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Thailand Advances in Government Digitalization BANGKOK (NNT) - The government is accelerating its efforts to streamline public services through electronic systems. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309634-thailand-advances-in-government-digitalization/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government is accelerating its efforts to streamline public services through electronic systems. Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister attached to the Office of the Prime Minister, recently convened a meeting with the Administrative Committee of the Senate. The objective was to discuss collaborations for implementing electronic public services at the local level. The committee also reviewed the roles and responsibilities of the Digital Government Development Agency (Public Organization) -- DGA. A Memorandum of Understanding between related agencies was signed, aiming at providing modern, convenient, and quick public services. As a result, the DGA has developed a comprehensive service application called "Thangrath" to reduce public travel and documentation expenses. Furthermore, the committee recommended strategies for continuous progress in digital governance. This is especially important in times of government transition to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. The committee proposed the development of a "Super App" to centralize various services, responding to real public needs. In her remarks, Minister Puangpet thanked the committee for their guidelines to improve the administrative system. She pledged support for these initiatives, emphasizing the ultimate goal of benefitting the public by reducing red tape and costs. The aim is to align governance with public services, keeping the citizens’ best interests in mind. By Na-ark Rojanasuvan Full story: NNT 2023-10-18 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai businesses on track to navigate energy price cuts: TDRI concerns loom Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thai businesses are assessing the implications of the government’s recent energy price cuts, amidst concerns from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) about the potential adverse long-term effects of the policy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309560-thai-businesses-on-track-to-navigate-energy-price-cuts-tdri-concerns-loom/

Thai businesses are assessing the implications of the government’s recent energy price cuts, amidst concerns from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) about the potential adverse long-term effects of the policy. The Srettha Thavisin-led government has decided to slash the power tariff from 4.45 baht per kilowatt-hour to 3.99 baht between September and December and cap the retail price of diesel at 30 baht a litre, a decrease from the previous price of 31.94 baht a litre. This policy move is one of the government’s early interventions designed to mitigate the impacts of high energy prices on businesses and households. However, its impact is yet to be fully understood. For example, Doctor Weerachat Kittiratanapaiboon, the chief executive of Biodegradable Packaging for Environment Co (BPE), a Thai company specialising in the production of food and beverage containers from agricultural waste, indicated that it is still assessing how the energy price reduction will affect its operating costs. Dr Weerachat, a former doctor who transitioned into business, expressed scepticism about the potential for the policy to lead to substantial reductions in power bills and operating costs. He pointed out that the high cost of energy had previously led BPE to install rooftop solar panels, which now account for about 40% of the company’s electricity needs. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Unexpected labour at Thai restaurant results in nine months of free meals Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A surprising incident occurred at a popular Thai restaurant when a pregnant woman dining there suddenly went into labour. The manager, Yuthaphum Kaewkhem, known as Boom, recalled the surprising event where the woman, who had been enjoying a meal, started experiencing labour pains. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309559-unexpected-labour-at-thai-restaurant-results-in-nine-months-of-free-meals/

A surprising incident occurred at a popular Thai restaurant when a pregnant woman dining there suddenly went into labour. The manager, Yuthaphum Kaewkhem, known as Boom, recalled the surprising event where the woman, who had been enjoying a meal, started experiencing labour pains. One of Boom’s staff, at the Moo Krata restaurant, revealed that a customer’s waters had broken and she had gone into labour. The staff member explained that they were in the process of arranging transport to the hospital for the expectant mother. Boom was further taken aback when the staff member relayed the pregnant woman’s words to him. “She said not to clear her table yet because she didn’t get to eat much. If she doesn’t give birth after reaching the hospital, she will come back to continue her meal.” Shocked yet amused, Boom responded by offering her an early pregnancy gift. “Tell the customer that I will give her free meals for the next nine months. For now, she should focus on delivering her baby.” By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

