Critics pile pressure on new PM
Handbook, shares to become scrutinised
Discussed: 20 Aug 2024 at 05: 09
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Pheu Thai’s electronic wallet system have been subject to scrutiny over her stock in a business that purchased a contentious religious narrative in Pathum Thani, which also houses the Alpine Golf Club and a residential complex.
A number of organizations were contacting many independent government organizations on Instagram on Monday to request that their organizations be looked into the problems the day after Ms. Paetongtarn takes the oath of office from His Majesty the King, according to Suwit Thongprasert, an activist who was formerly known as Phra Buddha Isara.
” Pheu Thai had promised that the 10, 000-baht]digital budget flyer ] would be rapidly distributed without the need to borrow money. Nearly one year has passed, and the public has yet to get a second baht from the scheme”, he said.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) had earlier warned the government against carrying out the scheme, citing various legal pitfalls and the possibility of graft.
Former assistant spokesman for the Democratic Party Chao Meekhuad also spoke out about the Pathum Thani property dispute, calling on Ms. Paetongtarn to give the controversial property back to the temple to avoid any legal turbulence that might put her in danger of winning the election.
The terrain in Pathum Thani’s Klong Luang city was donated by a lady, Noem Chamnanchartsakda, to Wat Dhammamikaramvoraviharn in Prachuap Khiri Khan again in 1971.
After her dying, the Mahamongkut Ratchawittayalai Foundation, which was appointed as the trustee of her house, sold the land to Alpine Real Estate and Alpine Golf and Sports Club, of which Ms Paetongtarn is a shareholder.
In 2017, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct cases found that Yongyuth Wichaidit, who had previously served as acting continuous secretary for the decor in 2002, abused his position by allowing the purchase of religious land to make way for the Alpine Golf Club.
The Appeal Court upheld a two-year jail word handed down by the lower court in 2019. The Appeal Court rejected his demand to challenge the decision in 2020.
The NACC, which conducted the sale investigation, found Yongyuth guilty of revoked a Land Department attempt that revoked the price of Alpine Real Estate Co.
Because the price was religious land, the Council of State ordered property officials to renounce the agreement, which led to the cancellation of the deal.
Commentary: Headline GDP may mask more important drivers of economic progress
CHINA: DARK CLOUDS AND SILVER LININGS
China offers another circumstance study. The country’s second-largest economy grew by 5.2 per cent in real term next month. Contrary to the upbeat feelings in the United States, which increased by only 2.5 %, the economic sentiment in China has been gloomy.
Part of this is due to aspirations, against the landscape of past financial growth. China’s GDP growth has decreased from an average of nearly 10 % between 1979 and 2017, to an average of over 5 % from 2018 to 2023. Although China is expected to overtake the developed economies in terms of money, its levels are still only a fraction of what the United States’.
Beyond the title figures, it is clear that there are major challenges to the Chinese market. Given that the industry accounts for about 30 % of GDP, the home business crisis is looming large. Foreign direct investment has decreased while a sizable portion of the Chinese youngsters are pessimistic.  ,
To fully comprehend the situation, one needs to take a closer look at the factors contributing to China’s subsequent GDP growth.
While private enterprises have gained ground over the past decade, the share of state-owned enterprises ( SOEs ) have recently experienced a decline.
According to a report from the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the share of the state market in China’s 100 largest listed firms increased from 2020 to 2023, with State market capitalization increasing to 61 % in the first half of that year. Given that SOEs are perceived as less effective and innovative than their counterparts in the private sector, this does not have much to say about economic vitality.
However, the SOEs are frequently called upon to shore up the main government’s financial agenda. Lately, they were mobilized to buy empty homes with low-cost funding from the state. These techniques may promote title growth while concealing underlying market weakness.
On a positive note, China’s growth is increasingly driven by new technologies including renewable energy, electric vehicles ( EVs ) and artificial intelligence. In 2023, China’s clean energy industry accounted for about 40 per cent of the country’s economic growth, according to a recent World Economic Forum statement.
