BANGKOK (NNT) – ASEAN economic ministers signed the ASEAN Protocol on an Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Jurin Laksanawisit, said today that the ASEAN Protocol on an Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism will ensure the implementation of economic agreements and speedy resolution of economic disputes in the ASEAN region. Mr. Jurin said the protocol will enable the ASEAN Secretariat to provide legal advice and support to member states, such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The ASEAN Protocol on an Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism is in line with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM).
ASEAN economic ministers have declined to sign a pact on mutual recognition of arrangements (MRAs) for vehicles and car parts, as some member countries have yet to complete the necessary procedures. If the pact is signed, it will help facilitate trade in automotive products among members.
In addition to the ASEAN Economics Community (AEC) Council meeting, Thailand is to host the 27th Senior Officials Meeting for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA). Hosted by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the event is to consider and endorse plans and documents relating to the bloc’s socio-cultural pillar. The outcome of this meeting will be proposed at the 35th ASEAN Summit on November 2.
The event will focus on several issues, including the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change to the 25th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; the Declaration on the Protection of Children against All Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse in ASEAN; the ASEAN Declaration on the Rights of Children on the Move and the Bangkok Declaration. Member states will work together in areas of women’s and children’s rights, the environment, art and culture, education and social welfare and development.
The new Land and Property Tax which will be effective from January 2020 onward, is another challenge for the Thai property market.
One of the sectors that will be impacted is vacant land. There are still many unused sites in Bangkok. Owners of these sites will have to start paying significant taxes for the first time once the new land tax comes into effect in January next year.
Many of these owners want to avoid paying the higher rate empty land tax by developing some commercial use on these sites which will generate enough income to pay the new land tax so that they do not have to sell the land.
The risk for many owners is that in their rush to develop commercial use to avoid paying the higher tax rate they create a bigger financial burden for themselves by developing inappropriate loss-making developments.
Lacking expertise, experience and market knowledge, they may end up building something for which there is no demand and end up owing the bank far more than the cost of the property tax.
For many sites, commercial development of office, retail or residential for rent will not be feasible on the site because of either the location or size of the land. The site owners may also not have the commercial expertise or financial resources to develop the site themselves.
Landowners need to firstly see how much tax they will have to pay and then carefully examine their options to earn income from any development on their site.
For example, parking for rent may be the best solution in locations where people own cars but there is insufficient parking in their residences.
In many Japanese cities, it is common to see even small land sites being used for commercial parking for rent. The sites are covered in asphalt and have automatic parking systems…
BANGKOK (NNT) – After three quarters, the global economic slowdown and the ongoing trade war between China and the United States, are still having an adverse impact on the Thai economy.
The Ministry of Finance has now cut the country’s economic growth outlook to 2.8%, from the previous 3%.
The Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), Lavaron Sangsnit, said today that export contraction is one of the factors dampening the Thai economy. The ministry downgraded its 2019 estimate for exports to a decline of 2.5% from an earlier 0.9% decline.
The currency has also appreciated from 31.24 baht per US dollar to 31.10 baht per US dollar. The Thai currency strengthened 3.8% against the dollar this year.
Mr. Lavaron said that short-term economic measures can support the economy to some extent. The government’s Chim, Shop, Chai (Taste, Shop, Use) economic stimulus campaign has injected at least 10 billion baht into the Thai economy.
The government has provided loans worth 34 billion baht in total to help farmers, while tourist arrivals have continuously increased.
The revocation of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) on Thai products by the United States will affect the export sector, but Thailand still has six months to prepare and negotiate. With support from the government’s fiscal budget of 3.2 trillion baht, the FPO forecasts that the export sector will grow 2.6% next year, with the Thai economy expanding 3.3%.
Author: Raffaello Pantucci, RUSI The closure of a mine in Kyrgyzstan, protests on the streets in Kazakhstan. The grand guignol of menacing Chinese investment into Central Asia appears to be rearing its head in public discourse. Both fearful and grateful, the region is a paradox for China at the beginning of its Belt and Road. […]
The post China’s complicated relationship with Central Asia appeared first on Thailand – China.
KHON KAEN (NNT) – Parts of the northeastern region covering 10 provinces have been declared drought affected areas because of the prolonged lack of rain. The drought disaster in Khon Kaen is considered the worst in 50 years, requiring special water deliveries from Chulabhorn reservoir every two months, to ensure water availability.
