Vietnam remains high human development country: UNDP Resident Representative

Hanoi: Vietnam has remained a high human development country through the difficult years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and human development continues to be a focus of the country’s development strategy, UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi said, as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced its new report on late March 13.

The 2023/24 Human Development Report (HDR), titled ‘Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world’, shows that Vietnam’s Human Development Index (HDI) value for 2022 is 0.726, positioning it at 107 out of the 193 countries and territories.

Between 1990 and 2022, the nation’s HDI value changed from 0.492 to 0.726, an improvement of nearly 50%. In the 1990s when UNDP introduced the HDI, Vietnam was at the relatively lower end of the ranking, but now it is in the middle of the ranking, having made consistent progress over the past 30 years.

Vietnam ranks 91 out of the 166 countries in the Gender Inequality Index, which considers inequality across thre
e dimensions of reproductive health, empowerment and the labour market. ‘Vietnam has done well in some respects, for example access to education and labour force participation, however a persistent gender division of labour reserves more stable, highly paid jobs for men, and women still account for a small share of leadership roles in Government, the National Assembly and in the private sector,’ she said.

According to the report, uneven development progress is leaving the poorest behind, exacerbating inequality, and stoking political polarisation on a global scale. The result is a dangerous gridlock that must be urgently tackled through collective action./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Fire on HTMS Khirirat ship Moored at Laem Thian Pier.


Chonburi, The fire is under control. Fire incident on HTMS Khirirat ship Moored inside Laem Thian Port. Sattahip Naval Base The cause and damage are under investigation.

Sawangrojanadhammasathan Foundation Rescue Radio Center, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, was informed that A fire broke out on the HTMS Khirirat ship. Moored inside Laem Thian Port. Sattahip Port Authority Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi Province, rushed to investigate the scene. Met fire officials from Sattahip Naval Base. A large amount of water was being sprayed to suppress the smoke from the fire. and outsiders are not allowed to enter the area. Recently, the situation has been controlled. The cause and damages are under investigation.

For the HTMS Kirirat The number on the side of the ship, 432, is a frigate. Serving the Navy and the nation for 50 years.

Source: Thai News Agency

Thanh Hoa takes drastic measures to combat IUU fishingLeading a team to inspect the quality of rice from the rice pledging project, still good in 10 years.

Thanh Hoa: The People’s Committee of the northern central province of Thanh Hoa on March 13 held a conference to deploy urgent tasks and solutions to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Speaking at the conference, Director of the province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Van Cuong, who is also Standing Deputy Head of the provincial Steering Committee on combating IUU fishing, requested relevant departments, agencies and coastal localities to thoroughly address outstanding shortcomings and limitations towards promptly preventing and fully ending IUU fishing in the province.

The province’s Fisheries Sub-Department and Thanh Hoa Fishing Port Management Board will continue to assign staff to guide households and fishing vessel owners to complete paperwork as prescribed.

They will keep coordinating with border guards and waterway traffic police to strengthen patrols and control of fishing activities to strictly handle violations.

The fisheries sub-department strictly
updated the volume of seafood catches unloaded at local ports onto the national database.

Any fishing vessels that are found to not meet regulations or commit IUU fishing must be reported to the competent authority for properly handling.

Competent agencies and localities were asked to intensify communications activities to raise vessel owners and households’ understanding on regulations against IUU fishing.

Vessels without registration, fishing licences and certificates that prove their seaworthiness (vessels with 3 NOs) are not allowed to operate at sea.

Meanwhile, the provincial Border Guard Command will organise a crackdown to ensure that vessels without papers, license plates or vessel monitoring system (VMS) are not allowed to sail.

They will also focus on verifying and handle cases where fishing vessels’ VMS lose connection while the ships are at sea or fishing vessels go beyond permitted boundaries at sea.

Thanh Hoa is among provinces that will be inspected during the fifth working round with the
inspection delegation from the European Commission (EC) in May./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Surin, Minister of Commerce Led a team to inspect rice quality for the 10-year old rice pledging project in Surin Province. Found 145,590 sacks still of good quality. Prepared to consult with the NCB to quickly find a way to drain the matter to preserve the benefits of the entire state and clear up problems for all parties.

Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, revealed that due to receiving a letter of complaint from the Thai Agricultural Product Inspection Business Association. which was affected by accusations that the rice in the rice pledging program was not stored up to standard and was found to be of deteriorated quality to the point that it could not be sold for human consumption.

He took the opportunity to inspect government officials in the areas of Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchaburi provinces to inspect the warehouse where rice in the project has been stored for 10 years at the warehouse. Poonphon Trading Co., Ltd., behind 4 Muang District, and Kittichai Wareho
use, behind 2, Prasat District, Surin Province. Separated into warehouse Poonphon Trading Co., Ltd., Building No. 4, has 32,879 sacks of rice remaining, and Kittichai Warehouse No. 2 has 112,711 sacks of rice remaining, totaling 145,590 sacks. And after inspection which has a private warehouse owner Provincial Commerce Officer, OCSC, all three of whom hold the keys to open the warehouse. along with the director and senior executives of the Ministry of Commerce Participated in the rice quality inspection this time. It was found that the rice stored in the warehouse was still of good quality.

‘We took a sample of rice from a sack. Come out and try cooking and tasting. The quality of the cooked rice is still good and can be eaten. I think the problem should be solved quickly. Because during this time The price of rice is quite good. If you rush to sell, drain it out. It will preserve the interests of the state and clear up problems for all parties. This matter will be brought to the meeting of Rice Policy and M
anagement Committee (NRCT) because if we don’t act quickly today, the longer the price of rice falls, the worse it will be. You will have to pay a lot of rent for the course costs. It is considered that we have come together to solve the problem,’ Mr. Phumtham said.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok uses AI to forecast weather conditions, accurately alerting citizens 3 hours in advance.


_:, Mr. Chatchart Sitthiphan, Governor of Bangkok, attended a discussion with Mr. Chihito Kusabiraki, CEO of Weathernews Inc., Japan. To enable the AI ??Nowcast system for forecasting rain in advance in the Bangkok area.

The Governor of Bangkok said that flooding is a major problem in Bangkok. If you can predict areas that will experience heavy rain in advance, you will be able to prepare for them better. Currently, we have AI and super computer technology and cooperation with Weathernews Inc. of Japan from 2023, which is an organization that uses technology to track and forecast weather conditions. which can now be carried out It will be a prediction. Analyze the situation through AI to enhance the performance of the existing Bangkok radar at 2 points, namely the Nong Khaem radar station. and Nong Chok radar station To be able to accurately predict rain 3 hours in advance, which will allow Bangkok to give a warning. Prepare tools and equipment to better cope with heavy rain and flooding. And this is good pr
ogress in Bangkok. At this time, people can Know the accurate weather forecast 3 hours in advance via https://d3sh0jbs83nmpu.cloudfront.net/, https://earlywarning.wni.com/ and https://earlywarning-monitor.wni.com/map/ wind

For the use of AI, weather forecasts in advance by Weathernews Inc.’s project will be published through the Facebook platform. DDS will use content created by Weathernews Inc. to post on Facebook and websites operated through Weathernews’ DDS. Inc. by providing advance warning to be able to cope with heavy rain situations. and improve operational efficiency Through cooperation with the Department of Drainage Bangkok as much as possible to achieve common goals.

As for web publishing, Weathernews Inc. will build and operate a 24/7 real-time weather website for DDS that allows the public to directly access and view content, which requires a system built to handle the volume of traffic. Use and access during severe weather conditions This size is currently waiting for the budget to be impleme
nted.

Source: Thai News Agency

DSI investigates Yamu Beach land Foreigners use Thai people as nominees.


Phuket, Today, the DSI went to Phuket to inspect the matter of issuance of rights documents on Yamu Beach. Encroaching on public space Initial information was found that government officials may have been involved in the illegal issuance of title documents. for foreign capital to hold and operate businesses Using Thai people as nominees .

Source: Thai News Agency

BMA-CDC joins with JICA to study and analyze the source of PM2.5 dust.


Bangkok, Bangkok joins with the DSC and Japanese JICA experts to conduct a research study using scientific principles. Analyze the source of PM2.5 dust in order to recommend enforceable measures to solve the problem of air pollution in a sustainable way.

