Rate cut not the answer
Rate cut not the answerPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha recently asked the Bank of Thailand to review interest rates for credit cards and personal loans to tackle skyrocketing household debt. Thailand's household debt stood at 14 trillion baht last year -- equal to 89.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) -- the highest level in 18 years. Noteworthy is the fact that Thailand's household debt is much higher than corporate debt, which is 9.5 trillion baht. While Gen Prayut meant well, his decision to depend on interest rate cuts to ease the public's debt burden doesn't address the root causes. Indeed, the government should look at GSB's role in pulling down the interest rate of car-for-cash loans in the market as a model.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 27, 2021 21:00 UTC
Pathum United keep Thai hopes alive with big win
Pathum United keep Thai hopes alive with big winBG forward Teerasil Dangda (right) scores against Kaya FC. Teerasil Dangda and Diogo Luis Santo were in dazzling form Saturday as BG Pathum United became the first Thai side to win in this year's AFC Champions League, hammering Kaya FC-Iloilo of the Philippines 4-1. The win gives Pathum United a big morale boost ahead of their remaining Group F matches in what will be a challenging tournament for the Thai League 1 winners. FAT AwardsBG Pathum United midfielder Sumanya Purisay was crowned the Most Valuable Player of Thai League 1 in the FAT Awards on Saturday, while teammate Victor Cardozo was voted the best foreign player of the year. Surachai Jaturapattarapong of Pathum United took home the best coach award and Kanyanat Chetbut was named the best women player.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 27, 2021 00:00 UTC
Welcome to your prison vacation?
Welcome to your prison vacation? In four days, Phuket is set to officially reopen under the much heralded "Phuket sandbox" -- a tourism management test case for reviving the tourism industry. Fortunately, the Phuket sandbox compromised and expanded the quarantine space from a small hotel room to the entire island. With such restrictions, it's hard not to see how a vacation to Phuket can be mistaken for a prison sentence in paradise. Yet the Phuket sandbox will be a warm-up for the Thai tourism industry to prepare.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 26, 2021 22:30 UTC
Between you, me and the lamp post
The latest to come under the microscope is the humble lamp post. One of the more curious-looking displays in a Chiang Rai park features giant catfish wrapped around the lamp post. Roman invasionApart from its important service to the canine community, the lamp post does have other functions. For a start the old Benny Hill TV shows wouldn't have been the same without someone walking into a lamp post. Royal approvalThere was an acknowledgement to the versatility of the lamp post in George Formby's classic 1937 hit song, Leaning On A Lamp Post, in which he uses a lamp post as an unlikely support for pursuing a romance.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 26, 2021 22:30 UTC
Tesla software fault leads to big China recall
US EV maker says assisted driving system needs fixing in 285,000 carsAn investigation in China found issues with navigational software that affects some imported and domestically manufactured Model 3 and Model Y Tesla vehicles. (AFP Photo)BEIJING: The electric car giant Tesla will recall over 285,000 cars from the Chinese market after an investigation found issues with its assisted driving software that could cause road collisions, a government regulator announced late Friday. Tesla would contact affected users to upgrade their vehicle's software remotely for free, a State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) notice said, adding that it affects some imported and domestically manufactured Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. "The recall plan was filed with the State Administration of Market Regulation, and it was decided to recall the following vehicles from today," SAMR said. The order is the latest blow to the American self-driving car pioneer, which has come under growing regulatory scrutiny in China due to several deadly collisions involving Tesla vehicles in recent months.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 26, 2021 06:45 UTC
Clarity key to virus fight
Clarity key to virus fightIn lieu of the total lockdown urged by leading doctors to curb the capital's current Covid-19 outbreak, the Prayut Chan-o-cha government and City Hall must make ensure all elements of society adhere to strong preventative measures. The decision has been made partly as a result of the economic hardship caused by a total lockdown like last year's when the country battled the first wave of the outbreak. Gen Prayut said yesterday, however, he did not think a total lockdown would be a panacea. Indeed, it's highly likely that another piecemeal lockdown would achieve little while most of the population have yet to be immunised. In practice, it remains to be seen whether the PM and the authorities have the linguistic tools to achieve it.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 25, 2021 23:26 UTC
LOVE GIVES YOU SOMETHING EXTRA AT KIMPTON MAA-LAI BANGKOK
LOVE GIVES YOU SOMETHING EXTRA AT KIMPTON MAA-LAI BANGKOKStaycations are a rising trend here at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. With the popularity of the current “KIMPTON LOVE” promotion, the hotel is now giving extra love to Kimpton fans. “KIMPTON EXTRA LOVE” extends the months when the latest promotional offers can be booked and stayed until 31 August 2021. KIMPTON EXTRA LOVE STAYCATION PACKAGEDeluxe Room accommodation starts from THB 6,000++ per room per night. - Check out Kimpton pet policy and pet accessibility areas so you and your pet have the best memories, fur-ever!
