TEST YOURSELF: Too expensive to ride | Bangkok Post: learning
Electric train fares hurt the average city residentTest Yourself is where you can improve your reading skills. Nevertheless, this is only the beginning when it comes to the city's public transport problems. As part of the scheme, Green Line fares were divided into four brackets. From Phra Ram 9 to Min Buri, the electric train fare is more than twice the van fare. However, only 30-40% of the population in Bangkok uses public transport and reducing ticket fares is not …10…,” Sumet said.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 18, 2021 07:41 UTC
Domestic tourism to surge this year
Na Satta Light Festival 2021. (Photo courtesy of Na Satta Cultural Park)Thailand welcomed 6.7 million international visitors last year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Total earnings also dropped by 82% from 1.6 billion baht to 332 million baht. The largest group of visitors were from China (1.25 million tourists), down 88.63% from 10.99 million in 2019. According to Kasikorn Research Centre, domestic travel will play a crucial role for the tourism industry this year.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 18, 2021 07:30 UTC
150 new Covid-19 cases Thursday | Bangkok Post: learning
People wait for testing in Pathum Thani on Wednesday, when the country logged 150 new cases. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The government on Thursday reported 150 new Covid-19 cases, comprising 142 local infections and eight imported, raising the total to 25,111. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said 104 cases were found in communities and 38 cases at hospitals. Pathum Thani had 45 new cases, 42 in communities (24 Myanmar, 17 Thais and one Lao national) and three Myanmar cases confirmed at hospital. Hospitals in four other provinces also diagnosed new infections - Maha Sarakham, Tak (a restaurant owner), Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya (a Myanmar worker).
Source:Bangkok Post
February 18, 2021 06:33 UTC
KIMPTON MAA-LAI BANGKOK: DOING THE RIGHT THING, LOCALLY
KIMPTON MAA-LAI BANGKOK: DOING THE RIGHT THING, LOCALLYKimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok has teamed up with entrepreneur and digital marketing philanthropist Matt Hunt, Director of ‘Neato’, to give back locally. "As a small business owner, I know the value of support from the community and that is why I created the #ShopLocalThailand campaign. I want to build community and help local businesses grow while also building philanthropy for a cause that is important to me, as well as Thai people." This particular effort sees the purchasing of material from Bangkok suppliers that have been damaged by the Covid-19 situation. Employing haberdashers locally here in Bangkok, and developing the washable face masks to sell at a nominal fee, and giving back the proceeds to Elephant Heaven Sanctuary in Chiang Mai.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 18, 2021 00:33 UTC
Seeking light
From left, Attasit Pokpong, and his Woman With The Red Lips, Uttaporn Nimmalaikaew and Narakorn Sittites. Well simply because humans seek light to illuminate themselves and so does the Moon. La Lanta Fine ArtThe artworks in each of their presentations shine a light on the trials and tribulations people face during life's journey. "This is a portrait of my son," Uttaporn said of his artwork Monsoon Life. Narakorn, whose idol is the acclaimed Thai artist Chatchai Puipia, finds purpose in seeking meaning from his personal memories and life experiences.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 18, 2021 00:11 UTC
Call for more baby bumps
Call for more baby bumpsAs the country's total fertility rate (TFR) hits a record low, with a plunge last year to below 600,000 or 1.51 against the WHO's ideal rate of 2.1, there emerges a need for solid measures to quickly boost the birth rate and stabilise demographic development. However, though the low birth rate has been an issue for decades, successive governments have tackled it half-heartedly. Existing labour law is less than ideal for persuading young couples to have children. The amended legislation from two years ago slightly extends maternity leave days, from 90 to 98 days; against the proposed 120-day leave (fully paid for a 90-day period, up from 45 days) as recommended by women's groups. The Prayut government is obliged to revamp its strategy and roll out better incentives, to encourage singles to start a family, and married couples to have children.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 17, 2021 23:15 UTC
Hacking the future: Operation Speedboat
Hacking the future: Operation SpeedboatA number of global companies have adopted what is known as speedboat strategy, an analogy which refers to the craft's advantage, agility and pace. These speedboats use the stratagem of entering the future and hacking out a path for the mother organisation. The earliest instance of a speedboat strategy being deployed could be IBM's experience. CREATING A SPEEDBOATBefore deploying the speedboat strategy, the organisation leader must develop the right mindset in recognising that Operation Speedboat is a long-term investment. Without a speedboat strategy and a clear mission, many large corporations find it difficult to attract digital talent, especially champions.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 17, 2021 23:15 UTC
Thailand losing B250bn per month as vaccine delayed, MP says
Thailand losing B250bn per month as vaccine delayed, MP saysMove Forward MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn speaks in Parliament on Wednesday. (Bangkok Post photo)Thailand’s economic losses from a slow vaccine rollout are seen at about 250 billion baht a month and the delay undermines a faster recovery from the pandemic blow, according to an opposition lawmaker. “The vaccination drive isn’t only just about preventing Covid-19, but also about ensuring faster economic recovery.”The country’s vaccine rollout is unlikely to gain momentum until June as it waits for shots produced by a local drugmaker under a partnership with AstraZeneca Plc. ‘Not Complacent’“We’re trying to distribute vaccines as soon as we can,” Mr Anutin said on Wednesday. That’s why we have the budget and resources allocated to all necessary agencies,” he told the parliament.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 17, 2021 10:52 UTC
