Flood warning for downstream provinces as Chao Phraya Dam discharge rises
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022
THE NATION
People living downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam have been warned that the level of the river and connected canals will rise by 30 to 50 centimetres from Sunday to Tuesday.
The Royal Irrigation Department will increase the dam’s discharge rate from Saturday, and this may cause flash floods in the downstream provinces of Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Singburi.
Praphit Chanma, the department’s director general, said on Friday that more water is being discharged to improve the dam’s capacity ahead of heavy rains next week. The discharge rate will rise from 1,989 cubic metres per second to 2,200 cubic metres per second.
Areas that will be affected include:
• Ang Thong: Phong Pheng canal, Chaiyo district
• Ayutthaya: Bang Ban canal, Sena and Phak Hai districts
• Singburi: In Buri, Muang and Phrom Buri district
Praphit advised people living in lowlands in these areas to monitor water levels closely and keep up with weather forecasts. The department has also dispatched officials and water pumps to flood-prone areas to prevent flooding and be at hand to help people during emergencies, he added.
The Thai Meteorological Department says several parts of Thailand will be hit with isolated heavy to very heavy rain next week due to the strong monsoon trough lying across the country and the influence of the tropical storm Noru. The storm is expected to make landfall in upper Vietnam on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Public Health Ministry will take over once CCSA is dissolved on Oct 1, says Satit
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022
THE NATION
The Public Health Ministry will be the central agency overseeing Covid-19 management once the Centre of Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is dissolved on October 1, Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutecha said.
Speaking on Friday after a meeting with the CCSA, Satit said the ministry has also proposed amendments to the Communicable Disease Act that will allow control measures to be implemented and give Covid-19 patients easier access to treatment. The amendments are being considered by the Council of State.
Apart from the dissolution of CCSA, which has been serving as a national Covid-19 taskforce since March 12, 2020, the emergency decree will also be revoked from October 1.
“CCSA thanks all government agencies, private sector and the general public for their cooperation and dedication which have helped us get through this difficult and complicated situation,” CCSA spokesman Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin said after the meeting. “Our efforts in Covid-19 management have also been recognised and applauded by the global communities.”
Taweesilp added that from October 1, Covid-19 will be downgraded from a dangerous communicable disease to a communicable disease under surveillance. He asked all related agencies to make sure that the transition is smooth and appropriate disease control measures are maintained to keep the public safe.
On Saturday, Thailand recorded 607 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 14 deaths over the past 24 hours, while 745 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.
The number of cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022, stands at 2,454,262 with 11,008 deaths.
Heavy rain to batter North, Northeast of Thailand for most of next week
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022
THE NATION
The North and Northeast of Thailand will be hit with isolated heavy to very heavy rain from Tuesday to Thursday due to the influence of tropical storm Noru.
The Thai Meteorological Department said the tropical depression over the Pacific Ocean to the east of the Philippines had developed into a tropical storm at around 1pm on Friday. The storm is expected to move to the centre of the South China Sea on Sunday and Monday before making landfall in upper Vietnam on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The department forecasts that the storm will bring isolated heavy to very heavy rain to the North and Northeast from Tuesday to Thursday. People in these areas have been warned of flash floods and runoffs, especially along the waterways near foothills and lowlands. They have also been advised to monitor the weather forecast.
The department also forecast that on Saturday and Sunday, a strong monsoon trough will lie across the lower North, Central and lower Northeast of Thailand, while a moderate southwest monsoon will prevail over the Andaman Sea, South and the Gulf of Thailand.
Abundant rain is likely over the country with possible isolated heavy to very heavy rain in the North, Northeast, Central region including Greater Bangkok, the East and the South over the weekend.
From Monday to Thursday, a strong southwest monsoon will prevail over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf, creating 2-metre-high waves in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf, which will be higher in thundershowers. Ships have been advised to proceed with caution and keep out of thundershowers.
