Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has revealed plans to extend the 20-baht flat fare policy to all commuter train routes by September 2025. Originally introduced on the Red Line suburban train and the MRT Purple Line in October 2023, the policy has resulted in a 26% rise in passenger numbers as of June 2024.
Suriya stated that the current fare structure, set to expire on November 30, will be continued under the new government. A draft bill is in the works to establish a standard ticketing system, making the flat fare applicable across all routes. This initiative aims to lower commuting costs and boost public transport usage.
The transport minister also discussed the government’s consideration of repurchasing operating rights for electric train projects from private operators, ensuring lower fares for the public while providing fair compensation for contractors. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning is currently examining the feasibility of a congestion fee to further support public transport infrastructure, with the assistance of UK PACT, a British government initiative.
Be sure to catch the Amazing Muay Thai Experience 2024 in Nakhon Ratchasima and Lop Buri, the ‘Um Phra Dam Nam Festival’ in Phetchabun, and a variety of music and art events, including the OUTPUT FESTIVAL
Southern Bliss Fest 30 August – 1 September 2024 Khanom Seaside Market Nakhon Si Thammarat Highlights: Southern Thai Art and Craft Market, Food Fair, Workshop, Concert by Thai Artists, and Recommended Routes for Road Trips
GMS ART FEST 2024 7 September 2024 Khemmarat Cultural Street Ubon Ratchathani Highlights: Wall Art, Stage Performance and Concert, Open-air Cinema, Art Market, Art Workshops, and GMS Art Exhibition
Wet Series Music Festival 2024 6-7 September 2024 Singha Park Chiang Rai Artist Lineup: Patcha, Indigo, Maiyarap, Joey Boy, Chamook x Bom Slayerz, P-HOT, Oat Pramote, and Jspkk More info: Facebook Page: Singha Park Chiang Rai
OUTPUT FESTIVAL 6-7 September 2024 (15.00-24.00 Hrs.) Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) Bangkok Artist Lineup: 4B, BUNT. (Thailand Debut), ISOxo, Klangkuenstler (Thailand Debut), NGHTMRE, Paul Van Dyk, SLANDER B2B Svdden Death (First Time in Asia), and more More info: Facebook Page: OUTPUT FESTIVAL
Amazing Muay Thai Experience 2024
Muay Korat 6-8 September 2024| Meru Bhramathat Phimai District Nakhon Ratchasima
Muay Lop Buri 13-15 September 2024 King Narai’s Palace Lop Buri
Vijitr’ lighting extravaganza across Thailand’s 5 regions
VIJITR @Phitsanulok 7-15 September 2024
Phanom Rung Light Phenomenon (Sunrise) 8-10 September 2024 Phanom Rung Historical Park Buri Ram Highlight: Observe the sunlight through the 15 doors of Prasat Hin Phanom Rung
Reversed Rain The Concert 20 September 2024 (15.00 – 23.00 Hrs.) The Maharat Theater Krabi Artist Lineup: The Toys, The Parkinson, Koh Mr. Saxman, Mee The Star, Min Pattreeya, and Krabi’s local musician group – Rhythm of The Andaman More info: Facebook Page: ReversedRain
NIGHT at the Museum 20 – 21 September 2024 Khon Kaen National Museum Khon Kaen Highlights: Night Tour, Workshop, Music in Garden, and Check & Share More info: Facebook Page: Khon Kaen National Museum
Um Phra Dam Nam Festival 2024 27 September – 6 October 2024 Phetchabun Intrachai Archeological Hall Phetchabun Highlights: 30 September: Traditional dances performed by 2,567 performers to worship Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha Buddha image at Phetchabura Buddhist Park 1 October: Morning: The Worship Ceremony at Wat Trai Phum / Evening: The Parade of Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha Buddha image and the Opening Ceremony at Wat Mahathat 2 October: Morning: The ‘Um Phra Dam Nam’ Ceremony at Wat Bot Chanaman / Evening: Light-and-Sound show
Sporting Events
Chang Mineral water presents Quiksilver Surf Festival 2024 31 August – 1 September 2024 Kata Beach Phuket Highlights: Surf Clinic, Beach Activities, Workshop, Sunset and Sunrise Yoga, Beach Party featuring GAVIN:D, Southside Phuket, DJ TOB and more, and Food Festival More info: Facebook Page: Roxy Thailand
OR BRIC Superbike 2024 Round4 5-8 September 2024 Chang International Circuit Buri Ram More info: Facebook Page: BRICSUPERBIKE
Bangkok, August 26, 2024 – This past weekend, JITO Thailand hosted the Box Cricket Tournament 2024, featuring both men’s and women’s competitions. Held at Sathupradit Soi 14, this event was proudly sponsored by Allied Gems Corporation and attracted a significant turnout, showcasing a vibrant display of cricket skills and sportsmanship.
