Thailand Roundup: Illegal crypto trading crackdown, subsidised flights to boost Chinese tourism, record-breaking export growth
Illegal crypto trading crackdown
Thai police arrested five suspects during a crackdown on illegal cryptocurrency trading in Bangkok and tourist provinces, as reported by Pol Maj Gen Thatphum Jaruphat. The operation, named ‘Crypto Phantom’, discovered currency exchange firms aiding money laundering for illegal activities, leading to the seizure of documents and electronic devices.
Entry-Level divers face new photography restrictions
The Thai government's new regulations, effective 22 April, ban entry-level divers from using cameras underwater without advanced certification or sufficient logged dives to prevent damage to coral reefs, as reported in a recent policy announcement. Additional rules limit group sizes and prohibit harmful activities to marine life.
Subsidised flights to boost Chinese tourism
To counter a decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, the Association of Thai Travel Agents has proposed a budget of 320 million baht for subsidised charter flights from China. As reported, Thailand has dropped from fourth to seventh in Chinese travel preferences, necessitating urgent measures to revive its tourism sector.
Tragic insurgency attack
In a tragic incident on Tuesday, ethnic Malay Muslim insurgents from the National Revolutionary Front (BRN) shot and killed 16-year-old Buddhist novice Pongkorn Chumapan and injured 12-year-old Pokanit Morasin in Songkhla province's Sabayoi district while they were collecting alms. This attack, which reflects the ongoing separatist conflict in southern Thailand responsible for over 7,000 civilian deaths since 2004, highlights the increasing targeting of children amid the violence. Reports indicate a broader pattern of violence against civilians, with both BRN insurgents and Thai security forces committing serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Record-breaking export growth
Thailand's exports surged by 17.8% in March 2025, reaching a record-high of US$29.5 billion, according to Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan. The first quarter of 2025 saw a cumulative export value of US$81.5 billion, reflecting sustained growth driven by proactive economic policies under newly appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The minister attributed this positive trend to collaborative efforts with the private sector despite challenges posed by US tariff policies. Notably, the export growth encapsulates a diverse range of industries, indicating resilience and a promising trajectory for Thailand's economy.