Student loan repayments plummet as relaxed terms expected soon
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022
The Student Loan Fund (SLF) has seen a steep drop in repayments since last week, when the House of Representatives passed legislation freeing debtors from interest burdens, default fines and guarantor requirements.
SLF manager Chainarong Katchapanan remarked on the repayments slowdown on Friday.
He said it was likely SLF debtors were waiting for clarity on the legislation, which will be vetted by the Senate after the new parliamentary session starts on November 1.
Debt repayments have dropped from 50 million baht per day to 10 million per day recently, said the fund’s manager.
Repayments are made through automatic deductions from the debtors’ monthly salaries or by the debtors themselves.
Legislation to amend the Student Loan Fund Act was passed by 314 votes to three.
The current law imposes interest penalties and fines for defaults while also requiring third parties to guarantee loans.
Chainarong said the current default fine of 1 per cent and annual interest of 2 per cent are reasonable.
The bill would apply retroactively to borrowers and guarantors who sealed student loan agreements before it passed.
The SLF currently has assets of 370 billion baht and lends about 40 billion baht per year, with annual debt repayments of 30 billion baht.
Additional revenue of 6 billion baht per year comes from default fines and interest.
In the current academic year, a total of 638,132 students have secured SLF loans worth 38.8 billion baht.
Over the next five years, the SLF is expected to lend a total of 200 billion baht, against estimated repayments of 150 billion. With no interest and default fees, it would be deprived of some 6 billion baht in revenue per year.
Chainarong said that to stay afloat, the fund would have to rely on the discipline of debtors and perhaps a top-up budget from the government.
AIS launches Thailand’s first “Aunjai Cyber Course” to level up digital education
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022
In a collaboration between AIS and 3 key ministries – MOE, MOPH, MOI and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, they are building cyber-immunity from a young age with effective education nationwide
AIS has partnered with four key institutions: Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Interior and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in signing an MoU to launch “Aunjai Cyber”, a course in cyber immunity, for the first time ever in Thailand.
It is a joint effort between the state and private sectors to upgrade education in the digital age, protect against cyber threats and build immunity in digital lifestyles for all ages from children to members of the public.
Teachers can learn for themselves and then apply that to their students on the digital LearnDi platform and the Aunjai Cyber App.
Content has been designed in reference to the DQ Framework (Digital Intelligence Quotient) standards. Materials have also been adapted to the context of Thai society by mental health professionals.
This is now a target for rollout to over 30,000 educational institutions around the country which are under the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Interior.
All Thai people, regardless of gender or age, are invited to test their digital skills with the “Aunjai Cyber” syllabus, and upgrade their knowledge of Digital Citizenship.
Somchai Lertsutiwong, CEO of AIS, said, “At AIS, the focus of our work is more than developing our network quality to meet users’ needs. We are also actively aware of building a better digital society. Since 2019 we have implemented our Aunjai Cyber program as the hub of a network for every sector to come together and make positive changes to Thailand’s digital society. We use digital tech both as a tool for secure use, and to enhance digital intelligence. The body of knowledge promoting digital skills for Thai people gives them adequate warnings, so they can enjoy the digital world securely and creatively.
“AIS is fulfilling this mission in cooperation with the country’s three most important ministries. Digital learning materials have been created for the Aunjai Cyber Course. The Department of Mental Health under the Ministry of Public Health has developed a course in partnership with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, which has a strong graphics and animation component. The Ministry of Education, through the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), has been helping to certify that these courses are compliant with educational standards, and hence can be made available to students. The Ministry of Interior will also bring this course to the schools under their supervision.”
