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Thailand’s ERC Considers 31% Electricity Tariff Hike Amid Lower Fuel Costs

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The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in Thailand is weighing a potential increase in the electricity tariff by 26-31%, starting next year, to address existing financial burdens. While the proposed hike may seem surprising given anticipated decreases in fuel costs, the commission cites significant debt obligations owed to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and PTT Plc as primary reasons for this consideration.


Thailand’s ERC Considers 31% Electricity Tariff Hike Amid Lower Fuel Costs


Background: The Current Power Tariff and Financial Challenges

The current electricity tariff in Thailand stands at 4.18 baht per kilowatt-hour and is valid until December 31, 2024. This rate has helped stabilize electricity costs for households and businesses but has led to financial strain on EGAT and PTT due to past subsidy programs and the sale of natural gas below market prices.

Natural Gas Dependency in Thailand’s Power Generation

Approximately 60% of Thailand’s electricity is generated from natural gas, sourced domestically and through liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. While LNG spot prices are expected to drop by US$0.2 (6.84 baht) per million British thermal units, this slight reduction may not significantly impact overall electricity costs due to outstanding debt obligations.


Proposed Tariff Increase Options to Address EGAT’s Debt

The ERC has presented three tariff adjustment options for public feedback, aiming to balance the financial health of EGAT and the affordability of electricity for Thai households and businesses.

Option 1: A 31% Tariff Increase to 5.49 Baht Per Unit

This option proposes a substantial 31% hike, which would raise the tariff to 5.49 baht per kilowatt-hour. By adopting this rate, EGAT could fully repay its 85.2 billion baht debt by April 2025 and address an additional 15 billion baht in gas sales debt.

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Option 2: A Moderate 26% Increase to 5.26 Baht Per Unit

Under this plan, the tariff would be adjusted to 5.26 baht per kilowatt-hour, allowing EGAT to clear its primary debt without covering the entire gas sales deficit. This increase would help the ERC meet immediate financial obligations without causing as much strain on consumers as the first option.

Option 3: Maintaining the Current Tariff of 4.18 Baht Per Unit

The third option would keep the tariff at its current level of 4.18 baht per unit, alleviating pressure on consumers. However, this choice would allow EGAT to repay only 15 billion baht of its outstanding debt, leaving a significant portion unpaid.


Public Opinion and Consultation on the Proposed Tariff Hike

The ERC is conducting a public opinion survey on its website to gauge feedback on these proposed tariff options. The survey will be open until November 22, with responses informing the final decision on the new tariff rates for January to April 2025.


Secretary-General’s Take on Debt and Tariff Stabilization

Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, ERC Secretary-General, emphasized the need for a balanced approach. He stated that while reducing the power tariff would benefit consumers, the commission must prioritize the long-term stability of Thailand’s power infrastructure and address the debts owed to both EGAT and PTT.


The Road Ahead: Balancing Consumer Costs and Energy Stability

As Thailand moves towards a cleaner, more cost-efficient energy system, the ERC’s upcoming decision will likely have wide-reaching effects on consumers and the energy sector alike. With options ranging from moderate increases to maintaining current rates, the ERC faces the challenge of balancing financial recovery with economic stability.

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Conclusion

Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision on the electricity tariff hike will impact businesses, households, and the overall stability of the country’s energy system. With mounting debts from past subsidies and obligations to key energy players like EGAT and PTT, the ERC must carefully consider the tariff adjustments to address financial needs while keeping electricity accessible.

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Google AdX Business: Maximizing Revenue with Programmatic Advertising

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Google Ad Exchange (AdX) is a leading platform that empowers publishers and advertisers to connect through programmatic advertising. By offering advanced tools and extensive reach, Google AdX helps businesses maximize ad revenue while providing advertisers with premium inventory access.


What is Google AdX?

Google AdX, short for Google Ad Exchange, is a programmatic advertising platform where publishers can sell their ad inventory to advertisers in real time. Unlike Google AdSense, which caters to smaller publishers, AdX focuses on premium inventory and larger-scale publishers.


Key Features of Google AdX

  1. Programmatic Advertising: Automated buying and selling of ad space.
  2. Premium Inventory: High-quality ad placements for advertisers.
  3. Real-Time Bidding (RTB): Competitive bidding for ad slots in real time.
  4. Advanced Targeting: Tools to reach the right audience effectively.

