ABAC campaign aims to raise Thai people’s awareness on role in boosting the economy

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ABAC campaign aims to raise Thai people's awareness on role in boosting the economy

ABAC campaign aims to raise Thai people’s awareness on role in boosting the economy

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council 2022 (ABAC 2022) has launched a campaign to raise Thai awareness of their role and the importance of each involved party in driving the country’s economy both locally and regionally in the Asia-Pacific.

The campaign’s concept is “Business of the People”, which includes two important components. The first are survey results from the business sector, also known as the “Business of the People Poll”. The second is a short film that follows the development of a community enterprise.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said at the press conference on Wednesday that the campaign would emphasise the importance of the APEC CEO summit to the country and its people.

Furthermore, it would be another example to inspire Thai people to participate in the event, said Kriengkrai.

Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), noted that the summit would allow Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to learn from the other 21 APEC member economies, which will boost their confidence and potential to the next level.

ABAC campaign aims to raise Thai people's awareness on role in boosting the economyThe Institute of Trade Strategies, University of Thai Chamber of Commerce, conducted the “Business of the People Poll” survey project for Abac 2022 hosted by Thailand in order to gather Thai entrepreneurs’ perspectives, comments, and information regarding the regional economy in Thailand and the Asia Pacific.

The institute polled 451 Thai entrepreneurs nationwide about the factors, challenges, and possibilities of future business growth in order to gain a better understanding of the facts and perspectives driving the economy from the participant’s perspective.

The poll revealed the business sector’s confidence for the next 5 to 10 years. The business community believes that the economy will recover and that opportunities will grow and expand.

Factors thought to aid recovery include the use of technologies and digitalisation to support consumer behaviour adaptation, the importance of sustainability, and the application of the Bio-Circular-Green economic model.

ABAC campaign aims to raise Thai people's awareness on role in boosting the economyHowever, SMEs are still regarded as underfunded. There is a widespread belief that gaining knowledge and assistance from the government to reduce monopoly will enable small and micro-enterprises to continue operating effectively.

Similarly, recommendations from the business sector have been received, and these recommendations will be included in the policy proposals that will address such pressing issues.

The majority of respondents agree that the government and private sector collaboration to improve multi-level business cooperation to create environmental sustainability, such as green economy, is important.

Respondents also want the government to make it possible for communities to monitor product and ingredient cost per market mechanism, as well as monetary assistance, such as money for business recoveries and cost control. 

They also advocate the reduction of bureaucracy in the public and government sectors, as well as political stability and policy regarding laws that benefit businesses.

Meanwhile, Kriengkrai described the ABAC short film as encapsulating ABAC’s mission: encourage people to work together to drive the economy and achieve a comfortable life for all.

He said that ABAC has decided to use a case study of a community enterprise in Nam Chun, Lom Sak, Phetchabun province.

It follows Nipon Pila, a former designer who decided to become a next-generation farmer. His story demonstrates that by improving, elevating, and driving the business to adapt to the changing social landscape, anyone can succeed. 

It also demonstrates Nipon’s success, which results from collaborating within his community to build collective strength by moving forward together.

Sanan noted that economic growth is everyone’s responsibility and duty. That is why, through the film, ABAC would like to present the success story of a small entrepreneur who was able to integrate and achieve a sustainable business through drive and persistence.

The APEC Business Advisory Council consists of representatives from three groups: the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Thai Bankers’ Association. These three sector groups are also known as the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB),

This year, the Thai private sector will chair the APEC Business Advisory Council and host the ABAC meeting from November 14 to 16, and the APEC CEO Summit 2022 under the theme “Embrace, Engage, Enable”.

The main summit will be held from November 16 to 18 at the Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel Bangkok.

Nongluck Ajanapanya

Ayutthaya agencies ordered to take steps to save industrial estates from flooding

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Ayutthaya agencies ordered to take steps to save industrial estates from flooding

Ayutthaya agencies ordered to take steps to save industrial estates from flooding

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022

Related agencies in Ayutthaya have been instructed to evaluate and tackle the flood situation in the province, where three industrial estates remain at risk of flooding.

The three estates – Nakhon Luang, Bang Pa-in and Ban Wa – are under the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) supervision.

Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said each industrial estate has prepared a flood prevention system, such as levees and water pumps, to deal with the situation.

“The IEAT confirmed the three industrial estates are still able to handle the flood situation while hoping it will improve gradually,” she said.

