thalang district, an area that critically includes the roads to Phuket International Airport, as well as parts of Muang Phuket and Kathu districts. Such conditions often persist or recur with little notice during this time of year.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office typically advises residents in flood-prone zones to monitor conditions closely and prepare for potential evacuations or property damage. Emergency response teams are usually placed on standby. For residents, particularly in areas like Thalang, this often translates into challenging commutes, waterlogged properties, and a general sense of damp resignation. The island's temperature, meanwhile, hovers around a humid 29°C high and 26°C low, adding a certain steamy quality to the aquatic landscape.
This recurring cycle of heavy rain followed by flash flooding is more than just an inconvenience; it's a significant challenge to daily life and the island's infrastructure. While the resilience of Phuket's long-term residents, both Thai and expatriate, is notable – often met with a pragmatic shrug and a swift move to higher ground – questions about sustainable, long-term solutions invariably surface with each deluge. The focus often appears to be on immediate response rather than comprehensive preventative measures. For an island that trades heavily on its image as a tropical paradise, the annual spectacle of submerged roads and inundated communities can be a jarring contrast. If these issues are not demonstrably tackled with robust infrastructure upgrades, they risk impacting Phuket's long-term appeal for both tourism and expatriate settlement, particularly in the more vulnerable low-lying regions. The effectiveness of local governance in addressing such chronic problems may also come under sharper scrutiny, especially when substantial national budgets, like the recently approved 3.78 trillion baht for 2026 , are allocated for public works and development.
Thai Economy’s Tightrope Walk: Q1 Growth Offers a Glimmer, But Tariff Storms and Business Anxieties Loom Large
Thailand's economic narrative this week presented a complex tableau of modest gains overshadowed by significant anxieties. The first quarter of 2025 saw the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expand by 3.1% year-on-year. While this represented a slight dip from the revised 3.3% growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, it notably surpassed the 2.8% median forecast by economists. On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, the economy grew by 0.7%, an improvement from the 0.4% recorded in the preceding quarter.
However, this somewhat encouraging snapshot was immediately tempered by a downward revision of the official GDP growth forecast for the entirety of 2025. Authorities now project growth in the range of 1.3% to 2.3%, a considerable reduction from the earlier estimate of 2.3% to 3.3%. This more pessimistic outlook is largely attributed to escalating global uncertainties, chief among them the impending United States tariff hikes and a discernible slowdown in the tourism sector's recovery momentum.
These concerns are echoed strongly by Thailand's business leaders. Representatives from the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) have been vocal in their calls for political stability and a shift in economic strategy. They advocate for prioritising long-term strategic investments, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects such as dual-track railways and high-speed train lines, over what they deem to be economically inefficient cash handout schemes. There's also a pressing demand for measures to combat the influx of low-priced imported goods flooding the domestic market, a problem exacerbated by global trade tensions.
Amidst this cautious atmosphere, a small, potentially fragile, green shoot emerged with the news that domestic car sales in April registered their first year-on-year increase in 23 months, rising by 0.97%. This uptick was primarily driven by passenger car sales, as pickup truck sales – often seen as a barometer of SME and agricultural sector health – continued to decline due to tight financing conditions.
For expatriates in Phuket, this intricate economic balancing act carries tangible implications. The stability of the business environment, job security (particularly for those not in secure international contracts), the cost of living, and the viability of local investments are all intertwined with these broader national trends. The recently approved 2026 national budget, a hefty 3.78 trillion baht , will be scrutinised for its potential to address these headwinds effectively. The divergence between a relatively stable Q1 performance and a gloomier annual forecast, alongside the pronounced anxieties of the business sector, suggests that underlying structural vulnerabilities, particularly to external shocks like tariffs, are a primary concern. The call from business leaders to expedite "property rights-based" laws and extend land lease rights from 30 to 60 years is a direct response to the need for greater investment security, an issue of paramount importance to foreign and expat investors in Phuket's significant real estate market. Such reforms, if enacted, could attract more legitimate long-term investment, though they might also influence property valuations.
