snoop1130

Move Forward Party Continues to Discuss Minimum Wage Increase with Thai Small Business Leaders Small and medium-sized business owners are planning a meeting with the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) prime ministerial candidate later this month to deliberate a proposal for increasing the minimum wage. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297223-move-forward-party-continues-to-discuss-minimum-wage-increase-with-thai-small-business-leaders/

Small and medium-sized business owners are planning a meeting with the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) prime ministerial candidate later this month to deliberate a proposal for increasing the minimum wage. The Federation of Thai SMEs has announced a meeting with Prime Ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat scheduled for June 13, with the agenda centered around his proposal to raise the minimum wage to 450 baht per day. This wage hike was a key policy presented by MFP during its election campaign, as it pledged to implement the new rate within its first 100 days in office. Norathep Boonkep, Secretary-General of the Federation of Thai SMEs, indicated that the proposed wage increase could have a significant impact on business owners already facing high operational costs. SMEs currently employ over 12 million workers. By Adam Judd Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/07/move-forward-party-continues-to-discuss-minimum-wage-increase-with-thai-small-business-leaders/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Saudi Arabia and Thailand to Strengthen Relations Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai is leading a high-level delegation on a five-day official visit to Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral ties, promote economic relations, and enhance investment opportunities between the two nations. The delegation will comprise officials from various ministries as well as representatives from the private sector. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297222-saudi-arabia-and-thailand-to-strengthen-relations/

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai is leading a high-level delegation on a five-day official visit to Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral ties, promote economic relations, and enhance investment opportunities between the two nations. The delegation will comprise officials from various ministries as well as representatives from the private sector. During the visit, Minister Don is scheduled to engage in meetings with several senior Saudi officials, including Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he will hold talks with Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF); Jassim al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); and Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Thailand and Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic relations in January of the previous year after more than three decades of strained ties. Since then, both countries have been actively increasing cooperation across various sectors, particularly in economic and investment domains. By Adam Judd Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/07/saudi-arabia-and-thailand-to-strengthen-relations/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

World Hindu Congress to Take Place in Thailand This Year BANGKOK, June 7 (TNA) – The World Hindu Congress 2023 will take place for the first time in Bangkok in November. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297221-world-hindu-congress-to-take-place-in-thailand-this-year/

BANGKOK, June 7 (TNA) – The World Hindu Congress 2023 will take place for the first time in Bangkok in November. The global platform for Hindus is expected to bring together more than 3,000 Hindu leaders, activists and thinkers from 60 countries. The World Hindu Foundation on Wednesday announced that the prestigious event will be held at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani from November 24-26. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1185682 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Foreign investors suggest the new government should focus on long-term plans Raising the daily minimum wage to 450 baht, as promised in election campaign, addresses the cost of living, being pushed up by electricity, diesel and transportation prices, according to Move Forward party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297220-foreign-investors-suggest-the-new-government-should-focus-on-long-term-plans/

Raising the daily minimum wage to 450 baht, as promised in election campaign, addresses the cost of living, being pushed up by electricity, diesel and transportation prices, according to Move Forward party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat. Pita said this policy could result in more disposable income for employees, so they could enhance their skills themselves. Foreign investors, however, have stated that next government should focus on long-term plans for changes in Thailand’s industries and address the competitiveness in Thailand’s labour market. Industrial and educational transformation are the keys Former Chairman of the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce, Stanley Kang, suggested that reforming the educational system could provide an environment in which more qualified talent could contribute their capabilities to Thailand’s labour market. This qualified talent could also attract more foreign investment to Thailand. Stanley also told ThaiPBS World that transformation of industries could develop new skills among their employees and generate additional income for them. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/foreign-investors-suggest-the-new-government-should-focus-on-long-term-plans/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Myanmar’s government asked Thailand to cut power supply to some areas Myanmar’s junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the elected government in a coup on February 1, presides an army parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 27, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo According to multiple reports, a request was made via the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok for the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to cut the power supply from Tak province to two specific locations in Kayin State, namely Lay Kay Kaw and Shwe Kokko. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297219-myanmar’s-government-asked-thailand-to-cut-power-supply-to-some-areas/