Officials from Chum Phae local waterworks office in Chum Phae district, Khon Kaen, have surveyed water availability in Choen River at a water pumping station, as the water level has continued to decrease leaving the inlet pipe covered by only 20 centimeters. The area earlier requested Chulabhorn reservoir upstream in Chaiyaphum to discharge extra water to resolve the shortage of water for tap water production, but only 500,000 cubic meters out of 2 million cubic meters in water volume reached the area, with the current availability only sufficient for tap water production for 40 more days.
Chum Phae Hospital director Duangporn Aswarachan said today the hospital serves patients from nine surrounding districts, especially patients requiring hemodialysis, a procedure that uses a lot of water each time. The hospital is required to have a backup plan in case of water shortages to minimize the effect on patients.
In Bueng Kan, rice farmers in Ban San Charoen village and Ban Pan Lam village are now faced with a premature drought season, causing heading and ripening rice to lack the water needed. Farmers are required to buy water pumped in from the Mekong river for the crops, charged at 65 baht per hour. The service could only provide a water supply to a single farmer yesterday, with the waiting list now full. The transition into winter with dry air and strong winds also causes the crops to dry out more easily.
In Nong Khai, water levels in the Mekong river remain at less than 1.5 meters deep, which is the lowest in 50 years. The low water level has caused sand sediment and islands to show up in the middle of the river, obstructing boat navigation, especially Thailand-Laos cargo boats at Hai Sok Pier where the load limit has been reduced, and captains are required to exercise greater caution while navigating. The water level, if lowered by just another 30 centimeters, will halt the cargo boat service, as boats will not be able to reach the pier on the Laos side, affecting pier workers including some 100 workers in Thailand.
In Bang Rakam, Phitsanulok, staff members from Yom-Nan rivers water delivery and maintenance project managed by the 3rd Irrigation Office, have removed debris obstructing Bang Kaew water discharge gate, and closed all five gates after the water level in the Yom river continued to drop. The closure of this discharge gate is aimed at helping conserve water for consumption during the dry season, expected to be of concern due to insufficient water in the main dams.
Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is promoting multiple Loi Krathong Festival 2019 celebrations in Bangkok and six unique destinations – Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Tak, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram and Roi Et – to celebrate one of the Kingdom’s oldest and most colourful traditions.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “Loi Krathong is among Thailand’s most impressive cultural events. It takes place during one of the best times in Thailand when there is a full moon in the sky, the weather is nice and cool, and the foliage is green from the annual rainy season.
“On the day, many Thais float their krathong down a river to pay respect to the Lord Buddha and seek forgiveness from the goddess of water for any misdeeds against her. The Festival’s popularity with overseas visitors continues to grow as tourists seek unexpected experiences in amazing Thailand.”
The full moon night of the 12th lunar month this year falls on 11 November, and TAT has planned special activities in Bangkok and six provincial locations.
The Delightful Colours of the River, Loi Krathong Festival, Bangkok
9-11 November, 2019, from 16.00 – 24.00 Hrs., at the Santi Chai Prakan Public Park, Bangkok.
Featuring Thai cultural activities that reflect the unique Thai traditions and ways of life while promoting distinctive Loi Krathong practices of different destinations around the country.
Activities and workshops include Krathong making using natural materials, Thai cooking, floral garland making, fruit carving, banana stalk carving, Khon mask making, and much more. There are also cultural performances.
Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival 2019
9-12 November, 2019, Chiang Mai
Grand Krathong Procession in Loi Krathong Festival, Chiang Mai
Activities:
“Tam Phang Patit Song Fa Haksa Mueang” (Light the Lanterns to Guard the City), 9-12 November, 2019, from 18.00-23.00 Hrs., at the Three Kings Monument.
Yi Peng Colourful Lanterns Show, 9-12 November, 2019, from 19.00-22.00 Hrs., around the city moat and gates.
Opening Ceremony of the Yi Peng Festival 2019, 10 November, 2019, at 18.00 Hrs., at the area in front of the Tha Phae Gate.
Yi Peng Little Boys and Girls Contest, 10 November, 2019, at 19.00 Hrs., at Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
Mister and Miss (Thephi-Thepphabut) Yi Peng Contest, 10-11 November, 2019, from 19.00-23.00 Hrs., at the area in front of the Tha Phae Gate.