Source:Bangkok Post
June 25, 2021 10:07 UTC
Ironing out glitches in the sandbox
(Photo: AFP)The Phuket sandbox scheme is still fixing inconvenient regulations, particularly regarding digital competency, in the buildup to its planned reopening on July 1. "We have to prepare a secure system to cope with all types of certificates," said Mr Bhummikitti. Mr Bhummikitti said the short-haul market will not likely return in the third quarter, leaving only hope for the long-haul market. She said if a travel bubble between Thailand and South Korea could be established, the agency hopes many strict rules would be relaxed. Visitors must sign a consent form in advance, allowing the lab to send results to the Phuket Sandbox Command Center.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 24, 2021 23:26 UTC
Automation and Industry 4.0 solutions from Taiwan are best choices for Thailand’s industry upgrading
Automation and Industry 4.0 solutions from Taiwan are best choices for Thailand’s industry upgrading“Taiwan Excellence Smart Machine Tools and Precision Components Webinar” was held on June 23 by Taiwan Excellence, a campaign to bring the best Taiwan-made products to the world. This showcase was held in order to assist Thailand manufacturing industries on their mission to upgrade manufacturing procedures and improve production performance. The webinar introduced comprehensive solutions from Taiwan automation industries, including precision components, machinery visual systems, cobots, industry computing platforms, and industrial networking systems. TAIROA can help Thai manufacturers import advanced and integrated smart manufacturing solutions from Taiwan.”In the webinar, the five leading manufacturing companies launched new products as well as introducing the most advanced smart manufacturing solutions and innovations. It will show more advanced smart manufacturing solutions in the exhibition to assist Thai industries to achieve the goal of upgrading.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 24, 2021 10:45 UTC
Thailand’s first luxury outlet ‘Central Village’ sees success from quick and proactive moves to fight the pandemic
This allows Central Village to sail through any crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaining ‘Unbeatable Advantage’ as Central Village benefits from Central shopping centres nationwide. The community of Luxurious Lifestyle, as Central Village is the meeting point of people who share a certain lifestyle. Central Village, under the concept of ‘Bangkok Luxury Outlet’, is open every day from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm. More information can be found at the website http://www.centralvillagebangkok.com, LINE Official Account: @centralvillage, Facebook Page: Central Village, and Instagram Page: @centralvillagebangkok.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 24, 2021 08:26 UTC
World's highest luxury hotel opens in Shanghai
World's highest luxury hotel opens in ShanghaiThe J Hotel occupies the top floors of the 632-metre Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world after Dubai's Burj Khalifa. (AFP photo)SHANGHAI: The world's highest luxury hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, has opened in Shanghai to guests with deep pockets and a head for heights. The hotel occupies the top floors of the 632-metre Shanghai Tower in the city's financial district, the second-tallest building in the world after Dubai's Burj Khalifa. Patrons can also enjoy one of the hotel's seven restaurants, bars, spa, 84th-floor swimming pool, and all the other usual trappings of a top-notch hotel. To celebrate its opening J Hotel is offering a "special experience rate" of 3,088 yuan ($450) a night, but prices for its 34 suites sky-rocket.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 24, 2021 07:41 UTC
TEST YOURSELF: Pride proud
TEST YOURSELF: Pride proudPhoto courtesy of Nisamanee 'Nutt' LertvorapongCelebrate diversity this month (and always)Test Yourself is where you can improve your reading skills. Nothing screams Pride Month louder than the rainbow colours popping up all over Bangkok. Guru has gathered noted figures of the community to share their pride with us. Nisamanee 'Nutt' LertvorapongYouTuberOwner of fashion brand Fratellinn"I'm proud of myself for being different. We should be proud in everything we do, every path we choose to walk on and every being that we are."
Source:Bangkok Post
June 24, 2021 06:11 UTC
MEA launches MEA ENERGY AWARDS for energy efficiency improvement
MEA launches MEA ENERGY AWARDS for energy efficiency improvementThe Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), in collaboration with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), has launched “MEA ENERGY AWARDS” under the concept “Energy Deployment Efficiency for High Air Quality Standard” with the aim to promote and share knowledge among participating building projects. Forum participants will receive details of programme admission terms and conditions to gain MEA ENERGY AWARDS labels and receive sponsor funding to support energy efficiency improvement (second round) of their building as well as taking part in lucky draws. The “MEA ENERGY AWARDS” label is awarded to buildings that meet the criteria set by the committee members. Contestants are required to meet evaluation criteria that include compliance with MEA Index and Indoor Air Quality Index (IAQ) energy quality standard. Moreover, MEA is funding 1,000,000 baht in grants for winners to spend on building improvement in accordance with programme terms & conditions.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 24, 2021 03:45 UTC
McAfee founder found dead by suicide in Spanish jail
McAfee founder found dead by suicide in Spanish jailJohn McAfee was accused of failing to pay tax on 10 million euros of earningsMADRID: Antivirus software pioneer John McAfee was found dead in his jail cell in Spain on Wednesday, officials said, shortly after a court approved his extradition to the United States where he was wanted for tax evasion. Spain's National Court earlier on Wednesday said it had approved McAfee's extradition to the United States. McAfee had more than one million followers on Twitter, where he described himself as a "lover of women, adventure and mystery". A documentary titled "Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee" released in 2016 focused on his life in Belize. McAfee was arrested in the United States for driving under the influence in 2015, only to unsuccessfully run for US president the following year.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 24, 2021 00:00 UTC
Uphold true democracy
Uphold true democracyJune 24 marks a historic day in Thailand's politics and democracy as it was the day when the country went through a drastic change from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in what is known as a bloodless revolution by the people's party in 1932. Thailand over the past eight decades largely has come under a guided democracy with power concentrated in the hands of a small group of people. With help from some independent organisations established by the military, Gen Prayut, together with his brothers in arms, transformed himself into a politician, beating his political rivals. What is best for Gen Prayut and the PPRP in this power game may not be best for the country. The prime minister will do the country a great service if he upholds true democracy and accepts a strong check and balances mechanism that can ensure accountability and give power back to the people, as King Rama VII wanted.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 23, 2021 23:26 UTC