What a momentous occasion it was for the team at PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP)! Mrs. Natruedee Khositaphai, who serves as the Executive Vice President of the Operations Support Group, shone brightly as she accepted the highly-coveted Thailand Technology Excellence Awards for AI in the Oil & Gas sector. This recognition was granted by the esteemed Mr. Chris Head, Contributing Editor of Asian Business Review Magazine. Gathered in the grand halls of Conrad Bangkok, PTTEP’s executives couldn’t have been more proud, and rightly so. Their acclaimed project, cheekily named “AI Innovation under the Digital Transformation Project,” has revolutionized the industry by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. This dynamic duo of cutting-edge technologies isn’t just a flashy trend; it has genuinely optimized operational efficiency and bolstered the sustainable growth of the organization and the wider oil and gas industry. What makes this achievement…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The Public Health Ministry is currently delving into a case involving a doctor at a state-run hospital accused of moonlighting at several private hospitals, despite receiving extra pay to refrain from doing so due to a non-competition clause in his contract. Dr. Sawat Apiwachaneewong, the inspector at Participatory Health Region 12, announced on Sunday that the Yala Provincial Public Health Office had formed a committee to investigate these allegations as of September 10. According to a post by the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) on their “Watchdog Operation” Facebook page, the implicated physician is a specialist at Yala Hospital. The post did not divulge further details regarding the doctor’s identity but revealed that his profile appeared on the websites of three different private hospitals, potentially violating the terms of his contract. The non-competition clause in question entitles doctors who agree not to practice at private clinics and hospitals to a…
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai cleverly sidestepped concerns regarding his independence yesterday, firmly asserting that he stands by his own decisions. His remarks came in response to political observers who’ve raised eyebrows over his choice to appoint General Trisak Indararusmi, an old classmate of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as his secretary. Phumtham emphasized that General Trisak, a seasoned advisor to the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), brings a wealth of experience and invaluable insights to the table. “However,” Phumtham stressed, “the final decision on any matter lies solely with me.” The minister is also mulling over the addition of one or two aides to tackle routine administrative tasks, pointing out that both the adviser and assistant minister positions are currently vacant. He hinted that involving younger generations could be beneficial. “Rest assured, no one wields influence over me. I maintain my independence,” Phumtham boldly declared. A longstanding member of the Pheu…
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday deflected concerns about his independence, assuring that he stands firm on his decisions. His comments came in the wake of political observers’ criticisms over his choice to appoint Gen Trisak Indararusmi, a former classmate of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, as his secretary. Mr. Phumtham emphasized that Gen Trisak, who previously served as an expert adviser to the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), brings a wealth of experience and his insights will be particularly valuable. However, he made it clear that the ultimate decision-making power remains firmly in his hands. Additionally, Mr. Phumtham mentioned he is contemplating the appointment of one or two more aides to assist with routine administrative tasks. The positions of advisor and assistant minister are still open, and he suggested that bringing in younger generations could be advantageous. “Don’t worry. I can guarantee that no one has influence over me. I will remain…
In an intriguing turn of events, political parties are rallying around a charter amendment proposal designed to curb “overboard” interpretations of ethical standards for political office-holders. As Minister Chousak Sirinil from the PM’s Office explained, the main opposition, the People’s Party, proposed section-by-section amendments aimed at fine-tuning the language concerning ethical standards. The goal? To prevent broad or loose interpretations that could be wielded against political figures. This initiative came in the wake of last month’s Constitutional Court ruling that dismissed Srettha Thavisin from his role as the prime minister due to an ethical transgression involving the appointment of Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. The Pheu Thai Party was quick to highlight this issue, bringing it to the forefront for coalition partners. There’s a growing consensus that both government and opposition parties will back this amendment proposal. However, the path to amendment comes…
In an unusual turn of events, a hospital in Samut Sakhon is making headlines for an unfortunate mix-up that no parent would ever want to face. Imagine the shock and confusion when you realize the baby you’ve brought home from the hospital isn’t yours! This isn’t the storyline of some intense drama; it happened just last month at Krathumbaen Hospital. The hospital has acknowledged the error and agreed to compensate two families affected by this unbelievable incident. The announcement came via an official statement, signed by Dr. Surawit Sakdanuparb from Samut Sakhon’s Public Health Office and Dr. Thammawit Kuakoonkiat, the director of Krathumbaen Hospital. And yes, it was released on a Monday, because life’s twists and turns do have a flair for irony. So, let’s unfold the story a bit. The mix-up occurred last month and, believe it or not, it involved baby-switching. A Thai family and a Myanmar family,…
The curtains of justice seemed to flutter a bit on Monday as the Judicial Commission delivered a decisive blow, suspending a senior judge accused of a rather sordid act. This senior judge, allegedly involved in molesting a female court worker back in June, saw his professional journey take a sharp turn. In a compelling 14-1 vote, the commission decided his fate, informed by an inquiry panel’s conclusion that he had committed an egregious disciplinary violation, according to a reliable source within the commission. A shadow was cast in July when a female court stenographer stepped forward with a courage that should be lauded. She lodged a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), accusing the judge of sexual harassment. This alleged misconduct took place on a sleeper train trip headed to a personnel development activity in the picturesque city of Chiang Mai on June 1. The sleeper train, normally a…
Last year’s Sustainability Expo 2023 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center was a resounding success, drawing throngs of enthusiastic visitors who eagerly participated in a myriad of activities. Now, get ready for an even grander spectacle! The 5th Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX 2024) is just around the corner, slated to run from September 27 to October 6. Organizers and exhibitors are pulling out all the stops to make this year’s event unforgettable. SX 2024 is set to take place across an impressive 70,000-square-metre expanse of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). This colossal event, one of the largest sustainability showcases in the ASEAN region, will revolve around the inspiring theme, “Sufficiency for Sustainability.” This theme draws inspiration from His Majesty the King’s heartfelt speech delivered during his coronation on May 4, 2019. The QSNCC will be meticulously divided into an exhilarating ten zones, each bursting with opportunities to…
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is currently engaging in earnest discussions with Myanmar authorities to devise mutual solutions for alleviating the flood crisis plaguing the region. Recognizing the urgency, he emphasized that both neighboring nations are set to explore the expansion of catchment areas, which could significantly reduce flood impact. Myanmar has been grappling with relentless flooding, primarily fueled by powerful storms and the runoff from upland regions that pours into the Salween River. Minister Sangiampongsa pointed out that the Thai embassy in Myanmar is already coordinating with local agencies from both countries to scrutinize technical details and identify the most viable areas for these catchment expansions. “It’s a multifaceted issue affecting all countries along the Mekong River,” the minister remarked, noting that Myanmar’s Tachileik border town has experienced its worst flooding in three decades. Torrential rains have overwhelmed the region, causing the Sai River to breach its banks. The…
In the still of the night, immigration police swooped down on an illegal casino nestled in Nonthaburi province. The dramatic scene, captured in November last year, is immortalized courtesy of the Immigration Bureau—a stark reminder of the legal labyrinth that surrounds gambling in Thailand. Fast forward to present day, and the air is filled with cautious optimism as the tourism sector welcomes the government’s proposition to develop integrated entertainment complexes. This ambitious project promises to rejuvenate the economy, but it’s tangled in a web of legal and ethical debates. Will it be worth the gamble? Opinions, as you might expect, are polarized. Weerawit Krueasombat, president of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) in Phuket, is a staunch believer. He argues that a full-scale entertainment complex, inclusive of a casino, could be a golden goose for a tourist-heavy city. To maximize its impact, he recommends comprehensive planning, logical tax regulations, and…