Thailand Roundup: Climate change, culinary tourism, food supply

Food supply

In a joint effort to alleviate humanitarian crises, Disaster Aid Thailand and Safe Water have initiated a comprehensive programme delivering critical food supplies to vulnerable refugee populations along the Thai-Myanmar border. This initiative addresses vital needs exacerbated by civil unrest and natural disasters, resulting in the distribution of 50,000 protein-rich meals tailored for children and families affected by severe flooding. To complement these efforts, Safe Water for Every Child is enhancing access to clean water by providing emergency water filters and essential hygiene kits to more than 68,000 refugees. According to pattayamail, the initiative further encompasses the recruitment of local educators for water safety training and health monitoring, ensuring ongoing support for families to secure safe drinking water.

Dropping birth rates

Amidst these challenges, Thailand's child population is grappling with significant developmental issues as the nation transforms into an aging society. The drop in birth rates from a total fertility rate of six children per woman in the 1960s to a mere one in 2022 is detrimental to labour force sustainability and economic growth, predicted to dip below 2%. Currently, 22.5% of children aged 0-5 display delayed development, particularly in language skills, Nation Thailand reports. Mental health issues, including ADHD and learning disabilities, are increasingly prevalent, further aggravated by academic pressures, while only 20% of children meet necessary physical activity guidelines. Tackling these challenges is imperative for preserving economic stability and enhancing child well-being.

Culinary Tourism

Looking towards economic growth, Thailand aims to establish itself as a global food hub by 2026. Projected food trade revenues could surpass 700 billion THB (approximately 20 billion USD) by 2025, post a forecasted 690 billion THB in 2024. Taniwan Koonmongkon, President of the Thai Restaurant Association, anticipates a stable growth rate of 5%, hinging on consistent external market conditions. The upcoming Thailand Food Travel Mart 2024 is set to promote culinary tourism, predicting the attraction of 39 million tourists by 2025, which will play a pivotal role in achieving a tourism revenue target of 3.4 trillion THB. According to Thailand Business News, this initiative underscores the strategic alignment of culinary tourism with Thailand's broader economic objectives. 

Ambassadorial farewell

In a notable diplomatic event, Datuk Jojie Samuel, the Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand, was honoured with a unique farewell in Bangkok, featuring a Tuk-Tuk tour orchestrated by the Defence Attache’s office at the Malaysian Embassy. Bernama reports that this splendid event showcased over 39 Tuk-Tuks traversing iconic locations such as the Grand Palace and Chinatown, with participation from 92 individuals, including embassy officials and members of the Malaysian community. During the ceremony themed “Jasamu dikenang,” Samuel reflected on his contributions to Malaysia-Thailand relations, particularly in trade and regional security, and reaffirmed the potential for future cooperation, highlighting the lasting bond between the two nations.

Climate change and projected rains

Thailand is experiencing significant climatic changes, marked by rising temperatures in the north and severe monsoon conditions in the south. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy rainfall across eight provinces, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides.In the north, conditions predict cool mornings (18-22°C) and daily highs of 31-34°C, with mountainous areas experiencing cooler weather (8-14°C). The northeastern region is expected to see slight temperature increases and possible light rain, while central and eastern areas face partial cloud coverage with a slight chance of rain, Thaiger reports. The southern region, particularly the eastern coast, is poised for thunderstorms accompanied by substantial rainfall. Here, temperatures will range from 23-26°C, with highs hitting 30-33°C. Bangkok's weather forecast indicates partial clouds with temperatures between 24-26°C and highs of 33-35°C.