A surprising incident occurred at a popular Thai restaurant when a pregnant woman dining there suddenly went into labour. The manager, Yuthaphum Kaewkhem, known as Boom, recalled the surprising event where the woman, who had been enjoying a meal, started experiencing labour pains. One of Boom’s staff, at the Moo Krata restaurant, revealed that a customer’s waters had broken and she had gone into labour. The staff member explained that they were in the process of arranging transport to the hospital for the expectant mother. Boom was further taken aback when the staff member relayed the pregnant woman’s words to him. “She said not to clear her table yet because she didn’t get to eat much. If she doesn’t give birth after reaching the hospital, she will come back to continue her meal.” Shocked yet amused, Boom responded by offering her an early pregnancy gift. “Tell the customer that I will give her free meals for the next nine months. For now, she should focus on delivering her baby.” By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangchak finalises Esso Thailand acquisition Photo by NoOne taken from Flickr The energy conglomerate Bangchak Corporation, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), finalised its acquisition of Esso Thailand shares via a tender offer. The deal, valued at 3.54 billion baht, has resulted in Bangchak owning 76.3% of Esso Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309557-bangchak-finalises-esso-thailand-acquisition/

The energy conglomerate Bangchak Corporation, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), finalised its acquisition of Esso Thailand shares via a tender offer. The deal, valued at 3.54 billion baht, has resulted in Bangchak owning 76.3% of Esso Thailand. Previously, Bangchak secured a 65.99% stake in Esso Thailand, the entity managing Esso petrol stations, from Esso Asia Holdings Pte for 22.6 billion baht. The corporation also revealed its plan to purchase the remaining 34.01% stake through a tender offer to investors in the stock market. The offer, set at 9.89 baht per share, ran from early September until October 12. Phatpuree Chinkulkitnivat, Bangchak’s senior executive vice-president for accounting and finance, stated that Bangchak eventually bought an extra 10.31% share. The tender offer was for a total of 1.177 billion shares, but only 358.4 million could be acquired by the company. Funds for the tender offer were partly sourced from a loan provided by Bangkok Bank and Bangchak’s cash reserves, aiming to keep the debt-to-equity ratio under 1.1 times. Bangchak previously declared its expectation to create synergy by merging its operations with Esso Thailand, projecting an additional income of 3 billion baht from the consolidation by 2025. As part of this plan, the company intends to rebrand Esso-owned petrol stations to Bangchak starting in November. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo by NoOne taken from Flickr Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Xiaomi Invited to Expand Market, Investment in Thailand Photo Cr. Thai Koo Fah BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin urged Xiaomi executives to expand market and Investment in Thailand, expressing confidence in the kingdom’s business potential benefitting all parties. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309556-xiaomi-invited-to-expand-market-investment-in-thailand/

BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin urged Xiaomi executives to expand market and Investment in Thailand, expressing confidence in the kingdom’s business potential benefitting all parties. The Thai prime minister is attending the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in China. At 13:00 local time in Beijing (one hour ahead of Thailand), government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke disclosed that Mr. Alain Lam, Vice President and CFO of Xiaomi met Mr. Srettha. Caption: Photo Cr. Thai Koo Fah Full story: Thai News Agency 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok father arrested for incestuous rape of daughter leading to pregnancy Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A shocking case of incestuous rape emerged leading to the arrest of a man who confessed to sexually abusing his 14 year old daughter, resulting in her pregnancy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309554-bangkok-father-arrested-for-incestuous-rape-of-daughter-leading-to-pregnancy/

