ocational Students Create ABU Robot

(17-04-2013)

The advisor on policy and planning of vocational education, Mr. Jieng Wongsawatsuriya,
chaired the opening ceremony of the National Exhibition of Robots by vocational students
for the academic year 2012. This event took place at Ayutthaya Park Shopping Mall
in Ayutthaya. The winners of a contest in the exhibition will be awarded a trophy of
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and 16 student teams from Thailand will be
selected to participate in the ABU robot contest at vocational and higher education levels.
Only one winning team will go to an international robot competition in August in Vietnam.

Thailand Ready to Explain Its Position in the Case Concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear

(15/04/2013)

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, has reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to explain its position in the International Court of Justice concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear.

Mr. Surapong and Minister of Defense Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat on 14 April 2013 held a meeting with the Thai delegates and the foreign legal counsels and experts to finalize the oral arguments on the issue.

The oral arguments will be presented to the International Court of Justice during the public hearings in the Case Concerning the Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case Concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand).

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the public hearings will be held at the Court from 15 to 19 April 2013 in The Hague, the Netherlands.

During the meeting, the foreign legal counsels and experts expressed their confidence in the information in the statements that Thailand will deliver at the public hearings and the Thai approach to the case.

Mr. Surapong expressed his full confidence in the validity of arguments and evidence which will be presented. Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol said that the foreign legal counsels and experts had expressed their appreciation to the Thai security agencies for supplying useful information.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also encouraged the Thai public to follow live telecasts of the oral proceedings on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (Television of Thailand Channel 11), Radio Thailand (FM 92.5 and AM 981), Radio Saranrom (AM 1575), and on the internet at http://phraviharn.org.

Those who are interested can also find on the same website the written arguments submitted to the Court in 2012 by Thailand and Cambodia which will be disclosed at the Court’s permission on 15 April 2013.

Also on 14 April 2013, a special news center on the oral hearings was opened at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. The center will operate until 19 April.

One-Stop Crisis Center to Provide People with Immediate Social Assistance

(15/04/2013)

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has stated that the Government attached great importance to the solving of social problems and that its One-Stop Crisis Center would work to provide people with social assistance.

The statement was part of the weekly program “Yingluck Government Meets the People,” broadcast on NBT TV and Radio Thailand on 13 April 2013.

In the program, Prime Minister Yingluck referred to the launching of One-Stop Crisis Center on 9 April 2013 at Government House. The center, administered by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, aims to offer immediate assistance to children, women, older persons, and people with disabilities.

She cited social problems faced by these groups of people as human trafficking, child labor, teenage pregnancy, and various forms of violence against women, children, disabled persons, and the elderly. These problems have adversely affected the people’s quality of life and national administration as a whole.

She said that many government agencies, as well as civil society organizations and their networks, are responsible for handling social problems. The Government deems it necessary for relevant agencies and organizations to work closely together, so that the problems will be tackled effectively and promptly.

People may seek assistance from the One-Stop Crisis Center through three channels. First, they may contact more than 20,000 crisis units nationwide. The second channel is the hotline 1300, and the third channel is the website www.osccthailand.go.th.

The center provides physical and mental treatments, legal assistance, and recovery and rehabilitation with multidisciplinary teams to help affected people. It will receive complaints, transfer cases, and coordinate responses between various responsible agencies.

Prime Minister Yingluck said that all relevant units would work in an integrated manner. For instance, they would coordinate with hospitals and police stations for the affected people. Officials would be assigned to follow up on each case to ensure that the affected people would be provided with good care.

The One-Stop Crisis Center will be fully computerized in the next two months, linking related information with various agencies. With modern information technology, the center promises to give immediate social assistance to affected children, women, older persons, and people with disabilities.

The Prime Minister said that the Government had invited various networks to join the center, where people facing difficulties could look to for help. She called for joint efforts to ease social problems, so that the country would become a better, more livable society. In addition, every child, youth, woman, or aging or disabled person has the right to appropriate protection in accordance with the Constitution.

China Partnership in Traditional Medicine and Health

(15/04/2013)

“The 2013 ASEAN-China Summit Forum on Traditional Medicine and the theme of ‘Multi-Promotion of Traditional Medicine and Development and Cooperation’ are testaments to the partnership of ASEAN Health Cooperation with China on Traditional and Complementary Alternative Medicine,” said H.E. Alicia Dela Rosa Bala Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. DSG Bala joined the Deputy Minister Wan Guoqiang, Health Ministry, and Deputy Chairwoman Li Kang, Government of Guangxi Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China, in the Opening Ceremony of the Forum.

China and ASEAN countries are close neighbors and share similar cultures. In the process of political, economic, and cultural communication, traditional medicines in China and ASEAN countries interact by mutual supplement and promotion. Due to the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and the successful China-ASEAN Expo and the Business and Investment Summit, exchanges and cooperation between China-ASEAN countries have been greatly promoted in the fields of economy, trade, transportation, culture and health. With a well acceptance by the people, and as an important component to the national healthcare system in China and ASEAN countries, traditional medicine is playing a more and more effective role in maintaining health of the people.

