Residents demand action as Delhi landfill fire burns for seventh day
Firefighters have struggled to extinguish the blaze that broke out on Tuesday (April 26) at the Bhalswa landfill site. Dense plumes of smoke have been rising from the site causing difficulties to the people living nearby.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 03, 2022 05:53 UTC
BoT loan schemes hit B300bn over 2 years
Loan extension under the Bank of Thailand's soft loan and recovery loan schemes for businesses affected by the pandemic has reached 300 billion baht since the launch of the programme in April 2020. For the overall banking sector, loan growth was sluggish in the first quarter as a result of the impact of the Omicron variant. The bank later adjusted the soft loan scheme to recovery loans to better serve borrowers. According to central bank data, as of April 18 this year the total loan approvals under its soft loan and recovery loan schemes amounted to 305 billion baht, extended to 128,572 business operators. Retail loan growth is expected to stand at 4%, with swelling household debt a key factor pressuring the segment, said the research house.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 03, 2022 05:16 UTC
Animal feed imports to be boosted for 3 months
Animal feed imports to be boosted for 3 monthsThe Commerce Ministry proposed new measures yesterday to boost imports of animal feed ingredients for a three-month period, a move aimed at shoring up domestic supplies following disruptions caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Feed mills have complained for months of a shortage of grains used in animal feed mix, such as wheat and corn, urging the government to ease import controls designed to protect local farmers. Commerce Minister, Jurin Laksanawisit, told a news conference one measure proposed was to temporarily suspend controls on wheat imports from May to July. The government imposed a cap on wheat imports in 2016 with the aim of shoring up domestic maize and cassava prices. Maize demand totals 7.8-8 million tonnes a year, while domestic production makes for 4.9 million tonnes.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 03, 2022 05:15 UTC
Tourists give thumbs-up to new rules
Tourists give thumbs-up to new rulesPassengers wait their turn to submit a QR code from Thailand Pass to public health officers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Sunday. He said the axeing of the RT-PCR test requirement for hotel reservations also helped them save money. It took him a few days to complete the Thailand Pass process compared to three weeks when he visited last time. Meanwhile, Chayatham Phromsorn, permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry, checked on the readiness of Suvarnabhumi airport on Sunday. "All state agencies are now working together to smooth arrivals and departures and eliminate queues at Thailand Pass and immigration checkpoints," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 02, 2022 10:14 UTC
Finance Ministry may extend diesel excise tax reduction but at half rate: source
The source said if the Finance Ministry had to extend the excise cut, the cut would be Bt1.50, not Bt3 as in the current practice. Without the tax cut and partial subsidy, the diesel price would have risen to Bt38 per litre from Sunday, the source added. So far, the government has lost its revenue by Bt17.1 billion from the excise tax cut for diesel from February 18, the source said. Initially, the Excise Department projected revenue from oil excise tax for 2022 at Bt200 billion. But when the government cut the diesel excise for three months, the department lowered its projected income from oil tax to Bt180 billion, the source said.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 02, 2022 08:01 UTC
Spending on consumption stimulus campaigns passes THB70 billion
The “Khon La Khrueng” (Let’s Go Halves) co-shopping scheme accounted for more than 85 per cent of total spending, with 61.83 billion baht – 31.49 billion baht spent by its 26.27 million registrants and 30.34 billion baht covered by the government. Under the scheme, the government covers 50 per cent of bills for basic necessities including food, capped at 150 baht per day and 1,200 baht per person. The other two campaigns grant funds to state welfare card holders and people in vulnerable groups to spend at participating shops. The 13.37 million state welfare card holders have spent 7.91 billion baht while 1.31 million people in vulnerable groups have spent 704.9 million baht. The Finance Ministry said most of the subsidy was spent at food and beverage vendors (25.74 billion baht), followed by general shops (21.28 billion baht), Commerce Ministry Blue Flag shops (10.74 billion baht), OTOP shops (2.83 billion baht), service providers (1.1 billion baht), and public transport (117.4 million baht).
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 02, 2022 03:15 UTC
Diesel users run into reality check
As to the prospects of the firm increasing delivery service charges amid rising fuel prices, Mr Ng had no comment. Food delivery operator Grab expressed concerns about the higher diesel price cap, indicating it would significantly affect its drivers, who rely on diesel-powered motorcycles. Chanat KatanyuIn a typical economic environment, the public would understand and not criticise the government if it adjusted domestic diesel prices, he said. This level of spending is adequate to offset the money spent on higher diesel prices, helping to invigorate the overall economy, he said. "Without any stimulus measures to offset the impact of rising diesel prices, the country's economy may grow by less than 3% this year."
