Economy and industry
Southeast Asia's energy majors pivot sharply to green power
Southeast Asian energy companies, long dependent on fossil fuels, are rapidly turning to renewable energy to answer the mounting demand for electricity in the fast-developing region.In Indonesia, StarEnergy looks to capitalize on native geothermal resources, made possible by the more than 100 active volcanoes that ...
Spreading Drought Adds to Risks for Thailand’s Cooling Economy
A spreading drought has emerged as a new risk for Thailand’s cooling economy in addition to domestic political tension and slower exports.The country’s hot and dry season is more acute than expected amid a possible El-Nino weather event, leaving just over a quarter of top ...
Risky loans by cooperatives a concern
The National Credit Bureau (NCB) has voiced concerns about the asset quality of loans extended by savings cooperatives, particularly for lengthy loans, and about the high debt-service ratio (DSR) of borrowers.Keep reading ...
Somruedi Banchongduang
Peak power demand forecast to increase
The country’s electricity consumption in the summer months is expected to reach 35,889 megawatts (MW) at peak hours, up 4.6% from the same season last year. Sarawut Kaewtathip, deputy permanent energy secretary, said the projection of power demand is estimated from Meteorological Department projections of ...
Yuthana Praiwan
Poll reveals mixed views on digital economy
Although in high-growth, emerging economies are positive about their future in the digital economy, they don’t feel like their digital needs are being met, says a survey by Dentsu Aegis Network. Those surveyed said they did not feel optimistic about the impact of digital technologies ...
Aranyaprathet - Poi Pet rail line to reopen after 54 years
Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is set to reopen services on the Aranyaprathet – Poi Pet railway connecting Thailand’s and Cambodia’s rail networks.Thailand’s Minister of Transport, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, led a team of ministerial executives to follow up on the construction and facilities management at Ban Khlong ...
Tanakorn Sangiam
Haze casts shadow over Songkran tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has forecast tourism levels during Songkran to drop by 10 per cent, partly due to the northern haze problems. Meanwhile, the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) expects the strong baht to encourage Thais to travel abroad during the Songkran ...
The Nation Reporter
Thailand Research Expo 2019 held in Bangkok
Research is an important factor in national development. And to raise public awareness on research, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) is organizing Thailand Research Expo 2019. Here, researchers can present their work on technology and innovation to inspire other sectors to move forward ...
Praphorn Praphornkul
Thailand ramps up fight against forced labor with stricter law
Thailand will use a newly amended law to crack down on forced labor with hefty fines and prison time, a move analysts said could help curb exploitative practices against migrant workers.The Southeast Asian nation, which has come under scrutiny for slavery and trafficking in its ...
Asean mulls paths to integration
Customs cooperation and robust financial infrastructure remain the top challenges for Asean in its bid to deepen economic integration and redistribute economic wellbeing. Asean finance ministers and central bank governors concluded a two-day meeting in Chiang Rai on Friday. One of the major goals for ...
Wichit Chaitrong