In a groundbreaking move, the government announced its intention to roll out a co-payment scheme designed to aid over 4 million rice-farming households, specifically targeting fertiliser costs. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, speaking after the national rice management policy committee meeting, shared some optimistic news: this year’s rice prices are taking a positive turn compared to last year. This encouraging trend has paved the way for new initiatives to support farmers. Traditionally, the government has extended generous subsidies to farmers, prompting them to seek better production techniques to slash costs. Recently, they’ve introduced an ambitious fertiliser project, with the government committing to cover half of the expenses. The implementation of this initiative will be facilitated by the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives through a specialized mobile app, ensuring that every farmer can access it. To address concerns over recent fertiliser price hikes, suppliers will be invited to join the program,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the quest for a more promising tomorrow, simply adhering to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles may not suffice, according to Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre. Speaking at a riveting conference in Bangkok this week, Peshawaria argued that the decades-old ESG framework is showing its limitations despite its widespread adoption. Peshawaria pointed out that many businesses hide behind the façade of greenwashing to sidestep scrutiny, while regulatory frameworks enforce just the bare minimum level of responsible behavior. “Regulations may minimize harm, but they do not maximize good,” he proclaimed, highlighting the fundamental flaw in the current system. A troubling trend has emerged where businesses are exploiting challenges for profit rather than devising profitable solutions to these very challenges, Peshawaria noted. He proposed a paradigm shift from ESG to ESL—where “L” stands for “steward leadership.” This concept embodies an earnest commitment to forging a better future for stakeholders,…
The buzzing anticipation filled the air as Senate candidates converged at Bang Kapi School in Bangkok, all set to cast their votes on June 9. Amidst the chaos, the Election Commission (EC) remained steadfast, ready to push forward with the provincial-level voting for the Senate election, despite murmurings about inefficiencies among poll officials failing to disqualify ineligible candidates. (Photo: Vruth Hirunyatheb) As Sunday looms, the EC calls upon the public to keep a watchful eye on both provincial and national-level voting. This call for vigilance aims to bolster public participation and transparency, even though there isn’t a public vote. For those intrigued by the electoral process, there’s an invitation to submit requests to the provincial election offices and the Office of the Election Commission. Across 77 provinces, a massive 23,645 candidates, having triumphed in the district-level selection on June 9, will be narrowing down to 3,080 hopefuls come Sunday. From…
Suvarnabhumi Airport bustled with an influx of tourists on February 6, creating a vibrant, energetic scene that marked the return of international travelers. Amid this surge, the Department of Disease Control assured the public: Thailand remains free of bird flu cases in humans. However, vigilance is still the order of the day for those returning from regions grappling with H5N2 outbreaks. Authorities recommend that these individuals self-monitor for irregular respiratory symptoms for 14 days post-arrival, and seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms appear. Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, the vigilant chief of Disease Control, emphasized that Thailand has maintained its bird flu-free status among humans since 2006. But this doesn’t mean the country is resting on its laurels. A joint effort involving agencies like the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Department of Livestock ensures close monitoring of potential outbreaks among animals. Quick-response measures are firmly in…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, faced with swirling rumors of a premature exit, stepped into the limelight at Government House on May 31, denying any plans of resigning or dissolving the House of Representatives ahead of a critical Constitutional Court ruling. This ruling is tied to his controversial appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister, a move that has sparked significant debate. “Resignation or dissolving the House has never crossed my mind. We should let the legal procedure unfold naturally. Running away is simply not an option,” Mr. Srettha asserted firmly on Friday. “When questioned by the judges, it is my obligation to explain matters clearly and to respect their decision.” He noted that his legal team has already submitted a list of additional witnesses to the court. The complications arise from a petition filed by 40 senators back in May, requesting the Constitutional Court’s ruling on whether Prime…
