September 11, 2008
by Bupha Ravirot

US-based World Bank and International Finance Corp. (IFC) ranked Thailand as 13th in the "2009 Doing Business" rankings, Thailand was at 19th before.

Regarding the information which has been obtained since July 2007 to June 2008, Thailand takes 13th most favorable country for business and investment in all 181 countries around the world and also the 4th among Asian countries.

While Singapore remains the first in "Doing Business" 3 years in a row, followed by New Zealand takes 2nd , USA ranked 3 rd, Hong Kong and China together come as the forth and Denmark ranked no. 5 .

Kirida Bhaopichitr, economist of World Bank Thailand Office said that the reasons of Thailand notching up from 19th to 13th within a year includes government made paying taxes easier by reducing some fees and facilitating online filing and payments. In addition, it now exempts companies with taxable income not exceeding 1.2 million Baht from corporate income tax and applies concessionary 25 percent rates for newly listed companies.

September  10, 2008
by Newsdesk/IANS

Many Bollywood filmmakers head to idyllic islands to shoot song sequences, but debutant director Yugander V.V. chose to shoot an entire feature film on a small island in Thailand. He says the tiny place had all the elements he needed for his movie “The Goodbye Trip”.The film, which doesn’t boast of top actors, was shot in Koh Kai Island nearby Karbi - a 12-14-hour drive from Bangkok.

“The island has a radius of one kilometre and anyone can walk from one end to the other in just 15 minutes,” Yugander, who worked as an assistant to Shyam Benegal and Mahesh Mathai for “Hari Bhari” and “Bhopal Express” respectively, told IANS.

“In spite of being small, it had all the elements, including a hill, which was required for our shoot. Besides, the look of the island which changed every day, according to the tides and weather, gave us variation in shots,” he said.

The director said the main reason for choosing Koh Kai was that it doesn’t have palm trees.

The two-hour film was shot with 21 actors and Yugander says shooting on the tiny island was difficult but exciting as well.

September 9, 2008
by Newsdesk/Xinhua

Thailand’s Constitution Court Tuesday found the country’s Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej guilty of violating the charter for hosting a television cooking show after he assumed office in January.The court voted unanimously to give a guilty verdict against Samak and disqualified him as prime minister.

In the one-hour hearing, the court said Samak has violated articles 182 and 267 of the Constitution that prohibit prime minister or ministers from being employees of any company.

September 9, 2008
by Newsdesk/ANI

CSM Software, a leading provider of advanced engineering software and services to global aerospace, automotive and heavy engineering industries, today announced that it has been selected as a recipient of “Outstanding Partner of the Year” award by MSC.Software Corporation.

The award recognizes CSM for its contribution in MSC.Software’’s continued success and growth in Asia pacific region. The award had been given at the recently held Asia Pacific Business Partner summit at Phuket , Thailand .

CSM’’s unique and rich pedigree of association with MSC.Software has resulted in establishing a strong CAE platform among the OEM’’s, Tier I Suppliers and design houses in India . CSM Software is one of the companies, which is capable of providing support for complex NASTRAN queries.

September 6, 2008
by Sophana  Srichampa, Ph.D.

Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development, Mahidol University, Phutthamonthon 4 Road would like to inform you that the second batch admission for the  M.A. in Indian Studies Program will start  in October 2008.

This MA is a Thai Program but teaching is offered bilingually (both in and English). The significant part of this MA Program is that all students, though having an internationally reputed faculty, the fees are charges at local rate only. The teaching schedules are suitably planned in the weekends.

For further information, contact

Dr. Sophana Srichampa, Tel: 02-800-2323,

Dr. Saowapa Tel: 02-800-2308-14 Ext 3308.

 September 4, 2008
by Joyeeta Dutta Ray

(Led by the The United Nations and Art of Living Organization)

 The world is awakening to Global Warming just as it is beginning to singe us. Before our eyes, our planet is losing its greenery and browning rapidly. Rivers are shriveling up, ice belts are shrinking and there is water shortage all around us. It is a crisis that is not staring us in the future but glaring at us right now in the present.

Political leaders, celebrities and international institutions worldwide are doing all they can to make a difference. However, this difference will be visible only when each and every one of us takes part actively.

Mission Green Earth, led by the United Nations and The Art of Living (AOL) Organization and backed by global leaders from both developed and developing nations have pledged the Climate Change this year through the Tree Plantation Agenda as their the 7th Millennium Development Goal. To instigate this, there is a target to plant and nurture at least a 100 million trees from July to October 16th, 2008.

If you are among those who wish to make a difference, this is your chance to do so. Join Mission Green Earth by buying and planting trees through your generous donation and sponsorships.

How to join us

Simply donate a small amount of Bt100 for two plants. Join AOL and UNEP on Sat, Oct 11th at Ratchaburi where you can plant the saplings yourself. In case you can’t make it on that day, we will be happy to plant it on your behalf. Cost of the plants is inclusive of 2 years maintenance. Please call to confirm your visit to Ratchaburi on Oct 11th. Buy as many as you want. The more, the merrier Mother Earth will be.

This offer is open for one and all.
Contact for details: Durga - 089-550-4811 / Sukesh - 081-827-0250
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 September 2, 2008
by Bupha Ravirot

Prime Minister of Thailand, Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency in the capital Bangkok on Tuesday morning, after a fight on Monday night between pro and anti-government supporters which left one person dead and dozens injured.

Tuesday, 9 a.m the Prime Minister announced that the state of emergency is used for peace of the country and the rule would not last long.

"No one has the right to do such a thing as they have done," said Mr Samak, in a televised press conference.

"I had no other choice but to declare a state of emergency in Bangkok in order to solve the problem for once and for all" added he.

The state of emergency announced through all Thai TV stations does not include prohibiting people from leaving their houses, meaning people can still go to work. It includes prohibiting gathering of more than five people, allow authorities to evict people from any place or prohibit them from entering a place and prohibits news publicity in a way that could instigate violence.

The state of emergency also allows the authorities to detain suspects for seven days and would prohibit people from making illegal entries into government offices.

The clash overnight between the pro and anti-government supporters left one man dead from severe head injuries, four were in serious condition, two with gunshot wounds and 37 people were send to hospitals.  

Regarding the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, students attended in schools this morning were to be sent back to their homes and 436 schools will be closed for three days following state of emergency.

August 28, 2008
by Newsdesk

Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri, one of the first monastic disciples of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (AMMA) of India, will give spiritual discourses in English, Sing Devotional Songs and Conduct ‘The IAM - Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique’ meditation session on Saturday 6th September.

Brahmachari Shantamrita Chaitanya, senior disciple of AMMA and head of the AMMA Centre in Tokyo will accompany Swamiji. All are welcome to participate in all the programmes.

ADMISSION IS ABSOLUTELY FREE

Thursday 4th & Friday 5th September - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Spiritual discourse and Devotional Songs/Bhajans
Venue: Hindu Samaj (Dev Mandir), 137/1-2 Siriphongse Road, Sao Chinca, Bangkok – 10200. Tel: 02-223 8494

Saturday 6th September - 09:00am to 1:30pm
IAM Technique*, Guided Meditation Class (Pre-Registration required)
Q & A session with Swamiji - 2:15pm to 2:45pm
Venue: Hindu Samaj (Dev Mandir), 137/1-2 Siriphongse Road, Sao Chinca, Bangkok – 10200. Tel: 02-223 8494

August 28, 2008
by Newsdesk/IANS

India and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Thursday concluded a free trade pact in merchandise goods that will pave the way for a free trade area in the region by 2016, officials said. “It is an important milestone for our region,” India’s Commerce Minister Kamal Nath told a press conference here after concluding the far-reaching pact with Singapore’s Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang.

“It took six years for India to understand the sensitivities of Asean, and for the Asean to understand the sensitivities of India,” said Kamal Nath, explaining why the process took so long. A framework pact has been signed in 2003.

The formal free trade agreement will be signed at the Asean-India Summit in Bangkok in December. The grouping comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The agreement will give Asean companies an enhanced market access to India as well as reduced tariffs in some key exports like palm oil, crude, tea and pepper.

August 27, 2008
by Newsdesk

Indian Achievers Forum is an apex body that promotes and encourages commendable achievements globally. The Forum regularly organises International & National level seminars & workshops with the help of its members & associates to promote socially responsible business practice and sustainable development in economic as well as social front in India & abroad.

Indian Achievers Forum is holding “International Achievers Summit” at Bangkok (Thailand) on 20th September 2008 in association with India Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC), Thailand on “Emerging India: Promoting partnerships globally”. This Summit would make available to our esteemed Indian and foreign entrepreneurs mutual beneficial opportunities for global partnerships with personal interaction under one-roof in a host of public related sectors like trade & industry, technology, science, hospitality, banking, health, education, social & public services etc.

The proposed Summits at are expected to be attended by eminent personalities, leaders, diplomats, and business delegations form India and other countries. During these Summits selective delegates would be honoured with “INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVERS' AWARD” a symbol of moral boost and distinct stamp of identity.