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Sweet talker? Washing machine? Here are some new handles for govt, ministers

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2022

Press corps on the Parliament beat have once again come up with nicknames for the government and ministers as they do at the end of every year.

The monikers, devised to reflect the general opinion, were revealed on Monday. They are:

Government: Nah Kak Khon Dee (masked as a good person)

This name is meant to reflect the government’s policies that have brought uncertainties and difficulties to the public instead of helping them.

For instance, the decriminalisation of cannabis has caused more problems as there are no clear laws controlling the recreational use of the narcotic herb.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha: Paed Puen (tarnished one)

Prayut is the first Thai prime minister to be suspended by court for 38 days, triggering concern about whether he is actually working for the public or is just power-hungry.

Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan: Long Nayok (hoping to be PM)

Prawit had done his best as acting premier when Prayut was suspended and often fills in when the premier is out of the country.

Deputy PM Wissanu Krea-ngam: Krueng Chak Sak Lang (washing machine)

Wissanu is known to employ his legal expertise to “wash” the government of all doubts such as Prayut’s tenure, questionable charter amendments and dispute over the concession given to Akara Resources to operate Thailand’s largest gold mine.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul: Bhumjai Dood, Pood Laew Doi (Bhumjaithai Party’s ability to pull MPs, drop policies)

Anutin is leader of the coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party, which introduced the cannabis legalisation policy but is now shrugging off its responsibility. Also, despite being a coalition partner, the party is bolstering itself for the upcoming election by luring MPs from both sides of the government.

Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit: Prakan Rai Dai (always guaranteed)

The Democrat Party’s main policy is price guarantee, and as party leader, Jurin has focused on very little else.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai: Lum Lum, Don Don (narrow-minded Don)

Even though the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Bangkok last month should have created economic opportunities for the country, Don has failed to do anything. He is also rumoured to regularly reject suggestions from his Foreign Ministry colleagues, causing the ministry’s work processes to slow down.

Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow: Powerblank

Supattanapong won this nickname for failing to tackle the country’s energy crisis.

Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda: Na Chad Lung Blur (clear upfront, shady in the rear)

Among the three P’s – Prayut, Prawit and Anupong “Pok” – he is the only one who can hide behind appearances and keep his feelings under control.

Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin: Ro Mor Tor Raeng Lin (sweet talker)

Suchart is known for always having something nice to say about the prime minister. He has also taken several MPs from the ruling party to the new Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, which was specially created to nominate Prayut as PM candidate in the next election.

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn: Wanthong Song Por (caught between two lovers)

Chaiwut’s loyalties appear to be caught between Prayut and Prawit, as he cannot seem to decide if he will remain with Prawit and Palang Pracharath Party, or shift to Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party with Prayut. He is compared to Wanthong – a character in the Thai poem “Khung Chang Khun Phaen” who cannot decide which man she loves the most.

Comment of the year: “I don’t care whether people love me or hate me, because I don’t know.”

Prayut made this remark while opening the national defence course at the National Defence Studies Institute in Bangkok on November 9.

Related stories:

• Analysis: Newin hints at coalition with Pheu Thai in next election
• Paetongtarn, Pheu Thai still most popular in Thailand
• Govt to launch 14 development projects in southern border provinces

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Govt to offer same-day delivery for urgent passports next month

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022

The Foreign Ministry’s Department of Consular Affairs will offer an express service for urgent passports next month, allowing applicants to receive them on the same day at a lower cost, it said on Sunday.

Passport offices nationwide will be able to process up to 100 urgent passports a day, but applications will have to be made before 11.30am in order to receive the passport in the afternoon.

The passports can be picked up between 2.30pm and 4.30pm at the Department of Consular Affairs in Bangkok’s Lak Si district.

Fees will be cut on the service, which will be offered from December 3 to 10.

A five-year urgent passport will cost 1,000 baht (down from 3,000 baht), while a 10-year urgent passport will cost 1,500 baht (down from 3,500 baht), the department said.

The department also announced that it will take passport applications during weekends (except long weekends) from 10am to 6pm at temporary passport offices in Bangkok’s MBK Centre and Nonthaburi’s Central Plaza Westgate next year.

It said it will also launch a mobile passport service across Thailand next year.

The department said it will also provide free English translations of vital documents, such as birth and death certificates, from January 3 to 31 next year.

