Posts published in “Thailand”

On the 26th of July, 2024, at the vibrant Head Office of the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Thailand), a press conference marked a significant milestone in the financial landscape of the country. The celebration was graced by Dr. Paopoom Rojanasakul, Deputy Minister of Finance, and an ensemble of prominent figures in the finance sector: Mr. Bundit Sapianchai, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at EXIM Thailand; Dr. Warotai Kosolpisitkul, Chairman of EXIM Thailand’s Risk Oversight Committee; Dr. Rak Vorrakitpokatorn, President of EXIM Thailand; Mr. Kenichi Yamato, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited (BAY); Ms. Paphakorn Ratanasate, Senior Executive Vice President, Investment and Financial Management Group at Government Savings Bank (GSB); Mr. Kosintr Puongsophol, Financial Sector Specialist, Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department at the Asian Development Bank (ADB); and an array of investors and customers. The occasion? The grand announcement of EXIM…

The political landscape is gearing up for a seismic shift next month as the Constitutional Court gears up to deliver pivotal rulings on two high-stakes cases. These rulings will be decisive for the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) and the current Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. According to former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan, “The chances of the MFP surviving the dissolution case are slim.” Should Prime Minister Srettha be ousted, it could send shockwaves through the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Despite the turbulence, Pheu Thai has backup plans in place for potential successors. Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and core member Chaikasem Nitisiri are poised to step up, according to political analysts. In response to the case against him, Prime Minister Srettha remains optimistic. “I’m focusing on my duties and my morale is high,” he commented. “Differences in opinion are part of politics. Any issues that arise will be resolved.” The…

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in partnership with The Cloud, is gearing up to host two enlightening events: the Amazing Green Fest 2024 and The Hotelier 2024 forum. These initiatives aim to champion sustainable tourism by inviting travelers to embark on responsible journeys. The mission is clear: support tourism organizations in enhancing their societal and environmental responsibilities, thereby fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting balanced well-being. Both events are scheduled from 15-18 August 2024 at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon in the heart of Bangkok. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of TAT, emphasized, “Sustainable tourism is no longer a niche trend or exclusive to specific groups. It has become the cornerstone of success and offers long-term resilience for the tourism industry—a goal TAT is steadfastly pursuing. Our vision is to develop ‘Amazing Thailand’ into a tourism brand synonymous with sustainability, underpinned by Thailand’s unique charm. These aspirations are in…

PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), a stalwart in the energy sector, has once again proven its unwavering dedication to promoting transparency and integrity in business operations. The spotlight was on Mr. Chayagorn Leangruenrom, their Senior Vice President of the Internal Audit Division, as he proudly accepted the membership certificate from Mrs. Kesara Manchusree, a respected member of the CAC Council, at the CAC Certification Ceremony 2024. The recurring accreditation of PTTEP as a member of the Thai Private Sector Collective Action Against Corruption (CAC) isn’t just a recognition—it’s a testament to PTTEP’s perpetual commitment to devising and maintaining robust anti-corruption measures. This accolade reinforces the steadfast trust and confidence they have cultivated among stakeholders and the public over the years. The Thai Private Sector Collective Action Against Corruption (CAC) is a prominent initiative aimed at galvanizing Thai enterprises to confront corruption head-on. By championing the adoption of…

The Move Forward Party (MFP) yesterday submitted three charter amendment bills aiming to reduce the influence of military regimes, curb future coups, and abolish the military-backed 20-year national strategy. MFP list-MP Parit Wacharasindhu stated that, although the Pheu Thai-led government has committed to drafting a new constitution, the endeavor could take up to two years. Therefore, the MFP believes it is crucial to amend specific sections concurrently to address pressing issues. According to Mr. Parit, the three bills are designed to alleviate the impacts of the 2014 coup, and political parties are anticipated to support them. The bills will first be presented to the Lower House for deliberation before being forwarded to the Senate. Among the proposed bills, one targets the abolition of Section 279 of the charter, which legitimizes all orders and announcements made by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and its leader. If this…

