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110-628: There are some islands off the eastern shores of the bay, like Ko Sichang , Ko Lan and Ko Phai . The water quality of the Bay of Bangkok is rated as "very poor" by the Pollution Control Department. Due to rising sea levels caused by climate change, coastal cities are at risk of flooding. In September and October 2023, Thailand began experiencing torrential rainfall. Pattaya has frequently suffered from flooding. Under mayor Poramet Ngampichet, Pattaya has undergone drainage projects to reduce

220-451: A "commuting" distance to an island that has enough resources to be sustainable. The presence of an island is marked by seabirds , differences in cloud and weather patterns, as well as changes in the direction of waves. It is also possible for human populations to have gone extinct on islands, evidenced by explorers finding islands that show evidence of habitation but no life. Not all islands were or are inhabited by maritime cultures. In

330-509: A "rafting event". This phenomenon is known as oceanic dispersal . Tropical storms have the capacity to transport species over great distances. Animals like tortoises can live for weeks without food or water, and are able to survive floating on debris in the sea. One case study showed that in 1995, fifteen iguanas survived a 300 km journey to Anguilla in the Caribbean , an island which no iguana had lived on previously. They survived floating on

440-471: A South Korean ship at Laem Chabang caused a large-scale chemical spill, causing more than ฿100 million of damages. On 12 February 2023, an oil tanker docked at Laem Chabang began leaking around 2,000 litres of oil in the water. On 3 September 2023, an oil pipeline at the Si Racha oil terminals ruptured, polluting the water with 50–70 m³ of oil and creating a 5 km slick. The 'Thai bridge' or 'Saphan Thai',

550-483: A coalition with Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation , citing their roles in the 2014 coup . Following the election on 14 May, Pheu Thai emerged as the party with the second-highest number of seats, trailing behind the Move Forward Party . The party then formed a coalition with Move Forward and six other parties. However, in the first round of parliamentary voting on 13 July, Pita Limjaroenrat , Leader of

660-400: A coalition with BJT, saying that he aims to introduce cannabis laws within six-months. In November 2023, a draft bill seeking to restrict cannabis use failed. On 8 May 2024, Srettha announced he wished to see cannabis relisted as a narcotic by the end of 2024, restricting it to medical use only. He justified the policy U-turn by saying that drugs "destroys the future of the country." In July,

770-473: A complaint with the deputy commissioner-general of police, Surachate Hakparn , seeking an investigation into Srettha's 2019 land purchase in Bangkok. Chuwit accused Srettha and Sansiri of tax evasion. In response to these allegations, Srettha filed a defamation lawsuit for ฿500 million against Chuwit, specifically regarding comments made during a press conference on 3 August. The 2013–2014 Thai political crisis

880-491: A continent. Oceanic islands can be formed from volcanic activity, grow into atolls from coral reefs , and form from sediment along shorelines, creating barrier islands . River islands can also form from sediment and debris in rivers. Artificial islands are those made by humans, including small rocky outcroppings built out of lagoons and large-scale land reclamation projects used for development. Islands are host to diverse plant and animal life. Oceanic islands have

990-495: A decade were detrimental to businesses and advocated for the Bank of Thailand to reduce these rates. The Governor of the Bank of Thailand held a different view. He disagreed with the characterisation of the economic state as a crisis. Furthermore, he expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of the government's short-term stimulus measures and argued that these measures would not address

1100-426: A detailed review of 1,288 islands found that they were home to 1,189 highly-threatened vertebrate species, which was 41 percent of the global figure. Coral bleaching is expected to occur with more frequency, threatening marine ecosystems, some of which island economies are dependent on. Some islands that are low-lying may cease to exist given high enough amounts of sea level rise. Tuvalu received media attention for

1210-417: A disconnect between the project's intentions and public perception. He also acknowledged that the government 's communication with international investors about the project's economic potential could have been more effective. Srettha worked actively on revitalising Thailand's tourism sector. On 25 September, tourists from China and Kazakhstan were exempted from tourist visas, aligning this policy change with

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1320-609: A few meters high, and are usually temporary. Changes in the flow speed, water level, and sediment content of the river may effect the rate of fluvial island formation and depletion. Permanent river islands also exist, the largest of which (that is completely inland) is Bananal Island in the Tocantins of Brazil, which has a maximum width of 55 kilometers. Lakes form for a variety of reasons, including glaciers , plate tectonics, and volcanism. Lake islands can form as part of these processes. The field of insular biogeography studies

1430-442: A high concentration of lithium. Experts from Chulalongkorn University have assessed that the average lithium content in these deposits, approximately 0.4%, is higher than similar deposits found globally. Nevertheless, there has been some debate among scientists and government officials regarding the potential impact of this discovery, particularly due to variations between the types of mineral resources present, including lepidolite,

1540-402: A higher carrying capacity also have more genetic diversity , which promotes speciation . Oceanic islands, ones that have never been connected to shore, are only populated by life that can cross the sea. This means that any animals present on the island had to have flown there, in the case of birds or bats , were carried by such animals, or were carried in a sea current in what is known as

