Barkar Nash – Page 1020

Couple, 4-year-old girl killed in Buri Ram crash

On: September 24, 2023

PUBLISHED : 24 Sep 2023 at 10:44

BURI RAM: A four-year-old girl, her mother and stepfather were killed when the motorcycle they were travelling on collided with a pick-up in Nang Rong district on Saturday.

Pol Capt Anan Sri-sen, a Nang Rong police investigator, said the accident occurred on Saturday afternoon on the Sa Pradu-Thung Saeng Thong road rural road in tambon Thung Saeng Thong, Nang Rong district.

An initial police investigation revealed that the pickup, driven by Pol Senior Sgt-Maj Kwanchai Pakchai, a retired police officer, was heading from tambon Thung Saeng Thong to Nang Rong district town when it collided with the motorcycle.

The two vehicles went up in flames after the collision.

The three people on the motorcycle were killed. They were Prapaporn Srisurin, 22, an official at a tambon hospital in Nang Rong district; Kanyarat Wongnam, her four-year-old daughter from the former marriage; and her new husband Anon Thongchan, 25. They were on the way back from seeing a doctor in Nang Rong town to their home in tambon Thung Saeng Thong.

Pol Senior Sgt-Maj Kwanchai, the pickup driver, was injured.

Police were investigating to establish the cause of the accident.

Majority of state employees in debt: Nida Poll

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 24, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 24 Sep 2023 at 09:56

A large majority of government officials and state enterprise employees are in debt and agree with the government’s policy to have the monthly salary for bachelor’s degree graduates start from 25,000 baht, according to a survey by the National Institute for Development Administration, or Nida Poll.

The poll was conducted on Sept 19-21 by telephone interviews with 1,310 employees in government offices and state enterprises aged 18 and over of various levels of education and incomes throughout the country to compile their opinions on salary for state officials.

Asked whether their salary (excluding extra payments legally acquired) is sufficient to cover their expenses and savings, 44.81% of the respondents said it is not enough, neither for their expenses nor savings; 28.32% said it is enough for both the expenses and savings; and 26.87% said it is enough for the expenses, but not for savings.

Asked whether they have debts from borrowings, 44.35% said “yes”, from financial institutions; 43.36% said “yes”, from savings cooperatives; and 3.66% said they borrowed from non-formal lenders (including friends and relatives). The rest, 25.57%, have no debts.

Asked about the government to split the payments for state officials to twice a month, 71.30% totally disagreed with it and 11.83% in moderate disagreement. On the other side, 8.32% were completely agree with it and 7.71% in moderate agreement. The rest, 0.84%, had no answer or were not interested.

To the government’s policy to get the salary for bachelor’s degree graduates start from 25,000 baht per month, 57.86% totally agreed with it and 20.83% in moderate agreement. On the other side, 13.36% totally disagreed and 9.94% in moderate disagreement. The rest, 0.46%, had not answer or were not interested.

Majority of state employees in debt: poll

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 24, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 24 Sep 2023 at 09:56

Asked whether their salary (excluding extra payments legally acquired) is sufficient to cover their expenses and savings, 44.81% of the respondents said it is not enough, neither for their expenses nor savings; 28.32% said it is enough for both expenses and savings; and 26.87% said it is enough for expenses, but not for savings.

Asked whether they have debts from borrowing money, 44.35% said “yes”, from financial institutions; 43.36% said “yes”, from savings cooperatives; and 3.66% said they borrowed from non-formal lenders (including friends and relatives). The rest, 25.57%, said they had no debts.

Asked about the government’s plan to pay state officials twice a month, 71.30% totally disagreed while another 11.83% were in moderate disagreement. On the other side, 8.32% completely agreed with it and 7.71% were in moderate agreement. The rest, 0.84%, did not know or were not interested.

On the government’s policy to mandate salaries for bachelor’s degree graduates to start from 25,000 baht per month, 57.86% totally agreed with it and 20.83% were in moderate agreement. On the other side, 13.36% totally disagreed and 9.94% were in moderate disagreement. The rest, 0.46%, did not know or were not interested.

Phuket hotels will be asked to save water

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 23, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 24 Sep 2023 at 05:00

The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) will join hands with hotels in Phuket to introduce a campaign to save water in the resort island to reduce water consumption in the hospitality sector.

