Day: March 8, 2024

Hanoi: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in Vietnam Matt Jackson has affirmed that Vietnam has been putting gender equality, women's empowerment, and human rights at the centre of development. In his article, titled 'Women and girls are empowered to make their own decision' and penned on the occasion of the 114th anniversary of International Women's Day (March 8), Jackson said over recent years, dedicated investments in the health and rights of women and girls have improved - and saved - millions of lives but progress is slow. Globally, in the last 20 years, maternal mortality rates have declined by 34%, yet a woman still dies every two minutes during pregnancy or childbirth, pointing to a hidden global crisis. 'Vietnam has made great strides surpassing the global trend to reduce maternal mortality by 46.5% over the same period,' he said, suggesting that the focus must now shift to areas where rates are still high such as among ethnic minorities in rural and mountainous regions. Another success story is the number of women using modern contraception which, globally, has doubled to 77% over 30 years. Yet more than 250 million women who want to avoid pregnancy are not using family planning. In Vietnam, the use of modern contraceptives is around 60% - also an increase. However, the unmet need is four times higher for unmarried women than it is for married women. 'This tells us we have much more to do in ensuring services reach adolescents and young people,' the UNFPA representative noted. Mentioning gender-based violence, he said the 2019 National Study on Violence Against Women in Vietnam found that nearly two-thirds of women experience intimate partner violence and that 90% of these women never seek help. 'Our response is threefold: to support services such as the national GBV hotline and One-Stop-Service Centres; to tackle root causes such as gender inequality to prevent violence; and to change the stigma associated with violence,' he said. According to Jackson, on the occasion of Inter national Women's Day, the UNFPA in Vietnam is running an online challenge and webinar to raise awareness and share experiences of young people protecting themselves online, given the context of the rising levels of online violence with women and girls particularly at risk of image-based abuse. Emphasising positive impacts of gender equality on families, communities and the wider economy, the official said he is keen to support investment in cervical cancer screening and accelerate the roll-out of HPV vaccinations - simple actions that can save the lives of many women from preventable illness. 'It's important to remember that we are not just one story - there are many parts that make up our identities and our lives. For this reason, I am committing UNFPA in Vietnam to ensuring that our projects and programmes work for everyone who needs them,' he said. 'To achieve this, we must be people-centred and reflect their wishes and needs. Women's leadership is critical to Vietnam's social-economic growth.' 'The ar guments for gender equality for individuals, communities and the economy are clear. Together we can create societies where women and girls are empowered to make their own decisions. These actions will help to ensure that we leave no one behind,' he concluded./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Bangkok: The plan was revealed detailing the schedule of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on his trip to visit his home province of Chiang Mai during March 14-16. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Mr. Thaksin's daughter, earlier said that her father, currently released from prison on parole, wants to travel to his home town in Chiang Mai but the schedule was unknown. However, the sources on Thursday confirmed that Mr. Thaksin is set to travel on his private jet to Chiang Mai on March 14. He is scheduled to pay his respects at the Bangkok city pillar shrine before departing for Chiang Mai. During the trip, he will be staying at a residence within Summit Green Valley, in Mae Rim district, where he will be visited by family members and relatives in the evening. On March 15, Mr. Thaksin and his family members will participate in merit making rituals at the temple in San Kamphaeng district, where his ancestors' relics are interred. Mr. Thaksin is scheduled to return to Bangkok the next day. During his visi t to Chiang Mai, Prime Minister Srettha Thaweesin is scheduled to visit the northern provinces including Chiang Mai to oversee the measures to tackle PM2.5 dust particles. The media is focusing whether both people will meet during their in Chiang Mai or not. (TNA) Source: Thai News Agency