Spirit House and Chedi Khao Worship Ceremony, as well as asking the Goddess of the Ping River for forgiveness, 11 November, 2019, from 08.09 – 10.30 Hrs., at the Chiang Mai Municipality Office, Wat Si Khong Pier.
Handmade Krathong Made of Banana Leaves and Fresh Flowers Contest, 11 November, 2019, from 09.00-15.00 Hrs., at the Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
Cultural Performances, 11-12 November, 2019, from 19.00-22.00 Hrs., at the Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
Releasing Lanna-style Krathong Sai, 11 November, 2019, from 19.00-22.00 Hrs., at the Ping Riverside, in front of the Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
Giant Krathong Parade Contest, 12 November, 2019, from 19.00-23.00 Hrs., from the area in front of the Tha Phae Gate to the Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
Fireworks Display, 12 November, 2019, from 19.30 Hrs. and 21.30 Hrs., at the Ping Riverside, in front of the Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
Suep Hit San Hoi Hom Poi and Revering Phra Siri Mangkhalachan, 10-12 November, 2019, from 10.00-23.00 Hrs., at the Chiang Mai Religion Practice Centre.
Listening to Sermons and Lighting Lanterns to Revere Phra Chedi, 10-12 November, 2019, from 09.00-22.00 Hrs., at Wat Lok Moli.
Music for Creativity, Culture for Happiness, 10-12 November, 2019, from 18.00-24.00 Hrs., in front of the First Church of Chiang Mai – close to the Nawarat Bridge.
Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2019
2-11 November, 2019, at the Sukhothai Historical Park
Loi Krathong Festival at Mahathat Temple in Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
Daily activities:
Ceremony to Welcome the Dawn of Happiness – offering dried food to Buddhist monks, at 05.55 Hrs., at Saphan Bun, Wat Traphang Thong.
Exhibition at Lan Pho, at the back of Wat Chana Songkhram.
Lan Thet Lan Tham (Sermon of the Great Birth), at 13.00 Hrs., at Dong Tan.
Talat Laek Bia (the ancient market of the Sukhothai Era), Folk Sports Show, Sword and Staff Fighting Show, Thread-wound Fist Thai Boxing Show, at 16.00 Hrs., at Sala Si Lang (The Four Pavilions).
Traditional Thai Music Performance, at 17.00 Hrs., at Wat Chana Songkhram (on the Khon performance stage).
Khao Khwan Wan Len Fai(Sukhothai Gala Dinner), at 17.30 Hrs., at the area in front of Wat Maha That, Sukhothai Historical Park.
Light and Sound Performance, at 19.30 Hrs., at Wat Maha That.
Khon Performance, Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Show, Lakhon Nok (play performed by males), and Lakhon Nai (play performed by females), at 20.30 Hrs., at Wat Chana Songkhram.
Fireworks Display, at 20.30 Hrs., at the pond of Wat Sa Si (Traphang Trakuan).
The Legend of Thao Si Chulalak Performance, at 22.30 Hrs., at the pond of Wat Sa Si (Traphang Trakuan).
Fireworks Display, at 23.00 Hrs., at the pond of Wat Sa Si (Traphang Trakuan).
On 11 November, 2019 (Loi Krathong Day), more activities are available:
Procession around Sukhothai City to invite the Royal Inauguration Flame and Lanterns, at 20.00 Hrs., (procession assembles at 14.00 Hrs.)
Royal Procession, Tradition and Culture Processions of 9 districts, and a Procession of Nang Nopphamat.
Floating the Royal Krathong and Lantern by the Chairman of the Ceremony to mark the auspicious occasion, at 23.00 Hrs., at the pond of Wat Sa Si (Traphang Trakuan).
Loi Krathong Sai Festival and a Thousand Floating Lanterns 2019, Tak
9-13 November, 2019, at Lan Krathong Sai by the Ping Riverside, at the foot of the Somphot Krung Rattanakosin Song Roi Pi Bridge, Tak
Loi Krathong Sai Lai Prathip Phan Duang Tradition, Tak
Activities:
Preparation to invite the Royal Inauguration Krathong, Krathong Sai Procession, and seven threads of the Krathong Sai Processions, at 17.00 Hrs., at the area in front of the Shrine of King Taksin the Great.