A shocking case of incestuous rape emerged leading to the arrest of a man who confessed to sexually abusing his 14 year old daughter, resulting in her pregnancy. Paveena Hongsakul, the Chair of the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, today, October 17, at 11am, accompanied the victim’s mother, 34 year old Oi (pseudonym), to the Prawet Police Station to follow up on the case. The disturbing events began in April 2022 when the 40 year old father, Somchai (name withheld), took his 12 year old daughter, Bee (pseudonym), from Buriram province to stay with him during school holidays at a construction camp on Soi On Nut 70/1 in Prawet, Bangkok. During their time together the incestuous rape of Bee began. She later fled to live with her aunt at Soi On Nut 66 junction 19-16. However, Somchai continued his incestuous rape behaviour. When the school term began, he sent Bee back to study in Buriram. During the new year holidays, from the end of December 2022 to the beginning of January, Somchai travelled back to Buriram and sexually assaulted Bee again. Later, during the April holidays, he brought Bee back to the same construction camp in Bangkok, where he continued his sexual abuse. In May this year, Bee moved to Bangkok to study in secondary school. Her teacher noticed in August that she might be pregnant and informed her aunt. A pregnancy test confirmed the teacher’s suspicions. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai court halts government’s wind power purchase scheme over selection irregularities Photo by Mike Setchell on Unsplash The Central Administrative Court‘s ruling to halt the government’s scheme to purchase 1,500 megawatts of wind power, on grounds of alleged irregularities in power plant selection, prompted the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to gear up for an appeal. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309552-thai-court-halts-government’s-wind-power-purchase-scheme-over-selection-irregularities/

The Central Administrative Court‘s ruling to halt the government’s scheme to purchase 1,500 megawatts of wind power, on grounds of alleged irregularities in power plant selection, prompted the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to gear up for an appeal. The judgement came in response to Khon Kaen Wind 2 Co, a subsidiary of the SET-listed Energy Absolute (EA), who had voiced concerns over the lack of transparency in the ERC’s decision-making process. EA, a firm specialising in renewable energy and electric vehicle development and operations, previously had another subsidiary — Thep Sathit Wind Farm Co —file a petition against the ERC’s approval of a power purchase deal between power providers and the state grid. Thep Sathit Wind Farm was not included in the renewable scheme, with the ERC citing their failure to meet the minimum technical requirements for wind power development. The company, however, views ERC’s resolution as illegitimate, as detailed in an EA press release from October 3. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo by Mike Setchell on Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai woman’s 20 baht note goes ‘choo-choo’ in the frying pan The crispy 20 baht banknote next to an undamaged one for comparison | Photo taken from Khaosod A Thai woman mistakenly fried a 20 baht banknote, resulting in a shrivelled and crispy note that sparked much mirth on social media asking whether a bank would accept it. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309551-thai-woman’s-20-baht-note-goes-‘choo-choo’-in-the-frying-pan/

A Thai woman mistakenly fried a 20 baht banknote, resulting in a shrivelled and crispy note that sparked much mirth on social media asking whether a bank would accept it. A wave of humorous responses from netizens ensued after a Twitter user yesterday posted an image, from a life and family problems consultation group, where the woman sought advice, accompanied by a picture of a 20 baht note that had fallen into a hot frying pan. The banknote had shrunk to a tiny size. The Twitter poster reached out for advice. “I’m asking for knowledge. It was a mistake while I was selling things. The 20 baht note shrunk to a tiny size, but the components of the note are still intact. “The numbers are complete, but the condition of the note is warped and crispy. If I exchange it at the bank, will they accept it? If the same accident happens with 500-1,000 baht notes, I won’t be able to handle it.” She posted a picture of the offending 20 baht banknote that had undergone severe hot oil frying, shrunk to a tiny size and had a crispy texture similar to a well-fried rice cracker. However, the overall components were still identifiable as a 20 baht note, but the numbers were hard to see. When compared with a regular 20 baht note, the size difference was noticeable. By Samantha Rose Caption: The crispy 20 baht banknote next to an undamaged one for comparison | Photo taken from Khaosod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese investment in Thailand gains speed amidst economic slowdown Photo by Chanat Katanyu courtesy of Bangkok Post Chinese firms have significantly increased their investment in Thailand this year, despite China’s economic slowdown, providing a much-needed boost for the Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309549-chinese-investment-in-thailand-gains-speed-amidst-economic-slowdown/

