The Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2020 Dubai was a great success, drawing some 2.35 million visitors, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said on Wednesday.
Chaiwut, who was in charge of the show by Thailand at the marketing and branding fair in Dubai, said the number of visitors to the Thailand Pavilion made up 9.8 per cent of all visitors to the expo.
The expo began on October 1 and concluded on March 31.
The Thailand Pavilion was the fourth most-visited pavilion, behind Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, Chaiwut added.
He said the statistics of visitors to the pavilions were compiled by Google Public.
The Thailand Pavilion also won “Honourable Mention” in the Editor’s Choice Award category of Exhibitor Magazine, which is a publication recognised by industries and global trade fairs.
Chaiwut said Thailand’s exhibition at the expo was a huge success due to four key factors.
First, more than 60 young entertainers and staff at the exhibition devoted themselves to the show. The staff spent six months in Dubai to represent Thailand at the show, the minister said.
Second, the exhibition by Thailand was supported by over 30 government agencies and several private firms to present handicrafts and digital innovations by Thais.
Third, the Foreign Ministry continued to support with its foreign policies to tighten ties with the hosts, the UAE, following 45 years of bilateral ties. Thailand also used the expo as a stage to discuss cooperation with other countries, Chaiwut said.
Fourth, Chaiwut said, the success should also be credited to cooperation from all Thais.
The minister added that Thailand also used the expo venue to express its potential to use digital technologies for development and for creating digital innovations.
Ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat Thai food has become piping hot among consumers due to changes in their eating habits amid the Covid-19 crisis, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) director-general Phusit Rattanakul Sereeruengrit reported on Wednesday.
He said several entrepreneurs have adapted their business to meet consumer needs in this Covid-19 situation, especially as people pay more attention to food safety.
Phusit went on to say that the DITP has so far awarded 603 ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat foods from 54 companies with “Thai Select” certification to enable consumers and restaurant operators overseas to purchase quality Thai cuisine.
He said the DITP would also certify seasonings for Thai foods, such as shrimp paste and fish sauce, as they are important ingredients and are very popular in international markets.
“As many as 44 companies [24 of which are new] had requested Thai Select certification or renewal of the award for 364 products [189 new] from November 2 last year to January 26 this year to gain confidence among foreign consumers,” he said.
“The Thai Select stamp not only certifies product quality but also proves the product was manufactured with ingredients, tastes and appearances in accordance with top Thai food standards.”
Phusit said the DITP would announce award results at the end of April and hand out the Thai Select stamp to entrepreneurs at ThaiFex-Anuga Asia 2022 between May 24 and 28.
Entrepreneurs who have been awarded the certification will be able to participate in the department’s activities, such as marketing promotions, business matching and public relations both online and offline, he added.
The Bank of Thailand’s (BOT) Monetary Policy Committee adjusted down its estimation of gross domestic product (GDP), stipulating that in 2022 the economy would expand by 3.2 per cent instead of its previous 3.4 per cent estimation.
It also adjusted down its GDP expansion forecast for 2023 from 4.7 to 4.2 per cent.
BOT director of Economics and Policy Sakkapop Panyanukul said on Tuesday the positive factors that would contribute to GDP expansion in 2022 include increased consumption, recovering tourism and improved confidence by the private sector due to an increasing number of the population being vaccinated.
These positive factors are likely to contribute to economic expansion by 0.4 per cent.
“However, negative factors such as lower demand for Thai exports due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, increased global energy prices, and the prolonged battle against Omicron could drag down GDP expansion by up to 0.6 per cent, prompting BOT’s Monetary Policy Committee to slash its GDP expansion prediction by 0.2 per cent,” he said.
Sakkapop said the committee might have to further adjust down the forecast in case more negative factors emerged or existing ones became more worse than estimated.
“For example, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict could cause global supply disruption, as Russia is one of the world’s major iron producers,” he said.
“Furthermore, the rising cost of living due to the increased energy price could affect private consumption and operational costs of many businesses, while the possible emergence of a new Covid-19 subvariant could affect the country’s recovering tourism industry in the second half of the year.”
