B400 rate unlikely by Oct 1st

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Panelists miss the crucial pay meeting once more

A group of construction workers commute to work on a songthaew in the Rama IV area of Bangkok. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
On a songthaew in Bangkok’s Rama IV neighborhood, a group of design employees make the journey to operate. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

Due to some members of the bilateral pay commission who canceled a meeting on Friday to explain the proposed wage increase, the regular minimum wage increase to 400 baht global will not be implemented as planned on October 1.

Continuous Secretary for Labour Pairoj Chotikasathien claimed that some government employees and members of the 15-member committee did not arrive, which led to a lack of a vote.

The conference requires a vote of at least two-thirds, or 10 people, to vote on the matter, but just nine were there, he explained.

The remaining commission members were just able to discuss possible effects of the income increase and were unable to cast a vote on the matter.

The proposed income increase plan, which will use to businesses or factories with at least 200 employees, will be discussed at a new conference scheduled for Tuesday, April 20.

But, Mr. Pairoj reaffirmed his opinion that the committee will eventually come to a decision regarding the pay increase plan and present it to the cupboard for concern on October 1. This prevents the planned introduction of a salary increase on that day.

On Monday, the wage commission– comprised of employees, employers, and the authorities– met to force the president’s 400-baht least wage policy. But, five company members did not attend, claiming they had different activities.

Mr. Pairoj emphasized that committee members are required to enter the following meeting and vote on the wage proposal on their own, and that they may send representatives to do so.

When writers pointed out that council members from the authorities were among those who were absent from yesterday’s meeting, he declined to comment.

Just nine members of the 15-member committee, according to a cause, were present at today’s gathering, while six commission people, including two from the government, did not. At the conference, all five company staff were present.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, the Director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office under the Commerce Ministry, was one of the people who were excluded.

The business industry has stated that it is not available to see a raise in wages.

Prior to this, Kriengkrai Thiennukul, the head of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), remarked that the state’s representatives should take advice from the municipal subcommittees regarding the wage increase.

He further stated that when deliberating the issue, the national income committee should also take into account economic indicators and the nation’s competitiveness.

Mr. Kriengkrai pointed out that the FTI has spoken with companies, and that the pay increase may cause those who are already in risky to step down, which could have an impact on overall confidence.

Additionally, the FTI Chairman called on organizations to train employees in order to satisfy market demand and suggested a “pay by skill” solution.

” Half of the companies are n’t labour-intensive and are prepared to give 700-900 bass to qualified workers, but, such employees are hard to find. We should include conversations to fine-tune]the policy ] to avoid it becoming a discussion”, he said.

Songpol Changsiriwatthanathamrong, President of the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, indicated that members of the provincial room disagreed with the income rise to 400 baht, as it will affect tiny- and medium-sized enterprises that are labour-intensive and generally get migrant workers.

The Pheu Thai-led government made a crucial vote claim, raising the regular minimum income. The government intends to raise the income from 400 to 600 by 2027 during its first season in power.

A 400-baht everyday salary was approved by the bilateral committee on March 26, which became effective on April 13 in some 10 regions, including Phuket, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Pattaya, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai City, and Bangkok’s Pathumwan and Watthana regions. This applied to tourism-related firms and four-star establishments with at least 50 people.

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Cash or contactless? How to pay in Singaporeans’ favourite travel destinations

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Compared to its neighbours, digital payment choices in Taiwan are somewhat limited. For example, the EasyCard, which is essential for getting around Taipei, can generally be purchased and reloaded with money at most sites. Although the Taipei Metro intends to start accepting Apple Pay and credit cards starting in 2025, money is still required for a lot of deals.

You’ll also need money to travel by cab, take a meal at a meal establishment ( like one that sells fried dough fries and soy milk ), take a trip to a smaller town, and take day trips to smaller towns.

ATMs: Look out for ATMS by Bank of Taiwan, CTBC Bank, Mega International Bank, TaipeiFubon, Cathay United Hua Nan, Taishin Bank, ChangHwa Bank, Sinopac, Kaohsiung Bank, HSBC Bank, and Cooperative Bank.

