The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is revising its approach for the latter half of the year to tackle the sluggish Chinese market and diminished confidence prompted by a recent earthquake.

A new crisis management team will be formed, consisting of representatives from various organizations within the tourism supply chain, including the Interior Ministry and the Department of Land Transport.

The ministry intends to partner with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to issue certificates to hotels that have successfully passed safety inspections following the earthquake.

Last year, 6.7 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand, with this year's projections around 7 million, a decline from the record 11 million in pre-Covid 2019. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong emphasized that the ministry will concentrate on conveying a unified message that assures travelers of Thailand's safety.

The ministry also aims to engage with the Chinese ambassador to rebuild confidence.

Moreover, prominent Chinese media influencers will be invited to illustrate that all regions of Thailand are safe for travel.

As the Songkran celebrations approach, all planned activities will proceed as scheduled, and tourists are encouraged to download the Thailand Tourist Police app for alerts during extraordinary events.

The average hotel occupancy rate during April and the Songkran festive season is projected to be around 60%, which is lower than last year's 65%.

Following the earthquake, airline bookings fell by 40-60% over two days, with bookings from China experiencing a significant decline of 60%.

On Friday, True Corporation, along with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission, and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, carried out a nationwide test of Thailand's Cell Broadcast system.

This testing follows an 8.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the Mandalay region of Myanmar on March 28, impacting Bangkok and various provinces, leading to damage to lives and property in both nations.

Passakorn Bunyalak, the director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stated that the Cell Broadcast test produced the anticipated outcomes, with messages being swiftly disseminated and encompassing the designated area.

The purpose of activating this system is to ensure fast emergency notifications across the country.

A recent study conducted across 11 major tourism markets in Asia has recognized Indonesia as the leading diving destination in the region, followed by the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

These nations are celebrated for their distinct underwater ecosystems and enchanting marine biodiversity, drawing divers from all corners of the globe.

Vietnamese travelers have named Thailand as their preferred diving destination, highlighting its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and internationally acclaimed dive sites.

Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines also hold significant appeal for Vietnamese diving aficionados, reflecting an increasing enthusiasm for underwater adventures in the area.

The main reason for diving is the quest for serenity beneath the ocean, with nearly 30% of respondents looking for relaxation within the vast calm of the sea.

This desire is particularly strong among travelers from the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Furthermore, 24% of participants are motivated to dive by their wish to experience the wonder and vibrancy of marine ecosystems.

While many divers choose economical lodging, 40% are prepared to invest 15 to 30% more on diving experiences compared to regular vacations.

The most common trip duration is 4 to 7 days, with weekend diving excursions also becoming increasingly popular.

Coral reefs are the top preference for ocean adventures, favored by 75% of those surveyed, reinforcing Asia's status as a prime destination for diving enthusiasts worldwide.

A delegation from the Thai government, headed by the Finance Minister, is preparing to visit the US to engage in discussions about the effects of recent US trade policies.

This initiative follows the announcement by the US President regarding reciprocal tariffs on several nations, Thailand included, which is facing a 37% tariff on its export goods to the US. The Thai Prime Minister has indicated that the delegation will highlight Thailand's position as both an exporter and a dependable long-term economic partner.

The nation aims to lessen the impact of the new trade measures, which are anticipated to influence Thai exports such as electronics, processed foods, and agricultural products.

In the course of the negotiations, Thailand has developed proposals to boost imports from the US, encompassing energy, aircraft, and agricultural items, while also seeking to enhance collaboration across various sectors.

Additionally, the Thai government intends to encourage investment in the US and tackle import barriers.

Talks aimed at alleviating the repercussions of US trade policies are set to occur on April 8.

A committee has been established to investigate the collapse of the 30-storey State Audit Office building located in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok.

The building, developed by a consortium of Italian-Thai Development Plc and China Railway No.10 Engineering Group, was intended to serve as the new headquarters for the State Audit Office.

Thailand's interior minister has called for the investigation results to be submitted within a week.