This coincides with President Xi Jinping’s stated goal of China transiting from high-speed rise to high-quality development. China must remain connected to global supply chains and business networks in order for it to succeed while obtaining the necessary technologies and inputs to maintain its position as a competitive force.
However, the US and EU have increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles due to the Chinese government’s support for the EV business. China increasingly relies on local use to support growth because trade barriers restrict export growth possible. To prevent households from accumulating higher levels of cautious savings, social security may require basic reforms.
Commentary: Can China’s tech giants do without consumers?
Japan: Earnings reports from Chinese technology companies next week should be a wake-up contact for Beijing.
Alibaba Group and JD.com pulled out all the stops to get customers to spend during their , 618 , shopping celebration, a Black Friday-like feast that took place during the quarter ending in June. They offered , steeper-than-ever deals on everything from iPhones to clothing, enlisted , A-list celebrities like Rihanna to market products, and even experimented , with a modern image of an administrative to bird goods over video.
But , Alibaba ‘s , revenue from its base e-commerce systems fell by some 1.4 per cent, and retail profits at JD.com, which offered some of the most cut-throat markdowns, ticked up by 1.5 per share.
It was n’t enough to persuade Chinese consumers to dig into their pockets despite lowering prices and launching some of their most aggressive campaigns. This may not arrive as a full surprise , as the country is also dealing with a struggling financial environment , marked by a persistent housing slump, and higher youth unemployment.
Google Holdings, however, reported solid profit development that beat analysts ‘ expectations. But this was driven by the release of its smash-hit activity Dungeons &, Fighter Mobile , in May. Another red flag for the business is the fact that China’s most important technical company’s gaming unit helped boost its income.
Consumers will continue to spend on this yet as they cut back on bigger purchases because spending on online entertainment has generally been counter-cyclical. Additionally, unemployed people may spend more time entertainment.  , And it’s unclear if Tencent will be able to interpret the one-time discharge of DnF Mobile , into sustainable business development.
Analysis: Why Thailand is at a policy crossroad as ‘last possible qualified’ Shinawatra becomes prime minister
WHAT NEXT FOR DIGITAL WALLET PROPOSAL?
Ms. Paetongtarn now faced questions about whether to back down on one of Pheu Thai’s most important election coverage promises, a electronic wallet initiative that promised to lower the cost of living for people.  ,
The wallet would provide 10, 000 Thai baht ( US$ 290 ) to every Thai over the age of 16 for purchases at local businesses. But almost one year into authorities, the legislation, estimated to cost some US$ 14 billion, has remained stalled despite about 30 million Thais registering for it.
Ms. Paetongtarn stated at her first press conference on Sunday that the state would need to” research and talk to more options,” but that the program would not be abandoned.  ,
Questions have persisted regarding the policy’s financing, its effects on prices, and whether it will help to stimulate a slow market.  ,
Further, the plan raises potential tripwires for an untrained leader because of the larger constitutional concerns raised by it.  ,
According to Mr. Somchai,” There are problems around this policy, such as potential violations of the State Fiscal and Financial Discipline Act or allegations of improper use of the regional budget.”
While the job may still be in progress, he added, the government may need to consider who the recipients of the freebies are and where the money is raised.
According to Dr. Yuttaporn Issarachai, a social scientist from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Pheu Thai’s popularity has declined in recent years and it still won the previous election.  ,
Pheu Thai’s online budget represents a turning point. In some ways, he said, because they must be held accountable to the public, they don’t move. ” If this is cancelled it will surely affect the public’s trust in Pheu Thai” . ,
To maintain its own life, the government will make sure it is secure from legal scrutiny. That could result in prolonged sessions or big difficulties to other major policies, more than illegal delays, said Dr Titipol Phakdeewanich, chairman at the Regional Center for Human Rights at Ubon Ratchathani University.
He said,” Khun Thaksin and Khun Ung Ing perhaps do not want to take the chance of making legal errors,” referring to Ms. Paetongtarn by her moniker.
