At a policy meeting with leading figures from the Ministry of Financial Affairs, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, confirmed that Krungthai Bank’s owned Pao Tang app would be the preferred digital wallet choice for the government’s new scheme. Harmonizing this app with blockchain technology was a prime discussion point during yesterday’s discussion, Thavisin confirmed. The government’s primary ambition is to ensure a smooth rollout of digital currency handouts worth 10,000 baht. Approximately 56 million Thai citizens would all benefit from this incentive, as stated by the Thai leader. The digital wallet scheme played a pivotal role in the Pheu Thai Party’s election campaign, projecting a rough estimation of 560 billion baht to actualize the whole project. During a recent governmental policy debate in the parliament, specific details concerning the funding aspect were somewhat fuzzy. The only thing that came out right was that there wasn’t any plan of borrowing for…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The Chinese embassy has expressed its gratitude towards the visa-free policy offered by the Thai government. The new initiative is seen as an excellent effort to stimulate Thailand’s tourism sector by attracting a significant number of visitors, particularly from China. The updated visa procedures were shared via a Facebook message by the embassy. In their message, they also stressed the importance of safeguarding Chinese tourists throughout their stay in Thailand. The visa exemption program, formally announced on Wednesday, September 13, specifically targets travelers hailing from China and Kazakhstan. Operational from September 25 until the tail-end of February next year, the scheme’s goal is to give a new lease on life to Thailand’s tourism industry. The Thai authorities are optimistic that this effort will drive the number of international arrivals to a new high of 28 million this year. This figure includes an estimated five million Chinese visitors. The Ministry of…
The Internet is currently buzzing with a remarkable video clip that has gained more than a whopping 24 million views. Captured in the lens of celebrated wildlife documentarian Mark Bouldoukian, widely recognized on TikTok as @markian.b, this video offers an astonishingly vivid encounter between the photographer himself and a brown bear. Furthermore, what attracts the viewer’s attention are the apparent lengthy white ropes connected to the bear’s posterior. However, on closer inspection, these ‘ropes’ are, in reality, tapeworms. The content creator for the viral video stated that the size of tapeworms inside a bear can measure up to an unbelievable length of 30 feet or even longer – a measurement he had never encountered in his career till date. For those unaware, tapeworms are parasitic creatures that have a flat, ribbon-like appearance, usually displaying a dull white colour. Their bodies are characterized by segments which have no internal divisions, varying…
In an incident that has shaken up the tranquil Sattahip district in the Chon Buri province, a Thai woman with five months into her pregnancy, along with her American spouse and their young son, endured an unexpected and traumatic event during a supposed luxurious getaway. Monthakan Khansantier, the pregnant woman, came forward to recount their nightmare that unfolded in their hotel’s jacuzzi, emphasizing her worry for the potential harm the incident could have inflicted on her unborn child. Recalling their three-day stay at a prominent luxury hotel ranging from August 20 to 23 of this year, she revealed that the 3,364 baht per night package initially seemed justified for the amenities they were enjoying. However, an alarming incident on their last day marred their peaceful vacation. As Monthakan, her three-year-old son, and her husband sunk into the relaxing bubbles of the hotel’s rooftop jacuzzi, what should have been a blissful…
The majestic Democracy Monument forms an imposing backdrop for two vigilant law enforcement officers, captured during their duty of overseeing a demonstration against the administration on the 14th of October, 2021. (Photograph by the talented Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) Doubts are escalating concerning the scheduled referendum meant to decide upon the modification of the charter. The Move Forward Party (MFP) alleges that the government is intentionally delaying the significant event. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, appointed to head the panel geared towards planning the referendum, concedes that the decision to proceed with the referendum is still in the realm of discussions. Making these remarks after the cabinet’s inaugural meeting this Wednesday, Mr. Phumtham reveals that primary focus was given to policies deemed of immediate importance, which includes the prevalent call for a more democratic charter. This charter is perceived by many as a lingering relic of the coup in 2014. Simultaneously holding…
The idyllic and vibrant heart of Southeast Asia, Bangkok, shall light up with the Italian flair of innovation and skilled artistry at the eminent GIFA Southeast Asia 2023 event. In the bustling hive of activity at BITEC, you would witness the confluence of contemporary technology seamlessly blend with the unrivaled quality that has come to signify Italian products. This grand spectacle unravels from the 20th of September 2023 and culminates on the 22nd. The harmonious blend of captivating mystique and sterling technology that pays homage to the rich culture of Italian artistry beckons you to Booth No. H09, ensconced in the pulsating energy of Hall 104. An arena that opens up a universe of limitless technological marvels imbued with the heart and soul of Italian craftsmanship is all set to make a grand debut in the land of smiles. Unlike anything you’ve ever seen, the show promises uniquely Italian displays,…
Presented enticingly at the Asia International Hemp Expo in Bangkok back in the latter part of last year, were beautiful displays of cannabis plants. This spectacle was a glimpse into the promising future of Thailand’s burgeoning cannabis industry. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was candid about his stance on cannabis use during a recent media interaction. He made his reservations clear about the prospect of recreational cannabis being sanctioned in the country. He, however, reassured that the promotion of medicinal cannabis would continue to be advocated and regulated under his government’s jurisdiction. Asserting his position, he stated, “The canvas of our cannabis policy will primarily revolve around the medical application of the plant. Although there are differing opinions, I personally don’t vouch for its recreational use.” The panorama of Thailand’s cannabis industry has been changing at a breakneck speed. Experts predict that the industry could potentially yield business…
On the chaotic streets of Bangkok, an ominous scene develops as Chinese national Zhao Wulin, 36 years old, is apprehended by the Thai authorities in the Huai Khwang district, near the Si Rat Expressway. His vehicle, a nondescript sedan, had just collided causing a minor accident drawing attention to his unlawful activities. This arrest was the end result of an escalating criminal saga where a Chinese woman was allegedly held captive by Zhao. The claims came to light due to a minor car accident, which ironically shattered Zhao’s nefarious plot as the captive woman seized the momentary distraction to escape. Dazed and tied, she burst from the eerily silent sedan and hailed a passing taxi, leaving the scene in her wake. Police spokesperson, Pol Maj Gen Atthaporn Wongsiripreeda, outlying the seriousness of the alleged crimes, reports that Zhao, who following his arrest confessed to the charges, is under police custody…
El Nino is a natural climate pattern driven by elevations in the surface water temperatures of the eastern Pacific Ocean, contributing to a global warming phase. Known to manifest every two to seven years, its hallmark characteristics include decreased precipitation in Southeast Asian and southern Australian regions. The scope of El Nino’s impact is as significant as it is varied, affecting a broad array of sectors such as agriculture, exports, tourism, and more. Representative of the Prime Minister’s Office, Chai Watcharong, disclosed on a Thursday briefing that the cabinet recognizes the inevitability of several nations, including Thailand, grappling with El Nino’s effects for up to three prime years. In anticipation of the lack of adequate preparatory arrangements to handle El Nino’s repercussions, the Thai economy is projected to incur a staggering minimum of 600 billion baht in damages, with the potential to escalate to 2 trillion baht, as expounded by…
In a response to the recent proclamation of new government policies presented to the public, Watanya stated that many of the pledges made to the electorate in the period leading up to the May 14 elections were either absent or ambiguously elucidated such as the propositions pertaining to egalitarianism and the fortified progression of a democratic society. The chief of innovation for the party in Bangkok, also wife of the Nation Group head honcho Shine Bunnag, voiced that the government’s digital wallet initiative promising 10,000 baht per person was outlined with more clarity compared to other, equally crucial, policy mandates. The government, she critically notes, did not extend equivalent attention towards other significant matters such as green policies, issues concerning human rights, restructuring of education system, labor rights, decentralization of power, and the equal distribution of wealth. This disparity was most apparent in discourse, or lack thereof, around the proposed…