Bangkok by the Environment Agency together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Pollution Control Department Organized a seminar to create understanding in developing policies and measures to solve dust problems in Bangkok and the surrounding area on the topic ‘PM2.5 pollution status and evaluation in Bangkok Metropolitan Region and reflection to PM policies and measures’ with Ms. Woranuch Suay. Rice Trade, Deputy Director of the Bangkok Environment Office, Mr.Suzuki Kazuya, Chief Representative of JICA Thailand, JICA experts and Mr. Pansak Thiramongkol, Director of the Air Quality and Noise Management Division. Pollution Control Department and representatives from all 50 Bangkok districts and representatives from surrounding provin
ces Related join

Ms. Woranuch Suaykhakhao, Deputy Director of the Bangkok Environment Office, said that the cooperation project To solve the PM2.5 problem is cooperation between Japan and Thailand. with related agencies JICA has studied the sources of dust. In the Bangkok and surrounding area To lead to policy recommendations to solve problems in a sustainable manner. The study has been conducted since 2021 until today. The study is already half way through.

Mr. Pansak Thiramongkol, Director of the Air Quality and Noise Management Division The Pollution Control Department revealed that this project has a 3-year research plan. Currently, the results of the study are enough to provide an overall picture of the problem. The Pollution Control Department and Bangkok have air quality monitoring stations. which sends data for analysis Can be seen in each area, which is in Bangkok and surrounding areas. There is a similar pattern of dust origin. The important thing is that it was found that The cause includes PM2.5
dust that comes directly from the source. and those caused by reactions from other pollutants, which, in addition to controlling the dust source, must be controlled. In addition to having to control from the source of dust. There must also be a policy to address other pollution, such as pollution from the traffic sector, NOx pollution, or nitrogen oxides. that causes exhaust gases from incomplete engine combustion Leading to recommendations on exhaust standards and fuel standards. Studies have shown that Euro 6 standards are still necessary. Including controlling emissions from the industrial sector. and open burning that must be controlled effectively to reduce the number as much as possible It is also exactly what is needed.

The information from the seminar presented various information. The results from the study are: 1. Prepare an inventory of the sources of PM 2.5 dust in Bangkok and surrounding areas using various tools that reveal the relationship between the sources. and the main reasons It comes fro
m many sources including heavy traffic. from industrial establishments and cross-border pollution coming from nearby provinces and neighboring countries. and important from weather factors that cannot be controlled 2. Study the chemical composition of dust and 3. Study the distribution of PM2.5 dust from various types of sources.

which from research Makes it possible to get information on an area-by-area basis From the point where air quality data measurement centers are installed all over Bangkok and in the surrounding provinces. This makes it possible to issue control measures to solve problems in each area, for example, in some areas there is a lot of construction. In some areas, dust levels are very high. During heavy traffic Corrections must be made. traffic over there Flow as quickly as possible, etc. And from research, it also indicates policies to reduce dust. You must also pay attention to other sources of dust pollution, such as PM10, which was found to be related to the occurrence of PM 2.5. The r
esults of the research, when completed, will lead to conclusions. To make recommendations into policy In enforcing the law to further solve the problem of air pollution.

Source: Thai News Agency

Morningstar Awards for Investing Excellence 2024


Bangkok, 7 Best funds and 1 best mutual fund company win the Morningstar Awards for Investing Excellence 2024. Asset management companies recommend DCA investing – investing in bonds is still interesting amidst market volatility. But you must study all information.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Morningstar Research (Thailand) and the Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC) jointly organized the Morningstar Awards for Investing Excellence 2024 award ceremony, held for the 15th consecutive year. To honor outstanding funds and fund management companies with outstanding performance. Generate good returns for investors over the past period. Consisting of awards for 7 funds and 1 best asset management company. The winners of the Morningstar Awards for Investing Excellence 2024 in Thailand are as follows:

Morningstar Category Awards

1. Award for Best Large Stock Fund: Krungthai Open Fund High Dividend Stocks (Dividend payment type) Krungthai Asset Management Co., Ltd.

2. Best medium and sma
ll cap stock funds include Asset Plus Small and Mid Cap Equitable Open Fund, Accumulated Value Type, Asset Plus Asset Co., Ltd.

3. The best short-term debt fund is the KKP open-end fund. Bond Plus Kiatnakin Phatra Asset Management Co., Ltd.

4. Medium- and long-term debt funds include the KKP open-end fund. Income for Retirement,

Outstanding, Kiatnakin Phatra Asset Management Co., Ltd.

