Category: General

Official campaigning kicked off Thursday for the April 10 general elections, with the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) vying fiercely for control of the National Assembly.

The quadrennial race holds significant importance for the ruling party as failure to regain a majority could potentially render President Yoon Suk Yeol a lame duck for the remaining three years of his single five-year term.

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) aims to retain its parliamentary majority.

Recent predictions have suggested that the DP could win more than 200 seats in the 300-member Assembly, a two-thirds threshold that gives the party enough power to override presidential veto and even impeach the president.

The ruling party has pleaded for voter support, imploring that the Yoon administration has been unable to push its reform agenda forward for the past two years in the face of the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

The DP has urged voters to pass stern judgment on
what it calls the “incompetent” Yoon administration, accusing it of causing the economy and the livelihoods of the people to worsen seriously and mishandling a series of controversial issues for the past two years.

Leaders of both parties chose Seoul as the starting point of their official campaigning.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon kicked off the campaign at a fisheries market in Seoul’s eastern area, emphasizing his party’s efforts to address people’s livelihood issues.

“The fate of this nation will be determined by this crucial election campaign period,” Han said, adding that the PPP will advocate for hardworking people.

DP Chairman Lee Jae-myung plans to hold an official campaign event at Yongsan Station in central Seoul.

Observers say the 48 constituencies in the capital city are the primary battlegrounds that will ultimately determine the election outcome. Data suggests that results in Seoul often mirror the overall election results.

In the previous election in 2020, the then ruling DP won 41 out of 49
seats, while the United Future Party, the PPP’s former name, secured only eight seats. The DP eventually secured a landslide victory by taking 180 out of the 300 seats.

In 2016, the DP won 35 seats, while the Saenuri Party, the PPP’s former name, secured 12 seats, resulting in a closely contested yet victorious outcome for the DP.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Yasothon, Rice rolls, super delicious rice rolls, selling for 100 baht per block, great income, 1,000 baht per day.

Khao Ji Yai Noi Restaurant, New Market, Yasothon Municipality There are large sheets of khao ji, about 20 centimeters in diameter, priced at 100 baht per sheet. Anyone who sees them must stop and look. Because I had never seen such a big plate of rice noodles before. There is also the ancient recipe of fried rice sprinkled with salt. And khao ji moon is sold for 10 baht per block.

Grandma Noi said that she has been selling khao ji for more than 20 years. Before, it was 5 baht per sheet. Now it’s 10 baht. Her income is 800-1,000 baht per day. At the shop, they have khao ji sprinkled with traditional salt and khao ji moon (coconut milk). Each day they sell khao ji with salt. Approximately 10 kilograms per day, sold out every day. As for super rice, the price is 100 baht per sheet, which will be sold only to customers who have reserved it. Because it is large, it is difficult to assemble and take
s a long time. If customers want to support them, they can come to the new market in Yasothon Municipality.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, ‘Piraphan’, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, presents EGAT policy, emphasizing being a state mechanism to help take care of the people. The electricity bill is fair. and prepare to offer The Cabinet is considering whether to continue fixing diesel at 30 baht/liter or not after the resolution was reached until the end of this month, hoping the finance ministry would reduce fuel taxes.

Mr. Peeraphan Saleerathavipak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, revealed that yesterday (27 March) there was a meeting to give policy to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), with Mr. Prasert. Sinsukprasert Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy As Chairman of EGAT, Mr. Debarat Theppitak, Governor of EGAT, and senior executives attended, emphasizing that it is a government mechanism to help take care of people to have appropriate, fair, and ready electricity prices. Thank you EGAT for supporting the policies of the Ministry of Energy and the government. Especially help
ing to take care of electricity bills However, for the electricity bill in the next period, it is believed that there will be a part that EGAT can use to gradually pay off debt every month. EGAT is responsible for the accumulated accrued Ft electricity bill as of December 31, 2023, amounting to 99,689 million baht.

‘It will be our own history. We have performed our duties for the people. We have performed our duties for the country. We are a state enterprise. We are not 100% government officials, but our duties and responsibilities are no different. That is, it is mainly done for the benefit of the people. We are the ones who have to bear it. I understand that in managing an organization like this you have to survive the organization as well. But do not forget that above all else it is the benefit of the people. of the nation, we must bear it,’ Mr. Peeraphan said.

In addition, as EGAT oversees the stability of the electrical system, which requires up to 67% of natural gas to produce electricity, it is seen
that EGAT should participate in the management of natural gas (Pool Manager). ) Overall, in order to ensure that energy business operations are efficient, transparent, and fair to the people who use energy.

