Bitkup plots expansion in bid to be Asia’s Coinbase
Bitkup plots expansion in bid to be Asia’s CoinbaseJirayut Srupsrisop, chief executive officer of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co, speaks during an interview at the crypto exchange's office in Bangkok on Friday. While regulations in Southeast Asia are still not favourable to cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens, many sectors have already embraced them. “We have kept on going despite calls from the anti-money laundering agency and the central bank,” Mr Jirayut said. A 24-hour turnover of $549 million ranked Bitkub at 59th among more than 300 exchanges worldwide ranked by CoinMarketCap. Related stories:Bitkub rises up the rankingMall Group, Bitkub form digital community
Source:Bangkok Post
December 01, 2021 18:28 UTC
Krungsri aims for 1m digital depositors by 2024
Krungsri aims for 1m digital depositors by 2024Ms Damisa says the platform is able to attract young savers with financial discipline. Kept by Krungsri, a digital savings platform under Bank of Ayudhya, aims to increase its depositors to 1 million by 2024 after receiving a positive response in its first year of operation. Introduced more than a year ago, Kept now has 220,000 users depositing on the digital platform, with more than 500,000 accounts. Krungsri also aims to build up customers' wealth through both savings and investment in areas around digital assets and cryptocurrencies. A new feature on the Kept platform, the Together savings account, has been available since July.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 01, 2021 15:06 UTC
BoT keeping close eye on impact of Omicron
BoT keeping close eye on impact of OmicronA man is tested for Covid-19 at Phuket airport on Monday. (Photo: Reuters)The Bank of Thailand has been closely monitoring the Covid-19 Omicron variant and could revise the country's economic growth rate this month in line with a recovery trend. The World Health Organization and scientists around the world would take weeks to analyse the Omicron variant and its impact, said Chayawadee Chai-Anant, the central bank's senior director for corporate communications. Global preparations for the Omicron variant appear to be taking place much faster than was the case for the Delta strain in the spring. In addition, the MPC would have more information about the Omicron variant and its possible impact on the Thai economy, Ms Chayawadee said.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 01, 2021 09:28 UTC
Stop deporting Cambodian refugees
Stop deporting Cambodian refugeesCambodian refugees pack in readiness for their return home from a camp at Ban Khao Plu in Muang district of Trat in this 1999 file photo. (Photo: Jetjaras Na Ranong)The recent deportation of three internationally recognised Cambodian refugees provoked an international outcry, much to Thailand's embarrassment. Such efforts to "push back" refugees have regrettably tarnished Thailand's generally commendable policy and practice of offering refuge to persons fleeing persecution and other dangers from foreign territories. It should not be forgotten that Thailand has a long history of offering refuge and protection to Cambodians. Political issues and Thailand's relationship with the countries the refugees have fled remains a key challenge.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 01, 2021 09:26 UTC
Protesters call for lower cost of living
Protesters call for lower cost of livingA network of labour groups and activists protested in front of Government House on Tuesday, demanding the government reduce the cost of living. The second demand is to increase relief funds for the elderly and handicapped to 3,000 baht per month. Their third demand was for a 50% reduction of tuition costs for the next three years for students of primary schools, high schools and universities. The fourth demand was that children up to the age of 12 be given 1,200 baht a month. The final demand called for reduced fares on mass rapid transit services and that electricity and water costs be controlled by the government.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 01, 2021 04:02 UTC
B20bn loans to bolster diesel subsidy
B20bn loans to bolster diesel subsidyThe Oil Fuel Fund Office (Offo) is preparing to obtain loans worth 20 billion baht from 10 commercial banks, following the government's approval to seek loans to support its subsidy programme during the global oil price surge. Global oil prices rose rapidly after the easing of lockdown measures and the reopening of many countries to restore their economies, which led to higher demand for oil. If global oil prices continue to increase above $90 per barrel, the Offo may consider seeking another 10-billion-baht loan. Another measure to control retail oil prices in Thailand is a reduction in the proportion of palm oil-derived methyl ester to only 7% starting today. The subsidy programme is expected to keep diesel prices below 28 baht per litre.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 01, 2021 03:52 UTC
Govt racing to hit 100m jab target by Sunday
Govt racing to hit 100m jab target by SundayPeople wait to get a Covid-19 vaccine at the vaccination centre at Bang Sue Grand Station on Nov 26. The Ministry of Public Health is counting down to Sunday when it aims to hit its target of administering 100 million doses, she said. The ministry has been running a weeklong vaccination campaign since Saturday, she said, adding that several provinces have come up with incentives for unvaccinated people. Those who are not satisfied with the provision of AstraZeneca for their first shot and Pfizer for their second can now request the Covid-19 vaccine of their choice provided they have a good explanation, he said. These reasons will be compiled and taken into account when the province decides on its next vaccination programme, he added.
Source:Bangkok Post
November 30, 2021 23:15 UTC
Cabinet approves new medical visa
(Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)The cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle a one-year Medical Treatment Visa to attract foreigners with purchasing power. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the Medical Treatment Visa, or Non-MT visa, would be available for patients who needed medical services in Thailand and include up to three supporters per patient. The one-year and multiple-entry Medical Treatment Visa will not be renewable. The Medical Treatment Visa targets visitors who need continuous medical treatment and their supporters, Ms Rachada said. Foreigners eligible for the new visa are patients who need medical services in areas that Thailand has mastered.
