The Bangkok Post
Problem of producing cheap biofuel from cassava solved
The state’s research agency and energy policymakers have finally discovered a way to produce biofuel from cassava at a competitive cost, says a senior Energy Ministry official. Previously the use of cassava in ethanol production was not viable despite the abundance of the shrub, because ...
Lazada to provide online training to local SMEs
Lazada Group, a subsidiary of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, plans to provide training to 30,000 local small and medium-sized enterprises this year to raise their online capabilities. The development has come after Alibaba signed a letter of intent with the government to help it move ...
Exports to grow 8% on value-added items
The value of Thai food exports is projected to grow by 8% this year to reach US$26 billion thanks to more value-added food items and higher global demand. Malee Choklumlerd, director-general of the International Trade Promotion Department, said Thailand shipped about $24 billion worth of ...
FDA urged to issue product safety details
Consumer protection networks have called on the Food and Drug Administration to reveal information on products certified by the agency to help ensure the safety of consumers who buy them online. Sathaporn Arakwatana, a freelance researcher on consumer rights, said the FDA should disclose a ...
Egat fires up coal plant plans
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand says it will launch a new environmental and health impact assessment for the planned coal-fired power plant in Krabi and an environmental impact assessment for its deep-sea port within three months. The studies will take two years to complete ...
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 ...
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 ...