Chonburi 8 Mar. - Roof frame for shophouse construction. Inside Soi Pratumnak, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, the slide tilted and collapsed on workers, injuring two people. Roof frame collapses, injuring worker While the shophouse is being built Inside Soi Phra Tamnak, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, rescue volunteers inspected under the remains of a steel frame and found an injured person. Miss Wilaisak, 46 years old, has severe back pain. Unable to move, and Mr. Anan, aged 55 years, had abrasions all over his body. Rescuers helped before taking him to Pattaya City Hospital. One of the workers said that while working, the steel frame that had only been erected for about two weeks suddenly tilted and collapsed quickly. Without anyone being aware of it while police officers went to the area to investigate Initially, it was assumed that the steel roof frame was too heavy. causing the support pole to be unable to support the weight As a result , it tilted and collapsed. However, it was coordinated with the engineers of the Pattaya Engineering Division. Come check out the real cause. Source: Thai News Agency

Rayong 8 Mar. - The body of a naked woman was discovered. Dumping a corpse in a durian orchard in Rayong Recently, the name of the deceased has been known. He is the owner of a durian or rubber plantation, 60 years old, living alone. In the case of yesterday (March 7), the body of an unidentified woman was found naked, floating face down in the water. The head was covered with a large white rectangular plastic box. Both hands were tied behind their backs. Then tie it with a shoelace. and the head and face were covered and tied with black and white striped pants. Located in the middle of a pond, approximately 1 rai wide, the edge of the pond higher than 2 meters, within a durian orchard along Rai Oi-Khao Yai Phring Road, Klaeng District, Rayong Province. rescue worker The body was recovered and examined. It is believed that the murder came from somewhere else. Died at least 3 days ago, Pak Nam Prasae Police Check for clues in the area where the body was found. There was no evidence related to the murder. Th ere were only traces of grass being trampled. which is believed to belong to the criminal Mr. Rangsan Kongsanoh, 37 years old, durian orchard caretaker and found the first corpse Tell me that in the morning Came out to water the durian trees as usual. and noticed a plastic box that looked like there was something inside So I walked over to take a closer look. Saw a naked corpse Therefore, he immediately informed the village headman to bring the police to investigate. Recently, Police Major General Teerachai Chamnanmo, Investigation Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, traveled to the area to follow up on the progress and receive information on the investigation methods to solve the said case. He had a meeting with the case resolution team. to find the whereabouts of the deceased, while the Pak Nam Prasae Police Station Has deployed forces to investigate To speed up the resolution of the case From examining the fingerprints of the deceased, the name was found to be Mrs. Chaweewan, aged 60 years, a villa ger in Village No. 10, Kong Din Subdistrict, Klaeng District, and the owner of a durian orchard. and rubber plantations The house of the deceased and the location where the body was found are about 15 kilometers apart. Mrs. Chaweewan lives alone. As for the son and daughter, they separated to live with families outside the area. And from the testimony of close people, it was stated that the last time the deceased was seen was on the evening of March 5th, and after that one rubber tapping worker disappeared. Police are looking for him for questioning. to further solve the case .-Thai News Agency Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok: 8 Mar. - The Energy Regulatory Commission Office is open to listening to opinions on electricity prices for May-August 2024 into 3 options, reflecting costs and outstanding burden to EGAT of another 99,689 million baht. The lowest electricity price is proposed, which is to fix the electricity price at 4.18 baht per unit, with a maximum of 5.4357 baht per unit, while the first electricity peak of the year 2024 occurred yesterday evening (March 7). Mr. Khomkrit Tantrawanit The Secretary-General of the Energy Regulatory Commission, as the Energy Regulatory Commission spokesperson, said that from the situation of decreased demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world market because major LNG buyers such as China, Japan, and South Korea have sufficient LNG reserves, causing LNG prices in The world market and the Asian market continued to decline. Resulting in estimating the cost of producing electricity around May-Aug. 2024 decreased significantly lower than Jan.-Apr. 2024. Therefore, it is consid ered an appropriate time for EGAT's outstanding debt to enhance liquidity and maintain long-term stability. The Energy Regulatory Commission therefore considers the FT fee to be collected in installments. May-August 2024 at the rate of 39.72 satang per unit, along with repaying EGAT debt of 14,000 million baht, resulting in average electricity trade over the period May-August still maintains the level at 4.18 baht per unit as proposed by EGAT. In the meeting No. 11/2024 (896th time) On March 6, 2024, the Energy Regulatory Commission resolved to acknowledge the burden of actual electricity production costs for the period September - December 2023 and to approve the results of FT estimation calculations for the period. May - August 2024, ready for the Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission to take the estimated FT values and guidelines for paying EGAT's actual costs to listen