Day: February 6, 2024

Hanoi: The National Wage Council has proposed to the Government a 6% increase in the regional minimum wage, equivalent to 238,000 VND per month on average, starting from July 1. The increase, which was agreed by all 16 members of the council after two negotiation sessions in 2023, was suggested in the context that more than 18,300 new businesses were established and return to the market each month, and the number of orders rose quarter by quarter. According to the proposal, the wage will be lifted to 4.96 million VND (203.42 USD) per month in Region 1; 4.41 million VND in Region 2; 3.86 million VND in Region 3 and 3.45 million VND in Region 4. Region 1 covers the urban areas of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; Region 2 encompasses the rural areas of Hanoi and HCM City, along with major urban areas in the country such as Can Tho, Da Nang and Hai Phong; Region 3 covers provincial cities and the districts of Bac Ninh, Bac Giang and Hai Duong provinces; and Region 4 comprises the rest of the country. Currently, th e wage varies from 3.25 - 4.68 million VND per month depending on regions. Meanwhile, with the 6% rise, the minimum hourly wage will reach 16,600 - 23,800 VND. Once approved, this will be the second time in four years that the regional minimum wage has increased in early July, after an adjustment on July 1, 2022 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a practice over the past 10 years, the regional minimum wage usually increases on January 1. Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Le Van Thanh, who is also Chairman of the National Wage Council, said that the 6% rise is a harmonious level, showing the sharing of difficulties between employees and employers. The increase date proposed by the council is from July 1, which coincides with the time for the implementation of wage reform in the State sector, providing time for businesses to prepare plans and resources for the scheme, he said./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Feb. 6, 2024, the Royal Thai Army organized a grand event "Amazing Muay Thai Day, Famous to the World" for the year 2024, Amazing MuayThai World Festival 2024. As the government has designated February 6th of every year as 'Thai Boxing Day' which is the day of the accession to the throne of King Sanphet VIII or 'King Suea', he was skilled in Thai boxing. In order to pass on the art of Muay Thai to future generations. It is also a valuable cultural heritage of the Thai nation until the present. The Royal Thai Army therefore sees the importance of Mae Mai Muay Thai is not just a martial art. But if it is an expression of arts, culture, customs, identity of the Thai nation. Therefore, it has been carried out in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Ministry of Culture. Government agencies Private sector agencies and Prachuap Khiri Khan Province Jointly organize the "Amazing Muay Thai Day, Famous to the World" for the year 2024 "Amazing MuayThai World Fe stival 2024" from February 4-6, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. every day at Rajabhakti Park, Hua Hin District. Prachuap Khiri Khan Province The objective is to promote Thai boxing as a national sport. and Thai national heritage published history Inscribed with beautiful and international cultural traditions To make the sport of Muay Thai known around the world. and to expand cultural tourism by using Muay Thai as the medium Let Rajabhakti Park be the home of Muay Thai that Thai people and tourists must come to. Today (February 6, 2024) at 5:45 p.m., Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister, has the honor of presiding over the official event under the name "Amazing Muay Thai Day, Famous to the World" for the year 2024, along with Mr. Anutin. Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Suthin Klangsaeng, Minister of Defense, Mr. Sermsak Phongphanich, Minister of Culture, Ms. Sudawan Wang Suphakit Koson Minister of Tourism and Sports Honored to work together As for the Army, there is General Charoenchai Hinthao, Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Along with the high commanders to welcome Activities include Placing a wreath of fresh flowers to pay homage to the royal monuments of the 7 First Kings of Siam, to pay homage to the statue of King Sanphet VIII (King Suea), and to pay homage to the royal portrait of His Majesty the King. Number 10: Receive auspiciousness from Phan Phum. Giving auspicious blessings to senior boxing teachers Then enter 3 sets of performances, including set 1 'Amazing Muay Thai From the roots of Siam Thai Martial Arts Heritage to the World' Set 2 'Ancient Traditions surrender to disciple Teacher recruitment and teacher tenure The magic of Muay Thai culture' and the third set 'Investigating the art of the Wai Khru dance, the Mae Mai Muay Thai, to the letter-transforming drone. Spectacular Lights' with more than 3,000 Royal Thai Army personnel participating in the Wai Khru Ceremony, together with boxers from the King Suea Boxing Association and the people, a total of more than 5,000 people, along with lettering using more than 700 letter-writing drones and Firework display To show the importance and greatness of the work . Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, PTTEP is ready to explore and produce petroleum. If Thailand-Cambodia negotiates successfully, move forward in overlapping areas. As for the CCS project, wait for clarity from the government to set supporting criteria. Tomorrow (7 Feb.) General Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia. will travel to Thailand Met with Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister. One of the issues discussed was Overlapping maritime claims areas between Thailand and Cambodia (overlapping claims areas -OCA). This matter has been negotiated by 7 governments, a total of more than 22 years, and has not yet ended since the memorandum of understanding regarding the areas claimed by Thailand and Cambodia. in the overlapping continental shelf signed on June 18, 2001, with an area of ??approximately 26,000 square kilometers There are two areas that need to be negotiated: 1. The area above the latitude line 11 degrees north and above. A maritime boundary of 10,000 square kilometers must be concluded. clearly according to international la w 2. Area below the 11th degree north latitude line, area 16,000 square kilometers. The goal is to make a joint development agreement for petroleum (Joint Development Area: JDA) in a manner similar to Thailand's JDA with Malaysia. Mr. Montree Lawanchaikul Chief Executive Officer of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited or PTTEP said that the new round of OCA negotiations is a good thing. To develop and share benefits from petroleum resources together. It is the duty of the state to find a way to come to an agreement. without dividing border lines But we hope to develop together. If an agreement is reached, it is up to the government to decide how to proceed. This will be beneficial to both countries, both in terms of using petroleum to produce electricity and in downstream industries. 'PTTEP is ready to conduct exploration and production. Because there are already production sources near the said area, namely the Erawan field and the Bongkot field, but these areas overlap. No survey yet The past is a guess. that there will be potential Because it is a continuous area with the Erawan and Bongkot fields, if an agreement is reached and it is opened for exploration after that, it is expected that First GAS will be available within 5 years, previously taking as long as 9 years because technology is now more developed. Therefore, exploration and production can be carried out more quickly. This will create energy security for both countries,' Mr. Montri said. As for the G1/61 project (Erawan field), the current average production capacity is 450 million cubic feet per day. This will accelerate production to 550 million cubic feet per day in March. and will accelerate to increase to 800 million cubic feet per day. according to the conditions of the production sharing contract (PSC) within the last week of March Meanwhile, block G2/61 (Bongkot field) currently has a production capacity of 840 million cubic feet per day. higher quantity That must be delivered according to the contract to the buyer on a daily basis (DCQ) of 700 million cubic feet per day. As for the Arthit field, production is still maintained at 340 million cubic feet per day, higher than the DCQ contract of 290 million cubic feet per day. PTTEP is in the process of negotiating with PTT and the government to increase the trading volume to 340 million cubic feet per day To increase energy security for the country It will also help lower the price of Pool GAS. However, what is still a concern is the source of Phailin petroleum production. at Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production is the operator which will end the concession in the year 2028 (2028) if it is still not clear about If the concession period is not extended for another 10 years to the year 2038 or there is a delay in consideration, it will affect the amount of gas production that will decrease. From the present production capacity is 400 million cubic feet per day. There may be a repeat of the problem at Erawan. which entered the production area late and caused gas shortages Impact on electricity costs As for the progress of the CCS Hub project in the northern Gulf of Thailand It is an open area and not a petroleum production area. It is considered a national cooperation of government agencies. between the Department of Mineral Fuels and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), Japan and PTTEP to help support the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. and the development of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, it was initially found that there is a geological structure that should be able to store carbon dioxide or CO2, with the Department of Fuel working together with Japanese agencies and assigned PTTEP and companies from Japan to study together. and plans to explore whether the area has an appropriate subsea rock structure capable of storing carbon dioxide or not. Pilot project section To take carbon dioxide to store in the old drilling holes of the Arthit field, amounting to 1 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Still stuck wit h the problem of obligations and compensation that the government PTTEP will receive both of these matters. The government sector will have to accelerate clarity in the criteria to promote investment further. Source: Thai News Agency

