Category: General

Exports of South Korea beverage products jumped to a record US$572 million last year helped by the popularity of Korean culture, government data showed Monday.

The country’s beverage exports jumped 11.5 percent in 2023 from $513 million a year earlier, according to data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries AND Food Corp.

By country, beverage shipments to China accounted for 21 percent, or $121 million last year, followed by shipments to the United States with $83 million, Cambodia with $54 million and Vietnam with $53 million, the data said.

Beverage exports are expected to set a new record in 2024 given the shipments from January to February, worth $94 million, are 28 percent higher than the same period of last year.

Local beverage firms, including Woongjin, Paldo Co. and Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co., said they will put a bigger focus on exporting their products for growth.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Tomorrow (2 Apr.) the Ministry of Energy will propose The Cabinet has considered renewing the diesel price freeze of 30 baht/liter, while the Fuel Fund is unable to bear the burden of subsidies. Because now the money is negative 100 billion baht. The transportation sector is about to increase transportation prices as soon as diesel goes up .

Source: Thai News Agency

First prize is 803481,

first 3 digits are 122, 809

, last 3 digits are 559, 947

, last 2 digits are 90.

Source: Thai News Agency

Kamphaeng Phet,, A hot-blooded teenager from Kluay Khai City drives in front of the car and hits the engine. Shouting for a secret item Angered, he shot the other party, killing one in the first place and injuring another before riding in his car to surrender to the police. Because I feel guilty.

The incident occurred at 1:30 a.m. on the sidewalk along the fence. Three separate tennis courts Beside Sirijit Park Road along the Ping River, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, Mr. Krit Phet, 21 years old, lay in a pool of blood. Died on the spot On the right side of his face, there were three gunshot wounds, blood flowing down his face. Not too far from where the body was found. Found a bullet hole in the face.

Mr. Peerapat, 22 years old, a friend of the deceased, testified that before the incident he and his friend were riding back from visiting an entertainment venue. He was riding a motorcycle behind the deceased. When arriving behind the Night Bazaar market Shrine of the Tiger
Godfather The car in which the deceased was riding was with Mr. Nattawut, age 21, and the injured person was riding in the opposite direction of a motorcycle carrying two teenagers. Then the teenager who was driving in the opposite direction pulled out a gun and shot one shot, and also rode along and shot another shot, causing the deceased who was riding behind his friend to fall unconscious and fall from the car. Sliding on the ground and onto the sidewalk. The driver was injured in his back. Confirmed that they had not had any issues with anyone before.

During the police inspection of the scene Two young men, ages 16 and 14, came along with their relatives on a motorcycle and identified themselves as the ones who shot the deceased. and the injured person asked to surrender with a Thai-made short shotgun. Give it to the police as evidence. As for the reason for returning to surrender Because he repented of what he had done, he said that he had crossed paths with the deceased. Behind the Night Bazaar, the ot
her party suddenly turned on the car’s engine and shouted for secret items. One of them acted like he was about to pull out a gun. Ready to shout for himself to follow. The two then rode a motorcycle and followed to shoot. before escaping But after committing the crime, he felt remorseful so he rode back in his car and surrendered.

Source: Thai News Agency

Police are tracking down the distributor of copies of a fabricated image depicting opposition leader Lee Jae-myung in a prison uniform after they were found in Seoul, officials said Monday.

The Hyehwa Police Station in central Seoul announced that an investigation was launched following a report that an image of Lee, the chair of the Democratic Party (DP), wearing prison attire and seated inside a cell, was discovered at a commercial-residential building in Seoul’s Jongno district the previous day.

A camp official of Kwak Sang-eon, a DP candidate running for the parliamentary seat in Jongno, reportedly filed the police report after a citizen picked up a copy of the fabricated image and brought it to Kwak’s office.

Police collected two copies of the image and additional witness testimonies.

