Why should we care about restoring coral reefs?

On: September 4, 2023

As the years went by, she heard about how the coral reefs are being impacted and decided to work in marine conservation.

“I decided this is what I want to do,” said Dr Tun, who used to dive about 100 to 150 days a year.

“I want to work with the people who are trying to find solutions to ensure that this beautiful environment can be there for generations to come.”

With coral reefs being sought after diving spots, Dr Tun advised divers to adopt responsible diving practices, including updating their skills and not touching items in the sea that they do not understand.

“Don’t go diving in a pristine area if you don’t have the skills to manage yourself underwater. Because if you don’t know how to fin properly (and) your fins are all over the place, that can break a lot of corals,” said Dr Tun.

Dive operators should also be educated, so they do not compromise or manipulate the environment just because their customers want to see certain marine life, she added.

“It’s about educating the dive industry and the divers themselves at the same time, to make sure that they understand that all these can harm the environment.”

Cabinet works on poll pledges

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 3, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Policies to promote economic growth

Following the first cabinet meeting scheduled to take place next year, the federal appears prepared to implement a number of steps aimed at lowering living costs and boosting the economy.

According to assistant finance minister Julapun Amornvivat, the measures may include changes to the prices of power and gasoline.

A moratorium on government debt repayments to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand ( Egat ) for subsidizing household electricity rates since September 2021 is also being considered by the government in an effort to lower the retail price of diesel on the market. Egat is said to have spent 135 billion ringgit on the rebate.

Regarding the Pheu Thai Party’s commitment to distribute 10,000 ringgit in digital currency, Kitti Limsakul, acting deputy president and party policy committee member, stated that the funds would be distributed in two to three installments rather than all at once.

When questioned about the policy’s viability by detractors, Mr. Kitti responded that it could be implemented because it isn’t in violation of the Bank of Thailand( BoT ) regulations, as some have claimed.

According to the law on digital assets and growth for the economy and society, the online money is a gift that can be exchanged for baht notes, not an e-currency like Bitcoin, he claimed.

A vacation, like the Songkran festival, will be preceded by the first round of the money pay, which is anticipated to be around 2, 500 baht. The plan will then be evaluated by the government to determine how well it stimulates the business, he said.

Vendors who receive payments using the online cash handbook will then be required to pay taxes on their income, the government said, and if the outcome proves to be sufficient, it will distribute the second package of 2, 500 baht.

The final settlement of 5,000 baht will then be made, he said.

According to him, the project will aid in economic expansion and increase the country’s gross domestic product ( GDP ) by about 5 % annually.

The 10, 000 baht may get transferred all at once, according to a statement posted on Pheu Thai’s Facebook website.

The affirmation stated that Mr. Kitti’s reference to installment payments was merely his private opinion.

If the government determines that the economic effect was less than anticipated after the first repayment is issued, it is unclear what will happen to the remaining payments.

However, according to a source, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the minister of transportation, intends to speed up the party’s plan to cover fares across the electric rail network in Bangkok at an agreed-upon rate of 20 baht per trip.

He stated that” this plan has been deemed to be as serious as it was one of the major promises made by the group during the May 14 vote.”

Along with other state organizations like the Ministry of Finance, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand( MRTA ), and Department of Rail Transport, Mr. Suriya is developing a timeline for the implementation of the policy.

Depending on how it is put into practice, the government will need to provide quarterly subsidies of about 5.44 billion baht for this coverage.

In order to support the nation’s aircraft industry and commerce campaign, Mr. Suriya also plans to increase the power of Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and other local flights.

According to the source, Mr. Suriya also plans to push more significant projects for the development of transportation and logistics infrastructure, such as the Thai Land Bridge task in the South, which past governments have now researched and suggested.

The new government is hastening the process of writing its policy speech, which will be presented in parliament on September 11, according to Prommin Lertsuridej, head of the Pheu Thai group that is drafting the group’s policies and financial affairs committee.

On the government’s plan speech, the government is carefully collaborating with the National Economics and Social Development Council and the Cabinet Secretariat, he said.

He stated that the majority of the new government’s top priorities, which will be announced in parliament before it officially begins working on them, deal with ways to boost the economy.

