Day: May 16, 2023

Power rate hikes

Energy policy should be based on economics, not politics

Starting today, electricity consumers will pay an additional 8 won (0.6 cents) per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

That is 2,800 won ($2) more a month for a four-member family using 300 kWh. The power rate hike will reduce the operating loss of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) by 2 trillion won in the second quarter.

However, that is only a fraction of the cumulative losses at the listed but state-controlled power utility, which snowballed to 44 trillion won as of the first quarter of this year. Company officials say they must increase the electricity rate by 50 won per kWh to stop the deficit.

But such chances are slim because of parliamentary elections set to be held next April.

The result of delays in rectifying the abnormally low power rates will be dismal. KEPCO’s 192.8 trillion won debt will continue to swell, paralyzing operations and hindering necessary investments to expand and upgrade the nation’s power grid and cause the industry to come to a grinding halt. Now is the time to normalize the power and other utility sectors.

President Yoon Suk Yeol accuses the previous government of disabling the power industry for political reasons. He is right, partly. The progressive Moon Jae-in government regarded electricity as a public good. The conservatives’ attack on Moon’s nuclear phase-out policy also kept him from raising power rates. But low electricity prices were due more to industry-friendly policies of former conservative governments.

Yoon wants to normalize the sector. His destination is correct, but his pace needs to be faster. The incumbent government’s power rate hikes are so small as to cause criticism about “renewed populism.” More importantly, Yoon is taking the wrong direction. He is running squarely counter to the trends of Western industrial countries by raising the share of nuclear generation and reducing that of renewables. Italy and Germany have shut down nuclear reactors for good and only developing countries still resort to them as a source of power.

By lowering targets for renewables, Yoon might miss all three rabbits. It will not secure energy security, attain carbon neutrality by the deadline and lose future growth engines. Russia’s war with Ukraine has become a point of inflection for the global energy industry. Some countries reactivated atomic reactors and even coal-fired plants. Still, most countries, including the U.S., Europe, China and India, turned to solar and wind energy. Korea also has no other option but to join it. It must overcome its small, mountainous terrain by making the most of the seas on three sides of the peninsula.

Resuming nuclear generation cannot be more than a transient response. Korea could continue researching small reactor modules (SRMs) and nuclear fusion. Still, it should refrain from regressing to the increasingly expensive and unsafe method of power generation. Retaining nuclear generation for exports may be okay. But even that could risk drawing criticism for two-facedness. It’s more than regrettable that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy rejected requests from the Ministry of Environment to focus more on renewable energy. At least the industry ministry must not act with political and parochial ends in mind, but with economic and environmental goals.

Now is the time for Korea to reform the energy sector from a long-term economic and industrial perspective instead of a shortsighted and ideological approach. The government must restore the nuclear-renewable energy ratio to the levels of its predecessors and raise energy prices more boldly and rapidly.

There is a caveat: it must reduce the impact of higher power bills on small businesses and low-income consumers and let big companies and wealthy individuals pay their dues. The time has long passed for them to enjoy lifestyles based on cheap electricity if for no other reason than saving our planet.

KEPCO, for its part, must no longer function as the government’s scapegoat. People know how the state utility lavished on losses exploiting the politicized electricity industry. It must trim payrolls but retain spending on future investments.

Yoon says he will normalize the abnormal. The energy industry is one such sector. One year into office, the president must stop blaming his predecessors for everything that has gone wrong.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

President Yoon Suk Yeol will have busy diplomatic schedules this week. After meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday in Seoul for a summit, Yoon attends a Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, Japan from Friday through Sunday. Upon returning home, he meets German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Council President Charles Michel on Sunday and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the following day. Yoon will meet leaders of 10 countries and international bodies in just a week.

The president is scheduled to visit the memorial of the victims of the atomic bombing, including Koreans, together with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. In the upcoming third trilateral summit, Yoon will discuss with Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden the issue of military information sharing to cope with North Korean nuclear and missile threats in further detail. President Yoon faces the challenges of healing the wounds of the past, maintaining a stable present and moving toward a better future.

On May 9, a day before his inauguration, President Yoon underscored the achievements his administration has made on diplomatic and security fronts over the past year. We can hardly deny his accomplishments in improving diplomatic relations with Japan, strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance and restoring tripartite cooperation with Washington and Tokyo. To help the diplomatic achievements bear fruits, President Yoon must use this “super week” to draw up a blueprint for the country’s future.

The president also needs to review the agreements between him and Kishida and address what’s on his plate first. He must persuade the Japanese prime minister to ensure a team of radiation experts from Korea closely monitor the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant later this month and the quality of the treated water beyond the level of a mere site visit. The two countries need to make a farsighted declaration akin to the Élysée Treaty signed by French President Charles de Gaulle and West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer in 1963 to reinforce mutual cooperation in diplomacy, defense, education and culture.