Mobile bills:

  • One of the most popular e-wallets is LINE Pay, which is one of the most widely used. AliPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and WeChat Pay are accepted to varying levels.
  • OCBC customers can make purchases at retailers across the world using their mobile banking game.

10. SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Cash limit: A$ 10, 000 AUD ( S$ 8, 700 )

Cashless payments implementation price: High

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Sri Lanka to vote in first election since protests ousted leader

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Getty Images Three young men wave Sri Lankan fans from atop a white concrete balustradeGetty Images

In the first vote since the country’s worst economic crisis, which led to widespread protests, the country’s head was ousted in 2022, the country will appoint a new president.

The vote on Saturday is widely regarded as a vote on economic reforms that will set the nation on the path to healing.

However, due to tax increases, lower grants, and lower security standards, many people are also struggling to make ends meet.

In what is shaping up to be a close contest, many experts predict that financial problems will be top of the minds of citizens.

” The region’s soaring inflation, skyrocketing cost-of-living and hardship have left the public eager for alternatives to stabilise costs and increase livelihoods”, Soumya Bhowmick, an interact fellow at India-based think tank the Observer Research Foundation, told the BBC.

This vote serves as a critical time for shaping Sri Lanka’s healing path and restoring both domestic and international trust in its management, according to the country’s attempt to recover from its economic collapse.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was charged with the huge process of leading Sri Lanka out of its economic decline, is seeking another word.

The 75-year-old was appointed by congress a fortnight after Gotabaya Rajapaksa was pushed out of office.

What little of the opposition action was left after Wickremesinghe took office was completely destroyed. He has also been accused of preventing the Rajapaksa community from being prosecuted and allowing them to recover, claims he has refuted.

Leftist lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayake, whose anti-corruption program has gained him more and more people support, is another strong candidate.

More candidates are running in Saturday’s vote than any other in Sri Lanka’s story. But of more than three hundred, four are dominating the fame.

Different than Wickremesinghe and Dissanayake, there is also the leader of the opposition, Sajith Premadasa, and the 38-year-old brother of the ousted president, Namal Rajapaksa.

Counting begins once polls close at 16: 00 local time ( 10: 30 GMT ), but results are not expected to become clear until Sunday morning.

An business in issue

The” Aragalaya” ( struggle ) uprising that deposed former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was sparked by an economic meltdown.

Decades of under-taxation, weak exports and big policy problems, combined with the Covid-19 crisis dried up the government’s foreign exchange reserves. Public debt exceeded$ 83 billion, and inflation exceeded 70 %.

While the country’s social and political elites were largely shielded from the aftermath, basic necessities like food, cooking oil, and remedies became indisputable for regular people, leading to resentment and unrest.

Getty Images A woman in a blue spotted dress sits in a queue of people next to gasoline containersGetty Images

Then-president Rajapaksa and his government were blamed for the problems, leading to months-long rallies calling for his departure.

On July 13th, 2022, in spectacular views that were broadcast around the world, people jumped into the swimming pool and ransack the house.

The time government of President Wickremesinghe imposed strict austerity measures to save the business in the midst of Rajapaksa’s journey from the nation- an captivity that lasted for 50 days.

Even though the economic reforms have safely lowered prices and strengthened the Sri Lankan dollar, regular Sri Lankans still experience the squeeze.

” Jobs are the hardest item to find”, says 32-year-old Yeshan Jayalath. ” Even with an accounting degree, I ca n’t find a permanent job”. Otherwise, he has been doing momentary or part-time work.

Many smaller companies across the nation are also still suffering from the issue.

Norbet Fernando, who was forced to close his roof tile manufacturer northwest of Colombo in 2022, claimed that natural materials like clay, wood, and oil are three times more expensive than they were two years ago. He continued,” Very few individuals are purchasing ceiling tiles or building houses.”

