Korea's economy headed nowhere fast under Yoon - Asia Times

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Yoon Suk Yeol, president of South Korea for two years, is ringing in the vodka, but it’s not quite flowing.

Yoon’s government has no plans to address the stagnant wages and near-record-high household debt that are causing the Korean wo n’s inflation.

Yoon’s Korea has instead accepted the role of a Japan-like squat by allowing the central bank to spur growth and reduce risks.

According to KB Securities economist Gweon Heejin,” the fact that online exports are the main driver of growth with the largest contribution will remain constant as inflation continues to pressure households and their real purchasing power will remain insufficient.”

Yet it’s not Yoon’s second 730 time in strength that worry some of South Korea’s 51 million people. It’s the next 1, 095.

Yoon, who has been plagued by scandals, bickering, and plan paralysis, runs the risk of being remembered as the second government to promise significant socioeconomic change but to achieve much in 20 years.

As China captures more market share in Asia, each has given the impression of necessity. Seoul’s strong activities are rare, even if they are uncommon.

Yoon’s leadership is proving to be equally incompetent in terms of both short- and long-term issues. He has, for instance, been anxious to assist consumers in managing their own spending habits in the face of persistent price pressures. Otherwise, he’s prioritized public loan consolidation.

Yoon has n’t been particularly proactive about low-hanging fruit changes, such as pursuing initiatives to improve workplace gender equality, or providing detailed recommendations for reducing bureaucracy, loosing labour markets, and increasing efficiency.

But the actual problem is how Yoon, like his forebears, is shying apart from curbing the power of the household- owned companies, or chaebols, that tower over Asia’s third- biggest market.

Until he does, much of what Yoon may do on financial revamping is treating the symptoms of Korea’s problems, not the main causes.

Yoon’s first press conference on Thursday ( May 9 ) was held in an effort to resurrect his conservative government on the same day. It comes a few weeks after Yoon’s Citizens Power Party suffered a significant battle in legislative elections, which was a loud and piercing rebuke from the electorate.

For Yoon to “achieve much of its economic reform agenda in the remaining three years of its term,” according to Jeremy Zook, chairman of Asia-Pacific monarchs at Fitch Ratings.

According to Zook, sustained policy gridlock may limit the ability of structural changes to counteract the country’s medium-term development perspective because it reduces its upside potential.

That’s a bigger problem than meets the attention. It’s “among the highest of advanced economies worldwide as a reveal of GDP,” according to Zook, despite a slight decline in new rooms for Korean households.

At the same time, he adds, “elevated interest rates have pushed loan services prices higher, which has weakened the intake outlook”.

Seoul does n’t want it because “domestic demand is likely to remain subdued for much of this year, despite the first quarter GDP showing a positive surprise, as interest rates remain high,” Zook claims.

Higher loan service fees have slowed home use, according to the report. However, headwinds in the property market are likely to inhibit the expense outlook”, he adds.

Yoon’s reported effort to improve the outlook for investment is also unfavorable. In February, his Financial Services Commission unveiled a” Business Worth- Up Program” to nudge Korea Inc to improve efficiency, extend boardrooms and boost shareholder returns.

Yoon’s rapid drive to improve governance came the day after the Nikkei 225 Stock Average reached its highest level in 1989, despite the fact that he did not name-check Japan.

After ten years of attempts by former prime minister Shinzo Abe’s group to encourage CEOs to raise their capital profits and increase shareholder participation, Japan’s property rose.

Yoon’s wish to journey Tokyo’s accomplishments makes eminent sense as he takes a swing at ending the” Korea cheap” that’s plagued Seoul for years. However, just as Japan’s transformation efforts need troops, Yoon’s system lacks specifics or a discernable timetable.

” Given the similarity of Korea’s challenges to those faced by Japan, it is little shock” that the value- up prepare “was part of Yoon’s election pitch to voters]that ] borrows strongly from Japan’s extended- running top- down corporate governance reform campaign”, says Udith Sikand, analyst at Gavekal Research.

Yet, Sikand adds,” the problem is that, like Japan’s initial set of reforms”, it “lacks teeth. The majority of the proposed changes are voluntary and run the risk of becoming box-ticking exercises. Nearly ten years after the start of Abenomics, Japanese policymakers began using more coercive tactics to persuade resolute corporate managers to change their ways.

Of course, Sikand cautions that “hope springs eternal” that Korean policymakers will not have to wait as long as their Japanese counterparts do, because sticking a stick with dangling carrots is best when done simultaneously.

For instance, 2025 Japanese companies that do n’t make announcements to raise their valuations could face delisting.

According to Sikand,” Korea’s equities would enter the kind of bull market that has seen Japan’s Topix rise by 280 % in local currency terms since late 2012,” even if it were to push through effective corporate governance reforms in the near future. Because of its deeper roots than the theme of corporate governance, Japan’s stock market rally is notable.

The yen’s weakness also contributed to Japanese companies becoming more competitive with their global competitors. Meanwhile, Japan’s exit from deflation signals an end to the private sector’s deleveraging pressure.

Plus, monetary policy is set to remain accommodative, despite the Bank of Japan’s exit from negative interest rates and yield curve control.

Can Yoon’s economy fare better? The payoff could be significant. If we assume that the deep-value sectors of Korea lose at least 25 % of their value, HSBC analysts wrote in a client note.

All of this places the pressure on Yoon to increase domestic demand and advance Korea’s competitiveness. With three years left in his term, Yoon’s party appears to be a lame duck due to the shocking defeat they suffered in the parliamentary election.

It will make it even more difficult for his party to pass policies to level the playing field in order to lessen the chaebols ‘ influence.

Over the last two decades, a succession of governments pledged to wrestle power away from Samsung, Daewoo, Hyundai, LG, Lotte, SK and other corporate behemoths.