At the same time, President Yoon must consider the strategic importance of China and Russia even while consolidating relations with the West. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi in Vienna for two days last week to find a win-win solution for many disputes. China and Russia are indispensable to resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and closely connected to Korea economically. A decision to exclude the two from our diplomatic choices is half-baked. There is no eternal friend or foe in international relations.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Volunteer rescuers share with friends Make a child-sized coffin along with cute cartoon patterns given to relatives in need of a free coffin Because coffins in general are quite expensive.

Mr. Noppakan Jaiaree or Bombs, 33 years old, head of rescue volunteers at the pier Phitsanulok Rescue Service Prasat Boon Sathan Foundation admin page “Free Coffin Donation here Phitsanulok” tells about the beginning of making a children’s coffin in a cartoon pattern. Due to the last semester break There are children killed in road accidents. And quite a lot of drowning children died. But the foundation only has coffins for adults. therefore raising money from friends in rescue groups gathered to buy a coffin for the child, costing 4,500 baht per coffin for a coffin with Thep Phanom which has a relatively high price Therefore came up with the idea of making a child’s coffin by himself. The wooden coffin is 1.22 meters long and 44 cm wide, then affixed with cartoon stickers. Help to reduce the sadness from those who see it.

Mr. Noppakan said that the group of friends helped to make the first lot of children’s coffins, just finished 12 coffins to prepare for donation to people who want to ask for donations. As for philanthropists who want to support the coffin Donations can be made at the rescue standby parking spot, Bueng Phra Sub-district, Bueng Phra-Wat Lom Road, Moo 2, Muang District, Phitsanulok Province, contact via this page, free coffin donation Phitsanulok . – Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

Department of Rights and Liberties Protection Heal the victims of the female net idol “Gigi” shot dead in the room. And in the case of 191 patrol police helping a 17-year-old girl who was raped by her real father for 6 years, and 25 victims in other cases, totaling more than 2 million baht.

Mr. Ruangsak Suwaree, Director-General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, revealed that today, the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection There was a meeting of the sub-committee on victim compensation consideration. and compensation and expenses to defendants in criminal cases Bangkok 3 times 5/2023 via Cisco Webex Meetings online system, with Mrs. Suchitra Kaewkrai, Deputy Director General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection. chairman of the sub-committee and representatives from various agencies related, such as the National Police Agency Office of Insurance Commission forensic science institute and experts attend the meeting which the sub-committee There was a resolution approving 25 victims in criminal cases with a total amount of 2,053,650 baht, with two cases in which the public was very interested: Room approved to pay as a compensation in case of death of the injured person in the amount of 50,000 baht, funeral expenses in the amount of 20,

The Director-General of the Department of Human Rights Protection further said that he regretted all such events that occurred in all cases, and that the Department had rushed to provide assistance to all cases. Therefore, if you are a victim of crime. Being physically abused by another person’s criminal act where he is not involved in the commission of an offense Including being a goat or a defendant in a criminal case can contact for help at the central (Department of Rights and Liberties Protection) and the provincial (All Provincial Justice Offices across the country) or contact Justice hotline, call 1111, press 77, free 24 hours a day.

Source: Thai News Agency

Election aftermath uncle exercises rights Riding a motorcycle from Ratchaburi go to the polls in Prachuap Khiri Khan On the way back, I got lost and showed up in Nonthaburi province. I ran out of money. I ran out of gas.

Volunteer Charlie Bangkok Helping Mr. Pakorn Wongsuwan, 54 years old, who was separated from Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to be at the construction of the Pink Line electric train, Chaeng Watthana Road, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province

From questioning, Mr. Pakorn said that he was from Prachuap Khiri Khan. Just moved to my sister’s house in Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi Province, on the morning of May 14, traveling to exercise her right to vote. When authentication returns unnamed. Therefore decided to ride a motorcycle from Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi Province to Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Because I understand that the name should be at hometown But it doesn’t have the same name. Officials said they did not lose their rights. It’s wrong that the officer can’t find the uncle’s name. therefore decided to ride a motorcycle back to Ratchaburi but got lost driving to Bangna Appeared at Pak Kret Intersection, Nonthaburi Province, with exhaustion and drowsiness, therefore stopped to rest and did not eat for 2 days because the money for gas had run out. Car oil will run out. Until someone came to meet and buy rice and water to eat.

Mr. Natchapol Boonsa, a good citizen, said that workers reported that they had found a man riding a motorcycle parked at the electric train construction site, fearing that he might be a thief, so he came to inspect and saw that Mr. Pakorn was asleep. exhausted demeanor Go in and ask until you know the whole story. Therefore, call to inform the staff to help.

Volunteers take Mr. Pakorn Go to the rescue center Which Mr. Pakorn’s sister has come to pick him up since the past morning. – Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

Kao Klai” still closes a good place to discuss political parties. Set up a government tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. Prepare to set up a working group to come to a conclusion together.

