When geopolitics impacts markets
When geopolitics impacts marketsFractious geopolitics doesn't always move world markets -- but the summer of 2021 may give us some glimpse about exactly where and how it does. The US dollar itself -- once seen as the safest harbour during military tensions -- has gone in the other direction this month. To be sure, many news- and research-based indexes measuring geopolitical risk are, rather surprisingly, still very low. But it mainly spotlighted the impact such a fracture could have on energy markets, grains and other agricultural foods of which Russia is a key supplier. For financial markets already fearful that pandemic-related money printing and debt accumulation makes inflation the next big bogeyman, that may be the biggest vulnerability.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 21, 2021 04:52 UTC
Reimagining a classic
The Thai Ramakien is very different from the original Indian Ramayana. I want to present Thai art in a different form. When mentioning Thai art, people think of the traditional kanok pattern. Some of his Thai characters include some elements of Japanese cartoon characters also and this may appeal to viewers," said the curator. Instead of focusing on the main characters in the Ramakien, Surachet intended to depict supporting characters, especially the giants.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 20, 2021 23:26 UTC
Help frontline staff first
Help frontline staff firstIt's a shame that all frontline workers -- doctors, nurses and healthcare personnel -- have not received Covid-19 vaccines yet. But these touching visuals and show of appreciation mean nothing when in practice some medical workers are left to battle the outbreak without a vaccine. News from the Centre of the Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) that 146 medical workers have been infected with Covid-19 from April 1-13 is upsetting. Mr Chuan on Monday said he would not receive Covid-19 jabs until all medical personnel fighting the pandemic are inoculated. The veteran politician was spot-on when he said it is understandable for MPs and other groups of people to be allocated the vaccines but front-line medical personnel are in every way at greater risk of contracting the virus.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 20, 2021 22:52 UTC
Apple launches new iPad and colourful iMacs
Apple launches new iPad and colourful iMacsTim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc, stands with the all-new iMac line-up in this still image from the keynote video of a special event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California on Tuesday. The new iPad Pros, starting at $799, use the same M1 chip as Apple's other computers, rather than the beefed-up version of iPhone chips found in previous models. The AirTags announcement could result in a new round of complaints to lawmakers that Apple is hurting smaller rivals. In a research note, Raymond James analysts said AirTags could grow to become a $10 billion opportunity, similar to AirPods. "The more you buy into just one hardware product, the less likely it is you'll ever leave," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 20, 2021 22:52 UTC
winter 2021 Michael Kors collection show
NEW YORK, April 20, 2021— Opening night was the theme of Michael Kors’40th anniversary collection for Fall/Winter 2021, which debuted this morning at 9 AM (NY time) on MichaelKors-Collection.com and the brand’s digital channels. “For my 40th anniversary collection, I was really thinking about the joy in getting dressed up and stepping out for a night on the town,” says Michael Kors. The stream began with a greeting from designer Michael Kors live in New York’s Times Square captured this morning. The runway show video showcases the full Fall/Winter 2021 Michael Kors Collection, seen on models Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Carolyn Murphy, Ashley Graham, Shalom Harlow, Bella Hadid, Alek Wek and more. Michael Kors Website: http://www.michaelkors.com/Runway Digital Experience: http://www.MichaelKors-Collection.com@MichaelKors on Instagram, IG Stories, Reels and IGTV: http://instagram.com/michaelkorsMichael Kors on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/michaelkorsMichael Kors on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michaelkors@MichaelKors on Twitter: http://twitter.com/michaelkors@MichaelKorsTH on LINE Thailand https://lin.ee/dcmzK1mJoin the conversation: #AllAccessKors #MK40 #KorsThailand
Source:Bangkok Post
April 20, 2021 17:03 UTC
Mexican president gets Covid vaccine, says 'no risk'
Mexican president gets Covid vaccine, says 'no risk'Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador receives his first dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine after his daily news conference. MEXICO CITY - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday received his first dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and urged all senior citizens to be immunized, reassuring them it was safe. There's no risk," added Lopez Obrador, who reported the previous day that residents of 13 Mexican municipalities were refusing to get the shot. Lopez Obrador, who has a history of heart problems and hypertension, announced in February that he had overcome the coronavirus after being treated with antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. As well as the AstraZeneca shot, it has received coronavirus vaccines from US drugs giant Pfizer, China's CanSino and Sinovac, as well as Russia's Sputnik V.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 20, 2021 16:52 UTC
Beds can't go to waste
The sharp rise in infection cases put great pressure on the country's health care system. Currently, the Health Ministry demands that all those testing positive must enter state quarantine, such as hospitals or field hospitals that are freshly built. Instead, quite a few are for self-isolation or home-quarantine, with a support system to allow health personnel to follow up each patient. The fact is: a large number of the country's health personnel must be exhausted after battling Covid-19 since the first outbreak. There are reports that some policy-makers at the Health Ministry have started eyeing a home quarantine option.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 19, 2021 23:26 UTC