“Aunjai Cyber course” is presented in 4 Professional Skill Modules (4P4) covering the following digital skills:
1. Practice: Instilling the knowledge and understanding of using digital tech correctly and appropriately
2. Personality: Recommendations to protect online privacy
3. Protection: Learning how to prevent online cyber threats
4. Participation: Interactive learning of appropriate online communications skills and behaviour
Since January 2022, the program has been trialled in a virtual sandbox. Over 160,000 teachers and students have taken the course and passed the test
Amporn Benjaponpitak, M.D., FRCPsychT Director-General of the Department of Mental Health said, “One of our missions at the Public Health Ministry is mental health, executed by the Department of Mental Health as the responsible body for mental healthcare in Thailand. Our mission is focused on providing the Thai public with the resources they need to look after their mental health sustainably. Working with AIS to develop the Aunjai Cyber Course is a very concrete application of this policy. The Department of Mental Health has provided content suitable for every social group and age cohort in the form of warnings, recommendations and suggestions to cope with online challenges securely and creatively, very much in tune with our vision at the Ministry of Public Health.”
King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) President, Assoc Prof Suvit Saetia, commented on the university’s cooperation to develop educational materials for the Aunjai Cyber Course. “This cooperation came about from the sincere intention to work together of the faculty and other personnel, particularly by unleashing the potential of the Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology. This is in line with our long-term goals to develop educational innovation. We have developed digital media for the Aunjai Cyber Course. Alongside digital media for teaching, there is a test to assess the student’s digital skills and understanding of digital citizenship. We sincerely hope that by following this course, everybody will be helped to adjust their lifestyles in the digital age and be good digital citizens, able to access the online world securely.”
Treenuch Thienthong, Minister of Education, noted, “The Aunjai Cyber Course is another important step for Thai education in keeping abreast of a rapidly changing digital world. The mission of the Education Ministry is dedicated to expanding access to educational services. The course we are launching today has been certified by the Office of the Teacher Civil Service and Educational Personnel Commission (OTEPC) as a course suitable for teachers and instructors at institutions under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC). Teachers have been able to count development hours in requests for promotion, as stipulated by OTEPC.
“Now, educational supervisors, teachers and instructors from different educational institutions around the country have all come together. They all have a part in disseminating the Aunjai Cyber Course with the provided media to students nationwide, at schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), Office of Vocational Education Commission, Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC) and the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education (NFE). We will continue to expand our coverage as much as possible, so that both teachers and kids have the necessary digital skills to deal with hidden cyber threats on the Internet. They will also get the maximum use out of the technology.”
Songsak Thongsri, from the Ministry of Interior, added that the Ministry was disseminating the course to schools governed by local administrative organisations: “As well as our goal of maintaining order, public safety and internal security, the Ministry of Interior is committed to making communities and local economies more resilient. This includes supporting urban development and infrastructure. One of our goals is to enable the public to spend time online happily and securely by having the necessary skills to use the Internet properly at the current time. We will support our teachers and instructors, as well as over xxx,xxx students at institutions under local administrative organisations to study the “Aunjai Cyber” course, which will be of the greatest usefulness in their lives.”
The Aunjai Cyber course has become a key element of teaching in the official system. The public can learn more and grow their digital skills for free at https://learndiaunjaicyber.ais.co.th/
Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University grants honorary certificates to professors and students
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022
THE NATION
Associate Professor Dr Luedech Gridwichai (6th from the left), President of the University Council of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, presented the honorary certificates to the professors and students who did the benefits to the university from winning the innovation competitions in various countries.
Assistant Professor Dr Natnaporn Aeknarajindawat (5th from the left), Lecturer of the Graduate School and Consultant of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Udon Thani Education Center, was a leader of the team and Associate Professor Dr Chutikarn Sriviboon (7th from the left), President of the university, attended as the witness of the ceremony.
81 per cent of consumers in Thailand now managing personal finances digitally: New Mastercard research
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022
THE NATION
Benefits like speed, convenience, and flexibility contribute to the shift in how Thai consumers manage their personal finances.
Thailand – September 22, 2022 – Most Thai consumers have now gone digital when it comes to managing a range of personal financial matters, including paying bills, banking, opening new bank accounts, and financial planning. Based on the Mastercard New Payments Index 2022, 81 per cent of consumers in Thailand have used digital tools for at least one financial task in the last year, with paying bills (78 per cent), banking (75 per cent) and opening new bank accounts (64 per cent) forming the top three.
