Exclusive: Ghana's John Mahama on his planned presidential comeback
Exclusive: Ghana's John Mahama on his planned presidential comeback
Exclusive: Ghana's John Mahama on his planned presidential comeback
Exclusive: Ghana's John Mahama on his planned presidential comeback
Exclusive: Ghana's John Mahama on his planned presidential comeback
Exclusive: Ghana's John Mahama on his planned presidential comeback
Low inflation
Thailand’s Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has highlighted the critical importance of maintaining an average inflation rate of around 2% to facilitate economic growth. Following a meeting with the Bank of Thailand regarding the 2025 inflation target, he affirmed that although the present range of 1-3% is acceptable, an inflation rate falling below 1% is simply intolerable. According to the Bangkok Post, Pichai underscored that a more robust inflation rate could catalyse stimulating domestic investment and consumption, thereby enhancing GDP growth. He stressed that it is crucial to align monetary policy with growth objectives. Conversely, Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput cautioned against adopting a higher inflation target, which could lead to market instability. The final Monetary Policy Committee assembly of the year is slated for December 18.
Hazardous waste returns from Albania
In a separate development, a shipment containing 2,100 tonnes of suspected hazardous steel industry waste was returned to Albania from Thailand on October 28, after being denied entry into the country. This shipment was flagged by the Basel Action Network (BAN) and originally hails from Albania with the intent of being processed in Thailand. Concerns regarding the legitimacy of the shipment surfaced after a whistleblower's alert, resulting in Thailand's refusal to accept it. Upon its arrival in Durres, Jim Puckett, BAN's Director, has advocated for a comprehensive analysis of the waste to verify its hazardous characteristics and to pinpoint the accountable parties. Previous examinations in Thailand had revealed worrisome levels of toxic metals, prompting environmental apprehensions regarding the importing facility, reports World Cargo News.
Export gains from wood chips
In September 2024, Thailand exhibited a significant increase in wood chip exports, recording a year-on-year rise of 40%, reaching a total of 528.1 thousand tonnes, alongside an 8% increase in export prices, Lesprom reports.
Exports of recycled pulp decrease
Thailand's exports of recycled pulp encountered a 25% year-on-year decrease, falling to 179.9 thousand tonnes in September 2024, despite an 8% hike in prices for the exported pulp, as reported by Lesprom.
Student jets off to Thailand
Anani Nani, a student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), has been selected to represent South Africa at the Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 1-4, 2024. The conference, which carries the theme “Empowering Youth Diplomacy for Global Harmony,” aims to foster leadership and diplomatic skills among emerging leaders. Nani, who is the founder of INAN Aeroponics Farming and a scholar in Urban and Regional Planning, will participate in discussions at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Council, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change. According to The Witness, she intends to champion climate-resilient crops and Agri-tech solutions, drawing upon her academic insights and leadership experiences to address the agricultural challenges faced by South Africa amid climate fluctuations.
