Peru wishes to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN

(19/03/2013)

“In time of economic difficulties in some part of the world, Southeast Asia is the healthy place for business opportunity for the Latin American States like Peru and the Pacific Alliance for the next 30-50 years,” stated H.E. Mr. Roberto Seminario, Ambassador of Peru to ASEAN. Ambassador Seminario expressed appreciation to ASEAN and its Member States for organising the ASEAN-Latin American Business Forum last year and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation Meeting this year, which provided interacting opportunities for business circles in both continents. However, he stressed that both ASEAN and Latin American groupings could do more to reach out to all business communities and further foster cooperation for the benefit of both peoples.

Ambassador Seminario spoke on the occasion of presentation of the Letter of Credence to H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN today at the ASEAN Secretariat. Ambassador Seminario also expressed Peru’s interest in forging further cooperation between Peru as well as the Pacific Alliance with ASEAN.

SG Minh congratulated Ambassador Seminario for assuming his post as Ambassador of Peru to ASEAN and expressed his hope that the ASEAN Secretariat as well as ASEAN would work closely with the Embassy of Peru to ASEAN to further enhance cooperation with Peru.

Ministry of Labour joins Govt’s energy saving campaign

(13/03/2013)

Ministry of Labour has laid out three measures to help the government conserve energy, covering fuel, water and electricity conservation measures.

 

The move came after the cabinet on March 20, 2013, held a resolution, requesting all concerned agencies to reduce energy consumption.

 

Under the measures, Office of the Permanent Secretary would turn off all the lights in its building during the lunch break from 12 pm-1pm, while the spotlights in front of the ministry’s sign and buildings would be turned off after 9pm.

 

The ministry would also reduce the number of light bulbs in areas, where sunlight can come in through windows and curtains as well as turn on air conditioners only from 9am 12pm and 1pm to 4.30 pm to decrease hours of air conditioning use. The air conditioners will be set at 25-26 degrees.

 

Officials would be instructed to avoid closing and opening doors of air-conditioned room to reduce the work load of the air conditioners. Computers’ monitors would be turned off if they are not used for more than 15 minutes while the computers would be rearranged to areas through which the air can come in and out.

 

The officials would also be instructed to photocopy only when necessary, turn off photocopy machines when not using them, pull out plugs from water boilers when not using them, switch off TVs and radios when not using them and take stairs instead of elevators when going one-two floors. Some elevators would also be shut-off.

 

The ministry’s drivers would also be instructed to study their route before their journey; they must take the shortest route or the least time consuming route. They would also be instructed to drive at 90 kilometre per hour on normal road, 110 kilometre per hour on highway and 120 kilometre per hour on motorway as well as turning off their car when they have to park for a long period.

 

Officials would also be asked to take the same car when they have to work in a group. Unnecessary items must also be removed from the vehicle to reduce its weight.

 

Ministry of Labour would conduct checkup on all taps and toilets to make sure they are in good conditions. Officials would also be asked to make sure that all taps are turned off when they finish using them to save electricity from water pumps.

Ministry of Labour provides training for Bhutan labour officials

(12/03/2013)

Ministry of Labour holds seminar on Labour and Employment Development to pass on its experience to officials from Ministry of Labour and Human Resources of Bhutan.

 

Mr. Kamol Sawatchukeo, expert at Ministry of Labour’s foreign relations division, presided over the seminar, saying that the seminar has objectives to exchange labour knowledge between the two countries.

 

The seminar would help strengthen strong relations between Thailand and Bhutan and forge labour ties between the two countries. He hopes the knowledge would help the development of Bhutan’s workforces, Mr. Kamol said.

 

A group of labour official from Bhutan, led by Thailand’s Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research, attended the seminar, the second of its kind, which was held at Office of Labour Protection and Welfare’s conference room at Ministry of Labour headquarter in Bangkok. The first group of labour official from Bhutan attended the seminar on this topic on February 18, 2013.

 

Officials from Office of Labour Protection and Welfare and Department of Employment gave the officials lectures on various topics including their mission, Thai labour situation, Thai labour laws supervised by their agencies,  labour management (Department of Employment’s E-Job service), the establishment of labour relations office, and dispute settlement.

 

The Bhutan officials also raised questions about the 300 baht daily minimum wage policy to the Thai officials, which they clarified that the policy is initiated by the central minimum wage after it surveyed the cost of living of Thai population. Based on the economic principle that an increase in wage would stimulate more spending, the policy is expected to drive forward the Thai economy in the macro level.

Minister of Labour hails vocational skill competition as a success

(12/03/2013)

Minister of Labour is pleased with the performance of disabled persons who participated in the 6th vocational skill competition, held at MCC Hall in The Mall Ngamwongwan Department Store from March 9-11, noting that his ministry will continue organizing skill competitions for people with disability.

