Korn brimming with confidence as brand new Chart Pattana Kla Party inaugurated

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Korn brimming with confidence as brand new Chart Pattana Kla Party inaugurated

Korn brimming with confidence as brand new Chart Pattana Kla Party inaugurated

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

THE NATION

Thailand’s Chart Pattana Party was officially renamed “Chart Pattana Kla Party” after an extraordinary general meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima on Monday.

The new name reflects the alliance of Chart Pattana with the Kla Party, led by former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij.

Korn brimming with confidence as brand new Chart Pattana Kla Party inaugurated

“We are confident that we are strong enough to achieve our goal as planned,” Korn said, adding that both parties shared a similar working style and their main objective is to solve the economic and political problems in the country.

Joining Korn at the extraordinary meeting were some 40 members of the Kla Party, including Atavit Suwannapakdee and Korbsak Sabhavasu.

Korn brimming with confidence as brand new Chart Pattana Kla Party inaugurated

Korn said he had been discussing the alliance with Chart Pattana’s chairman Suwat Liptapanlop for a while and has worked with members of the party without conflict while serving as finance minister in Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government.

He added that the new allied party was ready to work to its fullest extent in the upcoming general elections.

Chart Pattana, a long-established party with a stronghold in Nakhon Ratchasima, only holds four seats in Parliament. Korn founded Kla Party in June 2020 after losing the battle for Democrat Party’s leadership to Jurin Laksanawisit.

THE NATION

With promise of insurance cover, Tourism ministry, KTB sign MoU on collecting entry fees from foreign tourists

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With promise of insurance cover, Tourism ministry, KTB sign MoU on collecting entry fees from foreign tourists

With promise of insurance cover, Tourism ministry, KTB sign MoU on collecting entry fees from foreign tourists

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

THE NATION

The Tourism and Sports Ministry and Krungthai Bank (KTB) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on collecting entry fees from foreign tourists.

The ministry’s National Tourism Policy Act requires the ministry to collect entry fees for tourism management and development.

The move aims to boost Thailand’s tourism competitiveness in the long term, by developing tourism personnel skills, maintaining the quality of tourist attractions and promoting new tourism products.

“The entry fees will also be used to provide insurance to foreign tourists while travelling in Thailand,” the ministry said, adding that this will help boost the confidence of tourists.

With promise of insurance cover, Tourism ministry, KTB sign MoU on collecting entry fees from foreign tourists

The ministry’s Office of the Permanent Secretary has implemented guidelines on collecting entry fees from tourists via website, mobile application, kiosk and flight tickets.

“Some information obtained from the entry fees will be analysed for setting up plans or policies to meet tourists needs and develop the tourism industry,” the ministry said.

With promise of insurance cover, Tourism ministry, KTB sign MoU on collecting entry fees from foreign tourists

The ministry added that the entry fee payment via the “Krungthai Corporate Online” platform would make it convenient for tourism operators and foreign tourists.

Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan had said earlier that the Cabinet may be requested in October to approve collection of entry fees from foreign tourists, expected to be implemented early next year.

THE NATION

Five Apec members confirm their attendance at summit in Bangkok in November

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Five Apec members confirm their attendance at summit in Bangkok in November

Five Apec members confirm their attendance at summit in Bangkok in November

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

THE NATION

Leaders of at least five members have agreed to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Meeting on November 18-19, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Tanee Sangrat, director of the Information Department and spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said leaders of some other members had not yet officially confirmed, but they had conveyed their intention to participate to the Thai ambassador to the United Nations.

“We don’t want to give details of the names of these members yet due to security reasons,” Tanee said.

On Monday, acting government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisir said Thailand was now ready to host the annual Apec Summit and other meetings.

The meeting will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre while the gala dinner in honour of the Apec economic leaders and their spouses will be held at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall.

THE NATION

World Bank raises Thailand growth forecast to 3.1% amid signs of economic recovery

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World Bank raises Thailand growth forecast to 3.1% amid signs of economic recovery

World Bank raises Thailand growth forecast to 3.1% amid signs of economic recovery

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

THE NATION

The World Bank on Tuesday raised its forecast for Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) this year from 2.9 per cent to 3.1 per cent following recovery in consumption and exports.