This year’s Forum on Traditional Medicine was conducted recently in Yulin City, Guangxi. Totaling over 400 delegates, participants represented China, ASEAN Member States, private sector, academe, and development partners from the health and pharmaceutical sector, including those engaged in the promotion of Traditional and Complementary Alternative Medicine (TM/CAM).

Festive Season of Traditional Thai New Year

(12/04/2013)

Thai people across the country are celebrating the Songkran Festival, the traditional Thai New Year, which is sometimes referred to as the “Water Festival” among foreigners.

The festival is a time when Thais splash water over friends and other people to give them a New Year blessing. It is also a great time to experience distinctive cultural activities.

Songkran is an occasion for family reunions, as well, when all the family members living far from their hometowns visit their families. It is sometimes compared to the Indian Holy Festival, the Chinese Ching Ming, and the Christian festival of Easter. So it is the time of love and care within the family.

The Songkran holiday 2013 is set from 12 to 16 April, with the highlight of the celebration between 13 and 15 April. 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. Bringing sand to a temple is considered a great merit and is popularly practiced in northern Thailand.

Other activities include 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.

On this occasion, young people pour lustral water onto the palms of their elders as a gesture of respect and present them with gifts. The first day of Songkran, 13 April, is also observed as the National Day for Older Persons.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is organizing Songkran celebration between 12 and 15 April at the Lan Khon Mueang plaza in front of the City Hall. From 4:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day during the period, the celebration features cultural performances, such as the khon masked drama, hun lakhon lek, or marionettes, an exhibition on the Songkran festival, and a bazaar of products from 50 districts of Bangkok.

In Chiang Mai, a key area of celebration, various activities are scheduled for 12-17 April at Chiang Mai Night Safari, with an emphasis on northern traditions. An elephant show is among the activities, which also include games and folk performances.

Thailand abounds in traditions and festivals. The event that may reflect “Thainess” the most is Songkran. It is the country’s merriest festival and is widely observed across the nation. The water-splashing, the highlight of the event, has made the festival famous around the world. It is done to ensure that there will be an abundance of rain for the coming rice-planting season, as well.

The Government is stepping up a road safety campaign between 11 and 17 April 2013, the period of Songkran celebration, in order to reduce road accidents. More than 10,000 hospitals, under the Ministry of Public Health, were told to be alert in case of emergency. Controls on drunk-driving and alcohol consumption have been emphasized, as part of the campaign.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Chairs The ASEAN Ministerial Meetings in Preparation for The 22nd ASEAN Summit

(12/04/2013)

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Chairman of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings, today chaired the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, the 9th ASEAN Political and Security Community Council (APSC) and the 12th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) in preparation for the 22nd ASEAN Summit to be held on 24-25 April 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan. Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large was also present at the APSC and ACC Meetings. The Meetings were held at the International Convention Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan...

Thailand Welcomes More US Investment

(11/04/2013)

The Thai government has encouraged US investors to invest more in Thailand, which has a policy to promote foreign investment.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra welcomed a group of business people from the US-ASEAN Business Council, who paid a courtesy call on her on 10 April 2013, during its annual visit to Thailand.

The group was led by the Chairman of the US-ASEAN Business Council, Mr. Alexander C. Feldman. It comprised more than 30 companies operating in financial, insurance, food, energy, pharmaceutical, IT, transport, and logistics businesses.

According to Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Suranand Vejjajiva, Prime Minister Yingluck cited 2013 as an important year, as it marks the 180th anniversary of Thai-US diplomatic relations. The visit of the group reflected the confidence of the US business community in the Thai economy and business opportunities in Thailand.

The Prime Minister said that the Thai economy had fully recovered from the flood crisis in 2011. She referred to the statement by Fitch Ratings on 8 March 2013, which upgraded Thailand from BBB to BBB+. The credit rating shows that Thailand’s economic fundamentals remain strong.

Prime Minister Yingluck told the group of American business people that the Thai government had reduced the 30 percent corporate income tax rate to 23 percent in 2012 and to 20 percent in 2013. The decision was intended to enhance the competitiveness of various industries. The Government expects that Thailand’s GDP will expand at around 4.5 – 5.5 percent in 2013.

She said that Thailand’s geographical location gave the country an advantage, since it serves as the gateway to ASEAN. The Prime Minister stressed that the Government would proceed with its plan to carry out mega-infrastructure development projects in order to reduce transport production costs for the industrial sector both in and outside Thailand.

In 2013, she said, the Government would focus its efforts on the development of the high-speed train system, deep-sea ports, water resources, and food and energy security for sustainable development.

