Category: Politics

Hanoi: Acting State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on April 24 hosted a reception for Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio who came to bid farewell to her. Congratulating Yamada on his successful tenure, Xuan spoke highly of his efforts to bolster the Vietnam - Japan relations in various domains. She described the time-honoured ties as a foundation for the two Governments and peoples to overcome formidable challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanked the Japanese diplomat for taking bold steps to get the Japanese Government to give COVID-19 vaccine and medical equipment support to Vietnam. Xuan went on to say that political trust between the two countries has been increasingly consolidated, with the highlight being the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Welcoming the ambassador's coordination to organise and preside over many activities marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations, Xuan said that the opera Pri ncess Anio staged by Yamada helped the two peoples get a deeper insight into the time-tested relations. She expressed her delight at the deep and practical cooperation across economy and trade, adding Japan has maintained its position as a leading economic partner of Vietnam for years and the two countries are expanding collaboration in such new areas as high technology, semiconductor, and IT. Regarding people-to-people exchange, Xuan said the Vietnamese community in Japan has been growing and become the second largest foreign community there with more than 520,000 members, while there are around 23,000 Japanese nationals in Vietnam. According to Xuan, they have an important role to play in promoting and maintaining the strong bonds between the two nations. She expressed her hope that with his experience, understanding of, and sentiment for Vietnam, the ambassador will continue contributing to the bilateral relations, especially in the fields of economy, investment, human resources training, people-to-peo ple exchange, and tourism development. Yamada, for his part, laid a stress on the robust cooperative ties over the past years which he said have been developed on the basis of the two nations' similarities in culture and history. The Japanese Government is interested in innovation - the area that Vietnam is pioritising, he said, suggesting the two countries work together in the field in the coming time. He affirmed that he will make his utmost efforts to back the development of the Vietnam - Japan friendship, helping deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

House, Permanent Secretary of the Treasury Specify the national bank to send the letter to The Cabinet reviews digital wallets without any hiccups, pointing out that they are old proposals. Move forward according to the original plan Mr. Lawan Saengsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Revealed after meeting with Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. By giving an interview about the case Mr. Setthaput Suthiwat Narueput Governor of the Bank of Thailand Send a letter to the Cabinet (Cabinet) to review and make observations on the project. Top up digital wallet 10,000 baht that the Governor of the Bank of Thailand can give his opinion. Both agree and have objections. which we listen to And yesterday's Cabinet meeting (April 23) considered the issue of principles. and steps to take from now on But the regulations and laws that must be implemented accordingly? and stated that the opinion of the Governor of the Bank of Thailand This did not cause the project to falter. And n ow there is still time to consider. After this, we must begin to proceed. Because it has already been approved in principle. As for the opinions of the Governor of the Bank of Thailand which came out to indicate that Request that the target group be reduced to only the vulnerable group with low incomes, approximately 15 million people, will this proposal be taken into consideration or not? Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance stated that The Governor of the Bank of Thailand Have given opinions like this since the beginning. until passed the consideration of the Policy Committee Project to top up 10,000 baht via digital wallet, which group is suitable? which has already gone through all those steps What the Governor of the Bank of Thailand commented on was the same suggestion that he had always made at the meeting. Nothing is a new issue. At the meeting, the Bank of Thailand's concerns were already clarified. When asked whether there would be another clarification to the Bank of Thailand, Mr. Lawan confirmed the original statement that This has already been explained to the Bank of Thailand. and BoT Governor will not be able to attend the meeting I think there shouldn't be any problem. Because we consider the form of a committee The Governor of the Bank of Thailand is also a member of the committee. And the other 20 committee members did not have this opinion, confirming that the digital wallet project Will continue according to the original plan as approved by the Cabinet. As for the Council of State, there will be an interpretation. Is it related to the concerns of the Bank of Thailand?? Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance said it was not relevant. It's a matter of Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives or BAAC, which is considered new. by the minister He ordered that this must be done carefully. On the issue that we see is unclear. The decree is to be consulted on legal matters. At this time, the matter has not been submitted to the Royal Decree at all. Ready to specify that U sing the 2025 budget from the BAAC according to Section 28 will be able to be implemented this October. It is considered that there is still time. Source: Thai News Agency