However, the bank also reduced Thailand’s growth forecast for next year from 4.3 per cent to 4.1 per cent.

“Despite the economic slowdown’s impact on Thailand’s exports, easing of Covid-19 restrictions will help support the country’s tourism,” it said.

The World Bank expects growth in the East Asia and Pacific region this year to drop sharply to 3.2 per cent due to the impact of China’s strict Covid-19 restrictions on industrial manufacturing, domestic sales and exports.

The bank also expects 8-10 million foreign tourists to visit Southeast Asian countries this year.

The Thai government forecasts a 3-3.5 per cent expansion for the country’s economy this year as tourism recovers.

THE NATION

Songkhla touted as southern Thailand’s hub for medical tourism, MICE activities

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Songkhla touted as southern Thailand’s hub for medical tourism, MICE activities

Songkhla touted as southern Thailand’s hub for medical tourism, MICE activities

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

THE NATION

Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla should be considered for its potential as a medical and wellness hub as well as a MICE destination, Prince of Songkhla University (PSU) president said.

PSU chief Niwat Keawpradub said on Monday that the province has all the resources necessary to hold MICE (meetings, incentive travel, conventions, exhibitions) activities as well as provide the latest medical services.

He said promoting Songkhla as a medical hub would also go hand in hand with the government’s policy to boost medical tourism.

“Songkhla is fully prepared with top medical supplies and equipment and has some of the best government and private hospitals,” he said.

Niwat added that boosting Songkhla’s potential as a MICE as well as medical and wellness hub will also contribute to the country’s economy.

Songkhla touted as southern Thailand’s hub for medical tourism, MICE activities

He pointed out that Songkhla’s potential was proven by the 300 million baht revenue generated at the “Healthy Living & Innovation Expo 2022” held in Hat Yai from September 8 to 11.

“This reflects the success achieved by the government and private sector in promoting Thailand as an international medical hub,” he said.

The expo was organised by PSU, Medical Science Research and Innovation Institute, and the Songkhla Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

THE NATION

Thailand set for lashings of rain as Noru barrels toward southwest monsoon clouds

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Thailand set for lashings of rain as Noru barrels toward southwest monsoon clouds

Thailand set for lashings of rain as Noru barrels toward southwest monsoon clouds

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

THE NATION

Typhoon Noru will bring heavy rain to many parts of Thailand before it weakens into a tropical storm and enters the Northeast on Thursday, the Thai Meteorological Department said.

This ninth warning on the super typhoon was issued at 11am on Tuesday.

The department said that as of 10am on Tuesday, Noru was over the centre of the South China Sea and was due to make landfall in central Vietnam by Wednesday.

The forecast said the typhoon would weaken to a tropical storm before crossing lower Laos and moving to the middle and lower parts of the Northeast on Thursday. After hitting Thailand, the tropical storm will further weaken into a depression.

The department noted that the storm, together with the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, South and Gulf of Thailand, will unleash heavy rains in much of the North, Northeast, Central region including Greater Bangkok, the East and the South until Friday.

THE NATION

Samui tourist claims Russian mafia squeezed $3m worth digital coins from him

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Samui tourist claims Russian mafia squeezed $3m worth digital coins from him

Samui tourist claims Russian mafia squeezed $3m worth digital coins from him

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

THE NATION

A Russian tourist showed up at Samui police station on Tuesday complaining that a Russian gang had extorted 112 million baht worth of cryptocurrency from him.

He said he was filing the complaint because he was worried about the security of his wife, also a Russian national.

The 31-year-old, who only identified himself as Evgenii, filed the complaint with inspector Pol Lt-Colonel Udomsak Thappa.

In his complaint, Evgenii claimed six Russian men showed up at the coffee shop where he was having coffee with his wife and demanded he gives them his digital coins worth US$3 million. The incident reportedly took place in Koh Samui’s Taling Ngam area on September 15, though the alleged victim did not explain why he waited more than 10 days to file the complaint.

