People Urged to Help Monitor the 2.2-Trillion-Baht Infrastructure Mega-Projects

(25/03/2013)

People have been urged to help monitor the Government’s 2.2-trillion-baht transportation and logistics mega-projects to ensure that they would be carried out with transparency. Speaking in the weekly program “Yingluck Government Meets the People” on 23 March 2013, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong revealed that a new median bid price acceptable by all parties would be set for each project, and it would be considered together with the government procurement in the database of relevant agencies and budget allocation by the Ministry of Finance. The Cabinet on 19 March 2013 approved a draft bill empowering the Ministry of Finance to borrow 2.2 trillion baht to finance the infrastructure mega-projects. The draft bill will be debated in the first reading by the House of Representatives on 28-29 March 2013. Mr. Kittiratt said that during the closure of the parliamentary session in the middle of April, a House committee to be formed to scrutinize the bill is expected to look into this legislation before it is submitted to the House of Representatives for the second and third readings. He stated that the Government would seek an extraordinary House session in May to debate the 2014 national budget bill. During this period, he expects that the draft bill on the 2.2-trillion-baht loan would be considered in its second and third readings. The next step is that the draft bill would be forwarded to the Senate for consideration. He said that the Permanent Secretary for Finance and the Director of the Public Debt Management Office had told the Cabinet that they would ensure that public debt, which would increase as a result of this huge investment, would not exceed 50 percent of GDP, although Thailand has set its public debt ceiling at not over 60 percent of GDP. He explained that, since the 2.2-trillion-baht loan would be separated from the annual national expenditure, the Government would be able to set a balanced national budget in the next few years. This huge investment in the mega-projects is meant to enhance the country’s potential and competitiveness in the long run. He pointed out that the assets resulting from this investment would benefit the country for a long period, even after debt repayment is completed. According to Mr. Kittiratt, debt repayment for the projects will be made gradually, so that it will not cause a burden to the annual national expenditure. It is expected that the Government will be able to repay the loan within the next 50 years, or before. The Government has proposed that the loan be secured by 31 December 2020. He said that Thailand’s financial liquidity now was sufficient for securing the two-trillion-baht loan gradually over the next seven years. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said that construction of several transportation and logistics mega-projects would begin next year. The Government has planned 10 routes for the high-speed train system and three more routes for the electric train system. It has also spent regular funds on studies of these projects.

The Celebration of the Nowruz Festival at the ASEAN Secretariat

(25/03/2013)

Seven Embassies of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member countries in Jakarta, namely Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan jointly held a “Nowruz Festival” last week at the ASEAN Secretariat. The festival, which has been celebrated for over 3000 years by many groups of people in the Middle East, Central and South Asian regions, is to mark the first day of spring and the official beginning of the New Year. The event at the ASEAN Secretariat entailed a photo and handicraft exhibition, musical performances and variety of national cuisines from ECO countries.

H.E. Mr. Tamerlan Karayev, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to ASEAN delivered opening remarks on behalf of ECO Ambassadors accredited in Jakarta. In his speech, he briefly explained the meaning of Nowruz and the Persian traditions regarding this celebration, which upholds the feeling of togetherness in one big family. He also expressed his appreciation to the guests for joining the people from ECO countries in the event and hoped that this tradition of celebrating the Nowruz will continue.

H.E. Mr. Nyan Lynn, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Political-Security Community, on behalf of the Secretary-General of ASEAN, gave his remarks at the festival. DSG Lynn highlighted the important meaning of the Nowruz as it is aimed to strengthen the ties among people based on mutual respect and the culture of peace and good neighbourliness—just as said by the thirteenth century’s Persian poet Saadi, “The children of Adams are limbs to each other, having been created of one essence.” DSG Lynn also expressed the honour for the ASEAN Secretariat to be the venue of the event, which would enable the Secretariat to contribute to further strengthening the awareness, mutual understanding and cooperation among the peoples of ASEAN Member States and ECO.

DSG Lynn further expressed his appreciation to the ECO Ambassadors Contact-Group (ECO-ACG) in Jakarta for taking the initiative to further enhance the close relationship between ASEAN and ECO, and hoped that it would grow stronger in the future.

Unemployment down in Feb 2013

(19/03/2013)

Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Labour cites data from Labour Economic Bureau as saying that the unemployment rate in February showed no alarming sign. He promises to continue providing assistances to SMEs through the ministry’s support centres.

 

Mr. Somkiat Chayasrinwong, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Labour, revealed he has been informed by the Labour Economic Bureau about labour situation in February, saying that a total of 411,454 firms registered for Article 33 of the Social Security Act last montn while employment continued expanding following the initial phase of the government’s 300 baht daily minimum wage policy in seven provinces in 2012, reflecting that the policy did not affect local business operators.