ONWR secretary-general Surasee Kittimonthon said Phuket is facing water shortage and treatment issues.

As the number of tourists is expected to grow, the increased need for water will grow steadily more acute. Developing canals into water storage areas instead of letting the water flow into the sea is one option to alleviate shortages during droughts.

Those canals should have water gates to keep water, he said.

Also, nine local administrative organisations which do not have wastewater treatment plants should have facilities to eliminate the environmental impact in their absence, Mr Surasee said. Phuket is also looking for options to boost water resources.

The ONWR, he said, proposed saving water use by joining hands with hotels to attach water meters in showers to display real-time water consumption. The project can start with large or international chain hotels, he said.

Phuket can then use the effort to help reduce water consumption as a tourism campaign promoting the idea of sustainable tourism. In addition, every hotel should have a green policy to encourage guests not to change towels every day, he said.

Meanwhile, Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, president of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, urged the government to build another reservoir on the island. The island has three which can store a total of 21 million cubic litres, but the island needs a total of 80 million a year.

Asean to fight scams, fake news

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 23, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 24 Sep 2023 at 04:00

VIETNAM: Thailand will join hands with neighbouring countries to combat call centre scams and fake news.

Puangpet Chunlaiad, the minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, said yesterday that she discussed with the Cambodian Minister of Information, Neth Pheaktra, efforts to combat call centre scams.

She also met the Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications, Nguyen Manh Hung, to understand its anti-fake news initiatives. The talks took place during the 16th Asean Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) meeting and the 7th AMRI Plus Three meeting in Danang, Vietnam, on Friday and yesterday.

Many Thais have been lured by call centre scam gangs to work in Cambodia or fallen victim to their promises and lost their life savings, incurred huge debts and even ended their lives. Thailand urgently needs to work with the government of Cambodia to solve the issue, she said.

More cooperation between both countries will be implemented, such as raising awareness around the tricks of scam gangs and strengthening security along the border to prevent illegal crossings. Ms Puangpetch said the discussion on combatting fake news with Vietnam’s Minister of Information and Communications was fruitful.

She praised Vietnam for setting up a committee to fight fake news on social media. She also urged more information sharing between the two countries as well as from Asean members.

Combatting fake news is one of the main items before the AMRI meeting, she said, adding Thailand also supports the Guidelines on Management of Government Information in Combatting Fake News and Disinformation in the Media, as endorsed in the 16th AMRI meeting. Ms Puangpetch and Mr Nguyen both agreed that journalistic ethics are key to ensuring news reliability.

PM talks up Thai credentials at UN meet

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 23, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Srettha tells world that country is ready to do business again

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has hailed his visit to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) as a success, saying it marks a first step in telling the world that Thailand is now welcoming foreign investors again.

He was speaking to reporters after delivering a statement at the UNGA78 general debate at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Asked to assess his first participation in the international event as prime minister, Mr Srettha, who also serves as finance minister, said “It is a positive sign and a good starting point. It is the first step in telling the world that Thailand is open [to investment].

“We are ready for both inbound and outbound investment. There will be not only investors from abroad, but several Thai companies are also ready to invest in foreign countries.”

He also thanked the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Board of Investment for their efforts to draw foreign investors into Thailand.

Mr Srettha said he attached importance to Thailand’s bid to apply for membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Thailand is Asean’s candidate for the 2025-2027 term.

“We have neighbouring countries surrounding us, such as Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia. The most sensitive issue is the Myanmar crisis. We have to take care of people fleeing the fighting as Thailand shares a more than 1,000-kilometre border with Myanmar,” he said.

Mr Srettha also shared his thoughts on a range of issues during the event.

They include issues related to food security, global warming, changing climate, global peace, and the sufficiency economy philosophy conceived by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, he said.

Commenting on security matters, Mr Srettha said achieving a lasting peace is a delicate issue. Thailand believes in peace and sustainable prosperity and it will try to avoid interfering in other countries’ internal affairs.

“Some countries are known to have fallen out with others. Our country is small, but we are proud of our independence.

“It is incumbent upon this government and its leader to maintain the country’s independence and stay neutral. We believe in peace and sustainable prosperity,” the prime minister said.

