Category: Internal Affairs

Hanoi: Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan congratulated outgoing Ambassador of Algeria to Vietnam Abdelhamid Boubazine on his successful tenure in Vietnam during a reception in Hanoi on April 24.

Xuan was delighted to note that during his tenure, ties between Vietnam and Algeria have seen positive developments in all areas. Bilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the third political consultation and the 12th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee have been revived after a period of inactivity, providing platforms to discuss measures to boost all-around cooperation. In 2023, two-way trade witnessed impressive growth compared to the previous year. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have also consolidated the solid foundation of the two countries’ friendship.

Recognising the vast potential for economic and trade collaboration, particularly in energy and agriculture, President Xuan expressed her hope that Ambassador Boubazine would continue to champion these sectors. A stronger partnership in these are
as, she emphasised, could contribute significantly to energy and food security in each nation and the region.

She envisioned a future where Vietnam serves as a bridge between Algeria and ASEAN countries, while Algeria plays a similar role connecting Vietnam with African nations.

Looking beyond the diplomat’s current role, Xuan wished that he would continue contributions toward facilitating bilateral cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Boubazine, for his part, was satisfied with the remarkable progress in bilateral ties over the past years, including in politics, economy, trade, and people-to-people exchange.

He expressed his profound gratitude for the unwavering support that the Vietnamese State and people extended to Algeria during its struggle for independence, saying that Vietnam was one of the first countries to recognise the provisional government of the Algerian Republic in 1958 and established diplomatic relations following Algeria’s independence in 1962.

Highlighting ample room for coordi
nation in investment, trade, agriculture, healthcare and environment, he concluded by pledging to remain a bridge between the two nations in whatever capacity he serves in the future, working to elevate the bilateral relationship to even a greater height./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Parliament, “Parinya” sees Hua as being difficult to choose as senator. unless votes are bought Advice to keep an eye on it if it drags on. It may affect the power of the original acting senators. In the event of a change of Prime Minister

Mr. Parinya Thewanaruemitkul Lecturer at the Faculty of Law Thammasat University Mentioning the process of selecting a new set of senators (Senators) to replace the current set whose term is about to expire, there will be a large number of applicants, up to 200,000 people, which may have problems and complaints. As for the case of the Progress Party campaigning for people to apply to vote for the Senate, that is something that can be done. to pit independent voters against established candidates from big-time politicians in the area

‘As for the case where it is considered that this selection of Senators may be a hoax. I think that with a system that allows one to choose among 20 professional fields and cross-select Makes it difficult to argue with each other Moreover, vo
ting for each other is not illegal. Except for buying votes or giving benefits. Ask the Election Commission (EC) to carefully investigate the issue of using money to buy votes. In addition, the Election Commission should consider reviewing the application fee from the original 2,500 baht to 500 baht so that the general public can access and apply more,’ Mr. Parinya said.

When asked whether the issue of hazing or submitting a matter for consideration of constitutional law would disrupt the selection of senators, Mr. Parinya said there could be issues in both cases, even though according to the Election Commission’s rules, it has the power to announce the results internally. How long? But in the case where there is no problem But if a problem arises, such as a complaint from the district level with a large number of applicants, how will it be handled?

‘I ask you to keep an eye on this. If the announcement of the results of selecting new senators must be extended, that affects the existence of the Senate Outfi
ts from the NCPO who must perform acting duties until there is a new set of senators Regarding the power to choose the Prime Minister in Parliament, although the transitional provisions, Section 272, stipulates that the power will last 5 years from the date of the Parliament’s existence. But there may be someone who goes to the Constitutional Court to interpret it. If there are factors that want to change the Prime Minister,’ Mr. Parinya said.

Source: Thai News Agency

Hanoi: Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang on April 24 received Deputy Defence Minister of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Kim Seon Ho, who is in Vietnam to attend the 11th Vietnam-RoK defence policy dialogue.

Giang affirmed that Vietnam consistently values its diplomatic relations with the RoK, and wants to work with the country to further deepen bilateral ties for the common benefits of their people, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

He acknowledged the RoK’s care and support for Vietnam’s efforts to overcome war consequences, especially the removal of unexploded ordnance for the RoK – Vietnam Peace Village project to clean up areas still contaminated with mines and bombs in Vietnam.

He proposed the two sides continue to promote and actively implement effective cooperation in addressing war consequences in Vietnam and defence industry.

