The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) is throwing its weight behind the Transport Ministry’s visionary plan to cap fares on mass transit electric train services at just 20 baht per trip, according to Saree Ongsomwang, the TCC’s dynamic secretary-general. Saree also has a savvy suggestion: the ministry should allocate a “fair” budget to improve public bus services across every province. In a candid chat with the Bangkok Post, Saree said that this 20-baht fare promise was one of Pheu Thai’s key campaign pledges during last year’s election. Even the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra took a deep dive into this issue in his “Vision for Thailand 2024” speech. He predicted that this cap is attainable if the government takes the bold step of buying back private electric train projects from companies. The idea is to then set ticket prices and impose congestion charges on car users, thereby generating funds to subsidize…
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In a groundbreaking moment for Thailand, the newly formed cabinet under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra boasts the highest number of women in the nation’s political history. Women now hold eight of the 36 ministerial positions, following royal endorsement on September 4. Let’s delve into the impressive backgrounds of these trailblazing women: Paetongtarn Shinawatra Prime Minister / Age: 38 The youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Ms. Paetongtarn is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to ascend to this prestigious role. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in political science from Chulalongkorn University and a master’s degree in hotel management from the University of Surrey in England. Ms. Paetongtarn entered the political arena in 2021 with the Pheu Thai Party, initially serving as Chairman of the Advisory Board on Political Participation and Innovation. She swiftly rose through the ranks to become leader of the Pheu Thai family…
Imagine savoring a steaming bowl of aromatic, flavorful Thai rice, knowing it comes from one of the most celebrated and distinctive strains grown by passionate local farmers dedicated to preserving their agricultural heritage. The Thai Rice Department is on a mission to elevate the profile of Thai rice globally by promoting unique strains that boast geographic indication (GI) labels, taking the world by storm with their unparalleled quality and flavor. Farmers in the southern provinces of Phatthalung and Trang, as well as those in the northern region of Phayao, have already started reaping the benefits. They’ve mastered the art of cultivating unique, premium rice varieties that consumers are willing to pay a premium for, aiming to create a sustainable income stream that could significantly boost their living standards. Homegrown Heroes: Harnessing the Power of Native Rice Cultivars Jaranjit Phengrat, an agricultural expert at the Rice Department, believes that native rice…
The political arena is heating up as the opposition and Senate prepare to dissect the new government’s policy statement this week. With Pheu Thai Party’s digital wallet handout scheme under intense scrutiny, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to elaborate on the policy layout in parliament come Thursday and Friday. According to constitutional mandates, the government must detail its policy statement to parliament before diving into official duties. Sirikanya Tansakun, a standout list MP of the opposition People’s Party—an entity rising from the ashes of the dissolved Move Forward Party—has announced that over 30 MPs are primed and ready for a spirited debate on the policy statement. “Brace yourselves for a heated exchange. The Pheu Thai-led coalition will face questions on whether they have honored their election promises,” Sirikanya declared on Sunday. She highlighted that the new government’s policies bear a striking resemblance to those of the previous Srettha Thavisin…
Maj Gen Dr. Rienthong Nanna, the director of Mongkutwattana Hospital located in Bangkok’s Laksi district, recently announced a rather unconventional method to curb smoking on his hospital premises. In a bold and somewhat controversial move, he declared plans to detain defiant smokers in “gas chambers” made from repurposed telephone booths until they fully inhale their cigarette smoke. On a post made to his Facebook page this past Sunday, Dr. Rienthong revealed the hospital’s innovative use of phone booths that had initially been donated for Covid-19 screening between 2020 and 2022. These booths, according to him, will serve as disciplinary chambers for anyone caught violating the hospital’s strict no-smoking policy. “In these innovative gas chambers, those who defy the smoking ban at Mongkutwattana Hospital can fully inhale the smoke from their own cigarettes. The smoke will not be released to the outside and annoy or harm the public but will ruin…
