Ray of Hope for Thai and Regional Traders

14 Sept 06:33 Key points summarised by AI

The COVID-19 pandemic caused severe economic damage and supply chain disruptions, disproportionately impacting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Asia-Pacific region.
The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), with Thailand chairing in 2022, provides a 'ray of hope' by committing to deepen economic integration and equip businesses, especially MSMEs, for dynamic and sustainable growth.
ABAC focuses on five key priorities: digitalization, inclusion, sustainability, trade and investment, and pandemic response, developing recommendations for APEC economic leaders.
Thailand will host the APEC CEO Summit in November 2022, themed 'Embrace Engage Enable,' gathering leaders and CEOs to promote balanced, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, with a strong emphasis on MSME participation and digital transformation for recovery.

Government to start building Chainat-Pasak-Gulf water diversion canal next year

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.