According to multiple reports, a request was made via the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok for the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to cut the power supply from Tak province to two specific locations in Kayin State, namely Lay Kay Kaw and Shwe Kokko. Local news media, such as The Irrawaddy, report that the decision likely came after China’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Chen Hai, met with the current Myanmar Home Affairs Minister Soe Htut on the May 31st, during which the latter was urged to step up efforts to combat cross-border crime. Of the two locations, Shwe Kokko is infamous for its gambling activities, including physical casinos, the hosting of online casinos, scam operations and human trafficking. Caption: Myanmar’s junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the elected government in a coup on February 1, presides an army parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 27, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/myanmars-government-asked-thailand-to-cut-power-supply-to-some-areas/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Trang warns of severe dengue fever outbreak, 2 deaths and 164 cases reported Trang province‘s public health department urges citizens to be vigilant against dengue fever as outbreaks become more severe, with two deaths and 164 infections reported, mostly among children. Authorities are expediting efforts to eliminate mosquito larvae. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297216-trang-warns-of-severe-dengue-fever-outbreak-2-deaths-and-164-cases-reported/

Trang province‘s public health department urges citizens to be vigilant against dengue fever as outbreaks become more severe, with two deaths and 164 infections reported, mostly among children. Authorities are expediting efforts to eliminate mosquito larvae. The province’s deputy public health director, Wacharananon Tin-naiaython, revealed that dengue fever cases have increased significantly in the past two weeks, with 164 infections and two deaths, most of which have been in children. The hardest-hit districts are Hat Samran ranked first, followed by Wang Wiset. The disease has spread rapidly across various districts and villages, affecting 25 out of 8,000 people or 25 per 100,000 citizens. Children up to school age are at high risk of contracting the virus, and the treatment for them is more complicated than for adults, leading to less favourable outcomes. Early symptoms of dengue fever resemble the common cold, and self-medication can be taken as long as the medication is not used for more than three days. As fevers rise, patients may experience fatigue, vomiting, severe headache, and especially in young children, rapid symptoms such as vomiting and dehydration, which can lead to a state of shock. Adults face similar risks and often misdiagnose their fever as a common cold, self-medicating without proper advice. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/trang-province-warns-of-severe-dengue-outbreak-2-fatalities-and-164-cases-reported-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Bangkok’s YMID initiative drives Thai medical innovation to meet Asian demand Photo via YMID's official website The National Innovation Agency (NIA) is continuing to push forward the Yothi Medical Innovation District (YMID) initiative in Bangkok, aiming to meet the growing demand for a central medical hub in Asia, according to NIA’s executive director, Pun-Arj Chairatana. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297215-bangkok’s-ymid-initiative-drives-thai-medical-innovation-to-meet-asian-demand/

The National Innovation Agency (NIA) is continuing to push forward the Yothi Medical Innovation District (YMID) initiative in Bangkok, aiming to meet the growing demand for a central medical hub in Asia, according to NIA’s executive director, Pun-Arj Chairatana. Situated in Bangkok’s Yothi neighbourhood, the YMID project seeks to decrease imports of medical innovations and establish a Thai medical innovation brand. The district comprises medical institutes, educational institutes, research units, residential areas, restaurants, cafes, and co-working spaces. With 163 supported projects within the district, the YMID initiative includes bed-sharing systems for patient transfers between hospitals and investments totalling 11 billion baht in scientific research, technology, and innovation to set up the Medical Innovations Development Center. Moreover, the Board of Investment has introduced measures to encourage investment in the zone, with three innovative businesses applying for benefits within the investment promotion zone, reports Bangkok Post. Pun-Arj highlighted that the pandemic has significantly altered the healthcare and medical technology landscape. The demand for medical and healthcare solutions has surged, transforming the industry into a crucial sector globally, benefiting both social and economic aspects. This trend is evident in Thailand, which has ambitious plans to create a medical hub within the Asian region. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo via YMID's official website Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/bangkoks-yothi-district-drives-thai-medical-innovation-to-meet-asian-demand -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Two killed in Patong motorcycle crash near De Coze Hotel Image courtesy of Eakkapop Thngtub, The Phuket News A tragic road accident near De Coze Hotel in Patong claimed the lives of a foreign man and an unidentified woman yesterday evening. Patong Police are currently investigating the case. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297214-two-killed-in-patong-motorcycle-crash-near-de-coze-hotel/