Mr. Phadermchai Sasomsub, Minister of Labour, said during the closing ceremony of the competition that people with disability are as important human resource as normal people. They have shown through private and government skill competitions that they have creativity and capable of working. Ministry of Labour has organized the vocational skill competition for people with disability for six consecutive times to provide a platform for them to show their capability. People with disability showed during this year competition that they had strong will for living and self-improvement, which is a good example for normal people.

“This year’s competition was more success than many had expected. Ministry of Labour, therefore, plans to cooperate with concerned agencies in organizing such a competition to improve skills of people with disability. To promote capability of disabled persons and boos their morale, It will also organize an exhibition to showcase the works of people with disability from this completion as well as events to sell products made by people with disability,” said the labour minister.

Ms. Duangta Wongjinda, the gold-medal winner for the painting contest, said she was delighted for being a representative from the southern region and to have an opportunity to show her ability.

Her work wanted to show the way of living of Thai southerners, which she believe is completely from what people from other regions have seen from the media. People regardless of their religion can live together peacefully, she noted, urging other people with disability who may feel depressed due to being disabled to be strong, saying it is part of their life and they can be happy if they try to live to with it.

Mr. Pirasak Saranrom, the gold-medal winner for the mechanical computer-aided drafting contest, said he was delighted to receive the award after failing twice in the past competitions. He has trained hard for the past ten years to gain experience and improve his skills. He wants to join the competition to show that he is no less capable than other persons. He urged people with disability to become strong, saying there are people who are more unfortunate than them and they must try to live in the society so that they do not become burden of their family and the society.

The vocational skill is a biannual competition organized by Ministry of Labour. It consists of 15 contests including dress-making for men, dress-making for women, knitting, crocheting, threading beads, embroidering, painting, computer-aided poster design, computer assembling, creating document on computer, mechanical computer-aided drafting, electronics, creating useful items from unwanted items, flower making and cloth-painting.

MoL official learned to survey labour demand, supply

(04/03/2013)

Ministry of Labour holds a meeting to educate officials from central and regional offices how to assess labour demand and supply as well as impacts of the government’s 300 baht daily minimum wage policy. The meeting is aimed at improving the officials’ knowledge and understanding on how to correctly survey, store and analyze data.

 

Mr. Poonsak Sethanandha, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Labour, said at the opening ceremony of the meeting that his ministry is among the main agencies that are responsible to carry out the policy; so it is necessary to prepare its officials to know how to correctly survey data on wages, incomes, expenses, impacts of the policy on firms, labour demand and labour shortages in provincial and macro levels.

 

Mr. Poonsak said the new minimum wage could affect operational coast and cause layoffs and closure of businesses, especially SMEs. It could also promote fair distribution of income, increase purchasing power and reduce social problem stemming from labour movement.

 

He said the data would help his ministry analyze and prepare workforces to match with the demand in any given economic situation and increase the country’s competitiveness ahead of the formation of ASEAN Community in 2015.

 

“The survey of the data and the impacts of the new minimum wage policy is an important mechanism. Officials from central and regional agencies need to have correct knowledge and understanding on how to survey data in order to obtain creditable and correct information. They must plan, understand the objective of the survey and know how to take sample, check and store the information. The information will be forwarded to the Central Wage Committee so it could work out assistance measures for firms that are affected by the policy,” said the deputy permanent secretary of Ministry of Labour.

 

The meeting was aimed at helping Ministry of Labour’s personnel prepare how to correctly collect and store data and uses them to assess employment tendency and develop appropriate workforce plan, given the current social and economic conditions

Seminar held to assist 18 firms reduce production cost

(13/03/2013)

Ministry of Labour organizes a seminar to assist 18 firms reduce production cost and loss in their manufacturing process to increase their competiveness in the international level. It also signs a memorandum of understanding (Mou) with the firms to systematically provide them assistances on the matter.

Mr. Phadermchai Sasomsub, Minister of Labour, said at opening of the seminar, which was held at the Emerald Hotel in Bangkok, that things can change quickly in the current social and economic situations. Couple with the new 300 baht daily minimum wage policy, firms might experience higher production cost. The best way out of this are to reduce production cost and enhance labour productivity. Such moves would also help increase firms’ competiveness in the international level.

 

To reduce production costs, Mr. Phadermchai explained firms must eliminate unnecessary work process, combine similar work process, rearrange to effectively smooth work process and simplify work process. Enhancing labour production systematically would also help increase firms’ productivity, he said.

 

The labour minister said these mentioned steps would involve the application of logistics and supply chain processes. They would help firms systematically enhance labour productivity and increase firms’ competitiveness.

