Etihad Airways has joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), an airline-led industry working group established in 2008 to accelerate the commercialisation and availability of sustainable biofuels.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: ““Etihad recognises the need for step-changes in aviation to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and meet our industry’s carbon reduction goal. We also recognise that any fuel alternatives must be morally, socially and environmentally acceptable, while not compromising the future sustainability of the aviation industry.”
SAFUG members are bound by stringent criteria for the development of non fossil fuels, including the following:
The development of plant sources must be undertaken in a manner that is non-competitive with food, with biodiversity impacts minimised and without jeopardizing drinking water supplies. The total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from plant growth, harvesting, processing and end-use should be significantly less than that from fossil sources. In developing economies, development projects should include provisions or outcomes that improve socio-economic conditions for small-scale farmers and their families and that do not require the involuntary displacement of local populations. High conservation value areas and native eco-systems should not be cleared and converted for jet fuel plant source development.
Each SAFUG member has pledged to work through the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), a global multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of leading environmental organizations, financiers, biofuel developers, biofuel-interested petroleum companies, the transportation sector, developing-world poverty alleviation associations, research entities, and governments.
“Abu Dhabi, our home base, has itself made a strong commitment towards sustainability and in the promotion of renewable energy through the establishment of Masdar City, which will the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency,” Mr Hogan said.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Google is first to offer seamless integration of transit and traffic information of Bangkok on Google Maps to help travelers get around faster and eas
Partnering with all major Bangkok transport agencies, Google is the only organization that provides walking and driving directions, public transit route planning and traffic information in one easy-to-use platform
Bangkok, November 25, 2009 - What do 1.7 million daily public transit riders per day. Combined total of BTS, MRT and BMTA passengers per day. And over 5 million motorists in Bangkok have in common? They can now use Google Maps to plan their trips around the city through a unique collaboration between Google and the following land transportation organizations in Bangkok: Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) and Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT). Mapping, directions and route planning for the various forms of land transportation in Bangkok - from our own two feet to buses, trains and cars - are now all available for free in Thai on Google Maps. Transit and traffic information are also available on mobile devices with Google Maps for Mobile, so commuters and motorists can check the latest updates on their cellphones to make route changes on-the-go.
Today at Siam Square, overlooking one of Bangkok's busiest transportation hubs, Wisit Wongsaroj, Head of the office of Information Technology, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Kobkul Mothana, Director-technology information, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Arkom Baramichai, Chief Administrative Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS), Witoon Hatairatana Marketing and Commercial Development Division Director, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT), Andrew McGlinchey, Head of Product Management, Google Southeast Asia, and Pornthip Kongchun, Thailand Marketing Head, Google Southeast Asia, launched this new service, which can be accessed through Google Maps at maps.google.co.th/transport.
Under this collaboration, Google is the first organization to officially receive bus/train schedules, locations and routes from the BMTA, BTS and MRT. Google also worked with the OTP to integrate live traffic data into the popular and familiar user interface of Google Maps. None of the local partners are incurring any costs for the partnership with Google.
Whether a private car owner switching to go by bus or BTS or MRT, or a public transit rider choosing to drive or take a taxi, or even one of 10 million international visitors Office of Tourism Development, Thailand who land in Bangkok each year finding their way around, the Bangkok public can now use Google Maps to plan their routes and make an informed decision on the quickest and most convenient way to reach their destinations. Each time a Google Maps user requests driving directions, the user will also be given the opportunity to plan the same trip using public transit which is very useful when the traffic route is highlighted as red or heavy congestion.
"Each day, millions of commuters travel the streets of Bangkok using BMTA buses. With the launch of transit information on Google Maps for Bangkok with step-by-step instructions in Thai, it is now even easier to go green and take public transportation around the city. We are delighted to be collaborating with Google and our other local partners to provide residents and visitors in Bangkok a comprehensive, easy-to-use trip planner that links BMTA buses to the rest of the city's other public transit options," said Wisit Wongsaroj, Head of the office of Information Technology, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).
