In a world swirling with financial speculations and economic projections, one voice, that of Senior Country Officer Marco Sucharitkul, cuts through the noise with a message of optimism for Thailand. Despite recent adjustments by several financial bigwigs, including the Bank of Thailand—trimming the nation’s 2024 GDP growth forecast from an enthusiastic 3% down to a more cautious range of 2.3-2.7%—Marco’s confidence in Thailand remains unshaken. The reason? Weaker-than-expected export growth and a slight stumble in manufacturing competitiveness haven’t dimmed the country’s inherent brilliance as a beacon of hope in Southeast Asia. Marco paints a vivid picture of Thailand’s 2024 economic landscape, one that’s on the brink of a resplendent recovery. According to him, a concoction of fiscal relaxation, a booming revival in tourism, and a welcoming normalisation in service sector employment are the key drivers propelling Thailand towards prosperity. And let’s not overlook the government’s strategic chess moves—extending visas for…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Picture this: a bustling economy where money flows as freely as the Chao Phraya River, vibrantly weaving through the heart of Thailand. This picturesque scene is exactly what the private sector, led by the astute FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul, envisions for the nation. With the discernment of a seasoned enthusiast of economic growth, Thiennukul has tirelessly championed the need for an unbroken cascade of financial infusions into the system. In his latest appeal to the powers that be, Thiennukul has thrown the spotlight on the urgency of bolstering the economy through innovative avenues. His message is clear: it’s high time the government ramped up its game by expediting procurement processes. And why, you ask? The answer lies in the ambitious digital wallet scheme set to hit the ground running in the final stretch of 2024. Picture an initiative so groundbreaking, it promises to arm Thais aged 16 and upward with…
Imagine embarking on a journey through the heart of Bangkok on Songkran Day, where the vibrant festivities are in full swing. Picture this: a boat gracefully wends its way along the Chao Phraya River, amid a grand procession honoring a Buddha image, against the stunning backdrop of the Temple of Dawn. This captivating scene unfolded this past Saturday, symbolizing not just the spiritual depth of Thai culture but also an environmental triumph. The capital city boasted safe levels of PM2.5, standing as a beacon among 45 provinces breathing easier over the past 24 hours. However, not all residents of Thailand woke to such clear skies on Sunday morning. A concerning update by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) at 9 am painted a different picture for three provinces. Mae Hong Son, nestled in the North, registered alarming PM2.5 concentrations at 96.5 micrograms per cubic metre, crossing the threshold…
Amidst the soothing sea breezes of Hua Hin, a coastal haven in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently addressed swirling rumors of a cabinet shuffle with a calm dismissal. “Rest assured, no game of ministerial musical chairs is slated for today, tomorrow, or any time soon,” the Prime Minister confidently asserted, his statement cutting through the speculative chatter like a skipper navigating through turbulent seas. The muffled whispers of an imminent reshuffle have been circulating like the elusive coastal fog, causing discomfort among the ranks and prompting calls to the Prime Minister himself. Srettha, enjoying a quaint holiday in Hua Hin, quashed these rumors with the finesse of a seasoned statesman. “Rumors are just that – rumors. Yet, they have a way of unsettling even the most stoic of hearts,” he mused, addressing the concern with a hint of philosophical reflection. The speculation had even suggested that…
Reflecting on my adventures feels like delving into a treasure chest of vivid memories and eccentric tales, and few are as colorfully wild and whimsically delightful as my journey back in April 1969 to the Thai resort town of Hua Hin. Picture this: a young wanderer, heart full of dreams, pockets nearly empty, embarking on an epic journey across Asia from the bustling streets of London, with nothing but a sense of adventure to guide me. By the time my fellow Brit, Clarence Shettlesworth, and I reached the vibrant city of Bangkok, our wallets were singing the blues. Our grand plan? To hitchhike our way to Alor Satar in Malaysia, where financial salvation in the form of a bank transfer awaited Clarence. But first, we found ourselves on the cusp of a sweltering April 14, on the side of Petchkasem Highway in Thonburi, armed with nothing but our thumbs and…