 

Representatives from 18 firms in 15 industries from 8 central Thai provinces namely Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Kanchanaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan joined the seminar.

 

Ministry of Labour also signed the MoU with the firms to provide advice and intensive knowledge on the matter to the firms. If succeed, the ministry plans to extend the result to the national level, which will help increase labour productivity in industrial sector.

Providing SMEs and OTOP with Greater Access to Funding Sources

(19/03/2013)

Five ministries and six state-owned financial institutions are joining hands in promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the “One Tambon, One Product,” or OTOP, program. They signed a cooperation document to work in an integrated manner to strengthen SMEs and the OTOP program. The signing ceremony took place on 18 March 2013 and was witnessed by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The five ministries include the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Interior. The six financial institutions include the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, the Government Savings Bank, the Islamic Bank of Thailand, and the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation. Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk said that SMEs and OTOP are strong foundations for Thailand’s economic development. Cooperation between the five government agencies and the six financial institutions is intended to provide SME and OTOP operators with greater access to financial sources. It will help upgrade SMEs and OTOP enterprises, so that they will move onto the global stage for sustainable development in the future. After witnessing the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Yingluck also presided over a workshop titled “SME Roadmap: Moving toward AEC.” The Prime Minister said that both SMEs and OTOP are major factors in the country’s economic drive, and their combined value is 3.9 trillion baht, accounting for 37 percent of GDP. They employ almost 11 million people, accounting for 84 percent of the country’s labor force. SMEs and OTOP producers export items worth 2.2 trillion baht, representing about 30 percent of Thailand’s total export value. The Prime Minister said that, after the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is in place in 2015, ASEAN will become a market of 600 million people. Both SMEs and OTOP operators would have greater opportunities, and they would face greater challenges, as well. So all relevant organizations should offer a helping hand to enhance the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs and accommodate new markets brought about by AEC. The Government is ready to help develop networks between large industries and SMEs for greater production efficiency and added value. It will offer assistance in terms of innovation and technical know-how for product development. The assistance also includes the upgrading of product standards, imports of modern technology to increase productivity, and the expansion of domestic and foreign markets. The Government will provide financial sources for new entrepreneurs, so that they will be developed from small to medium-sized enterprise operators and then to large enterprise operators in the future.

CLMV Reiterated Commitment to Enhancing Relations and Benefits

(19/03/2013)

The Heads of State/Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (CLMV) gathered for the 6th CLMV Summit last week in Vientiane, Lao PDR. H.E. Le Luong Minh, the Secretary-General of ASEAN was also present at the Summit that reiterated their commitment to enhancing the traditional relations of friendship, good neighbourliness and mutual benefits among the CLMV countries.

They reviewed the progress on the implementation of agreed upon projects at the 5th CLMV Summit in Phnom Penh, the Kingdom of Cambodia on 16 November 2010, aimed at narrowing the development gap among ASEAN Member States as we move toward the ASEAN Community Building by 2015. They also exchanged views on the future direction of CLMV cooperation in light of the Vientiane Declaration on Enhancing the Economic Cooperation and Integration among CLMV countries adopted in 2004 and its Plan of Action.

MOE Representatives Visit Myanmar

(18/03/2013)

From 10 to 12 March 2013, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Education Mr. Sombat Suwanpitak and representatives of the Thai Ministry of Education paid an official visit to Myanmar to strengthen relations between the two countries and to discuss bilateral cooperation in education. During the visit, they met the Deputy Minister of Education of Myanmar, H.E. Dr. Myo Myint, visited schools in Rangoon and discussed educational cooperation with UNESCO in Myanmar. The major issues under discussion were as follows:


1. The Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC), on behalf of the Ministry of Education, will organize an academic seminar to promote cooperation between Thai and Myanmar universities in the middle of June, 2013. Myanmar will be pleased to support the event.

2. The Education Ministry of Myanmar asked the Thai Ministry to send Thai teachers to teach in Myanmar to promote Thai language and culture. Thailand is pleased to do so.

3. The Ministry of Education of Thailand will invite high school students from Myanmar to participate in the ASEAN +3 Youth Camp hosted by Thailand in June, 2013. Myanmar is pleased to send teachers and students to this activity.

4. The Ministry of Education of Thailand proposed to send Thai teachers to monitor English teaching in Myanmar while Myanmar is interested in sending teachers to monitor professional teaching in Thailand as well as looking at education quality assurance and qualification certification. Both parties will start the work between July and August, 2013.

5. The Ministry of Education of Thailand proposed to improve Community Learning Centers in Myanmar by giving training to staff from Myanmar, Thailand and other neighboring countries.

