The gold market has always had a certain allure, fluctuating dramatically, offering ripe opportunities for the shrewd investor. Whether you’re considering purchasing physical gold or dabbling with gold trading via CFDs (Contracts for Difference), this guide will help you navigate which path might be the golden nugget for your investment strategy. The Case for Gold as an Investment Gold isn’t just a shiny metal; it’s the epitome of a safe-haven asset, glimmering especially during times of economic instability and geopolitical upheaval. It’s treasured for its role in diversifying portfolios and acting as a robust hedge against currency volatility. Central banks across the globe are continually bolstering their gold reserves to bolster financial stability and diminish dependence on foreign currencies. The rising demand for gold makes it an attractive proposition for investors wanting a slice of this gleaming pie. Seizing the Opportunity: Investing in Physical Gold For those new to gold…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a dramatic twist of events, Chinese nationals running call center scams in Laos have scurried across the Mekong River, fleeing to Chiang Rai, according to a border security source. This exodus follows intensified crackdowns by Lao and Chinese authorities on illicit networks and unlawful enterprises operating in Laos. The latest escapade unfolded this past Tuesday in Chiang Sean district when two Chinese men, Yian Tian Shin (34) and Huang Xiang (34), made an illegal dash across the river. Upon their apprehension, they were swiftly booked for illegal immigration, the source confirmed. In a related crackdown on August 21, Border Patrol Police detained nine fugitives, including seven Chinese and two Thai nationals. These Thai individuals had been roped into chauffeuring the Chinese cohorts across provincial roads—from Phan district in Chiang Rai to Mae Sot district in Trat. A meticulous search of their vehicles revealed a clandestine cache of 215 mobile…
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) finds itself under the microscope amid allegations that it granted an airworthiness certificate to an aircraft that wasn’t fit to soar the skies. Kajonpat Maklin, CAAT’s deputy director overseeing civil aviation safety, disclosed yesterday that social media has been abuzz with concerns about potentially substandard aircraft repairs and the subsequent issuance of said certificate. The aircraft at the center of this storm is a Commander 114, a petite four-seater private plane, which had undergone an inspection on December 6, 2023, and received its airworthiness rubber stamp on January 12, 2024. The process of dolling out an airworthiness certificate is no cakewalk. It entails scrutinizing maintenance history, ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives, and adhering to manufacturer safety protocols. Each nook and cranny of the aircraft is examined to ascertain it’s functioning safely and efficiently. Once the CAAT gives its nod of approval, the onus…
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is on a mission to eradicate the scourge of hazing violence plaguing universities across the nation. Spearheaded by the dedicated MHESI Minister, Supamas Isarabhakdi, significant strides are being made in ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for freshmen at the start of the academic year. In a crucial meeting held yesterday, university representatives converged at the ministry to brainstorm strategies to obliterate hazing violence. The meeting was not just another mundane official gathering, but a passionate discourse aimed at transforming the freshman experience. Ms. Supamas highlighted that universities have advised the ministry on collaborative efforts to curb hazing violence. As the new academic term kicks off, first-year students are typically initiated into university life through hazing events euphemistically termed rap nong, which translates to “welcoming freshmen event.” These events have unfortunately become notorious for seniors’ antics—yelling, coercing, and subjecting newcomers…
Amid the tropical allure of Surat Thani, something more than pristine beaches and tranquil resorts is stirring up attention. An undercover investigation led by the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) of the Central Investigation Bureau has unearthed a matter of questionable title deeds stretching across 400 rai on the enchanting island of Koh Rap. Once again, the age-old conflict of development versus conservation has taken center stage. This past Wednesday, a brigade of police officers, accompanied by professionals from multiple agencies, swarmed the island. Their mission? To scrutinize land ownership documents from local establishments—restaurants, hotels, and tourism operators alike—to validate these deeds. Among the bustle, there were business owners showcasing lease contracts tied to temple grounds. These arrangements allowed them to rent the land for a modest fee of 2,000 baht monthly, with room for renewal. Col. Somsak Niamlek, the temporary chief of Crime Suppression Division 5, revealed the impetus behind the…