Mr Srettha also posted on X, formerly Twitter, that: “Wrapped up my mission at #UNGA78 at the General Debate, where I shared the global vision with leaders from over 190 countries.

“Now is the time to pursue our common agenda for peace, prosperity, and sustainability for all. Thailand invites every nation to be more ambitious in our common goals, accelerate our actions and work harder together to address the challenges we all face. Only together can we build a better future for generations to come,” he wrote.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke gave a summary of remarks delivered by Mr Srettha at the UNGA78 general debate.

The PM highlighted Thailand’s new chapter in its democracy, and the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and values in the country, and uplift the well-being of Thais.

The PM said Thailand will play a constructive role in partnership with the international community, and forge closer ties and greater prosperity through commerce, investment, and trade agreements, leading to the betterment of all.

The country also intends to work closely with all nations to tackle multiple global challenges head-on.

On sustainable peace, Thailand welcomes the secretary-general’s efforts to establish a New Agenda for Peace, which the country believes will spearhead efforts to revive multilateralism and enhance the UN’s role as a platform for achieving global peace.

The country reaffirms commitment to maintaining peace and inclusivity.

According to the prime minister, sustainable peace and development is undeniably linked with respect for human rights, human dignity, and freedoms.

To this end, the government is working to advance equality and justice, especially for the most vulnerable and the marginalised through strengthening the rule of law and increasing transparency within the government.

The government will ensure that the law is fair and applied equally to all.

Govt eyes bigger world stage role

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 23, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Maintaining a balanced foreign policy amid intense rivalry between the United States and China is one of challenges the government will have to grapple with.

After assuming the premiership, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took his first foreign trip to New York where he is now attending the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York and related meetings which end today.

There, he has held talks with national leaders, heads of international organisations, and key people at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

He also met executives of global leading companies, such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, to discuss possible investment opportunities in Thailand. Others include those from Microsoft, BlackRock, Google, Goldman Sachs, and Estee Lauder.

After the trip to the US, Mr Srettha expects to visit China late next month.

The visits to the two countries give an idea of how this government will pursue its foreign policy to achieve a balance in its relations with China and the US.

When he laid down policy for officials at the Foreign Ministry, Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara also impressed upon them the importance of the economy, security and technology.

He plans to invite Thai ambassadors in foreign countries to attend a meeting in Thailand and expressed confidence that under this government’s stewardship, Thailand will reclaim a more prominent role on the global stage.

Striking a balance

Panitan Wattanayagorn, a security and international relations expert, told the Bangkok Post that the government’s policy statement regarding foreign affairs which it unveiled in parliament on Sept 11 was not much different from those of previous governments.

“The foreign policies are similar. They include fostering cordial relations with neighbouring countries, and boosting Thailand’s role on the international stage for the sake of national interests and security.

“These are general principles, though some details are emphasised differently. Security is always interconnected with foreign relations.

“But the new government has placed much emphasis on management of internal affairs, such as military conscription, and procurement,” Mr Panitan said.

It remains to be seen how the new government will push for negotiations to end the crisis in Myanmar, he said, adding that Thailand should maintain neutrality as the previous government had already held talks with all sides involved in the conflict in Myanmar.

“This government should set out a clear plan on how to discuss the crisis with other Asean members.

“If we can do so, Thailand will rise to prominence. But I understand that we may not be ready yet,” Mr Panitan said.

He added that it is also important for Thailand to rebalance towards the US as the American economy is improving.

It is also necessary to address its human trafficking issues to improve Thailand’s rating in the US’s Trafficking In Persons Report, Mr Panitan said.

Thailand remains on Tier 2 in the 2023 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report issued by the US on June 15.

The country has been listed on this tier for two consecutive years.

He said Thai-US military ties and cooperation should also be strengthened in terms of military drills and equipment procurement.

Regarding relations with China, Pheu Thai has no clear details on how to pursue a foreign policy towards that country, Mr Panitan said.

“There is no clarity or details despite Pheu Thai having nine years [after the 2014 coup] to prepare for a return to power,” he said.

Asked about Mr Srettha’s planned trip to China which is seen as an attempt to balance Thailand’s relations with China and the US, Mr Panitan said there may be a misconception about striking a balance in relations with super powers.

