While some regard the recent spike in the minimum wage as an economic buffer and a wellness booster for the workforce, others fear its implications on manufacturing expenses and retail prices. The effects it’ll have on various sectors, including real estate, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, aren’t set in stone — governmental directives and industry responses will shape the eventual result. Influential business icons express their thoughts below. Minimum Wage Hikes Should be Steady Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) president, points to the possible positive outcomes of increasing the daily earnings to 400 baht. However, she warns that the proposed increment to 600 baht by 2027 could burden business operators, especially SMEs. She suggests that the government consider the distinct financial climates and prospects across the provinces. Besides, she notes that the high costs of energy, gas, and electricity are already a significant expense for the hotel sector,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Once a year, Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) springs to life with the herald of the annual “Future Food Workshop”. At this unique forum, a blend of innovative minds — ranging from distinguished scientists to some of the most pioneering companies in the food sector — showcases their pathbreaking developments. Categorized into three broad themes — Personalised Food, Alternative Protein, and Asian Wisdom — they offer a glimpse into the exciting prospects of future foods focusing on plant-based products and sustainable alternatives to the environmentally demanding meat farming. The recently concluded “Future Food Ideation Workshop by Tastebud Lab” marked the beginning of the three-day extravaganza held from September 20 to 22. And it peeled back the layers to reveal an exciting snapshot of the burgeoning future food sector in Thailand. In attendance was Phontakorn Wongcharoen, Vice President of the Betagro Food Innovation Centre. He offered some insight into…
As the mantle of leadership is transferred to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his coalition government from the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration, Thailand finds itself at a crucial juncture in the battle against global warming. The nation is tasked with both mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for potential natural disasters. The magnitude of challenges related to global warming and climate change is globally recognized, demanding immediate action from every corner of the world. Thailand, under its previous government, had charted its course of action against climate change under the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2020-22). This comprehensive plan detailed prospective strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen resilience to climate change, and manage risks posed by natural disasters. The successful implementation of these strategies is chiefly accountable to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), under its strategic focus on “Environmentally Friendly Growth for Sustainable Development.” This…
On a day marked by joy and anticipation, the premiere of the nation took it upon himself to oversee the grand ceremony, welcoming an eager group of Chinese globetrotters arriving upon flight XJ 761, piloted by none other than Thai AirAsia X, journeying directly from Xian to the majestic Suvarnabhumi. This Boeing brought with it not only 341 journeyers ready for oriental exploration, but also the first physical presence of China’s explorers to take advantage of the latest proposal of the Thai government – a visa exemption policy explicitly crafted for those holding passports or travel documents of China and Kazakhstan. This policy promises distanceless journeys from September 25, 2023, right up till the leap day of 2027, February 29. It was Srettha, the man at the helm, who made this day extraordinary by presenting these adventurous spirits with elephant pants, a token gift embodying the very soul of Thailand.…
Thailand, a bustling hub of culture, beauty, and opportunities, is steadily becoming a preferred locale for expatriates and digital nomads alike. According to the latest statistics from the Employment Department and Colliers Thailand, the first quarter of this year has witnessed an influx of 156,596 expats, over fifty percent of whom have found a home in the vibrant city of Bangkok. Last year, the majority of foreigners from Japan, China, and India, but recent trends indicate a growing Chinese fascination with purchasing condominiums in Thailand. Observing this ascending trend of expatriate residency, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is devising a strategic plan to cater specifically to this demographic in the coming years. In a post-pandemic world where the tourism trend is skewing towards extended stays, there is a need to engage this audience effectively. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the TAT governor, has hinted at potential expat benefits, including discounted entry fees…
The inner circles of the Ministry of Finance recently leaked some noteworthy information – farmers who decide to not partake in the upcoming government-implemented debt suspension scheme might be greeted with testimonials. This approach harks back to a plan executed under the Thaksin Shinawatra administration, primed to foster an environment condeucive to financial prudence amongst the farming community. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to the time period spanning 2001 to 2004. The Thaksin regime announced a three-year debt suspension plan aimed at individual farmers burdened with debts not exceeding 100,000 baht. The plan hinged on the provision of incentives such as discounted interest rates of 3% levied on those farmers who didn’t opt to partake in this economic initiative. Fascinatingly, an evenly contested split emerged from the data – almost half of the farmers, 49% to be exact, decided against enrolling, leaving a slight majority of 51% who…
Mallika, a 30-year-old petrol station worker, bravely sought justice by sharing with the public her distressing encounter with sexual harassment by a male patron. In her bold attempt to expose this wrongdoer, she distributed CCTV footage capturing the incident to various news outlets. During a discussion with Channel 3, Mallika revealed the occurrence took place around 3 in the afternoon on the 21st of September at a petrol station based in the eastern province of Trat. As per her account, three Thai gentleman in a pick up vehicle arrived at the station. She described how the driver initially requested for 500 baht worth of diesel. Moreover, the passenger who was seated near the driver, alighted from the truck and instructed her to fill up a larger quantity, equal to 1,000 baht. Mallika dutifully obliged and took a 1,000 baht note from the person standing outside the truck, intending to do…
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has dispelled speculation surrounding the halting of the colossal southern land bridge initiative, comprehensively valued at a whopping 1 trillion baht. Although the project remains afoot, Mr. Jungrungreangkit emphasized the necessity for a meticulous examination before greenlighting its execution. Previously, Wichai Sudsawat, a parliamentary representative for Chumphon from the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, voiced worries about the possible discontinuation of the project and passionately exhorted the government to forge ahead. Asserting the initiative to be a brainchild of the previous administration and an integral component of UTN’s strategy to augment connectivity across various domains. He posited this project as pivotal to driving economic growth in the southern region of Thailand. The southern land bridge venture, kick-started in 2021 by the Prayut-Chan-o-cha administration, envisioned augmenting Thailand’s economic activity, with its effects being distinctly noticeable beyond the conventional Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project which spanned across eastern…
In the heart of Thailand, an influential finance company is going above and beyond to empower the nation’s younger generation. The trailblazer of this initiative is none other than the Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited, also known as TIDLOR. This distinguished finance company, under the visionary leadership of the Assistant Manager of Financial Education, Mingkwan Prasertsiwaporn, is taking actionable steps towards a future where each individual is equipped with the essential knowledge of financial management. Bolstering this vision, TIDLOR, alongside its devoted team of volunteers, recently held a riveting and enlightening financial literacy workshop. Named simply yet profoundly as ‘Basic Financial Literacy,’ the workshop witnessed participation from the enthusiastic youth of Grade 12 students hailing from Dhammajarinee Witthaya School. No less than 40 bright minds came together in a quest to grasp and adopt financial discipline, management, and the nuances of handling daily expenses. But why the focus on…
In the global village of today, English language mastery is increasingly becoming a necessity, not just an advantage. Thailand recognizes this trend, reinforced by a substantial push from its government and educational institutions to improve the country’s fluency in English. One prominent player driving this change is Teast, an online platform focused on Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), that is expanding its footprint in the country. Teast’s TEFL platform plays a pivotal role, creating a bridge that links thirsty learners with dedicated educators worldwide. This model represents a groundbreaking change in how English language teaching and learning is perceived, infusing it with a fresh, innovative approach. Thus, Thailand’s TEFL community is backed up with a robust digital platform that not only affords access to teaching opportunities globally but also guarantees a premium learning experience for English learners across the country. The platform’s broad reach makes it distinct from…