Latest news with #Anukul
Bangkok Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
800k to receive aid this term
The government will provide financial support through the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme under the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) to at least 800,000 students this term, as part of its initiative to promote equitable access to education. Deputy government spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak said on Monday that the CCT programme helps improve the national student retention rate by offering continuous financial aid to underprivileged students. For the first term of the 2025 academic year, the EEF will provide aid to students previously registered with the programme, with verification taking place from July 21 to 24. In addition, new applications are now open via the EEF website. Teachers are required to submit student information through the online portal by July 21. Results will be announced on Aug 21. The programme provides support for basic educational needs, including lunch, school supplies, uniforms, and transportation. Depending on the student's grade level and circumstances, annual aid ranges from 1,000 to 7,200 baht and is typically granted for three consecutive years. To remain eligible, students must attend at least 85% of their classes and meet growth benchmarks set by the Ministry of Public Health, Mr Anukul said. Teachers or guardians seeking more information can call 02-079-5475 (1) or contact the Line Official Account @cctthailand. Mr Anukul emphasised that the CCT programme plays a vital role in preventing students from dropping out of school, especially those at key transition stages -- Kindergarten 3, Grade 6 (Prathom 6), and Grade 9 (Matthayom 3). Last academic year, more than 1.34 million students benefited from the programme, contributing to a national retention rate of 97.8%. For 2025, the programme aims to support at least 800,000 students from over 30,000 schools nationwide, with a total budget of 1.53 billion baht.
Bangkok Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Monkeypox cases reach 40 for the year, govt urges caution
The government yesterday confirmed there have been 40 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Thailand so far this year, with officials urging vigilance, particularly among high-risk groups and travellers returning from affected regions. Deputy government spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak said yesterday that while the number of cases in 2025 is lower than in previous years -- 176 in 2024, and 676 in 2023 -- the disease has not disappeared. The domestic death toll stands at 13 since the virus was first detected in the country in July 2022. The Department of Disease Control will step up monitoring and screening, especially for international arrivals, amid concerns about more virulent strains from overseas. "The variant currently circulating in Thailand is not considered severe," he said. Mr Anukul said monkeypox continues to affect high-risk groups and that preventive measures are critical. The government advises using condoms during sexual activity, particularly for those with multiple partners, as it can reduce the risk of monkeypox and other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and syphilis. The latter has shown signs of increasing spread in recent months, he said. The public is urged to follow five key precautions: avoid close contact with individuals who have skin rashes or blisters, be cautious when engaging in sexual activity with unfamiliar individuals and seek medical testing if returning from Central or East Africa or the Middle East.
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Thai govt issues stern nominee warning
The government has issued a stern warning, urging people not to act as nominees for foreign investors in business ventures, especially in tourism-related sectors, or face serious legal consequences. Punishments include imprisonment, heavy fines, asset seizure, and the revocation of business licences. Deputy Government Spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak said many people have unknowingly or willingly been used as fronts (nominees) by foreigners to illegally operate businesses in Thailand. This violates the Foreign Business Act of 1999, which prohibits foreign ownership in certain sectors unless permitted by law. According to data from the Department of Business Development, nominee arrangements are most commonly found in tourism-heavy provinces such as Phuket, Chon Buri, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. Businesses under scrutiny include restaurants, hotels, resorts, real estate, and logistic services. 'These disguised business operations are set up to bypass legal restrictions by using Thai nationals as nominal shareholders or operators, without actual investment or participation. 'This leads to unfair competition, a lack of transparency, and even the potential for Thailand to be used as a hub for money laundering — damaging the country's business reputation.' Mr Anukul said that in a recent ruling, the Criminal Court convicted 23 individuals and entities in Phuket for engaging in nominee practices. Each was fined 200,000 baht, received a two-year suspended jail sentence, and were placed under one-year probation. The court also ordered the dissolution of the companies involved. He outlined the penalties for those who assist, support, or hold shares on behalf of foreigners. They include imprisonment of up to three years for involvement in nominee activities and fines ranging from 100,000 to 1,000,000 baht, with an additional daily fine of 10,000 to 50,000 baht for continued non-compliance with court orders. Any assets or shares held through nominee arrangements may be confiscated if found to be linked to illegal business practices. Companies found using nominees may have their business licences revoked, making them ineligible to operate in Thailand.
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
That govt issues stern nominee warning
The government has issued a stern warning, urging people not to act as nominees for foreign investors in business ventures, especially in tourism-related sectors, or face serious legal consequences. Punishments include imprisonment, heavy fines, asset seizure, and the revocation of business licences. Deputy Government Spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak said many people have unknowingly or willingly been used as fronts (nominees) by foreigners to illegally operate businesses in Thailand. This violates the Foreign Business Act of 1999, which prohibits foreign ownership in certain sectors unless permitted by law. According to data from the Department of Business Development, nominee arrangements are most commonly found in tourism-heavy provinces such as Phuket, Chon Buri, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. Businesses under scrutiny include restaurants, hotels, resorts, real estate, and logistic services. 'These disguised business operations are set up to bypass legal restrictions by using Thai nationals as nominal shareholders or operators, without actual investment or participation. 'This leads to unfair competition, a lack of transparency, and even the potential for Thailand to be used as a hub for money laundering — damaging the country's business reputation.' Mr Anukul said that in a recent ruling, the Criminal Court convicted 23 individuals and entities in Phuket for engaging in nominee practices. Each was fined 200,000 baht, received a two-year suspended jail sentence, and were placed under one-year probation. The court also ordered the dissolution of the companies involved. He outlined the penalties for those who assist, support, or hold shares on behalf of foreigners. They include imprisonment of up to three years for involvement in nominee activities and fines ranging from 100,000 to 1,000,000 baht, with an additional daily fine of 10,000 to 50,000 baht for continued non-compliance with court orders. Any assets or shares held through nominee arrangements may be confiscated if found to be linked to illegal business practices. Companies found using nominees may have their business licences revoked, making them ineligible to operate in Thailand.
Bangkok Post
29-06-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Govt confirms hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak
The Department of Disease Control has confirmed that Thailand is facing an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting children under the age of five. The rise in cases coincides with the early arrival of the rainy season this year, deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksa-anurak said. It brings cooler temperatures and increased humidity -- conditions that are ideal for HFMD transmission, he added. A total of 21,315 cases were reported between Jan 1 and June 25, he said. This comprises 15,753 cases in children under 4 years old; 4,658 cases in children aged 5–9; and 544 cases in children aged 10–14, he said. Mr Anukul said HFMD is caused by a group of enteroviruses, with several strains capable of causing reinfection. Transmission occurs through contact with nasal or throat secretions, saliva, blisters or contaminated surfaces and personal items, he said. Common symptoms include mouth sores, especially on the soft palate, inside the cheeks and on the tongue, he said. In infants, the symptoms include refusal to nurse, poor appetite, excessive drooling or irritability, he said. There will also be red rashes or small fluid-filled blisters on the palms, soles and torso, he said.