The event took place over two days, August 24th and 25th, and emphasized the inclusivity and diversity within the community through engaging men’s and women’s cricket teams. This approach not only highlighted the talents across genders but also promoted cricket as a unifying sport for all.
Event Highlights:
Inclusive Competitions: Men’s and women’s teams played with exceptional skill, each bringing unique strategies and excitement to the games.
Community Engagement: Spectators from various backgrounds came together to support their teams, enhancing the sense of community and shared enjoyment.
Sponsorship Impact: Thanks to Allied Gems Corporation, the tournament benefited from excellent facilities and broad community participation.
Looking Ahead: JITO Thailand is excited to build on the success of this year’s tournament by planning more inclusive and expansive sporting events. The aim is to further integrate and celebrate diverse talents within the sports community.
Bangkok, August 27, 2024 – The India-Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) celebrated its historic 80th anniversary at a grand event held at the Marriott Marquis Sukhumvit, Bangkok. This momentous occasion was graced by the presence of prominent figures including former Prime Minister Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Governor of Bangkok Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.
During this prestigious event, a lifetime achievement award was conferred upon Mr. Aloke Lohia, the visionary founder and CEO of Indorama Ventures, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to bolstering the economic ties between India and Thailand.
Ambassador Nagesh Singh delivered a compelling address, outlining India’s remarkable economic trajectory. He noted that India, currently the world’s fifth-largest economy, is poised to become the third-largest by 2027. With a purchasing power parity (PPP) already at $14 trillion and a stock market among the top five globally, India’s economic milestones continue to impress on the world stage.
Former Prime Minister Mr. Srettha Thavisin also spoke, emphasizing the critical importance of deepening the India-Thailand economic partnership to foster growth and prosperity in both nations.
Co-organized by the Indian Mission and the ITCC, the event was attended by approximately 500 guests, including captains of industry, representatives of business chambers, and senior officers from the Royal Thai government.
The India-Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) marked its 80th anniversary by honoring Mr. Aloke Lohia, founder and CEO of Indorama Ventures, with a lifetime achievement award. Distinguished guests, including former PM Mr. Srettha Thavisin and Ambassador Nagesh Singh, emphasized the… pic.twitter.com/rZ89UHIzb6
This landmark celebration not only honors the longstanding relationship between India and Thailand but also underscores the significant economic opportunities ahead.
The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, also known as the Trilateral Highway, is an ambitious project designed to enhance connectivity between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Stretching from Kolkata in India to Bangkok in Thailand, it will pass through Myanmar, promoting trade relations and regional integration. Initiated in 2002, the highway is aligned with India’s Look East Policy and is part of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Upon completion in 2027, it will strengthen trade, connect key cities, and provide alternative travel options across the region.
Vision and Background
Initiated under former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Trilateral Highway project aims to foster friendly ties and economic growth among India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Despite challenges and delays, this 2,800 km highway is expected to significantly boost trade, connect key cities, and offer new travel opportunities.
Key Facts and Route
Project Name: Kolkata-Bangkok Highway
Length: 2,800 km
Countries Covered: India, Myanmar, Thailand
Estimated Completion: 2027
Route: Major cities include Bangkok, Yangon, Mandalay, Kolkata, and more.
This highway will transform trade and travel across Southeast Asia, symbolizing regional cooperation and development.
“Swami Satyananda gave yoga a new life, a new birth. He revived yoga – otherwise it would have been lost. Therefore, Swamiji Satyananda is the Patanjali of today.” – Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, Paramacharya, Bihar School of Yoga
Five millennia of history shrouded precious wisdom of yoga with complex teachings, conflicting lineages and myths which made yoga inaccessible to the masses. It was only in the late 19th Century that a movement began to unearth yogic philosophies and practices to better the lives of people by great Swamis with vision, such as SwamiVivekananda. Subsequent disciples have carried on this goal to plant the seeds of yoga around the world for the benefit of humanity, crossing cultural and religious barriers. This ambitious goal to evolve humanity one person at a time by balancing the body, mind and soul would not have been possible through the teaching of a single sage, but through a lineage of selfless Gurus.
