Govt eyes stronger energy ties with Russia

Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, the deputy secretary and energy secretary, urged Russia to provide Thailand with access to affordable power yesterday.

After presiding over the Third Asian and Pacific Energy Forum( APEF3 ) in Bangkok, Mr. Pirapan made the call while speaking with Sergey Mochalnikov, the deputy energy minister of Russia, and Evgeny Tomikhin, a Russian ambassador to Thailand.

According to Mr. Pirapan, the conversation aimed to strengthen diplomatic energy source ties for the benefit of the two nations.

He stated that Mr. Mochalnikov was prepared to provide Thailand’s power market with coal, gasoline, and other forms of energy. Additionally, Russia may assist academic research, information exchanges, investments in all types of energy generation, and joint ventures between the two nations’ private sectors.

According to Mr. Pirapan, Russia has even suggested that Thailand send a representative to Russia to observe the country’s energy sector, and Russia is prepared to help Thai business owners operate energy-related businesses there.

Mr. Pirapan was even invited to travel to the nation so that further debate could take place.

Following that, Mr. Pirapan met with Nasrul Hamid, the lieutenant strength, power, and material resources minister of Bangladesh, to discuss issues pertaining to the energy sector.

As part of Asia-Pacific Energy Week, APEF3 started monday and ends immediately at the UN Conference Center in Bangkok.

The Ministry of Energy, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific( Escap ), and other organizations are co-hosting the event.

The Ministerial Declaration on Regional Cooperation for Energy Transition towards Sustainable and Resilient Societies in Asia and the Pacific has been implemented, and APEF3 members have had the opportunity to review the progress made in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7. This target focuses on cheap and clean electricity in the Asia-Pacific area.

At the Second Asian and Pacific Energy Forum in 2018, this was approved.

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New scam targets workers in Israel

New scam targets workers in Israel
On Monday, more Thais in Israel returned. The Department of Labor on Thursday issued an alert to the people about a new fraud that is taking advantage of the conflict between Israel and Palestinians by deceiving users into downloading bogus money transfer apps on their phones in order to steal the financial information of foreign employees. Varuth Hirunyatheb( picture )

By deceiving people into downloading a fake wealth transfer apps on their phones so that the financial information of foreign workers can get stolen, the Department of Employment has alerted the government to an ongoing rip-off that is taking advantage of the conflict between Israel and Palestinians.

On Thursday and NBP, Sompong Kaewwandee, the chairman of the Chiang Rai Provincial Employment Office, issued a warning to avoid clicking any suspicious links.

He claimed that the company was made aware of the danger by the nearby people. He claimed that swindlers have been sending Thai staff in Israel’s families suspicious links via Line and SMS information.

They are posing as Israeli bank accounts service providers and instructing their victims to get the Monox application and click the link to view Thai workers’ financial statements. He claimed that Google Play is the only place to download the actual Monox game. The con artists assert that the data must be examined using the website they sent.

He advised those who had downloaded the false app to replace the SIM cards or disable the phone’s internet connection. Therefore, in order to clear the financial information, they may perform a manufacturer reset.

Additionally, he advised people to contact the local police or the site” thaipoliceonline.com” for a document. The Royal Thai Police can also be contacted by those with any additional information using its” 1441″ line.

While this is going on, Boonyavee Kwaipan, acting director-general of the Employment Department, announced that it is getting ready to pay Thai returnees from Israel who are Aid Fund for Overseas Workers 15, 000 ringgit in compensation.

Thai returnees must receive compensation from provincial work offices within three weeks.

The ministry has written to Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority requesting that they permit Thai workers to continue employment there once the situation has improved.

For Thai returnees who want to remain working abroad, it has also compiled a list of potential locations, including Taiwan, Portugal, Greece, and South Korea.

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iPhone con probe widens

According to the cybercrime investigators, at least four more people — three of them in Bangkok — have been conned by the fake phone vendor gang that is being blamed for the suicide of a 19-year-old student earlier this week.

A Mathayom 6( Grade 12 ) student who committed suicide by hanging was detained by the Cyber Crime Investigation Division 5 ( CCID5 ) yesterday, and Dokkaew Kewjerm, 22, was questioned by them on suspicion of being a member of the scam gang.