The central bank also estimates that inflation throughout the year will remain at 4.9 per cent.
“Inflation could rise to 6 per cent during the second or third quarter, but it will gradually subside in the last quarter due to the decreasing energy price,” Sakkapop predicted.
Thailand Pavilion’s Opening Ceremony, at The International Horticultural Expo (EXPO 2022 Floriade Almere) in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Dr. Chalermchai Srion, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives assigned Dr. Thongplew Kongjan, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives , along with Mr. Khem Khaeng Thammadamrong, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture. Representing to opening ceremony the Thailand Pavilion to welcome visitors at The International Horticultural Expo (EXPO 2022 Floriade Almere). Present the potential of food innovation , Thai agricultural products Developing production processes that meet standards and quality in Thailand ready to welcome tourists to Thailand buildings to appreciate the beauty of nature, way of life, culture, traditions through various exhibitions
Dr. Thongplew Kongjan, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives provide information that Thailand participates in the International Horticultural Expo (EXPO 2022 Floriade Almere) during 14 April – 9 October 2022 in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This is a good opportunity to strengthen international relations. Both with the host country and other member states participating in the event. ready to publicize the image of the country through the presentation of agricultural product development operations and agricultural products Create diversity and show potential create confidence in the quality of agricultural and product standards as well as promoting tourism in Thailand, which is ranked in the world for its diversity of arts. different lifestyle culture traditions. This reflects that Thai people have the wisdom to rely on themselves. and the important thing is This will open up trade opportunities for Thai products and services. and attracting foreign investment.
Mr. Khem Khaeng Thammadamrong, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture Said that the Thailand Pavilion is presented through the concept “TRUST Thailand” understands all the differences. trust safety Open up a new world of tourism A view you’ve never seen here in thailand which inside the Thailand Pavilion
Divide the exhibition area into
The Welcome to Thailand zone presents stories about Thailand. Starting from diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Netherlands Examples of projects based on the concept of BCG Model of Thai tourism and agricultural tourism
The Future Products Zone presents a system of certification for agricultural products from upstream, midstream, and downstream. Future food products such as cockle mushrooms, crickets, coconuts, and longans are not to be missed. Magnificent orchid decoration Towering in the middle of the hall, 5 meters high, decorated with various colors of Dendrobium and Vanda orchids, which in 2022, the Department of Agricultural Extension aims to stimulate the orchid market. Vanda surname in the Netherlands.
Showroom zone presents examples of products with potential for export, such as agricultural products and products (food and non-food). future products and potential products), herbal products, spas and cosmeceuticals, Thai cultural products, Cultural Product of Thailand: CPOT, products from silk and cotton. rubber products Orchid products, dried flowers, etc.
rotating exhibition zone Presenting Thai horticultural products through 6 rotating activities, including demonstrations and tasting of various agricultural products, including the 1st time, “Glamorous…Thai Orchids and Air Purifying plants (Sansevieria)”; (Dragon Tongue) 2nd “Everlasting Fruit Season 1” 3rd Eastern Identity Fruit Exhibition “Thai Herbs for Relaxing Life” 4th Herbs Exhibition “New selection for good health” Vegetable Exhibition 5th “Everlasting Fruit Season 2”, the fruit exhibition of southern identity and the 6th time, “Worth of the graceful leafy Thai Ornamental Plant”, a description of the value of Thai ornamental plants.
and the Thai garden zone that introduces the lines of the wave pattern in the mural come and arrange with the square pattern from the fine arts through the perfect placement of landscape architectural elements such as porcelain pots decorated with auspicious wood, metal krathongs, woven bamboo serpents and orchid house that represents the story of life that is connected to the river and Thai identity and admire the beauty of Nanapan flowers Full of nature under the shade of big trees in the green area.