Other populist initiatives, such as raising the minimum wage, have n’t been implemented in the country since the election.  ,
To change for a legislation requires agreement among multiple partners, including the private sector. Reaching discussion has proven to be challenging, according to Mr. Somchai, which has once more undermined public confidence in the group’s nationalist agenda.
” Even though there is a clear plan, this change is really tough. The election commission may ban the use of minimum wage increases as a plan for political promotions, he said.
Vendors hope for economic relief from new premier
High costs, lower income hurting businesses
Discussed: 20 Aug 2024 at 04: 45
Market participants anticipate that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will concentrate on stabilizing the country’s economy as rising prices affect their organizations.
Monday, the Bangkok Post visited Bang Lamphu Market in Khon Kaen’s Muang area to find out what suppliers in the newly elected prime minister’s office expect.
Wannida Nakcha, 29, a sausage seller at the business, said she hopes Ms Paetongtarn’s focus is ending the government’s financial difficulties.
She claims that all suppliers are having declining sales while their company costs have increased.
She noted, however, that it is challenging for sellers to increase the costs of their goods because their customers are similarly impacted by their complaints.
In terms of the digital wallet funds flyer scheme, Ms. Wannida stated that she anticipates the project being carried out, adding that it would be wonderful if there were no requirements for cash handouts.
Arayanee Niampradit, a 62-year-old who professionals Bang Lampu Market, said all the vendors that share the exact problems over the financial situation.
No other trouble things at the moment, Ms Arayanee said.
She claimed that the business was very quiet at the current Hungry Ghost Festival in contrast to the previous period when it was full of holiday shoppers.
She even suggested that Ms. Paetongtarn’s economic recovery does not take longer than three months.
” She should n’t take longer than three months because she has a team ready to work”, said Ms Arayanee. We should be able to determine whether she has improved or worsened the nation in three weeks.
Financial problems is being felt global, with a deep-fried fruit vendor in Maha Sarakham state saying the price of bananas has doubled, increasing from 15-20 ringgit per number to 40 ringgit per number.
In a different growth, assistant People’s Party leader Sirikanya Tansakul claimed there is a rumor that the information of the digital wallet system, including the quantity being distributed, may be changed to abide by fiscal discipline regulations.
Paetongtarn thanks foreign leaders for their best wishes
Described: 20 Aug 2024 at 04: 45
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra thanked international leaders for congratulating her on her session as the nation’s 31st premier on Monday, and foretold Thailand’s commitment to strengthening international assistance for the benefit of all nations in the region.
Ms. Paetongtarn responded to emails from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, Anwar Ibrahim, and Prime Minister of Cambodia, Lawrence Wong, who both responded to the information.
Ms. Paetongtarn reiterated the close connection and strategic partnership between Thailand and Cambodia in her information to Hun Manet, who was one of the first foreign officials to expand his gratitude.
She stated that she is determined to work strongly with her rival in Cambodia to strengthen diplomatic relations as the country is scheduled to observe the 75th anniversary of the establishment of political relations next month.
Ms. Paetongtarn stated in her thank-you information to the Indonesian leading that Thailand and Malaysia have long had a close relationship as neighbors and colleagues.
She stated that she and her father, Srettha Thavisin, have had a very positive impact on their relationship because of their close collaboration, and that she is looking forward to working with him to strengthen friendship and cooperation in both nations.
She thanked the Singaporean PM for his thanks, stating that Thailand and Singapore have always been close friends and associates. She stated that she looks forward to working with Mr. Wong to improve participation in the region as the two nations approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.
She also thanked Indian PM Modi for his hot thoughts and expressed wants to work strongly with him to further enhance cooperation on business, investment, culture, and tourism.
Schools to curb digital device use
Overuse “is hurting learning potential”
Described: 20 Aug 2024 at 04: 45
The Education Ministry intends to restrict young students ‘ use of online communication tools in classrooms because they fear that their growth may suffer if they become dependent on the technology.
