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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022337

Industry Ministry to set strict standards for car seats to improve safety

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022

The Industry Ministry intends to issue laws that ensure all entrepreneurs manufacture or import car seats compliant with Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) 3418-2565.

This move came after the industrial standards committee on November 14 approved car seats as controlled products, Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said on Tuesday.

“This move aims to boost road safety and improve consumers’ decision on purchasing a car seat,” he said.

He said the ministry would launch a public hearing and accelerate lawmaking to ensure that it will be enforced by next year.

“The lawmaking will be conducted along with allowing entrepreneurs to have time to request permission to manufacture or import car seats,” he said.

The TIS 3418-2565 was launched in October this year, stating that car seats must pass crash simulation test, including crash on the front at a speed of 50 kilometres per hour and crash on the rear at 30 kilometres per hour.

The test will be conducted based on the weight of children: below 10 kilograms, below 13 kilograms, 9-18 kilograms, 15-25 kilograms and 22-36 kilograms.

Related stories:

• Tax on child car seats suspended ahead of mandatory use
• Import tariff on child car seats to be cut ahead of compulsory use
• Children under six must use car seat from September 4

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022336

BMA queries interest added to BTSC bill, will not default on payment: deputy Bangkok governor

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is working towards paying off its debt to the Skytrain operator and will not default, a deputy Bangkok governor announced on Tuesday.

Wisanu Subsompon told the press that BMA has also filed an appeal with the Central Administrative Court over the amount of interest the court ordered it pay to the Bangkok Transit System Corporation (BTSC), which operates the Skytrain.

The deputy governor called a press conference on Tuesday to explain the progress of the 40-billion baht debt, which the city owes BTSC for operating and installing systems for the two Green Line extensions in April 2017.

Wisanu echoed Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s comment on Monday, saying that BMA will not default on its payments provided everything is done in line with the law.

Chadchart was responding to video clips being played repeatedly on BTS trains and stations demanding that the BMA or the central government honour the 40 billion baht debt.

On Tuesday, Wisanu said the amount of interest included in the 40-billion-baht debt was incorrectly calculated because the contract signed by BMA’s business affiliate Krungthep Thanakom (KT) and BTSC does not specify the rate of interest it would be liable for if payments were delayed.

KT has hired an advisory company to study the contract and calculate a suitable interest rate, which may change the total amount that BMA has to pay, Wisanu said.

In September last year, BTSC filed a lawsuit against BMA suing it for the 12 billion baht it is owed for operating the Green Line extensions and another 20 billion baht it is owed for the train operating system. The Central Administrative Court on September 7, 2022, ordered that either BMA or KT pay 32 billion baht plus interest, which pushed the debt up to nearly 40 billion baht.

The Green Line was extended in two parts. One runs from Bang Chak to Bearing stations and from Pho Nimit to Bang Wa, and the second runs from Mo Chit to Khu Khot and from Bearing to Keha (Samut Prakan).

Related Stories

BMA will not default on its payments, Chadchart tells BTSC

Administrative Court orders BMA to pay THB12.6 bn debt to BTSC

Skytrain operator releases another video, reminding BMA of THB40 bn accumulated debt

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022335

One killed, 16 injured as car bomb rips through Narathiwat police flats

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022

A massive car-bomb blast ripped through the supposedly safe green zone of downtown Narathiwat on Tuesday afternoon, killing one policeman and injuring 16 others.

The explosion occurred at 12.50pm inside the compound of Narathiwat police residential flats in Muang district.

The homemade bomb was hidden inside a pickup truck thought to have been parked at the heart of the complex by Malay-Muslim insurgents fighting a two-decade battle for southern autonomy.

Traffic police officer Capt Sutthirak Phanthaniyom was killed on the spot while 16 others – mostly members of police families staying in the flats – were injured.

A police bomb disposal team later found an unexploded bomb planted opposite the flats, in front of the Nara Sikhalai nursery school.

So-called “double-tap” attacks, in which security forces responding to one blast are then targeted by a second often larger bomb, are a hallmark of southern insurgents.