One of these priorities, according to him, is reviving commerce, a major cause of Thailand’s income, and paying off household debt.

Top govt trio meet with incoming military chiefs

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 3, 2023

In: South-East Asia

4 September 2023 at 05:25 PUBLISHED

On Sunday, foreign minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, defense secretary Sutin Klungsang, and prime minister Srettha Thavisin had breakfast with coming military officials to talk about military and security matters.

As the state prepares a scheme speech to be presented to congress, the conference was intended to ensure smooth cooperation between the Pheu Thai-led state and the armed forces.

Gen Songwit Noonpakdi, the coming commander of defense forces, Gen Charoenchai Hintao, and Adm Adung Phan-iam, who will take over the top position on October 1, were present at the luncheon. ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul, the approaching captain of the air force, was absent due to travel.

Without going into specifics, it was claimed that the meeting would only discuss the policy model. The government was prepared to support tool purchasing plans if they were deemed necessary for national security, Mr. Srettha told the top brass when they first met.

Following the meeting, Mr. Sutin stated that the approaching military leaders had indicated a willingness to adhere to the government’s plan, including the suggested switch from recruitment to deliberate enlistment and downsizing of the military.

According to him, the number of military troops was anticipated to decrease significantly in the coming year, and the government may begin to become downsized as early as 2027.

He claimed that the conference also discussed the requirements and worries of the armed forces.

The dialogue and the army’s responses to the authorities policy, according to Mr. Sutin, satisfied the prime minister.

Mr. Sutin, who had previously sought guidance from previous defense secretary Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya, was scheduled to meet with ACM Sukhumpol Suwanatat on Monday.

According to reports, he is likely to assign former National Security Council secretary-general Gen Natthapon Nakpanich as his minister and former defense permanent secretary Gen Nipat Thonglek as both his helper.

Previous Fourth Army captain Gen Phisan Wattanawongkhiri, a member of the Pheu Thai list, may be chosen to serve as his advisor.

Gen Nipat claimed yesterday that Mr. Sutin had asked him to work as an associate and to examine the party’s scheme, which included military conscription and restructuring.

Top govt trio meet incoming military chiefs for a chin-wag

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 3, 2023

In: South-East Asia

4 September 2023 at 05:25 PUBLISHED

As the state prepares a scheme speech to be presented to congress, the conference was intended to ensure smooth cooperation between the Pheu Thai-led state and the armed forces.

Gen Songwit Noonpakdi, the approaching commander of defense forces, Gen Charoenchai Hintao, and Adm Adung Phan – iam, who will take over the top position on Oct. 1, were present at the luncheon. ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul, the approaching chief of the air force, did not attend because he was away.

It was claimed that the meeting would only discuss the policy platform and not go into specifics. The government was prepared to support weapons procurement techniques if they were deemed essential to national security, Mr. Srettha told the top brass when they first met.

He stated that while the reduction of the army could be seen as early as 2027, the number of military conscripts was anticipated to be significantly reduced the following year.

He claimed that the conference also discussed the requirements and worries of the armed forces.

The dialogue and the army’s responses to the authorities policy, according to Mr. Sutin, satisfied the prime minister.

Mr. Sutin was scheduled to meet with previous defense secretary ACM Sukhumpol Suwanatat on Monday after previously seeking suggestions from Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya.

According to reports, he is likely to name former National Security Council secretary-general Gen Natthapon Nakpanich and previous defense fixed director Gen Nipat Thonglek as his assistants.

Previous Fourth Army chief MP Gen Phisan Wattanawongkhiri, who is on the Pheu Thai list, could be chosen to serve as his advisor.

Gen. Nipat claimed yesterday that Mr. Sutin approached him to work as an associate and requested that he examine the group’s reform and military conscription policies.

Fighting to regain the public’s trust

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 3, 2023

In: South-East Asia

After nine times of a federal government led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the results of the May 14 general election were widely viewed as voters expressing their desire for change.

Pheu Thai faced harsh criticism for breaking its promise when it broke away from the Move Forward Party ( MFP) to form a partnership with organizations connected to military leaders involved in the 2014 coup, particularly the Palang Pracharath Party led by Gen Prawit Wongsuwon and the United Thai Nation Party, whose prime ministerial candidate was at the time.

