Barkar Nash – Page 901

Thai-UK deal seeks to boost space capabilities

On: November 12, 2023

PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2023 at 19:50

The Excellence Centre for Space Technology and Research (Ecstar) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with In-Space Missions Limited from the United Kingdom to pursue cooperation in satellite and space affairs.

Ecstar, which is under King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang’s International Academy of Aviation Industry (IAAI), is keen to develop the country’s space research and technological development.

Ecstar chairman Col Settapong Malisuwan said the partnership confirms Ecstar’s commitment to ensure Thailand’s space capacity is at par with other countries.

He said the MoU will foster collaboration and contribute to Thailand’s space affairs development.

The signing ceremony was attended by Ecstar director Charnwit Munikanont and Tony Holt, Chief Sales and Innovation Officer & Co-Founder of In-Space Missions Limited.

Mr Charnwit said Ecstar and In-Space Missions Limited had discussed the development of a satellite rideshare mission called Faraday Dragon within Asean.

He said the partnership would allow Thailand to join other countries in building satellites.

Both sides aim to start working in March next year and jointly manufacture a satellite in two years and utilise it in three years, he added.

Col Settapong, who became the chairman of Ecstar in the middle of this year, said the centre aims to develop the country’s first low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites as well as boost international cooperation with other space agencies.

The centre is also planning to support startup businesses conducting studies on climate change commissioned by the Spacecraft Commission for Economic and Social Security Subcommittee.

MoU to boost nation’s space capabilities

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2023 at 19:50

Ecstar chairman Col Settapong Malisuwan said the partnership confirms Ecstar’s commitment to ensure Thailand’s space capacity is at par with other countries.

He said the MoU will foster collaboration and contribute to Thailand’s space affairs development.

The signing ceremony was attended by Ecstar director Charnwit Munikanont and Tony Holt, Chief Sales and Innovation Officer & Co-Founder of In-Space Missions Limited.

Mr Charnwit said Ecstar and In-Space Missions Limited had discussed the development of a satellite rideshare mission called Faraday Dragon within Asean.

He said the partnership would allow Thailand to join other countries in building satellites.

Both sides aim to start working in March next year and jointly manufacture a satellite in two years and utilise it in three years, he added.

The centre is also planning to support startup businesses conducting studies on climate change commissioned by the Spacecraft Commission for Economic and Social Security Subcommittee.

Thailand to join military exercises in China

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2023 at 16:56

BEIJING: China will hold joint military exercises with Thailand and four other Southeast Asian countries in mid-to-late November, state media outlet Xinhua reported on Sunday.

The exercise, to be held in China’s southern Guangdong province, will include Thai, Cambodian, Lao, Malaysian and Vietnamese forces.

The drills will be focused on “counter terrorism and maritime safety”, Xinhua said.

Ranger shot dead while lying face down, wife spared

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2023 at 16:30

NARATHIWAT: A ranger was shot to death by an unidentified group of seven men dressed in black while his wife was spared in an attack in Rueso district on Sunday morning, police said.

The incident occurred at about 9am when Seri Hasa, a volunteer ranger attached to the 4th Marine Ranger Company on leave from Nov 1-12, was travelling on a motorcycle with his his wife riding pillion towards a durian plantation at Ba-ngu Nguba, the Moo 1 village in tambon Sawo of Rueso district.

Seven black-clad men, all armed with M16 rifles, stopped their motorcycle and told Seri and his wife to lie face down. One of them fired shots to Seri’s back, killing him instantly, but spared his wife and told her to run away downhill.

Police were investigating to establish the motive for the killing.

School rivalry suspected in shooting death of teacher

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2023 at 16:24

Police are making progress in their bid to identify the gunman who killed a teacher, an innocent bystander, after opening fire at a brilliant freshman at a technology college on Saturday morning.

Pol Col Withawat Chinkham, acting commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 5, said on Sunday that detectives had made a certain degree of progress in their attempt to identify the gunman who attacked a freshman at Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok, Uthenthawai Campus.

The gunman covered himself with a long-sleeved shirt and full-face helmet, he said, and arrived at the scene on the back of a motorcycle.

The freshman was identified as Thanasorn Hongsawat, 19. He was seriously injured and admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Pol Col Withawat said detectives from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Metropolitan Police Division 5 and the Thung Mahamek police station were mobilised for the investigation.

Detectives tracked the escape of the gunman and expected to identtify him in the near future, Pol Col Withawat said.

Police had not ruled out any possible motivation for the crime but were focusing on rivalry between different campuses, he said.

The dead student was not personally involved in the conflict because he was a freshman, the commander said.