“The International Horticultural Expo (EXPO 2022 Floriade Almere) is the largest global horticultural show (A1) endorsed by the International Horticultural Society (AIPH) and the International Organizing Committee (BIE). Invite those who live in the Kingdom of the Netherlands to come and visit the Thailand Pavilion and various exhibitions. which is open to visit every day from today until October 9, 2022 from 10.00 – 19.00 and can follow the news of the event and watch it online via the website thailandfloriade2022.com,” said Director-General of the Department of Agriculture.
It is considered World Haemophilia Day every April 17. The day dedicated to people living with haemophilia is observed to raise awareness and create a better future for them. Haemophilia is a “rare disease” that affects the blood’s ability to clot, as well as other bleeding disorders.
It is considered World Haemophilia Day every April 17. The day dedicated to people living with haemophilia is observed to raise awareness and create a better future for them. Haemophilia is a “rare disease” that affects the blood’s ability to clot, as well as other bleeding disorders.
Living with the complications of haemophilia can be challenging. However, proper home remedies and encouragement from the people around, can raise a better quality of patient life and live happily with haemophilia.
Dr Monthon Suwannurak, the President of the Thai Haemophilia Patient Club (THPC), said, “More than 1,600 people in Thailand, have been diagnosed with haemophilia and more than 20 years, THPC was established. We would like to gather all haemophilia patients to become one family and more than 700 patients throughout the country join as a member recently. We have regional networks which include patients from the North, the Northeast, the East, the South and the central patient network in Bangkok in coordination with the National Haemophilia Foundation of Thailand which Emeritus Prof Lt Gen Tip Sripaisarn is the chairman”
Monthon also emphasised, “THPC anticipates as a linkage of everyone into the same community whether patient, patient’s family and caregivers. We intend to have a network that everyone can rely on, talk to each other, exchange, assist and seek advice. THPC also means to be a knowledge centre of treatment and medical advances to enhance effective care for all haemophilia patients.”
“Besides being a knowledge centre for better care, THPC supports our haemophilia patients for the individual self-development. We want our patients to follow their dreams, take good care of themselves, help others and contribute to society. To illustrate, developing English communication skills, this upholds our patients in exploring medical sciences, enhances abilities for their studies and work, encourages them to attend international conferences as a THPC representative, inquire new knowledge, leverage the club activities to help others and ultimately to reinforce themselves. By coordinating with organisations and the private sectors, thus, we have English learning courses, exercise activities and other learnings to bring out the individual potentiality.”, said Monthon.
Dr Apiwat Akarapattananukul, who is living with severe haemophilia A, mentioned, “I believe in the individual potential in every haemophilia patient according to their aptitude and ambition. Take me as an example, I have a dream that I want to be a doctor. Along the way in the past, people always ask – Haemophilia is an incurable bleeding disorder, doing normal activities with difficulties, are you sure you can study medicine? Now I become a doctor. Living with haemophilia taught me patience and appreciation of a great endeavour, it was the main driving force that made me stand at this point. This can be proven. If I have no congenital haemophilia, I probably did not study medicine. I would like to represent haemophilia patients to address that, believe me, haemophilia is never the limitation of anyone’s dreams. And if we have to take good care of ourselves, every dream of every haemophilia patient is always possible”
John Dawber, Vice President and General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma Thailand, disclosed, “The Journey of Novo Nordisk in Haemophilia goes right the way back to the 1980s and around the same time Novo Nordisk was founded here in Thailand. Our activities with haemophilia are the development and relentless work for new medicines and new treatments. It is imperative that we have the highest quality treatments every single day to keep people alive. It is great having innovative treatments, it is great having high-quality treatments, but we need to work hard to improve access and availability to people with haemophilia”
“Therefore, we must collaborate with professional organisations, other companies, and patient organisations here in Thailand to serve the patients. And in our case, the THPC is super important to be able to collaborate, support and really empower patients with haemophilia. Our mission to work with the patient club is to ensure that no patient with haemophilia is stopped from living their dreams and doing things that people without haemophilia can also do”, said Dawber.
