Food Safety Policy in Response to the “Kitchen of the World” Project

(26/04/2012)

The Ministry of Public Health is accelerating the implementation of its food safety policy, in response to the Government’s “Kitchen of the World” project.

Deputy Public Health Minister Surawit Khonsomboon told public health administrators in all 77 provinces to focus on food safety to promote good health among the people and cope with gastroenteritis-related diseases.

In his meeting with 800 public health administrators and officials on 23 April 2012, Mr. Surawit gave a briefing on the food safety policy to make Thailand a model for food safety standards in the ASEAN region.

He revealed that each year more than one million people in the country suffered from unhygienic food and water. Statistics, compiled by the Ministry of Public Health in 2011, show that 1.4 million people in Thailand suffered from diarrhea, about 100,000 from food poisoning, 14,000 from dysentery, and 279 from cholera.

In implementing the food safety policy, he said, emphasis would be placed on hygienic and sanitary conditions throughout the food chain under the “From Farm to Table” concept. The food chain is involved with all steps, ranging from production to transportation, processing, and distribution to consumers.

Mr. Surawit said that the policy would be carried out not only in various hospitals, schools, and restaurants, but also in fresh and wholesale markets and vending stalls. In this connection, health officials will inspect these places and ensure that they are in line with safety standards. Water, ice, meat, fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, and other food items will be subject to quality control. Certificates will be issued for food outlets that have passed the food safety standards set by the Ministry of Public Health.

According to the Deputy Public Health Minister, the Government has set a target to increase the number of restaurants with food safety standards by 5 percent a year. In taking care of patients in various hospitals under its supervision, the Ministry of Public Health has prepared health food as a way for people to turn to a healthy lifestyle.

As for 56 hospitals with mostly Muslim patients, the Ministry is in the process of developing their kitchens as halal kitchens to offer Muslim food. Two hospitals, namely Yala Hospital and Satun Hospital in the deep South, have so far passed the HAL-Q system. HAL-Q was introduced by Chulalongkorn University’s Halal Science Center to ensure safety and quality in halal food production.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry, in its 2012 “Kitchen of the World” project, focuses on quality and safety of Thai food by giving a major boost to research work on nutritional value, so that Thai cuisine would gain greater recognition at the international level.

Local Religious Leaders Encouraged to Help Ease Unrest in the Deep South

(25/04/2012)

Local religious leaders in the southern border provinces have been urged to help ease unrest and tackle problems in the deep South. Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, stressed the important role of spiritual leaders in creating better understanding between local residents and officials in the South. He recently met 200 Muslim leaders, teachers, and school administrators in a brainstorming session to deal with southern problems. In the meeting, the Secretary-General cited misunderstanding between officials and local people as one of the root causes of the southern unrest. Better understanding about the local way of life and culture must be promoted. For this reason, the religious dimension should be emphasized in handling the southern situation. In this regard, more forums would be held for religious leaders to meet and seek ways to ease the unrest and develop the southern region. Police Colonel Tawee stated that the Government has a policy to create lasting peace in the southern border provinces, and it gives priority to ensuring the safety of local residents. In particular, it supports the Hajj pilgrimage and provides pilgrims with various services during the Hajj observance in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, each year. Islam is the second-largest faith in Thailand. The country is home to about eight million Muslims, out of the population of more than 60 million. Muslims of Malay descent are concentrated in the southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun, and some districts of Songkhla. Muslim Thais enjoy full state support and are free to teach and practice their religion. The Government has provided financial assistance to Islamic education institutions and the construction of some larger mosques. The funding of pilgrimages by Muslim Thais to Mecca is also included in the links between the government and the Muslim community. The Thai government in 2009 established a Hajj affairs section at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to facilitate the travel of Muslim Thais to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage. Police Colonel Tawee said that Saudi Arabia had set a quota for 13,000 pilgrims from Thailand to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in September 2012. It has been eight years now since the southern violence erupted in January 2004. The Thai government is committed to easing the southern situation through peaceful means. The unrest demands a long-term solution, with all parties participating. Religious leaders and members of civil society organizations are emerging to play a greater role in tackling southern conflicts and bringing about lasting peace.

Great Importance Attached to Disaster Preparedness

(23/04/2012)

The Government attaches great importance to disaster preparedness and has undertaken precautionary measures to handle emergency situations. The issue of disaster preparedness and measures to handle emergency situations has become a major topic of discussion in Thailand, following a recent series of tremors in the southern province of Phuket. The tremors came after the earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale struck on April 11 near the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. The quake was followed by aftershocks measuring up to 8.8 on the Richter scale. This prompted the National Disaster Warning Center to issue a tsunami warning and an evacuation order for people located on the Andaman coast in the southern provinces of Satun, Trang, Krabi, Phuket, Phang-nga ,and Ranong to move to higher ground as a safety precaution. However, as the waves that eventually reached Thailand’s coast along the Andaman Sea proved to be rather small and did not cause any damage, the National Disaster Warning Center decided to lift its tsunami warning and evacuation order on the same day. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyoot Wichaidit said that more seismographs should be installed and additional evacuation routes should be designated in the coastal provinces of Phuket, Phang-nga, Krabi, and Ranong. Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri said that the authorities concerned had been instructed to draw up plans to deal with possible earthquakes. Emphasis is placed on three groups of provinces. The first group involves seven southern provinces, namely Krabi, Chumphon, Phang-nga, Phuket, Ranong, Songkhla, and Surat Thani. The second group comprises nine northern provinces, namely Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Lampang, and Lamphun. The third group consists of six provinces in the central region. They are Kanchanaburi Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, and Bangkok. Among the 22 provinces, some are considered earthquake-prone areas with fault lines. The Ministry of Public Health has instructed health officials to prepare rescue teams, medical supplies, and mobile hospitals. They have also been told to set up command centers responsible for taking care of and transferring patients. Regarding the aftershocks in Phuket, local residents have been urged not to panic, since the tremors were mild and would not cause serious damage. They were also asked not to believe a rumor posted on a social network predicting that Phuket would sink into the sea. The authorities are ready to provide assistance and inform and alert the public in case of emergency situations. Handbooks on earthquakes will be published and distributed to members of the public as part of disaster preparedness.

