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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/asia-pacific/40023137

Citibank forecasts positive outlook for Asian economy in 2023

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

It is also expected that the Thai economy will expand further, with an expected GDP growth of 4.3% and headline inflation to return to an average of 2.5%

Citi has recently released an Asia-Pacific economic data update for 2023, indicating a positive outlook due to the end of Asia’s monetary tightening cycle and strong CAPEX trend in some economies, although China’s reopening will likely have a lesser impact on regional economic growth until 2H23.

The Thai economy is expected to grow further in 2023 as a result of the tourism recovery, an increase in private sector spending, as well as easing inflation. In any case, there remain downside risks to monitor amid global slowdowns.

Johanna Chua, Chief Economist for Asia Pacific, Citigroup said, “The Asia-Pacific region’s overall economy shows positive signs in 2023. Citi expects Pan-Asia GDP growth at 4.4%, a slight increase from 3.5% in 2022. Despite risk factors such as the war between Russia and Ukraine, the geopolitical tension between China and the United States, and price shocks, the regional economy is expected to continue to grow, following the end of the monetary tightening cycle. The Fed’s policy rate is expected to peak, and the US dollar’s depreciation in the second half of 2023 is expected to relieve some pressure on Asia’s central banks. While China’s gradual re-opening is not expected to provide much growth support to Asia until the second half of 2023, it may cause inflation in ASEAN economies such as Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand to remain elevated for longer.”

Chua continued, “Based on investment and international trade trends in 2023, Citi forecasts a slowdown in the tech-led trade until the middle of 2023, followed by a U-shaped recovery in the second half of 2023. There are secular CAPEX trends that are worth monitoring, namely in Indonesia and India. More investments will be made in India in the fiscal year 2023, with increased production capacity and a record level of foreign direct investment. Additionally, foreign investment is expected to flow into the Indonesian supply chain, particularly in the low-carbon metals and electric vehicle battery industries.”

Nalin Chutchotitham, Citi Thailand economist, maintains the 2023 Thai economic growth forecast at 4.3% after the complete reopening. The tourism sector, in particular, will be a key growth driver, with an expected 23 million tourists in 2023, an increase from an expected 10.1 million in 2022. Private consumption is expected to continue growing as the labour income in the services sector recovers further. Despite the slowdown in the export sector, we continue to expect private investment to expand in 2023, supported by longer-term development in the government-promoted Bio-Circular-Green industries, as well as the Eastern Economic Corridor project.

“Despite slower growth in the export sector, the current account is expected to revert from a deficit in 2022 to a surplus of 3.8% of GDP in 2023. This is expected to be led by higher tourism revenues, a decrease in freight service expenditure, and a narrower trade deficit due to lower commodity prices.”

“However, the Thai economy may continue to face upside inflation risks from demand-pull pressures and unexpected increases in energy prices. In our base case, however, headline inflation is expected to return to an average of 2.5% in 2023. We also expect the Bank of Thailand to hike the policy rate to 2.25% by the third quarter of 2023. The gradual policy rate hike, combined with ample domestic liquidity, will help to mitigate the negative impact of higher borrowing costs on SMEs and households. Meanwhile, there remains some room for fiscal measures should the economic momentum weaken more than expected,” Nalin concluded.

Citibank Thailand recently held an event dubbed “All-Star Analyst Day 2022” to provide corporate and institutional customers with information on economic and investment trends. 

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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/us-canada/40023132

Puerto Rico independence vote bill passes US House

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

Puerto Rico’s movement for greater self-government got a boost on Thursday in the US House of Representatives, which passed a bill for a referendum on three potential futures although the measure had little chance of being taken up by the Senate.

The Puerto Rico Status Act outlines terms for a binding referendum on the three options: full independence, US statehood or sovereignty with formal US association, similar to the Marshall Islands and Micronesia.

Democratic Representative Raul Grijalva, the bill’s original sponsor, said that whether the measure gets a vote in the Senate or not, it will still set “an important historical precedent” for Puerto Rico.

