Li Shangfu: Chinese defence minister sacked
ReutersTwo months after Li Shangfu vanished from public career, China has formally fired its defense secretary.
His dismissal has not been explained, and no substitution for his position has been named.
On Tuesday, Mrs. Qin and Li even lost their seats on the State Council, the nation’s department.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in China approved the removal of both gentlemen.
As China gets ready to host overseas defense officials in Beijing this week, his departure leaves China without a defense secretary.
On August 29, at a security conference with African countries in Beijing, he was last seen in people. Just since March had he been in the position.
Gen Li, an aircraft expert who started his career at a launch pad for satellites and rockets, rose quickly through the political and military elites of China.
The US government sanctioned him in 2018 for China’s purchases of Russian combat aviation and weapons while he was in charge of the military ‘ technology advancement division.
Gen Li, who declined to meet with his US equivalent Lloyd Austin at a Singapore defense summit earlier this year, was thought to be stuck by the restrictions.
Like Mr. Qin, who has since been stripped of his previous state name, he was rumored to be a favorite of President Jinping Xi.
Only seven months into his position as China’s international rector, Mr. Qin was fired in July.
Prior to their dismissals being made public, General Li Yuchao, who oversaw the People’s Liberation Army( PLA ) Rocket Force unit, and his deputy had” disappeared” for several months.
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Phumtham touts progress in work to amend charter
According to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Tuesday, the government has made significant progress in its efforts to amend the 2017 constitution, with more organizations, including the opposition Move Forward Party ( MFP ), agreeing to have their say on November 2 regarding the ideal charter-drafting process should be.
He was speaking in his power as the president of the government committee tasked with researching and creating new recommendations for holding a referendum on the novel charter-rewriting play.
The Constitutional Court had recently decided that replacing the current contract may be necessary in order to amend Section 256 of the law, which would allow for the establishment of a contract writing legislature. It therefore decided that a vote before and after the contract is redrawn is necessary.
According to Mr. Phumtham, a commerce minister, two sub-commissions have been established under the panel, one to solicit input from several groups and the other to create guidelines for rewriting the charter in accordance with the court’s decision.
He added that diverse groups have already had their opinions heard and that more are prepared to communicate their thoughts and create suggestions. He said that the gathering of people opinions, particularly on the government’s proposal to amend the constitution, has made adequate progress.
A meeting with the sub-committee gathering public views on the proposed constitution act has also been agreed upon by a number of youth organizations, university student clubs, and municipal organizations like the Assembly of the Poor, in addition to the MFP, he said.
He continued,” The two sub-committees are to report back to the main committee once a month about their work progress.”
The chairman of the Senate’s committee on social development and open participation, Senator Wanchai Sornsiri, stated that the committee today anticipates hearing from the government sub-committee gathering people opinions on the charter-amend proposal.
The specifics, according to Mr. Wanchai, include which sections of the law are designated for a revision, the precise make-up of any new mandate writing assembly, and, more importantly, any potential timeline for the amendment.
When Section 272 expires in the first quarter of 2024, according to Senator Wanchai Sornsiri, the charter will probably be trouble-free. ( Photo: Satrabhaya Pornprom )
He expressed optimism that a referendum, which will be held to fully assess public sentiment regarding the government’s proposed charter amendment, do not widen the political polarization in the nation as some had feared.
When the contentious Section 272, which calls for the Senate’s role in co-selection of a perfect minister, expires in the first quarter of next year, in his opinion, the current law may be trouble-free.
The senator stated that there would then be no need to update any other provisions of the charter other than the fact that it is seen by detractors as being a holdover from the military-installed regime.
Singapore aiming to have second liquefied natural gas terminal by end of decade
Singapore wants to further improve its energy security by having a second liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) terminal operational by the end of the decade to & nbsp.
Singapore LNG Corporation( SLNG ), which constructed, owns, and runs Singapore’s current LNG terminal, has been given permission to build, run and own the second terminal as well.
In contrast to the current LNG fleet, which has an inland terminal, SLNG is researching the possibility of having the terminal on an LNG vessel.
SLNG’s 10th anniversary dinner breakfast was held on Tuesday, October 24, at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Marina Bay Beach, and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong made the announcement. & nbsp,
In a press release released following Mr. Wong’s announcement, SLNG stated that” the second terminal will better enable Singapore to meet its demand for natural gas to be entirely met by liquefied gas, should that become necessary ,” and that it will increase GLNG’S capacity to deliver more LNG-related services, further establishing Singapore as an important trading and bunkering hub for LNG. & nbsp,
Based on current demand, the latest terminal of SLNG can accommodate all of Singapore’s power generation requirements.
