Thailand refutes US determination of solar panel ‘dumping’
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
The Commerce Ministry has refuted the United States’ preliminary determination that solar panels imported from Thailand are evading US anti-dumping measures.
US authorities published a determination on December 8 that solar cells and modules imported from manufacturers in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia are using parts from China. This shows an intention to evade US anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures against China, the determination said.
“In this preliminary determination, the US has chosen only two Thai exporters to question about the origin of their materials. These two are only a fraction of all exporters of solar panels in Thailand,” said Ronnarong Phoolpipat, director-general of the ministry’s Foreign Trade Department.
Ronnarong added that US representatives will visit Thailand to investigate solar panel businesses before completing the final determination on anti-dumping practices on May 1, 2023. He urged the businesses to cooperate with US representatives by providing full details of products and materials, adding that the Foreign Trade Department will help prepare Thai businesses for the inspection.
In the meantime, Thai manufacturers can still export solar panels to the US tariff-free under a presidential order that exempts import tax on solar products from the four countries until June 9, 2024.
In the first 10 months of 2022, Thailand exported solar panels worth over US$940 million (32.9 billion baht), up 3% year on year. Thailand’s other major markets for solar panels are Vietnam, India, Taiwan, Turkey and China.
Thailand’s economy to grow by 3.6% in 2023, riding on tourism recovery: UTCC
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
The country is likely to see 3.6% economic growth in 2023 thanks to the performance of the tourism sector, despite the nation’s export growth slowing down, according to University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
The president of the UTCC and adviser to the university’s Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting, Thanavath Phonvichai, said the number of tourists visiting Thailand is expected to increase from 11 million this year to 22 million people in 2023, while the nation’s exports are slowing down due to a decline in trade partners’ purchasing power.
“Exports are expected to recover by the third quarter of next year,” he said. “In addition, investment from the public sector is also a factor that will bolster Thailand’s economy as production bases are shifted to several Asean countries, including Thailand.”
He said the nation’s economy was predicted to grow by 3.3% this year, driven by the tourism sector after Covid restrictions were eased, which has brought an influx of tourists to the country, while exports continue to thrive.
UTCC has forecast that in 2023, Thailand’s export and import growth will be 1.2% and 2.2% respectively while investment from the public sector will expand by 3.2%.
He said inflation in the country would increase by 3% if the global and national economy follow these conditions: global trade volume rises by 2.5%, the global economy grows by 2.7%, 22-24 million people visit Thailand, currency rate stays at 35.95 baht to the US. dollar, crude oil from Dubai remains at US$92.50 per barrel, and the policy interest rate stays at 1.25-2%.
“The relief in the Covid-19 situation in the country, the return of tourists, improvement in the agricultural sector, and especially the election scheduled to take place next year will all help generate revenue for the country,” he said.
However, he said there is uncertainty about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, rising energy and commodity prices, central banks’ interest rate hike to deal with inflation, volatility in financial markets and global economic recession, which could pressure Thailand’s economic growth.
“Singha” launches 100% biodegradable packaging as the first company in Asia
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
“Singha” launches “Singha Sustainable Pack” by changing from plastic to paper that is 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly for the first time in Asia. Furthermore, using soy-based inks on the packaging, which are not harmful to animals, strengthens the brand’s social responsibility and environmental consciousness.
Mr Thitinand Chumpani, Marketing Director for Alcohol Business, Boon Rawd Trading Co., Ltd. revealed that Singha is always aware of the priority of combining business operations with environmental protection, following the policy of Mr Bhurit Bhirombhakdi, CEO of Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd. by increasing production to reduce the impact on the global environment and making the best use of resources. Recently, Singha launches new packaging “Singha Sustainable Pack” by changing from using Shrink Film to using 100% biodegradable paper, starting with 3 SKUs in the beverage line, including Singha Cancollar: size 320 ml., packed in 4 cans, and size 320 ml., packed in 6 cans, and including Singha Basket, size 490 ml., packed in 4 cans.