6. The Ministry of Education of Thailand would like to send staff from the Center of Educational Technology to tape educational management programs in Myanmar and broadcast them via ETV. Myanmar is pleased to help and asks the Ministry of Education of Thailand to make contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

7. The Ministry of Education of Myanmar informed the Education Ministry of Thailand that it had already received a drafted Memorandum of Understanding 

MOE Ready to Mobilize Education towards ASEAN Community

(19/03/2013)

On 14 March 2013, the Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, and the Assistant to the Minister, Mrs. Phuangphet Chunlaiad, attended a board meeting at the Ministry of Education to mobilize Thai education in preparation for the opening of the ASEAN Economic Community.  The Minister of Education said that the board to mobilize was divided into two working groups: an administrative committee chaired by the Minister of Education and an operational committee chaired by the Deputy Minister.

The Ministry of Education's strategy towards the ASEAN Community is composed of 5 major areas emphasizing and focusing on education, an investment in human resource development, the promotion of proper work ethics, information technology and improved access to the applied sciences and technology. All of these will be carried out through two major projects: educational development towards the ASEAN Economic Community and the development of an international education hub.

The Assistant to the Education Minister added that the ASEAN Community was part of the national agenda and the five major organizations under the Ministry of Education had to work together to successfully achieve this. Moreover, they should encourage the other ministries to cooperate with them in formulating national frameworks for this project, such as creating the learning curriculum required by ASEAN countries, developing human resources especially in English and ASEAN language skills as well as teacher training in the languages of our neighboring countries so that in the future the teachers can disseminate this knowledge to their students and their local communities.

Graduation Ceremony of Cholburi Vocational College

(19/03/2013)

The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Education, Mrs. Siriporn Kitkuakul, chaired the graduation ceremony of the academic year 2012 on 14 March 2013 at the auditorium of Cholburi Vocational College in Cholburi.

Mrs. Siriporn gave a speech to all graduates, saying that an important thing that everything that graduates do together with education and knowledge development should demonstrate an understanding of the moral issues involved because if everyone takes a moral stance then their actions will bring benefits to themselves, their society and their country. Therefore, teachers should regularly teach their students about morality until they are thoroughly familiar with it.

Mrs. Siriporn referred to a speech of His Majesty the King where he said, "Education is everyone's concern at all times. Since being born, children have to be educated. Even after they graduate from university, they continue learning from working. This means that education is infinite learning."             

The Cholburi Vocational College offers many courses at lower and higher vocational levels, namely food science, fine arts, commerce and the hotel and tourism industry. For the academic year of 2012, of 614 students who had completed their studies, 417 of them were lower vocational graduates and 197 had studied at higher level.

Ambassador of Thailand Visits Canada’s Oil-rich Region to Promote Cooperation

(18/03/2013)

During 4-7 February 2013, H.E. Mr. Udomphol Ninnad, Ambassador of Thailand to Canada led a delegation on a four-day visit to the city of Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta, and the city of Regina in Saskatchewan to promote networking and strengthen the cooperation between Thailand and the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. These provinces are recognized for their abundant oil reserves and fast-growing energy-related industries.

On 4 February 2013, H.E. Mr. Udomphol Ninnad, Mr. Narong Boonsatheanwong, Minister-Counsellor,  Mr. Nopakhun Luichant, First Secretary, met with Dr. Yothin Tongpenyai, President of Petroleum Authority of Thailand Exploration and Production Co. Ltd. (PTTEP) for a briefing on current status of PTTEP’s oil sands investment project in Alberta.  The following day, the delegation visited the University of Regina to meet with Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick, Vice-President (Research) and Dr. Paitoon Tontiwachwuthikul, a Thai professor who is also Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.  Dr. Paitoon briefed the Delegation on the functions and importance of the International Test Centre for CO2 Capture which he co-founded. The Delegation and President of  PTTEP later met with Thai students and the President of the Thai Student Association of the University of Regina. There are approximately 40 Thai students currently pursuing their studies at the University of Regina.

On February 6, 2013, the Delegation arrived in Edmonton and was greeted by Mr. Dennis Anderson, Honourary Consul-General of Thailand. The Delegation also conversed with Mrs. Jitra Kriangkum, President of the Alberta Thai Association and other members of the association during luncheon hosted by the Honourary Consul-General.

On the last day of the visit, the Delegation and President of PTTEP paid a courtesy call on Hon. Allison Redford, Premier of Alberta. The Delegation also met with Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, Deputy Premier, Mrs. Maryann Everett, Assistant Deputy Minister, Enterprise and Advanced Education Ministry, Hon. Cal Dallas, Minister of International and Intergovernmental  Relations and Hon. Teresa Woo-Paw, Assistant Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations who hosted luncheon for the Delegation.  During the meeting, issues such as energy, workforce, education, consular affairs, and promotion of relations between Alberta and Thailand were discussed.

