In the heart of bustling Phra Nakhon, elderly citizens gathered in early January 2022, eagerly awaiting their turn to register for the much-needed benefits. A testament to the enduring spirit of the community, this scene, beautifully captured by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul, illustrates the critical importance of social support systems. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has recently raised a flag of caution regarding the sustainability of the Social Security Fund (SSF). This alertive note comes at a crucial juncture, suggesting a pivotal change: the government should consider increasing its contribution to SSF from the current 12.75% to a more robust 18%. This recommendation accompanies a pressing call to clear the staggering 71.4 billion baht in outstanding debts owed to the fund. In March 2023, the FPO’s fiscal risk report shed light on potential perils, drawing attention to both recent and future fiscal vulnerabilities. Among the highlighted concerns is the sustainability of old-age…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Two visitors joyfully snapped a selfie with an eye-catching vintage aircraft at Don Mueang Airport on October 28, 2021. Little did they know, exciting changes were on the horizon for this bustling hub. The state-run bus operator, Transport Co, has unveiled ambitious plans to link major cities with seamless bus services from this and two other bustling airports. (Photo Credit: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) In a noteworthy move aimed at revolutionizing travel, Transport Co announced on Monday their collaboration with Airports of Thailand (AoT) to kick off interprovincial bus services. Transport Co’s managing director, Atthawit Rakchamroon, divulged that comprehensive discussions with AoT had been fruitful. The planned bus routes will originate from Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports, with accompanying ticketing offices situated conveniently at these airports. Expect the rubber to meet the runway towards the year’s end. Yes, you heard that right! These innovative feeder buses are designed to connect travelers…
Once upon a sizzling summery week in June 2024, Bangkok played host to a vibrant confluence of entrepreneurial spirits at the GCEC NEW FRONTIER: BANGKOK SUMMIT 2024. This inaugural Asia-based summit, part of the illustrious Sasin Impact Entrepreneurship Week (Sasin IEW) from June 19-23, marked a groundbreaking moment in the heart of Thailand. Amidst the buzz of innovation and camaraderie, the opening ceremony on June 21 set the stage with warm greetings from the brass at Sasin, GCEC, and Chulalongkorn University, followed by a whirlwind of keynote sessions that promised to drive the conversation around inclusive entrepreneurship for real-world impact. The charismatic M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, affectionately known as Duke, and serving as both CEO of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage and President of the Sasin Alumni Association, took the stage with a resonant keynote. He delved into the transformative prowess of social entrepreneurship, weaving tales of the…
At the heart of every formidable structure lies the unbreakable union of “cement and concrete” – two indispensable elements that seamlessly merge functionality and durability with an unexpected dash of beauty. This captivating blend comes to life in the annual photography competition ‘Concrete in Life,’ a celebrated initiative by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) now in its fifth year. This year’s enthralling exhibition is making its debut at the “GCCA CEO Gathering and Leaders Conference 2024” in Bangkok, Thailand. It showcases the spectacular results of the competition, featuring an awe-inspiring collection of photos snapped by skilled photographers from across the globe. From Urban Concrete to the intricate craft of Concrete Infrastructure, Concrete in Daily Life, and the synergy of Beauty and Design, these images unravel the myriad roles of concrete, highlighting its contribution to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Dr. Chana Poomee, the Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers…
Amidst the lush, green expanse of Phu Soi Dao National Park in Uttaradit, soldiers and rescuers forged ahead on a winding trail. On that crucial Sunday, hope and determination fueled their steps as they scoured the landscape in search of the missing tourist, Thanwarich Mateema. (Photo: Pha Muang Force Facebook account) Dedicated park rangers, soldiers, police, and volunteers banded together with relentless resolve, sweeping the park’s vast terrains. Their mission: to locate Thanwarich, who mysteriously vanished from the Nam Pad district last week. Despite torrential rains drenching the region on Monday, the brave souls pressed on, their eyes peeled for any sign of the 27-year-old adventurer. Their relentless effort yielded a few chilling clues. A lonely backpack and a pair of shoes were discovered, carelessly discarded on a steep trail. These abandoned items seemed to whisper the tale of Thanwarich’s solo trek into the park’s enigmatic depths. A spine-chilling reminder…