The legislation “tells the people in Puerto Rico, our fellow US citizens, that this election is going to be above board and the consequences are going to be above board,” Grijalva told a House committee hearing on Wednesday night.

The measure passed in the Democratic-controlled House in a 233-219 vote, largely along party lines.

Republicans argued against the bill because it did not offer the option of maintaining the status quo and said it was a distraction as a US federal government shutdown looms on Friday night unless lawmakers approve a funding measure.

The Caribbean island is currently a US territory whose residents are US citizens but do not have voting representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections.

With about a week to go before Congress takes a holiday break, senators are scrambling to pass two major bills funding the military and the government more broadly.

Unless the Senate acts on the Puerto Rico bill this month, which is improbable, the legislation will expire. Republicans, who will control the House in the new Congress next year, are unlikely to reintroduce it.

Puerto Rico, which has about 3.3 million people and high rates of poverty, became a US territory in 1898. Activists have campaigned for greater self-determination including statehood for decades.

There have been six referendums on the topic since the 1960s, but they were non-binding. Only Congress can grant statehood.

Reuters

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US National Archives releases documents related to JFK assassination

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

The US National Archives on Thursday released thousands of documents related to the 1963 assassination of then-President John F. Kennedy shortly after President Joe Biden issued an executive order authorizing the release that also kept hundreds of other sensitive records secret.

The release of 12,879 documents was not expected to include any new bombshells or change the conclusion reached by the commission led by Chief Justice Earl Warren that Lee Harvey Oswald, a former Marine and communist activist who had lived in the Soviet Union, acted alone. However, the latest cache will be useful for historians focusing on the events around the assassination.

Kennedy was shot and killed while riding in his motorcade through Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, at the age of 46.

Thousands of books, articles, TV shows and films have explored the idea that Kennedy’s assassination was the result of an elaborate conspiracy. None have produced conclusive proof that Oswald – who was fatally shot by nightclub owner Jack Ruby two days after killing Kennedy – worked with anyone else, although they retain a powerful cultural currency.

Congress in 1992 had ordered that all remaining sealed files pertaining to the investigation into Kennedy’s death should be fully opened to the public through the National Archives in 25 years, by Oct. 26, 2017, except for those the president authorized for further withholding.

In 2017, then-President Donald Trump released a cache of records but decided to release the remaining documents on a rolling basis.

All of the remaining JFK files were originally supposed to have been released in October 2021. Biden postponed that planned release, citing delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and announced they would be instead disclosed in two batches: one on Dec. 15, 2021, and another by Dec. 15, 2022, after undergoing an intensive one-year review.

With Thursday’s release, 95 % of the documents in the CIA’s JFK assassination records collection will have been released in their entirety, a CIA spokesperson said in a statement, and no documents will remain redacted or withheld in full after an “intensive one-year review” of all previously unreleased information.

Reuters

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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/asean/40023126

Philippines bans the import of certain fish species

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022

The Philippine government has temporarily barred the entry of certain imported fish to avert their diversion to wet markets which could aggravate disruptions in the food value chain.

In a directive, the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) said it suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) for importing certain fish species effective immediately.

Canners are temporarily barred from importing round scad (“galunggong”) and moonfish (“bilong-bilong”) from abroad.

Likewise, the DA held off the SPSIC issuance to processors covering imported round scad, bonito (“tulingan”), mackerel (“alumahan”), moonfish, pompano, and tuna byproducts.

The import of these fish species will only be allowed if it will be directly undertaken by processors and importers who supply raw materials to processors with licences to operate and comply with food safety standards under the Food Safety Act.

Importers should also present a verifiable recording system of products containing the following: name of the importer; cold storage facility used to store fish imports; species and volume of raw materials delivered and processed along with the corresponding delivery and processing dates; and final destination of the processed product.

