With a clear eye on an uncertain inflation outlook, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) is finalizing its interest rate increase plan with a last 25-point hike set for August 2. These observations arise from recent surveys. June’s annual headline inflation saw a downturn to 0.23%, a slump below BoT’s target range of 1% -3%, pointing to a price revival later in the year. This tells us that BoT isn’t ready to wind up its cycle of fiscal tightening. Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, the BoT’s governor, affirmed last week that the current inflation outlook is on track with forecasts. Hence, future monetary policy is likely to ride on projections rather than relying entirely on present data. This slight recalibration has led economists, who participated in a poll between July 17-26 and previously predicted a cessation of the 150 basis points of policy tightening in May, to now foresee another rate hike. In…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In September 2016, an officer was spotted at the Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, in Bangkok, thoroughly spraying pesticides with the goal of eliminating mosquitoes that carry the perilous Zika virus, a scene captured by Patipat Janthong. Indeed, Zika virus, a highly contagious disease majorly transmitted by mosquitoes, has been a recurring health worry in Thailand. The Public Health Ministry has reported that since the commencement of the year till July 19, 110 people have been diagnosed with this virus in 20 different provinces of the country. This report, made by Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the standing secretary for public health, indicates that the virus is increasingly spreading with 30 reported cases in June itself. Lamentably, the virus is not sparing anyone. A total of six pregnant women from five distinct provinces, which include Chanthaburi, Phitsanulok, Rayong, Samut Songkhram, and Trat, have contracted the virus in July. It’s more alarming considering…
An exciting announcement in the world of archaeology and paleontology, Thailand has uncovered its 13th dinosaur named Minimocursor phunoiensis gen. et sp. nov. The intriguing details surrounding this grand revelation were officially presented in the 2023 edition of the international, open-access scholarly journal, Diversity, issued on July 13. An official press conference is slated to be hosted by the Department of Mineral Resources of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, locating its base in the bustling cityscape of Bangkok. The department set the event on Wednesday to formally introduce this remarkable find to the world. As reported on the department’s Facebook page, some key figures largely contributed to this discovery. Dr. Sita Manitkoon, associated with the Palaeontological Research and Education Centre at Mahasarakham University, joined forces with France’s Laboratoire de Géologie de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, and the renowned Sirindhorn Museum for this ground-breaking exploration. Nicknamed ‘a small runner,’…
The recent convention saw discussions centred around the topic, “Europe and Asia: Addressing common challenges in a changing global security environment through multilateral co-operation” which was graced by esteemed delegates from a variety of countries. Among the attendees of the conference was Somrudee Poopornanake, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, and Ambassadors from the 57 OSCE-operating states along with the five Asian Partners, one amongst whom was Thailand. The conference hosted elaborate discussion sessions, providing a platform to the Thai delegation to express their views and proposals to several issues of combined interest. The focus of their address was the enhancement of constructive cooperation between Asia and Europe, specifically bridging ASEAN and the OSCE. Non-traditional security issues such as cybersecurity and climate change were brought into the light. Furthermore, Thailand seized this opportunity to encourage an inclusive engagement with civil society in the promotion of human rights, democracy…
Bangkok’s Chatuchak district was teeming with energy as hundreds of enthusiasts and volunteers gathered at Soi Lat Phrao Wanghin 41, adjacent to the canal. The occasion? An event promoting waste sorting, recycling, and the monumental task of keeping the city’s canals clean. This noteworthy event was brought to fruition by the partnership between C2 drinking water, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and TerraCycle Thai Foundation. C2, a product of C Drink Ltd and pioneer of no-label bottled drinking water, takes pride in bolstering the zero-waste concept in Thailand. The company commands an extensive fanbase, especially after featuring Jackson Wang from the globally acclaimed GOT7 boyband as its ambassador. Jackson, with his massive popularity among Thai fans, effectively propels the brand’s vital cause of waste reduction and recycling. The participated enthusiasts, with sheer will and commitment, managed to extract over 2.2 tonnes of waste from the Lat Phrao canal, akin to conducting…
