Some might take a bus, others ride their bike, some will walk. But some Thai kids arrived at school via elephant this morning in Tak province, northern Thailand. Today was the first day of nationwide on-site classes in Thai schools after almost two years of online, remote studying. To mark the occasion, parents from Baan Ya Por School in Phob Phra district organised for their children to ride to school on an elephant. Thai netizens loved the idea and some said that riding elephants to school is the perfect way to combat rising oil prices. The school is located on the Moei River on the border of Myanmar. The village’s culture is a blend of Thai and Karen influences, with most people working in farming and agriculture. Last year, three school boys were spotted riding an elephant to school in Surin province, northeast Thailand. The boys were accompanied by the elephant’s mahout, or trainer, who was thought to be one of the boy’s parents. The elephant dropped them off at the … [Read more...] about Students ride elephants to school in northern Thailand
Thailand news today
Key info for those planning to retire in Thailand
If you are planning to retire in the beautiful and tropical country of Thailand, there are many places which will suit your interests. From up north in Chiang Mai where the air is cooler (during winter), to a tropical oasis in the southern islands, Thailand has it all. Of course, with all things, you will need to get sorted before you come and we are right here to help. Things to think about How much money will I need to retire in Thailand? For example, a retired couple should be able to live quite comfortably on £1,600 (71,000 THB, 2,100 USD) a month, but of course, it depends on your lifestyle. While the cost of living is low in Thailand, it is still important to have a savings of at least £20,000 (890,000 THB, 26,500USD), probably more, depending if you’re getting anything paid to you from outside the kingdom. This can help in the event of unexpected expenses, such as health insurance premiums, purchasing a car, or home repairs. For those in the UK with pensions, … [Read more...] about Key info for those planning to retire in Thailand
Malaysia, Thailand to set up joint committee to discuss KL-Bangkok HSR project, says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to set up a joint special committee to fine-tune matters related to the proposed High Speed Rail (HSR) project linking Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. The Transport Minister who had a bilateral meeting with his fellow counterpart from Thailand, Saksayam Chidchob, said that the committee would be discussing the finer points related to planning, route and other technical aspects of the proposed HSR project. "Following the visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who met Thailand’s Prime Minister in February this year, we have also initiated talks on a proposed HSR project linking Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, as mooted by our respective prime ministers. "Saksayam and I have agreed to set up a joint special committee headed by the Transport Ministry secretary-general and the permanent secretary of the Thailand Ministry of Transport," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (May 17). Ismail Sabri, … [Read more...] about Malaysia, Thailand to set up joint committee to discuss KL-Bangkok HSR project, says Dr Wee
Asean News Headlines as at 10pm on Tuesday (May 17)
Malaysia: * NSE crash: Trailer driver charged with causing death of five students * Johor MMEA detains 20 foreigners for trespassing and illegal fishing * Infectious disease tracker on MySejahtera now includes tuberculosis cases * Flight health protocols must be consistent, simpler to aid aviation recovery, says Dr Wee * Malaysia, Thailand to set up joint committee to discuss KL-Bangkok HSR project, says Dr Wee * Tajuddin appointed as ambassador to Indonesia * Covid-19: Paxlovid to be available at private hospitals, clinics, teaching hospitals, says KJ * Tengku Zafrul: Talk of global recession premature, unwarranted Singapore: * Seven SEA transport ministers pledge to urgently restore regional air travel * Work on Changi Airport Terminal 5 to restart, completion around mid-2030s * Singapore records highest ever temperature for May * Ex-Ngee Ann Poly lecturer charged with making racist remarks against mixed-race couple * S'pore, African Union to recognise … [Read more...] about Asean News Headlines as at 10pm on Tuesday (May 17)
Shutdown News and FOMC Speculation Lift Stocks
Semiconductor stocks have had an interesting two days. On Thursday, seemingly the entire industry moved higher in anticipation of a strong earnings announcement from Intel Corporation ( INTC ) after the closing bell. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Intel missed revenue estimates by $360 million and GAAP earnings estimates by $0.04 per share – coming in at $18.66 billion and $1.12 per share, respectively. As a result of the miss, Intel shares plunged lower in trading on Friday, dropping 5.47% to close at $47.04. Interestingly, the rest of the industry kept right on climbing higher. Micron Technology, Inc. ( MU ) jumped 6.48%, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. ( AMD ) rose 5.18%, Xilinx, Inc. ( XLNX ) bounced 4.06% and Qorvo, Inc. ( QRVO ) climbed 3.76%. These bullish moves indicate that traders are confident enough in the sustained strength of the global economy and the potential of a softening in trade talks between the United States and China to shrug off the … [Read more...] about Shutdown News and FOMC Speculation Lift Stocks
Thailand lowers GDP outlook on Ukraine war, China slowdown
- A + A (May 17): Thailand’s main economic forecasting agency lowered its growth estimate for this year and raised its inflation expectations due to impacts on the global economy from Russia’s war in Ukraine and a slowdown in China. The National Economic and Social Development Council said on Tuesday that it sees gross domestic product expanding 2.5% to 3.5%, lowering its outlook range by a full percentage point from its previous estimate. “The big concern now is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has a chain-reaction impact,” Danucha Pichayanan, NESDC secretary-general, said at a briefing. “The Covid outbreak situation in China is also another risk as it’s one of Thailand’s major export markets.” The slower full-year outlook contrasts with a better-than-expected performance last quarter, amid rising tourist arrivals and exports. GDP in the three months ended March advanced 2.2% from a year ago, the NESDC said, faster than the 1.7% median estimate … [Read more...] about Thailand lowers GDP outlook on Ukraine war, China slowdown
Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit interest rate increase. Latest FD rates up to 7.35% p.a. effective today.