Free translation of one document per person will be available at the Department of Consular Affairs office in Lak Si district, its legalisation office near MRT Khlong Toei station, as well as passport offices in Phuket and Chiang Mai, the department said.

Copies of documents (in Thai and English) at the department’s parking area from January 3 to 31 next year. ID cards will also be issued in the same location, the department said.

Related stories:

• Thais can now apply for a new passport at this year’s Red Cross Fair
• Thai passport services available again at MBK, Central Westgate from Saturday
• Vaccine passports likely to replace Thailand Pass

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Parliament deletes Section 3 of cannabis bill, leaving herb in legal limbo

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022

Parliament on Wednesday voted to remove Section 3 from the draft cannabis/hemp regulation bill, leaving the legal status of the herb in limbo.

Section 3 specified that cannabis and hemp are not considered narcotics under the Narcotic Drugs Act.

The deletion of Section 3 sparked speculation that cannabis has effectively been relisted as a narcotic. However, the House committee scrutinising the draft bill previously said that removal of Section 3 would not override an edict issued in June by the Public Health Ministry that legalised the herb by delisting it as a Category 5 drug.

Of the 233 MPs attending Wednesday’s meeting, 199 voted for removal of Section 3, none voted against, and there were 31 abstentions and three no-votes.

The meeting then considered Section 4, which covers definition of terms related to cannabis and hemp. Move Forward MP Dr Wayo Assawarungruang proposed limits on the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis to prevent the development of new strains that contain higher THC levels. THC is the psychoactive substance responsible for the “high” from consuming cannabis.

Meanwhile, Move Forward and Democrat MPs disagreed with appointing the Food and Drug Administration secretary-general as a registrar for cannabis and hemp cultivation, saying this would lead to procedures that would be too complicated for small-scale growers. They proposed that registration of growers should instead be the responsibility of provincial governors or local administrators.

Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtoei complained that the bill’s regulation of household use of marijuana without medical reasons is too ambiguous and created a loophole for recreational use.

Deliberation of the draft bill, which governs cultivation, sale, and consumption, is proceeding slowly as MPs are keen to have their say on each topic.

Delays to the bill, which was sent back for review in September, are causing confusion over what aspects of the herb will be legal.

Related Stories

Only 3% of Thais say they will use cannabis for recreation: Poll

Thailand legalises importation of cannabis and hemp seeds

Blocking cannabis law for political reasons will do ‘more harm than good’

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Thai innovation agency pinpoints trends that will shape the future

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has identified seven trends that will shape the future in Thailand and around the globe, and give an edge to companies and countries that seize the opportunities they are creating.

Pan-Arj Chairatana, the agency’s executive director, said in an exclusive interview on Wednesday that the seven innovation trends were selected because they reflect current developments in the global economy.

The trends have a significant potential to drive the future and play a crucial role in people’s lives. They are:
1. New energy technology
2. Regenerating the travel and aviation industries
3. New players from deep tech
4. The rebound of Japan with soft power
5. Sophisticated artificial intelligence for data-driven content creation
6. New food technology
7. Hyper spending on defense tech

Pan-Arj Chairatana

The executive directors of NIA then gave a brief explanation of each trend.

Pan-Arj said the emergence of new energy technology reflected a transition from fossil fuel to circular energy, which includes solar power, geothermal energy, bioenergy, electric energy, and green hydrogen energy.

To support this green energy demand, a “high-efficiency backup power supply” such as grid energy storage systems, advanced lithium-ion batteries for battery energy storage systems, and alternative battery technologies is required, he said.

Meanwhile, as each country reopens following the COVID-19 crisis, the travel and tourism industries are gradually recovering, but travel patterns have shifted.

He said entrepreneurs must use innovation to create sustainable tourism while also utilising digital technology to facilitate and build new experiences.

The aviation industry requires innovation to manage workforce shortages and resources in the supply chain, as well as to reduce its environmental impact.

The new players from deep tech can provide innovative technology that solves global challenges.

Since it is a difficult-to-imitate innovation due to complex technology, this creates a comparative advantage in the development of intellectual property, driving business expansion on the global market, he said.

Based on Thailand’s strengths, he believes the country’s deep tech in agriculture, food, space, virtual technology, sensors, and medical science can draw investors and aid in the country’s ability to compete.