In the shooting incident, the first shot missed the male victim but struck the head of a teacher who was about to use an ATM at a TMBThanachart Bank (TTB) branch on Sunthornkosa Road.

Sirada Sinprasert, the 45-year-old teacher, taught computer science at nearby Sacred Heart Convent School. Her family was to organise funeral rites in her native province of Suphan Buri.

The management of the school and the government expressed their deepest sorrow over the loss of the education professional.

The mother of the seriously injured student, Pornpimol, came from Samut Sakhorn to see her son. She said he was in critical condition and was about to undergo his third operation as a neck wound continuously bled and a bullet was buried in his leg.

She said the son was her eldest child and enrolled in the campus due to his excellent educational records.

Before the incident, the mother said, her son told her he had no classes at the campus on Saturday but would build decorations for a graduation ceremony for senior students.

The son had no conflicts and studied hard, she said. The family had pinned high hope on him.

She said she did not know when longstanding violence against technology students would end and she was praying for the miraculous recovery of her son.

Israeli films Thai worker’s Isan funeral after movie script comes true

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

NAKHON PHANOM: The Israeli producer of a short film on the life of Thai workers in his country has arrived in this northeastern border province to capture footage of the funeral of a Thai worker who was killed by Hamas militants during the Oct 7 surprise raid into Israel, the event that triggered the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The Thai worker, Settha Homesorn, 36, was one of 35 Thais confirmed killed in the Hamas attack. He and his twin brother, Jessada, and their younger brother Pom, 32, went to Israel about four years ago. The siblings worked at three different agricultural farms near the Gaza Strip.

Settha was killed while the two others remained safe.

Settha’s body was flown from Israel to Thailand on Nov 10 and brought to Ban Nong Doen Pattana, his home village, in tambon Ban Phueng of Muang district where a Thai-style funeral had been held for him. Settha was the second Thai worker from Nakhon Phanom killed during the Hamas attack.

On Saturday, an Israeli man who identified himself as Jonatan, 30, arrived at the funeral, to the surprise of the local people.

Through an interpreter, Mr Jonatan said he is the producer of a short film featuring the lives of Thai workers who work in agricultural farms in the area near the Gaza Strip.

Mr Jonatan said he had met Settha and asked him to appear in his film as a lead actor. Filming began about two years ago.

He said he wanted to portray all aspects of the migrants’ daily work lives. In an eerie foreshadowing of the real-life tragedy to come, he said the film’s plot featured Hamas militants launching rocket fire from Gaza that landed on the farms, causing the workers to flee for their lives. Settha, the lead actor, was supposed to get killed in the last scene.

Mr Jonatan said he never thought the film’s nightmarish plot would come true.

The Israeli filmmaker said he was very sad, but in order to complete the film, he came to Thailand to film Settha’s funeral.

He said he would stay with Settha’s family for about one week to offer his sincere condolences. After the film’s editing is completed, he intended to get it shown to a worldwide audience.

Mr Jessada, Settha’s twin brother, said the three brothers worked separately at different farms. They knew the area was prone to Hamas attacks but did not expect the border conflict to turn so violent. He learned that Settha had been captured and taken hostage during the Oct 7 raid. He was later informed that his brother had been killed.

He coordinated with Israeli authorities throughout the identification process and returned home on a repatriation flight before Settha’s body was brought to Thailand on another flight arranged by the government.

Mr Jessada said despite the loss, he still wanted to return to work in Israel where wages are high compared to Thailand.

Rains to continue in upper, central regions

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2023 at 12:00

The Meteorological Department forecasts rains to continue in the upper and central regions of the country until Thursday and temperatures to begin dropping afterwards, especially on mountaintops.

The department said on Sunday that weak and moderate cold winds would clash with easterly and southeasterly winds and cause rain in upper and central regions, although precipitation would subside during the period.

The department expected rains in the afternoon especially in the lower Northeast, the East and the Central Plain including Greater Bangkok.

From Friday to Tuesday next week temperatures will drop significantly on mountaintops, clearly reflecting the onset of winter. Meanwhile, there would be rainstorms in the South from Chumphon province southwards, the department said.

Labour group favours B492 minimum wage over handout

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2023 at 08:33

A workers’ representative has reiterated a demand for a 492-baht flat rate minimum wage nationwide to increase purchasing power, calling it a more sustainable approach than a one-time cash handout.

Chalee Loysoong, adviser to the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC), said boosting purchasing power through wage hikes will lead to a larger increase in economic activity, and is a more sustainable approach than the government’s proposed 10,000 baht cash giveaway scheme, particularly when considering the multiplier effect.

He said the wage increase will not prompt businesses to move their production bases to other countries, as investment policies in the country are favourable.