5. Best mixed fund: Krung Thai Wealthy Open Fund Value accumulation type, Krung Thai Asset Management Co., Ltd.

7. Retirement Mutual Fund Best debt instrument category: KKP open-end fund Income for a living Kiatnakin Phatra Asset Management Co., Ltd.

– Best Asset Management Company: TISCO Asset Management Company Limited.

Mr. Phakorn Peetathawatchai, director and manager of the SET, said that at present there are many types of funds that provide good returns, whether short-term or long-term debt funds. Large-small stock funds And more than that, investing in funds or investing through institutional investors is another op
tion That is a way to spread risk and get good returns. You can choose to invest in both domestic assets and foreign assets. It is important to study the information clearly. Including returns and risks. When compared to foreign countries, it is found that investment through institutional investors in Thailand is still considered a small proportion.

For investing amid the current situation View information as important What can be done to communicate information to investors faster and completely? meets needs The announcement of the award this time It is considered a guarantee of the fund. that can measure returns in the long term Measure risk in the long term Just like investing in the stock market and various products in the stock market, information is very important. And it’s something we’re trying to provide more and more information about. Along with a message to investors, they should consider all aspects of information. Before deciding to invest

Mrs. Chawinda Hanratanakul, Managing Director of Krung
Thai Asset Management (KTAM), this year KTAM won 3 awards, including the large stock fund award and RMF and this is the first year to receive the access alllocation award. I feel happy and proud of the team. This is because last year was a year of high volatility in both the Thai stock market and the global stock market. Investors place their hope in the fund manager. We try to stabilize returns. However, in the midst of market conditions that are still volatile, it is considered that investment should still focus on DCA investment or invest gradually. and diversify investments Therefore, it should be able to answer investors’ needs in maintaining the stability of their own returns.

Mr. Saharat Chatsuwan, Managing Director of TISCO Asset Management Co., Ltd., said that it is an award that we are very proud of receiving the Morningstar Asset Manager Awards, which covers the performance of every access-class fund in the country. Whether it is a Thai stock fund, a bond fund, a mixed fund. Thank you to all the t
eam members who work together to create results for customers. We focus on selecting stocks from the bottom up and selecting assets to invest in that expect long-term returns. But look at the risks along with it. Using ESG factors to make decisions. Select stocks for investment portfolio Taking into account sustainability and good long-term performance

However, for managing investment portfolios amidst fluctuating market conditions. It is seen that the overall investment picture should be better than last year. The Thai stock market has a chance to recover in the second half of the year. For investors who can’t take much risk, it is recommended to invest in US bonds. The interest rate is still quite high. and is likely to decrease in the future. Or if you can take more risks. May divide investments into both bonds and stocks. which can invest in both Thai stocks and foreign stocks

For the Morningstar Category and Morningstar Asset Manager awards, fund data as of Dec. 31, 2023 is used. The award method focus
es on a one-year period, but the fund must have strong risk-adjusted returns. When compared with groups in the 3-year and 5-year periods, it will receive an award. Winners are selected using a risk-adjusted return, which is Morningstar Risk, which considers negative volatility rather than positive volatility.

Source: Thai News Agency

Thaksin Visits Hometown 1st Time in 17 Years


CHIANG MAI, Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Thrusday morning arrived in Chiang Mai, where crowds welcome him back home after 17 years.

Upon his arrival in Chiang Mai, Thaksin accompanied by his family members, including his daughter Ms. Paetongtan Shinawatra, the leader of the Pheu Thai Party visited the Royal Park Rajapruek, where the crowds gathered to offer support and welcome him back to his hometown.

After touring the park, he visited his favorite noodle shop, Chang Moi Coffee, where preparations were made to welcome him. After having lunch, he will explore the Mae Kha Canal, a development project aimed at promoting tourism in Chiang Mai.

Thaksin returned to Thailand in August last year after living abroad for 15 years in self-exile to avoid jail terms related to alleged abuse of power.

He was released on parole in February after serving a half of his commuted one-year sentence in hospital where he had been transferred from prison since the first night of his arrival due to illnesses.

S
ource: Thai News Agency