As for the amendment of laws related to EGAT’s operations, both the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand Act, B.E. 2511 and the Royal Decree on Electrical Energy Consumers, B.E. 2512, it is deemed appropriate to expedite amendments to suit the energy situation. that changes rapidly and related energy business operations By expediting the appointment of an internal committee within EGAT to collect issues that need to be resolved. and present it to relevant agencies as soon as possible

Mr. Prasert said that the problem of debt burden, the burden of accumulated unpaid Ft electricity bills, Mr. Peeraphan He informed that he would help look at the details and discuss with the Ministry of Finance whether to reduce the amount of money sent to the government by EGAT in order to help enhance liquidity. Be
cause it is considered to be helping the people and praising EGAT for taking care of the people.

As for the case of diesel fuel prices that The Cabinet has ordered the price to be fixed at 30 baht/liter until the end of March 2024, Mr. Peeraphan There is concern for the people. If the price is to increase, it will affect the cost of living. But I have to admit that At this time, the fuel fund Bearing the burden of high subsidies and difficult circumstances If there is continued subsidy at the current rate Therefore ordered the Ministry of Energy to make a proposal. Cabinet as quickly as possible so that the Cabinet can find a solution together on which approach to choose. If it will continue to be fixed at 30 baht/liter The Ministry of Finance must be involved in reducing excise taxes. I don’t know what the Ministry of Finance’s opinion will be.

Reporters reported that Oil Fund Status It is expected to be negative at the level of 100,000 million baht by March 31. As of March 24, 2024, the Oil Fund’s net pos
ition was negative 98,220 million baht, divided into the oil account negative 51,136 million baht and the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) account negative 47,084 million baht. baht, while the diesel compensation rate from the Oil Fund as of March 28, 2024 was at the level of 4.65 baht/liter, excise tax 5.06 baht, and if looking at the trend of diesel oil prices in the world market, it is still on average at the level of 100 USD/barrel. As a result, the trend of compensation will continue to be at a high level.

Source: Thai News Agency

House, “Panpree” stated “Jakkraphob” did not coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on returning to Thailand due to security concerns. The ministry does not monitor political refugees abroad.

Mr. Panpree Phitthanukorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gave an interview about the case of Mr. Jakrapob Penkhae, former Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office. who had been in political exile for 15 years, returned to Thailand, saying that Mr. Jakrapob had not coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Because this matter is about stability. Normally, if there is a person who the security department is concerned about, they will discuss it with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But it is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly.

The reporter asked: refugees abroad If you want to return to your country Can coordinate at Can the Ministry of Foreign Affairs get it or not? Mr. Panpree said that he would probably inform him. But until now, no one has coordi
nated. It’s probably more related to the security department and the Immigration Bureau. We have not received any complaints and have not received any reports.

When asked if it is normal for people who are refugees to live abroad Will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have to follow up on his behavior? Mr. Panpree said that if there are no problems or no issues, I didn’t follow anything closely. Just recognize Because we already have an embassy there. I didn’t follow any movements. Because he is legally living in that country. Already.

Source: Thai News Agency

President of the Thai Journalists Association Requesting the Lawyers Council to investigate the reporter who received the second lot of additional money as an offering to poison “Lawyer Tum” and expose it.

Miss N. Rini Ruangnoo, President of the Thai Journalists Association along with Mr. Jirapong Prasertphonkrang Secretary-General of the Thai Journalists Association Submitting a letter to Dr. Wichian Chubthaisong, President of the Lawyers Council. under royal patronage As a fact-checking committee In the case of journalists receiving money from news sources which has been established since the case when the police searched the house Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakphan, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police And it appeared that some journalists received money from news sources. The investigation of the facts in that case has not yet been completed. And recently from the press conference of Mr. Sitra Biabangkerd or Attorney Tum, information has been published that there are journalists and the Thai Journalists
Association. Receive money from news sources and online gambling website networks. In particular, the Vice-President, abbreviated W., will request the fact-finding committee to take the case for further investigation as well.

In addition, Mr. Jirapong also said that yesterday he met with Attorney Tum. And we talked a little and asked about the facts. By clarifying that in the past there were many vice presidents of the association with the abbreviation W. Attorney Tum confirmed that the information on receiving the money was as published. And it’s about the individual. It does not refer to the organization itself. As for who the vice-president will be, let the association itself check. However, Mr. Jirapong admits that Attorney Tum’s disclosure of only the abbreviation. This makes it difficult for organizations to monitor. Because I don’t want to focus on any one person. Just because it has the same abbreviation, it becomes an accusation against that person. Although there are many such abbreviations, the as
sociation is willing to be investigated or called by the fact-finding committee to provide information.