The new packaging is made from Virgin Fiber, which can be disposed of in a landfill or left in nature. It is 100% biodegradable and does not contain a white coating that makes the paper difficult to degrade. Besides, the ink used to print the messages on the packaging is made from soybean oil instead of petroleum, which is more environmentally friendly and will not harm animals or plants if the packaging falls into a river or sea. It also contains Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which reduce air pollution and make it easier to separate ink from printed matter and recycle packaging. Although the packaging is plastic-free, the product retains its weight even if it is stored in the refrigerator or an environment with high humidity for a long time.
Furthermore, Singha has also collaborated with GEPP Sa-Ard, a team specializing in waste management and recyclable materials to bring technology to support managing waste more conveniently by organizing the “One pack one piece” campaign. This campaign stands for Eco-friendly packaging. When a customer buys 1 pack of a product, Singha will donate to an organization that manages waste from Thailand for recycling, and each pack is labeled with a QR code to track waste collection. Singha aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste by 2 million pieces per year. This is equivalent to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions of 30,930 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgco2e) per year. Those who are interested can follow the details of the campaign “One pack one piece” at https://www.singha.com/singha-experience/experience-thainess/1pack1piece
In the past, Singha has concentrated on environmental activities, including the development of production as well as marketing promotion activities that use more eco-friendly materials such as Singha Food Festival 2022, which did not use Single-Use Plastic, but instead used paper plates and cups. However, as for the plan to reduce environmental impact in the future, Singha will expand into the food business, waste management, using natural materials, and eliminating single-use plastic to achieve the goal of zero waste.
Giant fruit juice company from Taiwan visits PM80, head office of longan beverage ‘P80 Longa’
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
Chairman Prayudh Mahagitsiri, President of PM80 Co., Ltd., recently welcomed Mr Pat Yang, President and CEO, Mr Anderson Yang, Marketing Director, and management team of Chia Meei International from Taiwan.
Other PM80’s executives including Mr Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kamolsut Dabbaransi, COO, Mr Jirawat Dechasathien, Managing Director, and Mrs Pranee Wittayaphasit, Supervisor senior management, were also present.
The Taiwanese manufacturer giant has over 40 years of global juice manufacturing and supplying experience. In addition to the core business, the company extends its expertise in juice and beverage through a newly established company, Yun Ding Food & Beverage Co., Ltd., to target emerging global beverage trends such as functional beverages, healthy juices, and Taiwanese bubble (boba) tea.
Today, Yun Ding Food & Beverage offers juice customization, beverage distribution and white-labelling services, bringing healthier and innovative food products to the market. The Taiwanese company’s visit in Thailand entails inspection and validation of the production process of the longan-extract essence (P80 Essence) and longan-based soda (Longa). Both parties formed a memorandum of understanding to expand PM80’s innovative products throughout Greater China and ASEAN regions. Senior executives and sales teams from both companies were seen taking a tour throughout Thailand’s vast number of distribution channels, where the company’s products are currently available for sale.
Mr Sorakrit Wannalak, Senior Advisor and Public Communication to PM80, revealed that the Company’s series of food and herbal products all derive from the original longan extract concentration, which holds many health benefits supported by international medical institutions. There are currently 6 products expected to be released in the market soon.
In most recent news, the management team, led by Mr Monsut Dabbaransi (COO), flew to Vietnam to thank and officially launch the company’s PM80 products via Sapua, Vietnam-based beverage distributor, who will be jointly selling Longa in the first lot, totaling to an export of over 10 million bottles.
DBS launches new buildings and world-class auditorium
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
DBS Denla British School announced the official launch of the two new senior school buildings and the Araya Hall, a world-class auditorium with over 600 seat capacity.
These new facilities are equipped with international standard innovative technologies to support the senior school’s expansion and shore up the development of students with well-rounded skills essential for their success in the future.
This is in accordance with the British Independent School Curriculum which not only focuses on academic aspects but also encourages students’ self-discovery skills and uncovers their talents at a young age as well as develops self-learning skills that will be with them for the rest of their lives.
Arn Pandejpong, the Chairman of DBS Denla British School
During the “Araya Hall Grand Opening”, Arn Pandejpong, the Chairman of DBS Denla British School and Jonny Liddell, the Headmaster of DBS Denla British School, together the others jointly launched the official opening ceremony of the new senior buildings and the Araya Hall at DBS Denla British School, Nonthaburi.
Arn Pandejpong mentioned that the opening of the new senior school buildings and the Araya Hall certified with international standards will accelerate the potential of our students and the teaching quality and allow the students to excel in their knowledge and skills and further develop into limitless success in the future.
“ We built these facilities with our heart especially for the students, not for myself, but for them since I want to see the seeds from DBS grow, be successful and become great global leaders”, revealed Arn.
Jonny Liddell, the Headmaster of DBS Denla British School
Jonny Liddell added that DBS will use these amazing conditions for the perfect journey of self-discovery for all children to become great global leaders in whatever they choose to do, and as they go through their time at DBS on a journey of self-discovery. With access to amazing facilities, they will achieve amazing things through the identification and nurturing of their passions and ensure that they burn brightly so that they do marvellous things both in school and beyond.
Additionally, DBS students impressed audiences with performances, such as the choir of 300 students on “Zadok the Priest”, classical music, live art and design shows, and many more. These shows proved to everyone the reputations of DBS students on their potential and well-rounded skills. Guests, parents and the press were taken on the school tour to witness the new building, the Araya Hall and all the facilities that were delicately selected for the students.
“Building for the best didn’t finish when we built these new facilities. It was just the end of the beginning. The real building starts now in the hearts and minds of our students to whom we dedicate what we do every day. We have built for the best because they are the best”, closed Liddell .
Stargazers turned out in force at three viewing points around the country for the annual Geminids meteor shower on Wednesday night.
Around 1,000 people gathered at the Huay Lan Reservoir campsite in Chiang Mai, and the Chalermphrakiart observatories in Nakhon Ratchasima and Chachoengsao. Most were wearing warm clothing to keep away the cold season chill.
The Chiang Mai stargazing event was hosted by the Ontai community in San Kamphaeng district, where the first shooting star was spotted streaking across the sky at 8.08pm.
At the Chachoengsao observatory, people set up tents and telescopes to view the celestial fireworks show.
The Geminids meteor shower streams from the tail of an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. It can be seen from December 4 to 20 as the space rock passes close to Earth. It is thought that the asteroid may have collided with another object in the distant past to produce the stream of particles that create the meteor shower.
This year, astronomers forecast the shower would peak on Wednesday with 150 meteors per hour and identified 8pm to 11pm as the best viewing period, before the bright moon obscures the phenomenon.
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand said the Geminids were best viewed in a dark clear sky. Stargazers can just lie back and enjoy the spectacle without a telescope, it added. It posted the photos of last night’s stargazing seen here.
Lopburi rolls out carpet of cosmos flowers for tourists
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
A field of cosmos flowers in Ban Sap Suea Maep is ready for an influx of tourists to Lopburi province until the end of next month.
Pimpakarn Phiphitthananan, a director of Tourism Authority of Thailand’s office in Lopburi, visited Ban Sap Suea Maep in Muang Lopburi district on Thursday to see the cosmos flower field.
She took some people along to see the beauty of cosmos flowers. People in the area usually grew corn and garden plants on the four-rai (0.64 hectares) field but they are now growing cosmos flowers because they are more unique than growing sunflowers, and tourists will be able to experience different kinds of flowers.
Pimpakarn said that the people of Lopburi grew different types of flowers and made flower fields in a bid to create new tourist attractions for the province.
She invited people to visit Lopburi. “Visit Lopburi only for a day and [you] will experience several flower fields.”
She said that the field will bloom until the New Year and is ready to welcome tourists in the cold season.
To visit the cosmos flower field, tourists must drive in the direction of Ban Sap Suea Maep, past the sunflower field.
France into final with 2-0 win as Morocco go down fighting
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
Reuters
France set up a heavyweight World Cup final against Argentina after an early goal by Theo Hernandez and a late one from Randal Kolo Muani ended battling Morocco’s dream run via an action-packed 2-0 semi-final victory on Wednesday (December 14).
Full back Hernandez stretched high after five minutes to hook in the first goal Morocco have conceded to an opposition player in the tournament after a scramble in the box, but the holders offered only occasional glimpses of their class.
