N. Korea fires 'long-range ballistic missile': Seoul
N. Korea fires 'long-range ballistic missile': SeoulNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a record-breaking number of missile launches and weapons tests this year that have been condemned by the WestSEOUL - North Korea fired another internationally banned "long-range ballistic missile" on Monday, the South's military said, after Pyongyang voiced outrage over deeper nuclear cooperation between Seoul and Washington. The back-to-back launches also come after another bout of fearsome rhetoric between North Korea and the US-South Korean allies. On Monday morning, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said its military had detected a "suspected long-range ballistic missile launched from the Pyongyang area". The JCS added the military had heightened its alert posture and was "closely sharing information regarding North Korea's ballistic missile with the United States and Japan". The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since it first conducted a nuclear test in 2006.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 18, 2023 02:22 UTC
Govt may expand 4am opening
Anutin: Waiting on trial resultsThe government is preparing to consider allowing bars, clubs and other entertainment venues in more areas to operate until 4am in an effort to stimulate the economy, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Venues attached to registered hotels nationwide could also remain open until 4am. In Bangkok, the extended hours apply to entertainment venues in Silom, Patpong, RCA and Ratchadaphisek as well as those located in the premises of hotels. Separaly, Polathep Vichitkunakorn, deputy director of the Centre for Alcohol Studies, said the government has not heeded calls to hold off on extending the operating hours. "In fact, the government has even decided to extend the operating hours of entertainment places on the night of Dec 31 to 6am on Jan 1," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 18, 2023 02:07 UTC
Chad votes on new constitution ahead of promised end of military rule
Chad votes on new constitution ahead of promised end of military ruleA large section of the opposition is urging voters to boycott the referendumN'DJAMENA - Polls opened in a Chadian referendum on a new constitution on Sunday, with the vote seen as a key step towards elections and the return of civilian rule promised, but postponed, by the ruling military junta. The capital N'Djamena has been plastered with posters championing a "yes" vote to bring in a constitution for a "unitary and decentralised state". It is not very different from the constitution that the military repealed in 2021, enshrining a regime in which most of the power is concentrated in the head of state. The 'yes' vote will win." Yet in late October, Masra signed a reconciliation agreement with the regime and went into exile, from where he has been encouraging his followers to vote "yes" on Sunday.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 17, 2023 17:37 UTC
PM to court Japanese investment
The prime minister on Thursday flew to Japan for the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. There will also be meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. The prime minister said that several Thai businessmen would also accompany him on the trip, and they would hold talks with their Japanese counterparts. They include Pornwut Sarasin, president of Honda Automobile (Thailand), and Kalin Sarasin, chairman of the Board of Directors of Toyota Motor Thailand Co. According to his schedule, the prime minister will today meet with the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and will then deliver a speech at the Thailand-Japan Investment Forum.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 15, 2023 02:34 UTC
PTTEP predicts 9% sales uptick on higher output
PTTEP predicts 9% sales uptick on higher outputThe Erawan gas block in the Gulf of Thailand, operated by PTT Exploration and Production Plc. PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) expects its petroleum sales to increase by 9% next year thanks to more gas production from the Erawan field in the Gulf of Thailand. Sales in 2023 are projected at an average of 464,000 barrels per day, said Montri Rawanchaikul, president and chief executive of PTTEP. PTTEP earlier allocated $2 billion to support its investment in offshore renewable energy development, carbon capture storage technology and a hydrogen energy project. "To support growth, PTTEP is seeking investment opportunities in clean energy across various regions," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 15, 2023 00:21 UTC
PM 'heavy-hearted' about 2024 prospects
PM 'heavy-hearted' about 2024 prospectsPrime Minister Srettha Thavisin, centre, inspects Ratchaprasong area on Wednesday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has admitted he felt "heavy-hearted" about the country's economic prospects next year, describing the current state of the economy as being in a crisis. In an interview with Dailynews Talk 2023 on Wednesday, Mr Srettha expressed his feelings about the economy which he says is beset by crisis: "Which I think everyone is well aware of," he said. The prime minister added he was particularly concerned about low wages, "in addition to a raft of other problems." "The FTA is a goal which [the government] regards as more important than the infrastructure improvements," Mr Srettha said.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 14, 2023 16:32 UTC
PM downplays news of Dems joining govt
PM downplays news of Dems joining govtPrime Minister Srettha Thavisin has brushed aside speculation of the Democrat Party joining the cabinet, saying the government is still strong with 314 MPs. Mr Srettha refused to reply to questions about a cabinet reshuffle now that he is three months into his premiership. We need to give Mr Chalermchai a chance to work and manage his party as he was appointed only 2-3 days ago," he said. Now the Democrats have Mr Chalermchai as leader, rumours have surfaced that the party will be part of the government. A political observer said that despite Mr Chalermchai vowing to stay in opposition, he might think again if the political situation changes.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 14, 2023 13:12 UTC
