Posts published in “Thailand”

Addressing the entangled, multi-angular challenges that currently plague our society hasn’t been overlooked. However, the dimensions these challenges encompass make their solutions far from straightforward, according to Srettha. He believes it all begins at the Constitution, which requires stipulated amendments. Though a roadmap has been delineated, it is still a work in progress. Srettha’s emphasis on dialogue can’t be overstated. He fervently believes that the panacea to our societal ills lies in hearty conversations that focus on actions and problem-solving processes aimed at elevating society. He expressed his anxieties about the present economic state, asserting the need to push the country onward in tandem with Constitutional amendments. These amendments, in his opinion, should be potent enough to stimulate increased participation from the general public. He reiterated the severity of economic problems that Thais currently grapple with. Over 10 million people are caught in the throes of these economic challenges. He…

In the last decade, the global rice market saw India, Vietnam, and Thailand dominating exports. These countries collectively held a staggering 72% share of the global market, as per insights shared by Associate Professor Aat Pisanwanich, a consultant at IRC. However, the international rice industry has since witnessed a significant paradigm shift. Several novices on the scene, including Pakistan, Myanmar, the United States, China, Cambodia, Brazil, and Uruguay have started giving stiff competition to the previous three leading countries. This has resulted in a drop of the triumvirate’s total market share to approximately 65%. Despite the increased competition, India continues to reign supreme with a market share of 37%. However, the race for second place has been far from easy, with Thailand and Vietnam currently neck-and-neck at a close 14% share each. The last five years have seen Thailand and Vietnam experience a decline in their export volumes, while India’s…

In an unexpected turn of events, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has made a bold declaration today. He has vowed not to receive his regular monthly PM salary of 125,590 baht during his tenure, instead, he aims to donate this entire amount to charity. This substantial decision certainly marks a significant departure from the norm. Chai Watcharong, the spokesperson for the PM office, relayed this news to the public, emphasizing how Prime Minister Srettha underscored to officials the innate goodness of charity. He not only talked the talk but walked the walk, setting a sterling example for all civil servants by choosing to give his entire salary and allowances to charitable causes. As reported by Bright TV, the Prime Minister’s income totals to an approximate 125,590 baht monthly. This comprises his basic salary of 75,590 baht and a position allowance of 50,000 baht. Further, it is worth noting that this…

Today it has been brought to light that a prominent university student is facing in-depth inquiries from The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) after administering a clandestine group distributing explicit child content. The individual is alleged to have offered explicit content for sale on the Line platform, targeting minors under the age of 18, with the prices varied from 150 to 500 baht (i.e., US$4 to $14). The case was initiated yesterday by the Technology and Information Case Department of the DSI. The accused was found indulging in the circulation of unlawful child material, which was concurrently made available for purchase on the Line platform. This investigation erupted in the wake of an incident that transpired on August 14, when the Child Sexual Exploitation Crime Center (CSECC) under the leadership of Yotsan Rungsrangamsiri, provoked a raid which led to the capture of a 19-year-old male student studying in a university…

Excitingly, the free trade agreement (FTA) bilaterally negotiated between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Thailand is quickly approaching completion. Thailand’s Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai, recently briefed the public that the negotiations are estimated to be roughly 80% complete after productive dialogue with UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. Notably, agreements spanning a variety of sectors have been successfully negotiated, such as those relating to food, auto parts, air conditioners, and select agricultural goods. “We are steadily progressing and look forward to tentatively finalizing the negotiations by the end of the year,” commented Phumtham. Thailand played host to the fourth round of Thai-UAE FTA negotiations, which took place between September 26 and 28. Keen on advancing international trade cooperation, the government endeavours to expedite these negotiations actively. Contemplative committee meetings convened for trade negotiations, led by the Director-General of the Department of Trade…