Morocco, disrupted by early injuries to two key defenders, recovered to cause no end of problems, with Hugo Lloris brilliantly saving Jawad El Yamiq’s overhead kick at the end of the first half and the outsiders pouring forward for much of the second.
However, they could not quite fashion a clear enough chance for the equaliser and were unable to extend the astonishing run that included victories over Belgium, Spain and Portugal and made them the first African team to make the semi-finals.
France
France settled it in the 79th minute when a brilliant dribble by Kylian Mbappe set up Kolo Muani to tuck in the decisive goal with his first touch less than a minute after coming on.
France will be hugely relieved to become the first defending champions to reach successive finals since Brazil in 2002 and can now look forward to Sunday’s showdown when they will bid to follow Brazil (1962) and Italy (1938) as the third
Hyundai hints at joining the fray next year in Thailand’s growing EV market
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
South Korea’s Hyundai Motor has clearly indicated it will join Thailand’s growing battery electric vehicle (BEV)market, which is getting more popular with the arrival of US-based Tesla EVs.
Hyundai sent the message by showing its Ioniq 6 mid-size BEV sedan at the Thailand International Motor Expo that ended on December 12.
It was the first time that Hyundai had put on show Ioniq 6 in an Asian market. The Ioniq 6 was unveiled at the 2022 Busan International Motor Show in South Korea. Last month, IONIQ 6 achieved the highest overall rating in the New Car Assessment Programme, including adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assistance systems.
During the motor expo, Hyundai also confirmed it would from next year do its own marketing in Thailand via Hyundai Motor (Thailand)’s subsidiary instead of Sojitz (Thailand) Co Ltd that has been distributing Hyundai vehicles in Thailand during the past 15 years.
The display of Ioniq 6 and the announcement that Hyundai would take care of its own market followed the stunning success of Tesla and the impressive booking rate of EVs during the motor expo.
It was reported by several auto news websites that Tesla Thailand had received over 5,000 orders for its Model S sedan EVs and Model Y compact SUVs in just three days after it started receiving the orders on December 7. Each order must be made with a deposit of 4,000 baht, meaning Tesla Thailand has already earned over 20 million in just three days.
The organiser of the motor expo said the EVs made up 15% of all vehicle bookings at the show that saw 36,679 units sold during the 12-day event.
EVs have become more popular among Thais after the Cabinet approved in principle subsidies ranging from 70,000 baht to 150,000 baht for EV purchases on condition that the EV makers must also make them in Thailand later.
Jun Heo, vice president for sales of Hyundai Asia-Pacific, said Hyundai has invested in building a factory in Indonesia to supply its vehicles to the region.
Hyundai said it will next year import its Stargazer, a mini MPV with seven seats, from Indonesia to sell in Thailand.
So far, Hyundai has not revealed whether it plans to build an assembly factory of EVs in Thailand to be eligible for government’s subsidies.
CP teams up with Toyota, Hyundai, and MG to promote sustainability in transportation industry
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
To form an alliance of global forces in the transportation sector to push for carbon neutrality, Toyota and Thailand’s Charoan Pokpand Group (CP) have agreed to work together and they welcome other manufacturers with similar objectives because they believe that working together will move the aim closer to realization.
Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, Mr. Hiroki Nakajima, President of Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies, Mr. Noriaki Yamashita, President of Toyota Motor Thailand, together with Mr. Soopakij Chearavanont, Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group and Mr. Kachorn Chiaravanont, President of True Leasing Co., Ltd. went on the stage recently to unveil the cooperation on the occasion of Toyota’s 60th anniversary of business operations in Thailand at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
The collaboration in lowering global warming is open to businesses from every industry, according to both parties’ announcements. Currently, CP also collaborates with renowned automakers from other nations, such as MG from England and Hyundai Motor Company from South Korea.
Toyoda also highlighted the importance of the private sector for Thailand to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero by 2065. CP and Toyota have jointly announced the open partnership cooperation to achieve the carbon neutrality goal in Thailand, whilst inviting companies from all sectors who share the same goal to jointly help reduce global warming.
“I believe that this joint initiative utilizing the strengths and existing resources of both companies will lead to the acceptance and create change in society both in Thailand and at the global scale. Both companies which are concerned about Thailand and the world agree to work together and take action today,” Mr. Toyoda said.
