#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40023062

PM focuses on sustainability, cooperation in talks with EU leader in Brussels

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022

Discussions between Thailand and the European Union (EU) focused on sustainable development, environmental protection, and security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, at the Asean-EU Summit in Brussels on Tuesday, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had talks with European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday as both sides aimed to increase cooperation between Asean and the EU.

Thailand and the EU are preparing to sign the Thai-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, Anucha said without providing a timeframe.

“Thailand is ready to work closely with EU agencies in an open and creative manner,” he quoted Prayut as saying.

The government spokesperson said Michel praised Thailand for its role in Asean and expressed hope for enhanced cooperation between Thailand and the EU.

Anucha said Prayut told Michel that the Bio-Circular-Green economic model would drive Thailand’s economy towards sustainability and net-zero carbon emissions.

The EU is ready to cooperate with Thailand to enhance the private sector’s ability to adhere to environmental standards and to expand investment to promote innovation and research on sustainability and environmental-protection goals.

Tuesday’s talk also covered cybersecurity, maritime security and counterterrorism, Anucha added.

Related stories:

• Prayut may reveal his political plans after Brussels trip
• Prayut promises to free Thailand of corruption, introduce transparency
• Prayut kickstarts Thailand’s AI mission to boost economy by THB48bn

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40023060

Cabinet presses ignition on Thailand’s 15-year space masterplan

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved Thailand’s 15-year masterplan for space development, which will tap Nasa expertise.

Ministers gave the green light to the National Space Master Plan 2023-2037 and the National Communication Satellite Policy to drive forward the Thai space industry with concrete measures, said deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek.

The National Space Master Plan will guide development of a space economy for national security, prosperity and sustainability. These mission goals will be achieved through research, development and promotion of space security, economy, industry, innovation, technology, and exploration, according to the masterplan.

Among the eight strategies listed in the masterplan is international cooperation. Thailand’s space agency Gistda is already cooperating with US counterpart Nasa on projects including the northern space lab in Chiang Rai.

Meanwhile, under the National Communication Satellite Policy, the government will procure and own at least one communication satellite, to be operated by the National Telecom (NT) state enterprise. The satellite will be run for public services, security and commerce, but not in competition with any private companies, said Ratchada.

Currently the government uses communication channels from the Thaicom 6 and 7 satellites, operated by Thaicom Plc and Asia Satellite Telecommunications, respectively, as well as renting satellite channels from foreign operators.

Under the National Communication Satellite Policy, NT must complete an in-depth survey on usage needs of this satellite within three years.

Related Stories

Nasa to boost space mission in Thailand next year

Thailand needs ‘collaboration boost’ to get space mission off ground

Thai military teams up with space agency for ‘eyes in the sky’

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40023046

Thailand eyes national big data institute to help with development

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022

The Cabinet approved a draft decree on setting up a national big data institute that will help in Thailand’s development as a data-driven nation.

Deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Tuesday that the decree was proposed by the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry after its Government Big Data Institute (GBDi) reached the end of its tenure in June.

She said GBDi was set up in July 2019 and gave birth to more than 2,300 information technology personnel and oversaw 104 projects over the past three years. It was also in charge of a platform for the exchange of medical data among hospitals during the Covid-19 crisis.

“Since the timeline for GBDi has expired, DES Ministry has proposed that it be turned into a national big data institute,” she said.

The new institute would be responsible for providing big data analysis for government and private agencies, she said.

This move also matches the government’s Thailand 4.0 scheme and the 20-year national strategy, Tipanan added.

“The national big data institute established under this law will be the central agency driving, analysing and integrating the country’s big data,” she said.

According to her, the institute will have four main objectives:

• Strategizing the use of big data and how it can help with the development of the economy and society.

• Ensuring government and private agencies use big data for such things as developing policies and planning business.

• Providing big data-related analysis for government and private agencies.

• Promoting innovation related to big data.

“This institute will also help the government come up with development policies,” she said.

In addition, the institute will focus on analysing data related to health, environment, tourism, labour and justice sectors in the next five years.

Big data refers to data sets that are too large or too complex to be dealt with by traditional data-processing software.

Related stories:

• Trio appointed to Cabinet as PM prepares for next election
• Government gives the go-ahead for tax on share sales in stock exchange
• New Malaysian PM Anwar eyes leaner, cheaper Cabinet

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40022997

Thailand restoring old temples in deep South to promote multiculturalism

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022

The government is working on restoring old temples and mosques in Thailand’s deep South to promote a secular, multicultural society.

Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said on Monday that the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) kicked off the restoration of 138 ancient temples in the area this year.

“The aim is to give devout Buddhists more places to pray in as well as to promote a more multicultural, secular society,” she said, adding that the project was launched under the auspices of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

She said under the project, 10 old temples and seven temples in remote areas will be renovated next year.

