Expat News sends its good will and wishes to all as Christmas day draws near. Today there will be no news but we honor those companies who are supporting our efforts. Tomorrow, we take a day off for Christmas.
Our newest sponsor: Sun Power Solar/PKK tourism brings in 37 billion baht/Cha Am road completed/Petrol prices to rise/Severe thunderstorm warning/Laos drink poisoning tragedy/Cyanide serial killer sentenced/Chinese buyers in Chiang Mai/Reducing Elephant’s Tusk Length/12 Bodies Found/Thailand village cashes in on earthworms/ECONOMY: Tariffs ‘could cost Thailand Bt160 billion’/Thailand Positioned as Strategic Hub/Is Thai baht at risk?/Third phase of handout/Interest payments to be suspended/Digital transformation said key/Thailand targets Japanese auto giants/Conflict in Myanmar sparks surge/Golden age of Thai cinema/TOURISM: Foreign arrivals cross 30 million/Major revamp of venues/Wide-body jets on domestic routes/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: 10 healthiest Thai food orders/Phuket Festival returns/Chiang Mai golden tigresses/CLIMATE THAILAND: Journey Toward a Sustainable Future/Phuket goes green/Thailand emission reduction targets/Battery-swapping stations/EGCO’s ‘Triple P’ strategy/PTT to pursue low-carbon trends/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Expat News is pleased to introduce our newest sponsor:
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Starting today, petrol and gasohol prices are set to climb by 30 satang per liter, courtesy of PTT Station’s latest price tweak. In contrast, diesel users can breathe a slight sigh of relief as their prices remain untouched.
Expect to shell out 44.24 baht per liter for petrol. Gasohol 95 will hit 35.95 baht per liter, with its sibling, Gasohol 91, coming in at 35.58 baht. Continued …
Severe thunderstorm warning issued for south
The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms affecting the southern region, anticipating torrential rain, gusty winds and rough sea conditions from today to Saturday.
According to the weather forecast, 12 of the 14 provinces along the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea will experience harsh weather, with only Ranong and Phuket exempt from the warnings. – Bangkok Post
US citizen the third suspected death in Laos drink poisoning tragedy
An American man is the third person suspected to have died after a mass drink poisoning in Laos that killed young Danish women and left two Australian teens fighting for their lives.
The U.S. State Department today confirmed the death of one of its citizens in Vang Vieng, a tourist town where at least 10 people became seriously ill last week from drinking spirits believed to be laced with methanol, a cheap and deadly form of alcohol mostly found in crude or criminal brews. Continued …
Cyanide serial killer sentenced to death
The Criminal Court of Thailand yesterday sentenced the cyanide serial killer to death for her chilling role in the murder of 14 innocent people. The Criminal Court wasn’t pulling any punches, as her accomplices didn’t get off lightly either.
The cyanide serial killer’s ex-police officer husband, Police Lt. Col. Witun Rangsiwutthaphon, has been given a one-year jail sentence, while the murderer’s lawyer, Thanicha Eksuwannawat got two years in prison. Continued …
Chinese buyers in Chiang Mai spark Thai fears for future stability
In a recent surge of property acquisitions in Chiang Mai, Chinese buyers are acquiring homes and other investments, fueling both economic growth and local unease. In the heart of Thailand’s cultural capital, signs in Chinese adorn shops and cafes, marking a stark shift driven largely by Chinese nationals who now invest heavily in the area.
This buying spree, primarily focused in Hang Dong, San Kamphaeng, and San Sai, totaled investments from Chinese buyers of up to 5 billion baht in recent years. Houses priced from 3 million baht have proven particularly appealing, given the comparative affordability against China’s urban property markets, where prices can far exceed $700,000. Continued …
Thai Vets Consider Reducing Tusk Length of Plai Sak Surin
Plai Sak Surin, the famous Thai elephant who was brought back from Sri Lanka for health treatment last year, has growing tusks that concern veterinarians due to potential impact on his neck muscles. The matter is currently under consideration with experts from various sectors.
Plai Sak Surin, a male elephant around 30 years old, lived in Sri Lanka for 21 years before returning to Thailand for treatment. He was flown to Thailand on July 2, 2023, in an underweight condition, shackled, with abscesses on his hip and a crippled left leg. Continued …
12 Bodies Found at Thai Meditation Site
Thai authorities discovered 12 bodies buried at a meditation site in Kamphaeng Phet province. The location, situated near the Siri Chan Forest Monastery in Khanu Woralaksaburi District, had been associated with unusual meditation practices, including alleged “clairaudience” and “clairvoyance” rituals. Following public outrage, these activities were banned, prompting an investigation into the site’s practices.