Hanoi: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the eighth meeting of the National Committee for Digital Transformation on April 24, which aims to assess digital transformation efforts and development of the digital economy in recent times and discuss tasks and solutions for accelerating the work in 2024. In his opening remarks, PM Chinh, who is also Chairman of the committee, underlined the need to promote economic growth and restructuring the economy, efficiently tapping traditional growth drivers and fostering new ones, including developing the green, circular and digital economy; speeding up the national digital transformation; and developing digital government, digital economy, digital society, and digital citizenship. Attention must be paid to implementing three strategic breakthroughs, including building and improving institutions, including those related to digital transformation; training human resources, particularly high-quality personnel serving digital transformation; and developing infrastructur e, including digital infrastructure, he said. Digital transformation is a key task and a breakthrough step in achieving socio-economic development goals, and contributing to reducing burdens for citizens and businesses, combating corruption and negative phenomena, the PM affirmed. He said the action plan for 2024 issued by the National Committee for Digital Transformation has identified the four pillars of the national digital transformation work, including the information technology industry, digitalisation of economic sectors, digital governance, and digital data, which are important drivers for rapid and sustainable socio-economic development. The PM demanded members of the committee, as well as leaders of ministries, sectors, and localities, to report and evaluate national digital transformation efforts at the meeting, with specific evidence and statistics of what has been done, along with outstanding limitations, barriers, bottlenecks, and their causes. He underlined the necessity to share good pract ices, experiences, and key solutions to best implement the tasks set out in the 2024 work plan of the committee, especially breakthrough measures./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Government House, Prime Minister prepares to visit the area. Chanthaburi-Rayong Listen to durian and mangosteen farmers Focus on maintaining quality Ready to follow the progress of the fire at a chemical warehouse in Rayong on 27 April. Mr. Wutthikrai Leeweeraphan, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property Revealed after meeting with Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, that on Saturday, April 27, the Prime Minister will visit Chanthaburi Province. To listen to the needs of fruit orchard farmers In the matter of crop production which is both consumed domestically and exported Especially durian Therefore, we need to look at the export process and see what farmers want. Including transportation management for both farmers and exporters If the quantity is small, the price is good. But if the production is large, it must be managed as quickly as possible. Therefore, the Prime Minister has prepared the issue of using certain technologies, such as durian maturity meters t o maintain the quality of agricultural products. Reporters report that on April 27, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Chanthaburi and Rayong provinces. In the morning, he will travel to inspect and visit Lhong. and durian and mangosteen orchards in Chanthaburi Province Meanwhile, in the afternoon will travel to Rayong Province to follow up on progress after a fire at a warehouse storing chemicals and industrial waste in the area of ??Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. Source: Thai News Agency