Mr Chalee said the flat rate is being proposed because the prices of consumer goods are the same across the country.

“People in the provinces don’t necessarily buy cheaper goods. It’s vital to increase purchasing power across the board,” he said.

He also warned the labour minister not to intervene in the work of the tripartite wage committee, saying the wage is reviewed by the panel which comprises representatives from the state, employers and employees.

Atthayuth Leeyawanich, chairman of the Employers Confederation of Consumer Goods and Services, said criteria must be considered when reviewing minimum wage, including inflation and economic growth. At the moment, he said, employers cannot afford the 400-baht rate and urged the government to take additional measures to improve the economy.

He echoed Mr Chalee’s call for the government not to pressure the wage committee, which makes a final decision after reviewing reports from provincial committees. The approved wage is later forwarded to the labour minister and cabinet for endorsement.

“The new wage isn’t finalised and we should let the committee do its job,” he said.

The daily wage was raised across all 77 provinces to 328-354 baht in October last year, with the average daily minimum wage at 337 baht, despite the call for a flat rate of 492 baht. The increase, 5.02% on average, was approved after a freeze for over two years.

Hands up for a pay rise

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 11, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Despite being in office for only two months, the Pheu Thai-led government has made progress on several campaign pledges including plans to raise salaries for civil servants and the daily minimum wages for unskilled workers, although the timeframe set for these changes is within four years.

On the proposal to increase the pay of low-salaried state officials, the government said a study is being conducted on whether to increase salaries for civil servants and those working for the government.

The Labour Ministry is working on the daily wage hike. According to Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the minimum daily wage will be raised by the end of next month, but to a rate below 400 baht, while the promised 400-baht rate will come later, around the end of next year in certain provinces.

Given that the Pheu Thai Party plans to implement these policies over a four-year period, the government’s push after two months in office has spurred chatter about whether the economy is truly prepared for such changes.

Some argue that bumping up people’s pay is a necessary step to improving their well-being, while others contend it is a political strategy to strengthen and expand the party’s support base.

The Bangkok Post took a closer look at the salary increase and wage hike plans, exploring arguments by economists, political scientists and the government, with some experts cautioning that the hikes should be gradual rather than sweeping.

Addressing needs

Assoc Prof Yutthaporn Issarachai, a political science lecturer at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, backed pay raises for low-salaried civil servants and workers but said challenges await in putting these policies into practice.

The pay hikes for state officials will place a big burden on the state budget as a larger portion of the national spending plan will be allocated for this item which could affect other areas of expenditure. Some 100 billion baht could be needed to cover pay hikes for state officials.

He said while giving unskilled workers better pay is a way to ensure fairness, it can affect the economy. So the government must step up measures to control the prices of goods.

“Still, these policies are short-term. Unless the government addresses structural problems, this issue will recur. The plan to guarantee a monthly salary of 25,000 baht for new graduates is harder to do. It’s hard because it must not have repercussions,” he said.

Assoc Prof Yutthaporn said the ruling party is under pressure to implement these policies including the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. If the government fails to launch any of these, it will affect the public confidence and the party’s support base.

“When Pheu Thai switched political alliances, many people shifted their support away from the party. These policies will be make-or-break for Pheu Thai as to whether it can keep its political base,” he said.

The academic did not perceive these policies as currying favour or a calculated move to win support at the next election as some critics suggested. Since 1997, every party has adopted such approaches to engage with the public, he said.

If the government can implement key policies with real results, the ruling party can expect a boost in popularity, he said. However, the role of the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), which is being rocked by scandals, remains an influential factor.

“If the MFP can’t get its house in order and the government policies prove to be a flop, the ruling party may not experience an increase in popularity. If the policies prove successful, Pheu Thai has a chance,” he said.

Delivering promises

Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai’s secretary-general, said the government is actively working to boost GDP, and laying the foundations for implementation of pay rise policies for unskilled workers, civil servants and new graduates.

“We must rejuvenate the economy because the wage increase is a double-edged sword. We look at it from the perspective of employers and workers. When the economy is better, pay rises will be made gradual as we promised,” he said.

Mr Sorawong said the salary increase plan for civil servants is unlikely to be carried out in the 2024 fiscal year because the period for submitting requests for budget allocations is closed. Asked if the policy is a political strategy to win over voters, the party’s secretary-general said it is indeed perceived as such from a political perspective but the government is committed to delivering its campaign promises.

“Of course, the party’s support base will be affected if we can’t pull it off. But we’re confident we can put them into practice despite pressure and resistance,” he said.

Deputy Pheu Thai leader Jiraporn Sindhuprai said the party is obliged to do as it promised.