Four Chinese workers were interrogated for allegedly stealing documents from the site, with police confiscating 32 files that contained details about contractors and subcontractors.

The investigation will concentrate on architects, construction supervisors, and builders, with both Thai and Chinese partners from the construction consortium expected to bear some of the blame.

In the meantime, rescuers are working to reach trapped individuals as quickly as possible.

China has dispatched an expert to examine the collapse site, who assessed the area after a meeting with Thailand's interior minister.

The earthquake that led to the collapse registered a magnitude of 7.8, yet over 95% of the buildings in the vicinity remained standing.

The governor of Bangkok has urged owners of large structures, theaters, hotels, billboards, and industrial plants to assess their building integrity and safety within a two-week timeframe, covering various structures, including those taller than 23 meters or occupying extensive areas.

The Chinese foreign ministry has called on specific individuals in the Philippines to avoid making unfounded remarks about Taiwan, warning that those who do so will face repercussions.

This alert came from ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a regular press briefing, in response to statements made by Philippine armed forces chief Romeo Brawner.

Brawner had directed soldiers to prepare for possible actions in the event of a Taiwanese invasion, asserting that Philippine involvement would be unavoidable if such a scenario occurred.

Furthermore, China’s foreign ministry has voiced concerns regarding the Philippines' defense and security collaborations with other countries, particularly highlighting the recent US endorsement of a potential $5.58 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Manila.

The ministry stressed that such collaborations should neither target nor negatively impact the interests of any third party and should not jeopardize regional peace and security or heighten tensions in the region.

The only structure that collapsed was one under construction by a Chinese firm utilizing Chinese materials and methods.

All other buildings in Bangkok—erected by Thai laborers employing local engineering and construction techniques—remained intact.

Not a single structure built by Thais succumbed. In fact, Thai construction has demonstrated impressive resilience against natural disasters, and this earthquake was no exception.

Moreover, Thailand's emergency services acted swiftly and effectively. Apart from the unfortunate occurrence with the Chinese-built building, there were no mass casualties, extensive damage, and life in the city quickly returned to normal.

The reality is that Thailand continues to be as safe and inviting as ever. This incident should not discourage visitors—rather, it should enhance confidence in Thailand’s construction standards and emergency preparedness. The earthquake highlighted the strength of Thai infrastructure, not its frailty.

In summary: the issue was not with Thailand; it was a single building constructed improperly by a foreign company.

Even during a crisis, Thailand demonstrated its capability to ensure the safety of its people.

Reports indicate that China has apprehended three Philippine citizens on suspicion of espionage.

This development came a week after Manila arrested five Chinese nationals on espionage allegations.

State media released photographs of the three being interrogated by law enforcement, along with their identities.

The individuals have been named as David Servañez, Albert Endencia, and Nathalie Plizardo.

According to sources, they were purportedly enlisted by a spy master named Richie Herrera, whose current location remains unknown.

This incident is part of a broader pattern in which Manila has detained several people accused of spying for China.

Alisha Lehmann, a forward for Juventus Women and one of the most followed figures in women's football, has once again made headlines — not for her performance on the pitch, but due to her latest lingerie campaign and growing media presence.

As Switzerland prepares to host the UEFA Women’s Euro this summer, speculation is mounting about whether the high-profile player will be included in the national squad.

Lehmann, 26, was not called up for Switzerland’s recent UEFA Nations League matches, casting doubt on her participation in the upcoming championship.

Despite being among Switzerland's top players, her recent absence from football matches and focus on commercial projects have raised concerns among football officials and supporters.

The latest controversy was sparked by a Valentine’s Day campaign for Italian lingerie brand Tezenis, in which Lehmann posed in revealing and partially transparent garments.

The photos, published on her Instagram account — followed by over 17 million users — received more than half a million likes within days but also triggered backlash over their provocative nature.

Discussions emerged regarding potential violations of social media platform policies due to the explicit content.

Lehmann has expressed interest in continuing to model lingerie, and has also appeared in a joint campaign for Adidas alongside her partner, footballer Douglas Luiz.

