Posts published in “Thailand”

Projected across the northern and northeastern territories of Thailand, a monsoon trough is presently making its presence felt. In synergy, a southwestern monsoon continues to whip across the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, adding to the tropical canopy that envelopes Thailand. As a consequence of these meteorological events, some regions are experiencing torrential downpours, particularly the northern and northeastern locales, as per the most recent weather disclosure from the local weather department. The populace dwelling in these affected regions are being issued a caution to stay vigilant regarding the looming hazard of intense downpours. Prolonged periods of precipitation may precipitate abrupt floods and swift-rising floodwaters, particularly in areas with closely proximity to active waterways or in regions that are geographically low-lying. Along with the residents, neighbouring communities are also forewarned to brace for heavy downpours that may cause water levels to rise significantly. Mariners and seafarers sailing the…

Saree Ongsomwang, the chief secretary of Thailand Consumer Council (TCC), recently expressed her thoughts regarding the reduction of fares across the entire Bangkok Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) network. This suggestion primarily stems from a strategic study conducted by the council, focusing on the state of public commuting in Bangkok. The government indeed has been substantially underwriting the operational cost of red and purple lines of MRT owing to its continual financial losses. Still, TCC firmly believes that the losses might decrease as the lower fares could potentially coax more daily commuters onto the city’s excellent train services. Highlighting the global practices, the council added that government subsidisation of public transportation fees is a norm worldwide. No examples exist where the average passenger carries the brunt of the full cost of public transit, as remarked by Ongsomwang. The TCC further emphasized enhancing public transportation across 32 Thai provinces. They aim to…

Following a series of torrential downpours, an unusually severe outbreak of leptospirosis is causing concern in rainy season. Dr. Thaweechai Wisanuyothin, at the helm of Disease Prevention and Control Office 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima province, is urging the public, particularly agriculturists, to be vigilant. The damp season makes the environment ripe for flooding, turning it into a hotbed for the propagation of this disease. Drawn primarily from animals hosted in waterlogged or inundated regions, leptospirosis can launch an attack on human health. The villain of this disease, Leptospira bacteria, find their origin in the urine of both rats and various rodents. Regular household pets like felines, canines, bovines, caprines, and ovines could also be potential carriers of these threatening bacteria. These bacteria hold a joyous celebration in flooded, sodden landscapes, turning them into their contamination sites, affecting both H2O and moist soil. Barefoot strolling in water or mud over prolongated…

The World Day for Decent Work bore witness to a remarkable protest in the vibrant capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Roughly 600 committed laborers made their voices heard, rallying for the causes that impact their livelihoods. They passionately urged the government to rectify inequitable employment conditions and bolster job security. The demonstration unfolded along the iconic Ratchadamnoen Avenue, pulling together diverse members from the Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation (TLSC), the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (SERC), and the International Labour Organisation Convention Mobility Network. Leader of the pack, Sawit Kaewwan from TLSC, amplified the labor-centric issues to the fore during the public event. The workers wanted the Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and the government to eradicate short-term employment and unstable labour contracts spanning public and private sectors. Furthermore, they collectively appealed to the government to postpone any future plans of privatizing state enterprises covering energy, transport, banking, and telecommunication. Sawit posited…

The Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX2023) has served as a beacon, enlightening participants about the critical link between sustainability and prosperous supply chain networks. The much-anticipated Thailand Supply Chain Network (TSCN) Business Partners Conference, colloquially known as the TSCN CEO Panel, was a highlight of the Expo, taking place at the prestigious Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. An engaging and pertinent discussion took center stage about the essential implementation of sustainable practices for long-term business sustenance. The conference featured industry titans, including Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, the CEO of Thai Beverage Plc, Roongrote Rangsiyopash, the CEO of Siam Cement Group, and Suphachai Chearavanont, the CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group. Rangsiyopash addressed the volatile rise in energy costs precipitated by the current war situation in Ukraine, a harsh reality despite the world slowly recovering from the pandemic. This instability has led to a sharp increase in food prices, and significant inflation, compelling numerous countries…