Observers claim that Pheu Thai has lost voter appreciation, respect, and trust.

The Pheu Thai Party defended itself by arguing that it could not succeed on its own without the support of the others after parliament voted against the MFP’s option for excellent minister. Cholnan Srikaew left his position as party chief after the coalition was formed due to its choice to form the government with the coup-related events.

Pheu Thai’s action has sparked concerns about its confidence and integrity as well as what moral standards politicians may be held to. It has been harshly criticized by so-called pro-democracy supporters as an act of betrayal.

issue of trust

Pheu Thai faces a trust matter, but its guidelines can help it regain its reputation and image, according to Stithorn Thananithichot, chairman of the King Prajadhipok’s Institute Office of Innovation for Democracy.

Pheu Thai has proposed economic revitalization measures, the most notable of which is the 10,000-baht digital wallet, which aims to boost economic activity and accelerate GDP growth to 5 %.

The party must utilize the online budget scheme and make sure it functions if it wants to maintain its reputation. For example, the scheme must produce activity for a trillion baht if it is to cost 500 billion Baht. The group is expect worse if it fails, he said.

He claimed that Pheu Thai received criticism for leaving the MFP to align himself with its social adversaries, but some people genuinely believed that after weeks of impasse, the alliance between the two parties would be successful.

” Persons in the regions have different opinions than MFP followers. They merely want Pheu Thai to lead the country, and they would be even happier if Mr. Srettha [ Thavisin ] or Ms. Paethongtarn [ Shinawatra ] served as prime minister. The remainder is irrelevant to them, he claimed.

Additionally, he claimed that citizens may be roughly split into two groups: those who support the MFP and, as a result, political ideologies, and those whose support is for the other events and anticipates an effective partnership despite some differences.

Because the confederation would not have been possible without compromise, Mr. Stithorn stated that the Srettha presidency is anticipated to last as long as the ruling party can keep its coalition partners from the so-called traditional camp content.

He continued,” Protests by the MFP’s followers will now be strong enough to remove the Pheu Thai-led state unless supporters of the traditional tent take to the streets.”

Mana:” We’re ready to fight bribery.”

Amounts and investigations

The Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand’s secretary general, Mana Nimitmongkol, stated that criticism of the government is a social problem.

According to him, politicians are thought to be the primary contributor to the nation’s corruption, and whether corruption occurs depends on the political objectives of the government and how severe the prime minister is about preventing graft while he is in office.

” The government officials ought to control one another as well.” We have fresh tools to help people observe how the government uses its energy and spends cash, he said, and we’re ready to deal with problem no matter who takes office.

According to Mr. Mana, state agencies are moving into a new era of electronic state, but they still need to improve transparency and accountability. People must have access to the information required for investigation.

He responded that he still has hope for nearby officials and that the results of the May 14 polls show a high level of public involvement in politics when asked about the social norms of Thai officials in comparison to those in other nations.

Srisuwan Janya, a social activist and frequent applicant, told the Bangkok Post that most officials break their vote guarantees because they are aware that the majority of voters don’t care as much about them.

Even though they have never done something they promised, the majority of voters voted for hopefuls they liked.

According to Mr. Srisuwan, he urges people to criticize officials who break their word. They may inform the public using social media.

” To combat those who break their promises, we need to build a strong action. Lawmakers should now be expected to keep their word. According to him, they ought to regard the voice of the people more and build voter confidence.

He also urged the populace market to look into any irregularities in the administration’s policies.

Srisuwan urges people to” make a powerful action.”

There is a cost to be paid.

Rosana Tositrakul, a former senator from Bangkok, commented on the alliance between Pheu Thai and its social rivals, saying that the country had reached its breaking point and had done everything it could to retake energy, including handing over important economic positions to alliance partners.

She asserted that she thought the party’s popularity would decline further and that it would not be able to successfully implement its economic and social security procedures. According to Ms. Rosana, some politicians have no liberty to advance the interests of the people because they speak for the financial supporters of their parties.

She argued that since politicians must also be inspected for security, it is crucial to increase public social awareness and encourage them to participate in examining state agencies and business holders.

She claimed that Thailand has a variety of natural resources that, if everything is free of corruption, is promote growth and benefit the populace.