"Our office is excited to have worked closely with Google to make it easy for Bangkok motorists to access current traffic conditions on their computers or mobile phones," said Kobkul Mothana, Director-technology information, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP). "In accordance with our mission to ensure an efficient transportation system in Thailand, we believe that the traffic layer on Google Maps will help drivers in Bangkok save on commuting time and expenses by letting them plan their travel routes in advance or change them on-the-go to avoid congested areas."
"This year marks our 10th anniversary of operations in Bangkok and we are pleased to be joining Google and our other transportation colleagues in announcing the availability of transit information on Google Maps," said Arkom Baramichai, Chief Administrative Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS). "The train routes and schedules from BTS have been integrated into the transit information on Google Maps to better inform Bangkok commuters about which mode of transportation to use on any given day. We hope that everyone in Bangkok uses the tool in order to make their daily commutes easier."
"Our mission has always been to provide mass transit services to the public that are safe, fast, reliable and punctual. This transit feature integrates MRT data on Google Maps to enhance commuters' experience by making it easy for them to plan their trips across multiple forms of public transit. Whether it's trying to get to the Thai Cultural Center on Rajadapisek road or grabbing a bite to eat at Japanese restaurant near Silom Station, Google Maps will help commuters get to their destinations as quickly as possible," said Witoon Hatairatana Marketing and Commercial Development Division Director, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT).
"Google's goal is to bring accurate, comprehensive land transport information from OTP, BMTA, BTS and MRT together on a global mapping platform for easy access, search and use on PCs or mobile phones by millions of Bangkok residents and Google Maps users around the world," said Pornthip. “Google is currently the only organization that has combined all the forms of land transportation in Bangkok into one easy-to-use Thai interface. We're very excited to be launching this service today in Bangkok and we hope that residents and visitors to the city, whether they are traveling by foot, bus, train or car will find it helpful in getting to their destinations."
Google Maps for Mobile offers transit, traffic and driving information on-the-go
Google Maps for Mobile extends the dynamic search capabilities of Google Maps to mobile phones, allowing anyone in Thailand to locate addresses and navigate maps while on the go. Google Maps for Mobile also has the My Location feature, which shows your location on the map even if your phone does not have GPS, and lets you look up business listings in relation to where you are (e.g. type "restaurants" into the map search box and it will display nearby restaurants).
When in Bangkok, users can now also use the traffic and transit features in Google Maps for Mobile to plan their travel while on the move. Google Maps for Mobile is free to download on your phone at http://m.google.co.th/maps. It also comes pre-installed on many web-enabled handsets. The services on Google Maps for Mobile are free; however, standard mobile data fees charged by the telecoms carriers will apply.
About Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP)
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Ministry of Transport, is responsible for recommending policies and formulating transport, traffic and transport safety plans in line with master plans for policy integration purposes
About Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA)
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) was established by a Royal Decree Establishing the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, B.E. 2519. Beginning operations the following October, the BMTA undertook to provide bus service to commuters in six provinces, i.e. Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan.
About Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS)
BTSC operates one of the safest and most punctual mass transit systems in the region, and plays a crucial role in helping to ease Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams while providing an environmentally friendly transport alternative for Bangkok’s commuters.
About Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT)
MRT: safe, fast, convenience, trustworthy, and punctual
About Google Inc.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.google.co.th.
Google and Google AdWords are registered trademarks of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
Bangkok, November 25, 2009 - What do 1.7 million daily public transit riders per day. Combined total of BTS, MRT and BMTA passengers per day. And over 5 million motorists in Bangkok have in common? They can now use Google Maps to plan their trips around the city through a unique collaboration between Google and the following land transportation organizations in Bangkok: Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) and Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT). Mapping, directions and route planning for the various forms of land transportation in Bangkok - from our own two feet to buses, trains and cars - are now all available for free in Thai on Google Maps. Transit and traffic information are also available on mobile devices with Google Maps for Mobile, so commuters and motorists can check the latest updates on their cellphones to make route changes on-the-go.
