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The saying goes that it’s “the thought that counts” when giving gifts. This is especially true in Thailand, where deeply ingrained Buddhist values mean that “merit,” or good karma borne of virtuous intentions, is one of the greatest gifts one can give. Often, for traditional Thai celebrations such as Songkran or the Kathina ceremony, merit is directly presented as a gift to elders by younger people who gave alms on their behalf. Even for holidays celebrated globally, like Christmas or New Year’s, companies and organizations in Thailand can be seen dedicating merit to their members as a form of gift. Now, Dao Ethical Gifts, a newly certified social enterprise, is offering a way for gift-givers to ensure the merit of their presents from the start, by making the very production of their gifts an act of goodwill. CSR with a social enterprise For the modern business that understands the value of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the need for a holistic approach to contributing to social betterment, integrating CSR into everyday practices has become increasingly important. Chiang Mai-based Dao Ethical Gifts is elevating Thailand’s practice of endowing gifts with merit by allowing buyers to directly support the work of disadvantaged women in Thailand’s upcountry. The promise made on the enterprise’s website is that “Dao Ethical Gifts are handmade by women in need identified through the Dao Women’s Empowerment Program.” The enterprise builds its social responsibility from the very foundation by working with entities that have an aligned CSR strategy or share like-minded values, and are looking to order gifts that have a larger social impact on vulnerable communities. Companies like L’Oreal Thailand have already demonstrated how these shared values amplify the social impact of Dao Ethical Gifts. Thailand NOW partnered with Dao Ethical Gifts for the organizing of Impact NOW, a sustainability showcase and networking event. In selecting a partner, it was important that products created for the event be sourced sustainably and ethically. These gifts supported Impact NOW with three customized grocery bags customized to the exact needs of the event, both in usage and philosophy. Socially responsible from the start Dao Ethical Gifts takes its name from the inspiring story of Duan and Dao, two sisters from a small and impoverished village in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Mai who faced adversities from a lack of clean water to an inability to access education. Despite their difficult situation, however, the two were able to find empowerment and support at the Baan Dek Foundation and eventually built a brighter future for themselves with the tools and assistance provided to them. Their story moved the Baan Dek Foundation to establish Dao Ethical Gifts to allow women to break out of the cycle of poverty and take hold of their own ambitions. Like Duan and Dao, “P*,” a Hmong woman with three children, joined Dao Ethical Gifts in 2020 after losing her job as a seamstress. Building on her base skills with handicraft and dyeing techniques, she became the enterprise’s first producer and now earns substantial income from both producing and designing items. A more recent success case was that of “O,” a woman caring for four children in Chiang Mai who could not find work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Receiving sewing and handicraft training in 2021, O borrowed a sewing machine from the Baan Dek Foundation to join in production for Dao Ethical Gifts and was eventually able to pay for her mortgage, loans, and utilities by making pieces such as much-needed masks. Dao Ethical Gifts grew its number of producers from 70 in 2020 to 96 in 2021. So far, a total of 225 women have received training and opportunities for work, indirectly impacting over 200 children. Gifts that make an impact Producing a wide range of gifts, from different types of bags and bracelets to conference-related souvenirs and even premium leather products, there are many opportunities for companies to partner with Dao Ethical Gifts and join in its empowerment of women. Orders are fully customizable to fit with different functions but also to better reflect the area in which the company is working to affect social change. Traditional fabrics and accessories found exclusively in northern Thailand, such as Akha beads from the Akha hill tribe, can be incorporated into the gifts to extend their social support to entire communities. The emphasis on locally sourced, natural materials also enhances the sustainability of the gifts, as does the enterprise’s commitment to reducing waste, which extends to using recycled supplies. The most significant impact of partnering with Dao Ethical Gifts, however, is that it empowers marginalized women by providing them training in skills from handicrafts to financial literacy and helps free them from intersectional constraints. One hundred percent of profits from Dao Ethical Gifts goes directly to supporting vulnerable women and their families and the project’s success supports the Baan Dek Foundation to continue its work. A better present Dao Ethical Gifts provides meaningful CSR opportunities through unique customizable products. Looking ahead, Dao Ethical Gifts aims to become a scalable and sustainable social enterprise, creating a consistent revenue stream to not only support marginalized mothers but to aim to serve as a reliable fundraising arm for the Baan Dek Foundation to support vulnerable children. For clients, the hope is that it may inspire companies to promote and actively contribute to supporting social businesses that help the most vulnerable populations. Most importantly, Dao Ethical Gifts aims to fully empower women in need to help them take a lead in fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, supporting them in opening small businesses or other endeavors of their choosing. The more Dao Ethical Gifts become widely available, the more opportunities it seeks to provide for marginalized women who were initially trapped in a cycle of poverty. Source: https://www.thailandnow.in.th/business-investment/make-merit-this-holiday-season-with-dao-ethical-gifts/ -- © Copyright THAILAND NOW 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Prime Minister of Thailand has met with businesspersons from the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USBAC) to discuss investment and development opportunities, in the first in-person meeting held since the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha during the meeting showed his vision for Thailand’s New Normal business development, which emphasizes a balanced economic promotion, the promotion of competitive economies, and the use of innovations to drive forward the economy. The Prime Minister said Thailand is committed to supporting digital economy transformation and digital startups, and promoting investments in the digital industry. Gen Prayut said he hopes Thailand and the United States will further increase their trade and investment ties, as well as develop more dynamic relations, in celebration of both countries’ 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. USBAC President and CEO Ted Osius said he is delighted to meet again in this first in-person meeting since the pandemic, signifying the commitment to extend the council’s cooperation in Thailand and the region. The visiting delegation comprises representatives from 43 firms from 6 industries. They expressed their willingness to support Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model through the efficient use of energy and resources in an environmentally friendly manner. The U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec on this occasion thanked the Thai government for the warm welcome, praising the long-lasting relations between Thailand and the United States, and the efforts by both countries exert to tighten relations on various fronts. The U.S. ambassador congratulated Thailand on its success in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) this year, as the United States will be serving as the host country for 2023. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221129093504057 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Nightclubs Push For Longer Opening Hours BANGKOK (NNT) - Clubs and bars are asking the government to extend the opening hours until 4 a.m., in a bit to boost the economy as the tourism sector starts to recover. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279202-nightclubs-push-for-longer-opening-hours/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Clubs and bars are asking the government to extend the opening hours until 4 a.m., in a bit to boost the economy as the tourism sector starts to recover. Nightlife business owners are gunning for the government to allow them to open until later into the early morning at 4 a.m., from the current mandated closing time of 2 a.m. Businesses in tourist hotspots expect this measure will help boost the economy and bolster the sector’s recovery, with a 20-30% jump in revenue expected. Mr. Sanga Reuangwattanakun, President of the Khao San Road Business Association, said this request will be proposed to Cabinet at next week’s Cabinet meeting by the Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. He said he agrees with the proposal to pilot this opening hours extension only at specific zones, namely Khao San Road, Soi Cowboy, and Soi Patpong in Bangkok, as well as Bangla walking street in Phuket, and other tourist hotspots in Krabi, Phang Nga, Samui, and Pattaya. Mr. Sanga said a zoning regulation like this will help facilitate the work of officers in terms of drunk driving suppression, suggesting checkpoints placed around these zonings would encourage people to take more taxis, helping provide more income to taxi drivers. Mr. Weerawit Krueasombat, President of Patong Entertainment Association in Phuket, said the association has been submitting formal requests to several agencies for the closing time extension until 4 a.m., to better accommodate tourists in the area. He said the longer opening hours will better meet the lifestyle of tourists from Europe, who usually start visiting nightclubs around 10-11 p.m. The Thai Public Taxi Association says they are willing to support and comply with the new regulation. Taxi drivers have also been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They have adjusted to the situation by refitting their cabin with partitions and serving COVID-19 patients during the time of peak transmission when the number of regular passengers greatly diminished. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221129092933050 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thai Exports Dip Slightly Amid Efforts to Curb Global Inflation BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s export growth in October fell for the first time since February of last year, as tightening monetary policy to curb high global inflation in major trading partners affected purchasing power and economic activity. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279201-thai-exports-dip-slightly-amid-efforts-to-curb-global-inflation/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s export growth in October fell for the first time since February of last year, as tightening monetary policy to curb high global inflation in major trading partners affected purchasing power and economic activity. According to data from the Ministry of Commerce on Monday (28 Nov), the kingdom’s exports dropped 4.4% in October from a year earlier to 21.77 billion U.S. dollars. Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit told a press conference that the prolonged global economic slowdown and the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) decline in key trading partners were the main frictions to Thai export growth. He noted, however, that the entire-year export growth is still likely to double the ministry’s 4% target, driven by lower energy costs and a weaker baht. In October, exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products declined for the first time in nearly two years, down 3.4% from a year earlier. The ministry said in a statement that industrial product exports fell 3.5% year-on-year. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221129143637179 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thailand 4.0 Seminar Held in Bangkok BANGKOK (NNT) - Digital technology has become a prime area of concern for national development. The “THAILAND 4.0 THE FUTURE AND BEYOND” seminar was recently organized to collect input on how to advance the nation as a regional digital economy player. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279200-thailand-40-seminar-held-in-bangkok/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Digital technology has become a prime area of concern for national development. The “THAILAND 4.0 THE FUTURE AND BEYOND” seminar was recently organized to collect input on how to advance the nation as a regional digital economy player. Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan presided over the launch of the seminar and exhibition at Centara Grand Ladprao hotel in Bangkok, hosted by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. During the event, General Prawit delivered a speech on how Thailand has made great progress over the years. This was also apparent in the promotion of a digital economy that would positively affect national competitiveness. He also said digital technology can be used to drive societal progress in accordance with the government’s “Thailand 4.0” policy, which emphasizes driving the economy through innovation. The Deputy Premier commended the ministry for organizing the event, which he said was urgently needed and of great importance. He also thanked the private sector for its support of the event and asked that the results be used to benefit the public, especially vulnerable groups such as people with disability. The event also aimed to promote knowledge about the constructive uses of digital technology, including how to prevent misuse while raising awareness about online threats. The hope is to better prepare the public for responding to cyber threats and other online risks. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221129105140080 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Ratsadon leaders acquitted over protest at Democracy Monument in 2020 The Dusit District Court in Bangkok acquitted six anti-establishment Ratsadon protest leaders yesterday (Monday) of defying the Emergency Decree and the law on public assembly, in connection with a protest at the Democracy Monument on August 3rd, 2020. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279199-ratsadon-leaders-acquitted-over-protest-at-democracy-monument-in-2020/