Ambassador of Thailand to the United States visit was to enhance economic, political and people-to-people relations between Thailand and the State of Washington

(18/03/2013)

From February 24 to 27, 2013, H.E. Dr. Chaiyong Satjipanon, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, led a delegation comprising of representatives from the Royal Thai Consulate General in Los Angeles, the Thai Board of Investment in Los Angeles, the Office of Commercial Affairs in Washington, DC, and the Thai Trade Center in Los Angeles to Seattle, Washington. The objectives of the visit was to enhance economic, political and people-to-people relations between Thailand and the State of Washington, especially the city of Seattle.

During his stay in Seattle, the Ambassador and the delegation visited Washington-based companies doing business in and with Thailand, namely, Boeing, Microsoft and Starbucks.

They also met with members of the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle to brief its members about economic opportunities in Thailand and exchange views on potential to expand the economic ties even further.

In strengthening political and people-to-people relations, Ambassador Chaiyong and the delegation met Mr. Michael McGinn, Mayor of Seattle. He also hosted a dinner for members of the Thai community in Seattle and nearby areas, including academicians, architects, attorneys and businessmen/women.

Additionally, H.E. the Ambassador and the delegation took the opportunity to enhance academic and educational ties. They met with Mr. Richard Ellings, President of the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR), and Dr. Laurie J. Sears, Director of the Southeast Asia Center, as well as Dr. Resat Kasaba, Director of the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington.

H.E. the Ambassador also presented some funds to the Thai Students Association at the University of Washington to support their activities.

Calling for Justice

(18/03/2013)

On 13 March 2013, Mrs. Paveena Hongsakul, the chairperson of the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, visited the Ministry of Education with Mrs. Somkhuan Rungthong, the grandmother of Anuphat Samthong, a five year old boy, from Suphanburi. They came to meet the Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, and call for justice after Anuphat was hurt and severely injured by Grade 1 students at the same school.

According to Mrs. Paveena, Mrs. Somkhuan asked her for help after the incident which left Anuphat, a kindergarten student, in a coma and unconscious with complications. The symptom is so serious that the student was transferred from Chao Phraya Yommarat Hospital to Chulalongkorn Hospital. Mrs. Somkhuan added that the boy's parents and relatives had learned what had happened when they asked the school. They were informed that, at lunchtime, a Grade 1 student had hit Anuphat's head and a Grade 7 student had pushed him down. Then the Grade 1 student punched him again. The school did not give any further explanation as to why the situation had happened, so the boy's relatives were asking Mrs. Paveena to help them.

Mrs. Paveena said that such incidents had happened to others students before, because, during lunchtime, no one supervised the students at school. However, Anuphat is a very young boy and the school should have informed the parents or relatives immediately instead of telling them nothing.

Mr. Phongthep, thanking Mrs. Paveena for her deep concern, said that taking care of students at school is very important. This incident should be investigated in order to prevent any re-occurrence. The best way to solve the problem in the long run is not to transfer students to other schools but to enable all students to understand their rights and responsibilities. Teachers are supposed to take good care of them. However, this incident should be investigated quickly and those who had done wrong should be punished.

Finally, Mr. Phongthep said that he would ask ministerial staff to visit the school and thoroughly investigate the incident. In terms of other measures to be taken, he will ask the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, who supervises the Office of the Basic Education Commission to formulate strict measures. The Ministry of Education will be responsible for Anuphat's medical expenses..

Advanced Course on Persuasive Communication

(18/03/2013)

On 12 March 2013, the Advisor of Educational Policy and Strategies, Mr. Phinitsak Suwanrang, chaired the opening of a project for developing the quality of public officers relating to advanced key performance skills, i.e. the art of persuasive communication, at the Metro Resort Hotel in Bangkok.

According to Mr. Phinitsak, successful leaders should have three main attributes. The first is effective self-management. The second is strong human resources management skills, especially regarding colleagues and employees. The last one is an active work management ability to achieve the objectives and goals required.

Mr. Phinitsak added that leaders should be able to persuade others to work and achieve the intended goals. So, the art of persuasion is a necessary skill for public officers because it brings about successful communication, interaction, news exchange, opinion-sharing and mutual understanding. Only when public officers possess such skills, will they become successful leaders and their professional efficiency will be enhanced.

The project for developing this quality in public officers is organized on three levels. The basic one took place from 5-6 March 2013 and was divided into three sections. The advanced level, provided for two groups of participants, took place on 12-13 March 2013 and 14-15 March 2013. All participants were from the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Education. Mr. U-domdetch Burapak, of D One Training, was a resource speaker throughout the events.