No substitutions

“Provided that, for importers supplying raw materials to processors, the species and volume of the products to be imported and the receiving processors thereof must be pre-identified in the application of the SPSIC and shall not be allowed to be supplied to any other processor,” the circular read.

Processors will be allowed to import once the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources completes the verification process.

Further, no import clearance shall be issued to institutional buyers for the importation of round scad, bonito, mackerel and moonfish in the meantime.

The DA, however, will allow them to procure imported pompano and tuna byproducts upon meeting certain requirements: a verifiable recording system that includes the name of the importer as well as delivered species and volume of imported fish with respective dates of deliveries.

“Importers allowed to import for processing and institutional buyers shall be solely liable with their client processor or institutional buyer for violation of import rules and regulations, including diversion of imported products to wet markets,” it said.

“For this purpose, a prima facie presumption of collusion between the importer and the processor or institutional buyer to commit such violation is hereby established,” it added.

The business group Fisheries and Aquaculture Board of the Philippines (FAB) said certain items outlined in the latest DA order need clarification.

Importers’ take

“Needless to say, it imposes additional constraints on the trade of imported seafood. This will result in additional disruptions and uncertainties,” FAB said.

“It will stoke inflation, especially among the small carinderias that serve the pompanos and galunggongs, tuna panga and byproducts,” it added. “Eventually as seen from experience over the high price of galunggong, consumers will no longer be able to afford these items from wet markets.

Meanwhile, the food advocacy group Tugon Kabuhayan threw its support behind some senators’ call for additional roads from fish facilities to markets, pre-border inspections, and in-country laboratory tests for fish imports to scale up initiatives to put an end to the smuggling of agricultural goods.

“We support the various recommendations of Senators Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, Raffy Tulfo and Robin Padilla that would ensure steady fish supply at stable prices in the country,” said Tugon Kabuhayan convener Asis Perez.

“All these recommendations will improve the industry and benefit fisherfolk and consumers alike,” added Perez, a former BFAR director.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Asia News Network

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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/asia-pacific/40023120

Thursday, December 15, 2022

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022

Check out what’s hot in the region as The Nation puts together headlines from members of Asia News Network (ANN). Click to read more:

ANN news highlights: Thur, Dec 15, 2022
Bringing Asia Closer

Travel & Tourism
China
Travellers to HK can continue to mainland, 15K cases logged | China Daily

Travellers arriving in Hong Kong are now free to continue directly to the mainland or Macao as long as they meet the required criteria starting Wednesday when the city clocked 14,870 new Covid-19 cases.

Japan
Travel subsidy goes on vacation Dec. 28, returns in reduced from Jan. 10 – The Japan News

The nationwide travel subsidy program that ends Dec. 28 will be restarted Jan. 10, 2023, the government has announced.

Vietnam 
Koreans looking to recharge head to Vietnam – Korea Herald

With one out of every four travellers to Vietnam this year hailing from Korea, Koreans are expected to play a central role in the revitalization of Vietnam’s tourism industry.

India
OYO launches ‘Super OYO’ – The Statesman

The category called ‘Super OYO’ constantly analyses each hotel’s performance on multiple parameters such as customer ratings and reviews, keeping maximum rooms operational consistently, and smooth check-in experience, among others, said the company.

US-Philipines 
Historic number of Filipino Americans won in last November polls – Inquirer

A historic number of Filipino Americans were elected to local and state-level positions during the recent November elections.

South China Sea
DND airs concern over Chinese vessels ‘swarming’ in WPS | Inquirer 

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday expressed concern over the reported “swarming” of Chinese vessels at the Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Summit EU-Asean
PM, France’s Macron urge halt to Russian attacks on Ukraine | Phnom Penh Post

Cambodia and France have called for an immediate cessation of airstrikes and drone attacks by Russia against the Ukrainian people and civilian infrastructure, while Prime Minister Hun Sen called his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron a “frank” and “trusted” conversation.

