Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (Photo: AFP/VNA) Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – Thailand’s Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has declared 2019 the “Year of ASEAN Culture,” introducing the English publication of “Vivid ASEAN.” Chairing the declaration ceremony, Gen Prayut said Thailand will use the diversity of the vivid culture that exists in Southeast Asia as a key tool to strengthen relations between member countries. The ceremony was attended by Culture Minister Veera Rojpojanarat, high-ranking officials, and ASEAN diplomats. The prime minister took the opportunity to hand out copies of the English version of Vivid ASEAN to ASEAN diplomats from nine countries – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. Bolstering the diversity of ASEAN cultures, their similarities and differences, the 200-page book has 13 chapters on topics ranging from food, architecture, costumes, … [Read more...] about Thailand declares 2019 Year of ASEAN Culture
Bangkok declaration
Thailand’s Bangkok capital still covered with harmful smog
Air pollution in Bangkok (Source: internet) Hanoi (VNA) – The worsening smog has been covering the Thai capital city of Bangkok, with hazardous particulate pollution recorded in some areas on January 22. The Pollution Control Department reported the level of particulate matter with 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) ranged from 51 to 93 microgrammes per cubic meter of air in the past 24 hours, exceeding the safety standard of PM 2.5 is 50 microgrammes. The air quality index of Bangkok on January 22 morning was recorded at 122, which is defined "unhealthy" for some sensitive groups. Readings below 50 are considered safe, while anything above 300 is considered hazardous. Feeble winds and a lack of precipitation were blamed for the poor air quality in five of the six metro provinces including Bangkok, leading to new talk of cracking down on vehicle emissions. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said it will purchase more green buses that use a cleaner bio-diesel blend. Police have … [Read more...] about Thailand’s Bangkok capital still covered with harmful smog
ASEAN Student Council conference in Bangkok
Illustrative image (Source: Internet) Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – The ASEAN Student Council has organised a conference to inspire the region’s youth to protect the environment, combat corruption and be good citizens. Kasetsart University hosted the ASEAN Student Council conference, which brought together students from universities across ASEAN and China. The aim of the event was to inspire social responsibility and honesty. Vice Dean for Student Affairs at Kasetsart University, Asst. Prof Wing Cmd Ngamlamai Piwluang outlined that the program began in 2017 when the university signed Memorandums of Understanding with over 100 other institutions throughout ASEAN. The latest conference saw the signing of a declaration to drive ASEAN and the world in 2019 with a focus on environmentalism, honesty and being a good global citizen. President of the council at Kasetsart University, Kantawat Thanasirikul remarked that as Thailand is the ASEAN Chair for 2019, there will be many programs … [Read more...] about ASEAN Student Council conference in Bangkok
ACMECS to take place in Thailand next week
Logo of the event (Source: Internet) Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the third Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) will open officially on June 15. Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Busadee Santipitak, disclosed that on June 15, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha and the leaders of Myanmar and Cambodia will make their opening remarks on ACMECS 2018, which is in session from June 14-16 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok. The event will begin with a Business Forum on June 14 before the leaders of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand hold a joint meeting to discuss a five year ACMECS Master Plan on June 16. The leaders will also validate the Bangkok Declaration to announce their determination to push ACMECS towards progress in all respects.-VNA … [Read more...] about ACMECS to take place in Thailand next week
Thailand declares no-go zone for opposition march
Illustrative image (Source: youtube) Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand’s police on May 21 declared the Bangkok-based Government House and surrounding streets a no-go zone for the planned opposition march a day later marking four years since the coup on May 22, 2014, warning protesters not to defy the junta administration’s ban on public gatherings. Some 3,000 police were deployed ahead of the march, which is due to start at Thammasat University and end at the Government House in a bid to pressure the military government to hold a general election by November. Deputy National Police Chief Srivara Rangsibrahmanakul told reporters that 50 metres around the Government House will be controlled areas. Around 1,000 protesters are expected to gather on May 22, he said, reminding them of the government’s ban on public gatherings of more than five people. Thailand’s junta government has repeatedly postponed the election but now insists a vote will be held by February … [Read more...] about Thailand declares no-go zone for opposition march