Typhoon obscures spectacular sunrise at temple in northeast Thailand

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In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 8 Sep 2024 at 13: 26

Visitors gather to see sunrise at the ancient Phanom Rung stone temple ruins in Chalerm Phrakiat district of Thailand's Buri Ram province on Sunday morning. (Photo: Surachai Piragsa)
On Sunday night, people descend on the old Phanom Struck rock temple ruins in the Chalerm Phrakiat area of Thailand’s Buri Ram province to watch the sunrise. ( Photo: Surachai Piragsa )

BURI RAM: On Sunday morning, Typhoon Yagi wreaked havoc on other Asian countries, obscuring the customary incredible morning view at the legendary Phanom Rung church in Buri Ram.

At 6 o’clock a.m. on Sunday morning, about 200 Thai and international tourists gathered at the traditional site in Chalerm Phrakiat district and were hoping to see the rising sun glow through the 15 temple gates. Unfortunately, cloudy skies prevented their hopes.

Even so, guests said they were glad to see the nine-century-old church and worship for blessings it. They agreed to return to the page on Monday and Tuesday for another chance to witness the amazing sunrises that had been envisioned on those afternoons.

The first of three weeks, according to Pakpoom Yupol, the captain of the Phanom Rung Historical Park, would probably see the spectacular sun opinions.

Wanpen Kumram, a tribal of Surin state, arrived with her New Zealander partner. She claimed that they went to the ancient church because their husband was impressed by the stunning sunrise it.

They planned to return to the church on the following two afternoons to witness the sun, according to Ms. Wanpen.

In earlier April and early September, the Phanom Rung temple’s 15 doors are open to the public, but beautiful sunsets can be seen through the walls in early March and early October.

In March 2018, Phanom Rung visitors can witness the incredible morning watch. ( Photo: Surachai Piragsa )

In March 2018, Phanom Rung visitors can witness the incredible morning watch. ( Photo: Surachai Piragsa )

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Poll: Most southern Thais disapprove of Democrats’ joining Pheu Thai

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PUBLISHED: 8 Sep 2024 at 11: 40

Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong, left, hands an invitation to Democrat secretary-general Det-it Khaothong at the parliament in Bangkok on Aug 28. (Photo supplied)
Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong, left, fingers an invitation to Democrat secretary-general Det-it Khaothong at the legislature in Bangkok on Aug 28. ( Photo supplied )

According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration, the majority of voters in the South, a political ground of the Democrats, oppose the party’s choice to add the Pheu Thai-led authorities.

The poll was conducted on September 2 through telephone interviews with 1, 310 citizens in 14 South-south counties who were 18 and over and had various levels of education, employment, and earnings.

The researcher questioned the respondents about the 78-year-old democratic party’s decision to join the coalition led by its long-term adversary. The comments were as follows:

– 54.19 % definitely disagree

– 14.58 % moderately disagree

– 12.98 % certainly agree

– 11.91 % moderately agree

– 6.34 % did not know or were not interested

When asked if they would support the Democrat Party’s MPs in the upcoming vote, the responses were:

– 41.37 % said they would never

– 41.15 % not sure yet

– 17.48 % would continue to vote for Democrats&nbsp,

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Flood expert remains calm amidst the storms

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Country ‘ better ready’ to deal with overflow hazard, so a replicate of 2011 doubtful.

Water professional Chawalit Chantararat predicts that the government’s ability to deal with the catastrophe will be less severe than the ones from 2011 because of the country’s smaller masses of waters coming from the North and its readiness to deal with the disaster.

Mr. Chawalit, the chairman of Team Group, recently told the Bangkok Post that he is positive that this year’s snowfall will be reasonable.

He said that although large rain has fallen in the northern regions, including Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Sukhothai and Phichit, it has not been sufficiently to overflow the whole place.

Additionally, he noted that there are 15.6 billion cubic meters of water flowing through the Muang city of Nakhon Sawan state this year. In comparison, the highest number measured on Sept 25, 2011, was 23.4 billion cubic feet.

He claimed that the four main rivers that flow from the northern region ( the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan Rivers ) and meet at Nakhon Sawan, the source of the Chao Phraya River, were responsible for the record-breaking volumes seen in 2011. This time, however, merely the Yom River brought extreme fluids from the North. ” The mass of water flowing through Nakhon Sawan on Aug 25 was approximately 40 % of 2011’s volume, which is manageable”, he said.