“Thailand is too small a country to strike a balance between them. They can tear us into pieces if we try to adopt such a policy. We are not the UK, Germany or Japan.

“What we can do is to distance ourselves from China and the US on certain issues and get close to them on some matters such as tourism,” he said.

He also said the Brics grouping of emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — are a force to be reckoned with, with the nations representing 42% of the global population.

Thailand can gain many benefits from trade with the group, though it remains to be seen what stance the new government will adopt on this, Mr Panitan said.

He said the previous government seemed to adopt what is called “too quiet diplomacy”, without enough publicity campaigns in pursuit of its foreign policy.

“The previous government [installed by the military coup] seemed to keep silent,” he said.

However, Mr Panitan said he is still wondering why the new government has yet to come up with vigorous policies to take a leading role in Asean.

“We have to wait and see [if such polices will materialise] after the PM’s trip in New York.

“If our proposals to end the Myanmar crisis and the Ukraine war are acceptable, Thailand will steal the show on the world stage.

“This government’s foreign policy seems to offer hope, but it has yet to crystallise into anything substantial,” Mr Panitan said.

Maintaining neutrality

Anekchai Rueangrattanakorn, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s faculty of political science, told the Bangkok Post the government seeks to increase national income through proactive economic diplomacy with existing partners such as the European Union, and the Middle East and new markets such as India, Africa and South America.

Its foreign policy also aims to speed up free-trade agreement negotiations to boost growth, he said.

When Mr Srettha spelled out the government’s policy statement in parliament early this month, he highlighted Thailand’s neutrality between the two superpowers, China and the United States, and Asean’s centrality and neutrality, Mr Anekchai said.

He said Thailand’s international image had been hurt by the 2014 coup. Furthermore, the previous government’s foreign policy also tended to be pro-China.

“It is necessary to rebalance and recalibrate Thailand’s role. After the coup, the international community questioned Thailand’s stance on democracy,” he said.

“Mr Srettha’s speech at the UNGA78 should make the international community understand Thailand’s neutrality,” he added. However, China will remain as a key player in the economy, he said.

He said that when dealing with superpowers, Thailand should put itself in a strategic position where it can benefit most. “National interests are of primary importance,” he said.

Oratai Soparat, a lecturer from Naraesuan University Social Science Faculty, said the new government’s foreign affairs policy should also focus on security along the western and southern borders of Thailand.

“We need to keep an eye on how the prime minister manages the issue — the Myanmar crisis and southern insurgency,” she said.

Ms Oratai said legitimacy building should come from Thailand respecting democratic values such as having elected senators, ensuring freedom of expression and abiding by international norms.

Based on Mr Srettha’s expertise in business, his visit to the UNGA78 and his trade talks should create trust among international communities in Thailand’s investment and economy.

Promoting soft power

Pol Maj Gen Supisarn Bhakdinarinath, deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, said the new government should promote Thailand’s soft power such as Thai boxing, Thai food and local products, as well as new tourist spots and cultural World Heritage sites to attract more foreign tourists.

The government should also support efforts to manufacture carbon-neutral products for sale in the global market, which will give the economy an added boost, he said.

It remains to be seen what the prime minister will achieve after attending the UNGA78 and when the new government will step up efforts to pursue its foreign policy.

The National Security Council must also be consulted on issues related to keeping a balance between the US and China, he said.

Thailand also needs to maintain friendly relations with neighbouring countries as it still relies heavily on migrant workers from them, he said.

Pol Maj Gen Supisarn said the prime minister’s coming trip to China can be seen as a move to help achieve a balance in its relations with China and the US.

Swiss man dies after ‘jumping’ from airport car park

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 23, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 24 Sep 2023 at 04:00

PHUKET: A 53-year-old Swiss man died after jumping from a car park at Phuket international Airport on Friday night.

Police rushed to the airport after it was reported that a foreign man suffered injuries after jumping from a parking building about 7.30pm on Friday, Pol Col Salan Santisatsanakul, chief of Sakhu station, said yesterday.

The officers found traces of blood on the ground where the body was found. The injured tourist was earlier sent to Thalang Hospital.