1650-479: A land bridge between Chumphon and Ranong across the Kra Isthmus , which was approved by the cabinet of Srettha Thavisin on 16 October 2023. Island An island or isle is a piece of land, distinct from a continent, completely surrounded by water. There are continental islands, which were formed by being split from a continent by plate tectonics , and oceanic islands, which have never been part of

1760-570: A lithium-containing mineral, and the actual lithium content in these deposits. Cannabis has been decriminalised in Thailand since June 2022. In the 2023 election, Pheu Thai and Srettha ran on an anti-drug platform that opposed the total liberalisation of cannabis use except in medical use. This placed Srettha in opposition to the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), where cannabis liberalisation is a flagship policy. He continued his pledge even after forming

1870-472: A loss of almost all the infrastructure in Dominica. Sea level rise and other climate changes can reduce freshwater reserves, resulting in droughts . These risks are expected to decrease the habitability of islands, especially small ones. Beyond risks to human life, plant and animal life are threatened. It has been estimated that almost 50 percent of land species threatened by extinction live on islands. In 2017,

1980-403: A mass of uprooted trees from a storm. Plant species are thought to be able to travel great distances of ocean. New Zealand and Australia share 200 native plant species, despite being separated by 1500 km. Continental islands, islands that were at one point connected to a continent, are expected to share a common history of plant and animal life up until the point that the island broke away from

2090-832: A minimum. Some islands became host to humans due to a land bridge or a continental island splitting from the mainland. Today, up to 10% of the world's population lives on islands. Islands are popular targets for tourism due to their perceived natural beauty, isolation, and unique cultures. Islands became the target of colonization by Europeans, resulting in the majority of islands in the Pacific being put under European control. Decolonization has resulted in some but not all island nations becoming self-governing , with lasting effects related to industrialisation , invasive species , nuclear weapons testing , and tourism . Islands and island countries are threatened by climate change . Sea level rise threatens to submerge nations such as Maldives ,

2200-743: A minority. Cultural attitudes related to communal ownership of land as well as a lack of individualistic decision-making may make some island cultures less compatible with the global capitalist economy, causing these nations to experience less economic growth. Islands have long been a popular target for tourism , thanks to their unique climates, cultures, and natural beauty. However, islands may suffer from poor transportation connectivity from airplanes and boats and strains on infrastructure from tourist activity. Islands in colder climates often rely on seasonal tourists seeking to enjoy nature or local cultures, and may only be one aspect of an island's economy. In contrast, tourism on tropical islands can often make up

2310-599: A permanent caisson , a steel or concrete structure built in a closed loop and then filled with sand. Some modern islands have been constructed by pouring millions of tons of sand into the sea, such as with Pearl Island in Qatar or the Palm Islands in Dubai. These islands are usually created for real estate development , and are sold for private ownership or construction of housing. Offshore oil platforms have also been described as

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2420-524: A phenomenon where new oceanic crust is formed, pushing away older crust. Islands sitting on the continental shelf may be called continental islands. Other islands, like those that make up New Zealand , are what remains of continents that shrank and sunk beneath the sea. It was estimated that Zealandia , the continent-like area of crust that New Zealand sits on, has had 93% of its original surface area submerged. Some islands are formed when coral reefs grow on volcanic islands that have submerged beneath

2530-423: A press conference publicizing the ongoing submerging of the island country. Tuvalu signed a cooperation agreement with Australia agreeing to annually allow 280 of its citizens to become permanent residents of Australia. The Marshall Islands, a country of 1,156 islands, have also been identified as a country that may be existentially threatened by rising seas. Increasing intensity of tropical storms also increases

2640-483: A priority target of conservation efforts, to prevent the extinction of these species. Despite high levels of endemism, the total species richness , the total number of unique species in a region, is lower on islands than on mainlands. The level of species richness on islands is proportional to the area of that island, a phenomenon known as the species-area relationship . This is because larger areas have more resources and thus can support more organisms. Populations with

2750-648: A regional hub for concerts. Srettha prioritised strengthening the Thai passport, ranked 52nd most powerful by The Passport Index in 2024. In discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Switzerland, he explored the potential for easier entry to Europe for Thai passport holders. During German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier 's January 2024 visit to Thailand, Srettha appealed for support in securing visa exemptions for Thai passport holders from Schengen area member states. Additionally, Thailand aims to extend

2860-411: A restricted set of natural resources. However, these nations control some of the largest fisheries in the world, deposits of copper , gold , and nickel , as well as oil deposits . The natural beauty of island nations also makes them a magnet for tourism . Islands also have geopolitical value for naval bases , weapons testing , and general territorial control. One such example is French Polynesia ,

2970-477: A rift between the two parties. In response to the shooting at Siam Paragon in Bangkok on 3 October, Srettha observed a minute of silence at the same location on the following day. During this event, he emphasised the importance of prevention, stating, "Let this be the only time this happens. My government insists we will give priority to preventive measures." Srettha contacted the Chinese ambassador to assure him of

