Search Results for: nation's security
- Thailand News
Thai minister heats up COP28 with climate change commitment
At the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Police General Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, took centre stage, making bold declarations and unveiling ambitious plans to combat climate change. In a fervent address on December 10, Phatcharavat reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, sending shockwaves through the climate change talks. He underlined the urgency…
- Thailand News
Low Chinese tourist influx despite Thailand’s visa exemption policy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled an update on the nation’s tourism landscape following the introduction of a visa exemption policy, at a media briefing held at noon on November 25. Despite the waiver of visa fees, the daily influx of Chinese tourists has been unexpectedly low, averaging around ten thousand visitors. This surprising figure sparked questions from Thai journalists regarding…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Laos aim for US$11 billion bilateral trade boost with enhanced transport links
Thailand and Laos have set in motion plans to increase the value of bilateral trade to US$11 billion (395.7 billion baht) within the next two years, as announced by government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke. This ambitious target was a significant point of discussion during a meeting between the Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone. Covering an…
- Business News
Impending drought poses significant threat to Thai export sector
The Thai economy braces for another challenge as impending drought threatens its critical export sector, following last month’s extensive flooding. Despite an improvement in exports in August, marking a recovery from an 11 month decline, the impending drought could significantly impact food manufacturing and shipments. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) highlighted concerns over the potential repercussions of water shortages…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Brunei forge deeper ties to boost bilateral trade
Thailand and Brunei have embraced greater bilateral cooperation, expanding into new sectors of trade and investment. The move comes as part of their collective commitment towards achieving economic integration within the ASEAN region. While on an official visit to Brunei, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, ASEAN’s most senior leader. The two…
- Business News
China’s rise as global superpower lauded by Thai-Chinese Cultural Council president
Pinit Jarusombat, the president of the Thai-Chinese Cultural and Relationship Council (TCCRC), has acknowledged China’s ascension to the ranks of global superpower in terms of technology and economic might. The statement was made in light of the upcoming National Day of China, marking the 74th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China’s establishment. Pinit appraised China’s development, pointing out the significant…
- Tourism News
PM takes fast lane: Thailand’s visa-free travel plans speed up tourism revival
In a recent meeting with key stakeholders in the tourism industry, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his unwavering commitment to expedite the implementation of visa-free travel. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost the tourism sector and, by extension, the nation’s economy. PM Srettha has tasked relevant officials with the development of various tourism stimulus measures, both…
- Thailand News
Thailand offers free newborn screening for 24 rare conditions to boost birth rate
The Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) of Thailand announced a new initiative offering free screening for newborns to detect 24 rare medical conditions. This proactive move is part of a wider strategy designed to bolster the health of the nation’s children. This comes amidst an ongoing decline in the birth rate, with a…
- Business News
Climate change: Thai businesses warned of ‘global boiling,’ rising power costs
The United Nations has warned of the global boiling – the intense rise in temperatures and associated power costs we are seeing now, which are predicted to only worsen in the future. Thailand witnessed an unprecedented rise in electricity bills and an all-time high average temperature in July. This salient shift in weather patterns is leading businesses and governments to consider…
- Business News
Fuelling the future: Thailand’s gas giant gears up production to avert power crisis
Efforts to prevent a second power crisis in Thailand are underway as the nation’s primary gas producer, PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) Public Company Limited, looks to increase its output substantially. With plans to double gas production in the Erawan field, Thailand’s largest, Montri Rawanchaikul, the Chief Executive Officer, confirmed plans to scale up production to as high as 800…
- World News
Trumped-up turmoil: Tension mounts as MAGA man Trump faces election plot charges in Washington (video)
As former US President Donald Trump prepares for a crucial court hearing over charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 election defeat, tension and security measures escalate in Washington DC. The case is perceived as the most serious of Trump’s legal battles as he vies for the White House next year. In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform,…
- Technology News
Thailand’s SET warns of escalating cybercrime
The Research Department of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has provided a stark warning about the escalating threat from cybercriminals. The department estimates that cybercrime inflicts daily approximate damage of 772 billion baht worldwide, with Thailand alone likely to suffer losses of around 85 million baht each day this year. In 2023, as many as 61 million Thai citizens…
- Business News
Thailand’s potential as international events hub questioned amidst Taylor Swift tour snub
The exclusion of Thailand from the itinerary of Taylor Swift‘s world tour has prompted the denizens to reconsider the nation’s global standing as a viable hub for international exhibitions and events. Bringing the country’s potential into question, it was revealed that the total revenue from meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry for the final quarter of last year was…
- World News
Italian discovery of Ancient Roman gold coins worth millions found in Cressoni Theatre
In an unexpected find, labourers sent to repair the basement of the Cressoni Theatre in Como, Italy, stumbled across an ancient pot laden with hundreds of gold coins. The Italian discovery put a halt to the repair work as crews set out to uncover further historical treasure. The workers who initially embarked on repairing the basement floor of Como’s Cressoni…
- Thailand News
Chiang Rai begins controversial repatriation of 126 Burmese children
Yesterday, police in Chiang Rai started the process of repatriating 126 Burmese children who lack official registration documents. These children, aged between seven and 16 years old, were students at a school in Ang Thong and were shipped on four buses with plans to transfer them to five separate shelters before sending them back to their home country. This action…
