Amid a visit to the Northeast in the tranquil province of Khon Kaen, the government expressed a keen desire to witness the country’s GDP grow by five percent annually,” voiced the man at the helm of financial authority, doubling as the Finance Minister, Srettha. Relevant reports from the National Economic and Social Development Council indicated a GDP growth of 1.8% for the first half of the fiscal year. This reading did not match up to the pace from the first quarter (2.6%) and moreover, missed the median projection of a 3.1% hike for Q2. Deviating from the strategies employed by former regimes, Srettha said his administration has set aside the implementation of a rice-pledging system or a price-guarantee scheme, except in instances of natural calamities. He clearly emphasized his stance on subsidies, criticizing them for manipulating global market values and deficient in upholding financial and monetary regulations. “We aim to…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the late hours of Wednesday, a shocking event unfolded in the tranquil province of Nakhon Pathom, shattering the festive joie de vivre. Pol Major Siwakorn Saibua, a distinguished inspector attached to the Highway Police’s second command, met with a tragic end during a birthday celebration, the host of which was a significant figure in the locality, Praween Chankhlai colloquially known as “Kamnan Nok”. The disagreement which purportedly led to this unfortunate incident sprouted from a mere dispute concerning a promotion, a seemingly mundane topic in the professional world. Siwakorn was said to have denied Praween’s appeal to secure a promotion for his constable nephew. This rejection didn’t sit well with Praween, triggering a rather heated argument between the two. Witnesses recount the unfolding dramatic scene with unmasked dread: the argument escalated, and then Praween decided to take a step back from the conflict, retiring from the argument. What closely…
Srisuwan, who is known as the trailblazer of the newly established “Rak Chart Rak Paen Din” (Love for Nation and Homeland) institution, has raised voice against the plan of setting up a 20-megawatt reactor which has remained a controversy due to safety issues. This contentious reactor is inherently a component of the nuclear research establishment operating under the prestigious Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology. It’s worth noting that this plan doesn’t belong to the present government. Since 1990, it has been a part of the blueprints of past regimes. However, the execution has been constantly adjourned due to multitudinous lawsuits along with firm resistance from the public. Srisuwan addressed his apprehension regarding the safety hazards this reactor brings to people, particularly those hailing from Nakhon Nayok and its neighbouring provinces. “The reactor, situated close to Nakhon Nayok River’s bank, could potentially lead to the radioactive pollution of our integral water…
It is with a heavy heart that we report the incident that shook Pattaya’s iconic ‘4 Regions Floating Market’, situated in the quaint Banglamung district of Chonburi. A substantial 30% of the market’s commercial area was severely affected by an unexpected fire, causing damages pegged at about 70 million baht, or roughly 2 million US dollars, and counting. Sumaporn Srimuang, the venerable general manager of the bustling attraction, broke the news to the press last Saturday. She detailed the magnitude of the unfortunate event, revealing that among the destruction were diligently managed stalls, genuine local shops, and quaint riverside restaurants. These structures spanned about a single rai, equivalent to nearly 0.16 hectares or just under half an acre, in the market’s 19-rai landscape. She further explained that the 70 million baht damage estimate serves as the base value, only accounting for the structural turnaround and not including the separate losses…
There’s some buzzing news in the diplomatic circle. On Friday, a statement was released by Kanchana Patarachoke, a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry in Thailand. She said that there are ongoing confirmations pertaining to a report from Myanmar, deepening the intrigue. Seemingly, the Thai Embassy in Yangon suggests that these requirements might be Myanmar’s attempt to thwart the influx of foreigners enticed into the country by prospective call-centre gangs. Amidst this waiting, the holy grail of travel advice has been issued by the Foreign Ministry for Thais planning to visit Myanmar, to guarantee a seamless immigration process. First, travelers are advised to carry adequate cash proportionate to their stay duration. Rumour has it, foreigners may be required to demonstrate evidence of up to US$1,000 in cash. Another staple in the travel documents would be your itinerary. It’s essential to have your exit ticket from Myanmar, along with rightful details: date,…
