Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, proudly brandishing a sign advocating the 30-baht healthcare scheme at an event in Bangkok on August 22nd. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) With unwavering confidence, the Ministry of Public Health asserts that the universal healthcare program will sidestep any financial hiccups. Minister Somsak Thepsutin conveyed on Tuesday, after a crucial National Health Security Board meeting, that the government sanctioned a central budget of 5.9 billion baht for the scheme, planned for the fiscal year concluding on September 30th. In a detailed discourse, participants mulled over the eventual disbursement of the remaining funds before the fiscal year’s closure on September 30th. The board leaned toward prioritizing the settlement of service fees to providers under the universal healthcare scheme before addressing other costs. This includes funds for members who might need to seek medical care outside the purview of the National Health Security Office (NHSO). Minister Somsak elucidated that…
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In a dramatic turn of events that seemed straight out of a courtroom thriller, the Central Administrative Court handed down a landmark decision involving Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) and the upscale shopping haven, Central Village. This high-stakes battle took root back in August 2019, around the launch of this luxury complex situated tantalizingly close to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Picture the scene: grand opening preparations for Central Village were in full swing. The developers, Central Pattana Plc (CPN), had pumped a staggering 5 billion baht into the project, promising a shopper’s paradise. But just as the confetti cannons were being set up, AoT decided to play spoil-sport. They barricaded Highway 370, the main artery to the boutique bonanza, claiming ownership and the legal prerogative to control and maintain it. Talk about a plot twist! The sight was bewildering—a luxury shopping complex decked out for a grand opening, but with enormous signs…
The first 3 million needy and disabled individuals from a pool of 14.5 million will soon be receiving their much-anticipated 10,000-baht handouts under the government’s digital wallet program. That highly-awaited day is set for Wednesday, as detailed by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. This initial distribution is constrained by the limitations of the PromptPay payment system, which can only service 3 million eligible recipients at the outset. Funds are scheduled to land in recipients’ bank accounts precisely at midnight, just in time for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to ceremonially kick off the initiative at 9 am Wednesday. Mr. Julapun indicated that the registered recipients could easily check their disbursement statuses via the Rath Jai application. This cutting-edge app was specifically developed by the Comptroller General’s Department to aid recipients of state welfare benefits. An interesting observation from the minister revealed about 10 million overlaps between those holding state welfare cards…
Sustainability cannot blossom amidst the chaos of conflict, discrimination, and division, stated Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa at the UN Summit of the Future in New York. His words echoed through the halls as a clarion call for unity and progress. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Thailand has unfurled a banner of commitment towards reforming the United Nations Security Council, endorsing the Global Digital Compact, and spotlighting the pivotal role of youth in molding a sustainable future for humanity, says Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. During his address on Monday at the UN Summit, his fervent delivery underscored Thailand’s passion for a better tomorrow. In what promises to be yet another landmark speech, Maris is slated to represent Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and deliver Thailand’s address to the UN General Assembly later this week. “Sustainability cannot be realized amid conflict, discrimination, and division,” Maris declared in his presentation titled “Multilateral Solutions for…
A brightly colored sign proudly flaunts the 20-baht flat-fare rate for Red Line electric trains at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, introduced in October last year. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) Fast forward to today, and the operator of the Red Line is campaigning to extend this enticing 20-baht fare for another year once the current trial wraps up in November. The reason? A dramatic upswing in passengers. According to Suthep Punthupeng, the CEO of SRT Electrified Train Co—brainchild of the State Railway of Thailand—the flat fare introduced last October has driven a whopping 50% increase in ridership. Not too shabby, considering they initially estimated a modest boost of 10-15%, with an optimistic eye on 20%. Now, Mr. Suthep and his team are gearing up to present their annual report to the SRT board next Monday. With approval from the Ministry of Transport and the cabinet, they hope to keep the 20-baht…
