In the heart of Southeast Asia, where the hum of electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming as common as the rustle of palm leaves, Dow—a world-renowned leader in materials science and silicone production—is driving a revolutionary wave of sustainable mobility. Their pursuit? To infuse the burgeoning EV scene with cutting-edge material technology solutions that not only push the envelope but also underline a commitment to a greener future. The EV industry in Southeast Asia is revving up at an astonishing pace. Chinese brands, in particular, have made impressive inroads, marking their territory with investments, factory setups, and production commencements. By May 2024, prominent Chinese companies had already established a vibrant presence in the region, with Thailand leading the charge as the top destination, followed closely by Malaysia and Indonesia. This shift aligns seamlessly with Thailand’s ambitious 2020 initiative—the formation of the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee (NEVPC). Their vision for 2035…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a groundbreaking move at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, five prominent carbon market associations from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the broader ASEAN region united under a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC). This ambitious partnership is set to drive the development of the ASEAN Common Carbon Framework (AACF), a pivotal blueprint aiming to set the gold standard for carbon credit trading across the region. By promoting transparency and efficiency, this initiative is poised to usher in a new era of low-carbon society across Southeast Asia. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished personalities, such as Mr. Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change; Mr. Stanley Loh, Permanent Secretary for Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment; Mr. Ahmad Kamrizamil Mohd Riza, Malaysia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan; and Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group CEO and President of…
Step into the bustling heart of Bangkok this November 2024 and prepare to be swept away by a culinary spectacle of epic proportions. The stage is set for a gastronomic feast as Blue by Alain Ducasse, a Michelin-starred jewel in the city’s vibrant fine-dining scene, marks its fifth anniversary with an event that food aficionados won’t want to miss. On the illustrious evening of Saturday, November 23rd, Blue by Alain Ducasse will serve as the theater for a dazzling four-hand collaboration, bringing together the culinary prowess of two renowned chefs. Chef Wilfrid Hocquet, the esteemed Executive Chef of Blue, invites the imaginative Chef Joris Rousseau of Hong Kong’s acclaimed Feuille to co-create an unforgettable dining experience. These two culinary virtuosos promise to weave together a symphony of flavors that artfully marries the finest French and local ingredients with a commitment to seasonality and sustainability. The curated menu, an artistic expression…
Break out your party hats and champagne glasses because there’s a virtual fiesta going on in the tech universe! The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry is pulling out all the stops to turbocharge dreams into reality with a magnificent nearly 20% boost to their coveted technology fund. How much more, you ask? Enough to make 270 entrepreneurial dreams soar to new heights come next year! It’s all part of the Ministry’s mission to transform fresh ideas into money-making ventures and sprinkle a little magic dust on the startup realm. Recently, the Technology and Innovation-based Enterprise Development Fund, affectionately known as the TED Fund (no relation to that famous TED talk, although equally inspiring), threw a massive shindig, dubbed TED Fund Grant Day 2024. It’s their way of saying “cheers” to their tireless efforts in helping the innovation wizards of tomorrow commercialize their creations today. Leading the charge is…
In the bustling world of Thai politics, where power plays and civic duties often collide, the spotlight is currently shining on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. A storm has been brewing around a notable piece of real estate, with its roots deeply entwined in religious heritage and family ties. The plot in question, an expansive 924-rai of land in Pathum Thani, has drawn the attention of none other than former senator Somchai Sawangkarn, who, like a political detective, is unraveling a saga richer than any fictional novel. Somchai, demonstrating the persistence of a relentless gumshoe, recently penned a third open letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn, urging her to expedite the saga of a monastic plot of land now occupied by the Alpine Golf Course. He’s not asking for a mere bureaucratic nod; no, he wants swift justice and transparency. The senator’s previous letters had found little traction, seemingly lost in the…
Amidst much anticipation and excitement, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, flanked by government officials and eager onlookers, inaugurated the “Economic Revitalization Project” last month at Government House. The buzz in the air was palpable, a sign of an unfolding economic story pivotal for Thailand’s future. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In a bid to steer the nation’s economic course onto a path of robust growth next year, the Finance Ministry is gearing up to unveil an elaborate economic stimulus package. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat spilled some beans about the impending proposal, hinting at a considerable 10,000-baht cash handout via digital wallets. It’s the Finance Ministry’s way of ringing in the New Year with a bang for Thai citizens. Petite as clues about the package may be, Julapun tantalized with promises of not only tax measures but also lifelines for debtors, like low-interest loans and concessions. The quest? To untangle financial burdens and…
In the complex choreography of international relations, where diplomacy and national interests waltz on a tangled dance floor, the anticipated appointment of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to mediate dialogue with Cambodia over disputed maritime zones in the Gulf of Thailand teetered on the brink of uncertainty. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, a prominent figure at the helm of these murky waters, expressed that the meeting on Tuesday might not see the cabinet nodding approval for the JTC’s formation. Despite whispers in the corridors of power suggesting a green light, the minister offered a dose of parliamentary reality: “It might just not be ready,” he mused, injecting a note of anticipation into the air of suspense. Speculation brewed over whether Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, having just returned from the APEC summit—a swirl of high-stakes economics and politics in faraway Peru—would indeed preside over the weekly cabinet assembly.…
Picture this: it’s a warm day in Nonthaburi, and a group of passionate campaigners are making their voices heard at the Public Health Ministry. They’ve gathered to push for a significant change in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act BE 2551, rallying to eliminate the use of alcohol logos in selling non-alcoholic products. Pattarapong Chatpattaras captures this spirited moment in an evocative snapshot. Fast forward to the present, where the magic of legislation is in the air. Led by the diligent Wisarn Techathirawat, chairman of the special committee scrutinizing alcohol control legislation, a new Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill is nearing completion. About 80% there, this draft will soon make its grand entrance into the hallowed halls of parliament by mid-December. During Monday’s national academic conference on alcohol, Mr. Wisarn shared that not one, not two, but five distinctive drafts have been approved by parliament. Talk about a creative stew! Each draft…
Picture a serene stretch of Hat Chao Mai beach in Trang province where gentle waves kiss the shoreline. Just off this tranquil setting, a recent survey unravelled a heart-rending discovery—a dugong was seen gliding through the waters, a rare sight that now fills marine conservationists with both joy and concern. This sighting, captured by the vigilant team from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in September, has spurred an urgent conversation about these enchanting creatures’ fate. Yet, beneath the gentle waves, the story takes a somber turn. On a calm Sunday, the idyllic shores of Krabi were disrupted by troubling news—a dugong was found lifeless, stranded upon Si Boya Island’s sands. With a heavy heart, Ali Channam, the president of the Love the Krabi Sea Association, reported the sighting. It was a female, not quite mature at just one meter long, her tusks absent and her body-mottled…
In an admirable show of international cooperation and dedication to wildlife preservation, Thailand is set to return an impressive number of over 900 lemurs and rare turtles to their native Madagascar. These creatures were seized from the illegal wildlife trade, and the operation has been lauded by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) as a testament to their commitment to combating wildlife crimes. DNP chief, Attapol Charoenchansa, proudly announced that a total of 963 animals, encompassing charismatic species like the ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, spider tortoises, and radiated tortoises, are under the protective custody of authorities. These animals were originally intercepted from an illegal smuggling network in Chumphon, unveiled during a strategic crackdown back in May. “This operation serves as a powerful display of cross-border collaboration aimed at the protection and conservation of species threatened by extinction. It’s a clear indication of our unwavering dedication to…