Chawalit: CaptionChawalit Chantararat

When asked if he was certain Bangkok would not experience a flood like in 2011, Mr. Chawalit, a water resources engineer, responded that given the city’s location and the fact that the water mass in the North does not cover a sizable area, there should n’t be any issues.

He even expressed confidence in the 10 kaem ting or “monkey face” water catchment areas along the Chao Phraya River, located in regions north of Bangkok, including Ayutthaya, Lop Buri and Ang Thong.

He claimed that these reservoirs may avoid the northern water from reaching Bangkok because they can hold 1.2 billion cubic meters of water.

” Bangkok usually fails to drain rainwater after heavy rain in some areas due to the city’s basin land, especially the 12 risk areas, such as Chaeng Watthana Road]from the Prapa Canal to the Prem Prachakon Canal], Ratchadaphisek Road]in front of Bangkok Bank ] and Sathu Pradit Road]the Sathu-Chan junction ]”, Mr Chawalit said.

He noted that when the water level is typically large, water can typically be released into the Chao Phraya River in October when it can produce floods in places other than the flood-prevention area, such as the Tha Wang and Tha Tian areas of Phra Nakhon state’s Tha Wang and Tha Tian communities, as well as the Rong Si group on Rama III Road in Yannawa district’s Rong Si community.

Global warming, in addition to being one of the major contributors to floods, is another important issue, according to Mr. Chawalit, who said one of the causes of Bangkok’s extreme rainfall in 2022, when the city experienced 800 millimeters of rainfall in a single month while the rainfall for the entire year was just 2,300 millimeters.

” World heat is getting more and more pervasive.” The Earth’s heat does not rise by over 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit, but it has now gone up by 1.2C.

” If it reaches 1.5C, more tragedies, such as fire, storms, the melting of polar glaciers and floods of water into rivers, may appear, “he said.

In the next 26 years, water levels in the Gulf of Thailand will fall by 75cm, which is the amount the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts, he said”. By therefore, Bangkok may become submerged,” said the waters expert.

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11 central Thai provinces face floods amid typhoon fallout

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PUBLISHED: 8 Sep 2024 at 06: 17

Incoming overflow: Sandbag embankments have been reinforced along Tha Ratcha Woradit near City Hall as Bangkok braces for an overflow of the Chao Phraya River. The Royal Irrigation Department issued flood warnings to 10 provinces and Bangkok, effective from Sunday. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
As Bangkok prepares for the Chao Phraya River to flow, Sandbag hillsides have been strengthened along the Tha Ratcha Woradit near City Hall. Beginning on Sunday, the Royal Irrigation Department issued storm warnings to 10 regions and Bangkok. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

The Chao Phraya Dam’s increasing water discharge rate, which is intended to lessen the effects of super typhoon Yagi, has prompted the Royal Irrigation Department ( RID ) to issue a warning to 11 provinces in the Central region.

Det Lekwichai, RID acting chairman, said on Saturday the warning was issued for Bangkok, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan.

Due to the anticipated heavier burst over the next seven days, the RID may improve the transfer price for the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat from 300 cubic meters per second to 1, 500-1, 700m3/s.

In low-lying areas, particularly those near the Phong Phaeng Canal in Ang Thong and two Ayutthaya districts, including Phak Hai and Sena, the water levels will increase from the present level of 20 to 50 cm.

According to the RID, at least 1, 600m³/s of waters will move the water depot in Nakhon Sawan’s Muang distrit on Thursday.

The RID is permitted to transfer up to 2, 000 m3/s, but it will just slowly, according to Mr. Det, adding that the division will also inform people who live along the Chao Phraya River in advance.

He claimed that the RID is gearing up for more tornado Yagi-related impacts.

The Thai Meteorological Department said Yagi, then considered Asia’s most powerful storm this month, hit Vietnam on Saturday. The super typhoon will diminish into a tropical cyclone and a melancholy, both.

Although Yagi wo n’t directly affect Thailand, it will continue to impose heavy rain in the upper Northeastern and North regions of Thailand until Tuesday, with strong winds and gusts of wind in some places. Some hilly areas, particularly the hills in Nan, Chiang Rai and Phayao, may face beam storms.

