Welcome to our weekly news roundup! This week in Thailand, we celebrate significant cultural events, major advancements in infrastructure, and exciting new initiatives. From the dazzling light displays in honor of His Majesty the King’s birthday to BYD’s impressive discounts on electric vehicles, there’s much to catch up on.
1. Ratchadamnoen Illuminated to Celebrate the King’s Birthday
In celebration of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28, six routes near Bangkok’s Grand Palace have been illuminated with dazzling lights. Installed by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, these decorations aim to draw both local residents and tourists. The light displays are on view every night from 6 p.m. to midnight until August 12, lighting up areas including Sanam Luang, Ratchadamnoen Nai, Ratchadamnoen Klang, Ratchadamnoen Nok, Si Ayutthaya roads, and the vicinity of Chitralada Palace.
2. BYD Announces EV Discounts to Celebrate New Plant in Thailand
To mark the inauguration of its first manufacturing plant in Thailand, BYD is offering significant discounts on its electric vehicles through the “BYD Thailand Factory Celebration” campaign. From July 5 to 31, 2024, customers can benefit from reduced prices on models like the New BYD ATTO 3 Dynamic (MY24), now available for 799,900 Baht (down from 899,900 Baht), and the BYD ATTO 3 Extended Range (MY23), now priced at 859,900 Baht (down from 1,199,900 Baht). However, some early buyers who paid higher prices have expressed dissatisfaction with the new discounts.
3. Airports of Thailand Enhances Passenger Facilities
Airports of Thailand (AoT) has reclaimed areas previously used by shops and government agencies at Suvarnabhumi and Phuket airports to improve traveler amenities. AoT has taken back 1,907 square meters of space in the main concourse and SAT-1 buildings at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and 491 square meters in the international passenger terminal at Phuket Airport, aiming to enhance the passenger experience.
4. Southeast Asian Central Banks to Launch Cross-Border Payments Platform by 2026
The central banks of Thailand, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines are working on creating an instant cross-border retail payments platform by 2026. The Bank of International Settlements (BIS) revealed that this initiative, part of Project Nexus, will connect each country’s instant digital payment systems, such as India’s UPI and Singapore’s PayNow. The founding members include India and the other four countries, with Indonesia participating as a special observer.
5. LABUBU’s Thailand Tour to Attract Chinese Tourists
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and POP MART have launched a joint initiative featuring LABUBU, the popular furry doll, to draw Chinese tourists to Thailand. The “Welcome Ceremony of LABUBU” marks the start of LABUBU’s four-day tour of Thailand’s cultural and iconic landmarks. This event is part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China next year. LABUBU arrived at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on a Hainan Airlines flight from Beijing and was welcomed by Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, Minister of Tourism and Sports.