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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40021964

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022

Thailand is ready to show progress in tackling climate change during the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said on Wednesday.

He made the remarks at Suvarnabhumi Airport before leading his team to participate in COP27 at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt from November 11 to 16.
The conference began on November 6 and ends on November 18.

Varawut said Thailand has submitted its long-term plan until 2065 to the conference organiser, including measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand from 388 million tonnes equivalent to 120 million tonnes.

“So far, Thailand has set up a plan to reduce greenhouse gas and enable people in Thailand to adapt themselves, especially the underprivileged, such as farmers and the elderly,” he said.

He said Thailand also aims to show an agreement on carbon credit trade, technology transfer and fund support with Switzerland.

“Thailand and Switzerland are the world’s first countries that carry on tackling climate change under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement,” he added.

“Even though Thailand was ranked 22nd among greenhouse gas emitters, we are willing to tackle this issue in cooperation between the government and private sectors.”

He pointed out that creating awareness among all groups of people in the country is most important to tackle climate change, especially among people at the grassroots level.

“All people should be aware of climate change’s impact over the past 10 years, such as rising sea level, the El Niño and La Niña phenomenon,” he said, adding that climate change was a result of people’s actions.

He said he also planned to win support from many countries after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha declared during COP26 in Glasgow on November 1 last year the goal to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 and reach net-zero carbon emissions in 2065.

Many countries had promised to support Thailand, through finance, work, technology and personnel development, he added.

“We don’t just talk. We will show the world that we are moving towards dealing with climate change,” he said.

“This is a matter that cannot be delayed any longer. We have to do it now,” he added.

During the Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT) forum at United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok on Wednesday last week (November 2), Varawut said the Environment Ministry is working on a draft act on climate change to encourage entrepreneurs to take part in tackling climate change. It is expected to be proposed to the Cabinet by the end of this year.

He added that he would propose updated strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent within 2030 during COP27.

“The strategies are short term and long term, such as applying technologies, developing carbon credit trade mechanisms, both domestic and overseas, and increasing carbon capture and storage,” he said.

Related stories:

• Minister Varawut urges Thai representatives to promote mutual benefits of global communities at COP27
• Thai elderly and underprivileged affected by climate change, says Varawut
• Minister Varawut urges officials to be proactive in tackling environmental issues

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40021939

Thailand to partner UN initiative in facilitating country’s move towards a green economy

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

Thailand’s energy ministry announced a green collaboration with the United Nations Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) aimed at accelerating the nation on the right green economy track.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Supattanapong Punmeechaow stated during his opening remarks on Thursday that this partnership would focus on putting plans and policies into action with the help of PAGE and its allies.

He noted that the Thai government has already prioritised the green economy as one of the key strategies for improving people’s lives and developing in a sustainable manner.

Despite the fact that the government has launched numerous green initiatives in recent years, the majority of them are still in the planning stages or are just getting started.

Therefore, he expected that joining PAGE and receiving support in both academic and concrete action with a proper budget would help the country move quickly towards its goal, especially, the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model.

He pointed out that the partnership would help the country leverage the BCG model by improving resource efficiency for natural assets, capitalising on the country’s strengths in biological diversity and cultural richness, and utilising technology and innovation to transform the economy into a value-based and innovation-driven economy.

“It is collaboration for investment and synergistic action. The alignment of implementation is to encourage and drive a green recovery that results in a sustainable green economy,” Thailand’s energy minister said.

Some inception outputs were presented, including stocktaking to advance Inclusive Green Economy, Green Recovery Learning Needs Assessment, and Green Recovery Assessment on projects under rehabilitation fund.

The director of the PAGE programme in Thailand and Asia, senior environmental and labour specialist Cristina Martinez, praised the official beginning of this alliance.

She further committed to assisting Thailand in developing policies that would promote a green economy, enhance emissions trading, promote inclusive green development, and create financial mechanisms to sustain the green economy successfully.

Wichayayuth Boonchit, chairman of the PAGE Thailand National Steering Committee, stated that Page Thailand had put forward the inclusive green economy implementation in five areas:

•  reduction of carbon and pollution emissions
•  energy and resource efficiency promotion
•  enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation
•  increment of decent jobs
•  just transition of income and prosperity
   

These areas of actions are to overcome the challenges of poverty, social inequality, environment limit, and in return bring sustainable and efficient economic growth that is environmentally friendly and offers social justice, Wichayayuth noted.