Benefits of Using Google AdX for Businesses

1. Higher Revenue Potential

Google AdX enables publishers to maximize their revenue through:

  • Real-time competition among advertisers.
  • Premium rates for high-quality inventory.

2. Access to Premium Advertisers

AdX connects publishers with top-tier advertisers, ensuring high-quality ads that resonate with the audience.

3. Enhanced Ad Management

With tools like Ad Manager, publishers can:

  • Monitor ad performance.
  • Optimize inventory allocation.
  • Set rules for ad delivery and pricing.

4. Advanced Analytics

Google AdX offers detailed insights into:

  • Audience behavior.
  • Ad performance metrics.
  • Revenue trends.

5. Better User Experience

AdX supports high-quality, non-intrusive ads that improve user engagement and minimize ad fatigue.


How to Get Started with Google AdX

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Google AdX, publishers typically need:

  • A high volume of traffic.
  • Premium-quality content.
  • Adherence to Google’s policies.
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2. Partner with a Google Certified Partner

Most publishers access Google AdX through a Google Certified Partner. These partners help:

  • Set up your account.
  • Manage ad placements.
  • Optimize revenue strategies.

3. Integrate Google Ad Manager

Google Ad Manager acts as the gateway to AdX, providing tools for:

  • Inventory management.
  • Ad campaign tracking.
  • Optimizing yield through multiple ad networks.

Google AdX vs. Google AdSense

1. Target Audience

  • AdSense: Best for small to medium-sized publishers.
  • AdX: Designed for large-scale publishers with premium inventory.

2. Revenue Model

  • AdSense: Fixed CPC and CPM rates.
  • AdX: Real-time bidding for higher revenue opportunities.

3. Inventory Control

  • AdSense: Limited control over ad placements.
  • AdX: Full control with advanced targeting and pricing options.

SEO Best Practices for Maximizing AdX Revenue

1. Optimize Website Speed

A fast-loading website ensures better user engagement and ad visibility. Use tools like:

  • Google PageSpeed Insights.
  • GTmetrix.

2. Focus on High-Quality Content

Engage users with valuable, original content that attracts organic traffic and premium advertisers.

3. Improve Mobile Friendliness

Ensure your site is mobile-optimized, as most traffic now comes from mobile devices.

4. Use Effective Ad Placement

Strategic ad placements increase visibility and CTR without compromising user experience.

5. Regularly Monitor Analytics

Track your AdX performance with Google Analytics and Ad Manager to identify areas for improvement.


Challenges of Google AdX

1. Strict Eligibility Criteria

Small publishers may find it challenging to meet Google AdX’s requirements.

2. Complex Management

Managing AdX requires advanced tools and expertise, making it essential to partner with professionals.

3. Competition

Real-time bidding means advertisers bid for the same inventory, which can sometimes lead to inconsistent earnings.

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Conclusion

Google AdX is a powerful tool for publishers aiming to maximize ad revenue through programmatic advertising. By offering access to premium inventory, advanced analytics, and real-time bidding, AdX ensures businesses achieve higher engagement and profitability. However, leveraging AdX effectively requires strategic planning, adherence to policies, and a focus on delivering high-quality content.

For publishers ready to scale their digital advertising efforts, Google AdX represents a gateway to greater revenue and enhanced audience engagement.If you want to research more , go to Adx Blog .

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10 In-Demand Careers for 2025: Future Proof Your Career

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Exploring the Future Job Market: Top Careers to Consider

As we approach 2025, the job market is undergoing significant changes driven by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and evolving consumer needs. According to the World Economic Forum, while approximately 85 million jobs may be replaced by machines, an estimated 97 million new roles are set to emerge. This article highlights ten in-demand careers that are expected to thrive in the coming years.

Key Factors Driving Job Growth

The demand for skilled professionals is being fueled by several key trends, including the rise of digital technology, the need for data analysis, and a growing focus on sustainability. Understanding these trends can help job seekers target their career paths effectively.