According to Mr. Wong, the current terminal has a” throughput capacity of about 10 million tonnes per annum ,” and this year’s peak use was at 60 %. But, Mr. Wong adds that as Singapore’s business expands, the demand for LNG is anticipated to increase and that it will probably require more natural fuel in the medium term. & nbsp,
According to Mr. Wong, the depot now receives nearly half of the country’s entire natural oil used for power generation. & nbsp,
We have a more varied oil mixture, which improves our ability to withstand supply shocks and our energy system’s resilience and security.
Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict, Mr. Wong issued a warning about” continued disruptions in the global energy market.” A & nbsp, standby LNG facility operated by SLNG to prevent sudden interruptions to energy supplies.
Natural gas now makes up about 95 % of Singapore’s electricity, and the nation anticipates that it will continue to play a significant role in the energy mix as it works to decarbonize the energy market. & nbsp,
Natural gas, or LNG, is heated to a temperature of about- 161 degrees Celsius and stored and transported in liquid form at atmospheric pressure. Natural gas that is liquefied has a 600-fold size reduction, making it simpler to transport and store. When LNG reaches its location, it is regasified.
BYD blowing by Japan for Thailand’s EV market
As the two auto-making companies increasingly compete head-to-head for developing Asian industry, the Taiwanese electric vehicle juggernaut BYD is expanding its reach in Thailand, challenging Japan’s long-standing potency of the local car market.
According to Autolife Thailand, BYD only just entered the Thai automobile market in July 2022, but it already sells more than a third of electric vehicles and on 4 % of all new vehicle sales.
The best three businesses in Thailand are still Toyota, Isuzu, and Honda, but BYD is at the top of the list of EV manufacturers, representing the future of automobiles. BYD has surpassed four smaller Japanese rivals— Nisa, Mitsubishi Motors, Mazda, and Suzuki — in terms of the total number of vehicles sold in Thailand.
The fall of BYD in Thailand is a result of aggressive sales and marketing strategies. Rever Automotive, which has close ties to the Thai auto industry giant Siam Motors, has been given special dealership rights.
Rever offers a comprehensive support package and is apparently convincing dealers of lesser-known Japanese brands like Suzuki and Mazda to move to BYD.
Design comparisons are difficult, but the BYD ATTO 3 is said to be selling for US$ 30 000 to$ 33 000 in Thailand, compared to$ 43, 000 or more for the Nissan Leaf,$ 50 000 for Toyota bZ4X, and roughly$ 47, 500 for Tesla’s Model 3.
The smaller BYD Dolphin is being sold by Rever for just under$ 20,000, while the larger version is going for about$ 36, 000. Lately, Thailand’s top-selling EV was the ATTO 3.
Regional power scheme plays a significant role. The Thai government wants 30 % of all cars produced in the nation to be electric by 2030. Thus far, the Chinese have seized that chance while the Japanese have no.
The proportion of EVs in full Thai car sales has increased from about 1 % in 2022 to more than 10 % then, helped by incentives.
As part of a plan to help Thailand’s” natural coming,” Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drove in the BYD Seal at the beginning of October. Chinese Vehicles hardly make an appearance in Thai auto industry statistics, according to Japan’s Nikkei newspaper, which stated that” it was symbolic that the vehicle was a Chinese-made one, not one from Japan.”
Data from Thailand’s Department of Land Transportation revealed earlier this year that battery-powered electric vehicles( Vehicles) from BYD were outselling Nissan vehicles by a margin of more than 50 to 1.
Nissan came in tenth place, SAIC( MG ), Great Wall Motors, Hozon and Geely( Volvo ), Tesla, and, toward the bottom of the list, BMW( including Mini ) and Porsche. BYD finished first in BEV registrations.
BYD began construction on a factory in Thailand in March of last year to make electric vehicles for export to Europe and another ASEAN nations.
It will have a power of 150,000 cars annually, or roughly 10 times as many as the business sold in Thailand during the first eight months of this year, and is located in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Thailand. In 2024, output is expected to start.
Thailand now houses the Great Wall Motors and SAIC factories in China. Starting next time, GAC Aion, Hozon Auto, and Changan intend to join them.
The wave of Chinese investment will help Thailand maintain its status as Southeast Asia’s auto-producing hub— once known as the” Detroit of Asia”— and give Japan a wake-up call not only in Thailand but also in Indonesia, Malaysia, and other parts of the region.
The Japanese have no choice but to decline without making a quick and significant switch to electric cars after working for years to increase market shares of internal combustion engine vehicles to as high as 90 % in Southeast Asian nations.
