snoop1130

PM Srettha to meet Malaysian PM for peace talks Photo courtesy of Buletin TV3 Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced a high-stakes meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a southern border province on August 3, though the exact location remains undecided. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332110-pm-srettha-to-meet-malaysian-pm-for-peace-talks/

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced a high-stakes meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a southern border province on August 3, though the exact location remains undecided. The Thai premier hinted that Yala, Pattani, or Narathiwat could be the chosen venue. “My team is making arrangements.” While the specifics of the agenda are under wraps, the Bangkok-born PM suggested discussions might include negotiating peace with insurgent groups, a process Malaysia has been mediating. In a separate yet significant move, PM Srettha revealed plans to visit Udon Thani to observe anti-drug trafficking operations. He will be accompanied by National Police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol. This visit follows a detailed discussion on various issues with Torsak, including the crackdown on narcotics smuggling, contraband, and online gambling. Torsak’s career has seen turbulent times, reinstated by the Thai prime minister after a suspension earlier this year. His deputy, Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, aka Big Joke, wasn’t as fortunate, dismissed in April over alleged ties to an online gambling network. This dismissal led former National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Seripisut Temiyavej, to file a lawsuit against the Thai PM, accusing him of unlawfully appointing Torsak. However, the lawsuit was quickly withdrawn amidst rumours of intervention by former Prime Ministers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra. When questioned about these rumours, PM Srettha denied any discussions with Thaksin or Yingluck and stated he did not know Seripisut personally. Additionally, the 62 year old Thai PM addressed concerns over the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) potentially lacking funds to support the government’s ambitious 500-billion baht digital wallet scheme. He assured that the committee overseeing the project is in close contact with the BAAC and that it is standard procedure to seek the Council of State’s opinion on financial allocations, reported Asia News Network. “We seek the Council of State’s opinion on every issue anyway.” By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Buletin TV3 Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai MP aims to ‘stimulate’ economy with sex industry legalisation Photo by charlesdeluvio via Unsplash A Move Forward Party (MFP) MP today announced plans on social media to legalise professions related to the pornography and sex toy industries in Thailand by revising the Criminal Law of Thailand. The revision draft is expected to be proposed during Parliament today, July 10. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332109-thai-mp-aims-to-‘stimulate’-economy-with-sex-industry-legalisation/

A Move Forward Party (MFP) MP today announced plans on social media to legalise professions related to the pornography and sex toy industries in Thailand by revising the Criminal Law of Thailand. The revision draft is expected to be proposed during Parliament today, July 10. The MFP MP, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, shared his plan to legalise professions related to porn and sex toys on his Twitter account today. “Today, the bill #UnlockPornSexToy will be proposed in the Parliament session. Please watch to see if it will be passed or not. Let’s see if Thailand stops being bullsh*t in the Parliament.” Many Thai Twitter users expressed their opinions under the post. Some agreed and cheered Taopiphop on while others opposed his idea, saying it would damage Thailand’s beautiful culture and traditions. Others agreed with Taopiphop but doubted the bill would ever be approved in Thailand. Taopiphop included the entire draft of the bill in his post, allowing his followers to see more details. According to the document, Taopiphop and his team aims to amend Section 287 of the Criminal Law, which states that producing, possessing, importing, exporting, or distributing indecent documents, paintings, publications, pictures, advertisements, photos, films, voice records, or other materials can result in imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. This revision would allow Thai sex content creators to work in the industries legally. However, those working in the pornography industry must be at least 20 years old and must not include violent actions in their content. The document suggests that banning people from working in this industry violates their rights and freedom to choose a profession or type of work, according to Section 40 of the Thai Constitution. The proposed amendment is also expected to benefit the Thai economy. In addition to the pornography legalisation, another MFP MP, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, will also propose the draft of the Fiscal Discipline Act in the parliamentary session, aiming mainly to make military spending more transparent. By Petch Petpailin Photo by charlesdeluvio via Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s plan to turn food waste into lifesavers Photo courtesy of The Nation Thailand unveiled a plan to tackle food waste and hunger. The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has teamed up with the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS) to outline the creation of a national food bank. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332107-thailand’s-plan-to-turn-food-waste-into-lifesavers/

