Posts published in “Thailand”

Once again, the corridors of power in Thailand have been buzzing with whispers and outright appeals for a maneuver that could potentially invigorate the nation’s economy – a reduction in the benchmark interest rate by the Bank of Thailand (BoT). In a move that underscores the urgency of the economic situation, Thitiwat Adisornphankul, the deputy right-hand man to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin, stepped into the limelight yesterday to champion this cause. In the face of the crippling effects unleashed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bank of Thailand has chosen a path of increment, adjusting its main policy rate upwards on eight separate occasions, moving from a humble 0.50% to the present 2.50%. This strategy, as reiterated by Thitiwat, seems to be at odds with the vision espoused by Srettha Thavisin, who is a stalwart advocate for a rate cut. The tale of Thailand’s economic condition can be…

Imagine, for a moment, the clock ticking down to February 29th—a date not just significant for its leap year rarity, but as the final call for a life-changing opportunity for those entangled in the clutches of financial despair. With the door swinging shut on this specific Thursday, the urgency for those battling debt demons to step forward and seize control of their destinies has never been more critical. This isn’t just a registration; it’s a lifeline thrown by the government to drag the drowning out of turbulent waters infested with loan sharks. So, what’s the stir all about? In a bold move to spearhead the battle against the menacing tide of illegal lending and the monstrous interest rates that follow, the powers that be have unfurled a plan. A plan not just etched with hope but one that has the makings of a David-versus-Goliath story in the modern age of…

In the heart of Thailand, a tale of transformation unfolds, where barren lands whisper the promise of lush greenery. The tale begins in 2022, with a visionary project launched by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), alongside the esteemed Royal Forest Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. This ambitious initiative sought to breathe life back into degraded terrains, turning them into vibrant forests capable of embracing life anew. Imagine a canvas once void of color, now being meticulously filled with at least 200 trees per rai. This is not just a tale of reforestation; it’s a quest to forge green bastions capable of wrestling the invisible foe that is carbon dioxide. Egat’s mission was clear: to expand green realms to serve as earth’s formidable guardians against the relentless march of carbon emissions. But such an epic transformation demanded champions. Egat, in league with the…

In the heart of Bangkok, amidst the buzz and whirl of daily life, a visionary initiative is taking shape, spearheaded by none other than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a name that resonates with hope and progress among the clamor of the city. With an unwavering commitment to uplift the living conditions of the armed forces’ bravest, the Prime Minister has embarked on a journey—a crusade, if you will—towards creating more habitable, dignified spaces for the low-ranking personnel who selflessly serve the nation. During a recent visit that brought him to the venerable grounds of the Royal Thai Navy’s welfare housing project, nestled on the serene lane of Soi Arun Ammarin 35 in the historic Bangkok Noi district, the Prime Minister pledged to marshal more funds towards the development of these welfare housing units. However, with the fiscal clock ticking towards the closure of the 2024 budget on September 30th, he…

“` Mark your calendars and set your alarms, for April 1 marks not just the day of pranks and laughter but also the birth of a new era in the auditing world in Thailand. Yes, you read that right! The State Audit Office (SAO), the guardian of fiscal accountability, is about to introduce a special section dedicated entirely to the oversight of the government’s heavyweight projects. And when we say heavyweight, we’re talking about those gargantuan endeavors that not only capture the nation’s imagination but also swallow a hefty chunk of the treasury. Leading the charge into this brave new world is none other than Prajuck Boonyoung, the esteemed SAO auditor-general. On a bright Monday morning that promised new beginnings, Prajuck unveiled plans for this elite audit squad. Officially kicking off operations on the first day of April, as declared in the Royal Gazette by the State Audit Commission last…

In the quiet hum of a late Sunday night in Sattahip district, Chon Buri, a tragic event unfolded on Sukhumvit Road that would end the journey of a passionate Swiss cyclist far from his homeland. Ernst Frei, aged 73, was embarking on what could have been just another adventure under the moonlit sky. However, destiny had a cruel twist in store. At around 11:30 p.m., in the serene tambon Na Jomtien, calamity struck when a car, elusive as a shadow in the night, collided with Frei, leaving behind a silence punctuated only by the aftermath. The scene was heartrending – Frei laid there, unconscious, as the night whispered its condolences. Despite the frantic efforts of emergency responders, revival remained a distant hope. The injuries he bore were grievous, marking a farewell that none had anticipated. The black bicycle, now damaged and forlorn by the roadside, stood as a somber reminder…

Imagine stepping off your plane, the excitement of exploring the mystical landscapes of Thailand bubbling within you, only to be greeted by a monstrous queue snaking its way through Suvarnabhumi Airport’s immigration. Not exactly the welcome party you had in mind, right? Well, folks, hold onto your luggage because change is breezing through the terminals, promising to whisk tourists from landing to lemongrass chicken in no-time flat. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a man on a mission, has cracked the whip, setting the scene for a transformation in the way Airports of Thailand (AoT) handles the flurry of feet pacing through its terminals daily. With a vision that could rival any blockbuster, Mr. Srettha has ordered an overhaul of immigration processes at Suvarnabhumi Airport, aiming to clip those infamous long queues down to size. Because let’s face it, the only lines we enjoy are the ones in a gripping novel, or…

Imagine, if you will, a ribbon of asphalt stretching from the bustling heart of Bangkok to the serene shores of Hua Hin, interrupted by a relentless snarl of traffic that has become the bane of both locals and tourists alike. It’s a scene straight out of a modern traveler’s cautionary tale, but this is the reality faced by those braving Rama II Road—a crucial artery that has, unfortunately, become synonymous with grueling delays and frustration. However, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, stepping into the fray with a resolve stronger than the traffic jams plaguing this road. After a popular online survey, unveiled by the Facebook sensation “Paksabuy,” laid bare the grievances of the masses, conspicuously noting congestion along Rama II Road as the top deterrent for those dreaming of Hua Hin’s sandy respite, the Prime Minister wasted no time. The survey, a…

In a nation where the echo of gunfire too often disrupts the calm, a novel approach to peacemaking has been set into motion. The heart of this initiative? A cleverly crafted amnesty bill targeting those clandestine carriers of illegal weapons. The architect behind this grand plan, the Interior Ministry, has put the final touches on this legislative masterpiece and is on the brink of setting it before the cabinet, revealed the ever-diligent spokeswoman, Traisuree Traisaranakul. It was on a crisp February morning when Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, with the weight of public safety on his shoulders, tasked the ministry with the colossal challenge of crafting a bill that would offer a lifeline to those ensnared in the shadowy world of illegal firearms. The mission was clear: to disarm crime by disarming the criminals, all without the heavy hand of punishment. With the wisdom and resolve of Minister Anutin Charnvirakul steering…

As the calendar flips to April, a fresh chapter begins at the State Audit Office (SAO), aiming to elevate transparency and accountability to new heights. With April Fool’s Day as its launch date, one might be tempted to see this as a humorous twist of fate, but the matter at hand is anything but a joke. Meet the new brainchild of the State Audit Office: a specialized section dedicated to dissecting the anatomy of the government’s most colossal ventures. This groundbreaking move, orchestrated under the watchful eye of Mr. Prajuck Boonyoung, the SAO’s esteemed auditor-general, is poised to revolutionize the way megaprojects are audited within the kingdom. In an era where the dimensions of government projects boggle the mind, Mr. Prajuck and his team have encountered an Everest of challenges. Picture this: countless hours poring over mountains of financial documents, with the Herculean task of scrutinizing initiatives so vast they…