Posts published by “Editorial Team”

Established authority in Thailand’s rail network, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is setting the stage for broad enhancements to its railway system, that would further improve the transport links within the country, specifically in the north-eastern region. The second phase of a significant double-track upgrade from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai is about to take off, as revealed by the Department of Rail Transport director-general, Pichet Kunathammarak. The proposed works, projected to cost a whopping 29.7 billion baht, are set to transform a 167-kilometre stretch of track into a double-track route. The SRT is gearing up to secure the funds via a loan, which would be repaid by the government via annual budgeting provided by the Budget Bureau. Integrated with governmental plans and mandates from nationally impactful units such as the Budget Bureau and the National Economics and Social Development Council (NESDC), the proposal is expected to be greenlit…

On February 23, 2022, citizens are seen availing of financial services at the Government Savings Bank hub. Amid challenging times, the government of Thailand has established a clear goal to reduce household debt to below 80% of the gross domestic product (GDP) by providing various debt resolution mechanisms to aid individuals in financial distress. This announcement was made by deputy government spokeswoman, Rudklao Suwankiri, on a Friday. As per the Bank of Thailand’s records, the household debt for the first quarter amounted to a whopping 16 trillion baht, which is a concerning 90.6% of the GDP. The Government Savings Bank (GSB), on the auspicious occasion of Navamindra Maharaj Day, commenced a series of options for individuals that face complications in debt reimbursement and to those whose debts have been labeled as non-performing loans (NPLs). This initiative, introduced by Ms. Rudklao, is an integral segment of the government’s financial growth policy.…

Recently, the media was briefed by Chai Wacharong, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, about Prime Minister Srettha’s diplomatic visit. Prime Minister Srettha had a meeting with the 16th Malaysian King, Al-Sultan Abdullah, on October 11. A key highlight of their discussion was the acknowledgement of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s instrumental contributions. Both nations share a cordial relationship, more so at the royal level. Particularly, King Abdullah expressed his deep appreciation for Thailand’s commendable efforts in wildlife conservation while addressing the concerns of wildlife crossing the border into Thailand from Malaysia. To this effect, Prime Minister Srettha promised to tackle the issue promptly to prevent its recurrence. The Malaysian King displayed a keen interest in placing a joint bid with other Asean countries, including Thailand, to host the 2034 World Cup soccer event. This potential collaboration is anticipated to greatly benefit both countries. Numerous tourists from Malaysia frequent Thailand, making…

Prasert took a moment to express his heartfelt condolences for the heartbreaking losses caused by the ongoing conflict and emphasized the need for public vigilance against cybercriminals potentially soliciting donations. He reminded everyone that such malevolent actions could cause significant financial loss. His advice to concerned citizens was to stay tuned to official updates regarding the Israel-Hamas situation via official government channels and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rather than seeking information through unreliable online social platforms. Strengthening communication and enhancing safety measures, the Ministry, through the National Telecommunications Company, is rendering free communication services to Israel. Anyone can easily dial 001 800, followed by the needed destination number post the IVR voice prompt. This notable service is conveniently available across all networks. A new initiative is being launched known as the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC). The AOC purports to combat cybercrimes, functioning as a comprehensive one-stop solution centre.…

In a dense forest named “Dong Phaeng”, four pioneering families struck a claim on land that was rich in beauty – setting the stage for what would become an intriguing journey into history. As the popularity of their lush homeland began to increase, more settlers were drawn to the forest, and with the growth in population, it transformed into a bustling settlement named ‘Ban Chiang’. Little did they know, their humble village held a wealth of antiquity beneath its surface, waiting to be found. In an unexpected twist of fate, the remarkable archaeological site of Ban Chiang was unveiled in 1966. It was Harvard student Steve Young, who stumbled upon the treasure trove, quite literally. While wandering the village pathways alongside his trusty assistant, he tripped over a tree root, revealing an array of charming pottery jars nestled just below the surface. Their enticing colours and intricate designs captured Young’s…