In addition, Toyota is ready to share the CASE technology because the environmental issues are not for competing about, but rather a motive to cooperate and codevelop technologies.
“We have to start today with what we have and work together. The fact that CP has partners besides Toyota in the automotive industry is good; we look forward to collaborating with other parties under this project. We strive to make each year better than the year before, so that we can witness concrete results.
The reason why I initiated the project in Thailand first is because I have always wanted to repay my gratitude towards Thailand. We will bring in environmentally friendly vehicles and we are open to allies from China and South Korea to jointly make the world a better place. I hope that the project will happen soon and that we can expand to other countries in the future,” he added.
Dhanin Chearavanont, Senior Chairman of CP Group, said earlier that “What President Toyoda and I have in common is the desire to repay Thailand. I am pleased that both companies have the opportunity to collaborate towards carbon neutrality especially in Thailand and we welcome allies from all sectors to join the alliance to achieve this goal.”
Soopakij Chearavanont, Chairman of CP Group said at the press conference that this collaboration was founded on the mutual environmental goal aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030 and net zero by 2050. Currently, CP has several ongoing joint studies with global automotive players such as Hyundai Motor Company from South Korea and is conducting electric vehicle (EV) tests with Hyundai Glovis in our logistic business, and also collaborating with MG from England and Foton from China to find sustainable transportation solutions.
The Chairman of CP added that CP’s intention to cooperate with Toyota is to do good things for the society, the world, and Thailand. Not only are our goals aligned with Toyota, but the Chairman also appreciates Toyota’s openness to partnerships with other automotive players to achieve carbon goals faster.
Mr. Kachorn Chiaravanont, President of True Leasing Co., Ltd., said that CP has been a partner with Toyota for more than 20 years since 1998. Toyota has joined hands with CP to help the Thai people in times of crisis, such as the flood situation and is always regarded as good friends.
For this cooperation with Toyota, CP has assigned True Leasing to study ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Since both parties have agreed that the transportation sector is very important and the alliance should be open to partners from both public and private sectors to achieve the goal. CP’s policy to become a Carbon Neutral organization by 2030 and achieve the Zero Carbon goal by 2050 is aligned with Toyota’s direction.
The CP Sustainability Report states that CP has projects related to sustainability and to reduce carbon emissions such as reducing energy consumption through energy saving projects, reforestation, using solar and wind energy.
CP is also working with government sectors such as the Greenhouse Gas Organization to try to achieve the goal of becoming a Carbon Neutral organization by 2030 and achieving the Zero Carbon goal by 2050. Although challenging, CP is determined to succeed and ready to open up to partners to achieve the sustainability goals.
CP and Toyota will also explore social implementation via True Leasing in the following three areas. With these actions being linked with each other, the two companies will proceed with what can be done today to consistently reduce CO2 emissions throughout the entire supply chain.
There are three main collaboration areas: 1. Study on hydrogen production using biogas derived from farm waste in Thailand. (Specifically in Special Economic Zones) 2. The use of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) in True Leasing’s activities (Providing a variety of approaches such as BEV and FCEV based on travel distance and payload) and 3. Studying effective transport collaboration using connectivity technology to optimize True Leasing’s delivery routes.
Toyota also plans to begin considering the participation of Hino Motors, Ltd and its group companies in the Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT), which includes ISUZU Motors Limited, SUZUKI Motor Corporation, DAIHATSU Motor Co., Ltd. and TOYOTA).
CJPT was established with the purpose to help solve the challenges faced in the transport sector and achieve carbon neutrality through the dissemination of the CASE technology. Furthermore, as carbon neutrality should be tackled by all people and industries, CP and Toyota are willing to welcome any partners who share the same view towards carbon neutrality.
Arn Pandejpong, the Chairman of DBS Denla British School
Jonny Liddell, the Headmaster of DBS Denla British School
EVs have become more popular among Thais after the Cabinet approved in principle subsidies ranging from 70,000 baht to 150,000 baht for EV purchases on condition that the EV makers must also make them in Thailand later.
Hyundai said it will next year import its Stargazer, a mini MPV with seven seats, from Indonesia to sell in Thailand.
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