Day: March 29, 2024

Macau: Vietnam is attending the 2024 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF), which was kicked off in the Chinese special administrative region on March 28.

The event saw the participation of over 400 exhibitors from 30 countries and territories worldwide. Vietnam is part of the lineup of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s member nations.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency in Macau, Vu Thi Thuy, the head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Hong Kong-Macau, said that it had brought to the annual event various documents and images to promote Vietnam’s efforts in environmental protection as well as the development of economy, trade, and tourism.

Thuy expressed her confidence that thanks to its incentives and favourable cooperation environments, Vietnam will become an attractive destination for regional and international investors, with an increasing number of environmental friendly cooperation projects signed.

Themed ‘Reaching the Dual Carbon Goals through Gr
een Transformation’, the 2024 MIECF will last until March 30./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Bangkok: The yellow electric train crashed again late today (29 Mar.), causing cars from Lat Phrao Station Arrive at Hua Mak Station. Must end at Srikreetha Station.

The yellow electric train had another malfunction late today (), causing cars from Lat Phrao Station Arrive at Hua Mak Station. Must end at Srikreetha Station. Upon questioning, officials only said that there was a problem on the tracks. Today, the entire travel plan must be adjusted. While many passengers complained that it was a waste of time. Had to change the trip in the middle of the trip even though who has already paid for the ticket.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok: , – BoT reveals that February 2024 exports have not moved, inflation is still negative -0.77 percent, expected to return to positive in another 2 months, excluding credit card fees for going abroad. Buy products online for 3 months. Advise debtors to join the project to solve chronic debt problems, starting April 1, 2024.

Ms. Chayawadee Chaianan, spokesperson for the Bank of Thailand, said that the overall Thai economy in February 2024 expanded at a low level. The value of exports expands by 2.5 percent if gold products worth US$22.3 billion are eliminated. It is considered an expansion of 0 percent compared to the previous year. This is because the world economy is recovering slowly. But after this, exports began to show signs of improvement. Agree that the general inflation rate is negative -0.77, less negative than the previous month -1.11. Views that the inflation rate is continuously improving. It is expected that in the next 2 months the inflation rate will start to be positive.

The current a
ccount balance returned to a surplus of 2 billion US dollars. After the original deficit of 200 US dollars, tourism sector income Continuously increasing from the previous month In particular, the Chinese people benefited from the free visa measures and the Chinese New Year festival. Malaysia from traveling before fasting during Ramadan. This year came earlier than usual. As for Japan, the latter slowed down in the previous period. As for capital expenditures of the central government, they also contracted significantly. The 2024 Budget Act was delayed and current expenditures shrank from the high base effect of the previous year. Because of the postponement of disbursement of the agency Especially in education Including the previous year, there was disbursement for several measures to reduce electricity costs and tourism stimulating projects.

Spokesperson of the Bank of Thailand Added that In the case of the government moving forward with the project to distribute 10,000 baht digital wallets, the BoT still
has the same opinion. Because of the groups affected by COVID-19 Starting to recover and have better income Therefore, we should help vulnerable groups. which should receive help for specific groups It is considered to be more beneficial. However, we must wait for the large digital board meeting on April 10, 2024. How will the guidelines be summarized?

Ms. Chayawadee said that in the case of collecting additional credit card fees In the case of traveling to spend abroad and swiping cards to buy products online After discussion with the credit card service club The BoT requests that fees be waived for 3 months, with the bank rushing to make it clear to cardholders. Then gradually increase the fee.

Ms. Oramon Chantaphan, Director of the Financial Services Protection and Inspection Department, BoT, said that she recommends that debtors join the project to solve chronic debt problems. Focusing on credit card loan groups personal loan It is a group that pays the minimum monthly debt. and is still a good debtor I
t is a group that chooses to pay interest more than the principal. Payment must be completed within 5 years after the Credit Information Protection Board. Improving credit information criteria Effective from 1 April 2024 onwards.

By dividing debtors into 3 new groups: 1.DR, a group that restructures debt to prevent bad debt problems. 2. TDR, a group that restructures debts that have problems. 3. PD, a group of debtors who enter into an agreement to change the conditions. They still do not owe NPL debt under such measures. There will be no retroactive effect on this page layout adjustment. Make a contract before 1 April 2024 for the debtor to contact the bank immediately. By choosing to bring 1-2 problem cards into the project, the interest will be reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent when paid consecutively within 5 years to help small debtors.

Source: Thai News Agency

Narathiwat, – An assailant shot a female ranger in the middle of a flea market in Chanae District, Narathiwat Province, killing her on the spot. Authorities rushed to track down the culprit and prosecute.

Pol. Col. Narawee Binwae-arong, superintendent of Channae Police Station, Narathiwat Province, received a report that a woman had been shot dead in the Dusong Nya flea market. At the scene of the incident, they found the body of 30-year-old female ranger volunteer, Nurison. belonging to the 49th Ranger Regiment, was shot in the head by one gunshot from an assailant, and a 9 mm bullet casing was also found lying in a walkway in the market. It was about 2 meters away from the body, so officials collected it as evidence. Before taking the body to the hospital, we will give advice. for the medical examiner to perform an autopsy before handing the body over to relatives for religious ceremonies

From the investigation, it was found that while Sgt. Nourisan was on leave, she took the opportunity to sell food at
the Dusongnyeo flea market. During that time, there was one criminal who walked and hid himself among the villagers. When the opportunity arose, the assailant walked up to Sgt. Nourison and used a 9 mm pistol to shoot 1 shot in the head of Sgt. Sgt. Nurisan, causing Sgt. .Woman Nurisan died on the spot. Residents in the nearby area ran to escape the chaos. before the village headman informs the police

As for the reasons, the officials set 2 issues: personal problems But it does not eliminate the security problem. Because before this, around the end of 2023, the younger brother of Sgt. Nourisan was shot dead by a group of criminals. The officials will gradually invite those who were in the incident. Including the relatives of the deceased who came to give evidence in order to track down the culprit and prosecute.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok: , (TNA) – Boys Love or Yaoi novels are particularly popular at the National Book Fair, which marks the first time Thailand has partnered with renowned agencies from 14 countries for copyright trading.

Aside from having book booths numbering up to 914, there are also over 3,000 new book covers being unveiled by various publishers. It’s truly a feast for book lovers as the trend of reading physical books is on the rise again, with over 80% opting for tangible volumes.

Suwich Rungwattanapaiboon, President of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), notes that this year’s bestselling book trends include various genres of novels, including translated works, dominating about 40% of the market share, with Boys Love novels comprising 20%.

Among the highlights of this event is the participation of leading global publishers from 11 companies in 9 countries.

This marks the first time for Thailand to host the ‘Bangkok Rights Fair’, facilitating the exchange of book copyrights through b
usiness matching between Thai publishers and foreign agencies.

Thirty-two foreign companies/representatives from 14 countries and 53 Thai publishers/distributors are expected to participate in negotiations, including representatives from China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, India, and more.

The estimated value of copyright trading is expected to exceed 10 million US dollars or approximately 350 million Thai Baht.

The National Book Week and International Book Week will continue at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center until April 8. Organizers expect over 1.5 million attendees and over 400 million baht being circulated during the event.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok: , – There was an incident where transsexual women fought in front of a famous hotel in the Sukhumvit area. Initially, one person was injured.

At 4:20 a.m., Lumpini Police Station received a report of a ladyboy using a knife to stab each other. One person was injured in front of a famous hotel. In the middle of Soi Sukhumvit 11

Initially, patrol officers along with volunteers at the Ruamkatanyu Foundation Inspect the scene The injured person was found to be a 27-year-old transgender woman who had her arm slashed by a sharp object. lacerated wrist Rescue volunteers share gratitude and provide first aid before being taken to the police hospital

Ask the hotel staff. It is known that previously the two transsexuals had been fighting in a pub. Then they continued fighting in front of the hotel. The perpetrator carried a knife behind his back. before pulling out the knife Until a stabbing occurred Later, a foreign man came to stop him. So there was no escalation. Recently, the perpetrator escaped.

Sour
ce: Thai News Agency

Bangkok: 29 Mar. – Kasikorn Research Center Specifies that if the government sector increases the minimum wage to 400 baht/day starting on April 13, according to the proposal and conditions set by the Wage Committee. Although it has little effect on the overall hotel business Since the number of hotels directly affected is less than 5%, it cannot be denied that the costs of operators will increase.

Kasikorn Research Center Specifies that the minimum wage will be raised to 400 baht/day only for hotel businesses in designated areas. and will be effective from April 13, 2024, although it likely will not have much impact on the overall hotel business This is because it is an adjustment only in areas with high tourism economic activity in 10 provinces, only for 4-star or higher hotel groups and employing 50 people or more. Clarity on the definition of 4-star or higher hotel groups must be followed up again. From collecting data on hotels in 10 tourist provinces It was found that there are approximately 770 hotels
in the 4-star and above segment (definition of 4-star service and brand segments), accounting for less than 5% of hotels and accommodations nationwide. Most of these hotels are in popular tourist provinces. There is a high volume of Thai and foreign tourists traveling to places like Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya (Chonburi) and Samui (Surat Thani).

Many hotels are now paying above minimum wage. This is because the hotel business is experiencing a labor shortage. With the number of workers still not fully returning to the system after being affected by the COVID crisis. Especially hotels in Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai, which have a large number of tourists visiting and in some areas the number is higher than in 2019, causing some operators to hire workers higher than the minimum wage and may already be more than 400 baht per day. Reflected from the results of a survey of daily labor wages in the hotel business where there are recruitment announcements on online media. It was found that in the areas of B
angkok, Phuket and Pattaya, the average price was around 500 baht or more.

However, the increase in the minimum wage has an impact on hotel business operators’ costs. The impact will be different. It depends on what proportion of the operator’s workforce is currently paid less than 400 baht per day. Including in which area? Because each area has different situations regarding the number of tourists and tourist seasons.

As for the group of 5-star hotel operators, it is a group that is not affected much. This is because this group of hotels does not have a high proportion of daily labor hires. From hiring skilled workers to provide services As a result, wages are paid higher than the minimum wage and may already be higher than 400 baht per day. In addition, most of these hotels are in main tourist areas. There are specific customer groups and a large number of tourists. The room rate per night is high. This allows for relatively high margins and flexibility in marketing.

Four-star hotel operators will be mor
e affected due to the large number of hotels. High cost and competition While the nightly room rates are not at a premium level. Group of entrepreneurs who are moderately affected For example, areas in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya (Chonburi) will be affected by higher labor costs. amidst high competition But due to business income that is likely to recover The average number of days of stay for tourists is high and depends on the low tourist season. Therefore, the business should be able to manage this additional cost. By keeping other costs constant.

Groups of entrepreneurs who are more affected, such as in the Songkhla area, for example, will have labor costs that will continue to increase at a high rate. Especially if it is a hotel with a high proportion of workers receiving wages less than 400 baht per day. At the same time, the number of tourists is not high compared to the main tourist provinces. Travel depends on the tourist season. Low average number of days of stay and the average price of accommodation
per night is not high (about 3,000 baht per night and may be lower during the low season), causing businesses to have low margins and flexibility to adapt.

Therefore, it remains to be followed by the Cabinet resolution to see what conclusions will be reached on this issue. Including whether the government sector has a way to alleviate the impact on hotel operators, groups that are most affected or not. Because if this comes into force on April 13, entrepreneurs will not have much time left to prepare for liquidity. -511

Source: Thai News Agency

Nonthaburi: – Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TNOC) stated that the World Cost of Living Index for 2024 in Thailand is at a lower level than in 2023. It is evident that Thailand’s general inflation rate averaged in the first 2 months (Jan. .-Feb.) of 2024 that decreased by 0.94 percent compared to the same period of 2023.

Mr. Poonphong Naiyanaphakorn, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TNOC), spoke about the recent preparation of the Cost of Living Index for countries around the world in early 2024 by Numbeo, a website. Renowned world cost of living database By creating the said cost of living index. Calculated from the cost of consumer goods such as food, travel, clothing and shoes. Sports and recreation and utility costs (excluding housing rent) which surveys information from various sources such as government agencies Supermarkets, entrepreneurs and consumers by comparing with the cost of living index of New York City, USA, which is used as a base at 100%. The result
s of the latest cost of living index found that

Thailand’s cost of living index at the beginning of 2024 is at 36.0 percent, which is lower than the index of New York City, USA, which is 100%, ranking 94th out of 146 countries around the world. which is at a low level It decreased from 40.7 percent or ranked 79th out of 140 countries around the world in 2023, partly as a result of (1) the index of consumer products sold in grocery stores (Groceries Index) at 100%. 41.0, down from 42.0 percent in 2023, which uses products in the basket (Markets) to calculate the index, such as meat, milk, eggs, bread, vegetables, and fruits. Products in the said basket have the most weight in calculating the price index. decreased and in a direction consistent with the prices of products in the food group such as meat, vegetables and fruits used to calculate Thailand’s general inflation rate in 2024 (Jan.-Feb.) (2) Restaurant Price Index is at 18.4 percent, down from 21.0 percent in 2023. which uses products in the cart (Rest
aurants) in calculating the index, such as fast food set meals Local beer, imported beer and soft drinks. There are also products in the travel category. Clothes and shoes Sports and recreation and utilities That is used to calculate the cost of living index. Numbeo does not publish index numbers.

Singapore crane shipping cargo

woman shopping organic veggies and fruits

Thailand cost of living index This is in line with the cost of living index of many countries that decreased compared to last year. and moves in the same direction as Thailand’s average general inflation rate for the first 2 months (Jan. – Feb.) of 2024, which decreased by 0.94 percent compared to the same period of 2023, by countries with high living costs. The top 3 highest rates in the world are (1) Bermuda, up to 133.6 percent, slowing down from 141.8 percent in 2023. It is expected that due to the geography that there are limitations on cultivation, production and reliance on imported consumer products. Consumption from abroad In additi
on, it is a popular tourist destination for foreign tourists. This makes the prices of goods and services the most expensive in the world (2) Switzerland, as high as 112.2 percent, slowing down from 114.2 percent in 2023.

While Switzerland is a country with a high per capita income, it is famous for its financial services. Production of pharmaceuticals, watches, machinery and components There is a good welfare system. The country’s scenery is unique and beautiful. In addition, politics and the economy are stable. Therefore, it is attractive to foreign tourists. The cost of living is therefore high and (3) the Cayman Islands will reach 111.7 percent from 103.4 percent in 2023. The Cayman Islands are one of the 10 countries that are classified as the richest in the world. Famous for financial services and with the geography of islands in the Caribbean Sea which is a popular tourist destination for foreigners As a result, the prices of goods and services are high. The top three countries with the lowest cost of
living in the world are (1) Pakistan at 18.5 percent from 18.0 percent;

In 2023, because Pakistan continues to face various challenging factors, such as high debt problems. corruption and food insecurity This problem has put pressure on the country’s purchasing power and economic growth. And this may be the reason why the cost of living is low (2) Nigeria is at 19.3 percent, a considerable decrease from 30.9 percent in 2023. Nigeria is a developing country. Located in Africa Over the past several years, economic growth has weakened due to various factors such as COVID-19 and food shortages. and the problem of poverty that tends to increase Therefore, there is pressure to keep the cost of living low and (3) Libya is at 21.2 percent, down from 24.2 percent in 2023. It is worth noting that Libya is politically fragile, being classified as a country at risk for economic problems. Highest level of security and the economy is still weak This may result in the cost of living in the country being low.

When consider
ing countries in the ASEAN group, it was found that the cost of living index of Thailand At 36.0 percent, it was the 5th highest out of 9 countries that were ranked. Thailand’s cost of living is higher than the Philippines (33.6 percent, ranked 104th out of 146 countries around the world), Vietnam (30.8, ranked 113), Malaysia (30.5, ranked 115th) and Indonesia (28.5, ranked 126th). Meanwhile, Thailand’s cost of living is lower than Cambodia (38.5, ranked 88th). ) Myanmar (38.6, ranked 87th), Brunei (50.5, ranked 48th) and Singapore, which have the highest cost of living in ASEAN. It is 81.9 percent, the seventh highest in the world, down from 85.9 percent in 2023. It is worth noting that Singapore is a country with a small area. and has a dense population coupled with limited natural resources Therefore must rely on importing consumer products from abroad. As a result, the cost of living is high. The average monthly individual expense of people in Singapore is 1,510.8 Singapore dollars (approximately 40,000 b
aht).

However, Thailand’s cost of living level is compared to 146 countries around the world. Still at a relatively low level The main reason is expected to be from the government’s ongoing measures to help with living expenses. Both products in the energy group (electricity, fuel, cooking gas) and consumer products necessary for living. In addition, there are measures to help entrepreneurs to reduce production costs. including measures to increase income and expanding career opportunities

Even though the economic situation of countries around the world, including Thailand, still has opportunities for growth. But there are still many challenging factors. Both production and export policies of major oil producers geographic conflict Including the Thai government assistance measures that will end. This may cause the cost of living in Thailand to increase. Therefore, consumers and entrepreneurs should prepare to deal with economic uncertainties that may occur. By planning finances carefully, economically and s
ufficiency for entrepreneurs. The application of technology and innovation should be considered. This is the key to reducing costs. Increase competitiveness Help lead the business to grow through such challenging factors stably

Source: Thai News Agency