Chinese firms have significantly increased their investment in Thailand this year, despite China’s economic slowdown, providing a much-needed boost for the Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. The increase in investment comes as a welcome relief amid concerns about the impacts of the world’s second-largest economy’s sluggish recovery on global growth. However, Thailand continues to appeal as a crucial investment hub even for China’s ambitious companies. In the first eight months of the year, Thailand received foreign investment applications worth 365.2 billion baht (US$10.1 billion), a 73% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Chinese companies led this surge, pledging 90.3 billion baht, nearly three times the previous year’s figure, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). Even the second-largest investor, Singapore, with a total investment pledge of 76.4 billion baht, comprises primarily companies originally from China, according to BOI secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi. He also anticipates that Chinese investments in Thailand will continue to rise significantly in the coming years. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo by Chanat Katanyu courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chiang Mai residents protest 24/7 airport plans PHOTO: Flickr/Gábor Tikos Chiang Mai residents have expressed their frustration at plans by the city’s international airport to operate 24 hours a day. Disgruntled residents say they already suffer from sleep disruption as a result of non-stop aircraft noise overhead. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309548-chiang-mai-residents-protest-247-airport-plans/

Chiang Mai residents have expressed their frustration at plans by the city’s international airport to operate 24 hours a day. Disgruntled residents say they already suffer from sleep disruption as a result of non-stop aircraft noise overhead. The Bangkok Post reports that residents attended a public hearing on Sunday, October 15, in which they were invited to air their grievances. The residents were representing communities living near the airport, in the sub-district of Mae Hia, in the Mueang district of the city. The director of Chiang Mai airport, Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn, also attended the hearing, which was held at the Mae Hia municipal auditorium. Thanawat Yodjai, head of the Mae Hia municipality, was also in attendance. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Flickr/Gábor Tikos Full story: Phuket GO 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police stage “Active Shooter” response drill at Central Phuket PHOTO: National News Bureau of Thailand Police in Phuket held an “Active Shooter” training drill at the Central Floresta shopping centre yesterday, October 16. The emergency response drill was in response to the October 3 tragedy in Bangkok, when a 14 year old opened fire in the Siam Paragon shopping mall, killing 3 people and injuring several others (a third victim died on the weekend). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309547-police-stage-“active-shooter”-response-drill-at-central-phuket/

Police in Phuket held an “Active Shooter” training drill at the Central Floresta shopping centre yesterday, October 16. The emergency response drill was in response to the October 3 tragedy in Bangkok, when a 14 year old opened fire in the Siam Paragon shopping mall, killing 3 people and injuring several others (a third victim died on the weekend). The Phuket News reports that the drill was led by Suraphong Thanomchit, Region 8 Police Commander, and Sermphan Sirikong, Phuket Provincial Police Commander. It took place on the first floor of the Central Floresta shopping shopping centre, between 8.30am and 9.30am, before the mall opened to shoppers. In the simulation, a man posing as a criminal with a firearm entered the mall, concealing his face and refusing to allow officers to search him. The exercise then continued with the man “shooting” shoppers in the mall, injuring people and taking others hostage. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: National News Bureau of Thailand Full story: Phuket GO 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Songtaew Drivers Engage in Fierce Brawl for Passengers A rivalry among the drivers of two Songtaews, a popular form of public transport in Thailand, escalated Sunday night as the drivers engaged in a violent brawl to vie for customers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309546-pattaya-songtaew-drivers-engage-in-fierce-brawl-for-passengers/

A rivalry among the drivers of two Songtaews, a popular form of public transport in Thailand, escalated Sunday night as the drivers engaged in a violent brawl to vie for customers. The incident was reported to Pattaya police at 10:30 PM on Sunday night, October 15th. Police rushed to the incident scene at Pattaya Second Road, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. There, a group of Songtaew drivers were loudly arguing and exchanging verbal assaults, causing a chaotic scene in the middle of the road. The occurrence attracted a large crowd of foreign tourists, which, according to Pattaya police, had significantly tarnished Pattaya’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: The Pattaya News 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe