Posts published in “Thailand”

In 2022, a high-profile rescue operation was carried out by Thai authorities, liberating two dozen individuals held captive by criminal Chinese gangs operating scam centers from a building in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the rampant human trafficking and forced labor situation that has been escalating across Southeast Asia in recent years. This information comes courtesy of the United Nations, in a comprehensive report released earlier this week. Based on the UN report, which relies on inputs from trustworthy sources, there’s the likelihood of approximately 120,000 individuals in Myanmar and nearly 100,000 in Cambodia being ensnared in these fraudulent schemes. Similar illegal ventures – from cryptocurrency fraud to illicit online gambling – opportunely run by crime syndicates are prevalent in other Southeast Asian countries, including Laos, the Philippines, and Thailand. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated in no uncertain terms,…

In a recent update on the financial environment in Thailand, data from the National Credit Bureau, as cited by the economic council, revealed increasing debt accumulation among the Thai population. As it stood at the close of the first quarter, there were over 83.1 million accounts stained with debts. A striking aspect of this debt is that only one third of all Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) originate from commercial banks, accounting for just 2.6% of the total household debts, as noted by Vorawan Plikamin, the NESDC Deputy Secretary General. The remaining majority of debts originate from non-banking financial institutions, raising concerns about the financial habits of the Thai demographic. Youth workers under 30, along with the senior demographic between 50-59 years old have caught particular attention, as their contributions to NPLs experienced the largest increase: a concerning 4.1% rise year on year. Vorawan expressed particular concerns over Generation Y (ages 18-32)…

Nothing short of a digital revolution is taking its course in Thailand, driven by the nation’s embrace of technology and innovation. The digital voraciousness of all Thai citizens regardless of age or occupation, is part of a bigger attempt to propel the nation towards as compared to a vital frontier of future growth and prosperity, according to a ground-breaking research study. This study is a wake-up call to the monumental shift in digital adoption, showcasing substantial improvements over the years. As reported by the ever-committed Permanent Secretary Wisit Wisitsora, internet accessibility rates across Thai households witnessed a discernible uptick from 88% in 2022 to a staggering 89.50% this year. Alongside, connectivity rates also surged from 85% last year to a laudable 87.60% today. Despite the impressive statistics, the digital landscape is not devoid of issues with an alarming 14.52% of users reporting instances of data and privacy breaches. Bridging this…

In a recent announcement, the Governor of IEAT (Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand), Veeris Ammarapala, informed that ongoing studies are currently being undertaken on hydrogen fuel sources. This exploration seeks to contribute to the electric bus power source network, and power generation in the larger sector. Focus areas of this study include the Map Ta Phut and Smart Park industrial estates, falling within the realm of the progressive Eastern Economic Corridor. The mentioned study is the joint effort of several industrial partners that include but are not limited to Bangkok Industrial Gas, Thai Takasago, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Toyota Motor Thailand, Toyota Tsusho (Thailand), and PTT. The goal is not only to explore energy possibilities but also to establish clear guidelines for clean-energy companies looking to set up businesses within the industrial estates and how to navigate their transactions. Akkarapala added that this joint effort supports Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model.…

As per Ratnavali Poosawat, a recognized authority in ecology at the Fisheries Department, our oceans serve as a massive absorber, soaking up nearly 90% of Earth’s heat, and about 30% of the carbon dioxide humans churn out. The result? A corrosive reduction in oxygen, which sets the stage for a counter-productive sequel – ocean acidification. The heat is on, and its effects have far-reaching consequences, says Ratnavali. Changes in wind patterns are accompanied by a discernible shift in ocean water quality, dealing a blow to the abundant marine life that thrives within it. Any disturbance in this space could send ripples across the food chain, she envisages. As seafood dwindle, species dependent on them encounter problems in seeking food, causing a domino effect on reactions farther along the food chain. Rising sea levels are another consequence, climbing 3.1 millimetres on an average each year, she discloses. The fallout of this…