The Prime Minister said that the House of Representatives had passed the bill in the first reading on the two-trillion-baht loan for the mega-projects. The Government would spend part of the loan on developing the rail system, roads, and sea links. It would also use another 12 billion US dollars for water resource management.

She stated that the Government has also supported research and development for new techniques and technologies to achieve a knowledge-based economy and promote the green industry and the development of alternative energy.

The Chairman of the US-ASEAN Business Council said that the council would continue to promote investment in Thailand and the ASEAN region.

Hearings on the Temple of Phra Viharn to Be Broadcast Live

(10/04/2013)

Updated information about the International Court of Justice’s hearings on the Phra Viharn Temple issue will be broadcast live from The Hague, the Netherlands.

Thai and Cambodian representatives are scheduled to deliver their verbal statements on the issue at the International Court of Justice from 15 to19 April 2013.

The International Court of Justice will broadcast live the hearings in English and French on its website www.icj-cij.org/homepage and through the United Nations Webcast: webtv.un.org.

Simultaneous interpreting of the oral hearings into Thai will be provided on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ special website www.phraviharn.org. Listeners may opt for Thai or English version.

The hearings will also be broadcast live on NBT (Television of Thailand Channel 11), Radio Thailand (FM 92.5 and AM 891), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Saranrom Radio (AM 1575).

According to the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nuttavudh Photisaro, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will set up a special news center to provide information about the oral hearings. The center, located at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, will operate from 14 to 19 April 2013. It will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on 15, 17, 18, and 19 April and between 5:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. on 14 and 16 April.

The news center will send both video and audio signals to the Thaicom satellite for broadcast via various television channels, as well. A daily press briefing and interviews of Thai high-ranking officials at the court will be held between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The Thai Ambassador to The Hague, Mr. Weerachai Palasai, will summarize the hearing arguments from 11.30 p.m. to midnight during the period. The two sessions are available at the website www.phraviharn.org and Saranrom Radio. Thailand’s time is five hours ahead of that of The Hague.

Other related documents, such as written explanations with unofficial translations, will be publicized on the website www.phraviharn.org from 15 April at 3:00 p.m. onwards.

The Temple of Phra Viharn, an ancient Khmer hilltop sanctuary, stands on the Thai-Cambodian border, the area overlapping Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket province and the Cambodian province of Preah Vihear. However, access to the site is on Thai soil. The strategic location of this temple stirred up a dispute between Thailand and Cambodia in the 1950s and the conflict was taken to the International Court of Justice. On 15 June 1962, the court awarded the temple to Cambodia, without determining the boundary line in the vicinity of the temple area.

Cambodia has asked the International Court of Justice to interpret its 1962 judgment in the case concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn. It also wants the court to explain on the sovereignty of the disputed area surrounding the temple.

Cambodia is scheduled make its opening argument on 15 April and Thailand on 17 April. Each side will then make additional arguments until 19 April. The court ruling on the disputed area is likely to be made in late 2013. 

More Power Plants to Be Built for Sufficient Power Reserves together with Energy-Saving Campaign

(09/04/2013)

The Government needs greater cooperation with the industrial sector and civil society in pushing for the establishment of more power plants for sufficient power reserves. It also intends to continue the energy-saving campaign.

Speaking in the weekly program “Yingluck Government Meets the People” on 6 April 2013, Energy Minister Pongsak Raktapongpisal underlined the importance of reserving enough power to ensure energy security for the nation’s economic drive.

He referred to the Government’s campaign to save energy from 5-14 April 2013 to boost power reserves, in order to cope with the disruption in natural gas supply from Myanmar because of the temporary shutdown of the Yadana gas field.

Mr. Pongsak said that, on 5 April, energy use in Thailand stood at 24,955 megawatts, against 26,600 megawatts anticipated earlier. This shows that the energy-saving campaign has received good cooperation from both the general public and the industrial sector. Out of the 1,700 megawatts saved, about 1,000 megawatts came from the industrial sector.

During this period, natural gas accounts for 65 percent of the fuel used in electricity generation in Thailand, a decline from 67 percent. However, he said, 65 percent is still relatively high, compared to less than 40 percent in most countries.

Mr. Pongsak said that Thailand’s power reserves during the Songkran period are likely to increase by 30 percent, as many factories would close and people would travel to the countryside, so electricity use during the period would fall. He would like the energy-saving campaign to continue after the supply of natural gas from Myanmar has resumed, since energy conservation would help save foreign currency that would be spent on natural gas imports.

In order to minimize impacts from a possible electricity shortage, as a result of disruption of the natural gas supply from Myanmar, six power plants in Thailand are now relying on diesel and bunker oil for electricity generation. Because of higher prices of diesel and bunker oil, people would pay more for electricity use.

