Envision a marketplace where the air we breathe and the energy we consume come with a hidden ‘tag’, one that assigns a value to the very emissions we’re striving to reduce. This is the intriguing world of carbon credit trading, and Thailand is in the midst of this high-stakes arena. With an impressive reserve of around 15 million tonnes of these ‘green’ badges, Thailand stands at a crossroads; the country finds itself grappling with a fascinating paradox—a surplus of credits, yet a market that’s more like an exclusive party than a bustling bazaar. Peeking into this green marketplace, one finds a curious state of affairs. Despite the abundance of carbon credits, Thai businesses are playing a strategic game of keep-away, opting to treasure these credits against their future emissions—a savvy move, but one that contributes to the scant trade volumes we’re witnessing today. It’s akin to holding onto a rare…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine this: It’s a brisk Tuesday morning, and Srettha, the ever-efficient Finance Minister, shares his latest life hack for productivity with a touch of humour — he’s decided to transform his nightly routine into a strategic move! Starting January 7th, he’ll be saying goodbye to the daily grind of city traffic and tucking himself in at the iconic Government House. Yes, you heard that right; he’s swapping out his home address temporarily for the most prestigious one in town! But where exactly will the PM rest his head after those long hours of number-crunching and policy-making? Enter the enchanting Thai Khu Fah Building, a marvel of architecture that recently underwent a magical transformation. A cozy room within its walls has been crafted into a sanctuary that screams simplicity and sophistication – because who says you can’t mix business with comfort? Picture this: A spacious office seamlessly flows into a bedroom…
Imagine this: A tropical paradise where the sun kisses the horizon and the coconut trees sway in rhythm with the gentle sea breeze. This is Thailand, a nation synonymous with breathtaking landscapes and a glorious fusion of history and modernity. Yet, as the Thai cabinet deliberated on an economic booster shot, a rather contentious protagonist emerged—the local liquor tax exemption as part of an economic stimulus package. It set the stage for some passionate discourse among scholars, including the esteemed Dr. Narit Pisalyabutr from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). However, according to these researchers, such tax breaks might not cheer throngs of tourists into Thailand. Cutting excise taxes, they argue, would steer away from the very essence of taxation—serving as guardians for societal wellbeing. Let’s take a closer look at Dr. Narit’s perspective. With a profound understanding of the ripple effects of alcohol on health and society, he’s not…
Imagine the heart of a nation as a vast treasure chest brimming with gold, filled to the brim, yet always anticipating the unexpected twist of fate that could come knocking. That’s precisely the picture Srettha painted as he stood before the House, a masterful orator weaving a narrative of prudent fiscal planning and bold forward-thinking. The air was thick with anticipation as the debate on the fiscal 2024 budget bill commenced. Politicians gathered, their voices set to echo through the halls from Wednesday dawn to Thursday dusk, each side armed with a hefty 20-hour arsenal for verbal jousting. It wasn’t a scene for the faint-hearted. Opposition MPs launched their inquiries with the precision of seasoned archers, but Srettha was no mere bystander. He rose, embodying the unshakeable confidence of a government steadfast in its quest. He was there to champion a bill that was more than a mere allocation of…
The tranquility of a serene orchard bathed in the soft glow of moonlight was rudely disrupted by an audacious act of thievery. In the dead of night, a time when only the crickets should be heard, a middle-aged man with a mission sauntered into the groves. His expedition was not for pleasure, not to bask in the fragrant aroma of ripe pomelos, but to pillage and plunder the fruits of another’s labor. With meticulous stealth, he harvested the majestic pomelos, heavy with juice, and spirited them away into the dark recesses of fertiliser bags on that fateful night of December 30. The saga didn’t end there. The bandit, not content with his citrus bounty, dared to covet more. His grasping hands didn’t just swipe papayas but also laid claim to electric wires and even water pumps – instruments crucial to the very lifeblood of the farm’s operations. Yet, the machinations…