Police were looking into CCTV footage and screening fingerprints left on the copies to identify the distributor.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

The head of South Korea’s financial regulator on Monday urged local banks to continue improving their business practices, saying the government will continue to push for policies that encourage “change and innovation” through competition.

Kim Joo-hyun, chairman of the Financial Services Commission (FSC), made the remark in a meeting with the heads of five commercial banks and one local bank.

“People are demanding a ‘change’ by the banking sector,” he told the meeting, insisting that the people’s trust in the financial sector has dwindled sharply due to what he called “repeated financial accidents and unimpressive profit-making.”

“Policy efforts to promote ‘change and innovation’ through competition will continue until the people’s call for such a ‘change’ is met,” he added.

The FSC chief commended the banks for taking efforts to move away from mortgage loans-oriented asset management, noting they recently established a 9 trillion-won (US$6.7 billion) future energy fund, while doubling their investment li
mit for venture firms.

“The FSC will join efforts with those of you here to boldly improve the financial system, so that our banks can reach their goals of ‘change and innovation’,” Kim said.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Opening of the festival. ‘Evening extravaganza around the world, Maha Songkran’ with spectacular Songkran parades from 5 regions in the 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival. TAT predicts 1-21 April 2024, domestic tourism of 15.03 million people-times, spread of 52,500 million baht.

Miss Sudawan Wang Suphakit Koson Minister of Tourism and Sports along with Mrs. Puangpetch Chunlaid, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and Mr. Sermsak Phongpanich, Minister of Culture Participate in the festival press conference ‘Evening extravaganza Maha Songkran’ organizes parades to present the Songkran identities of 5 regions and launches ’72 Faiths Lead the Way, Tour Routes’ at the 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Invite the public to join in the Songkran festival which is held all over the country. On the occasion of Songkran in Thailand it has been declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site.

Mr. Sermsak Phongpanich, Mini
ster of Culture, said that as the Songkran tradition in Thailand has been announced by UNESCO to be registered as a representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity on December 6, 2023. This year, the Ministry of Culture invites Thai people to participate in Songkran activities in Bangkok. and 5 regional provinces, namely Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Samut Prakan, Chonburi and Phuket, as well as traveling to pay homage to enhance good fortune in 4 World Cultural Heritage areas, including the historical city of Sukhothai. and satellite cities Sukhothai Province and Kamphaeng Phet Province The historical city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and its surrounding cities Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, Ban Chiang Subdistrict Udon Thani Province and Si Thep Historical Park Phetchabun Province is ready to visit the 10 best model communities of “Visit Yalavithi Community” for the year 2023, which are communities with potential and readiness for tourism in every dimension.

Mrs. Puangpetch Chunlead, Minister attac
hed to the Prime Minister’s Office, said that on the occasion of celebrating Songkran, there is another important aspect. With the approval and approval of the Cabinet on October 31, 1989, April 14 of every year is “Family Day” because the family is the basic institution of humanity. It is the smallest unit of society. It is the creator and determines the status, rights, and duties of persons who should treat each other in society. It is the first institution to transmit culture and develop This year’s Songkran, therefore, we would like to invite Thai people to give more importance to family, meet with relatives, make merit and dedicate merit to ancestors. as well as watering the head Ask for blessings from elders according to Thai tradition Or there may be taking the family on a trip to make merit and pay homage to the Buddha and receive good fortune. at various locations, asking for safe travel With consciousness and without carelessness