Phuket Gets Ready to Handle Natural Disasters

(20/04/2012)

The Phuket Provincial Administration has come up with measures to handle emergency situations and help residents and tourists in times of natural disasters. Handbooks on earthquakes will be published following the model of Japan’s survival guide and distributed to the public. The handbooks will guide people on how to prepare, how to be aware of dangers, and what to do during natural disasters. A radio communication center will also be set up at the Phuket Town Hall to serve as an emergency broadcasting unit in case of contingency situations and natural disasters. Phuket Deputy Governor Somkiat Sangkaosutthirak said that the Phuket Provincial Administration was able to deal with natural disasters promptly, especially in times of temblors. He added that he would draw up a plan to solve the problem of communication disruption during the earthquakes with the establishment of the main radio communication center. He will seek cooperation from all relevant agencies. The Ministry of Public Health has recently adjusted its medical and public health services on the island of Phuket to cope with tremors after the recent earthquake that occurred near Sumatra in Indonesia on 11 April 2012, measuring 8.5 on the Richter scale. Phuket is one of Thailand’s prime tourism destinations and the country’s second most important direct access gateway. It accommodates over 500 domestic, regional and international flights a week. Each year, the island attracts numerous domestic and international visitors, generating an estimated one billion baht in income. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health assigned the Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand to keep monitoring the situation around the clock and to coordinate with Emergency Medical Services teams. It also requested every hospital under its supervision, both in Phuket and in nearby provinces, to hold patient transfer drills, in preparation for emergency situations. Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri assigned each province in quake risk areas, including southern, northern, and central provinces, to set up command centers responsible for taking care of and transferring patients. The southern earthquake risk areas are Krabi, Chumphon, Phang-nga, Phuket, Ranong, Songkla, and Surat Thani.

Anti-Drug Project to Mark Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th Birthday

(20/04/2012)

The Government is supporting anti-drug activities under the “Mother of the Land Fund Village Project in Celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th Birthday Anniversary.” The Cabinet, during its meeting on 17 April 2012, acknowledged the organizing of the anti-drug activities to allow people from all walks of life to show gratitude to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her 80th birthday on 12 August 2012. Another objective is to use guidelines under the Mother of the Land Fund to ease the drug situation and to empower villages and communities nationwide. The Government has established the anti-drug policy as part of the national agenda and has placed drug prevention and control on its list of 16 urgent policies for implementation in the first year of its administration. It has also launched a national anti-drug campaign, known as the “Force of the Land to Defeat the Drug Problem,” aimed at encouraging all sectors of Thai society to join forces in the fight against narcotic drugs. According to the Cabinet resolution, from March to December 2012, between 20 and 50 villages and communities in each province will receive funds under the Mother of the Land Fund Village Project. A total of 12,189 villages and communities have already received financial support from the Fund and their anti-drug operations have proven successful in reducing the spread of the narcotics problem. The Government is intended to build 928 learning centers for the Mother of the Land Fund in all districts. Among this number, 80 will be developed in line with the Sufficiency Economy philosophy to serve as models for various provinces, in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th birthday anniversary. In order to carry out anti-drug activities under this project, public relations campaigns will be conducted through various media channels to raise public awareness of anti-drug operations in response to the wishes of Her Majesty the Queen. The Mother of the Land Fund Village Project was launched in 2004, after Her Majesty the Queen had donated her personal funds to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board to support the operations of anti-drug volunteers. The Office took the royal funds as seed money for communities and villages to fight the drug menace. Since Her Majesty is recognized as the Mother of the Land, the project is referred to as the Mother of the Land Fund Village Project. On the eve of Her Majesty’s birthday in 2011, Her Majesty called on anti-narcotics authorities to step up suppression efforts and urged the Government to continue with the Mother of the Land Fund Village Project. The Center for the Force of the Land to Defeat the Drug Problem serves as a major mechanism for the project. The financial support for the project comes from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Ministry of Interior, local administrative organizations, and the Government’s central fund.

Chinese Business People Urged to Invest More in Thailand

(19/04/2012)

Thailand and China have agreed to increase investment between the two countries by 15 percent in the next five years. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has urged Chinese business people to invest more in Thailand.

The Prime Minister discussed bilateral trade and investment cooperation with her Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao during her three-day visit to China from 17 to 19 April 2012.

Both sides agreed to increase the bilateral trade target by 20 percent annually and the number of tourists by 20 percent in five years’ time. Prime Minister Yingluck would like Chinese investors to expand their investment in Thailand, especially in the production of rubber, automotive parts, machinery, and electronics, and also in environment-friendly industries and renewable energy.

She proposed that China set up a coordinating center to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) wishing to invest in China on a full-cycle basis in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which is China’s gateway to ASEAN. Prime Minister Yingluck called on China to allow the Tourism Authority of Thailand to set up a tourism office in Guangzhou to facilitate the travel to Thailand by Chinese tourists.

She stated that Thailand would like to strengthen relations with each province in China. Toward this aim, it wants to set up a Thai- Sichuan working group, in addition to the working groups already established with Yunnan, Guangdong, and Xiamen. The Prime Minister attached importance to educational and cultural cooperation, saying that she agreed to the proposal by Chinese Vice President Xi Jingping calling for the exchange of 100 students. She was informed that many Chinese students are interested in studying the Thai language, while an increasing number of Thai students would like to learn Chinese.

In this regard, the Prime Minister asked the Chinese government to encourage the teaching and learning of the Thai language in China. She also urged the Chinese government to send more teaching volunteers to teach Chinese in Thailand. In this connection, the Chinese Prime Minister agreed to respond to the request.

Regarding transportation links, Prime Minister Yingluck said that China had played a vital role in the opening of the R3A highway, linking Kunming in Yunnan with Chiang Khong in northern Thailand, passing through Laos. She urged China to accelerate the construction of the fourth bridge across the Mekong River, linking Chiang Khong in Thailand with Huay Xai in Laos. The bridge will facilitate the travel of people and contribute to the formation of the ASEAN Community in the near future.

Both sides also discussed the acquisition of computer tablets from China, and investments in high-speed rail lines, clean energy, and water management. They agreed to join hands in developing the Dawei deep-seaport and industrial estate project in Myanmar and to enhance their cooperation in strengthening the ASEAN region as a whole.

