The Apec Economic Leaders’ Week kicked off on Monday at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) and will run until Saturday.
Security and police officers took their places outside and inside the venue to ensure the six-day-long summit ran smoothly.
The first three days of the summit will see Senior Officials’ Meetings will focus on “Bangkok Goals” on the bio-circular-green (BCG) economic model.
Thursday will see a full day of Apec Ministerial Meetings, that will cover balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth, open and sustainable trade and investment.
The day will wrap up with a gala dinner at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall.
Leaders and representatives from 21 economies will be attending the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting on Friday. Also attending will be three special guests of the government, namely Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud.
The last day of the summit will feature the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting Retreat, followed by a speech from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as chair of the event.
Separately, a meeting of the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac), a private sector arm of Apec, will be held from Wednesday to Friday. The main mandate of this council is to advise Apec leaders and officials on issues of business interest.
The Abac Summit will be held under the theme “Embrace. Engage. Enable” with an aim to reconnect the world with opportunities, engage with the new digitised, sustainable and inclusive transformational model, and enable collaboration on new ideas, creativity and possibilities.
This is the first time in four years that Apec leaders are meeting face-to-face since the pandemic hit the world in 2019.
This summit is being held under the “Open. Connect. Balance” theme, which was conceptualised with the express purpose of advancing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) towards recovery in the post-Covid era. The summit also aims to bring about resilient, inclusive, balanced and sustainable long-term economic growth.
Thai police bust nationwide gambling franchise with 500 websites
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police launched 63 simultaneous raids in 14 provinces to bust a large online gambling network with over 100 franchises and 500 websites, police announced on Monday.
The simultaneous raids were directed by CSD commander Maj Gen Montree Theskhun from the Provincial Police Bureau’s training centre in Khon Kaen.
Over 350 officers from several police agencies took part in the so-called Operation Hanuman to Take Down Online Casino Mafia.
The raids were focused on Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Phitsanulok, Mahasarakham, Saraburi and Sa Kaew provinces.
Montree said the operation was launched after CSD police arrested 30 suspects across 10 provinces in raids against the Fat Fast online gambling network on September 22.
The September 22 operation seized 400 assets worth 460 million baht. Suspects then told investigators that Fat Fast merely managed finances for the owner of a larger network of online gambling franchises.
The information led to three big police raids in Khon Kaen, starting with a house owned by the network’s suspected co-head, Suwat (surname withheld). Police seized valuables including a collection of ultra-pricey Bearbrick collectible dolls but found no sign of Suwat.
They also raided the house of Suwat’s mother-in-law, identified as Sumalee (surname withheld), who was taken into custody. Items seized at the house included valuables and a gun, Montree said.
At the third spot, police swooped on the house of the network’s other suspected boss, identified as Praphut (surname withheld). He wasn’t at home but police seized a collection of over 100 Bearbrick dolls at the house.
Montree said the network had been systematically established with clear-cut marketing, administration, accountancy, financial management, and website maintenance divisions.It had been operating for over 10 years and sold 109 franchises which had recruited about 2,000 people to staff some 500 gambling websites, he added.
Police have obtained 23 arrest warrants for suspects, including the co-bosses, people in charge of bank accounts to make transactions and those hired to open the bank accounts.
Other suspects include the team of programmers for the websites and people hired to transfer money via ATM machines.
Montree said police had already made arrests but did not elaborate.
Thailand may not get Fifa World Cup broadcast rights, SAT warns
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
For the first time in 50 years, Thais may not be able to watch the Fifa World Cup on free TV channels, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) governor warned on Monday.
“Even with NBTC’s contribution we are still short of 1 billion baht to buy the rights from Fifa, which has set a price of 1.6 billion baht, higher than neighbouring countries,” said Kongsak.
He added that SAT had been in talks with Fifa but the price was unlikely to be lowered before the deadline on Friday (November 18).
If Thailand failed to sign the contract by the deadline, viewers would not be able to watch any of the World Cup’s 64 matches on free TV, he said.
However, the SAT is hoping that Fifa will offer other options for Thai fans to watch the tournament, Kongsak added.