Miss Sudawan Wang Suphakit Koson The Minister of Tourism and Sports s
aid that on the occasion of the celebration of Songkran registration in Thailand as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site. Ministry of Tourism and Sports By the Tourism Authority of Thailand Has prepared to organize the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024, Maha Songkran 2024, in a big way. and spectacular on 11-15 April 2024 at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and Sanam Luang area. Bangkok By presenting a beautiful image of the Thai Songkran tradition. With more than 20 Songkran parade floats, including Buddha statue floats Songkran Goddess Procession 2024 “Mahothorn Devi” reclining with her eyes closed on the back of a peacock. Parade of vehicles from 16 provinces along with cultural performances from more than a thousand performers and parade participants. along with organizing activities to present Thai arts and culture Songkran tradition identity of the 5 regions and Thai Soft Power in the Sanam Luang area And in order to add auspiciousness to life on the occasion of Thailand’s new era, TAT has also crea
ted the project “72 Faith Leads the Way Tour Guides” presenting 72 paths of faith to enhance auspiciousness. Create prosperity in life By connecting potential communities and other tourist attractions, there are 72 routes across the country in 5 regions, divided into types of routes for worshiping relics. The path following the footsteps of the Therachan and the path to pray for other sacred things So that Thai people can travel to pay homage to sacred things during Songkran, Thai New Year’s Day. We also recommend delicious restaurants nearby for you to try.

Festival opening ceremony ‘Evening extravaganza, Maha Songkran’ on April 1, 2024 at the Thailand Tourism Festival. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center Organized in a big, beautiful, spectacular way, presenting the identities of 5 regions of Songkran with 6 traditional Songkran processions that will bring important Buddha images of the region to participate in the Buddha bathing ceremony, including the first procession, Maha Songkran Naruemit. Dresse
d in a procession in the style of the Siamese court, telling the story of Miss Songkran in the year 2024, Mrs. Mahothon Devi takes Hurat, Taddok Samhao, and comes over behind Mayura (Peacock) along with a group of angels. The second procession celebrates the New Year of Lanna (Northern Region). The procession is led by Miss Songkran of the North. Young man holding an offering Tung Sai Pork and Tung Zodiac and the Khan Dok dance group, the 3rd procession, a spectacular sight of Krungsri Siam (Central Region), telling stories of the sophistication, refinement, culture and tradition, a group of long drums, young people holding water bowls. wreath With small big heads and big big heads, the 4th procession is beautiful Isaan Wadi. (Northeastern Region) Parade of flowers and spider webs showing their beauty. traditional culture Faith of the Isaan people Add fun with a group of Isaan girls. Phu Bao Kab Kaeb Procession No. 5 Thaksin Sisri Nang Dan Parade (Southern Region) presents the Maha Songkran Nang Dan Parade of
the South and the Brahmin Dance along with the Moon and Sun Parade. Mother Earth and Mother Kongkha and ending with the 6th procession, Colorful Burapha Withi. (Eastern Region) presents beliefs and beliefs about Songkran in the Eastern Region. Create color with Tung Centipede Sand pagoda sedan and brass band

festival opening ‘Evening extravaganza around the world, Maha Songkran’ in the Thai travel festival today. It is considered the beginning of the month of Songkran Festival in Thailand that will be celebrated in a grand manner throughout the country for 21 days during April. TAT predicts that from 1 – 21 April 2024 there will be a surge in domestic tourism. The country is approximately 15.03 million people-times and is expected to result in tourism income of 52,500 million baht.

Source: Thai News Agency

Ministry of Finance, The Comptroller General’s Department sets up a special team. Accelerate disbursement of the 2024 budget during the remaining 5 months.

Mrs. Patricia Mongkhonvanich, Director-General of the Comptroller General’s Department, revealed that the budget receiving unit has approximately 5 months to disburse the 2024 budget to support government agencies to expedite disbursement quickly. The Government Procurement and Supplies Management Problems Committee has established guidelines for greater speed. By reducing procurement time in fiscal year 2024

The committee monitors and expedites budget disbursement and government spending. Measures have been established to expedite budget disbursement for fiscal year 2024 as follows:

Accelerate the disbursement of funds to cover the disbursement years of fiscal year 2023 so that they can be disbursed within the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, especially in the area of ??expenses that have already incurred debt. For items that are in the process of
procurement, debt creation and disbursement must be expedited quickly.