3080-590: A scandal for both Srettha and Yingluck. The Democrat Party , who were the main opposition party, called on a probe into the meeting and Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut accused Yingluck of telling Srettha her government's flood prevention projects as she was due for a tour of flood affected provinces. Additionally, deputy spokeswoman Mallika Boonmeetrakul called on the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investiage Srettha's assets. On 17 August 2023, Chuwit Kamolvisit filed

3190-468: A selection pressure for smaller animals that require less food. Having fewer predators would mean these animals did not need not be large to survive. Charles Darwin formulated the theory of natural selection through the study of island ecology. The species he observed on the Galápagos Islands , including tanager birds, contributed to his understanding of how evolution works. He first traveled to

3300-509: A specific property known as adaptive radiation . In this process, a species that arrives on a group of islands rapidly becomes more diverse over time, splitting off into new species or subspecies. A species that reaches an island ecosystem may face little competition for resources, or may find that the resources that they found in their previous habitat are not available. These factors together result in individual evolutionary branches with different means of survival. The classical example of this

3410-414: A territory that receives substantial military expenditure and aid from France. Since the first discoveries of Polynesian, Micronesian , and other islands by Westerners, these nations have been the subject of colonization. Islands were the target of Christian missionaries . These missionaries faced resistance, but found success when some local chiefs used European support to centralize power. Beginning in

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3520-514: A tree that is present in Australia, New Zealand, parts of South American, and New Guinea, places that today are geographically distant. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is that these landmasses were once all part of the continent Gondwana and separated by tectonic drift. However, there are competing theories that suggest this species may have reached faraway places by way of oceanic dispersal. Species that colonize island archipelagos exhibit

3630-603: A type of island. Some atolls have been covered in concrete to create artificial islands for military purposes, such as those created by China in the South China Sea . These atolls were previously low-tide elevations, landmasses that are only above water during low tide . The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea indicates that these islands may not have the same legal status as a naturally occurring island, and as such may not confer

3740-420: A venture that propelled him to become a billionaire and a leading real estate tycoon within his country. During his almost one-year premiership, he oversaw economic policies aimed at stimulating the Thai economy, particularly in Thailand's tourism sector by promoting Thai soft power. He also attempted to implement the digital wallet scheme and his international visits were aimed at attracting investors. Srettha

3850-492: A visa exemption agreement which will take effect on 4 March 2024. On 17 October, the cabinet approved an extension of the visa-free stay for Russian tourists from 30 to 90 days. This decision was timed with the onset of the Russian winter season and coincided with the peak tourism period in Thailand. Russia ranks as the fifth highest in terms of visitors to Thailand, and the highest from Europe. The extended visa policy for Russians

3960-596: A visit to Phitsanulok province on 15 October 2023, Srettha announced the intention to start implementing this scheme in February 2024. However, the launch of the digital wallet scheme was postponed to May 2024. Since September, Srettha also advocated for a reduction in electricity and fuel costs within his cabinet. In terms of public reception, a survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) indicated mixed responses. As of October 2023,

4070-507: Is Darwin's finches , a group of up to fifteen tanager species that are endemic to the Galápagos Islands. These birds evolved different beaks in order to eat different kinds of food available on the islands. The large ground finch has a large bill used to crack seeds and eat fruit. The Genovesa cactus finch prefers cacti as a food source, and has a beak adapted for removing pulp and flowers from cacti. The green warbler-finch (in

4180-603: Is a proposed bridge-tunnel system that would span across the Bay of Bangkok from roughly Hua Hin in Phetchaburi province to Pattaya in Chonburi province. Its cost was estimated to be around ฿900 billion in 2020, while its length around 80 to 100 km, making it longer than the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge , the current longest sea crossing. If constructed, it would save around 2–3 hours of travel time. The idea of

4290-588: Is actually a cognate of Swedish ö and German Aue , and more distantly related to Latin aqua (water). The spelling of the word was modified in the 15th century because of a false etymology caused by an association with the Old French loanword isle , which itself comes from the Latin word insula . Islands often are found in archipelagos or island chains, which are collections of islands. These chains are thought to form from volcanic hotspots , areas of

4400-504: Is also a habitat for Bryde's whales. In early November 2020, an almost perfectly preserved skeleton of a Bryde's whale was discovered on the coast of Ban Phaeo district , Samut Sakhon. Carbon dating by a palaeobiological lab in the United States dated the skeleton to be about 3,380 years old. The National University of Singapore said that the skeleton added to evidence of significant sea level changes around 6,000 to 3,000 years ago in

4510-470: Is one of the most of important ports in Thailand and can handle 7.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). North of Laem Chabang are the Si Racha oil terminals, which is a major port for oil importation into Thailand. Si Racha has a total capacity of 275,000 barrels a day. Smaller ports include the Port of Koh Si Chang on Koh Si Chang. The bay also provides international access to the Port of Bangkok. Beaches on