to opinions in various cases. Via the Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission website from 8 - 22 March 2024 as follows: Case 1 (Reimbursement of all outstanding costs in one installment) divided into an estimated retail FT cost that reflects costs from May - August 2024, amounting to 19.21 satang per unit. and money collected to pay EGAT's outstanding cost burden in the amount of 99,689 million baht in one installment or 146.03 satang per unit. A total of FT charge is 165.24 satang per unit for May - August 2024. When combined with the base electricity charge of 3.7833 baht per unit, the average electricity charge is 165.24 satang per unit. (excluding VAT) increased to 5.4357 baht per unit Case 2 (Reimbursement of outstanding costs in 4 installments) divided into an estimated retail FT cost that reflects costs from May - August 2024 in the amount of 19.21 satang per unit. and money collected to pay EGAT's outstanding cost burden in the amount of 99,689 million baht within 4 installments, amounting to 24,922 million baht or 36.51 satang per unit. This makes the FT fee charged at 55.72 satang per unit for May - August 2024. When combi ned with the base electricity fee of 3.7833 baht per unit, it makes the average electricity fee charged. (excluding VAT) to 4.3405 baht per unit Case 3 (Fix the FT value equal to the current period as EGAT proposes or pay back the outstanding cost burden in approximately 7 installments) divided into estimated retail FT values that reflect costs from May - August. . 2024 amount 19.21 satang per unit and money collected to pay EGAT's outstanding cost burden of 99,689 million baht, approximately 7 installments, amounting to 14,000 million baht or 20.51 satang per unit. This causes the FT charge to remain the same at 39.72 satang per unit for May - August 2024. When combined with the base electricity charge of 3.7833 baht per unit, it makes the average electricity charge. (excluding VAT) is 4.1805 baht per unit, equal to the average electricity cost in the current period. However, in all three cases mentioned above This does not include the outstanding gas burden arising from the policy that allows state enterp rises that import gas to charge a fixed gas price for September - December 2023 in accordance with the NEPC resolution. Therefore, there will be a difference in gas prices. that actually occurred and the price of gas charged (AF Gas). The said burden is still outstanding with PTT (only in the part of electricity production for sale into the system) in the amount of 12,076 million baht and is still outstanding. EGAT in the amount of 3,800 million baht 'Trend of electricity prices next period Therefore, there is a possibility of charging 4.18 baht per unit as EGAT proposes because it is considered appropriate in terms of politics, the people, and EGAT's liquidity. We believe that this is a figure that all parties can accept. In addition, this period is summer, so we do not want the electricity bill to affect the feelings of the people. However, People must use electricity economically. Taking into account that electricity production in Thailand relies heavily on natural gas, if the electricity consumption is h igh Domestic production tends to decline. There will be large quantities imported,' Mr. Khomkrit said. The Energy Regulatory Commission has opened for comments on the estimated FT cost and guidelines for paying EGAT's actual costs through the Energy Regulatory Commission website from 8 - 22 March 2024. The main factor that causes the cost of electricity production in May - August 2024 to decrease is mainly due to the cost of LNG prices that continue to decrease and result in the estimated price of Pool Gas decreasing from 333 million baht per million. BTU is 300 million baht per million BTU. However, although the Erawan field plans to gradually increase the natural gas production volume from 400 to 800 million cubic feet per day in April 2024, the estimated natural gas volume that obtained from the Gulf of Thailand for use in electricity production remained at the same level or decreased slightly. In addition, natural gas from Myanmar fields tends to continue to decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to impor t LNG to supplement the missing natural gas supply and to supplement the demand for natural gas for electricity generation that is increasing due to the current warmer weather and the upcoming summer. There will be a request to increase LNG imports during March-May by another 3 boat trips. It was found that the highest electricity demand of this year has occurred (first peak) on March 7, 2024 at 7:47 p.m. with an electricity consumption of 32,508.2 MW, which is likely to increase. The Energy Regulatory Commission therefore invites Electricity users frequently check electrical equipment such as refrigerators and air conditioners. to have good operating condition To save electricity usage during hot weather. This will reduce the import of LNG, reduce the occurrence of a new peak in electricity use (New Peak Demand) in the electrical system, and also help reduce the burden on electricity bills of electricity users themselves.