MFP 'switch off Senate' bid falters
The motion was previously co-signed by the MFP MPs, 16 Democrats and several MPs from other coalition parties. As well as the Democrats, MPs from other coalition parties who earlier backed the motion also pulled out. They were Surathin Pijarn of the New Democracy Party, Julapan Nonsrichai of the Chartthaipattana Party, Maj Gen Songkrod Thipsrat of the Palang Chart Thai Party, Thai Civilized Party leader Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, the Prachathamthai Party leader Pichet Sathiratchawal and the Thai Rak Tham Party leader Pirawit Ruengluedpak. The Pheu Thai Party, in the meantime, is tabling its charter-changing motion similarly seeking a substantially less powerful Senate today. The main opposition party has invited the MFP to co-sponsor its motion if the MFP's own motion does not go through.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 09, 2020 22:52 UTC
More of city soul falls victim to 'gentrification'
Charoen Krung is one of the oldest parts of the city and is the first road that was built when Bangkok expanded to this side of the city. As land prices in the city have skyrocketed in the past few decades, small shops have been replaced with chic cafes and restaurants, malls and high-rise condos. To me, government and city policymakers care more about maximising land use, without considering how the residents will really live in it. The city administrators reclaim public space from street food vendors, without seeing the real function and making it a tourist attraction. We used to have all sorts of small businesses by local operators, from small shops selling simple yet tasty noodles to mom-and-pop shops, from stationery shops to hardware stores.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 09, 2020 22:52 UTC
Get sky high and shoot the Sun
Anyway, how about the Mahanakhon Skywalk, as a candidate? Normally, the city's highest observation deck, which is located on the 78th floor of the King Power Mahanakhon Building on Narathiwat Road, is open from 10am to midnight. Priced at 1,999 baht per person, it is inclusive of not just the morning session but also another one, from 5-8pm, for sunset. A breakfast box will be provided to each photographer during the morning session, and a sunset drink for the evening photo shoot. For inquiries, visit the King Power Mahanakhon page on Facebook or call 02-677-8721.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 09, 2020 22:52 UTC
Economy ‘to shrink 7%-9% this year, protests a worry’
Economy ‘to shrink 7%-9% this year, protests a worry’Panupong Jadnok, one of the student leaders of the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration gestures after a news conference about a protest they will hold on Sept 19, at Thammasat University in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Reuters photo)Thailand's economy is expected to contract between 7% and 9% this year from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, while frequent anti-government protests are a concern, a group of top business associations said on Wednesday. "The economy is still very weak," Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers' Association, told a briefing. The number of visitors from overseas is expected at only 6.7 million this year after last year's record 39.8 million, according to the state planning agency. If it goes much further, it will affect the economy... foreign investors have already slowed their investment," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 09, 2020 11:03 UTC
Wednesday: Japanese film producer new Covid case | Bangkok Post: learning
Travellers return to Bangkok after the long weekend, at Hua Lamphon railway station in Bangkok on Monday, when the latest Covid-19 case tested positive. (Photo: Arnun Chonmahatrakool)The government on Wednesday reported one new case of coronavirus disease, a Japanese film producer in quarantine in Bangkok, raising the total number of cases to 3,447. India was second with 4.37 million cases, up by 89,852, and 73,923 deaths, up by 1,107. Brazil was third with 4.16 million cases, up by 17,330, and 127,517 deaths, up by 516. Thailand ranked 122nd by the number of total cases, the CCSA said.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 09, 2020 06:00 UTC
Japanese film producer new covid case
Japanese film producer new covid caseTravellers return to Bangkok after the long weekend, at Hua Lamphon railway station in Bangkok on Monday, when the latest Covid-19 case tested positive. (Photo: Arnun Chonmahatrakool)The government on Wednesday reported one new case of coronavirus disease, a Japanese film producer already in quarantine in Bangkok, raising the total number of cases to 3,447. India was second with 4.37 million cases, up by 89,852, and 73,923 deaths, up by 1,107. Brazil was third with 4.16 million cases, up by 17,330, and 127,517 deaths, up by 516. Thailand ranked 122nd by the number of total cases, the CCSA said.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 09, 2020 05:03 UTC
Phuket tourism plan draws criticism | Bangkok Post: learning
Most local residents and businesses agree that foreign visitors to the island should have to stay in 14-day quarantine. The government is confident that a new reopening plan for Phuket will please locals, while a local hotel association wants safe entry for foreign travellers. The tourism and sports minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said that officials from his ministry visited the province in the past weekend and talked with local residents and businesses. After quarantine, visitors have to stay in Phuket for at least seven days before continuing their trips elsewhere in the country. Mr Phiphat acknowledged some misunderstandings about unclear safety measures in recent weeks, which led to criticism of the reopening plan.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 09, 2020 03:11 UTC
Taxi drivers present govt with six demands | Bangkok Post: learning