For young entrepreneurs starting new businesses to have the economic juice to create new, well-paying jobs, it is crucial to reduce their economic stranglehold.

Korea does indeed have a vibrant startup scene. Chaebols can purchase, demolish, or marginalize any new business that they perceive to be a budding threat due to the lack of antitrust enforcement.

Will Yoon’s administration be the most recent to put forth the necessary efforts to remake Korea in response to China‘s resurgence?

What’s needed are bold and take action to reduce red tape, promote innovation and productivity, phase out seniority-based promotions and pay scales, empower women, and lower family conglomerates by a few pegs.

Top-down Korea can find its niche in the new Chinese era only by developing more economic energy from the ground up.

If Yoon is going to increase competitiveness, he’ll need to display a level of gumption and independence he has n’t shown thus far.

Unsurprisingly, if Yoon’s team increases their pace, the corporate reform campaign’s positive stock market momentum could “temporarily weaken for the next several months and only become viable again” in the second half of this year, according to Citigroup strategist Jinwook Kim.

In order to boost domestic demand, the first order of business is to increase domestic demand. Exports accounted for the country’s 1.3 % growth rate in the January-March quarter, which was the fastest rate in more than two years.

According to economist Kelvin Lam of Pantheon Macroeconomics, “part of the reason is that the economic recovery has remained remarkably strong even with stringent interest rate restrictions,”

Dave Chia, economist at Moody’s Analytics, adds that “export growth will likely remain the main driver of growth this quarter amid the strong demand for semiconductors. The main force behind growth is likely to be export growth.

This engine could sputter, though, as Chinese demand disappoints, US bond yields stay high for longer than expected, Japan grows 0.5 % at the most and Europe walks in place. In the months to come, global inflation will overshadow forecasts in the same way.

The solution is to stifle a country’s economic recovery that has avoided it for more than two decades. If Yoon’s is the administration to do it, there’s not a second to waste.

Follow William Pesek on X at @WilliamPesek&nbsp,

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Japan faces slow progress in creating inclusive workplaces, despite push to hire more workers with disabilities

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LITTLE PROGRESS IN BUILDING INCLUSIVE Offices

Although organizations like Omron you get government funding to hire and train disabled workers, observers noted that Japan’s progress has been slow in making diverse workplaces. &nbsp,
 
The private business, on regular, has not reached the target set by the government. &nbsp,
 
Concerns include the inseparability of the accommodations available to people with disabilities, the inability to accommodate them, and the unwillingness of other staff to welcome them. &nbsp,
 
According to Ms. Cai Cai, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ( UNESCAP ), the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section’s CEO, is necessary for business leaders to change their mindset. &nbsp,
 
According to Ms Cai, who spoke on CNA’s East Asia Tonight on May 7th, these individuals could be just as effective and contribute to society if given the right support. &nbsp,
 
” We have observed that many of them have outstanding abilities in fields like skill and information systems, and they are excellent researchers. So it’s necessary to plug into these skills by businesses”, she said.

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The fate of Korea's 'first and biggest' sex festival

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Women at the PlayJoker festival 2023PlayJoker
By Jean Mackenzie
Seoul journalist

Lee Hee Tae had great hopes for his sexual event, which he boldly billed as South Korea’s” second and largest”.

He envisaged 5,000 viewers flocking to see their favorite Chinese movie actors and actresses, who were being flown in for next week’s function. There was to be a bondage style show, a sex toy show, and some child game, that involved bursting bubbles between person’s body.

But with just 24 days to come, the event was cancelled.

South Korea is known for its traditional approach to sex and adult entertainment. Public nakedness and remove shows are banned, and it is illegal to sell or distribute hard-core sex, though not to take it.

” Virtually every developed country has a sex festival, but here in South Korea we do n’t even have an adult entertainment culture. I want to take the first steps towards creating one,” said Lee Hee Tae, whose firm Play Joker produced legitimate soft-core sex before their tilt to organising events.

A month earlier, children’s rights groups from the village of Suwon, where the event was expected to be held, came out to protest. They accused the celebration of exploiting ladies in a region where gender violence is widespread.

This was not, they argued, a event aimed at both women. The strongly female, scantily-clad marketing suggested solution holders were likely to be largely adult.

The local president condemned the occasion for taking location near a major school and the authorities threatened to withdraw the venue’s licence if it went away. The facility pulled out.

Frustrated, but unmoved, Mr Lee switched places, but a related chain of events played out. The new power accused the event of “instilling a distorted view of sex” and insisted the venue withdraw. Second, Mr Lee found a ship docked on the valley in Seoul. But, following pressure from the government, the ship’s leaseholder threatened to blockade it and slice off the power if its producer allowed the event to go away.

At each change, Mr Lee had to size down the event as passport holders called in payments, costing him hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Portion of the poster for PlayJoker's 2024 event

PlayJoker

Almost out of possibilities, he found a little underground club in the glamorous Gangnam neighbourhood in Seoul, that could carry around 400 individuals. This day he kept the site a solution.

But, Gangnam government wrote to every one of its thousands of cafes warning them they may be shut down if they hosted the event, accusing it of being “morally harmful”. But the table stood its surface.

Finally, the day before, the Japanese movie stars pulled out. Their company said the reaction to the event had “reached disease pitch” and the people were worried they might be attacked and yet stabbed.

From his office in Gangnam, Mr Lee told the BBC he was shocked events had taken” such an unthinkable turn”, adding that he had received death threats. ” I have been treated like a criminal without doing anything illegal”, he said, stating that the festival fell well within the lines of the law. There was to be no nudity or sexual acts performed, similar to an event he held last year, which garnered little publicity.

Play Joker has staged attention-grabbing stunts in the past. Last year they had a woman parade the streets of Seoul wearing nothing but a cardboard box, inviting passers-by to put their hands inside and touch her breasts.