Unveiling the apprehensions of the everyday Thai citizen, Ipsos (Thailand)’s managing director, Usana Chantarklum has shared some intriguing insights from the firm’s global consumer research conducted over the past year and three months. The study has, most importantly, revealed that inflation has emerged as the topmost concern agitating minds, not just in the Southeast Asian nation but all across the globe, with the United States being a prime example. An in-depth look at Thailand offers captivating details. An extensive survey was carried out across six months, polling a broad cross-section of the Thai demographics that included 6000 people, all above the age of 18. The comprehensive study was able to pen down the main worries troubling the Thai populace over the last half-year: A whopping 40% of the respondents were stressed about their financial situation, extravagant spending habits, rampant corruption, and the political landscape, painting a picture of a population…
Wednesday marked the International Day for Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, a day of significance that saw an encouraging announcement made by Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Varawut Silpa-archa. He proudly declared that the nation’s steadfast commitment to environmental protection had lead to an expansion of the country’s mangrove cover by 200,000 rai since 2014. Validating this claim, satellite images sourced from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) unveiled that clear increments in mangrove forests have been made in the recent past. Current records show that Thailand’s mangrove forests span out over 1.74 million rai. This is a heartening growth from the 1.53 million rai recorded back in 2014. Still, the minister communicated that there’s much more ground to cover, the ultimate objective being to cover 40% of the nation’s expanse in mangrove and other forests. This goal aligns with Thailand’s ambition to achieve a net-zero climate…
On an otherwise ordinary Tuesday, the green tranquility of Phra Nakhon Khiri Park was disrupted by an unusual visitor. Provincial governor Natthachai Nampoolsuksan took time out from bureaucratic paperwork to address an increasingly pesky issue; the long-tailed macaques, also commonly referred to as crab-eating macaques. Hidden behind their innocent facade, these monkeys were actually causing quite the commotion! The seemingly benign monkey species have been leaving locals in constant disarray with their not-so-admirable antics. Macaques around the neighbourhood have often been caught red-handed in various mischief such as food theft, pawing at and stealing bags, and in some extreme instances, resorting to unprovoked biting incidents. The severity of their actions has escalated to the point where locals have felt the need for home confinement of children and the installation of steel fences to safeguard their properties, according to Natthachai. The governor pointed out that the monkey population in the Phetchaburi…
In today’s briefing, Prime Minister Prayut detailed his governance’s continued dedication to the nation’s ongoing projects amidst the formation of a new government. As he noted, his administration has been unceasing in monitoring these initiatives since he assumed office in August 2014. Prayut was positive in his assessment of Thailand’s economic health, assuring that the nation’s finances remain resilient and secure. Consequently, the authorities anticipate that they can navigate any imminent crisis that may occur within the last two months of fiscal 2023, concluding in September 2023. Threats such as flooding, dry spells, and other natural disasters are within the government’s capacity to manage, thanks to our robust economy. On a reassuring note, he added that his administration has substantial financial capacity to extend aids and subsidies to various demographic groups. Moving on to infrastructure development, Prayut alluded to the remarkable strides made. Among these feats is the dual track…
Given the current economic factors, an expected decrease in tourist spending per trip has instigated a downward adjustment in Thailand’s economic estimate. This economic outlook, shared by Fiscal Policy Office Director-General, Pornchai Thiraveja, is based on a forecasted tourist influx of approximately 29.5 million. Along with this, an expected export contraction of around 0.8% contributes to the altered outlook. Originally, Thailand’s economic prospect was buoyed by a predicted increase in the number of tourists from China. However, in a surprising turn of events, most of the tourist traffic is currently from Malaysia, a segment traditionally known to have lower spending averages. This situation has led to an estimated drop of 50 billion baht in tourist income for this year. Considering this, the total forecasted tourist revenue for Thailand now hovers around the 1.25 trillion baht mark, resulting from the estimated tourist count of 29.5 million. However, the Thai economy is…