Lehmann's popularity is evident not only in Switzerland but globally.

She currently surpasses even Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer in Instagram followers.

Her influence extends beyond social media, as she actively promotes women's football and raises awareness for the sport.

She began her professional career at BSC YB Frauen and quickly advanced to international prominence.

After a successful stint in the English league with West Ham, Everton, and Aston Villa, she joined Juventus Women in 2023. Her move to the Italian club coincided with that of her partner, Douglas Luiz, who signed with Juventus from Aston Villa in a €50 million transfer.

Reports indicated that Luiz requested the club also sign Lehmann, making them the first couple to be signed simultaneously to Juventus’s men’s and women’s teams.

The couple's relationship attracted attention due to Lehmann’s previously declared relationship with fellow Swiss footballer Ramona Bachmann.

In a recent interview, Lehmann commented: “We’re in 2025 — people should be free to be with whoever they want.

It’s time to be open.

Love is love.”

Despite her public presence, Lehmann has not played for Juventus in recent months and missed the team’s recent Serie A fixture against Inter Milan.

She reportedly suffered a minor hamstring injury but has since returned to public events and media appearances.

Meanwhile, she has also taken a role in the UK edition of the Baller League — a new 6-a-side football competition that features former professional players and celebrity coaches.

Lehmann coaches MVP United alongside British TV presenter Maya Jama, marking the first time two women have managed a team in the competition.

National team coach Pia Sundhage addressed Lehmann’s status, stating: “We want to form the best team — not necessarily the team with the best individual players. Everyone will have a chance.

Alisha hasn’t played for Juventus in a long time.

She needs time to prove she deserves a spot on the national team.”

Lehmann, who maintains that football is at the center of her life, recently responded to criticism about wearing makeup during matches.

After Switzerland’s 7-1 defeat to Spain in 2023, some fans mocked her appearance.

Lehmann replied: “I’m a woman. I want to wear makeup. I do my nails. I’m confident, I’m happy, and I smile every day. It’s unpleasant what people write, but I try to ignore it.”

Her last appearance for the national team was six months ago, and her last goal came a year ago in a 2-1 win over Hungary — with the winning goal scored by her ex-partner Ramona Bachmann.

As the tournament approaches, questions remain over whether Lehmann will be included in the final squad representing Switzerland on home soil.

Several Southeast Asian countries are taking steps to address the recent imposition of substantial tariffs by the United States.

Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, among others, are particularly affected by these measures.

Vietnam has been subjected to a 46% tariff on its exports to the U.S. In reaction, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has established a task force led by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son.

This group's mandate is to monitor global and regional developments, especially changes in U.S. economic and trade policies, and to advise the government on appropriate responses.

Despite these challenges, Vietnam maintains its economic growth target of 8% for the year.

The U.S. is a significant trading partner for Vietnam, with exports totaling $142 billion last year, representing nearly 30% of its gross domestic product.

Thailand is facing a 37% tariff on its exports to the U.S., a figure notably higher than the 11% previously anticipated.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed the government's intention to engage in negotiations with U.S. counterparts to address the tariff rates.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of these discussions to ensure that Thailand meets its gross domestic product targets.

Thailand's economy, which grew by 2.5% last year, is aiming for 3% growth this year.

Cambodia has been hit with a 49% tariff, the highest among the affected Southeast Asian nations.

The U.S. is Cambodia's largest export market, accounting for 37.9% of the kingdom's export value.

In 2024, Cambodia exported goods worth $9.92 billion to the U.S., with the majority comprising clothing, travel goods, and footwear.

The garment and footwear industries are particularly vulnerable to these tariffs, and stakeholders within these sectors have expressed concerns about potential negative impacts on export growth.

The broader Southeast Asian region is experiencing significant economic implications due to these tariffs.

Six of the nine Southeast Asian countries listed by the U.S. have been subjected to tariffs ranging from 32% to 49%.

These measures have led to declines in stock markets and currencies across the region.