On a vibrant 4th of July, amidst enthusiastic applause, Southeast Asia’s dynamic petrochemical giant IRPC and the globally acclaimed material science virtuoso, Milliken & Company, took the stage to unveil groundbreaking new grades of polypropylene (PP) resin. These innovative resins proudly bear the prestigious UL Environmental Claim Validation label, symbolizing a significant leap towards sustainable production. This unveiling was the culmination of IRPC’s collaboration with Milliken, utilizing their cutting-edge additives to birth the Polimaxx clarified PP resin grades. Remarkably, these new grades consume 10% less energy on average during the moulding process—a noteworthy saving rippling through the entire plastics value chain. Vincent Wang, Commercial Director of Plastics Additives at Milliken, shared the excitement, “Millad NX 8000, our avant-garde clarifying additive, is the game-changer here. It significantly reduces conversion temperatures during the PP injection-moulding process. This not only slashes the energy used but also minimizes CO₂ emissions during production.” By integrating…
The lively online meeting on Monday saw Chiang Mai’s governor, Nirat Phongsittithaworn, excitedly engaging with Governor Kim Young-hwan of South Korea’s Chungcheongbuk province. It was more than just a diplomatic exchange; it was the beginning of a promising partnership set to be formalized in September. The big announcement? An MoU to support Thais eager to study or work in South Korea, aiming to boost economic cooperation and strengthen the bond between the two nations. In the virtual discussion, Governor Kim was visibly enthusiastic about the upcoming agreement. He confirmed that Chungcheongbuk province was all set to sign the MoU with Chiang Mai. The preparation phase includes a working group assembling representatives from South Korean universities to participate in the discussions and ultimately seal the deal on September 26. The benefits of this MoU are manifold. Firstly, it promises to enhance educational opportunities and stimulate travel between the two countries. Governor…
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) played host to an evocative and thought-provoking event titled “Refugee Voices from Southeast Asia: Commemorating Refugee Day” on June 26, 2024. This significant gathering was the result of a collaborative effort involving key players such as the Centre on Gender and Forced Displacement (CGFD)/Gender and Development Studies at AIT, Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS), and Asylum Access, Thailand (AAT). The workshop threw light on the escalating number of individuals experiencing forced displacement worldwide. Several contributing factors were examined, such as natural disasters, climate change, environmental degradation, and development-induced displacement. Adding to this turmoil are resource crises, persecution, and conflicts. Delving into the intricacies of the international refugee system, the event scrutinized its efficacy in handling large-scale displacements, emerging migration trends, prolonged conflicts, and the pervading issue of chronic homelessness. Central to the discussions was a deep dive into contemporary refugee policies, scrutinized through the vivid…
The year 2025 promises more than just a turn of the calendar for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF); it marks a pivotal moment with serious upgrades in their aviation arsenal. A significant portion of the 2025 budget bill is earmarked for the acquisition of a new VIP aircraft, set to cost a hefty 12 billion baht, along with two mid-sized helicopters tallying up to 3.3 billion baht. The budget allocation is poised to enhance the RTAF’s operational capabilities, especially in scenarios involving VIP transport and emergency services. Currently, the Airbus A340-500, a venerable workhorse of the fleet, serves as the key transport aircraft under the RTAF’s operations. However, Air Force Commander-in-Chief ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul confirmed that the Airbus A340 is due for retirement in 2029. The new VIP aircraft, thus, represents not just an upgrade but a necessary replacement to ensure the continuity of critical aviation services. Thailand’s strategic…
In the verdant, rugged landscape of Mae Chan district in Chiang Rai, a soldier from the Pha Muang Force stands vigilant, gazing at a stash of methamphetamine pills packed meticulously in plastic bags. These contraband items, hastily abandoned by fleeing smugglers, tell a tale of shadows and subterfuge. It’s reminiscent of a modern-day thriller scene, teeming with suspense and high stakes, but for the Pha Muang Force, it’s all too real. (Photo: Pha Muang Force Facebook account) The heart-pounding drama unfolding on the northern border of Thailand is more than mere fiction; it’s a critical mission in a turbulent region. According to Col Meechai Nillasart, the dynamic deputy commander of the Pha Muang Force, armed ethnic groups dominating the area are ramping up their production of illicit drugs. Their aim? To funnel funds into their fight against Myanmar’s oppressive regime. Picture this: rebels striving to overpower the forces of a…