On the recent past, a pivotal meeting was orchestrated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul. It consisted of the country’s provincial governors, among others. Breaking down the agenda, the primary focus areas were upholding loyalty to the highest institution, effective rolling out of anti-corruption measures, and the endorsement of the Pheu Thai’s remarkable 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. The Centara Grand at Central Plaza Lat Phrao, located in the heart of Bangkok, served as the perfect backdrop for this gathering. A diverse group of attendees graced the meeting, including the interior minister’s deputies, Songsak Thongsri and Chada Thaiset, provincial governors, and key officials from the Ministry of the Interior. Anutin stressed on the need to fortify the digital wallet strategy, an innovative scheme enabling individuals to make purchases within a four-kilometre radius from their official residence. To bolster this policy, he proposed that the governors devise comprehensive…
Located within the bustling expanse of Bangkok lies a church, offering a sanctuary to a multitude of Vietnamese refugees. Fleeing from turbulent homelands, these asylum seekers indulge in moments of tranquility during the euphoria of their worship services, seeking a temporary escape from a reality marred by the incessant specter of arrest or deportation. Though Thailand, a non-signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, fails to distinguish between refugees and general migrants, these displaced souls seek refuge under its expansive umbrella. In the face of changing times, a novel system is slated for implementation later this month. Tailored with the promise of a distinction mechanism between those for whom return spells out danger and illegal immigrants, the system braces for its debut. However, this proposal has met with its share of skepticism. Refugees and human rights advocates have voiced concern, fearing the misuse of the system as an unnerving gateway to…
Representing the united voices of Thailand’s taxi drivers, the Thai Public Taxi Association is seeking the attention of Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the nation’s Transport Minister, for an economic aid package designed to facilitate their transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs). The association’s dynamics, steered by Chairman Sadit Jaitiang, mark their calendars for a crucial tête-à-tête with the Transport Minister, scheduled for next Friday. This high-importance meeting is aimed to encompass an array of concerns affecting the livelihood of taxi drivers across the country. One crucial discussion point will be the profound environmental impact achievable via the adoption of EVs by the taxi industry – a change capable of substantially curtailing carbon emissions and particulate pollution, especially in the bustling heart of Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, argues Sadit. However, to set the wheels of this vital transition in motion, the association, with resolute conviction, is seeking formal endorsements in the shape of tax…
The Israeli Embassy recently unveiled a remarkable spectacle of innovation within the food industry during their food technology extravaganza, “Savour the Future of Food”, held at the esteemed Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. The event showcased the evolution of food technology with a focus on alternative food production, drawing in numerous enthusiasts from diverse sectors of the market, including high-profile governmental representatives, industry stakeholders, and esteemed private sector professionals who contribute to the booming fields of cultivated meat, plant-based product development, revolutionary fermentation technologies, and sugar reduction strategies. Among the distinguished attendees, Thailand’s celebrated culinary expert, ML Sirichalerm Svasti (famed as Chef McDang) was also in presence. A significant highlight of the occasion was the introduction of 14 pioneering Israeli start-ups, marking the grandest display of Israeli food technology ever witnessed outside of Israel’s borders. The event spotlighted conversation-starting attractions including exhibits and interactive displays of futuristic food innovations such as…
The brouhaha at the parliamentary canteen of Thailand has stirred a lot of conversation lately—exposing an alarming rate of food wastage and kick-starting a new discourse on the efficient use of public funds. It all began with a social media debacle where an MP was seen carrying away leftovers, opening up the Pandora’s box on lavish meals and beverages that are offered to parliamentary members. The incident revolved around Move Forward MP Sirilapas Kongtrakarn, better known as Mew. Albeit an innocent act to prevent waste and enjoy a late-night meal after a long day, a photograph of hers, when posted on Instagram with a critical caption, sparked off debates on food waste. Undeterred, she reposted the picture on Twitter, solemnly reminding over 20,000 followers that the food she was taking home would’ve been thrown away instead. Public outburst on the matter necessitated into a pressing need for improved management to…