Opposition MP sentenced to jail for lese majeste
Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok Rukchanok Srinork, right, and MFP leader Chaithawat Tulathon, left, arrive at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road on Wednesday morning. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)The Criminal Court on Wednesday sentenced Move Forward Party MP Rukchanok Srinork to six years in prison, without suspension, for lese majeste and computer crime. Bail was set at 500,000 baht, and the MP must refrain from participating in activities similar to those with which she has been charged. As a result, Rukchanok will be able to continue serving as an MP. Mr Chaithawat said he would offer his MP status as surety in seeking her temporary release.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 13, 2023 17:17 UTC
House committee proposed to discuss amnesty bill
(Bangkok Post File Photo)The government whip has proposed setting up a special House committee to discuss among all political parties what a new amnesty bill should look like. Hence, we think it would be best for us to begin with considerable discussion in a formal House committee comprising both government and opposition parties,” he said on Tuesday. He said an urgent motion would be filed requesting the formation of the committee, which would have one representative from each political party. Pheu Thai has yet to draw up an amnesty bill and would never propose its own version as a model for a joint draft expected later when the new House committee reaches a conclusion on the scope of the bill, Mr Chusak said. “We don’t want to see a new amnesty bill provoke a new wave of social division when it is submitted to the House for deliberation,” said Mr Chusak.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 13, 2023 05:56 UTC
Chinese market remains top priority
Chinese market remains top priorityThai tourism operators present their products to Chinese tour agents at an Atta roadshow in Shanghai. After granting a visa exemption for Malaysian arrivals, Beijing is reportedly planning to offer a 30-day visa exemption for Singapore early next year, increasing from the current 15-day exemption offered to Singaporeans. As of Nov 15, 1.4 million Chinese travelled to Malaysia this year, which recently announced a visa exemption for Chinese from Dec 1. Singapore received 1.12 million Chinese travellers in the first 10 months. He said Thailand stands a chance to increase the Chinese market to 7 million next year, up from an estimate of less than 4 million for this year.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 13, 2023 02:11 UTC
Industry stands firm on wage hike
(Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut)The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) still supports the national tripartite wage committee's daily minimum wage hike proposal, though there was disagreement among the cabinet on Tuesday. The current daily minimum wage in Bangkok is 353 baht, while workers in Chon Buri receive 354 baht a day. If the daily minimum wage soars, entrepreneurs may not be able to pay their workers, said Mr Kriengkrai. This means the daily minimum wage should increase by 3% a year. However, the situation of small hotels is totally different as they faced a wage hike last year, which heavily affected their businesses.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 13, 2023 02:03 UTC
PTTEP joins efforts to address climate change at COP28 in the UAE
PTTEP joins efforts to address climate change at COP28 in the UAEPTTEP, as one of Thailand’s private sector entities, actively participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Montri Rawanchaikul, Chief Executive Officer of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), revealed that PTTEP and global energy companies have pledged the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter, as part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). PTTEP also participated in the Business & Philanthropy Climate Forum along with more than 500 global business leaders and philanthropists to achieve substantial reductions in greenhouse gases. Additionally, PTTEP demonstrated its climate initiatives at Thailand Pavilion, organized by the Department of Climate Change and Environment. PTTEP’s executives also shared their visions and perspectives at side events hosted at the Thailand Pavilion, expressing ambitions to achieve net zero emissions.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 12, 2023 16:51 UTC
OR budget hotels in the pipeline
Mr Disathat said OR is not concerned with competing against other budget hotels because its petrol stations are on or near highways and offer community malls. The hotels will serve tourists with a limited budget that want safe and clean rooms to stay for a few nights, he said. Mr Disathat did not disclose a budget for the hotel project as the company is studying its business feasibility. OR initiated the idea to develop budget hotels inside petrol stations between 2016 and 2017, then started feasibility discussions with four hotel chain operators. The plan to develop budget hotels will be supported by OR's 2024 investment budget, set at 23 billion baht, according to the firm.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 12, 2023 02:28 UTC
House panel hearing Thursday on Thaksin's prolonged hospital stay
House panel hearing Thursday on Thaksin's prolonged hospital stayFormer Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra waves to supporters at Don Mueang airport when he returned on Aug 22. The committee, chaired by Democrat MP Chaichana Dejdecho, will hear from representatives of the Department of Corrections, the Justice Ministry and Police General Hospital, Mr Nathapong said. Thaksin returned to the country on Aug 22 after more than 15 years of self-exile abroad. He was admitted to Police General Hospital on the night of Aug 22, 13 hours after he first entered prison, and he has not left there. The Royal Thai Police and the Department of Corrections have denied giving the convict any privileged treatment.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 12, 2023 01:58 UTC