According to data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturing Association( JAMA ), 80 % of the 2.8 million vehicles sold in ASEAN in 2021 were passenger cars, trucks, and buses produced by its members. According to more new information, Japan’s market share has since decreased to about 75 % as Hyundai Motor has grown in Southeast Asia as well.
The Japanese must protect a sizable manufacturing base in Southeast Asia. According to JAMA, more than 50 Chinese factories in ASEAN produced just over three million vehicles in 2021.
Of these, 48 % were produced in Thailand, 35 % in Indonesia, 11 % in Malaysia, and the majority in the Philippines and Vietnam. More than a third of the cars produced in Thailand were exported in 2021.
The jobs and supply chain infrastructure that the Chinese auto industry supports is strongly supported by all of these nations. Does the Japanese react quickly enough to prevent losing another sizable portion of the market is the question at hand.
Suzuki in India
In India, where Suzuki Motor plans to convert its company, Maruti Suzuki, into its global EV manufacturing base, the situation is very different.
The enormous potential of the American marketplace, Maruti Suzuki’s hegemonic market share in the nation, and an estimated 20 % lower cost of production than in Japan are all aspects in favor of this choice.
Maruti Suzuki sold just over 40 % of the passenger car market in India in 2022, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations.
Following it were Hyundai Motor at 15 %, Tata Motors at 14 %, Mahindra & amp at 9 %, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota Kirloskar, and Honda, respectively.
After China and the US, India is currently the third-largest vehicle market in the world. New four-wheeled automobile sales in India increased 28 % to 4.85 million units in the year to March 2023, surpassing the country’s 4.39 million profits, which fell to fourth place.
Similar to Thailand, the American market for electric vehicles is currently expanding. About 15, 000 four-wheeled electric cars were sold in the six months leading up to June 2023, or less than 1 % of India’s general auto industry but up six days year over year. The Indian government wants EVs to account for 30 % of new car sales by 2030, just like in Thailand.
More than 2.7 million electric vehicles( EVs) are found on Indian roads, but almost all of them are two – and three-wheelers, such as rickshaws, bikes, and scooters. In the first half of 2023, Tata Motors, Mahindra & amp, Mahindra, and SAIC( MG ) were the top four-wheeled electric vehicle ( EV ) sellers in India. A dozen cars were also sold by Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Citroen, and BYD.
In the second quarter of 2024, Maruti Suzuki intends to begin producing electric vehicles, with Japan’s export anticipated to begin in 2025. Export to Europe are anticipated to observe, possibly through a partnership with Toyota.
By 2031, Maruti Suzuki plans to increase its annual production capacity from 2.25 million to 4.0 million vehicles, 60 % of which will be battery-electric vehicles( EVs ), 25 % hybrids, and 15 % powered by alternative fuels like gasoline-ethanol blend flex fuel and compressed natural gas.
A new shop in Kharkhoda will produce roughly 1.0 million of the 4.0 million automobiles. Maruti Suzuki, an supplier for more than 30 years, then transports gasoline-powered vehicles to about 100 nations in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
The company exported more than 40 % of its total to Africa last year, up about 60 % to 116, 000 units. The Chinese will probably get a run for their money as Vehicles are likely to follow.
Follow this author on Twitter at @ ScottFo83517667.
Court dismisses drug case against ‘Benz Racing’
24 October 2023 at 19:44 PUBLISHED
A case against Akarakit Worarojcharoendet, also known as” Benz Racing ,” who was charged with drug trafficking in 2017, was dismissed by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. On Tuesday night, the original machine runner was let out of jail.
In response to a case brought by prosecution against Akarakit, 36, and two individuals identified as Sansern Rasanont, 41 and Angsuporn Ina, 35, for conspiring in drug trafficking and money laundering on May 26, 2017, the decision was made public at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road.
The three people, along with other drug traffickers like Nattapon Nakkham, were accused by the prosecution of obtaining, owning, and smuggling drugs. Additionally, they were charged with overseeing the budget of Nattapon’s medicine network.
On November 26, 2016, it was reported that prosecutors had seized 19 kilograms of crystal meth and 140,000 medications. It was discovered that Natapon had transferred income totaling 11.07 million baht 53 days to the accounts of the three accused.
Two others just admitted to money laundering charges, while Akarakit, the ex-husband of artist Napapa” Patt” Tantrakul, denied all of them.
On September 7, 2018, the lower court fined Akarakit and the few 400,000 baht each and sentenced them to 24 years in prison for the same offenses.
But, the Appeal Court considerably extended Akarakit’s sentence to 36 years and 8 months in prison and fined him 3.3 million baht. The couple’s prison sentence was reduced by the court to 22 years and 6 months, but the great was kept at 400,000 baht.
An appeal to the Supreme Court was just made by Akarakit.