The scholar wired the gang’s store 20,500 baht to purchase an iPhone, but the phone was not delivered.

She hanged herself on Monday at her house in Nakhon Si Thammarat out of fear that her mother might censure her for being cheated. The payments were discovered by the authorities to be made to Ms. Dokkaew’s lender account.

The CCID5 captain, Pol Maj Gen Charin Kopatta, stated yesterday that Ms. Dokkaew, who was apprehended in Chaiyaphum, claimed she was paid 300 ringgit to start the horse account, but the authorities do not feel her. She also has at least two additional bank accounts, according to inspections.

According to the captain, Ms. Dokkaew’s income trail showed that four additional individuals had deposited funds in her account. The fifth resides in Nakhon Si Thammarat, while the other three reside in the Bangkok neighborhoods of Huai Khwang, Kua Mak, and Bukkalo.

Scams and a usurpation of computer crime rules have been brought against Ms. Dokkaew. Additionally, permits have been issued for the detention of three additional suspects.

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Land bridge ‘won’t affect security’

Anutin’ Sure’ plan may improve the economy

The Interior Ministry has stated that it will not construct a river that could compromise national security and has expressed assistance for the nation’s Land Bridge venture.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul claimed the project was started by the previous administration during a presentation yesterday. He added that the current administration does support the project and that it must act immediately.

Two deep-sea ports may be built as part of the job, one on the Andaman beach in Ranong and the other by the Gulf of Thailand along the Chumphon coast.

He continued,” They will be connected by a road and rail link that will have both high-speed and double-track railways.”

We have thoroughly researched the job, and Mr. Anutin stated that it will be advantageous to the nation.

He continued by saying that dredging a river that” splits the state in two” won’t affect national security is unnecessary.

Since the past administration, I have pushed for the job, and I keep my promise that the land bridge will strengthen the nation’s fundamental economic system, according to Mr. Anutin.

He continued,” I am sure the job will also help the Asian region, which will dominate the global market in the next ten years.”

According to Bhumjaithai MP Kongkrit Chatmaleerat for Ranong, the government on Monday acknowledged in theory that the task may charge 228 billion baht.

The land bridge project, which is a component of the Southern Economic Corridor( SEC ) scheme, is supported by all Bhumjaithai MPs as well as the residents of Ranong and Chumphon, he said.

To entice foreign investment, the Transport Ministry does host a fair abroad from November to January, he said.

Additionally, the government intends to draft a Southern Economic Corridor legislation the following year. By December of next year, he said, plan committees and an SEC coverage office would be established.

The private sector’s joint venture bidding will start around April and June 2025, and the property eviction plan will be released by January 2026. Around July or August 2025, a contract may become submitted to the government.

The property bridge’s structure is anticipated to start in September 2025 and be completed by September 2030 before being fully launched in October.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin invited owners from China and other nations to participate in the job on the final day of his visit to China monday.

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Up to 500k bank accounts possibly used for fraud

In November, fresh personality verification for ATM cash reserves will go into effect.

Up to 500k bank accounts possibly used for fraud
Customers at a Bangkok office store use cash deposit machines and automated teller machines. ( Image: Wichieanbut Nutthawat )

According to the Anti-Money Laundering Office ( Amlo ), which is introducing measures to address the issue, up to 500,000 bank accounts could be” mule” accounts opened to facilitate fraud.

People who use ATMs to deposit money will need to confirm their identities starting next month in order to enable more accurate transaction monitoring, according to the statement.

Out of the 121 million animal accounts already in use globally, Amlo estimates that between 200 000 and 500 000 may exist.

Amlo officials and the officers Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau are looking through accounts that they believe may have been created by fraud gang proxies.

He claimed that so far, the organizations have located more than 10,000 individuals who have opened over 70,000 horse accounts.

Authorities investigations into fraud cases in which victims’ money transfers were tracked allowed for identification.

When the account information was sent to the appropriate professional banks, they were soon frozen.

According to Mr. Witthaya, Amlo has been learning more about surrogate accounts and has discovered that they are growing roughly 1,000 per month.

Beginning on November 11, those who deposit money through ATMs had provide identification. The creditor may enter their citizenship ID number and mobile phone number for each device deposit of up to 30, 000 baht. The bank will then provide the borrower with a one-time passcode( OTP ) before allowing them to complete the transaction.