Source:Bangkok Post
November 30, 2021 22:49 UTC
Barbados declared a republic, drops link to British throne
Barbados declared a republic, drops link to British thronePresident of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, stands after being sworn in at the presidential inauguration ceremony on Monday in Bridgetown, Barbados. BRIDGETOWN: Fireworks filled the sky over Barbados on Tuesday as the Caribbean island nation declared itself the world's newest republic, lowering Queen Elizabeth's flag as it severed colonial-era ties to the British throne to the sound of jubilant gun salutes. "Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage," Dame Sandra Mason said in her inauguration speech as the first president of the country, recognizing the "complex, fractured and turbulent world" it would need to navigate. For young activists such as Firhaana Bulbulia, founder of the Barbados Muslim Association, British colonialism and slavery lie behind the island's modern inequalities. Charles' visit to Barbados was clouded at the last minute by another race row over alleged comments about his grandson.
Source:Bangkok Post
November 30, 2021 12:46 UTC
Omicron will not affect reopening, says Phiphat
Chinese tourists arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the first day of the country's reopening on Nov 1. REUTERSThailand will not take a step back from the reopening plan despite uncertainty over the Omicron variant and the Tourism and Sports Ministry will also propose more relaxation on alcohol sales from the afternoon to lift the festive sentiment. Our economy still suffers from the crisis, so there will be no more border seals unless we are in a very critical situation," said Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Tourism and Sports Minister. He said international travellers during the first 29 days of reopening numbered over 100,000, which doubled from three months of the Phuket sandbox. But if there's no threat from Omicron, the number of international arrivals this year should reach 500,000.
Source:Bangkok Post
November 30, 2021 10:34 UTC
Push to reduce trafficking
(Photo: Assawin Pinitwong)Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has ordered relevant authorities to intensify efforts to combat human trafficking and forced labour as the country aims to improve the country's ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons Report next year. According to Gen Prawit, tackling human trafficking is a national priority and more work needs to be done especially in identifying and protecting victims, notably those subjected to forced labour. Identifying victims is substandard and alleged involvement of state officials in trafficking and the use of forced labour remains," Gen Prawit was quoted as saying. According to Gen Prawit, the government aims to upgrade the country's ranking from Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 2 in 2022. A Tier 2 ranking means that the country is making important strides in tackling human trafficking and is well on the way to full compliance with international trafficking laws and standards.
Source:Bangkok Post
November 30, 2021 07:36 UTC
114 car dealers face tax evasion case
114 car dealers face tax evasion caseThe Department of Special Investigation is coordinating with the Department of Land Transport to take legal action against 114 luxury car importers who were found to have evaded paying taxes on 854 imported cars. It was reported that the luxury cars were imported from the United Kingdom, he said. Each team will handle 83 cars and 12–13 importers, Pol Lt Col Phayao said, adding the DSI is aiming to complete its investigation within four months. Also, the Regional Special Investigations Divisions are reportedly investigating a tax evasion case involving 574 other luxury vehicles. The department had earlier permitted the DLT to return 20 luxury cars that were not taxed after the owners finally paid the import duty, according to a DSI source.
Source:Bangkok Post
November 30, 2021 04:32 UTC
2021 exports expected to grow 17%, most in 12 years
2021 exports expected to grow 17%, most in 12 years - Arkhom(Bangkok Post file photo)Thai exports are expected to grow 17% this year, the highest growth rate in 12 years, the country's finance minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Monday. Mr Arkhom also told an online forum that gross domestic product next year should grow around 4% or in a range of 3.5% to 4.5%. The economy shrank by 0.3% in the third quarter, as Covid-19 restrictions hit tourism and domestic activity, though the drop was less than expected. Thailand's tourism sector had started seeing a gradual recovery after the country reopened for vaccinated travellers. The agency expects five million foreign travellers next year, compared with 40 million in 2019.
Source:Bangkok Post
November 30, 2021 04:12 UTC
Japan slams borders shut as world races to stem new Covid variant
Japan slams borders shut as world races to stem new Covid variantJapan has announced plans to shut its borders to foreign nationals over the Omicron variant, joining a growing list of countries erecting virtual fortresses against the mutated new strain. TOKYO: Japan announced plans Monday to bar all new foreign travellers over the Omicron variant of Covid-19, joining a growing list of countries trying to erect virtual fortresses against the heavily mutated new strain. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the country was "in a stronger position against the Omicron variant than other countries," citing voluntary mask-wearing and self-restraints about risk behaviours. "With the Omicron variant now detected in several regions of the world, putting in place travel bans that target Africa attacks global solidarity," WHO regional director Matshidiso Moeti said. But in a sign of optimism, Singapore and Malaysia eased coronavirus travel restrictions on one of the world's busiest land borders after nearly two years.
Source:Bangkok Post
November 29, 2021 18:36 UTC
All arrivals free of new strain, say virus chiefs
All arrivals free of new strain, say virus chiefsAll 1,007 visitors from southern Africa who recently arrived in Thailand have tested negative for Covid-19, the Department of Disease Control said on Sunday. The Department of Medical Sciences has not found a single case of the variant in Thailand, said deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek. The department is now asking all private hospitals to submit specimens from all patients who test positive for Covid-19 to be genetically sequenced to identify each individual's strain and its prevalence, she said. The Centre for Medical Genomics of Ramathibodi Hospital, meanwhile, is in the process of developing a test kit for accurately detecting the Omicron variant using a mass array technology, which is expected to be completed in about two weeks. Prof Dr Nithi Mahanonda, secretary- general of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, meanwhile, urged members of the public to stay calm and wait until clearer information is available.
Source:Bangkok Post
November 29, 2021 15:28 UTC