Firefighters took about 20 minutes to put out the fire in flats and vehicles that resulted from the explosion. The blast also blew off the roof of the car park and sent black smoke billowing over the Narathiwat skyline.

A bomb detection squad scoured the area for more hidden devices but found none.

Police sealed off the area as they searched for evidence and more bombs.

Security forces also stepped up security in downtown Narathiwat on Tuesday afternoon.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022307

Sustainable practices will help Thailand with its net-zero goals: Varawut

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Jarupong Krisanaraj

Sustainable consumption, production and a circular economy are the key drivers to help Thailand achieve its carbon neutrality goal, Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 16th Asia-Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP) at Pathumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok on Monday.

He said the production sector should focus on environmental preservation and adapt to becoming more carbon neutral.

“Manufacturers should pay attention to how they can be responsible for the environment,” he said.

He added that shifting towards carbon neutrality will help manufacturers cope with obstacles like environmental taxation, adding that many countries worldwide had already initiated this scheme.

“Once manufacturers and consumers start paying attention to protecting the environment, the consumption of natural resources will go down and the country can move towards sustainability,” he said.

Varawut added that the subcommittee on plastic waste and electronic waste management that he chairs has resolved to suspend the import of some kinds of plastic scrap in the next three years.

He said this measure was introduced after some entrepreneurs were caught smuggling in plastic waste along with plastic scrap. He said Thailand has not been importing plastic waste for many years now.

“Thailand will also stop the import of plastic scrap, except for some kinds that cannot be found in Thailand like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene [ABS] for producing car consoles,” he said.

The minister said the measure will also allow the application of circular economy principles to waste management.

He said environmental disasters like severe floods and drought will eventually encourage people to change their behaviour to prevent environmental issues from intensifying.

Sanjay Kumar, president of the APRSCP board of trustees, said the Asia Pacific region was at a crossroads, facing both opportunities and challenges that will have a long-term impact on future generations.

However, he is confident that the region will bounce back better and stronger from the pandemic and global geopolitical impacts.

“Governments must carve a new growth path – one that is not only more equitable and environmentally friendly but also promotes shared prosperity,” he said.

Wijarn Simachaya, president of the Thai Sustainable Consumption Production Network, said sustainable consumption and circular economy were being adopted globally to mitigate climate change and allow for sustainable growth.

“It is high time that threats to the survival of natural ecosystems and living beings are addressed, especially in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

Related stories:

• Tackling climate change a united battle, Varawut says at COP27
• Varawut, special US envoy discuss reduction of methane emissions
• Varawut showcases Thailand’s environmental achievements at the Thailand Pavilion during COP27 in Egypt

Jarupong Krisanaraj

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022305

After a few grim years, Hong Kong is ready to turn the corner

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Vitaya Saeng-Aroon

The removal of travel restrictions, an expanded airport, and most importantly deep trade relations with Thailand and other Asean nations will pave the way for the re-emergence of Hong Kong as one of the great trade, financial, and investment hubs of Asia, a forum heard on Monday.

Speaking to a crowded gathering on “Hong Kong-Thailand: Entering a New Era of Opportunities”, representatives from Hong Kong’s trade and government agencies reaffirmed the future role of China’s special administrative region (SAR) as a gateway to connect markets and investors from the mainland with overseas interests.

The event was organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok on November 21.

Many months of pro-democracy protests in 2019-20 had rattled Hong Kong’s economy, which took a further hit soon after due to strict Covid-19 control measures following China’s zero-Covid policy.

The Hong Kong government was allowed only recently to relax Covid-19 rules for travellers and tour groups. Since September 26, international arrivals are no longer required to quarantine in hotels.

“Hong Kong would still be an ideal place for trade and investment,” said Algernon Yau, JP, secretary for commerce and economic development, Hong Kong SAR.

In July this year, on the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China in 1997, China’s President Xi Jinping gave a speech that pointed to the favourable conditions and distinctive advantages of Hong Kong’s close connection with global markets.