Mr Lee says he wants to challenge Korea’s attitudes to sex and pornography, which are stuck in the past.

” The authorities are hypocrites. If you go online everyone is sharing pornography, then people log off and pretend they are innocent. How much longer are we going to keep up this pretence? “

Although popular international porn websites cannot be accessed from South Korea, most know how to use internet VPNs to override restrictions.

A panelist at the 2023 festival

PlayJoker

The group that protested the original event, the Suwon’s Women’s Hotline, described the festival’s cancellation as a” triumph”. ” Whatever the organisers say, this was not a celebration of sex, but the exploitation and objectification of women, and the sex industry encourages violence against women,” said Go Eun-chae, the director of the hotline that provides support for victims of domestic violence.

Ms Go and other women’s rights organisations in Korea argue the country has a problem with sexual violence that needs urgent attention. ” It pervades our culture,” she said, adding that men had endless opportunities to freely express their sexuality without needing a festival to do so.

Bae Jeong-weon, who lectures in sexuality and culture at Sejong University, said one of the issues with the festival was that it was mostly geared towards a male audience.

” There is a lot of violence against women here, and so women are much more sensitive to issues of exploitation,” she said. In a 2022 survey by the government’s gender ministry, more than a third of women said they had experienced sexual aggression.

” In South Korea we have a history of talking about sex negatively, in terms of violence and exploitation, rather than as a positive, enjoyable act,” Ms Bae added.

In Gangnam, where the festival was eventually due to take place, the neighbourhood’s mostly younger residents appeared divided according to their gender. ” It’s not pornographic and they’re not doing anything illegal, so I do n’t think it should have been blocked,” said a male IT worker Moon Jang-won. But 35-year-old Lee Ji-yeong said she sympathised with the various councils and was “repulsed at the festival for commercialising sex”.

But most agreed that by banning the festival, the authorities had overreached.

Women protesting against the sex festival

Suwon Women’s hotline

” This ban was a decision by old, conservative politicians who want to appeal to older voters,” said 34-year-old Yoo Ju. ” This generation still believes that sex must be hidden,” she continued, adding that young people’s attitudes to sex were shifting, and that she and her friends talked openly about it.

Politics in South Korea is still largely guided by conservative, traditional values and authorities have been accused of overreaching before, stifling diversity. Last year, Seoul city council stopped Queer Pride being held on the city’s main plaza following opposition from Christian groups. The government has yet to pass an anti-discrimination law which would protect both the queer community and women, both of whom face significant prejudice.

The controversy over the sex festival has seen these two issues of sexual diversity and gender equality become entangled, with the organisers arguing authorities were stopping people from freely expressing themselves, and women asserting that their rights were being violated.

The authorities will have to figure out how to navigate this tricky dilemma. Play Joker told the BBC it plans to try again to host the festival in June, only bigger, with Mr Lee claiming to now have several politicians on his side. Over the weekend, the mayor of Seoul issued a statement on his YouTube channel stating the city had” no intention of getting involved in the future”.

Additional reporting by Jake Kwon and Hosu Lee.

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Mongolia seeks closer ties amid major power rivalry

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Mongolia seeks closer ties amid major power rivalry
Foreign Minister of Mongolia, Battsetseg Batmunkh. MFA_TOGY

Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh stated in an exclusive interview with Bangkok Post that the country hopes to develop stronger relationships with Thailand overall.

Ms Battsetseg, the second person to be appointed to the blog, is making an official attend to Thailand from now till next Wednesday.

In light of a slew of political difficulties, she described her life and career, how Mongolia is navigating problems, and how she sees strengthening ties with Thailand.

According to Ms. Battsetseg, she has always wanted to work as a minister. This led to her enrolling in the National University of Mongolia’s mentor program in international relationships.

After graduating, she established the” Mönkhyin üseg Group” and served as the head of its board of directors from 2007–2015. She continued to advise the finance secretary until 2016 in that capacity.

Before taking the position of foreign minister in January 2021, she served as the evil minister of international relations from 2016 to 2020.

” Over the years, I have gained experience working in diverse governmental agencies, [and ] holding different political jobs, many of which were closely tied to international relations and global teamwork,” she said.

Mongolia’s world watch

The country’s foreign policy was mapped out by the State Great Hural [Parliament ] of Mongolia in 2011 as it aimed to pursue a peace-oriented, open, independent and multi-pillared approach, Ms Battsetseg said.

With regard to other nations in the region, Ms. Battsetseg cited close relationships and socially beneficial cooperation with our two neighbors [ China and Russia], as well as maintaining a “balanced and good neighborly relationship with our two neighbors,” according to Ms. Battsetseg, who also mentioned close relationships and mutually beneficial cooperation with our second neighbors.

She stated that Mongolia is engaged in international politics and has diplomatic ties with all 192 UN member states, as well as the Holy See, the State of Palestine, and the European Union.

According to Ms. Battsetseg, Mongolia is committed to promoting peace and security both in the area and around the globe.

With its single-state nuclear-weapon-free area position, the government’s dedication to the non-proliferation of atomic weapons and achieving atomic peace has been extensively welcomed and supported by the global community, she said.

In 2013, the” Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security” program was established to handle the region’s safety issues. This community has now evolved into a popular method for governments, international organisations and education to participate, exchange views and, most important, to find common ground for probable solutions.

” Last time, we hosted the 8th period of the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue. More than 180 members, representing 30 states and over a hundred companies, attended the event. The” UBD Youth Forum,” which encouraged young experts to meet the speech, was a recent addition to the meeting, Ms. Battsetseg noted.

She said that the UN peace activities are one of the crucial means of maintaining international peace and security.