For instance, Vietnam's benchmark stock index experienced a 6.7% drop, while its currency, the dong, depreciated by 0.7% to an all-time low.

In response to the tariffs, affected nations are seeking diplomatic engagements with the United States.

Vietnam's Trade Ministry has formally requested the U.S. administration to postpone the implementation of the tariffs and to engage in further negotiations.

Similarly, Thailand's government has indicated readiness for discussions, citing the longstanding good relations between the two countries.

The imposed tariffs are expected to have significant repercussions on industries that have benefited from the shift of manufacturing operations to Southeast Asia.

Companies such as Nike and Lululemon, which have substantial production bases in countries like Vietnam, may face increased costs.

Analysts suggest that these companies might need to explore alternative manufacturing locations or adjust pricing strategies to mitigate the impact of the tariffs.

The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing developments as Southeast Asian nations navigate the challenges posed by the new U.S. tariffs.

Stay calm. Follow the authorities instructions. Do not panic.

An earthquake recently struck Bangkok, causing significant disruption and alarm among the population.

The seismic event led to a remarkable and unsettling scene at a high-rise building in the city, where individuals were swimming in the rooftop pool when the quake hit.

As the earthquake struck, the water in the pool began to slosh violently, resembling a tidal wave.

Despite the intense movement of the water, the people in the pool managed to ride out the disturbance.

The earthquake's impact was felt across the city, with reports of buildings shaking and objects falling.

Authorities are assessing the damage and providing assistance to those affected by the quake.

Bangkok is located in a region prone to seismic activity, and earthquakes can occur without warning, often catching residents and visitors off guard.

The city's high-rise buildings and infrastructure are designed to withstand earthquakes, but such events still pose a significant risk to public safety.

Emergency services were quickly deployed to respond to the situation, ensuring the well-being of those in the affected areas.

Recent changes in international trade policies have drawn increased scrutiny on U.S. companies that earn a significant portion of their revenue from foreign markets.

The introduction of new tariffs has sparked worries regarding their potential effects on these businesses.

Among the firms with considerable international presence is Monolithic Power Systems, a semiconductor producer located in Kirkland, Washington, which generates roughly ninety-seven point five percent of its revenue from global markets.

Likewise, Lam Research Corporation, which focuses on semiconductor processing equipment and is based in Fremont, California, notes that ninety-two point six percent of its revenue comes from abroad.

The technology industry, in particular, demonstrates a notable dependency on international revenue.

For example, Intel Corporation, situated in Santa Clara, California, derives seventy-five point five percent of its revenue from international sources.

Qualcomm Incorporated, located in San Diego, reports that seventy-five point one percent of its revenue is from foreign markets.

Broadcom Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, also sees seventy-five percent of its revenue originating from overseas.

In the consumer goods arena, The Coca-Cola Company, based in Atlanta, Georgia, generates about sixty-one percent of its revenue from international operations.

The firm employs localized production strategies in its global activities to lessen the impact of international trade obstacles.

The materials sector similarly shows significant international involvement.

Newmont Corporation, a mining enterprise headquartered in Denver, Colorado, reports that eighty-four point seven percent of its revenue comes from foreign operations.

Albemarle Corporation, which specializes in specialty chemicals and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, obtains eighty-three point two percent of its revenue from international markets.

The energy sector also reflects this trend.

Schlumberger Limited, an oilfield services company with its main offices in Houston, Texas, generates eighty-five point four percent of its revenue from overseas.

These statistics highlight the deep global integration of major U.S. corporations across diverse industries.

The recent rise in tariff implementations has encouraged these companies to evaluate and tackle potential challenges linked to heightened trade barriers.

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that allows ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, an extra 75 days to divest its U.S. operations.

This decision postpones a potential ban on the widely-used video-sharing app, originally scheduled to take effect on April 5, 2025. The extension grants more time for discussions focused on reorganizing TikTok's U.S. operations with new ownership.

The recent declaration by the United States of a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with elevated rates for certain countries, has prompted a range of reactions from significant global economies.