Mr. Pongsak said that Thailand needs more power plants, even nuclear power plants, for its future, which would make it more competitive with other countries and a better choice for foreign investment. The Government must create better understanding among the public about the project to avoid opposition. He has instructed the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand to set up an energy learning center. The project will be open to the public, who may come to learn and ask questions about energy.

In order to cope with opposition from the construction of more power plants, Mr. Pongsak stressed the need to educate the people, since production costs of electricity from various sources would affect their daily lives. In this regard, more public participation in the project must be emphasized.

He pointed out that related agencies needed to work together in formulating integrated plans to seek low-cost energy sources. A major seminar will be held in May 2013 to work out a long-term energy plan, which would take into consideration the growth of the country’s GDP, as well.

President SBY Satisfied with ASEAN progress, Reconfirms Support to SG Minh Towards Achieving ASEAN Community

(08/04/2013)

H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN made a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia today at the State Palace, Jakarta.

President Yudhoyono welcomed and extended warmest congratulation to SG Minh for assuming his post as Secretary-General of ASEAN. He reasserted that Indonesia is pleased to see the progress made by ASEAN and stands ready to work with ASEAN, especially with SG Minh, to ensure the successful progress of ASEAN Community Building.

SG Minh expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s steadfast support for ASEAN Community Building as well as for the ASEAN Secretariat thus far. SG Minh further informed President SBY on the progress made and challenges faced in implementing the blueprints of the three ASEAN Community pillars, namely the ASEAN Political - Security Community (APSC), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). He reiterated the importance of continuing upholding the community building—taking into account of the challenges, including the short period of time to the deadline of 2015.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the implementation of ASEAN Community Building and agreed on points and priorities to achieve the ASEAN Community by 2015. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.

Thai Consul-General to Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR paid courtesy calls to Secretary for Administration and Justice of Macao SAR and Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR

(09/04/2013)

On 3 April 2013, Mr. Chakri Srichavana, Thai Consul-General to Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, paid courtesy calls to Ms. Florinda da Rosa Silva Chan, Secretary for Administration and Justice of Macao SAR and Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, with the aim to strengthen the bilateral relations between Thailand and Macao as well as to discuss the issues of mutual interests such as the looking-after of Thai community in Macao and the cooperation on supplying Thai labours to Macao. Ms. Benjamas Tanvetyanont, Deputy Consul-General and LCDR. Wittawat Khuprasert, RTN., Consul on Labour Affairs were present at the meetings.

Report from Mobile Tablet Meeting

(10/04/2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, chaired the fourth executive board meeting for the project, "One Tablet per Child", on 3 April 2013 at the Ministry of Education. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, and the Assistant to the Minister, Dr. Phuangphet Chunlaiad.

Mr. Phongthep said that the meeting considered the Terms of Reference or TOR on purchasing 1,634,180 mobile tablets through e-auction in which both Thai and foreign distributors and manufacturers were able to participate. In the middle of this month, the TOR will undergo public hearing prior to it taking place.

The major issue of the TOR requires that the auctioneer needs to be a legal entity with past experience of selling computers to an amount of not less than no less than 100 million baht. The auctioneer should have experience of selling products to the public or private sectors, to local administrators or to state enterprises either within Thailand or abroad.
Followings are details of the TOR that will undergo public hearing:

The winning company for the e-auction must provide all tablets within 90 days. There are four periods of distribution: two periods for the Office of the Higher Education Commission and two for the Bangkok Bureau of Education, the National Office of Buddhism, the Bureau of Patrol Police, the Institute of Physical Education, the Bundit Pattanasilpa Institute and the Pattaya Bureau of Education. The company will also have to send 1% more spare products to all the organizations during each period of distribution.

Every recipient organization will have its own committee to monitor the mobile tablets according to the ISO 2859 which allows deviation of receiving the products at 0.65% at the Major Detect level and at 1.5% at the Minor Detect.

The Office of the Basic Education Commission and the Office of the Private Education Commission will make payment of 20%, 25%, 25% and 30% respectively. The Office of the Vocational Education Commission will make payment of 25% and 75% while other organizations will make only one payment to the distributors.

The budget for purchasing the tablets is divided into primary education (Grade 1) in Central and Southern Thailand or Zone 1, primary education (Grade 1) in Northern and Northeastern Thailand or Zone 2, secondary education (Grade 7) in central and southern Thailand or Zone 3 and secondary education (grade 7) in northern and northeastern Thailand or Zone 4. Zone 1 will receive 431,105 tablets worth 1,172,606,600 baht; Zone 2 will receive 373,637 tablets worth 1,016,292,640 baht; Zone 3 will receive 426,554 tablets worth 1,245,537,680 Baht and Zone 4 will receive 402,884 tablets worth 1,176,421,280 Baht.

Reading Promotion Caravan to Honor Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

(10/04/2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, chaired the opening of an event to honor HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and to celebrate her birthday on 2 April 2013 which coincided with the National Day of Children Books at the Centara Grand and the Bangkok Convention Center at Central World. At the same time, he also launched a reading promotion caravan organized by the Office of the Education Council (OEC).

Mr. Phongthep said that the Thai Government and the Prime Minister, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, understood how important child and youth development was for creating an advanced modern society in Thailand. Therefore, the government launched a project on the development of pre-school children as a national strategy in which all the relevant ministries in the government have to actively participate. Focusing on reading promotion, this event took place on the birthday of Princess Sirindhorn, who is well recognized as a good reader and writer.

Mr. Phongthep said that, as a deputy chairman of the National Committee for the Development of Pre-school Children, he was really pleased that the Thai government was concerned with these children as promoting reading for them would create young adults who would, in the near future, become analytical, creative, intelligent and problem-solving thinkers.

The Secretary General of the OEC Dr. Sasithara Pichaichannarong said that the Cabinet had approved that the birthday of Princess Sirindhorn on 2 April 2013 should also be a national day for children books because not only did it mark her birthday but it also honored her supreme abilities in humanities and the arts.

Attended by 1,200 visitors, the event featured three sections. The first one was an exhibit to honor the Princess on her work in education and to celebrate her designation from UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador. The second section was a reading room for pre-school children. The last section was an activity room for pre-school children.

In addition, there were many displays on Princess Sirindhorn's works and projects on education, the schools she initiated and exhibits on the promotion of reading for pre-school children as well as a child health corner. To mobilize the strategic plan for pre-school children in Thailand from 2012 to 2016, the OEC also launched a similar reading promotion caravan in twelve provinces throughout the country. The caravan will last from April to June.

General Inspection and Follow up on Educational Works

(10/04/2013)

On 29 March 2013, the Inspector General of Education, Mrs. Ongchit Mathayapraphas conducted a field trip on general inspection and follow-up works under the ministerial policy on education for the fiscal year of 2013 in Udon Thani. Many educational organizations in the province, namely the Local Office of Primary Education Service Areas 1-4, the Local Office of Secondary Education Service Area 20, the Local Office of Private Education, the Local Office of Higher Education and the Local Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education, have reported the progress of their work projects and got recommendations on educational projects from the Inspector General. The event was held at a meeting room of the Udon Thani Local Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education.

Phongthep Meets Private School Administrators

(09/04/2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, delivered some educational policies at a seminar for 1,700 Thai private school administrators and teachers on 1 April 2013.

According to the Minister, Thai students have to spend 1,200 hours studying per year. This amount exceeds the standard learning amount of 800 hours per year set by UNESCO. In addition, it is recognised that the more time Thai students spend on studying, the less they actually achieve.

The Ministry of Education therefore has to reform Thai curricula in terms of two major issues. The first one involves adjusting the period of learning and reducing the excess hours. The second one is to encourage students to think analytically and creatively and to know how to verify the information they obtained during their advanced education and in their future careers.

On this occasion, Mr. Phongthep asked private school administrators to work on enhancing the English skills of Thai students. Nowadays, everyone needs to know and to be able to communicate in the English language as well as a third language such as Korean, German, French or another ASEAN language such as Bahasa, Burmese or Vietnamese.

In addition to foreign languages and the ability to think analytically and creatively, ethics and morality guidance should be provided to Thai students. Thai schools are supposed to instill this knowledge in their students both inside and outside the classroom environment.

Finally, since school administrators and teachers are those who know more about their students than others, curriculum design should be launched by them. Many schools, such as Darun Sikkhalai and international schools in Thailand, provide their students with good teaching and learning. When the national education reform is completed in 2013, the Ministry will adjust and change teaching and learning methodology so that teachers will have to change their curriculum and testing methods and admission exams will have to focus more on evaluating students' ability of thinking creatively and analytically.

A Hundred Million Hearts for Teachers in Deep South

(09/04/2013)

The Ministry of Education recently organized a charity concert, "A Hundred Million Hearts for Teachers in the Deep South", to collect donations for families of teachers killed or injured by the southern unrest. The event took place at Central World in Bangkok with the Inspector General Mr. Rojana Kritcharoen as the chairperson.

Mr. Rojana said that this concert aimed to raise public awareness of the violence in southern Thailand which usually claimed life and property of educators and teachers working there. It also encourages private and public organizations to donate money for families of teachers and educators killed and injured and to give them moral support.

Highlights of the concert included stage performances by famous Thai actors, namely Summer Stop, Pop Pongkul, Am Siraprapha and DJs from Seed FM. This concert was one of continuous fund-raising to help teachers and educators working in the south. A recently completed activity was a marathon bike run. Those who would like to make donations can contact the Ministry of Education's Hot Line 1579 for more information.

