Who's pulling the economic strings?
"Whether or not Thaksin is involved with Thai politics, I believe most entrepreneurs would like to see the nation's economy left intact," he said. In terms of politics, he said Thaksin's release might redefine the image of Mr Srettha and who is the real political baron overseeing the government's economic policies. He said Mr Srettha should implement short-term economic stimulus that neither borrows nor adds to public debt, aiming to generate revenue quickly. "Economic stimulus will be implemented to boost economic growth, as Thaksin comes from the private sector and has a better understanding of economic issues and conditions than someone from the public sector," he said. While serving as prime minister between 2001 and 2006, Thaksin implemented an economic policy, widely known as Thaksinomics.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 26, 2024 10:37 UTC
Ex-NRA chief mismanaged group's money, cost it $5.4mln
A New York state jury found that former National Rifle Association chief Wayne LaPierre mismanaged the gun rights group and cost it $5.4 million, ruling in a civil corruption case brought by New York's attorney general.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 26, 2024 08:23 UTC
Retinue for relics
A procession transports the relics of the Lord Buddha and his chief disciples — Sariputra and Moggallana — from the National Museum to the ceremonial pavilion at Sanam Luang. The parade included flower-festooned vehicles and performances from Thailand, India and various ethnic groups. The relics will be displayed at Sanam Luang from today until March 3, before being exhibited in Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani and Krabi. The relics came from India. (Photos: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
Source:Bangkok Post
February 26, 2024 07:52 UTC
Redefining the traditional meaning of art
Atta Gallery invites art lovers to reconsider traditional definitions of art and bridge the gap between art practices during "Seam-less" which is running until April 14. This cross-disciplinary exhibition showcases Prins' jewellery and wall art alongside Morakot's paintings and painting installations, fostering a dialogue among the artworks, allowing viewers to perceive relationships within the exhibition. photos courtesy of ATTA GalleryBoth artists eloquently demonstrate in their works how the seam or junction between distinct materials and practices leads to seamlessness, evident in both their art and artistic approaches. By juxtaposing these artists and their works, the exhibition seeks to dissolve boundaries between art practices, encouraging audiences to appreciate diverse art forms without predetermined hierarchies or binary classifications commonly observed in the region's art scene. Atta Gallery is located at Warehouse 30, Charoen Krung 30, and opens Wednesday to Sunday from 1-6.30pm.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 26, 2024 04:11 UTC
S. Korean doctors protest against medical school quotas
Hundreds of senior doctors held a rally near the presidential office in Seoul on Sunday (February 25) to support young doctors and protest against a government plan to increase medical school admissions.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 26, 2024 03:23 UTC
Snow lacking, French ski resort turns to new activities
The Hautacam Ski Resort in southwest France has had a mostly snowless winter. In January, the resort rebranded itself the "Hautacam Plage" on social media channels, showing deckchairs and barbecues instead of white slopes and hot chocolate. "Will this become the only recipe for our resort in winter? I don't know," said Marie-Florentine Hulin, the resort's communications and marketing manager.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2024 18:23 UTC
Cobra Gold wargames start Monday, may affect some flights
Cobra Gold wargames start Monday, may affect some flightsA parachuter participates in Cobra Gold in March 2023. (Photo: Royal Thai Army)Nearly 10,000 military officers will participate in Cobra Gold from Feb 26 to March 8, and the military exercise may cause some flight delays, according to officials. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Defence Ministry, said on Sunday that 9,590 military officers from 30 countries would take part in the 12-day drills – full-scale for the first year after being downsized during the Covid-19 pandemic. Muay Thai boxing would be a part of Cobra Gold as the government expected participants would help promote the sport overseas in the future, the spokesman said. Flights might be slightly delayed during the period, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2024 10:39 UTC
Bangkok Post - Some valid points here
Some valid points hereRe: "Taxes slashed for booze, pubs", & "Thaksin can enter politics on parole", (BP, Feb 24). The Excise Department director-general said alcohol prices are stimulus measures to encourage visitors to travel to Thailand. Do tourists really choose a place to visit based on alcohol prices as the first criteria? Thaksin can enter politics. Our prime minister said we should have effective feeder public transport services in Bangkok.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 25, 2024 03:25 UTC
Knocked off their perch