-517-Thai News Agency Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok: State Railway of Thailand Notification of escalators at Don Mueang Station Red line suburban train Returned to use normally. As social media spreads the message Escalator at Don Mueang Station Red Line suburban trains are not available. causing inconvenience in using that service, Mr. Ekarat Sriarayanphong Head of the Governor's Office The State Railway of Thailand explained that after being informed of the matter, the State Railway of Thailand had the Electric Railway Company, SRT Company Limited (SRT), the operator of the Red Line Suburban Railway Project, immediately inspect, which found that there was One escalator at Don Mueang Station is damaged, out of a total of 24. Nine elevators and four escalators can be used normally. However, the Railway Authority is not complacent about the problems that have arisen. Initially, while waiting for repairs The damaged escalator system has been temporarily shut down. to check on safety and in between It was recommended that passengers be able to use other escalators as a replacement first. Then, they coordinated with Jardine Schindler (Thai) Company Limited, which is the owner of the elevator product. and escalator Come in to carry out repairs and improvements. The escalator can now be used normally. In addition, in order to take care and maintain the use of elevators and escalators and the moving ramp of the Red Line suburban train in the long term. The Railway is in the process of recruiting a contractor to carry out the maintenance. escalator elevator system and moving ramps Every station in the Red Line suburban railway project It is expected that the operator will be hired in March 2024, after which the elevator, escalator and moving ramp system will be checked for readiness. at every station by April 2024, along with installing publicity signs and giving advice to users. Including elevator maintenance plans and escalators annually according to the specified time frame The Railway would like to apologize to passengers for any inconvenience on this occas ion and would like to thank all comments in order to improve the service further. The Railway is fully committed to improving the service. the best So that all passengers have equal access to the service. Whether it is the general public, disabled people, children, pregnant women, elderly people, including passengers with a lot of luggage. To receive convenience, safety, and create maximum satisfaction in using the service is important.-513-Thai News Agency Source: Thai News Agency

Sisaket We apologize if this news spoils your enjoyment of dining. But I feel sorry for the monk who had to come clean the bathroom for his kith and kin. In the end, we had to put up a sign that said "Yom has pooped, wash it too, people. You can see hell. The monk washed the poop." Reporters traveled to Tadob Temple, Tadob Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sisaket Province, and encountered a bathroom that made them stand confused for a long time. Because it was spray-painted in red letters clearly stating "Yom poops and wash it too." Some wrote, "Hell, you can see, Phra washes Khi Yom" along the wall in front of every bathroom. Anyone who sees it will be stunned. It created a lot of excitement among those who saw it. Some people take photos and post them on social media. and expressed a lot of opinions From questioning Mr. Nad Chaiyadarun, village headman of Village No. 8, Ban Tadob, said that it was many years ago. There was a monk who came to be ordained for the Buddhist Lent at this temple. which is a monk who developed Saw a novice monk in the temple having to scoop water and pour it onto the toilet. After having kith and kin come to relieve heavy suffering pile full It gave off a foul smell that drifted into almost every room. The said monk saw Luang Pu, Luang Ta, and a novice monk come to clean the bathroom and could not bear it. I want my kith and kin to have awareness. Be aware of the sin of letting monks clean toilets. So there was an idea to use spray paint to spray letters and put them in front of every bathroom in the temple. to warn the kith and kin, which was effective because when the kith and kin saw the sign Everyone is afraid of sin. Make the bathroom cleaner. - Thai News Agency Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok: The SET has extended another year for Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) to resolve issues that may lead to delisting of securities by 7 Mar. 2025. As the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has announced that Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) is a company that must improve its financial position and operations in Year 3 (NC Year 3) from the annual financial statements. 2020 which has been audited by the auditor. It appears that the shareholders' equity is less than zero. THAI must take action to resolve the issue and may be delisted by March 7, 2024. The company has requested an extension of time to the Stock Exchange. which the Stock Exchange Has considered extending the time to correct the reasons that may be revoked until March 7, 2025. If the time expires and THAI Unable to process Stock Exchange May consider further delisting of securities.-516-Thai News Agency Source: Thai News Agency