During an update to the press on Wednesday, Ronadol Numnonda, Deputy Governor of Financial Institutions Stability at the Bank of Thailand (BOT), revealed a series of measures aimed at tackling household debt in a sustainable way, initiatives that were initially launched on July 21 earlier in the year. Outlined were various strategies set to handle major issues concerning non-performing debt, persistent debt, new debt and unofficial debt in a highly effective fashion. The BOT will begin implementing measures centred around responsible lending as of January 1 next year, while remedies related to persistent debt will come into effect on April 1 of the coming year. Furthermore, Numnonda noted that considerations are underway for supplemental guidelines targeting household debt, including risk-based pricing and debt service ratio strategies. He also reassured that the BOT has actively involved relevant authorities in the conversation, to guarantee a comprehensive, sustainable and effective approach on managing…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The extended holiday commences on Friday (July 28), a special day that marks His Majesty the King’s birthday, and it runs uninterrupted until Wednesday (August 2), the outset of Buddhist Lent. Recently, the interim government announced Tuesday that it had slated Monday (July 31) as an additional public holiday in order to provide the Thai people with a more extended period to return to their ancestral homes. Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT Governor, opined that the late notification of the extra holiday would prevent Thai travellers from scheduling overseas trips, and thus, they would choose domestic travels instead. According to TAT’s estimations, about 4.96 million local trips will be made during the extended break. Additionally, it’s predicted that hotels will benefit from an average occupancy rate of 63%. Supasorn also posited that hotels in the eastern region could experience up to 68% occupancy. In contrast, provinces in the central and northeastern…
No stranger to the challenges brought about by climate change, Dr. Seri Suprathit, esteemed director of the Climate Change and Disaster Centre of Rangsit University, has braved the digital realm in a proactive move to bring attention to the pressing issue. With a social media post that goes into depth about the gamut of scenarios Thai farmers may have to navigate, he underscores the vital role of comprehensive reforms in boosting agricultural productivity, conserving water, and introducing advanced solutions to ensure survival and sustainability. In his illuminating Facebook treatise, Dr. Seri peers into the crystal ball of Thailand’s agricultural future, outlining four possible scenarios. Embarking with the “Normal Scenario,” he highlights an almost paradoxical picture. With predicted stability in weather values and norms, the backbone of Thai agriculture, the rice farmers, undertake tremendous toil, but their recompense falls short. He points out that even in a stable climate, the combination…
In a recent development that stands as a precedent within Thailand’s real estate industry, key state agencies as well as the developer of Ashton Asoke-Rama 9, have been held accountable for the ensuing damage. They’ve been given a stringent timeline of 14 days to rectify the situation without resorting to the building’s demolition. This pivotal ruling was upheld by the highest of administrative courts which challenged the lower court’s decision to revoke the Ashton Asoke-Rama 9 project’s building permit. Essential players in this controversial case include the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), as they aimed to use the disputed land for a railway project’s initial phase. The land initially set aside for the towering condominium project was adjacent to a public road, the Asok-Montri Road, but a portion of it was reclaimed later to accommodate the project. Elucidating on the finer details, legal advisor Pisit Detchaiyasat from WCP…
The Myanmar Army has stepped up its operations along the border areas, as revealed by the central command. Regular flights of army aircraft have been seen in the sky opposite Khun Yuam district, indicating a heightened military presence. Furthermore, sightings of Myanmar soldiers conducting military assignments in areas opposite Mae Sariang and Mueang districts have also been reported. What’s stirring concern is the rapidly increasing count of Myanmar refugees. Currently, there are as many as 8,852 Myanmar refugees taking refuge in five different encampments in the districts of Mae Sariang, Khun Yuam and Pang Moo. These areas have seen an exponential influx of refugees due to the recent upheaval, a scenario that troubles the officials. But the conflict isn’t just leading to displacement. A credible source from the Karenni Army has provided Shelling details by the Myanmar Army. As per this source, three villages in Kayah’s Loikaw township have been…
