Let’s embark on a financial journey that reads like a high-flying adventure story, starring Minor International Public Company Limited, referred to with the affectionate shorthand, MINT. On an exhilarating day, May 14, 2024, MINT unfurled its financials for the world to see, revealing a first quarter that was nothing short of cinematic. Imagine the scene: despite the chill of its European hotel business’s low season, MINT’s net earnings soared to a stunning THB 1,146 million in 1Q24. Picture the applause, the dropped jaws—this was a blockbuster turnaround from a THB 976 million sinkhole just a year prior. At the heart of this financial magnum opus was a tale of determination and strategy. The core net story spun a narrative of resilience—down to THB 352 million in losses, yet showing a 46% improvement. The heroes of this saga, MINT’s hotel and restaurant divisions, dazzled with dynamic pricing strategies and sizzling sales,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling, sun-drenched coastal city of Pattaya, a tale both tragic and bewildering unfolded high above the streets, casting a shadow over the sprawling urban landscape. On a day like any other, the tranquility of a condominium on the 21st floor was shattered, not by the usual suspects of thunder or a tempest, but by a sequence of events that veered swiftly into the realm of the surreal. The heart of this tale is a woman, Waewprakai, a 25-year-old whose life took a tumultuous turn following a series of decisions fueled by the heat of the moment and, as fate would have it, alcohol. It was early in the morning when she stumbled back to the flat she shared with her same-sex partner, not knowing that the day would end with her facing charges as severe as animal abuse, physical assault, and property damage. Waewprakai’s recount of the events…
Dive into the fascinating world of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), a titan in the realm of integrated agro-industrial and food businesses, which recently dazzled the financial markets by announcing a jaw-dropping net profit of THB 1,152 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. This isn’t just any ordinary achievement; it’s a spectacular 142% leap compared to the same time last year. What’s the secret sauce behind this success, you might wonder? It’s a combination of riding the wave of favorable livestock pricing trends across Asia and making smart tweaks in production efficiency that have considerably eased the burdens of animal husbandry costs. The man at the helm, Mr. Prasit Boondoungprasert, CP Foods’ visionary CEO, took a moment to reflect on the journey. It’s been a rollercoaster year with its fair share of ups and downs, sprinkled with challenges like skyrocketing costs and market saturation…
Imagine a world where the colors of the rainbow shine a little brighter, and the promise of equality is not just a distant dream but a tangible reality on the horizon. This is the vision that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the dynamic leader of the Pheu Thai Party and the pioneering chairwoman of the National Committee on Soft Power Development, is passionately pursuing. Amidst the bustling energy of Bangkok, in the heart of the stylish Siam Discovery shopping centre, a beacon of hope was lit for the LGBTQ+ community during the announcement of this year’s exuberant Pride Month festival, set to unfold from the vibrant last day of May through the entirety of June. Paetongtarn, with the determination in her eyes and the force of history behind her, declared an audacious goal: to champion a groundbreaking law recognizing the rights of transgender individuals before the year 2030. But this isn’t just any…
Imagine a tale wrapped in mysticism, modern bureaucracy, and the echoes of ancient spirits. This is the story of “Nong Nice,” an eight-year-old boy residing in the heart of Thailand, who finds himself at the crossroads of governmental concern and spiritual intrigue. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, under the vigilant eye of Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, has embarked on a mission that reads like the plot of a fantastical novel. The crux of the matter lies in Nong Nice’s claimed telepathic abilities and his assertions of being a reincarnation of Lord Buddha, coupled with powers straight out of the lore surrounding the naga, a revered serpent in Thai mythology. Varawut Silpa-archa, painting a picture of dedication mingled with frustration, recounts the ministry’s efforts to engage with Nong Nice. Despite the goal of simply assessing the boy’s mental and emotional well-being, each attempt to do so has met with…
In the bustling world of politics and finance, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira recently found himself navigating through waves of criticism following the resignation of his former deputy, Krisada Chinavicharana. It seems the political corridors were echoing with the sound of departure, as Mr. Krisada’s resignation letter made headlines, sparking curiosity and conjecture among the masses and the media alike. Why would someone with a flourishing career in finance choose to step down, you ask? Well, according to the letter penned by Mr. Krisada on the 8th of May—now a document of public interest—he and Mr. Pichai didn’t exactly see eye to eye when it came to their work philosophies. Moreover, Mr. Krisada felt a lack of respect in their professional relationship, a sentiment that could chill any workplace atmosphere. Mr. Pichai’s response to this bombshell? A rather calm and collected acknowledgment that differences and disagreements are…
Imagine a place where history whispers from every corner, a majestic estate nestled atop a hill, built in 1859 by King Rama IV as an escape from the scorching summer heat. This is none other than Phra Nakhon Khiri, also affectionately known as Khao Wang. A place so steeped in history and beauty, it draws over 200,000 visitors yearly, all eager to step back in time within its remarkable grounds. It’s no wonder then that the Ministry of Culture, spearheaded by the indomitable Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, has set its sights on elevating Phra Nakhon Khiri to even grander heights. Their vision? To see this breathtaking 165-year-old historical park, which gracefully juxtaposes the elegance of neoclassical architecture with opulent Chinese influences, inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The announcement came during a mobile cabinet meeting held in Phetchaburi, captivating the audience with the ambition of highlighting this jewel in…
In the bustling heart of Klong Toey market, amidst the cacophony of vendors hawking their freshest produce and the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables that paint every corner, there lies a hidden symphony of sustainability. Workers, with their carts brimming with the remnants of the day’s trade, navigate through the throng to a collection point. Here, what many would dismiss as mere garbage, begins its journey toward a greener purpose, transforming into compost under the vigilant care of City Hall. This initiative is not just a mere act of environmental kindness; it represents a substantial financial triumph. It’s like turning lemons into lemonade, but in this case, turning discarded peels and wilted leaves into nutrient-rich gold. City Hall’s innovative approach to managing organic waste has led to a staggering saving of more than 141 million baht in refuse disposal costs last year. The centrifuge of this remarkable strategy? The…
Welcome to the labyrinth of Thai politics, where the drama unfolds with the subtlety of a chess game and the suspense of a thriller novel. In the latest episode of this riveting saga, we find ourselves wrapped up in the prelude to the Senate elections—a time when the air is thick with anticipation and the rules of engagement are as clear as mud. The Election Commission (EC), the all-seeing eye overseeing this political ballet, held a pow-wow with the press to clarify the dos and don’ts for Senate election candidates. It’s like a dance where everyone’s trying to figure out the steps without stepping on each other’s toes. Imagine this: Senate candidates, brimming with expertise and eager to share their wisdom, are caught in a Catch-22. They can grace the media with their presence, talk up a storm about their prowess in whatever field they dominate—be it engineering marvels or…
In the heart of Bangkok, under the somber glow of the moon, a poignant scene unfolded outside the Criminal Court. Here, amidst the hushed whispers of the night, about 200 souls congregated, their hands tenderly placing candles and flowers at a makeshift memorial dedicated to the memory of Netiporn Sanesangkhom, a spirited activist whose untimely departure earlier that day had sent ripples of sorrow through the community. The air was thick with grief and the flickering candles cast long shadows, embodying the collective mourning (Photo: iLaw FX X account). Following the tragic news, the cry for justice and reform surged with newfound intensity. Notable figures within the activist movement, shaken by the event, took to social media to express their heartache and amplify their pleas for change. Nattawut Saikuar, a seasoned warrior of political dialogues, turned to Facebook to articulate his lament. “No one is supposed to die for thinking…