Set the delivery time for work to be faster. and disbursement according to law and related regulations

Set a target for disbursing the overall budget at 93 percent, disbursing the budget for regular expenses at 98 percent, disbursing the budget for capital expenditures at 75 percent, and a target for disbursing the budget for overall expenditures, current expenses, and capital expenditures at 100 percent.

to government agencies Proceed as follows:

4.1 When the allocation has been approved. In the case of items that must be processed or disbursed by a regional office Expedite the process of sending the allocation funds to the regional offices within 5 days from the date of approval of the allocation funds. In order for the regional office to continue spending or creating debt obligations.

4.2 Investment items in a single year must complete the debt obligations within June 2024. For new commitment items, the debt obligations must be com
pleted within July 2024.

4.3 The unit head The work of the budget owner supervises Manage and expedite operations To be able to raise debt and disburse budget funds quickly.

‘The Comptroller General’s Department has set up a special working group to follow up and expedite budget spending, 175 teams, divided into 90 central teams, with special experts. Be the team leader, responsible for presenting to the committee to follow up and expedite the budget spending of the responsible agency. and 85 regional teams (9 regional treasury teams, 76 provincial treasury teams) responsible for following up and expediting budget disbursement of agencies in the province. There is also a working group to supervise and follow up and expedite budget disbursement. to give advice Solve various obstacles for the special working group,’ said the Director-General of the Comptroller General’s Department.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, PTT is ready to drive business towards Net Zero according to Thailand’s goal, supporting T-VER to meet international standards. Pointed out as key to helping achieve climate change goals

Mr. Atthaphon Rerkpiboon, Chief Executive Officer and President of PTT Public Company Limited, participated in a discussion on the topic ‘Thailand Net Zero Target: Readiness and Challenges’ at the seminar ‘Thailand Net Zero 2024 – Now or Never’ by stating that the PTT Group has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero (Net Zero) by 2050, which is 15 years faster than the country’s goal of 2065, considering that the group of large companies announced Net Zero Faster than the national average It is considered another direction that will help achieve the country’s goals. PTT has implemented 3 main approaches (3P) or “3 R” which are:

1. “Accelerate and adjust” the production process (Pursuit of Lower Emissions), reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the process to the maximum through important projects
such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the Gulf sea area. Thai and onshore areas in the eastern region under the PTT Group CCS Hub Model collaboration that mobilizes PTT Group’s technology to jointly manage greenhouse gas emissions. Using carbon dioxide to its maximum benefit (Carbon Capture and Utilization: CCU) is further developed into products to reduce its release into the atmosphere. Energy use in natural gas separation plants Promoting the use of renewable energy in the production process Build a new natural gas separation plant to replace the old one. Currently, Natural Gas Separation Plant Unit 7 is being built when it is completed. Natural gas separation plant Unit 1 will be closed, with PTT aiming to reduce greenhouse gas use by 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

‘Accelerating the transformation’ into an environmentally friendly business (Portfolio Transformation) PTT has adjusted its vision over the past two years to Powering Life with Future Energy and Beyond, driving every life. With
the power of the future, PTT announces its focus on renewable energy of 15,000 megawatts by 2030 and is ready to enter the EV Value Chain business.

‘Accelerate the planting’ of an additional 1 million rai of forest (Partnership with Nature and Society), increasing the amount of greenhouse gas absorption from the atmosphere through natural methods. PTT has experience in planting 2 million rai of forest, which can Absorb up to 2 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. PTT Group will accelerate the planting of an additional 2 million rai of forests by 2030.

Mr. Atthaphon added that pushing for the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER) to meet international standards is key. that will help achieve climate change goals To help with export matters as well. It is seen that pushing T-VER to happen must be a collaboration from all sectors, including the government, private sector, agencies, organizations, educational sector, and the public sector.

Source: Thai News Agency

President Yoon Suk Yeol called on doctors Monday to come up with a “unified proposal” on the appropriate increase in medical school admissions, saying the government will be open to talks though it believes a hike of 2,000 is the minimum.