In the two years that Mongolia has participated in UN peacekeeping, over 20,000 Peoples have served as “blue hats” in 11 peacekeeping missions in hot patches around the world.

” Now, we are the 19th-largest contribution to UN security. In the Northeast and Central Asian area, we are the second-largest army source after China,” Ms Battsetseg said.

The Mongolian administration’s agenda includes promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, especially those who live in remote regions. These initiatives have been taken to an international levels.

She noted that Mongolia has organized a number of activities to help achieve these objectives, including a global conference on expanding the role of women in peace in June 2022 and the meeting of feminine foreign ministers in June 2023.

” For this year, Ulaanbaatar will host the World Women’s Forum on August 22–23. The website will focus on the importance of women’s autonomy, gender equality, and their involvement and leadership in addressing environment change-related issues and the realization of the SDGs,” she said, referring to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

50 years of P2P exchanges

Ms. Battsetseg claimed that their first encounter can be traced back to a meeting of their envoys in the 13th or 14th century, despite Thailand and Mongolia officially establishing ties on March 5, 1974.

Despite their geographical dispersion, she claimed, the two sides were able to lay a strong foundation for the growth of ties by finding common ground in Buddhism as well as some aspects of their respective cultures and traditions.

Both nations have seen progress and success in various cooperating areas since Mongolia’s democratic reforms started in 1990.

People-to-people exchanges climbed, highlighted by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s visit to Mongolia in 1992 and a visit by the president of Mongolia, His Excellency Mr P O Chirbat, to Thailand in 1994.

” Many other high-level visits followed, adding momentum, enriching the scope of cooperation, and fostering friendly relations between our two countries,” Ms Battsetseg said.

Both sides have stopped issuing visas for ordinary passport holders since 2007 and introduced seasonal direct flights, which means that Mongolians are traveling to Thailand are increasing at the same time.

Thailand is also becoming a tourist destination for Mongolians, particularly medical travelers, according to Ms. Battsetseg.

In 2023 over 13,000 Mongolians travelled to Thailand, a notable increase from 8,000 the year before. Conversely, the number of Thai nationals visiting Mongolia in 2023 surpassed 2,000, marking a threefold rise from 2022.

Setting its sights on welcoming more global adventurers, Ulaanbaatar has declared 2023–2025 as” The Years to Visit Mongolia”, under the rallying call of” Welcome to Mongolia”.

The government eased the entry visa requirements for people visiting 30 countries and introduced an online visa application system that makes it simple for citizens to apply for visas in 99 countries, making the application process go smoothly.

This promotion has amplified Mongolia’s appeal as a top-tier destination, Ms Battsetseg said, and as of December 2023 the country has been witnessing a record influx of tourists.

Also, due to the country’s expanding network of air connections and enhanced road infrastructure, navigating the vast expanses of Mongolia has become more convenient.

We want to welcome more Thai visitors to our nation so they can experience the Mongolian people’s hospitality and natural beauty, according to Ms. Battsetseg.

Mutual trade and investment

Aside from the people-to-people connections, both sides are hoping to see more mutual trade and investment.

A body, according to Ms. Battsetseg, will foster regular dialogue and foster cross-sector collaboration. A framework that orients cooperation in high priority areas has also been created using a five-year work plan.

Additionally, she said, the two nations have established a Joint Trade Commission, which is essential for boosting trade and economic cooperation.

She continued,” It is crucial to maintain the momentum of our dynamic cooperation.”

The country is seeking to explore new areas of cooperation that align with Mongolia’s 2050 Vision and Thailand’s Vision 2030, she noted.

According to Ms. Battsetseg, agricultural research and development that strengthens both countries ‘ capacity for food production could be a new area of cooperation as Thailand strives to become a leading industrial hub.

She pointed out that Mongolia’s expertise in livestock farming could complement Thailand’s strengths in crop cultivation and processing.

Additionally, joint efforts to advance sustainable and organic farming practices could lead to new markets for agricultural products from both nations, particularly in those areas where organic food is increasingly in demand.

” Furthermore, we could cooperate in air cargo transportation, as our direct flights from Ulaanbaatar to Bangkok are scheduled to operate year-round starting from this year. Last year alone, 53,000 Mongolians travelled to Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, and Thailand was one of the top destinations for Mongolians,” she added.

On top of that, with the increasing demand for digital technology and innovation, Mongolia is keen to collaborate with Thailand in promoting digital innovation and entrepreneurship through exchange programmes, joint hackathons, and startup incubation initiatives.

Working in financial technology ( fintech ) could involve sharing expertise in blockchain technology and creating financial services that are specific to the needs of both countries, according to Ms. Battsetseg.

She said it is crucial to facilitate more interactions between Thai and Mongolian businesses.

According to Ms Battsetseg, strengthening ties between the two parties ‘ respective business communities will lead to greater mutual trade and investment.

This could involve organising more business forums, exchanging business delegations, attending Mongolia’s Economic Forum and the region’s largest food and beverage trade show, THAIFEX, or other trade shows and exhibitions, and engaging matchmaking events to connect potential partners and facilitate collaboration, she said.

At the same time,” MonGolia, Always Moving” was launched as this year’s tourism campaign.

According to Ms. Battsetseg, it demonstrates Mongolia’s investment prospects while preserving the country’s traditional nomadic culture from an economic standpoint.

It serves as an open invitation at the same time as a platform for expanding tourism and attracting more investment.

We also anticipate working toward the final drafts of the pending intergovernmental agreements and treaties to enhance the legal environment. Looking ahead, I am confident that the future of Mongolia-Thailand relations is even brighter. ” Ms Battsetseg said.

Regional partners

Amid a series of ongoing global challenges, Ms Battsetseg said Mongolia recognises the importance of solidarity, interconnectedness, cooperation and multilateralism.

