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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40020089

Local Authorities Can Decide Rate Of Land Tax: Finance Ministry

BY LINE : THE NATION

THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

Local Authorities Can Use Their Discretion To Determine Whether Or Not Landowners Are Growing Plants On Their Lands Just To Avoid Paying Tax On Vacant Land, The Finance Ministry Said On Wednesday.

Ministry permanent secretary Krisda Chinavicharana was responding to a query by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, which had inquired about the enforcement of the Land and Building Tax Act of 2019 regarding the fact that many landowners were going in for so-called “agriculture” to avoid paying increased tax on vacant land.

The act, which came into effect on January 1, 2020, states that owners of unused or abandoned land must pay tax of 0.3 per cent of the property’s value, while land used for agriculture is taxed starting at only 0.01 per cent to a maximum 0.15 per cent.

After the law went into effect, some landowners reportedly started growing easy-to-care-for crops such as bananas, lime and papaya, especially in prime locations in Bangkok along Ratchadaphisek, Rama IX and Ekamai roads.

Krisda said the Finance Ministry allows local authorities to use their discretion to determine the intention of landowners.

“If officials conclude that growing trees on one’s land is not in line with true agricultural purposes, they can proceed to enforce the tax rate for unused land,” he made clear.

Krisda also advised local authorities to refer to the Finance Ministry’s announcement on requirements for agricultural use of land, which stipulated 51 types of crops that can be grown on land and the minimum number per rai that will be considered as “growing for true agricultural purposes”.

For example, at least 200 banana plants must be grown per rai. For papayas it is 175 trees and for lime it must be 50 trees.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40020088

Flash-Flood Warning For 24 Provinces

BY LINE : THE NATION

THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

Twenty-Four Provinces Have Been Warned Of Flash Floods And Overflows From Rivers And Canals From Saturday Until Next Tuesday (September 17-21) Due To Heavy Rains Brought On By A Monsoon Trough And The Southwest Monsoon.

The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) issued the warning on Thursday, citing a weather forecast by the Meteorological Department, which said most of Thailand would experience more rainfall with isolated heavy showers until Sunday. This is due to the monsoon trough across the North and the Northeast, while the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf will strengthen.

The ONWR warned that from September 17 to 21, the following areas are prone to flash floods and river overflows, while suggesting that people residing near rivers and their basins follow the latest updates on weather and water levels:

North: Chiang Mai, Phrae, Nan, Lampang, Kamphaengphet, Tak, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun.

Northeast: Loei, Bueng Kan, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Si Sa Ket and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Central region: Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi.

West: Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi.

East: Chanthaburi and Trat.

The ONWR also urged authorities to closely monitor the water levels of 13 dams and large reservoirs that would be affected by heavy rains and issue a warning to surrounding communities when the water rises to near critical levels. They are:

– Mae Ngat Somboon Chon, Chiang Mai

– Kiew Kho Ma, Kiew Lom and Mae Mok, Lampang

– Thab Salao, Uthai Thani

– Krasiao, Suphan Buri

– Ubol Ratana, Khon Kaen

– Lam Takhong, Lam Phra Phloeng, and Mun Bon, Nakhon Ratchasima

– Klong Si Yat, Chachoengsao

– Bang Phra, Chonburi

– Nong Pla Lai, Rayong.

The office asked local authorities to prepare evacuation plans for people living near rivers and in flood-prone areas, and issue warnings beforehand to allow adequate time for people to escape expected floods.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40020086

As Countdown Begins To Apec Summit, Govt Campaign To Create Public Awareness

BY LINE : NONGLUCK AJANAPANYA

WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

Thailand Has Launched A Campaign To Demonstrate Its Readiness To Host The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit 2022, With A Variety Of Activities.

They are aimed at raising Thai people’s awareness of how to be welcoming hosts as the country counts down to the gathering of leaders in November.

Anucha Nakasai, the Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, said on Wednesday during the opening ceremony in Bangkok that the campaign is part of the Government Public Relations Department’s mission to create awareness and understanding about the benefits of the summit and encourage the participation of Thai people.

The government’s “Thailand Ready, Apec Ready” campaign is being organised under the concept of “Open. Connect. Balance”, which is the main theme of Apec Summit 2022.

“Being the host of the Apec Summit at this time is very important to the country. It is a great opportunity to show Thailand’s potential to global leaders and the business sector so that they will be confident to trade and invest in the country,” said Anucha.