It was reported that Chaitawat Tulathon, secretary of the Kao Klai Party has coordinated with the political parties that used to work together in the current opposition Whether it is Pheu Thai, Seri Ruam Thai, Prachachat and Thai Sang Thai parties. Who used to work together during the post-election period of 2019 to discuss the formation of a government at 4:00 p.m. on May 17, as for the location at the moment, the party has not yet been determined.

However, the content about various conditions Participation in the government is mainly the responsibility of the Progressive Party. And after the talks, a working group will be set up to discuss conclusions on various issues. both policy position matters to draft a summary before an official statement will be made again .

Source: Thai News Agency

Phra Phayom” warns the monks live TikTok receives gifts from relatives. If used to earn bounty money will become a monk in the face of money Ready to leave to those who play TikTok, don’t be indifferent.

One TikTok user posted a clip of the monk. Ubon Ratchathani Province Live and have relatives send gifts in TikTok, which can be exchanged for money. with some netizens commenting on the impropriety of this monk

The reporter went to inquire about Phra Ratchatamnitet or Phra Phayom Kalayano, the abbot of Suan Kaew Temple, Nonthaburi Province, about the suitability of this monk. Phra Phayom then put forward the saying of Phra Buddhadasa that in the future the world will evolve in technology. Leading to destruction, immorality, but if used in teaching Dharma give ideas Technology is not evil. Only fear if used to earn bounty money become a monk will be like other monks with previous news Ready to leave to those who play TikTok, don’t go deep, give rewards until the monks are elated. It would be too much to rip the monks out of the discipline. – Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

Good idea, strange too. Farmers at Surin Hundreds of old shrines set up as a fence around the garden Wang hopes to retaliate against the thief who secretly steals things in the garden.

At Phosri Village, Village No. 7, Naengmood Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province, there is a sufficiency agricultural garden. Strange idea. Bringing an old used shrine to set up a fence line in front of the garden. With statues of grandparents and dancers, anyone who travels through that area will have goosebumps.

Mr. Teeraphat Sangkla or Uncle Hong, 53 years old, the owner of the garden said that he used to be an employee of a famous car manufacturing company in Bangkok. After retiring, he came back to farm and garden at his hometown, growing vegetables and fruits, raising ducks, raising chickens, raising fish, raising cows on 8 rai of land, but before he didn’t sleep at the garden. There are always people stealing produce, but 3-4 years ago, an idea came up with an idea to retaliate against the thieves. Therefore bringing the old shrine Let’s line up around garden to haunt

At first, there were villagers who disagreed. Because many people are afraid When a car crashed in front of the garden, he said it was because of the shrine. But as time passed, the villagers got used to it. Personally, I’m not afraid of ghosts. Causing never to see ghosts before As for this old shrine, it keeps collecting. When traveling through the shrine that someone had abandoned, they would pick it up. Or perhaps the villagers he knew would bring it to him. make it now around The garden has at least 100 shrines, and at the end of the garden, there is another pagoda to store the bones of the dead. which is not afraid of anything – Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

Unlike anywhere else Crematorium at San Makiang Village, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, creating the country’s first modern-style building to reduce the fear To be like the last house to burn the ghosts of Father Yuak-Mae Yuak before actual cremation

The strange ceremony was held at Ban San Makiang Cemetery. Samran Rat Subdistrict, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, there is a 1,000-year-old ghost burning ceremony of Father Yuak and Mae Yuak. The ghost is a banana tree simulated into a human puppet. The metaphor is burning suffering, burning sorrow, burning disease, and burning away all dangers for prosperity. with those who join to make merit to build a crematorium Let there be only good things Sorrow is over. job advancement do business Easy to contact and trade like a banana peel

with many villagers and people joining to make merit to exorcise the bad luck Along with inviting 20 monks to perform the ceremony and the monks preach a traditional melody, Malai Dart Lok, like a real funeral. The guests who attended the event laid the tri-cloth. There is a Pi Phat band playing. Then open the casket located on the crematorium. Use coconut to wash your face and have a banana tree as a model. Father Yuak and Mae Yuak ask people to lay sandalwood flowers before bringing the coffin to the crematorium. The abbot of Wat Phra That Doi Saket, Phra Aram Luang, is the president of the remote burner.

Phra Kru Palad Taweewat Inthawanno, advisor to the abbot of San Makiang Temple, said that this new crematorium, Mr. Almon Budiman, an Indonesian businessman donated 3 million baht to build instead of the old crematorium. that has been used for a long time And still had to cremate the body outdoors. Not suitable for a community that is prosperous So I told the mechanic Ask to be designed as the last house. so as not to be scary Not like a general cremation crematorium, it turned out to be a modern and Lanna style crematorium. which the northern tradition If the crematorium is completed Before actually using it, there must be a burning ceremony of the banana tree puppet first. To exorcise misfortune, burn suffering, burn sorrow, burn disease to be auspicious to the people in the village. And those who make offerings, if they don’t do it, some people believe that it will happen bad luck to the people in the village. as a belief since ancient times So there is a solution

Source: Thai News Agency