Amidst the era of digital transformation, where the concept of smart cities shines as the beacon of future urban planning, a pivotal narrative unfolds in Thailand. While the typical narrative emphasizes technological marvels, a crucial perspective arises from the very heart of this transformative initiative: the needs of elderly citizens. Highlighting this focus, academics from Chulalongkorn University decisively advocate for prioritizing the elderly in the tapestry of smart city construction. On a Wednesday filled with promise, the faculty of architecture from Chulalongkorn University aligned with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), marking a significant milestone with a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Lifelong Learning Ecosystem for Smart City Development.” This ceremonial inking was more than just a formality; it set the stage for a future where cities are not just intelligent but also inclusive. The ceremony evolved into a thought-provoking seminar, where discussions shed light on…
The House of Representatives has recently made headlines with a decisive vote that turned down a significant transport bill proposed by the People’s Party (PP). The bill aimed to empower local administrators with the independence to operate transport services and authorize other transport providers. Spearheaded by PP list-MP Surachet Pravinvongvuth, the legislation was brought to the table during the August 21 session, overseen by Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangpan. Initially scheduled for the vote on Wednesday, the outcome saw the House vetoing the proposal by a considerable margin—251 votes against, 151 in favor, and two abstentions—showcasing the bill’s polarizing nature. A crucial opposition voice was that of Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party list-MP Anucha Burapachaisri, who had already expressed his dissent during the August 21 House meeting. Anucha argued that local administrative organizations already possess the status of “operators” as they are licensed to independently manage transport services within their…
In a decisive move yesterday, the Thai parliament unanimously endorsed the framework agreement on the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), setting the stage for its implementation in just 30 days. Garnering an impressive 612 votes during a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, this agreement is poised to reshape various aspects of cooperation between Thailand and the European Union. Back on December 14, 2022, this landmark agreement was signed in Brussels with much fanfare. The then-foreign minister of Thailand, Don Pramudwinai, inked the deal alongside Petr Fiala, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic in his role as the president of the EU Council, and Joseph Borrell, the vice president of the European Commission and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in EU-Thailand relations. The PCA isn’t just a piece of paper;…
The serene but fateful Nak Koet Hill in Phuket has turned into a focal point of controversy following a deadly landslide on August 23 that claimed the lives of 13 individuals and injured another 19. The calamity has escalated into a legal quandary involving the Royal Forest Department, the Foundation of Phra Ming Monkul Sattha, and a towering 45-meter Buddha statue. Bannaruk Sermthong, the Royal Forest Department’s deputy chief, personally led an investigative team to the Moang district scene to probe the fatal landslide. According to their preliminary findings, the root cause of the disaster was linked to the deforestation at the hill’s apex, part of an ambitious project to erect the colossal Buddha figure, which weighs an astonishing 135 tonnes. The towering statue is an integral part of Wat Kittisankaram. The temple had originally sought permission from the Royal Forest Department to utilize 15 rai of land within the…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has gracefully accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam, extended by the Vietnamese premier. This exchange marks a promising step toward enhancing bilateral trade and investment ventures. On her X account yesterday, Ms. Paetongtarn shared the exciting news, revealing a congratulatory call from Pham Minh Chinh on her recent appointment. In an admirable act of diplomacy, Ms. Paetongtarn expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Vietnam for the warm hospitality extended to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during her recent visit. The gesture underscores the profound respect and camaraderie between the two nations. Ms. Paetongtarn articulated her eagerness to collaborate closely with Mr. Pham, particularly focusing on bolstering trade and investment relationships. Both leaders are keen to propel their strategic partnership to new heights, envisioning broader and more dynamic platforms for cooperation. “I expressed my sincere appreciation to the government of Vietnam for the close relations between our two…