Thailand unveiled a plan to tackle food waste and hunger. The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has teamed up with the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS) to outline the creation of a national food bank. NSTDA’s vice president for strategy and budgeting, Nuanwan Sanguansak, spearheaded a public hearing on Sunday, July 7, aimed at gathering feedback on managing excess food. “This initiative is pivotal in addressing food loss and its environmental impact.” More than 60 representatives from various public and private agencies attended the event, offering insights that will shape guidelines for Thailand’s National Food Bank. Their discussions delved into raising awareness about food surplus – edible items that remain unsold – and tackling logistics issues in food delivery management. One suggestion was to establish warehouses or cold rooms for storing food before distribution to those in need. An SOS Foundation representative proposed government collaboration to share data on vulnerable groups. “By linking data between networks, SOS can target the right groups and cut transportation costs.” NSTDA policy researcher Patamaporn Prachumrat highlighted a startling study: one in three food products is discarded, wasting resources and harming the environment through greenhouse gas emissions. Prachumrat noted that NSTDA’s technology is key to managing surplus food and enhancing donation efficiency. Prachumrat pointed to NECTEC’s digital platform, which matches needs with donations and integrates with SOS’s Cloud Food Bank system. She also revealed plans for a carbon footprint study on salvaged food. “This will incentivise donors by showcasing their impact on reducing carbon emissions. We might even profit from this in the future.” The initiative hinges on networking among over 1,200 brands to create continuous donation incentives. Prachumrat emphasised the importance of ensuring that donations are nutritious and of high quality, urging all parties to collaborate closely. She also called for more donation channels and diverse communication strategies to reach a broader audience willing to contribute. This pioneering effort promises to transform food waste into a vital resource, tackling hunger and environmental issues in Thailand, reported The Nation. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

No plastics allowed: Koh Nang Yuan protects coral reefs Photo courtesy of MapTrotting Visitors to the stunning island of Koh Nang Yuan in southern Thailand are facing a surprising restriction: no plastic items or styrofoam boxes are allowed. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332106-no-plastics-allowed-koh-nang-yuan-protects-coral-reefs/

Visitors to the stunning island of Koh Nang Yuan in southern Thailand are facing a surprising restriction: no plastic items or styrofoam boxes are allowed. Koh Nang Yuan, renowned for its three interconnected islets with pristine white sands, has long upheld a strict no-plastic policy. This rule extends to the thousands of tourists who flock to its shores each day, primarily drawn by the island’s vibrant coral reefs and exceptional diving opportunities. “Tourists must adhere to our rules to help preserve the island’s natural beauty and protect our coral reefs.” In a bid to retain its unspoilt environment, visitors are prohibited from bringing plastic items, including water bottles, unless they are recyclable. Instead, the island provides guests with water in glass bottles, accompanied by clear instructions on where to dispose of them once empty. Tourists are also urged to use water sparingly during their stay. This eco-conscious approach stems from the island’s history of environmental challenges. The coral reefs around Koh Nang Yuan were severely damaged by Typhoon Gay in 1989 and further impacted by the El Niño phenomenon in the 1990s. However, through the concerted efforts of the local community and businesses, the reefs have gradually been restored to their former glory. The ban on single-use plastics has played a significant role in this recovery. It has not only alleviated waste management issues but also provided a cleaner environment for the coral reefs to thrive. Thanks to these dedicated conservation efforts, the shallow and deep-water coral reefs of Koh Nang Yuan are once again flourishing, offering divers spectacular underwater scenes, reported VN Express. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of MapTrotting Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ang Thong park still positive amid worst coral bleaching in decades Image courtesy of KhaoSod Ang Thong National Marine Park is experiencing its most severe coral bleaching event in a decade, with conditions expected to improve by August. The park anticipates earning over 40 million baht in revenue by the end of the fiscal year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332105-ang-thong-park-still-positive-amid-worst-coral-bleaching-in-decades/

