Day: January 9, 2024

Bangkok, Bangkok Agreeing to give up on the overall city plan. It will be open to listening to the opinions of citizens in Bangkok until the end of February. After listening to the public’s ideas recently, it was opposed by the public sector saying that it facilitates the capitalist system and real estate development companies.

Mr. Wisanu Supsompon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok Revealing the case of the new city plan Is it true that Bangkok benefits capitalists? that the latest original city plan of Bangkok has been used since 2013, which follows the modern city development model It must be reviewed every 5 years. The new city plan was drafted for the period 2021-2023 and has been opened for public comment 7 times, especially the 7th time on Saturday, January 6th. A meeting was held to listen to public opinions. which the public sector views This city plan will benefit capitalists and tends to develop out of balance. Including a lack of intent to develop the quality of life of people at all levels. The Deputy
Governor of Bangkok emphasized that this city plan is definitely not conducive to capitalists. The public sector wants the urban planning to be added in terms of water resources and environmental resources to Bangkok. Understand and realize Therefore, we will open to listen to the opinions of additional citizens until the end of February. Previously, the public hearing would be closed on January 22 to allow the public sector to fully express their opinions. Via the website of the Urban Planning and Development Office

Mr. Wisanu added that New draft city plan There are still many more stages because it must pass at least three more committees, namely the Bangkok Governor’s committee. Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Today’s press conference is to create peace of mind for the people of Bangkok. that you can still express your opinion And I would like to emphasize that The roads that have been expropriated will definitely not disturb th
e homes of the people.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, The baht opened this morning at 34.97 baht per dollar. ‘Slightly strengthened’ Krungthai GLOBAL MARKETS views the baht today at the level of 34.75-35.00 baht/dollar. The market waits for the Fed’s statement.

Mr. Poon Panitchpibun, money market strategist, Krungthai GLOBAL MARKETS, Krung Thai Bank, revealed that the baht opened this morning at 34.97 baht per dollar. ‘Slightly strengthened’ from the previous day’s closing level of 35.04 baht per dollar.

During the previous night The value of the baht is gradually strengthening. (Oscillates in the range of 34.86-35.07 baht per dollar) following the weakening of the dollar and the contraction of the US 10-year bond yield, which has supported the gold price to rebound from the support zone. Almost +20 dollars per ounce. As a result, some market players may gradually sell to make a profit. The rebound in gold prices and such transaction flows also help support the appreciation of the baht. At the same time, the depreciation above 35.00 baht per dollar o
f The baht has supported market players. Especially some exporters Gradually coming in to sell additional dollars. As a result, the baht is still unable to depreciate far beyond the important resistance zone.

The timing of the decline of the US 10-year bond yield below the level of 4.00% has helped support tech stocks and growth style stocks to rise strongly, such as Nvidia +6.4%, Amazon +2.7%, made by The total tech stock index, Nasdaq, rose +2.20%, while the SandP500 index closed the market at +1.41%.

As for the European stock market, the STOXX600 index turned around and rose +0.38%, supported by an increase in tech stocks and Growth style stocks following the contraction of long-term bond yields ASML +1.4%. In addition, News of the suspension of flights of the Boeing 737MAX9 by the US FAA, which put pressure on Boeing stock prices -8%, also helped Airbus stocks rise by more than +2.5%. However, European stock markets were pressured by a sharp decline of -3% among stocks. energy group After the price of c
rude oil dropped sharply again From concerns about the reduction in Saudi oil selling prices. and the gradual increase in production capacity of the OPEC+ group

On the bond market side, the US 10-year bond yield fluctuates. There was a moment when it dropped below the 4.00% level amidst the risk-taking situation of the US financial market. and the expected inflation rate report by the New York Fed. which has continued to slow down. However, the picture of the US stock market who are gradually coming back to accept additional risks And the attitude of some market players who have become cautious about the CPI inflation report on Thursday has supported the US 10-year bond yield to rebound to 4.01% again. In addition, we still recommend that Long-term bond yields are also at risk of higher volatility. If the US economic data report It came out better than expected during this period. Market players should focus on the Buy on Dip strategy and not chase prices. By trying to take into account the break-even point
or break-even when considering the total return or total return that will be obtained from holding bonds.