Along with restoring temples, the government also launched the construction of the Islamic Cultural Heritage Museum and Al-Quran Learning Centre in 2016 in Narathiwat’s Yi-ngor district.

The museum is partially open and the entire project is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

“The museum displays old Quran holy texts and sheds light on multiculturalism in the South,” Rachada said.

The deputy government spokesman also doubles as a special government representative working to tackle the problems in the South.

She said the government has also allocated funds for SBPAC to make pilgrimages to India, Nepal and Saudi Arabia possible for devotees.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40022926

Prayut promises to free Thailand of corruption, introduce transparency

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2022

The government is placing greater emphasis on fighting corruption to ensure Thailand’s development is smooth.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made this declaration at an event marking International Anti-Corruption Day on Friday at the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)’s headquarters in Nonthaburi.

December 9 has been earmarked as International Anti-Corruption Day by the United Nations in a bid to boost awareness among people and fight graft in many countries.

Prayut said Thailand’s economy, society and politics are mired in corruption, adding that the country’s weaknesses are horse-trading for power, bribery, legal loopholes and non-transparent budget allocation.

“Corruption is a threat to the country,” he said. “We cannot allow the younger generation to inherit these sins.”

He said the battle against corruption has been included in his government’s 20-year national strategy, and that the authorities are working hard to ensure all operations are transparent.

“I am paying close attention to punishing all wrongdoers, no matter whether they are in government or are influential people,” he said, adding that a delay in legal action equals injustice.

He also vowed that the government will cooperate with several agencies to wipe out corruption so the country’s development can run smoothly.

“The public has to be determined to avoid receiving wrongful benefits,” he said. “We will have to eliminate corruption as it deteriorates the country’s development.”

Related stories:

• Prayut kickstarts Thailand’s AI mission to boost economy by THB48bn
• Prayut, wife make merit in honour of beloved King Rama IX
• Retired assistant police chief named Prayut’s adviser

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40022925

New Saudi investment will raise incomes in Thailand, PM says

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2022

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expects this year’s diplomatic breakthrough with Saudi Arabia will increase incomes and the quality of life in Thailand, government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said on Friday.

Prayut was pleased to hear that Saudi Arabia plans to invest in Thailand’s food, tourism and healthcare industries, as well as the Eastern Economic Corridor, Anucha said, adding that the investment will create more business opportunities and ensure more funds are circulating in the economy.

Thailand reengaged with Saudi Arabia at the beginning of this year after three decades of frostiness, resulting in pledges to increase cooperation, trade, investment and employment.

Saudi Arabia now allows 11 Thai factories to export chicken to the country, while Saudi Arabian Airlines operates three flights per week from Saudi Arabia to Thailand, Anucha said.

“Visa exemption is being granted for Saudi Arabian travellers who visit Thailand for no more than 30 days,” he said. “The premier believes that this economic development will help boost incomes and quality of life for Thais in a sustainable way.”

Saudi Arabia restored its relationship with Thailand this year after 32 years of coldness due to the Blue Diamond Affair in 1989, which was sparked by the theft of jewels from a Saudi prince by a Thai worker.

Related stories:

• Companies in four sectors to gain from revival of Thailand-Saudi Arabia ties
• Thailand can expect THB300 billion in Saudi investment next year
• Saudi Arabia-Thailand: New, fruitful cooperation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40022913

Prayut kickstarts Thailand’s AI mission to boost economy by THB48bn

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2022

PM Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday launched Thailand’s mission to generate 48 billion baht from development of artificial intelligence (AI).

Prayut issued targets for developing an artificial-intelligence ecosystem at a meeting of the National AI Strategy Working Committee on Thursday.

Also at the meeting were Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, Charoen Pokphand Group CEO Suphachai Chearavanont and Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) director Supot Tiarawut.

“The government needs to create an ecosystem to support AI development in the country,” Prayut said.

Artificial intelligence is playing a big role in the government and private sectors and is crucial for development, especially in boosting industrial and production efficiency, the PM said.

He added that many laws had already been amended to spur exponential development of AI in Thailand.

He tasked the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to work on creating a skilled AI-related workforce.

“We will follow up on progress in developing AI-related personnel every six months,” he added.

Supot said the meeting focused on the national AI Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2027).

“Prayut also set a target to create at least 30,000 AI-related personnel by 2027, of which 200-300 should be AI experts,” he said.

He said the national AI development plan has four core aims:

1. Developing a data processing centre to boost investment in Thailand’s AI by 10% annually.

2. Promoting development for creation of a minimum 100 AI-related innovations and generating at least 48 billion baht for the economy.

3. Promoting AI use in government and target industries, with 600 agencies applying this technology.

4. Developing laws, standards and policies related to AI, with at least 600,000 people aware of AI ethics.

Related stories:

• Retired assistant police chief named Prayut’s adviser
• Smiling Prawit says PPRP, Ruam Thai Sang Chart virtually the same party
• Prayut says ‘still considering’ whether to join Ruam Thai Sang Chart

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40022896

Government confirms progress in developing digital verification systems

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2022

The government is currently developing its digital verification system to facilitate people in contacting state and private agencies and boost the system’s reliability.

Deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said the Cabinet on Tuesday (December 6) acknowledged progress in the development of two digital verification systems — Face Verification Service, and Department of Provincial Administration – Digital ID.

The process covers laws and technologies to meet international standards and boost confidence in verification safety, she said.

She said the Cabinet also acknowledged the progress of framework and action plan on Thailand’s digital verification service development between 2022 and 2024, covering eight strategies:

1. The Digital ID must support people, juristic persons and foreigners on verification, such as electronic signature, authorisation and consent.

2. People can use Digital ID to access government and private sectors’ online service.

3. The Interior Ministry is responsible for providing information and service to support people on verification.

4. Juristic persons can perform transaction via Digital ID once authorisation is received.

5. The Department of Business Development is responsible for providing transparent information on juristic persons to support their transactions via Digital ID.

6. People can access government service via digital verification without having to register again in line with international standards.

7. The Electronic Transactions Development Agency is responsible for implementing policy related to Digital ID.

8. The Digital Government Development Agency is responsible for ensuring that the Digital ID of the government and private sectors is in line with standards and able to exchange information.

Related stories:

• Thanathorn’s bill to free local administrations from government control trips at first hurdle
• Government, ISPs focus on online safety for children as risk of cyber abuse rises
• Government pushing for Thailand’s emergence as EV hub in Asean

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40022883

Thailand prepares for 2m arrivals with tourism safety push on land, sea and air

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2022

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered a tourism safety push amid surging high-season arrivals and more evidence of Bangkok’s popularity among foreigners.

Prayut on Thursday instructed tourism-related ministries, tour operators, and the Royal Thai Police to ensure safety of destinations and travel covering land, air and sea, government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said.

The Kingdom expects to see almost 2 million foreign tourists this month, while expats have just named its capital one of the world’s top 10 best cities to live and work.

“Tourism-related agencies have also been instructed to ensure high hygiene standards in food,” Traisuree said.

Some 9.09 million foreign tourists visited Thailand in the first 11 months, with 1.73 million in November alone, she added.

Thailand expects to welcome its 10 millionth tourist this year on Saturday.

The PM’s safety push is designed to boost foreigners’ confidence in Thailand as a post-Covid-19 destination, the spokesperson explained.

She also noted that Bangkok ranked 6th among cities to live and work abroad this year, in a survey of 12,000 respondents conducted by online expat forum InterNations.

Spain’s Valencia ranked top, followed by United Arab Emirates’ Dubai and Mexico City.

“The survey also indicated that 82% of respondents are happy with the quality of medical care in Bangkok, 79% are happy with life here in general, 69% are happy with the cost of living, 68% are happy with their work-life balance, 66% are happy with their job and 54% said making new friends is easy,” she said.

Top 10 cities to live and work abroad this year:

1. Valencia, Spain
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3. Mexico City, Mexico
4. Lisbon, Portugal
5. Madrid, Spain
6. Bangkok, Thailand
7. Basel, Switzerland
8. Melbourne, Australia
9. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
10. Singapore

Source: InterNations

Related stories:

• Prayut, wife make merit in honour of beloved King Rama IX
• Retired assistant police chief named Prayut’s adviser
• Smiling Prawit says PPRP, Ruam Thai Sang Chart virtually the same party

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40022843

PM’s new interest calculation method ‘a move to help free people from debt’

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2022

A new initiative by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to reform interest calculation would help people free themselves from debt faster, deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Wednesday.

She said the move aims to tackle the serious debt problem faced by many people and entrepreneurs across the country in a sustainable manner, maintain fairness and meet the changing needs of the economy.

“The premier’s move is historic as it has changed a method of interest calculation in Thailand used for more than 95 years ago,” she said.

Explaining the PM’s interest calculation reform, she said:

● People must pay only 3% from 7.5% per year for interest which is not included in the agreement, while the Finance Ministry must review such interest every three years to conform to commercial banks’ average between deposit rate and lending rate.

● People must pay only 5% of 7.5% per year as default interest — 3% under Section 7 of Civil and Commercial Code plus an additional 2%.

● Creditors must calculate the default interest based on when debtors make the payment instead of the debtors’ whole principal.

Tipanan Sirichana

She added that the premier’s interest calculation reform would also help ensure fairness in other types of debt repayment, such as hire purchase of vehicles.

“Prayut’s move to amend outdated laws proves his intention to maintain fairness in society, while people do not have to suffer from high interest anymore,” she said.

Related stories:

• Retired assistant police chief named Prayut’s adviser
• Smiling Prawit says PPRP, Ruam Thai Sang Chart virtually the same party
• Prayut says ‘still considering’ whether to join Ruam Thai Sang Chart