However, one Guru stands out in his contribution in making yoga accessible to the modern man. Sri Swami Satyananda Saraswati (1923-2009) took it to heart when his Paramguru, Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati, missioned him to “spread yoga from door to door, shore to shore.” Swami Satyananda brought yoga out of philosophy and into practice and spread the understanding that yoga was a practical and scientific way to evolve people’s lives. In 1964, Swami Satyananda founded the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, India, to impart yogic training to sannyasins and householders to further his Guru’s teachings by reviving and evolving ancient yogic science to better suit the demands of those living in the current world.
Roots of Satyananda Yoga
Roots of Bihar Yoga lie in Rishikesh where Swami Satyananda was initiated by Sri Swami Sivananda who developed the Ashtanga Yoga System, emphasizing “serve, love, give, purity, do good, be good, meditate and realize.” These principles continue to be the guiding ideologies of Bihar Yoga today. Swami Satyananda promoted and preserved the classical Vedanta tradition as a philosophy but he also saw the need ofthe practical benefits of Tantric yoga as means to bring relief to people suffering from physical, mental, emotional, moral, and spiritual imbalances. He was aware that yoga was not just a way to spiritual salvation for the few who have renounced the material world, but a necessary lifestyle for lay people to excel in their lives. Additionally, he understood that his integral approach to yoga must be validated by science in order to gain credibility in the modern world. Through self-discovery experimentation and scientific research conducted in laboratories in Europe and the USA, Swami Satyananda gave scientific evidence to the effectiveness of yoga. By identifying the need for change in the approach to yoga, he and his successor, Swami Niranjanananda, spread yoga across the globe.
Integral Approach to Yoga
The Hallmark of Satyananda Yoga, Bihar Yoga, is its integral approach by incorporating various yogic traditions. Not only does this yogic system emphasize its theory in understandable and scientific terms, but designed asana, pranayama, and meditation practices so that everyone can experience the yogic process himself or herself with awareness. Swami Satyananda recognized that all yogic traditions had their benefits and limitations, and these traditions would need to be brought together in a systematized fashion for yoga to be beneficial for all people. Through self discovery experimentation and scientific research conducted in laboratories in Europe and the USA, Swami Satyananda helped validate the effectiveness of yoga in the modern society. He designed a sequence of practices to promote physical and mental balance through hatha yoga and pranayama practices, and mental and emotional stability through meditative practices. Yoga is the state where the head, heart, and hand work in coordination. All components of Satyananda Yoga are vital in the growth of the total human being. The components represent many yoga practices and together makeup an integral whole. The sequence of practices is deliberate to attain a calculated effect on the practitioner.
There are two established schools of yoga, the Northern and Southern. The Northern school indicates the geographic area of the particular yogic traditions and focuses more on meditative practices. The Southern school originates in Southern India and emphasizes physical practices. Yogic traditions are attributed to two sources of origin, Vedanta and Tantra. Vedantic tradition is based on the ancient sacred texts, the Upanishads, which outlines the ultimate truth of the universe as non-dualistic. This tradition emphasizes the philosophical and mental aspects of yoga and the ultimate goal of the practices to be awaked to the unity of all existence. On the other hand,
Significant Contributions to Teaching Techniques
Creation of Pawanmuktasana – PM Series 1-3: Accessible Therapeutic Asanas The creation of the Pawanmuktasana series (PM Series 1-3), therapeutic yogic asana practices divided into 3 groups, allowed practitioners of all physical aptitudes, to benefit from its healing properties. The word pawanmuktasana is composed of three Sanskrit words, which put together, means the posture which releases air.
Creation of Pawanmuktasana – PM Series 1-3: Accessible Therapeutic Asanas
Swami Satyananda made significant contributions in evolving yoga to be a systematic practice yet flexible to meet the needs of all practitioners.
The creation of the Pawanmuktasana series (PM Series 1-3), therapeutic yogic asana practices divided into 3 groups, allowed practitioners of all physical aptitudes, to benefit from its healing properties. The word pawanmuktasana is composed of three Sanskrit words, which put together, means the posture which releases air.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reaffirmed her commitment to the Digital Wallet Project during a Pheu Thai Party headquarters meeting. Addressing rumors that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had ordered the project’s cancellation, Paetongtarn dismissed such claims, confirming the project’s role as an economic stimulus. While acknowledging changes in the country’s financial landscape over the past year, the premier stressed the need for further study and public consultation, ensuring the project complies with the Fiscal Discipline Act.
