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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40021268

All security measures in place for Apec summits, say NSC, RTP

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

The National Security Council (NSC) and the Royal Thai Police have announced that all security measures are in place for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in Bangkok next month.

The Apec Economic Leaders’ Summit and related meetings will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from November 14 to 19.

NSC chief General Supoj Malaniyom said on Friday that security deployments have gone as planned and arrangements have been made to provide equal protection to every person attending the meetings.

He said each person, regardless of their stature, will undergo screening when entering the premises.

National Police chief Pol General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, who was also at the press conference, said both sides have discussed the positioning of personnel, vehicles and equipment as well as budget and communication.

He said RTP will oversee security at relevant hotels, meeting venues, banquets and commuting routes, as well as organise Apec leaders’ motorcades and immigration details.

Police are also responsible for investigations, monitoring news, and setting up a joint command centre.

He said the meeting discussed details of guidelines and incidence action plans for a cohesive operation during the summits. He said some 20,000 police officers will be used for the mission.

Damrongsak added that some 30 units are monitoring news and coordinating with international organisations, while also strengthening crime prevention measures ahead of the meeting.

He said crime-prevention drills will be held from November 1 to 5, a motorcade drill on November 7 and a hotel security drill will be held from November 11 to 13.

The government, meanwhile, has declared three extra holidays for Bangkok and surrounding provinces from November 16 to 18 to keep traffic low.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40021266

Move Forward to sue telecoms regulator for paving way to duopoly

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

The Move Forward Party said it will sue the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) for negligence after the regulator paved the way for the merger of True Corp and Total Access Communication (Dtac).

The NBTC agreed to the merger between the country’s second and third largest mobile operators on Thursday, subject to conditions.

Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit said the NBTC’s decision ignored the public and national interest and put Thailand’s strategic telecoms business at risk.

“This decision will damage the economy as information services are necessary for the country’s future development,” Thanathorn said in a Facebook post.

He added that the country’s information network could not improve in terms of speed and stability without competition.

Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (left) and Move Forward Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun (right)

Move Forward Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun said people nationwide were disappointed with NBTC’s decision on the merger deal.

She added that NBTC’s reasons for its decision, such as that the merger would result in a new company that neither company would control, do not make sense.

“Since it has neglected its constitutional duty to protect consumers’ interest and prevent a monopoly, we have to sue the NBTC for transgressing against the public,” she said.

The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) said on Thursday it would also file for a court injunction to stop the merger deal. It said it will also ask the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the telecoms regulator for negligence and failing to protect consumer interests.

The TCC and other consumer rights activists of the merger say it will undermine market competition and telecoms development in Thailand and lead to higher prices for customers.

The merger would leave Thailand with only two telecom firms. The merged firm would also overtake Advanced Info Service (AIS) as the largest operator since True and Dtac currently have 34 and 21 per cent of subscribers nationwide, respectively, compared with 44 per cent for AIS.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40021264

Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue Grand Station? Public asked which they prefer

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is consulting the public on its decision to move trains from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok.

SRT is collecting opinions from people after long-distance intercity trains were switched to Bang Sue Grand Station on November 29 last year.

The public survey is open until October 28 at the website. It aims to collect opinions from passengers of both long (commercial) and short (social) trains to use in policymaking designed to aid convenience for travellers including commuters.

The survey asks respondents whether they agree that Bang Sue Grand Station – officially known as Krungthep Abhiwat Central Terminal – is appropriate as Thailand’s central rail hub.

They are also asked whether it was a good idea to switch the start point and terminus of commercial trains from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue and whether the move had made travel more convenient.

It also asked whether short-distance trains should keep using Hua Lamphong Station in the first phase of transition to Bang Sue.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40021262

Thailand’s key dam to lower discharge rate, but floods predicted in many areas

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

The Royal Irrigation Department (RTD) has said it will start reducing the rate at which water is discharged from the Chao Phraya Dam, now that the rains are easing.

Prapit Chanma, RTD director-general, said on Friday that Chao Phraya River’s level is also going down.

At 6am, 2,695 cubic metres of water flowed through the water station in Nakhon Sawan, resulting in the Chao Phraya Dam discharging 2,790 cubic metres per second.

Prapit expects the discharge rate to drop to less than 2,700 cubic metres per second in the next two or three days, which will help the excess water return to waterways. However, he said, lowlands may remain flooded.