Ang Thong National Marine Park is experiencing its most severe coral bleaching event in a decade, with conditions expected to improve by August. The park anticipates earning over 40 million baht in revenue by the end of the fiscal year. Ang Thong National Marine Park is grappling with a significant coral bleaching crisis, its most severe case in the last decade. The situation has escalated due to rising sea temperatures, which have caused widespread coral stress and bleaching. Head of Ang Thong National Marine Park, Sutin Prompalat reported that surveys conducted at 13 stations within the park revealed coral bleaching levels ranging from 40% to 75%. The bleaching began in April, with sea temperatures fluctuating between 29.19 and 32.36 degrees Celsius over three months, from April to June. The high sea temperatures have placed corals under significant stress, leading to extensive bleaching. However, there is hope on the horizon as the sea temperature has begun to decrease. Sutin expressed optimism that the situation would improve by August. The management of Ang Thong National Marine Park encompasses around 84 square kilometres (km2) of water and 18 km2 of land, spread across 42 islands. Some of the notable islands include Phaluai Island, Wua Talap Island, Mae Ko Island, Sam Sao Island, Tai Plao Island, Wua Kantang Island, Hin Dap Island, and Phai Luak Island. The park is also a habitat for the Bryde’s whale, a protected species under Thai law. Heritage park Sutin highlighted the park’s excellent management practices, which have earned numerous accolades, including being certified as an ASEAN Heritage Park, the sixth in Thailand to receive this honour. It has also been designated as a Ramsar Site, recognising its importance as a wetland of international significance. Other honours include the Thailand Tourism Silver Awards for natural attractions and the Green National Park Award for environmental management in 2016 and 2020. Furthermore, the park management has undertaken various initiatives to ensure visitor safety and enhance tourist experiences. In April, staff were trained in emergency rescue operations, including CPR and responses to potential incidents such as kayak accidents, seafood allergies, and jellyfish stings. Special nets have been installed at Wua Talap Island to protect swimmers from Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish. Regular upgrades and maintenance of tourist facilities are also in place, including the repair of guesthouses and the installation of additional fans. Daily beach clean-ups are conducted to maintain the pristine condition of the park. Sutin mentioned that the park limits the number of tourists to 1,000 per day, with approximately 80% to 90% being international visitors. As of the current fiscal year, the park has already generated around 38 million baht in revenue. Sutin confidently projected that the park’s revenue would surpass 40 million baht by the end of the fiscal year, positioning Ang Thong National Marine Park as the ninth highest-earning park among Thailand’s 156 national parks, reported KhaoSod. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Locals protest against dolomite mine near Thai national park Photo courtesy of InThailand.Travel Protests erupted near Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi as locals voiced their opposition to the opening of a private dolomite mine on a 540-rai plot of land, situated just 1 kilometre from the national park. Concerns centre around the potential negative impacts on their way of life and the park’s environment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332103-locals-protest-against-dolomite-mine-near-thai-national-park/