Two months ago, Kornphapiporn Phok-Imsin had what can only be described as the unexpected and harrowing experience of a lifetime—one that involved a dark cinema, a venomous snake, and now, a rather lackluster compensation offer. After taking matters into her own hands, she’s making sure her voice is heard loud and clear. The 27-year-old was enjoying a movie night with her family at a shopping mall in the bustling Rama II area on the evening of July 31. Little did she know that her relaxing outing would turn into a real-life thriller. It started innocuously enough. Kornphapiporn settled into her seat, kicked off her shoes, and prepared for a cozy film-watching experience. But midway through the movie, she felt something uncanny crawling across her feet. The next moment was a surreal blend of surprise and pain. “I shook my feet and felt a sharp sting on my left foot,” she…
On a bright Tuesday morning in Uthai district, Ayutthaya province, local officials conducted a raid that led to the arrest of 272 illegal workers from Myanmar, stirring both tension and curiosity among the community. The clock had barely struck 6 AM when officials from the Uthai district office, together with authorities from the Ayutthaya provincial hall, descended upon a construction camp nestled in tambon Nong Namsom. The camp, though seemingly ordinary, hid within its confines a significant number of illegal workers. Their lives were about to change dramatically. Among the 272 Myanmar nationals detained, the group included both men and women, each of whom had entered Thailand without legal documentation, as disclosed by the Uthai district office. The individuals narrated a grim yet compelling tale, revealing the stark realities that had forced them to flee their homeland. One of the detained workers, a man with a weary smile and resilience…
Imagine a bustling metropolis like Bangkok, where the city lights never dim, the street foods are endlessly tempting, and the rhythm of life is fast and furious. Amidst this dynamic landscape, a crucial yet overlooked issue simmers under the surface: private hospitals reconsidering their participation in the government’s social security health insurance programme. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Here’s a scenario for you: You’re a patient enrolled in the Social Security Office (SSO) health insurance programme, a plan that promises you accessible healthcare. But, what if more private hospitals decide to break ties with this programme? This issue is not just hypothetical—it’s alarmingly real. Paiboon Eksaengsri, the key voice behind the concerns as President of the Private Hospitals Association (PHA), highlighted a worrisome trend. Over the past decade, the number of private hospitals affiliated with the SSO’s healthcare scheme has dropped dramatically, from 123 to a stark 93. Why, you ask? The…
PropertyGuru Group (NYSE: PGRU), the undisputed leader in property technology across Southeast Asia, recently unveiled the triumphant winners of the 19th Annual PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards. This illustrious event, brought to life by Mitsubishi Elevator (Thailand) and bolstered by SEN X Group and V-ZUG Thailand, celebrated the crème de la crème of Thai real estate development. This historic awards program, now in its 19th year, honored excellence across nearly 70 categories. Winners emerged from a meticulous selection process spearheaded by an independent panel of judges and regional experts, with oversight from HLB Thailand to ensure unwavering fairness and transparency. Among the stars of the evening, Sansiri Public Company Limited dazzled, clinching the coveted Best Developer award along with the Best Developer (Phuket) title. But their winning streak didn’t end there; Sansiri also took home multiple awards for their standout projects in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin. Singha Estate Public…
Key info Name: Putthipong Assaratanakul Nickname: “Builkin” Born: 8th October 1999 Height: 178 cm Nationality: Thai Known for: actor, singer Instagram: @bbillkin Early life and career Putthipong Assaratanakul, whom fans know as “Billkin,” first captured the spotlight in the critically acclaimed Thai film “How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies,” which garnered ardent admiration from international audiences. He was born on 8th October 1999 in Bangkok, Thailand, as the youngest of three brothers. Billkin polished his academic brilliance at Saint Gabriel’s College and later earned his degree in Marketing from the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy at Thammasat University. Billkin’s enthralling journey in the entertainment industry took off in 2016 when he debuted as one of the main hosts of the Thai reality TV show “Love Missions.” This initial exposure paved the way for his thriving career in showbiz. During an insightful chat with The Standard POP, Billkin candidly revealed…