On Sunday, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he hoped SAT could negotiate the price down to 1.2 billion baht. Phiphat’s plan is to borrow the other 600 million baht from the National Sports Development Fund and be repaid by private advertisers after sponsorship rights have been negotiated.
The World Cup has been broadcast on free TV in Thailand since 1970.
Since 1990, every match of the tournament has been available to watch for free.
However, the NBTC is now considering removing the “must have” rule that has covered World Cup broadcasts since 2012. It argues that mandatory free broadcasts should only apply to tournaments in which Thai national athletes compete. The Thailand national team is yet to qualify for a Fifa World Cup.
PM2.5 warning issued for six Bangkok districts this week
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Air quality in six Bangkok districts will hit unsafe levels from Tuesday to Thursday, City Hall warned on Monday.
On Monday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported that readings of PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter) were in the range of 12-34 micrograms per cubic metre or 22.3 on average. Thailand’s safe limit is 50μg/m3.
However, PM2.5 pollution will rise to moderate/unhealthy levels (yellow/orange) from Tuesday to Thursday, according to the BMA.
Air quality would worsen as winds that usually disperse pollutants weaken, it added.
The pollution warning covers the six districts of Nong Khaem, Thawee Watthana, Thon Buri, Taling Chan, Klong Sam Wa, and Lat Krabang.
The BMA advised people in Bangkok to check the air quality before leaving home via the Air4Thai website and app or the AirBKK app.
Thai govt mulls THB600m loan to buy Fifa World Cup broadcast rights
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
The government is mulling whether to borrow 600 million baht from the National Sports Development Fund to buy the broadcast rights for the Fifa World Cup.
With less than a week to go before the tournament kicks off in Qatar on November 20, fans still don’t know if the matches will be broadcast in Thailand.
However, Fifa has reportedly set the price at 1.6 billion baht.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Sunday that he has tasked the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) with negotiating the price down to 1.2 billion baht.
Phiphat has asked Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan to call a SAT board meeting by Tuesday to consider the 600-million-baht loan from the National Sports Development Fund. Gen Prawit oversees the SAT.
Trairat Viriyasirikul, acting NBTC secretary-general, admitted last Friday that the “must have” rule would have to be revised as it is disrupting business operations.
Trairat explained the National Sports Development Fund was authorised to buy broadcast rights for events at which Thai athletes compete, such as the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Southeast Asian Games, Asean Para Games, Asian Games and Asian Para Games. He added that “must have” rule should not extend to the Fifa World Cup unless the Thailand national team is competing.
The World Cup, featuring 32 teams and 64 matches, will be held from November 20 to December 18 in Qatar.
From Nan to Betong: Apec 2022 gala dinner menu captures Thailand’s many flavours
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022
The menu for the “Sustainable Thai Gastronomy” gala dinner was meticulously designed to impart the five flavours that distinguish Thai cuisine as well as its aromas, essences and many colours.
The menu was created to “connect the local with the global”, with ingredients sourced from every part of the country, the Foreign Ministry said.
Delicacies featured in the Carte du jour range from Nan in the North, plentiful Central provinces and the Northeast region of Isaan to the Andaman island of Phuket and the southernmost town of Betong.
Balancing the planet and people
The menu also aims to shed light on the many royal projects, community-based enterprises and local farms that have helped make many farmers and villagers self-sufficient.
For instance, decades of dedication to sustainable development by different sectors helped turn the arid Thung Kula Ronghai (fields of the crying kula) in the Northeast into a land of plenty. The area, which was once a desert, is now known for its famously fragrant jasmine rice.
The desert fields were transformed under the sufficiency economy principles initiated by King Rama IX and reflect Thailand’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The menu
Amuse-bouche
Krathong Thong: Wafer-thin golden pastry filled with a smooth velouté sauce and topped with fine caviar from Doi Inthanon – Thailand’s highest peak.
A crispy sphere of noodles that serves as a perfect foil for the savoury flavours of khao soi – a quintessential dish from the North of Thailand.
