South-East Asia – Page 984

Bring your kids home from Israel, governors to urge parents

On: October 29, 2023

PUBLISHED : 29 Oct 2023 at 13:42

Governors of all provinces have been instructed to ask the families of Thai workers in Israel to urge their children to return home from Israel as soon as possible for their safety.

In his message to all provincial governors on Saturday, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he had just received an order from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for the ministry to deploy its officials to visit the families of Thai workers in their provinces and ask them to help talk their children into returning to Thailand as soon as they can for their own safety.

The ongoing Israeli Defensive Force (IDF) offensive against Hamas militants could put them in danger.

Mr Anutin said the government will help arrange and cover the expenses for their return trips, and provide further assistance.

He asked the provincial governors to comply with the prime minister’s instruction.

Also on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an urgent update to all Thai workers in Israel, urging them to return to Thailand as quickly as possible.

Karom Pornpolklang, a deputy government spokesman, said the workers could rest assured that, with assistance from the Labour Ministry, they would get their outstanding pay in full and would be able to return to work in Israel when the situation has returned to normal.

According to the Foreign Ministry’s update on Thai workers in Israel, 8,478 have registered for repatriation and 6,448 have been evacuated to Thailand on 36 flights. Of the returnees, 1,189 have submitted a form showing an intention to return to work in Israel.

Another 320 Thai workers were to arrive home on two flights on Sunday -– 180 on Nok Air Flight DD9080, scheduled for landing at Don Mueang airport at midnight, and 140 on Air Asia Flight FD8753 to touch down at Don Mueang airport at 4.05am.

Siripong Angkhasakulkiat, the Ministry of Education spokesman, said Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob had expressed concern over the 71 Thai vocational student trainees who are still in Israel at the Arava International Centre for Agricultural Training (AICAT) under a Thai-Israeli cooperation programme for 2023.

A total of 78 vocational students were sent to Israel under this programme, but just seven of them had returned home.

Mr Siripong said he called the remaining 71 students by phone and urged them to return home, and they agreed.

The students are to leave Israel on Sunday and arrive on a flight at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday at 3.50pm, he said.

He said the students can seek permission from the Vocational Education Commission to return to Israel for training after the situation has returned to normal.

Governors asked to urge parents to persuade children to return from Israel

By: Barkar Nash

On: October 29, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 29 Oct 2023 at 13:42

Governors of all provinces have been instructed to ask the families of Thai workers in Israel to urge their children to return home from Israel as soon as possible for their safety.

The ongoing Israeli Defensive Force (IDF) offensive against Hamas militants could put them in danger.

Mr Anutin said the government will help arrange and cover the expenses for their return trips, and provide further assistance.

He asked the provincial governors to comply with the prime minister’s instruction.

Also on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an urgent update to all Thai workers in Israel, urging them to return to Thailand as quickly as possible.

A total of 78 vocational students were sent to Israel under this programme, but just seven of them had returned home.

Mr Siripong said he called the remaining 71 students by phone and urged them to return home, and they agreed.

The students are to leave Israel on Sunday and arrive on a flight at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday at 3.50pm, he said.

He said the students can seek permission from the Vocational Education Commission to return to Israel for training after the situation has returned to normal.

First gaur in 37 years seen in Mae Hong Son sanctuary

By: Barkar Nash

On: October 29, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 29 Oct 2023 at 12:45

MAE HONG SON: A camera trap caught a gaur in the Salwin Wildlife Sanctuary in this northern province bordering Myanmar on Oct 8. It is the first gaur seen there in 37 years, according to the chief of the sanctuary.

Arkhom Boonnontae, chief of the sanctuary, said footage from the camera trap showed the bull turning up at 3.01am. It was the first gaur seen in the Salwin Wildlife Sanctuary after 1986. The gaur is a wild animal that is very rarely seen in the North, he said.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the gaur as an endangered species. The gaur is also a protected animal under the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, Mr Arkhom said.

The Salwin Wildlife Sanctuary is the only “reserved” forest in the North where a gaur has been spotted, the chief said.

First gaur seen in Salwin sanctuary in 37 years

By: Barkar Nash

On: October 29, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 29 Oct 2023 at 12:45

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the gaur as an endangered species. The gaur is also a protected animal under the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, Mr Arkhom said.

The Salwin Wildlife Sanctuary is the only “reserved” forest in the North where a gaur has been spotted, the chief said.

First gaur seen in Mae Hong Son sanctuary in 37 years

By: Barkar Nash

On: October 29, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 29 Oct 2023 at 12:45

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the gaur as an endangered species. The gaur is also a protected animal under the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, Mr Arkhom said.

The Salwin Wildlife Sanctuary is the only “reserved” forest in the North where a gaur has been spotted, the chief said.

As Singapore commemorates LKY100, remember what his generation of leaders stood for: PM Lee

By: Marcus Ching

On: October 29, 2023

In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday (Oct 29) urged Singapore to remember what the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his generation stood for, as the country marked his 100th birthday.

He was speaking at LKY100 The Greening of Singapore commemoration ceremony at Mayflower Shopping and Food Centre, which commemorated Singapore’s founding Prime Minister’s vision of a green and clean Singapore.

“Mr Lee did many things for Singapore, he created a nation, he built up the defence. We have public housing, HDB (Housing Board), we have education, we have healthcare, we have infrastructure, public transport, we have the economy,” said PM Lee.

More than 800 People’s Action Party activists, guests and green activists attended the event, hosted by the People’s Action Party (PAP) Kebun Baru branch and organised by the PAP and PAP Community Foundation branches of Ang Mio Kio GRC, Kebun Baru SMC and Yio Chu Kang SMC.

The event featured a short film about the late Mr Lee’s vision, and interactive booths showcasing the work of green groups.

The 10-minute mini-documentary, titled “The Greening Singapore” was created by content creator Big Red Button’s director Wally Tham. It captures Singapore’s green journey, from when the late Mr Lee launched the tree-planting campaign in 1963 in its first step towards the vision of Singapore as a Garden City, to the pressing climate issues Singapore faces currently.

The film opens with extreme weather events amid rising temperatures, noting that Singapore’s heat levels are still lower than those in temperate countries used to cooler temperatures – a testament to the late Mr Lee’s foresight and greening efforts.

Interspersed with interview snippets from PM Lee and Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, the film ends with Singaporeans’ hopes for the future of a green Singapore.

The late Mr Lee, then also called Singapore’s chief gardener, played an integral role towards beautifying Singapore.

In 1963, Mr Lee as Prime Minister launched the first tree planting campaign with an emphasis on providing shade and greenery. The “Garden City” campaign was mooted in 1967 and four years later, the first Tree Planting Day was introduced.

In a 1995 speech, he said that he “always believed that a blighted urban jungle of concrete destroys the human spirit”.

“We need the greenery of nature to lift up our spirits,” he said during the launch of the National Orchid Garden in the Botanic Gardens.

Most satisfied with Srettha’s overseas trips: Nida Poll

By: Barkar Nash

On: October 29, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 29 Oct 2023 at 10:01

A majority of people are satisfied with Srettha Thavisin’s overseas trips as well as his overall performance as prime minister during his two months in office, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.

The poll was conducted on Oct 24-25 by telephone interviews with 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education, occupations and incomes throughout the country to compile their opinions on Mr Srettha’s visits to many countries after taking office.

Asked what they were particularly interested in from Mr Srettha’s overseas trips during the past two months, with the respondents allowed to pick more than one answer, the answers chosen by them were as follows:

• 39.01% said they had not followed news on his overseas trips at all
• 24.43% were interested in his meetings with leaders or important persons of other countries
• 21.83% his dress/clothes
• 19.69% his media interviews
• 19.08% his postures or body languages
• 10.31% reception by host countries
• 1.98% had no answer or were not interested

As for those who followed news on Mr Srettha’s overseas trips (799), when asked whether they were satisfied, a majority or 69.71% said “yes” – 46.31% moderately and 23.40% highly. On the other side, 20.27% were not satisfied and 9.37% not satisfied at all. The rest, 0.63%, had no answer or were not interested.

Asked whether they were satisfied with Mr Srettha’s overall performance as prime minister during the past two months, a majority or 55.27% said “yes” – 36.87% moderately and 18.40% highly. On the other side, 26.87% were not satisfied and 13.74% not satisfied at all. The rest, 4.12%, had no answer or were not interested.

Most satisfied with PM Srettha’s performance: poll

By: Barkar Nash

On: October 29, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 29 Oct 2023 at 10:01

PM puts faith in deputy to front e-wallet scheme

By: Barkar Nash

On: October 29, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 29 Oct 2023 at 08:04

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin has defended his deputy Julapun Amornvivat against criticism of his ability to lead the government’s sub-committee overseeing the launch of the 10,000-baht digital money handout scheme.