When the reporter asked whether in this case it would be possible to examine Attorney Tum’s legal conduct or not. Mr. Jirapong said There will also be discussion on this issue with the Lawyers Council. But it’s just a crying issue.

The president of the Lawyers Council revealed that the investigation into journalists who received money from news sources in the first case was At this time, the investigation of witnesses is almost complete. There are only a few more mouths left to complete. And when there was a request to further investigate the case that Lawyer Tum had revealed. I will accept the matter myself. And it is expected that there will not be many more witnesses to be examined. Originally the Lawyers Council set a time frame of 90 days, now the deadline is approaching. Therefore, it is expected that the time will be extended for another month, which should be enough to investigate both cases befor
e the results of the investigation will be disclosed at the same time.

As for the case of Attorney Tum Issue a press release referring to other people in public until causing that damage Is it against the etiquette of a lawyer? Dr. Wichian said that he had not yet looked at the press conference in detail. But in principle, the Lawyers Council already has regulations. Whether to serve in court or any place If considered to be disrespectful or in violation of the regulations You will be able to enter the process of filing a complaint regarding legal ethics. In which the examination of lawyer’s etiquette is It is not the duty of the President of the Lawyers Council. But it is the power of the Chairman of the Lawyers Etiquette Committee to consider if he sees that the behavior of any lawyer is in violation of the Lawyers’ Regulations. Or someone has complained about the manners of the said lawyer. You can set up an investigation. Then, when the committee has examined it, the results will be returned to the Presi
dent of the Lawyers Council. Consider the punishment if found to continue violating the Lawyers Regulations.

The lawyer’s part Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimon, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police to file a lawsuit against Attorney Tum It is the right of the parties to be able to do so. Which must wait for the final decision of the court. However, the Lawyers Council has one regulation that If the court renders a final judgment to imprisonment in a case that is not a charge of negligence. or a petty offense and the defendant is a lawyer There will be a matter sent to the Lawyers Council to remove the name from being a lawyer. and the parties can also file a complaint with the Lawyers Council together.

The President of the Lawyers Council Leave a message to the lawyer That every lawyer can make a statement on various issues, but there must be sufficient reasons and evidence. Including not violating the regulations of lawyer etiquette.

However, there are also reports that The reason for the delay in investigating
the facts in the first case of a journalist receiving money from a news source Even though fact-checking of witnesses is almost finished. Because we are still waiting for important witnesses like Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakphan, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police He’s giving evidence. Which is also reported that Pol.Gen.Surachet Just got in touch with the Lawyers Council last night. that he may give information next week

While on the Facebook page of Attorney Tum also revealed information that The Vice-President of the Association of Journalists, abbreviated W., received money from the Ma Suea account since 2020 on a monthly basis of 15,000 baht, later in 2021-2022 it was increased to monthly. 30,000-50,000 baht as well.

Source: Thai News Agency

Legoland Korea Resort, which is owned by Europe’s largest theme park operator Merlin Entertainments Ltd., is mulling further investments in its hotel facilities to take advantage of the hotel staycation trend, the company’s country manager has said.

Merlin Entertainments, the owner of Legoland, Sea Life and Madame Tussauds, has invested more than 330 billion won (US$240 million) in its 10th Legoland resort, which opened in South Korea in May 2022.

“We definitely need to expand the hotel facilities (in Legoland Korea) to absorb a growing demand for ‘hokangseu,’ particularly among middle-class Korean families with children,” Scott Lee, divisional director of Legoland Korea Resort, told Yonhap News Agency in a recent interview.

But he didn’t provide the value of the possible hotel investments and other details.

Hokangseu, or hotel staycation, is a combination of hotel and “vacances” in French. The concept of sojourning at a hotel near home or inside the country was around before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it
emerged as a major trend in Korea during the pandemic years.

In response to the trend, Legoland Korea recently transformed its outdoor swimming pool into an indoor facility to allow children to enjoy the Lego theme park, play with Lego bricks at the pool regardless of weather conditions and stay in Lego-themed rooms, Lee said.

“We found there was a robust demand for hokangseu this past winter, even before the pool’s transformation,” the executive said.

Given an increasing number of visitors to the theme park and hotel facilities in the January-March period, Legoland Korea expects sales will significantly improve this year compared with a year earlier.