Regarding Thaksin Shinawatra’s political involvement, the prime minister dismissed any political dominance, stating that her family members operate independently and respect each other’s roles. She clarified that her father remains a valuable contributor to the country’s development despite not seeking an official position.
Paetongtarn also addressed concerns about her future in office, expressing her determination to perform her duties correctly and focus on the nation’s goals rather than dwelling on past challenges. When questioned about the royal pardon granted to Thaksin, she expressed deep gratitude to the monarchy.
The prime minister concluded by sharing her guiding principle, stressing the importance of focusing on present responsibilities and doing the best job possible daily.
The Hindu community in Thailand organized a peaceful protest today in front of the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok, advocating for the safety and rights of Hindus in Bangladesh. The demonstration saw the participation of over 300 people who gathered to voice their concerns and call for an end to the atrocities against Hindus.
The protest march began at 2:30 PM from Ekamai Soi 23 and concluded at the Embassy of Bangladesh on Ekamai Road. Participants carried placards bearing powerful messages such as “Save Humanity First: Stop the Atrocities!”, “Hindu Life Matters: United for Peace and Dignity!”, “Speak Up, Act Now: Hindu Life Matters!”, “All Eyes on Hindus in Bangladesh,” “Sacred Sites Matter: Safeguard Hindu Temples/Shrines,” and “Respect Hindu Temples: Sanctuaries of Peace and Heritage.”
As the protest reached the embassy, the authorities permitted three representatives from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Thailand to enter and hold discussions with the embassy head. The representatives, Susheel Shraff, Dinesh Pandey, and Jay Shankar, conveyed the concerns of the Hindu community to the embassy officials while the peaceful protesters awaited the outcome of the talks outside the gates.
The protest was conducted in a calm and orderly manner, reflecting the community’s commitment to peaceful advocacy. The Hindu community in Thailand remains united in its efforts to support the protection of Hindu lives and cultural heritage in Bangladesh.
On the occasion of India’s Independence Day in 2024, Ambassador Nagesh Singh proudly hoisted the National Flag at a ceremony held at the Embassy, attended by more than 500 members of the Indian community and friends of India from various walks of life in Thailand.
The event featured a heartfelt reading of Rashtrapati Ji’s address to the nation by Ambassador Singh, which inspired those gathered with messages of unity and progress. The celebrations were further highlighted by patriotic dance performances from Indian community members, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.
Ambassador Singh also took the opportunity to honor members of the Indian diaspora for their significant contributions to assisting Indians in distress and promoting Indian culture across Thailand. This recognition underscores the vital role the diaspora plays in strengthening the bonds between India and Thailand.
The day’s events reinforced the spirit of patriotism and showcased the vibrant culture of the Indian community in Thailand, making it a memorable celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day.
A recent Financial Times article delved into Thailand’s eagerly awaited digital wallet stipend initiative for eligible citizens, suggesting it offers a preview of cashless economies to come.
Digital Wallet Program: A Glimpse into the Future of Money
According to Chai Wacharonke, the Thai Government Spokesperson, the article sees the program as a strategic component within a larger plan to enhance household spending and GDP growth. Despite this, critics point out that the scheme does not sufficiently tackle more profound economic challenges, such as inadequate investment.
Eswar Prasad, an Indian-American economist and professor at Cornell University, penned the article. He is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the author of “The Future of Money.” Prasad draws parallels between the digital wallet program and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which are under consideration in Thailand and various other nations.
Although Thailand’s central bank has not yet officially rolled out a CBDC, digital wallets are already prevalent, primarily targeting low-income groups. These wallets are part of the Thai transfer initiative, designed to ensure funds are spent locally within a six-month period, effectively stimulating economic activity.
The Financial Times article highlights several benefits of the program. It focuses on low-income recipients, encouraging spending rather than saving, which fortifies the economy. By delivering funds directly to beneficiaries, it reduces the likelihood of corruption and government agency fraud.
The program fuels expenditure by enforcing a six-month deadline and restricting certain spending, ensuring the funds are utilized as planned. Additionally, by confining spending to approved small businesses in local areas, it promotes economic growth in communities.
Prasad suggests that the Digital Wallet initiative could pave the way for CBDC adoption, potentially revolutionizing the financial sector. It aligns with governmental objectives to advance the national financial system and establish a foundation for a digital economy, aspiring to position Thailand as a regional Digital Economy Hub.
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