Apec looks to pact to revive growth
Apec looks to pact to revive growthMr Jurin gives a keynote address at the symposium for FTAAP, the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) trade ministers have high hopes for the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), believing that the long-delayed pact can help revitalise their economies battered by the pandemic. Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, who chaired the Apec Ministers Responsible for Trade's meeting in Bangkok on Thursday, said the FTAAP tops the agenda for the four-day meeting as Apec members want to use the pact to help revive their economies following the pandemic. Apec aims to conclude the talks on FTAAP, which would be the world's biggest free trade agreement, by 2040, he said. FTAAP first appeared in the joint statement of Apec trade ministers in 2008.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 20, 2022 05:09 UTC
PTT asked to join Egat relief scheme
Assistance from PTT is part of a relief plan now being discussed by energy authorities who want to see Egat better manage its budget. Last year Egat was ordered by the Energy Regulatory Commission to cap fuel tariffs on power bills from last September to April this year, which cost Egat around 60 billion baht. PTT was asked to join efforts to help Egat because gas accounts for 65% of power generation costs. LNG prices under long-term purchase contracts stand at US$10-13 this month, compared with $21-22 in the spot market. Like Egat, PTT also helped relieve people's living costs by spending 10.5 billion baht selling gas at discounted prices to taxi drivers, manufacturers, small power producers and street food vendors.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 20, 2022 00:51 UTC
Asia’s largest F&B trade show held in Bangkok next week
The physical trade exhibition is taking place this 24th -28th May at Challenger Hall 1-3 and IEC Hall 5-10 IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, opening for trade visitors for all 5 days. As for the Virtual Trade Show, THAIFEX - Virtual Trade Show (VTS) offers a unique virtual trade show experience via www.thaifex-vts.com. THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA is, thus, ready to support the business operators in the F&B industry to succeed and thrive. Meanwhile, we are contacted by a large number of trade visitors through various channels travelling from both within Thailand and overseas to join us. For further information on THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2022 “The Hybrid Edition,” please contact the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) at 1169.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 19, 2022 12:19 UTC
Asian markets plunge after Wall St battering
Asian markets plunge after Wall St batteringA woman walks past Exchange Square which houses the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong on April 27, 2022. (AFP file photo)Asian markets posted big early losses Thursday, after Wall Street suffered one of its worst batterings in two years in the previous session. On Thursday morning, Hong Kong was down by more than three%, while Tokyo was down by about 2.5%. Among the biggest losers in Hong Kong was Chinese tech giant Tencent, whose stocks fell more than eight% on lacklustre first-quarter results. The unemployment rate dipped to 3.9%, the official statistics body said, the lowest rate since 1974.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 19, 2022 09:27 UTC
People free to grow marijuana and hemp from June 9
Withit said once the directive takes effect, no part of ganja and hemp, except extracted substance with more than 2 per cent of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), would be regarded as narcotics. As a result, people can grow hemp and ganja without having to seek permission. They are required only to inform the number of ganja or hemp plants they are growing to the FDA via an app called “Pluke Gan” or “growing ganja”, Withit added. The same rules will be applied to those wanting to grow hemp and marijuana for commercial purposes, Withit said.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 19, 2022 07:44 UTC
MFP has monopoly reservations about cannabis bill
MFP has monopoly reservations about cannabis billThe Move Forward Party (MFP) has reservations about a cannabis and hemp bill pushed by the Bhumjaithai Party, echoing warnings by a civil society group that it could bar small farmers and households from exploiting the plants commercially. Mr Taopiphop, who also brews craft beer, said the party supported people's right to grow cannabis at home. However, it was concerned the bill may set conditions similar to the craft beer issue which could result in a monopoly on cannabis production. Prasitthichai Nunuan, from the Future of Thai Cannabis Network, said cannabis' removal from the narcotics list should mean there is no need for any law on cannabis and hemp. He said the bill says that those who want to grow cannabis to sell must have permission and pay 50,000 baht, while another 50,000 baht is required to produce products from the plant leaves or oil extraction.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 19, 2022 05:36 UTC
Government’s Covid subsidies won’t be taxed
The announcement, signed by Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith on May 5, said subsidies under the following schemes will be exempted from tax for tax year 2021. > Rao Tiew Duay Kan (We Travel Together) travel subsidy campaign> Kam Lang Jai packaged tour subsidy scheme> Tour Tiew Thai packaged tour co-payment campaign> Khon La Khrueng (Let’s Go Halves) co-shopping subsidy scheme> Subsidies provided to holders of state welfare cards and people in vulnerable groups> E-vouchers granted under the Ying Chai Ying Dai (Spend More, Get More) scheme> Rao Chana (We Win) cash handout scheme> Mor33 Rao Rak Kan (Section 33 We Love Each Other) cash-handout scheme> Subsidy provided to employers and employees in highest control zones (red provinces)> Subsidies provided to SME operators, motorcycle taxi riders, taxi drivers and college students who have been affected by Covid-19.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 19, 2022 04:12 UTC
Puripol completes sprint hat-trick
Thailand's Puripol Boonson celebrates winning gold in the men's 100m at the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi yesterday. (AFP photo)Thai teenage sensation Puripol Boonson won the men's 100m title to complete a hat-trick of sprint crowns at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam on Wednesday. In the 200m in Si Sa Ket, Puripol crossed the line in 20.58sec, breaking the national mark of 20.69sec set by Reanchai at the 1999 SEA Games. In the 200m in Hanoi, his winning time of 20.37sec broke the SEA Games record and his own national mark. Hosts surpass century markVietnam have surpassed the 100-gold mark at the 31st SEA Games on home soil.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 18, 2022 23:58 UTC
Those That Follow
Those That Follow is Parkpoom's first directorial piece in more than four years. The story follows two teens on the run after a robbery goes wrong and showcases the iPhone 13 Pro's videography capabilities, especially in low light situations. The iPhone's camera with larger sensors like the ƒ/1.8 aperture in the Ultra Wide camera and ƒ/1.5 aperture and new 1.9μm pixels in the Wide camera shine through in this horror project, essential in delivering horror cinematic experience. As Parkpoom puts it, "The iPhone 13 Pro can capture visuals in low light, revealing details in the darkness. Watch Those That Follow at http://youtu.be/rf2UNTETb2Y and apple.com/th.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 18, 2022 08:27 UTC
MEA promises uninterrupted power for upcoming Bangkok elections
“MEA technicians have been checking electrical systems at all polling stations and election administration centres in 50 districts to make sure all equipment is working optimally,” MEA director of public relations Jumphot Himajaroen said on Wednesday. “Our goal is to provide uninterrupted power on election day until the night, when the votes will be counted to ensure a transparent and trouble-free election that everyone is hoping for,” he said. “Furthermore, on election day the MEA will have emergency teams on standby all 24 hours in case of any power outage to provide backup power,” Jumphot said. The MEA is urging eligible Bangkokians to exercise their rights this Sunday from 8am to 7pm. If you are not sure which polling station you need to go to, visit: https://stat.bora.dopa.go.th/Election/enqelectloc/#/The list of Bangkok governor candidates can be found at: https://www.prbangkok.com/th/news/detail/55/12060The list of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Council candidates are here:https://www.prbangkok.com/th/news/type/56/To report any electrical malfunction, damage or unsafe power lines or electrical equipment, contact MEA Call Centre 1130 or Facebook: @Metropolitan.Electricity.Authority, Twitter: @MEA_news, Line: MEA Connect, or download the MEA Smart Life mobile app, available for both Android and iOS users at http://onelink.to/measmartlife.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 18, 2022 07:56 UTC
Line warns chat app users to beware of scammers
Line recently informed users that some scammers claimed themselves to be company officials and posted job announcements via SMS and Line chat. It added that these scammers are also inviting Line users to add them as a friend in a bid to steal personal information, resulting in damage to people and companies involved.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 18, 2022 05:03 UTC
Joint push to spur Middle Eastern market
Joint push to spur Middle Eastern marketPeople emerge from the arrival hall at Suvarnabhumi airport after disembarking from a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight SV846 from Jeddah via Riyadh on Feb 27, 2022. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister, said the roadshow to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on May 15-16 was the first tourism event since the two countries restored diplomatic relations. He said Thai tourism has to start promoting the Saudi market to spur travel demand, which should peak during July and August. "The ministry discussed with the airline adding more quota to Thai Muslims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia and open new routes such as Saudi Arabia-Phuket," Mr Phiphat said. Prior to the pandemic, the Middle East market provided 533,237 travellers to Thailand, generating 41.3 billion baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 18, 2022 04:32 UTC
Anand calls for charter based on people's rights
Anand calls for charter based on people's rightsFormer prime minister Anand Panyarachun (File photo)Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun has called for a new constitution to be drawn up to ensure full democracy and people's fundamental rights. He said there have been few positive changes in terms of people's rights, and the call for basic rights has not yet been answered in Thai society. "I want to see the government pay more attention to these matters and take serious action, not just pay lip service," Mr Anand said. "People can hold different opinions, but they must not be hostile towards each other," Mr Anand said. This will take a lot of time and effort," Mr Anand said.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 18, 2022 03:27 UTC
Q1 GDP growth tops forecast but Ukraine war hits 2022 outlook
Q1 GDP growth tops forecast but Ukraine war hits 2022 outlookTourism helped boost Thai economic growth in the first quarter. The government cut its 2022 economic growth forecast to 2.5-3.5% from 3.5-4.5%, due to higher prices and slower global growth linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Last year's expansion was revised to 1.5% from 1.6%, among the slowest growth rates in the region. On a yearly basis, gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.2% in January-March, beating a forecast 2.1% rise, and after revised 1.8% growth in the previous three months. However, the numbers are still far below 40 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2019, before the pandemic.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 17, 2022 21:32 UTC
Ukraine update: Rescue mission under way at Azovstal
Ukraine update: Rescue mission under way at AzovstalUkraine's defence ministry says its troops have regained control of territory on the Russian border. KYIV, Ukraine: Ukrainian authorities said a rescue mission to extract the last defenders of the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol was under way on Tuesday, after hundreds of soldiers were evacuated in an earlier operation. Severodonetsk's mayor has said the city is almost surrounded by Russian troops and pro-Kremlin separatists. Russian shelling continued across the whole country overnight, with air sirens heard throughout Ukraine in the early hours of Tuesday. In a Facebook post, it accused Russian forces of using indiscriminate cluster munitions in the centre of Mykolaiv.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 17, 2022 19:59 UTC