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Price Of Sugary Drinks To Stay Unchanged Until March 31

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

THE NATION

The Tax Hike On Sugary Drinks Has Been Pushed Back By Another Six Months To Help Ease The Burden On Consumers And Give Manufacturers More Time To Adjust Their Recipes.

Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Tuesday that the Cabinet agreed to put the third phase off until March 31, 2023.

Thailand began slapping high taxes on beverages containing more than 6 grams of sugar for every 100 millilitres in 2017. The plan was to raise the tax slowly in two-year phases to gradually wean people off sugar as well as give manufacturers time to adjust their recipes.

The first phase kicked off on September 16, 2017, and lasted until September 30, 2019. The second phase began on October 1, 2019, and wrapped up on September 30, 2021. The third phase was scheduled to kick off on October 1, 2021, and wrap up on September 30, 2023, but was pushed back by a year to ease the cost of living and give manufacturers time to adjust. The third phase would have started on October 1, if it had not been delayed again.

The third phase would have seen the tax for beverages containing 6-8g of sugar per 100ml rise by 0.3 baht per litre, 8-10g of sugar by 1 baht per litre, 10-14g by 3 baht per litre, and over 14g by 5 baht per litre.

The tax hike on sweetened drinks was proposed by the Public Health Ministry and Excise Department based on the World Health Organisation’s advice that reducing the consumption of unhealthy food would significantly reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases.

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DES Minister Criticises SEC’s Stance On Forex Scams

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

THE NATION

The Minister Of Digital Economy And Society, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, On Tuesday Criticised The Securities And Exchange Commission (SEC) For Failing To Take Action Against Forex Trading Firms That Defrauded The Public.

He said if the SEC refuses to take action, he would seek to increase the power of the DES Ministry to handle the issue by amending the related law.

The SEC on Monday issued a statement that it has no direct authority to take action against Forex-3D, the firm which has allegedly defrauded 9,824 people since 2019 and been responsible for their losses in excess of 2.48 billion baht.

The SEC explained that its oversight was confined to securities trading, forward stock trading and trading of digital assets, and did not include forex trading.

“I felt sorry after I heard this explanation,” Chaiwut said.

“There must be an agency in charge if someone sets up a company to pool funds worth billions or tens of billions of baht in pyramid fund style and causes damage.”

Chaiwut said he would soon hold a meeting of the online crime suppression committee to deliberate on the legal loopholes that permitted Forex-3D to defraud the public.

“It seems a company can be set up to lure people to invest in it via social media and its network without seeking permission from the authorities. This shows that Thailand’s laws are outdated and they need to be reformed,” Chaiwut said.

He added that he wanted to order the closure of websites that lured people to invest, like the Forex-3D website, and inflicted losses on them.

He said he would seek powers for his ministry to handle such cases by amending the Computer Crime Act.

But he said he still believed that the SEC has the authority to take action because Forex-3D was set up as a company to invite investments from the public.

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Thailand Creates New Job Opportunities For Over 60s

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

THE NATION

The Labour Ministry Is Creating Jobs For Seniors To Help Thailand Tackle Its Problem Of An Aging Society As Well As To Reduce Social Inequality.

“The Department of Employment [DOE] has been tasked with looking into the employment of people beyond the retirement age,” Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin said on Monday, adding that 1,007 people above 60 had been given jobs in the 2021 fiscal year.

Citing a recent survey covering 9,408 seniors with the potential to work, he said, 76 per cent wanted to be self-employed, 15 per cent wanted full-time jobs, while 9 per cent were okay with either.

Meanwhile, DOE director-general Pairoj Chotikasathien said the department has coordinated with several companies like MBC Land, MK Restaurant Group, New Travel Lodge and Surin Sugar to create jobs for the elderly.

He said the top five jobs that seniors were offered were production workers, housekeepers, security personnel, coaching staff and drivers. He added that 148 new positions have been made available, including barista, branch manager, customer service staff and cook. In addition, 199 self-employment opportunities are also available, such as selling trees online and making lucky stone bracelets.

“The department recently cooperated with the Business Services Alliance to hire 100 seniors and disabled persons to work as customer service staff at Café Amazon for Chance,” he said.