- World News
Decline in Japan’s ultra-rich predicted amid shrinking population
The ultra-rich population in Japan is set to decrease by 1.8% over five years to 2027, according to the national news agency Kyodo. This downturn is predicted by the British real estate consulting firm, Knight Frank. In a reflection of the country’s broader demographic downswing, data shows individuals in Japan with a net worth of US$30 million or more commonly…
- World News
US lawmakers urge relocating US-Africa summit over South Africa-Russia ties
A group of American legislators has urged for the relocation of the upcoming US-Africa trade summit, initially set to take place in South Africa later this year. The lawmakers cited concerns over South Africa’s “deepening military relationship” with Russia as the reason for their request. In a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other high-ranking officials,…
- World News
Trump pleads not guilty to mishandling classified documents in Miami court
Donald Trump has entered a not guilty plea to historic charges of mishandling classified documents at a federal court in Miami, Florida. Trump is the first US president, either current or former, to face a federal criminal indictment. Appearing sombre and subdued in court, he wore a dark suit and red tie with his arms crossed. This marked the second…
- World News
Malaysia targets quality investments, complex products to boost trade growth
Malaysia is focusing on attracting quality investments and manufacturing more complex products to manage risks to trade growth, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He emphasised the importance of creating an environment that attracts the right kind of investments, fostering industrial development, and producing products with higher complexity scores. Tengku Zafrul said, “It is only…
- World News
EU mulls €1bn Tunisia loan to tackle economy and refugee influx
The European Union is considering a loan of over 1 billion euros to Tunisia, with the majority designated as “macro-financial assistance” aimed at rescuing the nation’s struggling economy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the potential package during her visit to Tunisia, accompanied by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The EU’s efforts…
- World News
Anwar Ibrahim denies using judiciary for political revenge as Malaysia PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia has dismissed allegations that he is utilising the nation’s judiciary system to exact political revenge on certain individuals. Instead, Anwar emphasised his respect for the country’s judiciary and his commitment to not interfering in decisions made by the attorney-general or judges in any case. Anwar stated, “If revenge was on my mind or my…
- World News
North Korean missile tests threaten commercial shipping safety, says UN agency
North Korean missile tests are increasingly posing a significant threat to the safety of commercial shipping in the busy northeastern Asian sea lanes, with inadequate notice given, according to a resolution adopted by over 100 countries at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) security committee. Yesterday, May 31, saw the nuclear-armed nation’s sixth satellite launch failed and prompted emergency alerts and evacuation…
- Thailand News
Arson attacks hit multiple locations in Thailand’s southern provinces
Arson attacks struck 23 locations in Thailand‘s southernmost provinces late last night, causing damage to mobile phone antenna towers, and power poles, and resulting in the burning of tyres. The attacks took place between 9pm and 11pm, with officials providing updates on the situation on Friday. The affected areas spanned across three provinces: Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. In Yala, seven…
- World News
Sudan army and Rapid Support Forces set to hold talks in Jeddah
The governments of the US and Saudi Arabia have announced that direct talks between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are set to commence in Jeddah. However, the ongoing conflict in Sudan’s capital shows no sign of subsiding. In a joint statement, both nations encouraged continued international support to end the fighting, urging both parties to prioritise…
- Covid-19 News
Thailand collaborates with US Vaccine Research Centre on tuberculosis vaccines
Thailand’s National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has formed a partnership with the US Vaccine Research Centre (VRC) to develop vaccines against tuberculosis, including those utilising Messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. The collaboration was announced following a visit by senior officials from Thailand’s Public Health Ministry to the VRC on April 20. The VRC is a leading global organisation in vaccine research and…
- Thailand News
Labour Day celebrations amidst scepticism over political promises
As Labour Day is celebrated in the country today, activists have voiced scepticism over political parties’ campaign promises to increase minimum daily wages to seemingly unrealistic levels. For example, the Pheu Thai Party has vowed to raise the minimum wage to a flat rate of 600 baht, while the Move Forward Party has pledged to increase it to 450 baht…
- Crime News
Bangkok court fines man 1,000 baht for punching ‘master complainer’ Srisuwan
UPDATE A court in Bangkok, Thailand, ruled yesterday that the man who physically assaulted “master complainer” Srisuwan Janya last year must pay a fine of 1,000 baht. Srisuwan, however, demands 1 million baht in compensation. The attack came after Srisawan accused Nose Udom – the nation’s favourite comedian – of violating the law with the anti-governmental standup sketches on his…
- World News
Japan’s population predicted to fall to 87 million by 2070, with foreign residents making up 10.8%
Japan’s population is expected to experience a significant decline over the next few decades, with predictions that the total number will fall to 87 million by 2070, representing a 30% decrease from 2020 figures. As the nation grapples with the challenges of an ageing population, this decrease suggests that in the coming years, the government will likely need to rely…
- Thai Life
Thailand releases pad kaprow flavoured condoms
Holy basil lovers, condom brand myONE Thailand has released a special edition “chicken kaprow” flavoured condom. With April 1 just around the corner, it’s not easy to trust that myONE Thailand is serious about their pad kaprow-flavoured contraceptive. But it looks like the holy basil chicken condom is not a hoax. The product is really available to buy through the…
- Thailand News
Malaysian officials pose with sex toys seized from home
Sex toys are probably stashed in far more homes than discussed in polite society but even the most opened-minded among us will blush at the revelation of one Malaysia household. The Home Ministry revealed it seized over 1,000 sex toys worth more than RM115,000 (about 892,000 baht) from a single home in Kota Warisan, Sepang district, not far from Kuala…