News
Rights groups urge restraint over antibiotics
A group of consumer rights activists called on the government to step up measures to tackle the problem of drug-resistant bacteria in animals, after samples of pork from local markets in the city were found to contain traces of antibiotics. Chanpen Wiwat, president of Foundation for ...
IMF calls for growth through stimulus
The International Monetary Fund has recommended that Thai policymakers implement both fiscal and monetary stimuli in order to boost economic growth and steer inflation back to target. The recommendation was made during a visit to Bangkok for Article IV consultations. “The team recommends monetary policy ...
High-speed trains to accelerate towards bids
Bidding on construction of the Bangkok-Rayong high-speed train is expected to take place this year as part of efforts to jump-start the Eastern Economic Corridor, the government’s flagship project for Thailand 4.0. Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said the terms of reference for the project will ...
ASEAN members reaffirm 90% tariff cuts under RCEP
ASEAN members are holding to their vow to cut import tariffs on 90% of products, amounting to 5,000-6,000 items under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, over the next 15 years. They also plan to push for the conclusion of negotiations this year. According to Commerce Minister ...
South Korea’s KAIR Airlines launches with A320 aircraft
South Korean start-up carrier KAIR Airlines has announced that it has selected an A320 to launch its new low-cost operation, with the firm ordering eight A320ceo aircraft. The new airline will be based in Cheongju in central South Korea and will focus primarily on services ...
Big team to defend human rights policies at UN
Thailand has 46 officials in Geneva, more than any other country, for its second review at UN rights body. After years of international criticism over its human rights policies, a 46-member delegation is strong enough to defend Thailand’s position before the Human Rights Committee on ...
Struggling with free trade
As Thailand continues to negotiate more free trade agreements, local businesses often struggle to reap the rewards of lower or zero tariffs offered for shipments. The Commerce Ministry reported exporters took advantage of US$52.5 billion worth of FTA preferences and lower tariffs allowed by the Generalised ...
Energy market opens up
Thailand has resumed liberalising its energy sector, opening it up to competition again after a decade of policy hiatus when global oil prices were well over US$100 a barrel. During this period, the costs of electricity and gas for the people were heavily subsidised by ...
Govt ramps up long-term care for elderly
Of about 1.3 million housebound and bed-bound elderly people, just a little over 10 per cent have received long-term care services from the state. This year, the government has approved a budget of Bt900 million to deliver services to 150,000 elderly dependants. Although the long-term ...
Lat Phrao Canal project faces delay as residents refuse to budge
The bright new face of Lat Phrao Canal is likely to be unveiled later than planned because many homeowners have refused to move from the area, even after the National Council for Peace and Order used special powers to expedite the project to create a beauty ...