Fundraising Campaign for Teachers in Southern Thailand

(18/03/2013)

The Inspector General of Education, Mr. Rojana Krischareon, and the Director of the Bureau of Coordination and Educational Integration in the Southern Provinces of Thailand, Mr. Chaithawee Atiphaet joined a charity walk to raise funds for a project to help teachers in southern Thailand. This event was also attended by famous Thai actors along with students who had worked together to collect donations in Soi Lalai Sap in Silom, Bangkok.

This project to help teachers in southern Thailand aims to provide financial and moral support to relatives and families of teachers or educational personnel killed or handicapped due to the insurgency in three southern Thai provinces. It was launched on 16 January 2013 and televised via Channel 9 Thailand on a special program entitled, "A Hundred Million Hearts for Teachers in the South".

ASEAN-China Review dialogue relations and cooperation

(18/03/2013)

The 14th ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee (ACJCC) Meeting reviewed ASEAN-China dialogue relations and cooperation for the past one year.  Held last week, the Meeting focused on the implementation of ASEAN-China joint cooperation projects and activities covering the three pillars of political-security, economic, and socio-cultural, as well as the follow-up to the initiatives and outcomes of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit. The Meeting also looked into proposed commemmorative activities in celebrationof the 10th Anniversary of ASEAN-China strategic partnership.

China expressed its strong commitment to support the implementation of projects and activities under the ASEAN-China Plan of Action(2011-2015) and ASEAN community-building efforts.In this regard, the Meeting highlighted several important areas that both sides could work on to further strengthen their cooperation, which includes maritime cooperation and ASEAN connectivity. The Meeting also appreciated the work of theASEAN-China Centre (ACC) in Beijing—which is at its very early stage of operations—and endeavoured to work closely to support the ACC’s activities in promoting trade, investment, tourism, education, and culture.

The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Suvat Chirapant, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to ASEAN and H.E. Mme.  Yang Xiuping, Ambassador of the Mission of China to ASEAN in Jakarta. The Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States to ASEAN and their representatives, officials of the Mission of China to ASEAN and several line agencies in China, and the ASEAN Secretariat attended the meeting.

Fitch Ratings Cited as an Indication of Thailand’s Economic and Political Stability

(18/03/2013)

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong stated that the upgrading of Thailand’s credit rating by Fitch Ratings reflected Thailand’s economic and political stability. Speaking in the weekly program “Yingluck Government Meets the People” on 16 March 2013, Mr. Kittiratt referred to Fitch Ratings’ statement on 8 March 2013, which raised Thailand's Long-Term Foreign Currency Issuer Default Rating from BBB to BBB+. The credit rating was upgraded on the grounds that Thailand’s political situation has stabilized and economic fundamentals and external finances remain strong. Moreover, the country’s inflation and public debt are at low levels. Mr. Kittiratt said that another reason was that Thailand would invest in infrastructure mega-projects on a long-term basis. According to the statement, Thailand's economy has been resilient to repeated shocks, including heavy flooding in the fourth quarter of 2011, underpinned by a flexible monetary and exchange-rate policy framework. He said that the rating agency had collected information from public, private, and civic organizations in Thailand before coming up with the new rating. Mr. Kittiratt thanked all agencies involved for their cooperation in giving actual information to experts from Fitch Ratings, which led to the better credit ranking. He hoped that the rating would be upgraded further in the near future. This would increase confidence among Thai and foreign investors. The economic growth of 5 to 7 percent was cited as a suitable rate for the country to receive higher rating. Thailand expects that GDP will expand at around 4.5 – 5.5 percent in 2013. According to Mr. Kittiratt, long-term planning for Thailand’s development could strengthen Thailand's credit ranking as a whole. For example, the Government has planned two trillion baht’s worth investment in infrastructure mega-projects over the next seven years. Borrowing for the projects would be carried out gradually in line with economic growth. In implementing these projects, he said, the Government would ensure that public debt would not exceed 50 percent of GDP. Based on financial disciplinary principles, Thailand has set its public debt ceiling at not over 60 percent of GDP. Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, said that the upgrading of Thailand’s credit rating would attract more investment in the country. Private sector investment expanded throughout 2012. The planned two-trillion-baht investment projects would facilitate business operation and create confidence among investors. He believed that more foreign investors would invest in Thailand, as the mega-projects would promote connectivity in the region, lower logistics costs, and enhance Thailand’s competitiveness.