2nd Happy Family Rally 2013 by MOE

(09/04/2013)

The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Education, Mr. Supakorn Wongprat, recently chaired a ceremony to release the Happy Family Rally 2013 from Bangkok to Rayong. Taking place on Rajadamnern Nok Rd., the ceremony was also attended by the director of the Bureau of the Scout Movement, the Red Cross Youths and Student Affairs, Mr. Satjathorn Watthanamongkol and concerned staff.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary said that the Ministry of Education understood how important families were as a the primary institution that supported and cared for children. Good family relations usually bring about happiness. So, he would like all family members to spend time together and do activities that strengthen their relationships, bonds and networks.

The 2nd Happy Family Rally 2013 from Bangkok to Rayong was organized from 30 to 3- March 2013 with 324 participants from 82 families.

Secretary to Minister of Labour visits SME operators in Uthai Thani

(01/04/2013)

Mr. Sanga Tanasanguanwong, Secretary to the Minister of Labour, visits SME operators in Uthai Thai province to boost their morale, hear their problem, promote their understanding about wage laws and help them access to the government’s measures designed to reduce impact of the new minimum wage policy.

 

At Bangkok Rubber Saharattana in Nong Chang district, Mr. Sanga was informed by Mr. Nopnoi Thongprapaipak, human resource manager of the company that the company produces shoe parts for PAN Group, ECCO Company and Timberlan Company, which export shoes. The company has two factories and 643 employees. It fully complies with the 300 baht daily minimum wage policy. It initially has to adjust its cost by cutting unnecessary expenses on water and electricity bills and to improve quality and quantity of its products to increase its competitiveness for survival.

 

At Thai SC Tec Ltd., Mr. Sanga was told by Mr. Apichart Dangbua that the company came into existence two year ago. It produces electronic and camera parts for Nikon for example. Its parent company is in Nawanakhon Industiral Estate. It chose to open a production base in Uthai Thani province because there are sufficient workers to support its productions to match customers’ demand. At present, the company has 264 employees, who need to receive skill training to enhance their performance. Cleanness and discipline are among the company’s core management principle. The company fully complies with the 300 baht daily minimum wage policy.

First Recipients of U.S.-ASEAN Fulbright Program Announced Today

(05/04/2013)

“People-to-people connectivity is a high priority for ASEAN,” remarked Deputy Secretary General for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Alicia dela Rosa Bala, “I warmly congratulate the first Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholars on their selection. We are very pleased with the creation of the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Program and welcome the connections that will be made by these Scholars.”

U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN David L. Carden announced today the first seven Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholars selected through the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.  The Visiting Scholars will join a distinguished group of Fulbright alumni known for their contributions to government, science, the arts, business, philanthropy, and education. Ambassador Carden made the announcement at the 5th ASEAN-U.S. Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting convened today by the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.

“Congratulations to the first U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholars,” stated Ambassador Carden. “The scholars’ projects are great representations of ongoing areas of focus in ASEAN, and we wish them well in their research at universities in the United States.”  The selected Visiting Scholars’ areas of research include climate change, food security, public health, U.S.-ASEAN political relations, monetary policy, and law.

Candidates representing all 10 ASEAN Member States submitted applications under the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Initiative and proposed research projects on issues that are central to the U.S.-ASEAN relationship. A review panel that included officials from the U.S. Mission to ASEAN, the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives and the ASEAN Secretariat, then made recommendations to the Presidentially-appointed J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board for consideration.

A reciprocal Fulbright Specialist component will award grants to qualified U.S. faculty and professionals, in select disciplines, to engage in short-term collaborative two to six week projects with peers at host institutions in ASEAN countries, that focus on ASEAN priority topics or on the ASEAN-U.S. relationship.

The Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Initiative was announced by then U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at last year’s U.S.-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and marks over 35 years of friendship and cooperation between ASEAN and the United States.

The first cohort of awardees:  

• Ms. Siti Salwah Saim, senior Brunei government officer;
• Mr. Faisal Nurdin Idris, Lecturer at the State Islamic University Jakarta in Indonesia;
• Dr. Phouphet Kyophilavong, Assistant Professor at the National University of Laos;
• Dr. Hla Soe Tint, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health in Myanmar;
• Dr. Charmaine Galos Misalucha, Assistant Professor at De La Salle University in the Philippines;
• Dr. Chatchawan Jantasuriyarat, Assistant Professor at Kasetsart University in Thailand;
• Ms. Ly Phuong Nguyen, Lecturer at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by late U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright and is sponsored by the United States Department of State in partnership with governments around the world, including ASEAN.

ASEAN-UN talks focus on Conflict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy

(05/04/2013)

Senior government officials from ASEAN countries, experts from ASEAN strategic think tanks and senior officials from the United Nations will explore opportunities for enhancing cooperation in conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy at an ASEAN-UN workshop in Jakarta.

“Lessons Learned and Best Practices in Conflict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy,” was opened today by the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Marty Natalegawa, the Secretary-General of ASEAN H.E. Le Luong Minh, and UN Under-Secretary-General Vijay Nambiar.

