In a groundbreaking move, the government has unveiled a sweeping initiative aimed at tackling the pervasive challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the vast populace of Thailand. This ambitious campaign is targeting over 38 million citizens, with a noble goal of preserving health and cutting a hefty 22 billion baht from national healthcare expenses. Standing at the helm of this revolutionary public health movement is Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who recently orchestrated the official launch of this initiative. It aspires to extend comprehensive screening and preventative healthcare services to almost 40 million Thai citizens, thereby alleviating the crushing pressure NCDs impose on the healthcare system. Under the evocative title “Healthcare for All Ages,” this campaign pledges unwavering dedication to the cause of universal healthcare, all under the promising slogan “30 Baht Anywhere with Strong Public Health for a Thailand Free from NCDs.” This initiative seeks to seamlessly integrate early screening…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine a world where our daily hometown heroes—the folks speeding down streets on scooters and bikes, donning their brightly colored uniforms, bearing coffee, meals, or last-minute essentials—suddenly found themselves stuck in a web of bureaucratic definitions that paint them as anything but what they truly are. Of course, I’m talking about the undeniable champions of the gig economy, the digital platform riders. Asst Prof Kritsada Theerakosonphong at Thammasat University is standing up for these unsung heroes, raising a clarion call for justice and reclassification. This knowledgeable lecturer from the Faculty of Social Administration isn’t just teaching students; he’s tackling what some might call a social injustice embedded within the very fabric of Thailand’s Social Security laws. He argues that these dedicated riders, currently lumped together under the vague label of “semi-independent” or informal workers, should rightfully be recognized as bona fide company employees under the Social Security Act. Now, before…
In a world where diplomatic ties can sway like a gentle breeze or ignite like a spark in tinder, Thailand and Indonesia stand together on the cusp of a remarkable milestone. Seventy-five years of friendship — a significant achievement — with dreams of a future painted with strokes of lasting peace and prosperity. These nations, each with its vibrant culture and indomitable spirit, are steadfast, staring down the complexities of today’s geopolitical landscape side by side. At the heart of this momentous celebration is a commitment to tackle the issues that matter most. As articulated by Mirza Nurhidayat, the director of Southeast Asian affairs at the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry, the focus is clear: Myanmar, a nation in turmoil, and the pervasive threat of transnational crimes. These are not merely isolated whispers but urgent calls to action, demanding that Thailand and Indonesia join forces to forge a united front for…
The idea of gliding over lush treetops while soaking in breathtaking landscapes sounds tempting, doesn’t it? That’s precisely the allure driving the ambitious cable car project being considered at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province. This endeavor, under the stewardship of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), recently got a boost with a two-year extension for its feasibility study, marking a pivotal step towards transforming this vision into reality. Director-General of the DNP, Attapol Charoenchansa, recently shared insights from consultations with the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta), revealing that the department has greenlighted a two-year permit for conducting exhaustive studies in the verdant expanses of the proposed route. This elongated timeframe is meant to encapsulate every intricate assessment necessary, including a comprehensive feasibility study, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and meticulous design specifications. Should the stars align and the EIA garner the coveted…
In recent times, Thailand’s economy has been navigating through rough seas, with Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira acknowledging the impending “turbulence” that is on the horizons over the next six months. As the country’s finance minister, Mr. Pichai attributed this potential economic evolution largely to the ripple effects of a fluctuating global economy. The winds of change started blowing when US President Donald Trump initiated a new tariff policy that sent ripples across the global economic landscape. “There’s been a major global shift, triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, which has impacted all economies,” said Mr. Pichai. He expressed optimism that the world will eventually find a new balance under these changed conditions but cautioned that, in the short term, Thailand might hit a rough patch. The anticipated downturn calls for an agile and ongoing assessment of the situation. Currently basking in the surplus of trade with the…
Moody’s Ratings recently spiced things up for Thailand’s financial scene, and not in the way anyone was hoping. The renowned ratings agency shifted the outlook of seven major Thai financial institutions from stable to negative. This somber list reads like a who’s who of Thailand’s banking heavyweights: Bangkok Bank (BBL), Krungthai Bank (KTB), Kasikornbank (KBank), Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) along with its tech-centric partner SCB X, TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), and the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIMT). This twist of fate didn’t appear out of thin air. Just a day prior, Moody’s put the spotlight on Thailand’s government, switching its outlook to the chilling label of negative. The backdrop to this drama is Thailand’s Baa1 sovereign rating’s outlook dropping to negative, signaling storm clouds over its economic and fiscal fortitude. This comes amid a whirlwind of global trade tensions and new US tariffs, contributing to the world’s ongoing uncertainty cocktail. As…
In a whirlwind of international diplomacy, Thailand seized the chance to advance the long-anticipated free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) during an engaging bilateral meeting with Russia, orchestrated amidst the bustling Brics Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brazil. This exciting revelation was disclosed by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underlining the nation’s strategic engagement at this significant global congregation. Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry’s eloquent spokesperson, enthusiastically shared this development in a recent briefing, crafted to captivate and inform. Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Thailand’s vigilant representative, was the distinguished guest of Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, at the monumental Brics Partnership Session in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro on a lively Tuesday. Themed “The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism,” this meeting aimed to capture Brazil’s ambitious Brics chairmanship agenda, fervently seeking to “Strengthen Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” For…
The air in Chatuchak district is heavy with anticipation as efforts continue at the site of the heart-wrenching building collapse. On the evening of April 28, gripping scenes unfolded at the State Audit Office (SAO) where painstaking operations are underway to bring closure to those awaiting news about their loved ones. With a somber dedication, teams have retrieved five more bodies from the tangled remains of Zone D, marking significant progress amidst widespread anguish. According to Suriyachai Rawiwan, the director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, the discovery occurred between the haunting hours of 10pm on Wednesday and 9am Thursday morning. While this is a step forward in the search operation, the journey is far from over. The relentless quest to find the remaining missing individuals continues with an intensity matched by few other human endeavors. Massive machines groan and toil day and night, though their efforts are not…
Amidst the grandeur of the “MOF Journey 150 Years” event held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira took center stage to unveil a proposal that could redefine Thailand’s fiscal landscape. As balloons marked the 150th anniversary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Chunhavajira presented an innovative yet controversial idea aimed at boosting the kingdom’s state income and curbing its budget deficit. In a room filled with anticipation, Minister Chunhavajira broached the subject of re-evaluating the threshold for collecting value-added tax (VAT) from businesses. At present, only those with annual revenues exceeding 1.8 million baht are subject to VAT. However, the minister proposed a visionary “VAT Category 2” akin to systems employed by certain European nations. By implementing a nominal VAT rate of 1% on businesses earning 1.5 million baht a year, Thailand could potentially rake in an additional 200 billion baht annually. Urban legend has…
The bustling streets of Bangkok reverberated with the vigor and vitality of working-class unity this past Thursday. In an electrifying showcase of comradeship, the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee, the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation, and numerous labor networks joined forces in a remarkable Labor Day parade. Standing in solidarity, they set out from the iconic City Hall towards Government House, holding a moment of silence in remembrance of their fallen comrades who tragically lost their lives in the devastating collapse of the State Audit Office building. Capturing the essence of their cause, photojournalist Nutthawat Wichienbut immortalized the resolute spirit of these labor champions. The heart of this potent rally was the ardent call for reform—a resonant plea for enhanced protections and equitable treatment for workers across the kingdom. With unwavering determination, the marchers proudly wielded signs and banners, underscoring pressing labor issues like equitable wage adjustments and fair compensation during…