New law pushes state agencies to adopt electronic processes under digital government policy
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022
Thai citizens would no longer need to produce photocopies of their identification card or household registration to receive services from government agencies after a new law took effect on Wednesday, a government spokeswoman said on Thursday.
Deputy government spokesperson Trisulee Trisaranakul said the new Act on Electronic Performance of Administrative Functions of BE 2565 (2022) was published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday and has come into effect.
She said the act is aimed at prodding government agencies to use electronic processes to provide services in line with the digital government policy and bureaucratic reform.
However, she said the new act would not be enforced by all government agencies. The spokeswoman said agencies of the legislative branch and judicial branch as well as independent organisations under the Constitution and agencies under the Office of the Attorney-General would be exempted from the new act.
Among several provisions, the new act requires government agencies to provide an electronic channel for the public to communicate with them to receive services.
The government agencies must also have an electronic channel for communicating among themselves.
The act also requires government agencies in charge of public services to link their online databases and safeguard their databases so that they can provide public services faster with data security.
Among the highlighted provisions is Section 12 of the act that allows people to show just the real ID card or original documents to state agencies to receive services, Trisulee said.
If a government agency needs to keep photo copies of such documents, Section 12 requires them to make photocopies on their own without charging a single baht from the public, she added.
The spokeswoman said Section 7 also allowed public members to choose to file electronic application to the state agencies concerned when they seek permission or licence from the state agencies.
Section 7 will regard electronic applications as having the same status as paper applications, Trisulee added.
She said the second paragraph of Section 15 also required all government agencies in charge of providing public services to amend their law, directives and regulations that pose obstacles to the electronic services to the public and electronic document handling among government agencies.
Trisulee said Section 19 of the act also required government agencies concerned to jointly plan electronic functions and IT and electronic communications standards for linking their services for the Cabinet to approve within 240 days of the new act taking effect.
While the Cabinet has not yet approved the electronic methods, the government agencies can use their current electronic practices, the spokeswoman added.
She said Section 22 of the act also required government agencies to report the progress in the implementation of the act to the Cabinet every two months.
The agencies must also inform the public of the electronic channels and methods that they can use to obtain services, the spokeswoman said.
Twelve Northeast provinces get flood warning amid ‘heavy rains’ today, Fri
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022
Twelve provinces in the Northeast might be hit by floods, the Thai Meteorological Department said on Thursday.
The department issued a warning saying an active low-pressure cell from the upper Philippines had moved to the South China Sea and was expected to intensify as it makes landfall in Vietnam on Thursday and Friday.
This will bring more rain to the Northeast, the East and the Central region including Bangkok and its vicinity on Friday and Saturday, the department forecast.
Moreover, there is a chance of heavy rains in the Northeast provinces of Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani.
The department advised people there to beware of severe conditions that may cause flash floods and overflows, especially those who live along foothills near waterways and lowlands.
It asked people to closely follow warnings and updates on the website http://www.tmd.go.th or via hotline 1182.
BQ.1.1, XBB variants have not spread in Thailand yet: Disease Control Dept
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022
THE NATION
The Covid BQ.1.1 and XBB variants have not spread in Thailand, with most patients being infected with Omicron, the Disease Control Department (DDC) confirmed.
DDC acting director-general Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong said on Wednesday that both BQ.1.1 and XBB have reportedly been found in foreign countries and have spread quickly.
In Thailand, he said, most patients have been infected with the BA.5 Omicron subvariant, presently the main variant in the entire world. Tares said the number of patients has been on the decrease while prevention measures in several areas have been eased, but he nevertheless urged everyone to continue abiding by important measures in this new normal lifestyle, which include wearing masks in risky areas, washing one’s hands regularly and keeping a social distance. Meanwhile, those who are infected must isolate and treat themselves for at least five days.
He suggested wearing two layers of masks during travel or work and advised people with severe symptoms to visit a doctor.
Getting a booster dose could reduce the severity of the disease, he recommended.
The Public Health Ministry is administering Pfizer vaccines for children aged 6 months to 4 years, he added.
Meanwhile, virologist Dr Anan Jongkaewwattana posted on Facebook on Wednesday that the World Health Organisation had issued a statement saying Europe is facing a new wave of Covid-19, which is different from others as influenza is spreading simultaneously with Covid.
Covid-19 and influenza vaccines will be important for people in risk groups because the shots will keep severe symptoms at bay, Anan added.
PM, ministers mark Memorial Day for King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, accompanied by his wife Naraporn Chan-o-cha and other Cabinet ministers, offered alms to 89 monks to mark His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Memorial Day on Thursday.
The almsgiving ceremony was held in front of Thai Khu Fah building at Government House in Bangkok’s Dusit district.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit and Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow reportedly attended the ceremony.
The government is also inviting people to welcome the King and the Queen at King Rama IX Memorial Park in Bangkok’s Dusit district at 5pm on Thursday.
Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana are scheduled to attend a ceremony to unveil the statue of HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the park.
Free boat trips for people who want welcome Their Majesties
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022
Free boat trips are available for people who want to welcome the King and the Queen at King Rama IX Memorial Park in Bangkok’s Dusit district at 5pm on Thursday, the Public Relations Department said.
The department said people can take boat trips from three piers – Tha Chang, Wat Rakhang and Wat Arun –for free from 6am to 8pm. Boats leave every 15 minutes.
The department added that the Marine Department and E Smart Transport were also providing free electric boat trips to and from two piers – from Nonthaburi to Tha Chang at 8am and 9am and from Tha Chang to Nonthaburi at 6pm and 6.30pm.
Over 70 locals rescued after being trapped by flash flood in Sai Yok National Park
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022
More than 70 locals in Kanchanaburi’s Sai Yok National Park were rescued on Wednesday after being stuck in three forests for five long days.
The rescue came after they ventured into the forests to collect “het khone”, or termite mushrooms, but could not get out due to a flash flood.
National park chief Supol Khamsano explained that the locals from a number of communities went to collect the mushrooms in three areas – around 30 in Dongsak forest, 20 in Huai Luek forest and another 20 in Khok Wua forest.
He said some other locals were able to overcome strong tides and exit the forests, but others, who were on motorcycles, had to wait for the floodwater to recede.
The rescue team had been instructed to deploy four-wheel-drive trucks to rescue them and get their motorcycles out, he said.
“Even though the operation was difficult, all locals were rescued and were able to return home,” he said.
Chula researchers find cassava solution for cat litter
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2022
A researcher at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Science has come up with the idea to make 100 per cent Made-in-Thailand cat litter absorbent from cassava and aims to export it to the global market.
The product effectively absorbs liquids and odours of cat urine, decomposes naturally, and is safe for cats and their owners. Also coming up is sand for cat litter that indicates disease.
With prices of agricultural produce in decline, Thai researchers have found a way to add value to crops like cassava turning them into cat litter that is a necessary commodity for pet care.
“I am a cat lover and have been using cat litter products for over a decade. I noticed that practically 100% of cat litter on the market is imported and wondered why we weren’t manufacturing the product locally. I looked around at the agricultural products we had and tried various options like paddy husk or sugar cane pulp and found cassava to be ideal,” Lunjakorn Amornkitbamrung, a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University disclosed to us the origins of the product now known by its trade name “Hide&Seek.”
“Cassava becomes very sticky when soaked. This is the quality that is needed when it comes to cat litter which needs to solidify and be absorbent. It is also a natural substance that can be discarded simply by flushing it down the lavatory.”
Not only has this innovation done wonders in increasing crop value for cassava farmers, but it also assures cat lovers who look for a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly product.
It comes as no surprise that the cassava cat litter has received numerous awards such as the Best Inventions in Agriculture and Biology for the 2022 Fiscal Year organized by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the 2021 Young Scientist Award from the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology, and The Prime Minister’s Export Award for 2021 from the Ministry of Commerce.
Cassava cat litter – a new and healthy option There is much to choose from in the cat litter market today from volcanic ash to pine pellets and even tofu litter. “Hide&Seek” cassava cat litter is the latest option that Dr. Lunjakorn is confident about when it comes to cats raised in condominium units or other limited spaces.
Made from 100% cassava, The product is chemical free and is therefore safe for feline friends and their owners. It also doesn’t produce dust from soil, rocks, or sands that can be toxic when inhaled.
It solidifies easily which means it can be cleaned up and flushed away since it decomposes naturally.
Most importantly, the cassava cat litter is better at absorbing odours than other products on the market that are made from other materials.”
Generating income for the Thai farmers As a researcher specializing in chemistry, Lunjakorn was able to find the right technology to produce cat litter from cassava.
The process began with breaking down the root crop into small pieces and drying them before crushing them into powder. The next step would be to use adequate heat and pressure to get small pellets used for cat litter.
The benefit of using plant-based raw materials is that the crops can be replaced.
This is quite different from the products made from the quarried Bentonite clay which is a form of destruction of natural resources.”
Replacement cultivation of cassava crops provides farmers with a steady income all year round. Lunjakorn intends to set up a cat litter factory in Chon Buri Province where cassava is planted.
“We’ve had talks with the farmers and assured them that we’d offer a price of over 10 baht per kilogram which is higher than the normal price they get at 4-5 baht. For that, they must cooperate by planting cassava with the desired quality to be used for the manufacturing of our product.”
Thai cat litter in the global market The cat litter market is highly competitive. The Thai market alone is worth 800 million baht per year whereas the world market stands at around 280 billion baht per year.
“The market is highly competitive. The challenge is to find the right strategies to make our product known so that more people buy it,” said Lunjakorn.
“Hide&Seek” has been on the market for about 2 years. In its first year, its total sales reached 5 million baht and the amount doubled in the second year.