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4620-489: Is set to begin in November and last until April 2024. This extension was announced in conjunction with a meeting between Srettha and Russian President Vladimir Putin . Further extending Thailand's visa exemption policy, Indian and Taiwanese travellers were also granted visa-free entry from 10 November 2023 to 10 May 2024. India is the fourth largest source of tourists to Thailand. As a culmination of these visa exemptions and

4730-497: Is the apple snail , initially introduced to the U.S. by aquarium owners. It has since been transported by hurricanes across the Gulf Coast and neighboring islands. These species compete for resources with native animals, and some may grow so densely that they displace other forms of existing life. For hundreds of years, islands have been created through land reclamation . One of the first recorded instances of this when people of

4840-628: Is the giant tortoise of the Seychelles , though it is unknown if it grew in size before or after reaching the island. Larger animals such as the hippopotamus tend to become smaller, such as in the case of the pygmy hippopotamus . This is known as insular dwarfism . In the case of smaller animals, it has been hypothesized that animals on islands may have fewer predators and competitors, resulting in selection pressure towards larger animals. Larger animals may exhaust food resources quickly due to their size, causing malnutrition in their young, resulting in

4950-529: The Atlantic Ocean in search of an alternate route to the East Indies . These historians theorize that successful explorers were rewarded with recognition and wealth, leading others to attempt possibly dangerous expeditions to discover more islands, usually with poor results. About 10% of the world's population lives on islands. The study of the culture of islands is known as island studies . The interest in

5060-909: The COVID-19 pandemic . In 2020, he acquired a land parcel at the corner of Sarasin road near Lumphini Park in Bangkok. The purchase costed ฿3.9 million per square wah (approximately 4m²), and is one of the most expensive land purchases in Thai history. Additionally, in the same year, Srettha acquired a 15% stake in XSpring Capital Public Company Limited. His business career was put on hold when he decided to engage in electoral politics in 2023. Due to regulations in Thai electoral laws prohibiting elected officials from owning or holding shares in companies, Srettha transferred all his shares to his daughter, Chanada Thavisin, on 8 March 2023. This transfer included his shares in Sansiri, representing 4.4% of

5170-514: The Golden Week and Chinese New Year holidays. Together with the Chinese ambassador , Han Zhiqiang , Srettha welcomed the first flight from Shanghai to Suvarnabhumi Airport since the implementation of this exemption. This visa exemption policy was planned to remain in effect until 29 February 2024 for Kazakhs. For Chinese tourists the visa exemption was extended, as both Thailand and China signed

5280-511: The House of Representatives and the Senate , he secured 482 votes out of 728. Srettha was elected as Thailand's next prime minister by a joint sitting of parliament on 22 August 2023. His immediate responsibilities included the formation of a cabinet and the presentation of his policies for the forthcoming four years to parliament. The following day, King Vajiralongkorn officially appointed Srettha as

5390-569: The Marshall Islands , and Tuvalu completely. Increases in the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones can cause widespread destruction of infrastructure and animal habitats. Species that live exclusively on islands are some of those most threatened by extinction . An island is an area of land surrounded by water on all sides that is distinct from a continent. There is no standard of size that distinguishes islands and continents . Continents have an accepted geological definition – they are

5500-501: The Polynesians . Many of the previous island settlements required traveling distances of less than 100 km (62 mi), whereas Polynesians may have traveled 2,000–3,200 km (1,200–2,000 mi) to settle islands such as Tahiti . They would send navigators to sail the ocean without the aid of navigational instruments to discover new islands for settlement. Between 1100 and 800 BC, Polynesians sailed East from New Guinea and

5610-869: The Solomon Islands and reached the islands that make up the modern-day Fiji and Samoa . The furthest extent of this migration would be Easter Island in the East, and New Zealand in the South, with New Zealand's first settlements between 1250 and 1300. Historians have sought to understand why some remote islands have always been uninhabited, while others, especially in the Pacific Ocean , have long been populated by humans. Generally, larger islands are more likely to be able to sustain humans and thus are more likely to have been settled. Small islands that cannot sustain populations on their own can still be habitable if they are within

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5720-493: The Solomon Islands created eighty such islands by piling coral and rock in the Lau Lagoon . One traditional way of constructing islands is with the use of a revetment . Sandbags or stones are dropped with a barge into the sea to bring the land level slightly out of the water. The island area is then filled with sand or gravel, followed by a construction of this revetment to hold it together. Islands have also been constructed with

5830-661: The University of Massachusetts Amherst . He further advanced his academic credentials by earning a Master of Business Administration, specialising in Finance, from Claremont Graduate University . Srettha began his professional journey at Procter & Gamble as an assistant product manager, a role he held for four years after graduating from Claremont Graduate University in 1986. His entrepreneurial venture took off in 1988 when he co-founded Sansiri , which emerged as one of Thailand's premier real estate developers. His leadership steered

5940-414: The lithosphere where the mantle is hotter than the surrounding area. These hotspots would give rise to volcanoes whose lava would form the rock the islands are made of. For some islands, the movement of tectonic plates above stationary hotspots would form islands in a linear chain, with the islands further away from the hotspot being progressively older and more eroded , before disappearing under

