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Council of State Rejects ERC Plan to Lower Electricity Bills
Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post The Council of State, Thailand's primary legal advisory body, has dismissed a proposal from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) aimed at renegotiating contracts with renewable power firms to reduce electricity bills. The proposal sought to decrease electricity costs by 0.17 baht per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from the current 4.15 baht per unit. Under pressure from the Pheu Thai-led government, efforts have been underway to lower power prices below 4 baht per unit to alleviate financial strain on consumers and businesses. Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga convened with ERC and Council of State representatives to discuss the proposal. Following their meeting, Mr Pirapan announced that regulatory limitations prevent the proposal from advancing, as changes would violate the conditions of existing contracts. The ERC initially suggested cutting government expenditures on renewable energy investments, focusing specifically on costs associated with power purchase agreements (PPAs) arranged with renewable power operators. These agreements, typically renewable every five years, could otherwise result in ongoing financial obligations for the government, perpetuating expenses for businesses and households. Presently, renewable power operators benefit from incentives such as adder and feed-in tariffs valid for eight years. After these tariffs expire, they continue to receive a bonus tariff, making electricity from renewable sources under PPAs more costly than that generated by coal-fired plants. Worawit Srianunraksa, an ERC member, expressed a desire for the National Energy Policy Council, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to re-evaluate PPA electricity prices based on calculations from the Energy Policy and Planning Office. However, Minister Pirapan is determined to pursue an alternative approach to cut bills by nearly 0.40 baht per unit. His strategy involves optimising the use of Pool Gas to reduce power generation costs. Pool Gas represents the weighted average wellhead price of gas sourced from the Gulf of Thailand, the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area, Myanmar, and imported liquefied natural gas. Mr Pirapan believes that by enhancing the management of Pool Gas for power production and industrial purposes, it will become possible to lower the national power tariff, providing some relief to consumers and supporting economic stability, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-21 -
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Lifting Alcohol Restrictions Could Boost Thai Economy by Billions
Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post Easing Thailand's existing restrictions on afternoon alcohol sales could inject an additional 50-100 billion baht into the economy, predominantly through increased spending by foreign tourists, experts in the industry suggest. Recent findings hint that so-called "high-quality" tourists are prepared to pay an extra $250 (approximately 8,400 baht) daily for premium food and beverage experiences. Anchalee Poomsirkaew, director of the Asia-Pacific International Spirits and Wines Association, believes that relaxing four specific alcohol sale restrictions could maximise revenue impacts, potentially unlocking the full 100 billion baht. The current restrictions prohibit alcohol sales between 2 and 5pm, during key Buddhist holy days, through e-commerce platforms, and outside designated zones. These limitations have been flagged for review under the guidance of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with the Ministry of Public Health examining possible reforms. Rawat Khongchat from the Night Restaurant Business Trade Association estimates that lifting the afternoon sales ban alone could boost the economy by at least 10 billion baht. This measure, he asserts, often surprises tourists who find their holiday plans disrupted due to unfamiliar sales windows. Additionally, the nightlife sector urges the government to consider expanded zoning, allowing venues to serve patrons beyond midnight to boost tourist spending. Major tourist hubs like Bangkok, which already boasts zones such as RCA, Patpong, and Ratchadaphisek, could benefit from further adjustments to operating hours. In response to concerns about the effects of abolishing sales bans on significant Buddhist holy days, Rawat suggests a phased approach. Initially, officials might consider allowing sales in the afternoon as a gradual introduction of policy change. James Lambert, director at Oxford Economics, reinforced the economic potential for Thailand, based on surveys indicating that 71% of 1,800 respondents from tourism powerhouses including China, South Korea, Australia, the US, and the UK view F&B offerings as crucial. For higher-income visitors, 75% identify dining quality as a decisive travel factor, and 78% rank value for money as vital. The president of the Thai Hotels Association, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, concurs, noting current alcohol policies serve as deterrents for foreign tourists, affecting not only daily consumption but also dining experiences such as dinner cruises on Buddhist holy days. As discussions forge ahead, these proposed adjustments may strike a balance, embracing both economic expansion and cultural sensitivities, to enhance Thailand's appeal on the global stage, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-21 -
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Do you tend to shun donning Hi-So fashion during the Hot Season in Thailand?
Ties don't really go well with a Chang wife-beater, beer stained cargo shorts, and flip-flops. But I'll give it a crack. -
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From Exile to Power: Thaksin Reshapes Thai Politics
Picture courtesy: Thai PBS Thaksin Shinawatra, once Thailand's most controversial leader, is navigating fresh waters after returning from a 17-year self-imposed exile. Living in a lavish Bangkok residence, Thaksin has managed to find his footing despite past legal challenges, notably receiving a royal pardon that reduced his sentence from eight years to just one. At 75, Thaksin holds no official political titles. Yet, his influence in Thai politics remains undeniable, particularly within the Pheu Thai Party, where his daughter, Paetongtarn, has risen as Thailand's youngest Prime Minister at 38. Observers speculate Thaksin still exerts significant sway over government decisions. Beyond borders, Thaksin’s influence extends to regional affairs in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. He critiques the illegal operations along the Thai-Myanmar border, implicating them in funding Myanmar's ongoing civil conflicts. Recent moves by his daughter, Paetongtarn—such as cutting utility services to scam-affected areas—illustrate a strategic approach to these issues, aimed at disrupting criminal activities linked to global online frauds. Thaksin’s involvement in regional diplomacy is noteworthy. He has engaged with leaders of Myanmar resistance groups, fostering dialogues aimed at peace. His efforts align with ASEAN initiatives led by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, whom Thaksin praises for his incisive leadership. Amid geopolitical tensions between the US and China, Thaksin advocates for ASEAN’s neutrality. Emphasizing ASEAN's strategic demographic and economic potential, he underscores the need for balanced relations, urging greater US engagement without alienating China. On a forward-looking note, Thaksin is considering recommendations to ASEAN for embracing cryptocurrency. With global leaders like Donald Trump showing interest in digital currencies, Thaksin believes ASEAN should explore this domain to stay globally competitive. As Thaksin Shinawatra redefines his role, his blend of political acumen and regional diplomacy continues to shape the landscape in Southeast Asia. His efforts reflect a commitment to fostering stability and growth, underscoring his enduring influence both at home and across the region, reported The Nation. -- 2025-02-21 -
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/Featured Quiz 21st Feb 2025 - Weekly Featured Quiz - 1981 / Ronald Reagan
I just completed this quiz. My Score 50/100 My Time 115 seconds
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