Anucha said that besides emphasising the country’s potential and readiness to colloborate with all parties, the campaign will focus on the development of environmental management systems under the concept of bio, circular, green (BCG) economy model as the main idea to highlight the issues.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Public Relations Department has appointed nine representatives to Apec 2022.

All of them are well-known public figures in their respective fields, including unicorn Flash Express CEO Komsan Saelee, actress and model Khemanit Jamikorn, famous Thai chef Chumpol Jangprai, Miss Universe Thailand 2021 Anchilee Scott-Kemmis, Miss Universe Thailand 2021 first runner-up Tharina Botes, NFT artist Titipun Tubthong, actress and social entrepreneur Khemupsorn Sirisukha, Agricultural Technology startup Aukrit Unahalekhaka, and actress and activist Suppasit Jongcheveevat to aid in the promotion of Apec 2022 in Thailand.

Each of the nine representatives will be assigned one of three groups: open, connect, or balance.

Komson, CEO and founder of Flash Express, Thailand’s first startup unicorn, stated that under the “Open” theme, he wanted to demonstrate the country’s potential beyond export, tourism, and hospitality. Thailand is eager to embrace new digital and technology.

Chef Chumpol, for his part, stated that he intends to demonstrate Thailand’s strength in food security. Regardless of the crisis, he stated that Thailand is fortunate to be free of food shortages. Hence, he wishes to pave the way for Thai food and gastronomy to expand to the new level.

Chumpol is the main chef in charge of the dinner menu for the Apec Summit 2022’s opening gala night.

Titipun, an NFT artist who works under the ‘Connect’ theme, added that connection is one of the key words to success nowadays. This is due to the fact that when people connect, more innovation and opportunities follow. So, the Apec Summit is a great opportunity for all Thais to make new connections.

Khemupsorn, a social entrepreneur under the “Sirithai” brand who works under the “Balance” theme, believes the Apec Summit will be an opportunity to remind all parties of the importance of social, economic, and environmental development. Everything must work in tandem.

The public will be made aware of Thailand’s readiness for the Apec Summit through presentation of activities, performances, videos, and demonstration booths related to the main activities, such as food for the future competition. The event will take place from September until the Apec Summit on November 18-19.

The theme “Thailand Ready, Apec Ready” is to demonstrate the soft power potential of Thai youth and to make Thai people aware, proud and ready to host Apec Summit 2022.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40020076

Anupong Visits Flood-Hit Bangkok Area, Pledges Help To BMA

BY LINE : THE NATION

WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda On Wednesday Led A Huge Delegation Of Senior Officials From Several Government Agencies To Visit Flooded Areas In Bangkok’s Lat Krabang District, Accompanied By The Bangkok Governor And Pledged Full Cooperation To Tackle Floods In The Capital.

Senior officials accompanying Anupong and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt included Sutthipong Julcharoen, permanent secretary at the Interior Ministry, Boontham Lertsukhikasem, the director-general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, and Nisit Chansomwong, director-general of the Department of Land.

Anupong told reporters that he was assigned by acting Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan to check the flood situation in Lat Krabang to ensure cooperation between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the national government in tackling floods in the capital.

Anupong defended the BMA against public criticism that the city administration had not made preparations ahead of heavy rains.

The interior minister said this year there had been exceptionally heavy rains nationwide and 30 Bangkok districts had experienced heavy rainfall almost at the same time, causing severe floods.

“Earlier, the BMA had made good preparations. It has dredged sewers and canals and had lowered water levels in canals ahead of rains,” Anupong said.

“It had prepared tools, machines and personnel and warned Bangkok residents in advance, but the canals still overflowed because of heavy rains.”

Anupong said the government and the BMA have been working closely to prepare to fight floods.

“If the BMA wants support, it can coordinate with the Interior Ministry. The ministry will provide full assistance in terms of tools, personnel, flat-bottom boats, for example,” Anupong added.

He said the flood situation would improve soon if there were no more heavy rains.

He added that General Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as defence minister, had instructed military personnel to provide full assistance to the city administration to help flood victims.

Anupong said the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will also coordinate with the BMA to make it convenient for people in flood-hit areas to travel by boats and large vehicles.

In his report to Anupong, Chadchart said Bangkok was suffering from serious flooding because the amount of rainfall had doubled from the normal 120mm to over 300mm.

He said Lat Krabang district was surrounded by three areas – Paed Riew district in Chachoengsao province on the east, Tambon Pak Nam in Samut Prakan province on the south and west of Bangkok.

The BMA was speeding up draining of floodwater through Bang Pakong River on the western side because the Royal Irrigation Department has set up a systematic water draining system and the department has stepped in to help drain water.