 

Mr. Somkiat said a total of 35,306 people were registered as unemployed in February, down from the January level of 10,075. Off them, 4,081 were laid off, accounting for 11.6 per cent.  This demonstrated that firms gained economic recovery after they had to adjust employment in January, which caused high rate of unemployment. Top five provinces with the highest employment rate in February were Tak, Phchit, Samut Songkhram, Sa Kaeo and Nong Bua Lam Phu.

 

Mr. Somkiat said the government sector and Ministy of Labour are closing monitoring the situation and will continue provide assistance to SMEs that are affected by the government’s minimum wage policy through it support centres.

 

Ministry of Labour operates support centres tasked with helping firms comply with the policy in every province and ad hoc support centres tasked with providing assistance for SMEs that might be affected by the government’s minimum wage, which is chaired by permanent secretary of Ministry of Labour.

 

Mr. Somkiat said a total of 253 SMEs registered for assistances from the centres last month. Most of them asked for assistance on skill development, hiring migrant workers, tax and loans. The centres informed their demands to relevant agencies, which then would urgently provide them with assistance and follow up and report the results.

 

He said an operator in Phitsanulok province previously requested for an assistance from the centre. After Phitsanulok chief labour officer and his officials visited the firm and found that it needed financial assistance to enable it to comply with the policy, they notified the TMB Bank, which then provided a loan to the firm to ensure it has sufficient liquidity to sustain its business.

Ministry of Labour joins anti-dengue campaign

(19/03/2013)

Ministry of Labour has joined an anti-dengue campaign, which is widely spreading in Thailand, asking for cooperation from firms to destroy mosquito larva in their factories and workers’ accommodation weekly. It also teaches workers and operators how to make lemongrass oil, which has an ability to prevent mosquito bite and sell it to workers at cheap price.

 

According to Department of Disease Control, there were 8,398 cases of dengue fever in Thailand form January 1- February 19 this year, or some 13.1 cases for every 100,000 people, which is four time higher than a normal level and the highest level in a decade. The death toll stood at 10, or 0.12 percent.

 

It expects that Thailand will record up to 120,000-150,000 cases of dengue fever this year. 80 percent of the patients will need to receive treatment in the hospital while two percent could go into shock. The death toll could reach 140-200; most of them would be studying age children and working age people.

 

Ministry of Labour is aware of the importance of working age people and the impact of dengue fever could have on people’s properties and the country’s economy. It is, therefore, supporting to make firms and factories larva free.  It has asked for cooperation from firms to instruct their personnel to eliminate larva in their factories and workers’ accommodation weekly, starting from March 15 until May 15.

 

It has asked firms to closely monitor dengue situation, particularly on June 15, which is the ASEAN Dengue Day and take their workers who are infected to hospitals. It has also asked firms to set up mosquito traps in their factories and workers’ accommodation.

 

Firms are also urged to use Thai indigenous knowledge to eliminate larva and prevent mosquito bites on people, covering the use of guppies, red lime, galangal, used engine oil, vinegar, sulphur, leech lime and salt. Furthermore, it has teached workers and operators how to make lemongrass oil, which has an ability to prevent mosquito bite and sell it to workers at cheap price.

Ministry of Labour, Ladies Association to organize Red Cross Fair to honor HM King

(18/03/2013)

Mrs. Jantanee Chayasriwong, President of Ladies Association, said the Red Cross Fair will be held under the theme of “United for Peace and People” for nine days from March 29-May 6, 2013 to mark the 120th anniversary of Thailand’s Red Cross Society. It is also to honor HM the King’s 85th birthday anniversary, HM the Queen’s 80th birthday anniversary and HRH Princess Sirindhon, who is the director of the Red Cross Society, the humanitarian origination which was found in 1893.

Many private and government organisations will also participate in this year’s Red Cross Fair. Ministry of Labour’s booth will be situated in Suapa Field near PTT petrol station and the exit of Ananta Samakhon Throne Hall.

Mrs. Jantanee said Ministry of Labour and the Ladies Association will hold various activities in this year’s Red Cross Fair to raise fund to the Red Cross Society, which include the sales of Red Cross lottery “Labour Lotto”. The association has printed 4,000 books of tickets, 10 for each book and they are already on sales at the price of 100 baht per ticket.

At the event, there will also be exhibitions to honor HM the King, HM the Queen and HRH Princess Sirindhon, presentation about Ministry of Labour’s missions and assistance measures for firms affected by the government’s 300 baht daily minimum wage policy and Bingo game.

Department of Employment and Department of Skill Development will also hold job demonstrations every day from 2 pm – 5pm, except for the first and final day. All the activities and prizes are sponsored by Ministry of Labour.

Ministry of Labour and its’ Ladies Association will jointly organise the 2013 Red Cross Fair to honor His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn. This year will mark the 120 anniversary of the establishment of Thailand’s Red Cross Society.