House, The Prime Minister called "Chulapan - Pichai Chunhavajira" to meet on a Thai building, expected to discuss digital wallets after the BoT governor proposed reducing the target group. Reporters reported that at 2:50 p.m., Mr. Chulphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance along with Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Advisor to the Prime Minister Travel to Government House and went up to the Thai Khu Fa building To meet with Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. It is expected that this may be a discussion of the case of Mr. Setthaput. Suthiwatharueputthi Governor of the Bank of Thailand Send a letter to the Cabinet (Cabinet) to review the criteria for the 10,000 baht digital wallet top-up project. It is also necessary to keep an eye on Mr. Pichai, whose name appears in the news as another person who will take over as Minister of Finance if there is a cabinet reshuffle this time. . Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, "Uniting Thailand to Build a Nation" reiterates its original position, amending the Constitution must not touch Section 1, Section 2. The monarchy insists that holding 3 referendums will cost a lot of money, but it is unavoidable. Must follow the decision of the Constitutional Court. Mr. Akaradej Wongpitakroj, Ratchaburi MP, as spokesman for the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party (RTA), gave an interview that In the case where the Cabinet (Cabinet) agrees in principle To consider and study guidelines for holding a referendum. In order to resolve differences of opinion on the constitution and agree that there should be 3 referendums and that there should be additional amendments to the Referendum Act 2021, the Ruam Thai Party Build a nation Agree with all Cabinet guidelines. Voting in referendum 3 times, despite criticism that It will use a large budget. But it is necessary to follow. Since the first round of the referendum has already been decided by the Constitutional Court, it must be done according to w hat has been submitted to the Constitutional Court for decision. The disciplinary orders of the Constitutional Court are binding on all organizations. The second and third times were referendums as specified by the Constitution. Therefore, doing it three times is in compliance with the decisions of the Constitutional Court and the Constitution. 'The Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party would like to reiterate the same firm stance it has made since joining the government. If the constitution is amended Absolutely must not touch Section 1, Section 2 regarding the monarchy. The Party has always stood by this position and will continue to stand by it. As for other content, whatever changes will have to be in accordance with the constitution as well,' said Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party spokesman. Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, "Somkid" is confident that there will be no ripples in Pheu Thai after the Cabinet reshuffle. He reiterates that he is not amending the constitution for anyone, urging opposition parties to speak clearly. Want to fix it? Mr. Somkid Chuekong, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, revealed the case of opposition parties attacking the move to amend the 2017 Constitution, saying that at this time the opposition parties should think carefully about whether the 2017 Constitution should be amended or not. If you think it's appropriate to fix it, you have to fix it. Other issues It's a secondary issue. The part that comes out to attack is to fix it for this person. Confirm that amending the Constitution is not for any one person at all. But it is a solution to move the country forward. Not trapped by the Constitution Mr. Somkid further said that he would like to ask the opposition parties that if they do not make changes, the Constitution will remain 60. Is it like that? If the opposition party doesn't let them fix it, they won't fix it even though it's during the election campaign. Every political party raises the issue of amending the constitution in their campaigns. Therefore, moving forward with amending the constitution is what every political party has campaigned for. As for how many times the referendum will be held, it must be decided by the Constitutional Court. According to the court's decision All parties should come together to amend the constitution this time. Mr. Somkid also mentioned the trend of the Cabinet (Cabinet) reshuffle that will occur. It is believed that on the part of the Pheu Thai Party there is no ripple effect. There is definitely no undercurrent. Because the Pheu Thai Party has undergone many Cabinet reshuffles. and there was a cabinet reshuffle in every government. This adjustment makes people suitable for the job. It is the power of the Prime Minister, so we are confident that all MPs in the party are definitely ready to help the government solve problems for the people. Source: Thai News Agency

Parliament, "Chaithawat" reveals that the legislative team has submitted a request to the Constitutional Court to extend the time to explain the matter of party dissolution for another 30 days, after the first round of extensions were extended by 15 days, indicating that important matters require additional information to be sought. Emphasize party members not to create an atmosphere of distrust. causing a witch hunt Mr. Chaithawat Tulathon, leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives and leader of the Kao Kao Party, revealed that yesterday (23 April) he had assigned the legal team of the Kao Kao Party to submit a request to the Constitutional Court to consider extending the time frame for submitting a clarification. Alleging that the second round of party dissolution cases will take another 30 days, after the Constitutional Court previously approved an extension of time for clarification to 15 days or to be submitted by May 3, arguing that such time period is not enough to collect documents an d evidence in Making an explanation to resolve the allegation Therefore, it is necessary to seek evidence to present to the court to open an investigation to the utmost. The weight of the punishment is different from the last time there was a decision under Section 49 of the Constitution. 'This matter has a serious impact on the party. Writing an explanation to answer the allegation must be thorough. It is necessary to seek as many perspectives and facts as possible to argue with. The Constitutional Court should provide the opportunity to the respondent In particular, the case against us is so serious that it disbands the party and strips the political rights of the party's executive committee. The respondent should be given the opportunity to fully fight in the judicial process,' said the leader of the Kao Klai Party. Mr. Chaithawat said that from the decision of the Constitutional Court to stop the action regarding the amendment of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, it should not be a sufficient fact to al lege in order to request the dissolution of a political party. At the same time, witnesses who will be presented to the court for questioning must take time to talk with the witnesses. In the past, it was during the Songkran festival. Therefore, I think the court should provide additional opportunities. As for what was noted or decided, the dissolution of the Kaew Klai Party will cause about 30 MPs to move to different parties. The leader of the Progressive Party said that representatives of this generation of the Progressive Party The situation is not as bad as when the Future Forward Party was dissolved. I believe that everyone understands the expectations of the people. and the voice of trust that has been overwhelmingly received Working with mutual respect By informing MPs in the party not to create an atmosphere that will create distrust or witch hunts. 'The important issue now is to discuss the direction of the party's work. and clear goals after this To make the party develop and work in response to the people Importantly, past general meetings and seminars of the Kao Kao Party have discussed ways to fight the case and the political possibility of not dissolving the party,' Mr. Chaithawat said. Source: Thai News Agency