“We all feel the urgent need for more effective conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy. As a way of creating a culture of peace, ASEAN has launched the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation in Jakarta which is aimed at conducting activities that are related to conflict prevention, management and conflict resolution,” Foreign Minister Natalegawa told participants gathered in his opening remarks at the Flags Room, Pancasila Building, at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Friday. He also expressed the hope that “this seminar will yield concrete results that will help us establish, develop and fine-tune mechanisms of effective conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy that will nurture a global and regional culture of peace.”

“ASEAN has gradually but consistently built up its capacity to pursue peace and prevent conflicts, not only in terms of conceptual, normative and institutional development but also in its on-the-ground engagement in preventing and resolving conflicts in the region. Through these home-grown efforts and experiences, we have many lessons to learn and practices to share with the wider global community”, said the ASEAN Secretary-General H.E. Le Luong Minh at the opening session. He further stated that ASEAN and ASEAN countries have been partners for peace with the UN for many years, and that ASEAN and especially the newly launched ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) should tap on the wealth of experience and expertise of the UN in the field of conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy.

The ASEAN-UN workshop will be held over two days in Jakarta. Its main objectives are to review various experiences in conflict prevention in Southeast Asia and beyond, with a view to identifying follow-up activities between ASEAN and the United Nations. Participants include some fifty senior representatives from the governments of ten ASEAN states, ten ASEAN strategic think-tanks, UN senior officials and guest experts from the region.

“The United Nations stands ready to support ASEAN’s efforts in continuing to promote peace and stability in the region,” said UN Under-Secretary-General Vijay Nambiar, adding his hope that “government officials and experts gathered will identify concrete steps that could contribute to conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy in the peaceful prevention of conflict in the region.”

The initiative marks a valuable contribution to the ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership agreed between ASEAN and the United Nations, at the 4th ASEAN-UN Summit in Bali in November 2011, at the end of Indonesia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN. The ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership provides a solid foundation to strengthen ASEAN-UN relations through collaborative activities in the areas of political-security, economic and socio-cultural cooperation as well as cooperation between the ASEAN Secretariat and the United Nations.

ASEAN Launch a Guidebook for Businesses and Investors

(05/04/2013)

ASEAN launched the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement: A Guidebook for Businesses and Investors (ACIA Guidebook) during the Forum on the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement - Transforming Investment in ASEAN through ACIA (ACIA Forum).

The Forum was held to introduce ACIA, the ASEAN investment legal instrument which entered into force last year to replace the Framework Agreement on the ASEAN Investment Area (AIA Agreement) and the ASEAN Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments (ASEAN IGA), and their respective amending Protocols, in order to further enhance regional integration to realise the vision of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015. The Forum was attended by nearly 250 people from the business sector, ASEAN government officials, the diplomatic community based in Kuala Lumpur, international organisations, academia, and the media.

The launching of the publication was officiated by H.E. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia, H.E. Datuk Noharuddin Nordin, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and H.E. Dr. Lim Hong Hin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community.

Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow continues to support Tourism of Thailand in the Russian market

(05/04/2013)

On 21 March 2013 His Excellency Dr. Itti Ditbanjong, Ambasssador of Thailand to the Russian Federation visited and met with the Thai hotel and resort entrepreneurs in the 20th Moscow International Travel & Tourism (MIIT 2013), which is one of the largest and best known annual travel industry events, taken place at the Moscow Expo Centre. The event was participated by 197 countries ie. USA, Japan, China, India, Republic of Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Kenya, Indonesia, Vietnam and UAE. This year the Tourism Authority of Thailand has led 14 entrepreneurs from the travel industry in Thailand to participate in the event and also arranged a Thai massage corner which interested and attracted huge amount of the visitors. During the visit to the said event, Ambassador Itti also discussed with Team Thailand on the plans to promote Thai tourism and Thai cuisine in Russia.

Thailand has become one of the main tourist destination for the Russian tourists. In 2012 Thailand welcomed 1,317,387 Russian tourists – 24.97% increased  from the total number of the Russian tourists in 2011. This number makes the Russian tourists the largest number among European visitors. In January and February this year more than 300,000 tourists has visited Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand  office in  Moscow  expects more than 1,400,000 Russian tourists for 2013.

Mobile Labour Project launched in Uthai Thani

(30/03/2013)

On March 29, 2013, Secretary to the Minster of Labour opened a technical seminar on the 300 baht daily minimum wage policy at Uthai Thani Provincial Office of Social Security in Uthai Thani province. The seminar is part of Ministry of Labour’s Mobile Labour Project to promote SME operators’ understanding about wage laws and help them access to the government’s measures designed to reduce impact of the new minimum wage policy. During the visit to Uthai Thani, he also visits Bangkok Rubber Saharattana Ltd. and Thai SC Tec Ltd. in Nong Chang district.

