Unveiling the apprehensions of the everyday Thai citizen, Ipsos (Thailand)’s managing director, Usana Chantarklum has shared some intriguing insights from the firm’s global consumer research conducted over the past year and three months. The study has, most importantly, revealed that inflation has emerged as the topmost concern agitating minds, not just in the Southeast Asian nation but all across the globe, with the United States being a prime example. An in-depth look at Thailand offers captivating details. An extensive survey was carried out across six months, polling a broad cross-section of the Thai demographics that included 6000 people, all above the age of 18. The comprehensive study was able to pen down the main worries troubling the Thai populace over the last half-year: A whopping 40% of the respondents were stressed about their financial situation, extravagant spending habits, rampant corruption, and the political landscape, painting a picture of a population…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Wednesday marked the International Day for Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, a day of significance that saw an encouraging announcement made by Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Varawut Silpa-archa. He proudly declared that the nation’s steadfast commitment to environmental protection had lead to an expansion of the country’s mangrove cover by 200,000 rai since 2014. Validating this claim, satellite images sourced from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) unveiled that clear increments in mangrove forests have been made in the recent past. Current records show that Thailand’s mangrove forests span out over 1.74 million rai. This is a heartening growth from the 1.53 million rai recorded back in 2014. Still, the minister communicated that there’s much more ground to cover, the ultimate objective being to cover 40% of the nation’s expanse in mangrove and other forests. This goal aligns with Thailand’s ambition to achieve a net-zero climate…
On an otherwise ordinary Tuesday, the green tranquility of Phra Nakhon Khiri Park was disrupted by an unusual visitor. Provincial governor Natthachai Nampoolsuksan took time out from bureaucratic paperwork to address an increasingly pesky issue; the long-tailed macaques, also commonly referred to as crab-eating macaques. Hidden behind their innocent facade, these monkeys were actually causing quite the commotion! The seemingly benign monkey species have been leaving locals in constant disarray with their not-so-admirable antics. Macaques around the neighbourhood have often been caught red-handed in various mischief such as food theft, pawing at and stealing bags, and in some extreme instances, resorting to unprovoked biting incidents. The severity of their actions has escalated to the point where locals have felt the need for home confinement of children and the installation of steel fences to safeguard their properties, according to Natthachai. The governor pointed out that the monkey population in the Phetchaburi…
In today’s briefing, Prime Minister Prayut detailed his governance’s continued dedication to the nation’s ongoing projects amidst the formation of a new government. As he noted, his administration has been unceasing in monitoring these initiatives since he assumed office in August 2014. Prayut was positive in his assessment of Thailand’s economic health, assuring that the nation’s finances remain resilient and secure. Consequently, the authorities anticipate that they can navigate any imminent crisis that may occur within the last two months of fiscal 2023, concluding in September 2023. Threats such as flooding, dry spells, and other natural disasters are within the government’s capacity to manage, thanks to our robust economy. On a reassuring note, he added that his administration has substantial financial capacity to extend aids and subsidies to various demographic groups. Moving on to infrastructure development, Prayut alluded to the remarkable strides made. Among these feats is the dual track…
Given the current economic factors, an expected decrease in tourist spending per trip has instigated a downward adjustment in Thailand’s economic estimate. This economic outlook, shared by Fiscal Policy Office Director-General, Pornchai Thiraveja, is based on a forecasted tourist influx of approximately 29.5 million. Along with this, an expected export contraction of around 0.8% contributes to the altered outlook. Originally, Thailand’s economic prospect was buoyed by a predicted increase in the number of tourists from China. However, in a surprising turn of events, most of the tourist traffic is currently from Malaysia, a segment traditionally known to have lower spending averages. This situation has led to an estimated drop of 50 billion baht in tourist income for this year. Considering this, the total forecasted tourist revenue for Thailand now hovers around the 1.25 trillion baht mark, resulting from the estimated tourist count of 29.5 million. However, the Thai economy is…