Caretaker Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob reported on Monday that some individuals used smartphones, devices, or other similar electronic devices while attending college.
Research has shown that excessive use of these devices slows young people’s ability to concentrate in school and long-term slows their knowledge.
In a number of nations, procedures have been put in place to restrict student access to the equipment while studying. Some nations forbid kids under the age of 16 from using them in classrooms.
Over-reliance on tech also raises worries over young person’s mental health, the minister added.
In Thailand, Pol Gen Permpoon said studies has confirmed the technology’s negative effects on youngsters ‘ mind and intelligence growth.
Children who spend six and a half days or more per day on the computer typically have a lower IQ than their contemporaries who spend less time using it. Additionally, they run the risk of learning slowly and with a short attention span.
The Education Council’s proposal is to introduce more outside-of-class activities like music lessons, sports, and exercises, in order to extricate younger students away from communication devices. Reading and story-telling classes will be held more frequently in the classroom to increase students ‘ attention spans. Kids will also be asked to spend some quality time with their kids, the secretary continued.
4 kicked out of uni over violent hazing
Described: 20 Aug 2024 at 04: 45
Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi ( RMUTSB ) has expelled four students for their alleged involvement in a hazing assault on Thursday that left a first-year engineering student seriously injured, a Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation ( MHESRI ) official said on Monday.
Suchada Thaensap, minister to the Caretaker Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Minister, said eight individuals were accused of orchestrating the bullying, which was captured in CCTV footage on school. As the government continues its investigation into the other four’s jobs in the assault, four have already been sent down.
According to the secretary, the individuals under investigation are also likely to experience the same death.
RMUTSB reported actively supporting the government with the investigation, which is scheduled to close in the next two weeks.
According to reports, the 20-year-old freshman allegedly began military-style training, which included physical abuse and brutal punishments like being torched dressed.
The student and his parents traveled to the school because they could not bear the maltreatment. According to his mother, who was only identified as Wan, the kids requested that faculty members relocate the learner to a group in another tower to prevent the hazing seniors.
A group of about ten elders who taunted the pupil and kicked him constantly until he fell to the ground, to the horror of his relatives, confronted the family after they had spoken with the team.
Ms. Wan claimed that her father, who tried to protect their son, even assaulted her while pushing her away.
Ms Suchada said on Monday, the target and his kids, accompanied by virtual advocate Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, known as Gun Jom Phalang, went to the government to house a formal complaint about the event.
Mr. Guntouch reported to the government that some of the hazing activities, some of which took position in forests, may have been accompanied by university-acquired students as well as former students.
The advocate demanded an investigation to find out why some students appear to be giving the impression that a lot of hazing promotes student unity.
Ms. Suchada also cautioned school management that it might be held accountable if abuse results from negligence.
Sanya Khamjing, RMUTSB deputy chairman, said an inner sensor was afoot and that the school had cooperated fully with the government.
He argued that just a small percentage of students engaged in any kind of intense abuse.
Mass immigration best solution for a graying China – Asia Times
Foreign workers might soon had to put in a little more effort.
China’s ruling Communist Party approved a resolution that may allow for a gradual increase in the government’s legal retirement age over the next five years in late July 2024.
The last retirement age has not been determined, but an earlier formal report suggests that it is likely to reach the age of 65.
This would enable the nation to compete with other big economies. At present, China has among the lowest pension age in the world at 60 for people and 55 for people in white-collar work– or 50 if the people are in blue-collar work.
For a number of years, group leaders have been considering changing China’s pension plan. However, the current ostensible necessity is a result of growing concern about the impact a shrinking and aging people will have on the nation’s shrinking pension pot.
According to a projection from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences a few years ago, cash set aside to cover pension costs in China are expected to be completely exhausted by 2035.
The retirement years will undoubtedly require a few more years of savings.
However, it wo n’t be a permanent solution and does n’t address China’s pressing demographic issues.
I have spent more than 40 years studying China’s people, and I think one of the most pressing problems the country has faced in recent years is the statistical issue.
With a reproduction level of 1.1 children per woman, which is significantly below the 2. 1 birth per woman required to maintain a local people, and more deaths per year than births, China’s potential is one of declining population and a significant increase in the number of old.
Compounding the problem, China has long been hostile to the idea of supplementing its indigenous population through immigration, only 0.1 % of its population is foreign-born – that’s the smallest portion of any big country in the world.
Practitioners know about contraction
For most of its duration, Communist China has seen people progress.
In 1950, many weeks after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the country’s population numbered 539 million. It finally rose every year for roughly 70 years, reaching 1.43 billion in 2021.
But at that place it peaked. In the following decades, China has had more deaths than birth and has lost people.
However, United Nations population estimates, recommend that if current trends continue China’s people will drop below 1 billion in 2070, below 800 million in 2086 and over to 633 million by 2100.
That would mean a decline in more than half its people today in the next 75 years. Untold financial issues would result from a people decline that extreme.
Older and smaller
But it is n’t simply about the drop in total number. The change in how the population is made up is likely to be more concerning.
According to UN images, in 2023 just under 20 % of China’s populace was in the recent retirement category of 60 and above. However, by 2100, this is projected to reach an incredible high of over 52 %.
The data also show that, at present, around 12 % of China’s population are young workers, aged 20 to 29, while 46 % are older people aged 30 to 59.
But by 2100, this work force is projected to fall dramatically to just over 7 % for younger employees and around 29 % for 30- to 59-year-olds.
Similarly, the number of children and young adults in China, those aged 19 and under, will drop from 21 % in 2023 to 11 % in 2100.
In summary, the population estimates for China do not suggest that the nation’s future will be good. Less people will be needed to provide for a growing number of dependents, mostly old.
However, China’s intention to raise the retirement age will only marginally help to lessen these changes ‘ problems. China’s people decline will not be slowed down by increasing the retirement age, and it will only have a small impact on the ratio of working adults to post-working-age individuals.
The need for relocation
There is, however, something that can alleviate this trend: emigration.
Many of the world’s leading nations with extremely lower fertility rates rely on worldwide migration to produce younger employees, and these young immigrants also have more children than the local population.
Compare, for instance, China’s low rate of 0.1 % foreign-born with almost 14 % foreign-born in the US and 18 % in Germany. Even the East Asian nations of Japan and South Korea have higher foreign-born percentages than China, at 2 % and 3.7 %, respectively.
The Taiwanese government has made a number of attempts to put policies in place to improve the delivery rate into place, but they have failed. In fact, practitioners tend to agree that like “pronatalist” laws tend not to be successful.
However, China, a nation with few immigration-related experiences and a scheinbar deep-rooted belief in racial purity, will struggle to implement and implement an effective immigration policy.
The larger Chinese people may be opposed to multiculturalism. The most affected by an increase in immigrants would be young Chinese employees. Some Chinese may lose their jobs and need to relocate if any policy that encourages mass immigration were to begin. This would be the case especially for young employees.
However, immigrants generally seek work in occupations that the local population does not want, sometimes referred to as” three Ds work” or as dirty, hazardous, and demeaning occupations. In the US and most of Europe, respectively, this has happened.
And the long-term effects will be more agonizing for China. By the start of the second centuries, China may be half as big as it is now and one of the world’s oldest nations, if not the oldest nation.
These trends are now putting pressure on Beijing, so pension reforms are necessary. But without the flow of a young refugee labor, China’s problems will be far worse.
Dudley L Poston Jr. is a professor of sociology at Texas A&, M University.
The Conversation has republished this post under a Creative Commons license. Read the original post.
China downpours killed at least 50 people in Hunan province: CCTV
The downpours in late July were triggered by Typhoon Gaemi, which moved on from the Philippines and Taiwan to make landfall in China, hitting the hilly, landlocked Hunan province particularly hard. Last month, authorities in eastern China temporarily halted public transportation and evacuated almost 300,000 residents. China has experienced aContinue Reading