On April 4, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the opening of the HACKaTHAILAND
On April 4, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the opening of the HACKaTHAILAND, a digital upskilling project initiated to provide people with advanced skills in digital technology and innovation as well as raise awareness about digitalisation in preparation for the transition to the new-normal economic structure after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The HACKaTHAILAND project was held under the theme New Normal: Digital Possibilities to emphasize that every opportunity is possible through the use of digital technologies and innovations. The project was organised in collaboration between the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Company Limited, state agencies, stakeholders and partners in the private sector.
Prayut said Thailand embraces digital transformation in order to move forward to achieve the Digital Thailand goal over the next five years. The government has continuously developed digital infrastructure to make Thailand the centre for digital development in Southeast Asia (ASEAN Digital Hub) and promote the adoption of digital technologies and innovations among small businesses, entrepreneurs, farmers, and communities across the country (Digital Transformation).
The government is also prepared to leverage Big Data to maximise the nation’s digital transformation such as through the development of data scientists and advanced digital skills specialists. The government is gearing up to revitalize the economy after weathering the Covid-19 crisis on the back of uncontrollable disruption challenges in multiple dimensions.
During the sluggish economy, the digital economy has seen exponential growth as people are increasingly going digital and spending most of their lives online and it is so much that such lifestyle practice becomes a new norm.
Therefore, Thailand needs to create an advantage in order to gain a competitive edge through leveraging digital technologies and innovations. Thailand is preparing for digital readiness in four core dimensions: Access, Connectivity, Data, and Automation.
Access aims to provide people with greater access to digital technologies and innovations. Businesses and society must acknowledge the importance of personal data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity.
Connectivity focuses on creating an integrated digital platform that connects digital technologies with people, businesses, communities, and segments of society in preparation for digital economic and social integration both in the physical world and the virtual world.
Data is created to accommodate higher volumes of data. It is becoming more important to optimise the development of the digital economy and data-driven society. At the same time, the country is preparing basic infrastructure and technological essentials to enhance the efficient development and management of industries associated with data analytics.
Automation is adopted as the economy is transitioning to the era of automation with digital technologies leveraged to maximise efficiency, productivity, and human performance. Digital technology enables us to empower customer insights in order to understand the needs and changing behaviour of customers, helping to save time and costs.
“Pushing Thailand on the economic and social development roadmap to meet the Digital Thailand goal, it needs to have collective collaboration of all stakeholders to upskill human resources in order to transform the traditional economy so that Thailand will be ready for competing in the modern trade. It is a way to reduce disparities and generate equal opportunities for all, resulting in a quality and resilient society that is ready for any changes and disruptions. The country also looks forward to developing digital infrastructure and ecosystem to facilitate structural changes in the new economy and society. All need to be adjusted to align with the evolving digital landscape,” said Prayut.
Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) said the spread of the Covid-19 has disrupted the way of life, economy, society, and the environment. People have adjusted themselves to align with the new-normal lifestyle, changing business and education landscapes.
It is mandatory for Thailand to provide its people with greater access to digital technologies and innovations and to properly make the most of them in a safe and secure way while transitioning to the future world. All people will be ready for any changes and disruptions and move forward in the digital era with strong determination.
“MDES and depa, together with partners in the public and private sectors teamed up to launch the HACKaTHAILAND project to elevate digital skills and knowledge on digital for the public. The digital upskilling project promotes the adoption of digital technologies and innovations among entrepreneurs to enhance their business performances.
“It also aims to develop digital personnel and empower Thai digital startups, which are the backbone and major driving forces to help move the country’s digital economy forward as well as reinforce the country’s competitiveness for sustainable economic and social development. The project is also a stage for people around the world to see the country’s preparedness in transitioning to the digital era, helping to boost confidence and investment eventually,” said Chaiwut.
Meanwhile, Asst Prof Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa said the HACKaTHAILAND project was initiated to raise awareness and promote digital literacy and knowledge of digital technology among Thais. The project plays a vital role in developing an ecosystem for businesses in the digital-driven technology sector and making people in the businesses and society realise that digital can make all opportunities possible through the launch of three main activities, comprising HACKaTHAILAND Learning Platform,
HACKaTHAILAND Competition & Beyond Hackathon, and HACKaTHAILAND Hybrid Exhibition.
