The Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living ASEAN (popularly known as HILL ASEAN) has unveiled intriguing insights on the ever-evolving dynamics of ASEAN consumers, particularly focusing on the theme “The ASEAN Family.” During the much-anticipated “ASEAN Life Study 2024” forum in the vibrant city of Jakarta, Indonesia, HILL ASEAN shared findings that reflect significant changes over the past decade. Yes, it’s been a decade since HILL ASEAN first embarked on its insightful journey in 2014, shining a spotlight on ASEAN families who adeptly embraced real-time communication, thanks to technological leaps and the rapid social media surge. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves revisiting these families to understand how they have navigated the tides of change over the years. To paint a comprehensive picture, HILL ASEAN conducted extensive quantitative and home visit surveys across six dynamic ASEAN nations—Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. The findings? While the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling alleyways of Bangkok, amid the tantalizing aromas of street food, there’s a small but significant revolution quietly taking place. On January 9, 2019, a vendor fries chicken in what might look like ordinary cooking oil, but it’s part of a monumental shift driven by the “Thailand is Free of iFTA” campaign. Initiated in 2019, this campaign targets the removal of foods containing oils that have undergone partial hydrogenation, or in simpler terms, those pesky trans fats. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya) Fast forward to now, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has crowned Thailand as one of the top five nations to have successfully scrubbed industrial trans fats from its food industry. This accolade celebrates Thailand’s robust efforts in outlawing industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA) since their 2019 ban. Lertchai Lertwut, the deputy secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), shared that rigorous scientific research irrefutably links trans…
Motorcycle taxi riders paraded in Lan Khon Muang Square in Bangkok, promoting road safety by encouraging helmet use, on March 9, 2023. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) Authorities in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district are unraveling an intriguing complaint regarding a motorcycle taxi driver who allegedly did not appear to be Thai. This case has piqued interest because, under Thai law, only Thais are permitted to hold these jobs. The driver in question is believed to be Vietnamese. However, to add a twist, a fellow rider claims he is from the Akha ethnic group and indeed holds a Thai ID card. The confusion commenced when a woman, after hiring the motorcycle taxi from Huai Khwang MRT station to a nearby restaurant, became suspicious. Despite the short three-kilometer journey, the rider—wearing vest No.7—took an illogical half-hour detour, eventually confessing he did not know the route. She noted his peculiar Thai accent and his alarming…
The warm and inviting welcome sign to Malaysia can be seen as you cross the Thai-Malaysian bridge from the Thai side in Sungai Kolok district of Narathiwat, setting the tone for an upcoming milestone meeting. (Photo: Narathiwat public relations office) This Saturday, expect a significant dialogue between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim. The high-profile meeting aims to foster peace and spur development across Thailand’s southern border provinces and Malaysia’s northern states, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. The agenda, packed with mutually beneficial plans, will have the leaders visiting Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat and Rantau Panjang in Malaysia’s Kelantan state. Here, they will delve into strategies to boost trade, increase investment, and attract more tourists to both regions. An essential part of these discussions will center on enhancing cross-border connectivity, particularly focusing on upgrading the bridge linking Sungai Kolok and Rantau Panjang. Chai Wacharonke emphasized…
The picturesque Mekong River is set to host a new marvel as construction continues on a bridge that will elegantly arch between Thailand’s Bung Kan province and Laos’ Bolikhamxay province. Capturing the serene beauty of these regions, this much-anticipated infrastructure project is now eyeing a mid-2025 completion date, a slight delay from the original timeline which had promised a grand opening this year. According to Sarawut Songsivilai, the director-general of the Highways Department, this breathtaking bridge is over 90% complete—a promising figure that has the regional communities eagerly anticipating its arrival. Originally, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was penciled in for this year, following a prominent groundbreaking event in 2023 that drew attention and excitement. Dignitaries such as Thailand’s then-Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, and Laos’ then-Prime Minister, Phankham Viphavanh, graced the ceremony, symbolizing the monumental collaboration between these two neighboring nations. This bridge is no small feat. Spanning an impressive 16 kilometers,…