The minister took this occasion to invite the Korean Defence Ministry’s leaders and Korean
defence enterprises to attend the second International Defence Exhibition slated for this December.

Speaking highly of the two countries’ defence relations, Kim Seon Ho agreed to fully implement the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation between the two defence ministries, and important cooperation activities agreed upon by the two ministers during Giang’s visit to the RoK in 2023./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

NACC, NACC reveals that “former Big PTTEP” received bribes to facilitate Rolls-Royce’s contract to purchase more than billions in equipment. Confiscation of property

Mr. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, secretary-general of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), as spokesman for the NACC, announced that the NACC has resolved to determine the basis of the offense. In the case where there is reasonable cause to suspect that Mr. Chitphong Kwangsuksathit Director of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited or PTTEP, as chairman of the ad hoc subcommittee, with those who facilitated Rolls-Royce Energy System Company to have the right to enter into Contract with PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited to purchase Feed Gas Turbine Compressor equipment for the central production platform of Project PTT (Project PTT Arthit).

The case is a result of the United States Department of Justice. Investigated the case of bribe payments made by Rolls-Royce plc and its subsidiaries. to government o
fficials in many countries and in making an agreement to delay the lawsuit This includes the implementation of PTTEP’s Sunday project, for which Rolls-Royce hired an intermediary. and pay a portion of the commission It was a bribe to PTTEP officials in order to have the right to enter into the contract for the said project. The NACC therefore raised reasonable grounds to investigate. By having the entire NACC committee be the investigative body.

The facts from the investigation revealed that between 2004 and 2008, PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited or PTTEP built a production platform in the middle of the Arthit Project. Located in the Gulf of Thailand and an air compressor powered by a gas turbine engine is provided. For use in feeding gas from the source into the production process, 2 machines, with a budget of 27,000,000 US dollars or approximately 1,000 million baht. The PTTEP Board of Directors resolved to assign an ad hoc sub-committee consisting of Mr. Chitphong Kwang. Suksathit, Mr
. Chulasingh Wasantasingh and Mr. Anucha Sihanathakathakul are the authorized persons in granting approval.

In the procurement process, Mr. Phaophadet Worabutr, when he was the Deputy General Manager of Offshore Area (TOA), hastened to issue invitation letters to companies that will participate in the bidding, including Rolls-Royce Company, before The Procurement Committee of PTTEP Company gave its approval. In addition, in considering and approving the order of the ad hoc sub-committee. The decision was made to approve in principle the order. With comments to prepare price comparison figures that are most beneficial to the company. proposed to the meeting to consider again, but Mr. Marut Maruekatat, President and Secretary of PTTEP Company, rushed to report to the Board of Directors’ meeting that the ad hoc sub-committee unanimously approved the purchase of Feed Gas Turbine Compressor. from Rolls-Royce, even though the ad hoc sub-committee had only agreed in principle to order Including Mr. Chitphong, Mr. C
hulasingh and Mr. Anucha, who were part of the ad hoc sub-committee and were present at the said meeting, they did not object or explain the details. of the resolution of the ad hoc subcommittee in any way

The situation therefore aims to prevent fair price competition. To facilitate Rolls-Royce Company to have the right to enter into a contract with PTTEP Company to order 2 Feed Gas Turbine Compressors with a total procurement value of 24,663,303 US dollars (approximately 900 million baht).

By Mr. Phao Phadet receive benefits In return from Rolls-Royce, the commission was paid into a bank account in Singapore. and later transferred to Mr. Paophadet’s close people, a total of 300,543 US dollars, or approximately 10 million baht, which is the receipt of assets that were not legally appropriate. Causing damage to PTTEP Company.

Therefore, the NACC considered and resolved that Mr. Chitphong’s actions Kwangsuksathit, Mr. Anucha Sihanatkathakul and Mr. Marut Maruekhathat have criminal grounds according to the Ac
t on Offenses of Employees in Government Organizations or Agencies 1959, Section 8 and Section 11 and B.E. Section 12 of the Act on Offenses Concerning Bidding for Government Agencies, 1999, and the actions of Mr. Marut Marikatat are grounds for serious disciplinary offenses.