Dr Peter K N Lam , Chairman Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Meanwhile, investors and economists were sceptical about the Chinese city of Shenzhen — known for its proximity to Hong Kong and serving as a hi-tech hub — superseding Hong Kong as an international trade and finance hub. The rise of Shenzhen was watched even more closely when Hong Kong was forced to deal with a series of protests over Beijing’s strict policies.

However, Hong Kong enjoys clear advantages because of its long-term and close economic ties as well as collaboration with Asean nations, including Thailand, speakers at the forum said.

Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Thailand

“Coming to Hong Kong, there are greater business opportunities. It’s a global hub to capture opportunities in China,” said Jack So Chak-Kwon, chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Chartsiri Sophonpanich, president of Bangkok Bank, the first Thai commercial bank to open a branch in Hong Kong, said Hong Kong remains important to trade and investment to link to China, while Thailand serves as a gateway to Asean countries.

Thailand is Hong Kong’s fourth-largest trading partner among Asean members. Bilateral trade in goods grew more than 18% year on year in 2021, reaching US$20.6 billion.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee, who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, has called for further strengthening of economic, trade and investment cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between Hong Kong and Thailand.

Vitaya Saeng-Aroon

Related Stories

Hong Kong leader tests Covid positive after meeting Xi, Prayut in Bangkok

Hong Kong Government to Allow Tour Groups in November

Vitaya Saeng-Aroon

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022304

BMA will not default on its payments, Chadchart tells BTSC

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will pay what it owes to the Skytrain operator, but legal steps must be taken first.

This statement was made by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt on Monday in response to video clips being played repeatedly on BTS trains and stations demanding that the BMA or the central government honour the 40 billion baht debt. The debt has been growing due to accumulated interest and fees for operating extensions.

“I affirm that the BMA has no problem paying its debts, but everything must be done in accordance with the law. Any deal that creates debt in the future must be approved by the Bangkok Council first,” Chadchart said.

He said he has not yet approved the payment because a BMA regulation states that the council must first approve all deals before they can be signed by the administration.

He said he learned that his predecessors had signed a contract hiring Skytrain operator Bangkok Transit System Corporation (BTSC) to run the trains and install systems for the second Green Line extension from Mo Chit (Chatuchak Station) to Khu Khot, and from Bearing to Samut Prakan. This contract was signed without permission from the Bangkok Council, he said.

Hence, Chadchart added that he will first find out if the council had approved the agreement before it was signed. If not, then the city council will be asked to draft a new contract and formally approve it before the BMA can legally start repaying BTSC.

“I think the BMA either sent a letter to the council last week or will do so this week,” Chadchart said.

He added that the money owed for the first extension of the Green Line was pending a Cabinet decision on whether it should be added to the concession granted to the BTSC by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

The NCPO extended BTSC’s concession for the Green Line by another 30 years (2029-2059) in exchange for BTSC shouldering the money owed to it for operating the first extension.

The decision of extending the concession has yet to be re-affirmed by the Cabinet after Chadchart voiced disagreement.

He added that council approval is also required before the BMA can take over the debts and assets of the second Green Line extension for operation. The second extension was built by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand and handed over to the BMA to operate.

Related story:

Skytrain operator releases another video, reminding BMA of THB40 bn accumulated debt

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022303

Thai workers paid THB43/hr to make THB4,900 England shirts: report

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

The Mirror

Thai factory workers are being paid just 43 baht an hour to make 4,900-baht England football shirts, the UK’s Mirror newspaper has reported.

The English Football Association (FA)’s website does not specify where the replica shirts are made but a label inside says they are made for Nike in Thailand.

Football shirts usually cost about £12 (510 baht) to make, the UK newspaper said, citing garment industry experts.

Around £7.50 is the cost of materials while “cut, make and trim” (CMT) costs account for up to £3. Around £1.50 or 64 baht will go to the factory.

England shirts have been made for the last few years at the Hi-Tech Apparel factory in Bangkok.