Briefly Noted
Cabinet Signs Off on B3.78tn 2026 Budget – Let the Spending Games Begin! The Thai Cabinet gave its assent on May 21st to the draft 3.78 trillion baht budget for the 2026 fiscal year. Topping the list of allocations are social opportunity and equity (942.7 billion baht), human capital development (605.9 billion baht), and public sector reform (605.4 billion baht). A deficit of 860 billion baht is projected, to be financed by loans. Parliamentary debate is slated for May 28-30. With nearly a trillion baht earmarked for 'social opportunity,' one hopes that includes the opportunity for a smoothly paved road. The substantial central budget allocation (632.9 billion baht) will also likely be an area of focus during parliamentary scrutiny concerning transparency and specific use.
Island Connections: Indonesia Launches New Phuket & Bangkok Flights In a move to bolster regional tourism and economic links, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced on May 19th new flight routes connecting Bangkok and Phuket with the Indonesian cities of Surabaya and Medan. Fancy swapping your Pad Krapow for some Nasi Padang? These new air bridges offer more tempting options for weekend getaways and further diversify tourist source markets for Phuket.
The Dragon Beckons (Again): ‘Army of Chinese Travel Agents’ to Descend on Thailand The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to host over 300 Chinese travel agents and 200 media representatives from May 29-31 under the "Sawasdee Nihao" initiative. The goal is to rejuvenate the vital, though recently diminished, Chinese tourist market. Prepare for a whirlwind of fact-finding and photo-ops as Thailand attempts to woo back the Chinese tourist yuan. The success of this charm offensive will be closely watched, especially in tourism-dependent areas like Phuket.
Vroom at the Top (Sort Of): Car Sales See First Uptick in Nearly Two Years A slight glimmer in the economic data: Thailand's domestic car sales edged up by 0.97% year-on-year in April, the first such increase in 23 months. The rise was attributed to passenger car sales, as pickup truck sales continued their downward trend amidst tight financing conditions. A flicker of life in the auto showrooms, though the differing fortunes of passenger cars versus pickups suggest the economic recovery, if underway, is not yet evenly distributed.
Phuket Tourism: Still Smiling Despite Chinese Slowdown? While national tourism figures reflect a downturn in arrivals from China, reports suggest Phuket remains relatively buoyant. The island's diverse appeal and an influx of visitors and relocating residents from other markets, including Russia, appear to be cushioning the impact. While the mainland frets about missing Chinese millions, Phuket seems to be keeping its sunloungers relatively full, a testament to its broad international appeal.
Nominee Crackdown: Commerce Ministry Keeps the Heat On Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to cracking down on the use of nominee shareholders in companies and tackling the import of substandard goods. For those enjoying the creative side of company directorships, be warned: the official scrutiny of 'faux Thai ownership' continues. This ongoing regulatory focus is a key concern for many foreign business owners in Phuket.
Foreign Income Tax: The Murky Waters Remain Unstirred The perennial topic of potential amendments to the taxation of foreign income remitted to Thailand continued to feature in news roundups, indicating ongoing uncertainty and anxiety among the expatriate community. No fresh pronouncements this week, just the familiar scent of ambiguity. The lack of definitive clarity on this front remains a significant challenge for long-term financial planning for many expats.
A Dash of Culture: Phuket’s Peranakan Festival Adds Local Flavour Phuket was reported on May 23rd as being "ready for Peranakan Festival," suggesting this vibrant celebration of the island's unique Baba-Nyonya heritage is either currently underway or imminent. Time to trade the beach shorts for some batik? The festival offers a rich dive into local culture and, undoubtedly, some exceptional cuisine.
A Bloody Good Idea? Firms Urged to Offer Paid Menstrual Leave – A Sign of Changing Times? A noteworthy discussion point emerging this week was the call for companies in Thailand to consider offering paid menstrual leave to female employees. This progressive proposal, if adopted more widely, could signify evolving workplace standards and a greater focus on employee wellbeing in the Kingdom, a development that would likely be welcomed by many.
Further Reading
some of the best reads from about the kingdom from around the web this week:
The views and opinions expressed in linked articles are those of the respective authors or publications and do not necessarily reflect The Phuket Periodical's official policy or position. We provide links to external articles for informational purposes only, and the inclusion of these links does not imply endorsement or agreement with the content presented. Readers are encouraged to exercise discretion and critical thinking when accessing external content.
