Group urges ministry unity to reform supply chains
Group urges ministry unity to reform supply chainsTourism and Sports Ministry officials scan the QR code of a Thailand Tourist Safety project launched on Feb 24 at Suvarnabhumi airport to help solve tourism-related problems, handle tourists’ complaints and promote tourist safety. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) expects the new government to strengthen collaboration between six ministries related to the tourism industry to improve supply chains. For instance, he said the Higher Education Ministry could help with studies and research on tourism development. However, Mr Adith said it is disappointing the two leading parties in the coalition government seem to be ignoring the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Mr Adith says several ministries need to collaborate to help the tourism industry.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 26, 2023 09:00 UTC
Democrats defer electing new party leader
Democrats defer electing new party leaderDemocrat Party key members attend a meeting to map out the party’s communication strategy at the party’s headquarters on March 27. At Wednesday's meeting of the party's caretaker board, the board was notified of Mr Jurin's resignation as party leader. In the new party leader election, the party has resolved to skip the standard process of sounding out the popularity of each nominated candidate before voting to select the winner, to avoid creating conflicts inside the party, said Mr Ramet. The rest of the party's board will include former party leaders and cabinet ministers, he said. It was also reported at Wednesday's meeting that over 89,000 Thais have applied for party membership.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 25, 2023 05:19 UTC
Prayut allays fears over transfer of power
Prayut allays fears over transfer of powerCurtain call: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha leaves a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, where he promised a smooth transition to a new government. "As the country will have to move forward, we have to continue working to take care of people while still waiting for the new government to come," Gen Prayut said. However, Gen Prayut said that Thailand still has a good financial status despite some political uncertainties, and all sides should join hands in preventing them from developing into more serious problems. Gen Prayut also said the only thing he expects to see happening is peace in the country, and as he is the caretaker prime minister, he will try his best to perform his duty until the new government takes over. Asked if he had ever recently discussed with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon their political future, Gen Prayut said he had not talked to Gen Prawit about anything other than their remaining responsibilities as the caretaker cabinet.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 24, 2023 16:42 UTC
Zelensky at G7 talks as Ukraine gets access to F-16s
Ukrainian leader expects talks in Japan to bring 'increased cooperation for our victory'British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky meet during the G7 leaders’ summit in Hiroshima on Saturday. (Photo: AFP)HIROSHIMA, Japan: President Volodymyr Zelensky made a landmark visit to Hiroshima for talks with G7 leaders Saturday, after securing long-sought access to advanced US fighter jets for Ukraine’s war effort. But it was Zelensky’s arrival, and debate about the future of the war in Ukraine, that has dominated the summit. They are also a potent symbol of Western support for Ukraine, forestalling any talk of waning interest as the conflict grinds on. Zelensky also met separately with the Italian and British prime ministers, and talks with the French and US presidents are expected.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 20, 2023 11:56 UTC
Snub of tourism post ignites rancour
Mr Sanga says he hopes the new tourism and sports minister has a background in tourism and a clear vision to develop the sector. He said the sector hopes the new government will pay more attention to it as it is key driver of the economy. Mr Sanga said he hopes the new tourism and sports minister has a background in tourism and a clear vision to develop the sector. "The Tourism and Sports Ministry should not be a leftover quota choice after political parties finish picking up what they want." With the MFP pushing its Progressive Liquor Bill, he said tourism operators are hopeful it can change outdated regulations such as the prohibition against alcohol sales during the afternoon.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 20, 2023 11:46 UTC
Vietnam PM issues power shortage warning
Vietnam PM issues power shortage warningA man carries an umbrella to shade from the sun along a street in Hanoi. (Photo: AFP)HANOI: Vietnam faces power shortages in some areas through late this month as electricity use rises due to a heat wave, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh warned. The premier asked state utility Vietnam Electricity Group to negotiate temporary purchase prices with investors of completed wind and power projects that are ready to link to national grid. The ongoing drought has reduced water levels in hydropower reservoirs, raising the possibility of power shortage through May 25, Chinh said. Power plants using imported coals also face fuel shortages because of slow imports from Indonesia, requiring them to borrow fuel from other facilities.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 19, 2023 21:27 UTC
Teen held on 112 charge freed after 50 days
She was released shortly after 4pm from the Ban Pranee Juvenile Vocational Training Center for Girls in Nakhon Pathom, where she had been held since March 29. She is the only one to have been detained for such a long period, though she is not the youngest. The Central Juvenile and Family Court issued a statement last week in response to criticism of her detention. TLHR also took issue with the court’s contention that the accused had “rejected justice” when she refused to take part in court proceedings, turning her back on the judge. “Because Yok rejected only the justice system, she did not reject justice,” it said.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 19, 2023 10:08 UTC
PTP faction eyes two cabinet seats
PTP faction eyes two cabinet seatsWeerasak Wangsupakitkosol, better known as Kamnan Por, centre, announces the election victory of "Pheu Thai's Korat family" and thanks voters for their support. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert)A Nakhon Ratchasima-based political faction of the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) said it expects to be allocated two cabinet seats after winning 14 House seats in Sunday's general election. Mr Weerasak, a former deputy transport minister, said it was the first time a political party received more than 500,000 votes in the province. "We won several House seats, and I think we deserve two ministerial posts," he said. Mr Weerasak's group is also speculated to form a political partnership with the Pheu Thai Ruam Palang Party, which won two constituency seats in Ubon Ratchathani.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 19, 2023 07:59 UTC