6050-450: The sea as a natural barrier to the introduction of new species, causing the species that do reach the island to evolve in isolation. Continental islands share animal and plant life with the continent they split from. Depending on how long ago the continental island formed, the life on that island may have diverged greatly from the mainland due to natural selection . Humans have lived on and traveled between islands for thousands of years at

6160-522: The 16th century, European states placed most of Oceania in under colonial administration . Pohnpei was colonized by Spain as early as 1526. It changed hands from Germany to Japan to the United States before joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1982, maintaining a "free association" status with the U.S. Guam was a Spanish territory until 1898, and now is a unincorporated territory of

6270-522: The 2023 Thai general election, he was amongst the prime ministerial candidates for the Pheu Thai Party . The other candidates from the party included Thaksin's youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra , and Chaikasem Nitisiri , a former justice minister . In November, 2022, Srettha announced his intention to join the Pheu Thai Party. During the 2023 Thai general elections , he was named one of

6380-575: The 30th Prime Minister of Thailand. On 5 September, Srettha was sworn in as prime minister and minister of finance by the King. The ceremony took place at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Dusit Palace , Bangkok. The new cabinet formed by Srettha was composed of 34 ministers representing six parties within the governing coalition. This included several ministers who had served under

6490-466: The Bank of Thailand. These criticisms focus on the potential long-term consequences for Thailand's economic future. Korn Chatikavanij , a former Finance Minister under Abhisit Vejjajiva 's administration during the Great Recession , has also expressed scepticism about the plan, particularly noting its lack of specific details. An ad-hoc committee has been established to flesh out the scheme. During

6600-481: The Bank's actions, he advocated for collaborative fiscal and monetary policies, emphasizing his lack of authority to interfere with the central bank's decisions. The Thai Canal , with an estimated cost of ฿1 trillion, forms part of the Southern Economic Corridor . It is designed to be completed in two phases, with the first phase expected to conclude around 2030 and the second by 2039. Upon completion,

6710-545: The Bay of Bangkok. A survey by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources from 27 to 30 November of the coast of the Bay of Bangkok discovered the presence of three more Bryde's whales, increasing the population in the bay to nine. On 15 December 2023, 3D-printed artificial reefs were placed off Ko Sak island off Pattaya near Koh Lan . The coastline of the Bay of Bangkok is occupied by several major cities such as Hua Hin, Pattaya, Si Racha and Laem Chabang . Laem Chanang

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6820-480: The Government Savings Bank. The announcement was met with widespread criticism, highlighting a departure from previously stated financial approaches. In January 2024, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat indicated that the implementation of the scheme might be postponed beyond May. Despite ongoing scepticism about the program, Srettha maintained that the government had sufficient data to demonstrate

6930-506: The Hawaiian islands being home to irrigated fields of taro, whereas in some islands, like Tahiti, breadfruit was more widely cultivated and fermented in order to preserve it. There is archeological evidence that Canary Islanders would chew the roots of ferns for sustenance, a practice that wore heavily on their molars . These islanders would also grow barley and raised livestock such as goats . Many island nations have little land and

7040-674: The Ministry of Public Health approved the proposal to reclassify cannabis, forwarding the proposal to the Narcotics Control Authority. However, on 23 July, BJT leader Anuntin Charnvirakul announced that the coalition partners had reached an agreement to regulate cannabis use through legislation and not through relisting it as a narcotic. BJT is the second largest party in Pheu Thai's coalition, and Srettha's proposals on cannabis created

7150-501: The Move Forward Party, failed to secure enough votes. Subsequently, Pita's second nomination for prime minister was blocked on 19 July on procedural grounds. After Move Forward failed to form a government, it gave way for Pheu Thai to attempt to form one. This coalition initially only excluded the Move Forward Party, but expanded on 7 August to include the Bhumjaithai Party . In a notable shift from their earlier election stance,

7260-666: The Origin of Species . The first evidence of humans colonizing islands probably occurred in the Paleolithic era, 100,000 to 200,000 years ago. Reaching the Indonesian islands of Flores and Timor would have required crossing distances of water of at least 29 km (18 mi). Some islands, such as Honshu , were probably connected to the mainland with a land bridge that allowed humans to colonize it before it became an island. The first people to colonize distant oceanic islands were

7370-481: The U.S. The decolonization era saw many island states achieve independence or some form of self-governance . Nuclear weapons testing on the Marshall Islands left many atolls destroyed or uninhabitable, causing the forced displacement of people from their home islands as well as increases in cancer rates due to radiation . Colonization has resulted in a decline of observance of traditional cultural practices in places such as Hawaii, where Native Hawaiians are now

7480-636: The approach previously taken by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In Khon Kaen, he visited included the Ubol Ratana Dam , a site experiencing drought conditions. Srettha communicated to the media that agriculture was a key priority for his government, emphasising plans to enhance agricultural productivity in the region, with a specific goal of increasing farmers' yields by 50%. In Nong Khai , his discussions centred on shipping relations between Thailand and China . On 11 September, Srettha presented

