Amidst much anticipation and excitement, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, flanked by government officials and eager onlookers, inaugurated the “Economic Revitalization Project” last month at Government House. The buzz in the air was palpable, a sign of an unfolding economic story pivotal for Thailand’s future. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In a bid to steer the nation’s economic course onto a path of robust growth next year, the Finance Ministry is gearing up to unveil an elaborate economic stimulus package. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat spilled some beans about the impending proposal, hinting at a considerable 10,000-baht cash handout via digital wallets. It’s the Finance Ministry’s way of ringing in the New Year with a bang for Thai citizens. Petite as clues about the package may be, Julapun tantalized with promises of not only tax measures but also lifelines for debtors, like low-interest loans and concessions. The quest? To untangle financial burdens and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the complex choreography of international relations, where diplomacy and national interests waltz on a tangled dance floor, the anticipated appointment of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to mediate dialogue with Cambodia over disputed maritime zones in the Gulf of Thailand teetered on the brink of uncertainty. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, a prominent figure at the helm of these murky waters, expressed that the meeting on Tuesday might not see the cabinet nodding approval for the JTC’s formation. Despite whispers in the corridors of power suggesting a green light, the minister offered a dose of parliamentary reality: “It might just not be ready,” he mused, injecting a note of anticipation into the air of suspense. Speculation brewed over whether Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, having just returned from the APEC summit—a swirl of high-stakes economics and politics in faraway Peru—would indeed preside over the weekly cabinet assembly.…
Picture this: it’s a warm day in Nonthaburi, and a group of passionate campaigners are making their voices heard at the Public Health Ministry. They’ve gathered to push for a significant change in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act BE 2551, rallying to eliminate the use of alcohol logos in selling non-alcoholic products. Pattarapong Chatpattaras captures this spirited moment in an evocative snapshot. Fast forward to the present, where the magic of legislation is in the air. Led by the diligent Wisarn Techathirawat, chairman of the special committee scrutinizing alcohol control legislation, a new Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill is nearing completion. About 80% there, this draft will soon make its grand entrance into the hallowed halls of parliament by mid-December. During Monday’s national academic conference on alcohol, Mr. Wisarn shared that not one, not two, but five distinctive drafts have been approved by parliament. Talk about a creative stew! Each draft…
Picture a serene stretch of Hat Chao Mai beach in Trang province where gentle waves kiss the shoreline. Just off this tranquil setting, a recent survey unravelled a heart-rending discovery—a dugong was seen gliding through the waters, a rare sight that now fills marine conservationists with both joy and concern. This sighting, captured by the vigilant team from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in September, has spurred an urgent conversation about these enchanting creatures’ fate. Yet, beneath the gentle waves, the story takes a somber turn. On a calm Sunday, the idyllic shores of Krabi were disrupted by troubling news—a dugong was found lifeless, stranded upon Si Boya Island’s sands. With a heavy heart, Ali Channam, the president of the Love the Krabi Sea Association, reported the sighting. It was a female, not quite mature at just one meter long, her tusks absent and her body-mottled…
In an admirable show of international cooperation and dedication to wildlife preservation, Thailand is set to return an impressive number of over 900 lemurs and rare turtles to their native Madagascar. These creatures were seized from the illegal wildlife trade, and the operation has been lauded by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) as a testament to their commitment to combating wildlife crimes. DNP chief, Attapol Charoenchansa, proudly announced that a total of 963 animals, encompassing charismatic species like the ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, spider tortoises, and radiated tortoises, are under the protective custody of authorities. These animals were originally intercepted from an illegal smuggling network in Chumphon, unveiled during a strategic crackdown back in May. “This operation serves as a powerful display of cross-border collaboration aimed at the protection and conservation of species threatened by extinction. It’s a clear indication of our unwavering dedication to…