Bilateral Discussion of Thailand and the Philippines

(25/03/2013)

On 19 March 2013 in Hanoi, Vietnam, the Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, attended a bilateral discussion on educational cooperation with the Minister of Education of the Philippines H. E. Br. Armin A. Luistro Fsc.

The Minister of Education of the Philippines admired Thai education reform, especially the policy for issuing free mobile tablets for primary students which responds to future education management which emphasizes the use of more modern technology and computers. He also talked about the policy for reducing in-class learning and increasing the rate of general and vocational educations to 50:50.

Mr. Phongthep said that the mobile tablets given to Thai students aimed to facilitate faster access to information. However, tablets cannot completely replace textbooks. So, in the academic year 2013, textbooks and tablets will still be distributed to all primary students.

In terms of reducing in class learning, the Ministry of Education follows UNESCO's standard because, in developed countries, students spend more time researching outside classroom.

In addition, more Filipino teachers are coming to teach in Thailand and both countries are formulating an agreement for teacher exchange which is crucial for the ASEAN Community as those teachers are like educational ambassadors who create knowledge-sharing. It is expected that in April or May, 2013, both countries will sign an agreement on teacher exchange.

During the bilateral discussion, the Minister of Education from Thailand raised the issue of the upcoming ASEAN Community in which Thailand will provide teaching English and ASEAN languages to Thai students and the adjustment of the schedule for academic years to accommodate transfer of Thai students as well as categorizing student visas according to the type of courses the students will attend.

Cabinet Resolutions on Educational Affairs

(25/03/2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, spoke about the Cabinet's resolutions on educational affairs on 19 March 2013. The two major issues were as follows:
Approval of a Framework for Cooperation concerning the Educational Partnership between the Thai and the New Zealand Governments

The Minister of Education said that the Cabinet had already approved the proposed framework of cooperation and, prior to the signing of this document, if any modifications were needed for less important contents, the Ministry of Education could discuss this with the Department of Treaties and Laws of the Foreign Affairs Ministry without proposing it again to the Cabinet.

Approval of Regulations on Annual Money Awards for the Fiscal Year 2011 for Public Offices, Provincial Offices and Universities

1. The Cabinet agreed that public officers should be categorized into three groups according to the amount of money to be awarded. The regulations are as follows:

- The first group consists of senior officers (lower and higher executives, lower and higher administrators and qualified and specialized academics) who will enjoy the payment rate of 1.00;

- The second group consists of the intermediate level public officers (skilled and special skilled academics) who will enjoy the payment rate of 1.25; and

- The third group consists of the lower level public officers (operational academics and general officers) who will enjoy the payment rate of 1.40.

2. The Cabinet also approved the proposed regulations and approaches of money award payment for the fiscal year of 2011 for the money awards of 2011.

OVEC Awards Honorary Certificates to Chinese Teachers

(25/03/2013)

The Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) recently organized a farewell ceremony for 90 Chinese teaching volunteers who completed one year teaching terms at 78 vocational colleges in Thailand and awarded them with honorary certificates.

The Deputy Secretary General of OVEC, Dr. Akanith Khlangsaeng, said that this event was held by the Ministry of Education and the Office of Promotion of Teaching and Learning Chinese as an International Language or HANBAN. Every year, the Chinese government will grant Chinese teachers scholarships for 10 month training and field trips abroad. Chinese teachers will play crucial roles in improving the skills and knowledge of the staff of OVEC in terms of teaching Chinese to Thai students . However, the number of Chinese volunteer teachers is not yet enough and teaching and learning materials are still greatly needed.

At present, many countries around the world enjoy modern economies with greater use of technology and modern knowledge. Therefore, Thailand has to improve various systems, including human resources development by building their capacity in terms of foreign languages. Chinese is a language widely used in current world communication. That is why Thai students and personnel in vocational education have to practice the language for the opening of the upcoming ASEAN Community.

Thailand and New Zealand Agree to Set a New Target of Doubling Trade by 2020

(24/03/2013)