EU and Asean leaders keen on more cooperation in digital and green economies: PM Lee – Straits Times

Asean and European Union leaders have much interest in working more closely together, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Climate Vietnam
G-7, Vietnam reach $21b climate deal to cut coal use: Sources – Reuters for Straits Times

The Group of Seven (G-7) industrialised nations will provide US$15.5 billion (S$21 billion) to Vietnam to help the country transition away from coal, two Western sources told Reuters on Wednesday.

Economy China
Editorial: China is open for business – Jakarta Post

We were told by countless new articles from around the world that China was in a bind with its zero-COVID policy. They suggested that while the approach failed to crush the virus, it was so closely intertwined with President Xi Jinping’s administration that Beijing had been left with no way to back out gracefully.

Afghanistan-Pakistan
zooinion: Trouble on the western frontier – Dawn

If there were any illusions about Pakistan having secured peace on its western frontier after the Afghan Taliban’s return to power last August, they should have been dispelled by now.

Economy 
Philippines
ADB raises 2022 economic growth forecast for Philippines to 7.4% | Inquirer 

As employment data improved and tourism recovered thanks to the lifting of COVID-19 mobility restrictions, the Asian Development Bank now expects Philippines’ gross domestic product to grow by 7.4 percent in 2022, better than its 6.5 percent forecast last September.

China
Targets set for increasing consumption – China daily

Policy document maps the way to fostering stronger domestic demand, promoting stability

Crypto 
Crypto’s Binance seeks to reassure over reserves, says it is debt free – Bloomberg for Straits Times

Binance Holdings, the world’s largest crypto exchange, has sought to counter concerns about outflows by reiterating its position that user assets are underpinned by reserves while also flagging an absence of debt.

Chips Taiwan
Taiwan seeks to reassure on TSMC commitment to island despite US investment – Agencies for The Star

Taiwan’s economy minister said on Wednesday that the island remains chipmaker TSMC’s most important production base after the company announced it would more than triple planned investment at its new Arizona plant to $40 billion.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/asia-pacific/40023109

US-South Korea launch US Space Forces Korea

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022

The US Space Forces Korea, mainly tasked with operating space-based assets and detecting and tracking missile launches, was officially launched on Wednesday amid escalating missile threats from North Korea.

The US Space Force activated its overseas component field command in South Korea, a subordinate unit to the newly established US Space Forces Indo-Pacific as well as a sub-unified command of the US Forces Korea (USFK).

The US Space Forces Korea (SPACEFOR-KOR) said it will be “tasked with coordinating space operations and services such as missile warning, position navigation and timing, and satellite communications within the region” in its introduction brochure. It will “provide space planning and employment expertise, as well as space command and control to the commander of US Forces Korea.”

“One of the many mission areas the new component will focus on is missile warning operations, which provides in-theatre near-real-time detection and warning of ballistic missile launches,” the USFK said in a statement released on the occasion of its activation ceremony.

Held at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, the ceremony was attended by the USFK Commander Gen. Paul LaCamera, Commander of the US Space Forces Indo-Pacific Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir and the newly-appointed commander of the SPACEFOR-KOR, Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion.

“Today marks the next milestone in our ironclad commitment to strengthening the alliance,” Lt. Col. McCullion said at Osan Air Base, where the SPACEFOR-KOR will be headquartered. “Just 48 miles north of us exists an existential threat that we must be prepared to deter, defend against, and – if required – defeat. US Space Forces Korea as the newest component must be prepared with our guardians to uphold the fight tonight readiness.”

Gen. LaCamera said the activation of the SPACEFOR-KOR enhances the US’ ability to “defend the homelands and ensures peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.”

“Because of US Space Forces Korea, the alliance is better able to execute multi-domain operations in the Korean Theater of Operation.”

The SPACEFOR-KOR has become the sixth component available to the USFK. The activation is a critical step in “normalizing the presentation of space forces” on the Korean Peninsula, the SPACEFOR-KOR said in its statement.