Top 10 In-Demand Careers for 2025

1. Software Developer

Software developers are crucial in creating applications and systems that drive businesses forward. Their expertise in programming languages and software design makes them indispensable in today’s digital landscape.Salary Range: 25,000-140,000 baht/month

2. AI & Machine Learning Engineer

With artificial intelligence becoming integral to various industries, AI and machine learning engineers are in high demand. They specialize in developing algorithms and models that enable machines to learn from data.Salary Range: 60,000-80,000 baht/month

3. Data Analyst

Data analysts play a vital role in interpreting complex data sets to inform business decisions. Their ability to derive insights from data helps organizations optimize their strategies and improve performance.Salary Range: 40,000-80,000 baht/month

4. Data Scientist

Data scientists focus on advanced analytics and predictive modeling to provide actionable insights for businesses. They combine statistical knowledge with programming skills to enhance decision-making processes.Salary Range: 35,000-80,000 baht/month

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5. Digital Marketing Specialist

Digital marketing specialists leverage online platforms to create effective marketing strategies. Their skills in content creation and data analysis help businesses engage with their target audiences effectively.Salary Range: 30,000-80,000 baht/month

6. Cybersecurity Professional

As cyber threats increase, cybersecurity professionals are essential for protecting organizational data and systems. They implement security measures and respond to incidents to safeguard against breaches.Salary Range: 60,000-100,000 baht/month

7. Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers design and manage cloud-based infrastructure and services. With the growing adoption of cloud computing, their expertise is crucial for organizations transitioning to cloud environments.Salary Range: 50,000-90,000 baht/month

8. Nurse Practitioner

The healthcare sector is experiencing a surge in demand for nurse practitioners who provide primary care services. Their role is vital in addressing the needs of an aging population and increasing healthcare accessibility.Salary Range: 120,000 baht/month

9. Renewable Energy Technician

As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, renewable energy technicians are becoming increasingly important. They install and maintain systems such as solar panels and wind turbines.Salary Range: $46,000/year (approx. 40,000 baht/month)

10. Content Creator

Content creators produce engaging material across various platforms to connect with audiences. Their creativity in writing, video production, and social media management drives engagement and brand awareness.Salary Range: 25,000-50,000 baht/month

Preparing for Future Careers

The job market of 2025 promises exciting opportunities across various sectors driven by technology and sustainability initiatives. By focusing on developing relevant skills for these in-demand careers—such as software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity—individuals can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving landscape. Embracing continuous learning will be essential for thriving in this dynamic environment.

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Thailand Commits to Becoming an AI Learning Hub

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Thailand AI Learning Hub

Ministers Announce Plans for AI Governance Collaboration

Thailand is dedicated to advancing global trust in artificial intelligence (AI) governance and establishing itself as a learning hub for AI through collaboration with UNESCO, according to Prasert Jantararuangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES). This initiative aims to enhance the ethical application of AI technologies while fostering skilled professionals in the field.

Goals for AI Workforce Development

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has set ambitious goals to increase the number of AI-skilled workers by adding 30,000 engineers over the next three years. This plan includes generating 100 AI innovations valued at 40 billion baht and promoting AI adoption across 600 agencies nationwide.

Significant Increase in AI Adoption Rates

According to the AI Readiness Measurement 2024 report by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency and the National Science and Technology Development Agency, AI adoption plans among Thai organizations have reached 73.3%, reflecting an increase of nearly 20 percentage points year-on-year. This surge indicates a growing recognition of the importance of AI in various sectors.

Hosting the UNESCO Global Forum on AI Ethics

On Wednesday, the DES Ministry, MHESI, the Education Ministry, and UNESCO announced their partnership to host the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025, themed “Ethical Governance of AI in Motion.” This event is scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27, 2025, in Bangkok and will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration on AI governance.

Commitment to Ethical AI Implementation

Prasert emphasized that Thailand’s commitment aligns with UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment framework, which is recognized globally. The country has recently introduced key frameworks such as the AI Governance Guideline for Executives and the Generative AI Governance Guideline for Organizations. These resources aim to ensure responsible and transparent implementation of AI at all organizational levels.

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Multilateral Collaboration for Developing Countries

The upcoming forum is expected to foster multilateral collaboration and build AI governance capacity in developing countries. It highlights Thailand’s dedication to global trust in AI governance while positioning itself as a leader in ethical AI practices.

Integration of AI Technologies Across Industries

Suphachai Jaismut, vice-minister for MHESI, stated that Thailand is prepared to integrate AI technologies across various industries, driven by a commitment to advancing research and development (R&D). This integration is crucial as Southeast Asia’s digital economy continues to grow rapidly.

Addressing Challenges in the Digital Economy

While advancements in AI infrastructure are promising, challenges such as the digital divide and job displacement due to automation remain significant concerns. Xing Qu, deputy director-general for UNESCO, emphasized that building peace through education, science, and culture is vital in an era where AI increasingly influences societies and economies.

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