Workers there said they earned what was then Bangkok’s minimum wage of 331 baht per day. In October, the minimum wage rose to 353 baht.

Mirror reporters said the factory refused to comment on its relationship with the FA and directed all questions to Nike.
However, the newspaper said two anonymous workers confirmed that they make England shirts for the FA.

“We feel proud to be a part of the manufacturing of jerseys for a world-class team like England,” the Mirror quoted one worker as saying.

“The England team jerseys have been produced, patterned, and sewn here for quite some time since before Covid.”

The worker told the newspaper they usually work eight to 11 hours a day or 60 hours per week, with overtime pay and bonuses if they hit targets.

Another worker said there was no employee union to protect the workers at the factory.

“During working hours there is a no-phone policy. We are not allowed to use our mobile phones and there are no photos allowed,” they said.

The Mirror estimated that £80 (about 3,400 baht) from the sale of each £150 shirt is shared between Nike, the English FA and the retailer. Nike expects to make 10% to 15% net profit on each item, it added.

Nike earned £10.2 billion or about 436 billion baht in revenue last year and made £1.18 billion (50.4 billion baht) in profit.

When it signed the Nike deal in 2014, the English FA said: “The FA puts £100 million back into the game every year. It is through partners such as Nike that we are able to maintain that level of investment.”

Meanwhile, a Nike spokesperson said, “Nike is proud to have designed the England National Teams kits which combine high-performance innovation and sustainability.

“We produce jerseys at multiple price points, so consumers have a choice. Pricing is influenced by many factors including costs of performance materials, R&D, design, manufacturing and selling.

“In addition, Nike is committed to ethical and responsible manufacturing. We believe world-class manufacturing begins with respect for people and the environment.

“While Nike does not own or operate manufacturing facilities, we strive to work with suppliers who share our commitment to making products responsibly and sustainably.”

Related stories

• Nation TV to screen biggest first-round clash of Fifa World Cup – Spain v Germany
• Thailand blind footballers hailed as heroes after qualifying for World Games
• One day to kick-off – but still no Thai TV World Cup schedule

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022301

Court accepts lawsuit against Anutin for decriminalising marijuana in Thailand

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

The Central Administrative Court has accepted a lawsuit filed by a doctor and opposition MPs seeking to nullify the Public Health Ministry’s directive that decriminalises marijuana.

On November 10, Smith Srisont, a member of the Medical Council and president of the Forensic Physician Association of Thailand, filed a lawsuit naming Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) as co-defendants.

The court accepted the case and set up a panel of judges to deliberate on it. One of the judges has been assigned as an advocacy judge.

The court has not yet decided whether to issue an injunction on the directive as requested in the lawsuit.

Other co-plaintiffs are Pheu Thai party-list MP Sutin Klungsang, Parchachart Party’s secretary-general Tawee Sodsong, Move Forward party-list MP Nattawut Buaprathum, deputy Seri Ruam Thai Party leader Varit Varotsirin and Palang Puangchon Chao Thai Party leader Nikhom Boonvises.

The lawsuit asks the court to nullify the Public Health Ministry’s directive dated February 8, 2022, that removes marijuana from the list of Category 5 narcotics.

The directive went into effect in early September and decriminalised marijuana despite warnings from doctors who fear young people will consume marijuana freely in the absence of a governing law.

Anutin issued the directive in line with Bhumjaithai’s 2019 electoral promise that it would get marijuana decriminalised so it can be used for medical and as a cash crop.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022300

Skytrain operator releases another video, reminding BMA of THB40 bn accumulated debt

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Skytrain operator BTS on Monday stepped up pressure on the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to pay up the accumulated debt of 40 billion baht the city administration owes the operator for running the Green Line extension.

Bangkok Transit System Corporation (BTSC) once again played a video clip, featuring BTS Groups Holdings chairman Keeree Kanjanapas, reminding the BMA of the debt, which he said has accumulated to over 40 billion baht. BTSC is a company under the group.