The House committee recently conveyed its frustration with Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) for their absence at a scheduled meeting intended to discuss issues surrounding blackchin tilapia. These fish, imported by CPF for research purposes back in 2010, have since become a hot topic. The chair of the Move Forward Party in Bangkok, Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat—who also serves as the deputy chairman of the subcommittee investigating the spread of this invasive species—voiced his discontent. According to Boonchaiinsawat, CPF was asked to provide clarity on a document submitted by the Department of Fisheries. However, instead of attending the meeting last night, CPF sent a letter explaining their inability to show up. “I would prefer the company use this platform to openly communicate with the public, especially since there’s rising skepticism about the matter,” Boonchaiinsawat asserted. When probed about the committee’s subsequent steps, Boonchaiinsawat explained that they would draw conclusions based on information from…

Emanuel Karlstrom, at 39, is more than just a strategist at Hiv-Sverige/HIV-Sweden – he’s a beacon of hope for many. This Swedish national organization tirelessly advocates for people living with HIV. Emanuel’s story began in a very different place: Thailand, in 2012, where he received life-changing news. Karlstrom recounts his initial shock at the diagnosis but is profoundly grateful to the Thai Red Cross Society’s Anonymous Clinic for their unwavering support. “The staff were incredibly optimistic about my condition. They were living proof that attitudes towards people with HIV don’t have to be marred by stigma,” he shares nostalgically. For him, the clinic not only provided medication but also a blueprint for a healthy life with the virus. At the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) in Munich, Germany, which concludes today, Karlstrom fondly revisits his journey. “I moved to Thailand to work in Sing Buri in 2012, but I…

Last year, the revered Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua made a heartfelt plea to the people of Thailand: unite for a brighter future. On December 31, 2023, during a televised New Year address, he extended warm wishes to his countrymen, urging them to band together to navigate the challenges that lie ahead and propel the nation towards prosperity and stability. “On the occasion of the New Year, I wish to extend my sincerest best wishes to all of you. The past year has been marked by several pivotal events in our country,” he began. “As many of you are aware, October 13 has been officially declared Navamindra Maharaj Day in remembrance of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.” A poignant ceremony on October 13 commemorated this day with the unveiling of a statue of King Rama IX. Held in Bangkok’s historic Nang Loeng area, the event…

The political landscape of Thailand is bracing for a seismic shift next month as the Constitutional Court is set to deliver verdicts on two seminal cases that could significantly influence the country’s future. These rulings will determine the fate of the primary opposition, the Move Forward Party (MFP), and the current Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. Jatuporn Prompan, a former red-shirt leader, has expressed skepticism about the MFP’s chances. “I believe the prospects of the MFP surviving the dissolution case are slim,” he noted. The implications for Prime Minister Srettha, if removed from office, could ripple through and impact the ruling Pheu Thai Party as well. Yet, Pheu Thai isn’t left without a plan. They have two other formidable PM candidates ready: party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and core member Chaikasem Nitisiri, according to various observers. Amid the ongoing turbulence, Prime Minister Srettha remains steadfast. “I am focused on my work, and…

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul exuded confidence yesterday, asserting that a bill aimed at regulating cannabis will be enacted into law during the current coalition government’s tenure. Meanwhile, a health advocacy group has loudly voiced its call for a blanket ban on the recreational use of cannabis. Although the Bhumjaithai Party had already submitted a version of the bill to the House last September, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has crafted another draft. This new draft, prepared for former health minister Cholnan Srikaew, will also be presented to the House for deliberation alongside the Bhumjaithai proposal, according to Anutin. Interestingly, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a significant shift on Tuesday by retracting the government’s earlier intention to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. This comes two years after the plant’s decriminalization, causing quite the stir among policymakers and the general public alike. When questioned about his confidence…