The SPACEFOR-KOR will conduct a “mission analysis” to decide on what capabilities it can offer and how many personnel are needed to fully integrate across the command, Brig. Gen. Mastalir told reporters after the ceremony.

The activation of the SPACEFOR-KOR is a “logical step in reorganizing US military forces after the establishment of the Space Force” in 2019, given that a space detachment from the US Air Force has long been assigned to the US Forces Korea, said David Maxwell, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a retired US Army Special Forces colonel.

Space assets and capabilities are an integral part of the defence plan for Korea as they are for all military commands and defence plans around the world, Maxwell said. They provide critical capabilities across the spectrum of military disciplines such as communications, navigation, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, missile defence and targeting, he added.

“The capabilities that will be employed tomorrow are the same ones that were employed yesterday so there is no radical or immediate change,” Maxwell said. “However, the establishment of the Space Force and its Space Commands/Components will improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of space support to the warfighting commands over time.”

Echoing this view, Bruce Bennett, a defence researcher at the RAND Corporation and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School, explained that the “main function of US Space Forces Korea will be to handle space-based assets — mainly satellites.”

“The satellites collect intelligence, warn of North Korean missile launches, provide communications, monitor ROK/US operations, potentially participate in information operations against North Korea, and in the future provide advanced missile defence. … Again, most of these functions are not new,” Bennett told The Korea Herald, using the acronym of South Korea’s official name, the Republic of Korea.

“Satellites can detect ballistic missile launches and send that information directly to the missile defence radars so that they can detect North Korean missiles, coordinate with other radars, and obtain an optimal firing solution for their interceptors. This will reduce the number of North Korean missiles able to penetrate the missile defence.”

Yang Uk, an associate research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies think tank, said the SPACEFOR-KOR would be “responsible for controlling and operating space-based assets and therefore it would play a very critical role monitoring and detecting activities related to North Korea’s missile launches and its nuclear buildup.”

“Strengthening US surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities by launching the component field command is also a step further to enable the US Space Force to operate and function aligning with the ‘4D strategy,’” Yang said.

South Korea and the US have established and developed the so-called “4D Operational Concept” or the “Alliance Comprehensive Counter-Missile Operations,” which is a guideline to detect, disrupt, destroy and defend in case of North Korea’s missile attacks.

In a nutshell, Ankit Panda, a senior fellow in the nuclear program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said, “missile warning and tracking would be an important part” of the SPACEFOR-KOR, which will also “help deepen the scope of the alliance activities.”

After the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Mastalir said the conversation between the SPACEFOR-KOR and its South Korean counterpart on enhancing partnership in missile warning and missile defence “should take place in the coming months.”

South Korea’s Air Force in early December launched Space Operations Squadron to strengthen its “capabilities to conduct space operations in practice.” The Air Force said the squadron will cooperate with the US Space Forces Korea to enhance South Korea’s capabilities to carry out combined space operations with its ally.

The SPACEFOR-KOR was also launched around three weeks after the US Space Forces Indo-Pacific – the US Space Force’s first overseas combatant command — was activated on Nov. 22.

“The US Indo-Pacific Command has been trying to step up the Space Force’s activities in Asia more generally to support the Biden administration’s efforts to advance integrated deterrence. This is a broader part of that effort,” Panda said.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/us-canada/40023090

Has Chicago dining gone to the dogs? Check out this pooches-only restaurant

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022

 If you were to pass by Bredwell, a newly-opened eatery in the suburban-Chicago town of Barrington, Illinois, you may mistake it for a typical place to grab a bite to eat.

After all, if you step inside, you’ll see freshly-cooked meats and other ingredients on display at a food bar, similar to what you’d find at fast food chains like Chipotle or Subway.

The big difference here though is that the food at this family-owned restaurant is strictly reserved for man’s best friend.