Pan-Arj said the return of Japan’s soft power demonstrates how it can benefit the country’s economy. Although Japanese manufacturing is declining, their MAG culture (manga, anime, and games) continues to win the hearts of people all over the world.
Pan-Arj said Thailand is collaborating with Japan in order to boost the kingdom’s soft power.

“NIA has an exclusive collaboration plan with Japan next year to help accelerate our technology startups and support our artists in order to strengthen our soft power,” he said.

Sophisticated artificial intelligence for data-driven content creation is the result of digital technology that has revolutionised the media landscape, changed the way of approaching audiences and opened a space for millions of “content creators” to create a new economy. This change helps improve the communication and entertainment industries.

According to Pan-Arj, Thai startups will benefit greatly from the next generation of food technology. To serve the growing global population and global warming, the world requires a sustainable food system.

For the final innovation trend, NIA’s executive director said that the development of defense technology is a priority for many countries due to its benefits to security and the economy.

Microelectronic technology development, supersonic flight systems, robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and high-power energy weapons are among the key innovations, he said.

The government should support domestic defense technology and encourage international collaboration so that Thailand can avoid becoming a net weapon importer in the future, he said.

Future goals
Pan-Arj also used this occasion to unveil the innovation agency’s five-year strategic plan (2023-2027), which includes four key strategies: the open innovation system, the new Thai innovative financial system, the data system supporting innovation, and high-performance organisations that are ready for change.

“NIA is changing our role from a system integrator to a focal facilitator to build comparative advantage while incubating startups and local entrepreneurs [ so that they are ready for] the global stage,” Pan-Arj said.

By 2023, Thailand’s innovation development, particularly in deep technology and travel, will be significantly improved. Thailand is expected to improve as a result of supporting factors such as business sector research and development investment and creative production.

The agency anticipates that its five-year plan will generate about 1 billion baht in revenue for the country.

Through startup and innovative entrepreneur acceleration, its goal is to propel Thailand into the world’s top 30 “Innovative Nation” countries by 2030, up from its current position of 43, Pan-Arj said.

Nongluck Ajanapanya

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Cabinet approves operational plan for trillion-baht EEC smart city project

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the operational plan for a 1.35-trillion-baht business hub and smart city project in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said.

Under the plan, the city will be constructed by 2027 and developed as one of the world’s top 10 smart cities by 2037, said Ratchada.

“The city will also serve as a model for development of other smart cities throughout Thailand,” she added.

This is the fifth infrastructure megaproject in the EEC, following the high-speed railway link between three airports, the expansion of U-tapao airport, Map Ta Phut Industrial Port phase 3, and Laem Chabang Port phase 3.

The 10-year smart city project will be divided into three phases.

In the first phase (2023-2027), the business and financial hub plus government and residential complexes will be constructed on 5,795 rai of land (40% of the whole project). Under the second phase (2028-2029), the business hub will be expanded and a medical centre built on 4,254 rai of land (29%). The final phase (2030-2032), will see the remaining 4,570 rai (31%) developed as commercial and residential complexes to accommodate the growing population.

Ratchada said 1.18 trillion baht or 87.5% of the 1.35-trillion-baht budget will come from the private sector. The government will add 37.67 billion baht (2.8%) and 131.11 billion baht (9.7%) will come from state enterprises or public-private partnership.

The government estimates the smart city will accommodate 350,000 people by 2032 and generate at least 200,000 jobs worth at least 1.2 trillion baht. The new business hub is expected to attract 150 to 300 start-up companies investing about 1.35 trillion baht in the EEC.

The project will boost Thailand’s GDP by an estimated 2 trillion baht over 10 years, said Ratchada.

Leased land and property in the EEC business hub and smart city will be transferred back to the government in 50 years, when their value is expected to have risen five times, added Ratchada.

Related Stories

Study on smart city in EEC close to completion

Land expropriation for smart city in Chon Buri to start at year-end

Thailand’s EEC extends tax breaks to lure high-tech Korean firms

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Govt launches cashback scheme as New Year’s gift for Thai taxpayers

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022

The Cabinet approved a new phase of the “Shop Dee Mee Kuen” (Shop and Payback) scheme as a New Year’s gift to the public and an economic stimulus.