Releasing of the nine Royal Inauguration Krathongs and Lanterns, each from His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn and the other eight members of the Royal Family, Krathong Sai Boat Procession, and 7 threads of the Krathong Sai Processions, at 18.30 Hrs., at the area in front of the Shrine of King Taksin the Great
Ceremony to Invite the Royal Inauguration Krathongs and Lanterns to be housed at the stage in the middle of the Ping River, on 9 November, 2019, at 21.00 Hrs.
The Opening Ceremony & the Floating of the Loi Krathong Sai Festival and a Thousand Floating Lanterns 2019, on 9 November, 2019, at Lan Krathong Sai by the Ping Riverside, at the foot of the Somphot Krung Rattanakosin Song Roi Pi Bridge.
Experience traditional food for dinner, on 10 – 13 November, 18.30 Hrs. onwards, at Lan Krathong Sai by the Ping Riverside, at the foot of the Somphot Krung Rattanakosin Song Roi Pi Bridge.
Ayutthaya Loi Krathong 2019
1: Loi Krathong Tam Prathip 2019 (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Loi Krathong Festival 2019), on 11 November, 2019, at Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya. Activities: float krathongs on the Chao Phraya River.
2: Loi Krathong Krung Kao Festival, on 11 November, 2019, at four corners of the Ayutthaya City Island – under the Pridi-Thamrong Bridge, Chedi Si Suriyothai in front of Chankrasem Palace, Pomphet, and the Monument of King Naresuan the Great at theThung Phu Khao Thong area. Activities: Krathong contest, Nopphamat beauty contest and performances on stage.
3: Loi Krathong Talapat Festival throwing back to the past to join the full moon bathing ceremony, on 11 November, 2019, at Sam Ruean Sub-district Administrative Organisation Office, Bang Pa-in District. Activities: krathong making workshop, handing out Krathong Talapat, and full moon bathing ceremony.
Loi Krathong Kap Kluai Mae Klong Festival 2019, Samut Songkhram
11-12 November, 2019: on 11 November, 2019, at Wat Phummarin Kudi Thong and on 12 November, 2019, – at King Rama II Memorial Park.
Activities: Floating of 200,000 Krathongs Kap Kluai (banana leaf-sheath krathongs), Krathongs and Illuminated Boats Contest for the King’s Royal Trophy, Mother-Daughter Noppamat Beauty Contest, cultural performances, and workshop on Krathong Kap Kluai making, banana stalk carving, pandan leaves folding, coconut leaves weaving, and more.
Somma Nam Khuen Pheng Seng Prathip 2019 (Roi Et Loi Krathong Festival 2019)
10-11 November, 2019, at Somdet Phra Si Nakarin Public Park and Bueng Phlan Chai, Roi Et
Activities: Ceremony to Pay Homage to the City’s Sacred Spirits, Krathong and Giant Lantern Contest, Environmentally-Friendly Krathong Contest, Thida Saket Nakhon Beauty Contest, Somma Nam Khuen Pheng Seng Prathip Thai Folk…
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco, Nasser Bourita, visited the ASEAN Secretariat and met with Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dato Lim Jock Hoi, at the ASEAN Secretariat today.
BANGKOK (NNT) – The decision by the U.S. to suspend Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) treatment to Thailand, requiring all Thai exports to the U.S. to be subject to duties, has raised confusion among many sectors in Thailand.
The government has confirmed this decision is not related to Thailand’s decision to ban three dangerous agricultural chemicals, and that the Prime Minister has been aware of this development since last month.
The Minister of Labour has called an urgent meeting to address the labour concerns cited by the U.S. as a factor in the decision to revoke trade preferences.
The Minister of Labour Chatumongol Sonakul said this matter is related to many ministries, while the Ministry of Labour will be looking after the issue of foreign workers in Thailand, who he says are entitled to benefits and welfare but, understandably, each country will impose its own standard when it comes to foreign worker treatment which, in the case of Thailand, means they will not receive any greater benefits or rights than a Thai citizen.
Government spokesperson Narumon Pinyosinwat revealed that Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha received information last month when the U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary joined the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Thailand, where this topic was raised.
The Minister of Labour Chatumongol Sonakul
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit said the cancellation of GSP will add 1.5-1.8 billion baht in duties on Thai products imported into the U.S. each year. Overall Thai exports to the U.S. are currently valued at 1.3 billion U.S. dollars, which will be…