As for the actions of Mr. Paophadet Worabutr, they have criminal grounds according to the Act on Offenses of Employees in Government Organizations or Agencies 1959, Section 6, Section 8 and Section 11 of the Act. For offenses related to bidding for government agencies, 1999, Section 5 and Section 12, Anti-Money Laundering Act 1999, Section 5 (1) and (2), together with Section 60 and the Act. Concerning the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption, 1999, Section 103 includes Section 122 and contains grounds for serious disciplinary offenses.

while the actions of the other accused From the investigation, there were no facts and evidence that could be heard to show that the alleged offense had been committed. The accusation is baseless. L
et the accusation be dropped. For Mr. Chulasingh Wasantasingh, he has passed away. The right to bring a criminal case will be suspended, so the case will be removed from the registry.

by committee NACC to submit report Proceedings of the inquiry documentary evidence electronic copy and the decision will be sent to the Attorney General To prosecute criminal cases and submit reports and investigation documents documentary evidence and decision to the commander to take disciplinary action According to the said offense according to the Prevention Act. and suppressing corruption 2018, Section 91 (1) (2) and Section 98, as the case may be. In this regard, the Attorney General must be notified. Make a request to the court which has jurisdiction to consider the case. Confiscation of bribe assets totaling 300,543 US dollars in accordance with the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption B.E. 2018, Section 83 and Section 84, together with Section 93.

Source: Thai News Agency

Hanoi: The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

– Officials, Party members, and people are concerned about how the Party will select the leadership capable of shouldering the immense revolutionary tasks entrusted by the history, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said at the first meeting of the sub-committee on personnel affairs of the 14th National Party Congress on March 13.

In his book titled ‘Resolutely, persistently fighting corruption and other negative phenomena to contribute to building more transparent and stronger Party and State’, the leader also stressed disciplining officials is something very painful and heartbreaking that no one desires.

– Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 24 requested more efforts to step up institutional improvement, create a full legal corridor to promote national digital transformation and develop the digital economy while addressing the eighth meeting of the National Committee for Digital Transformation.

Chinh,
who is head of the committee, stressed the need to speed up the upgrade of digital infrastructure and digital platforms to create an important premise for digital economic development; promote the creation of digital data and the development of digital services; step up the development of digital human resources and skills to meet socio-economic development requirements; and ensure cyber security and information security to protect the national cyberspace sovereignty early and from afar.

– Acting State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on April 24 hosted a reception for Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio who came to bid farewell to her.

Congratulating Yamada on his successful tenure, Xuan spoke highly of his efforts to bolster the Vietnam – Japan relations in various domains.

– Standard Chartered Bank has lowered Vietnam’s GDP growth forecast in 2024 to 6% from the previous 6.7% due to lower-than-expected Q1 growth and global trade headwinds.

However, it is still an improvement from 5% in 2023. The count
ry’s Q1 GDP growth moderated to 5.7% (from 6.7% in Q4-2023). The bank lowered Q2 year-on-year growth forecast to 5.3% (from 6.3%) and Q3 to 6%. But Q4 growth is expected to be recovered to 6.7%.

– Though the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has announced it is selling the US dollar to intervene in the USD/VND exchange rate since April 19, the greenback price has remained high, which has been directly affecting many domestic enterprises.

The USD/VND exchange rate listed at VietinBank and BIDV on April 23 was at 25,180 VND and 25,485 VND per USD dollar for buying and selling, an increase of 20 VND compared to the previous session.

– The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) on April 23 took some moves like issuing treasury bills (T-bills), further employing T-bills as an open market operation (OMO), and stipulating liquidity and interest rates in the inter-bank market in the face of surging USD/VND exchange rates.

The central bank lent nearly 36 trillion VND (1.4 billion USD) for a 14-day term to nine members via the OMO
channel. The bid-winning interest rate rose to 4.25% per year from 4% per year as recorded recently.

– Five Vietnamese enterprises operating in the fields of food and hospitality are attending the Food and Hotel Asia (FHA) 2024 which is taking place in Singapore from April 23-26.

This year’s event attracts over 1,500 businesses from more than 50 nations and territories and expects to welcome 60,000 visitors.

– A delegation of Vietnamese negotiators joined those from 176 countries worldwide at the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) on plastic waste in Ottawa on April 23.