On the currency market side The dollar fluctuates in the direction of the US 10-year bond yield, with an initial period of depreciation. before rebounding slightly After 10 years of bond yields, the United States gradually improved somewhat. Overall, the Dollar Index (DXY) has dropped slightly to the level of 102.2 points (oscillating in a range of 102-102.5 points). As for the price of gold. The timing of the downward adjustment of both the dollar and the US 10-year bond yield has supported the price of gold (COMEX gold contract for delivery in February) to rebound above the level of 2,040 dollars per ounce. As a result, some market players are gradually selling gold in those zones to make a profit. This transaction flow also helped the baht to strengthen somewhat.

There won’t be much important economic data to report today, but market players will be waiting for Fed official Michael Barr’s statement a
t 12:00 AM on Wednesday morning. according to time in Thailand To assess the trend of the Fed’s monetary policy. Behind the players in the market including all Fed officials Everyone has received the latest employment data report.

As for the trend of the baht value, Krungthai GLOBAL MARKETS estimates that the momentum of the baht’s depreciation still exists. After the previous day, the baht depreciated faster and stronger than we expected, until it tested the 35.00 baht per dollar zone. This is the upper limit that we assessed this week. (Causing the upper range of the baht value to move this week up to 35.30 baht per dollar) However, it is estimated that the resistance level is 35.00 baht per dollar. It is also a resistance that may be difficult to pass. This is because market players are gradually waiting to sell dollars in that zone. As for some market players who have the view that The baht may tend to gradually strengthen. You can wait for the opportunity to increase your Long THB position.

Krungthai G
LOBAL MARKETS views that factors that may create volatility in the baht during a period when the market still lacks important economic data reports are gold transaction flows, including foreign investor fund flows. As for the fund flow of foreign investors, it is seen that there is a risk that foreign investors may gradually sell additional Thai assets, causing the baht to still not be able to strengthen again. Until we see a return to net purchases of Thai assets by foreign investors.

In addition, one should be wary of volatility as the market gradually receives statements from Fed officials. which may result in whole dollar US bond yield and gold prices fluctuate until affecting the direction of the baht

During this period, it was found that the volatility of the baht remained at a level higher than the historical average. (Looking at the weekly baht range) causing Krungthai GLOBAL MARKETS to maintain its recommendation that entrepreneurs should use a variety of hedging tools, such as Options, to increase
efficiency in hedging against exchange rate risk. And in addition to using the aforementioned tools Choosing to transact in local currency is another interesting way to manage exchange rate risk. Entrepreneurs should compare transaction costs and hedging plans before making every decision.

Looking at the baht today It is expected to be at the level of 34.75-35.00 baht/dollar.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, The Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors of the Thai Chamber of Commerce stated that tomorrow’s meeting of the Board of Directors will bring together the issue of differences in interest rates on loans and deposits of commercial banks, along with making recommendations to the BoT and looking into suitability. so that the economy can move forward

Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, mentioned the case of the Prime Minister and academics. The private sector as well as the public are concerned about the excessive difference in interest rates on loans and deposits. From the point of view of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, it is also seen that if commercial banks can reduce interest rates, it will help reduce the burden on the people. Reduce costs for entrepreneurs and facilitate access to capital sources. It also helps speed up the recovery of the Thai economy more quickly. Tomorrow (January 10), the FTI meeting
will likely have a discussion to jointly assess the situation on the said issue.

However, even at this time, the Thai Chamber of Commerce views that the current Thai interest rates are at an appropriate and acceptable level, but hopes that the Bank of Thailand (BoT) will not raise interest rates yet. And if in the international market there is a reduction in interest rates, I would like the BoT to reduce interest rates to suit the situation of the Thai economy in order to be consistent with reality.

As for the general inflation numbers that have been negative for 3 consecutive months, the Thai Chamber of Commerce still views that this part is likely due to technical reductions. According to the government’s policy to reduce the cost of living in energy, both electricity costs and fuel prices. In addition, the price of crude oil in the world market has decreased, which in terms of core inflation has slightly increased. It shows that Thailand still has some purchasing power. The general inflation rate in 2023
is at 1.23%, while the fiscal policy that the government is implementing both Visa exemptions to stimulate tourism, Easy E-Receipt, and the push for the Digital Wallet project will help stimulate the recovery of the Thai economy and it is expected that in 2024, inflation will likely increase to 2.0-2.5%, which is In the framework that the Ministry of Finance and BoT maintain at 1 – 3% etc.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, GISADA reveals PM2.5 dust values ??in the Bangkok area exceed the standard level that is hazardous to health or red in every district. As for the whole country, PM2.5 is red.