“HACKaTHAILAND Competition & Beyond Hackathon is an ideation stage, where participants brainstorm to create new solutions to deal with national problems in three key industries: Agriculture, Tourism, and Logistics. There is a workshop where participants can share their ideas, views, and experience with Thai and foreign experts and specialists. A case study will be raised for all participants to pitch their practical ideas in front of the judging panel within a time frame of 168 hours.
“All participating teams will be narrowed down to 10 finalists to work with partner agencies in solving the national problems. Works and collaboration between the 10 finalists and partner agencies will be followed up and monitored one month after the end of the competition. The HACKaTHAILAND Competition & Beyond Hackathon features a total of 503 people in 126 participating teams. The competition kicks off today and is scheduled to announce the winning teams on April 10,” said Nuttapon.
In addition, the Prime Minister’s Digital Awards 2021 in five categories were presented to people and organisations during the opening. The Minister of Digital Economy and Society represented the Prime Minister to present the awards and shared his ideas and experience in digital technology. Dr Chawapol Jariyawiroj, President of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Company Limited gave a keynote to provide inspiration for all participants in the HACKaTHAILAND Competition & Beyond Hackathon.
The HACKaTHAILAND project took place from April 4 to April 17. Participants gained knowledge of advanced digital technology and innovation from seminars and workshops with fun activities, entertainment and mini-concerts so that they could enjoy an immersive digital experience and share a viral clip with friends on their social media.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index is expected to fluctuate between 1,665 and 1,685 points on Wednesday amid the US Federal Reserve chairman’s view that the central bank would raise the interest rate gradually, Krungsri Securities said.
However, it predicted that the falling oil price after the International Monetary Fund cut its global gross domestic product forecast to 3.6 per cent this year would pressure the index.
It recommends the purchase of the following as an investment strategy:
• AOT, AAV, BA, Mint, Centel, ERW, CPN, CRC, HMPro, CPAll, Makron, Amata and WHA, which would benefit from countries reopening.
• KCE, Hana, SVI, BBIK, BE8 and Add, which would gain from rising technology share prices.
• BDMS, BH, Intuch, Advanc, BTS and BEM, which can tolerate market volatility.
The SET Index closed at 1,675.62 on Tuesday, up 7.56 points or 0.45 per cent. Transactions totalled 74.31 billion baht with an index high of 1,681.75 and a low of 1,673.91.
The baht opened at 33.81 to the US dollar on Wednesday, the highest in almost four months, weakening from Tuesday’s close of 33.75.
Krungthai Bank market strategist Poon Panichpibool predicted the Thai currency would move between 33.70 and 33.90 during the day.
Poon said the baht might weaken as it was pressured by the strengthening dollar and dividend transactions. Furthermore, some investors are waiting for the gold price to come down so they can buy back the precious metal, which might also pressure the baht.
He expected exporters to sell the dollar at 33.80-34 as long as the market does not turn heavily risk-averse, which would add pressure to the baht.
Poon suggested monitoring foreign investor transactions. He said there was a chance the baht could test the key resistance level of 34 if foreign investors sold a large amount of stocks and bonds.
With high volatility in the currency market, businesses should use hedging tools such as options to manage risks, he advised.
The Cabinet is still deciding whether the government should take more loans to launch another round of the co-payment scheme, the prime minister said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the discussion about new loans and the relaunching of the co-payment scheme has not been concluded yet.
“We’re still discussing whether the government needs more loans or not,” he said, adding that measures have been put in place in case more loans need to be taken.
“[The new loans] must be adequate. We must consider how to spend the money. We must also see how much we have now and whether more is needed now that we cannot control external factors affecting the economy,” Prayut said.
He added that the government is thinking about launching the fifth phase of the Khon La Khrueng (Let’s Go Halves) co-payment scheme to help stimulate the economy. The fourth phase was approved by the Cabinet on December 21 last year before the third phase expired on December 31.