7590-408: The bay play an important role in the economy of the area and in Thailand's tourism sector. Pattaya, a major tourist city in Chonburi province, contains several beaches with the most popular being Pattaya Beach. Koh Lan is a popular island off Pattaya in the Bay of Bangkok, attracting around 2,500 visitors each day during Thailand's peak season before the COVID-19 pandemic . In May 2019, a fire onboard

7700-412: The cabinet's policy statement to Parliament. The statement outlined the government's strategies to address national issues, focusing on the economic sector. Despite high expectations from various economic, labour, and business groups, the statement faced critical analysis from opposition parties and media outlets. Sirikanya Tansakun , deputy leader and chief economist of the Move Forward Party , criticised

7810-544: The coalition further expanded to incorporate the Palang Pracharath Party and United Thai Nation Party. Srettha described this expansion, which contradicted earlier election promises, as a necessary strategic move. Subsequently, the Constitutional Court dismissed a petition by the ombudsman questioning the constitutionality of Parliament's rejection of Pita Limjaroenrat. A new round of parliamentary voting

7920-594: The company to successfully develop over 400 residential projects. In 2013, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra inaugurating the Thailand 2020: Thailand's New Step to the World Expo at the Chaeng Watthana government complex on 12 March. The expo showcased the government's proposed ฿2 trillion investments. Srettha, having inspected a nearby residential project, visited the expo and recommended that his Sansiri colleagues do

8030-475: The company. On 17 February 2012, Srettha admitted to having met Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong at the Four Seasons Hotel where they discussed Thailand's financial situation on 8 February alongside others. The meeting was controversial due to Akeyuth Anchanbutr claiming he was attacked by someone who worked for Thaksin. The meeting would go on to cause

8140-726: The connection was approved in 2020 by the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA). The policy committee of the Eastern Economic Corridor approved studies on the feasibility of projects to connect the Laem Chabang port to ports in Chumphon and Ranong on 7 October 2020, including the Saphan Thai. Chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha , it saw that the crossing could be completed by 2023. The project has been proposed with

8250-406: The continent. For example, the presence of freshwater fish on an island surrounded by ocean would indicate that it once was attached to a continent, since these fish cannot traverse the ocean on their own. Over the course of time, evolution and extinction changes the nature of animal life on a continental island, but only once it splits from the mainland. An example is that of the southern beech ,

8360-461: The current 30-day visa exemptions for Schengen nations. To gain leverage in negotiations, Thailand is planning to collaborate with Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia to hold talks with the European Union (EU). On 14 February, Australian Governor-General David Hurley agreed to consider the possibility of a mutual visa exemption scheme between Thailand and Australia during his visit. In

8470-451: The deposition of sediment by waves . These islands erode and grow as the wind and waves shift. Barrier islands have the effect of protecting coastal areas from severe weather because they absorb some of the energy of large waves before they can reach the shore. A fluvial island is an island that forms from the erosion and sedimentation of debris in rivers; almost all rivers have some form of fluvial islands. These islands may only be

8580-426: The distances and frequency with which invasive species may be transported to islands. Floodwaters from these storms may also wash plants further inland than they would travel on their own, introducing them to new habitats. Agriculture and trade also have introduced non-native life to islands. These processes result in an introduction of invasive species to ecosystems that are especially small and fragile. One example

8690-400: The ecological processes that take place on islands, with a focus on what factors effect the evolution , extinction , and richness of species. Scientists often study islands as an isolated model of how the process of natural selection takes place. Island ecology studies organisms on islands and their environment. It has yielded important insights for its parent field of ecology since

8800-466: The flooding. Flooding has caused Pattaya Beach to become eroded, washing large quantities of sand into the bay. Eroded sand is then replaced by the Marine Department of Thailand. On 8 September 2023, following a series of monsoons, part of the Chonburi provincial coast experienced a plankton boom killing off numerous marine life such as ponyfishes , crabs , pufferfishes , and tilapias . The bay

8910-635: The gradual post-pandemic opening of its borders, flight arrivals for the high season had recovered to more than 80% of the levels seen in 2019. On 16 February at the iBusiness Forum in Bangkok, Srettha was informed by the Anschutz Entertainment Group that the reason Taylor Swift was not going to perform in Thailand was because of a deal with Singapore where she agreed not to schedule any Eras Tour concerts in ASEAN countries other than Singapore. In response, Srettha pledged to support making Thailand

9020-498: The habit of true warbler species) consumes spiders and insects that live on plants. Other examples of this phenomenon exist worldwide, including in Hawaii and Madagascar, and are not limited to island ecosystems. Species endemic to islands show a common evolutionary trajectory. Foster's rule (also known as the island rule), states that small mammals such as rodents evolve to become larger, known as island gigantism . One such example

9130-454: The islands as a naturalist on HMS Beagle in 1835, as part of a five-year circumnavigation of Earth. He wrote that "the different islands to a considerable extent are inhabited by a different set of beings". Through the study of the finches and other animals he realized that organisms survive by changing to adapt to their habitat. It would be over twenty years before he published his theories in On