With each passing year, skin cancer continues to be a pressing concern globally, especially amongst women aged 50 and above. From 2015 to 2019, there was a 1% annual increase in skin cancer cases in this demographic, as confirmed by the Global Cancer Observatory. However, there has been a sense of steady control over the situation in male counterparts. It’s noteworthy that cancer does not make a gender distinction, and everyone should adopt preventive measures. In Thailand, specifically, the gravity of the situation came to the fore when, in 2020, skin cancer-related fatalities spiraled up to 1,133. This alarming figure was confirmed by the globally recognized World Health Organisation. As destructive as it is, skin cancer is a topic that needs more awareness in all quarters of society. Upon diving into its categorization, we find skin cancer branching out into two primary strains: Melanoma and Non-Melanoma. Each possesses distinct characteristics,…
In a game-changing move to uplift the educational prospects for underprivileged children in Thailand, a new cohort of nine schools was welcomed into the esteemed umbrella of royal patronage. The honorable Education Minister, Trinuch Thienthon, declared this auspicious development on a Monday. An official announcement detailed a notable transition in the guise of these schools as they are transitioned to the custody of the venerated Rajaprajanugroh Foundation under Royal Patronage. The schooling entities were previously recognized as Sueksa Songkhro Schools and will hence be identified as Rajaprajanugroh Schools. Initially under the regulatory authority of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), a part of the Education Ministry, the administration of these nine institutes is now routed under the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation under Royal Patronage. This repertoire includes some diverse educational establishments: Sueksa Songkhro Bang Kruai School in Nonthaburi, Sueksa Songkhro Mae Hong Son School in Mae Hong Son, Sueksa Songkhro…
In the bustling cityscape of Bangkok, the controversial Orange Line rail project just acquired a notable victory. The Central Administrative Court backed the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), sidelining the lawsuit filed by Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC). The legal tussle spiralled around BTSC’s allegation regarding the unjust alteration of the terms of reference (ToR), which were initially proposed on May 24 of the previous year. BTSC further claimed that the MRTA committee, assigned the task of choosing a private co-investing partner for the extension of the Orange Line, had deliberately altered the ToR, to tilt the result towards a specifically preferred bidder. Despite these accusations, the court ruled differently. It was found that MRTA adhered strictly to the public-private partnership investment law, and any changes made to the ToR were judged as rightful, according to an anonymous source. As per the court’s directives, the committee ensured…
As the world carefully treads the tense geopolitical landscape, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) stands ready to embrace an impressive number of over 2 million Russian tourists in the upcoming year. At the helm of this challenging objective, Khanittha Phanworawat, the director of the Moscow office, is fervently advocating for the retention of Thailand’s affinity for Russian travelers, particularly against the backdrop of other nations maintaining their restrictive sanctions on Russia. Historically, European getaways have been a summer favorite for many Russian tourists. However, the ongoing conflict with Ukraine has inadvertently stimulated Russian tourists’ interest in expanding their horizons and uncovering new destinations. This shift has unequivocally marked Thailand as a prime, all-year destination. Khanittha acknowledges this evolution in travel preferences and underlines that Thailand now stands as a favored choice for a plethora of Russian tourists, who not only spend generously but also enjoy extended stays. Thailand’s tourist arrival statistics…
The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) is cautioning locals and visitors about a potential storm system moving into the region. High chances of heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures are predicted throughout the different provinces. Central Thailand, the east and parts of the south, are advised to prepare for considerable changes to the weather due to these climatic conditions. This developing weather pattern is influenced by several factors. Key among them is the powerful southwest monsoon looming over the Andaman Sea, upper Thailand, and the upper Gulf of Thailand. Additionally, a low-pressure system coming from Vietnam’s northern region is adding to the intensity of the looming weather changes. Expect vigorous activities of the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, upper Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Northern region In the northern region, several provinces, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun province should expect storms. Daytime…