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11 provinces face floods as RID mitigates Yagi risks in North

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In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 8 Sep 2024 at 06: 17

Incomeing overflow - Embankments of sandbags have been reinforced along Tha Ratcha Woradit near City Hall as the capital braces for an overflow of the Chao Phraya River. The Royal Irrigation Department issued flood warnings to 10 provinces and Bangkok, effective from Sunday. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
As the cash prepares for an overflow of the Chao Phraya River, sandbag hillsides have been strengthened along the Tha Ratcha Woradit near City Hall. Beginning on Sunday, the Royal Irrigation Department is issuing storm warnings to Bangkok, 10 provinces, and 10 regions. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

The Chao Phraya Dam’s increasing water discharge rate, which is intended to lessen the effects of super typhoon Yagi, has prompted the Royal Irrigation Department ( RID ) to issue a warning to 11 provinces in the Central region.

Det Lekwichai, RID acting chairman, said on Saturday the warning was issued for Bangkok, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan.

Due to the anticipated heavier burst over the next seven days, the RID may improve the transfer price for the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat from 300 cubic meters per second to 1, 500-1, 700m3/s.

In low-lying areas, particularly those near the Phong Phaeng Canal in Ang Thong and two Ayutthaya regions, including Phak Hai and Sena, the water levels will increase from the present level of 20 to 50 cm.

According to the RID, at least 1, 600m³/s of waters will move the water depot in Nakhon Sawan’s Muang distrit on Thursday.

The RID is permitted to transfer up to 2, 000 m3/s, but it will just slowly, according to Mr. Det, adding that the division will also inform people who live along the Chao Phraya River in advance.

He claimed that the RID is gearing up for more rains, which would be a result of the very storms Yagi.

The Thai Meteorological Department said Yagi, then considered Asia’s most strong storm this year, hit Vietnam on Saturday. The super typhoon may weaken into a tropical cyclone and a melancholy, both.

Although Yagi wo n’t directly affect Thailand, it will continue to dump heavy rain in some areas, including the upper Northeastern and North, with strong wind gusts until Tuesday. Some hilly areas, particularly the hills in Nan, Chiang Rai and Phayao, may face beam storms.

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Veteran Thai general Prawit still wielding ‘influence’

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Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, centre, chairs a general meeting of the Palang Pracharath Party at its head office in Bangkok on Friday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, heart, chair a public meeting of the Palang Pracharath Party at its head office in Bangkok on Friday. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) leader Prawit Wongsuwon continues to wield significant influence, despite both him and his party being excluded from the new coalition government, say political observers.

However, Pheu Thai’s ally with the Democrat Party is viewed by some as a secret attempt to undermine its former political enemy, rather than a true indicator of social peace.

Down but not out

Former Democrat Party MP Sathit Wongnongtoei claimed for the Bangkok Post that Gen. Prawit still has significant political influence despite the fact that his Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) was excluded from the new coalition government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

” The sport is not over yet. Everyone is aware that Gen. Prawit has a lot of links with lawmakers and members of separate organizations,” said Mr. Sathit.

Mr. Sathit said he thinks Pheu Thai opted out of the PPRP, which was a component of the previous Srettha Thavisin coalition government, because he believed Gen. Prawit was responsible for the group of ex-senators ‘ petition to the Constitutional Court to appoint former convict Pichit Chuenban as a secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Pheu Thai was upset with Gen. Prawit because he had not sat down for the new election of Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra as excellent minister and Mr. Srettha as top last year.

Following the complaint asking for Mr. Srettha’s departure, Mr. Sathit added that he believes former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is widely regarded as Pheu Thai’s de facto leader, was responsible for the decision to exclude the PPRP from the new partnership state.

In a vote to appoint the party’s new executive board on Friday, Gen. Prawit was re-elected as the leader of the Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) in the midst of an internal factional conflict.

Sathit: Game certainly over for Prawit

Sathit: Game certainly over for Prawit

Paiboon Nititawan was elected as the group’s fresh secretary-general, replacing Capt Thamanat Prompow, who, along with five different group directors, resigned, deepening the split within the group.

Capt Thamanat stepped down as PPRP secretary-general, along with five different members of his party who were also gathering professionals. They have never, however, given up on their PPRP account to prevent losing their MP position. The Thamanat party, which includes about 20 of the group’s 40 MPs, has declared its isolation from the PPRP while retaining their MP content.

Narumon Pinyosinwat, the faction’s crops and cooperative secretary, and Itthi Sirilathayakorn and Akara Prompao, the faction’s Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives officials, have all been appointed as government ministers.

Holding grievance

When asked about Pheu Thai’s relationship with the Democrats, Mr. Sathit claimed that the two events had long been social rivals before coming to a consensus.