Strategic Plan for Southern Border Provinces Development

(18/04/2012)

The strategic plan for southern border provinces development for 2012-2014 has been endorsed by the Southern Border Provinces Development Strategy Committee. The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyoot Wichaidit, met on 11 April 2012 to consider the plan, proposed by the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center. The plan consists of nine strategies. The first strategy calls for public participation in tackling problems in the southern border provinces special zone and for concerted efforts by all relevant agencies in working in an integrated manner for southern development. The second strategy seeks to empower local villages and communities for peace-building in the deep South. In the third strategy, more forums will be arranged for local people to seek solutions to the southern conflict through peaceful means. The fourth strategy seeks to promote religious, multi-cultural, and local history studies. In the fifth strategy, the efficiency in ensuring justice and protecting the rights and freedoms of local people will be enhanced, together with law enforcement and rehabilitation for the affected people. The sixth strategy involves confidence-building for greater efficiency in economic development in the South. The seventh strategy calls for social, sports, and tourism development, while seeking to improve the quality of life, especially that of the underprivileged. The eighth strategy involves better communication between officials and local people. In the ninth strategy, cooperation with the international community will be promoted and preparations for the realization of the ASEAN Community will be made. The Southern Border Provinces Development Strategy Committee also approved guidelines and procedures for financial assistance for those affected by violence in the southern border provinces. For instance, medical services will be provided, both physically and mentally, so that the affected people will be able to live with good quality of life. As for spiritual rehabilitation, the affected people will be offered financial support for their travel to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia or for religious activities of other faiths. Assistance will also be provided to repair their damaged property, as well. Other assistance measures include occupational promotion, the stepping up of security, the establishment of specialized clinics and education institutions for people with disabilities. In the same meeting, the committee approved the payment of financial assistance on humanitarian basis to victims of violent incidents and their families in the deep South. Culture offices will also be set up in 56 districts in the five southern border provinces, namely Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Satun, and Songkhla.

Thailand and China to Expand Strategic Cooperation

(15/04/2012)

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will lead a delegation to visit the People’s Republic of China to boost strategic cooperation and regional cooperation with China under the frameworks of ASEAN and the Greater Mekong Subregion. The visit is scheduled for 17-19 April 2012 at the invitation of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. The Thai delegation will consist of members of the public and private sectors. Cabinet members joining the delegation include Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Ministers to the Prime Minister’s Office Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan and Nalinee Taveesin, Transport Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Preecha Rengsomboonsuk, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap, Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, Education Minister Suchart Thada-Thamrongvech, and Industry Minister M.R. Pongsvas Svasti. During the visit, several important documents involving relations between the two countries will be signed. Among them are the Agreement on Educational Cooperation, the second five-year Joint Action Plan on Thailand-China Strategic Cooperation for 2012-2016, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agricultural Trade Cooperation, and a five-year development plan for 2012-2016 under the Agreement on Expanding and Deepening Bilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation. Thailand and China will hold talks on investments in high-speed rail lines from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Nong Khai, Bangkok to Rayong, and Bangkok to Padang Besar. They will sign an MOU on the feasibility study of railway cooperation, as well. The development of water management will be a major topic of discussion. During the severe floods in Thailand in 2011, the Chinese government donated flood relief supplies and dispatched experienced flood control experts to Thailand to offer useful advice to cope with the flooding situation. China is one of Thailand’s major trading partners. Thai-Chinese trade amounted to 64.7 billion US dollars in 2011. Both countries are seeking ways to achieve the bilateral trade target of 100 billion dollars by 2015. Chinese tourists visiting Thailand in 2012 are likely to reach two million, against 1.7 million recorded in 2011. Bangkok, Pattaya, and Kanchanaburi have been listed as popular tourist destinations among Chinese visitors to Thailand. Thailand serves as coordinator for ASEAN-China relations in 2012 and it is regarded as China’s gateway to ASEAN. China is seen as a key player in helping the connectivity of the region and the formation of the ASEAN Community. The Thai government has a policy to promote transportation links between the two nations and other neighboring countries, especially those in the Greater Mekong subregion, which, apart from Thailand, comprises Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and southern China.

National Day for Older Persons Coinciding with the Traditional Thai New Year

(13/04/2012)

April 13, Songkran Day, is the traditional Thai New Year, coinciding with the National Day for Older Persons. April 13 was picked as Thailand’s National Day for Older Persons to underline the significance of older persons and to show gratitude and respect to them. The Thai government designated the National Day for Older Persons on 14 December 1982, after ageing as a policy issue received international recognition at the first World Assembly on Ageing held in Vienna, Austria, in the same year. The tradition of respecting the senior generation is regarded as a national trait passed on from generation to generation. It shows that young people are aware of the value and importance of the elderly. During this festival, people from rural areas who are working in the city usually return home to visit and pay respect to their elders. In celebration of the National Day for the Older Persons, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has designated April as the month for organizing various activities for older persons. Among the activities is the presentation of the award to the national older person, who is regarded as a role model for Thai society. Dr. Saisuree Chutikul, former Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, has been honored as the 2012 national older person. Aged 78, Dr. Saisuree has long been an ardent champion of the rights of women and gender equality both in Thailand and abroad. She served as a member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women for the term 2007-2010 and held several important international positions, such as membership to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child for the term 2002-2005. The slogan for the celebration of the National Day for Older Persons 2012 focuses on the theme “Wisdom of Older Persons Leads to Peace and Happiness in Thai Society.” The Government has a policy to provide opportunities for senior citizens to share their experience with younger generations. It wants to see people of different ages – older persons, people of working age, and children – live happily together in harmony. Empowerment of the elderly becomes a necessity owing to the dramatic changes in demographic structure. Like other countries all over the world, Thailand is experiencing fundamental demographic changes, and the number of working older persons is on the rise. Older persons are defined as those aged 60 and over. Many senior citizens can still work actively and contribute greatly to society. A report prepared by the National Statistical Office quoted results of a survey that more than three million senior citizens in Thailand are working to earn an income. Most of the working senior citizens are engaged in the informal sector, while almost 10 percent are employed in the formal sector.