Welcome to the vibrant tapestry of Chiang Mai, a city that beats with the pulse of history interwoven with cosmopolitan charm. In recent years, the flutter of foreign footsteps through its ancient streets had slowed, the pandemic casting a long shadow on this Northern Thai haven. Yet, whispers of excitement tingle through the air as Chiang Mai eagerly anticipates a lively resurgence of global guests. Let’s delve into numbers that paint a picture of this ebb and flow of tourism. Cast your mind back to the days before the world stood still; in 2019, Chiang Mai’s embrace held 1.18 million international souls. Fast forward to today, and we see that figure as a benchmark for a return to travel normalcy, expected to be met once again by 2025. The descent of Chinese visitors to Chiang Mai, however, has been stark. The gongs and drums of Chinese New Year that once…
Dive deep into the heart of economic conundrums and societal challenges as we explore the riveting realm of fiscal policy! Imagine a world where every tap of your smartphone sends a quiver through the national treasury. Yes, we’re talking about the digital wallet cash handout scheme—a sparkling idea that could, believe it or not, wrinkle the perfectly ironed budget sheets for the upcoming fiscal year. Picture the scene: The Powers That Be, huddled around an oversized table, crunching numbers that dance like electrons in a fiscal frenzy. The Public Policy Oracle (a.k.a. the PBO) leans forward, clears its throat, and drops a bombshell of wisdom: structure this scheme with the finesse of a chess grandmaster—meticulous and strategic to avoid a debt spiral that could make the Exchequer weep. But wait, there’s more! Our story takes on a societal twist, where themes of ageing demographics, the echoing cries of poverty, and…
Imagine a place where the pulse of the city meets the serene whisper of nature, where the skyline brushes against the treetops, and the air is alive with the magic of storytelling and the soft echo of meditation chants. This is no mere daydream; it’s the enchanting reality of the annual three-day festival at Benchakitti Forest Park, a verdant oasis nestled in the heart of bustling Bangkok. As the sun peeks over the horizon, bathing the park in its golden hues, the festival blossoms into life with an early morning alms-giving ceremony. Watch as the collective spirit of generosity unfurls, while lines of saffron-clad Buddhist monks collect offerings in a time-honored tradition that marks the auspicious start of the weekend festivities. For those seeking adventure, join the nature journey workshops where guided tours unravel the secrets of the park’s rich tapestry of fauna and flora. It’s an intimate encounter with…
Welcome to the thrilling, clandestine world of modern-day rogues and the tireless law enforcement officials who pursue them. In our tale, the setting is the lush landscapes of Thailand, where an intricate game of cat and mouse unfolds between masterminds of human smuggling and the determined Immigration Police force. Leading the forces of justice is the vigilant Lt-General Itthipol Itthisaronnachai, a name that instills fear in the underworld’s hearts. This savvy chief recently orchestrated a bold maneuver that saw the capture of a significant chess piece in this risky game – Abdullah, 56, obscured by the monsoon’s shadows in Nongjik district of Pattani province. This man, a cunning enigma, stood accused of weaving an elaborate web across national lines, nefariously smuggling bright-eyed Bangladeshi workers from the temples of Cambodia to the heart of the Kingdom. He was no low-level pawn; his network, shrouded in secrecy, had withstood the relentless pursuit…
Welcome, intrepid travelers, daily commuters, and urban wanderers alike to the thrilling odyssey that is metropolitan transit! Let us embark on a journey, not of physical distance, but of an informational sojourn through the winding tracks of the Yellow Line in the heart of Thailand. Our tale begins with an air of urgency and foresight, as the esteemed Electric Boat Manufacturing company—or EBM as the logo on their futuristic vessels will tell you—issued a beacon of warning to the masses. It was Wednesday, and the somber news fluttered through the city like a page caught in the wind: “Adjust your watches, dear riders,” they said. “The tides of travel have shifted, and we must ride with them.” They extended their sincerest apologies, like a courteous bow before the performance of an orchestra. But what could cause such tumultuous waves in our typically uneventful river of routine? Ah, let me weave…