On February 23, 2022, patrons frequented a local branch of the Government Savings Bank, seeking much-needed financial services. This scene is a part of the unfolding narrative regarding the national concern of household debt in Thailand, a pressing issue the government is determined to address. Held under the sharp focus of the government’s lens, the objective is clear – reduce household debt to a level below 80% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). In making this announcement, Deputy Government Spokeswoman Rudklao Suwankiri has simultaneously offered a beacon of hope to countless individuals wrestling with debt-related challenges on Friday. The Bank of Thailand has released figures indicating household debt standing at a staggering 16 trillion baht, representing 90.6% of GDP in the first quarter, painting an urgent need for intervention. In solemn commemoration of Navamindra Maharaj Day, the Government Savings Bank (GSB) takes a significant stride towards financial freedom for…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Our current climatic circumstances owe their characteristics to a fairly potent high-pressure system originating from China. This system predominates over the northeastern, northern, and southern expanses of the Gulf of Thailand. Its influence initiates an influx of humidity from both the Gulf of Thailand and the expansive Andaman Sea, culminating in a considerable amount of precipitation. The inhabitants of these regions are urged to exercise extreme caution as the risk of heavy rainfall and accumulation is high, making the areas prone to sudden, unpredictable floods and even more lethal flash floods. This risk is particularly prominent in regions characterized by low altitudes and mountainous terrain. Moving our attention towards the bodies of water, specifically the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, the manifestations of these weather patterns can be observed in the form of waves measuring approximately 1 to 2 meters in height. This swelling of waves tends to…
In line with records from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation dated March 9 of this year, the Thai elephant population spanned between 4,013 to 4,422. These elephants occupied 91 distinct national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and non-hunting territories across the country. Despite these seemingly positive numbers, the threat of habitat destruction and scarce food sources has led to pressing consequences on the elephants’ health and population figures. This escalating concern subsequently prompted the initiation of a groundbreaking project in 2002. This project aimed to conserve these majestic beasts by freezing elephant semen to be used for artificial insemination proceedings. This innovative endeavour was made possible due to the collaborative efforts of the Zoological Park Organisation, Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. The venture yielded successful results with the births of two elephants through artificial insemination – Plai Prathom Somphop and Saen…
The tinsel town of Thailand is lately ablaze with whispers and gasps revolving around a notorious domestic violence case. The dramatic saga involves a minor celebrity figure embroiled in a sordid affair, resulting in a violent altercation with his girlfriend. Unveiled by CCTV footage, this duo’s ugly spat ensues right after the lady, aged 43, uncovers her boyfriend’s infidelity. Her beau, in his late 30s, is a familiar face in Thailand’s TV scene, having enacted supporting roles that earned him a fair share of limelight. They befriended each other five to six years back and have been romantically involved over the past two years. Until last year, their bond was mostly Harmony personified, with the man regarded as taking ample care of his girlfriend. However, the peace was shattered in September when the woman stumbled upon her partner’s unfaithfulness involving not one but five different women. When she gathered her…
In an effort to improve the safety and morale of their officers, the National Police Office has decided to overturn its previous regulation dictating that male officers should maintain a short haircut with a top length of no more than 3 centimetres. Instead, the updated policy will allow for a more lenient haircut standard, giving officers the liberty to have their hair up to 5 centimetres on top and as short as 1 centimetre on the sides and the back. According to Torsak Sukvimol, the National Police Chief, the shift in policy is based on various directives by all National Police Chiefs. These directives highlight the importance of maintaining morale amongst officers by encouraging visits from commanders in the field. During his visits to the southernmost provinces, Torsak found that the enforcement of the short hair standard made officers unduly conspicuous, thus making them easy targets for insurgents. He voiced…
The unfortunate saga of Thai laborers caught in an escalating conflict in Israel has taken another tragic turn with the announcement of a 21st reported casualty. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand issued this grim update early in the day on October 12. The context of this update is a steady stream of violence that followed an offensive triggered by Hamas this past weekend. Using this sorrowful platform at 9:10 am Malaysian time, PM Srettha presented this news without delving into details surrounding the most recent casualty. The brunt of the previous 20 fatalities involving Thai workers stemmed directly from an assault staged by militants from the Gaza-based organization, Hamas, on 7 September, or from the subsequent rocket attacks. In response to the rapidly escalating events, Thai governmental officials are brainstorming potential strategies to quickly and safely extricate their countrymen from a turbulent conflict zone. The Thai Prime Minister, aged…
Imagine travelling from the picturesque mainland of Trang, situated along the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea, to the mesmerizing islands dotting its coastline. Until now, you would have been required to fork out hefty sums for a ride in a charming long-tail boat or a sleek speedboat. However, the recent announcement from Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club Co Ltd is sure to bring a smile to the faces of budget-conscious travellers worldwide. Starting November 1, the company, managing director, Samart Charoenrit, reveals, will be providing consistent speed-boat service to the crown jewels of Trang’s tourism– the islands Ngai, Kradan, and Muk. The decision stems from the encouraging flourish of tourists flocking the region, thanks to the visa exemptions offered to visitors hailing from Kazakhstan and China in the government’s newest policy. “A favourable climate is on the horizon for the tourism industry. Our new route is designed to facilitate…
In a recent study conducted by the World Bank, secondary cities of Thailand like Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Rayong have been highlighted as potential growth engines for the country’s economy. The study, named Thailand Urban Infrastructure Finance Assessment, indicates how these urban locations could amplify Thailand’s economic performance if critical upgrades in urban infrastructure, such as public transportation systems and consolidation on renewable energy, are realized. Notably, the World Bank analysis underscores the necessity for these cities to utilize private capital to finance these prospective enhancements, mitigating the current heavy reliance on central government funding. While Bangkok has consistently been a major player in driving Thailand’s economy, increasing economic stagnation in the capital city has led the World Bank to identify secondary cities as future economic growth centres, provided they can source the requisite private capital for urban infrastructure augmentation. As per the report, such a move would not…
As the hostage crisis steadily escalates, there is an increasing sense of urgency now more than ever before. This comes on the back of the United Nations’ alarming announcement that Israel has instructed 1.1 million Gazans to relocate to the enclave’s southern region within a span of 24 hours, whilst Israeli troops are on standby. Amongst the detainees are 16 Thais who represent a small number of an accruing global list of people suspected to be held captive in Gaza. Friday saw a significant meeting take place between the Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha, and Israeli ambassador, Orna Sagiv. The central topic of their discussion at the Government House was the prevailing conflict situation and the mutual anticipation for the swift restoration of peace. In this context, the Thai PM was clear in his denunciation of violence of any type, particularly when it methodically victimizes innocent civilians. A report states…
On August 21 of the current calendar year, a law was activated which required businesses offering digital platform services (defined by the law) to furnish the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) with informational details pertaining to their operations. Chaichana Mitrpant, the individual holding the position of executive director for the ETDA, spoke on the subject, saying the legislation requires such digital services to keep the agency apprised of their activities. Furthering their support for these businesses, the ETDA has been offering guidance and consultations, which includes a “digital platform assessment tool” for use in online self-assessment. Since the registration system kicked into gear on August 21, the ETDA had received notifications from 109 distinct digital platform services by October 10. Of the digital entities that registered, the majority were involved in e-marketplace offerings. This was followed by communication platform services, news aggregation platforms, search engine tools, web browser services, cloud…