Under this scheme, the government subsidises 50 per cent of the price of food, drink and general goods, capped at up to 150 baht per person per day.
“I have told the Finance Ministry to see if the scheme should be relaunched. The scheme’s first four phases used a lot of money but also benefitted the economy. It led to the circulation of money several-fold. But the problem now is where will we get the money from,” he said.
Prayut also urged critics not to slam his government if it does decide to relaunch the co-payment scheme because he said previous administrations have never faced the same scope of crises this government is facing.
“My government will try its best, so I ask for understanding from the public. If we continue attacking each other, we will never be successful,” the premier said.
The government had issued a 1-trillion-baht loan decree in 2020 to tackle the fallout of the Covid-19 crisis.
Two leading entrepreneurs said the event organising industry had remained quiet during the first half but one of them predicted a recovery by the year-end while the other was pessimistic and expected more contraction.
Chief executive officer of Index Creative Village Plc, Kriengkrai Kanchanapokin, said he believed the events organising industry bottomed out last year, and this year would see a recovery mainly because of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in November.
But Upatham Nitisukcharoen, chairman of Rightman Co Ltd and president of Event Management Association, expected the event industry would contract 50 to 60 per cent.
Both said the industry had failed to pick up during the Songkran celebrations because businesses declined to hold major events due to the complicated Covid restrictions.
Kriengkrai said the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic slump, which was aggravated by the Russia-Ukraine war, had prompted business operators and various brands to decline to hold events during the first and second quarters.
He said the Bangkok elections had failed to help the industry because election candidates chose door-to-door campaigns instead of holding big election rallies.
Kriengkrai expected the industry to start recovering later this year after the government downgrades Covid-19 to an endemic and when Thailand hosts the Apec Summit in November.
Kriengkrai said the Index Creative Village still gets income from organising the Ancient City Light Festival from March 16 to May 15. And the company has been selected to organise the 2022 Thomas & Uber Cup badminton championships from May 8 to 15.
“The event industry will not contract further because no events were held last year and it has already hit bottom. This year, it has started seeing some growth from last year’s negative growth,” Kriengkrai said.
Upatham said major businesses failed to hold Songkran events this year, causing billions of baht to disappear from the industry.
“For the second half of year, the industry is expected to remain in the slump because the rainy season is the low season for events organising,” Upatham said.
“Worse still, the Omicron spread has not eased yet and it affects consumer confidence. Consumers dare not come out to live their normal lives, so brands and service providers are withhold spending for events,” Upatham said.
But he expected the industry to receive some money from the Bangkok elections and preparations by political parties to contest the next general election early next year.
Upatham also expected the government would spend billions of baht for organising events when it hosts the Apec Summit in November.
He, however, does not expect the spendings on elections and for the Apec Summit to offset the loss of event organising money during Songkran.
“The event organising industry’s slump will be prolonged. We cannot see when the Omicron spread will end,” Upatham said.
“So, the overall picture of the event organising industry in 2022 would contract some 50 to 60 per cent,” he said.
The minister added that Thailand also used the expo venue to express its potential to use digital technologies for development and for creating digital innovations.
Dr Apiwat Akarapattananukul, who is living with severe haemophilia A, mentioned, “I believe in the individual potential in every haemophilia patient according to their aptitude and ambition. Take me as an example, I have a dream that I want to be a doctor. Along the way in the past, people always ask – Haemophilia is an incurable bleeding disorder, doing normal activities with difficulties, are you sure you can study medicine? Now I become a doctor. Living with haemophilia taught me patience and appreciation of a great endeavour, it was the main driving force that made me stand at this point. This can be proven. If I have no congenital haemophilia, I probably did not study medicine. I would like to represent haemophilia patients to address that, believe me, haemophilia is never the limitation of anyone’s dreams. And if we have to take good care of ourselves, every dream of every haemophilia patient is always possible”
Prayut also urged critics not to slam his government if it does decide to relaunch the co-payment scheme because he said previous administrations have never faced the same scope of crises this government is facing.
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