Ayutthaya agencies ordered to take steps to save industrial estates from flooding

The three are still safe, she noted, adding that the water mass is still outside outer barriers.

As for worries about floods having an impact on workers’ commute to and from work, she said related agencies have been instructed to ensure roads leading to the estates are not blocked by flooding.

Ayutthaya agencies ordered to take steps to save industrial estates from flooding

“Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered related agencies to evaluate and tackle the flood situation periodically to mitigate the impact on locals and businesses,” she added.

Tax waiver for foreign actors in Thailand gets final stamp of approval

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Tax waiver for foreign actors in Thailand gets final stamp of approval

Tax waiver for foreign actors in Thailand gets final stamp of approval

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2022

The Cabinet on Tuesday gave its final stamp of approval to waive the 10 per cent personal income tax foreign actors are required to pay while shooting in Thailand.

The five-year waiver, first proposed by the Finance Ministry in June, will go into effect 180 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette.

Deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said this incentive will not only bring foreign filmmakers to Thailand but will also boost revenue for film-related companies as well as the tourism industry.

“It will help promote destinations in the country where big blockbusters are shot or where well-known actors were spotted,” she said.

Deputy government spokesperson Tipanan SirichanaDeputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana

Apart from boosting Thailand’s standing in the global film industry, this incentive will also generate jobs in the sector and stimulate domestic consumption.

She said the waiver applies to foreign actors who are part of films made in Thailand by foreign companies or juristic partnerships established overseas.

Tax waiver for foreign actors in Thailand gets final stamp of approval

She added that this regulation should help generate at least 3.5 billion baht in revenue, open the door to knowledge exchange as well as showcase Thailand’s many tourist attractions.

“The Tourism and Sports Ministry’s Tourism Department will cooperate with related agencies on boosting awareness of this measure and developing a relevant ecosystem,” she added.

Chadchart targets vehicles, factories, biomass burning amid poor Bangkok air quality

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Chadchart targets vehicles, factories, biomass burning amid poor Bangkok air quality

Chadchart targets vehicles, factories, biomass burning amid poor Bangkok air quality

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt aims to impose stricter measures on three main sources of PM2.5 in a bid to improve the capital’s air quality, although he insisted on Thursday that the city’s air is “not yet at a critical level”.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported on Thursday morning that air quality in 12 areas around Bangkok and its vicinity had descended to unsafe levels.

PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter) readings were in the range of 34-62 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3). Thailand’s safe levels are 37.5 μg/m3 or lower.

The governor said the BMA’s taskforce on air pollution will meet this Friday to consider stricter measures on three main sources of PM2.5 – vehicles, factories and biomass burning.

Bangkok has more than 6,000 factories pumping pollution into the air, while local officials have reported increasing incidents of biomass burning around the city as the cold season approaches, Chadchart pointed out.

“Currently the PM2.5 situation in Bangkok is not yet at the critical level. However, if more biomass burning takes place in Bangkok and surrounding provinces we may need to establish additional monitoring stations to detect hotspots and rising levels of pollution in risky areas,” he said.

Chadchart plans to approach Chiang Rai Governor Narongsak Osotthanakorn for tips in handling hotspots, which the northern province has been battling as farmers sneakily burn their crop stubble after harvesting.

Chadchart also said the city needs an efficient real-time weather forecast system to predict the direction of winds that could bring in dust particles from nearby provinces, so that it could issue a warning to people in time.

Read more Air quality in 12 areas around Bangkok, vicinity unsafe

The governor added that he has ordered the BMA Vocational School to manufacture DIY air purifiers from car engine fans and filter sheets for schools and households in the city.

Due to limited production capacity, the BMA Vocational School will submit prototype units along with a manufacturing guide to all vocational colleges in the metropolis so more of the DIY air purifiers can be manufactured and distributed.

Southern Thailand on alert against heavy rain, flash floods

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Southern Thailand on alert against heavy rain, flash floods

Southern Thailand on alert against heavy rain, flash floods

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

THE NATION

The rainy season runs between June and October in Thailand. The authorities have issued a warning of heavy rainfall and potential flash floods from Monday until Friday this week in southern provinces of the Southeast Asian country.

According to local media, the tourist island of Phuket is part of the region on alert. The island on Sunday suffered a major flooding, which led to traffic bottlenecks and inundated roads.