” After 35 years, it hurts to see my shop in remains”, Fernando told the BBC, adding that of the 800 stone companies in the area, just 42 have remained useful since 2022.

Sad demand is predicted by central banks data on business sentiments in 2022 and 2023, and even though the situation is improving in 2024, it is still not at pre-crisis amounts.

” The Sri Lankan business properly for now have been put back on its feet, but many people still need to be convinced the cost is worth paying”, Alan Keenan, the International Crisis Group’s ( ICG) senior advisor on Sri Lanka, told the BBC.

Getty Images A red motorcycle taxi drives past a yellow wall with posters of a man in a red scarfGetty Images

Who are the primary prospects?

Ranil Wickremesinghe: Having previously lost twice at the presidential polls, Saturday marks his third chance to be elected by the Sri Lankan people, rather than parliament

Anura Kumara Dissanayake: The candidate of the leftist National People’s Party alliance promises tough anti-corruption measures and good governance

Sajith Premadasa: The opposition leader is representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya party – his father served as the second executive president of Sri Lanka before he was assassinated in 1993

Namal Rajapaksa: The son of Mahinda Rajapaksa, who led the country between 2005 and 2015, he hails from a powerful political lineage, but will need to win over voters who blame his family for the economic crisis

How does the vote work?

Voters in Sri Lanka select a single winner by placing three candidates in order of preference.

If a candidate receives an absolute majority, they will be declared the winner. If not, a second round of counting will commence, with second and third-choice votes then taken into account.

Because single candidates have always won decisively based on first-preference votes, no election in Sri Lanka has ever advanced to the second round of counting.

This year could be different.

” Opinion polls and initial campaigning suggest the vote is likely, for the first time ever, to produce a winner who fails to gain a majority of votes”, said Mr Keenan, of ICG.

Candidates, party leaders, and election officials should be prepared to resolve any potential conflicts in accordance with established procedures and with calm.

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Marriage equality law likely by early 2025

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Protesters anticipate the costs will be in consequence by January.

PUBLISHED: 21 Sep 2024 at 05: 29

A couple hold a mockup of a marriage registration and a rainbow flag to support the enforcement of the Marriage Equality Bill at the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
A few supports the protection of the Marriage Equality Bill by holding a template of a marriage membership and a rainbow flag at the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday. ( Photo: Somchai Poomlard )

The Marriage Equality Bill may be made public by civil society organizations by October 2 with protection beginning in January of next year.

Bangkok Pride leader Waaddao Anne Chumaporn reported on Friday that the bill passed the Senate on June 18 this time, and that Srettha Thavisin, a former prime minister, had already summited it for His Majesty the King’s approval on July 4.

The advocate hopes a bill will be made public by Oct. 2 because it needs to receive royal confirmation and been made public in the Royal Gazette within 90 times. After the announcement, the law will be enacted in approximately 120 days, which is first January next year, she said.

Ms. Waaddao stated that the costs will be sent up to parliament if it does not receive royal approval within the specified time frame, which would be unusual. It will require a second-third of the parliament members ‘ approval before the top is publish it for royal approval once more.

According to Section 146 of the contract, the state will have the whole right to declare the enforcement of the law if the costs does not get the royal confirmation within 30 times. In this case, the expenses will be engaged after Jan 30, 2025. ” We truly hope the legislation will be in use shortly”, she said.

At the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre’s” From Being Ready to Get Married to the Day We Extremely Getting Married” event, Ms. Waaddao was speaking.

When the bill is implemented, Thailand will add Taiwan and Nepal as the only Asian countries with a law enforcing the legality of same-sex people ‘ marriages, according to UN Special Rapporteur Vitit Muntarbhorn on the condition of individual freedom in Cambodia.

According to him, the Marriage Equality Bill will be one of the most gender-inclusive legislation because it will alter the Civil and Commercial Codes ‘ 60 to 70 parts.

Additionally, Mr. Vitit is the first UN separate expert on gender identity and sexual preference.