GISTDA in collaboration with the National Research Council, Pollution Control Department, Kasetsart University and Chiang Mai University Follow the PM 2.5 dust situation with data from satellites through the “Dust Check” application (at 6:00 a.m. on January 9, 2024). It was found that the country’s overall PM2.5 dust values ??exceed the red standard level, which results in Affecting the health of people in 19 provinces, the most in Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Ang Thong, Bangkok, respectively.

While Bangkok has red dust levels in every district, the highest is Thonburi District, followed by Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok Yai, etc.

The ‘Dust Check’ application also predicts the amount of PM2.5 dust in the next 3 hours. It was found that many areas still had air quality levels that began to affect people’s health. (Orang
e-Red) In this regard, the data on the “Dust Check” application uses satellite technology together with AI (Artificial intelligence) to analyze hourly PM 2.5 dust values ??in all areas throughout the country. together with the use of PM 2.5 measurement data from the Pollution Control Department, weather data From the Meteorological Department Including information on dust sources such as heat points and many other related information. To be presented in the form of numerical data and color values ??at various levels so that users can understand the situation more easily.

People should wear masks at all times when out in the open. To prevent possible consequences, especially respiratory diseases. You can further track PM2.5 hourly data through the “Dust Check” application.

Source: Thai News Agency

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn gave royal advice. For publication in the National Children’s Day 2024 book as follows:

‘All those happiness and comforts It can happen by working and doing good deeds. Every child must therefore study diligently. and train and train oneself to the utmost Will be able to pursue a career. and practice good deeds To create happiness and prosperity for both ourselves and the public in the future.’

Amphon Sathan Throne Hall Dusit Palace,

January 3, 2024

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, The Director-General of the Pollution Control Department stated that during this period in Bangkok – the surrounding area, PM2.5 dust has accumulated to a level that has an impact on health. Due to closed weather conditions and poor ventilation In urban areas, vehicles are the main source of pollution. Therefore supports the use of ‘Euro 5 oil’ which reduces dust by 20-24%.

Ms. Preeyaporn Suwankaset, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, revealed that Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. As chairman of the committee to manage air pollution problems for sustainability Follow up on operations according to measures to increase efficiency in spatial management. (areas with problems/areas at risk of dust problems) including dust control in the city Support and expedite the distribution of Euro 5 standard quality oil to cover areas throughout the country. To reduce pollution from vehicle exhaust, especially PM2.5 dust, t
he Ministry of Energy has taken steps to improve the quality of oil in the gasoline-gasohol group and the diesel group. to Euro 5 standards by all 6 oil refineries, namely Thai Oil, Bangchak, PTTGC, Bangchak Sriracha, IRPC and SPRC. Ready to sell Euro 5 standard fuel from January 1, 2024.

default

For Euro 5 standard fuels, both the gasoline-gasohol group and the diesel group. There will be no more than 10 ppm sulfur (10 parts per million by weight), while Euro 4 standards will have no more than 50 ppm sulfur. Euro 5 standard fuel can be used in both old and new cars. and does not cause problems to the engine From emissions testing by the Air Pollution Measurement Laboratory from Pollution Control Department vehicles. Euro 3 and Euro 4 cars are the most commonly used. When using Euro 5 standard fuel, the PM 2.5 dust value will be reduced by 20 – 24%.

Director-General of the Pollution Control Department said that During this period, there is high air pressure, the weather is closed, and the ventilation rate
is not good. This causes dust to accumulate in the atmosphere to a level that affects health. Vehicles are the main source of PM2.5 dust in Bangkok and surrounding areas. We therefore invite people who use vehicles to refuel with Euro 5 standard fuel and ask for cooperation in checking and maintaining the engines regularly. To help reduce pollution in the atmosphere and help reduce PM2.5 dust particles that are accumulating higher.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, The Chairman of the Shippers’ Council of Thailand (STC) stated that from the fluctuations that are difficult to predict in 2024, there are still many risk factors, with the Thai SME export group still being necessary. It greatly enhances liquidity, so the government sector must step in to take care of energy costs, electricity bills, and minimum wages. interest rate to the appropriate level At the same time, there should be soft loan measures to enable Thai exporters to continue doing business.

Dr. Chaichan Charoensuk, Chairman of the National Shipping Council of Thailand (NRT) discussed the international trade situation of Thailand in November 2023 compared to the same month of the previous year. It was found that exports were valued at 23,479.7 million US dollars, expanding by 4.9% and had a value in baht of 847,486 million baht. Shrinked 0.2% (when deducting gold, oil, and consumables It was found that exports in November expanded by 4.0%), while imports were worth 25,879.1 million US dollars, e
xpanding by 10.1% and valued in baht terms at 944,873 million baht, expanding by 4.8%, resulting in Thailand’s trade balance. In November 2023, the deficit was 2,399.4 million US dollars, or 97,387 million baht.