The latest data on payment habits, attitudes and preferences was published in Mastercard’s second annual New Payments Index: a global consumer survey spanning 40 markets across five regions, including seven in APAC: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam.
Interestingly, when it came to personal financial management, the survey found that Thai consumers were typically more enthusiastic about using digital forms of payments than the regional average. This same enthusiasm mapped to Thai consumers’ broader use of payments, with 94 per cent having used at least one digital payment method like digital wallets, QR codes, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), cryptocurrencies, biometrics and other forms of digital payments in the last year, compared to the APAC regional average of 88 per cent. What’s more, 80 per cent of Thai consumers increased their usage of at least one digital payment method during the same period, demonstrating momentum.
“Although digitization brings a broad array of benefits—greater access to e-commerce, more economic transparency, more security—in many ways it’s the everyday tasks where it makes a big difference. In recent years, Thai consumers have increased their usage of digital payment options, often showing high engagement with new and emerging technologies. The survey results indicate that this comfort extends beyond payments, and now includes daily personal financial management, demonstrating the pervasiveness of digital technology in their everyday lives. This change is a positive sign for the continued digitization of the economy, and will help to spur long term, sustainable growth in Thailand,” said Aileen Chew, Country Manager, Thailand and Myanmar, Mastercard.
When asked about their reasoning for using digital methods to pay bills, convenience was the top response (85 per cent), followed by the fact that it was seen as more secure/safe (61 per cent), and that it gave consumers more control over their money (56 per cent). However, concerns remain about security, indicating an opportunity for service providers to offer consumers additional education and reassurance.
Thai consumers are also among the most enthusiastic in the region about using emerging payment technologies, with digital wallets leading (63 per cent), followed by account-to-account payments (55 per cent), and QR codes (54 per cent). Notably, Thai consumers have been strong adopters of cryptocurrencies, with 25 per cent using them to pay in the last year (compared to the regional average of 13 per cent).
JobsDB advises burnouts to focus on developing in-demand skills
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
Aside from learning new skills for the right opportunity, we can avoid burnout by increasing happiness at work by identifying the source of the burnout and starting something new.
Burnout is a term that many modern workers are familiar with. Some people are experiencing it right now, while others may have already gone through it.
Burnout frequently has a negative impact on work performance, daily life, relationships with family and coworkers, and so on.
Workers who are burned out may become discouraged and lose motivation.
JobsDB, Asia’s leading job portal, encourages new generation workers to rekindle their passion for work. JobsDB educates them on burnout and provides advice on how to change their perspectives and attitudes while learning new skills, so they make the most of their time and overcome burnout.
As a result, they would be armed with new knowledge and skills for a new job opportunity.
Burnout is common for people of all ages The term “burnout” conjures up images of long-term workers’ conditions. However, burnout affects workers of all ages, from first jobbers to supervisors and senior executives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including an inability to manage things that affect your work, such as your work schedule or assignments, a sense of not belonging at work, not sharing the same goals as the organization, not being given the opportunity to do the job you are good at, being overlooked, and the classic work-life imbalance.
These factors contribute to performance delays, mental stress, and a loss of self-confidence and trust in the organization, all of which impact your performance.
The crisis shed light on myriad hidden opportunities The pandemic has been a global crisis in recent years, causing immeasurable losses to countries worldwide. Many businesses have had to downsize or even close, while workers have been laid off and forced to look for new jobs in vain. It is not surprising that these workers are more likely than ever to give up and become burned out.
However, we couldn’t deny that the Covid-19 crisis also created new opportunities for many businesses and exponential growth in the demand for high-skilled workers.
