The anticipation is palpable as the Bank of Thailand (BoT) prepares to announce its new board chairman following a rigorous three-month selection marathon. According to insiders from the Finance Ministry, this decision, expected on Monday, comes as a successor is sought for Porametee Vimolsiri, whose tenure concluded on September 16. It’s a decision wrapped in a veil of secrecy and suspense that has engulfed the corridors of the BoT. The stage is set for November 4, when the selection committee, led by the distinguished former finance permanent secretary Sathit Limpongpan, is poised to cast their votes in a clandestine conclave. The stakes are high, as the echoes of past postponements due to whispers of political interference still linger, a charge championed by former BoT governor Tarisa Watanagase. As the government angles to handpick its contender to fill Mr. Porametee’s shoes, all eyes are on Former Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, the…
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Chulalongkorn University is setting its sights on forging closer ties with international organizations in a bid to enhance the employment prospects of its students in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence (AI). At a recent “Meet the Press” event, the newly appointed president, Prof. Wilert Puriwat, emphasized the university’s strategic focus on experiential learning and critical thinking—attributes he believes AI cannot replicate. “Sure, AI can dish out information,” remarked Prof. Wilert with a knowing smile. “But it lacks the human touch, the wisdom that comes from real-world experiences and the art of critical thinking that are indispensable for the careers of tomorrow.” Under his visionary leadership, Chulalongkorn University is harnessing the potential of AI, not as a competitor, but as a complementary tool to augment the problem-solving and interpersonal skills that are crucial in today’s dynamic job market. The university’s innovative approach ensures that technology serves as a stepping…
As the year marches toward its close, excitement bubbles in the vibrant land of Thailand. The buzz this time is about a charming duo making their grand entry, no less than a pair of adorable giant pandas arriving all the way from China. It’s a delightful gesture marking the golden 50th anniversary of Sino-Thai relations, a half-century of friendship that’s stood the test of time. With its majestic mountainous backdrop, Chiang Mai Zoo is gearing up to host these furry emissaries, adding another fascinating chapter to its storied history with these beloved black-and-white ambassadors. Picture this: a gathering of minds, from the Zoological Park Organization, the Chiang Mai Zoo’s passionate keepers, the keen-eyed Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, to the strategic Bureau of Budget, discussing the pandas’ journey and all the preparations for their grand welcome. The man at the helm, Jatuporn Buruspat, the permanent secretary for…
Amid the sun-kissed shores and the crystal-clear waters of Yamu Beach in Phuket, an incident unfolded that piqued the curiosity of many. The tranquil setting transformed into the epicenter of a legal tussle between a local doctor and a Swiss national, adding a burst of drama to a seemingly serene locale. It all began on February 24, a day like any other, when the air was filled with the gentle whispers of the ocean waves. Dr. Thandao Chandam, a 27-year-old medical professional, found herself embroiled in an unexpected altercation. What was expected to be a peaceful moment of respite in front of a villa turned into a scene worthy of a courtroom drama, involving none other than Urs Fehr, a 45-year-old Swiss national who also goes by the name David. Dr. Thandao, who we shall call the plaintiff in this riveting saga, claimed that the rather irate Swiss gentleman drove…
Get ready to be enthralled as the vibrant cultures of Korea and Thailand come together for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and collaboration. Mark your calendars for November 9th, as the iconic Suralai Hall at Iconsiam in Bangkok transforms into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange with the exhilarating Thailand-Korea Soft Power Festival 2024. This year’s festival promises to be even more exciting, expanding on last year’s thrilling celebrations. It’s not just a festival; it’s an immersive experience brought to life by the collaboration of the Korean Culture Center in Thailand (KCC) and the Korea Thailand Communication Center (KTCC). Their grand vision? To enhance not only cultural understanding but also foster significant economic development through the soft power exchange that both nations are renowned for. The event rides the wave of momentum generated by the recently formed Thailand Soft Power Strategy Committee, all set to redefine international cultural exchanges. The…
In an unprecedented twist in the healthcare landscape of Bangkok, Mongkutwattana Hospital has drawn a bold line in the sand. As of November 1st, the hospital has ceased services for patients wielding universal healthcare cards, who were transferred there from primary care units, due to a staggering 20 million baht debt owed by the National Health Security Office (NHSO). At the helm of this financial tempest stands Dr. Rienthong Nanna, the hospital’s enterprising director and owner. With an air of resolute determination, Dr. Rienthong recently took to social media, highlighting the financial quagmire that has ensnared the hospital. According to him, the NHSO has been dragging its feet on reimbursing the costs accumulated by patients funneled in from their primary care units under the universal healthcare scheme. The blame game is firmly on, with Dr. Rienthong pointing fingers at the primary care units for failing to foot their share of…
In an exciting development that could reshape its economic landscape, Thailand has taken a significant leap towards joining the prestigious Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This move is seen as a strategic step towards enhancing opportunities arising from a convergence between Thailand’s aspirations and the OECD’s goals, as highlighted by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd on Wednesday, during the official launch of Thailand’s OECD Accession Process, Mr. Maris painted a vivid picture of the nation’s forward momentum towards joining this illustrious bloc. The event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), set the tone for Thailand’s ambitious journey towards becoming a member of the OECD. Notably, it follows a pivotal June 17 decision by the OECD to extend an invitation to Thailand, thus beginning formal accession discussions and marking the country as an official…
Buckle up for some high-flying news! A whirlwind of excitement has been stirred up as Thailand’s six major airports have smashed records, inviting a staggering nearly 120 million passengers through their gates during the last fiscal year ending September 30, as reported by the Airports of Thailand (AoT). These bustling hubs—Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Mae Fah Luang in Chiang Rai, and Krabi—have witnessed a remarkable surge in activity, and the buzz only seems to be getting louder this year. With an impressive feat of welcoming 119.2 million travelers, this represents a dynamic 19% increase compared to the prior year. Among these adventurous voyagers, a large chunk—72.6 million, to be precise—were international jet-setters arriving from far-flung corners of the globe, marking a significant 34.8% rise. Meanwhile, domestic travel also saw a modest increase with 46.6 million passengers, a gentle 1% uptick. The skies buzzed with a total of 732,690…
The tropical paradise known as Koh Kut, nestled within Trat province’s scenic beauty, has become the latest hot topic in Thailand’s political arena. It seems as if Koh Kut is not just famed for its azure waters and sandy beaches but also for being at the center of a heated territorial debate. Recently, the spotlight was cast on this breathtaking island as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai denied any intention by the Pheu Thai-led government to barter away Koh Kut, ensuring the public that this pristine Thai territory remains firmly in the grasp of the Land of Smiles. The backdrop to these reassurances is a fiery controversy ignited by the opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). The discord simmers around the contentious 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. The idea behind this MoU? Joint development of marine resources in the Gulf of Thailand—a move that, according to PPRP, could spell territorial…
Life in Thailand has always been a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity—a place where history dances with innovation. But these days, the Thai consumer is dancing to a brand-new beat, successfully navigating economic waltzes with a dexterity that would make even the most seasoned tango dancer envious. A recent deep dive into the realm of consumer trends through UOB’s ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study (ACSS) 2024—drawing insights with a little help from the brilliant minds at Boston Consulting Group—sheds some light on how this delightful dance is unfolding across Thailand and neighboring ASEAN markets. Picture this: over two in five Thai consumers (a considerable 42 percent of them!) are devoting more of their baht to essentials, amid an economic backdrop akin to an unpredictable, suspense-filled thriller movie. And yet, while many stay focused on life’s must-haves, a new plot twist sees younger Thais casting their gaze towards experiential spending. Imagine…