The BMA was also trying to drain some water via Samut Prakan to the Gulf of Thailand and via western Bangkok through Klong Phra Khanong.

Chadchart said he was happy that all sectors had stepped in to help the BMA. The city administration would consult the central government on how to manage water in eastern Bangkok in the long run because Bangkok was expanding on the eastern side, which is also close to the Eastern Economic Corridor.

“Bangkok cannot do it alone. It needs support from surrounding provinces for sustainable and common interests in the long run,” Chadchart said.

Narong Ruangsri, deputy Bangkok city clerk, reported to Anupong that Lat Krabang was hit by floods because the district was hit by heavy rains for many consecutive days.

He said the BMA has mobilised its personnel and tools to help around 170,000 affected people in six subdistricts of Lat Krabang.

Somsak Meeudomsak, director of BMA’s Sewerage and Drainage Department, reported to Anupong that the water level on Klong Prawet had reached a critical point, causing it to overflow and flood Lat Krabang Road, Luang Paeng Road, Chao Khun Thaharn Road and several communities in low-lying areas.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40020068

Over 2,800 Websites Shut Down In Crackdown On Online Gambling

BY LINE : THE NATION

WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

More Than 2,800 Online Gambling Websites Have Been Shut Down In The Past 12 Months Under A Crackdown Campaign Of The Ministry Of Digital Economy And Society In A Bid To Prevent The Negative Impact Of Online Gambling On The Youth And The General Public.

Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said on Wednesday that the ministry, together with its partners including the Royal Thai Police, had launched the campaign in September 2020.

Under the campaign, the ministry will gather evidence and submit to the court to issue a shutdown order on the websites, as well as provide information on the operators so that the police can file relevant charges.

In the past 12 months (September 2021-August 2022), officials have shut down a total of 2,819 URLs suspected of operating online gambling services. This tally is more than double the 1,259 websites shut down from September 2020 to August 2021.

Chaiwut urged people who have information about online gambling websites to alert the ministry via hotline 1212 or send a message to facebook @DESMonitor.

“Online gambling poses a serious threat to the youth and the general public as it could lead to problems, such as gambling addition, illegal loans, and scamming for personal and financial information via the internet or call centres,” said Chaiwut.

“The ministry will continue to find these websites and shut them down to protect the people, as well as ensure prosecution of the operators to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40020063

Residents Of Seven Bangkok Districts Get Flood Warning

BY LINE : THE NATION

WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) On Wednesday Warned Residents Of Seven Bangkok Districts To Brace For Possible Flash Floods Or A Worsening Flood Situation From Rains Expected In The Afternoon.

The seven are Bang Sue, Chatuchak, Phayathai, Din Daeng, Huay Kwang, Dusit and Phra Nakhon districts.

They could be hit by light to middle-level rains from 3pm to 9pm, the BMA warned.

On Wednesday morning, the Meteorological Department forecast that heavy rains would fall in the next 24 hours in the North, the Central region including Bangkok and suburban areas, the East and the South.

The department advised people living on the banks of canals and rivers to brace for possible water overflows.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40020060

Army Sergeant Allegedly Kills Two Colleagues, Injures Another

BY LINE : THE NATION

WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

An Army Sergeant Allegedly Went On A Shooting Spree Inside The Royal Thai Army War College On Wednesday Morning, Killing Two Colleagues And Injuring Another.

Royal Thai Army deputy spokeswoman Colonel Sirichan Ngathong identified the attacker as Sgt-Major 1st Class Yongyuth Mungkornki, 59.

Yongyuth, a clerk of the Army college, walked into his office carrying his pistol and allegedly shot his colleagues.

The two dead victims were identified as Sgt-Major 1st Class Nopparat Inthornsunthorn, a clerk at the college, and Sgt-Major 1st Class Prakarn Sinsong, another clerk.

Sgt-Major 1st Class Yongyuth Panyanuwat, who was injured, was rushed to Phramongkutklao Hospital.

The spokeswoman said the incident happened at 8.45am.

Some TV reports said the attacker was heard shouting that he would kill up to ten.

After the shooting, Yongyuth ran out of the building but was arrested by police and military police in front of the college. He was handed over to police.

The Army is investigating the motive behind the shooting, Sirichan said.

Yongyuth’s superior told the college that he could have been under severe tension because of chronic health problems.

Sirichan said the Royal Thai Army was sorry about the deaths and injury and it would take care of medical expenses of the injured officer and handle the funeral rites for the dead officers.