The creditor must provide information about their ATM, debit cards, or credit card as well as their personal identification amount( PIN ) for a device deposit of 30, 000 to 100 000 ringgit.

According to Mr. Witthaya, Amlo has seized and frozen more than 9.4 billion baht worth of assets in scams and virtual gambling cases over the past 12 months. With property valued at 8.8 billion ringgit claimed by the state, the majority of circumstances have been resolved in court.

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Digital money handout to be delayed

Minister says more time is needed to create a secure system, but the plan should begin in Q1 of the following month.

Digital money handout to be delayed
At the Pheu Thai Party office on Tuesday, deputy finance secretary Julapun Amornvivat meets with proponents of the 10,000-baht digital budget plan. Somchai Poomlard in the picture

According to assistant fund minister Julapun Amornvivat, it will take longer to develop a secure system, so the government cannot distribute 10,000 ringgit in online currency to people on February 1 as planned earlier.

He stated on Thursday that although it requires the highest level of security, we will complete it in time for the release to begin in the first quarter of the following year.

The program, the centerpiece of the Pheu Thai Party’s effort to revive the market, was scheduled to begin on February 1 by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

” The prime minister gave us the go-ahead to distribute the funds by February 1; however, I’m prepared to inform him that we are unable to do so because it will take time for us to establish a reliable and secure method.” Mr. Julapun, who is also a Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Rai, said,” We may trade the system for day.”

Additionally, he acknowledged that a subcommittee investigating the program’s funding options was unable to come to an agreement on Thursday. On Tuesday, it did reconvene.

Every Thai person 16 years of age and older will receive 10,000 baht in online currency from the Srettha government, at an estimated price of 548 billion Baht. A new” super app ,” according to the government, could be used for distribution.

According to Mr. Srettha, the market could expand by up to 5 % in the coming year as a result of increased consumption saving. He contends that increased tax revenue from financial activity may contribute to the scheme’s partial funding.

However, a growing number of academics, including two former governors of the Bank of Thailand, have argued that the plan poses an excessive risk to the market as the public debt is approaching acceptable levels.

The government has proposed that funding for the plan come from borrowing by several state entities so that it won’t be considered common debt.

The government has acknowledged that the plan may be changed to exclude the wealthy, and many critics have argued that only those who truly need it may receive the funds.

Express listener requested assistance.

In a related development, former legislator Rosana Rositrakul asked the State Audit Office( SAO) to review and halt the modern budget program on Thursday, claiming that it could be harmful.

According to her, the State Audit Act of 2018 allows the president of the state audit committee to request a joint investigation by the minds of both the Election Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission if the program is found to violate the constitution and associated rules or harm the monetary and fiscal systems.

She said they may ask the House of Representatives and the Senate to stop the system if at least two of the three bureau chiefs agree it is too difficult.

Ms. Rosana claimed that her request made the following six points:

  • The plan is deplorable.
  • It is prohibited by the Currency Act.
  • It may add unnecessarily heavy financial obligations to the nation.
  • The idea of state funds paying is avoided.
  • It entails hiding people loan.
  • It violates the State Fiscal Discipline Act of 2018’s Area 9.

According to Ms. Rosana, the government of Yingluck Shinawatra’s rice-pledging scheme, which resulted in the imprisonment of many cabinet ministers, can be compared to the 10, 000-baht online wallet scheme.

But since we lost our wealth, that was unnecessary. I’m calling for troubled organizations to look into this matter as a taxpayer and carrying out my civic duty.

House council hears opinions

However, on Thursday, the House Economic Development Committee heard what a Bank of Thailand standard and others thought about the qualities of the flyer.

The primary objective of the release is to encourage consumption, according to Daranee Saeju, associate chancellor for payment systems policy and financial customer protection at the central bank. However, in the eyes of the central bank, it is not required to do so given that the labor market is recovering and private business use is rising. The scheme, she claimed, might not be beneficial.

The committee’s president, MP Sithipol Wibulthanakul of the Move Forward Party, claimed that a Finance Ministry agent was unable to give the committee any information regarding the source of funding for the program.

Mr. Sithipol requested that the government consider the scheme’s benefits and drawbacks, potential financial resources, and potential little – and long-term effects on the economy.