Songkran Festival Celebrated throughout Thailand

(12/04/2012)

Thai people are celebrating the Songkran Festival, the traditional Thai New Year, with many joyous activities. It is the country’s merriest festival and is widely observed across the nation. Although this festival of entertaining and socializing covers one week or more in some rural areas, the highlight of the festival is between April 13 and 15. On this occasion, young people pour lustral water onto the palms of their elders as a gesture of respect and present them with gifts. In return, the elders give their blessings to them. It is a time when Thais splash water over friends and other people to give them a New Year blessing. The fact that April is the hottest month of the year makes the blessings very welcome. There is also a deeper meaning in the practice of water-throwing, which is done to ensure that there will be an abundance of rain for the coming rice-planting season. The celebration also features a thorough house cleaning, sprinkling of Buddha images with scented water, merit-making ceremonies, the release of caged birds and fish, pilgrimages to holy shrines, parades, dancing, and traditional Thai games. Songkran is an occasion for family reunions, as well, when all the family members get together again. So it is the time of love and care within the family. As for the community, Songkran provides an opportunity to strengthen the spirit of solidarity and cooperation among the community members. Many foreigners find Songkran a great time to visit Thailand to experience distinctive cultural activities in a delightful atmosphere. During the festival, people perform a religious ceremony in memory of their ancestors. Many of them go to the temple and heap up sand into mounds in temple compounds, as they believe that bringing sand to a temple is considered a great merit. This tradition is popularly practiced in northern Thailand. In most parts of the country, such as Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Hat Yai, Songkran is celebrated on a wide scale with many tourists joining. Often referred to as the “Water Festival” among foreigners, this festival is celebrated not only in Thailand and Thai communities overseas, but also in neighboring countries, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and southern China. Nobody knows exactly when and where the Songkran Festival began. It is believed that Thailand adopted this traditional practice from India. The word “Songkran” means passage of transition, which heralds the moving of the sun into the sign of Aries. In Thailand, this time of the year comes after the rice harvest, when farmers are free from hard labor in the field. So it is a good time for joyous celebrations to greet the coming year. As people travel around the country for Songkran celebrations, the Government has launched a campaign to ensure road safety and reduce road accidents and the death toll during the festival.

Tsunami Warning in Thailand Has Been Lifted

(12/04/2012)

The National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) at 20.45 hr on 11 April 2012 lifted its tsunami warning and evacuation order. The warning was issued after an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale struck at 15.38 hr on the same day near the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, which was followed by aftershocks measuring up to 8.8 on the Richter scale. This prompted NDWC to issue a tsunami warning and an evacuation order for people located on the Andaman coast in the southern provinces of Satun, Trang, Krabi, Phuket, Phang-nga and Ranong to move to higher ground as a safety precaution. However, as the waves that eventually reached Thailand’s coast along the Andaman Sea proved to be only of small size and did not cause any damage, and given that the situation has stabilized, NDWC decided to lift its tsunami warning and evacuation order. As the Thai Government attaches great importance to disaster preparedness and management, the authorities concerned proceeded in accordance with established standard operation procedures in such cases immediately following the earthquake. At 19.30 hr on the same day, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra also held an emergency meeting with all relevant agencies, including the provincial governors of the six provinces on alert through video-conference. After the meeting, the Prime Minister gave a televised address informing the public of the latest situation and the precautionary measures undertaken. These included instructions for the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Thai Police and the provincial authorities to monitor the situation and to provide assistance to people as necessary. Hospitals were instructed to increase their level of preparedness, while hotels with foreign guests were asked to ensure the safety of those staying with them. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology were told to report on the situation and developments via NDWC. The Ministry of Interior was instructed to implement the tsunami safety plan by notifying people in the six provinces along the Andaman coast to evacuate from risk areas. The Ministry of Transport was instructed to order the closure of Phuket International Airport and evacuate passengers in accordance with the evacuation plan until NDWC lifted its tsunami warning. It was also told to set up a command center at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Ministry of Public Health was asked to establish a task force to monitor the earthquake and to ensure that the emergency medical team was ready around the clock. The Arm Forces were instructed to be prepared to evacuate people in the event of a real disaster.

Government Emphasizes Energy Saving and the Use of Alternative Energy

(06/04/2012)

The Government has called for energy saving and is ready to promote the use of alternative energy in the face of rocketing oil prices. The Ministry of Energy is launching a campaign to give advice to motorists on how to drive properly in order to save costs from energy use, while proceeding with a project to save energy in government buildings. The campaign aims to reduce the use of fuel oil and urge people to switch from petrol to alternative energy sources, such as gasohol, biodiesel, and natural gas for vehicles (NGV). People have also been urged to turn from private cars to public transport, such as electric trains for commuters: the “skytrain” and the subway. The campaign will not only promote the efficient use of energy but will also reduce the problem of global warming. The Cabinet, during its meeting on 2 April 2012, approved the Ministry of Energy’s management project to save energy in government offices. The pilot project is being carried out at three public places, namely Thammasat University (Rangsit Center), Chiang Mai University, and the Government Complex Commemorating His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary. The Cabinet told the Ministry of Energy to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and other related agencies to allow government offices to spend money saved from their efficient use of energy on investment and management projects. It also approved guidelines to increase liquidity of the Oil Fund by extending the repayment period for bank loans from one year to three years. In her statement at the Thailand Energy Awards 2011 on 29 March 2012, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra stressed the Government’s energy-saving policy, saying that amidst the changing situation in the world, energy security was playing an increasingly important role, in addition to food security and economic stability. She pointed out that higher oil prices have led to higher production costs. In order to ensure that the oil-price rise will not put too much pressure on the people, energy saving and the development of and search for renewable energy sources must continue, so concerted efforts by all relevant agencies are necessary. The Prime Minister stated that the Government is ready to give a helping hand to raise public awareness of the importance of energy saving and alternative energy development. In its energy policy, the Government will support the production, use, and research into and development of renewable and alternative energy sources, with the objective of replacing 25 percent of the energy generated by fossil fuels within the next decade. It will also promote and drive energy conservation through the reduction of power use in the production process by 25 percent within the next two decades.

