PM presides over opening of HACKaTHAILAND
Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) said the spread of the Covid-19 has disrupted the way of life, economy, society, and the environment. Meanwhile, Asst Prof Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa said the HACKaTHAILAND project was initiated to raise awareness and promote digital literacy and knowledge of digital technology among Thais. The HACKaTHAILAND Competition & Beyond Hackathon features a total of 503 people in 126 participating teams. Dr Chawapol Jariyawiroj, President of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Company Limited gave a keynote to provide inspiration for all participants in the HACKaTHAILAND Competition & Beyond Hackathon. The HACKaTHAILAND project took place from April 4 to April 17.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 19, 2022 18:07 UTC
Cabinet eyes new loans to fund Khon La Khrueng subsidy scheme
“We’re still discussing whether the government needs more loans or not,” he said, adding that measures have been put in place in case more loans need to be taken. “[The new loans] must be adequate. We must also see how much we have now and whether more is needed now that we cannot control external factors affecting the economy,” Prayut said. He added that the government is thinking about launching the fifth phase of the Khon La Khrueng (Let’s Go Halves) co-payment scheme to help stimulate the economy. The fourth phase was approved by the Cabinet on December 21 last year before the third phase expired on December 31.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 19, 2022 16:16 UTC
BoT maintains its monetary policy
The central bank has revised up its assessment of the headline inflation rate for 2022 to 4.9%. ARNUN CHOLMAHATRAKOOLThe Bank of Thailand still maintains an accommodative monetary policy to support economic recovery and views that supply-side inflationary pressure will be a temporary factor. The central bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will balance monetary policy management prudently, weighting in economic growth, financial stability and the inflation rate amid Thailand's uneven economic recovery and global shocks. Under this scenario, the central bank would keep an accommodative monetary policy supporting an economic rebound, said Piti Distatat, the Bank of Thailand's assistant governor, monetary policy group, during an analysts' meeting on Monday. He said the central bank has also assessed an upward trend of the US Federal Reserve (Fed)'s policy rate to contain the surge in inflation.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 19, 2022 05:57 UTC
War in Ukraine Deepens Debt Woes Across Developing World
(Photo: Reuters)The war in Ukraine is making it tougher for many emerging-market governments to make debt payments to foreign creditors, fueling concerns of potential crises that could shake markets and weaken the global economic recovery. Last Tuesday, Sri Lanka said it would suspend foreign debt payments and requested emergency financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund. Its finance ministry said the Ukraine war and the pandemic, which had hurt tourism revenue, left it unable to make the payments. Debt is considered distressed when a country is unable to fulfill its financial obligations and debt restructuring is required. The government got $400 million in financing last month from the World Bank and hopes to secure a lifeline from the IMF.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 19, 2022 05:57 UTC
CKPower kicks off Hing Hoi Project for 6th year running
CK Power Plc (CKPower) has now executed the Hing Hoi Project for the 6th year running as a part of the company’s CSR strategy to add value to society. Its ‘Competency-Co-Creation-Cooperation-Connection’ formula is used to enhance educational opportunities for children at Hin Hua Suea Kindergarten in Xaysomboun Province, the Lao PDR. Under the project, CKPower uses its renewable energy innovation to install solar cells and essential utilities that promote the quality of life of students and people in the community. "In its report entitled ‘6 CSR Directions in 2022: From Net Zero to Social Positive’, Thaipat Institute gave its outlook on corporate social responsibility and sustainability creation," the company said. "It indicated that the concept of social positive business it established for this year will form an important part in companies’ work to make positive impacts on society and to grow their businesses."
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 19, 2022 04:07 UTC
EGAT offers free aircon cleaning services to reduce energy consumption
Once the application goes through, the Thai Air Conditioning Traders Association will send a staff member from a certified shop to clean the air conditioner. Suttipong said the association has joined EGAT in its push to reduce energy costs. Cleaning air conditioners every six months can reduce electricity bills by at least 10 per cent and also cut national energy consumption by around 1.3 million units per year.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 18, 2022 05:41 UTC
Ex-CAT chief tipped to be NT boss
Col Sanphachai HuvanandanaCol Sanphachai Huvanandana, former president of CAT Telecom and former board member of National Telecom (NT), is tipped to be the new chief of NT, according to a source at the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry. Col Sanphachai's application was expected by various people in the industry based on his standing with some NT board members and his government ties, the source said. Three people including Col Sanphachai applied for the leadership role at the NT, founded in January last year through the merger of CAT Telecom and TOT, both state telecom enterprises. Gp Capt Somsak Khaosuwan, an NT board member, now serves as acting president of NT, a position he has held since the venture was established. NT faces critical challenges, including the protracted consolidation of CAT Telecom and TOT because of differences in their organisational culture and management structures, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 18, 2022 05:31 UTC
WFH to prevent uptick after Songkran, dept says
WFH to prevent uptick after Songkran, dept saysBangkok’s Hua Lamphong railway station is packed with those coming back from their home provinces on the last day of the Songkran holidays. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)The Public Health Ministry is urging businesses and organisations across all sectors to ask their employees to work from home for seven days, to prevent Covid-19 infections from sharply increasing following the Songkran holiday break. He urged state agencies and private sector firms to implement a work-from-home policy for 5-7 days, in addition to regular antigen screening, to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 at workplaces. That said, any steps taken will be directed towards achieving the goal of declaring Covid-19 as an endemic disease in July. Gen Supot urged everyone to strictly abide by disease control measures once they return from their holidays, and undergo regular antigen screening to prevent another mass outbreak.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 18, 2022 05:03 UTC