A tragic road accident near De Coze Hotel in Patong claimed the lives of a foreign man and an unidentified woman yesterday evening. Patong Police are currently investigating the case. The collision between a car and a motorcycle occurred on Phra Metta Rd, also known as Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd. Upon arriving at the scene, Lt Col Chayakorn Tangsakul of Patong Police confirmed the deaths of the male motorcycle rider and his female passenger. The male victim has been identified as 30 years old Hamza Chokri Fikri, according to his Australian Class-C driving license. However, the police report also mentions the man holding a French passport. The second victim, an unidentified woman, remains a mystery. As of this morning, no updates have been received regarding her identity, nationality, age, or relationship to the deceased man. By Mitch Connor Caption: Image courtesy of Eakkapop Thngtub, The Phuket News Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/two-killed-in-patong-motorcycle-crash-near-de-coze-hotel -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Foreign investors sell 100 billion baht in Thai stocks and shares amid global rate rise Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post In the first five months of this year, foreign investors offloaded almost 100 billion baht worth of Thai shares, with 33.4 billion baht sold in May alone, due to increasing global interest rates and uncertainties surrounding the formation of a new government. Despite this, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) expressed optimism yesterday, believing that the recent easing of the US debt ceiling could improve global sentiment and lead to increased investment in Thai stocks, supported by a rebounding Thai economy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297213-foreign-investors-sell-100-billion-baht-in-thai-stocks-and-shares-amid-global-rate-rise/

In the first five months of this year, foreign investors offloaded almost 100 billion baht worth of Thai shares, with 33.4 billion baht sold in May alone, due to increasing global interest rates and uncertainties surrounding the formation of a new government. Despite this, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) expressed optimism yesterday, believing that the recent easing of the US debt ceiling could improve global sentiment and lead to increased investment in Thai stocks, supported by a rebounding Thai economy. Soraphol Tulayasathien, Senior Executive Vice-President at SET, stated that the outflows from Thailand’s bond and equity markets after the May 14 General Election are likely to be temporary, as investors are concerned about the establishment of a new government and potential changes in economic policy. He said… “Investors are closely monitoring the situation, and analysts are optimistic that foreign fund flows will be reversed if the new government policies do not affect the country’s competitiveness and push operating costs higher.” Furthermore, the SET’s forward price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) remains below the historical average, encouraging individual and local institutional investors to maintain a net position for the January-May period. However, Soraphol also highlighted that the reduction of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) output could increase pressure on the economy and investor sentiment. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/foreign-investors-sell-100bn-baht-in-thai-shares-amid-global-rate-rise -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Inflation plummets to 21-month low in Thailand as fuel and electricity prices drop Photo Courtesy of Istock Inflation in Thailand reached its lowest point in 21 months last month, primarily driven by declining fuel prices and electricity bills, along with a higher price base in May of the previous year. Experts predict that the inflation rate will further decrease throughout June. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297212-inflation-plummets-to-21-month-low-in-thailand-as-fuel-and-electricity-prices-drop/