Bajaj Finance has announced good news for all its customers by revising its Fixed Deposit interest rate. One can now earn interest up to 7.35% p.a. The FD interest rate has been increased for all categories of investors and tenors, resulting in quicker growth of one's investment. The rise in the interest rate is applicable on all deposits made on or after 25 th April 2022. FDs are viable for new investors because of the rising fixed deposit interest rates. 2022 is proving to be a suitable year for many choosing to go this route, and one need only find the right issuer to enjoy a favourable experience. The increase in Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit interest rate has made it a prudent choice as investors get an interest rate up to 7.35%, based on their investor profile and tenor. It is where the specialised FD interest calculator comes in handy, as it can be used to plan the investment for maximum returns. It is just one of the many features on offer, and to get insight on the … [Read more...] about Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit interest rate increase. Latest FD rates up to 7.35% p.a. effective today.
Tuesday Covid Update: 3,893 new cases; provincial totals
38 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 29,550 with 7,852 of those fatalities since the start of this year. In the 24-hour period since the last count, the CCSA recorded 3,893 new Covid-19 cases and 7,323 recoveries. There are now 63,337 people in Thailand being treated for Covid-19. Out of the new cases recorded today, 4 were found in correctional facilities. More than 80,000 inmates at Thailand’s overcrowded prisons and detention centres have tested positive for Covid-19 over the past several months. Since the start of the pandemic last year, the CCSA has recorded 4,382,977 confirmed Covid-19 cases. Out of that number, 2,159,542 Infections have been reported since January 1. Vaccination update In the Thai government’s mass vaccination drive, which was launched on February 2021, a total of 135,697,195 doses have been administered, according to the CCSA. Yesterday, … [Read more...] about Tuesday Covid Update: 3,893 new cases; provincial totals
Getting the itch to travel again
PETALING JAYA: With restrictions easing, Malaysians will start travelling overseas in the next few months for various reasons. While many will start flying next month for their pilgrimage and business, industry leaders said more would do so for leisure beginning the third and fourth quarters of the year. “Many are getting their preparations done for their upcoming travel plans from June onwards,” said Malaysian Association Of Tour And Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang. He said that state MATTA fairs were also coming up in June, July, and August due to the expected increase in demand. “Ever since the country’s borders reopened, people have been making bookings for overseas holidays. “We are in the second quarter now where the high demand for flight tickets is more for family gatherings, meeting relatives and friends and some social visits. “We will see more people travel for leisure towards the fourth quarter of the year,” he said. Some of the popular … [Read more...] about Getting the itch to travel again
Asean’s collective acceptance of vaccine certs the ‘right move’
PETALING JAYA: Businesses and health groups have lauded the mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates among Asean countries, saying it was the right move to provide seamless travel and boost economic recovery. National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) deputy president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng said the recognition was “timely”, especially with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement having come into force in Malaysia in March. “The mutual recognition of each other’s vaccination passports will benefit business travellers and tourists, helping businesses and tourism, especially now that we are transitioning to the endemic phase,” he said on Monday. Last Sunday, the Asean Health Ministers agreed on the Mutual Recognition of Covid-19 Vaccination Certificates to ensure smooth and safe cross-border travel. Deputy Health Minister II Datuk Aaron Ago Anak Dagang said the matter was agreed upon in a special discussion session of the 15th … [Read more...] about Asean’s collective acceptance of vaccine certs the ‘right move’