Thailand and Mongolia are both committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation as well as to co-operating at multilateral forums to discuss issues of common concern, she continued.

Since the 1990s, Mongolia has pursued a multi-pillar and open foreign policy, actively seeking to integrate into the Asia-Pacific region.

In 2005, Ulaanbaatar ratified the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, acknowledging the significance of Asean’s contribution to regional integration.

Ms. Battsetseg stated that it intends to actively participate in Asean and its subsidiary organizations ‘ activities going forward.

Thailand is Mongolia’s third-largest trade partner in Southeast Asia.

I want to share a quote from King Rama IX’s speech as we pause to remember the historic milestone,” Ms. Battsetseg said.

“‘Friendship between nations is important, but what is more important is people-to-people relations, which can guarantee peace and progress’. “

” I firmly believe in the significance of this statement, as it highlights the crucial role of cultivating connections between people as the foundation of achieving lasting peace and progress,” Ms. Battsetseg continued.

I’m confident that our relationship will continue to grow, and I look forward to working closely with my Thai counterparts to improve our relationship for the benefit of our respective nations and people. “

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UK"s envoy on mission to promote diversity

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The Thai adviser to Thailand applauds new changes to Indian marriage law and supports the prime minister’s commitment to equality.

UK's envoy on mission to promote diversity
American embassy Mark Gooding, left, and his mate, Christopher McCormick. Somchai Poomlard

Mark Gooding, the American ambassador to Thailand, expressed happiness after the Thai legislature just passed a bill allowing same-sex unions. He claimed there is space for the United Kingdom and Thailand to work together to promote gender equality.

When the laws changed nearly 20 years ago, Mr. Gooding and his mate, Christopher McCormick, claimed they were one of the first people in the UK to be officially recognized as civil unions in an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post.

The Civil Partnership Act, which gave same-sex organizations the equal rights as married people, was approved by the European parliament in 2004.

The second marriage between a same-sex pair took place in England until March 2014, when same-sex unions became legal.

Another ten years later, on March 27th of this year, the Thai government suddenly announced its acceptance of the gay marriage law.

” For the Thai LGBTQ area, this policy will give them access to numerous privileges to which the UK government believes they are entitled,” Mr Gooding said.

Because LGBTQ privileges are fundamental human rights, our government makes it clear that we support equitable wedding everywhere.

” And LGBTQ people are seeking justice, which means nothing more and nothing less than anyone else is entitled to,” he said.

The Thai PM has a strong commitment to this problem and is an advocate for it, he said, noting that the equal wedding laws, which is supported and welcomed in Thailand, will give the support and right in the places they need.

Ambassador Gooding claimed that the local community has cordially welcomed him and his father since his appearance in Thailand.

However, he said there were certain problems, just like anywhere in the world, regarding the rights of same-sex people including tax freedom, home and health advantages.

The ambassador said it’s important to promote a better society, happiness, education and creativity, and he believes passing this bill on marriage equality is a part of that.

” I believe that the most prosperous society in the world is the one in which people can live as themselves,” he said.

Thailand could take lessons from the UK’s approach to putting together marriage equality laws to protect same-sex couples from discrimination, he said.

He said the bill cannot solve every LGBTQ issue. There are still many difficulties that LGBTQ people face such as discrimination in the workplace, rights to health, and bullying in schools.

He argued that it is crucial to raise awareness of LGBTQ rights, and that Thailand and the UK should use their own experiences with media and education.

Thailand could also learn from the UK on LGBTQ representation at the parliamentary level, he said, adding that in the 2019 elections, there were 45 LGBTQ in the British parliament which was the highest number in the world.

The UK is also a member of the Equal Rights Coalition ( ERC ), an intergovernmental body of 43 member states dedicated to promoting LGBTQ rights.

The government is also working with LGBTQ civil society organisations to exchange experience, share ideas, and voice concerns. The UK therefore hopes that Thailand will join a coalition to exchange knowledge and experience with other Member States.

” The UK has the best chance of resolving these problems that we face,” I said.

” So, I think Thailand-UK should exchange experience on the best way in solving these challenges. I hope that Thailand will eventually join the ERC with us, and that many other nations as well,” he said.

When questioned about his background as a gay ambassador, Mr. Gooding claimed that his life is similar to that of any other Thai ambassador who wants to strengthen bilateral ties.

He added that the UK government is eager to represent various countries in the world.

So, the UK government has been actively supporting members of the LGBTQ community, women, and people of different ethnicities, to become ambassadors for the country.

” This is the UK today. We are an inclusive diverse society. We support the promotion of diversity and inclusion all over the world, he said.

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Yoon Suk Yeol: Was South Korea’s president thwarted by a spring onion?

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An opposition leader, Cho Kuk, campaigning with a Dior handbag and spring onionsRebuilding Korea Party
By Jean Mackenzie
Seoul journalist

In February, the price of a single apple in Korea hit$ 7 ( £5.5 ), albeit at a fancy department store. Although fruit is infamously costly below, the amount has already crossed a line for voters who have been grappling with punishing price increases.

President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a food industry in an error effort to address their reservations and gushed about the “reasonably priced” spring garlic ‘ lack of quality. The industry in question was in reality heavily subsidised. Online indignation and scorn unfolded.

The opposition party president yelled,” The leader is going to be brought down by a spring onion.”

However, one of the many reasons why President Yoon’s liberal party lost South Korea’s legislative votes, which were viewed as a vote of confidence on his first two years in office, is the price of meals.

Mr Yoon has always been unhappy. Since receiving the smallest share of the vote in South Korean history, which was 0.7 %, his approval rating has typically been between 30 and 40 %. Next month, half of those surveyed judged him to have done a “very awful” work so far.

