Hailstorms hit North, weather warning for 44 provinces | Bangkok Post: learning
The yard of a house on Doi Angkhang in Fang district of Chiang Mai is covered in white hailstones on Monday. (Photo from This Morning at Angkhang Facebook page via @fm91traffipro Twitter account)Parts of three northern provinces were hit by hailstorms on Monday as weathermen warned of turbulent weather throughout Tuesday, with a cold spell to follow. The Traffic Police radio network on Monday reported hail fell on Doi Angkhang in Chiang Mai and on Doi Inthanon around noon, and in Chiang Rai two hours later. The Meteorological Department warned in its evening forecast that strong winds and hailstorms were expected in areas of the northern and northeastern regions on Monday and Tuesday. A cold spell would follow the storms, with temperatures in the northern and northeastern regions expected to drop by 6°C and up to 4°C in Greater Bangkok, the department said.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2021 02:25 UTC
Bluebik outlines digital growth strategies
Mr Pochara says Thailand should have its own digital platforms. Cybersecurity, consumer generation consideration, new business models and technology adoption through partnership are the key priority for digital transformation amid the pandemic, says Bluebik Group, a local tech consulting firm. The third priority concerns the exploration of new business models and scaling business through technology. Technological convergence through AI, cloud, 5G and the Internet of Things, can generate new business models and open the door for new opportunities. According to Mr Pochara, Thailand should have its own digital platforms and startups should be supported with incentives to boost their competitiveness amid tough competition.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 08, 2021 23:14 UTC
Govt jab plan a riddle wrapped up in a mystery
Govt jab plan a riddle wrapped up in a mysteryIs the government explaining its Covid-19 vaccination plan or playing riddles? Why haven't Thais received any Covid-19 vaccines when other countries in Asean have started roll-outs? The government seems to have an answer to every question regarding its vaccination plan, except they do not seem to add up, or make sense. It seems the answer to every question regarding the national immunisation plan is: the government can do no wrong. But will the seemingly inadequate and incoherent vaccination plan be good for the nation and people suffering from the outbreak?
Source:Bangkok Post
February 08, 2021 22:52 UTC
Salty water needs a fix
Salty water needs a fixFrom being an occasional problem, high levels of saline recorded in public tap water, a phenomenon linked with a number of health risks, looks set to become a permanent fixture for most of Bangkok and nearby provinces over the coming months and years. Initially, water authorities blamed the salinity on high tides which they insisted "came early this year". It was an explanation that seems to highlight a discrepancy in the authorities' justification as last year consumers experienced salty water early in January. The salty water is bad for plants as well. Water salinity hits the east of the city especially hard as the area depends on water from Pathum Thani station, while most of the west part of Bangkok uses water siphoned from the Mae Klong Dam to the Maha Sawat tap water production plant in Nonthaburi's Bang Kruai district.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 08, 2021 22:52 UTC
186 new Covid cases Monday | Bangkok Post: learning
(AFP)The government on Monday recorded 186 new coronavirus cases, for a total of 23,557 since the pandemic began a year ago. Of the 186 new cases, only 35 were found during active testing, a sharp drop from recent days. The number of cases reported by hospitals, however, rose to 141. CCSA assistant spokeswoman Apisamai Srirangsun warned of a new cluster apparently spread by a woman living in Samut Songkhram's Ampawa district. "This cluster is due to her pattern of frequent travel," the assistant spokeswoman said, adding that details would be released later.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 08, 2021 07:41 UTC
Future unclear for Myanmar expats | Bangkok Post: learning
A woman holds a candle and a picture of leader Aung San Suu Kyi as Myanmar citizens protest in Bangkok on Saturday. "Myanmar labourers in other countries [have been] urged to come back to work in Myanmar, but the move has destroyed their dreams instead," Macho said. Another 35-year-old Myanmar worker, known as Min, said most Myanmar labourers hoped to save enough money before heading back to Myanmar to work. "My plan is to continue my studies, and I will try to help my country by being a good citizen." Although some Myanmar students may join rallies in Bangkok, most of his friends are too busy with their studies, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 08, 2021 03:26 UTC
Orange Line needs scrutiny
Orange Line needs scrutinyThe decision of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) to scrap bidding for construction of the western section of the MRT's Orange Line while a court decision is pending bodes ill for transparency. The Orange Line is important for rail transport in the capital as it will link the west of Bangkok to the east while connecting all other major rail routes. Whoever wins the Orange Line tender will reap significant benefits from connecting the major rail grid in the capital, and both groups are believed to be backed by political interests. There is widespread speculation about an exchange between winning the Orange Line contract and the 30-year extension of Green Line concession for the BTSC. The government should bring in outsiders to observe all stages of new bidding for the Orange Line western section to ensure its transparency.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 07, 2021 23:48 UTC
Thais in China prepare for subdued New Year