Mr. Sanga Tanasanguanwong, Secretary to the Minster of Labour, said the Ministry of Labour’s Mobile Labour Project is aimed to promote SME operators’ knowledge on minimum wage, help them access to the government’s measures designed to reduce impact of the new minimum wage policy and enhance their capability and competiveness to help them comply policy. A technical seminar on the 300 baht daily minimum wage policy is also held to give local operators an opportunity to explain their problems and express their opinions on the government’s assistance measures so officials can evaluate the situation and correctly solve the problem. This provides a platform for SMEs operators to exchange views with government officials and jointly work out solutions to prevent layoff and shutdown business. Under the project, Ministry of Labour’s officails will also visit local workplaces.

Mr. Sanga said there are 643 SMEs in Uthai Thani province; most of them run retail, wholesale, service/hotel, restaurant and canteen business. Considering from its gross provincial product, the province’s economy relies largely on its agricultural, retail, wholesale hotel, restaurant and canteen businesses. Last year, the minimum wage in the province stood at 234 baht.

Mr. Sanga said Ministry of Labour’s local agencies has visited 65 firms to give them advice about the government assistance measures and get first-hand information about their problems and what kind of assistance they want from the government. Most of the firms comply with the new minimum wage policy.

Mr. Sanga said there is no major difference in employment situation in the province between 2012 and 2013. According to Uthai Thani Provincial Office of Development Business, a total of 20 new firms were registered this year while only seven firms had laid off their employees. This reflected that the 300 baht daily minimum wage policy does not affect the provincial economy.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nopnoi Thongprapaipak, human resource manager of Bangkok Rubber Saharattana Ltd said the company produces shoe parts for PAN Group, ECCO Company and Timberlan Company, which export shoes. The company has two factories and 643 employees. It fully complies with the 300 baht daily minimum wage policy. It initially has to adjust its cost by cutting unnecessary expenses on water and electricity bills and to improve quality and quantity of its products to increase its competitiveness for survival.

Mr. Apichart Dangbua, owner of Thai SC Tec Ltd. said the company came into existence two year ago. It produces electronic and camera parts for Nikon for example. Its parent company is in Nawanakhon Industiral Estate. It chose to open a production base in Uthai Thani province because there are sufficient workers to support its productions to match customers’ demand. At present, the company has 264 employees, who need to receive skill training to enhance their performance. Cleanness and discipline are among the company’s core management principle. The company fully complies with the 300 baht daily minimum wage policy.

Minister of Labour and Ministry of Labour’s executives have so far launched the project in 14 provinces, namely Phayao, Lanpang, Songkhla, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Surin, Mukdahan, Bueng Kan and Sisaket. In overall, the employment situation in the country continues to expand, reflecting that the 300 baht daily minimum wage policy has not severely affected business operators.

Nonetheless, the government and Ministry of Labour have kept monitoring the situation and provided assistances to SMEs that are affected by the policy through its provincial support centres and ad hoc support centres.

The two institutes are tasked to coordinate with relevant agencies in giving SMEs assistance on skill development, migrant workers arrangement, tax and finding credit sources as required.

Thai workers in Malaysia told to be disciplined; keep away from gambling, alcohols

(27/03/2013)

Mr. Poonsak Sethanandha, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Labour, led a medical team to provide health checks for over 100 Thai workers at Perbana Emas Company in Malaysia’s Sarawak state, where local workers lack access to medical services. He said Thai workers are demanded by Malaysian employers due to their skills and that Thai workers should be disciplined and keep away from gambling and alcohols.

Mr. Poonsak said there were 134 Thai workers at Perbana Emas Company. The company runs construction business and has to send workers to construction site in remote areas, where access to medical services is limited. Ministry of Labour’s officials and the medical team from Rajavithi Hospital and Songkhlar Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital, therefore, made the stop there to give Thai workers health checks and medical advices.

Mr. Poonsak said the service would help Thai workers learn to correctly take care of themselves and protect themselves from diseases. A total of 109 workers received the service, most of whom suffered body ache, likely to have been caused by hard work and respiratory disease, caused by dusts from carpentry works.

Mr. Poonsak said foreign workers, in general, seem to like Thai workers due to their hard-work and responsibility. Thai workers are also more skilled than workers from other countries. However, some employers say Thai workers addict to alcohols and gambling and that they need Thai authorities to help take care of the matters.

Mr. Poonsak urged Thai workers to avoid alcohols and gambling, saying that without these things, they will be able to save and send more money back to their family in Thailand.

Meanwhile, Ms. Pataraporn Samantarath, Minister Counsellor (Labour Affairs), said there are a total of 441 Thai workers in the Sarawak state. Alcohol addiction is the most serious of problem of Thai workers in Malaysia. Some of them spend all their money on alcohols and have no money left to send home. When they suffer from loss of control, they could also end up having problems with local people. During the health checks service, medical staffs also gave them advice to keep away from alcohols.