Rattapoom “Film” Tokongsup, the charismatic singer and actor, became the center of attention for reasons extending beyond his entertainment career. This turn of events followed his resignation from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), a significant political entity in Thailand. His departure comes amid a swirling investigation related to the high-profile The iCon Group case. This case, steeped in allegations of extortion, has provided a plot twist reminiscent of a Thai drama, capturing both public and media gaze. The announcement made by Paiboon Nititawan, the PPRP’s secretary-general, confirmed Film’s exit. The 40-year-old reportedly submitted his resignation last Friday at the Office of the Election Commission (EC), marking a swift shift in his political journey. The backdrop to this saga unfurled as renowned TV figure Phudit Kamnerdploy, also known as Kanchai “Num,” accused Film of defamation. This accusation took root in allegations that the singer, along with a partner, demanded a staggering…
In a picturesque setting off Hat Chao Mai Beach in Thailand’s Trang Province, marine conservationists recently marveled at the sighting of a dugong, those gentle “sea cows” that graze on the underwater pastures of seagrass. Yet, amidst this moment of wonder, a cloud of concern looms large. This past Sunday, the serenity of Krabi’s coast was shattered with yet another heartrending discovery—a deceased dugong washed ashore on Si Boya Island. The news struck a chord with Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Chalermchai Sri-on, who promptly instructed a swift escalation of measures to address the growing crisis of dugong fatalities. The tragic tale of this young female dugong, devoid of the iconic tusks that signify maturity, speaks volumes about the urgency of the situation. With visible bite marks betraying encounters with fellow dugongs, this gentle marine mammal was tragically only one meter in length. The carcass has been sent to Trang’s…
In a heartwarming tale of international cooperation, Thailand is set to repatriate over 900 rare lemurs and turtles to their native habitat in Madagascar, a significant step towards combating the illegal wildlife trade. This monumental initiative is spearheaded by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), earning plaudits from conservationists worldwide. Leading the charge, DNP chief Attapol Charoenchansa shared the exhilarating news that 963 animals, featuring ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, spider tortoises, and radiated tortoises, had been secured from the clutches of an illegal wildlife syndicate in May. These exotic creatures were seized in the picturesque province of Chumphon, following a detailed tip-off to the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division. This tip led to an expertly orchestrated operation that saw law enforcement establishing checkpoints along key transit routes, resulting in the apprehension of six suspects along with 1,117 animals, both alive and deceased. This crackdown highlights…
Imagine a world where computers not only comprehend human language but also create and convey ideas as seamlessly as we do. Well, this isn’t some sci-fi fantasy—it’s our current reality. Thanks to OPEN-TEC (Tech Knowledge Sharing Platform), powered by the TCC TECHNOLOGY GROUP, we’re diving into the realm of language models. Recently at an AMCHAM Digital Economy Committee event, titled “A Fast-Paced Guide to Large Language Models for Business Leaders,” a spectrum of hot topics came under the spotlight, including the fascinating technology driving these models, practical applications, and the ever-evolving future of work. The session, led by Waleeporn Sayasit, AMCHAM Digital Economy Committee Co-Chair & GM of TCC Technology, set the stage by painting a vivid picture of how LLMs, such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, have been trained on colossal text datasets. Their ability to generate text and answer queries in a startlingly human-like manner is reshaping our…
In a thrilling accolade for the world of hospitality, Minor International Public Company Limited (MINT) has earned its place among the “World’s Best Companies 2024,” as celebrated by the respected duo of TIME magazine and Statista. This nod of recognition secures Minor International the coveted spot at #425 out of a thorough listing of 1,000 exemplary companies globally. Even more impressively, it stands as the undisputed leader in Thailand, crowned as the #1 company in the nation. The World’s Best Companies ranking isn’t just another list. Now in its exciting second year, it is a meticulous analysis aimed at spotlighting businesses that are setting standards and exceeding expectations worldwide. In the 2024 edition, MINT has elevated its standing dramatically, leaping 180 places higher than its debut ranking in 2023. With an astounding overall score of 87.60 out of 100, MINT shines not just in numerical rankings but in significant areas…