The new phase, given the go-ahead on Tuesday, will give individuals tax deductions of up to 40,000 baht per person.

The scheme will run from January 1 to February 15.

Of the total deductions, 30,000 baht can be taken from products and services bought from normal stores, and 10,000 baht from products and services purchased online via platforms that provide electronic tax invoices.

Products and services not included are spirits, beer, wine, tobacco, cars, motorcycles, boats, hotel costs, tour guide fees, utility bills including telephone and internet as well as insurance premiums.

The Cabinet expects this scheme to circulate 56 billion baht in the Thai economy.

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Tourism minister wants THB8.7bn, 4am closing for night venues next year

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn will ask the Cabinet for 8.7 billion baht to boost next year’s tourism industry with two campaigns in Thailand and overseas.

The first campaign will use 5.4 billion baht to fund phase 5 of the “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) subsidy scheme, which is expected to start before New Year. The campaign will offer 1.5 million Thai registrants a 40% discount on hotel rooms in Thailand, capped at 3,000 baht per room per night, and 600-baht e-coupons to spend at restaurants and attractions.

The second will use 3.3 billion baht to fund tourism promotion campaigns in Thailand and overseas markets with high potential.

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn

Phiphat said he will also ask the Cabinet to extend opening hours of entertainment venues until 4am. The extended opening hours will be piloted on Bangla Walking Street in Phuket’s Krathu district for six months from January.

Bangla Walking Street was chosen because over 70% of its visitors are foreign tourists and therefore have higher spending potential, he added.

“Preliminary studies estimate that allowing Phuket pubs to open until 4am instead of 2am will generate 25% more tourism income,” Phiphat said.

However, the proposal has met with firm opposition from other government agencies including the Public Health Ministry, as well as civic groups. It is due to be reviewed by the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee headed by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday.

Related Stories

Phuket the top tourist destination for foreigners in 2022

TAT forecasts Thai tourism slump from Q2 next year

TAT confident of 10 million arrivals this year as tourism sector places hopes on high season

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EEC forges collaboration with private sector to develop secure digital connectivity for Silicon Tech Park

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

Jarupong Krisanaraj

Work on developing secure digital connectivity will begin next year at the Eastern Economic Corridor Silicon Tech Park (EEC STP) in Rayong province, unlocking opportunities for Thailand’s digital economy.

The collaboration between the EEC, Cisco, PlanetComm, and EEC STP to develop secure digital connectivity at Ban Chang Digital Innovation and Advanced Technology Centre was announced on Friday The centre is located in the EEC STP.

At a press conference organised at The St Regis Bangkok, EEC advisory board chairman Kanit Sangsubhan said the development would feature 400 Gbps high-speed internet technology, which will enable the EEC to become an innovation hotspot in Southeast Asia.

Kanit Sangsubhan

“This collaboration will enable the EEC to facilitate modern workers, support private sector investment, attract foreign companies to expand digital business in the area and create opportunities for startups,” he said.

“It will also address the requirements of new S-curve industries and create more jobs with better income in a balanced and sustainable way.”

He expects this collaboration to generate 500 billion baht in revenue from investment in Thailand’s digital business per year.

He said Ban Chang Digital Innovation and Advanced Technology Centre will become a training centre that helps develop digital professionals in the EEC.

“The development will result in a bridge to connect 5G technology with data business operators,” he added.

From left, Djitt Laowattana, Edward Grant, Prapat Rathlertkarn and Taveewat Chantaraseno

Meanwhile, special adviser for the EEC, Djitt Laowattana, said the EEC STP will dramatically increase the collaboration in terms of personnel development in the fields of robotics, automation and digital.

“The industrial sector in the EEC area will obtain knowledge and increase the use of automated production systems with advanced Internet technology in this area,” he said.

He added that the EEC aims to train 5,000 professionals in the robotics and automation industry within five years to attract investors worldwide.

Senior adviser to the EEC STP, Edward Grant, said the Silicon Tech Park is key to making the EEC the centre for advanced technology and innovation.

“With the availability of high-speed internet connectivity, the EEC STP can already nurture any digital connectivity for tenants’ activities, including research and development in all industries such as aviation, medicine, finance, tech, and many others,” he said.

He added that the EEC STP also aims to leverage renewable energy and green technologies to preserve the environment in a sustainable way.