European Union:
The European Commission has voiced apprehensions regarding the potential worldwide effects of the tariffs. Currently, discussions are ongoing to evaluate the implications for sectors such as automotive, luxury goods, and agriculture. The EU is contemplating actions to safeguard its economic interests while striving to keep avenues for negotiation open.

China:
Confronted with a 54% tariff on its exports to the U.S., China has suggested plans for reciprocal measures. The government has reaffirmed its dedication to multilateral trade and ongoing partnerships with global allies. Chinese state media has condemned the action, characterizing it as unilateral and destabilizing.

United Kingdom:
The UK is facing a 10% tariff on its exports to the U.S. Officials acknowledged worries about the effects on industries such as automotive manufacturing. Trade negotiators are staying in touch with their U.S. counterparts to clarify issues and seek potential exemptions for vital sectors.

India:
India is facing a 26% tariff on its exports. Analysts indicate that this might adversely impact labor-intensive sectors, including textiles and footwear. Conversely, Indian electronics exporters may gain if global supply chains pivot away from countries with higher tariffs. Moreover, India’s pharmaceutical exports are currently exempt from the new tariffs.

South Africa:
South Africa has been subjected to a 30% tariff. The government has released a statement calling the measure punitive and warning about its consequences for bilateral trade. There are also concerns regarding the combined impacts of tariffs and cuts to U.S. foreign aid for African nations.

Financial Markets:
Global markets reacted sharply to the tariff announcements. U.S. indices experienced considerable losses, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping over 1,300 points. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also fell, while European indices like Germany's DAX and France’s CAC 40 saw their most significant declines in months. Economists and market analysts are keeping a close watch for signs of lasting volatility as international reactions develop.

Governments across the globe are assessing their next moves as the tariff regime is implemented. Continued diplomatic discussions, trade negotiations, and economic evaluations are anticipated in the coming days.

A fire ignited by a ruptured gas pipe spread to multiple residences and sent a fireball into the sky near Malaysia's largest city on Tuesday, resulting in injuries to over 100 individuals.

The incident took place close to a gas station in Putra Heights, situated outside Kuala Lumpur, during a public holiday as Muslims celebrated the second day of Eid.

Officials from the national oil company indicated that the blaze commenced at one of its gas pipelines at 8:10 a.m., and the affected pipeline was subsequently isolated.

Disaster management officials mentioned that closing the valves would eventually extinguish the fire.

At one point, the flames soared to heights equivalent to 20 stories but were brought down to a controllable level by 2:45 p.m., enabling firefighters to approach the scene.

A minimum of 49 houses were damaged, and 112 individuals sustained injuries, with 63 requiring hospitalization for burns, respiratory issues, and other injuries.

The fire department evacuated surrounding homes as a precaution, relocating residents to nearby mosques until the situation was stabilized.

The blaze was visible for kilometers, and images and videos of the fireball spread rapidly on social media, with some residents reporting a strong tremor that caused doors and windows to shake.

Several victims experienced burns and other injuries, including one individual whose vehicle was crushed by the collapsing ceiling of his home.

Three gas stations were closed as a safety measure, although they remained unaffected by the fire.

Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has successfully completed a funding round totaling $40 billion, marking the largest amount ever secured by a private technology firm.

This new investment values OpenAI at $300 billion, nearly three times the previous record held by a private tech company.

SoftBank spearheaded the funding effort with a $30 billion investment, joined by other backers such as Microsoft, Coatue, Altimeter, and Thrive.

The funds are intended to "push the boundaries of AI research even further" and enhance OpenAI's computing infrastructure.

Roughly $18 billion of this investment is set aside for the Stargate project, a collaborative initiative involving SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle.

The investment carries stipulations, including a mandate for OpenAI to transition into a for-profit entity by December 31, 2025, or risk having SoftBank's investment reduced to $20 billion.

OpenAI aims to leverage this new funding for expansion, having reported that ChatGPT has surpassed 500 million users, a rise of 100 million from the previous month.

The company also anticipates that its revenue will triple to $12.7 billion by year-end.

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