This session is to work towards finalising an agreement on a global treaty to eliminate plastic pollution by the end of this year. To achieve this goal, negotiators will need to reach a comprehensive legally binding compromise on plastic waste./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Parliament, “Prinya” advises the government and opposition parties to talk about the referendum, pointing out that it is not a matter of any one party. Afraid if there is a conflict Unsuccessful in amending the constitution

Mr. Parinya Thewanaruemitkul Professor, Faculty of Law Thammasat University Referring to the referendum to amend the constitution: The 2017 Constitution is a constitution that is full of many problems. because it was drafted through an undemocratic process Drafted by a coup d’état and setting up many mechanisms for inheriting power. Therefore, changes must be made. Even though the members of the Senate (Senators) who are involved in inheriting power His term will expire on May 10th, but many undemocratic mechanisms still need to be fixed.

‘In the past, amending the 2017 Constitution was difficult. A mechanism was put in place that in order to amend the Constitution, it would take up to 1/3 of the votes of the voters, which has never been done before. And when this group of senators expi
res, there will be a chance to get a new group of senators. Come and agree, the way will be open. The biggest obstacle is the rules of the Constitutional Court. The debate about whether to hold two or three referendums is a matter that the court does not accept. The government has announced that it will hold a referendum 3 times. The 1st time is when the draft is being presented, the 2nd time is when the draft is finished, and the 3rd time is before it is announced. I saw that the 1st and 2nd time didn’t need to be asked. Because it’s the same thing. But when the government has guidelines like this, it must be monitored. Next, when will the first time start? ” Mr. Parinya said.

As for the matter, there are probably many different opinions. Between the Pheu Thai Party and the Kao Klai Party is a question. Because there is a question that ‘Do you agree or not? with drafting a new constitution in its entirety without amending Section 1 and Section 2.’ There are inconsistencies in this section. Which according t
o the rules of the constitution, section 255, states that amendments to the constitution which is a change in the form of the state or have an effect on changing the democratic system with the King as Head of State cannot be fixed This part already has boundaries and has been in the past. New drafts of the constitution such as the year 1997 are already subject to this principle.

Mr. Parinya said that if the government would move forward Should find a way to talk with the opposition until we can work together. Because if there are different opinions Maybe not starting from the first time The draft constitution of 2017, which at the time of the referendum in 2016, was still divided into 2 questions: 1. Do you agree that this constitution will be promulgated? and 2. Do you agree that the Senate will choose the Prime Minister for the first 5 years? In fact, if conflict is to be avoided, it may be separated into 2 questions or not. But if it’s just one question, then it’s something that should be discussed.

Mr.
Parinya said that he would like to propose that the Pheu Thai Party and the opposition party which used to be an opposition party It’s a democratic party. and made a promise to the people that they would amend the 2017 constitution to change it to democracy If we move forward And there are still different opinions. I fear that the referendum will not pass. And in the end, amending the constitution will not be successful. The principle is that both sides should talk and cooperate. It shouldn’t be a one-party affair. It’s what the people want to see. It’s not that different people do different things. At the moment it seems to be moving forward in one direction. I’m afraid it won’t be successful.

‘What we cannot touch is democracy with the King as Head of State. Including the form of a kingdom that is a single state. This is already prohibited in my personal opinion. In the general section, Section 4, which concerns human rights and freedom, and Section 5, which the law cannot conflict with or contradict with
the Constitution. The meaning is that we have to talk about cause and effect. Therefore, what kind of question would it be if the government and the opposition could talk to each other that would be most beneficial?’ ‘ Mr. Parinya said.

As for the number of people coming to vote in the referendum, it must be more than half, which will be an obstacle. To amend the constitution or not? Mr. Parinya said Using people’s voting rights, most recently 74% of eligible voters which sees that half the opportunity already exists If everyone is of the same opinion that it is time for a new draft. But if the government and the opposition still differ by 50%, it may be difficult, which is the design of the referendum. That is, there must be more than half of the votes of the people who come to vote. What will the minimum be? It is a matter that can be discussed. The government and the opposition must discuss. But if the conditions are high will cause problems It’s not a problem with the question itself. But the problem is
the difference of opinion between the government and the opposition. And the draft amendment will not reach the House of Representatives. If the government and the opposition still have different opinions

‘The question is, will they be able to talk to each other? It is something that people expect and want to see. And hope to be able to move forward, 2-3 rounds of the referendum will not be a problem. Because we expect to see the constitution if there is a new draft. It should be the last time. The constitution that will be final must belong to the people. Not the government or the opposition. Therefore, the starting point for success is the government and the opposition. We have to talk and find a solution together, but if we continue to move forward like this, it will be difficult to succeed,’ Mr. Parinya said.

