Commentary: More than parent care leave, employers must provide supportive culture for working caregivers
There needs to be better communication among management, human resources and employees on the best approach. Employers concerned about potential abuse of the leave system may ask employees (at least initially) to provide documentation, such as a medical certificate or an appointment chit.
Depending on employee demographic and needs, management may decide to offer more parent care leave as part of corporate benefits or grant more leave on an ad-hoc basis. Companies can review these policies every few years to make beneficial adjustments.
Overall, companies will benefit by promoting a flexible work culture with parent or family care in mind. Parent care leave could even make employers stand out in a tight labour market if more workers expect to take on some caregiving.
SOCIETAL NORMS AND FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS
It is a caring workplace culture, not parent care leave, that needs to be mandated. But can it?
The way forward in balancing business interests with caregiving responsibilities is one Singapore has to chart itself, though overseas examples can provide some ideas. In Australia, employees are entitled to 10 paid days of personal leave that encompasses sick leave and carer’s leave. In Germany, legislation provides for up to 10 days unpaid leave in case of a care emergency.
However, the societal norms are different. In these countries, seniors typically retire on their own or live in retirement homes, often far away from their children, using their savings and pension benefits to fund living expenses.
Commentary: Despite the excitement, Indiaâs South China Sea policy remains unchanged
NEW DELHI: An India-Philippines joint statement last month has caused a stir. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Foreign Minister, and his Filipino counterpart, Enrique Manalo, issued a joint statement on Jun 29 calling for China to abide by the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea.
It sparked a flurry of commentary in the media speculating a shift away from India’s long-standing neutrality on competing territorial claims in Southeast Asia.
While India has long supported norms enshrined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), some experts pointed out, this was the first time that New Delhi had explicitly called on China to heed the arbitral tribunal’s 2016 ruling.
The development – although significant – ought to be viewed in perspective. A joint statement by countries seeking improved ties follows diplomatic practice. Not infrequently, one side pushes the other to take positions the latter may not be entirely comfortable with but is potentially open to considering as the matter is deemed a core interest by its partner. This is often the case with Southeast Asian states and their partners in Asia and Europe.
When the G7, the Quad, and the European Union expressed their support for the Philippines’ claims in the South China Sea last month, for instance, some member states were wary of the prospect of riling China.
Yet, they said what had to be, knowing full well that China would object. It did. Beijing slammed the move, terming it a blatant interference in its internal affairs.
OTHER FACTORS AT PLAY
It’s not as if geopolitics is the sole factor influencing the implementation of rules and norms in the South China Sea.
Mae Sa Elephant Camp on the brink of closure
PUBLISHED : 18 Jul 2023 at 04:17
Chiang Mai: Family-run Mae Sa Elephant Camp in Mae Rim district of this northern province could face closure due to a prolonged inheritance legal battle between the camp owner’s eldest daughter and his wife (her stepmother).
Anchalee Kalamaphijit, the manager of the Mae Sa Elephant Camp and the eldest daughter of the late camp owner, Chuchart Kalamaphijit, said on Monday that the camp is having liquidity problems.
One issue affecting the camp’s situation is the ongoing legal dispute related to Chuchart’s will, which passes on businesses worth one billion baht to his children and his wife, she said.
Ms Anchalee said that officials from the State Property Office had sent notices of the camp’s pending payment of rental fees for their campsite, worth several hundred thousand baht.
Months before his death, Chuchart had made his wife, Thitirat Kalamaphijit, and his son co-executors of the will, giving them a large amount of money while leaving his eldest daughter only a pair of tusks.
However, Ms Anchalee was later made another co-executor of her father’s will.
She also filed a lawsuit against six suspects accused of embezzling 117 million baht of her father’s money.
With these disputes having rumbled on since 2019, coupled with the loss of revenue during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mae Sa Elephant Camp had to cancel its elephant show to cut costs.
Ms Anchalee said that many mahouts had resigned, and the business has been downsized, leaving only an elephant care programme where tourists can help bathe and feed elephants.