However, as a result, the overall picture of Thailand’s international trade in January – November of 2023 compared to the same period of the previous year found that Thailand exported a total value of 261,770.3 million US dollars, a contraction of 1.5%, and the value in baht terms was 9,013,184 million baht, a contraction of 1.8% (when deducting gold, oil and weapons. It was found that exports during January – November shrank by 0.5%), while imports were valued at 267,935.5 million US dollars, shrank by 3.8% and had a value in baht of 9,341,112 million baht, shrank by 4.3%, resulting in the trade balance of Thailand in January – November 2023 had a deficit equal to 6,165.3 million US dollars, or equivalent to 327,928 million baht.

In this regard, the RTA forecasts that the total export performance t
arget for 2023 will contract at -1 percent, while in 2024 it is expected that Thai exports will grow at 1-2 percent (as of January 2024) with factors Important things to watch out for include: 1) Movements in the value of the baht. slightly strengthened The value of the baht moves within the range of 34-35 baht, monitoring the inflation situation in the United States. which has gradually decreased continuously. It is expected that the FED may reduce interest rates in the 1st quarter of 2024. 2) Policy interest rates in many countries remain stable at a high level. But there is a tendency to gradually adjust the policy interest rate in some countries as inflation conditions begin to ease.

3) Geopolitical conflicts The prolonged period has an impact on trade and the overall economy. Especially the critical situation in the Red Sea (Red Sea) in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is the main shipping route to Europe and the Middle East. Resulting in higher freight rates and longer shipping times. 4) The Manufacturi
ng Sector Index (PMI) remains stable at a low level, with the United States, Europe, and Japan at levels of 47.9, 44.4, and 47.9, respectively, and 5 ) Concerns about production costs that are still uncertain, such as electricity costs (December 2023 at 3.99 baht, new limit 4.68 baht) and minimum wage (cabinet increased to 2-16 baht), freight rates for European routes. began to increase, etc.

In addition, the NRCT has important recommendations, including 1) from the Red Sea crisis situation The public and private sectors must jointly manage international shipping by sea. By requesting to bring more large ships to transport goods in Thailand. Support activities Transshipment and upgrading the Songkhla port by dredging a deep water channel. This is to reduce indirect costs and provide convenience to entrepreneurs. 2) To keep exports in 2024 in a direction that can grow. Relevant agencies must manage risk factors that directly affect business costs, such as energy costs, electricity bills, and minimum wages. in
terest rate to the appropriate level At the same time, there should be Soft Loan measures to enhance liquidity, especially in the SME group, from fluctuations that are difficult to predict, and 3) support the budget to open new potential markets in 2024, including promoting border and border trade activities in Thailand. increasing as well.

Source: Thai News Agency

Department of Medical Services, The Neurological Institute reveals microscopic dust or PM2.5, small dust particles that are the most serious threat to Thai people’s health. Nowadays, it has become a national agenda and is considered a public health crisis in Thailand. It affects children, adults and the elderly. Living with risks that will affect every health system, including Diseases of the brain and nervous system

Dr. Weerawut Imsamran, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, said that the World Health Organization (WHO) sets the average value of PM 2.5 dust in the air that if it exceeds 25 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/cubic meter), it is considered health hazard While Thailand has determined the danger of PM 2.5 dust to be more than 50 micrograms/cubic meter, nowadays PM 2.5 dust has become a national agenda. and is considered a public health crisis in Thailand Children, adults, the elderly, and all groups of people must risk their lives amidst this toxic dust and smoke. Origina
lly, we may not have thought that PM 2.5 would have any impact on our health because it is so small that it cannot be seen. But because of their small size, microscopic dust can travel to accumulate in the brain. Through at least 3 channels: 1. Through the nasal cavity wall at the interface with the olfactory brain. It will penetrate up to the lower front of the brain. 2. Pass into the lungs. enters the trachea Then absorbed into the bloodstream that flows to the brain. 3. Passes into the digestive tract. By swallowing air that contains microscopic dust particles while talking and absorbing it into the bloodstream. or change the microorganisms and environment in the digestive tract before circulating to the brain