Forensic police, hospital staff, local officials, and rescue workers excavated 17 graves, uncovering 12 bodies. Among them were four recently deceased individuals and eight skeletal remains. Continued …
Thailand village cashes in on earthworm empire
In a twist on traditional farming, a village in Nakhon Phanom is turning the world of unusual professions on its head by raking in a staggering 50 million baht annually from a rather slimy source: earthworms! Yes, you read that right. The ingenious residents of Ban Tan, nestled in the Na Wa District, have been cashing in on these wriggly wonders for over 30 years.
Once the rainy season bids farewell, the earthworm bonanza begins. Taking advantage of the cool weather, villagers venture out in the early morning fog or under the cover of night to scoop up these slippery critters. Continued …
Trump tariffs ‘could cost Thailand Bt160 billion’
Thailand risks missing its economic growth target next year if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump follows through with his pledge to raise tariffs, as it could hurt the country’s exports and weaken the baht, according to a study.
The economy could potentially lose about 160 billion baht ($4.6 billion), shaving off about 0.9 percentage points from a projected 3% gross domestic product growth rate next year, Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, told a briefing on Wednesday in Bangkok. Continued …
Thailand Positioned as Strategic Hub Amid US-China Tensions
Thailand remains neutral amid the escalating trade tensions between China and the U.S., with China viewed as a “big brother” and the U.S. as the “big boss,” said Suphachai Chearavanont, senior vice chairman and CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, at the Forbes Global CEO Conference. He expressed support for the development of entertainment complexes, nuclear energy, and the strategic use of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive growth.
Suphachai emphasized Thailand’s unique position as a mediator between China and the U.S., highlighting its role as a “switch of Asia” due to its strategic location in the region. This neutrality allows Thailand to serve as a platform for dialogue, helping to facilitate agreements between the two economic giants. Continued …
Is the Thai baht at risk with Trump’s return to the White House?
The Thai baht is on track to experience significant vulnerability amid changing political dynamics, particularly due to Donald Trump’s resurgence in the White House. Given Thailand’s high dependency on trade — boasting a trade volume that is 129% of its GDP — the baht’s position is precarious, especially as U.S. monetary policy, under the hawkish Federal Reserve, threatens to further weaken it.
The rise of the dollar, fueled by Trump’s policies intended to enhance U.S. production, poses additional risks for trade-reliant economies, positioning Asian currencies, including the baht, for potential declines. Continued …
Third phase of handout to cost Bt140 billion
The Thai government expects to carry out the third phase of its cash handout stimulus program in the second quarter next year, when 140 billion baht will be distributed to 14 million people, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
“The various stimulus measures can push growth above 3% next year. We are quite confident of that,” Julapun said on Wednesday, adding that full-year growth in 2024 will not exceed 2.8%. Continued …
Non-performing loan interest payments to be suspended
The government is planning to solve the debt problems of the public and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by suspending interest payments for three years on accounts that became non-performing loans (NPLs) less than a year prior to October 2024.
The campaign will help debtors in 2.3 million accounts pay off their debts worth 1.31 trillion baht, Paopoom Rojanasakul, deputy finance minister, said on Wednesday. Continued …
Digital transformation said key to surviving economic uncertainty
Former Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak advised Thai businesses to quickly adapt to changes and transition to the digital economy, driven by big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to survive global economic uncertainty.
He was speaking at the event “WHA Open House 2024: Explore – Discover – Shape the Future”, held in Bangkok on Wednesday. Somkid currently serves as the board chairman of WHA Corp., a leading property and real estate developer. Continued …
Thailand targets Japanese auto giants for investment, tech transfer
Industry Minister Akanat Promphan said he will soon meet executives of top Japanese automakers and encourage them to invest in manufacturing advanced vehicles in Thailand and develop Thai personnel in future mobility technology.
He said he plans to meet the executives of Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Honda and Isuzu to discuss investments and the possibility of technology transfer and development of Thai personnel. Continued …
Conflict in Myanmar sparks surge in Thai property purchases
Buyers from Myanmar have been snapping up condominiums in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, providing a bright spark for the kingdom’s sluggish real-estate market, as they look to move money out of an economy battered by civil war.
Thai condominium unit sales to Myanmar nationals in the first nine months of 2024 tripled from the same period last year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), making them the second-largest group of foreign buyers after those from China. Continued …
2024 hailed as golden age of Thai cinema as local films boom
The year 2024 marks a golden age for Thai film, according to the “king of cinemas”, Vicha Poolvaraluk. The CEO of Major Cineplex Group says the Thai film industry is experiencing its biggest boom in 30 years, driven by strong domestic and international demand.
Thai films now account for 60% of domestic film industry revenue, compared to just 15% in the past, according to Vicha. Hollywood films, which used to dominate Thai theaters with 85% of revenue, now only contribute 40%. Continued …
Thailand welcomed 30,564,481 foreign visitors between Jan. 1 and Nov. 17, generating some 1.43 trillion baht for Thai entrepreneurs, the Tourism and Sports Ministry announced on Tuesday.
China was the top source market for foreign tourists to Thailand, with 5,973,990 arrivals, followed by Malaysia (4,361,287), India (1,822,543), South Korea (1,608,369), and Russia (1,405,327). Continued …
Thailand plans major revamp of venues to host global events
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong outlined plans to revitalize Thailand’s events infrastructure and attract world-class competitions and concerts. He told the press on Wednesday that the ministry will act as a mediator between Chulalongkorn University and private companies to redevelop the National Stadium and the Nimibutr Sports Building.
The Physical Education Department’s contract for the stadium has expired and the owner, Chulalongkorn University, will be encouraged to allow private-sector management to transform it into a “multi-function stadium”. Continued …
THAI Airways to fly wide-body jets on domestic routes this December
In a move that’s sure to delight frequent flyers, Thai Airways (THAI) revealed plans to swap its A320s for wide-bodied aircraft on select domestic routes this December, just in time for the peak holiday season. The airline is ramping up capacity to accommodate the soaring demand during the Christmas-to-New Year rush, from Dec. 20 to 31.
While official word from THAI’s communications team is still pending, several travel sources, including Nation Online, have confirmed the changes. Starting in early December, Boeing 777s, Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and Airbus A330s will replace the smaller A320s on key domestic routes, including those to Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. Continued …
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10 healthiest Thai food orders, according to a nutritionist
Traditional Thai food is made with flavorful, good-for-you ingredients. (Think: a colorful, vegetable-filled coconut curry made with dozens of health-boosting herbs and spices, served over an energizing pile of rice.) But, as with many cuisines, what you’ll find in most restaurants is a higher-sugar, higher-salt, and higher-fat spin on many Thai dishes.
There’s good news though: So many popular Thai options are still nutritious and filling (or at least can be with some slight order tweaks). After all, Thai cooking typically puts vegetables and other plant-based foods in the spotlight — and many options use coconut milk instead of cream and herbs instead of cheese, says dietitian Amy Gorin, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in New York City. Continued …
Phuket Festival returns to kickstart tourism season this December
Patong City officially announced the return of the annual Phuket Festival, set to take place from Dec. 8 to 10, marking the kickoff of the island’s bustling tourism season. The 38th Phuket Tourism Festival, themed Phuket Memories of a Lifetime, was revealed during a press event held on Patong Beach.
Patong municipality has expressed its ambition to establish Patong Beach as a prime destination for tourists worldwide during the high season. The festival will highlight the beach’s natural scenery, cultural traditions, and hospitality. Continued …
Chiang Mai golden tigresses attract visitors
Chiang Mai Night Safari has introduced the three-year-old golden tiger Eva, who has quickly become a favorite on social media alongside her sister Luna. Luna was first introduced three weeks ago, followed by Eva on Tuesday.
The two cubs were born on Feb. 12, 2021, and are now attracting visitors with their striking and distinctive appearance. Continued …
Thailand’s Journey Toward a Sustainable Future Through Renewable Energy
One of the main areas where Thailand has been working and investing resources is known as the renewable energy sector. Thailand has been actively promoting the development and utilization of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower, to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and address environmental concerns.
The Thai government has implemented various policies and incentives to encourage investment and growth in the renewable energy industry, including feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and the establishment of renewable energy targets. As a result, Thailand has seen a significant increase in the installed capacity of renewable energy in recent years, contributing to the country’s efforts to transition toward a more sustainable energy future. Continued …
Phuket goes green: Old town steps up for carbon-free tourism
Phuket Old Town took center stage on Monday, as the Department of Tourism unveiled its initiative to promote low-carbon tourism routes, marking a milestone in sustainable travel for the 2024 fiscal year.
Local leaders and media gathered for the showcase event in the historic heart of Phuket, which spotlighted eco-friendly travel practices and the charm of the island’s cultural heritage. Continued …
Thailand to increase emission reduction targets
Thailand will aim to further reduce its emissions of harmful gases because a follow-up on the 2015 Paris climate agreement shows the country’s efforts are falling short of its target to help control the rising temperature of the planet, according to Chalermchai Sri-on, the minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
Chalermchai made the remarks on Tuesday in his address at the COP29 climate summit being held by the United Nations in Baku, Azerbaijan. Continued …
Battery-swapping stations speed the shift to electric vehicles in Thailand
Taxi driver Chanjira Ruangchan is weaving her electric motorcycle through the crowded streets of downtown Bangkok when she spots what looks like a bank of airport lockers. Ruangchan, 53, pulls over and with a few presses on her phone, a door pops open.
Inside is a freshly charged battery. Ruangchan swaps it in for the nearly depleted power cell in her bike and in two minutes speeds off in search of her next fare. The battery swap station addresses a major drawback of electric vehicles: the relatively long time it takes to charge a battery from scratch. Continued …
Electricity Generating Public Co. (EGCO) unveiled its “Triple P” strategy for 2025-2027, targeting revenue growth and profitability. The plan emphasizes core power investments and energy opportunities with an annual budget of Bt30 billion.
The company also aims to optimize its investment portfolio management through improved operational processes and human resource development to support international growth. The “Triple P” strategy addresses sustainable growth across all dimensions by balancing business opportunities, profitability, and EGCO Group’s low-carbon organizational targets. Continued …
PTT vows to pursue low-carbon trends
PTT Plc has witnessed strong performance in the first nine months of this year, and is vowing to penetrate low-carbon business to meet global energy trends.
PTT and its subsidiaries’ reported a net profit of 80.78 billion baht in the nine months from January to September, up 1.50 billion baht or 2% year on year, the company CEO and President Kongkrapan Intarajang revealed on Tuesday. Continued …
We are pleased to welcome a new sponsor for Expat News: Pacific Law Office & Business/Wildfire, haze, and PM2.5 pollution action plans/Prachuap Khiri Khan governor leaves/Giving a new life to a homeless animal/Hotel booze rules relaxed/Thailand may use Swedish pension scheme/Thailand enlists US influencers/ECONOMY: Will the Thai Baht Decline Further?/Thais over 60 to receive Bt10,000/Industry minister has big plans/Thailand Can Transform Shadow Economy/US Impact on Global and Thai Economies/Thailand Data Centers Surge/Thai rice prices surge/TOURISM: Hostels demand new regulations/Air India Faces Backlash/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Visit Phraya Nakhon Cave/7 Spices And Herbs/CLIMATE THAILAND: Chiang Mai krathong waste/Coffee industry promotes sustainability/Food-service industry shifts to cage-free eggs/Building Thailand’s climate defenses/Sweden Inspires Thailand’s e-Waste Future/Asia’s rice farmers are innovating/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
We are pleased to welcome a new sponsor for Expat News:
Pacific Law is a legal consultancy., providing a variety of legal services tailored for both local residents and expatriates.
The firm focuses on delivering professional legal assistance in a range of areas, ensuring clients receive expert guidance and support in navigating the complexities of Thai law.
Thai government launches wildfire, haze, and PM2.5 pollution action plans
Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong has chaired the first 2024 meeting of the Committee on Air Pollution Management, joined by the minister of Natural Resources and Environment and senior officials. The meeting focused on strategies to address wildfire, haze, and PM2.5 pollution, prioritizing public health and the restoration of air quality.
Key measures revolve around reducing wildfire hotspots in 14 forest and agricultural zones, discouraging crop-burning practices, and enhancing urban dust control with stricter vehicle emission checks and factory compliance with environmental standards. Provincial governors will lead local response efforts, supported by improved public communication to raise awareness and minimize public concern. Continued …
Prachuap Khiri Khan governor leaves for Pathum Thani
Giving a new life to a homeless animal in your loving home
Pets are amazing. Loving, playful and energetic, dogs especially can make you happier and healthier. Furry friends are good listeners who ask no questions and never criticize. They make great companions for people of all ages.
Some dogs help children with autism and special needs to improve their social skills. With proper care and specific training, they can assist people with visual impairments. Continued …
Hotel booze rules relaxed over New Year’s
Hotel guests will be allowed to order alcoholic drinks to their rooms from in-house bars and restaurants around the clock over the New Year, according to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The new rule was approved by the board, chaired by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, when it met on Monday.
Normally, guests can only order alcohol to their rooms during the regular hours: until 10pm from an in-house restaurant, or until 2am from an in-house bar. Continued …
Thailand may use Swedish pension scheme as new model
The Labor Ministry will study Sweden’s pension system in a bid to improve the Social Security Office’s (SSO) scheme and better address the needs of social security subscribers in an aged society, according to Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
Phiphat, who is leading a Thai delegation of labor officials to Stockholm, paid a visit to the Swedish Pension Agency (SPA) to gather information and exchange ideas aimed at improving the SSO’s pension program. Continued …
Thailand enlists US influencers to boost authentic Thai restaurants
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has sought help from 50 American influencers to promote Thai restaurants in the U.S. that have won certificates of authenticity from his ministry. Pichai presided over a ceremony in Hollywood, California, to award Sa Wad Dee Thai Select certificates to seven U.S.-based Thai restaurants.
The Commerce Ministry invited 50 U.S. influencers with a combined 10 million online followers to join the ceremony, which was broadcast live on their Facebook and other social media. Continued …
Will the Thai Baht Decline Further in 2024?
In the lead-up to the U.S. election, the baht rose steadily throughout 2024 but saw a significant shift at the end of September. It has since dropped by 7% and appears likely to continue depreciating. So, what happened?
While the U.S. election took place on Nov. 5, it became apparent in late September that Donald Trump was likely to win. It also emerged that his potential policies would include tariffs that could hurt exports from Thailand and many other countries. These policies, coupled with the uncertainty they create, led to a rush toward safer currencies, increasing the valuation of the USD. Continued …
Thais over 60 to receive Bt10,000 by Chinese New Year
Thais who are over 60 will be the next group to receive the 10,000-baht cash benefit under the “digital wallet”, payable before the Chinese New Year.
The policy committee on economic stimulation projects, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, agreed at its meeting yesterday to go ahead with the second phase of the digital wallet scheme by giving the 10,000 baht cash to about 4 million people in the 60-plus age group. This will cost taxpayers 40 billion baht. Continued …
New industry minister has big plans
First-time minister Akanat Prompan is already making his mark at the industry ministry. On his first day in office, he reportedly announced “industrial reform”.
The lofty goal focuses on three points of action. First, tackling industrial waste and polluting factories; second, raising the production capacity of local manufacturers, and third, supporting Thai industry to produce advanced and environmentally friendly products such as EV cars, semiconductors, bioplastics or even defense products. Continued …
Thailand Can Transform Shadow Economy with 3-Point Plan, Says Expert
Thailand’s informal economy has enormous value but is not included in the calculation of national income, leading to significant inaccuracies in GDP figures. This discrepancy hinders effective economic planning and calls for reform, say Thai economists.
As debates continue over innovative ways to expand the Thai economy, inadvertently creating avenues for the shadow economy to thrive, Dr. Anusorn Thammajai, dean of the Faculty of Economics and director of the Digital Economy, Investment and International Trade Research Center at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, recently published an analysis of the country’s unofficial economic activities. Continued …
Trump 2.0 and Its Impact on Global and Thai Economies
Donald Trump has secured a decisive win in the U.S. presidential election, becoming the 47th president. His victory over Vice President Kamala Harris and a Republican majority in Congress grants him significant power to implement sweeping changes.
Trump’s policies are anticipated to favor trade protectionism, emphasizing energy security and potentially escalating geopolitical tensions. Key proposals include raising import tariffs significantly, restricting immigration, and reducing defense support for allies. Continued …
Thailand Data Centers Surge as AI Meets Green Goals
Thailand’s data center sector is experiencing unprecedented growth amid surging demand for AI capabilities and cloud services across Southeast Asia. This transformation was highlighted during this week’s Thailand Cloud & Datacenter Convention 2024, where industry leaders gathered to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in the region.
“We’re at a critical intersection of AI advancement and sustainability concerns,” notes Rich Farrell, Asia-Pacific regional director–digitalization and data Center business at Eaton, who visited Bangkok for the convention. Farrell, a 25-year veteran in technology and sustainability, sees two major forces reshaping the industry. “Everything is driven by artificial intelligence now, which requires massive computing power housed in data centers. Simultaneously, major cloud providers are pushing ambitious sustainability targets – creating a delicate balancing act.” Continued …
Thai rice prices surge in 2024 as demand outstrips supply
The Commerce Ministry has announced an increase in Thai rice prices for 2024, with both export prices and paddy prices on the rise. Jasmine rice has seen a significant price increase, with premium varieties fetching 16,000 baht per ton. Projections suggest exports could hit 9 million tons this year.
The price surge is being driven by rising demand coupled with falling mill stock levels, said ministry spokesperson Wittayakorn Maneenet. As a result, mills are offering higher purchase prices for paddy rice, especially in Suphan Buri, Kamphaeng Phet and Sukhothai. Continued …
Hostels demand new regulations for sector amid slump
Hostel operators are calling for a new accommodation regulation dedicated to them, as the Hotel Act is not feasible for small-scale businesses with a low budget, according to the Hostel Thailand Assn.
There are only 800 hostels offering 40,000 beds in Thailand, down significantly from 2019, when there were 1,200 hostels offering 60,000 beds, generating over 400 million baht revenue. Continued …
Air India Faces Backlash as Passengers Stranded in Thailand for Over 80 Hours
Over 100 passengers heading to New Delhi were stranded in Phuket for over 80 hours due to persistent technical issues with their flight. Frustration among travelers escalated, prompting many to voice their anger on social media.
The ordeal began on Nov. 16 when the flight was delayed for six hours due to a technical fault. Passengers boarded the plane only to be asked to deboard when the flight was ultimately canceled, leaving them in limbo. Continued …
Twenty-five tons of krathong floats and garbage have been collected from the Ping River after Friday’s Loy Krathong festival, down from 33 tons last year.
Chiang Mai Deputy Gov. Tosapol Phuanudom on Tuesday presided over the launch of a campaign to collect krathong floats, garbage and debris from the river at the Pa Dad sluice gate in Muang district. About 90% of the collected floats were made from natural materials, while the rest were made from Styrofoam, bread and other materials. Continued …
Thai coffee industry promotes sustainability and improving production
Leaders in the Thai coffee industry recently came together to share their efforts in promoting sustainability and improving the country’s coffee production. The event introduced a new drip coffee collection created by 10 coffee experts, highlighting their commitment to eco-friendly practices from farming to brewing.
A key topic was how forest restoration can go hand in hand with supporting local farmers. By growing coffee in harmony with nature, farmers are improving their income while helping the environment. The initiative also provides them with tools and knowledge to grow high-quality coffee in a sustainable way. Continued …
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Thailand food-service industry shifts to cage-free eggs and sustainability
The growing ethical awareness among the consumers has led the Thailand food-service industry to increasingly adopt sustainable practices. Many food-service operators are opting for cage-free eggs and restaurants are placing greater importance on animal welfare.
This shift not only addresses the evolving consumer expectations but also aligns with global food standards, reflecting the industry’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Continued …
Building Thailand’s climate defenses
The world is heating up, and Thailand must adapt fast to this future or face harsh consequences. The Arctic is melting, seas are rising, and extreme weather is reshaping the planet. If we don’t act to protect ourselves in time, we’ll face catastrophic consequences.
We are entering an entirely new world, where once unimaginable things are becoming a reality. Take Japan’s Mount Fuji. For the first time in 130 years, its summit was snow-free in October, a stark symbol of global warming. What ensues, however, is not only environmental but also economic and political challenges. Continued …
Sweden Inspires Thailand’s e-Waste Future
Sweden stands as one of the world’s most efficient nations in waste management, driven by the principle that “there is no such thing as waste, only resources out of place.” This philosophy has been fully embraced through comprehensive policies, legislation, and collaboration across all sectors of society, transforming Sweden into a nation that is nearly free of waste.
In 1967, Sweden became the first country to pass an environmental protection act. Today, more than 60% of the electricity consumed in Sweden is generated from renewable energy sources. The nation has set an ambitious goal to become completely fossil fuel-free by 2045. Continued …
How Asia’s rice farmers are innovating against climate odds
As rising temperatures and devastating storms reshape the landscape, Asia’s rice farmers are embracing innovation like never before. By marrying traditional cultivation with advanced digital tools, they are striving to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change by transforming rice production into a sustainable and profitable venture.
From the boundless fields of India to the bustling paddies of Vietnam and Thailand, a revolution is brewing, driven by the pressing need to combat methane emissions and improve water management. Continued …
Chinese buyers in Chiang Mai spark Thai fears for future stability
Thailand Positioned as Strategic Hub Amid US-China Tensions
Digital transformation said key to surviving economic uncertainty
Thailand targets Japanese auto giants for investment, tech transfer
EGCO’s ‘Triple P’ strategy drives sustainable profitability, growth, and low-carbon goals
Thailand may use Swedish pension scheme as new model
Thailand Can Transform Shadow Economy with 3-Point Plan, Says Expert