Worapol Kaemkhunthod, the chairman of the Association of Public Taxi Motorists, led the drivers to submit a letter containing six demands to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Taxi drivers are worried about competition from foreign ride hailing services, and wanted the government to provide protection. About 500 taxi drivers rallied outside Government House on Tuesday, calling for the government to accept six demands. Suporn Atthawong, vice minister of the Prime Minister's Office, talks to a group of taxi drivers who gathered in front of Government House asking authorities to solve their problems on Tuesday. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)Click "play" to listen to Taxi drivers present govt with six demands and "Download" to keep this file for educational purpose.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 09, 2020 03:11 UTC
PTTEP celebrates 35th anniversary with gala dinner
PTTEP's current and former chairmen, board of directors and executives posed with Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow (centre) to mark the 35th anniversary of the company. photos by Varuth HirunyathebPTT Exploration and Production Plc has committed to strengthening Thailand's energy security to mark its 35th anniversary since establishment. The company recently held a gala dinner to celebrate more than three decades of achievements with its "Energy Partner of Choice" vision of creating share value with all stakeholders. Worachai Bhicharnchitr (left), vice-chairman of Bangkok Post Plc, and Bangkok Post Editor Soonruth Bunyamanee (right) met Mr Supattanapong at the event. The two executives of Bangkok Post Plc conveyed best wishes to Phongsthorn Thavisin (third right), president and CEO of PTTEP, on the company's 35th anniversary.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 08, 2020 23:26 UTC
Small art, big statement
The 39-year-old has a BA in Persian Painting and an MA in Communication Art, in addition to apprenticeship work under the best in the field of Persian miniature painting from his country. He later decided to make it his second home after opportunities to work on art projects presented themselves. Since then he has showcased his work in exhibitions and workshops held at Thai universities and art galleries in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Pathom. What makes it one of the most remarkable art forms is the fact that perspective and shadows aren't used. Courtesy of Arash Groyan
Source:Bangkok Post
September 08, 2020 23:17 UTC
Nissan mum on discontinuation report
Nissan mum on discontinuation reportNissan gave assurances that Sylphy, Teana and X-Trail would continue to have parts and services provided. The company was placing emphasis on subcompact cars, small multi-purpose vehicles, commercial vehicles and vehicles using alternative energy and electricity, the letter said. Upon learning of the reported discontinuation, a Nissan Teana owner who asked not to be named said his family has three Nissan cars, two of which are Teanas. "The parent company will have already carefully considered what car models will be produced to satisfy motorists in different countries." Nissan is "confident" in Thailand, where it plans to continue its business, Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said in an earlier interview after a recent talk with Ramesh Narasimhan, the president of Nissan Motor Thailand.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 08, 2020 23:15 UTC
Fanaticism, hate speech and Buddhism
Fanaticism, hate speech and BuddhismThe Thai Pakdee (Loyal Thai) group meets on Aug 30 at the Thai-Japan Bangkok Youth Centre with students participating in support of the monarchy. Sadly, what happened is the state making Thai Buddhism into an autocratic and misogynistic system, turning its back on the Buddha's teachings in its pursuit of wealth and power. Religious tolerance gives way to a quest for supremacy, resulting in the Sangha's implicit support for state violence against other faiths. Equally distressing, state authorities are using tax money to spread falsehood and hate speech through their information operations. State orchestration of hate speech on social media violates Right Speech at every level.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 08, 2020 22:52 UTC
Cash handout raises concern
Cash handout raises concernBoosting the economy is the unavoidable task facing all governments coping with the global recession caused by Covid-19. In its current shape, the 45-billion-baht cash handout remains unclear, with some aspects of the measure questionable. One thing that the Finance Ministry emphasised about the scheme is that it is not just free cash handouts. At present, CAESAC insists the 3,000-baht cash handouts will be further modified. With the many questions the measure has provoked, the Finance Ministry faces a tough job redefining its objectives.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 08, 2020 22:41 UTC
Chinese lose B10m in Pattaya home robbery | Bangkok Post: learning
Police at the scene of the holdup at a luxury home in a gated Pattaya housing estate on Monday night. The robbers stole at least 10 million baht in cash and valuables from an unspecified number of Chinese in the house. The hold-up in the Siam Royal View housing estate in Bang Lamung district was reported to local police about 10pm. Police were still questioning the Chinese victims with the help of interpreters. Police said they would examine recordings from security cameras at the housing estate for clues to the robbers.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 08, 2020 06:22 UTC
Tuesday: 1 more Covid-19 case | Bangkok Post: learning
(Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)The government on Tuesday reported one new case of Covid-19 infection, an Indian man who returned from abroad, raising the total number of cases to 3,446. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said the 46-year-old man arrived back from India on Sept 1 and was taken to an alternative state quarantine facility in Bangkok. The death toll remained at 58 since June 2. Globally, Covid-19 cases rose by 197,689 over the previous 24 hours to 27.48 million and the death toll increased by 3,846 to 896,844. Brazil was third with 4.14 million cases, up by 10,188.
Source:Bangkok Post
September 08, 2020 04:41 UTC