Local Residents Urged to Cooperate in Resolving the Southern Situation

(17/03/2013)

Local residents in the southern border provinces have been urged to cooperate in resolving the southern situation for lasting peace and stability. The call was made by Mr. Aziz Pitakkumphol, Sheikhul Islam, or the Chularajamontri (State Counselor for All Islamic Affairs), who cited cooperation among local people as a key factor to help ease southern conflicts and promote local development. Mr. Aziz said that the authorities had received good cooperation from the public and private sectors, thus enabling it to be successful in developing the South to a certain extent. He described the predominantly Muslim deep South as an area with great potential for further development. Local people have a distinctive culture different from the culture in other parts of Thailand. Unrest in the deep South causes an obstacle to local development. He said that successive governments have mobilized resources and funds to cope with the southern situation, based on cultural conditions and local way of life. He had talked to several groups of school administrators in the southern border provinces to share their views on southern problems, especially concerning human resource development. Workplaces and business people providing support for education in the deep South, or employing local residents, would be able to have tax deductions for their support. Mr. Aziz earlier suggested that the government improve education in the deep South, as it is a sustainable solution to the southern conflict. Many young people have been misled because of the lack of educational opportunities. He said that the study of the Malay language has now been promoted in southern schools. Civil society organizations have been provided with greater opportunities in seeking ways to resolve the southern situation and promote local development. Meanwhile, the President of the Civil Society Council of the Southern Border Provinces, Mr. Prasit Meksuwan, has issued a statement, expressing support for peace dialogues to end violence in the southern border provinces. The statement came after the recent signing of the General Consensus Document on Peace Dialogue between the Secretary-General of the National Security Council of Thailand, Lieutenant General Paradorn Pattanatabut, and the representative of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Coordinate (BRN). It also called on all sectors of Thai society to show their intention to support the peace dialogue process. In related news, Lieutenant General Paradorn will lead a delegation to hold the first round of dialogues with BRN on 28 March 2013 in Kuala Lumpur. The talks will be an initial effort to reduce the degree of violence in the deep South. They are seen as the best way forward for peace, as it would encourage greater understanding between all parties.

First Ever Visit of an Irish Government Minister to the ASEAN Secretariat

(15/03/2013)

H.E. Brendan Howlin, Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform of the Republic of Ireland, visited the ASEAN Secretariat yesterday to be updated on the latest development and prospects of achieving the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015. The Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the AEC, H.E. Lim Hong Hin, received the Minister and his delegation.

Minister Howlin provided the background on Ireland holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from January to June 2013 as part of the Trio programme of six monthly Presidency with Lithuania and Greece. The key priorities for Ireland include, amongst others, recovery and stability of the Euro Zone, economic growth, and job creation.

DSG Lim briefed the Minister on the latest development in ASEAN’s efforts in establishing AEC by 2015. He highlighted that while there has been progress over the years, there are still challenges ahead that ASEAN needs to address. Amongst others, incorporating regional commitments into national strategic plan, developing legal framework to facilitate the implementation of agreed measures, strengthening institutional capacity to enforce regulations, and expediting the integration of new ASEAN members with the more developed ASEAN-6 (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand).

This is the first ever visit of an Irish Government Minister to the ASEAN Secretariat.

Great Britain Members of Parliament Call on the ASEAN Secretariat

(15/03/2013)

Led by H.E. Margot James, a delegation of six Members of Parliament from Great Britain visited the ASEAN Secretariat yesterday to better understand the developments in ASEAN.  The Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, H.E. Lim Hong Hin, received and briefed the delegation.

Both sides exchanged views on the EU and ASEAN model of integration and how ASEAN could gain from the EU experience.  Although the two models have different aspirations, DSG Lim pointed out there are indeed lessons that ASEAN and EU could learn from each other. One such area would be the integration of new members into ASEAN. With regard to Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), DSG Lim explained that both initiatives are building blocks for a region-wide free trade arrangement and provide accession for interested parties to join the initiatives once the negotiation has been concluded.  However the level of ambitions may differ between the two initiatives.

DSG Lim also briefed the Delegation on the latest development in ASEAN’s efforts and challenges faced in establishing an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015. He went on to share specific efforts being pursued in promoting the ASEAN as an investment destination including the forthcoming Forum on ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement.

The Delegation had earlier visited the Indonesian Parliamentary Commission and other trade and investment related departments in Indonesia before coming to the ASEAN Secretariat.

For the 20 November 2012 Press Release:  ASEAN and FTA Partners Launch The World's Biggest Regional Free Trade Deal click here

Sino-Thai Cooperation on Education

(15/03/2013)

The Minister of Education Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana received textbooks and learning and teaching materials from the Chinese ambassador in Thailand, Mr. Kuan Mu, on 11 March 2013 at the Education Ministry. All the textbooks and materials will be provided to schools under the Ministry's supervision.

The Education Minister thanked the Chinese ambassador for his generosity, saying that the study of Chinese was much favored by Thai students and many parents were sending their children to study in China. At the present time, China is enjoying advanced education and technology and its universities are highly recognized and competitive when compared to other international universities. Chinese volunteer teachers helping Thai students here are crucial for the success of Thai students in getting admitted to Chinese universities.