People wade through a flooded street in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Oct. 18, 2022. People wade through a flooded street in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Oct. 18, 2022.

A woman sits on a boat on a flooded street in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Oct. 18, 2022.A woman sits on a boat on a flooded street in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Oct. 18, 2022.

Photo taken on Oct. 18, 2022 shows temples in a flooded area in Ayutthaya, Thailand.Photo taken on Oct. 18, 2022 shows temples in a flooded area in Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Photo taken on Oct. 18, 2022 shows a woman walks in floodwater in Ayutthaya, Thailand.Photo taken on Oct. 18, 2022 shows a woman walks in floodwater in Ayutthaya, Thailand.

People wade through a flooded street in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Oct. 18, 2022.People wade through a flooded street in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Oct. 18, 2022.

A woman travels on a boat on a flooded street in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Oct. 18, 2022. A woman travels on a boat on a flooded street in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Oct. 18, 2022.

 A girl sits over the floodwater outside a house in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Oct. 18, 2022.A girl sits over the floodwater outside a house in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Oct. 18, 2022.

THE NATION

Flooding swamps Phuket’s Old Town again

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Flooding swamps Phuket’s Old Town again

Flooding swamps Phuket’s Old Town again

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Phuket’s Old Town was hit by floods again on Thursday due to overflows from the Bangyai Canal that receives water from Kathu district before it’s channelled into the sea at Saphan Hin peninsular in Muang district.

The Old Town was submerged under a metre of floodwater last Sunday after heavy overnight rain.

On Wednesday afternoon provincial Governor Narong Woonciew reported that the flood situation in the area was actually easing after three days of high water levels.

On Wednesday night, however, overflows from the canal flooded the Old Town’s roads, namely Phang Nga, Rassada and Thalang, with 20-50cm high water, affecting several residential and commercial buildings.

Flooding swamps Phuket’s Old Town again

Officials had to block roads and divert traffic away from flooded areas to prevent accidents and vehicle malfunctions. Pumps were installed to speed up water drainage to keep floodwaters from rising and prevent a repeat of Sunday’s flooding should there be more heavy rain.

On Wednesday Narong and his team inspected Kathu-Patong Highway 4029, which has been cut off about 200 metres by a mud slide due to heavy showers since Sunday.

Phuket Governor Narong WoonciewPhuket Governor Narong Woonciew

The governor said he is cooperating with the Phuket District Highway Office, which promised to restore traffic to normal within seven days – provided there is no more heavy rain or mud slides that could affect roadwork.

In the meantime, motorists heading to Patong subdistrict are advised to use highways 4028, 4025 or 4030 to bypass the mud slide.

Actor-singer Tono makes final preparations for daring Mekong charity swim

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Actor-singer Tono makes final preparations for daring Mekong charity swim

Actor-singer Tono makes final preparations for daring Mekong charity swim

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Actor and singer Phakin “Tono” Khamwilaisak and his team arrived in Nakhon Phanom on Wednesday to make final preparations for his “One Man & the River – One Man Swims, Many Donate” Mekong charity swim scheduled to take place on Saturday.

Phakin announced plans to raise funds for Nakhon Phanom Hospital and a Lao hospital in Thakhek, Khammouane province, in early September when he made a trip to the Thai northeastern province.

He plans to swim 15km across the Mekong River and back.

Upon arrival, Phakin headed to Nakhon Phanom Hospital first to visit patients and his fans, before travelling to city hall to discuss details of the event with provincial officers.

Actor-singer Tono makes final preparations for daring Mekong charity swim

He and his team then embarked on a motorboat survey of the river while Nakhon Phanom birdwatching club members provided guidance.

Actor-singer Tono makes final preparations for daring Mekong charity swim

Many of his fans and others have expressed concern that the actor might be washed away by the strong Mekong currents and that officials involved in organising the event might be blamed and held responsible.

However, Phakin attempted to quell any fears, saying on Wednesday after the survey: “To those who are worried about me, I will do the best I can in this charity event.”

He added that he had “practised extensively” and his “body is 100 per cent ready” for the daring swim.

Actor-singer Tono makes final preparations for daring Mekong charity swim

“I don’t care about other people’s drama or political agenda. I just want to raise funds to buy medical equipment for the hospitals. It also does not matter how much I raise. It could be in the 10,000, 100,000 or a million baht range. My intention is to help doctors and nurses as much as I can,” the actor said.