” There are many situations that have chipped away at his standing,” said Dr. Lee Sangsin, a political scientist and polling professional. Second, there are a number of political errors that have caused global media coverage, such as when Mr. Yoon was caught swearing on microphone shortly after meeting US President Joe Biden. Koreans who thought Mr. Yoon had damaged their popularity abroad were embarrassed by these situations.

Then there is his family, Second Lady Kim Keon Hee, who, according to Professor Lee, “people like even more than the chairman”.

She has been accused of manipulating companies and plagiarising her doctoral dissertation. Video of her allegedly breaking anti-corruption regulations last month surfaced showing her accepting an expensive Dior bag. Ms. Kim and her partner have not been seen in public since she began acting as first woman, despite first playing an active role.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee disembark from an aircraft after landing at London Stansted Airport on November 20, 2023

Getty Images

Additionally, Mr. Yoon’s aggressive social approach has alienated voters. Mr. Yoon, a former prosecutor without any previous political experience, is maybe accused of acting more like a counsel than a politician.

” He gives the impression that he is stubborn, does n’t listen or compromise, and has developed an almost authoritarian manner”, said Dr Lee from the Korea Institute for National Unification.

In summary, President Yoon has failed to appeal to citizens outside of his devoted liberal center. The result is that his party has failed to take control of the legislature, which means it will be challenging for him to pass legislation and address pressing issues like a slowing economy, impossible house prices, and a rapidly aging population.

Before Wednesday, the opposition now controlled the legislature. He now has the only majority-holding presidency in South Korea’s background to be absent for the entire five-year expression. His standing has been seriously weakened, and he runs the risk of becoming what some experts refer to as a “lame duck.”

Friendliness and growing divisions

Mr. Yoon has so far concentrated his efforts on foreign policy despite his unpopularity at home, and despite this, he has managed to make friends internationally. He stepped into power with the intention of wanting South Korea to take a bigger part in the world and was determined to change from what he thought his predecessor’s astigmatism, who by the end of his term had become preoccupied with reconciling with North Korea.

Mr. Yoon defended his position as a proponent of progressive, democratic norms and promised to punish those who disregarded them. Hence, his plan has been to be aggressive with Pyongyang. He has increased military exercises on the island, imposed restrictions on the North, and retaliated whenever Kim Jong Un tries to bait him.

His detractors say he has been excessively controversial. Relations between the two Koreas are at their worst in decades, and the North is launching more arms than ever before.

But his connection with the US has blossomed. Mr. Yoon’s international policy has been focused on strengthening Seoul’s security ties with Washington. It was symbolic of how both places were singing from the same page when he serenaded President Biden with Don McLean’s American Pie. Mr. Yoon has been a source of joy for America as it works to improve its alliances in Asia to counteract China.

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Mr. Yoon gained even more value from the US when he ended longstanding controversies with Japan and established a three-way security partnership between Tokyo, Seoul, and Washington at a major political price. Although the action was not well-liked at home, northern diplomats praised the president for his courage and bravery. As a main weak link in Asia, Japan and South Korea’s lack of security relations had been acknowledged.

However, for bravery has cost. South Korea has historically treaded a fine line between the US and China, properly balancing the demands of its largest trading partner and military allies. ” Strategic misunderstanding” was the title given to this method. But imprecise is not Mr Yoon’s design. He has been critical of China, also warning it over its attitude towards Taiwan, to the fury of Beijing. South Korean officials have never done this earlier. Mr. Yoon’s comments appeared to be aggressive and out of action with some members of his team.

Some in the authorities believe that they have allowed things to go wrong with China, and following the election they need to remedy the harmony, mainly to revive economic ties, according to Dongmin Lee, a professor of political science at Dankook University.

Some people around contend that while promoting liberal democratic principles is noble, it might not be the best course of action for a nation sandwiched between China and Russia, especially as they become more and more close to your adversary. ” North Korea is a component in every decision we make,” according to a source.

The potential White House reshuffle poses the biggest and most unexpected obstacle for Mr. Yoon in the upcoming season. While in office, Mr. Trump courted Kim Jong Un and threatened to oust all of the US’s forces from South Korea. Whichever way Mr Yoon takes, Trump’s re- vote does push him to change course.

The leaders of South Korea, Japan and the US at a landmark three-way summit at Camp David

Getty Images

However, Mr. Yoon’s state has been accused of political understrength at apartment, despite aligning himself with the west as a proponent of politics.

He has branded his competitors” communists”, attacked the advertising for “fake information” and his company has pursued slander cases against important editors. He has been accused of stoking female groups, vowing to dismantle the president’s gender equality government. He has otherwise vacated the position of gender minister because he was unable to do so without the consent of the political system.

According to a recent report from Sweden’s Varieties of Democracy Institute, South Korea’s politics has been “downward hill” since President Yoon took business. According to Jeongmin Kim, the editorial director of the Korea Pro information service, the study ended up being popular in the nation because it revealed that “at least liberals and those in the center” could easily identify the dishonesty and feel uncomfortable when northern leaders laud Yoon as one of the guardians of democracy.

Although it’s common in South Korea, Mr. Yoon has never sought settlement with the opposition’s head. Otherwise, he has resorted to his political filibuster to bomb rules. Since the 1980s, he has used his reject more than any other leader. He has the reputation of someone who does n’t care about getting popular but who will do what he believes, regardless of what others think or say.

Jeongmin Kim said,” It seems as though what Yoon truly cares about is being remembered fondly by his extreme supporters and in the record books as opposed to what the rest of the people, the parliament, or even his own party thinks of him.”

Through his peace with Japan, Yoon Suk Yeol has probably now established himself as a landmark in history. But with his expert dented, he will have less influence worldwide going ahead. At house, his lack of support means South Koreans may expect more political chaos, political enmity and polarisation.

