The baht opened at 30.76 to the US dollar on Wednesday, unchanged from Tuesday’s close.
The Thai currency is likely to move between 30.70 and 30.85, Krungthai Bank market strategist Poon Panichpibool said.
He explained that investors were awaiting the results of the US Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Wednesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, the baht was weakening in line with a strengthened dollar.
Poon predicted that exporters would sell the US currency when the baht closes in on 30.80 per dollar. Meanwhile, importers would purchase the dollar when the baht nears 30.70.
The Labour Ministry is warning against fake applications acting as registration platforms for the government’s cash handout campaign under Section 33 of the Social Security scheme, deputy government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said on Tuesday.
The campaign is called “Mor33 Rao Rak Kan” (Section33 We Love Each Other) and will provide Bt4,000 via the Pao Tang application to Thais who do not possess a state welfare card, have not joined the Rao Chana (We Win) scheme and have less than Bt500,000 in financial deposits.
“The scheme has only one online registration platform – www.ม33เรารักกัน.com. No registration is allowed via a mobile application,” she made clear. “Once a candidate’s registration is approved, he/she must verify their information via the government’s Pao Tang application,” Ratchada explained.
“Do not download any other mobile application that has a similar name to the scheme or the official website, and refrain from inputting your personal information on untrusted applications,” she warned. “For more information, contact Social Security hotline 1506, which is available 24/7.”
The campaign will start depositing money from March 22 at the rate of Bt1,000 per week. It is estimated that 9.27 million people will benefit from this campaign, costing the government Bt37.1 billion.
A Cabinet meeting on Tuesday approved measures to enforce disciplinary action against government officials in sexual harassment cases, deputy government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said on her Facebook page.
“The measures were proposed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission [OCSC] with the aim to standardise policies relating to disciplinary action and ethics management among government officials,” she said.
Ratchada also said the measures would allow human resource management departments in government agencies to enforce suitable disciplinary action against officials who have committed sexual harassment or violated ethics codes either by physical actions or using online platforms (cyber bullying via social media).
“The disciplinary actions include removal from office or temporary suspension, either with or without pay, and other applicable legal actions,” she said. “The supervisors must make sure that these actions are enforced in a timely manner. Failure to do so will be considered a misconduct or a disciplinary offence.”
The Cabinet also ordered the OCSC to work with human resource management departments in government agencies to draft standards and regulations relating to the enforcement of disciplinary actions, which will be added to the Civil Service Act BE 2551.
“The prime minister especially emphasised the issue and said that if a government official is found through adequate evidence to be involved in any sexual harassment, he should be immediately removed from office,” Ratchada added.
Upper Thailand will experience a hot to very hot day with haze, while isolated rains are expected in some areas, the Meteorological Department said on Wednesday, advising people to take care of the health due to the weather. It added that southerly and southeasterly winds prevail over the lower North, the Northeast, the Central region and the East, with hot weather and haze enveloping these areas.
Here’s the weather forecast for the next 24 hours:
North: Hot to very hot day with haze and isolated rain; temperature lows of 19-27 degrees and highs of 36-40 degrees Celsius.
Northeast: Hot day with haze and isolated rain; temperature lows of 22-26 degrees and highs of 35-37 degrees Celsius.
Central: Hot day with haze and isolated rain; temperature lows of 23-26 degrees, highs of 36-39 degrees Celsius.
East: Hot day with haze and isolated rains; temperature lows of 25-27 degrees, highs of 32-37 degrees Celsius; waves less than a metre high and 1 metre offshore.
South (east coast): Partly cloudy with isolated light rain; temperature lows of 22-25 degrees, highs of 32-36 degrees Celsius; waves a metre high.
South (west coast): Hot day with isolated light rains; temperature lows of 21-26 degrees, highs of 34-37 degrees Celsius; waves less than a metre high and 1 metre offshore.
Bangkok and surrounding areas: Hot day with haze; temperature lows of 25-26 degrees, highs of 33-37 degrees Celsius.