Source:Bangkok Post
May 02, 2022 00:04 UTC
Chanettee completes hat-trick
Chanettee completes hat-trickChanettee Wannasaen holds the Thailand Mixed trophy yesterday. PRTeen prodigy Chanettee Wannasaen continued her domination on the Thailand TrustGolf Tour following a four-shot victory over Sangchai Kaewcharoen in the final round of the three-million-baht Thailand Mixed at Rayong Green Valley Country Club yesterday. Her Thailand Mixed hat-trick of wins was achieved a week after she celebrated her fourth crown of the year in the Thai LPGA Tour event at Laem Chabang International Country Club last Sunday. Prior to that, she won the first two Thailand Mixed series in Cha-Am, Hat Yai and the LPGA Thailand National Qualifiers in Pattaya. "It's my goal to win that second ticket as Chanettee already secured the first one.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 02, 2022 00:04 UTC
Enforce strict Covid measures for new school year, orders Prayut
• Regularly evaluate the situation under Thai Stop Covid Plus and provide updates via the Education Ministry’s online system• Ensure all student activities are done in small groups• Ensure school lunches are prepared and served under strict hygienic measures• Ensure the school environment is hygienic• Ensure schools can provide isolation options in case of outbreaks• Ensure students travel in safe vehicles to and from school• Teachers and students carry a special pass proving that they have been fully vaccinated against Covid
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 01, 2022 15:36 UTC
Motorists rush to fill up tanks ahead of diesel price hike
The government on Saturday scrapped its policy of capping the price of diesel at 30 baht per litre. Sunday’s 2-baht rise was approved by the Fuel Fund Executive Committee on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the new price cap for diesel has been set at 35 baht per litre. The Energy Ministry said the Oil Fuel Fund spent about 50 billion baht to keep the price of diesel capped at 30 baht per litre. The government decided in April to scrap that ceiling to reduce pressure on the Oil Fuel Fund.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 01, 2022 10:37 UTC
Navy trainer to be discharged over hazing scandal
Navy trainer to be discharged over hazing scandalThe navy has jailed for 30 days an instructor who allegedly punished new recruits by forcing them to drink semen, before he will be discharged for a serious breach of the military's disciplinary code. Vice Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin, navy spokesman, yesterday told the media that Petty Officer Second Class Taksin Ngokpilai was transferred to an inactive post amid an investigation into the matter. Vice Adm Pokkrong said a navy panel ruled the allegation had grounds, prompting an order to detain PO2 Taksin for 30 days. As this act was found to have seriously sullied the reputation of the military, PO2 Taksin will also be discharged, he said. Navy chief Adm Somprasong Nilsamai had said all supervisors must ensure that instructors behave appropriately and take care of recruits properly, Vice Adm Pokkrong said.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 01, 2022 08:57 UTC
Chanettee gunning for Thailand Mixed hat-trick
Chanettee gunning for Thailand Mixed hat-trickRayong: Promising teen Chanettee Wannasaen remained on course for her third straight Thailand Mixed title after she established a convincing nine-shot lead during the third round actions at Rayong Green Valley Country Club yesterday. She left a daunting task for Parinda Phokan and Sangchai Kaewchaoren, each with 207, to catch up with her in today's final round. Currently, Chanettee and Prom Meesawat are the only multiple Thailand Mixed winners, each with two wins. I expect the pin positions will be tougher in the final round," Chanette said. Sangchai, the 2021 Thailand PGA Tour Order of Merit winner, was one of a few players who enjoyed a bogey-free round.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 01, 2022 01:41 UTC
Unstoppable Chanette Guns for Thailand Mixed Hat Trick
But the back nine is still a challenge for me,” said Chanettee who crafted six birdies before the turn. With a huge lead going into the final round, the red-hot teenager stands a great chance at winning three successive Thailand Mixed series which will make her the first player to win three times on the Tour. Currently, she and Prom Meesawat are the only multiple Thailand Mixed winners, each with two wins. I expect the pin positions will be tougher in the final round,” Chanette added. I need to fix my approach shots and hope to raise my game in the final round,” said the 2017 Thai LPGA Tour No 1.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 01, 2022 01:06 UTC
PTTEP quitting Yetagun gas field in Myanmar
Gas reserves in the Yetagun field in the Gulf of Moattama off Myanmar have declined significantly. (PTTEP Photo)PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) of Thailand and Petronas of Malaysia say they are withdrawing from the Yetagun natural gas project in coup-hit Myanmar. The most notable has been the withdrawal of US-based Chevron and TotalEnergies of France from the Yadana gas field, where PTTEP is taking over their interests. The Petronas subsidiary Carigali holds a roughly 41% stake in the Yetagun project while PTTEP has a 19.31% share. A spokesperson for the rights group Justice for Myanmar called on companies involved with the Yetagun gas project to completely sever ties with the military.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 30, 2022 11:50 UTC
Bangkokians sought for ‘quick counting’ of votes to ensure transparency
This count will then provide unofficial results of the poll, released alongside the initial results announced by the Election Commission. This quick count, based on samples collected from polling stations, aims to verify election results as well as ensure transparency and prevent possible electoral fraud. The campaign was launched by the Association of Digital Television Broadcasting and Society for Online News Providers in collaboration with some 30 other groups from the media, academic and business sectors.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 30, 2022 08:08 UTC