In the sun-kissed, breezy locales of Hua Hin, a picturesque district known for its serene beaches and vibrant seaside ambience, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin found himself amidst swirling winds of another kind – the whirlwind of political speculation. Yet, amid the whiff of salt in the air and the lazy swaying of palm trees, the Prime Minister’s demeanor remained unshaken as he tackled the swirling rumours of a looming cabinet reshuffle with a cool dismissal. “The word on the street, apparently, is that change is afoot. But let me be as clear as this pristine seaside air, there’s no cabinet reshuffle on the agenda. Not today, not tomorrow, not even the day after,” affirmed Mr. Srettha, his words slicing through the rumours with the precision of a finely-tuned yacht cutting through the waves. His holiday retreat in Hua Hin, far from being a mere escapade from the demands of high…
In the enchanting realms of Buddhist tradition, the act of releasing creatures back into the wild, particularly freshwater animals into the veins of our natural world such as rivers and canals, stands as a poignant symbol of kindness and merit—especially during the mesmerizing celebration of Songkran. However, a ripple of concern has been cast upon these waters by the Department of Fisheries, a guardian of our aquatic ecosystems. Bancha Sukkaew, the esteemed chief of the fisheries department, stepped into the limelight yesterday with a message that carried the weight of the rivers themselves. He cast a shadow of warning over these acts of generosity, revealing that these intentions, though pure at heart, might be unknowingly weaving a tangled web in the delicate fabric of nature. According to Bancha, the introduction of “alien species” into our waters is like throwing a stone into a pond—the ripples can touch shorelines we never…
In an exhilarating turn of events that has everyone talking, the Land of Smiles just upped its hospitality game with a significant wage increase that took effect recently. Yes, folks, you heard it right. The daily minimum wage in the realm of Thailand’s upscale hotels and resorts has been catapulted to an impressive 400 baht. This marks the second hike this year, painting a picture of a commitment to improving the lives of its diligent workers. The deputy government spokesman, Karom Polpornklang, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm as he detailed the developments. It’s not just the hard-working hotel and resort staff who are receiving a financial pat on the back; state officials are also on the brink of a 10% salary uplift, set to roll out on the 1st of May. It’s a double celebration, and the air is buzzing with anticipation. This latest wage enhancement stretches its generous arms to…
In the heart of Southeast Asia, under the tropical sun, an extraordinary tale of hope and resilience unfolds on the banks of the Moei River, marking the border between Thailand and Myanmar. This riveting story began on a day like no other, April 13, 2024, when the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge became a symbol of courage and desperation. On this day, hundreds of souls, driven by fear and hope, crossed the river frontier, escaping the turmoil that had overtaken the strategic border town, now in the hands of rebels fighting against Myanmar’s military junta. These individuals, seeking refuge in the peaceful embrace of Mae Sot, Tak province, Thailand, painted a picture of human tenacity and the quest for freedom. The stage of this drama was further set by the Karen National Union (KNU), a group with a steadfast resolve to rewrite the narrative of conflict. On a mission to anchor peace…
Military personnel, standing as silent sentinels amidst the chaotic tableau of human desperation, looked on as a human tide of refugees surged across the river that serves as the frontier between Myanmar and Thailand. This was not just another day in Mae Sot, Tak province, Thailand, but a pivotal Friday, the 13th of April, 2024, marking the latest chapter in the unfolding saga of Myanmar’s strife as rebels seized control of a strategic border town, evoking scenes reminiscent of historical exoduses. The backdrop of this dramatic exodus is the 2021 coup in Myanmar, an event that has since etched itself into the annals of the country’s tumultuous history. The military junta, having wrested control, now finds itself embroiled in an enduring contest of wills against a mosaic of armed factions. This relentless opposition recently culminated in a significant blow to the junta’s grip: the fall of Myawaddy, a town that…