Creating Wet Firebreak against Forest Fires and Haze

(04/04/2012)

Forest fires have become a matter of concern in Thailand and the region. The Office of the National Research Council of Thailand is supporting a research project to apply the “wet firebreak” method, initiated by His Majesty the King, to the fight against forest fires. The forest fires that hit several provinces in northern Thailand have led to the haze problem, causing health hazards for local residents. The authorities are seeking ways to bring the problem under control in the long run. The Secretary-General of the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand, Professor Dr. Soottiporn Chittmittrapap, said that the Office had entrusted a team from Kasetsart University to conduct research on forest fire prevention by creating wet firebreaks, a natural bastion against forest fires, suggested by His Majesty the King. Forest fires in Thailand are caused primarily by human activities. It was found that collecting forest products was the leading cause of forest fires, followed by hunting and clearing of land for cultivation and raising livestock. Official reports indicated that the situation of forest fires has been getting worse because of the extreme weather and global warming effects, which have caused severe and widespread drought. As a consequence, forests are drier and the chance of fire is greater. With his insight into problems with nature, His Majesty the King has devised a method based on the “Nature cures nature” concept, by applying the way of nature – the wet firebreak – to prevent forest fires. He explained that people could pipe water to keep deteriorated, dry forest land moist at all times. This would conserve forests indirectly, as an effective bastion against forest fires, owing to its feature as a wet firebreak. The main principle in His Majesty’s method of creating a wet firebreak is to form a belt of moisture as a shield against fire, by injecting water to keep the designated area wet and thus hold off fire. At the same time, the wet firebreak also keeps the entire area cool with oxygen from the humidity in the air and the water-filled land, reducing haze and smog from forest fires, as well. His Majesty devised several methods for creating wet firebreaks. For instance, a forest fire control system with irrigation water and rainwater should be created. Fast-growing trees should be planted over canals and water channels in order to increase moisture on both sides of the canal as an effective firebreak. His Majesty suggested that small check dams, or weirs, be built out of local materials to hold back water and some of the silt material, while allowing water to seep into the ground. The wet firebreaks established by His Majesty’s initiative are a method of forest conservation and rehabilitation based on the use of moisture to keep the forest green and to reduce the chance of forest fires. It is also a strategy of forest conservation with the help of water resources to create a fire prevention front against forest fires on a long-term basis.

300-Baht Daily Minimum Wage

(04/04/2012)

Permanent Secretary for Labor Somkiat Chayasriwong said that the 300-baht daily minimum wage would contribute to the Thai economy in the long run. He referred to the implementation of the minimum wage increase that took effect across Thailand on 1 April 2012. The resolution was made by the Cabinet in November 2011, following the decision by the Wage Committee on 17 October 2011. Based on this policy, starting from 1 April 2012, the 300-baht daily minimum wage has been implemented in seven provinces, namely Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, and Phuket. The rate in Phuket has increased by 35.7 percent from 221 baht to 300 baht, while that in six other provinces has increased by 39.5 percent, from 221 baht to 300 baht. In the remaining 70 provinces, the daily minimum wage has increased by 39.5 percent, but is still lower than 300 baht. The 300-baht rate will become effective in the other 70 provinces on 1 January 2013. According to the Cabinet resolution, the 300-baht daily minimum wage would remain in all provinces nationwide in 2014 and 2015. If the Thai economy faces severe volatility affecting the livelihoods of workers, the Wage Committee may consider revising the minimum wage in 2014 and 2015. In making a decision on the wage hike, the Wage Committee has taken into account factors like the cost of living index, inflation, living standards, manufacturing costs, and general economic and social conditions. Emphasis is also placed on the employers’ ability to pay and the workers’ quality of life. The Permanent Secretary for Labor, who is also Chairman of the Wage Committee, stated that the minimum wage hike in April this year would increase the purchasing power of the general public and help workers cope with rising costs of living. He believed that the hike in the minimum rate would produce more positive results than negatives ones. More income earned by workers would facilitate the buying and selling of consumer goods, as well. Some businesses criticized the implementation of the 300-baht minimum wage, saying that it would adversely affect small and medium-sized enterprises. In this regard, the Permanent Secretary for Labor said that the impact might be felt in certain businesses, but it was likely to last only in the short term. Entrepreneurs wishing to seek advice on the issue may contact provincial labor offices nationwide. In order to help businesses cope with rising production costs, the Government earlier approved the reduction of corporate income tax from 30 percent to 23 percent in 2012.

Thailand Stresses the Importance of Maintaining ASEAN’s Centrality

(03/04/2012)

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul has stressed the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s centrality, especially amidst increasing engagements with countries outside Southeast Asia.

The Foreign Minister attended the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings in Phnom Penh on 12 April 2012 prior to the 20th ASEAN Summit on April 3-4.

He said that ASEAN’s centrality could be achieved by creating a cohesive community, establishing ASEAN+FTAs, and enhancing connectivity in the region. He expressed his support of the proposal for ASEAN to issue a statement to show its support for Myanmar’s commitment to democratization and national reconciliation, as demonstrated through a series of concrete developments, including the by-elections on 1 April 2012.

A report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Foreign Minister Surapong welcomed the invitation extended by Myanmar to the ASEAN foreign ministers to visit Myanmar, which would afford them an opportunity to observe first hand the changes taking place in the country. He concurred with the sentiments expressed by other ASEAN Foreign Ministers that sanctions on Myanmar should be lifted.

In his intervention, Foreign Minister Surapong expressed his condolences, on behalf of the Royal Thai Government, to the Government of Malaysia for the loss of lives and injuries of Malaysian citizens as a result of bombing incidents in the South of Thailand on 31 March 2012. The other ASEAN Foreign Ministers shared the same sentiment and condemned these indiscriminate acts against innocent people.

Foreign Minister Surapong concluded his intervention by proposing to elevate the issue of building a drug-free ASEAN Community by 2015 as a high-priority agenda for ASEAN.

During the meeting between the ASEAN Ministers and the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, the Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of creating a sense of ownership among the peoples of ASEAN in the drafting of the ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights, and encouraged the Commission to engage openly, regularly, and transparently with the public in order to create greater awareness.