Dusit Thani and Central Pattana are boosting investment in the Dusit Central Park mixed-use project overlooking Lumpini Park from Bt36.7 billion to Bt46 billion.The extra Bt9.3 billion will address shifts in consumer behaviour by enlarging interior and exterior spaces and bringing value to the broader community through its green space, said the property developers. Functional space would increase by around 31 per cent or 71,907 square metres, they added.Dusit Thani’s additional investment, subject to approval at the annual shareholder meeting, is Bt4.335 billion – raising the company’s total investment in the project from Bt12.915 billion to Bt17.25 billion.Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel plans to use the funds to enlarge its rooms, add more privacy, and ensure all rooms have unobstructed views of Lumpini Park.
Reimagined signature elements of the original Dusit Thani Bangkok incorporated in the design would also be enhanced, including an oasis-like lobby with cascading waterfall, an expansive ballroom with large adjoining function rooms connected to the waterfall area, and an exciting new take on the hotel’s original rooftop supper club, Tiara, whose contemporary setting will incorporate the iconic golden spire from the original hotel.The residential element of the project – including the luxury Dusit Residences aimed at city executives, and the high-end Dusit Parkside aimed at families – would also be enhanced to maximise their appeal among their respective target markets.Designed to be a leafy retreat for the whole of Bangkok to enjoy, the project’s multi-level, rooftop public park will occupy 7 rai (11,200sqm) and feature elevated walkways, jogging paths, and places for rest and recreation with panoramic views of Lumpini Park.
Health authorities on Tuesday gave the green light for use of AstraZeneca jabs in Thailand, after an investigation of post-vaccination adverse events in Denmark indicated no link to the vaccine.
Thailand’s AstraZeneca vaccination drive launched this morning with jabs at Government House for Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, 17 Cabinet members and five medical advisers.
The rollout comes after Thailand last week joined European countries in suspending the vaccine pending a probe into reports of blood clots in some recipients.
The investigation outcome clearing the vaccine of links with blood clots was announced today in a joint statement by the Department of Disease Control (DDC) and AstraZeneca (Thailand).
Health authorities say AstraZeneca vaccinations can now continue as planned in upper-risk people aged 60 and older in high-risk provinces.
Based on global adverse-event reports AstraZeneca received in February and early March, there have been 29 incidents of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the joint statement said. However, this figure is no higher than the naturally occurring ratio of DVT in the general population, it added.
So far, 34 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine had been administered across the world, and no evidence linking it to severe adverse events or death had been found. Meanwhile, investigations of seven post-vaccination deaths in South Korea and some European countries concluded the deaths were not vaccination-related.
The joint statement said the rate of post-vaccination deaths in South Korea is much lower than the normal death rate of the country.
As of today, the World Health Organisation and Europe’s medical regulator have approved use of AstraZeneca, it added.
Huawei (Thailand) appoints new president to drive country’s digital transformation
NationalMar 16. 2021Mr. Abel Deng (right), CEO, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Dr. Chawapol Jariyawiroj (left), President, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
By THE NATION
Huawei Technologies (Thailand) has cemented its status as ICT product and service leader by appointing Dr Chawapol Jariyawiroj as its new and first president.Abel Deng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Thailand), said: “As Huawei aims to strengthen its executive team and workforce to support our business growth in 2021, we are announcing Dr Chawapol Jariyawiroj as the new president of Huawei Technologies (Thailand).“Dr Chawapol comes equipped with exceptional expertise, leadership, and an extensive background in the ICT industry, both globally and locally. His industry expertise will, beyond doubt, contribute to enhancing capability and proficiency for Huawei’s sustainable business growth.”Dr Chawapol Jariyawiroj expressed excitement over his new position and responsibilities:“Huawei Thailand is a leading global ICT company with a broad range of end-to-end products and services. The new position at Huawei Technologies Thailand provides a perfect opportunity for me to utilise my 27 years of experience in the ICT industry, both internationally and locally, to help create new business value for Huawei in the market.”Huawei said Thailand possesses a tremendous potential to grow regionally. Huawei is looking to grow with Thailand and further contribute to the country, the tech company added.Its mission was to push for a fully connected and intelligent Thailand, in line with Huawei’s vision to bring digital innovation to every person, home, and organisation.The synergy of knowledge and capabilities of Huawei Thailand’s CEO and president will reinforce the company’s ICT leadership in the Thai market, also helping to boost Thailand’s digital economy, it said.“Dr Chawapol will play a crucial role in leading and aligning Huawei’s business units in Thailand and reinforcing our position as the leading integrated end-to-end global technology enabler in the years to come,” Abel Deng concluded.One of Huawei’s stated commitments is to grow with Thailand and continue to contribute to the country. Recently, Huawei received the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award as Digital International Corporation of the Year.
