Welcome to the twilight of 2023, where we just witnessed an event in the tech world as deliciously rare as a perfect croissant: PC shipments have finally seen an uptick, defying the gravity of an eight-quarter downturn. Cast your memory back to the relative stone age of 2022, and you’ll see that we’ve squeaked past that year’s numbers by a whimsical 0.3%, summoning up 63.3 million units in the fourth quarter according to the ace detectives over at Gartner, Inc. Hitting the rewind button even further, this is akin to the comeback tour we’ve been waiting for since the nostalgic days of 2006 – the last time we saw shipment levels dipping below the magical 250-million mark. Yet, in a plot twist no one saw coming, 2023 has officially become the year we pressed pause, settling at a rather solid 241.8 million units. Enter Mikako Kitagawa, Gartner’s Director Analyst and…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Picture this: A quaint, serene municipality in Ban Mo district in Saraburi, typically brimming with life and the hustle of everyday affairs. Suddenly, a shadow of misdeed cast itself as whispers of corruption began to surface. This wasn’t just a rumor around the water cooler—it was the kind of scandal that saw Mr. Prachum Khwanmuang, the well-regarded mayor of Tambon Talad Noi municipality, led away in handcuffs by a cadre of anti-corruption warriors. It was a scene straight out of a crime drama—the kind that captures audiences with tales of power and greed. But this was no fiction. On a typically unassuming Tuesday, the 58-year-old mayor stood accused of playing a game more dangerous than politics—the game of bribery. Imagine the shock! The mayor, the steady hand that guides the community, wrapped in the tentacles of avarice. Lured by the siren song of unjust gain, officials from the Anti-Corruption Commission…
In the hallowed halls of academia, where the pursuit of knowledge is revered, a scandal has surfaced, sending shockwaves through the ivory towers. The prestigious Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, a beacon of learning in the land, has been compelled to draw the curtain on the not-so-scholarly dealings of two errant university lecturers. These individuals have been caught in the act of academic chicanery, leading to their dismissal and sparking a fervent debate about the integrity of academic research. The mighty hand of justice, in the form of the diligent Deputy Permanent Secretary Supachai Pathumnakul, descended upon a group of 109 academics from a sweeping breadth of 33 universities. In a meticulous operation to weed out research misconduct, investigations have ripped through the veil of respectability, revealing a headline-worthy scandal. Though 74 of these scholarly suspects have been scrutinized, 60 breathed sighs of relief, their reputations intact.…
Welcome to the serene Koh Yao Noi, an enchanting oasis nestled in the heart of Phangnga, a hidden gem soon to be polished into a sparkling wellness destination. The Public Health Ministry has its eyes set on transforming this tranquil paradise by enhancing its medical facilities and pioneering long-stay luxuries that beckon tourists from around the world. Koh Yao Noi’s beacon of health, Kohyaochaipat Hospital, stands as a solitary sanctuary, offering solace to the island’s 12,000 inheritors of paradise and healing for travelers seeking respite. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew envisages this humble abode of healing as the next “smart hospital,” a strategic move that promises to redefine the meaning of medical care. The enchanting vistas of Koh Yao district are ripe for the chapter of tourism evolution—an ambition that the government pledges to nurture with incentives aimed to encourage spending bliss and foster local employment opportunities. Imagine an emerald…
Imagine a land where the skies are bustling with international flights, where tourists from distant shores arrive without the hassle of visa applications, whisked through immigration and stepping into the vibrant heart of Asia. This isn’t merely a daydream; it’s the vision that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has for Thailand—a nation poised on the brink of becoming the continent’s shining aviation beacon. In a dynamic keynote that could rouse the most discerning of travelers and policymakers alike, Prime Minister Srettha unfurled his grand plans at “Thailand 2024 The Great Challenges”. The premier emphasized tourism not as a mere sector, but as a cornerstone of Thailand’s forthcoming renaissance. With the ink barely dry on a groundbreaking reciprocal visa exemption program with China, the premier’s eyes are now set on Europe, seeking to parlay with the powers that be in the European Union. The goal? A similar tapestry of travel ease between…