Despite statements from the opioid reduction key and other relevant police officers denying Akarakit’s involvement in the drug trade, the court deliberated, according to the media source, that other defendants did not mention him in their testimony.
Due to mistrust regarding the facts supporting Akarakit’s collaboration with other accused in drug-related cases, the court next gave him the benefit of the doubt.
However, the Appeal Court’s decision to sentence Akarakit to three years and four months in prison in a situation involving money laundering was still in effect.
According to the cause, Akarakit was released from the Central Correctional Institution for Drug Addicts on Tuesday evening after serving roughly four years in prison.
Body of kayaker found in waters off Sentosa, two days after she went missing
According to Sim Cher Huey, the leader of Kayakasia and nbsp, who was one of those who assisted with the search and was a member of the trio of kayakers who had left Sentosa for the Southern Islands.
The team was joined by a third sea kayaker who just so happened to run into them on the water.
A man and a woman kayaker, according to Mr. Sim, capsized between 9.30 am and 10 am close to an array of violet floating security restrictions. & nbsp,
He claimed that it occurred at this especially perilous location where the moving waters and currents collide with these immovable barriers.
The girl went to help when the female boater capsized but got into trouble herself. Both were swept under by currents, according to Mr. Sim on & nbsp.
‘Govt coffers can cover e-wallet offer’
24 October 2023 at 19:15 PUBLISHED
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, criticism of the 10,000-baht online currency handout plan won’t have an impact on governmental stability.
Although the government will use the criticisms of its detractors to improve coverage, Mr. Phumtham said that critics may have myths about the system.
He claimed that the Pheu Thai Party had been working on the project for years and was merely attempting to think” outside the box” for outsiders’ perception. He cited the success of the 30-baht care program and the latest flat 20-bht transportation for train passengers in Bangkok as examples to support his claim.
He responded that there was nothing to worry about so far and that the state was open to suggestions when asked about concerns about the plan.
Mr. Phumtham responded that the government is currently awaiting the outcomes of conversations when asked about money.
Mr. Phumtham responded to rumors that another coalition parties were opposed to the plan by saying that the alliance will work together to implement it and that he had nothing to be concerned about.
Anutin Charnvirakul, the deputy prime minister and interior minister, refuted the rumor and stated that the alliance could change the plan if any flaws or legal violations were found.
Mr. Anutin emphasized the government’s support for government actions while stating that there were numerous obstacles before the policy was implemented.
Mr. Anutin responded to a post made by Sanan Angubolkul, president of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, regarding particular groups that the program may cover, saying that while comments are welcome, the government must follow any pertinent laws and measures when formulating the policy.
According to a supply from the Finance Ministry, the policy committee’s meeting on Tuesday was postponed after being done so again on October 19.
In related reports, Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, the head of the Thai Pakdee Party, complained about the delay in the scheme to Thailand’s State Audit Office.
According to Dr. Warong, the plan violated both the State Fiscal and Financial Disciplines Act and the Currency Act, as well as parts 162 and 164 of the law.
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Cabinet approves temporary TM 6 form suspension in Songkhla
24 October 2023 at 18:54 PUBLISHED
The Sadao immigration checkpoint in Songkhla’s southern border province will no longer require non-Thai tourists to complete Tor Mor 6 ( TM ) immigration forms for three months as of November 1.
The expulsion of the TM 6 condition will go into effect next month, according to assistant state official Kharom Polpornklang, with the goal of facilitating the visit of Malay tourists to Thailand. & nbsp,
The immigration processes at the checkpoint in Sadao district took more than two hours for tourists, especially during festivals and holidays, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand( TAT ).
Malaysians made up the majority of foreign visitors to Thailand between January and September of this year, totaling 3.1 million and earning 52 billion ringgit in accumulated money. Indonesian tourists typically spent 16,588 baht per vacation.
According to statistics from the Immigration Bureau, each quarter, 100,000 Indonesian visitors pass through the Sadao immigration station on their way to Thailand. According to the surrogate spokesman, this indicated that several Malaysians wanted to visit the nation and that the majority of them also intended to travel to other regions.
According to Mr. Kharom,” the elimination of the TM 6 forms at the Sadao immigration checkpoint will expedite immigration processes, enhance the nation’s reputation, reduce traffic jams in front of it, and offer more comfort to tourists with great potential.” ” This will encourage more go, generate income for other regions, and encourage economic spending flow.”
China removes Li Shangfu as defence minister
BEIJING: In the second ousting of a senior leader in three months, China removed Li Shangfu from his positions as defense minister and state councillor on Tuesday( Oct 24 ). & nbsp, On Tuesday, Qin Gang also lost his position as a status chairman after being fired as foreign ministerContinue Reading