“We would like to communicate and publicise our message through today’s launch event that Thailand is moving forward to actively greening its economic development, together with PAGE partners, and invite all key actors to join this drive synergistically into the path of an inclusive green economy,” he stated.

Sooksiri Chamsuk, deputy representative, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) shared that UNIDO is the lead coordinating agency for PAGE in Thailand.

The agency will coordinate technical assistance and share international experience from the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labor Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.

“With all stakeholders joining forces in putting green economic policy into action, we are creating a low-carbon society, analysing and improving resource efficiency, promoting clean production technology, and motivating green consumption, all of which contribute to long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability,” Sooksiri explained.

Supattanapong was hopeful that this action would serve as a networking platform for future collaboration among stakeholders on green economy, and green recovery policy and investment.

This would strengthen partnerships and cooperation for synergistic actions and implementation alignment to drive an integrated green economy towards sustainable development goals.

Twenty-two countries are involved with Page as of now. 

Thailand was the 20th country to join Page in 2019 and began its inception phase in March 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Page is entering a three-year implementation phase, with a US$1-million budget from Page.
 

Nongluck Ajanapanya

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40021927

Roads to avoid from Nov 16-19 during Apec Summit

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022

Bangkok Thai Authorities have imposed road closures near the Apec Summit venue for safety reasons.

Roads that will be closed to traffic are:

For 24 hours:
– Ratchadapisek Rd. (Asoke-Montree intersection)
– Duang Pithak Road.

6pm to 6am:
– Ploenchit Road (inbound) (Under Ploenchit Expressway – Ratchaprasong intersection)
– Soi Ruamrudee
– Soi Ton Son
– Ratchadamri Road (inbound) (Ratchaprasong – Ratchadamri intersection)
Wireless Road (inbound) (Sarasin – Ploenchit intersection)

Related Stories

Suvarnabhumi Airport allows free parking during long Apec weekend

C.P. Group and affiliates to support APEC Summit and APEC CEO Summit 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40021923

Thailand’s diplomacy guided by its national interest, says new Thai ambassador to the US

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022

The newly appointed Thai ambassador to the United States asserted that Thailand’s diplomacy will safeguard its own interest, and that Bangkok would continue to work with Asean to diffuse tensions and violence in Myanmar.

Tanee Sangrat, former director-general, Department of Information, at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who has been appointed as Thai ambassador to Washington, DC gave an exclusive interview to The Nation Thailand. He insisted that Thailand continues to support the work and efforts of the Asean chair, which is held by Cambodia at present, followed by Indonesia.

Thailand also attaches great importance to the situation in Myanmar and is providing humanitarian assistance to the neighbouring country, including Covid vaccines, he said.

Over the past 30 years, Thailand has hosted close to 100,000 people fleeing the fighting in Myanmar, and provided temporary shelters for them along the borders.

Tanee said that some of the people have houses back home in Myanmar and many of them have returned voluntarily. “We continue to facilitate that but Thailand will not, as a policy, push back people to face danger in Myanmar. At the same time, Thailand continues to call for an end to the violence and fighting inside Myanmar,” he said. He rejected criticism of what has been called Thailand’s “bamboo diplomacy”. He said despite the pejorative, Thailand will safeguard its national interest and territorial integrity.

“Thailand is committed to safeguarding the benefits, interests and goals of the Thai people and not of any other countries,” he said, adding, “we also uphold international principles enshrined in the United Nations charter, in the Asean charter. So the interest of Thailand will guide all diplomacy.”

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40021909

What the govt can do with the THB1.6 bn being spent for World Cup broadcast rights

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022

Several government projects – not to speak of various kinds of financial assistance – could be paid for with the 1.6 billion baht that is being spent on purchasing the rights to broadcast the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The games will be held from November 20 to December 18 and Thailand was reportedly the only country in Southeast Asia that had not secured the broadcast rights.

On Wednesday, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission approved a budget of 600 million baht for the purpose.

Read More

Some people disagree with the total expenditure, believing it is high and the money could instead be used on other things, such as investing in government projects, flood compensation, free student lunches, helping farmers and old age allowance.