“We are pushing Mae Sa Elephant Camp to become a foundation so that domestic and international visitors will still be able to experience elephant conservation in nature,” said Ms Anchalee.
New Covid subvariant ‘not a problem’
PUBLISHED : 18 Jul 2023 at 04:11
NEWSPAPER SECTION: News
The newly discovered EG.5.1 subvariant of the Omicron strain is unlikely to replace the XBB.1.16 subvariant as the dominant Covid-19 mutation in Thailand because of its weakened ability to attach to the host cell, according to Ramathibodi Hospital’s Centre for Medical Genomics.
The centre said on Monday that while the number of cases involving the EG.5.1 subvariant has been on the rise across the world, the strain isn’t likely to cause a problem in Thailand.
Around 7% of all Covid-19 cases reported in China were caused by the EG.5.1 subvariant, compared to 0.336% in Thailand.
Killer held after getaway car crashes
PUBLISHED : 18 Jul 2023 at 04:00
SURAT THANI: A man who killed four rubber plantation workers in Chumphon has been arrested, after his stolen getaway car was involved in an accident in Kanchanadit district yesterday.
The suspect, identified only as Praphan, 44, was arrested between Surat Thani’s Chai Buri district and Krabi’s Plai Phraya district yesterday.
Praphan, from Chumphon’s Tha Sae district, worked at a rubber plantation in Chumphon’s Sawi district owned by one of the victims, identified as Prayong, 61. Prayong’s body was found on July 16, along with the bodies of three workers from Myanmar. All were found to have been shot.
Praphan became the prime suspect, as he was known to often argue with Prayong. He killed the workers because he believed one of them stole rubber he had tapped, investigators said.
DUP…Key coalition figures launch charm offensive
PUBLISHED : 18 Jul 2023 at 04:00
Key figures in the eight-party coalition reportedly contacted members of the current government and senators over the weekend to seek support for Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat ahead of the second round of voting to select a prime minister tomorrow.
These figures, including Mr Pita and MFP secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon, were said to have approached the present government MPs and senators who abstained in the prime minister vote last Thursday.
Their latest approach was said to be softer, and some were surprised that Mr Pita contacted them personally.
In the joint sitting of MPs and senators, Mr Pita only received 324 of the 375 votes needed to become premier. Of those present at the vote, 182 voted against him, while 199 abstained.
Seri Ruam Thai Party leader, Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, said he, at the request of the MFP, reached out to the Democrat Party and the Chartthaipattana Party and asked them to vote for Mr Pita in the second round, but they did not reply.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth said the MFP should be given a second chance in tomorrow’s vote, but if the party still fails to gather enough support, it should let Pheu Thai take the lead in forming a coalition.
He suggested that Mr Pita and the MFP try to reach a compromise if they wanted to be the government and that they should not let party supporters dictate what they should or should not do.
Chartthaipattana Party leader Varawut Silpa-archa admitted yesterday he was contacted by Pol Gen Sereepisuth to consider joining the coalition, but he said he could not make that decision himself.
However, he said Chartthaipattana could not do business with the MFP if it did not back down from amending the lese majeste law. Mr Varawut also said the party abstained in the last vote because it respected those who voted for the MFP.
Peace talks await input from new govt
PUBLISHED : 18 Jul 2023 at 04:00
A top general has said that efforts to restore peace in the deep South will not be affected as negotiators await direction from a new government.
Gen Wanlop Rugsanaoh, head of Thailand’s Peace Dialogue Panel, said yesterday that talks between the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) and the Thai government will continue for sustainable peace in the southernmost provinces.
Gen Wanlop said he was waiting for the new government to take office, and he expressed confidence it would pick up where the caretaker government left off.
He added the caretaker government set a clear framework for solving the unrest in the southernmost provinces.
He said the Joint Comprehensive Plan towards Peace (JCPP) operation must continue to try and end the longstanding conflict and return peace to the region.