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Forest loss from rubber ‘greatly exceeds’ estimates

Worries about the sustainability of agricultural goods in Southeast Asia are raised by a new study.

Forest loss from rubber ‘greatly exceeds’ estimates
A nearby farmer in Phuket gets ready to click a rubber tree. Achadtaya Chuenniran is shown in the picture.

According to a recent research study, forest loss caused by plastic production in Southeast Asia may be two to three times greater than previously thought, highlighting the difficulties importers are facing as they struggle to find responsible supplies.

An international team of researchers warned that rising global rubber demand is putting pressure on natural forests and causing biodiversity loss, with Southeast Asia, which accounts for 90 % of global production, bearing the brunt.

In a report that was published in the medical journal Nature, the researchers claimed that, in comparison to goods like soy and palm oil, earlier data suggested that rubber was an insignificant problem when it came to deforestation.

However, high-resolution satellite data suggested that forest losses” significantly exceed” earlier estimates, which helped determine more estates run by smallholders.

Since 1993, plastic crops have destroyed more than 4 million acres of woodland, with Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia accounting for two-thirds.

More than 14 million acres of the region’s area, including the two major rubber-producing provinces in China, Yunnan and Hainan, are devoted to plastic, away from 10 million in 2020.

With some plantations built during a plastic boom 20 years ago now being put to other uses after an economic downturn in 2011, full losses may be even higher.

At the end of the following year, a law will go into effect in the European Union to forbid product importers from purchasing goods that cause forest loss.

The law was initially only applicable to soybean, beef, palm oil, lumber, coconut, and coffee; rubber was later added at the EU lawmakers’ request in December.

Manufacturers had provide documentation demonstrating that their goods do not originate from land that has been deforested after 2020 in order to avoid fines.

According to Antje Ahrends of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the study’s lead author, the laws may encourage consumers to purchase plastic from large suppliers with simpler supply stores.

It is challenging for traders and manufacturers to find precise plastic purchasing areas and to confirm that no forest has occurred due to the numerous stages in the plastic supply range and the dispersed nature of plastic manufacturing, she said.

According to her, groups like the Forest Stewardship Council are working to increase traceability for smallholders— who account for 85 % of the world’s production — and make sure their rubber can be sold in Europe. & nbsp,

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PM proposes making Chinese visa-free entry permanent

Srettha also informs the Chinese equivalent about the new Mekong gate and landbridge.

PM proposes making Chinese visa-free entry permanent
At their appointment on Wednesday at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shakes hands with his Taiwanese equivalent Li Qiang. ( Image: Foreign Ministry)

During extensive discussions with Taiwanese Prime Minister Li Qiang in Beijing, Srettha Thavisin suggests making visa-free admittance for Chinese visitors permanent.

The advantages of a proposed landbridge in southwestern Thailand for the Belt and Road Initiative, supported by China, were also discussed by Mr. Srettha and his rival.

The discussions on Wednesday also covered a proposed fresh gate to Laos across the Mekong River to promote business between Thailand and China as well as easing restrictions on Thai cattle exports to China.

Mr. Srettha stated on Thursday,” I felt a very good relationship with the Chinese prime minister tuesday.” He provided me with his mobile number so I could make clear calls. This is encouraging. Both nations are reliant on one another. China, which is a great brother, may be our reliance.

The remarks were made by the excellent minister as he concluded his trip to Beijing for the next Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

As part of a larger economic revival strategy, the government has temporarily waived visas for Foreign and Azerbaijani immigrants who stay for 30 days. The program will end on February 29 after beginning on September 25.

Foreign tourists initially responded favorably, but the shootings on October 3 at Siam Paragon, in which a Taiwanese visitor was one of three people killed, raised security concerns that regulators have pledged to handle.

Before the Covid – 19 pandemic, China was the nation’s main source of foreign guests, bringing on nearly 11 million people in 2019. About 5 million Chinese are anticipated to travel to the nation this year, according to hospitality officials.

Thailand will continue to support the Belt and Road Initiative, Mr. Srettha added, assuring his Chinese equivalent. For instance, a new gate that would be built across the Mekong from Nong Khai to Laos may make it easier to export goods from Thailand to China.