Planet Communications Asia CEO Prapat Rathlertkarn said high-speed internet connectivity is a significant component of digital infrastructure development in the EEC.

“It is also one of the four important factors to build a prototype of the smart digital city, along with a reliable power system, clean water and fresh air, health and well-being,” he said.

Cisco managing director Taveewat Chantaraseno said the company is pleased to participate in the collaboration to ensure secure connectivity for residents and businesses in the EEC STP, and unlock the opportunities for Thailand’s digital economy ambitions.

“The EEC STP will become an area where businesses will pilot and testbed a new era of connected experiences for Thailand and deliver meaningful digitally-enabled experiences, such as smart lighting and intelligent transport systems,” he said.

Related stories:

• EEC eyes THB2.2 trillion in investments after sweeping up 1.9 trillion in first 5 years
• 480 foreign firms bring over THB100bn to Thailand this year
• “Banpu NEXT” and “Apex Green” unfold capabilities of Smart Industrial Estate

Jarupong Krisanaraj

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Thailand’s troubled China sub deal delayed until June next year

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022

Thailand’s troubled deal to purchase a Chinese S26T Yuan-class submarine will be delayed until June next year, a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) spokesman said on Thursday.

Vice Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin said the RTN met with representatives from the submarine’s manufacturer, China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), on Tuesday for three days of talks on the submarine’s engine. China’s military attaché joined the talks.

The 13.2-billion-baht submarine deal has been delayed since 2017 after Germany refused to supply the MTU 396 diesel engine specified by Thailand, citing an EU arms embargo on China.

CSOC representatives at this week’s meeting provided technical information about the Chinese CHD620 engine offered as a replacement, Pokkrong said.

The RTN is considering the offer but will send a representative to inspect tests on the engine at the factory in China from January to April next year, he added.

The Navy said the replacement engine must undergo certification by the Chinese navy, which should be completed in June 2023. The CHD620 has reportedly not been used by Chinese submarines before.

The Navy will send information on the Chinese engine to the government and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who doubles as defence minister.

Pokkrong said budget for the submarine will be used carefully despite problems that the Navy is trying hard to solve. The project will proceed with full transparency, he added.

Related stories

• Navy to seek guarantee from Chinese counterpart on Chinese-made submarine engine
• Navy holds talks with Chinese company over submarine engines
• Thai Navy still in tough talks with Chinese firm over submarine engines

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Retail price of NGV to go up by THB1 per kg from Friday

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022

The Energy Policy Administrative Committee has agreed to hike the retail price of natural gas for vehicle (NGV) by 1 baht, from 16.59 baht per kilogram to 17.59 baht, from Friday (December 16), Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said on Wednesday.

Taxi drivers who have registered under PTT’s NGV subsidy campaign will still be able to buy the gas at the subsidised price of 13.62 baht per kg until March 15, 2023, he added.

PTT Plc is expected to use 2.68 billion baht to subsidise the campaign until it ends on March 15 next year, in a bid to help alleviate the financial burden of taxi drivers.

Supattanapong added that the committee also approved to maintain the wholesale price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from refinery at 19.9833 baht per kilogram (VAT excluded). The move aims to limit the retail price of LPG for cooking at not over 408 baht per 15kg canister until January 31 next year.

Supattanapong said maintaining the LPG price amid the fluctuating global price will add more burden to the Oil Fuel Fund, but it is necessary to help reduce people’s cost of living.

The price of global LPG as of November 29 was US$633.6 per tonne, which should translate into retail LPG price of 480 baht per 15kg canister, 72 baht higher than the current domestic retail price.

“This has resulted in the LPG account of the Oil Fuel Fund running a 1.35-billion baht deficit each month, with accumulated deficit so far at 43.88 billion baht, approaching the deficit limit of not over 45 billion baht,” he said.

The committee also asked oil sellers to maintain the marketing cost of diesel at not over 1.4 baht per litre until March 31, 2023 to help reduce people’s cost of living and lessen the burden on the Oil Fuel Fund. This will apply to B7 and B20 biodiesel and regular diesel.

Related Stories

New energy plan will save Thailand over THB500 billion in energy costs over 15 years

FTI urges government to provide relief in fuel costs

Thailand to cut mall, gas station opening hrs if LNG hits $50/unit