Thailand and New Zealand have agreed to set a new target of doubling trade by 2020 to further advance their trading relationship. The agreement was reached when Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra paid an official visit to New Zealand on 22-23 March 2013, which marks 57 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Thai-New Zealand bilateral relationship is underpinned by their Closer Economic Partnership (CEP), in force since 2005, strong people-to-people links, and their close cooperation in the region and internationally. In a joint statement between Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand and Prime Minister Yingluck, both leaders agreed that in order to achieve the new trade target, Thailand and New Zealand need to continue to develop the provisions of the CEP including on services, government procurement, and the special agricultural safeguards regime (SSG) - in particular the objective of completing a review of the SSG this year. Progress in these areas will help their CEP keep pace with trade arrangements around the region, and will drive further growth in their bilateral trade. Prime Minister Yingluck invited New Zealand investors to explore business opportunities in Thailand. She expressed appreciation for the recent announcement that Thailand would now be able to export salmon product to New Zealand, and also for New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to advance other Import Health Standards identified as of commercial interest to Thailand. According to the joint statement, the Joint Framework for Cooperation on the Education Partnership, issued on 22 March 2013 in Auckland, further strengthens the importance of people-to-people linkages and identifies new avenues for cooperation in the area of vocational training. Thailand noted its shortage of skilled vocational workers and welcomed the opportunity to develop new training and education capabilities in this area in cooperation with New Zealand. The two Prime Ministers also welcomed the joint work on qualifications recognition and the current project under the ASEAN Australia and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) in this area. Prime Minister Yingluck expressed the Thai government’s appreciation for New Zealand assistance with English language capacity building in preparation for ASEAN Economic Community, including the provision of ASEAN scholarships for Thai teachers of English, the Advanced Oral Communications Course, and New Zealand teacher volunteers. Prime Minister Key acknowledged Thailand’s strategic location and leadership role in ASEAN and on issues of mutual interest in the region. He asserted New Zealand’s on-going commitment to support and engage actively with ASEAN, including through the East Asia Summit, the negotiations on a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and a potential 40th anniversary commemorative ASEAN-New Zealand Summit. Prime Minister Yingluck raised Thailand’s hosting of the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Chiang Mai during 19-20 May 2013 under the theme “Water Security: Leadership and Commitment, with special focus on Water Disaster Challenges”. Prime Minister Key congratulated Thailand on this initiative.

Stepping Up Campaigns for Energy Saving and Road Safety during Songkran Festival

(22/03/2013)

The Government is stepping up two major campaigns, one for energy saving and the other for road safety during the Songkran festival, the traditional Thai New Year. At a meeting of permanent secretaries of all ministries on 21 March 2013, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra thanked various ministries for their cooperation in cutting energy use by 15 percent. She urged the agencies working with the private sector to ask private companies to join the energy-saving campaign, as well. The campaign has been heightened following the scheduled disruption in natural gas supply from Myanmar from 5 to 14 April 2013. It is needed to cope with the peak electricity consumption period in Thailand. The Prime Minister has assigned the Ministry of Energy to work with the Ministry of Interior, which supervises the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Provincial Electricity Authority, in reducing energy consumption among the people. In related news, the Ministry of Culture will bring attire made from Thai fabric for Cabinet members to wear at the upcoming mobile Cabinet meeting in Chachoengsao province on 31 March 2013. Officials were urged to avoid wearing suits and jackets at work to save electricity used on air conditioning. Cabinet members have set an example by wearing Thai fabric at Cabinet meetings. The Ministry of Culture was assigned to come up with suitable designs for both casual attire and semi-casual attire. It will also organize an exhibition on Thai fabric at the mobile Cabinet meeting in Chachoengsao. The use of Thai fabric is part of the Government’s energy-saving campaign, since Thai fabric is suitable for climate in Thailand. It will also help preserve Thai culture and distribute wealth to local communities, which are producing areas for Thai fabric. As for the campaign for road safety, the Cabinet on 19 March 2013 acknowledged an integrated plan to prevent road accidents and promote road safety during the Songkran festival in April. Apart from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports are also joining the campaign. The objective is to create a culture of road safety. The campaign began in March and will be intensified between 11 and 17 April 2013, the period of Songkran celebration. The campaign for road safety focuses on six measures, comprising management, law enforcement, social aspects, traffic engineering, public relations, and emergency medical and rescue services. Emphasis is placed on speed limit and controls on drunk-driving, alcohol consumption, and the use of motorcycles. Road accidents kill a large number of people in Thailand each year. Thailand has set the period from 2011 to 2020 as the “Decade for Road Safety” in order to reduce road accidents.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Visits New Zealand and Papua New Guinea

(21/03/2013)