He then joined his colleagues at the meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council, where he emphasized that the Council should promote better coordination between sectoral bodies under the political and security cooperation pillar and at the same time work in concert with the Economic and Socio-Cultural Councils. The Foreign Minister also underlined the importance of enhanced coordination among different ASEAN mechanisms on such issues as disaster management and addressing the negative impacts from increased regional connectivity, such as drug trade, transnational crimes, human trafficking, and money laundering, as well as other cross-border problems.

He announced that Thailand would host an ASEAN Workshop on Cross-Border Management during 13-14 June 2012 to build members’ capacity and complement each other’s efforts in harmonizing cross border regulations. Foreign Minister Surapong also expressed appreciation to his colleagues for their support for Thailand’s initiative to establish the ASEAN Network of Nuclear Regulatory Agencies to advance ASEAN’s shared goal of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.

Thailand Congratulates Myanmar on Its Successful By-Election

(03/04/2012)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement saying that Thailand congratulated the government and the people of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar for the successful and smooth by-elections on 1 April 2012. According to the statement, issued on April 2, Thailand commends the Myanmar government for its sincere and earnest efforts in this regard, in particular the invitation of international representatives to observe the by-election, which underscored the expressed commitment by the Myanmar government to conduct the by-election in a free and fair manner. This is truly an important milestone in the process of democratization and national reconciliation in Myanmar. Thailand also encourages all parties in Myanmar to build upon this achievement and continue working together toward further progress. The statement also says that Thailand reaffirms its strong commitment to support Myanmar in its reforms and development efforts. Thailand calls on the international community to do its part by promptly responding in a meaningful manner to the reforms achieved during the past year, particularly by lifting sanctions, so as to support ongoing reforms in Myanmar for the benefit of its people.

Thai Economy Remains Strong

(30/03/2012)

The Thai economy has recovered from the flood crisis and is expected to enjoy a growth rate of 5.5 percent in 2012, with an inflation rate of 3.6 percent. Speaking about the outlook of the Thai economy, Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office, Somchai Sujjapongse, cited domestic demand as a major driver of the Thai economy this year. He said that private sector consumption is likely to expand by 4.5 percent, which is an accelerating rate, as the people need to acquire more products to replace their property damaged by the flooding situation. Another reason is that the Government has a policy to stimulate spending. For example, it has decided to raise the daily minimum wage to 300 baht in seven provinces, starting from 1 April 2012. It will also implement the policy concerning the 15,000-baht monthly starting salary for new university graduates working for government agencies and state enterprises. The Government’s rice mortgage scheme for farmers has been carried out, as well. Private investment in 2012 is expected to expand by 11.9 percent. The automobile and automotive parts industry that was affected by the flooding situation has resumed its production and is receiving more orders from within and outside the country. Public investment is likely to expand at an accelerating rate of 12 percent. The increase is also attributed to the Government’s borrowing plan for water management. The Government had set aside 350 billion baht to create a new and improved water management system. The fund will be spent from the middle of 2012 onwards. Mr. Somchai said that Thailand would run a current account deficit of 3.5 billion US dollars in 2012, accounting for 0.9 percent of GDP. Regarding the Government’s fiscal balance in the first four months of the 2012 fiscal year, from October 2011 to February 2012, the Government earned 534.2 billion baht in revenue, an increase of 1.8 percent over the same period last year. On the other hand, the Government disbursed 640 billion baht, 23.2 percent lower than last year, due to the delay in the implementation of the 2012 national budget. As a result, the budgetary balance was in deficit of 106 billion baht. According to the Bank of Thailand, latest indicators pointed toward improvements in all key areas of the Thai economy, and manufacturing production remained on track to return to normal levels by the third quarter of this year. Domestic demand continued to be the main driving force for the economy, supported by improvements in income, employment, and private sector confidence, as well as government stimulus measures. Inflationary pressure remained stable in the short run, though risks persisted from rising global oil prices and the minimum wage increase. A pick-up in private demand and government spending could exert additional upward pressure on inflation, especially in the latter half of this year when the Thai economy moves closer to its potential.

Ministry of Public Health Promotes Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine in Hospitals Nationwide

(29/03/2012)

All hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health will increase Thai traditional and alternative medical services in an effort to reduce the use of Western medicine, which is very costly. Deputy Public Health Minister, Surawit Khonsomboon, said that Thailand spends about 130 billion baht each year on drug imports. The figure represents 35 percent of the country’s healthcare costs and shows that Thailand still depends heavily on Western medicine. In response to the Government’s policy of reducing the country’s medical costs, he said that the Ministry of Public Health had told 10,580 hospitals under its supervision nationwide to use at least 20 indigenous herb items in their health services. A total of 71 indigenous herb items have already been included in the national drug list. In 2012, the Ministry wants its subdistrict-level medical facilities to make herbal medicine 10 percent of their total costs of medicine, while the use of herbs in community hospitals should account for 5 percent. Moreover, at least one doctor specializing in Thai medicine will be posted at 588 community hospitals, representing 80 percent of all community hospitals across the country. The Ministry of Public Health has also assigned the Department for Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine to control the quality of medicinal plants to be used for pharmaceutical manufacturing. The production of Thai herbal items will be based on the principles of good manufacturing practice and the standards set by the Food and Drug Administration. This will help promote Thailand’s herbal products and its ambitious plan to play a leading role in traditional medicine in ASEAN when it becomes a single community in the next few years. A survey of Thai traditional medicine conducted in 2009 shows that out of 3,478 hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health, 72 percent had personnel in traditional Thai medical services. The most popular traditional method was the use of herbs, at 59 percent, followed by traditional massage, at 35 percent. There were almost three million service users who were mainly in the northeastern region. Traditional Thai medicine is an ancient healing science reflecting folk wisdom passed on from generation to generation. It consists of the medical processes concerned with examination, diagnosis, therapy, treatment, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. The use of herbal medicine has been part of Thai life since ancient times. Herbs can be used in both medicine and health food. The growing popularity of natural products and consumption of holistic food have led to the expansion of traditional methods of health care.