Wilas Chaloeysat, Governor of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), proudly announced, “In celebration of MEA’s 66th anniversary on August 1, 2024, we hosted the ’66th Year: To be Sustainable Energy Utility’ event to champion decarbonisation.” Embracing an eco-friendly ethos, the venue was adorned with waste-free materials, and an exhibition zone showcased the harmony of “good soil and unspoiled water to a happy life with sustainability.” The event also had a charitable aspect, raising 328,700 baht for the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation and 378,800 baht for the Foundation of the Welfare of the Cripple under the Royal Patronage of HRH the Princess. Additionally, participants supported the cause by purchasing products from the Mae Fah Luang Foundation. MEA drives its operations with a deep consciousness of societal and environmental impacts, adhering to a sustainable development framework focusing on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG). The MEA GO (Green Organisation) campaign is an exemplar initiative,…
In a dramatic scene on Thursday, police officers stormed a series of supermarkets in Bangkok, unmasking a trove of Chinese-made products that were missing the crucial stamp of approval from Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) orchestrated the sweeping raids, responding to a chorus of consumer complaints about the shady shelves in these Chinese supermarkets. The operation uncovered a staggering array of over 70 different product lines, amassing a total of 1,878 items that were being hawked illegally. As shoppers continued their daily routines, clueless about the behind-the-scenes drama, the police meticulously seized these unauthorized goods. It didn’t take long for the news to spread, shaking the local community to its core. Legal repercussions are imminent as the supermarket owners brace themselves for prosecution under the stringent Consumer Protection Act. The scandal has ignited a fiery debate about consumer safety, particularly concerning the unchecked…
Under the swaying palm trees and sunlit shores of Koh Phangan, an unexpected twist unraveled on Thursday, shaking the serene ambiance of this tropical paradise. Nestled amidst the island’s charm, a nondescript motorcycle repair shop masked a darker undertone, turning heads and grabbing headlines. The tranquil day took a sharp turn when a contingent of tourist police, immigration officers, and local law enforcement converged on an unassuming house. Tucked away in tambon Koh Phangan, this house, bereft of a formal address, had become the focus of intense scrutiny following a surge of complaints about raucous behavior emanating from a troupe of young Myanmar nationals. As officers stealthily approached the location, the facade of a mere motorcycle repair shop quickly crumbled. Rumblings of public disturbance led officers right into the den of the five brothers: Mg Mg Naing, keen-eyed at 20; Nay Htet Lin, poised at 24; Myat Kyaw and Moe…
On 30 July 2024, TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited (TOA), under the leadership of CEO Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, proudly clinched the prestigious 2024 ‘Carbon Footprint Certification’ across all three significant categories. Handed over by Mr. Pongpanu Svetarundra, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (TGO), the accolade includes the Carbon Footprint for Organisation (CFO) for the fifth consecutive year, the Carbon Footprint of Product (CFP), and the Carbon Footprint Reduction label (CFR), often referred to as the ‘Global Warming Reduction Label.’ TOA’s repertoire of certified products in the building paint market is truly unmatched, boasting an impressive lineup of 40 products. A star among them is the ‘SuperShield’ paint, which stands out due to its Cooling Paint technology and innovative Triple Technology. Through a unique blend of Titanium Dioxide, Barium Sulfate, and Silica, this paint reflects a staggering 97.5% of sunlight, slashing wall heat…
On August 1, 2024, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) addressed the Higher Education, Science, and Innovation Committee, clarifying that they are not responsible for the black chin tilapia issue. Expressing a strong commitment to partnering with the government, the company outlined its dedication to tackling the problem, rejuvenating the ecosystem, and advancing five governmental projects. CP Foods made it clear that their presence was upon the committee’s invitation to provide factual insights and state their stance on the matter. Reaffirming their legal status as the sole importer, CP Foods emphasized that they are not the catalyst for the black chin tilapia dilemma. They ensured that all fish fry were properly quarantined for 16 days and disclosed that all remaining fry were destroyed, ceasing any research or commercial activities involving black chin tilapia as of January 2011. Regarding an inspection in 2017 by Fisheries Department officials, CP Foods…