Aside from the local market, the product has been exported to countries like Australia, Vietnam, and Malaysia and will soon be available in Italy and Japan as well.
Plans are underway to turn other crops into cat litter With the success of cassava cat litter, other entrepreneurs are considering the option of adding value to their crops.
According to Lunjakorn, this might be possible with sugarcane pulp or paddy husk but they don’t have the same level of stickiness which means some substances like tapioca flour might need to be added to the formula.
“We’ve had several people consulting us on various possibilities of turning materials like hemp or paddy husk into cat litter. These possibilities need to be studied so that other formulas can be developed in the future.”
Cat litter of the future might help indicate your cat’s health problems Right now, Lunjakorn is hard at work on some improvements to his cat litter product.
“We are hoping to increase the value of our cat litter with an added feature that will enable cat owners to detect anything unusual with their cat early on before the condition worsens. The cat can then be taken to the vet in time to get treatment.
The product being researched makes it possible to check the pH and glucose levels from the cat’s urine which shows results from the change in colouration for such ailments as kidney disease, urinary tract infection, and diabetes.
The extended research project is being funded by the National Research Council of Thailand’s Pilot Project for the Thai Inventors/ World Inventors Project for 2022 with Associate Professor Kanet Wongravee of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University as the head of the project.
The research is expected to be completed by the end of this year when a new product will be introduced to the market.
A 2.7 – kilogram bag of “Hide&Seek” cassava cat litter costs 220-250 baht and can last for 3 weeks per cat. The product is on sale at pet shops in various department stores and the product is also available at Thonglor Pet Hospital where it is branded as Dr Choice and produced by OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing).
Heartbroken parents collect toddlers’ ashes after cremation
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2022
Grief-stricken relatives of 19 Nong Bua Lamphu massacre victims collected ashes of their loved ones at Wat Rat Samakee in Na Klang district on Wednesday.
A royally sponsored mass cremation for 19 of the 36 victims was held at the temple on Tuesday morning.
Of those cremated, 18 were toddlers who were killed in their sleep at a nursery in the Northeast province’s Na Klang district.
Parents of the victims said they would keep the ashes to make merit for 100 days.
One couple said their pet dog had whined for their child all night before following them to the temple today.
After the collection of ashes, the monks led relatives to offer alms at the temple’s monastery in a bid to make merit for the victims.
Boonrawd Brewery wins 2 HR Asia awards for excellence in staff management and development.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022
Boonrawd Brewery has recently won 2 awards in Human Resources Management from HR Asia magazine, one of the most widely trusted Human Resources magazines in Asia, for the second year in a row.
The company received the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2022, and the We Care: HR Asia Most Caring Companies Awards 2022, which are testaments to how the company treats its employees like family members and creates a great working environment to improve skills and potentials for sustainable growth.
Bhurit Bhirombhakdi, Chief Executive Officer Boonrawd Brewery Co., Ltd., revealed that “Boonrawd Brewery has always put people at its core for the past 89 years. As time changes, how we manage and develop our people does not limit to just treating them as family members but develops and helps them realize their potential so that everyone can work together as a team”.
However, the challenge of developing personnel in each and every one’s differences. A big company like Boonrawd house diverse people, so the management needs to set everyone’s sight on the same goal and involve them in helping drive the organization forward sustainably.
“Every single person has contributed to the company’s success. My job is to ensure that every staff can grow and everyone can collaborate and work with joy and passion, not just responsibilities,” he said.
Sunit Scott, Head of Organization Capability of Boonrawd Brewery Co., Ltd., reveals says that “We aim to build the right attitude and mindset. Although it could be difficult sometimes, it’s all worthwhile in the end, as one person’s perspective can make or break the company, “.
” HR’s job is to be open to opinions and understand different generations’ perspectives. The more we know, the more we can build up their strengths and advantages together and develop them the right way. We want our people to realize their potential in both work and life, and ultimately contribute positively back to society,” he added.
The HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2022 and the We Care: HR Asia Most Caring Companies Awards 2022 from HR Asia magazine, one of the most widely trusted Human Resources magazines in Asia, are awarded based on employee affinity and satisfaction on different aspects such as good internal management or HR practices that support the staff.
While the Most Caring Companies Award is a special prize awarded to companies that placed their importance on taking care of employees and workplace excellence in 2022, with over 219 Thai organizations applying for the award.
BTS Group Holdings PCL has been listed in the Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) for its 4th consecutive year
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022
On October 10, 2022, BTS Group Holdings PCL (BTS Group) has been selected as 1 of the 170 Thai listed companies to be included in the Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) 2022 from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).
For the 4th consecutive year, the inclusion has reflected BTS Group’s unwavering efforts to further develop its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices as an essential part of the Company’s operational identity. Commissioned by the SET, out of 221 submissions, the 2022 THSI has selected 170 Thai companies that have passed its selection criteria for exemplary ESG performances.