Those interested can contact Employment Offices nationwide, call the DOE hotline 1506 press 2 or 1694, or visit the DOE website www.doe.go.th.

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US Offers Digital Tech Assistance For Phuket Smart City Projects

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

THE NATION

A US Agency Has Offered Technical Assistance For Development Of Smart City Projects In Phuket.

The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) on Monday made the offer to Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA).

“Thailand has an ambitious smart cities agenda, and USTDA is proud to partner with DEPA and the Phuket provincial government to achieve their goals,” USTDA director Enoh T Ebong said.

She said these innovative and cutting-edge solutions would have a positive impact on the lives of the Thai people and millions of international tourists who visit the province each year.

“Our work will also help create opportunities for US companies to supply the kinds of technologies and services that meet Phuket’s specific needs,” she added.

The USTDA’s assistance features Phuket Smart City Data Platform, a tool that leverages data and technology innovations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of city management and citizen services.

The assistance will facilitate the upgrade of Phuket’s integrated operations centre capabilities and core ICT infrastructure, including traffic control and emergency communications systems, fiberoptic networks, data servers, cloud migration, cybersecurity, and 5G.

“This project is a great example of how the US-Thai partnership can stimulate a vibrant digital economy and provide direct benefits for Thais, while contributing to Thailand’s efforts to build a greener, smarter, and higher-value tourism sector,” said Gwendolyn J Cardno, chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Bangkok.

“With the United States as a partner, Thailand can benefit from decades of American innovation and thrive in this era of digital transformation,” she added.

DEPA president and chief executive officer Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin added that Phuket has been proactive in adopting purposeful technological solutions to improve the well-being and economic viability of its citizens and visitors.

“Thanks to the strong support of both the USTDA and the Phuket provincial government, we are confident that this technical assistance will lead to a long-term citizen-centric digital transformation and strengthen ties among all parties involved,” he said.

Phuket, an island province located in southern Thailand on the Andaman Sea, is one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, welcoming more than 10 million visitors per year.

Phuket is one of the 26 official members of the Asean Smart Cities Network, a collaborative platform where cities from the 10 Asean member states work towards the common goal of smart and sustainable urban development.

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Clean Energy Now Part Of Thailand’s National Agenda, Says Energy Minister

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

THE NATION

The Thai Government Has Made Clean Energy Part Of Its National Energy Plan, Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow Announced On Monday.

He was speaking at the “New National Energy Plan for Sustainability” seminar hosted at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel by Thansettakij.

The minister said clean, renewable energy was now a necessity, especially in the battle against greenhouse gas emissions.

The manufacturing industry alone emits some 300 million tonnes of greenhouse gases yearly, he pointed out.

“Hence, cutting emissions to zero by 2065 is an important mission, as is setting up a new clean energy ecosystem such as reducing the use of fossil fuel, promoting the use of electric vehicles [EVs] and using clean fuel to produce electricity,” he said.

The minister said that using clean fuel to produce electricity will also help cut down on energy imports from neighbouring countries.

One step towards achieving this, he said, would be negotiating a 10-year deal with Cambodia over the use of overlapping natural gas sources.

“Even though the negotiation will progress slowly, we believe it will benefit both countries in the future,” he said.

As for promoting the use of EVs, he said up to 18,000 electric vehicles have already been booked thanks to the incentives offered.

He also expects more EV manufacturers and charging station operators to set up operations in Thailand, adding that both the public and private sectors are ready to invest in these businesses.

“We can confirm that EVs will be produced in Thailand definitely,” he said, adding that the government will also develop technology to help reduce the cost of EV batteries in the future. The authorities are currently studying the use of thermal energy, hydrogen fuel, ammonia as well as carbon capture and storage, he said.

Supattanapong added that many agencies, especially government agencies, are trying to reduce the use of energy as much as possible.

Meanwhile, the ministry’s permanent secretary Kulit Sombatsri said 64 per cent of Thailand’s greenhouse gases come from the energy and transport sectors that use fossil fuels.

He reckons it will take up to 30 years to boost the use of renewable energy in producing power if no strong measures are taken immediately. Currently, only 11 per cent of electricity is produced using renewable fuel.

