Minor International Public Company Limited (MINT) reported a remarkable net profit of THB 3,969 million for the first half of 2024, reflecting an impressive 74% jump compared to the same period in 2023. This stellar profit growth leverages last year’s strong net profit base and showcases the resilience of MINT’s robust business model amidst a buoyant global travel industry. MINT’s core profit for the first half of 2024, excluding extraordinary items, exhibited a solid 22% year-on-year increase. In the second quarter of 2024, MINT achieved a record-breaking performance with core profit soaring to THB 3,230 million, marking an 8% year-on-year surge. This growth was predominantly driven by the flourishing operations of their hotels in Europe and the Americas at the onset of their high season. Both business and leisure demands remained robust across MINT’s hotel portfolio in these regions, with second-quarter 2024 Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) for owned and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited alongside Bangchak Sriracha Public Company Limited (previously known as Esso (Thailand) Public Company Limited) extends a warm invitation to all Esso Smiles members to seamlessly transfer their points to Bangchak GreenMiles by August 31, 2024, to maintain their splendid benefits. Post this deadline, the Esso Smiles programme will conclude, rendering Esso Smiles cards and points null and void for any perks. Luckily, members can still relish numerous benefits at over 2,200 Bangchak and former Esso service stations scattered across the nation. Bangchak GreenMiles points open the door to an array of delightful benefits, including fuel discounts and access to Bangchak business group products. Unique bonuses like the “Same Price campaign” cheer up members by providing bonus points equivalent to any fuel price surges on the initial day of price hikes, alongside the regular points. Furthermore, members can easily swap their points for perks from leading…
In 2021, Kaeng Krachan National Park officers patrolled the rice fields of Karen villagers near the Bang Kloi Lang village—a picturesque place nested within the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex World Heritage site. The serene beauty of these fields, however, belies a simmering tension between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and proponents of two controversial bills aimed at safeguarding indigenous people’s rights to their land. The DNP, led by Attapol Charoenshunsa, has voiced staunch opposition to these bills, arguing that they would severely hamper efforts to conserve Thailand’s treasured forests. Charoenshunsa contends that the passing of the bills, proposed by civil rights group P-Move and the Ministry of Culture, could result in the wholesale destruction of forest reserves, handing over swathes of protected land to what he describes as “forest encroachers and capitalists.” “The proposed legislation would merely incentivize further encroachment into protected forest areas,” Charoenshunsa…
From left: Mr. Ravis Haetanurak, Dr. Pramote Rienjaroensuk, Mr. Marcel Gut, Mr. Chin Chinawut, Mr. Arun Shukla, Ms. Araya Wathanyupharp, and Mr. Adjaranat Siphaya. Maurice Lacroix, the epitome of luxury Swiss watchmaking, dazzled watch aficionados on July 26, 2024, as they unveiled their stunning 2024 models. The grand reveal, featuring the new QUARTZ COLLECTION and the FIABA TRIO SPECIAL EDITION 2024 for women, took place at the Maurice Lacroix booth in the chic Fashion Hall during the prestigious SIAM PARAGON WATCH & JEWELRY EXPO 2024. Esteemed guests and media personalities gathered to witness this exquisite launch. The launch event was graced by the presence of Mr. Marcel Gut, Global Commercial Director of Maurice Lacroix, who jetted in from Switzerland to personally inaugurate the ceremony. With him was Mr. Ravis Haetanurak, Manager Area Sales Indochina, who enthusiastically shared the intricate details of the latest QUARTZ COLLECTION with the eager audience. Attendees…
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is taking significant steps to revise the anti-domestic violence law, driven by the increasing fragility and susceptibility of Thai society to household abuse. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa revealed that a key topic at the ministry’s monthly meeting was the revision of the Victims of Domestic Violence Protection Act, BE 2550. Delving deeper, Minister Varawut explained that the proposed changes are grounded in insightful data from the Human Security Emergency Management Centre (HuSEC). HuSEC’s reports highlight financial struggles, family disputes, and domestic violence as the three most commonly reported issues each month. Minister Varawut acknowledged that economic difficulties, coupled with other stressors, have exacerbated the incidence of domestic violence, affecting individuals from the youngest children to the elderly. He emphasized that, in response to these challenges, the ministry is fast-tracking the amendment process to bolster domestic stability. The intention behind the amended law is…