He also did not explain why this alleged gang was picking on him. He only said that the six men arrived in a black van and a motorcycle and told him that they wanted his digital coins.

Samui tourist claims Russian mafia squeezed $3m worth digital coins from himEvgenii also failed to explain how he had amassed a fortune in digital coins or which coins were stolen. He only claimed he had 58,000 digital coins and had transferred 50,000 to the gang.

He added that the gang continued following him and called him again on September 18 demanding more coins.

Samui tourist claims Russian mafia squeezed $3m worth digital coins from himInitial investigation unveiled security camera footage of the black van and motorcycle in question. The van was seen parking in front of an exchange booth and two men coming out to exchange money. CCTV footage also showed that the motorcycle was being driven by a foreigner.

Samui tourist claims Russian mafia squeezed $3m worth digital coins from himPolice, however, did not find any footage of the men intimidating or talking to the Russian tourist.

Police said the licence plate of the black van showed it came from Chonburi and the six men may be part of the Russian mafia in Pattaya.

THE NATION

Disaster mitigation agencies on standby as Noru hits provinces with heavy rain

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Disaster mitigation agencies on standby as Noru hits provinces with heavy rain

Disaster mitigation agencies on standby as Noru hits provinces with heavy rain

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

THE NATION

All provincial disaster prevention and mitigation offices and related agencies have been instructed to prepare for flash floods and runoffs caused by super typhoon Noru as it heads to Vietnam.

Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda issued the order on Monday, citing the Thai Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy to very heavy rain and gusty winds hitting several provinces from Wednesday to Saturday.

Anupong said provincial disaster prevention and mitigation offices should establish an operation centre to monitor the weather as well as evaluate the impact in their areas, including the amount of rain, water levels in rivers and canals, and the discharge rate of dams and reservoirs.

These centres should keep residents updated and issue advance warnings, so people can prepare for evacuation if necessary.

The minister also tasked all disaster prevention and mitigation units to dispatch officials to survey their areas and prepare equipment such as water pumps, rescue boats and vehicles for delivery of survival bags. They should be ready for deployment at any time to provide aid and evacuate affected communities.

Anupong also instructed related agencies to coordinate with the military, police, rescue foundations and volunteers to help people affected by heavy rain and flooding, including establishing temporary shelters and kitchens to cook meals for displaced people and delivering survival bags to inundated households.

The minister also tasked agencies in coastal provinces to monitor the shores and ensure all ships follow the advice of the Marine Department, the Royal Thai Navy and the Marine Police. Hotels by the sea have also been told to advise their guests to stay out of the sea during strong winds, high waves and thundershowers.

People needing help can call the 1784 24-hour hotline.

THE NATION

Heavy rain, flash floods forecast for most provinces as Noru heads to Vietnam

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Heavy rain, flash floods forecast for most provinces as Noru heads to Vietnam

Heavy rain, flash floods forecast for most provinces as Noru heads to Vietnam

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

THE NATION

The influence of super typhoon Noru is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rain causing flash floods and runoffs in many provinces from Wednesday to Saturday.

The Thai Meteorological Department said on Monday evening that Noru was moving from the centre of the South China Sea to make landfall in central Vietnam on Wednesday. On Thursday it is expected to head to the northeast of Vietnam before weakening into a tropical storm and depression.

Noru, teamed up with the strengthening southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand the Gulf of Thailand, will bring heavy to very heavy rain and gusty winds to the North, Northeast, Central region including Greater Bangkok, the East and the South from Wednesday to Saturday.

People have been warned of flash floods and overflow, especially along waterways near foothills and lowlands. Coastal communities should beware of high tides and rough seas.

The department also forecast 2- to 3-metre-high waves from Wednesday to Saturday in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf, which will become higher under thundershowers.

High waves have also been predicted for the lower Gulf, while ships and boats have been advised to stay onshore until Saturday.