9240-643: The largest landmass of a particular tectonic plate . Islands can occur in any body of water, including lakes , rivers , seas . Low-tide elevations , areas of land that are not above the surface during a high tide , are generally not considered islands. Islands that have been bridged or otherwise joined to a mainland with land reclamation are sometimes considered "de-islanded", but not in every case. The word island derives from Middle English iland , from Old English igland (from ig or ieg , similarly meaning 'island' when used independently, and -land carrying its contemporary meaning. Old English ieg

9350-400: The lead-up to the 2023 election, the Pheu Thai party campaigned for a digital wallet initiative. This plan, aimed at Thai citizens over 16 years of age, involved distributing a government-funded handout of ฿10,000 per individual. The stipulation was that the funds must be spent within a 4 km radius of the recipient's address and within six months. To encompass the 54.8 million eligible citizens,

9460-426: The local population. Srettha acknowledged that the government 's communication with international investors about the project's economic potential could have been more effective. He also The land bridge project elicited significant concerns and criticism from the local population. Srettha noted that the government had not succeeded in gaining the trust of the Thai people regarding this ambitious project, highlighting

9570-404: The mainland, they had no need for boats. The motivation for island exploration has been the subject of research and debate. Some early historians previously argued that early island colonization was unintentional, perhaps by a raft being swept out to sea. Others compare the motivations of Polynesian and similar explorers with those of Christopher Columbus , the explorer who sailed westward over

9680-589: The majority of the local economy and built environment . These islands sometimes also require consistent foreign aid on top of tourism in order to ensure economic growth. This reliance can result in social inequality and environmental degradation . During tourism downturns, these economies struggle to make up the lost inflow of cash with other industries. Climate change threatens human development on islands due to sea level rise , more dangerous tropical cyclones , coral bleaching , and an increase in invasive species . For example, in 2017 Hurricane Maria caused

9790-539: The party's three prime ministerial candidates on 5 April 2023. Throughout the campaign, polls frequently showed him trailing behind Paetongtarn in the race for the preferred prime ministerial choice. Srettha launched his campaign in Bangkok's Khlong Toei district and delivered his inaugural campaign speech in Phichit province . Later, during a speech in Loei province in mid-April, he stated that Pheu Thai would not consider forming

9900-515: The past, some societies were found to have lost their seafaring ability over time, such as the case of the Canary Islands , which were occupied by an indigenous people since the island's first discovery in the first century until being conquered by the Spanish Empire in 1496. It has been hypothesized that since the inhabitants had little incentive for trade and had little to any contact with

10010-410: The policy for its perceived lack of specificity and actionable goals. Sirikanya remarked on the absence of clear indicators and timeframes, comparing it to an earlier draft version that was leaked, and expressing concern over its potential effectiveness in guiding the country's economic direction. Srettha described the economy as being in a "crisis." He highlighted that the highest interest rates in

10120-511: The previous administration of Prayut Chan-o-cha. Srettha stepped down as finance minister in April 2024 during a cabinet reshuffle. He was succeeded by his advisor and former energy executive, Pichai Chunhavajira . On 8 September, Srettha undertook visits to the northeastern provinces of Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. These provinces are known strongholds of support for the Pheu Thai Party. Accompanied by several ministers, his visit mirrored

10230-487: The program's effectiveness and value. Srettha had expressed his intention to expedite discussions with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. On 15 July 2024 Srettha announced that eligible businesses and individuals can register for the program beginning in August. On 21 September 2023, Srettha engaged in discussions with Elon Musk about potential Tesla investments in the Thai electric vehicle industry. This meeting

10340-515: The project aims to facilitate the handling of up to 20 million cargo containers annually. This infrastructure project received cabinet approval on 16 October. During his subsequent visits to the United States for the APEC summit and to Beijing for the 2023 Belt and Road Forum, Prime Minister Srettha sought investment from both American and Chinese entities to support the development. The land bridge project elicited significant concerns and criticism from

10450-446: The proposal would require an allocation of ฿560 billion from the government. Srettha, following his election, maintained support for this policy, while acknowledging its controversial nature. Pheu Thai has described the initiative as vital for jumpstarting the Thai economy, with a commitment from Srettha's government to consider public feedback on the policy. Concerns have been raised by various economic experts, including those from

10560-523: The same legal rights. Srettha Thavisin Srettha Thavisin MPCh MVM ( Thai : เศรษฐา ทวีสิน , RTGS :  Settha Thawisin , pronounced [sèːt.tʰǎː tʰā.wīː.sǐn] ; born 15 February 1962) is a Thai businessman and politician who served as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand from 2023 until his dismissal from the position by the Constitutional Court on 14 August 2024. In 1988, he co-founded Sansiri ,

10670-430: The same, recognising its potential influence on the real estate sector. Despite public concerns about the project's financing and potential debt implications, Srettha expressed his support. In early 2019, he wrote favourably about the 2020 Expo, which paralleled his advocacy for a digital wallet scheme during his tenure as prime minister. Srettha's leadership at Sansiri contributed to the company's growth, including during