The Chinese ambassador then added that sending Chinese volunteer teachers to work in Thailand strengthened the educational relations and encouraged development of ties between Thailand and China. Many Chinese teachers will learn Thai culture and show it by behaving as politely and kindly as Thai people do. In 2014, 300 more Chinese volunteer teachers will come to teach Chinese here and will develop diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Thailand and Equatorial Guinea Move to Expand Cooperation in Wider Areas

(15/03/2013)

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea have moved to widen cooperation in various areas between the two countries. Both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in energy, agriculture, trade, and investment during the first visit of the President of Equatorial Guinea to Thailand between 13 and 16 March 2013. Equatorial Guinea is one of the African countries with the highest growth rate particularly since the discovery of off-shore oil reserves. It plays an important role in strengthening relations between Africa and other regions, with an aim to be a leading country of the Sub-Saharan Africa region and a commercial hub of the Western Africa. The Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Mr. Suranand Vejjajiva, said that the visit of the President of Equatorial Guinea to Thailand marked the first high-level visit since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991. Ever since the implementation of diplomatic relations 22 years ago, Thailand and Equatorial Guinea have witnessed cordial relations. Regarding trade and investment, both countries saw an increase of bilateral trade value eightfold. Trade between them was valued at 188 million baht in 2011, and the amount rose to 1,561 million baht in 2012. According to Prime Minister Yingluck, Equatorial Guinea is a country worth exploring by the Thai private sector. The expertise of Thai business in the processing of agricultural products, construction, and energy matched well with the fast growing industrial sector of Equatorial Guinea. At the same time, the Equatorial Guinean President had a plan to build a new capital city and would welcome foreign investments for the project. Concerning energy security, both countries exchanged views on the energy security policy in which Equatorial Guinea has capacity and on agriculture, food, and fishery in which Thailand has capacity. They also discussed exchange of expertise and more cooperation in this matter. Equatorial Guinea expressed interest in purchasing rice from Thailand on a long-term basis, whereas Thailand was interested in stepping up cooperation in the area of energy, which is heightened on its national agenda. On political security, the Thai government viewed the “South-South Cooperation” as an important scheme for relations reinforcement among the developing countries. Prime Minister Yingluck commended Equatorial Guinea’s active role in the Cooperation and its success in hosting the 7th Summit of African Caribbean and Pacific Heads of State and Government, and the 3rd Africa – South America Summit. Thailand wished to have such exchange with the African countries, which would further lead to discussion framework and the establishment of cooperation network between Asia and Africa. Thailand also called for support from Equatorial Guinea in its application for a non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. Following the plenary discussion on 14 March 2013, Prime Minister Yingluck and the President of Equatorial Guinea witnessed the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the formation of bilateral discussion between Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

Government to Ensure Transparency in Its Planned Two-Trillion-Baht Investment Projects

(15/03/2013)

The Government will ensure transparency in its planned investment in transportation and logistics mega-projects, worth two trillion baht, or 66 billion US dollars. Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said that many people visiting the Thailand 2020 exposition had expressed their opinions about the mega-projects, which would be implemented over the next seven years. The exposition began on 9 March and will run through 16 March at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok. It shows Thailand’s future in 2020, with the infrastructure development mega-projects. The Government expects that it will create confidence among investors and the people. Mr. Chadchart said that the Thailand 2020 exposition had received a positive response from members of the public and private sectors, students and the general public. He said that, apart from providing visitors with information and proper understanding about the Government’s investment in transportation and logistics networks in all regions of the country, the Thailand 2020 exposition has also offered an opportunity for the Government to listen to public opinion on the mega-projects. He stated that, in a survey of the mega-projects, most respondents to the questionnaire expressed their concern about corruption that might take place in various steps of the project implementation. They called for a monitoring process to ensure practices of transparency in all projects. In this regard, Mr. Chadchart said that the Government and the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand had discussed the issue relating to various matters, such as procurement procedures, specifications, and auction processes. The issue must also cover the Government’s investment of 350 billion baht to finance flood prevention and water management projects. He said that the Government and Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand would sign a document for cooperation in ensuring transparency and good governance on the mega-projects. The Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand, a private sector initiative, was launched in 2011. It comprises members of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Bankers Association and the Federation of Capital Market Organizations. The objective is to raise public awareness and antipathy against corruption through education, suppression, and transparency. The Cabinet recently approved the initial plans to invest two trillion baht in transportation and logistics. Some of these projects include high-speed trains and dual train track development, a better overall road network for connecting ASEAN economic corridors, improved sea ports, and more border facilities to enhance border trade. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said that Thailand’s strong fiscal position allows the country to finance these projects through various sources, including government borrowing. The participation of the private sector will be encouraged in some projects, as well.