A Path Towards Wellness: Global Representatives Gather in Thailand for Health Tourism Event The bustling city of Bangkok recently played host to a monumental event aimed at bridging the gap between health and wellness sectors from across the globe and Thai entrepreneurs. The international assembly, overflowing with representatives, not only showcased Thailand’s ingenious health and wellness tourism products, but also fostered an atmosphere of collaboration and learning through seminars and business engagements. Representatives hailing from the corners of the earth; United States, Italy, Australia, China, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Indonesia, and Cambodia graced the occasion. It was a unique opportunity for them to experience Thailand’s diverse tourist offerings firsthand, interact with numerous businesses, and witness firsthand the undeniable potential of the country that leaves an unforgettable imprint on an international audience. Shift in Medical Tourism Apichai Chatchalermkit, the TAT’s deputy governor for tourism products…
One of the major concerns of the foreign investors eyeing Thailand is the nation’s pursuit of energy independence and sustainable energy as the backbone of the future business roadmap. The subsequent creation of a business-friendly environment is expected to spearhead long-term growth. This optimism is, however, marred by the prevailing political uncertainty since the general elections on May 14. The political scene took an unexpected turn when the front-runner party, Move Forward, didn’t manage to form a government. This political roadblock occurred after its prime minister candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, failed to secure enough votes in the parliamentary polls. Consequently, the prospective foreign investors had to put their expansion plans on hold. The political deadlock was further complicated by pleas made to the Constitutional Court, which might influence the parliamentary voting. The CEO of data centre service provider, Etix Everywhere, Louis Blanchot, shared his views regarding the ongoing situation. The company,…
Driving the advancement of its digital domain further, the Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) of Thailand recently made an engaging announcement. Three additional provinces from Thailand – Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Rayong, are now members of the inspiring ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). The news was unveiled during the sixth ASCN annual gathering held in the exotic location of Bali, Indonesia, by DES Chief, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn himself. Taking a moment to celebrate the meaningful progression of the ASEAN network, Chaiwut shared how the ASCN has evolved from 26 to a total of 29 cities, including the newly joined Thai provinces. Emphasizing the principles of the ASCN, Chaiwut explained the member cities’ dedication to working shoulder-to-shoulder with the private sector. The primary objective is to assimilate state-of-the-art technology across public establishments while setting a keen eye on creative tech-applications along with enhanced urban management and planning. As stated by…
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) – a key player in the electrification realm – has announced an ambitious project that threatens to transform the face of the city. The endeavour pertains to burying a whopping 1,454 kilometres of electrical cables, a feat it plans to accomplish in just a decade. This profound initiative, according to MEA governor, Wilas Chaloeysat, is a show of the authority’s unwavering commitment to meeting the power needs of over 14 million residents spread across Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan. Opting for the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ scenario, the MEA plans to improve the efficiency and convenience of its services through the implementation of smart technology. This high-tech approach introduces smarter metro grids and smarter meters that will revolutionise the electricity management system. The MEA has already made note of main thoroughfares throughout the capital and nearby regions, pinpointing over 1,000 km of cabling…
From the bustling activity at Ko Samui airport in the southern Surat Thani province, it’s clear that the allure of this tropical island resort is palpable. Friday marked the start of an extended six-day holiday, a courtesy of the cabinet’s astute decision to grant Monday, July 31, as an additional day off. As a result, the island has experienced a surge in both Thai and international tourists hankering for a slice of this coastal paradise. As the gateway to dazzling island vistas, the Ko Samui airport has been teeming with excited holidaymakers. Fill to capacity, all Bangkok Airways flights from Suvarnabhumi airport located in Samut Prakan province, as well as those from the exuberant cities of Hong Kong and Singapore, found their winged way to Ko Samui. This influx of visitors was testament to the irresistible charm of the island. The island’s attractiveness was not just confined to air travelers.…