Thailand Roundup: AI-generated clips, surrogacy, electronic vehicles

AI-generated porn clips

Royal Thai police have found evidence of criminals utilising images of singers, actors, and ordinary people to fabricate fake pornographic videos using artificial intelligence. A spokesman claimed that after that, the perpetrators sold or distributed the videos, seriously harming the reputations of the people whose pictures were featured. People involved in AI-generated fake porno clips can face up to at least six counts of offences that can lead to a jail term and a fine, the Nation Thailand reported.

Surrogacy for gay couples

The head of Thailand's health department, Atchara Nithiapinyasakul is pushing for changes to the Surrogacy Act that would permit gay couples to adopt a child through a surrogate mother. This action according to Atchara is a part of her suggestions to address Thailand's declining birth rate, as the country now has more deaths than births every year. Thailand is facing a labour shortage among its people as well as fierce competition from other nations for migrant workers. The law as it stands now prohibits commercial surrogacy and restricts heterosexual couples who have been married for at least 3 years to using a female relative who, out of pure charity, is prepared to carry and birth the child, local media Pattaya Mail reports.

Growth of electronic vehicles

In 2023, Thailand saw a 700% increase in electric vehicle (EV) registrations, with over 76,366 vehicles registered, according to local media the Post Today. This trend is set to continue in 2024 as the private sector adjusts to the Thai government's initiatives to support EV 3.5, a four-year policy between 2024 and 2027 that aims to support the ongoing expansion of the EV industry and create investment opportunities in Thailand's EV manufacturing. Chinese car manufacturers Great Wall Motor, SAIC Motor, and Chang'an have all signed contracts to be eligible for EV 3.5 initiatives. The managing director of Great Wall Motor, Thailand, Narong Sitalayon intends to make investments to build factories and develop into a hub for regional production. The company intends to provide a range of electric car alternatives, such as battery-powered vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, the Post reported.

Factory act amendment

Thailand's Ministry of Industry wants to change the regulations relating to the establishment of fireworks factories in the wake of a fatal explosion that occurred in Suphan Buri, a region in west-central Thailand, the Bangkok Post reported.  Somsak Thepsutin, the deputy prime minister of Thailand, has directed the government to update industrial legislation to handle small factories that endanger the communities around them. A committee will be established to revise Thailand's 1992 Factory Act and other safety and environmental standards. The group will also research laws and rules aimed at preventing mishaps that endanger citizens, manufacturing workers, and the environment, the Bangkok Post reports.

International standard hospitals

Thailand’s Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) has reported that the Asian nation has the potential to develop into a global centre for healthcare, with 60 facilities that satisfy the standards of the Joint Commission International (JCI), a nonprofit organisation that establishes the benchmark for patient safety and healthcare quality worldwide. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BOI Office said that direct investments in Thailand's manufacturing of medical tools and supplements have come from investors in China, Japan, the US, and Europe. Proposals totalling 16 billion baht ($448 million) for 65 medical and health industry projects were received by the BOI last year, the Nation reported.