Just recently, in the latest 23rd edition of the “Tropical Natural History” journal, a groundbreaking discovery has been reported. Infusing fresh vitality to the realm of academia, this breakthrough is spearheaded by Pan Yeesin. Pan Yeesin, helming the Technology and Industries Department, is a noted academic attached to the esteemed Faculty of Science and Technology at Prince of Songkla University, located in Pattani province. In order to actualize this scientific revelation, Pan’s department crossed hands with an illustrious roster of researchers from leading institutions. This includes collaborators from both the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, a respected institution in Songkhla province, and with Professor Peter Ng, who is a leading light at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, at the National University of Singapore. Delving right into the intriguing discovery, Pan revealed that they stumbled across Geosesarma Todaeng vampire crabs taking up residence in the intricate root…

Unsettling Growth In Zika Virus Infections Lead To Urgent Alert From Disease Control Department Having witnessed an alarming upsurge in the Zika Virus cases, the Department of Disease Control (DDC), Thailand, resonated a stern warning, revealing how the sudden peak has become an imminent public health threat. The countdown to panic began as a startling number of 266 cases were reported this past month alone. Rather worryingly, expectant mothers find themselves increasingly at risk from the virus that could result in their newborns suffering from microcephaly, a condition characterized by an underdeveloped brain—an indelible mark that the Zika Virus leaves. The public health announcement, issued on August 27, warned the masses about the recent meteorological changes. The monsoon season, characterized by consistent rainfall, appears to be the main culprit behind these increasingly ideal conditions that the disease-bearing mosquitoes need to thrive, multiplying the risk of Zika and other mosquito-related infections.…

Big waves are being made in Thailand’s financial landscape. The country’s second-largest financial institution in terms of total assets, Kasikornbank, aka KBank, recently announced an extensive overhaul of its business structure. Strategic changes include the appointment of a new president and co-president and the implementation of a strategic business spin-off. News of these pivotal changes reached the forefront after an official announcement was made to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) concerning the appointment of banking veteran Chongrak Rattanapian as the new president and executive director. Leaving behind his former position as executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), Chongrak is expected to step into his new role from August 29. With over two decades of experience and comprehensive knowledge of KBank’s operations, he is slated to execute critical functions pertaining to risk management, as well as KBank’s environmental, social, and governance strategies. Awaiting approval from the Bank of…

During the second quarter of 2023, Thailand witnessed a deceleration in its economic rebound, with the GDP growth slipping from a 2.6% year-on-year increase in Q1 to just 1.8%. This report, released by the National Economic and Social Development Council on August 21, significantly missed the consensus forecast of 3.1% and anticipated growth of 2.9%. Post seasonal adjustments, the quarter’s economic growth merely nudged 0.2%. This sluggish performance and persistent economic challenges led BMI, a venture by Fitch Solutions, to scale back its annual growth prediction for the current year from 3.0% to 2.8%. This is notably lower than the consensus forecast of 3.6% and the 3.6% average recorded between the years 2010 and 2019. To highlight a few weak spots in the economy, government consumption suffered a 4.3% annual contraction in the second quarter, primarily due to prolonged political instability post the May general elections. Tight credit conditions and…

Attention, the Thai Meteorological Agency, a superstar in weather prognostication, has sounded the gong, reminding us once again of its unmatched alert system. Why, you ask? A formidable monsoon wind is barging across the land, unleashing torrents of rain in its path. It’s not just a drizzle! It’s the cloud enraged, pouring its wrath in drops of water over the nation. The lowlands and the imposing mountain slopes aren’t spared either. Picture roaring waterfalls cascading down lush green slopes, gushing through forgotten trails, painting the serene lowland a terrifying shade of murky brown – what a sight! For those who call these terrains home and the travelers who dare the adventurous winding roads, vigilance is golden. Are you nestled safely away from the deluge in the city’s heart? Don’t grin just yet! The monsoon isn’t picky. When emboldened by the rumbling southwestern monsoon winds, it gallantly marches into upper central…