Prayut needs no praise given vaccine setback
Prayut needs no praise given vaccine setbackThere is no way to explain the deep devotion the public have shown for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha despite his repeated failings, except perhaps Stockholm syndrome. What they need is an update on their Covid-19 vaccines. The government has administered a dose of Covid-19 vaccine to some 500,000 people or 0.8% of the population as of April 18. Closer to home, Singapore has given nearly 20% of its population one dose of vaccine, while almost 10% have received two doses. Its excuse, that it's not easy to secure Covid-19 vaccines, is absurd.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 19, 2021 23:26 UTC
Schools still set to reopen May 17
Schools still set to reopen May 17Officials confirm the new school semester is still set to start on May 17, but it could be delayed if the Covid-19 situation remains serious. (Bangkok Post file photo)All primary and secondary schools are still scheduled to reopen on May 17, but this could change if the coronavirus spike is not reined in, Education Minister Treenuch Thienthong said on Monday. The decision to keep the school term calendar unchanged at this time was agreed on at a meeting of senior education officials, the minister said. However, it was also agreed the first semester opening could be delayed to June 1, if needed, if measures to stem the Covid-19 outbreak did not lead to an improving situation.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 19, 2021 10:52 UTC
Riding the dragon
US-China relations might become more civil but the rivalry will be no less intense, and that is a worry for Asean countries. However, Mr Biden is under no illusions about the challenges his country faces. For now, Mr Biden is willing to trust professional diplomats to get the relationship with Beijing back on track, though there will continue to be a spirited rivalry. When it comes to dealing with China, Asean countries would do well to emulate Vietnam, he said. TROUBLED WATERSDiplomacy has been tested in the extreme when it comes to the South China Sea, vast tracts of which are claimed by China.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 19, 2021 01:52 UTC
Differences deserve respect, not scorn
'One of the truest signs of maturity is the ability to disagree with someone while still remaining respectful." This tragic loss caused many people to feel sad and feel for the owner of the collapsed house. He put up billboard-like signs and posters with harsh comments and offensive remarks against Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit around the house. The comments covered the entire home from the sidewall, the front gate, and even the roof. All their menacing comments and ill wishes earned thousands of Likes on social media.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 18, 2021 22:52 UTC
State sets September for new strategic trade plan
State sets September for new strategic trade planMr Phusit stated that a new strategy is the first priority of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office to help the government cope with the Covid-19 crisis and ensure economic recovery. A new five-year strategic trade plan for Thailand is expected to be completed this September to guide state agencies in the post-pandemic period, helping them better understand trends in the bio-, circular and green (BCG) economy, says the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). The strategy will focus on domestic trade and exports, which must adapt to changes now formalised during the pandemic, said Mr Phusit. "Young farmers and manufacturers must innovate, such as producing edible insects rich in protein to set new trends for consumers," said Mr Phusit. TPSO also wants to introduce new economic indices later this year to provide data to the state and private sectors, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 18, 2021 22:41 UTC
Be selective in field hospital admissions
Be selective in field hospital admissionsThe Chalerm Phrakiat sports stadium in Bang Bon district is transformed into a field hospital for Covid-19 patients. Pattarapong ChatpattarasillWith the surge of new Covid-19 cases, the government is frantically establishing field hospitals nationwide as demand for hospital beds outgrows supply. So field hospitals are deemed to be the answer. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, as of Saturday, ordered that there should be 12,500-bed field hospitals ready. By then, the government will have to find another quick fix to solve the inadequate field hospitals again.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 18, 2021 22:41 UTC
Justice reform can't wait
Justice reform can't waitThe Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted many activities, but it shouldn't disturb the justice process. On Friday, Athapol Yaisawang, chairman of the Public Prosecutor Commission, admitted the delay, citing regulatory obstacles. According to him, the probe panel agreed to firstly investigate Nate Naksuk, the deputy attorney-general who decided to drop the reckless driving charge against Mr Vorayuth. The RTP's panel has reportedly recommended the police chief drop the investigation against implicated officials after six months of probing. These problems suggest Gen Prayut should authorise an independent panel to take over the investigation, in order to restore shattered public faith in the justice system.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 18, 2021 22:30 UTC
Nuclear tainted water a no-go
Nuclear tainted water a no-goEarly last month, Japan honoured the victims of a triple disaster in which over 20,000 people lost their lives. To retire the plant safely, Fukushima Daiichi's owner, Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) for years has pumped water into reactors to keep them cool. Although it is normal for nuclear plants across the world to discharge radioactive wastewater into oceans, Tepco's reputation is on shaky ground. While it is routinely released by "healthy" nuclear plants in low concentrations, there are no such assurances regarding tritium levels in the water at the Fukushima plant. So, even if the water is released safely, the area may suffer from irreversible reputational damage.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 17, 2021 23:15 UTC