Protests erupted near Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi as locals voiced their opposition to the opening of a private dolomite mine on a 540-rai plot of land, situated just 1 kilometre from the national park. Concerns centre around the potential negative impacts on their way of life and the park’s environment. Somchet Chantana, Director of the Phetchaburi Office of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), recently visited the disputed land alongside World Heritage Committee officials and park rangers. Somchet highlighted three primary concerns regarding the mine. Firstly, the World Heritage Committee may disapprove of the mine due to its location within a buffer zone of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, a World Heritage Site. This complex extends into the forest areas of three national parks and one wildlife sanctuary across Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. Secondly, there are worries about the noise and air pollution that mining activities could generate. Lastly, the potential adverse effects on tourism in the national park and surrounding areas are also a significant concern. Villagers in Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan district complained to park authorities on Monday, stating that a private company had inspected the intended location for its dolomite mine. The proposed site is approximately 1 kilometre from the national park. The private company has submitted a request to park authorities to operate the mine in Moo 4 and Moo 8 villages in the Song Pee Nong subdistrict within the Kaeng Krachan district. According to the company’s map distributed to locals, the mine would occupy a 540-rai plot of land that includes a bamboo forest and large trees. Disputed land boundary A map from Phetchaburi’s DNP office indicates that the disputed land lies within a buffer zone, with the boundary of Kaeng Krachan National Park located 1.14 kilometres away. Atita Klinsuwan, an official at an Industry Ministry office in Phetchaburi province, stated that the company’s request is currently under consideration. She added that the final decision on whether to permit the mine will rest with the local community. In 2008, a different company submitted a proposal to establish a dolomite mine at the same location. The proposal faced opposition from locals and the mine was never opened. “The locals have always been protective of their environment and heritage. Their concerns are valid, and every measure will be taken to address them. “The potential impact on the World Heritage Site is a critical factor. We must consider the broader implications on the environment and the community.” The tension between development and conservation continues to shape the discourse in Phetchaburi, with the outcome of this dispute likely to set a precedent for future projects near protected areas, reported Bangkok Post. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of InThailand.Travel Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Alleged child rapist arrested after fatal assault of a toddler Image courtesy of KhaoSod A one-year-old toddler tragically died after being assaulted and sexually abused by her nanny’s husband in Nakhon Nayok. The incident has led to additional charges being considered by the police. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332102-alleged-child-rapist-arrested-after-fatal-assault-of-a-toddler/

A one-year-old toddler tragically died after being assaulted and sexually abused by her nanny’s husband in Nakhon Nayok. The incident has led to additional charges being considered by the police. The atmosphere at Nakhon Nayok Hospital was filled with sorrow as the child’s relatives, who had been by her side since she was admitted, received the heartbreaking news earlier today, July 10. The family has now transferred her body to Ongkharak Hospital for a post-mortem examination, still troubled by scratch marks on the child’s face. The alleged perpetrator, 37 year old Pichit Phadungkij, had already been remanded in custody by the Nakhon Nayok Provincial Court. Given the girl’s death, police plan to bring him back to court for further questioning and to press more severe charges related to her death. The father of the deceased child, 18 year old Chawinbutr shared that he received the devastating news from the hospital around 5am. The family rushed to Nakhon Nayok Hospital to collect the body for the post-mortem examination at Ongkharak Hospital. Chawinbutr expressed his desire for the police to pursue additional charges against Pichit to prevent him from harming other families in the future. Sri Phrai, the suspect’s wife, upon learning of the child’s death, sent a message to the victim’s family expressing her condolences. She apologised and stated that the law should take its course against Pichit for his actions. Despite her apology, the victim’s family insisted they would not settle for any compromises. The family informed reporters that after bringing the body of their beloved toddler to the temple to initiate religious rites, they will meet with the investigators at Ongkharak Police Station to request legal action against everyone involved, reported KhaoSod. The tragic event has shocked the local community and raised significant concerns about child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers. The police investigation remains ongoing, and the family of the deceased is seeking justice for their loss. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Village in Lopburi suffers severe damage from floodwaters - video File photo for reference only A Facebook video has captured the devastating floods hitting Tha Din Dam village in Chai Badan district, Lopburi province, causing massive destruction to houses and businesses. The video was posted by Rotsukhon Phromma, illustrating the severe floods that impacted shops and residences in Tha Din Dam. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331931-village-in-lopburi-suffers-severe-damage-from-floodwaters-video/