The curtain looks to be coming down on the once-mighty bloc ruled by the Three Por generals -- former prime minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, former deputy prime minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon and former interior minister Gen Anupong Paojinda. However, after the former prime minister was named a privy councillor, his nomination is believed to have been invalidated to preserve his political neutrality. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, meanwhile, will handle administrative duties and day-to-day routine work, including chairing cabinet meetings and representing the government at international forums. Without a support base in the party, this role seems well-suited to his skills and background, according to the analyst. He said the so-called double-PM phenomenon is a challenge to independent public agencies, particularly the Election Commission (EC), which is responsible for upholding political party law and ensuring fair and transparent political processes.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 24, 2024 12:34 UTC
Amid global risks, investment themes for Thailand
Amid global risks, investment themes for ThailandThe global economic and investment landscape at the beginning of 2024 bears some similarities to the start of last year. However, the global economy has been relatively resilient in the face of these risks. Data from the US investment bank Goldman Sachs indicates global economic activity is as buoyant now as it was in 2019 before the pandemic. Meanwhile, economic policy risk, measured by the Economic Policy Uncertainty Index, is 254.4, down from the three-year average of 263.9. This was in line with many countries that also contracted, which indicates the global economy is weakening.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 24, 2024 01:54 UTC
Thai beauty pageant’s 900% rally defies warning, beats Miss Universe
Thai beauty pageant’s 900% rally defies warning, beats Miss UniverseExecutives of Miss Grand International Plc poses for photos on the first day of trading on Dec 14, 2023. (Photo: @SET_Thailand_EN X account)A gravity-defying rally in Thailand’s beauty-pageant organiser Miss Grand International Plc (MGI) is finally seen petering out on concerns that the valuation has become overstretched. It’s now trading at 65 times 12-month trailing earnings, compared with about 17 for the benchmark SET Index, according to Bloomberg calculations. “Excessive valuation and regulatory risk from the exchange’s tight control will make most investors cautious about the stock,” he said. MGI started beauty pageants about a decade ago, and has used events and contestants to promote and advertise products to build awareness and sales.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 24, 2024 00:16 UTC
Bank of Thailand warns of long-term downturn
The Thai export sector has lost competitiveness in global markets, with the market share of rice shipments falling by more than 50% over the past 20 years, according to the Bank of Thailand (BoT). Long-standing structural impediments in the export and manufacturing sectors are having a more discernible impact on the Thai economy, said the central bank. Thailand's electronics export growth averaged only 4% over the past decade, well below its regional peers such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia, which posted export growth of 37%, 14% and 10%, respectively. In addition, the MPC said the current loan-to-value (LTV) measures remain appropriate. Some property developers recently asked the Finance Ministry to loosen the LTV measures to increase activity in the sector.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 23, 2024 16:03 UTC
Many cops in serious debt
Many cops in serious debtNational police chief Pol Gen Torsak SukvimolMany police have fallen into debt totalling some 300 billion baht and most are on the verge of bankruptcy, said national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol. In "opening up" to the committee, Pol Gen Torsak said many officers were in bad shape financially, having accrued some 300 billion baht in debt, and are in danger of being declared bankrupt. If their living conditions improve, they will feel more motivated to serve and protect the people," said Pol Gen Torsak. If there is something suspicious, I will not sign it," said Pol Gen Torsak. Also, Pol Gen Torsak told the media that he has various units seeking ways to resolve the shortage of police investigators.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 22, 2024 14:42 UTC
Summer officially starts, and it'll be hot and dry
Th weather office announced the start of summer on Wednesday, with a forecast for temperatures to rise to a blistering 45°C. (Bangkok Post)The Meteorological Department has announced the start of summer, with temperatures expected to peak at a blistering 45°C over the next few months in some areas. Meanwhile, people gathered to enjoy a late frost at the top of Thailand's highest mountain, in Chiang Mai, on Thursday morning. In lowland areas of Chiang Mai province, temperatures were 14-16°C. Frost coats leaves at the top of Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai province on Thursday morning, as the Meteorogical Department announced the start of a hot, dry summer.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 22, 2024 14:21 UTC
A night at Phya Thai Palace
Standing in the middle of a lush lawn, a monument of King Vajiravudh greets visitors to"101 Years Of Phya Thai Palace: The Glory Of Siam", which runs until March 16. It is a collaboration by Ama Studio, DecideKit, Na Satta, Fos Lighting Design and LightSource to bring the palace back to life as a night museum, creating immersive visual experiences through cutting-edge multimedia presentations.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 22, 2024 13:21 UTC