Gen Wanlop yesterday chaired a meeting of coordinating area committee members at the CS Pattani Hotel in central Pattani to discuss the progress of the peace dialogue.
The meeting also acknowledged hearings from representatives of eight civil society groups in three southernmost provinces and four districts of Songkhla.
Participants at the meeting included Fourth Army Region chief Lt Gen Santi Sakuntanak, who is also director of Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4, the region army’s deputy commander Lt Gen Uthit Anantananon, and 5th Infantry Division chief Maj Gen Woradet Detraksa.
Lt Gen Santi said he also foresees no disruption to the peace dialogue with BRN, with Malaysia as the facilitator.
He said the coordinating area committee would push to ensure the talks align with the new government’s policy.
He said he did not think the new government’s direction on the issue would be very different from the current peace restoration policy.
“We can work with every party for peace to be restored in the area,” he said.
Animation fun at heart of exhibition
Digital character industry touts boon
PUBLISHED : 18 Jul 2023 at 04:00
South Korean and Thai businesses involved in digitally animated characters are seeking ways to improve cooperation while enriching cultural exchanges, speakers at the launch of the “Korean-Thai Character Exchange Exhibition” said yesterday.
Shin Chang-hwan, the Korea Animation Producers Association president, said the character industry grew dramatically after the pandemic due to “digital disruption”, resulting in increased emoticon usage.
Consumption of online content has increased over the past decade, and many digital character products have come about as a result, Mr Shin said.
“An increase in the bonds between the two countries’ digital industries could help people to understand each other more,” he said.
“These digital characters reflect each other’s cultural aspects and lifestyles while helping promote bilateral economic ties through investment, research and digital character development.”
The Korean Cultures, Tourism and Sports Ministry and Korean Creative Content Agency have been working to promote the Korean character industry, which earns 20 trillion won (546 billion baht) annually.
The ministry has assisted the industry in making inroads abroad within the US, European and other Asian nations such as Japan.
“After 2020, Korea shifted its emphasis to Asean countries as we share many cultural similarities compared to Westerners. So we are looking for more opportunities for our characters in regional cultural exchanges,” he added.
Sumith Simargool, Thailand Digital Content Association (DCAT) president, said many fun and creative characters had been produced in Thailand, but they depend on foreign online platforms to be promoted.
“I think if Thailand can develop its own strong platform, it will create more opportunities for Thai character creators [to promote their work],” he added.
Korean and Thai Characters such as “Shinbi’s Haunted House” and “ToriYang” from Korea and “Shew Sheep” and “Cat Company” from Thailand are being promoted at the exhibition, which is being held at the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand until Aug 25.
DUP…Senators take legal action over net slurs
Freedom of speech ‘no justification’
A group of senators have vowed legal action against angry Move Forward Party (MFP) supporters who they claim have targeted them on social media.
Senator Seree Suwanpanont said he and his colleagues had been defamed and intimidated on social media, adding that their families or businesses have also faced similar threats.
He said the senators would pursue criminal and civil action against those found to be behind the attacks.
Online threats made against many senators followed last Thursday’s prime ministerial vote in which MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to win sufficient support to become Thailand’s new prime minister. The MFP and its supporters have blamed Mr Pita’s failed bid on those senators who refused to vote for him.
Mr Seree said last week’s PM vote was a normal parliamentary process while adding that online intimidation directed at the senators and their families affects their civil rights.
Among those allegedly venting anger towards the senators were two well-known lawyers, Decha Kittivittayanan and Phattarapong Supakson.
Mr Seree said libel suits had been filed against the two lawyers.
“We will be pursuing legal action, both criminal and civil, to teach them a lesson that they can’t just violate the rights of others in the name of freedom of expression,” he said.
These people might not be wise enough to realise that most of the vendors selling their products at his Seree Market, which was also a target of online abuse, are actually MFP supporters and are now suffering the consequences of such attacks, he added.
More than half of the workers employed at the Moh Seng Chinese herbal business owned by the family of Senator Wiwat Sangsuriyachat, also under online attack, voted for the MFP in the May 14 election, said Mr Seree.