The man, whose name was withheld, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, said Pol Col Salan.

Police believed the tourist deliberately jumped from the car park building. A security guard at the airport said he saw the man surveying the area on Friday. Authorities are investigating the cause.

Last month, a 50-year-old Australian man fell to his death from the car parking building at the airport.

Chaithawat elected MFP chief

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 23, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Position ‘temporary’ while Pita fights legal battles

PUBLISHED : 24 Sep 2023 at 04:00

Chaithawat Tulathon has declared himself the provisional leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) pending the outcome of a legal battle by his predecessor.

Elected as the party’s new leader along with the board of executives yesterday, Mr Chaithawat replaces Pita Limjaroenrat, who quit the MFP leadership in the middle of this month to pave the way for his replacement to assume the role of opposition leader.

Mr Pita himself has been suspended as an MP pending a court ruling on his iTV media share-holding case. His suspension is holding up the party from taking over as head of the opposition.

After he was chosen as leader yesterday, Mr Chaithawat labelled himself as a provisional leader filling in for Mr Pita while he is tied up with his legal battle.

The court suspended Mr Pita after accepting for consideration a complaint involving Mr Pita’s inherited shares of the now defunct media company, iTV Plc.

The constitution prohibits politicians from holding stock in a media organisation. Mr Pita has argued the 42,000 shares were part of his late father’s estate, which he managed as the executor. He said the title had since been transferred to his relatives.

“The new executives and I are prepared to stand down (if and when) Mr Pita stages a comeback as MP,” Mr Chaithawat said. “The changes (in leadership) that have taken place today are therefore temporary.”

Mr Chaithawat is succeeded by Apichart Sirisunthorn as party secretary-general. The voting results showed Mr Chaithawat was elected leader, receiving 330 votes in favour. Five voted against and three abstained.

The meeting also picked deputy party leaders: Pijarn Chaowapatthanawong, Natthawut Buaprathum, Pol Maj Gen Supisarn Pakdeenaruban and Sirikanya Tansakul.

Parit Wacharasindhu, a list MP, has been appointed as a party spokesman.

Mr Chaithawat said Mr Pita has been named an advisory chairman to the party who will drive the MFP’s policies from outside parliament. “In the meantime, I will carry out my duty as opposition leader during this temporary arrangement,” he said.

However, Mr Pita insisted his successor and the new party secretary-general are the “real deal”. He was speaking before the party convened its meeting yesterday.

Born in Songkhla, Mr Chaithawa, 45, graduated in environmental engineering from Chulalongkorn University.

Srettha to welcome visa-free visitors

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 23, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 24 Sep 2023 at 04:00

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will welcome Chinese visitors at Suvarnabhumi Airport tomorrow to mark the first day of the government’s visa-free scheme for Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists.

He will lead a group of ministers and authorities at a welcoming ceremony organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for Chinese passengers of Thai AirAsia X flight no XJ761, which will depart from Shanghai and land in Bangkok at 10.15am that day.

According to the Royal Gazette last week, easier entry and 30-day visa-free stays for nationals of China and Kazakhstan will start on Sept 25 and end on Feb 29 next year.

Kicking off the scheme, the TAT will arrange a ceremony to welcome the first group of visa-free tourists on Monday at four major international airports across the country: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai and Phuket airports.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said the ceremony will include a welcoming billboard and cultural performances. The tourists will also be presented with jasmine garlands and elephant-patterned pants, a popular souvenir among tourists in Thailand.

Ms Sudawan said the Tourism and Sports Ministry would work with the private sector on boosting tourism.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said the scheme will help stimulate the economy. Chinese visitors will increase even more during their National Day holiday from Sept 29 to Oct 6.

He said flights from China are expected to jump from 72 to 96 flights a day after the scheme is introduced, with the number of Chinese visitors rising from 9,680 to 18,656 a day. The target of five million Chinese tourists for this year is achievable, he said.

Mr Suriya has ordered the Airports of Thailand (AoT) to prepare measures to cater to the increased number of tourists.

For example, immigration police at Suvarnabhumi Airport will staff all 138 counters to serve 7,140 passengers per hour, with each expected to spend less than a minute at the counter, he said.

Barkar Nash (Page 1,020)