Thailand’s Women’s Development Fund Receives International Attention

(28/03/2012)

The setting up of the National Development Fund for Women to empower Thai women and enhance their potential has received international attention. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra raised the issue for discussion with Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and in her speech at Ehwa Women’s University, also in Seoul, during her visit to the Republic of Korea from 24 to 26 March 2012. The Prime Minister told Mr. Ban Ki-moon that the Thai government was aware of the significance of women and gender equality. The Women’s Development Fund was, therefore, established to promote the roles of women, so that they can help develop the country, protect women’s rights, and amend related laws in order to protect women from domestic violence. The fund also serves as a funding source for women who want to have greater access to education, employment, and healthcare services. As a result, she said, women would lead an educated, rich, stable, and better life. Moreover, the Government has initiated a policy of establishing child care centers in government offices, private companies, and communities. It has increased and improved the 24-hour help centers for children and women who are victims of family violence, while enhancing women’s role to be a cornerstone of a warm family. Mr. Ban Ki-moon stated that the United Nations was also aware of the importance of improving the roles of women and underprivileged children. Recently, the United Nations initiated the “Every Women, Every Child” program and established a UN Women agency, located in Thailand so as to support the roles of women and underprivileged children in Asia and Southeast Asia. The Prime Minister viewed the initiative as an opportunity for the Thai government and the Unite Nations to promote and improve women’s roles both in Thailand and the region. In her speech at Ehwa Women’s University, Prime Minister Yingluck explained that the Women’s Development Fund is open to all women, whether rich or poor, urban or rural. In the one month since the fund was created, more than five million women have applied for membership, and it is hoped that more will join. She pointed out that women and men have equal dignity and roles in work and can contribute to national development at the same level. At the same time, women are gentle and detailed, the ideal characteristics needed in production, trade, and service. The fact that women are mothers helps bring compassion, reconciliation, and support for a peaceful society. Apart from this, she believes that if men and women work together, with their different skills, they will be able to synergize and work for the advancement and benefit of humankind. As a female prime minister, Prime Minister Yingluck said that she has had to prove herself every day. The path to success for women is not easy and will be met with many obstacles.

Thailand and the Republic of Korea to Develop Bilateral Relations into Strategic Partnerships

(27/03/2012)

Thailand and the Republic of Korea have agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in all areas and to develop their relations into strategic partnerships in the future. The issue was discussed between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and President Lee Myung-bak during the official working visit to the Republic of Korea by Prime Minister Yingluck from 24 to 27 March 2012. Trade between the two countries amounted to 13.9 billion US dollars in 2011. Both countries have set a target to increase bilateral trade to 30 billion dollars within the next five years, from 2012 to 2016. Toward this aim, Prime Minister Yingluck proposed that Thailand and the Republic of Korea reconvene the meeting of the Thailand-Republic of Korea Joint Trade Commission. On this occasion, the Prime Minister urged the Republic of Korea to consider importing more Thai agricultural products, such as frozen chicken and fruit. She invited Korean investors to invest more in Thailand, especially in automobile, electronics, machinery, metal, food production, agro-industry, alternative energy, shipbuilding, digital content, and filmmaking. Thailand and the Republic of Korea agreed to cooperate closely in dealing with natural disasters and exchange knowledge and experience in water management and disaster mitigation. The Republic of Korea offered to support the construction of Thailand’s water resource management system. Prime Minister Yingluck also urged the Republic of Korea to help develop water management infrastructure in Thailand and a high-speed train system linking with other countries in the ASEAN region. Both countries shared the view that cultural exchange has played an important role in promoting friendship and better understanding between the people of the two nations. In this connection, the Korean government asked the Thai government to help establish the Korean cultural and study center in 2012. They agreed to promote people-to-people contact and tourism. Prime Minister Yingluck congratulated President Lee Myung-bak for Korea's success in the implementation of the “Low Carbon, Green Growth” project. She said that Thailand attached importance to this project and would support technology transfer on the Green Growth policy. Both Thailand and the Republic of Korea would cooperate in research and development concerning the use of "atoms for peace." Regarding regional cooperation, Thai and Korean leaders shared the view that regional stability should be promoted through various meetings, such as ASEAN+3, East Asia Summit, and the ASEAN Regional Forum. During this visit, Prime Minister Yingluck and President Lee Myung-bak also witnessed the signing of an agreement on military cooperation between the two countries. The Prime Minister took this opportunity to invite President Lee Myung-bak to join the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2012, to be hosted by Thailand from May 30 to June 1 in Bangkok.

Canada Urged to Invest More in Thailand

(25/03/2012)

Thailand has urged Canadian business people to invest more in Thailand and increase bilateral trade. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra discussed ways to expand Thai-Canadian cooperation with the Right Honorable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, who paid an official visit to Thailand from 22 to 24 March 2012. The three-day visit was meant to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Canada. It also provided an opportunity for both countries to deepen existing cooperation and reaffirm their longstanding relationships. Prime Minister Yingluck invited Canadian business investment in Thailand in electronic, machinery, and automobile industries, information technology, clean technology, environmental protection, and biotechnology. She told her Canadian counterpart that PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), has invested in Canada since 2010. PTTEP is a national petroleum exploration and production company, and it plays an important role in Thailand’s economic drive and environmental protection. She asked the Canadian government to support the operations of this company in Canada. Prime Minister Yingluck said that Thailand is in the process of developing clean energy. Since Canada has expertise in clean energy, she said that both countries should cooperate in encouraging their private sectors to expand this business. She said that Thailand would like to increase its exports to Canada, especially frozen seafood, rice, fruit, beans, rubber and rubber products, electronics parts, and gems. In order to increase bilateral trade, both countries agreed to start their negotiations on a free trade agreement, which could serve as a mechanism to further expand bilateral trade. Thailand and Canada also agreed to boost cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, as well as student exchange through various cultural programs. Moreover, they would facilitate visa applications in order to promote tourism between the two countries. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister John Baird of Canada, who accompanied the Canadian Prime Minister on this visit, met Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul on March 23 to exchange views on a various issues. They also stressed the importance of strengthening people-to-people relations. Thailand serves as the Country Coordinator of ASEAN-Canada relations between 2009 and 2012. ASEAN and Canada celebrates the 35th anniversary of their dialogue partnership in 2012. Canada is now ASEAN’s 13th largest trading partner, with two-way trade of 9.8 billion US dollars, and ranks ninth in terms of investment in ASEAN with 1.6 billion dollars. ASEAN and Canada have developed their relations in all aspects, from political and security to economic and socio-cultural areas of cooperation, since Canada formally became a dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1977.