Here’s what the government can do with the 1.6 billion baht:
 

1. Construct 40 kilometres of two-lane roads

• Each kilometre costs 40 million baht (Highways Department standards)

2. Construct a 1km monorail electric route

• Each kilometre costs 1.62 billion baht, according to politician Samart Ratchapolsitte

3. Buy 133-160 electric buses

• Each bus costs 10 million to12 million baht

4. Build 530 electric vehicle chargers

• Each charger costs 2 million to 3 million baht, according to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand

5. Compensate around 220,000 households affected by floods, with 7,000 baht going to each family.

6. Help 80,000 farmers

• Pay 1,000 baht for each rai of land that farmers own, for up to 20 rai

7. Pay for 11 days of free lunch for students across the country

• Lunch for each student costs 24 baht per day on average.
• Each day, 142 million baht is paid for lunch for 5.9 million students, or 28.36 billion baht per year.

8. Pay old age allowance for a month

• Some 10.95 million elders can be given 100 to 250 baht per month

9. “Khon La Khrueng” (Let’s Go Halves) campaign for 2 million people

• Each person can get 800 baht under a fifth phase of the campaign

10. Retain the diesel fuel price for three days

• The Oil Fuel Fund is being used to subsidise the price of diesel at 10 baht per litre, or 600 million baht per day.

Related stories

• NBTC’s must-have rule ‘a hurdle for market mechanism in securing broadcast rights’
• Live broadcast of football World Cup ‘would increase money circulation in economy’
• FIFA World Cup will be free to watch in Thailand, says SAT

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40021857

First correctional industrial estate hits roadblock

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2022

The first planned correctional industrial estate, Supsakorn Industrial Estate based in Samut Sakhon, is facing difficulties as it is located on land earmarked for rural preservation and agriculture.

A project involving a host of such estates was drawn up on an initiative by the Justice Ministry and the Corrections Department to increase the skilled workforce and reduce repeat offences.

The project focuses on five provinces – Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong – with cooperation from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).

A developer in Samut Sakhon had earlier requested to join the project by setting up an industrial estate on a 4,131-rai land plot, according to the Industry Ministry’s report to the Cabinet on Tuesday.

However, the project’s first facility is facing difficulties as it is located on land for rural preservation and agriculture.

“In this regard, IEAT has urged the developer to request an amendment on use of the land to meet the establishment of such an industrial estate,” the Industry Ministry said.

It said the Samut Sakhon Provincial Office of Public Works and Town Planning has been urged to amend rules on land use to facilitate the setting up of Supsakorn Industrial Estate.

“The Samut Sakhon Municipality is revising the town plan,” the Industry Ministry said, citing a statement by the Samut Sakhon Provincial Office of Public Works and Town Planning.

The ministry added that it had already hired a consultant to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment report on the industrial estate.

Related stories:

• Ayutthaya agencies ordered to take steps to save industrial estates from flooding
• All Ayutthaya industrial estates safe from flooding, says IEAT
• IEAT told to keep close watch on flood situation at Ayutthaya industrial estates

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40021828

Minister Varawut urges Thai representatives to promote mutual benefits of global communities at COP27

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2022

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa on Monday (November 7) urged officials who serve as Thailand’s representatives at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP27, to focus on promoting the mutual interests of global communities, which will in turn benefit Thailand in a sustainable way.

COP27 is scheduled from November 6-18 in Egypt.

Varawut was speaking to the representatives via video conferencing system from the meeting room on the 17th floor of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE)’s headquarters on Phaholyothin Road, Bangkok. The session was also participated by ministry permanent secretary Jatuporn Buruspat, executives of the MNRE and related agencies.

The representatives have been told to present Thailand’s efforts in climate change operations through the implementation of the bio, circular and green (BCG) economic model, the Long-term Low Emissions and Development Strategies (LT-LEDS), and the second update of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that focus on improving quality of life of people at all levels.

Varawut added that during the COP27 meeting of 2022-2023, Thailand will assume the position of supporting the discussions that promote the mutual interests of the global communities while prioritising sustainable benefits that Thailand will receive from such efforts. He emphasised that the climate change discussion must be based on the principles of justice and shared responsibility at different levels while considering the difference in each partner’s capability.

The minister also insisted that developed countries must be leaders in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in all economic aspects, while Thailand will continue to work with other partners under the framework of the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change introduced at COP21 in Paris in 2015.

Varawut also asked Thailand’s representatives to report the progress of the COP27 meeting through provided channels, which will be later summarised and presented to the National Climate Change Policy Committee and the Cabinet.

Related Stories

Thai elderly and underprivileged affected by climate change, says Varawut

Varawut launches the world’s first clean energy and carbon credit trading platform

Krabi parrotfish hunter faces deportation, says Varawut

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40021819

New Thai ambassadors appointed for US, UK, Australia and 7 other countries

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2022

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry appointed new ambassadors to lead its foreign missions in the United States, UK, Australia and seven other countries on Monday.