A Facebook video has captured the devastating floods hitting Tha Din Dam village in Chai Badan district, Lopburi province, causing massive destruction to houses and businesses. The video was posted by Rotsukhon Phromma, illustrating the severe floods that impacted shops and residences in Tha Din Dam. Phromma commented, "Why is the water force so strong again? The shop is completely devastated. Please be cautious, it's very dangerous. The water has toppled all the motorcycles." The floodwater was depicted as cloudy and brown, gushing vigorously and sweeping all objects within its path. The video, which lasted for about 10 minutes, demonstrated the constant and severe floods, bringing out the substantial harm they caused. Despite the water level only reaching about 50 centimeters, it was still potent enough to cause widespread damage. Numerous viewers have left comments on the video, with many providing words of support and expressing worry, according to KhaoSod. Comments like "Stay safe, everyone", "Were you able to save your belongings?", "It's very strong, take care", and "It's frightening, where did the water originate from?" were left by concerned users. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand's Half-Half fertilizer project intends to increase rice prices File photo for reference only The Thai government has initiated a project called "Half-Half Fertiliser" with the goal of enhancing rice prices for farmers, while maintaining the support scheme of 1,000 baht per rai. The project is designed to assist farmers during tough times and improve the quality of rice. https://aseannow.com/topic/1331930-thailands-half-half-fertilizer-project-intends-to-increase-rice-prices/

The Thai government has initiated a project called "Half-Half Fertiliser" with the goal of enhancing rice prices for farmers, while maintaining the support scheme of 1,000 baht per rai. The project is designed to assist farmers during tough times and improve the quality of rice. Thammanat Prompao, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, responded to criticisms of the project today. Despite facing some resistance from farmers, the project was approved by the Rice Policy Committee, which includes representatives from various agricultural bodies. The proposal has now been sent to the Cabinet for final approval. Thammanat explained that the project meets the farmers' requirements and is part of a broader plan to apply fertilizer more accurately. This should boost productivity and rice quality. Following the committee's endorsement, the project has already been presented to the Cabinet by the Rice Department. Now, the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce are due to begin work on the project. Farmers wishing to participate in the project will need to voluntarily register through the appropriate channels. This guarantees that participation is not compulsory and farmers have the option to join. There have been questions about whether particular companies or fertilizer types could be favored by the project. However, Thammanat confirmed that the project is open to all companies and brands, with no restrictions on specific formulas. In response to queries about the 1,000 baht per rai support scheme, Thammanat made it clear that this program will continue to support farmers facing challenges like low-quality rice due to drought or flooding. It is vital when rice prices fall below a sustainable level, usually between 7,000 and 8,000 baht per tonne. The government plans to support farmers with harvest costs, offering 1,000 baht per rai. The aim is to increase rice prices to between 11,000 and 15,000 baht per tonne, contingent on the rice type. Thammanat addressed the confusion of linking these two projects together by stating that they serve different aims and should not be combined. Regarding the prime minister's request for a review of the project, Thammanat said it is crucial to avoid corruption opportunities among officials or associated agencies. The goal is to supply farmers with high-quality fertilisers to improve rice productivity and quality. Fertiliser manufacturers need to register with the Department of Agriculture, which will test and verify the quality of the fertiliser samples provided. This process must be comprehensive to deter the distribution of inferior fertilisers. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Set to Improve Third-Class Trains with Air Conditioning and Seating Upgrades Photo via Facebook/ ทีมพีอาร์การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย The Thailand State Railway (SRT) plans to enhance its third-class train services and facilities by investing 780 million baht in new seating and air conditioning. For this project's initial phase, scheduled for next year, 130 of these carriages will be fitted with air conditioning. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331929-thailand-set-to-improve-third-class-trains-with-air-conditioning-and-seating-upgrades/

