New finance minister a calming influence
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira speaks during an event held to announce a joint venture asset-management company between the Government Savings Bank and Bangkok Commercial Asset Management, on Wednesday in Bangkok. (Photo: Bloomberg)SINGAPORE - Thailand’s new finance minister has caught investor attention with a more conciliatory approach to the central bank, opening a window for policy coordination to support the country’s battered markets. “I think he (Pichai) certainly understands the culture of the people at the Bank of Thailand,” former finance minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala told the Reuters Global Markets Forum last week. Last month the Ministry of Finance cut its growth target to 2.4% from 2.8% previously. Domestic banks last month cut lending rates by 25 basis points for vulnerable groups for a period of six months, following a plea from the prime minister.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 29, 2024 23:34 UTC
Bangkok Business Challenge 2024: Growing Impactful Ventures
This year's concept is "Growing Impactful Ventures," aiming to drive businesses forward sustainably. The event will take place from June 20-22, 2024, at Sasin School of Management, as part of the Sasin Impact Entrepreneurship Week 2024 (SasinIEW). As a leader in the petrochemical industry committed to sustainability, SCGC has been the title sponsor of BBC for over nine years. In addition to driving sustainable business, SCGC recognises that promoting and supporting university-level startup entrepreneurs through the Bangkok Business Challenge is another way to foster widespread sustainable business practices.”BBC has seen a total of 276 teams from around the world applying to participate, a 60% increase from the previous year. Esteemed judges from various business sectors, including Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chairperson of Toshiba Thailand Co., Ltd., will be selecting the best teams.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 29, 2024 15:27 UTC
Land and building tax collection to tally B43bn this year
Land and building tax collection to tally B43bn this yearAn aerial view of land and properties in Bangkok. The capital has completed 99.4% of its land usage assessments, covering 2.1 million plots of land, 2.2 million houses and 1 million condo units. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)The Finance Ministry expects collection of the land and building tax this year to total 43 billion baht, 8 billion higher than last year as the tax discount is discontinued. According to Mr Lavaron, as this tax collection and its revenue belong to local governments, local administrative organisations must survey land usage because different types of land usage are subject to different tax rates. Bangkok has completed 99.4% of its land usage assessment, covering 2.1 million plots of land, 2.2 million houses and 1 million condo units, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 29, 2024 11:05 UTC
Farmers suffer as Cyclone Remal floods Bangladeshi villages
Heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Remal have flooded fish farms and damaged croplands in southern Bangladesh, causing huge financial losses and damage, local farmer Protap Mostafi said on Tuesday (May 28).
Source:Bangkok Post
May 29, 2024 06:55 UTC
Cabinet approves Brics membership bid
China and South Africa are two of the Brics members. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates officially joined the Brics bloc on Jan 1. Mr Chai said the letter states that Thailand realises the importance of multilateralism and the increasing role of developing countries in the international arena. Mr Chai said Brics had invited non-member countries aspiring to join to participate in the 16th Brics summit in Kazan, Russia, from Oct 22 to 24. Attending the event would be an opportunity for Thailand to accelerate the membership process and enhance its role as a leading player among developing countries, he added.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 29, 2024 05:10 UTC
New visa promotions, retiree insurance reduced
(Photo: Somchai Poomlard)The cabinet approved a raft of new visa promotions to attract more tourists on Tuesday, including visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes and longer stays for students, and a reduced level of compulsory health insurance for retirees. The 36 new countries included Albania, Cambodia, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. Visitors' stays under this scheme were also extended to 60 days, the government spokesman said. "This measure targets digital nomads, remote workers and freelancers... as well as those who want to learn Muay Thai and Thai cuisine. - Retirement -Visitors aged 50 years or more who want long-stay visas are currently required to have health insurance coverage worth 3 million baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 28, 2024 14:24 UTC
The Future of Wellness in Asia: Thailand Wellness Asia Summit 2024 (TWAS 2024)
The Thailand Wellness Asia Summit 2024 (TWAS 2024) is a transformative 4-day, 11-14 June 2024 at InterContinental Bangkok. With international collaborations and esteemed speakers, the summit aims to shape the future of global health and wellness tourism. SPONSORSCHG Holding Group Co., Ltd. (Thailand), Bio Consult Co., Ltd. (Thailand), Voradithi Medical Clinic (Thailand) , Bicaro Holding Sdn Bhd. Program HighlightsSEMINARS AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS - ON 11-12 JUNE 2024 WORKSHOPS - ON 13-14 JUNE 2024 NETWORKING DINNER - ON 11-14 JUNE 2024WHY ATTEND TWAS 2024? The Opportunity for the upcoming event in 2025, The Future of Global Wellness.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 28, 2024 10:13 UTC
South Korea conducts jet drills amid North's satellite plans
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Monday (May 27) that about 20 aircrafts, including F-35 stealth fighter jets, conducted attack drills after North Korea announced plans to launch a satellite.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 28, 2024 09:46 UTC