Read more Hearththrob Tono’s ambitious bid to swim across Mekong for public good is not quite winning hearts

Air quality in 12 areas around Bangkok, vicinity unsafe

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Air quality in 12 areas around Bangkok, vicinity unsafe

Air quality in 12 areas around Bangkok, vicinity unsafe

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Air quality in 12 areas around Bangkok and its vicinity descended to unsafe levels on Thursday morning, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported.

PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter) readings were in the range of 34-62 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3). Thailand’s safe levels are 37.5 μg/m3 or lower.

As of 7am, the polluted areas were Nong Khaem (62 μg/m3), Bang Sue (59 μg/m3), Samphanthawong (55 μg/m3) Prawet (55 μg/m3), Bang Phlat (54 μg/m3) Lat Krabang (54 μg/m3), Khlong Sam Wa (54 μg/m3), Thawi Watthana (53 μg/m3), Yannawa (53 μg/m3), Pathumwan (52 μg/m3), Taling Chan (52 μg/m3) and Pom Prap Sattru Phai (51 μg/m3).

Meanwhile, the air quality in 55 of 71 areas around Bangkok and its surroundings were at the moderate level, or 38-50 μg/m3.

People in the area where the air quality is bad have been advised to monitor their health and reduce the time they spend outdoors, or use protective equipment if they develop a cough, difficulty breathing or eye irritation.

Meanwhile, people undergoing special healthcare should also reduce the time they spend outdoors or use protective equipment. They must see a doctor immediately if they develop a cough, have difficulty breathing, encounter eye inflammation, a headache, an irregular heartbeat, experience nausea or feel fatigued.

The PM2.5 situation can be followed on Air4Thai.com or bangkokairquality.com websites, the CAPM Facebook page, or via Air4Thai and AirBKK smartphone applications.

Narathiwat police chief transferred over suspicion of allegedly aiding drug/arms suspects

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Narathiwat police chief transferred over suspicion of allegedly aiding drug/arms suspects

Narathiwat police chief transferred over suspicion of allegedly aiding drug/arms suspects

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

Narathiwat’s police chief was reportedly transferred to an inactive position at Royal Thai Police (RTP) Headquarters over suspicion of allegedly aiding suspects dealing in drugs and weapons, a news source said on Wednesday.

The source cited an order by National Police chief Pol General Damrongsak Kittiprapas on Wednesday instructing Narathiwat police chief Pol Maj-General Waesamae Salae to drop all his current duties. He has been stationed at the RTP’s operations centre in Bangkok until further notice.

The order reportedly said the transfer was to maintain the orderly and efficient operation of the police force.

Pol Maj-General Waesamae Salae Pol Maj-General Waesamae Salae

The source speculated that Waesamae was transferred to prepare for an investigation after lawyer Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, chairman of the Crime Victims Assistance Club, had on October 10 filed a complaint with the National Police chief.

Atchariya claimed the Narathiwat police chief had allegedly issued certificates allowing suspects involved in drugs and weapons dealing in the province to pass security checkpoints without undergoing screening.

Mild quake reported in Chiang Mai, Phrae

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Mild quake reported in Chiang Mai, Phrae

Mild quake reported in Chiang Mai, Phrae

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

A mild 4.1-magnitude earthquake was reported in the wee hours of Thursday in Chiang Mai’s Doi Saket district.

The Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division said the quake occurred at 4.36am with its epicentre in Mae Kheu subdistrict at a depth of 2 kilometres.

The tremor could be felt by residents in Doi Saket, Muang, San Kamphaeng, San Sai and Mae Rim districts.

People in Lamphun’s Muang and Ban Thi districts and Phayao’s Dok Khamtai district also felt the quake, said the division.

Earlier, at 1.40am on Thursday, the division also reported a milder 3.7-magnitude quake in Long district of Phrae province at a depth of 3 kilometres. The tremor could be felt in Phrae’s Long, Sung Men, Wang Chin, Den Chai and Muang districts and Uttaradit’s Tha Pla district.

There have been no reports of damaged buildings or casualties so far, while officials are investigating affected areas to provide emergency assistance.

The Royal Irrigation Department ordered a quick inspection of dams in Chiang Mai and nearby provinces and found no impact on any of the structures.

For updates, check out the Meteorological Department’s website: http://www.earthquake.tmd.go.th/home.php.