The Thailand State Railway (SRT) plans to enhance its third-class train services and facilities by investing 780 million baht in new seating and air conditioning. For this project's initial phase, scheduled for next year, 130 of these carriages will be fitted with air conditioning. Transport Deputy Minister, Surapong Piyachote, informed DailyNews that SRT is currently seeking contractors for this improvement project. The first part of the renovation will cover 130 out of the current stock of 400 carriages, with completion set for 2025. Surapong shared that the project will be carried out in two stages. The first stage involves the upgrade of 50 third-class carriages, with 80 more to be completed by 2025. The estimated cost of upgrading each carriage is around 6 million baht, making the total budget for the first phase approximately 780 million baht. This improvement plan came as a response to passenger's demand, according to Surapong. A study showed that passengers are more than willing to pay extra for improved services and facilities. The SRT currently provides nine million seats on air-conditioned trains annually, but the demand is double that number. However, Surapong acknowledged that passengers will have to pay more for these enhanced third-class trains. The starting price may rise from 2 baht to 20 baht once the air conditioning is installed. But the SRT will take steps to protect less well-off passengers to make sure that the trains are accessible to everyone. Surapong stressed that adjustments will be made in a way that won't disrupt daily commuting. Hence, only 130 carriages will be upgraded in the first phase. The aim is to eventually eliminate all trains without air conditioning. Thai citizens have recently expressed concerns online about the complex ticket-booking system and costly fares. They stated that the necessity to rebook if there is an error on the ticket, pay 50% extra if they reschedule, and only receiving 30% back if they cancel their journeys is unfair. And while they are prepared to adhere to the rules, they seek improvement on the booking website from the SRT. They also suggested that short-distance travellers be permitted to book their tickets in advance, much like long-distance travellers are allowed. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ทีมพีอาร์การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย -- 2024-07-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand ranks 6th best for expats Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Thailand ranks 6th best country for expats, according to InterNations‘ annual report, maintaining its position from last year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331928-thailand-ranks-6th-best-for-expats/

Thailand ranks 6th best country for expats, according to InterNations‘ annual report, maintaining its position from last year. The survey, conducted in February, gathered responses from over 12,500 expats and evaluated 53 countries on various indices, including quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, personal finance, and essential services like housing, administration, language, and digital life. Panama took the top spot, with 82% of respondents expressing high satisfaction, mainly due to financial perks, retirement opportunities, and a better quality of life. Mexico and Indonesia followed in second and third places, respectively. Indonesia, which jumped from the 13th position last year, was highly praised for its affordable living costs, friendly locals, and work-life balance. Spain, Colombia, and Thailand completed the top six, underscoring their appeal to expatriates for various reasons, including lifestyle and financial advantages. Conversely, the bottom 10 countries in the ranking included Kuwait at the very end, followed by Turkey, Finland, Germany, Canada, Norway, Italy, Malta, Ireland, and the UK. Each of these countries faced specific challenges that negatively impacted the expat experience. Responses highlighted significant satisfaction with Thailand’s quality of life, ease of settling in, and affordability. Many expatriates noted how the welcoming nature of the locals and the vibrant culture made it easier to adapt and thrive. Additionally, the availability of essential services further contributed to the positive expatriate experience in Thailand, the survey revealed. “Thailand offers a unique blend of modern amenities and rich cultural heritage, making it an attractive destination for expats.” In Panama, the survey results reflected a strong sense of contentment among expats, with many attributing their satisfaction to the country’s financial benefits and high quality of life. The ease of settling in and the country’s appealing retirement prospects were other significant factors. “Panama’s financial advantages and the overall improvement in quality of life have made it the preferred destination for many expats.” Unattractive spots The lower-ranked countries, such as Kuwait and Turkey, faced criticism for various reasons, including bureaucratic hurdles and challenges in adjusting to the local culture. Finland and Germany, despite their high living standards, were noted for difficulties related to social integration and administrative complexities. “Living in Finland can be quite challenging for expats due to the social integration barriers and the complex administrative processes.” Similarly, expats in Germany pointed out issues related to language barriers and bureaucratic procedures, which made settling in more difficult. Canada and Norway, while known for their high quality of life, were marked down due to the high cost of living and challenges in the housing market. Italy and Malta faced similar criticisms, with additional concerns about local bureaucracy and economic stability. Ireland and the UK rounded out the bottom ten, with expats expressing dissatisfaction with the high cost of living and the complexities of the housing market. Additionally, the political climate and uncertainties related to administrative processes were highlighted as significant detractors, reported Pattaya News. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pheu Thai tries to regain public confidence after unfulfilled promises Image courtesy of KhaoSod Pheu Thai faces significant challenges as it struggles to regain public confidence amid unfulfilled economic promises. Just a year ago, many Thais were optimistic that Pheu Thai’s return to power would alleviate the nation’s economic difficulties by boosting consumer purchasing power, reducing household debt, and reversing slowing economic growth. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331927-pheu-thai-tries-to-regain-public-confidence-after-unfulfilled-promises/