Prapit added that RTD will install more water pumps to drain water on both sides of the Chao Phraya River.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department issued a flood warning on Friday for the following areas:

North

• Phitsanulok: Bang Rakam, Phrom Phiram
• Phichit: Mueang Phichit, Sam Ngam, Bung Narang, Pho Thale, Taphan Hin, Pho Prathap Chang, Bang Mun Nak
• Nakhon Sawan: Muang Nakhon Sawan, Phayuha Khiri, Krok Phra, Chumsaeng, Tha Tako, Kao Lieo and Lat Yao
• Uthai Thani: Muang Uthai Thani, Nong Kha Yang

Northeast

• Nong Bua Lamphu: Non Sang, Si Bun Ruang
• Khon Kaen: Muang Khon Kaen, Mancha Khiri, Channabot, Nam Phong, Khoke Pho Chai, Ban Phai, Waeng Yai
• Maha Sarakham: Muang Maha Sarakham, Kosum Phisai, Kantharawichai, Chiang Yuen
• Kalasin: Muang Kalasin, Yang Talat, Khong Chai, Rong Kham, Kamalasai, Kuchinarai
• Roi Et: Chang Han, Chiang Kwan, Pho Chai, Thung Khao Luang, Phon Sai, Phanom Phrai, Selaphum, Thawat Buri, Nong Hi, Suwannaphum
• Yasothon: Muang Yasothon, Maha Chana Chai, Kho Wang, Kham Khuan Kaeo
• Nakhon Ratchasima: Phimai, Chum Phuang, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Muang Yang
• Buri Ram: Muang Buri Ram, Satuk, Lam Plai Mat
• Surin: Chom Phra, Tha Tum, Chumphon Buri, Rattanaburi
• Si Sa Ket: Muang Si Sa Ket, Rasi Salai, Kanthararom, Yang Chum Noi, Sila Lat
• Ubon Ratchathani: Muang Ubon Ratchathani, Warin Chamrap, Sawang Wirawong, Don Mot Daeng, Samrong, Khueang Nai, Phibun Mangsahan, Tan Sum, Sirindhorn

Central

• Chai Nat: Muang Chai Nat, Wat Sing, Manorom, Hankha, Sapphaya, Nong Mamong, Noen Kham, Sankhaburi
• Suphanburi: Muang Suphanburi, Song Phi Nong, Bang Pla Ma
• Singburi: Muang Singburi, In Buri, Phrom Buri, Tha Chang, Bang Rachan, Khai Bang Rachan
• Lopburi: Muang Lopburi, Ban Mi
• Saraburi: Nong Don, Ban Mo, Don Phut
• Ang Thong: Muang Ang Thong, Pa Mok, Wiset Chai Chan, Chaiyo, Pho Thong, Sawaeng Ha
• Ayutthaya: Sena, Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Bang Sai, Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Pahan, Tha Ruea, Nakhon Luang, Maha Rat, Uthai, Wang Noi, Phachi, Ban Phraek, Bang Sa-ai
• Nakhon Pathom: Muang Nakhon Pathom, Kamphaeng Saen, Don Tum, Buddhamondol, Nakhon Chaisi, Bang Len
• Nonthaburi: Muang Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, Bang Yai, Bang Kruai, Bang Bua Thong
• Pathum Thani: Muang Pathum Thani, Sam Khok
• Chachoengsao: Phanom Sarakham, Bang Nam Priao, Ratchasan, Khlong Khuean
• Nakhon Nayok: Ongkharak
• Prachinburi: Muang Prachinburi, Kabin Buri, Sri Maha Pho, Prachantakham, Ban Sang, Sri Mahosote

South

• Phuket: Muang Phuket, Thalang, Kathu
• Krabi: Muang Krabi
• Satun: Muang Satun, Manang, La-ngu

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/thailand/general/40021260

Most Thailand consumers say companies should prioritise environment over profits: survey

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

Sixty-five per cent of Thailand consumers believe companies should be prioritising environmental protection over profits, according to a survey published on Friday. And 41 per cent of respondents believe governments should do the same.

Sandpiper’s 2022 Consumer Expectations Index for Asia Pacific looked at expectations consumers have of public and private sector organisations and their leaders around sustainability issues. It was based on a survey of 6,000 consumers across 11 markets in the region.

Consumers in Thailand ranked governments (92 per cent) as being the most responsible for solving sustainability issues, with publicly listed companies ranked second (89 per cent), ahead of NGOs (84 per cent) and private companies (83 per cent).