According to Mr. Sathit,” I think Thaksin also harbors resentment toward the Democrats for what they have done to him and Pheu Thai in the past.”

When the Democrat Party was in power, Thaksin was the subject of numerous judge circumstances that resulted in his being sued. That’s possibly why he still harbours resentment”, Mr Sathit added.

He also cited another case involving former Democrat MP for Phitsanulok, Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, who exposed abnormalities in the rice-pledging system initiated by the management of previous leading Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin’s younger girl.

Weakening competitors

According to Mr. Sathit,” an easy way to destroy the Democrats is to persuade them to get your friends,” referring to Democrat head Chalermchai Sri-on’s appointment as Natural Resources and Environment Minister and Democrat secretary-general Dech-it Khaothong’s appointment as Deputy Public Health Minister.

” This is a veiled attempt to bring his political rivals on board by weakening and dismantling them.” It’s way removed from any real indication of political reconciliation”, he added.

” As a result, people are beginning to lose trust in events. They believe that political events have abandoned their ideas and are willing to take any step to gain power, according to Mr. Sathit.

He questioned Mr. Dech-it’s claim that conflict and hatred between the two events from the past should not be carried over.

” For a note never cover their desire for power”, Mr Sathit said.

The Democrat Party’s determination to cross the ground came despite strong opposition from senior officials and party unionists, including past leaders Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan, and Jurin Laksanawisit, who voiced their disapproval of any democratic alliance with Pheu Thai.

Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Bangkok MP for the opposition People’s Party, a reincarnation of the dissolved Move Forward Party, echoed the view that Gen Prawit’s political clout remains strong, even though the PPRP has been left out of the new coalition government.

” Gen Prawit still maintains connections with members of independent organisations, former senators, and retired military personnel. Gen Prawit and Thaksin’s conflict of power will continue, according to Mr. Nattacha.

He added that Pheu Thai’s partnership with the Democrats was a political strategy by the ruling party to consolidate power and weaken the Democrats rather than an act of reconciliation.

” Pheu Thai can now exact revenge on the Democrats. It is worthwhile to give them just two cabinet posts, according to Mr. Nattacha.

He claimed that the Pheu Thai and the Democrats ‘ alliance wo n’t stop the People’s Party from growing.

” The circumstances are changing. They ca n’t stop us using the same outdated techniques, he continued.

Nattacha: PPRP still has clout

Nattacha: PPRP still has clout

Gen. Prawit’s political clout is limited, according to Suriyasai Katasila, dean of Rangsit University’s College of Leadership and Social Innovation and former leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, who no longer has the backing of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and former interior minister Anupong Paojinda.

Following the May 2014 coup, the trio, also known as the” Three Por” generals, once had a sizable influence over politics.

However, their influence appears to be waning after Pheu Thai’s return to power following last year’s election.

Following the coup of 2014, the three generals had a lot of power over the past nine years. Right now, they may no longer be able to carry out major tasks”, Mr Suriyasai said.

Suriyasai: No longer part of trio

Suriyasai: No longer part of trio

Price to pay

Commenting on the Democrats joining the coalition government, Mr Suriyasai said:” The Democrats had to swallow their pride for their survival.

However, there is a price to pay. Their support for Pheu Thai will only decline as a result of their alliance with them.

The political influence of the” three brothers in arms” has now been significantly diminished, according to Chaiyan Chaiyaporn, a lecturer in political science at Chulalongkorn University.

Gen Anupong is no longer active in politics, while Gen Prayut currently serves as a secret councillor, which requires him to avoid politics.

Even though his ability to exert influence is now limited, only Gen Prawit continues to be politically active.

” However, Gen Prawit may still direct Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a PPRP member, to file complaints against political rivals from time to time,” Mr Chaiyan said.

Regarding the Democrat Party, Mr. Chaiyan mentioned Jurin Laksanawisit resigned as party leader after the party won fewer House seats in the May 14 election last year.

Chaiyan: Prayut, Anupong out

Chaiyan: Prayut, Anupong out

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Prawit still wielding ‘influence’

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Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, centre, chairs a general meeting of the Palang Pracharath Party at its head office in Bangkok on Friday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, heart, chair a public meeting of the Palang Pracharath Party at its head office in Bangkok on Friday. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) leader Prawit Wongsuwon continues to wield significant influence, despite both him and his party being excluded from the new coalition government, say political observers.

