In an effort to reestablish the balance in fuel prices, the government plans to re-implement the 5-baht reduction of diesel excise taxes. A decision taken by the previous government saw this deduction exercised for two full years, ending recently. The initiative relies on subsidies from the Oil Fuel Fund to cap the retail price at a threshold of 35 baht per litre. However, it is crucial that the timing of this measure’s reinstatement aligns with the global oil market situation. This is to avoid imposing an untenable strain on the fund. The goal is to ensure the fuel fund’s capacity to sustain subsidies without being overwhelmed, highlighted a governmental source. The next step in the plan involves lowering contributions from diesel and benzine retail prices towards the Oil Fuel Fund. By successfully achieving this, a subsequent decrease in these fuels’ retail prices would be witnessed. To implement this effectively, enhanced…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Tasked with carving a fresh trajectory for Thailand’s proactive agricultural approach to combat climate change, the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) has undertaken a comprehensive review and rethinking of its working strategies. Overseeing the task under its aegis, Chantanon Wannakhejorn, secretary-general of the OAE ushered in the unveiling of a new development plan. This initiative was born out of the necessity of time as the previous five-year plan dated 2017-2022 recently reached its conclusion. The authority to devise a fresh approach on environmental conservation, sustainable land use, and climate-smart agriculture was granted to the OAE by the subcommittee assigned for enforcing such policies. Stepping up to the challenge, the OAE is working in collaboration with both public and private entities, blending a symphony of diverse thoughts and innovative ideas. The newly constructed plan is a pledge of Thailand’s commitment to the Food and Agricultural Organisation’s SCALA programme (Scaling up Climate…
In a bid to quell the rising tide of rumors concerning Thaksin’s whereabouts, both Sahakarn Phetnarin, deputy permanent secretary for the Justice Ministry, and Nassathee Thongplad, commander of the Bangkok Remand Prison, convened press conferences separately. Their goal: to debunk any speculation that Thaksin had been stealthily relocated from the police hospital to Phraram 9 Hospital–an institution where Thaksin’s family happens to have sizable agricultural holdings. News broke that, in the dead hours of early Wednesday at 1 am, Thaksin was hastily moved from the prison hospital located inside the Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital. This sudden action was triggered by the discovery of persistent high blood pressure and chest pain symptoms by the medical staff at the prison facility. This raised eyebrows and fueled widespread controversy, sparking rumors that he might be enjoying VIP treatment in a luxury-filled 14th-floor suite with a stunning view overlooking a…
Nestled within the lush woodlands of the Chachoengsao Province, tucked into the far recesses of eastern Thailand, sits an unassuming cluster of houses. A protective presence is tangible, thanks to the stern-faced security guards vigilant against potential dangers. Within one of these structures, Piyawan Unaha maintains an unwavering focus on her monitors, awaiting the majestic sighting of an elusive Asian elephant. An esteemed employee at the Bajrasudha Gajanurak Command Center, Piyawan is part of an innovative early-warning system tailored to detect potential disruptions caused by wild elephants in five eastern provinces of Thailand. These aromas include the provinces of Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Sa Kaeo, the home of nearly 600 majestic, wild elephants. Born from the thoughtful generosity of the Thai royal family, the project seeks to soothe the increasingly intricate conflict between human and elephant communities. Both complete for resources as the astonishing animals venture into farmlands…
Stating with utmost certainty, the affectionate Director-General Raphiphat Chantharasriwong declares that the Plant Standard and Certification Division, working hand in hand with the legal affairs division of the department, is in the process of drafting critical regulations for coconut growers and exporters. These regulations are set so they can efficiently secure the prestigious “GAP Monkey-Free Plus” logo. The soon-to-be-released stipulations will find their way into the respected pages of the Royal Gazette. This well-coordinated information dissemination process will ensure that all parties involved are kept updated and on the right path,” added Raphiphat.” The advent of GAP Monkey-Free Plus will signify an upgrade of the initial Monkey-Free Plus which was conceived last year. This was a swift response to the relentless campaigns led by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). PETA leveled grave accusations against Thai Farmers, alleging that they inhumanely leveraged monkeys to harvest coconuts. PETA…