“No, I won’t change,” wrote Mr Srettha in a message posted on X, replying to calls for him to change the chairman of the sub-committee from Mr Julapun to someone more capable of handling a key election policy.

Mr Srettha also added in an associated message on X that Mr Julapun is a decent and capable person.

In an interview on Friday, the PM simply responded with a smile to questions about Mr Julapun’s role as the sub-committee’s chairman and updates about the digital wallet programme which he gave the public, which some have found confusing.

“Julapun, the deputy finance minister, is knowledgeable and capable. We have talked constantly [about updates on the project]. He should never be devalued in any way. Don’t worry. We are a team and always will be. I trust him,” Mr Srettha added.

Mr Julapun has encountered escalating criticism made by some academics and political pundits after he told the media last week the details of a summary from the latest round of the sub-committee’s discussions about the digital wallet programme.

The summary contained three proposed optional changes to the scheme, which initially promised to offer 10,000 baht in digital money to every Thai aged 16 and over and was estimated to require up to 560 billion baht in funding to cover an estimated 56 million such people.

The three new options are to offer the digital money to the 15-16 million people who previously registered in the past government’s state welfare project, to provide the promised digital money to only those who earn less than 25,000 baht a month, or to include only those who earn no more than 50,000 baht a month into the new handout programme.

It is unfair to accuse Mr Julapun of changing the digital wallet project’s core principle as the three new options are the outcome of the sub-committee’s work, and not his own opinions, said government spokesman Chai Wacharonke.

Govt hails creatives

By: Barkar Nash

On: October 29, 2023

In: South-East Asia

When Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led members of his cabinet on Wednesday to watch Sap-Pa-Rer (The Undertaker), which has earned more than 500 million baht since it hit local theatres early this month, it was not about him socialising with his team.

Joining the prime minister was Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, the newly elected leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, who also serves as deputy chairwoman of the national committee on soft power strategy and heads the national committee on soft power development.

Just hours before the cinema visit, the national committee on soft power development held its first meeting, in which 12 panels were appointed to draw up urgent, six-month and one-year plans to promote the country’s soft power and generate revenue.

Mr Srettha’s movie night not only underlines the Pheu Thai-led government’s commitment to enhancing soft power to drive economic prosperity but also highlights Ms Paetongtarn’s role in the initiative.

Given her roles in these committees, the success or failure of the government’s soft power policy lies with Ms Paetongtarn, while the job is also widely seen as a big step forward in her political career.

The Bangkok Post has talked to individuals responsible for implementing the soft power policy about their aims, and other stakeholders about their expectations.

A creative economy

According to Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, a member of the national committee on soft power development, the initiative is aimed at helping Thailand break free from the middle-income trap.

The current economic structure is unlikely to provide a solution, and a study into the economic structures of other countries suggests a shift away from low-skilled labour is now of the utmost necessity, he said.

“Moving to sectors that require high-skilled workers and creativity is important. We will have to reskill our workforce so they meet the demands of the market, have jobs and income security,” said Dr Surapong.

The government’s soft power policy will support Pheu Thai’s “one family, one soft power” initiative, which is based on the idea that after receiving training, at least one family member should be able to earn a minimum of 200,000 baht per year.

Among the industries with vast potential to support the creative economy are food, sports, fashion, music and film, and the government must strengthen them so they can be competitive in the global market, he said.

“Films are a powerful tool to promote other products, too. Take South Korea as an example. We believe in a comprehensive approach covering all aspects including reskilling the workforce and strengthening target industries,” he said.

Preparations are under way to register those interested in acquiring new skills, with the goal of enrolling 1 million people in the first year and 20 million within four years. While all family members are allowed to register, only one per household can take part in the initial phase, he said.

Dr Surapong sounded a note of optimism about the policy, pointing out that 11 industries have a say on the national committee on soft power strategy.

Their expertise and in-depth knowledge, including legal and financial constraints, will make a valuable contribution, he said, adding research will also be conducted to develop the policy.

Regarding its economic value, he said the government expects the policy will generate worldwide interest, resulting in increased tourism and demand for these products estimated at 10 trillion baht per year, as well as a yearly income of 200,000 baht per family.

Dr Surapong also expressed confidence Ms Paetongtarn would be up to the job, saying she is dedicated to turning the policy into action and her work is an important step in her political career.

“She has been committed to her political work since stepping in as head of the Pheu Thai Family. She gave her best during the campaign and she is now helping with one of the key government policies. It is an opportunity for her to prove herself,” he said.

Individual households

The “One Family, One Soft Power” strategy bears a striking resemblance to the “One Tambon One Product” (Otop) programme launched over a decade ago to support unique, locally made products from tambon all over the country.

Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich said the soft power initiative focuses on creating jobs for individual families rather than the broader community.

The policy aims to develop 20 million creatively skilled families with earnings of at least 200,000 baht each per year, he said.

“To address poverty, targeting individual households can generate a better result. At the tambon level, some households may not participate. But the family-focused approach gives us a clear and specific policy,” he said.

The soft power programme hinges on the collaboration of the private and public sectors, with the Culture Ministry poised to promote the social aspects and make it appealing on an international scale.

Moreover, the ministry has a vast pool of resources to contribute to the development of high-skilled workers for the performing arts sector, he said.

In addition to preparing the workforce for the creative economy, the government must listen to suggestions from the private sector and address any issues they face.

On Ms Paetongtarn’s role in promoting soft power, Mr Sermsak said he has no doubts in her capability and dedication.

Sermsak: Jobs for individual families

Defining soft power

Siripong Angkhasakulkiat, the producer of Sap-Pa-Rer, welcomed the government’s policy to support the Thai film industry and soft power development but urged the government to first ensure people understand what soft power really is.

In his view, soft power is not a product, but the process of creating an appeal to something. While films can serve as tools promoting the country’s soft power, they are not necessarily soft power in their own right.

“It’s not wrong to see films or gaming as forms of soft power, but soft power isn’t mangos, durian or something like that. But if you watch a movie and it makes you feel like eating a mango or a durian — it’s more like that.

“Soft power is about the process of making people interested in experiencing a culture or product,” he said.

As for film production, he said that in the past, state agencies tended to provide support to projects that aligned with the government’s policy, despite this potentially being counterproductive.

Instead of telling film producers what kind of movies to make, the government should set a general theme and allow them to work within that framework to retain their creativity, he said.

“If the government wants to promote Thai fabrics or food like sticky rice and mangos, just give them the general idea rather than telling them what content they should create. That would generate more diversity and draw more people in,” he said.

Mr Siripong said the economic value of the soft power policy is potentially huge, but not every project is a guaranteed success. If a budget of 100 million baht were to be set aside for the film industry to make a dozen films, it could result in a 100-fold financial return, or a dozen turkeys.

That financial support would not be completely wasted, however, because the money is being spent on giving people jobs and generating economic activity.

“Sap-Pa-Rer has earned more than 500 million baht at the box office, but I think more than one billion baht has changed hands because people also spend money on food and beverages. Some theatres make more money from F&B sales than ticket sales,” he said.

Siripong: Know what soft power is first

Patience needed

Kong Rithdee, deputy director of the Thai Film Archive, said the success of Sap-Pa-Rer didn’t spring out of thin air; rather, it is a product of experience collected over seven or eight years, and the government should not get overly excited about it.

He said the soft power policy is highly appreciated but it needs to be implemented systematically.

When it comes to the film industry, the government should not focus solely on filmmakers as audiences are equally important, he said, adding the government should give the industry time to mature instead of pulling the plug in case it fails in the first few years.

On film censorship, he said countries such as South Korea and Japan, as well as some European nations, eschew this as they appreciate how movies can portray cultures and greater diversity while contributing to a nation’s soft power.

Kong: Give industry time to mature

Wichai Charoentra, who owns an outdoor mall in the Thong Lor area, said developing Thailand’s soft power deserves government support because it can drive significant and sustainable growth.

He said the previous government’s soft power promotion policy focused on on food, fashion, films, festivals and fighting but it did not accomplish much and the creative economy has since been left to grow without any clear sense of direction.

Pointing out how many people tend to be driven by fads, Mr Wichai expressed concern that the government’s interest in supporting the film industry could be short-lived, adding the industry would not be able to attract and retain talent if that proves to be the case.

“I hope the government is serious about turning this policy into action because it already has soft power committees. Make it a national agenda item, because it can trigger sustainable growth much more effectively than the digital wallet programme,” he said.

Wichai: People tend to be driven by fads

South-East Asia (Page 984)