He even brought up the landbridge initiative, which would connect Chumphon and Ranong, two southern provinces, with the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. According to Mr. Srettha, this would also increase the potential of the Belt and Road to strengthen relationships with foreign countries as China anticipated.

According to him, the 90-kilometer-long landbridge may reduce the time it takes to move goods from the Strait of Malacca to the South China Sea and the Andaman Sea by six to nine weeks.

He continued,” The landbridge job and the construction of Chinese businesses in Thailand would transform Thailand into a global hub for transportation.”

Mr. Srettha added that he also suggested conducting checks in Thailand prior to cow import to China in order to increase the efficiency of the trade of cows. China currently mandates that Laos undergo investigations, such as wellness exams and treatments.

Calves can be exported to China with ease if the process is carried out in Thailand, he said.

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Unhealthy air levels in Bangkok, provinces – health ministry

In some regions of Bangkok and several other counties, the concentrations of extremely fine sand, known as PM2.5, have been either mild or bad. The Public Health Ministry advises people to check the air quality before leaving their homes or going outside, especially those with severe conditions.

PM2.5 dirt levels typically increase between the end of the year and the beginning of it, according to Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent director for public health. He continued,” The Public Health Ministry has been keeping an eye on the PM2.5 position to challenge health cautions.”

PM2.5 levels are currently at the moderate( yellow ) or unhealthy( orange ) level in some provinces, particularly in the Northeast, such as Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Nong Khai, and Ubon Ratchathani.

In Bangkok, there have been reports of toxic levels in a number of places, including Kanchanaphisek Road in the Bang Khun Thian area, Din Daeng Road, Khlong Kum region, Bang Phlat district’s Charan Sanitwong street, the Thung Wat Don neighborhood in Sathon, and the Charoen Nakhon street.

According to Dr. Opas, people should check their PM2.5 levels using the Air4Thai application or go to the Department of Pollution Control’s website at http :// air4thae.pcd.go.th before leaving their homes or engaging in outdoor activities. To determine the air quality levels, they can also go to the website https :// pm25gistda.or.th:

  1. Blue( excellent ): There is no risk to health.
  2. Green( moderate ): There is no risk to health.
  3. Yellow( unhealthy ): Children and the elderly should limit their outdoor time, while respiratory tract disorders should be avoided.
  4. Orange( very bad ): Outdoor activities should be avoided by those who have respiratory tract disorders. The elderly and children may limit their time spent outside.
  5. Red( hazardous ): People with respiratory tract disorders should stay inside, and outdoor exercise should be avoided.

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Unhealthy air levels in Bangkok, provinces

As the annual rise in PM2.5 pollutants starts, the health department issues advisories.

According to the Ministry of Public Health, PM2.5 levels of extremely fine sand have recently been either mild or unhealthy in some Bangkok neighborhoods and several other regions.

The government advises people to check the weather excellent before leaving their homes or engaging in outdoor activities, especially those with chronic illnesses.

Fine-dust waste is a seasonal occurrence that has been primarily attributed to produce burning that occurs during the great season. Pollution from vehicles are also a significant factor. & nbsp,

According to Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent director for public health, the Ministry of Public Health keeps an eye on PM2.5 observations to challenge health warnings as needed.

PM2.5 levels in some provinces, particularly in the Northeast like Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani, are now at the moderate( yellow ) level or unhealthy( orange ), according to the air quality website of the Pollution Control Department.

In Bangkok, there have been reports of toxic levels in a number of places, including the Thung Wat Don location in Sathon, the Charoen Nakhon Road in the Khlong San district, and the Kanchanaphisek road in Bang Khun Thian area.

According to Dr. Opas, people should check their PM2.5 rates using the Air4Thai mobile app or explore the Pollution Control Department’s site before leaving their homes or engaging in outdoor pursuits. To determine the air quality levels, they can also go to https :// pm25gistda.or.th:

  1. Blue( excellent ): There is no risk to health.
  2. Green( moderate ): There is no health risk.
  3. Yellow( unhealthy ): Children and the elderly should limit their outdoor time, while respiratory disorders should be avoided.
  4. Orange( very bad ): Those who have respiratory tract issues should stay away from outdoor activities. The elderly and children may limit their day outside.
  5. Red( hazardous ): People with respiratory tract disorders should stay inside, and outdoor exercise should be avoided.

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