An announcement in the Royal Gazette named the 10 new Thai ambassadors as:

1. Cherdkiat Atthakor to be ambassador to Cambodia. His former position was deputy permanent secretary.

2. Morakot Sriswasdi, ambassador to Laos. Her former position was ambassador to Austria.

3. Thani Thongpakdi, ambassador to the United Kingdom. His former position was permanent secretary.

4. Arjaree Sriratanaban, ambassador to Australia. Her former position was director-general in the Department of East Asian Affairs.

5. Tanee Sangrat, ambassador to the United States. His former position was director-general of the Department of Information.

6. Arunrung Phothong Humphreys, ambassador to Sweden. Her former position was ambassador attached to the ministry.

7. Waravuth Pouapinya, ambassador to New Zealand. His former position was ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

8. Sorayut Chasombat, ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. His former position was ambassador to Peru.

9. Vilawan Mangklatanakul, ambassador to Austria. Her former position was deputy permanent secretary.

10. Kittisak Klomchit, ambassador to Nigeria. His former position was minister, Permanent Mission to Asean.

Related Stories

Australian foreign minister in Thailand next week to boost bilateral ties

Meet Nuan, the friendly feline adding the feel-good factor to Apec 2022

Foreign Minister attends Transforming Education Summit on mental health promotion in New York

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40021818

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2022

The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) is readying measures to reduce energy usage in the business sector should the price of liquefied national gas (LNG) exceed US$50 per unit.

The council, chaired by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, met on Monday to discuss plans to cope with rising global energy prices due to higher global demand over winter.

After the meeting, Energy Ministry permanent secretary Kulit Sombatsiri said the NEPC approved voluntary energy-saving measures for the public and business sectors, including setting air conditioners at 27 degrees Celsius, turning off unnecessary lighting, and shutting off billboards.

“Currently the price of LNG used to produce electricity is $28-29 per unit [BTU]. If the price soars past $50 point for at least two consecutive weeks, these voluntary measures will become mandatory ones,” said Kulit.

Additional measures will be enforced among operators if the LNG price rises past $50, including limiting opening hours of shopping malls, convenience stores and filling stations. Malls will also have to shut down air conditioners and escalators up to one hour before closing. Large illuminated billboards will be switched off earlier, added Kulit.

The NEPC tasked responsible agencies to source alternatives to LNG, such as furnace oil and diesel, as well as increasing the capacity of domestic LNG sources under joint development with Malaysia by at least 100 million cubic feet.

If the global LNG price drops to below $26 per unit, however, Thailand will increase imports of LNG to add to the national reserve for future energy demand, said Kulit.

Monday’s meeting also approved temporary exemption for licensed energy sellers from the mandatory contribution of 0.5 satang per unit to the Power Development Fund, to reduce electricity costs and mitigate the impact of soaring energy prices on the public.

The Power Development Fund finances the promotion of renewable energy usage and eco-friendly technology used in power-related industries.

Related Stories

Renewable energy sector hits a record first-half for new invesment

Energy Ministry told to consider power subsidies for low-income group

Household electricity bills to rise from Sept as fuel tariff surges

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/policies/40021811

Government reneges on plan to let wealthy foreigners buy land

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2022

The draft directive allowing wealthy foreigners to buy land has been withdrawn to hear public opinion, Government House said on Monday.

Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda signed an order to revoke the Cabinet’s approval for the scheme.
 

After the public hearing, related agencies will consider public comments before proposing a new scheme to the Cabinet, a government statement said.

The Interior Ministry had sent the draft directive to the Secretariat of the Cabinet on Friday (November 4).

It is expected that the Secretariat of the Cabinet would include the consideration on draft directive as special agenda at the Cabinet’s meeting on Tuesday (November 8).

The Cabinet on October 25 had agreed to let foreigners purchase houses and up to a rai of land provided they invest at least 40 million baht in the country.

The proposal had been drawn up by the Interior Ministry in May with the aim of pulling in foreign investment and bringing foreigners with special expertise to Thailand. The Cabinet, however, spent months weighing the proposal and listening to opinions from several concerned agencies.

Related stories:

• Base price will stop foreigners using proxies to grab Thai land: TREA
• Govt may drop or revise directive on land sale to foreigners: interior minister
• Thai govt pays heed to critics, revising rules on selling land to foreigners