However, Pheu Thai’s ally with the Democrat Party is viewed by some as a secret attempt to undermine its former political enemy, rather than a true indicator of social peace.

Down but not out

Former Democrat Party MP Sathit Wongnongtoei claimed that Gen. Prawit still has significant political influence despite that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s new coalition government had excluded his Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) from the list.

” The sport is not over yet. Everyone is aware that Gen. Prawit has a lot of links with politicians and members of separate organizations, according to Mr. Sathit.

Mr. Sathit said he thinks Pheu Thai ejected the PPRP, which was a component of the previous Srettha Thavisin coalition government, because he believed Gen. Prawit was responsible for the group of ex-senators ‘ petition to the Constitutional Court to appoint former convict Pichit Chuenban as a secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Pheu Thai was upset with Gen. Prawit because he had not sat down for the new election of Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra as excellent minister and Mr. Srettha as top last year.

Following the complaint asking for Mr. Srettha’s departure, Mr. Sathit added that he believes former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is widely regarded as Pheu Thai’s de facto leader, was responsible for the decision to exclude the PPRP from the new partnership state.

In a vote to appoint the party’s new executive board on Friday, Gen. Prawit was re-elected as the leader of the Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) in the midst of an internal factional conflict.

Sathit: Game no over for Prawit

Sathit: Game no over for Prawit

Paiboon Nititawan was elected as the group’s fresh secretary-general, replacing Capt Thamanat Prompow, who, along with five different party managers, resigned, deepening the split within the group.

Capt Thamanat stepped down as PPRP secretary-general, along with five different members of his party who were also gathering professionals. They have n’t, however, agreed to give up their PPRP account to prevent losing their MP position. The Thamanat party, which includes about 20 of the group’s 40 MPs, has declared its isolation from the PPRP while retaining their MP content.

Narumon Pinyosinwat, the faction’s crops and cooperative minister, and Itthi Sirilathayakorn and Akara Prompao, the faction’s Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives officials, have all been appointed as government ministers.

Holding hate

When asked to comment on Pheu Thai’s ally with the Democrats, Mr. Sathit claimed that the two parties had long been political foes before coming to a consensus.

” I think Thaksin still harbors resentment toward the Democrats for what they have done to him and Pheu Thai in the past,” said Mr. Sathit.

When the Democrat Party was in power, Thaksin was the prime minister, and it led to some court circumstances being brought against him. That’s possibly why he also harbours resentment”, Mr Sathit added.

He also cited another case involving former Democrat MP for Phitsanulok, Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, who exposed abnormalities in the rice-pledging system initiated by the management of previous leading Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin’s younger girl.

Weakening foes

According to Mr. Sathit,” an easy way to destroy the Democrats is to persuade them to get your friends,” referring to Democrat head Chalermchai Sri-on’s appointment as Natural Resources and Environment Minister and Democrat secretary-general Dech-it Khaothong’s appointment as Deputy Public Health Minister.

” This is a veiled attempt to bring his political rivals on board by weakening and dismantling them.” It’s way removed from any real indication of political reconciliation”, he added.

” As a result, people are beginning to lose trust in events. They believe that political events have abandoned their ideas and are willing to take any step to gain strength, according to Mr. Sathit.

He questioned Mr. Dech-it’s claim that the former parties may not continue to be stoked by conflict and hatred.

” For a note never cover their desire for power”, Mr Sathit said.

The Democrat Party’s determination to cross the ground came despite strong opposition from senior officials and party unionists, including past leaders Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan, and Jurin Laksanawisit, who voiced their disapproval of any democratic alliance with Pheu Thai.

Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Bangkok MP for the opposition People’s Party, a reincarnation of the dissolved Move Forward Party, echoed the view that Gen Prawit’s political clout remains strong, even though the PPRP has been left out of the new coalition government.

” Gen Prawit still maintains connections with members of independent organisations, former senators, and retired military personnel. Gen Prawit and Thaksin’s power struggle will continue, according to Mr. Nattacha.

He added that Pheu Thai’s partnership with the Democrats was a political strategy by the ruling party to consolidate power and weaken the Democrats rather than an act of reconciliation.

” Pheu Thai can now exact revenge on the Democrats. It is worthwhile to offer them just two cabinet posts, according to Mr. Nattacha.

He claimed that the Pheu Thai and the Democrats ‘ alliance wo n’t stop the People’s Party from growing.

” The circumstances are changing. They ca n’t stop us using the same outdated methods, he continued.