• Central Voyage: Ayutthayatom yum-flavoured river prawn croquettes
Inspired by “tod man kung”, a speciality of the Central Region, Thai river prawns are cooked with tom yum herbs and curry paste before being fried as croquettes.
• Come to Isaan: Charcoal-grilled Wagyu from Korat with a spicy dipping sauce
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) province in the Northeast is known for its Wagyu beef, and here it is charcoal-grilled and served paired with the traditional fiery naam jim jaew dipping sauce.
A signature dish from Thailand’s southernmost town of Betong, the grilled chicken is marinated in the unique goleh coconut-laced spice mix.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Salad
Yam Yai
Organic salad vegetables are paired with grilled free-range chicken, seven-colour Phuket lobster and duck eggs from Suphanburi cured in fleur de sel from Phetchaburi. The greens come from community-based enterprises from across Thailand.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Main course
Sustainable Thai dishes
• Vegetable Ratatouille
Created with carefully chosen fresh vegetables from Royal Projects.
• Pon Yang Kham Two-Beef Massaman Curry:
Voted as one of the most delicious dishes in the world, this dish is packed with delicious flavours from the slow-cooked beef shank and flash-cooked strip loin from Pon Yang Kham Cooperative in Sakon Nakhon, shallots from Si Sa Ket and a Thai red wine reduction.
• Phuket Organic Pearl Grouper with Tom Kha Sauce topped with Makrut Lime Leaf Foam:
The grouper is served with a mixed mushroom consommé and a kaffir lime leaf foam.
• Thung Kula Ronghai Jasmine Rice and Nine Varieties of Brown Rice
Jasmine rice from Thung Kula Ronghai is layered with nine varieties of brown rice baked with fragrant lemongrass and topped with crispy green rice flakes.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Dessert
• Moh Gaeng Mille-feuille:
Traditionally a baked custard, this centuries-old recipe is given a new life as a layered mille-feuille garnished with a filling of taro, lotus seed, palm sugar and coconut cream served with a passion fruit and longan blossom honey sorbet.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Petits Fours
• Khanom Dara Tong
• Fragrant Pandan Piak Poon Pudding
• Lychee Macaron
• Khanom Mali
• Chiang Mai Chocolate with Thai Brandy and Black Galangal
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Thai Fruits
• A variety of seasonal Thai fruits are delicately hand-carved and served to deliver a fusion of flavours that delight the senses.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Coffee or Tea from Nan
• Fleur du Nord Northern Thai Organic Assam Tea
• Premium Organic Coffee Blend
******
Table Decoration
While accompanying King Rama IX around Thailand, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother took note of local handicrafts and Thai people’s artistic nature.
Inspired by this, Her Majesty established the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupation and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) to promote local arts and crafts to create a supplementary source of income for villagers.
The foundation also trained its members in the skills of crafting gold and silver nielloware, damascene inlay, gold and silverware, Yan Lipao basketry and weaving, among others.
The training centre in Chitralada Villa later became the Queen Sirikit Institute, where master artisans created fine pieces, which were featured in exhibitions around the world, adorned dining tables at state dinners and are now on display at the Arts of the Kingdom Museum in Ayutthaya.
At the gala dinner, silverware embellished with decorations of families of elephants and deer, Yan Lipao basketry, handwoven Thai silk and handmade traditional ceramics will adorn the Apec Leaders’ Table.
This table decoration aims to embody Her Majesty’s devotion to the Thai people and her work which has elevated the quality of life for many in the country. Her Majesty the Queen Mother also laid the foundation for Thailand’s work towards achieving UN SDGs, such as no poverty, gender equality, responsible consumption and sustainable production, which have been also been applied to the government’s BCG economic model.
480 foreign firms bring over THB100bn to Thailand this year
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Some 480 foreign companies have set up operations in Thailand in the first 10 months of 2022, bringing over 100 billion baht to the country and marking a 72% increase year on year.
In the same period last year, 446 foreign firms had invested 61.96 billion baht to set up in Thailand.
From January to October, 480 foreign firms were approved under the Foreign Business Act. They invested 106.43 billion baht and created 4,635 jobs, Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said on Monday.