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is scheduled to pay an official visit to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from 21 to 25 March 2013, at the invitations of the Prime Ministers of both countries. Accompanying the Prime Minister will be Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, Energy Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal, Science and Technology Minister Woravat Auapinyakul, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, and a group of leading business people. On 22 March in New Zealand, Prime Minister Yingluck will deliver a keynote address at an investment forum, organized by the Board of Investment (BOI), and hold talks with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key. Both Thai and New Zealand leaders will witness the signing of a letter of intent on science, technology, and innovation. Representing Thailand in signing the document will be Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul. On 23 March, Auckland University of Technology will confer an honorary doctorate on Prime Minister Yingluck in recognition of her prominent role in the international arena. Trade between Thailand and New Zealand now stands at about 1.63 billion US dollars. The two countries signed the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement in April 2005. Thailand is also part of the ASEAN-Australia/New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on 1 January 2010. More than 100,000 tourists from New Zealand visit Thailand each year. Prime Minister Yingluck will visit Papua New Guinea on 24-25 March. She will be the first Prime Minister of Thailand to visit this country. During the visit, she will hold talks with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and Papua New Guinea on the setting up of bilateral consultation mechanisms and a memorandum of understanding between the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. On this occasion, Thailand will present preliminary food safety and disease test kits in order to support public health development in Papua New Guinea. It will also donate books and audiovisual items for the Thai corner at University of Papua New Guinea. The objective is to make Thailand better known in Papua New Guinea, which will help promote people-to-peeople connectivity. The Thai delegation will visit a liquefied natural gas project to explore investment opportunities in energy there. Papua New Guinea is Thailand’s largest trading partner in the South Pacific. Trade between the two countries in 2012 amounted to 359.96 million dollars. Thai investment in Papua New Guinea involves mainly food processing and energy development.

On Track and Keeping Pace: Narrowing the Development Gap is Essential to ASEAN Integration

(22/03/2013)

Growth forecasts for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV) over the medium term is expected to be between 6-7%, outperforming economies of the ASEAN-6 countries according to the OECD Southeast Asian Outlook 2013: Narrowing the Development Gap. Growth momentum remains robust and should pave the way for the CLMV countries to pull within the ranks of the other Member States.

At the inaugural NDG (Narrowing the development gap) Lecture Series, organised at the ASEAN Secretariat in collaboration with the OECD Development Centre, speakers from the OECD Development Centre, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia and the ASEAN Secretariat tackled policy issues facing growth in the CLMV countries.

“Disparities need to be examined beyond income level differences and also directed towards areas where gaps are largest, such as poverty and human capital development", says Kensuke Tanaka, Head of Asia Desk, OECD Development Centre based on the latest report of the Southeast Asian Economic Outlook 2013.

According to the Narrowing the Development Gap Indicators (NDGIs) recently created by the OECD Development Centre and the ASEAN Secretariat, in an index scale of 0 to 10 - where 0 denotes no gap and 10 the widest gap - the gap between CLMV and ASEAN-6 are widest at 4.4 and 4.0 in poverty and human resource development indicators, respectively. Gaps in other indices are at 3.5 in infrastructure, 3.1 in trade and investment, 2.9 in ICT, and 1.5 in tourism.

"Evidence suggests that welfare gains from the AEC can reduce economic disparities in the region", says Dr Aladdin Rillo, Head of the ASEAN Integration Monitoring Office (AIMO) at the ASEAN Secretariat. "To this end, Member States must pursue with vigour its implementation of the programmes in the AEC Blueprint as a strategy for sustained growth in the region."

ASEAN's launch of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) in 2000 was specifically meant to deal with issues on narrowing the divide where equitable and inclusive development will be a defining feature of ASEAN's integration efforts. The IAI Work Plan II (2009-2015) serves as the main tool to remove obstacles standing in the way of an equitable growth path in key sectors such as trade, investment and tourism.

Implementing structural policies necessary for enhancing productivity is equally critical to the success of the CLMV countries and ASEAN as a whole, contends Dr Sothea Oum of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia. Higher investment in social infrastructure, especially in education and health is of particular importance.

Dr Pitchaya Sirivunnabood, Senior Economist of AIMO, stressed that promoting productivity among CLMV officials is also necessary because limited capacity at the national level will mean less effective integration at the regional level.

The journey of building an ASEAN Community by 2015 requires countries, including the newer members, to not only stay on the same track but to also keep pace. Narrowing the Development Gap, thus, remains essential to the ASEAN integration process.

Philippines’ New Permanent Representative Presents Her Letter of Credentials

(22/03/2013)

H.E. Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, the new Permanent Representative (PR) of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN, informed H.E. Le Luong Minh, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, that ASEAN is an integral part of the foreign policy of the Philippines and the country attaches great importance to peace and stability in the region. SG Minh expressed his appreciation to the Republic of the Philippines for its valuable contribution and strong commitment to ASEAN. He also said that he looked forward to working with Ambassador Buensuceso in the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR).

Ambassador Buensuceso presented her Letter of Credentials as the new PR of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN to SG Minh, at a ceremony held at the ASEAN Secretariat this week. The ceremony was also attended by the three Deputy Secretaries-General of ASEAN (DSGs): H.E. Nyan Lynn, DSG of ASEAN for ASEAN Political Security Community; H.E. Lim Hong Hin, DSG of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community; and H.E. Alicia Dela Rosa Bala, DSG of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

Prior to her appointment, Ambassador Buensuceso was the Assistant Secretary of the Office of European Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines (2011-2013), the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Norway, Denmark, and Iceland (2008-2011), and Ambassador to the Lao PDR (2004-2008).