Srettha distant fourth in popularity poll
Pheu Thai would be overwhelmed by Move Forward if elections were held soonPrime Minister Srettha Thavisin leads a meeting of economic ministers at Government House on Monday, after his return from overseas. (Photo: Government House)Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has accepted the result of a new poll showing him in a distant fourth place among those positioned to take the job, saying that he respects the people's opinion. The prime minister was responding to questions about the survey conducted by King Prajadhipok's Institute. Move Forward Party chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat comfortably led the list, followed by former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnviraul, former Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit and Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwon were behind him.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 27, 2024 19:16 UTC
Thailand top choice in Asia for European tourists: Agoda
Thailand is the top destination in Asia among European tourists, followed by Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines, according to a survey by international onlineThailand top choice in Asia for European tourists: Agoda (Photo: bangkokpost.com)Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand is the top destination in Asia among European tourists, followed by Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines, according to a survey by international online travel booking Agoda. Agoda's senior country director for Thailand Pierre Honne shared that European tourists search Agoda for hotels in Phuket the most, followed by Bangkok and Krabi. The three stand out for their leisure, adventure and cultural attractions, which entice international tourists, especially during the long summer holidays, he said. Agoda’s statistics also showed that the number of Europeans searching for hotel deals in Asia on its website has increased by 52% from last year. Honne said that Asian countries are among the most popular vacation destinations for European travellers thanks to their diversity of attractions, including historical sites in Bangkok, and surfing-worthy beaches in Indonesia’s Bali./.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 27, 2024 14:36 UTC
Move Forward MP gets 2 years on lese majeste charge
Chonthicha Jangrew speaks to supporters at a rally in Pathum Thani on March 18, 2023. (Photo: @LookkateChonth1 X account)The Thanyaburi Provincial Court has sentenced Move Forward Party MP Chonthicha Jangrew to two years in prison for royal defamation under Section 112 of the Criminal Code. Another charge of violating the emergency decree on public gatherings was dropped, according to the court. Move Forward leader Chaithawat Tulathon said before entering the court building that he hoped the court would allow bail if she was found guilty. Ms Chonthicha is one of three MPs of the main opposition party facing lese majeste charges.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 27, 2024 14:19 UTC
Car tries to overtake between 2 vehicles, hits both and plunges off flyover
Car tries to overtake between 2 vehicles, hits both and plunges off flyoverA screenshot from the Facebook page of FM91 Trafficpro shows a Honda Jazz car, centre, lifted above the tarmac after it hit the rear of a pickup truck and a van in Nonthaburi just before noon on Sunday. NONTHABURI: A car tried to overtake between two vehicles, hit both of them, was knocked over a flyover wall and plunged seven metres to the ground below in Nonthaburi on Sunday. A speeding Honda Jazz car attempted to race between an Isuzu pickup truck and a Mitsubishi van driving side-by-side in adjacent lanes. The violent impact lifted the Jazz onto the pickup truck. The van then swerved and smashed into both vehicles, knocking the Jazz over the flyover wall.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 26, 2024 18:10 UTC
Zelensky implores Biden, Xi to attend summit as Russia ramps up
Zelensky implores Biden, Xi to attend summit as Russia ramps upPeople run for cover after the announcement of a Russian missile attack towards Kharkiv, at the site of an office building which was hit by a Russian air strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine on Saturday. “I am appealing to the leaders of the world who are still aside from the global efforts of the global peace summit,” Zelensky said Sunday from Kharkiv, naming US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping specifically. Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t invited to the Swiss meeting as Ukraine wants to agree with allies on steps to put pressure on the Kremlin. “Russia is preparing for offensive actions also 90 kilometres (56 miles) northwest from here,” Zelensky on Sunday without offering more detail. Russia attacked Ukraine again overnight with 14 missiles, including two Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and 31 Shahed drones, Ukrainian general staff said.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 26, 2024 18:05 UTC
Prawit report 'redacted' by graft body
Prawit report 'redacted' by graft bodyDeputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon protects his eyes from the sun while posing for photos with other cabinet ministers at Government House in December 2017. (File photo)The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) handed a report on the infamous watch case of former deputy premier Gen Prawit Wongsuwon to activist Veera Somkwamkid on Thursday, as ordered by the Administrative Court. However, many details remain redacted with black ink, Mr Veera, head of the Anti-Corruption People’s Network, said on Friday. He also gave the NACC another 15 days but said it has not sent him the complete documents as ordered. The redacted parts include the names of the NACC officers involved and other details.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 25, 2024 17:19 UTC