Source: Thai News Agency

Hanoi: Acting State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on April 24 hosted a reception for Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio who came to bid farewell to her.

Congratulating Yamada on his successful tenure, Xuan spoke highly of his efforts to bolster the Vietnam – Japan relations in various domains.

She described the time-honoured ties as a foundation for the two Governments and peoples to overcome formidable challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanked the Japanese diplomat for taking bold steps to get the Japanese Government to give COVID-19 vaccine and medical equipment support to Vietnam.

Xuan went on to say that political trust between the two countries has been increasingly consolidated, with the highlight being the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Welcoming the ambassador’s coordination to organise and preside over many activities marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations, Xuan said that the opera Pri
ncess Anio staged by Yamada helped the two peoples get a deeper insight into the time-tested relations.

She expressed her delight at the deep and practical cooperation across economy and trade, adding Japan has maintained its position as a leading economic partner of Vietnam for years and the two countries are expanding collaboration in such new areas as high technology, semiconductor, and IT.

Regarding people-to-people exchange, Xuan said the Vietnamese community in Japan has been growing and become the second largest foreign community there with more than 520,000 members, while there are around 23,000 Japanese nationals in Vietnam.

According to Xuan, they have an important role to play in promoting and maintaining the strong bonds between the two nations.

She expressed her hope that with his experience, understanding of, and sentiment for Vietnam, the ambassador will continue contributing to the bilateral relations, especially in the fields of economy, investment, human resources training, people-to-peo
ple exchange, and tourism development.

Yamada, for his part, laid a stress on the robust cooperative ties over the past years which he said have been developed on the basis of the two nations’ similarities in culture and history.

The Japanese Government is interested in innovation – the area that Vietnam is pioritising, he said, suggesting the two countries work together in the field in the coming time.

He affirmed that he will make his utmost efforts to back the development of the Vietnam – Japan friendship, helping deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

House, Permanent Secretary of the Treasury Specify the national bank to send the letter to The Cabinet reviews digital wallets without any hiccups, pointing out that they are old proposals. Move forward according to the original plan

Mr. Lawan Saengsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Revealed after meeting with Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. By giving an interview about the case Mr. Setthaput Suthiwat Narueput Governor of the Bank of Thailand Send a letter to the Cabinet (Cabinet) to review and make observations on the project. Top up digital wallet 10,000 baht that the Governor of the Bank of Thailand can give his opinion. Both agree and have objections. which we listen to And yesterday’s Cabinet meeting (April 23) considered the issue of principles. and steps to take from now on But the regulations and laws that must be implemented accordingly? and stated that the opinion of the Governor of the Bank of Thailand This did not cause the project to falter. And n
ow there is still time to consider. After this, we must begin to proceed. Because it has already been approved in principle.

As for the opinions of the Governor of the Bank of Thailand which came out to indicate that Request that the target group be reduced to only the vulnerable group with low incomes, approximately 15 million people, will this proposal be taken into consideration or not? Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance stated that The Governor of the Bank of Thailand Have given opinions like this since the beginning. until passed the consideration of the Policy Committee Project to top up 10,000 baht via digital wallet, which group is suitable? which has already gone through all those steps What the Governor of the Bank of Thailand commented on was the same suggestion that he had always made at the meeting. Nothing is a new issue. At the meeting, the Bank of Thailand’s concerns were already clarified.

When asked whether there would be another clarification to the Bank of Thailand, Mr. Lawan
confirmed the original statement that This has already been explained to the Bank of Thailand. and BoT Governor will not be able to attend the meeting I think there shouldn’t be any problem. Because we consider the form of a committee The Governor of the Bank of Thailand is also a member of the committee. And the other 20 committee members did not have this opinion, confirming that the digital wallet project Will continue according to the original plan as approved by the Cabinet.

As for the Council of State, there will be an interpretation. Is it related to the concerns of the Bank of Thailand?? Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance said it was not relevant. It’s a matter of Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives or BAAC, which is considered new. by the minister He ordered that this must be done carefully. On the issue that we see is unclear. The decree is to be consulted on legal matters. At this time, the matter has not been submitted to the Royal Decree at all. Ready to specify that U
sing the 2025 budget from the BAAC according to Section 28 will be able to be implemented this October. It is considered that there is still time.

Source: Thai News Agency