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Senate accepts same-sex marriage bill in first reading

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PUBLISHED : 2 Apr 2024 at 15:55

Senate accepts same-sex marriage bill in first reading
A participant in the Bangkok Pride parade on June 4, 2023, supporting gender recognition, same-sex marriage, the rights of sex workers and universal welfare for LGBTG+ individuals. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

The same-sex marriage bill cruised through the first reading in the Senate on Tuesday, was referred to a vetting committee and is expected back on the floor in July.

The House of Representatives passed the bill, which supports gender equality, on March 27.

The Senate on Tuesday voted 147-1, with seven abstentions, to accept the bill. The debate was then adjourned for committee stages.

The Senate is going into recess and the vetted legislation is expected to be returned for passage at the next session in July.

Senators agreed in principle to the bill, but some were concerned about issues such as necessary amendments to related laws once it becomes law. 

Senator Piyachat Wanchaleom, a member of the  committee on law, justice and police affairs, said more time may be needed for the law amendment period, which requires a thorough study by all affected state agencies.

Once it becomes law, Thailand will be the first country in Southeast Asia to allow same-sex marriage and only the third in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal.

The bill could take effect within 120 days of royal endorsement.

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House passes landmark marriage equality bill

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Thailand would only be the second country in Asia to recognize same-sex organisations.

PUBLISHED: 27 Mar 2024 at 14: 41

House passes landmark marriage equality bill
A few and their spouses sign up for a relationship at a party held by the Dusit region in Bangkok to honor Valentine’s Day in February 2023. Who advocates for same-sex weddings and other legal marriages keeps the licenses of LGBTQ lovers on file as evidence. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

In its final checking on Wednesday, the House of Representatives approved a union equality bill, a historic step that will allow the nation to become the next nation in Asia to legalize same-sex unions.

Before it becomes laws, which is anticipated later this year, the costs needs approval from the Senate and aristocratic support. All major events ‘ interests were represented in the bill, and 400 of the 415 politicians present, out of which 10 voted against it, supported it.

Danuphorn Punnakanta, a Pheu Thai listing- MP and president of the political commission on the document costs, said,” We did this for all Thai people to lower gap in society and start creating equality.

” I want to ask you all to produce history”, he told other lawmakers.

The moving of the bill marks a major step towards cementing Thailand’s position as one of Asia’s most progressive societies on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, with openness and complimentary- riding attitudes coexisting with standard, traditional Buddhist values.

Thailand has long been a draw for similar- sex couples, with a lively LGBT cultural scene for locals and expatriates, and precise campaigns to get LGBT travellers.

The costs may take effect within 120 times of royal assent. Thailand would join Taiwan and Nepal as the first nations in Asia to legalize same-sex organisations.

More than a decade has passed since the bill’s creation, with difficulties brought on by political upheaval and disagreements regarding the best ways to approach it and what should be.

The Constitutional Court ruled in 2020 that the current wedding law, which merely recognises heterosexual couples, was legal, recommending policy be expanded to guarantee rights of another genders.

In the first reading, the Parliament voted in favor of four different draft bills on same-sex marriage and assigned a committee to work through them all into one draft.

The bills propose redefining the definitions of 68 Civil and Commercial Code provisions to ensure gender equality and diversity.

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Breakaway parties roil South Korea’s two-party system - Asia Times

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Modern South Korean politics has usually been dominated by only two main parties – in common with many other states with strong political techniques. But that could quickly shift.

New voter anger is creating options for smaller social events in the forthcoming parliamentary election on April 10, 2024.

Heading into that voting, the two main parties – President Yoon Suk Yeol’s People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party – between them hold 270 votes in the 300- part congress. But both factions are grappling with inner struggles and social controversies that are fueling the idea of new, rebel parties making gains.

The outcome could be a dual- party legislature. As a social scientist with a emphasis on East Asia and foreign politics, I believe that goal has the potential to transform the country’s domestic and international plan.

Parliamentary chaos

Polling suggests that South Koreans have n’t been happy with the performance of their politicians for years, with one 2022 survey putting trust in the national assembly at just 24 %. Activities since then are unlikely to have improved trust in either principal group.

Since Yoon was elected leader in 2022, his parliamentary plan has been met with resistance by the antagonism- controlled National Assembly. His ideas for reforming the government’s education, income and work techniques have stalled as a result.

However, Yoon has vetoed many bills passed by the National Assembly, such as the “yellow box” law, which limits companies ‘ lawsuits for injury claims over work union disputes, and legislation calling for specific probes into the crowd crush inside Seoul’s Itaewon district during Halloween weekend in 2022 that resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries.

On foreign policy, the opposition Democratic Party has faulted the Yoon government’s pursuit of increased security ties with Japan in the face of continued bilateral tensions over Japan’s past colonial history in Korea.

Specifically, the opposition criticized a bilateral deal on compensation for the victims of forced wartime labor in Korea, and the Yoon government’s acceptance of Japan’s release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Last fall, partly as a protest against the president’s foreign policy and in a bid to overhaul the government’s cabinet, the National Assembly passed a nonbinding no- confidence motion against Prime Minister Han Duck- soo, although Yoon refused to dismiss his premier.

The net result of the political gridlock is that both the Yoon government and the Democratic Party face high levels of public disapproval. Yoon’s approval rating has stagnated below 40 %, and the majority of voters have expressed an intention to hold his government accountable in the upcoming election by supporting opposition parties.

However, the Democratic Party has failed to capitalize on Yoon’s unpopularity, due to similar public disapproval toward the party’s leader, Lee Jae- myung.

Intraparty factions

South Korea’s two main parties have frequently experienced internal feuds among factions supportive and opposed to party leadership. In recent months, factions opposed to both Yoon’s and Lee’s leadership have bolted from their respective parties.