With a strong leadership emanating from the top cadre of the National Police Department in the person of Pol General, Torsak Sukwimol, an all-inclusive report on the success of an unprecedented operation aimed at tackling the menace of unregistered firearms was spotlighted. The campaign focuses on the eradication of all categories of unlawful weapons, ranging from authentic guns, reformed firearms to blank-shooting guns. The inception of this spirited campaign was stimulated by a disturbing incident that jolted the city of Bangkok on October 3. A 14-year-old teenager recklessly discharged a modified blank-firing gun, now capable of utilizing real bullets, within the bustling Siam Paragon shopping mall. The aftermath was tragic – two foreigners lay lifeless, and an additional five persons were severely injured before the swift intervention of the local police. In his detailed elucidation of the operational results which spanned from October 9-11, Torsak disclosed that the dedicated officials…

The committee has ratified, in general terms, the conversion of holdings documented by Sor Por Kor 4-01, a certificate possessed by agricultural workers, into authenticated land title deeds. Yet, there are certain prerequisites that must be satisfied: The designated land should be strictly used for agriculture and farming purposes. Subject to legislation, the exchange of such land is permitted solely among qualified agriculturists. In line with the guidelines from the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO), beneficial flora must be cultivated on the allocated land. The land can serve as collateral property for dealings with all financial organizations, with particular emphasis on government-operated institutions. It’s required that the farmers possess the Sor Por Kor 4-01 certificate and have actively farmed the land for a period of no less than five years. An estimated 1.62 million agriculturists, with collective holdings of 22.07 rai (equivalent to 3.53 hectares), are entitled to transform their…

At precisely midday, a squadron of 15 Thai laborers touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport, journeying on flight number LY083 of Israel’s prestigious El Al Airlines. The aircraft took off from Tel Aviv under the cover of darkness, embarking on a nocturnal trip that would take them back home. Upon arrival, the workers were welcomed by an entourage of government ministers, as well as their own families who had been bracing for this reunion with bated breath. Their faces showed relief as well as anticipation, the excitement and anxiety a painful reminder of the difficult circumstances that had led to this moment. According to Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, the Foreign Minister of Thailand, there were several workers who made their way hesitantly onto the tarmac aided by wheelchairs, bearing the brutal reminders of battle – gunshot wounds. The emotional tableau of the reunion was almost overwhelming. There were hugs, tears, and catharsis along…

The protracted crisis in Israel has inflicted a deadly toll on Thai labourers, the latest report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated – with two additional deaths registered. This takes the overall Thai fatalities to 20 in the beleaguered region. Trapped within the disquieting web of rocket strikes from Hamas and aerial assaults around the vicinity of the Gaza Strip, these labourers tragically lost their lives. Unofficial accounts from local Thais and employers working in the area provided the information about these deaths, reported Kanchana Patarachoke, spokesperson of the Ministry and the director-general of the Information Department. These casualties are yet to receive official validation from the Israeli authorities. Sadly, the chaos did not cease with these heartbreaking deaths. Four more Thai nationals were injured and three others have gone missing recently, propelling the figure of the injured to 13 and missing persons to 14 amongst Thai nationals.…

The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a storm warning across 35 provinces, predicting that Bangkok will be adversely affected with about 80% of the region being exposed to harsh weather conditions. Thailand’s public is therefore urged to stay wary of the imminent heavy downpour that may lead to sudden inundations. The weather forecast for a span of 24 hours, starting October 12, alerts a high-pressure wave from China invading the north-eastern region and the South China Sea. A monsoon trough is also predicted to be hovering over the Gulf of Thailand and the southern area. This expected weather pattern will yield thunderstorms and torrential rains in several parts of the central region, including Bangkok and neighboring areas, the eastern region and the southern part of the country. Residents residing in these enumerated areas must be wary of harm from excessive rainfall and collected rainwater. These conditions can lead to…