Gold sales will keep baht swinging sideways this week: strategist
He believes the baht may swing sideways unless a new factor comes in. Poon said the baht is still supported by the sale of gold, but may weaken if investors sell off their Asian assets on the back of worse-than-expected news about the Chinese economy. He suggested monitoring the direction of foreign investments, as they may fluctuate based on Thailand’s Covid-19 situation. Poon said the baht’s resistance level will hover at 33.70 to 33.80, at which point exporters would offload the dollar. With high volatility in the currency market, businesses should use hedging tools like options to manage risks, he said.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 18, 2022 04:03 UTC
Full Moon Party draws over 10,000 revellers in Phangan
Full Moon Party draws over 10,000 revellers in PhanganParty-goers flock to the first full-scale Full Moon Party since the Covid-19 epidemic began, on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani on Saturday night. (Photo: Supapong Chaolan)SURAT THANI: Haad Rin beach on Koh Phangan island off this southern coastal province was packed with revellers for the first full-scale Full Moon Party since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic on Saturday night. After the party was over, most of the tourists returned to the mainland by ferry to Don Sak or to Koh Samui. Manop Sae Tiew, a Koh Phangan resident, said the return of a large number of foreign tourists indicated the Full Moon Party was still in their minds after a long suspension. The last full-scale Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan was on Feb 8, 2020 during the onset of the first outbreak of Covid-19 in the kingdom.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 17, 2022 17:28 UTC
'Inhuman' situation in Ukraine's Mariupol as Russia claims almost full control
'Inhuman' situation in Ukraine's Mariupol as Russia claims almost full controlMoscow officials now say they are in full control in Mariupol, though Ukrainian fighters remain holed up in the city's fortress-like steelworksKYIV: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said the situation in Mariupol is "inhuman" and called on the West to immediately provide heavy weapons, as Russia claimed it was in control of almost all of the strategic port city and urged its last defenders to surrender. But in the south, the devastated city of Mariupol has become a symbol of Ukraine's unexpectedly fierce resistance since Russian troops invaded the former Soviet state on February 24. Moscow officials now say they are in full control there, though Ukrainian fighters remain holed up in the city's fortress-like steelworks. "The elimination of our troops, of our men (in Mariupol) will put an end to any negotiations," Zelensky told the Ukrainska Pravda news website. Russia warned the United States this week of "unpredictable consequences" if it sends its "most sensitive" weapons systems to Ukraine.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 17, 2022 13:45 UTC
Praise be to Trump
People bow their heads in prayer at a rally held by former president Donald Trump in Commerce, Georgia, on March 26. JENNA SCHOENEFELD/nytThe Christian right has been intertwined with American conservatism for decades, culminating in the Donald Trump era. At a Trump rally in Michigan recently, a local evangelist offered a prayer that stated, "Father in heaven, we firmly believe that Donald Trump is the current and true president of the United States". Even before the pandemic, he and other worship leaders were courted by Mr Trump, who identified celebrities within the charismatic movement as natural allies. Compared with 2016, Trump rallies are taking on the feel of worship events, from the stage to the audience.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 17, 2022 13:06 UTC
Students to get Pfizer Covid-19 boosters in time for new school year
Opas said DDC has chosen the Pfizer vaccine because it boosts immunity and causes very few side effects. He added that the vaccines are ready for direct use without being mixed with saline water and can be stored for another 10 weeks or so under 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. He said each student will only be administered 15 micrograms to minimise side effects. The DDC chief said students will be given their jabs through the school system, though those who have chronic diseases and are being schooled at home must get their booster at a hospital.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
April 17, 2022 05:42 UTC
Mice industry eyes 2022 comeback
The atmosphere at 'Thailand International Health Expo 2022' held during March 2022. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)The Mice industry (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) has experienced a shift to mostly virtual events over the past two years. - Preparing for a rebound -As the industry starts to see positive signs, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is rolling out a plan to attract Mice events and travellers to Thailand. It also offers subsidies and privileges to facilitate Mice travellers, such as a Mice Lane, which has already expanded its services to Don Mueang Airport and Phuket Airport. - Seeking partnership -"Long-haul Mice travellers might take a longer time to rebound.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 16, 2022 17:03 UTC
Russia hits Kyiv missile factory after flagship sunk
Russia hits Kyiv missile factory after flagship sunkThe Vizar missile factory targeted by overnight strikes after Ukraine claimed to have used cruise missiles to hit and sink a Russia warshipKYIV (UKRAINE) - Russia pounded a Ukrainian rocket factory following the sinking of its Black Sea flagship, as President Volodymyr Zelensky said his allies could shorten the war by delivering the weapons he had requested. The Vizar factory, near Kyiv's international airport, was seriously damaged in the overnight strikes, an AFP journalist saw on Friday. US media reported that Russia had sent a formal complaint to Washington about its support of Kyiv this week. Zelensky warned Friday that Russia might use nuclear weapons out of desperation as its invasion falters, echoing recent comments by CIA director William Burns. Unlike Sweden, Finland neighbours Russia, from which it declared independence in 1917 after 150 years of Russian rule.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 16, 2022 16:43 UTC