Inflation in Thailand reached its lowest point in 21 months last month, primarily driven by declining fuel prices and electricity bills, along with a higher price base in May of the previous year. Experts predict that the inflation rate will further decrease throughout June. Wichanun Niwatjinda, deputy director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, expects inflation for June to either slow down further or contract, mainly due to decreasing energy prices, particularly fuel prices, which have seen a significant drop since May 2022. Furthermore, electricity bills are also on the decline, thanks to government support measures. Factors such as a high price base in June 2022, government initiatives to reduce living costs, and price controls contribute to the likelihood of easing inflation this month. However, Wichanun also highlighted the need to monitor potential adverse factors, including weather fluctuations, a recovery in demand, and high production costs for items like liquefied petroleum gas, wages, and interest rates. Wichanun said… “In the first quarter, inflation was 3.88% and it is expected to be slightly above 1% in the second quarter. For the third and fourth quarters, the average is projected to be less than 1% a month. This indicates a likely decrease in inflation throughout the year, with a clearer picture expected in June.” He also mentioned the possibility of a downward adjustment to the central bank’s inflation target, which will be reconsidered next month. In line with economic conditions and falling energy prices, the Commerce Ministry recently revised its headline inflation outlook for this year from a range of 2-3% to 1.7-2.7%. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo Courtesy of Istock Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/inflation-plummets-to-21-month-low-as-fuel-and-electricity-prices-drop -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thai coalition parties propose zero-based budgeting for efficiency Photo Courtesy of Istock The implementation of zero-based budgeting (ZBB) has been proposed by the Move Forward Party (MFP) as part of a 23-point memorandum of understanding signed by eight political parties seeking to form a new coalition government. The MFP argues that the current budgeting system fails to address the public’s needs due to bureaucratic hurdles. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297211-thai-coalition-parties-propose-zero-based-budgeting-for-efficiency/

The implementation of zero-based budgeting (ZBB) has been proposed by the Move Forward Party (MFP) as part of a 23-point memorandum of understanding signed by eight political parties seeking to form a new coalition government. The MFP argues that the current budgeting system fails to address the public’s needs due to bureaucratic hurdles. ZBB requires state officials to justify expenses for a new period, rather than relying on the previous year’s budget and adjusting it as necessary. The goal is to increase budget efficiency by starting from a “zero base” and analysing every function within an organisation based on its needs and costs. This approach ensures that budget allocations are appropriate and responsive to urgent needs and challenges each year. An anonymous government expenditure official revealed that the Budget Bureau has already applied the ZBB concept when preparing budgets, particularly for new investment budgets not tied to existing projects. According to the Annual Budget Expenditure Act, government agencies requesting project funding must answer questions about the project’s purpose, beneficiaries, and expected outcomes. ZBB offers several advantages over traditional budgeting, such as lower costs, budget flexibility, and alignment with national strategy and the country’s needs. However, it also presents challenges, as the process is more time-consuming and may result in budget spending delays. The earliest projected implementation of the ZBB process is fiscal 2025 or 2026, reports Bangkok Post. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo Courtesy of Istock Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thai-coalition-parties-propose-zero-based-budgeting-for-efficiency -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thailand’s Big Data Institute to shape policies and boost economy Photo via Unsplash (Evan Krause) In a bid to harness the power of big data for social and economic progress, the Thai government has announced the creation of the Big Data Institute (BDI). This new public agency will focus on managing the vast amounts of data generated by the public and state agencies, and will be operational within 180 days. The BDI will replace the existing Government Big Data Institute (GBDi), which was launched in May 2019. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297210-thailand’s-big-data-institute-to-shape-policies-and-boost-economy/

In a bid to harness the power of big data for social and economic progress, the Thai government has announced the creation of the Big Data Institute (BDI). This new public agency will focus on managing the vast amounts of data generated by the public and state agencies, and will be operational within 180 days. The BDI will replace the existing Government Big Data Institute (GBDi), which was launched in May 2019. As Thailand‘s first public agency dedicated to utilising big data for public benefit, the BDI will serve various sectors seeking data-driven solutions to tackle challenges, enhance productivity, and shape economic policies. One of the institute’s primary responsibilities will be to offer big data analysis services and support innovative projects that adhere to international standards. Furthermore, the BDI will promote the growth of the data analysis industry and contribute to the training of professionals in the big data field. By Top Caption: Photo via Unsplash (Evan Krause) Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailands-big-data-institute-to-shape-policies-and-boost-economy -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-07 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thailand among 13 countries eligible for Canada eTA, bypassing visa requirements Picture courtesy of rawpixel.com, Freepik Canada now allows Thai tourists to enter without a visa, provided they have previously had a Canadian visa or hold a valid US visa. The Canadian government announced this change yesterday, extending its Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) programme to 13 countries, including Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1297209-thailand-among-13-countries-eligible-for-canada-eta-bypassing-visa-requirements/