In recent comments, Montri Mahaplerkpong, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), expressed the anxiety felt by the majority of FTI executives over the potential impact of rising interest rates on the industrial sector. In a survey carried out by the organization, the ramifications of further rate hikes emerged as a top concern for most. In a significant economic policy move, Thailand’s central bank, the Bank of Thailand Monetary Policy Committee, recently hiked the annual interest rate by 0.25% on August 2 – pushing it up from 2.00% to 2.25%. This was a record nine-year high, emphasized Montri. Higher interest rates invariably lead to an escalation in financial costs, further elucidating the root of the collective apprehension, he added. Further compounding these worries is the expectation of another rate hike by the influential US Federal Reserve later this year. It seems probable that Thailand may have to follow suit…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In their latest analysis, KKP Research has adjusted their growth prediction for the current year to 2.8%, a drop from their previous figure of 3.3%. For the coming year, they now propose a growth rate of 3.3%, falling from their earlier estimate of 3.6%. This reassessment in economic forecasts from KKP Research is a reflection on the unsatisfying performance of the kingdom’s economy throughout the first half of this year. As per their expectation, the incessant slump of the global economy will continue to take its toll on Thailand’s export prospects, and the recovery of incoming international tourists won’t suffice to balance out the adversities. In their report, the significant growth in private consumption and the undersized expansion in the manufacturing sector takes the spotlight. The staggering 6.7% rise in spending, primarily influenced by growth in private consumption and benefits found in the service sector via a rebound in tourism,…
The government led by Pheu Thai is poised to introduce utility tokens in a bid to fortify its digital wallet initiative, awaiting the green light from the Bank of Thailand, the country’s financial authority who currently prohibits the use of tokens as legal tender, says a report by Asia Plus Securities (ASPS). The respected finance firm speculates that the government will issue Type 1 utility tokens, each tagged at 10,000 baht; this roll-out will target Thai citizens who are 16 years or older, which could necessitate a budget amounting to an estimated 560 billion baht. Negotiations are underway with the Finance Ministry and the Securities and Exchange Commission about the issuance of said tokens and the identification of potential revenue streams, stated the notable brokerage firm. ASPS made it clear in a research paper that the tokens the government plans to issue will be intended for consumer purposes; moreover, these…
Thailand’s public health system has alerted the nation about the first cases of the newly identified Omicron sub-variant, known as HK.3. This recent detection, as confirmed by the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS), has caused a stir among the citizens of the country. The medical professionals detected this variant in a family unit, sparking conversations about its transmission speed and impact when compared to previous strains. The health conditions of infected individuals have not been released to the public yet, with the DMS still conducting their exhaustive investigations. The alarming development was disclosed by none other than the director of DMS, Dr. Supakit Sirilak. He revealed that the detected cases were a senior citizen of 65 years of age and a young girl, just 11 years old. Both individuals, living under the same Roof In Bangkok, have since conquered the virus, exhibiting only minor symptoms. The fear and anxiety surrounding…
Stepping into a new era of invigoration, the Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) is redefining its approach to woo the world’s affluent residents looking for extended stays. Managed under the aegis of the Thailand Elite Card Project, which falls within the remit of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the TPC has undergone a comprehensive rebranding exercise. This sprucing up has been manifested in a sleek new logo, fashionable uniforms, and innovative card layouts across four customized packages, each designed with a global, high-end lifestyle in mind. Over the past twenty years, TPC has steadily ascended the stairway of success. Today, it boasts of an enviable membership of over 31,500 individuals, has generated revenues exceeding 50 billion Thai baht, and shows no signs of slowing down. The masterminds behind TPC plans to stoke the fires of this growth by courting luxury travelers and broadening their reach into established and promising new…
In a recently issued statement, the Thai Meteorological Department has alerted its citizens about the impending severe rainfall in 55 provinces, inclusive of the capital, Bangkok. A grim weather forecast has been circulated predicting an 80% chance of extreme rainfalls across the northeastern region of the nation. Particularly, residents of the southern regions have been warned about the impending heavy rainfall brought about by high waves at sea. The immediate cause of the sudden meteorological changes has been attributed to the monsoon trough making its way through the northern and northeastern parts of Thailand. Besides, a moderately impactful southwesterly monsoon carrying over from the Andaman Sea, Gulf of Thailand has also contributed to the prevalent condition. Therefore, combined, these weather changes have resulted in torrential rainfall across numerous regions in the nation. While regions in the north, northeast, and east are experiencing this downpour in patches, people residing in these…
The Thailand Privilege Card Co (TPC), the managing organization behind the reputable Thailand Elite Card, has recently unveiled a significant adjustment in their pricing. Seeing a massive spike of 50%, the card’s base membership will soar from its current price of 600,000 baht to an impressive 900,000 baht. This manoeuvre is a potent part of TPC’s comprehensive plan to compound its yearly earnings to an astounding 8 billion baht. Accompanying this price shift, the institution has promised the introduction of four fresh card variants. Notably, these card types will omit the title ‘Elite’ in their branding, a term synonymous with the program since its establishment in 2003. As reported by the Bangkok Post, this alteration signals a new era for TPC. Yuthasak Supasorn, the esteemed governor of The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and the chairman of the TPC board, expressed unwavering confidence in the programme’s future success, regardless of…
In a highly successful law enforcement operation, five individuals have been placed in custody by the Royal Thai Police in eastern Thailand, charged with grave crimes including human trafficking and forcing minors into prostitution. The surprising twist in the tale is that three of the apprehended suspects are women of ages 19, 20, and 28. Through a Twitter account, they were deceptively enticing underage girls into a life of sexual exploitation, operating in the Rayong province. In a carefully planned undercover operation headed by Police Captain Sararut Kwengsopha, who oversees the Prevention and Suppression Division, the police were able to come to the aid of an unfortunate fifteen-year-old girl. This was made possible through the collaboration of Deputy head Surapong Chatsut and Major General Pattanapong Sripinprau, the division’s second in command, among others. They managed to expose and apprehend the key players of this criminal ring, namely, Phaphimon (20), Parichat…
In the enchanting realm of Karon Beach in Phuket, a rare phenomenon unfolded as a potentially dangerous blue dragon sea slug washed up on its sunny shores. The unexpected arrival was stirred by recent gusty winds and rippling sea waves. A timely warning was issued by marine scientists to beachgoers to maintain caution while engaging with this unusual marine visitor. The Monsoongabage Thailand Facebook page took the initiative to share captivating pictures and insightful videos of the blue dragon sea slug. To further underline the gravity of the situation, Thon Thamromgnawasawat, a distinguished marine scientist and an esteemed lecturer from the Kasetsart University, was invited to shed light on the subject. The scientist described the sea slug in question as a member of the species Glaucus atlanticus. Commonly occupying the mid-water levels, these critters are typically residents of the open sea, making their unusual coastal appearance a truly unique occurrence.…
As fears over potential economic downturn loom, along with inflationary pressures and soaring interest rates, investors across the globe are treading cautiously. For many stock market aficionados, it’s commonly agreed that we are nearing the peak of global interest rates, while central banks are keeping a keen eye on inflation trends. In July, the US Federal Reserve took the bold step of lifting the federal funds rate to a steep 5.25-5.50%, the highest it’s been for many a year. Additionally, the European Central Bank jumped the gun with a 0.25% rate hike, and it appears the Bank of Japan might finally loosen its tight grip on cheap money, adopting a more adaptable methodology for yield control on government bonds. From the perspective of Amonthep Chawla, head honcho at CIMB Thai, the consensus among investors is that the Fed will play it safe and avoid any further interest rate hikes attributing…