Pollution Management Plan for 2012-2016

(25/03/2012)

Thailand’s pollution management plan, to be implemented in the next five years has won Cabinet approval. The pollution management plan for 2012-2016 will be used as the direction for all agencies to follow, in connection with the environmental quality management plan for 2012-2016 and the current 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported to the Cabinet on 20 March 2012 that the new pollution management plan was designed to prevent pollution and ease the country’s pollution problems more effectively and to keep pace with global trends. It also aims to encourage all sectors of society to take part in pollution management. The objective is to improve the country’s environment and maintain it at the accepted standards. The plan seeks to reduce and control the spread of pollution from agricultural and industrial communities, vehicles, and the transport sector. All sectors of society should be allowed to take part in various stages of pollution control. Priority should be given to pollution management in each area. For instance, water quality should be emphasized in critical sections of river basins. Provinces affected by haze pollution and forest fires should be given special attention. Other areas that should receive greater attention include economic zones and natural tourist sites. Local administrative organizations should be encouraged to handle wastewater and solid waste management in communities. Entrepreneurs will be urged to manage toxic waste in a systematic manner and with greater efficiency. At the same time, preventive measures should be prepared to deal with the leaks of chemicals and dangerous substances when there is an accident. The “polluter pays principle” should be applied, while incentive measures should be introduced to promote pollution reduction and pollution-free production processes. A major boost should also be given to environment-friendly services, production, and consumer behavior. The five-year pollution management plan calls for the unified development of pollution management in terms of legal matters, regulations, and guidelines in both public and private sectors. Civil society organizations and other stakeholders should be urged to join forces in tackling the pollution problem by stepping up campaigns for pollution management and control. According to a report by the Pollution Control Department, the flooding situation in Thailand in 2011 resulted in the deterioration of water quality in certain river basins, such as the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin, and Bang Pakong. However, the overall quality of Thailand's rivers has been improving over the past five years. The country's hazardous waste was at 3.12 million tons, an increase of 1.2 per cent over the previous year. Garbage continued to rise each year, with 16 million tons in 2011, a rise of 5.5 per cent over 2010.

Official Working Visit of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to the Republic of Korea

(23/03/2012)

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will pay an official working visit to the Republic of Korea from 24 to 27 March 2012, when she is also scheduled to attend the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit will be a good opportunity for Thailand to create confidence among Korean investors, especially after the severe flooding in Thailand last year. While in the Republic of Korea, Prime Minister Yingluck will hold bilateral discussions with President Lee Myung-bak on such issues as trade and investment, agriculture, labor, tourism, nuclear energy, and environmental cooperation. She will visit the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project to learn from the Republic of Korea’s best practices in water management in order to apply them to Thailand. The Prime Minister will also deliver a speech on the role of women in Thai society to students of Ewha Women’s University. After the working visit on March 24-25, Prime Minister Yingluck will then participate in the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit on March 26-27. Leaders from 52 countries and three international organizations, namely the United Nations, International Atomic Energy Agency, and INTERPOL, will participate in the meeting. In this connection, Thailand will use this forum to underline the country’s political will in strengthening nuclear security and reducing threats from nuclear terrorism. The Nuclear Security Summit 2012 is the second of its kind. The first one took place in Washington in 2010. The summit this time will discuss nuclear security and try to produce concrete results. Thailand gives importance to the issue of nuclear security and has always abided by the Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. After the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, Thailand joined the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and also suggested the establishment of a nuclear monitoring network in the Southeast Asian region. Since the establishment of Dialogue Partnership between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea 1989, the Republic of Korea has become one of ASEAN’s most important and active partners in political, economic, and socio-cultural areas. Trade between Thailand and the Republic of Korea has expanded steadily during the past decade. In 2010, the Republic of Korea was Thailand’s 15th largest export market. Thailand exported 3.6 billion US dollars worth of goods to the Republic of Korea, an increase of 42 percent over 2009, while imports were valued at eight billion dollars. As a result, Thailand suffered a trade deficit of 4.4 billion dollars with the Republic of Korea. Major Thai exports to the Republic of Korea include rubber, computers and components, and electrical appliances. Thailand imports mainly iron and steel, chemicals, and jewelry from that country. It comes third as the most popular tourism destination among Koreans, after China and Japan.

Government to Give a Major Boost to Thai Organic Agriculture

(23/03/2012)

The Government is pushing for the promotion of Thai organic agricultural products and is also prepared to expand Thailand’s organic export markets in ASEAN, when it becomes a single community in 2015. Deputy Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Niwat Sutheemeechaikul, said that the Cabinet had assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to be responsible for the mobilization of efforts to boost the country’s organic agriculture. Aware of the importance of organic agriculture, the Cabinet on 13 March 2012 approved the formation of the National Organic Agriculture Committee, to be chaired by a Deputy Prime Minister. The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Minister of Commerce, and the Minister of Science and Technology are among members of this committee. The National Organic Agriculture Committee will set policies and strategies for Thailand’s organic agriculture and integrate all related plans and measures. Mr. Niwat said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives had set up a working group to draft the strategies. The working group would also conduct a study and gather information to be proposed for the formulation of the National Strategies for Organic Agriculture for 2012-2016. He explained that the development of organic agriculture in the next stage should focus on the production process in line with international organic agricultural standards and in response to consumer demand. Moreover, emphasis must be placed on innovation and the improvement of management mechanisms linking with production and marketing systems. Mr. Niwat stressed the need for all relevant agencies to integrate their operations so that the country’s organic agriculture development would be carried out in the same direction. This would provide greater opportunities for the country’s investment in organic agricultural production and expand its markets, especially when the ASEAN Community is established in the next few years. Today, Thailand earns six billion baht annually from organic agricultural exports. It has set a target to increase the export value by 10 percent in 2013. Major Thai organic agricultural exports include rice, black tiger prawn, beef, milk, and fish. The world market for organic agricultural products has been expanding rapidly, so Thailand stands a good chance of exporting more chemical-free products. Major markets include the United States and the European Union, followed by Japan and Australia. Thai organic products are in high demand in the international market, but the market size is still relatively small.