This was also reflected in responses on which individuals have the most power over sustainability issues with 53 per cent ranking heads of state as the most powerful, followed by government ministers (23 per cent), consumers themselves (9 per cent), and CEOs (4 per cent).

However, while consumers in Thailand believe they are making the strongest contribution to environmental sustainability (18 per cent), they see the government as the greatest underperformer (38 per cent).

Climate change no longer a debate

The research reveals that an overwhelming 99 per cent of consumers in Thailand believe climate change is a reality, with just 1 per cent saying otherwise. This is despite only 44 per cent saying they have a strong understanding of climate change.

When asked about their feelings about climate change, the top emotions were concern (47 per cent) frustration (19 per cent), satisfied (16 per cent) with a further 13 per cent saying they feel guilty that they are not personally doing enough to help address it.

Selected sectors and issues in the spotlight

People in Thailand are among the most concerned regionally about poverty (58 per cent), unemployment (48 per cent), climate change (47 per cent), and ocean pollution (47 per cent) in this year’s survey.

Looking specifically at sectors, more than 1 in 10 consumers see five sectors as irresponsible or non-compliant when it comes to regulation, the worst performing sectors are: mining (19 per cent), government and public service (13 per cent), NGOs (12 per cent), education (10 per cent) and construction and engineering (10 per cent).

Language matters

While 88 per cent of consumers surveyed in Thailand say they have at least an average understanding of what sustainability means, only 39 per cent have a strong understanding. Fewer also have an average level of understanding of more technical terms including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at 85 per cent, Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) at 80 per cent – showing that talking to consumers about these issues in everyday, non-technical language is important.

While the underlying issues that are sought to be addressed by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are of wide concern, only 68 per cent of consumers in Thailand have heard of them.

Sandpiper CEO Emma Smith said: “As global sustainability challenges continue to grow, we see increasing expectations on all organisations and individuals to act. While governments are shouldering the weight of solving sustainability challenges, increasingly consumers see both private companies and themselves as critical to solutions and they have a growing appetite to learn more and be involved. While understanding of more technical areas of sustainability remains low, organisations should be preparing for consumer knowledge and scrutiny to increase in the coming years as interest grows across every age group and demographic.”

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40021258

‘Tono’ all set for charity Mekong swim, aims for 10m baht in donations

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

Actor and singer Phakin “Tono” Khamwilaisak’s mission to brave the raging currents of the Mekong River to raise funds for hospitals has already earned about 8 million baht.

Phakin’s “One Man and the River” mission’s aim is to raise funds for two hospitals – one in Nakhon Phanom in Thailand and another in Laos’s Khammounane province.

His plan is to swim the 15-kilometre width of the Mekong River both ways on Saturday under the watchful eye of his team.

He said on Friday that all preparations for the event have been made, adding that the fund started with 1 million baht from him and another million from key donors.

He said he was surprised to see that his mission has already raised more than 7 million baht, adding that he was proud that both Thai and Laotian people understand its importance.

Phakin said the main goal was to help the hospitals acquire the latest medical equipment and hoped the donations will rise to about 10 million baht by Saturday.
 

He also said he hopes the event will help improve bilateral ties between Thailand and Laos, now that Covid-19 is under control and the countries have opened their borders.

He also hoped the event would help stimulate the local economy, especially in the Northeast of the country.

Phakin added that once he has completed his mission, he will travel to Laos to make merit and meet with medical staff at the hospital receiving the donation.

In 2019, Phakin initiated the “One Man and the Sea” mission to combat pollution from single-use plastic. The mission, in which he swam between 12 islands, was a big success and he was named Sustainable Ocean Ambassador at the UN Ocean Conference that year.

The first such high-profile fund-raising mission was launched by rock star Artiwara “Toon Bodyslam” Kongmalai in 2017 when he ran from Thailand’s southernmost to northernmost tip and raised 1.3 billion baht for 11 hospitals.

Though the actor’s intentions are obviously good, many critics have also slammed him and other celebrities for only launching fund-raising events but not questioning the powers that be for their failure in providing adequate funding to schools and hospitals.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40021256

Dangers of driving: Bangkok motorist survives as T-shaped metal drops from up above

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

A Bangkok motorist is fighting for compensation from the construction giant Sino Thai after a shard of metal dropped on his Toyota Alphard van, shattering the windscreen and denting the hood.

Chanin Prathis was driving along Rattanathibet Road towards Ngam Wong Wan expressway on Thursday evening when a T-shaped metallic object fell from the elevated track of the MRT Pink Line above.