Fashion plate and market player: First Lady Kim Keon- hee takes in art at the Kunsthaus Zürich in Switzerland. Photo: Yonhap

In January 2024, Lee Jun- seok, former People Power Party chairman, started the New Reform Party with party members who protested the pro- Yoon faction’s seemingly cliquish party leadership.

This “non- Yoon” faction has also criticized the president’s veto of the special counsel bill to investigate allegations surrounding First Lady Kim Keon- hee, which include claims of violating anti- graft laws and involvement in stock price manipulation.

Under criminal investigation: Democratic Party leader Lee Jae- myung. Photo: Korea Joongang Daily

The Democratic Party is facing a similar challenge. Also in January 2024, Lee Nak- yon, former prime minister under the previous Democratic government of President Moon Jae- in, started the New Future Party, criticizing his former party as having turned into a “bulletproof shield” for the unpopular leader Lee Jae- myung. Specifically, the “non Jae- myung” faction has criticized him for refusing to step down despite being under criminal investigation on corruption charges.

These new breakaway parties ‘ strategy is to take advantage of South Korea’s mixed- member proportional election system, which provides opportunities for smaller parties to win seats. To do so, they have been focusing efforts on building concentrated support among core groups of voters.

The New Reform Party has gained support among younger conservative male voters critical of the older generation of conservative politicians close to Yoon.

Meanwhile, the New Future Party retains some support among traditional Democratic Party members, who feel disappointed with the direction of the party. Several Democratic legislators who claimed to have been purged by the party leadership have joined Lee Nak- yon, widening the schism within the main opposition party.

Potential impact

The latest polls indicate a tight race between the People Power Party and the Democratic Party, with a 37.7 % and 36.9 % share of the vote, respectively. If the breakaway parties win even a small number of seats, the result could be a “hung parliament”, in which neither main party can form a single- party majority.

That would leave smaller parties with huge legislative leverage.

The New Reform Party is more likely to partner with the Yoon government on policy agendas – despite personal antipathy between Yoon and Lee Jun- Seok. On foreign policy, New Reform Party members have expressed support for pragmatic relations with Japan and have warned against excessive anti- Japan nationalist rhetoric in domestic politics.

On social and economic policies, the New Reform Party’s platform likewise aligns with the Yoon government in supporting the expansion of South Korea’s semiconductor industry and abolishing the Ministry of Gender Equality.

Particularly on gender issues, the New Reform Party could push the Yoon government farther toward positions that appeal to younger male conservative voters, such as by introducing female military service. At present, only men are subject to South Korea’s mandatory military conscription, a policy that many younger South Korean men perceive as discrimination.

Lee Nak- yon’s New Future Party is more critical of the Yoon government’s domestic and foreign policies. However, with its platform to end two- party gridlock, the New Future Party could also seek a role as an arbitrator over contentious policy issues.

The new parties could also support the opposition Democratic Party in pressuring the Yoon government to be more accountable. Specifically, Yoon could face increased demands to approve investigations on the allegations surrounding the First Lady and to solicit opposition parties ‘ consent for future cabinet nominations.

It is still uncertain how well the breakaway parties will perform in the upcoming election. And they face competition from another new party, the National Innovation Party, that is politically aligned with the Democratic Party.

One recent election in East Asia will give these new parties encouragement: Taiwan’s legislative election in January saw a new third party become kingmaker in the legislative assembly.

If one or more of the new South Korean parties should emerge from the election as with parliamentary kingmaking clout, it would represent a crack in the country’s two- party system and could free up the gridlock that has dogged parliamentary politics in recent years.

Jong Eun Lee is an assistant professor at North Greenville University.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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'More efforts needed' to achieve sustainable development goals

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Progress is currently” never quick much.”

PUBLISHED: 15 Mar 2024 at 05: 00

'More efforts needed' to achieve sustainable development goals

The UN Global Compact’s Outreach & Engagement captain, Sue Allchurch, warned that the effort to create a healthier world area is in danger of failing. More ambitious shared actions from all stakeholders is required to meet the UN’s sustainable development goals in 2030.

Ms. Allchurch said in a statement to the media during a trip to Thailand that while the world has acknowledged the value of sustainable development, progress toward achieving the goals is no quick enough.

There are many barriers towards achieving the goals, including political instability, financial problems, and the effects of the pandemic and climate change, she said.

She said,” The business market is presently facing an unprecedented number of unusual global challenges that have never occurred before,” noting that the issues are much more difficult than they have previously.

According to Ms. Allchurch, citing a survey conducted by the UN Global Compact, 98 % of corporate executives global concurred that the UN’s sustainable development goals have given them a renewed target.

Around 75 % of Directors in the Asia-Pacific territory claimed to have contributed to the achievement of the targets by implementing conservation techniques in their day-to-day operations. The work, however, are n’t enough, she said. According to the study, 85 % of businesses worldwide are not on record to meet the objectives.

Only 39 % of the companies that have set goals that are in line with what the world needs, according to Ms Allchurch, out of the 91 % of those who have committed to sustainable development goals.

She claimed that the private business needs to set more ambitious goals in order to overcome the obstacles to achieving sustainable development goals and raise public awareness.

” We are convinced that the secret business will start to make significant changes.” They have come to an agreement that the technologies is a means of limiting the consequences, and they will invest in it, she continued.

The United Nations Global Compact last month released a CEO Sustainable Development Report that gathered major executive views on conservation, based on the 2030 SDGs plan, participated by 2, 600 Executives from 128 places.

According to the report, 98 % of CEOs listed inflation and price fluctuations as their top concerns, with 98 % of them citing them as their top concerns.

Climate change ranked third among the fears, with 93 % of the Directors listing it as a problem.

The UN Global Compact is now focusing on five key areas of green growth, particularly gender equality, climate action, living income, water endurance as well as finance and investment.

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