The economic landscape of Thailand is currently under intense scrutiny, with potential recession worries echoing throughout the country. Reasons include the country’s lackluster export projections and a staggered recovery pace from COVID-19 aftermaths. The government’s economic revival strategies, as outlined in a 43-page statement, have been lambasted by opposition parties and industrial titans, citing an insufficient level of details in the proposed plans. These observers have also questioned the financial sources for implementing initiatives, such as the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, which is speculated to require a hefty budget of around 560 billion baht. Despite the brewing skepticism, Somjai Phagaphasvivat, an independent political and economic analyst, sees no valid hints of recession in Thailand’s economic future. “Recession could occur only under the spell of an economic crisis, like a sudden surge in energy prices. The current scenario is far from it,” observes Somjai. He was also appreciative of the government’s…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Wherever you are in the world, the question of how much it costs to get around every day on the city’s mass transit system can be a contentious issue. Take, for instance, the recent May 14 general election in Thailand, where nothing stirred up more controversy than the affordability of public transportation. The Thai Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, found himself on the hot seat when he declared that the 20-baht flat train fare was not a governmental priority at the moment, thus sparking a nationwide outcry. In an effort to put the matter at rest, Mr. Suriya used a two-day government policy debate to announce that they would experiment with the 20-baht fare on the MRT Purple Line and SRT Red Line in the next three months as a Christmas present to the nation. But the proposal has its challenges, notably the need to navigate complex legal issues surrounding private…
Situated in Chiang Rai, the recently created International Narcotics Control College (INCC) is poised to deliver top-notch training to law enforcement agencies and associated institutions in an attempt to counter drug smuggling activities in the Mekong region. The center, a pioneer in the Mekong region, is nestled within the compound of the Hall of Opium, often referred to as Thailand’s opium exhibit, set in the district of Chiang Saen. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Thailand’s Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) joined forces to inaugurate this institution. Jeremy Douglas, the Regional Representative for South East Asia and Pacific at UNODC, regards the college as a gratifying opportunity for ONCB and its associates to unfold interactive measures to combat the issues related to drugs. Douglas elaborated on his plans, stating, “Our goal is to impart knowledge on drug intelligence and analysis, border management, precursor chemical control,…
Amid the hustle and bustle of Siam Square, a group of youngsters buck the trend of the idle youth, hoisting placards that echo a resounding loathe against child exploitation and abuse (Image Source: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul). Prior to the upcoming National Youth Day this Wednesday, a massive population survey targeting some 20,000 young individuals aged 15-21 conducted by Thai Health Promotion Foundation’s technical hub throws light on four main dilemmas faced by the youth of the country. Spearheading the discussion surrounding these concerns is Nathaya Boonpakdee, director of the ThaiHealth’s office poised towards elevating child, youth, and family health. One of the crucial issues raised is the ongoing pandemic’s ill-effects on young people hailing from single-parent families with limited incomes or from skipped generation families, commonplace in Thailand’s countryside, where grandparents have taken up parental duties due to various reasons. Nathaya emphasizes that such demographics receive minimal specific initiatives designed to…
AP Thailand Public Co., Ltd is a firm that holds immense respect for individuals facing challenges in life, such as visual impairments. The company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to society and the development of human resources through initiatives like the “READ FOR BLIND” project. This pioneering initiative seeks to widen the scope of education and learning for visually impaired people by producing audiobooks. The ultimate aim is to grant these individuals the opportunity to lead a “Cheevit Dee Dee Tee Lueak Eng Dai” life. Currently, AP Thailand boasts a diverse workforce that includes 28 employees with visual impairments. This line-up reflects the company’s efforts to improve the life quality of people with disabilities. During a recent event, Ms. Tippawan Sirikoon, Deputy Chief People Officer of AP Thailand Public Co., Ltd, symbolically handed over a set of audiobooks and production equipment to Mr. Kittipong Sutthi, Director of the National Library…
