Informa Markets is gearing up to make CPHI South East Asia 2024 the cornerstone of Thailand’s ambitions to become a leading medical hub in the region. Set to take place from July 10-12, 2024, this pivotal event will be held at the prestigious Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. It promises to be a gathering of industry experts, including top-tier manufacturers, scientists, researchers, pharmacists, and distributors, representing 21 countries. Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director for ASEAN at Informa Markets and Country General Manager for the Philippines, shared candid insights with Thansettakij about the burgeoning trends in both the global and Southeast Asian pharmaceutical markets. According to her, several key factors are contributing to this positive outlook. The aging population, the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, and favorable policies promoting medical tourism are among the primary growth drivers. Healthcare systems across Southeast Asia are…
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In an eagerly anticipated event, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, accompanied by his wife, is set to embark on an official visit to Thailand from June 25 to 28. This trip, invited by Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, marks Mr. Tobgay’s first visit to Thailand since reclaiming the premiership in January. Intriguingly, this visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two predominantly Buddhist nations—a milestone underscoring the deep-rooted bonds and mutual respect shared by both countries. This official sojourn is meticulously crafted to fortify the partnership between Bhutan and Thailand across multiple dimensions, encompassing trade, investment, tourism, education, clean energy, and the development of human resources, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Indeed, it seems the foundation is set for both nations to expand their collaborative horizons, nurturing a relationship that will propel both forward on the global stage. Among the various high-profile discussions,…
Two elusive black panthers were sighted in the dense wilderness of Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi, captured in a remarkable photograph taken by an unsuspecting tourist from inside her car. The fortunate woman, named Amy, stumbled upon these enigmatic creatures while making her way to Khao Phanoen Thung, an imposing forested mountain within the park. In an unexpected twist of fate, Amy’s keen eyes spotted the rare sight, prompting her to halt her vehicle and seize the moment with her camera. An impromptu stop turned into an extraordinary opportunity as Amy managed to take both pictures and videos of the two majestic panthers. Her car seemed to have no effect on the bold felines, as they exhibited no fear and continued to roam around before stealthily vanishing into the thick foliage. The story quickly caught wind, with Mr. Somjate Jantana, the director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3,…
In a dramatic twist worthy of a maritime melodrama, the saga of the missing oil-smuggling ships has gripped the nation. Picture this: a marine police boat valiantly escorting three elusive vessels back to the Port of Songkhla after they vanished into thin air earlier this week. Yes, according to Assawin Pakkawan, the ships, brimming with a whopping 330,000 liters of contraband oil, had briefly evaded capture. The plot thickens with an ongoing investigation that reads like a crime thriller. A leaked chat has unveiled unsavory connections between some police officers and the sly mastermind of this oil-smuggling operation. The three errant ships, seized on March 19, had been idling at the marine police pier in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district with two other seized vessels, waiting for justice to catch up with them. On the day of the seizure, 28 crew members were apprehended, charged with smuggling, and then released on…
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, a couple from Buri Ram has been handed severe prison sentences for their heinous attack on a high school student. The perpetrators, 21-year-old Jetsadaporn and his 25-year-old wife, Angkana, will spend 35 and 25 years in prison respectively for their roles in a vicious acid attack that nearly claimed the life of 18-year-old Natthikarn “Aum” Khairum. The harrowing incident unfolded on the evening of August 27 last year as Natthikarn was enjoying a meal with her family in a restaurant located in Buri Ram’s Nang Rong district. Without warning, the young couple doused her with a horrifying, acidic liquid, causing life-altering injuries. Natthikarn lost her left ear and came perilously close to losing sight in her left eye, requiring four months of intense medical treatment. This violent eruption of rage did not spare the innocent bystanders; Natthikarn’s grandmother and uncle,…
The Art Institute of Chicago has taken a commendable step by deciding to return a 900-year-old artifact to its rightful home from where it was once taken. The ancient relic, originating from the Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buri Ram, will soon be back under the stewardship of Thailand’s Fine Arts Department (FAD). Imagine discovering that an ancient piece of history, thought lost, is finally on its way back home. A director-general of the FAD, Phanombut Chantarachot, shared this exciting news on Wednesday, revealing that the US institute has expressed its deep intention to return a precious fragment of a pilaster. This artifact, which wonderfully depicts the Hindu deity Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana, dates all the way back to the 12th-century. The fragment’s storied journey began long before its trip to the United States. Research conducted by the Office of National Museums concluded that this piece was originally part of…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently stepped up to defend the ambitious 3.75-trillion-baht budget bill for Thailand’s 2025 fiscal year, designed to revitalize the country’s lethargic economy. As the House of Representatives launched into a trio of debate days, Mr. Srettha eloquently described how this hefty budget is poised to unlock Thailand’s full economic potential. Ever the optimist, Mr. Srettha projected a sprightly economic growth of 2.5% to 3.5% by 2025, with inflation kept in check between 0.7% and 1.7%. He touted the government’s “Ignite Thailand” vision, a strategic roadmap to morph Thailand into a regional powerhouse across eight pivotal sectors: aviation, tourism, wellness and medical, agriculture and food, logistics, future mobility, digital economy, and finance. This well-rounded vision is the compass guiding the allocation of the 2025 budget. However, Mr. Srettha was candid about potential hurdles, such as geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism, which could pose a threat to global…
A nimble young boxer launches a powerful kick at a punching bag at Atchara Muay Thai Gym, a renowned boxing school in Bangkok. (Bangkok Post file photo) The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to pack a punch by introducing Muay Thai as an elective course in 437 of its schools. The initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve Thailand’s cultural heritage while teaching young people the values of discipline and resilience, according to city council president Surajit Pongsingwitthaya. The boxing classes will be offered as a segment of the health science and physical education curriculum, announced in a meeting with Thanakorn Chaisri, director of the BMA’s Department of Education. This exciting addition to the school system is expected to create quite a buzz among students. The BMA’s move aims to bolster Thailand’s presence in the international sporting community, reinforcing what is popularly known as the country’s “soft…
People stroll along the vibrant Walking Street in Pattaya, a bustling hub attracting both foreigners and local tourists, especially known for its electrifying nightlife. A government panel stands firm on its decision against extending alcohol sales hours, citing an uptick in casualties and road accidents. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin pointed out that the ministry’s alcoholic beverage control committee considered statistics on road accidents and the accompanying legal ramifications, given the widespread impact of the issue. While the committee does not support longer sales hours, this is not the final word on the matter. Five draft laws related to alcoholic beverages are still pending parliamentary review, said the minister. Mr. Somsak shared these insights following a meeting of the panel at the ministry on Tuesday. Presently, the sale of alcoholic beverages in stores is permitted between 11am and 2pm, and 5pm until midnight, totaling 10 hours per day. Bars, restaurants,…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, Senate candidates made their way to the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre on June 16 for a pivotal provincial-level election (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb). The scene was abuzz with anticipation and intrigue as major political parties, including the vocal opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), prepared for a heated contest. Outgoing Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai shared his predictions, fueling the excitement even further. Pornpetch confidently asserted that a substantial number of representatives and allies from significant political factions, especially the MFP, were poised to secure seats in the final round of the Senate election. He emphasized that the results, set to be announced on July 2 following the national-level vote scheduled for next Wednesday, could see an influx of diverse new senators. “We truly face an uncertain outcome,” Pornpetch remarked, the sparkle of political chess evident in his eyes. “However, it’s my educated…