“Hence, we have to accelerate the preparation of measures to achieve carbon neutrality by 2065,” he said.

Kulit said oil and gas will be necessary for the next 10 years, but electricity and hydrogen will also play an important role in energy consumption. He added that demand for electricity will surge in line with EV trends.

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Thailand Sets 6-Point Strategy To Achieve Its Zero Emissions Goal

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

THE NATION

Thailand Is Adopting A Six-Point Plan To Achieve Its Carbon Neutral And Net-Zero Emission Targets By 2050 And 2065 Respectively. These Goals Had Been Announced At The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) Held In Scotland Last Year.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said on Monday that to meet its COP26 goals, Thailand will have to bring its greenhouse gas emissions down to 388 million tonnes by 2025 and then to 120 million tonnes by 2037.

Speaking at the “New National Energy Plan for Sustainability” event, hosted at Grand Hyatt Erawan by Thansetthakij newspaper on Monday, Varawut urged businesses to embrace the ESG (environmental, social, governance) and BCG (bio, circular, green) frameworks for business development. He said this will help businesses use resources efficiently and become sustainable.

In the meantime, he said, the government will implement its six-point plan to ensure continued progress towards carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions.

The six-point plan covers the following:

1. Integrating carbon neutrality and net zero targets into national policies across all sectors, including industry, transportation, business, and agriculture. Thailand is working with Germany to adopt new “wet and dry” rice-farming technology that will allow farmers to grow rice all year, even during the drought season. “With this method, the per-rai yield can rise by 100 kilograms, while methane emissions from paddy waste can be reduced by 70 per cent,” he said.

2. Employing the CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation and storage) technology across several industries. The ministry is in the process of negotiating a reduction in adoption and technology transfer costs for entrepreneurs.

3. Issuing trade and investment policies that promote environmentally friendly or green businesses. The Board of Investment (BOI) has been tasked with providing tax breaks and other privileges to attract green investments, while related authorities will accelerate the registration of environmentally friendly products to boost their consumption and export.

4. Developing a mechanism for carbon credits to be used locally and overseas with the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning Office acting as a central agency. The office will also work with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to promote carbon-credit trading in the private sector and to connect clean energy trading platforms with the carbon-credit market.

5. Expanding forested areas to maximise the absorption of greenhouse gases. Varawut said 323 million rai or 31.8 per cent of Thailand’s area is forested, but the ministry plans to increase this to at least 35 per cent by encouraging the private sector to plant trees in exchange for carbon credit. This year’s target has been set at 600,000 rai of new forest area, especially mangrove forests in coastal provinces as they have up to 10 per cent more carbon absorption power than terrestrial forests.

6. Enforcing the Climate Change Act that the ministry is drafting. Varawut said he believes Thailand can reach the net-zero goal faster if efforts to combat climate change are made mandatory by law.

“I have always had faith in Thais, and believe that if we work together, we can achieve goals and overcome any crisis,” Varawut said. “Most importantly, I believe that achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions is the most sustainable way of preserving this planet for the next generation.”

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Thai Creations From Natural Materials Make A Mark At Hong Kong Fashion Expo

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022

THE NATION

Thai Fashion Products Made From Natural Materials Were A Huge Hit At A Recent Exhibition In Hong Kong, The Department Of International Trade Promotion (DITP) Said On Sunday.

DITP director-general Phusit Rattanakul Seriroengrit said the products were showcased at the three-day event “Centrestage 2022” held in Hong Kong from September 9.

“Despite strict quarantine measures, DITP managed to bring 34 Thai brands to the exhibition,” he said.

Of them, 12 brands had been created especially to penetrate the Chinese market.

Chanunpat Pisanapipong, executive director of the Thai Trade Centre in Hong Kong, said more than 240 brands from 15 countries were participating in the exhibition, and Thai products received a lot of attention.

She said visitors, including importers and businesses, paid particular attention to clothes and accessories made from natural materials.

Chanunpat added that more than 30 business matches between Thai businesses and importers from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, India and the US had been made during the exhibition.

“In addition, Bernard Charnwut Chan, the chairman of the Hong Kong-Thailand Business Council, was appointed as the Commerce Ministry’s honorary trade adviser during the exhibition,” she said.