Welcome to the thrilling roller coaster that is the economic landscape of our beloved nation—one that can induce more sweat than a high-intensity workout at the gym! Picture the scene: government halls abuzz, numbers crunched, and projections flying left and right. Enter the protagonist of our tale, the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), bearing news that left many in the corridors of power a tad bit flustered. With the finesse of a seasoned storyteller, FPO unveils a report that might have economists reaching for their reading glasses—last year’s economic expansion clocked in at a modest 1.8%, and the crystal ball predicts a tread-in-place projection of 2.8% for the upcoming annum. Now, our gallant government helmed by the Pheu Thai Party is not one to shy away from a challenge. Proclaiming their resolve to awaken the slumbering economy, they’ve set their sights on an ambitious 5% growth target before the next election…
Imagine a world where medical innovation and public health advancements are celebrated with the pomp and ritual worthy of royals. Now, picture a regal backdrop where history and humanitarian achievements intertwine under the resplendent roof of the Grand Palace, with the ever-graceful Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the helm, bestowing the prestigious Prince Mahidol Award. This is not a scene from a fable, but the grandiose setting where Professor Dr. Napoleone Ferrara and Professor Dr. Barry H. Rumack were honored as visionaries in their fields for the year 2023. The esteemed Professors, both hailing from the United States, ceremoniously joined an elite circle of individuals who have left indelible marks on the medical universe. The air was thick with gratitude as they acknowledged this recognition, an emblem of their unwavering commitment and transformative scientific research that has propelled medical treatments into new stratospheres. This accolade was no…
In the quiet corridors of Praneel Watchara School, spanning a remarkable 28 years, one can often encounter Somnuek Boopol with his trusty broom in hand. As schools like Praneel in Samut Prakan reverberate with the laughter of children by day, the consistent swish-and-flick of Somnuek’s dutiful maintenance ensures a clean and inviting learning environment. In the wake of an unsettling event, the diligent work of janitors such as Somnuek has been cast into the spotlight. The Education Ministry is keen to rally support for hiring more custodians, not only to maintain order and cleanliness but also to strengthen surveillance efforts within educational compounds. Following a harrowing episode where a female caretaker, while lending her hand in safeguarding school assets, fell victim to a violent altercation in Chiang Rai’s Muang district, a collaborative initiative between the Education Ministry, the Interior Ministry, and the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has emerged. The incident,…
As the sun begins its majestic rise over the bustling streets of Bangkok, an air of anticipation permeates the cityscape. A distinguished guest is set to arrive—none other than German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This state visit, hosted at the behest of Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, heralds a renewed bridge of friendship and collaboration, the first of its kind in more than two decades. An odyssey to Thailand unraveled in 22 long years is about to be relived, as government spokesperson Chai Watcharonke announces President Steinmeier’s historic three-day sojourn beginning this Wednesday. The stage is set for captivating dialogues and sumptuous luncheons, all in the spirit of fostering bilateral ties that promise to go beyond the ordinary. The agenda is tantalizing, brimming with talks of trade flourishes and sustainable ventures. Thursday will witness the crescendo of the visit—a tête-à-tête with Mr. Srettha, where the spotlight will dance upon issues such…
Imagine the skies, once a clear canvas of blue, now a bustling superhighway for technology’s latest leap – drones. At the heart of this evolution stands Thailand’s innovative Defence Technology Institute (DTI), which recently unveiled a drone crafted by a symphony of private brilliance and public intel. This marvel of modern ingenuity took to the heavens in a display that would make any tech enthusiast’s heart soar. But let’s delve deeper into a world where the hum of drone propellers is interwoven with the art of defense and strategy. Tuesday unfolded as a day steeped in military gravitas, as the elite echelon of Thailand’s defense forces converged, their gazes set firmly on the horizon of emerging threats. The announcement that echoed through the hall was clear: the art of war now includes the mastery of counter-drone prowess. This isn’t merely another bullet point in a training manual; it’s a clarion…