Heavy rain, flash floods forecast for most provinces as Noru heads to Vietnam

Provinces that will be hit by heavy to very heavy rain are:

Wednesday

Northeast: Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani

Central: Greater Bangkok

East: Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaew, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat

South: Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun

Thursday

North: Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun

Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani

Central: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphanburi, Lopburi, Saraburi, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Greater Bangkok

East: Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaew, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat

South: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun

Friday

North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun

Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima

Central: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphanburi, Lopburi, Saraburi, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Greater Bangkok

East: Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaew, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat

South: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket

THE NATION

Thailand’s digital companies employing Vietnamese to fill skills gap in workforce

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Thailand’s digital companies employing Vietnamese to fill skills gap in workforce

Thailand’s digital companies employing Vietnamese to fill skills gap in workforce

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

Digital industry companies in Thailand are having to employ workers from Vietnam and other neighbouring countries to fill a domestic skills shortage, experts warned on Monday.

The warning came as the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) revealed the results of a survey showing explosive growth in Thailand’s digital industries.

The “2021 Digital Industry Survey” showed revenue of Thai digital industries grew 25 per cent to 898 billion baht from a year earlier.

But that impressive growth was not being matched by Thailand’s workforce, which is still lagging behind neighbouring countries such as Vietnam in terms of tech workers and developers, said experts.

Thailand’s digital companies employing Vietnamese to fill skills gap in workforcePathom Indarodom, of the Digital Council Committee, said Thailand is suffering a significant gap between “infrastructure readiness and people readiness”.

Speaking at a seminar on “The Direction of the Thai Digital Industry: Moving Forward with DEPA”, Pathom observed that while Thailand’s private sector has invested heavily in digital equipment and systems, it is still short of highly skilled digital workers. To sustain growth, many Thai tech companies end up hiring young Vietnamese workers or partnering with Vietnamese companies, he said.

Thailand urgently needed to invest in human resources to support digitalisation, he added.

Thailand’s digital companies employing Vietnamese to fill skills gap in workforceKulthirath Pakawachkrilers, president of the Thai e-Commerce Association (THECA), said that as well as boosting digital education of young people, Thailand must also assist the elderly in learning digital technology. 

Although it may be too late for seniors to become advanced developers, they can still apply digital technology to create new products, services or ways of doing things, she said.

Thailand’s digital companies employing Vietnamese to fill skills gap in workforceDEPA executive vice president Kasama Kongsmak said the agency is collaborating with institutions across the country to educate the next generation in programming and coding. However, the process would take time and require cooperation from all digital stakeholders, she said.

The “2021 Digital Industry Survey”, conducted by DEPA and the IMC Institute, focused on revenue and employment in the software, hardware and smart devices industries, as well as the digital services sector.

The highest growth was experienced in the digital services sector, which expanded 37 per cent to 346 billion baht last year. The survey found a corresponding increase in the number of digital workers, which rose 26 per cent from 2010 to 2020.

E-delivery and e-retail services had seen growth of 57 per cent and 44 per cent respectively as Thai society moved onto digital service platforms.
Meanwhile, the digital services workforce increased 26.55 per cent, from 66,917 in 2020 to 84,683 in 2021.

Thailand’s digital companies employing Vietnamese to fill skills gap in workforce

IMC executive director Thanachart Numnonda said digital services will be the fastest growing industry over the next three years, reaching 690 billion baht by 2024.

He expects the software industry to grow by around 10 per cent this year.

Thailand’s digital companies employing Vietnamese to fill skills gap in workforceThe value of the hardware and smart devices industry increased by 20 per cent to 386 billion baht in 2021, driven by a computer market worth over 100 billion baht.

The impact of lockdowns and working from home had spurred growth of hardware and smart devices, said IMC researcher Supachai Satjapaiboonkit.

The software and software services industries grew 13 per cent to 163 billion baht. Thai software firms were worth 121 billion baht, a 14 per cent rise from 2020.

Thailand’s digital companies employing Vietnamese to fill skills gap in workforceThe majority of Thai software firms were still small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, and more than 90 per cent had annual revenue of less than 10 million baht.

Kasititorn Pooparadai, senior executive vice president of DEPA’s Strategy and Security Unit, said the survey will be used to formulate a strategy to support long-term development of the digital industry.

Nongluck Ajanapanya