Citing the global situation, she said inflation will rise and push up the cost of living regardless of whether the minimum wage increases. Such economic hardship makes it difficult for people to survive, said the MP for Roi Et.

“Several countries are considering raising wages even though they face inflation. But we don’t plan to increase wages all at once and we want to make the economy grow by 5% on average, too. When businesses make profits, they can offer a bigger wage,” she said.

Ms Jiraporn said the party conducted research on the pay raises before formulating them into policy.

Gradual increases urged

Assoc Prof Yongyuth Chalamwong, researcher from the Thailand Development Research Institute, agreed with the minimum wage hike in principle and believed the tripartite committee would find a reasonable rate.

He said some industries are still adjusting to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, relying on technology to maintain productivity. Moreover, poor economic growth figures raise concerns about businesses’ ability to increase wages for their workers.

He doubted the proposed 400-baht minimum wage, which is nearly 20%, will be approved considering that previous wage hikes typically ranged from 5% to 8%. Additionally, in some provinces the provincial wage committees did not seek wage adjustments, so as to prevent layoffs.

According to Assoc Prof Yongyuth, a key factor in determining wage rates is the majority of industries operate as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), producing based on orders, and so are unable to set higher prices in the competitive market. The high cost of living makes the situation worse for low-income workers.

He said that if the government starts at a 10% wage increase and implements the hikes gradually over following years, together with structural reforms to boost productivity, the wage level in 2027 is likely to be close to the 600-baht benchmark without causing severe impacts.

Nauvarat Songswaddichai, deputy secretary-general of the Federation of Thai Industries, called on the government not to intervene in wage rises, which are reviewed by the wage committee.

She echoed Assoc Prof Yongyuth’s concerns about the potential impact of a sharp wage rise on competitiveness. During economic slowdowns and uncertainty, consumers tend to spend less, so businesses’ priority is to stay afloat and retain workers as long as possible.

Ms Nauvarat said the government also needs to regulate the price of essential consumer goods and cut expenses including travel costs for various groups.

Wirote Chuachanwong, an office worker, welcomed the government’s pay rise plan, but said that if the government fails to control the price of goods, the wage increases will not be effective.

“Who doesn’t want a better pay? People were struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic, and now we have the Ukraine-Russia conflict. A pay rise is necessary, but without comprehensive measures it will make no difference,” he said.

Mr Wirote said the Covid-19 pandemic made many realise that working in the public sector is more secure.

During the past 10 years, many private employees were laid off without compensation, and those who were fortunate to keep their jobs are uncertain about their future. Hopes of getting a salary increase or a bonus are but a pipe dream, he said.

Five more Thai workers confirmed dead

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 11, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2023 at 04:00

Five more Thais working in Israel have been confirmed dead, raising the total number of fatalities to 39, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

Citing the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv, the ministry said yesterday Israeli authorities have finished identifying the victims and noted a further five Thai nationals among them.

As of Nov 10, the number of Thai workers killed stands at 39 with 19 others injured and 25 taken hostage. Of the injured, four are still in hospital.

Pannabha Chandraramya, the ambassador to Israel, and Sakdinart Sonthisakdiyothin, an inspector with the Social Security Office, visited three of the injured on Friday.

The trio, who remain hospitalised at the Tel Hashomer Sheba and Shamir Medical Center/Assaf Harofe, are making a good recovery, the MFA said, adding the officials are making plans to visit the other injured.

Labour Permanent Secretary Pairote Chotikasathien said yesterday more than 6,000 Thai workers have applied for compensation from a fund for overseas workers.

Of these, about 3,000 have been paid and the rest are expected to receive the compensation, at 15,000 baht each, within one week, he said, adding some workers face payment delays due to paperwork problems.

He said the returnees will also receive additional compensation of 50,000 baht each. The payment was approved in principle by the prime minister, adding the families of those who were killed and the workers who returned with re-entry permits before the violence broke out will also be paid.

The financial relief is expected to be tabled for the cabinet approval tomorrow, he said.

On the refund for travel expenses, he said provincial labour offices are gathering documents from workers to process the refund requests. About 2,400 requests have been submitted, with 1,100 seeking refunds for air tickets and the rest for airport transfers in Israel, he said.

According to Thai officials, there were about 30,000 Thai workers in Israel before the Oct 7 cross-border raids by the Palestinian terror group Hamas. Some 8,000 have since been repatriated and over 20,000 Thai workers have chosen to stay despite the worsening conflict.

Efforts to secure the release of those being held captive are still ongoing with Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara saying last week the Thais hostages are expected to be among the first of some 250 hostages to be freed as they were being held in relatively safe areas.

Barkar Nash (Page 901)