Ambassador Buensuceso succeeded H.E. Dr. Wilfrido V. Villacorta whose service ended last year. Ambassador Buensuceso is the third Philippines’ Permanent Representative to ASEAN since the establishment of the CPR in 2009.

ASEAN and Belgium Work Closely to Enhance Relations

(22/03/2013)

H.E. Filip Cumps, Ambassador of Belgium to ASEAN, presented his Letter of Credentials to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Le Luong Minh, at the ASEAN Secretariat this week. Ambassador Cumps expressed his gratitude to ASEAN and its Member States for accepting him as the new Ambassador of Belgium to ASEAN.

On this occasion, SG Minh noted with pleasure the progress made in ASEAN Community building and stressed that much work remain to be done for ASEAN to attain this goal. SG Minh therefore encouraged Belgium to support and contribute further to the common endeavours and looked forward to exploring opportunities for cooperation with Belgium, especially in ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing the development gaps.

Ambassador Cumps, who is concurrently the Ambassador of Belgium to Indonesia, expressed his readiness to working closely with ASEAN in enhancing the relations with Belgium and the EU.

Intensive Learning Workshop on Women’s Human Rights (WHR) for the Regional and National Secretariats to ASEAN Human Rights’ Bodies

(22/03/2013)

The ASEAN Secretariat, in collaboration with UN Women, conducted an Intensive Learning Workshop on Women's Human Rights (WHR) for the Regional and National Secretariats to ASEAN Human Rights' Bodies at the Santika Premiere Beach Resort Hotel, Bali, Indonesia, on 18 - 21 March 2013. The workshop was funded under UN Women's Regional Human Rights Mechanisms Project supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the UN Women core fund. Kalyanamitra, a local Indonesian NGO also assisted in organising the workshop.

The learning workshop aimed for the work and function of Regional and National Secretariats to be more reflective and promoting women's human rights perspectives and strategies. More specifically, this workshop provided a platform for discussion and update on the latest developments in the international normative frameworks on gender equality and women's human rights.

The workshop was organised for participants from regional and national secretariats of the AICHR, who are responsible in providing substantive support to the work of AICHR Representatives. The other participants were ASEAN Secretariat staffs, some of whom serve other ASEAN Sectoral Bodies. A total of 29 participants (with 23 female participants and 6 male participants) attended the learning workshop with all countries from the ASEAN Member States represented.

The workshop was further enriched by the presence of the Representative of the Philippines to AICHR, H.E. Rosario G. Manalo, who actively participated in the learning activities and shared her experiences in ASEAN, from before the ASEAN Charter to after AICHR was established. Experts from the region such as Ms. Kamala Chandrakirana, Mr. Albert Bonasahat, Ms. Amarsanaa Darisuren, and Ms. Ratna Osman also shared their knowledge.

The workshop was designed as learning activities in which participants are active learners with assistance from the facilitators, for their individual learning and to help achieve the learning objectives. Consistent with approaches in effective adult education, sessions were conducted in an interactive, participatory, and practical process. Through interactive discussions, group work, self-reflection, and other learning methods, participants were able to achieve the following:

• Deepened understanding of key concepts and perspectives relevant to analysis of women’s situations and laws and legal systems and human rights of women
• Increased skills to apply human rights of women’s concepts and perspectives through the work of ASEAN, AICHR and other ASEAN bodies.
• Identified specific strategies for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights of women though ASEAN, AICHR and other ASEAN bodies.

The facilitators are expert educators from the region and from Australia: Eleanor Conda, Honey Tan and Alison Aggarwal. The learning workshop concluded with closing remarks from H.E Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo and presentation of certificates to participants from the Organisers.

Iraq Expressed Interest to Forge Cooperation with ASEAN

(21/03/2013)

With some ASEAN Member States currently having cooperation with Iraq on oil production and construction projects investment, H.E. Mr. Ismieal S. Muhsin, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to ASEAN, expressed Iraq’s desire to further forge cooperation with ASEAN as a whole in the fields of counter-terrorism and energy, especially crude oil and petroleum products.

During the presentation of the Letter of Credence to H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN today, Ambassador Muhsin also informed SG Minh of the current situation in Iraq—including the step-up oil production.

SG Minh congratulated Ambassador Muhsin for assuming the post of the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to ASEAN and informed Ambassador Muhsin that ASEAN always pays attention to the situation in the Middle East, especially situation in Iraq. He also agreed that ASEAN and Iraq could work together to explore the areas of cooperation such as counter-terrorism, energy security and investment.

ASEAN-Russian Federation 11th Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting

(21/03/2013)

The 11th Meeting of the ASEAN-Russia Joint Cooperation Committee (ARJCC) held in the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia, on 21 March 2013, was attended by the Permanent Representatives from ASEAN Member States, the delegation of the Russian Federation and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat. The ARJCC was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Dato’ Hasnudin Hamzah, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, and H.E. Mr. Mikhail Galuzin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to ASEAN.

The Meeting reviewed the current status of the Roadmap on the Comprehensive Programme of Action (CPA) to Promote Cooperation between ASEAN and the Russian Federation (2005-2015). The Meeting had an in-depth exchange of views with regard to the ways to enhance ASEAN-Russia cooperation in the political and security, economic and socio-cultural priority areas, namely, combating terrorism and transnational crimes, trade and economy, investment, energy, transport, agriculture and food security, tourism, science and technology, disaster management and culture, as well as the ASEAN connectivity.

The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress achieved within the past year in the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership. Among the activities carried out recently in Russia were the special courses for the ASEAN law enforcement officials in the field of counter-terrorism and counter-extremism, workshops and expert meetings of the representatives of disaster response agencies, including the ASEAN Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).

The Meeting approved the candidature of the Director of the ASEAN Centre in the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University), Dr. Victor Sumsky, for a second term from June 2013 to May 2016.  The Meeting also approved the Annual Report for the year 2012 and Indicative Work Plan for 2013 of the ASEAN Centre.

The Meeting exchanged views on the preparation for the 3rd ASEAN-Russia Summit and discussed a number of upcoming joint activities later this year, including the ASEAN-Russia Youth Summit, ASEAN-Russia Business Forum and ASEAN-Russia Music Festival. The Meeting also reviewed the status of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund as well as a number of Joint Projects sponsored by the Fund.

Thai Consul General in Chennai addressed the Seminar on “Business Opportunities in Thailand” on March 15, 2013 at Coimbatore, India

(21/03/2013)

Speaking at the ''Business Opportunities in Thailand'' Seminar, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry –Coimbatore , India on  March 15, 2013, Mr. Chanchai Charanvatnakit ,Consul-General of Thailand  in Chennai indicated that Thailand and India have had a very long relations which can trace back to more than 2 thousand years. Since then, Thailand has adopted almost everything from India including religion, language, food , classical dances etc., which is still very much in evidence nowsadays.   Today, expanding our relations with India is a central part of Thailand’s “Look- West policy” which complement India’s “Look –East policy” in order to strengthen the close existing relationship and serve as a connectivity for Thailand to India.

Moreover, Thai Consul General in Chennai reaffirmed that Thailand enjoys a strategic location and serves as a gateway into the heart of Asia, the world largest growing economic market. With strong economic fundamentals, extensive infrastructure, a strategic location in the hearth of Southeast Asia, progressive foreign investment policies and the unmatched hospitality of the Thai people. Therefore, Thailand can offer unrivalled trade and investment opportunities for Indian businessmen. Thai envoy also expressed confidence that trade between India and Thailand will reach the goal of $14 billion in three years after the full implementation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement and Thailand-India Free Trade Agreement.

47th SEAMEO Council Conference

(22/03/2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, will be attending the 47th SEAMEO Council Conference or SEAMEC from 19 to 21 March 2014 in Hanoi, Vietnam. He has also been appointed the Deputy Chairman for this conference while the Minister of Education and Training of Vietnam will be the Chairman. Mr. Phongthep will participate in the Ministerial Round Table Meeting to discuss two important issues: Building 'a Learning Society' in Southeast Asian Countries and “Joint Efforts by SEAMEO Member Countries in Support of the ASEAN Community up to and Beyond 2015”. In addition, he will be awarded an honorary medal for education and will sign the statement of strategies for cooperation of SEAMEO concerning regional development with other SEAMEO member countries.


SEAMEC is a conference for South East Asian nations. It consists of ministers of education from the 11 member countries and 7 joint members as well as executives and staff from SEAMEO Secretariat. The conference aims to formulate policies under the framework of SEAMEO cooperation and review progress and challenges in past years. In 2011, the SEAMEC in Brunei Darussalam resolved to extend the term of the SEAMEC Chairperson from one year to two years. Consequently, SEAMEC will be organized every two years from then on.

In 2015, Thailand will host the 48th SEAMEC in replacement of Singapore and the Thai Education Minister will take the post of SEAMEC Chairperson from 2015 to 2017. The country has hosted the SEAMEC on seven occasions. The most recent one was held in Phuket in 2009.

Network Meeting for Executive Secretaries of MOE

(22/03/2013)

The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Education, Mrs. Siriporn Kitkuakul, chaired the opening of a network meeting for executive secretaries of the Ministry of Education in the fiscal year of 2013. This meeting aimed to broaden the participants' theoretical and practical knowledge of working as secretaries for MOE executives and raising their awareness of teamwork, service mindedness, professional ethics and systematic teamwork development. It was organized at the Aurora Resort in Kanchana Buri.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Education said that the Bureau of Administration understood the importance of strengthening the network of executive secretaries by allowing them to meet and share knowledge and experiences so that they would all work better for the sake of their organization.