Thais in China prepare for subdued New YearThais in Beijing are expecting muted Chinese New Year celebrations this year with the return of Covid-19 to their homeland weighing heavily on their minds. Supanitch: Wary of big gatheringsSiwattra Sinphasutadol, a 43-year-old China Media Group official, told the Bangkok Post that the number of Thais in Beijing and nearby cities had fallen dramatically recently -- down to just 100 or even fewer, she estimated. "Many of them didn't have the chance move their belongings from where they were staying," she said, adding that even the Royal Thai Embassy's celebration on Dec 5, which is usually a prominent event for Thais, was also scaled down last year and far fewer Thais attended. Tourist spots including public parks are selling tickets online and the number of visitors to each venue has been limited. Supanitch Kunying, a 37-year-old cook who has lived in China for seven years, said normally Thais would gather with close friends and groups of up to few dozen would cook and enjoy meals together.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 07, 2021 23:26 UTC
Round 2 hits just as hard
(Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)This is the second time businesses have been hit by coronavirus-related restrictions and closures, and many firms are finding it hard to stay afloat. Chayanggurn Ardam, 54, the owner of Telephone Bar in Silom Soi 4, said he has now reached breaking point. "I almost have no money left in my bank account," he told the Bangkok Post. "My bar relies on tourism, and Thais do not party that hard like the farangs. That 10,000 [baht] left will be used to pay for gas and living costs for my family of five.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 07, 2021 23:22 UTC
Champions of net neutrality no more
Champions of net neutrality no more'Many, while performing the foulest deeds, use the fairest words." How fitting that a quote by Greek philosopher Democritus can still describe the hypocrisy of big tech (Facebook in this case) today. But the big tech debate is not always political. If one thing is clear, it is that big tech needs some sort of shake-up. And at the rate this year has started for big tech, it promises to be a turbulent one.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 07, 2021 01:26 UTC
A song that takes you off the beaten track
A song that takes you off the beaten trackSurfing through YouTube this week, I came across the novelty Australian song I've Been Everywhere, which I haven't heard for a long time. In all there are 94 place-names and much of the song's appeal was that most were off the beaten track. Tony recalls, " I felt honoured to accompany him on the voyage." Final voyageI last met Harold at a gathering of "golden oldies" at a Bangkok hotel a couple of years ago. For all the adventures experienced in his remarkable life, Harold was never one to boast about his exploits.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 07, 2021 00:22 UTC
Sparkling Spieth shares Phoenix Open lead with Schauffele
Sparkling Spieth shares Phoenix Open lead with SchauffeleAmerican Jordan Spieth reacts to a birdie on the 16th hole in the third round of the US PGA Tour Phoenix OpenLOS ANGELES - Former world number one Jordan Spieth, seeking a first victory in more than three years, fired a scintillating 61 at TPC Scottsdale on Saturday to share the Phoenix Open lead with Xander Schauffele. Spieth had 10 birdies in his 10-under par 61, tying his career-low round on the US PGA Tour for an 18-under par three-round total of 195. Spieth finished in the top 25 in just four of his 17 PGA Tour starts in 2020 and last led or share the 54-hole lead in a tournament at the 2018 British Open -- when he was tied with Schauffele. He kept in touch with Spieth with birdies at the 13th, 14th and 15th, and regained a share of the lead with a seven-foot birdie at 17. The leading duo have a three-shot lead over American Scottie Scheffler and South Korean Lee Kyoung-hoon, who both carded 66 for 198.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 06, 2021 23:37 UTC
Faux pas by govt critics
Several government MPs were outraged at the mention of the institution in the censure motion as critics were under the impression that the monarchy was being possibly dragged into the business of politics, which they insisted would be uncalled for. In this case, an injunction may be sought to halt the censure debate pending the court's ruling on the matter. According to Mr Witoon, as a senior party figure, he expected to be placed high on the party-list. Both apparent snubs left him without a job in the party, according to Mr Witoon. Mr Witoon is known to have close ties with Chada Thaiseth, the Bhumjaithai MP for Uthai Thani.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 06, 2021 02:48 UTC
Look to strong earnings prospects for selective buys
Look to strong earnings prospects for selective buysThe SET Index will likely extend its gains this month, moving in a trading range between 1,440 and 1,530 points. With reporting continuing until March 1, we expect heavy speculation on stocks that are expected to report strong results and/or those with a brighter outlook for 2021. All of this means the global economic recovery remains fragile, with implications for equities. All of this means the global economic recovery remains fragile, with implications for equities. We recommend selective buying, focussing on stocks of companies that are expected to report strong earnings results and/or those with a brighter outlook.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 05, 2021 23:15 UTC
Kerry Express paves way for logistics firms
Kerry Express set an ambitious goal to increase its delivery-handling capacity to 3 million parcels a day by 2023. According to research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, Kerry Express Thailand had a compounded annual growth rate of 135% for parcel volume during 2014-19. "We are turning Kerry Express from a company to a corporation, and we will definitely diversify," he said. Apart from express delivery services, other affiliated services and products may be needed, which could be a promising opportunity for Kerry, said Mr Ng. Kerry Express set an ambitious plan to reach a delivery-handling capacity of 3 million parcels a day by 2023.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 05, 2021 23:15 UTC