The distinguished chief economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Securities, Pipat Luengnaruemitchai, has expressed serious reservations over the government’s growing trend towards fiscal budget deficits. He has raised red flags about the potentially damaging implications of this policy direction, particularly for long-term economic stability. In an unvarnished critique of the government’s latest populist actions, including the launch of a digital currency scheme and the reduction of oil prices, Pipat warned that such moves risk undermining fiscal discipline. More worryingly, he cautioned, such initiatives might impose extra financial strains on businesses, possibly instigating a reconsideration of the nation’s credit rating. Just last week, the Srettha Thavisin-led administration declared an uptick in the yearly budget deficit, which currently trails above 693 billion baht. On the other hand, only a minimal growth in governmental revenue is anticipated. Departing significantly from earlier implemented practices of fiscal budget equilibrium, the government has further pushed the boundaries of…
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Suchatvee Suwansawat, a notable member of the Democrat party, has expressed serious concerns over the Education Ministry’s intent to distribute tablet computers to students and teachers throughout the nation. The plan, spearheaded by Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob and his deputy Surasak Phancharoenworakul, serves as a revival of an initiative previously enacted by a Pheu Thai government ten years ago. That endeavor, however, was far from successful and was widely panned by critics. Taking to Facebook, Suchatvee – who formerly served as the rector of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang – opined that while technology indisputably plays a crucial role in contemporary education, there remain significant concerns to be addressed. One of his key arguments is that tablet computers might not be beneficial for young children. These devices, according to Suchatvee, could hamper their motor development and discourage social interaction. He said emphatically, “The ministry needs to ascertain…
The revered National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has teamed up with the esteemed Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) to produce the APT Symposium 2023. This event of prime importance is set to light up the calendar from September 11–12, 2023 at the prestigious W Bangkok Hotel. Clinical Professor Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, the well-regarded Chairman of The NBTC, had the profound privilege of setting the stage with the opening remarks, while Mr. Masanori Kondo, the influential Secretary General of APT, masterfully navigated the proceedings of the symposium and presented riveting keynote speeches accentuating the crucial nature of this year’s APT Symposium. The APT Symposium 2023 stands as a conduit for APT Members, Associate Members, Affiliate Members, and representatives from international coalitions to meet and exchange findings on regulatory control and policy frameworks underpinning telecommunications/ICT infrastructure progression in the Asia-Pacific expanse. The symposium harbours a fervent focus on propelling digital inclusion and ensuring…
Mahidol University’s research team has taken a novel turn towards nutrition, producing a prototype for a plant-based protein product specifically intended for the elderly population. This ingenious innovation is an instant protein supplement, designed for easy use in daily meals. One could characterize this new product as a foam protein sourced from Thailand’s famous hom mali rice, encapsulating nutrition at the tip of a spoon. The brainchild of this invention, Assoc Prof Warangkana Srichamnong, wears multiple hats at the Institute of Nutrition. As an assistant director and the head of this foam protein development project, she has led its development and trials. The project received financial backing from the Agricultural Research Development Agency and Ubonthaworn Agricultural Produce Limited Partnership, showing how multiple sectors recognise its potential impact on health. Bearing in mind sustainability, this innovative foam protein utilises broken rice, generally a byproduct of rice milling, as its primary ingredient.…
Undeniable applause has been showered upon the interior and education ministries for their unwavering dedication to diminish the prevalence of alcohol consumption at farewell celebrations for retiring officials. This tends to occur extensively at the cusp of each month’s completion. Such a policy has been evident for almost a decade; seven years to be precise. Its conception can be credited to the tenacious efforts from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the StopDrink Network Office, and a coalition of educators vehemently championing for a society completely devoid of alcohol. The indispensable role of the interior ministry in promoting this, inarguably, innovative policy has remained intact throughout this period. This has been reiterated by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Suttipong Juljarern, through an uncompromising directive addressed to provincial governors and heads of agencies affiliated with the ministry’s jurisdiction on the 28th of August. Similar sentiments were…