Weaving a tale of inspiring corporate transformation, the company “BIG,” to commemorate its 35th anniversary, steered towards an innovative and industry-defining reformation. This strategic metamorphosis was propelled by BIG’s passionate embrace of Climate Technology, a strategic beacon promising unfathomable enhancements in clean hydrogen and smart platform technologies to plummet greenhouse gas emissions drastically. What makes this transformative journey stand out is its potential showcase of Thailand’s transition to a low-carbon society, flickering Thailand’s aspiration to hit their Net Zero emissions targets into reality. BIG, a promising subsidiary of USA’s industrial gas industry magician, “Air Products,” stands gallantly, vouching for their 35-plus years of groundbreaking experience in Thailand. Mr. Piyabut Charuphen, BIG’s Managing Director, orated a compelling narrative of BIG’s vision, expressing their hopes of being trail-blazers in Climate Technology innovation. This vision closely resonates with Thailand’s ambitions to be carbon-neutral by 2050 and hit net-zero emissions by 2065. With a…
Set to reinvigorate Bangkok’s traffic framework and provide a much-needed solution to peak-hour congestion, the construction of the groundbreaking Road No. 10 has successfully navigated a significant roadblock. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) triumphantly announced that they have tackled the challenge of public utility line removal in the area, a hurdle that has stalled progress until now. The new road promises to strengthen and simplify a critical transport link between the bustling Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road and Pracha Chuen Road. BMA Deputy Governor, Wissanu Sapsompol affirmed this stride towards progress and highlighted the fact that Road No. 10 would serve as an alternative route for commuters, particularly during the notoriously busy rush hour periods. Impressively, the 1.3-kilometre infrastructure is said to be around 25% complete, with the target completion date of May next year both feasible and eagerly anticipated. The estimated cost of building this revolutionary road is…
The planned international tour by deputy House Speaker, Padipat Santipada, has elicited assurance from House Speaker and Parliament president Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, expressing total transparency concerning the Singaporean visit. Slated for September 21–24, the expedition, helmed by Mr. Padipat and involving several MPs, received Mr. Wan’s nod of approval, following comprehensive legal consultations with parliament. Instrumental in endorsing disbursement, Mr. Wan stipulates the travel budget adheres strictly to official regulations. Pitched as an opportunity to delve deep into Singapore’s sophisticated parliamentary model besides understanding the city state’s strategy against haze contamination, he believes the expedition would significantly impact House committees grappling similar issues. The Parliament shoulders the entire tour expense considering the MPs non-affiliated status with any organization or agency sponsoring their trip. Budget availability is no concern, according to Mr. Wan, who anticipates a full report concerning the journey upon the MPs’ homecoming. However, opposition on the journey’s…
Well-being is a central focus of the education framework at St. Andrews International Schools located in Thailand. On the 29th of September, 2023, our beloved students will join forces with 85,000 other youth around the globe to advocate for the crucial role of wellness in education. Signifying our fifth year of engagement in this global event, we proudly reaffirm our dedication to the welfare of everyone within our school ecosystem. Deviating from usual curricular activities, St. Andrews International Schools, in unity with the larger family of over 100 Cognita schools worldwide, will dedicate the entirety of this day to Global Be Well Day. Expressing our sentiments on this initiative, the school’s Managing Director, Charasphan Chamsai, says, “Wellbeing forms the bedrock of our education programs throughout the year. On this momentous day, we converge with educational communities from 16 distinct nations, basking in our shared determination to fortify wellbeing.” Global Be…
Nestled amidst the bustle of the city, the sprawling 30-acre expanse of Nawamin Phirom Park now welcomes its patrons at an earlier time of 4.30am as opposed to the former 5am opening time, extending its accessibility until 9pm. The reformation in the park timings was announced by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) spokesperson, Aekvarunyoo Amrapala. According to him, the shift in timings is very much in alignment with the policy to enhance public services’ accessibility more effortless for the city’s inhabitants. His statement also hinted at the possibility of similar time extensions that may soon be reflected in the working hours of other widely frequented public parks of the city. This list includes names of some major city parks such as Lumpini, Chatuchak, Benjasiri, Saranrom, and Thonburirom. Born out of the need to provide an open and fresh environment for relaxation and physical activities, Nawamin Phirom Park enjoys a significant popularity…