He said that around 50 other rules, such as the Surrogacy Bill, Gender Recognition Bill, employment-related costs, and welfare-related expenses, need to be amended to ensure equitable and inclusive constitutional protections for LGBTQ communities in Thailand.

These regulations are important because they cover the rights that LGBTQ people owe. At the same time, many of these present charges are discriminatory and marginalize LGBTQ people”, he said.

He said different businesses, such as the business sector, can add significantly to a gender-inclusive world without waiting for a law to be in position.

He said that many businesses are starting to show their support for LGBTQ employees and customers through their work procedures and benefits.

” An anti-discrimination culture is of a higher price to build an inclusive society”, he added.

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IN FOCUS: We reported 20 illegal groups to Telegram. Most were still online 2 weeks later

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In comparison to the same period last year, there were 137.5 % more fraud cases reported on Telegram in the first quarter of this year.

Of the 8, 336 fraud cases where thieves contacted patients via messaging apps, 45 per cent used Telegram, according to the officer’s mid-year short.

Scammers may have had trouble obtaining aid from Telegram for those who have been physically affected by them.

Mr. Robin Hicks, an writer, started receiving texts next month from people who claimed to be on Telegram, or at least someone who had used his phone number. &nbsp,

What’s interesting is that the person who presented themselves as me had a different identity. It was a fresh woman”, he said. &nbsp,

The scam, who purportedly was Mr. Hicks, approached persons and even his business associates, claiming that he was in a difficult financial position and that he had been asked to borrow money.

Mr. Hicks attempted to take command of the bill after learning about the scam, but he was unable to do so because password codes are sent to the profile more than SMS.

He also sent the program a message asking his friends to delete the Telegram account. &nbsp,

In his message, he included pictures of the fictitious profile and conversations between the defrauder and his contacts.

But he did n’t get a response from Telegram.

” There was n’t even an automated response to say, hey, we’re looking into it”, he said. ” Little at all”.

The person who made up his identity remained in contact with his links for about a week or two.

” Thankfully, a lot of the contacts realised it was a hoax or a scam account, because it so obviously was n’t me”, he said, adding that there were Finnish words used in the biography of the account linked to his number.

” I believe it would have been more of a problem if they had used a photo from my LinkedIn profile or another social media account,” she said.

However, it was difficult not to notice back from Telegram, particularly since the scam had reached out to his function contacts. &nbsp,

” It was fairly obvious it’s a scammer, but if ( the picture used ) was more similar to me, it could have been potentially career wrecking”.

More than a fortnight later, he still has never heard anyone from Telegram. He just learned that some friends had helped him check the bill after it had been deleted.

Mr Gabrielle View, Mr Hicks ‘ partner and a long-time person of Telegram, said she expected the software to respond to like demands more quickly.

” My impression of ( Telegram ) is that it was very focused on security and its users. I believe I simply anticipated it to do much, at least better than WhatsApp,” said Ms View. &nbsp,

Interestingly, she said WhatsApp seems to react to con groups very quickly, maybe even before she reports them.

When Ms See first began using Telegram, she believed that it was vigilant in collaborating with its users and that it often released new features for them.

She has lost some of her gratitude for Telegram due to Mr. Hicks ‘ practice.

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Commentary: Sri Lankans want change. They deserve continuity

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Premadasa appears to have taken the majority of the UNP’s citizens with him when he left in 2020. Many people are concerned that he has also abandoned his financial democracy. If he wins, relationships with the IMF will certainly get more difficult, despite the fact that he may never completely scuttle the transformation plan. &nbsp,

His closest rival, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, heads the left-wing Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna ( JVP ) party. He is running for a coalition of events rather than the JVP as an independent, identifying himself as an independent.

Usually for such makeovers, there is a black previous Dissanayake wants voters to ignore. A classic example of Sri Lankan financial populism, ethnic supremacism, and maoism are combined into the JVP platform. The area is dominated by the Sinhala racial group, and the left of its social spectrum has always had a sense of Sinhala majoritarianism about it.