Pheu Thai faces significant challenges as it struggles to regain public confidence amid unfulfilled economic promises. Just a year ago, many Thais were optimistic that Pheu Thai’s return to power would alleviate the nation’s economic difficulties by boosting consumer purchasing power, reducing household debt, and reversing slowing economic growth. Pheu Thai’s election campaign emphasised economic policies, promising to achieve an average annual economic growth of 5%, stimulate the economy with a 500-billion-baht package through a 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, reduce the cost of living, and raise the minimum wage to 600 baht per day within four years. With Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the government began its term in September 2023, aiming to address these economic issues. However, ten months in, there remains a lack of clarity and progress on these fronts. The Bangkok-born PM’s early focus on domestic and international visits meant economic matters received less attention initially. In response, he reshuffled the Cabinet, appointing Pichai Chunhavajira as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to oversee fiscal policies and form an economic Cabinet. Despite these changes, the government’s economic performance in its first year has arguably been subpar. Economic indicators reveal that the government has missed its targets, with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by only 1.5% in the first quarter, the lowest in ASEAN. Various economic agencies have revised their GDP forecasts for Thailand this year to an average of 2.4 to 2.5%. A significant factor in the low economic growth was the slowdown in government spending due to delays in the 2024 budget approval, which only took effect in May. The digital wallet scheme also caused delays, facing financial and legal challenges and requiring extensive backend preparations. Yet to materialise The government attempted to push budget allocations to local areas, approving 80 integration projects worth 11.7 billion baht during Cabinet meetings outside Bangkok. However, efforts to attract foreign investment have yielded unclear results. While the 62 year old Thai PM met with global business leaders in the US, Europe, and Japan, concrete investments have yet to materialise. Although investment promotion requests have increased, actual foreign direct investment (FDI) figures remain low. Large companies announcing investments in Thailand are primarily from China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry. Major technology firms like Microsoft have announced plans to invest but have not disclosed specific amounts. The government’s failure to address economic problems has impacted the popularity ratings of both PM Srettha and Pheu Thai. According to a NIDA Poll released on June 9, public satisfaction with the government’s performance is low, with 34.35% somewhat dissatisfied and 31.69% not satisfied at all. A follow-up poll on June 30 showed declining support for the prime minister and Pheu Thai. When asked who they would support for the Prime Minister of Thailand, 45.50% chose Pita Limjaroenrat from the Move Forward Party (MFP), while Srettha received only 12.85%, and Pheu Thai’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra garnered 4.85%. In response, Pheu Thai has focused on proactive public relations. The Thai PM launched the Talk with Srettha programme on national television, explaining his foreign trips. However, the government’s achievements remain limited, especially in addressing economic issues, as economic indicators continue to decline. The current sentiment towards the current government is not positive. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the administration will adjust its strategy to accelerate economic progress and restore political ratings, aiming to boost Pheu Thai’s popularity to match that of the leading MFP, which garnered the most votes in last year’s General Election, reported The Nation. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Honda to cease productions in Ayutthaya by 2025, EV competition Image courtesy of Kyodo/Japan Times Honda Motor will cease vehicle production at its Ayutthaya factory by 2025, redirecting its efforts to consolidate operations at the Prachin Buri plant, the company announced today, July 9. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331926-honda-to-cease-productions-in-ayutthaya-by-2025-ev-competition/