Nattacha: PPRP still has clout

Nattacha: PPRP still has clout

Suriyasai Katasila, dean of Rangsit University’s College of Leadership and Social Innovation and former leader of the yellow-shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy, claimed that Gen. Prawit’s political influence is limited because he no longer has the backing of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and former interior minister Anupong Paojinda.

Following the May 2014 coup, the trio, also known as the” Three Por” generals, once had a sizable influence over politics.

However, their influence appears to be waning after Pheu Thai’s return to power following last year’s election.

Following the coup of 2014, the three generals held significant power over the past nine years. Right now, they may no longer be able to carry out major tasks”, Mr Suriyasai said.

Suriyasai: No longer part of trio

Suriyasai: No longer part of trio

Price to pay

Commenting on the Democrats joining the coalition government, Mr Suriyasai said:” The Democrats had to swallow their pride for their survival.

However, the price is high. Their partnership with Pheu Thai will only cause their voters to lose confidence.

The political influence of the” three brothers in arms” has now been significantly decreased, according to Chaiyan Chaiyaporn, a lecturer in political science at Chulalongkorn University.

Gen Anupong is no longer active in politics, while Gen Prayut currently serves as a secret councillor and is required to avoid politics.

Even though Gen Prawit’s political influence is currently limited, only he continues to be politically active.

” However, Gen Prawit may still direct Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a PPRP member, to file complaints against political rivals from time to time,” Mr Chaiyan said.

Regarding the Democrat Party, Mr. Chaiyan mentioned Jurin Laksanawisit resigned as party leader after the party won fewer House seats in the May 14 election last year.

Chaiyan: Prayut, Anupong out

Chaiyan: Prayut, Anupong out

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Saving the SSF an urgent priority

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The Social Security Fund ( SSF ) should realize that this is not the time to make a decision because it faces the existential threat of going bankrupt in the upcoming decades.

Millions of workers and retirees who rely on the state income bank for their potential security will experience intense pain because of the situation.

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn suggested steps last week to stop the SSF from collapsing due to inadequate funding.

As Thailand’s people ages, the lively labor contributing to the bank is shrinking, while its costs– such as the old age allowance and welfare support– continue to rise.

According to reports, the bank’s expenses may exceed its money as early as the following 10 years, forcing it to draw on resources that could be depleted in 30 to 40 years, if nothing is done.

And that is the main level, even if nothing is done. The Labour Minister’s pledge to continue looking into measures appears to be an attempt to pass the time and avoid taking motion, a political maneuver that the nation cannot manage at this crucial moment.

Established in 1990, the SSF has attracted over 24 million employees, contributing to its accumulated property of 2.6 trillion baht.

However, immediately after its establishment, many research suggested the bank’s finances were not sustainable. Despite varying assumptions and calculation models, all studies, including those conducted by the International Labour Organization ( ILO ), came to the same conclusion: the fund may run out of money in the next few decades.

In reality, Mr. Phiphat himself acknowledged this threat when he first met the newly elected Social Security Board in May.

In order to increase the firm’s risk sky, the minister at the time suggested considering various options, including raising the salary cap and increasing efforts, extending the pension age from 55 to 60 or 65, and raising the risk cover for purchases.

These actions are important because they are a part of the comprehensive reforms required to avert the fund’s collapse as well as to improve its effectiveness as a support system for the elderly and as a buffer for the general population in the event of economic shocks, such as the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

Other, more structurally sound proposals address the fund’s welfare component, which is currently insufficiently compared to the 30-baht or universal coverage, and how to harmonise it with the upcoming National Pension Fund.

Major reform is unlikely to occur any time soon without policy clarity and the courage to pursue significant structural changes. Although these steps may not be considered low-hanging fruit, they are undoubtedly necessary; they must be taken quickly to ensure the fund’s survival.

A sensible choice would be to increase the salary cap on contributions and the premium rate. The current ceiling of 15, 000 baht was established in 1990 and was intended to cover the majority of workers at the time. However, recent studies have found that workers earning more than 15, 000 baht now make up about one-third of the workforce.

Additionally, the majority of studies have determined that the fund’s current premium is insufficient to support it for the foreseeable future. To ease the burden on all parties, a gradual premium rise has been suggested, such as an increase of 2.5 % every 10 years.