She said the Army, while fully cooperating with police, would review safety measures inside its offices.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40020057

‘Know Indonesia Better’ At Indonesia Fair, Siam Paragon

BY LINE : THE NATION

WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

The Embassy Of The Republic Of Indonesia In Bangkok In Collaboration With Siam Piwat, A Leading Property And Retail Developer – The Owner And Operator Of Global Destinations Including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery And A Joint Venture Partner Of ICONSIAM And Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, Will Host “Know Indonesia Better – Indonesia Fair” As Part Of Indonesia Trade, Tourism, Investment And Culture Forum (TTICF).

It aims to promote Indonesia’s trade, investment and tourism potentials and opportunities as well as Indonesia’s rich and unique culture. 

Themed “Know Indonesia Better”, the Indonesia Fair will be held on September 16-18 at the Fashion Hall, 1st floor of Siam Paragon, Bangkok. It will showcase various Indonesian premium products such as Batik clothing and textiles, woven clothing and textiles, craft and household products, Indonesian culinary delights and travel packages. Those who are interested in knowing more about Indonesia can visit the fair and enjoy an engaging and exciting experience through the Indonesian cultural performances. 

The TTICF is not only an Indonesian promotional forum, but is also a forum that serves further in increasing good understanding among peoples of two countries and enhancing people-to-people contact. It is also believed to help strengthen and deepen the existing bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of two countries. The series of TTICF events have taken place in several different locations in Bangkok. For more information, please visit Facebook: IndonesiaInBangkok and Instragram: @indonesiainbangkok.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40020053

MEA Offers To Move Electrical Meters For Free In Flood-Prone Areas

BY LINE : THE NATION

WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) Is Offering A Free Service To Move Electrical Meters To Higher Ground For Households In Flood-Prone Areas In Bangkok, Nonthaburi And Samut Prakan.

MEA director of Corporate Communications Jumpote Himacharoen said on Tuesday that electricity users should survey their meters, outlets and appliances during the rainy season.

“Please make sure they are in good condition and safe from flood water that could rise unexpectedly due to continuous heavy rains, especially for residences located near the banks of the Chao Phraya River or in lower basins,” he advised.

“Contact MEA Call Centre 1130 and we will come move the meters for free.”

The MEA has dispatched technicians to check all electrical meters on power poles in metropolitan areas to make sure they are working properly and are safe from flood, Jumpote said.

The MEA also has officers on standby around the clock to provide emergency services in case of blackout or electrical malfunctions at key locations such as water drainage facilities, drainage tunnels and underground walkways, he said.

Jumpote urged people to trim the branches of large trees at their houses so they do not touch or grow in close proximity to power lines, as the tree branches can move due to heavy rains and wind and cause the lines to break, resulting in a power blackout.

He also called on owners of billboards to check the structural integrity of the billboards and make sure the foundation is secure so it can withstand strong winds.

“Please follow the latest updates on weather and the flood situation from related authorities and make sure to prepare accordingly,” he added.

To report electrical malfunctions, damaged or unsafe power lines, or to request a meter moving service, contact MEA Call Centre 1130, Facebook: @Metropolitan.Electricity.Authority, Twitter: @MEA_news, Line: MEA Connect, or download the MEA Smart Life mobile app, available for both Android and iOS users at http://onelink.to/measmartlife.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40020052

Boonrawd Brewery CEO Dies In The US

BY LINE : THE NATION

WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

Chutinant Bhirombhakdi, President And Chief Executive Officer Of Thailand’s Food And Beverage Conglomerate Boonrawd Brewery, Passed Away In Hospital In Boston, The United States, On Tuesday At Around 11am (Thailand Time). He Was 65.

Chutinant was reportedly seeking medical treatment for an undisclosed illness.

He is survived by his wife, Khunying Piyapat, and their three children, Chitpas Kridakorn, Nantaya Bhirombhakdi and Lieutenant Naiyanobh Bhirombhakdi. Ms Chitpas is a Democrat Party MP.

Born on April 9, 1957, Chutinant was of the Bhirompakdi’s family third generation to run Thailand’s over-80-year-old brewery, that expanded into foods and beverages.

He graduated from Boston and Harvard universities with degrees in economics and business management, respectively. He served as president and CEO of Boonrawd Brewery as well as chairman of the board of directors at Singha Estate and also held other high-level executive positions.

Chutinant was also the president of the Paralympic Committee of Thailand.

Many important figures in sport mourned his death via social media on Tuesday, including Maj-General Intarat Yodbangtoey, honorary president of the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association and president of the Federation of National Sports Associations.