Unrelenting downpours have plunged the city of Nakhon Ratchasima into a severe flooding crisis, compelling its inhabitants to hastily vacate their residences. This alarming situation has brought back chilling memories of the catastrophic deluge that swept the city in 1980. In response, Thai officials have heightened vigilance, with particular attention to Lam Takhong’s weather-beaten areas. Chaiya Huay Hongs Thong, Khao Yai National Park’s chief, revealed that an intense depression storm has triggered consistent precipitation across the wooded expanses of the park. Despite the rainfall not being exceedingly heavy, its ceaseless persistence inundates the soil which, in turn, leads the water to spill into the Lam Takhong streams. Consequently, water bodies have swelled dramatically in the Lam Takhong camping region, reaching an almost canal-overflowing magnitude before cascading down towards Orchid Cliff Waterfall and Huai Suwat Waterfall, and ultimately settling in Lam Takhong’s lower plains. With a sense of urgency, Kana Chanchanom…

Yesterday, The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) board convened to make a crucial decision that could revolutionize the Purple Line electrified railway service. They deliberated on imposing a cap on the rail fare to a maximum of 20 baht, providing a more affordable transportation option to everyday commuters. It should be noted that this proposed rate, at the outset, will only be applicable to those making payments via standard EMV enabled credit or debit cards — generally identified by a unique symbol depicting four overlapping arcs, not dissimilar to the well-known WiFi symbol. At this stage, the decision is pending final approval from the Ministry of Transport and the Cabinet, with the anticipated date of implementation slated at December 1. Indeed, this demonstration of benevolence from the MRTA is expected to significantly impact the Purple Line’s revenue, reducing it by a staggering 60%, equivalent to 190 million baht…

Today, Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, sounded the alarm for communities residing near the Chao Phraya River. He warned of an imminent threat due to elevated water levels caused by a predicted storm surge, estimated to peak around 7 pm. At a briefing held at Bangkok City Hall, the 57-year-old city commander explained an unexpected rise in the volume of seawater, substantially exceeding earlier predictions, which led to a surge of sea levels by a significant 30% on October 28. The daunting surge in sea levels triggered the Chao Phraya River to rise, breaching its banks and slightly overflowing into adjacent areas, most notably the riverside district of Dusit. Chadchart elaborated on how this unexpected increase in seawater could catch communities located along the Bangkok riverbank and at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan province off-guard—making constant vigilance imperative. Elucidating upon the potential causes, Chadchart…

There was an unfortunate event recorded in the province of Udon Thani when the lifeless body of a young lady was discovered in the room of her ex-lover. The law enforcement officials were soon at the scene of the incident, carrying out investigations. The sad victim of this unfortunate circumstance, a 21-year-old affectionately known as Supak, was found in an unconscious state in room A9. The individual living in the room, a 20-year-old, Charupong, confessed to the police that the deceased had ingested an excessive quantity of a known party drug with the street names ‘Pro’ or ‘Happy Pill’ on the previous night, resulting in a tragedy of fatal overdose. At high noon on the fateful day, Officer Kritsada Channon, affiliated with the Udon Thani City Police Station as an investigative officer, received distressing news about a dead female in an uncharted lodging house situated in Mak Khaeng Sub-district, Udon…

In a spirited call for progressive reform, the Bhumjaithai Party is steadfastly advocating for the expedited regulation and legislation of casinos. The party is pitching the casino project as a silver bullet to mitigate the burgeoning issues tied to illicit gambling dens, unauthorized online gambling platforms, and associated fraudulent activities. During a press briefing, Bhumjaithai Party’s Parliamentarian Saritpong Kiewkhong articulated his impassioned belief that legalizing casinos could eradicate the underlying corruption. Saritpong indicated that a significant number of police officers and government officials have been silently complicit, exploiting legal gaps to receive kickbacks from unlawful casino administrators. The proposal for licensed casinos could then bring both online and terrestrial casinos under stringent government oversight. Saritpong championed the enhanced financial benefits that would be associated with legalized casinos. He spoke of a potential monetary windfall for Thailand from both domestic and international patrons. He compared the situation with Singapore, stating, “Our…