10780-775: The sea entirely. An example is the Hawaiian Islands , with the oldest island being 25 million years old, and the youngest, Hawaii , still being an active volcano . However, not all island chains are formed this way. Some may be formed all at once by fractures in the tectonic plates themselves, simultaneously creating multiple islands. One supporting piece of evidence is that of the Line Islands , which are all estimated to be 8 million years old, rather than being different ages. Other island chains form due to being separated from existing continents. The Japanese archipelago may have been separated from Eurasia due to seafloor spreading ,

10890-549: The study of islands is due to their unique cultures and natural environments that differ from mainland cultures. This is for a few reasons: First, the obvious political and geographic isolation from mainland cultures. Second, unique restraints on resources and ecology creating marine-focused cultures with a focus on fishing and sailing. Third, a lasting historical and political significance of islands. The Polynesian diet got most of its protein from fishing. Polynesians were known to fish close to shore, as well as in deep water. It

11000-450: The surface. When these coral islands encircle a central lagoon , the island is known as an atoll . The formation of reefs and islands related to those reefs is aided by the buildup of sediment in shallow patches of water. In some cases, tectonic movements lifting a reef out of the water by as little as 1 meter can cause sediment to accumulate and an island to form. Barrier islands are long, sandy bars that form along shorelines due to

11110-471: The survey showed that the efforts of the Prime Minister's cabinet had "somewhat satisfied" 55% of respondents, while 40% expressed dissatisfaction. On 10 November 2023, Srettha announced plans to borrow ฿500 billion to support the digital wallet scheme. This decision marked a significant shift from the government's initial strategy, which involved funding the program through the annual budget or loans from

11220-438: The time of Charles Darwin . In biology, endemism is defined as the phenomenon where species or genus is only found in a certain geographical area. Islands isolate land organisms from others with water, and isolate aquatic organisms living on them with land. Island ecosystems have the highest rates of endemism globally. This means that islands contribute heavily to global biodiversity . Areas with high lives of biodiversity are

11330-695: The underlying economic challenges, emphasising that structural issues were the main impediments to growth. Srettha advocated for a 25-basis point interest rate cut from the BoT's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). However, the MPC, in a 5–2 decision, maintained the one-day repurchase rate at 2.50%, the highest in over a decade. The central bank attributed the decision to slower-than-expected economic growth, emphasising reliance on domestic demand. Structural impediments, particularly declining competitiveness, were identified as factors hampering growth. Despite Srettha's disagreement with

11440-602: Was a period of significant political unrest in Thailand. During this time, Srettha expressed opposition to the People's Democratic Reform Committee . Following the 2014 coup, he complied with a summons from the National Council for Peace and Order , reporting to the Royal Thai Army auditorium. Srettha maintained political connections with Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra , who have both served as prime ministers. In

11550-668: Was collaborating with Toyota to jointly develop the domestic electric vehicle industry. Since the beginning of the Srettha government, the electric vehicle market in Thailand has experienced significant growth. This progress led to the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) setting up its regional automaking hub in Thailand. Additionally, in January 2024, Thailand identified two major lithium deposits in Phang Nga with

11660-681: Was however labelled as a "puppet" under the control of powers behind the throne by critics. His appointment of Pichit Chuenban to his cabinet led to his dismissal by the courts in August 2024. Srettha Thavisin, born on 15 February 1962, in Bangkok , Thailand, is the only child of Captain Amnuay Thavisin and Chodchoy Thavisin (née Jutrakul; 1928 - 2024). His family's lineage is connected to five notable Thai Chinese business dynasties: Yip in Tsoi, Chakkapak, Jutrakul, Lamsam , and Buranasiri. When Srettha

11770-435: Was part of Srettha's broader strategy to attract larger investments from companies like Tesla to bolster Thailand's electric vehicle sector . Srettha planned to continue these discussions in November. Additionally, following a visit to Malaysia on 11 October, Srettha indicated that Proton , along with its Chinese partner Geely , were considering the establishment of electric vehicle plants in Thailand. Additionally, Thailand

11880-470: Was reported that Rapa Nui people were known to fish as far as 500 km (310 mi) from shore at coral reefs. Spear , line , and net fishing were all used, to catch tuna as well as sharks and stingrays . Island cultures also cultivate native and non-native crops. Polynesians grew the native yam , taro , breadfruit , banana , coconut and other fruits and vegetables. Different island climates made different resources more important, such as

11990-414: Was scheduled for 22 August. During this session, Srettha delivered a speech to Parliament , outlining his vision and goals should he become prime minister, and also responded to questions from MPs and senators. His candidacy received support from Thaksin Shinawatra. Srettha was elected as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand , following a nomination by the Pheu Thai Party. In a special joint sitting of

12100-523: Was three years old in 1966, his father died and Chodchoy raised him as a single mother. Srettha completed his secondary education at Prasarnmit Demonstration School  [ th ] of Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok. Pursuing higher education, he first obtained a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Chulalongkorn University , followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from

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