The illustrious Khao Wang, a beloved mountain in Phetchaburi province, frequently attracts large crowds of both tourists and locals alike. Adding a unique touch to this attraction, it’s also home to a curious community of macaques. Recently, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has been looking into new ways to manage these lively creatures, known for their occasional bouts of mischief. Among the DNP officials that made an informative visit to Khao Wang was the director-general himself, Atthaphon Charoenchansa. Their primary agenda was to closely examine a novel prototype enclosure at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) located in Tha Yang district of Phetchaburi. This particularly impressive human-engineered habitat spans 200-square-metres and is rigged with innovative features, such as low-voltage cables and wide aluminium plates stretching 1.5 metres, expertly designed to discourage the macaques from escaping. The application of this technique, explains Yuthapol Angkinan, one of…
Expressing her ambitious vision for Thailand’s future in the tourism industry, Minister Sudawan emphasized on the need for hosting spectacular events. The objective is to leverage Thailand’s distinctive strengths to enhance its reputation in the tourism sector and challenge Singapore’s established position as an entertainment event leader. While touching on this subject on a recent Thursday, she presented a strategic picture of Thailand’s vibrant tourism future. Sudawan, a new entrant into politics and ministerial responsibilities, passionately expressed her dedication to rejuvenate Thailand’s tourism sector. She confidently envisions it as a significant driver contributing to the economic growth of the nation, aligning with the vision laid out by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Highlighting the recent steps initiated by the government, the Prime Minister recently unveiled a policy that stands to significantly boost international tourism for Thailand. In a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, it was announced that visitors from China and Kazakhstan…
While some tastebuds reel back from the potent flavor of durian and noses scrunch at its memorable aroma, it’s a fruit that is projected to see a dramatic surge in demand. There’s a whopping 400% annual increase on the horizon, to be precise. The primary driving force behind this newfound fascination? None other than China, the nation that’s taken a surprising liking to what many refer to as ‘the world’s smelliest fruit’,” notes Aris Dacanay, renowned economist at HSBC Bank’s Asean region. Over the past couple of years, China has emerged as the globe’s major durian importer, shouldering an impressive 91% of the worldwide durian market. The trade value? A cool US$6 billion. Durian, much to the surprise of many, has become somewhat of a hot commodity in China. This is a place where the fruit is not only savored for its unique flavor, but also cherished as a societal…
The Thai governmental authorities have set a course towards consulting their legal advisory institution, the Council of State, in relation to possibly rescinding certain directives and announcements that were formerly put forth by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), a body now defunct. The present Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, publicly announced this intent, attributing the move to the apparent redundancy and obstructions that parts of the former NCPO’s orders are currently presenting to governmental operations and the day-to-day existence of Thai citizens. Previously, Chai Wacharonke, the spokesperson for the government, disclosed that Prime Minister Thavisin had instructed a range of ministries and government departments to evaluate the necessity of keeping any previous instructions they had received from the NCPO. The final date has been fixed for October 9 to submit such requests to the cabinet. If no plea for keeping these orders is raised, they are expected to…
Revelations have emerged about the revival of a significant educational initiative that was first introduced by the previous Pheu Thai government in Thailand. The revamped scheme, outlined by the Thai Education Ministry, aims to provide a tablet computer to each student and teacher within the nation, with a primary intent to foster equal educational opportunities. Led by Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob and deputy Surasak Phancharoenworakul, both members of the Bhumjaithai Party within the Pheu Thai-led coalition, the initiative announcement was made amidst a gathering of ministry officials. The proposed tablet distribution is being touted as a means of endorsing a joyful learning experience while lessening the financial burden on students. Permpoon was optimistic about the “One Student, One Tablet” scheme, implying that it would also reduce disparities in educational opportunities. He is however still considering the total cost associated with the initiative. The availability of sufficient budgets is a concern,…