Nakhon Sawan, Villagers in Tha Tako District, Nakhon Sawan Province, protested to expel a "computer teacher" from the school after he sexually assaulted three female students. Recently, the school has severely punished him and has removed him from government service. Yesterday (Feb. 5), father and mother took Miss Kluay (pseudonym), age 10, a Grade 4 student, to report at Tha Tako Police Station, Tha Tako District, Nakhon Sawan Province, so that legal action could be taken against the teacher. Teach computers, music and art at a school in Tha Tako District, charged with sexual harassment. Inside the classroom The incident occurred in the afternoon of January 29th. The mother of Miss Kluai (pseudonym) said that the matter became red because her daughter told her brother about the teacher's actions. Before my brother came to tell me again. Therefore, he had to hurry and ask his daughter very hard. After listening to the whole story, he became angry because he could not accept that the teacher was abusing his daughter. Not just once But it's been done before. Since my daughter was in Grade 3 in the first semester, and it wasn't just my daughter who was treated like this. Because there were two other female students who were treated in the same way. So he took his daughter to report the matter on February 1st. Today (February 6th), he brought his daughter to give additional information to the police. before being taken for questioning by a multidisciplinary team It is learned that two more parents of children who were subjected to the same type of treatment will also report to the police today. As for Miss Kluai's father (pseudonym), he insists that he will take the matter to the end. Teachers like this should absolutely not be left alone. Because this kind of action made my daughter so afraid that she didn't dare go to school. As for the parents of two girls who were sexually abused by teachers, they brought their daughters to report to the police earlier. One of them, the daughter of Ms. Irin (pseudonym), aged 37, revealed that she was harassed by a bald, glasses-wearing teacher by touching her breasts. Until the daughter had to escape quickly and tell her mother. And the daughter is also a classmate with Miss Kluai (pseudonym). The other girl is known to have been violated by touching her genitals. So they want this physical education teacher to go to jail. Pol. Col. Issaret Handam, superintendent of Tha Tako Police Station, gave information that he had been notified about this matter since February 1st. Two parents of the girl have brought their daughters to report the matter. Today, another person has been reported and is currently being investigated. Collaborate with multidisciplinary and social development Therefore, no charges have been filed at this time. The teacher at the school who was accused was aware that he had contacted the police. He will request to surrender himself to fight the case tomorrow (Feb. 7), but if he does not come as scheduled, a summons will be issued first. And if the summons still d oes not appear, an arrest warrant will be issued. But as far as we know right now, the said teacher is still in the area. Didn't escape anywhere The reporter traveled to the school. which is the parent school of the teacher who was reported It was revealed from the school director that after knowing about the matter The school immediately set up a committee to investigate the facts. And now the said teacher has been released from teaching status at this school for the time being. If found to have committed an offense as alleged, punishment will be carried out according to government regulations. As for the students who were treated The school is not complacent. The school has provided relief, comfort and encouragement to the three students who were treated. Source: Thai News Agency

Police commander orders 4 measures for police to take care of the people. increase strictness Safety of life and property Facilitates traffic Prevent scammers from taking advantage of the "Chinese New Year 2024" festival, focusing on paydays, worship days, and travel days. Warn online tricks to click on links to give out red envelopes and give good luck. Emphasize caution against fires - light firecrackers. Pol. Col. Chanchai Rattanapanich, deputy spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, revealed that on the occasion of the 2024 Chinese New Year Festival, which starts from February 8-11, 2024, Thai-Chinese brothers and sisters will come out to shop. to perform a ceremony to worship the gods Sacred things and ancestors, including traveling to celebrate Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimon, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police Have concern for life and property of the people Therefore, measures have been put in place to maintain safety in order to prevent and suppress various forms of crime and to facilitate traffic for the citizens. Pol. Col. Chanchai said that the Police Commander gave orders to the Metropolitan Police Headquarters, Provincial Police Regions 1-9, Central Investigation Bureau, Narcotics Suppression Police Headquarters, Tourist Police Headquarters, Immigration Bureau, etc., to expedite the implementation of 4 measures for Chinese New Year 2024, namely 1. Crime prevention and suppression measures 2. Traffic facilitation measures. 