Yoon made the remark during an address to the nation amid little sign of a breakthrough in a standoff between the government and the medical community over the admissions quota hike. The address, which lasted 50 minutes and was aired live from the presidential office, came as even people within the ruling bloc raised the need to show flexibility on the 2,000-person increase with only days to go until the April 10 general elections.

“The number 2,000 is a minimum increase the government came up with through thorough calculations, and followed sufficient and wide-ranging discussions with the medical community, including doctors’ groups, until the decision was reached,” Yoon said.

“If the medical community wants to argue for reducing the size of the increase, it is only rig
ht for them to suggest a unified proposal to the government, with a clear and scientific basis, and not take collective action. If they bring a more reasonable and rational measure, we can discuss it any time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sung Tae-yoon, presidential director of national policy, explained that the number 2,000 is not “absolute” and the government is ready to talk with the medical community.

“The government will not adhere to the number 2,000 and can change its policies for the better if there are better ideas and reasoning, including the scale of medical school expansion,” he said during a televised interview later in the day.

“We can review the issue from a forward-looking perspective and in a flexible way.”

Some 12,000 junior doctors have walked off the job since Feb. 20 to protest the government’s plan, while medical professors have submitted their resignations en masse to join the collective action.

The professors, who work as senior doctors at major hospitals, have vowed to reduce their work
ing hours starting this week to cope with growing fatigue caused by the prolonged walkout by their juniors. Community doctors have said they will take similar action.

Yoon said his bigger concern is that even with the 2,000-person increase, it will be another 10 years before the newly trained doctors join the workforce.

He stressed that the medical reform plan is meant for the people, by citing incidents of people dying on the streets while looking for an emergency room that will take them, and arguing the aim is to improve essential medical services and rural medical services so that people anywhere in the country can receive proper treatment.

Currently, there are 115,000 doctors in the country. If their number increases by 2,000 annually starting 10 years from now, only in 2045 will there be an additional 20,000 doctors, he said.

“Past governments fought and lost all nine times and doctors’ job cartels only got stronger,” Yoon said, referring to previous administrations’ attempts to increase the quota o
ver the last 27 years. “We can no longer afford to repeat such failures.”

Yoon said the medical reform package proposed by the government addresses doctors’ demands by promising more than 10 trillion won (US$7.4 billion) in investment to fairly compensate those practicing in essential medical fields and in rural areas. The package also promises to establish a legal safety net to better protect doctors from excessive medical malpractice suits, he said.

In response to concerns doctors’ earnings will decrease in the future, Yoon said that will not be the case, given that in 20 years time, the number of doctors will increase by 20,000, but people’s incomes and demand for health care will increase far more with a rapidly aging population.

He went to great lengths to refute allegations the government did not properly consult the medical community by listing the dates and number of times it met with doctors’ groups and naming the groups involved.

Despite the government’s requests, Yoon said doctors’ groups did n
ot suggest a number for the admissions quota increase while repeating their argument there was no shortage of physicians.

“Now they are throwing out numbers all over the place, suggesting 350, 500 or 1,000, without any basis,” he said. “Not only that, they are threatening that there should be 500 to 1,000 fewer than currently.”

Yoon called on trainee doctors to return to work, noting that relevant procedures are under way to punish those who refuse to obey the government’s return-to-work orders.

He also criticized the Korean Medical Association, the biggest doctors’ group, over its recent demands for the removal of the health minister and vice health minister and threats to sway voters’ choices in next week’s general elections.

“It is not that I am pushing for reform because I don’t know how to calculate political gains and losses,” he said. “It is because I have witnessed for a long time the groans of the people suffering from pain.”

Yoon called on doctors’ groups to promptly come to the table for talks
with the government.

To the people, he said, “Now is a time that requires courage … I earnestly plead for your support and backing so that the government can complete the medical reform for the people.”

Source: Yonhap News Agency