Conscripts were seen withdrawing cash from ATMs in droves, fueling a whirlwind of rumors and speculation. Over recent weeks, a series of explosive documents made their rounds on social media, drawing the public’s eye to the deductions from soldiers’ already meager pay for WiFi and other unexpected charges. This unexpected revelation led Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang to take swift action, ordering an investigation into salary deductions across all military units. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) The public was already on edge when yet another incriminating document surfaced. This time, it detailed a 1,200-baht WiFi service fee being deducted from conscripts’ salaries. This revelation followed closely on the heels of a report about another 500-baht deduction for septic tank pumping—just one in a baffling series of deductions that ended up swallowing a staggering 60% of a conscript’s salary. According to Jirayu Houngsub, the ministry’s spokesperson for political affairs, Defence Minister Sutin acted promptly,…
Amid rising tensions and political drama, the arrest of Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap in Bangkok this week has caused a wave of concern among human rights organizations and activists worldwide. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Thailand has now stepped in, imploring the government to shield Bdap from deportation due to mounting fears for his safety. Y Quynh Bdap, a 32-year-old Christian from the Montagnard ethnic group in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, co-founded Montagnards Stand for Justice. This organization relentlessly advocates for religious freedom, a contentious issue that has placed him at odds with the Vietnamese government. The Montagnards, particularly those affiliated with independent house churches, have faced relentless persecution, making Bdap’s mission perilous. Since 2018, Bdap has resided in Thailand and earned refugee status from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). However, after the deadly riots in Vietnam’s Dak Lak province last June, the Vietnamese government…
Conscripts were seen withdrawing cash from ATMs, a scene stirring a buzz on social media. The Ministry of Defence has launched a comprehensive investigation across all army units after documents surfaced, showing deductions from soldiers’ already sparse pay for WiFi charges and various personal items. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has demanded a thorough probe into the salary deductions of conscripts nationwide. This directive came hot on the heels of another intriguing revelation—a 1,200-baht WiFi service fee being shaved off some salaries. This followed closely behind a report revealing a 500-baht septic tank pumping fee. What raised eyebrows even higher was the fact that these deductions collectively siphoned off nearly 60% of a conscript’s salary. According to Jirayu Houngsub, the ministry’s spokesman for political affairs, Mr. Sutin had all military units scrutinized for documents indicating various deductions from recruits’ pay. The reported items included insurance at 330 baht,…
Thailand, in a dazzling display of its growing influence in the wellness industry, successfully played host to the third annual Thailand Wellness Asia Summit (TWAS) in 2024. With the lush backdrop of the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok, the event ran from June 11 to June 14, drawing wellness enthusiasts and professionals from over 30 countries—totaling an impressive 1,000 attendees. This year’s summit was particularly noteworthy due to the powerful collaboration between China and Thailand, headlined by key figures like Dr. Jia Xiao Fang, President of UNSDG World Federation, and influential CEOs from renowned institutions including Minor International Group, Bumrungrad International Hospital, BDMS Wellness Clinic & Wellness Resort, Bicaro Holding (M) Sdn Bhd, and the Thailand National Charter of Health. A SPECTACULAR OPENING The opening ceremony was a grand affair with distinguished speeches and honored guests that set the tone for an enriching event. Present were notable personalities such as: Mr.…
Thailand, with its unrivaled success in hosting the third annual Thailand Wellness Asia Summit (TWAS) in 2024, is steering Asia to become the global wellness hub. The event, hosted grandly at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok from June 11 to June 14, stands as Southeast Asia’s preeminent wellness gathering, drawing over 1,000 attendees from more than 30 countries. This year’s summit underscored a special collaboration between China and Thailand, highlighting key figures such as Dr. Jia Xiao Fang, President of UNSDG World Federation. The event also saw participation from prominent CEOs from Minor International Group, Bumrungrad International Hospital, BDMS Wellness Clinic & Wellness Resort, Bicaro Holding (M) Sdn Bhd, Thailand National Charter of Health, JSMDH Group, and many others. A SPECTACULAR OPENING The grand opening ceremony was a star-studded affair featuring distinguished speakers and honoured guests: Mr. Jacky Ong, Chairperson of the 3rd TWAS 2024, Founder and Chairman of CISW…