Secretaries are crucial in connecting the executives with insiders and the public. They help the work of the executive to become faster and more effective. Moreover, secretaries are the key people in creating create a good image of the organization. Therefore, they have to be able to do their various jobs effectively, concluded Mrs. Siriporn.

Kamol Monitors ODOS Exam in Phuket

(22/03/2013)

The Inspector General of Education, Mr. Kamol Siriban, went to Phuket and Pang Nga to monitor the written exam for the “One District One Scholarship”(ODOS) program from 16 -17 March 2013 at Satri Phuket School and Deebuk Pang Nga Witthayachon School. The written exam for the ODOS went smoothly and very well because the schools' administrators and teachers had co-operated and actively supported it. This year, a total of 667 students took part in the exam, 183 of whom applied for the first category ODOS while the rest applied for the second one.

Phongthep Visits Kamphaeng Phet

(21/03/2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, visited Kamphaeng Phet and explained educational policy to school administrators and educators on 17 March 2013.

Mr. Phongthep and ministerial staff went to Kamphaeng Phet Technical College to open the Coffee & Bakery, a training center for students. Then, they visited the Borirak Thai Center where students' and teachers' works in traditional Thai art s and culture are housed. Finally, the Minister admired students’inventions, namely an energy saving car, a multi purposed cabinet for dog cleaning and a bed for patients with paralysis.

Finally, Mr. Phongthep explained educational policy to students, teachers and executives of the college, saying that vocational colleges have to create students to suit the needs of employers. Bilateral education is one way to do so because students can study and have training with the company where they want to work after they graduate. In this way, vocational colleges do not have to spend as much money buying learning and teaching materials but can learn more about how companies want them to shape their students.

Afterwards, the Education Minister and delegates went to Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University and explained educational policy there. He said that Thai students spend 1,200 hours a year in studying while UNESCO required only 800 hours a year. The more they study, the more the students are stressed out. Teachers thus have to teach them to think analytically and creatively. Students should be able to find solutions to problems by data collection, not by reciting from a book. Moreover, language skills should be taught to students more often.

Mr. Phongthep added that academic institutions had to create the personnel to suit the needs of the employers, especially foreign investors in Thailand. There needs to be an increase in graduates in general sciences and mathematics because the country requires them for national and economic development.

Phongthep Monitors ODOS Exam

(21/03/2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, monitored the 4th One District One Scholarship (ODOS) exam on 17 March 2013 in Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet.

The ODOS written exam in Sukhothai took place at U-Dom Darunee School under the supervision of the 38th Local Office of Education Service Area in Sukhothai and Tak. There were 178 examinees.

Then, the Education Minister visited Kamphaeng Phet Witthayakhom School to monitor another ODOS exam. There, 210 students took part.

According to Mr. Phongthep, ODOS is divided into two categories. The first one is a scholarship for countries that do not use English as a native language. This scholarship will take the salary of the student's parents into account. The second one is a scholarship for scientific studies required in Thailand. A lot of examinees prefer this scholarship although they have to study overseas and have to come back to work in Thailand after graduation.

The 4th ODOS has 76 exam venues all over Thailand. The examinees will have to do exams on mathematics, sciences, social sciences, English and an Aptitude Test. They have to pass all exams, except the Aptitude Test, with a score of not less than 70%. Only three students from each district who have the highest scores can sit the interview exam. From each district, only the student with the highest score will receive the scholarship.

ISU Students Call for Immediate Help

(21/03/2013)

On 18 March 2013, the Advisor to the Minister of Education, Mr. Phavich Thongrot, as the chairperson of the board to solve problems at I-San University (ISU), reported that he had already forwarded an open letter from Mr. Sumon Sakolchai, an auditor of ISU, concerning a request for consideration of revoking the license of university establishment on special conditions. The aim of the request is to allow ISU to help its students and approve degrees of the graduates. At present, the open letter is being considered by the Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana.

Mr. Phavich said that he personally saw no way out for ISU, but what Mr. Sumon proposed was another solution because Mr. Sumon would like to solve the problem by allowing ISU to approve degrees itself once it has become a legal entity. However, another question that will be raised is whether or not the document issued by ISU can be used as a degree. At present, no one can answer this, especially public universities which may not want to accept ISU students who would like to further their studies.

"I think students would prefer to have a degree rather than a document certifying that they have completed their studies because they can use the degree to apply for a job or put in a request for professional promotion. Exceptions are made for job applications at private companies," said Mr. Phavich.

It has been reported that, on 19 March 2013, around 300-500 ISU students will come to meet Mr. Phongthep at the Ministry of Education to see whether or not he can keep his word to help them after ISU was closed.