Tourism going from bad to worse | Bangkok Post: learning
Aircraft of Thai AirAsia and Thai Airways International are parked at Suvarnabhumi airport. Photo by Wichan CharoenkiatpakulAirlines and hotels said the tourism situation this year is a worse crisis than 2020, leaving them hoping for help from the government. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand reported that the number of domestic passengers tumbled 27.1% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, while international flights dropped by 99.1% in the period. The Thai Hotels Association said the crisis this time is more difficult to deal with as it's hard to predict when business can get back to normal. The THA said 50% of hotels nationwide have been closed, while remaining hotel operators and their workforce struggle to survive.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 17, 2021 02:48 UTC
Capital needs a new approach to tree surgery
Capital needs a new approach to tree surgeryPictures of numerous chopped down tree trunks scattered near the walls of Wat Po in the Rattanakosin old town area were shared on social media and immediately triggered public outrage. Such a presumption was understandable as the agency has gained a bad reputation with its brutal treatment of plants and trees. In one accident, branches collapsed, crushing a parked car; in another, a whole ficus tree was uprooted by a storm, blocking the area. Some trees we believed to be nice street trees decades ago no longer suit the city. If that happens, it could mean the city would lose one-third or even two-thirds of its street plants.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 17, 2021 00:11 UTC
Govt relief causes 'havoc'
Govt relief causes 'havoc'The registration for the government's relief aid for people without smart phones or internet access was a resounding success -- if success means turning everyone involved into a loser. Who wins when the first day of the registration is described as "havoc"? The failure was perfectly captured in a video showing an old woman crying because she could not complete the registration process while being "scolded" by bank staff. The "havoc" caused by this offline registration process is not the first time such intense confusion has happened during one of the government's aid programmes. The failure of the Rao Chana offline registration has confirmed the fact that the government can no longer rely on its flawed and outdated processes.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 16, 2021 23:37 UTC
PM denies gambling ties | Bangkok Post: learning
photos by Chanat KatanyuPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha denied an allegation made during a censure debate that he had received benefits related to illegal gambling dens. "The people want a prime minister who cares more about them more than he does about retaining his power," Mr Sompong said. On the issue of illegal gambling dens, which are partly to blame for the second wave of Covid-19, Prayut said he has never supported any kind of gambling. Currently, there are several cases involving gambling dens in Rayong, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat, Samut Prakan, Bangkok, in Nonthaburi's Bang Bua Thong district, a cockfighting ring in Sukhothai's Thung Saliam district, as well as online gambling networks, Gen Prayut said. The prime minister urged the public to give information on gambling dens directly to him so action will be taken against them.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 16, 2021 23:15 UTC
Your horoscope for 19-25 Feb
Your spot-on horoscope for work, money, couples & singles from the Bangkok Post's famously accurate fortune teller. (฿) Even though you may earn more money, don't celebrate yet as you may have to pay for something that you don't see coming. Don't be too adventurous in bed from Feb 24-28 or else one of you may need to see a doctor. You may be tasked to do something that you don't feel confident about. (⚤) If you don't settle for anyone less than Ms/Mr Right, you may meet her/him after Feb 23.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 16, 2021 12:56 UTC
Briton faces jail after meeting fiancée during quarantine in Singapore | Bangkok Post: learning
Briton Nigel Skea and partner Agatha Maghesh Eyamalai arrive at the State Courts after breaking Covid-19 quarantine regulations in Singapore, on Monday. (Reuters photo)SINGAPORE: A British man pleaded guilty on Monday to breaking Singapore's strict coronavirus rules by sneaking out of his hotel room to meet his fiancée during quarantine. Skea was also not wearing a mask, which is required in Singapore. The city-state requires most arrivals to undergo 14 days of quarantine. Quarantine violations carry a penalty of a fine of up to S$10,000 (226,037 baht) or up to six months in jail, or both.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 16, 2021 04:52 UTC
Govt considering 21-day quarantine for returnees from Africa | Bangkok Post: learning
(Photo by Arnun Chonmahatrakool)The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration is considering a longer quarantine for returnees arriving from Africa. The longer quarantine would aim to stem the spread of a fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus that was first detected in South Africa. The South African variant, named "B1351", spreads more quickly, which could worsen the outbreak in Thailand, said the CCSA. The man returned to Thailand on Jan 29 and entered quarantine, where he tested positive for Covid-19 on Feb 3. However, it wasn't until Feb 12 that health authorities determined the man was infected with the variant of Covid-19.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 16, 2021 02:15 UTC