Social science expert Professor Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee of Chulalongkorn University stated that public independent agencies should be absolutely independent in order to carry out their duties objectively.

As she saw the recent proposed line-up as nothing more than a pay-off to loyalists, Prof. Siripan stated that she anticipates the primary cabinet reshuffle in three to six months to place the correct people in the proper jobs.

She added that the alliance state will make every effort to remain united because they do not need early elections that could result in a resounding victory for the MFP. If the economy strengthens and people benefit, Pheu Thai has a chance to rebuild its reputation and popularity with Mr. Srettha in charge of the finance department.

Rosana: Pheu Thai’s recognition might drop.

Siripan: Demands government agency freedom

Commentary: What can you do if someone photographs or films you in public without your consent?

By: Marcus Ching

On: September 3, 2023

In: South-East Asia

IS IT Socially RIGHT, NOT ILLEGAL?

While taking pictures or videos of someone in community is typically not against the law, some people feel that doing so violates their protection and is morally wrong. Similar to this, some people believe that as long as the content is neither offensive nor dangerous, it is acceptable to take pictures and videos of other people in public.

Even if these images or videos aren’t offensive or hazardous, one should still be aware of the potential repercussions on the subjects, particularly a case of unfavorable behavior.

This covers their potential effects on their friends and family, as well as how they might be affected at work or in class. The moral and legal repercussions of taking a picture or photo of someone else in public are finally up to the individual. If the circumstances allow, it would only be appropriate to get permission before taking any video or pictures, especially if they involve a baby.

What can you do if you find yourself the unwitting area of a harmless video or image, then?

Ask the other party to stop taking photos or videos of you as you quietly and politely approach the situation. Additionally, you can request that any previously taken footage and / or photos be deleted. It’s crucial to refrain from yelling, arguing, intimidating, or being hostile.

Additionally, avoid getting real with them, such as attempting to steal their products or pushing them hard. You might want to record a statement or call the police if the guy keeps filming or photographing you.

It’s important to realize that you don’t have the right to require their personal recognition files or stop them from leaving, even though you may have specific information from them in order to file your report. You have the option of submitting a judge’s grievance to provide instructions for further action if your police report for the crime has not been investigated or prosecuted. You might also think about filing a lawsuit against the individual for any financial losses or emotional distress they may have experienced.

Water project sparks complaints

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 3, 2023

In: South-East Asia

4 October 2023 at 04: 30 PUBLISHED

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

A 200 billion ringgit water escape project to supply Tak with water from the Mae Yuam River is the target of a campaign by residents of Chiang Mai and Maech Hong Son.

Native communities whose livelihoods are impacted by the job are gathering signatures and will file a complaint with the Administrative Court, according to local leader Wanchai Srinuan, who spoke yesterday. According to him, the residents will ask the court to revoke the public hearing process and withdraw an environmental impact assessment( EIA ) on the grounds that it was unlawful.

The lawsuit will name the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand( Egat ), the National Environmental Board, the Office of Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning, and the Royal Irrigation Department. To give water safety for the Central Plains valley valley, the project involves pumping water into Tak’s Bhumibol Dam.

Expand welfare policies to boost economy, experts say

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 3, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Pay commitments may wait until the following month.

PUBLISHED: 4 September 2023 at 4:30

Academics said at a conference held yesterday by the Thai Journalists’ Association that the government may strengthen the nation’s short-term economic progress by implementing condition welfare policies to lessen social inequalities.

Top educational Nonarit Bisonyabut of the Thailand Development Research Institute stated yesterday that the Srettha Thavisin administration will face difficult obstacles as it tries to restart the economy in the wake of Covid-19.

He urged the government to reconsider its plan to give out 10,000-baht electric cash giveaways to all Thais 16 and older, claiming that doing so runs the risk of raising prices. The scheme has a lot of public support, despite the fact that it causes some economists to worry.

Instead, Mr. Nonarit urged the government to allocate funds for additional security initiatives that would more effectively address the root causes of national imbalances.

Tanit Sorat, the vice chair of the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry, asserted that Mr. Srettha has the necessary qualifications to guide the nation out of its protracted economic downturn.