3. Fire prevention and suppression measures and 4. Public relations measures 'The Police Commander ordered that he go to the area and strictly inspect. and increasing the police force to work in various locations, including pay days, worship days, and travel days, by increasing strictness in market areas and commercial areas where people go to buy goods for use in worship ceremonies. And watch out for incidents of violence against property at banks, gold shops, jewelry stores, convenience stores, almshouses, while on the day of worship (February 9), focus on watching out for fires. Prepare an incident response plan and facilitate traffic For travel days Which falls on February 10th, increase patrol strength to patrol important places. Tourist attractions, stores, commercial areas where Thai-Chinese people are located. Prevent car theft and burglary in a dwelling Because many places are closed for tourism. and provide sufficient personnel to provide services to the people Especially in terms of traffic, we are ready to provide convenience to important tourist attractions, temples, and important religious places,' said the deputy police spokesperson. Pol. Col. Chanchai also said that the Police Commander has instructed all police officers not to be involved in soliciting any other benefits. Absolutely illegal and instructs commanders at all levels to inspect, supervise, and closely supervise the work of their subordinates. In addition, it is emphasized Immigration Bureau has increased strictness in inspecting travel documents entering and exiting the Kingdom to be thorough and thorough. Don't make a mistake. Strictly watch out for prohibited or blacklisted persons. and for the Narcotics Suppression Police Headquarters to be strict in blocking drug smuggling taking advantage of the Chinese New Year festival. 'The Royal Thai Police is concerned. I would like to spread the word to the people to please be careful of scammers taking away property. that use various forms of impersonation, including online impersonation By sending links or SMS messages claiming to win big. Receive a red envelope or a gift. Please don't believe it. Don't click on the link. Be careful of hidden viruses. Or an application controls a mobile phone and sucks money out of the account. At the same time, be careful in lighting incense sticks, candles, and burning silver or gold paper. Avoid setting off firecrackers and fireworks in a manner that may cause danger and annoyance to others. If you want to ask for help or report an incident, you can report it to the police in the nearby area. Or call the hotline 191 and 1599 if you are scammed online. Call 1441 to suspend and seize money 24 hours a day or report it online at www.thaipoliceonline.go.th. Source: Thai News Agency

Phitsanulok, A Porsche crashed into an electric pole and caught fire, causing complete damage to the entire vehicle. Initially, the police will investigate to find the real cause again. Before proceeding with legal procedures due to damage to government property Police, Muang Phitsanulok Police Station Received a report of an accident in which a sedan crashed into an electric pole, fell on the side of the road, and caught fire. In the area of ??Phitsanulok-Sukhothai road in front of Toyota Premium Phitsanulok Company, Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province, they brought forces and coordinated water trucks to control the fire. At the scene, two broken electrical poles were found. Nearby was a Porsche. Panamera model, white, Phitsanulok license plate. The condition was completely destroyed. The engine room was heavily burned. Fire blazed and there was the sound of explosions from time to time. There was also oil leaking from the tank. Officials must use caution. It took more than 2 hours to bring the fire un der control. As for the driver, it is known that he is a businessman in the area of ??Ban Krang Subdistrict, Mueang Phitsanulok District. Only minor injuries were received. who traveled to the hospital for treatment before rescuers arrived Mr. Thanakorn, a rescue officer at Prasat Bunsathan Foundation, said that in the middle of the night, after receiving the notification, he hurried to check with the rescue team. At that time, the fire had already engulfed the sedan. As for the driver or passenger who was riding with him, none were found. It is expected that a relative has come to take him for treatment. Initially, the police will conduct a thorough investigation to find the true cause of this accident again. Before proceeding with the legal process Because there was also damage to government property. for porsche Panamera model It is expected that the price will not be less than 5 million baht. Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, The Chairman of the Shippers' Council of Thailand (STI) stated that the private sector is keeping an eye on the export situation in 2024, which is volatile and difficult to predict, but estimates that in 2024 the export numbers should grow at 100%. 1-2 and propose that the government sector help take care of interest costs for the private sector as well. Dr. Chaichan Charoensuk, Chairman of the Shippers' Council of Thailand (STC), said that the international trade situation in Thailand in December 2023 is comparable to the same month of the previous year. It was found that exports were valued at 22,791.6 million US dollars, expanding by 4.7% and had a value in baht of 795,824 million baht, expanding by 2.2% (when deducting gold, oil, and weapons. It was found that exports in December expanded by 2.1%), while imports were valued at 21,818.8 million US dollars, shrank by 3.1%, and had a value in baht of 770,822 million baht, shrank by 5.3%, resulting in Thailand's trade balance. In December 2023, the surplus was equal to 972.8 million US dollars or equal to 25,002 million baht. In this regard, the overall picture of Thailand's international trade in 2023, compared to the same period last year, found that Thailand exported a total value of 284,561.8 million US dollars, a contraction of 1.0%, and a value in baht of 9,809,008 million baht, a contraction. 1.5% (when deducting gold, oil, and consumables It was found that exports during January - December shrank by 0.6%), while imports were valued at 289,754.3 million US dollars, shrank by 3.8% and had a value in baht of 10,111,934 million baht, shrank by 4.3%, resulting in the trade balance of Thailand in 2023 has a deficit of 5,192.5 million US dollars, or 302,926 million baht. However, the RTA has set a work target for 2024 to push Thai exports to grow by 1-2 percent, with factors to watch that may have an impact, including: 1. Movements in the value of the baht. slightly weakened The value of the baht moves within the range of 34-35 baht and remains highl y uncertain. 2. Policy interest rates in many countries remain stable at a high level. Federal Reserve Bank The policy interest rate will continue. The adjustment is expected to be made sometime in May. As a result, the policy interest rates of various countries Globally, it continues to remain at a high level. In addition, the Red Sea situation may affect oil prices, which will cause consumer products to increase. Leading to higher inflation. 3.Geopolitical conflicts The prolonged period has an impact on trade and the overall economy. Especially the critical situation in the Red Sea in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is the main shipping route to Europe. United States and Middle East As a result, freight rates will increase and shipping times will be longer. Including other conflicts such as Russia, Ukraine, and the South China Sea, there are still high uncertainties. 4. Manufacturing Sector Index (PMI) of the United States, Europe, and Japan at the levels of 50.3, 46.6, and 48, respectively, with a tendency for the manufacturing sector to improve. But you must follow the situation closely. Many countries are still expanding below the Base Line level, especially European countries which have continued to be below the Base Line level for more than 8 months. And 5. Concerns about production costs that are still uncertain, such as electricity costs, minimum wages. and freight rates for routes from Europe, the Middle East, and the United States began to increase. In addition, the NRCT has important recommendations, including: 1. Consider reducing the policy interest rate to an appropriate level consistent with the current inflation situation. Including supervision to reduce the gap (Spread) in interest rates on loans and deposits. 2. Accelerate support for environmental assistance measures for entrepreneurs, such as low-interest loan measures to improve efficiency and production processes to support environmental measures that will be more intense this year. 3. Accelerate the organization of export promotion activit ies in important target markets. Including accelerating free trade negotiations (FTA) such as Thailand-EFTA and Thailand-GCC to create a handicap and reduce obstacles in accessing markets and sources of raw materials for Thai entrepreneurs and 4. Situation of the problem of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea area. Export operators request that freight and additional costs be charged based on actual increased costs. Gradually adjusted up in steps. Notice and request the ship line to negotiate with the port to extend the Free Time period in the port to 21 days (from the normal 3-7 days) to reduce costs beyond the specified time and extend the period of use of containers to reduce costs. Demurrage/ Detention to the shipper, etc. Source: Thai News Agency