Dissanayake has attempted to make himself appear to have moderated his economy and accepted the need to increase exports in order to cover goods. However, he has vehemently sought the support of those who accuse Wickremesinghe’s reforms of causing a drop in living standards, despite the fact that the crisis ‘ scarring, especially the persistent effects of high inflation, is largely to blame.

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Analysis: Xi tempers expectations on economic goals but could act ‘earlier’, more ‘decisively’ in 2025

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SINGAPORE: A specific remark made by Chinese President Xi Jinping to regional authorities during a recent visit to the city in northwest Lanzhou, which was located along the Yellow River, caught the attention of foreigners in China. The statement was n’t about environmental protection.

Mr. Xi’s alleged statement,” Strive to achieve the full-year economic and social growth goals,” is a small change from the company command he made just months before.

Following China’s financial reform-focused Second Plenum conference held in July, his text therefore was stronger and clearer – that goals must be achieved “unwaveringly”.

This shift in tone, yet” subtle”, did not go unnoticed among spectators. &nbsp,

” Where usually we expect to observe phrases such as ‘ completely determined’ or ‘ unwavering,’ ( Mr Xi’s use of ) the word’ strive’ emphasises the effort and not the outcome”, wrote Mr John Browning, managing director of BANDS Financial, a Hong Kong-based commodity and economical futures broker, in his newsletter.

Others say it was n’t just a change in rhetoric. Experts who spoke to CNA said the changing tone was a representation of Mr. Xi’s tacit acknowledgment of the complex problems that are currently confronting China’s economy and that it is trying to temper anticipation. Beijing is still formally committed to its 5 % growth goal for 2024. &nbsp,

According to Mr. Matteo Giovannini, a senior finance manager at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China ( ICBC ) and non-resident associate fellow at the Center for China and Globalization,” Chinese officials are frequently very deliberate in their wording.” He added that the linguistic change may be a” sign that economic pressures are mounting, and that the leadership is managing expectations.

Mr Xi’s transition from a “more resolute’ unwaveringly’ to significantly more careful’ strive to accomplish’ suggests a recognition ( from him ) of the difficulties in achieving China’s 2024 growth targets but certainly a whole admission that the target is unattainable”, said Mr Giovannini.

He adds:” While the change in language seems gentle, in the context of Taiwanese social conversation, even small variations in wording may indicate broader motives”.

Experts told CNA that it’s a probable indicator that Beijing is reviewing its strategy, which may help to set the stage for more effective policy changes in the upcoming year. &nbsp, &nbsp,

A SHIFT IN TONE: FROM “UNWAVERING” TO “STRIVING”

Although the appearance is not uncommon, it has been used numerous times throughout history.

Mr. Xi urged leaders to” strive to achieve the goals and tasks for economic and social growth” in February 2020, when the pandemic greatly burdened the economy and China broke with more than a quarter-century history by absolving China of its annual economic growth goal.

He repeated it in July 2022 after a weekly Politburo’s financial meeting, telling officers to” try to achieve the best results feasible”. &nbsp,
 
He once again said,” Strive to achieve the various targets and tasks of economic and social development,” at the central economic work conference in December of last year.

Some experts do n’t think it represents a significant policy change despite Mr. Xi’s soft tone. &nbsp,

Top leaders appear to have already accepted the reality that the growth target is unlikely to be met despite the change in the economic landscape, according to Ms. Guo Shan, partner at Hutong Research.

” This is likely due to the economy’s structural soundness, with auto sales improving, employment stabilising, and high-tech industries outperforming”, Ms Guo said. ” Rather than achieving an exact GDP figure, the leadership appears more focused on addressing long-term structural issues.”