But, Mr. Tanit asserted that Mr Srettha must begin concentrating on monetary matters because under the previous administration, which took office after the 2014 coup, the nation gave security affairs far too much attention.

Mr. Tanit predicted that the government would face a challenge in finding quick-fix solutions to the country’s most pressing problems, which include slow progress, skyrocketing household debt, and declining exports.

The government does offer businesses until May of next year to cooperate with the 25, 000 ringgit least wage for university graduates, he urged, adding that it should reevaluate its decision to increase the normal maximum wage to 600 Baht.

” The government should improve labor skills and provide workers with proper welfare ,” he said, in order to stimulate the economy.

According to Kiatanantha Lounkaew, a teacher at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Economics, the government may enhance training to meet business demands.

In an effort to increase the ability of Thai staff, Mr. Kiatanantha urged the government to revolution the education field.

Mayor wants influx of global cash

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 3, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Big businesses create work, claims Chadchart.

4 Sep 2023 at 04: 30 PUBLISHED

According to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA) may ask the government for assistance in promoting the money as a hub for foreign corporations to spur economic growth.

Speaking to the media, he stated that because it may strengthen the industrial business and generate jobs, the BMA’s policy should be in range with governmental policies.

The labor business is a capital. Because there are employment, people live in urban areas. To generate employment, we may draw foreign businesses to Bangkok. The introduction of high-quality businesses may boost employment. Owners of rented rooms, cab drivers, restaurant owners, and farmers did likewise benefit, according to the governor of Bangkok.

According to him, BMA frequently meets with foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and expats to talk about their needs and concerns. According to Mr. Chadchart, this demonstrates how the BMA prioritizes serving owners.

We intend to establish a one-stop support center to assist foreign owners and film-making teams. I want to talk to the state about how we might be able to bring in foreign investment for the capital, he said.

Additionally, BMA intends to work with the Board of Investment ( BoI ) to promote the initiative. According to him, Bangkok has the capacity to provide the service, finance, start-up, and innovation sectors, which have already seen a shift in foreign investment from the commercial sector.

” Bangkok is now a desirable neighborhood.” There are many advantages, he claimed, such as the fact that offices, foreign schools, and hospitals can be used by employees of multinational corporations.

He added that he also wants to talk with the new government about problems like congestion, investment in new rail lines, and the proposed 20-baht suffer cap.

BMA set to hit target for tax collection

By: Barkar Nash

On: September 3, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Published on September 4, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.

According to city governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA) has collected more taxes than anticipated this year, earning 91.31 billion baht as of August 31, which is already higher than the 79-billion-bacht target for the entire fiscal year.

According to him, the 115 % tax set success will increase funding for growth projects spanning public transportation, environmental protection, public health, education, and quality of life.

Out of the total tax income of 14 billion ringgit collected from roughly 1 million citizens, he claimed that land and building tax in particular brought in 11.12 billion.

According to him, 334, 000 land and building owners also owe a total of 3.3 billion ringgit in BMA fees for this year.

Depending on how long their bills are past due, he said, these parties will be fined at a rate ranging from 11 % to 41 % of the unpaid amount.

” Thank you to everyone who paid their taxes on occasion, which helped the BMA meet its tax income goal ahead of schedule.”

He stated that by the end of this month, the total amount of tax revenue is expected to increase to 96 billion ringgit.

Another development is that Bangkok’s 90.81 billion baht budget request for the 2024 fiscal year, which will begin on October 1, was formally approved by the Bangkok Metropolitan Council( BMC ) on July 26.

Since the day it received original approval, the budget has been balanced and is currently being more examined by a council committee over the next 45 days.

According to him, the Public Works Department, Drainage and Sewerage Department and Environment Department have all requested the most funding for the upcoming season, totaling 11.56 billion rmb, 8.93 billion and 7.57 billion, both.

The 45-member commission, which is presided over by Chom Thong district council Suthichai Weerakulsunthorn, is scheduled to complete its work today, according to Mr. Wirat.

According to Mr. Wirat, the government approved an additional expenditure of more than 10 billion baht for the BMA’s function in the 2023 fiscal year that ends on September 30.

The BMA’s discounts were diverted from that extra funds.

South-East Asia (Page 789)

IS IT Socially RIGHT, NOT ILLEGAL?