The ambitious Southern Land Bridge megaproject is all set to move forward as planned, fueled by the keen interest of multiple heavyweight companies from China, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. This encouraging news was shared by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy Planning (OTP) yesterday. Panya Chupanich, the OTP’s director-general, explained, “If everything proceeds smoothly, we aim to kick off construction in 2026 and wrap it up by 2030.” This transformative project will create a new maritime pathway enabling ships to travel seamlessly between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, thereby revolutionizing regional shipping routes. But that’s not all! The Land Bridge is poised to catapult the Southern Economic Corridor into a bustling hub of activity. As part of the grand plan, two state-of-the-art deep-sea ports will be constructed—one in Chumphon and another in Ranong—both interconnected via a cutting-edge motorway and railway network. Mr.…
The buzz surrounding the potential relocation of Bangkok Port in Klong Toey district is growing, following the Transport Ministry’s directive for a feasibility study—a move sparked by overwhelmingly positive public feedback on the project. Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri, in her role as the chief supervisor of Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) operations, has called upon the PAT and relevant sectors to revisit this ambitious relocation plan. The goal? To meet public demand while enhancing the port area. Submitted to a cabinet meeting on April 2, this proposal aims to relocate the sprawling 2,353-rai port out of the bustling city center. The primary objectives are to significantly reduce pollution and alleviate the heavy traffic that often grinds the area’s pace to a frustrating halt. The decision is supported by data from a recent study conducted by North Bangkok University, which surveyed 2,500 respondents between July 22-31. The results are encouraging: a…
State Audit Office (SAO) spokesman Sutthipong Boonnithi revealed on Monday that financial losses due to the inefficient management of various construction contracts during the 2023 fiscal year exceeded a staggering 30 billion baht. The annual audit conducted by the SAO meticulously examined over 14,148 projects and contracts administered by 9,426 public agencies nationwide, uncovering noteworthy budgetary mismanagement in 1,795 of these agencies, amounting to 19.04%. The SAO identified at least 30.83 billion baht in irregular expenditures. Mr. Sutthipong articulated that the SAO had provided conditional recommendations for the enhancement of 629 out of 8,575 financial reports they audited for accuracy. Many of these reports were significant expenditures characterized by incomplete bookkeeping or erroneous records lacking sufficient clarifications, often involving cash, land, and real estate properties. Furthermore, the audit highlighted that 2,638 out of 5,318 contracts, which represents 49.61% of the total examined, failed to comply with legal or contractual obligations,…
Elections for provincial administration organization (PAO) chairs in Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, and Phayao saw triumphant victories for candidates from influential “Ban Yai” political families affiliated with major government parties, namely Bhumjaithai, the United Thai Nation Party, and the Pheu Thai Party. Sunday’s contests showcased the might of established political dynasties in Thailand. In Ayutthaya, the indomitable Somsong Phancharoenworakul, a seasoned veteran with five terms as chairwoman under her belt, overshadowed her rival, Watcharapong Radomsittipat. Ms. Somsong amassed a staggering 245,457 votes, leaving Mr. Watcharapong, who represented the Kao Mai Ayutthaya group and adopted the color orange synonymous with the Move Forward Party, far behind with 114,063 votes. No surprise here, given that Ms. Somsong is the mother of Bhumjaithai MP and Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul and also boasts a niece, Pimprueda Tanjararak, who is an MP for the province. Over in Chai Nat, familial ties also proved decisive. Jitthana…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently rolled up his sleeves and took a deep dive into the nation’s water management efforts at the Cheeklang Operation and Maintenance Project in tambon Phra That, nestled within the scenic backdrop of Chiang Khwan district in Roi Et province. The visit, which took place in March, underscored the government’s commitment to bolstering water security across Thailand. In a bid to fortify the nation’s H2O defenses, Srettha unveiled a sweeping three-year plan with an eye-watering half-trillion-baht price tag! At a crucial meeting convened at the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) on Monday, Prime Minister Srettha voiced his deep concern for the country’s water security. He fervently urged all pertinent agencies to mobilize and whip up an effective, ironclad water management strategy sooner rather than later. “A significant slice of the state’s annual budget is routinely funneled towards assisting and compensating flood victims,” Srettha noted. He also highlighted…