Last Saturday ( Sep 14), China’s National Bureau of Statistics released its economic data for August, with most indicators falling short of expectations. &nbsp,

Retail sales, industrial value added, and year-to-date fixed-asset investment ( FAI ) grew by 2.1 per cent, 4.5 per cent, and 3.4 per cent year-on-year, respectively- each lower than in July, even with recent policy support. &nbsp,

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Zoo denies ‘Moo Deng’ a prisoner

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PUBLISHED: 21 Sep 2024 at 04: 45

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

Pygmy hippo sensation Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri. Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo experience, exhibits at Chon Buri’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Start park at Khao Kheow

Khao Kheow Open Zoo has responded after a international newspaper, TikToker, claimed the park was keeping a dwarf hippo” Moo Deng” imprisoned, insisting that it adheres to international standards.

On Friday, park producer Narongwit Chodchoy emphasized that his park has four main objectives: protecting animal species, conducting important research, providing education, and providing a relaxing experience for its visitors.

He noted that Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where the renowned pygmy hippo Moo Deng is kept, species exotic animals and brings them back to their normal habitat as part of its efforts to preserve wildlife. The park also recently released sarus cranes, banteng, and black-necked birds back into the wild.

The growth came after a TikTok video with the title” The Black Truth Behind Moo Deng’s Popular Fame” went viral. The movie criticised Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s keeping of youthful creatures like Moo Deng, claiming that this had resulted in them losing their natural inclinations, including those that made them swim or kill.

Jurassic World, a well-known dragon brand, recently posted a picture of the little pygmy hippo in an X article.

A photo of Moo Deng was included in the post, which was edited to make it appear as though he is among animals. The article’s message said:” Moo Deng, what are you doing around”?

Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s trend officially has attracted more tourists than Khao Kheow Zoo, with the number of guests rising from 800 to as many as 4, 000 per day.

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Volunteers push for central rescue app

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PUBLISHED: 21 Sep 2024 at 05: 05

Hearts as one: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at the Santi Maitri Building at Government House in Bangkok to preside over the 'Joining Force, Joining Hearts' event that saw agencies and representatives of rescue volunteer groups discuss ways of cooperating to help disaster victims on Friday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
The” Joining Force, Joining Hearts” event, which featured representatives of rescue volunteer organizations and agencies discussing ways to work together to help disaster victims, was presided over by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Santi Maitri Building at Government House in Bangkok on Friday. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

To ensure quick assistance to disaster victims, rescue volunteers from 12 different organizations have suggested that the government develop an app that may act as the country’s central digital command center.

The request was made at Friday’s” Joining Force, Joining Hearts” occurrence, which Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presided over at the Santi Maitri Building in Government House.

Phumtham Wechayachai, the defense minister, important ministers, organizations that save volunteers, and the private sector were among the attendees.

Following the devastating flood in Chiang Rai, the leading thanked all organizations and individuals for their assistance in helping flood victims.

During the celebration, the top asked for suggestions on how the government may increase its work, support rescue efforts, and more lessen the people’s hardships.

The Siam Nonthaburi Foundation’s Rescue Disaster Accident Team ( RDAT ) claimed that the crisis was brought on by the lack of an online reporting system for rescue workers across the country.

In order to speed up recovery work, an app should be created that connects all important agencies to the authorities as a key digital command center.

Even though they put their best effort into their vision, a local rescue group in Mae Sai district claimed that only 40 % of rescue were completed on time due to a lack of equipment.

A long-term plan of action was suggested by Kasidit Teraprateep, a fighter plane skier and member of the Thai Jet Ski Association, to stop flooding in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai area.

He claimed that the solution is to use poles to create a 2-kilometer storm challenge along the Mae Sai River to connect a highway along the riverbank. This could be done quickly and affordably.

The volunteer organizations claimed that there are still insufficient supplies for people utilities, medical care for sick patients in damaged homes, and equipment in evacuation centers.

The Phetkasem Foundation urged the government to take into account all charitable organizations ‘ money as taxes free and to provide financial assistance to individuals who are injured while on work.

The foundation also suggested the authorities design a specific lane for recovery vehicles in light of the government’s recommendations to address road traffic problems that prevent volunteers from reaching those in need.

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