In a powerful move towards the elimination of cross-border trade barriers, Duangarthit Nidhi-u-tai, the esteemed deputy director-general at the Department of Trade Negotiations, Commerce Ministry, announced an array of innovative strategies. The focus of these strategies is geared towards bolstering both the agricultural and industrial sectors. The projected outcome of these refinements is an invigorating boost to innovation across all allied parties, set to fortify the economic health of all involved regions and their partners. As such, the stakes of this meeting, conducted on the 14th and 15th of July, were quite significant. The forum witnessed ASEAN negotiators engaging in enriching discussion with representatives from each country, leading to an assortment of enhancements to every Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In a triumphant announcement, Duangarthit relayed that the 39th ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) had seen remarkable upgrades in the form tax reduction tables spanning from 2017 to 2022. Following this…
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The grand occasion unfurled in the sacred confines of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, popularly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, nestled in the heart of Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. His Majesty embarked the ceremonious event by exhibiting deep devotion to the Emerald Buddha, followed by the statues of King Rama I and King Rama II. The highlight of the event was the lighting of the lent candle by his majesty, thus symbolizing the commencement of the Buddhist Lent. He amplified the holy ambiance by presenting offerings to a gathering of twenty esteemed Buddhist monks led by none other than His Holiness, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. The scenario metamorphosed into a royal scenario with the entrance of Her Majesty, the Queen. Graced by the presence of the royal family, privy councilors, and senior state officials, the Queen led everyone into presenting offerings to a total of 215…
It’s critical to remain vigilant in the face of the imminent risks brought about by heavy downpours and built-up rainfall. Such weather extremes can trigger sudden deluges and flash floods, specifically in elevated regions, adjacent to rivers, and in low-lying territories. Prevention is always better than cure, so a higher level of caution is recommended when navigating areas with frequent thunderstorm activities. On a lighter note, Bangkok seems positioned to enjoy a rather dry spell, with rainfall probabilities scaled down to a mere 60%. So, while the city braces itself for possible showers, it’s not all gloomy clouds and damp pavements. Bangkok affords both residents and visitors an exhilarating experience as they navigate the city’s vibrant lifestyle against the backdrop of an unpredictable yet enchanting weather pattern. The city presents a perfect case of weather incongruity, taking you from potential downpours to possible dry spells in a matter of minutes.…
The second quarter of 2023 saw an impressive surge in employment figures, with as many as 660,000 individuals stepping into new jobs, scaling the total workforce to a mammoth 39.7 million. This period evidences blooming job prospects as indicated by the steep rise in full-time employment (covering hours between 35-49 a week). This figure shot up by an astonishing 560,000 relative to the same period the previous year. Concurrently, the specter of unemployed individuals hanging over the second quarter was seen to loosen its grip- averaging out to around 430,000. This corresponds to a rather minuscule unemployment rate of just 1.1%. It’s applaud-worthy that this rate has shown a consistent downward trajectory since the same duration last year when it stood at 1.4%. Furthermore, it also represents a decrement from the first quarter figures which witnessed an unemployed clan of 420,000. The Deputy Government Spokesperson, Trisulee Trisaranakul, voiced satisfaction about…
Last week, Chukiat Opaswong, the esteemed Honorary President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA), revealed a potentially unsettling possibility for global rice producers. Due to the feared El Niño phenomenon, the predicted drought this year and in 2024 has a host of rice-producing nations on high alert. El Niño, a complex weather pattern resulting from variations in ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, is seen as a harbinger of warming phases for the world. It manifests itself roughly every two to seven years and is infamous for leading to decreased rainfall, particularly in Southeast Asia and southern Australia. Such shifts in weather patterns can wreak havoc on the agricultural calendar. Chukiat cites India’s prudent policy measures, which, according to him, have already made ripples globally, especially concerning white rice prices. There is, it seems, already a $50 per tonne hike, due to perceived impending shortages. “Currently, most Thai millers…
Distinguished figure Wisit Limluecha, holding elite positions as the vice chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and the seat of the chairman at the Processed Food and Future Food Committee (PFC) of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), has voiced his concerns about the future of the prolific food industry. He indicates a foreseen encounter with a sequence of potential risks and challenges. These encompass economic stagnation, inflation, surging oil prices, and the wide-ranging rippling effects of the famous climatic event, El Nino. Surprisingly enough, despite the gloomy horizon, the inflation outlook in the ‘Land of Smiles’, at least for the third quarter of 2023, is forecasted to stay fairly low. However, a contradictory scenario unfolds in the food arm of the Thai market with prices moving northward, owed significantly to drought instigated by the El Nino effect. The spectrum of increased costs encircles household essentials like vegetables, fruits,…
The prominent international financial institution known as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently advised multiple countries to reconsider their existing food export policies. The aim is to contend with increasing concerns related to the issue of global food security. In contrast, the National Economic Social Development Council (NESDC) of Thailand has expressed its confidence in its preparedness to manage food security concerns, affirming the existence of a robust crisis response plan. The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has conducted a study, which suggests that by 2024, escalating food prices could be a result of the El Niño weather phenomenon triggering a worldwide decrease in agricultural production. Recently, rising food prices induced by conflicts have globally intensified the food security situation, impacting food production significantly. As per a report released by the World Bank on July 31, high levels of food inflation are a challenge being faced globally. Between February…
As we inch closer to the tail end of 2024, airlines are hastily revving up, eager to kickstart new routes. The anticipation is palpable as they prep for the demand surge in the fourth quarter’s peak season. Leading the charge is the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). It has set sights on the burgeoning “CIA” market, an acronym for China, India, and Asean countries. The strategy aims to reel in a cool 25 million tourists this year, with high hopes for a rise to 35 million tourists in the forthcoming year. Regional airlines aren’t left behind; they’re plotting to service these destinations too. Take, for example, the regional budget carrier, Thai Lion Air, which has unveiled plans to bounce back with six direct flights daily from Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport to half a dozen destinations in China: Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xi-an. These flights are equipped with B737-800…
Discord in the coalition alliance is discernible as Pheu Thai adjourns two successive meetings. A clear testament to this was when Chonlanan Srikaew, the Pheu Thai chief, made it known to the media on Wednesday that his party had exhausted all their efforts in supporting Pita Limjaroenrat, who was put forward as a PM candidate by Move Forward. He mentioned that each and every member of his party gave their vote to Pita during the combined Parliamentary session that took place on the 13th of July. He added that despite Pita, a Harvard alumnus, having a strong profile, his bid to clinch the PM seat was unsuccessful. The root cause was his party’s endeavor to modify Article 112 of the Penal Code, otherwise known as the lese majeste law. This turned out to be a bitter pill to swallow for the majority of senators and other parties, who in turn…
With the intent of significantly upgrading connectivity between the illustrious city of Bangkok and its outlying territories, the esteemed department is fully dedicated to implementing highway construction projects of monumental proportions. These projects are not only tailored to enhance the ease of movement, but are meticulously designed to alleviate the daunting specter of traffic congestion in the foreseeable future, consequently ensuring a noticeable reduction in travel time. Deputy Director-general of the department, Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn, divulged the intricacies of the following three highly ambitious projects: The prodigious M9 motorway project, commencing from Bang Khun Tian and terminating at Bang Bua Thong. This grand endeavour is projected to cost an astounding 56.03 billion baht. The highly anticipated M9 motorway project, stretching from the bustling region of Bang Bua Thong and culminating at Bang Pa-in, with an allocated budget of 15.2 billion baht. An innovative extension of the renowned Uttaraphimuk elevated tollway, affectionately…