Hong Kong is Thailand’s 12th largest trade partner. In 2021, Thailand’s exports to Hong Kong came in at US$11.59 billion, up 2.65 per cent year on year. Of the total export, textile products accounted for $171.73 million, up 31.73 per cent year on year.

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Cabinet Okays Relief Measures, Increase In Daily Wages

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

THE NATION

A Cabinet Meeting On Tuesday, Chaired By Acting Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, Approved Several Measures To Help Alleviate People’s Financial Burden And Also Gave The Green Light For An Increase In The Daily Minimum Wage Rate.

A budget of 51.76 billion baht has been approved to fund the measures, while the government will see an estimated 21.4-billion-baht revenue loss.

Here’s a summary of the key measures:

– The Energy Ministry aims to subsidise household electricity bills from September to December to soften the impact from rising energy prices, with a budget of 9.12 billion.

Under the measure, households that use 301-500 units per month will receive 15 to 75 per cent subsidy on their bills. Meanwhile, those using less than 300 units per month will get a subsidy of 0.9204 baht per unit.

– Extension of the diesel excise tax cut of 5 baht per litre until November 30 in a bid to keep the retail price of the fuel at around 35 baht per litre. This measure will cost the government around 20 billion baht, plus another 1.4 billion baht from electricity generation.

– Subsidy on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) used for cooking for holders of state welfare cards at 100 baht per person per month until December 2022. This measure is expected to use a budget of 302.5 million baht.

– Subsidy for new-born babies under a 933.6-million-baht budget, expected to cover 2.35 million newborns in September.

– Compensation for medical professionals and public health staff under six government projects related to Covid-19 treatment, worth 13.12 billion baht.

– Promoting the growing of organic rice under a budget of 1.74 billion baht.

– Supporting the liquidity of village and community funds using a budget of 714.64 million baht.

The Cabinet also approved a new daily minimum wage rate as agreed upon by the Tripartite Wage Committee, to be effective from October 1.

Under the new rates, daily wages for unskilled workers, for example, will rise 5.02 per cent, averaging about 337 baht per day.

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Power Bill Subsidy For Household Users Gets Cabinet Nod

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

THE NATION

The Government Has Earmarked 9 Billion Baht To Subsidise People’s Power Bills From September To December To Soften The Impact From Rising Energy Prices, Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow Said After A Cabinet Meeting On Tuesday.

Household electricity users will get the subsidy from September until 2022-end. Households that use 301-500 units per month will receive 15 to 75 per cent subsidy on their bills.

Meanwhile, households using less than 300 units per month will get a subsidy of 0.9204 baht per unit.

Supattanapong said about 80 per cent of all residential users nationwide will benefit from this measure. The subsidy measure will require a budget of 9 billion baht, which will come from the budget for fiscal year 2022-23.

He said the ministry also would consider extending the move next year, depending on the price of natural gas, the main cost in generating electricity.

Supattanapong called on the public to continue saving energy amid the rising global energy prices. “If Thai people would reduce energy consumption by 10-20 per cent, they could save significant amount of money on their power bills, not to mention it will help the country in not having to rely heavily on imported energy, which tends to become more expensive,” he said.

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Diesel To Cost 35 Baht Per Litre Until Nov 30

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

THE NATION

The 5-Baht Cut On Excise Tax For Diesel Will Remain In Place For Another Two Months To Help Alleviate People’s Financial Load.

A source said on Tuesday that the Cabinet had approved the Energy Ministry’s proposal to maintain the price of diesel at around 35 baht per litre from September 21 to November 30. The source added that this subsidy will cost the government about 1 billion baht a month.

In February, the government decided to reduce the excise tax from 5.99 baht to 2.99 baht per litre from February 18 to May 20.

On May 21, the 5.99 baht per litre excise was cut by 5 baht until July 21 to mitigate the impact of rising energy prices. The reduction was later extended to September 20.

As of July 24, the Oil Fuel Fund, which subsidises diesel, was 115.04 billion baht in deficit, the highest ever. The oil account has the biggest shortfall at 75.57 billion baht, while liquified petroleum accounts for a shortfall of 39.47 billion baht. The fund has a cash flow of about 3 billion baht.

THE NATION