“There was a ‘champagne effect’ in the 2022 fiscal year helped by an explosive (domestic) travel demand as it was the first post-pandemic year. But in the following year (of 2023), many middle-class families traveled abroad instead of domestic destinations,” he said.

Still, Legoland Korea sees huge growth potential in Asia’s fourth-biggest economy, as there
are many Lego fans and a lot of families who have never experienced its theme park and hotel facilities.

As for challenges involving the country’s falling birth rate, Legoland Korea said it does not have any concerns about that.

“We are still a new brand in Korea. We don’t think we have penetrated enough into the market to the extent that we worry about the possibility of diminishing market size in connection with a low birth rate,” Lee said.

“In Korea, we see a thick middle-class customer base that will underpin growth. Legolands in Europe prospered in the past even when birth rates were on the decline helped by the same customer base.”

In 2023, the country’s total fertility rate, which means the average number of expected births from a woman in her lifetime, fell to a record low of 0.72 from 0.78 a year earlier.

The yearly rate is far below the 2.1 births per woman needed to maintain a stable population without immigration.

In its latest promotional efforts, Legoland Korea will invest 20 billion won t
o add a new attraction themed after Ninjago in the country’s first global theme park during the first half of 2025, the executive said.

Ninjago is the most popular line of Legoland Korea, and the upcoming thrilling Ninjago ride is designed to attract upper elementary students, adolescents and adults, according to the company.

Legoland Korea also plans to open at night until 9 p.m. from the end of April through the end of October this year as it did last year. There is no other Legoland resort that remains open during the nighttime.

In the year through May 5, 2023, more than 1 million people visited the Korean Legoland theme park at Jungdo Island located in the middle of a river in Chuncheon, 76 kilometers east of Seoul.

“Lotte World is one of the country’s most preferred destinations for school trips. Our goal is to become the No. 1 destination on the wish list of elementary, middle and high school students,” he said.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

A Seoul court sentenced a 43-year-old man to one year in prison on charges of leaving a weapon in front of ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon’s home in southern Seoul last year while he was serving as justice minister.

The man, only known by his surname Hong, has been indicted on charges of placing a weapon and a torch lighter at the entrance of Han’s apartment in Seoul’s Gangnam district in October. He was also found to have repeatedly visited his neighborhood.

Han, now the leader of the ruling People Power Party, was serving as justice minister at that time.

The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday delivered a one-year prison sentence for Hong, finding him guilty of intimidation involving a weapon.

The court concluded that the suspect committed the crime out of the delusion that Han was tormenting him but found him not guilty of the stalking charge, saying that his crime was a one-off affair.

Hong was briefly restrained by court guards during the ruling after he shouted, “The country has harassed me
,” and “Stop preventing me from speaking,” following the sentencing.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

South Korean stocks opened a tad lower Thursday despite gains on Wall Street.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 1.98 points, or 0.07 percent, to 2,753.13 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

U.S. stocks finished higher to end their three-day losing streak on Wednesday (U.S. time). The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1.2 percent, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.5 percent.

In Seoul, large-cap shares led the bearish start.

Leading battery maker LG Energy Solution dropped 1.1 percent, and chemicals company LG Chem skidded 0.45 percent.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor retreated 0.61 percent, and No. 1 mobile carrier SK Telecom slid 1.11 percent.

But chipmakers were in positive territory, with Samsung Electronics rising 0.38 percent and SK hynix advancing 0.28 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,352.4 won against the U.S. dollar, down 3.7 won from the previous session’s close.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Nakhon Si Thammarat, Relatives of “Komas”, the owner of the fighting cock who was kidnapped and killed, met with the Bang Khan police, ready to give a statement and request the body to be returned to Chumphon. The police chief said that they must wait for clear results of the body examination first. If not, there will be problems later.

In the case of finding a body resembling that of Mr. Khanop Somwang or “Komas”, aged 56 years, owner of a cockfighting arena in Sawi District, Chumphon Province, he was killed by assailants and his body was buried in a palm forest on a valley, Village No. 2, Ban Lam Nao Subdistrict, District. Bang Khan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province Before the body was found on March 26, 2024, it was bound hand and foot. Scotch tape to cover face Then destroy the corpse with concentrated acid. Meanwhile, the clothes were the same ones that the relatives had last seen before disappearing.

Most recently today (28 March 2024) at Bang Khan Police Station, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Relatives o
f Mr. Khanob or “Komas” arrived in a black half-bed pickup truck, a total of seven people, to the police station. and met with the investigating officer Giving additional testimony about the disappearance without a trace of “Komas” for almost 2 months ago. In addition, relatives have informed of their desire to prepare for the body of “Komas” to be carried out for religious ceremonies as well.