The clip was repeated inside trains of the Green Line and at all BTS Skytrain stations.

A source from BTSC said the clips would be played for 15 consecutive days.

Before Keeree’s long exhortation in the clip, the video started with a narrative that says:

“How long can we continue shouldering this debt? We work but don’t get paid. Our cost is rising every day while those in power pass the responsibility on instead of making a decision. It’s about time the problem is tackled. Don’t avoid it. Don’t let the private firm fight it alone. It’s about time to pay the debt of 40 billion baht for the Green Line [operations]. #DebtMustBeHonoured.”

In September last year, BTSC had filed a lawsuit against the BMA, suing the administration for the 12 billion baht it is owed for operating the Green Line extension and another 20 billion baht it is owed for the train operating system. The suit was filed after the BMA reportedly failed to pay the money owed within the April deadline. The debt amount reportedly rose because of the accumulated interest and the accumulated fees for operating the extensions.

In early September this year, the Central Administrative Court ruled in favour of BTSC in a case against the BMA and its business arm, Krungthep Thanakhom (KT). The court ordered the BMA and KT to pay the debt of 12.6 billion baht for operating the Green Line extensions since April 2017 within 180 days but Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the BMA would appeal against the ruling.

In the video clip, Keeree said the BMA or the central government, which supervises the BMA, “should pay what it should”.

“The amount is over 40 billion baht. The private firm that invested in the operation has to pay the cost every day. It has to pay salaries and the electric bills,” Keeree said.

“Those in power, the government, the BMA or politicians in power must take a look at this issue. The interest is increasing every day.

“Anyone in power must realise that we have to shoulder interest every day. I must be paid.”

Keeree said despite the rising cost because of the BMA or the government’s failure to honour the debt, the BTSC would not halt the Skytrain service as that would affect the people.

“I give my word that I won’t stop the trains because if I do it, the people will be affected,” Keeree said.

The BTSC reminded the BMA and the government to repay the debt after Chadchart late last month voiced opposition to the decision of the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order to extend the Green Line concession for 30 years from 2029 to 2059 for BTSC.

Chadchart said the Green Line operation should undergo a thorough selection procession under the Public-Private Partnership Act after the concession expires.

The governor also called on the government to pay for the infrastructure of the extension routes or take over the project from the BMA.

Related stories:

Administrative Court orders BMA to pay THB12.6 bn debt to BTSC

Cabinet to have final say on how BTSC-BMA dispute is settled

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022289

Covid infections surge in Thailand, 3,957 more patients hospitalised last week: DDC

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Severe Covid-19 infections have landed 3,957 people in hospitals and 65 patients have succumbed to the virus over the past week, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said on Monday.

During the week of November 13-19, the number of Covid patients admitted to hospital averaged 565 patients daily compared to about 452 patients per day during the week of November 6-12.

DDC said the total number of Covid patients in Thailand this year stands at 2,478,895, while the death toll is 11,408.

In the week of November 6-12, 42 people succumbed to the virus or about six persons daily, compared to the daily average of nine people over the past week, DDC added.

Meanwhile, of the new patients, 432 have developed lung infections and 252 have been hooked up to ventilators.

The DDC said as of Saturday (November 19) 143.06 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered. Of them, 57.07 million were first doses,

53.56 million second doses and 32.43 million boosters.

Meanwhile, deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Monday that Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is concerned that Covid infections may surge during the cool season.

She said viruses spread more easily during the cool season, and many countries have eased their travel restrictions, while Thailand has opened its doors to tourists.

As a result, she said, Anutin has advised people to protect themselves by employing the universal hygiene measures of always washing their hands and wearing masks.

The minister also warned people in the 608 category, namely those who are 60 and above or with eight chronic diseases, to take Covid vaccines and booster doses.

She added that Covid vaccines are now available at most public hospitals.

The spokesperson said the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health near Victory Monument is also providing Covid-19 vaccines to children between the ages of six months and 18 years during the afternoon from Monday to Thursday and all day on Friday.