Duangporn Promon, Managing Director of Jobs DB Recruitment (Thailand) Limited, said, “According to JobsDB Thailand Salary Report 2022 distributed on JobsDB (Thailand) platform, Computer/IT industry has been the industry with the highest number of job ads posted.
With the most job openings across all industries, Sales/Marketing was the most in-demand job function.
Several job functions in Thailand experienced salary increases as a result of the increased demand. Computer/IT, Sales & Customer service, Marketing & PR, Education and Beauty, and Health & Fitness were among them.
Various measures enacted to control the epidemic, business activity restrictions, and abrupt termination of employment caused entrepreneurs and workers to place a greater emphasis on job and financial security.
As a result, workforces worldwide are developing in-demand digital skills as they seek new opportunities in industries or job functions with high growth potential.
According to the “Decoding Digital Talent” survey of over 9,000 digital workers from various countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Denmark, and Thailand, 63 per cent of digital workers want better job opportunities, while 49 per cent want a new challenge.
Duangporn adds, “Although the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) found that the national unemployment rate is relatively low this year, it is interesting that the number of workers experiencing burnout is increasing. However, we would like workers to recognize burnout as a common occurrence. We hope they use the JobsDB survey results to look for opportunities to develop skills and qualifications for a more stable job in terms of organizational growth and future compensation.”
Developing skills and seeking inspiration to overcome burnout In an era of constant change and adaptation, struggling with burnout is not the best option.
Aside from learning new skills, we can avoid burnout by increasing happiness at work by identifying the source of the burnout and starting something new.
For example, setting a new goal, finding new inspiration and challenge, creating a positive environment, travelling to a new destination, or discovering a new hobby. This could eventually lead to a successful new career.
Patcharajutar and Arpichaya Among Stars at 8th SAT-TWT Open
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022
THE NATION
The eight circuit of the Bt2.5 million SAT-TWT Open Road to World Ranking will tee off at par 72 6,378-yard Rayong Green Valley Country Club between September 27-29.
The tournament, one of the 10 events of the 2021-2022 season, will be competed in a three-day stroke-play format. After 36 holes, top 60 and ties will move ahead to the final round where they will battle it out for the winner’s prize money of Bt367,500.
A solid field of players spearheaded by red-hot Patcharajutar Kongkraphan, who won the last five domestic events (three on the TWT Tour) she entered and Arpichaya Yubol who just won the season-ending Thailand Mixed event in Lumphun on Sunday will strut their stuff next week. Joining the two favourites are 2018 LET Thailand Championships winner Kanyalak Preedasuttijit and two rookies Cholcheva Wongras and Kornkamol Sukaree.
The SAT-TWT Open Road to World Ranking is sponsored by the Sports Authority of Thailand, National Sports Development Fund, Siam Commercial Bank, P Overseas Steal (Public Company Limited) and the Panorama Golf and Country Club in Nakhon Ratchasima. Fans can catch up with news updates on ThaiWPGA Facebook Fanpage or at http://www.thaiwpga.com.
Thailand lose to Malaysia on penalties in King’s Cup semifinal
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022
THE NATION
It was heartbreak for Thailand as Malaysia pipped the home team 5-3 on penalties in the 48th King’s Cup semi-final on Thursday night at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium in Chiang Mai province.
The two teams were tied 1-1 at full-time.
Thailand dominated the first 15 minutes but lost momentum after captain Chanathip Songkrasin had to leave the field with an injury.
Malaysia took the lead through La’Vere Corbin Ong in the 32nd minute of the first half, but Thailand’s Pansa Hemviboon pulled off the equaliser in injury time, forcing a penalty shootout.
The hero for Malaysia was their goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed, who saved the kick from Thailand’s Supachok Sarachat, leading to Malaysia winning the shootout 5-3.
In the final on Sunday, Malaysia face Tajikistan who beat Trinidad and Tobago in the other semi-final, while Thailand will play Trinidad and Tobago for third place.
The Sunday matches, start from 5pm and will be broadcast live via channel 32 and AIS Play.