“This is something different, this is something new,” said Lisa Shade, co-owner of Bredwell alongside her daughter-in-law, Heidi. “When we came up with the concept, we did, you know, do a diligent search to be like, ‘is there somebody out there that’s doing something like us?’ And we didn’t find anyone who was making food fresh in a kitchen and portioning and customizing in a location based on what you tell us about your dog.”

When new customers come to Bredwell, they are asked to answer questions about their dog’s breed, age, size, lifestyle and more to help the restaurant’s team establish a meal plan specifically for the pup.

“We have theoretical values based on the weight in the activity of the dog,” said Rich Rothamel, vice president of quality and operations at Bredwell.

Rothamel has over 45 years of experience in the pet food industry, helping Heinz run their over $2 billion pet food product division.

“One of the biggest problems in the pet industry with dogs is over 50% are overweight, and it’s because the consumer loves their dog but doesn’t know exactly how much to feed,” said Rothamel. “We’ve taken that equation away from them and provided that information with fresh food as well as the nutrition.”

The eatery offers four protein choices; beef, chicken, pork and salmon.

Fruit, vegetables, cheese, or the popular supplementary protein, bacon, can also be added to any meal as a garnish.

Pre-made products, like treats and even a Gatorade-like drink made specifically for dogs, can be found on Bredwell’s shelves.

You can take the quiz and design a meal kit specifically tailored for your pup at http://www.bredwell.com.

Reuters

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Japan unveils future-food breakthrough: ‘meat’ made from rice bran

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022

Defatted rice bran is often wasted as it lacks practical applications, but a Japanese scientist and firm have managed to turn the byproduct into a high-protein food.

Yamagata University Prof Masanori Watanabe and rice milling machine manufacturer Satake Corp have announced success in their efforts to produce a meat substitute using protein extracted from defatted rice bran. The breakthrough is expected to bring a new source of income for farmers in the future.

Meat substitutes are made from soybeans and other plant-derived ingredients, which are processed to closely resemble the real thing. Fake meat is being heralded as a protein source that could help stave off the food crisis caused by population growth, climate change and war.

The rice-bran breakthrough is bound to catch the eye of Thailand’s substitute-meat industry, which is a global leader in the growing trend of sustainable future foods.

The defatted rice bran used in Prof Watanabe’s project is residue left over when rice oil is extracted from rice bran.

It has few uses other than as livestock feed and is often discarded.

Watanabe, who specialises in bio function and bioprocess engineering, developed a technology to extract highly concentrated and nutritious protein from this defatted rice bran and obtained a patent for it in 2015.

The meat substitute produced is close to real meat in appearance and tenderness, and the aroma and taste can be adjusted during the production process.

The substitute can be produced from domestically grown ingredients and is not genetically modified, which could help it gain acceptance as a product that is safe to eat.

“The shift to an agriculture that produces white rice and protein will help promote a shift to profitable and sustainable rice cultivation,” Watanabe told press last month.

The tenderness of the plant-based meat can be easily adjusted so that elderly people with a reduced appetite will find it easy to consume, he said.

“It will help prevent loss of muscle mass and extend people’s healthy life expectancy,” he added.

The Japan News

Asia News Network

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Wednesday, December 14, 2022

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022

Check out what’s hot in the region as The Nation puts together headlines from members of Asia News Network (ANN). Click to read more:

ANN news highlights: Wed, Dec 14, 2022
Bringing Asia Closer

Taiwan
18 China bombers violate Taiwan air defence zone | AFP for The Daily Star

China sent a record 18 nuclear-capable bombers into Taiwan’s air defence zone, Taipei said yesterday, just days after Beijing banned more Taiwanese imports in the latest sign of deteriorating ties.

Clash India-China I
Indian front-line troops urged to show restraint – China Daily

China demanded on Tuesday that India strictly manage and restrain its front-line troops to jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border region following the latest clashes between the two countries troops.

Clash India-China II
India says China trying to ‘change status quo’ | AFP for The Daily Star

India’s defence minister yesterday accused China of trying to “unilaterally change the status quo” on their disputed Himalayan border last week when clashes left troops on both sides injured.