However, the way Pol. Col. Chakkrit Taewattana, superintendent of Bang Khan Police Station It was stated that the relative’s arrival was only to give additional testimony. As for the corpse of “Komas”, the results of the identity verification must be made clear first. Although relatives confirmed that it was “Komas”, the results of the forensic investigation must be clear. Which if the results are not proven, it will cause problems. The commander gives orders to be careful so that no errors occur. which must wait for the results to be proven first .

Source: Thai News Agency

House, BOI pushes Thailand to be a center for tourism – electronics Promote international music, sports and festivals. Stimulating Thailand’s potential as a world-class event destination

Mr. Narit Theodsatheerasak Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI) revealed that the meeting of the Board of Investment (BOI Board) has resolved to approve the opening of promotion in ‘The business of organizing music, sports, and international festivals’ to raise the level of the countryTo become a destination for hosting world class events (World Class Events) and a center for tourism in the region (Tourism Hub)

By unlocking barriers to organizing large-scale events, such as visas and work permits for foreign artists and teams. Regarding the tax burden of performance equipment that may be imported for temporary use and then sent back out, etc., to facilitate world-class organizers. To be able to organize exhibitions in Thailand more easily Whether it’s a concert festival or various international festivals, whic
h will help attract tourism and increase spending from foreign tourists and create economic growth of the country according to the government’s goals.

For criteria for applying for promotion in organizing music, sports, and international festivals. It must be a large-scale event with investment or organizing expenses of not less than 100 million baht per event. They will receive benefits exempt from import duties on machinery and equipment used in organizing the event. as well as facilitating visas and work permits for foreign artists and personnel who come to organize events. Through the Visa and Work Permit Service Center (One Stop Service) operated by the BOI in collaboration with the Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Labor.

‘From the government announcement of the vision of Ignite Thailand, one of the important goals is to elevate Thailand to be a world-class event destination. To be a magnet for attracting tourists from around the world. Opening to promote the business of organizing music, sports
and international festivals this time. It will help reinforce Thailand’s potential and readiness to be a leader in tourism and entertainment center of the region.

Draw money from the spending of both domestic colleagues and foreign tourists with high spending power. It also helps support other service businesses in Thailand, especially hotels, restaurants, and local products. and services related to tourism to benefit together,’ Mr. Narit said.

In addition, the meeting also agreed to improve. ‘Business in the electronic circuit board (Printed Circuit Board: PCB) group’ which is the heart of electronic equipment used in various industries, whether it be smart electronics, electric vehicles, medical equipment. Automated and digital machines to support

The trend of large-scale relocation of production bases due to the pressure of global geopolitical problems. Especially in industries that use advanced technology like electronics. By adding to the list of activities supported in the electronic circuit board (P
CB) group to cover important supporting activities in the PCB supply chain, including PCB production support activities, including Lamination, Drilling, Plating, and Routing.

and businesses producing important raw materials for PCB production, including Copper Clad Laminate (CCL), Flexible CCL (FCCL), and businesses producing raw materials and other necessary materials for PCB production, such as Dry Film, Transfer Film, Backup Board, etc., which will receive rights. Benefits of exemption from import duty on machinery Exemption from import duties on raw materials used for export. and exempt from corporate income tax for up to 8 years, classified according to the importance of raw materials, technology, and investment size.

An electronic circuit board (PCB) is a circuit board that collects electronic components and equipment. Semiconductors (Chip) together to connect parts and control various systems. In all kinds of electronic products and electrical appliances, it is one of the most important production st
eps.

in the electronics industry In the past, there have been projects requesting investment promotion in the PCB industry for about 40 companies, especially from China, Taiwan and Japan, with a total investment value of over 100 billion baht in 2023.

‘This improvement of the business in the electronic circuit board or PCB group is aimed at supporting the world’s major investment transfer trend in the electronics industry. By further promoting the PCB industry to cover the entire supply chain. both Thai and foreign entrepreneurs To lead to the creation of a PCB cluster as a new industrial cluster in Thailand. This will help strengthen the electronics production base and help increase business opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs who will be able to grow together,’ Mr. Narit said.

Currently, Thailand has become the number 1 PCB production base in ASEAN if Thailand can seize the opportunity to create a complete supply chain for PCB production, which is the heart of the electronics industry. It has a high pos
sibility of becoming a leading electronics production base in the world market in the future.

Source: Thai News Agency