Dr. Thanin Wechachapinan, Director of the Neurology Institute Added that Studies have found that there is actually an accumulation of microscopic dust particles in the brain. especially in the frontal lobe which passes from the nasal cavity wall at the interface with the olfactory brain It will pene
trate up to the lower frontal brain. Because tiny dust particles can be detected in the frontal lobe, similar to diseases that occur in the brain in general. Whether in young children who are in the period of growth It will be found that brain development is slower than that of children who do not receive it. In addition, in the deep brain It was found that new diseases arising from neuro-immune disorders are increasing more and more, corresponding to the time period when there is an increase in microscopic dust. It can be explained that Micro dust has the effect of stimulating inflammatory processes in the central nervous system. And if this effect spreads to the brain that performs other functions, it will result in abnormal brain function in that area, such as causing memory loss, etc. Therefore, people are asked to be careful to protect themselves from microscopic dust. If a high amount of dust is found Outdoor activities should be avoided. Or wear a mask to protect from dust and smoke. In addition, it sh
ould play a role in reducing the creation of micro dust. By reducing the burning Reduce the use of cars with incomplete combustion. and respond to government policy in managing and controlling dust and smoke problems. For the health of ourselves and the public.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, The NCPO prohibits farmers on ALRO land. Burn agricultural waste Violators revoke their right of possession and must vacate the land, emphasizing that this is in line with the minister’s policy. Agriculture has reduced burning in agricultural areas by 50 percent to solve the problem of air pollution, which in many areas has increased PM2.5 dust levels to the point of being harmful to health.

Mr. Winaroj Subsongsuk, secretary-general of the Agricultural Land Reform Office (A.L.R.), said he has ordered the Provincial Land Reform Office (A.L.R.) to prepare an announcement. A. Provinces to publicize and inform the decision of the National Anti-Corruption Commission on specifying additional duties that farmers must perform. Including the consequences of violating or not complying with the prescribed duties. From the meeting of the Agricultural Land Reform Committee (Agricultural Land Reform Committee), chaired by Captain Thammanat Phromphao, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives (Minister of Agricult
ure).

In this regard, the meeting of the Provincial Administrative Organization There was a resolution to prohibit the burning of agricultural scraps, garbage, and various unwanted items. in the land reform area It is one of the solutions to solving the problem of air pollution, PM2.5 dust, in Thailand that is becoming more severe every year. According to the policy of Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister, who emphasizes making this problem a national agenda. This requires cooperation from all parties, both the public and private sectors.

For the policy of Captain Thammanat Phromphao, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Ordered affiliated agencies to reduce burning in agricultural areas by 50 percent, covering 17 provinces in the northern region and other regions, with ALRO overseeing over 40 million rai of agricultural land nationwide. In many areas, they still burn plant remains, weeds, and agricultural materials left over from the planting and harvesting process. It causes smog and dust which are har
mful to living things and the environment. Dust that exceeds the standard It has a direct impact on the environment, economy and health.

At the meeting of the PDRC, it was decided to impose duties on farmers who have been allocated land to prohibit the disposal of agricultural materials, rice straw, rice stubble, corn cobs, grass or garbage. or any undesirable things by burning which causes changes in the soil condition or causing damage to buildings in the agricultural land reform project or making use of other farmers’ land or environment If farmers do not comply with their prescribed duties For land reform in the province, there will be a warning letter to act correctly within the specified time. If farmers continue to violate the law without reasonable cause, the Secretary-General The ALRO or the person assigned by the ALRO Secretary will have an order to stop the rights and have to leave the land.

Source: Thai News Agency

BANGKOK, The Council of State gave the greenlight to the government’s plan to implement the digital wallet scheme through the loan bill but it has to adhere to the framework of the Fiscal Discipline Act, said Deputy Finance Minister Julapan Amornvivat.

The government must explain the reasons why it is necessary to issue the loan bill. The scheme requires a thorough evaluation before and after project implementation and must be open to a public hearing from all sides.

The 10,000 Baht digital wallet project is planned for Thais aged 16 and above, totaling 50 million people, through a proposed 500-billion baht loan bill.

After the vetting by the Council of State, the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday will discuss the digital handout project and the digital wallet policy committee will meet next week.

The government needs to prove that Thailand still faces crises and vulnerabilities. Transfer of digital wallet money is another mechanism to boost and aid the Thai economy.

The process will not take long as the plan
is already prepared, and the money transfer is set to proceed as scheduled in May, 2024, said Mr. Julapan.

Source: Thai News Agency