Unlock HK
HK scraps all COVID-19 curbs for arrivals | China Daily

The Hong Kong authorities will abandon its amber health code arrangement on all incoming travellers, while the residents will no longer need to use the LeaveHomeSafe app to scan QR codes before entering various premises starting Wednesday.

Covid-19 China
Beijing residents panic amid eased COVID restrictions – The Japan News

With the extensive easing of measures to prevent novel coronavirus infection in China, the city of Beijing is experiencing turmoil as residents rush to pharmacies to buy medicine and test kits, and emergency calls increase rapidly.

Diplomacy Korea-China
S.Korea-China talks expose lingering differences over NK – Korea Herald

China urged South Korea to join its rally against the US — Korea’s biggest ally — calling it a “rule breaker” in what many see as the lingering discord that is likely to hamper Seoul’s efforts to use Beijing’s support to resume the US-led nuclear talks on North Korea.

Myanmar Crisis 
Cambodia
Myanmar conflict may take 5 more years to resolve: PM | Phnom Penh Post

Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his doubts that the Myanmar crisis would be resolved any time soon and ruled out a third trip there by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn in his capacity as the Asean chair’s special envoy.

Malaysia 
Human rights groups want govt to hold off deporting 114 Myanmar refugees – The Star

Human rights groups have urged the government to reconsider deporting 114 Myanmar refugees after a Kuala Lumpur High Court decision to lift the stay on repatriating them.

China 
China will continue cooperation in education and social areas: Chinese Ambassador | Eleven Media 

As Myanmar has reached a transition period and turning point in its development sector, China is willing to continue cooperation in education and social fields, said Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Chen Hai. 
 

Politics Bangladesh
Opinion: Steer Bangladesh towards peaceful solutions | The Daily Star

The events that have unfolded in our political landscape over the past few weeks – the debate regarding the venue of BNP’s Dhaka rally, the clash between police and BNP men that resulted in one death and many injuries, rallies by the ruling party and its provocations, etc – are saddening, to say the least. Our country gained its independence to ensure people’s right to self-determination. According to our Declaration of Independence, the main goals of establishing Bangladesh were instituting the rule of law, basic human rights, political, economic and social equality, and justice. However, in light of our experience over the last 51 years, we are still miles away from those goals.

South China Sea
Editorial: High time to assert PH rights | Inquirer 

Earlier this month, President Marcos Jr. made an important statement that turned years of established Philippine foreign policy on its head. And it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Globalisation
Opinion: Some globalisation is here to stay – The Statesman

In a chapter from his 2005 book The World is Flat, Thomas Friedman outlined “10 flatteners” which contributed to the flattening out of global economies. The fall of the Berlin Wall, for example, he says led to the demise of communism and the beginning of free-market economies. 

Tourism Sri Lanka
‘2023, one of Sri Lanka’s best recovery years; tourism will support country re-building’ – The Island

‘2023 would be one of the best recovery years for Sri Lanka and tourism will support rebuilding the economy. Aggressively promoting Indian tourism into Sri Lanka will serve that purpose to some extent, Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando said.

Travel China
Airlines eye skiers to boost ticket sales – China Daily

Widespread temperature drops nationwide have fueled consumer enthusiasm for taking skiing trips, and domestic airlines have launched different kinds of winter-themed flights to satisfy growing demand and attract more tourists.

M&A Thailand
GIC-backed unicorn in talks to acquire Foodpanda in Thailand – Bloomberg for Straits Times

Food delivery unicorn Line Man Wongnai is in talks to acquire Delivery Hero SE’s Foodpanda in Thailand as it plans for a stock-market debut in the next few years, according to people familiar with the discussions. 

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/world/40023063

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022

Argentines go wild after making World Cup final

Thousands of fans dressed in the sky blue colours of the Argentine flag cheered the 3-0 victory of the national football over Croatia, securing their spot in the final at the FIFA World Cup.