The Dusit District Court in Bangkok acquitted six anti-establishment Ratsadon protest leaders yesterday (Monday) of defying the Emergency Decree and the law on public assembly, in connection with a protest at the Democracy Monument on August 3rd, 2020. The court did, however, find them guilty of using loudspeakers in public without permission and fined them 200 baht each. The court also noted that the protesters had adhered to social distancing during the protest and only briefly took to the streets around the monument before quickly returning to the pavements when told to do so by the police. The six defendants were Chonthicha Jaengrew, Patsaravalee Tanakitvibulpon, Chartchai Kaedam, Suwanna Tarnlek, Narong Duangkaew and Chuwet Detdittharak. Other protest leaders, among them Arnon Nampa, were tried separately in the Criminal Court. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ratsadon-leaders-acquitted-over-protest-at-democracy-monument-in-2020/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha chairs the opening of “BCG Economy for APEC Exhibition” at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, in Bangkok on November 14, 2022. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has indicated that he might order a minor cabinet reshuffle before the New Year. The prime minister was challenged by a group of reporters at Impact Muang Thong Thani yesterday (Monday) who asked him when he will respond to the Democrat Party’s nomination, about 7 weeks ago, of Naris Khamnurak, MP forPhatthalung Province, as deputy interior minister, to succeed Nipon Boonyamanee. Nipon left the cabinet in September to face trial on a charge of malfeasance, for allegedly refusing to pay 51 million baht for the purchase of two multi-purpose trucks by the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation back in 2013. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pm-says-cabinet-reshuffle-before-new-year/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Prawit denies having conflict with Prayut Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan today denied he had conflict with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and admitted his Palang Pracharath Party and the newly-formed Ruam Thai Sang Chart (United Thai Nation Party) “are the same”. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279118-prawit-denies-having-conflict-with-prayut/

Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan today denied he had conflict with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and admitted his Palang Pracharath Party and the newly-formed Ruam Thai Sang Chart (United Thai Nation Party) “are the same”. Prawit also said Prayut “is more than welcome” to join Ruam Thai Sang Chart. “We have been brothers. If he wants to join the party, just go ahead. We don’t have any conflict,” he said in response to speculation that Prime Minister Prayut is about to join Ruam Thai Sang Chart which is widely seen as a political vehicle carrying him into the next general elections. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/prawit-denies-having-conflict-with-prayut/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-28 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Walk and Eat Food festival is back in Pattaya starting from December 10th PHOTO: สายตรงนายกเมืองพัทยา The Walk and Eat food festival is finally fully back in Pattaya after being cancelled or toned down for years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279112-walk-and-eat-food-festival-is-back-in-pattaya-starting-from-december-10th/

PHOTO: สายตรงนายกเมืองพัทยา The Walk and Eat food festival is finally fully back in Pattaya after being cancelled or toned down for years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival is organized for the 14th year at the Naklua fish market in Old Town Naklua. The fest will run from December 10th to January 29th, featuring a variety of local delicacies. It will also feature concerts, cultural events, activities for kids, and more. Let’s check out some pictures of what awaits you at the market! Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/11/28/walk-and-eat-food-festival-is-back-in-pattaya-starting-from-december-10th/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-11-28 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

BA.2.75 Forms 58% of Local COVID Cases, European Strain Expected Later BANGKOK, Nov 28 (TNA) – The BA.2.75 sub-variant of COVID-19 already accounted for as much as 58% of COVID-19 cases in the country and another subtype might emerge late this year when European visitors would arrive to avoid winter in their homeland, according to the Department of Medical Sciences. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279111-ba275-forms-58-of-local-covid-cases-european-strain-expected-later/

BANGKOK, Nov 28 (TNA) – The BA.2.75 sub-variant of COVID-19 already accounted for as much as 58% of COVID-19 cases in the country and another subtype might emerge late this year when European visitors would arrive to avoid winter in their homeland, according to the Department of Medical Sciences. Dr Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the department, said there was a small wave of COVID-19 infections in the country and most of them, or 58%, were cases of the BA.2.75 sub-variant because more Indian visitors were arriving. Late this year many Europeans would escape cold weather in their homeland and arrive in Thailand. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1066472 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-11-28 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

3 Forced Prostitution Victims Return from Myanmar CHIANG RAI, Nov 28 (TNA) – The Pha Muang Task Force already received the three Thai women who had been lured to forced prostitution in Myanmar. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279108-3-forced-prostitution-victims-return-from-myanmar/

CHIANG RAI, Nov 28 (TNA) – The Pha Muang Task Force already received the three Thai women who had been lured to forced prostitution in Myanmar. After the Pavena Foundation had asked the task force to coordinate their rescue with Myanmar authorities, Col Nathee Thimsen, commander of an ad hoc unit under the 2nd Cavalry Regiment of the Pha Muang Task Force in his capacity as the co-chief of the Thai-Myanmar border committee in Mae Sai district, and Myanmar authorities arranged for the rescue of the three Thai women. They were sent back to their homeland through the border checkpoint of Mae Sai district. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1066457 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-11-28 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Rubbish Found in Dead Green Turtle CHONBURI, Nov 28 (TNA) – A female green turtle carcass was found washed ashore in Chonburi and a necropsy later revealed fishing net, rubbish incluidng materials used to make Krathong in its digestive tract. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279107-rubbish-found-in-dead-green-turtle/

CHONBURI, Nov 28 (TNA) – A female green turtle carcass was found washed ashore in Chonburi and a necropsy later revealed fishing net, rubbish incluidng materials used to make Krathong in its digestive tract. The Sea Turtle Conservation Center was informed of the dead turtle spotted on Kinnaree beach. Officials brought the dead sea turtle without visible injury to the center for the necropsy to determine the cause of its death. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1066384 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-11-28 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Large haul of methamphetamine seized from rented room in Songkhla Anti-narcotics officers in Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla seized about 400,000 methamphetamine tablets and arrested a suspect in a raid on a rented room in Bang Klam district yesterday (Sunday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279106-large-haul-of-methamphetamine-seized-from-rented-room-in-songkhla/

Anti-narcotics officers in Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla seized about 400,000 methamphetamine tablets and arrested a suspect in a raid on a rented room in Bang Klam district yesterday (Sunday). Police said that the rented room, in Mae Thom sub-district, had been used to store the illicit drugs before they were distributed to customers. The 28-year-old suspect, Athiwat, a native of the district, allegedly told the police that 15 consignments of about 200,000 meth pills had been stored at his rented room and he was paid 20,000 baht for looking after each consignment. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/large-haul-of-methamphetamine-seized-from-rented-room-in-songkhla/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-28 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Man shot dead at cock-fight in Pathum Thani, suspect in custody A suspected gunman was apprehended by spectators at a cock-fighting ring in Pathum Thani province yesterday (Sunday) after he allegedly shot a man. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279105-man-shot-dead-at-cock-fight-in-pathum-thani-suspect-in-custody/

A suspected gunman was apprehended by spectators at a cock-fighting ring in Pathum Thani province yesterday (Sunday) after he allegedly shot a man. The victim was pronounced dead after he arrived at the provincial hospital. According to Mueang district police and eyewitnesses, one of the spectators, in a red shirt, was engaged in a loud verbal exchange with another man on the opposite side of the cock-fighting ring in Mueang district. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/man-shot-dead-at-cock-fight-in-pathum-thani-suspect-in-custody/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-28 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!