AI technology had also been used in such online attacks, he said.
“It’s time to change society. Freedom of expression doesn’t apply to intimidating or threatening those with a different opinion,” said Senator Somchai Sawangkarn.
The daughters of some senators have also received rape threats, he said.
National police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Archayon Kraithong has confirmed that police are protecting senators who had asked for extra security following intimidation and threats.
“People should never go too far with freedom of expression and break laws, including the anti-defamation law, Computer Crime Act and personal information protection law,” said Pol Lt Gen Archayon.
“I hope those who are intimidating, verbally insulting or interfering with others’ business will stop acting unlawfully and stirring up conflicts,” said Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai.
Pita secures coalition support
MFP leader named PM pick for 2nd vote
The eight-party prospective coalition has agreed to nominate Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister in the second round of voting set to take place tomorrow, amid growing doubts about his renomination.
Speaking after representatives from the eight parties met to discuss their next steps following his failure to secure enough support from parliament on July 13, Mr Pita said the bloc has agreed to nominate him once again.
He also insisted his renomination does not contravene any parliamentary regulation, as several senators have argued that doing so would be a violation of Article 41 of the House’s regulations. The issue will be discussed today at a meeting of senators and MP whips called by House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.
Mr Pita said he expects to receive more votes from senators who had been absent in the first voting session. He also dismissed reports that the MFP had approached other parties to join its coalition.
The MFP leader admitted his stance on Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law, is complicating his bid for the premiership, as many senators and some MPs are using it as an excuse not to back his nomination.
That said, he said he has no intention of backtracking on his campaign pledges just to secure the role of premier.
Mr Pita also said that he is ready to step aside if he fails to get the required support from parliament in the second round of voting.
When asked to elaborate on MFP’s plan to amend Section 272 of the charter to remove the senators’ power to co-select the prime minister, he said the move is an MFP initiative, not the coalition’s.
Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai said the seven coalition parties have agreed to give the MFP another chance and that, at this point, the bloc does not have a contingency plan if Mr Pita still fails.
Meanwhile, Senate whip Somchai Sawangkarn said he will inform parliament of Article 41, which prohibits a motion that has been rejected by parliament from being resubmitted in the same session.
“If another candidate is nominated, it’s considered a new motion,” he added.
Senator Seree Suwanpanont echoed Mr Somchai’s opinions, saying if Mr Pita is renominated for the prime minister’s post, it would lead to an extensive debate about the clause.
Mr Seree urged other political parties which have submitted their prime ministerial candidates to the Election Commission to nominate their candidates for consideration.
Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha said yesterday the eight coalition parties had a decision to make because the MFP has made it clear that it would not back down on reforming the lese majeste law.
He called the MFP’s policy divisive and said under the current political circumstances, Pheu Thai should be allowed to form a coalition government without the MFP.
He said the social media campaign by MFP supporters to pressure senators to vote for Mr Pita would not change their minds, especially since many supporters have resorted to online bullying and harassment.
In a related development, political observer Ruangkrai Leekitwatthana yesterday lodged a petition with Mr Wan urging him to look at whether Mr Pita is qualified to be nominated as prime minister.
Mr Ruangkrai cited the EC’s decision to seek a Constitutional Court ruling on the MFP leader’s MP status. The EC found that Mr Pita held shares in iTV, a media company, at the time he registered his electoral candidacy, which is a violation of sections 101(6) and 98(3) of the constitution.
According to Mr Ruangkrai, the alleged violation would make Mr Pita ineligible to run as a prime ministerial candidate.
Speaking before the eight-party meeting, MFP deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun said the party is still pinning its hopes on its bid to amend Section 272 of the charter if Mr Pita fails to secure enough support in the second round of voting tomorrow.
She said it would take only two to three weeks to know the result of MFP’s plan to amend Section 272. If these two efforts fail, the party would step aside and let Pheu Thai take the lead in forming a coalition, she said, adding the party would not go back on its word on the lese majeste law issue.