In the wake of mounting passenger dissatisfaction over the quality of service on its VIP buses, Dr Sanlak Panuwatli, the esteemed Managing Director of the transport industry heavyweight Transport Company Limited (TCL), stepped up to address the matters of concern openly. The issues initially came to light via the popular social networking platform, Facebook, on a page known for its no-hold-barred discussions, อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6. The page served as a platform for discontented passengers to share pictures and narrate their disappointing experiences aboard what they perceived as TCL’s subpar VIP buses. In response, TCL performed a thorough inquiry into the incidents outlined by passengers. The revelations were intriguing. It turned out the mentioned bus service was not exclusively operated by TCL; instead, the service was a joint venture with another transportation company, Thai Sanguan Limited. The bus in question was a part of a routine M.1P service line that…

Imagine having lived for over three decades without the bare essentials of life, such as electricity and water. This is not a post-apocalyptic fiction but the reality for Yoei Bungthong, an 84-year-old woman from Buriram province, who resides alone in her decrepit house. With no family by her side and the inability to walk, she clings to survival by the thread, heavily relying on the benevolence of her neighbours and the generosity of a nearby school supplying her meals. Residing in House 101, Moo 3, Mai Daeng village, Chum Saeng sub-district, Yoei’s dwelling reflects her life’s predicaments. Both her children have passed away, leaving behind only a few distant relatives who visit occasionally. Aware of her heart-wrenching situation, the local community plays an integral role, sharing their food and companionship, including school lunches often provided by empathetic teachers. A community leader, Aiem Soraknit, vividly shed light on Yoei’s situation. Her…

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) pulled no punches during their address at the SX Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX2023), declaring an urgent, collective action imperative to face the urgent crisis that climate change poses. Renaud Meyer, the esteemed UNDP Resident Representative to Thailand, highlighted the dire necessity of incorporating the often overlooked vulnerable communities in sustainability solutions. Meyer’s cautionary notes painted a grim picture—the end of humanity if substantial action isn’t taken. Moreover, the UNDP encouraged policy makers around the world to shift their investment focus from damaging fossil fuels to forward-looking renewable energy sources–a significant move to mitigate the bitter effects of climate change. Meyer expressed approval of the strategic initiatives outlined by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin regarding Thailand’s Nationally Determined Contributions. As a testament to the country’s dedication towards a greener future, they aim for carbon neutrality by 2050—a commendable goal that aligns with global sustainability objectives. Another…

People from all around the world watched as the clock ticked closer to the much-anticipated launch of Thailand Earth Observation Satellite 2 (THEOS-2). With mere seconds to go, a technical hurdle robbed the event of its peak moment. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), the reins holder to this ambitious project, had to put a temporary stop to the countdown at just 14 seconds remaining. THEOS-2 wasn’t the only one to take a step back; Taiwan’s Triton, also known as FORMOSAT-7R, a weather satellite, and 10 smaller satellites belonging to the European Space Agency were fettered to the same timeline. All set and ready on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, South America, they had been prepped to share the spotlight during this momentous lift-off. In an ironic twist of fate, while millions of eyes were glued to Gistda’s livestream at 8.37 am Thailand time,…

Sustainability: no longer an option but a necessity. That was the central message from leading business figures at the Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX2023), held on a typically hot and humid Thai Saturday at the heart of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The event’s focal point was undoubtedly the Thailand Supply Chain Network (TSCN) Business Partners Conference, during which industry titans lent their insights to the topic: “Self-Applying for Sustainable Business Survival”. The conference lined up some of the most influential voices in Thailand’s business scene, with each taking turns on the podium. There was Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, the distinguished president and CEO of Thai Beverage Plc (ThaiBev), Roongrote Rangsiyopash, the pragmatic president and CEO of Siam Cement Group (SCG), and the insightful Suphachai Chearavanont, the energetic CEO of the diversified conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group. Rangsiyopash of SCG kicked off discussions by highlighting the economic implications of the conflict in…