He said the object punched a hole in the van’s windscreen, scattering glass shards all over the console. Chanin said he stepped on the brakes immediately and luckily the vehicles behind him were able to stop in time, so no subsequent accident took place.

The plaintiff reported the incident at Rattanathibet Police Station and was met by representatives of Sino Thai Engineering and Construction Ltd, the firm responsible for the Pink Line’s construction. The company has reportedly agreed to foot the repair bills, though compensation for mental trauma is still under negotiation.

Driving under construction sites of elevated structures in Thailand can be a health hazard. In July this year, two people were killed and five injured when a 5-tonne, 10-metre-long concrete beam fell on them from a U-turn bridge. The bridge, which was under maintenance, is located opposite Vibharam Hospital in Samut Sakhon’s Muang district.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40021254

Telecoms regulator right to back True-Dtac merger deal: lawyer

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) acted correctly and courageously in backing the controversial merger deal between two telecom giants, a renowned lawyer said on Friday.

Rujira Bunnag rejected criticism of the NBTC’s decision on Thursday to approve the merger of True Corporation and Total Access Communication (Dtac), saying the regulator had done its duty in the face of external pressures.

He said that according to a 2018 announcement, the NBTC does not have the authority to permit or reject mergers resulting in a new company.

However, the NBTC can set up conditions or specific measures to protect the public interest, he said, adding that its decision was in line with government lawyers’ recommendations and a Chulalongkorn University study.

“I would like to praise NBTC chairman, Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, for his leadership and bravery in making the decision without discrimination, which is the right solution,” he said.

NBTC members could have been punished under Section 172 of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption BE 2561 (2018) and Section 157 of the Criminal Code if they had neglected their duties or misused their authority in the case, he said. Each law carries a penalty of 1-10 years in prison, a 20,000-200,000 baht fine or both.

“This NBTC board differs from its predecessors as there are no lawyers among its members, meaning no one can offer guidelines on laws to consider for the merger deal,” he said.

Rujira also expressed confidence that the NBTC will issue conditions for the merger deal to ensure that both consumers and telecoms development in Thailand are protected.

The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) said on Thursday it will file for a court injunction to stop the merger deal. It said it will also ask the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the telecoms regulator for negligence and failing to protect consumer interests. The TCC and other opponents of the merger say it will undermine market competition and telecoms development in Thailand and lead to higher prices for consumers.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40021253

Fleeing sergeant arrested over theft of 95 police guns

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

A Nonthaburi police officer was arrested in Nong Khai province on Thursday for allegedly stealing 95 guns from Pak Kret police station where he was based. Twenty-seven guns were anonymously returned.

Pol Snr Sgt Maj Chaowalit Phumkhachorn was apprehended on Thursday afternoon at a resort in Nong Khai’s Muang district where he had fled to hide. Arresting officials believed he was preparing to flee across the border to Laos.

Deputy national police chief Surachet Hakpan said initial investigations showed that Chaowalit, who was in charge of the station’s armoury, had acted alone. Investigators also believe he had been stealing police guns and selling them for some time.

Responding to news of the theft, national police chief Damrongsak Kittiprapas said the suspect’s supervising officers must be held responsible for negligence. He also demanded that all the stolen guns be retrieved as soon as possible, warning anyone who had bought or taken possession of the firearms to return them immediately to Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret police station or face legal action.

Surachet revealed that a brown travel bag with 27 guns inside was left in front of the Police Club in Bangkok’s Lak Si district on Thursday night. Officials are checking whether the guns are the same as those stolen from Pak Kret station.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40021248

Consumer watchdog seeks court injunction against True-Dtac merger after regulator’s green light

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) says it will seek a court injunction to halt the planned merger of True Corporation and Total Access Communication (Dtac), which was approved by the telecoms regulator on Thursday.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) announced on Thursday afternoon that it will permit allow the merger of the country’s second and third largest mobile operators, subject to certain conditions including a price ceiling and price controls.

“TCC is disappointed that the NBTC failed to use its authority to protect the public interest,” said the consumer watchdog in a Facebook statement posted on Thursday.

“We are preparing to file a motion at the Central Administrative Court, asking it to launch an emergency investigation of the case and issue a preliminary injunction against the merger.”

The TCC added that it will also urge the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the telecom regulator for neglecting its duty to protect consumer interests.

“We are especially disappointed in NBTC’s chairman [General Sukit Khamasundara], who used to work in the field of consumer protection,” said the TCC post.

Opponents of the merger say it will undermine market competition and lead to higher prices for consumers.