In a pivotal move set to reshape Thailand’s economic landscape, newly appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has fast-tracked an extensive debt restructuring initiative to address the nation’s household debt crisis, estimated at a staggering $474 billion. The ambitious project aims to alleviate the financial burdens on small businesses, hasten fiscal stimulus, and catalyze overall economic growth. The sweeping debt overhaul, designed to transform the entire financial ecosystem, will particularly focus on providing relief to borrowers struggling with car and home loans. According to a drafted policy statement reviewed by Bloomberg News, the blueprint will be unveiled by the Prime Minister in parliament on September 12. Integral to this initiative, the restructuring will span across the informal sector and will leverage state-owned financial institutions, commercial banks, and asset management companies. The urgency stems from escalating household debt, which exceeds 16 trillion baht—equivalent to an eye-watering 90% of the nation’s GDP. “Rising…
As a woman casually strolled past a newly fallen tree—courtesy of Typhoon Yagi’s ferocious impact—Hanoi, Vietnam felt the lingering aftershocks on Sunday. The Reuters-captured moment symbolized nature’s unpredictable might. Weather enthusiasts and forecasters keep a vigilant eye on what’s unfolding. In Thailand’s North and upper Northeast, the remnants of Typhoon Yagi are flexing their muscles. Known on Sunday as a downgraded tropical storm since its departure from the “severe tropical storm” title, Yagi was in no mood to retire quietly. By 7 AM, Yagi had convoluted its initial path to Vietnam, and forecasters noted it was trekking westwards with a plan to devolve further into a depression, ultimately morphing into a low-pressure area. So what does this mean for Thailand? The Meteorological Department’s insights are anything but inspiring for sunseeking tourists. The North and upper Northeast regions are on course to brave heavy downpours and windstorms. If you were hoping…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra gathered with her cabinet members at the historic Santi Maitree Building in Government House. Spirits were high as they prepared for a formal audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen at the Amporn Sathan Residential Hall, nestled within the majestic Dusit Palace. It was a significant occasion, and the air buzzed with a blend of tradition and forward-thinking optimism. (Photo Credit: Chanat Katanyu) According to the latest Super Poll survey, hope and expectations surrounding this newly-formed government are notably high. Conducted nationwide from September 6-7 with a sample size of 2,078 participants, the survey unveiled interesting insights. Among those who previously cast their votes for the Pheu Thai Party, a resounding 81.2% expressed their approval of the new leadership and its cabinet. On the other side of the political spectrum, the sentiments were quite different, with 75.6% of previous…
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was all smiles as she posed for a group photo ahead of a special cabinet meeting at the Government House in Bangkok this Saturday. The scene buzzed with energy and optimism, akin to the electric atmosphere of a premiere night. (Reuters photo). In her first major policy initiative, Thailand’s newly minted government is gearing up to launch a widespread debt restructuring campaign. Estimated at a whopping $474 billion, household debt is the prime target. The government has grand plans to reboot the economy, aid small businesses, and escalate fiscal stimulus to give growth a big boost. According to a draft policy statement seen by Bloomberg News, this ambitious debt overhaul aims to provide relief particularly to those grappling with car and home loans. Stay tuned for Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s announcement in parliament on September 12! The initiative won’t just be limited to the formal sector.…
Visitors flocked to witness the sunrise at the majestic Phanom Rung temple ruins in Chalerm Phrakiat district of Thailand’s Buri Ram province on Sunday morning. (Photo: Surachai Piragsa) The scene at Phanom Rung was far from ordinary as crowds gathered with high hopes of experiencing the temple’s legendary sunrise. However, Typhoon Yagi, which had been causing chaos across various parts of Asia, cast a thick layer of clouds, blocking the much-anticipated dawn spectacle over the ancient marvel on Sunday morning. About 200 eager tourists, both locals and visitors from around the globe, congregated at this remarkable historical site. They were there with the expectation to witness the breathtaking phenomenon where the sun aligns perfectly to illuminate through all 15 gates of the temple ruins. Scheduled between 6:00 and 6:15 AM, this extraordinary natural display was unfortunately overshadowed by the dense cloud cover, leaving the sun’s first light hidden from view.…