Lese majeste stance could sink Dems' PM vote
Lese majeste stance could sink Dems' PM votePita LimjaroenratThe Democrat Party are mulling over whether its members should elect Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister and whether any support should be conditional based on how the lese majeste law is to be handled. Chanin Rungsaeng, a former Democrat executive, said party members would have no problem electing Mr Pita as prime minister so long as the MFP promises not to abolish the lese majeste law. However, the MFP must give its word not to repeal Section 112 of the Criminal Code -- the lese majeste law. It might thwart what he sees as the Senate's illegitimate exercise of power to co-elect Mr Pita as prime minister. Alongkorn Ponlaboot, acting Democrat deputy leader, said he'd ask the party at its meeting next week to unconditionally support Mr Pita for the premiership.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 18, 2023 02:03 UTC
Ceremony foretells ample water, food and prospering economy
Ceremony foretells ample water, food and prospering economyTwo sacred oxen are offered trays with an assortment of food and drink during the Royal Ploughing Ceremony at Sanam Luang, Bangkok, on Wednesday morning. (Pool photos)Sufficient water, abundant crops and a prosperous economy were predicted during the Royal Ploughing Ceremony at Sanam Luang in Bangkok presided over by Their Majesties the King and Queen on Wednesday morning. Two sacred oxen chose to feed on grass and liquor. Soothsayers then predicted there will be plenty of water and food, transport will be more convenient, foreign trade will improve and the economy will prosper. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, also known as Farmers Day or simply the Ploughing Festival, officially marks the beginning of the rice-growing season.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 17, 2023 09:54 UTC
Operators express hope post-election
(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)Chiang Mai and Phuket tourism operators hope the new government led by the Move Forward Party (MFP) can solve the PM2.5 dust crisis, work to decentralise power, and allocate budget for regional development and restoring tourism competitiveness. La-iad Bungsrithong, board adviser for the Thai Hotels Association, said the election result reaffirms that Chiang Mai desires change. In addition, there was a delay in Covid-19 vaccine allotments, with Chiang Mai among the last to receive them despite being one of the major provinces in Thailand, said Mrs La-iad. Mrs La-iad said the new government should negotiate with neighbouring countries on a national scale and set annual targets with key performance indicators for related authorities. However, if a higher minimum wage can help the majority of society, tourism operators are ready to comply with a new rule, she said.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 17, 2023 09:41 UTC
Exit poll shows Pheu Thai, Move Forward leading vote
Exit poll shows Pheu Thai, Move Forward leading votePheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidates Paetongtarn Shinawatra (left) and Srettha Thavisin (right) leave after looking at live results on a screen at the party headquarters in Bangkok on May 14, 2023 after polls closed in Thailand's general election. A pre-election poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) showed the Pheu Thai party winning between 164 and 172 seats, the most of any party. The liberal Move Forward party came in second with between 80 and 88 seats, according to the Nida poll. A separate exit poll by Nation Group showed the Pheu Thai party, linked to influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, garnering 32.6% of the constituency vote, while Move Forward had 29.4%, together giving them a slim majority if those results hold. A third survey by university Suan Dusit, taken before voting began, showed Pheu Thai winning as many as 246 seats, followed by Move Forward at 106.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 15, 2023 09:55 UTC
TIDLOR notches 17% QoQ net profit increase in Q1/23
Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited, or TIDLOR has unveiled its Q1/23 performance, achieving 955 million baht in net profit, representing a 16.9% increase compared to the previous quarter. The strong performance reflects remarkable portfolio growth and outstanding growth in the insurance brokerage business, while maintaining a low non-performing loan (NPLs) ratio of 1.5%. Piyasak Ukritnukun, Managing Director of Ngern Tidlor or TIDLOR, stated, "The Q1/23 performance reflects the company's key strategies set in Q4/22 with a solid commitment to driving growth with a focus on quality. Looking at Q1/23, the company showed strong performances in the vehicle-title loan business and insurance brokerage business, in line with the recovering economic outlook, particularly inthe tourism sector. Ngern Tidlor is committed to leveraging its services in these areas to sustain its leadership and foster future growth.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 15, 2023 09:16 UTC
Election Commission says MFP won Sunday's election
Election Commission says MFP won Sunday's electionThe Election Commission concluded its vote counting on Monday morning and announced the Move Forward Party’s victory in the May 14 general election. EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong said MFP won 112 constituency MPs and 39 list seats, followed by Pheu Thai with 112 constituency MPs and 29 list MPs, Bhumjaithai with 68 constituency MPs and 3 list MPs, Palang Pracharath 39 constituency MPs and 1 list MP and United Thai Nation Party with 23 constituency MPs and 13 list MPs. Of the other parties, the Democrats won 22 constituency MPs and 3 list MPs, Chartthaipattana 9 constituency MPs and 1 list MP, Prachachat 7 constituency MPs and 2 list MPs, Thai Sang Thai 5 constituency MPs and 1 list MP, Peu Thai Rumphalang 2 constituency MPs, Chartpattanakla 1 constituency MP and 1 list MP and Seriruamthai 1 list MP. Other parties that won 1 list MP each were New Democracy, New Party, Thai Counties, Fair Party, Plung Sungkom Mai and Thai Teachers for People. Mr Ittiporn said voter turnout was a record 75.22%, surpassing 75.03% in 2011.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 14, 2023 17:31 UTC
Thailand decides: Live vote count
Thailand decides: Live vote countThe Election Commission (EC) began counting votes after the general election concluded at 5pm on Sunday. As of 00.34am, the Move Forward Party had taken the lead in both the constituency and party-list races, followed by the Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 14, 2023 15:41 UTC