Among the new foreign companies, the biggest investors are Japanese, bringing in 37.73 billion baht and setting up 125 companies, followed by Chinese (20.84 billion baht from 22 companies) and Singaporean (11.69 billion baht from 75 companies).
Sinit said opening the door to foreign companies has helped promote knowledge and technology transfer, especially in fields related to government mega projects and infrastructure, such as the energy storage system for U-Tapao International Airport and petroleum exploration in the Gulf of Thailand.
He added that 94 of the new foreign companies have set up operations in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). They account for 44.94 billion or 42% of the total foreign investment this year.
Most of these companies are from Japan, the US and Singapore, and are in the fields of biorefinery, software development, manufacturing system management and technical and engineering services.
The Commerce Ministry expects more foreign companies to enter Thailand before year-end now that most Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted and international travel has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Baht rally may have hit ceiling: market strategist
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
The baht opened at 36.04 to the US dollar on Monday, weakening from Friday’s close of 35.94.
The currency will likely move between 35.90 and 36.10 against the greenback during the day and between 35.60 and 36.30 during the week, Krungthai market strategist Poon Panichpibool said.
He added that the baht’s upward trend may slow and even reverse if the price of gold drops quickly.
The baht surged back from 38.31 per dollar on October 19 to a five-month high on Friday.
However, Poon said foreign funds were now flowing out of the Stock Exchange of Thailand as it neared its resistance level while Thai bond yields, especially long-term yields, fell last week.
Meanwhile, the dollar is reaching its support level zone and could rebound in the short term if the market grows concerned over a possible US interest rate hike, or risk factors force it into a risk-off state, he said.
He also advised investors to use hedging tools such as options to manage risks in a highly volatile currency market.
World Cup fans show their colours in the streets of Doha
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022
Reuters
With the start of the World Cup just over a week away, international fans have already begun descending on Doha and are mixing in with local fans who are picking their favourite squads to support.
On Friday (November 11), fans, many of them Indian migrants living in Qatar, donned the colours of their favourite teams and took to the streets of Doha to show their support.
The Brazil fan contingent claims to be the largest in Qatar and they did not disappoint as they marched near the National Museum of Qatar dressed in Brazilian green and yellow. Fans even had a life-size cutout of Brazil megastar Neymar Jr.
Among the Brazil supporters was Sergio Pereira who came from Brazil to cheer on his side.
Pereira called on more international fans to make their way to Qatar saying it has all the trappings to be, “one of the best World Cups ever.”
And he should know, Pereira told Reuters the World Cup in Qatar will be the 10th he has come to in support of his home country.
“This has all the elements to be one of the best World Cups ever. So, come. If you haven’t decided to come to Qatar, there’s still time to come, because the people are nice, the infrastructure is beautiful. The spirit of the game is all around us.” said Pereira
Brazil’s South American rivals Argentina also had a large contingent in the streets on Friday.
Brazil fans react at the National Museum of Qatar
Rashad Pilakkal, who is originally from India and has been living in Qatar for the last nine years, said he expects Lionel Messi and company to pull it out of the bag this year.
“Definitely, the champions will be Argentina! Vamos, vamos, Argentina,” Pilakkal said.
Argentina fans during the march towards the Count Down Clock
The French Football Fans Club India also brought together a group of fans hoping to see the defending champions claim the crown again while another group of fans came out in support of Tunisia.
Qatar will open the World Cup tournament when they face Ecuador on November 20. Argentina fans display Lionel Messi cardboard cut outs at the National Museum of QatarGermany fans march towards the Count Down ClockTunisia fans react at Souq Waqif
It had been operating for over 10 years and sold 109 franchises which had recruited about 2,000 people to staff some 500 gambling websites, he added.
Other suspects include the team of programmers for the websites and people hired to transfer money via ATM machines.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Brazil fans react at the National Museum of Qatar
Argentina fans during the march towards the Count Down Clock
Argentina fans display Lionel Messi cardboard cut outs at the National Museum of Qatar
Germany fans march towards the Count Down Clock
Tunisia fans react at Souq Waqif
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