In the ever-evolving economic landscape, Thailand finds itself in the crosshairs of the financial fallout of Evergrande, the real estate goliath of China. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, who leads the Policy and Trade Strategy Office (PTS) at the Ministry of Commerce, sounded the alarm on the potential aftershock that might have ripple effects on pivotal sectors within the Thai economy. Forewarned is forearmed. As such, Naiyanapakorn advises business entities to keep a diligent watch over the developing situation. Evergrande, the towering monolith in China’s real estate domain, contributes nearly a quarter to China’s economic pie. This behemoth, infamous for being the globe’s most debt-ridden enterprise, declared insolvency recently. Naiyanapakorn’s foresight reveals that the crumbling of Evergrande is set to chip away at the momentum of the Thai economy, particularly impacting the tourism sector as Chinese consumers tighten their purse strings and postpone or cancel plans for international journeys. An impressive 28% of…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a recent announcement, Rachada Dhnadirek, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, shared some optimistic projections regarding the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. A much-awaited development, the second phase of the rail venture, is set to gain Cabinet sanction by the end of this year. The thrilling news doesn’t stop there with reports indicating that operations linked to the project’s first phase will be unfurling by 2026. Rachada gave these insights into the fast-paced rail endeavour, post the 30th meeting of the joint committee focused on Thai-Chinese rail cooperation. The high-level meeting was headed by a caretaker government. Unveiling some intricate details, she stated that an agreement has been reached between Thailand and China to move forward with the project’s second phase that strengthens the link between Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai. Elaborative discussions are impending, post the critical tripartite meeting concentrating on rail network evolution across Thailand, China, and Laos. The cost-intensive…
The history-steeped region of Ayutthaya is now under the scanner for a surprising reason. A 16-year-old local boy was snagged amidst an illegal migrant worker smuggling operation, using a misappropriated vehicle to conduct the illicit act. The highway police’s keen observation skills spotted the oddity in the overloaded, grey Isuzu MU-X vehicle, bearing the number plates from Phitsanulok, which led to the bust. The teenager found himself thrust into the eye of the brewing storm when he endeavored to outmaneuver the police. The officers, suspecting the overly laden vehicle, flagged it down using customary signals of flashing red lights, sirens, and intercom instructions. Despite his frantic attempts to avoid the impending halt, the youngster’s efforts were in vain as the officials brought his journey to a standstill. The ensuing vehicle inspection led to a startling revelation: fourteen Burmese men and women, clearly migrant workers, were being ferried in the vehicle,…
On a bright Wednesday, a landmark decision lit up the corridors of power when the cabinet gave its stamp of approval on the much-awaited Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Vietnam. The underlying emphasis of this Memorandum is on the rather vital, yet often overlooked, sphere of maritime law. This significant pronouncement was made by none other than Rachada Dhnadirek, portraying dual roles as a respected deputy government spokeswoman and the unofficial messenger of such crucial governmental decisions. Initiated by the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai MECC) in the unforgettable year of 2022, the agreement has been conceived with the intention of fostering stronger relations between the two nations specifically in the arena of law enforcement. Not only would this tighten the seamless synergy between the countries, but it also presents an opportunity to bolster maritime security dramatically. In an age of escalating tensions and emerging threats on…
At the heart of the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, health officials are battling the sudden emergence of two monkeypox (mpox) cases. Adding to the existing tension, relentlessly growing dengue fever cases, estimated at over 5,000, continue to be a cause for concern. Songyot Khamchai, the leader at the helm of the communicable disease control unit of the Chiang Mai public health office, confirmed this alarming news. As per reports, the two mpox incidents involved homosexual patients, fueling the public health crisis further. One of the patients, a secretive 31-year-old man, shared that his one-night relationship in Taiwan led to his mpox infection. However, Mr. Khamchai’s statement came as a relief to many, assuring that the man had surpassed his incubation period, thus negating any chances of transmitting the virus. Unfortunately, the second case was not as comforting. It involved a 40-year old individual who began experiencing symptoms while in…
Quite an stirring milestone in the development of Thai-Chinese high-speed rail infrastructure was revealed recently, announced by Deputy Government Spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek. The second phase of the novel Thai-Chinese high-speed train project is optimistically expected to reach the cabinet stage before the present year winds up. Meanwhile, indications hint that the first stage of this grand project could kick-off by as early as 2026, signaling a new era in Southeast Asian transportation. The announcement is a significant step-up towards achieving this mega infrastructure project as it comes after some comprehensive deliberations by the standing government following a review of the progress made during the 30th joint committee meeting on Thai-Chinese rail cooperation. A unanimous agreement had been reached; the second phase connecting the bustling Nakhon Ratchasima with the vibrant Nong Khai was set to take place soon. This next stance will set the stage for subsequent critical engagements, most notably,…
Imagine this – you’re at one of Koh Samui’s mesmerizing beaches in Surat Thani. The sand beneath your feet is as blindingly white as a sheet of freshly fallen snow. You’re lulled by the rhythmic lullaby of the waves, encased in a sphere of soothing tropical paradise. (Photo supplied) You’re not alone in your desire for this haven. Located in the heart of Thailand’s southern province, the island resort Koh Samui is witnessing a significant revival of tourism. According to provincial governor Wichawut Jinto, July signaled a return to the robust tourism levels reminiscent of pre-Covid-19 times. Not convinced? A peek at an air traffic report from the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) should do the trick. Koh Samui’s airport proudly clinched the third spot for flight volume among regional airports in July, trailing just behind Phuket and Chiang Mai airports. Let’s delve into the numbers, shall we? Phuket airport…
The esteemed Pheu Thai Party has raised an alarm about unscrupulous scams luring unsuspecting individuals into clicking on their ‘10,000-baht digital wallet’ links. These fraudulent acts hinge on the premise that the Pheu Thai government, which is not yet in power, has sponsored them. The deputy spokesperson of the party at the crux of the coalition, Treechada Srithada, elucidated further on this matter on Thursday, warning against the proliferation of fraudulent ‘digital wallet’ linkages petitioning for user registrations to avail digital cash handouts from the yet-to-be-formed Pheu Thai-led administration. She cautioned that these dubious links were sinister instruments for phishing personal data and usurping funds from their victims’ bank accounts. “We have not yet seen the formation of the new government, let alone the initiation of the national administration by the Pheu Thai Party,” the spokeswoman asserted. “Therefore, as things stand, there’s no authorized digital wallet application or associated registration…
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A marginal rise of 0.04% may seem minuscule but in the world of trade, it translates to a hefty US$200 million. This insight comes from none other than Auramon Supthaweethum, who currently holds the esteemed position of director-general at the Department of Trade Negotiations. If one were to explore the intricacies further, they would notice the projected increase in the total trade value between Thailand and the PA, which is set to rise by an impressive 16.75%. This represents a staggering proposed increase of US$1 billion. The exports are set to escalate by 4.70%, equal to a value of US$200 million. Meanwhile, the imports look progressive with an exhilarating 44.67% rise amounting to US$840 million. It’s no hidden secret that the PA will continue to hold its importance as a source of raw materials for Thailand, especially in the influx of minerals and marine creatures. Several of Thailand’s exports are…