Another obvious winner is lowering the retirement age’s use of old age allowances. The current retirement age of 55 was established in 1998 when Thailand’s life expectancy was 70. With life expectancy at 87, raising the retirement age is only logical now because it will allow the elderly to lead active lives and continue to contribute to the fund.

Since increasing the retirement age could have an impact on those who are nearing retirement, this rule should be put into effect gradually, increasing pension eligibility by a few months over several years to give people time to adjust. This gradual approach means that it might take a while before the retirement age extension is fully implemented, which emphasizes the need to begin right away.

If there’s one thing that deserves further deliberation, it’s the minister’s proposal to increase the investment ceiling in high-risk assets from 40 % to 50 %, aiming to boost returns from 2.5 % to 7-8 %.

This action is risky and seems unnecessary, especially since Mr. Phiphat himself acknowledged that the fund has yet to reach its current cap, with only about 25 % of its investments being viewed as high risk, given the economy’s fluctuation.

As already mentioned, it will take a concerted effort to save the SSF in order to continue to serve as a trustworthy security service as Thailand transitions through demographic ageing and other social shifts. The moment is right to act rather than to delay and explore in vain.

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Expert remains calm amidst the storms

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In: South-East Asia

Country ‘ better organized’ to deal with overflow hazard, so a replicate of 2011 doubtful.

Water pro Chawalit Chantararat predicts that the government’s ability to deal with the catastrophe will be less severe than the ones from 2011 because of the country’s smaller masses of waters coming from the North and its readiness to deal with the disaster.

The director of Team Group, Team Consulting Engineering and Management Public Company Limited ( Team Group ), Mr. Chawalit, recently expressed optimism for the manageability of this year’s rainfall.

He said that although large rain has fallen in the northern regions, including Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Sukhothai and Phichit, it has not been sufficiently to overflow the whole area.

He also noted that this year, there are 15.6 billion cubic meters of water flowing through the Muang city of Nakhon Sawan state. In comparison, the highest number measured on Sept 25, 2011, was 23.4 billion cubic feet.

He claimed that the four main rivers that flow from the northern region ( the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan Rivers ) and meet at Nakhon Sawan, the source of the Chao Phraya River, were responsible for the record-breaking volumes seen in 2011. This time, however, merely the Yom River brought increased fluids from the North. ” The mass of water flowing through Nakhon Sawan on Aug 25 was about 40 % of 2011’s number, which is manageable”, he said.

Chawalit: Caption

Chawalit

When asked if he was sure Bangkok would certainly experience a overflow like in 2011, Mr. Chawalit, even a water resources engineer, responded that based on current volumes, there should not be a problem because the city is near the sea’s exit and the water mass in the North does not include a large area.

He even expressed confidence in the 10 kaem ping or “monkey face” water catchment areas along the Chao Phraya River, located in regions north of Bangkok, including Ayutthaya, Lop Buri and Ang Thong.

These reservoirs may keep 1.2 billion cubic meters of water, he said, and they will stop Bangkok from receiving north waters, he said.

” Bangkok usually fails to drain rainwater after heavy rain in some areas due to the city’s basin land, especially the 12 risk areas, such as Chaeng Watthana Road]from the Prapa Canal to the Prem Prachakon Canal], Ratchadaphisek Road]in front of Bangkok Bank ] and Sathu Pradit Road]the Sathu-Chan junction ]”, Mr Chawalit said.

He noted that when the water level is typically great, it is typically difficult to pour water into the Chao Phraya River in October because it can result in floods in places like the Soi Si Kham group in Samsen Soi 19, the Devaraj Kunchon area, and the Rachaphatubtim Ruam Jai group in Dusit district, as well as the Tha Wang and Tha Tian communities in Phra Nakhon district and Yannawa district’s Rong Si community on Rama III

Global warming, in addition to being one of the major contributors to floods, is another important factor, according to Mr. Chawalit, who said one of the causes of Bangkok’s excessive rainfall in 2022, when the city experienced 800 millimeters of rainfall in a single month while the rainfall for the entire year was only 2,300 millimeters.

” Global warming is getting more and more pervasive.” The Earth’s temperature should not rise by over 1.5 degrees Celsius, but it has now gone up by 1.2C.

” If it reaches 1.5C, more disasters, such as wildfires, floods, the melting of polar ice and overflows of seawater into rivers, will occur, “he said.

In the next 26 years, sea levels in the Gulf of Thailand will rise by 75cm, which is the number the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts, he said”. By then, Bangkok may be submerged,” said the water expert.

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