Mr. Abel Deng (right), CEO, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Dr. Chawapol Jariyawiroj (left), President, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd.The award is an acknowledgement from the Thai government for Huawei’s 21 years of continuous effort to help the country, and proof that Huawei is a credible leading technology provider and trusted ICT partner, said the firm.Moreover, Huawei has delivered more than 10,000 5G base stations to operator customers in Thailand and will continue to help operators build 5G networks in order to support 5G penetration rate, expected to reach 10 per cent by the end of this year.For the Cloud market in Thailand, Huawei will continue its Bt700-million investment in the third local data centre in 2021, and cooperate with partners to launch the industrial Cloud platform and the SMEs Cloud platform.The efforts will empower Thailand as a regional digital hub and help accelerate the country’s digital transformation, said Huawei.
Mr. Abel Deng (right), CEO, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Dr. Chawapol Jariyawiroj (left), President, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
‘No side effects’: Prayut urges 10m AstraZeneca jabs per month
NationalMar 16. 2021Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
By The Nation
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wants the Public Health Ministry to speed up the country’s vaccination drive, after he suffered no side effects from his AstraZeneca jab.
He added that he and the 15 ministers who received the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine at Government House on Tuesday were all fine.
Thailand followed European countries by suspending use of the AstraZeneca vaccine last week over reports of blood clots in some recipients. The reports are being investigated but no link between the vaccine and the blood clots has been found.
“It has been verified that there is no bad reaction from the AstraZeneca vaccine,” said Prayut after getting his jab this morning.
The PM also said private hospitals should be allowed to procure their own vaccines to meet the country’s ambitious monthly target for vaccinations.
“Meanwhile, we urge the Public Health Ministry to allow hospitals to import Covid-19 vaccine without waiting for the government’s approval, as we aim to vaccinate 10 million people per month,” he said.
He added the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will consider easing Covid-19 preventive measures on Friday (March 19).
“However, this will depend on everyone’s cooperation in obeying measures to contain the spread, such as using the tracking application and wearing face masks, especially in places with high risk of Covid-19 infection,” he added.
Garuda emblem on shoes clear violation of law: Wissanu
NationalMar 16. 2021File photo: Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam
By The Nation
Using the national emblem on shoes is a violation of the Garuda Emblem Act, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam announced on Tuesday.
A post advertising specially made shoes with the Phra Khrut Pha (Garuda) emblem that can be customised recently went viral on social media.
Wissanu said anybody wanting to use the national emblem will first have to seek permission from the Prime Minister’s Office, adding that the manufacturer will be summoned and face legal action in Thailand.
“However, we don’t know for sure if the shoemaker intends to sell these shoes, because we have not seen its brand as yet,” he said, adding that people who wear these shoes will not face criminal charges.
The Garuda is a mythological beast believed to serve as a vehicle for the Hindu god Vishnu. Thailand’s monarchy in ancient times claimed divine kingship, believing to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hence, the Garuda came to symbolise the king’s divine power and authority.
The Garuda was officially adopted as Thailand’s national emblem by Rama V in 1893 and is displayed in official seals used by the Palace and the government.
An irate woman attempted to storm into Government House on Tuesday, saying she wanted to chase out the prime minister for worsening Thais’ quality of life.
The woman arrived by taxi ahead of the Cabinet’s weekly meeting.
She tried to gain entry to Government House but was halted by police officers guarding the facility.
The woman, named as Pawanrat Boonkij, remonstrated with officials, complaining that people were suffering because of the actions of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha. She said the prime minister had refused to listen to the public.
It took police around an hour to calm her down.
She was later taken to Dusit police station before being released.
Mr. Abel Deng (right), CEO, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Dr. Chawapol Jariyawiroj (left), President, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd.(1).jpg)
(1).jpg)
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
File photo: Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam
