NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 24 June 2024

The government has announced that hotel operators will continue to be exempt from paying a 40-baht-per-room annual fee for a further two years, the idea is to support the recovery of the tourism sector, the cost to government will be 54 million baht over the next two years.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is vowing to push for the high-speed railway project linking three main airports to ensure the success of the Eastern Economic Corridor 224 billion baht railway

The PM said delays would deter investment in the region, and therefore the project is crucial for economic growth.

The high-speed railway linking Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi with U-Tapao airport was originally scheduled to be launched this year 2024. 

A group called 'Thai Climate Justice for All' is drafting a law to help curb greenhouse gas emissions. They believe climate goals can be achieved sooner than planned if the government quickly phases out fossil fuels, boosts renewable energy production, and promotes eco-agriculture over single-crop plantations.

The bill also aims to prevent so-called "greenwashing" of carbon credits, If passed, the law would implement a carbon tax in industries such as petrochemicals. The group needs 10,000 signatures for the bill to be read in parliament.

Ministry of Tourism and Sports expects Thailand to earn 7.5 billion baht from foreign film productions this year, up 10% on last year. Thai K-pop singer "Lisa" Manoban will feature in the series ‘White Lotus’ being shot in Bangkok, Koh Samui and Phuket.

The minister said foreign film productions not only generate revenue but also attract tourists to film locations.  
Around the region.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said his country is not in the business of instigating wars and will always aim to settle disputes peacefully, amid escalating maritime confrontations with China. President Marcos was speaking to troops of the Western Command unit in charge of overseeing the South China Sea.

Todays’ WEATHER 

Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy with thunderstorms 32 C degrees celsius

Bangkok: Cloudy with showers 31

Pattaya: Cloudy with showers 30

Phuket and the south: Cloudy with showers 30

Hua Hin: Cloudy with  isolated showers 30

AQI: green which is good 
Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High,  Red unhealthy.  

Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English,  Hua Hin  Today, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com
 

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