Amidst a whirlwind regional tour, Congressman Andy Barr (R-Kentucky) and Congresswoman Jasmine Felicia Crockett (D-Texas), graced the shores of Thailand on August 22 and 23, 2023. This diplomatic rendezvous orchestrated as part of the US bipartisan Congressional delegation tour was not just an opportunity to explore the cultural richness of the Southeastern jewel but also a strategic move aimed at fortifying the Thailand-US relationship via progressive collaborations with impactful players in US foreign policy – the US legislative authorities. The essence of the long-standing alliance between Thailand and the US was an integral part of the discussions. The significant role that comprehensive, dynamic cooperation plays in maintaining a robust diplomatic relationship, a legacy that proudly celebrates its 190th anniversary this year, was celebrated by both parties. These discussions were incredibly productive with noteworthy highlights being the exploration into how shared priorities such as defence and non-traditional security can be strengthened.…
When the petition was presented, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sahakarn Petchnarin, received it. Although he confirmed that the ministry’s approach towards Thaksin’s situation was consistent with standards of health ethics. Sahakarn explained Thaksin’s treatment would require preventative measures lasting approximately 10 days. Upon completion of this preventative regimen, Thaksin will receive the same consideration as other detainees. This includes the necessary changes to his physical appearance, such as hair removal, as well as a switch to prison uniform, as stipulated by the system. Responding to these updates, the group shed light on their disbelief concerning Thaksin’s reported health challenges. They asserted their position, stating, “Whilst remains the question of Thaksin’s health, we do not buy into the narrative, especially as Thaksin has yet to spend a night behind the bars since his arrival.” To further articulate their demands, the People and Student Network for the Reform of…
The recent political elections in Thailand were fraught with hope and change, as the Pheu Thai party’s prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin, emerged victorious. But it was no sooner than he won the Tuesday PM vote when a dishonorable group of tricksters decided to seize the opportunity for a con. They created a misleading app and swiftly placed it on Google’s Play Store, entrancing the Thai people with the lure of “registering for receiving digital transfers of 10,000 baht”. During the heated political battlefield that was the recent election campaign, Srettha had promised his countrymen an economically uplifting initiative – he would transfer 10,000 baht into the digital wallets of all Thais aged 16 and above. The proposal, viewed as an ingenious economic stimulus measure, was designed to breathe life back into flagging local economies in Thailand. However, this latest digital shenanigan seems to threaten those well-intentioned plans. Chaiwut, a…
During an informative gathering at the esteemed Wintree City Resort in Chiang Mai province, top-level executives from AOT and airport officials unveiled a significant project. The ambitious venture, timings, and its objectives were meticulously laid out to the attending partners and prospective investors. Sarayuth Jampa, the respected deputy director of Chiang Mai International Airport helmed the engaging seminar session. Sarayuth, addressing the participants, shed light on the current operational capacity of the airport. At present, it can handle up to 8 million passengers annually. However, before the global Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the industries, the airport displayed a promising annual growth of 11%. This passenger flow overreached the airport’s maximum capacity in 2019, with more than 10 million travelers passing through its gates. Such escalating demands have propelled Chiang Mai to be recognized as the fourth-largest airport under AOT’s operation. Thus, the urgency to lay out a comprehensive development plan to…
According to Police General Amorn Chomchoey, Secretary-General of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), there exists currently no government-directed campaign or officially published application for the same. This brings to light the pressing notion that any such applications surfacing could be a product of scammers aiming at exploiting the general public. Speaking at a conference on Wednesday, he urged citizens to avoid downloading or installing such applications, which he cited as potential openings for scammers to extract personal data or enact fraudulent financial activities. General Amorn mentioned that the NCSA has conscientiously transferred an alert to Google, suggesting the removal of such applications from their Play Store, given that these platforms are the most prevalent such apps are made available for users. This revelation comes in the wake of a proposed scheme aiming at fueling domestic spending, coined as the 10,000 Baht ‘digital wallet’ scheme. Srettha Thavisin, under the prestigious…