Thailand-EU trade deal nears final stage, agreement expected by year-end

Today 09:52 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand and the EU are in the final stages of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with an agreement anticipated by the end of the year after significant progress in recent bilateral talks.
The deal aims to deliver balanced trade and investment opportunities, building on the EU's position as Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding US$43 billion last year.

Caged beds and barred cells expose Thailand’s elderly care crisis

Today 11:22 Key points summarised by AI

A 63-year-old mother's complaint about being confined in a caged bed at a nursing home has exposed a severe, widespread crisis in Thailand's elderly care system.
Investigations reveal that nearly 70% of Thailand's elderly-care facilities operate unlicensed, leading to unregulated conditions, including illegally modified caged beds and barred cells, and a significant decline in quality even among licensed homes post-inspection.
Thailand's rapidly aging population faces a critical shortage of affordable, quality care options, as state-run facilities are limited and private homes are too expensive for most families, pushing many towards unsafe, unlicensed alternatives.
Advocates propose comprehensive reforms, including a dedicated National Long-Term Care Fund, a new oversight body, tiered licensing standards for affordability, and state-run daycare centers to address the systemic failures and ensure dignified care for the elderly.