Today at Siam Square, overlooking one of Bangkok's busiest transportation hubs, Wisit Wongsaroj, Head of the office of Information Technology, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Kobkul Mothana, Director-technology information, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Arkom Baramichai, Chief Administrative Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS), Witoon Hatairatana Marketing and Commercial Development Division Director, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT), Andrew McGlinchey, Head of Product Management, Google Southeast Asia, and Pornthip Kongchun, Thailand Marketing Head, Google Southeast Asia, launched this new service, which can be accessed through Google Maps at maps.google.co.th/transport.
Under this collaboration, Google is the first organization to officially receive bus/train schedules, locations and routes from the BMTA, BTS and MRT. Google also worked with the OTP to integrate live traffic data into the popular and familiar user interface of Google Maps. None of the local partners are incurring any costs for the partnership with Google.
Whether a private car owner switching to go by bus or BTS or MRT, or a public transit rider choosing to drive or take a taxi, or even one of 10 million international visitors Office of Tourism Development, Thailand who land in Bangkok each year finding their way around, the Bangkok public can now use Google Maps to plan their routes and make an informed decision on the quickest and most convenient way to reach their destinations. Each time a Google Maps user requests driving directions, the user will also be given the opportunity to plan the same trip using public transit which is very useful when the traffic route is highlighted as red or heavy congestion.
"Each day, millions of commuters travel the streets of Bangkok using BMTA buses. With the launch of transit information on Google Maps for Bangkok with step-by-step instructions in Thai, it is now even easier to go green and take public transportation around the city. We are delighted to be collaborating with Google and our other local partners to provide residents and visitors in Bangkok a comprehensive, easy-to-use trip planner that links BMTA buses to the rest of the city's other public transit options," said Wisit Wongsaroj, Head of the office of Information Technology, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).
"Our office is excited to have worked closely with Google to make it easy for Bangkok motorists to access current traffic conditions on their computers or mobile phones," said Kobkul Mothana, Director-technology information, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP). "In accordance with our mission to ensure an efficient transportation system in Thailand, we believe that the traffic layer on Google Maps will help drivers in Bangkok save on commuting time and expenses by letting them plan their travel routes in advance or change them on-the-go to avoid congested areas."
"This year marks our 10th anniversary of operations in Bangkok and we are pleased to be joining Google and our other transportation colleagues in announcing the availability of transit information on Google Maps," said Arkom Baramichai, Chief Administrative Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS). "The train routes and schedules from BTS have been integrated into the transit information on Google Maps to better inform Bangkok commuters about which mode of transportation to use on any given day. We hope that everyone in Bangkok uses the tool in order to make their daily commutes easier."
"Our mission has always been to provide mass transit services to the public that are safe, fast, reliable and punctual. This transit feature integrates MRT data on Google Maps to enhance commuters' experience by making it easy for them to plan their trips across multiple forms of public transit. Whether it's trying to get to the Thai Cultural Center on Rajadapisek road or grabbing a bite to eat at Japanese restaurant near Silom Station, Google Maps will help commuters get to their destinations as quickly as possible," said Witoon Hatairatana Marketing and Commercial Development Division Director, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT).
"Google's goal is to bring accurate, comprehensive land transport information from OTP, BMTA, BTS and MRT together on a global mapping platform for easy access, search and use on PCs or mobile phones by millions of Bangkok residents and Google Maps users around the world," said Pornthip. “Google is currently the only organization that has combined all the forms of land transportation in Bangkok into one easy-to-use Thai interface. We're very excited to be launching this service today in Bangkok and we hope that residents and visitors to the city, whether they are traveling by foot, bus, train or car will find it helpful in getting to their destinations."
Google Maps for Mobile offers transit, traffic and driving information on-the-go
Google Maps for Mobile extends the dynamic search capabilities of Google Maps to mobile phones, allowing anyone in Thailand to locate addresses and navigate maps while on the go. Google Maps for Mobile also has the My Location feature, which shows your location on the map even if your phone does not have GPS, and lets you look up business listings in relation to where you are (e.g. type "restaurants" into the map search box and it will display nearby restaurants).
When in Bangkok, users can now also use the traffic and transit features in Google Maps for Mobile to plan their travel while on the move. Google Maps for Mobile is free to download on your phone at http://m.google.co.th/maps. It also comes pre-installed on many web-enabled handsets. The services on Google Maps for Mobile are free; however, standard mobile data fees charged by the telecoms carriers will apply.
About Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP)
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Ministry of Transport, is responsible for recommending policies and formulating transport, traffic and transport safety plans in line with master plans for policy integration purposes
About Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA)
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) was established by a Royal Decree Establishing the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, B.E. 2519. Beginning operations the following October, the BMTA undertook to provide bus service to commuters in six provinces, i.e. Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan.
About Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS)
BTSC operates one of the safest and most punctual mass transit systems in the region, and plays a crucial role in helping to ease Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams while providing an environmentally friendly transport alternative for Bangkok’s commuters.
About Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited, Metro Operator (MRT)
MRT: safe, fast, convenience, trustworthy, and punctual
About Google Inc.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.google.co.th.
Google and Google AdWords are registered trademarks of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
Friday, November 20, 2009
TNT steps up presence With new Penang International Gateway facility
TNT, one of the world’s leading providers of integrated express services, has increased its presence in Malaysia with the opening of a new facility today – The TNT Penang International Gateway. Located at Kompleks Kargo Kedua, next to the airport runway, the integrated air and road facility – the first in northern Malaysia - will improve the transit times of goods passing through Penang and will increase the company’s capability to handle a greater volume of goods. The new facility will provide significant opportunities and benefits businesses in the hi-tech industry, specifically the electronic, computing, telecommunications and semi-con sectors.
TNT’s Penang International Gateway was officially opened today by Y.A.B. Mr Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang. Y.A.B. Mr Lim said, “The fact that TNT is investing in yet another facility in Penang despite the challenging economic times is a big confidence boost to doing business in Penang and also Malaysia. The electrical and electronics industry is a key pillar of Malaysia’s economy and forms a significant portion of Penang’s total trade . TNT’s top-notch services and the attention it pays to providing a high level of security meets the demands of the industry especially in North Malaysia.”
Speaking at the official ceremony, Onno Boots, Regional Managing Director for TNT Southeast Asia and India said, “It is important for TNT to stay nimble and adaptable during these challenging times but also to stay focused on further developing our infrastructure and integrated air-and-road networks in the region. The opening of our Penang Gateway facility is yet another demonstration of our commitment to grow in Malaysia and the region. We understand the needs of our customers especially in the hi-tech sector and want to offer them the most cost-effective supply chain solutions for their business.’
Alan Miu, Managing Director of TNT in Thailand said, “The new Penang TNT facility provides an important and timely boost to our already well established Asia Road Network (ARN) of which TNT Thailand is an integral part. With direct road links to Thailand it reduces transit times for our in and out bound services through Malaysia by a whole day, enabling us to offer our ARN customers an even speedier service.”
TNT’s Penang International Gateway was officially opened today by Y.A.B. Mr Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang. Y.A.B. Mr Lim said, “The fact that TNT is investing in yet another facility in Penang despite the challenging economic times is a big confidence boost to doing business in Penang and also Malaysia. The electrical and electronics industry is a key pillar of Malaysia’s economy and forms a significant portion of Penang’s total trade . TNT’s top-notch services and the attention it pays to providing a high level of security meets the demands of the industry especially in North Malaysia.”
Speaking at the official ceremony, Onno Boots, Regional Managing Director for TNT Southeast Asia and India said, “It is important for TNT to stay nimble and adaptable during these challenging times but also to stay focused on further developing our infrastructure and integrated air-and-road networks in the region. The opening of our Penang Gateway facility is yet another demonstration of our commitment to grow in Malaysia and the region. We understand the needs of our customers especially in the hi-tech sector and want to offer them the most cost-effective supply chain solutions for their business.’
Alan Miu, Managing Director of TNT in Thailand said, “The new Penang TNT facility provides an important and timely boost to our already well established Asia Road Network (ARN) of which TNT Thailand is an integral part. With direct road links to Thailand it reduces transit times for our in and out bound services through Malaysia by a whole day, enabling us to offer our ARN customers an even speedier service.”
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NEW PHETCHABURI BOOMS WITH AIRPORT LINK
Bangkok property firm Fragrant Property says a survey of property and land prices on New Phetchaburi Road has shown that prices there have risen steadily, thanks to the development of public utilities and transport.
It says the increases have resulted from the expansion of real estate business away from Sukhumvit and Sathorn roads, which are considered to be Bangkok's central business district, because property prices have soared in these areas despite the economic crisis.
CEO James Duan said land prices in the central business district had been sharply adjusted upwards with no tendency to decline despite the economic conditions. The amount of available land is rather limited and most of it is held by private owners who will not rush to sell until the price is high enough.
Therefore, project-development expansion has moved into neighbouring places, especially those with convenient transportation. For example, the price of land on Makkasan Road stood at Bt200,000 per square wah in 2006 and has now risen to Bt300,000 per square wah. In some places, particularly near Airport Rail Link stations, the price is even higher.
The company's survey found that five condominiums, together worth Bt13 million, will be built on New Phetchaburi Road between the Makkasan intersection and Klong Tan intersection. Some have already been launched and others are in the development process and are expected to be completed before the end of 2012.
The projects will offer a total of 2,755 units with prices starting at Bt1.8 million. The price per square metre ranges from Bt79,000 to Bt110,000.
Earlier, property experts and analysts revealed that demand for land along the Airport Rail Link route was very active, resulting in rising land prices, particularly on New Phetchaburi Road between the Makkasan intersection and the Asoke-New Phetchaburi intersection.
Developments in this area are not restricted to residential projects, but include hotel projects serving tourists and investors. Negotiations are in progress for several land plots and it is believed that there will be at least 1,500 residential units developed in the area in the next one or two years.
"Regarding condominium prices in this area, it was found that projects near to train stations, Makkasan station and Asoke intersection, have higher prices than others," Duan said.
"Although some people remark that New Phetchaburi Road is full of old commercial buildings and entertainment clubs, it should be pointed out that five new projects are aimed at high-end customers and the response to project launches has been good.
"Therefore, we expect that the image of New Phetchaburi Road will change, especially when the Airport Rail Link opens in the middle of next year," he said.
It says the increases have resulted from the expansion of real estate business away from Sukhumvit and Sathorn roads, which are considered to be Bangkok's central business district, because property prices have soared in these areas despite the economic crisis.
CEO James Duan said land prices in the central business district had been sharply adjusted upwards with no tendency to decline despite the economic conditions. The amount of available land is rather limited and most of it is held by private owners who will not rush to sell until the price is high enough.
Therefore, project-development expansion has moved into neighbouring places, especially those with convenient transportation. For example, the price of land on Makkasan Road stood at Bt200,000 per square wah in 2006 and has now risen to Bt300,000 per square wah. In some places, particularly near Airport Rail Link stations, the price is even higher.
The company's survey found that five condominiums, together worth Bt13 million, will be built on New Phetchaburi Road between the Makkasan intersection and Klong Tan intersection. Some have already been launched and others are in the development process and are expected to be completed before the end of 2012.
The projects will offer a total of 2,755 units with prices starting at Bt1.8 million. The price per square metre ranges from Bt79,000 to Bt110,000.
Earlier, property experts and analysts revealed that demand for land along the Airport Rail Link route was very active, resulting in rising land prices, particularly on New Phetchaburi Road between the Makkasan intersection and the Asoke-New Phetchaburi intersection.
Developments in this area are not restricted to residential projects, but include hotel projects serving tourists and investors. Negotiations are in progress for several land plots and it is believed that there will be at least 1,500 residential units developed in the area in the next one or two years.
"Regarding condominium prices in this area, it was found that projects near to train stations, Makkasan station and Asoke intersection, have higher prices than others," Duan said.
"Although some people remark that New Phetchaburi Road is full of old commercial buildings and entertainment clubs, it should be pointed out that five new projects are aimed at high-end customers and the response to project launches has been good.
"Therefore, we expect that the image of New Phetchaburi Road will change, especially when the Airport Rail Link opens in the middle of next year," he said.
Green fund plans win approval
The cabinet yesterday approved in principle investment plans for low-carbon technologies proposed by the Finance Ministry that would use funding from the World Bank's Clean Technology Fund (CTF).
The investment plans are mainly for developing environment-friendly energy and for transport projects that reduce the use of fuel oil.
The World Bank has told the Thai government it would offer as much as US$300 million in credit to the public and private sectors, said Vachara Kannikar, a deputy government spokesman.
The CTF was set up by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and International Financial Corporation to provide funds mainly to support reductions in greenhouse gas impacts.
The cabinet yesterday also approved plans by state-owned companies including the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to borrow an additional $1.35 billion from overseas lenders to help finance infrastructure projects.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority will seek a loan of $563.9 million from the Japan International Co-operation Agency to finance an electric rail line, an the upgrade of its mobile-phone network to third-generation (3G) technology.
Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said the cabinet yesterday also gave a green light for the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives (BAAC)to set aside 60 billion baht in credit to help prop up rice prices during the current harvest.
Loans of 20 billion baht guaranteed by the Finance Ministry will be extended to the Marketing Organisation for Farmers and the Public Warehouse Organisation to buy rice directly from farmers. Another 20 billion baht in loans to rice millers will improve their liquidity on condition that they buy rice from farmers at prices set by the Commerce Ministry. The government will cover loan interest of 2% and the millers will pay loan interest at 2.75%.
The BAAC will set aside another 20 billion baht for a rice mortgaging scheme to help farmers who need money but prefer not to sell when prices are low.
The investment plans are mainly for developing environment-friendly energy and for transport projects that reduce the use of fuel oil.
The World Bank has told the Thai government it would offer as much as US$300 million in credit to the public and private sectors, said Vachara Kannikar, a deputy government spokesman.
The CTF was set up by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and International Financial Corporation to provide funds mainly to support reductions in greenhouse gas impacts.
The cabinet yesterday also approved plans by state-owned companies including the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to borrow an additional $1.35 billion from overseas lenders to help finance infrastructure projects.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority will seek a loan of $563.9 million from the Japan International Co-operation Agency to finance an electric rail line, an the upgrade of its mobile-phone network to third-generation (3G) technology.
Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said the cabinet yesterday also gave a green light for the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives (BAAC)to set aside 60 billion baht in credit to help prop up rice prices during the current harvest.
Loans of 20 billion baht guaranteed by the Finance Ministry will be extended to the Marketing Organisation for Farmers and the Public Warehouse Organisation to buy rice directly from farmers. Another 20 billion baht in loans to rice millers will improve their liquidity on condition that they buy rice from farmers at prices set by the Commerce Ministry. The government will cover loan interest of 2% and the millers will pay loan interest at 2.75%.
The BAAC will set aside another 20 billion baht for a rice mortgaging scheme to help farmers who need money but prefer not to sell when prices are low.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
SERVICES TO RESUME TODAY AS GOVT READY TO DEPLOY FORCES
All trains, including those on southern route, will resume normal operations today, as the government is ready to deploy police and military forces to end the five-day strike that has inconvenienced commuters and other travellers and disrupted goods shipments.
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) chairman Tawalyarat Onsira said workers at all main stations, apart from those in Hat Yai, had agreed to cooperate.
Patrol police will escort trains past Hat Yai, where most of the rebellious union members are stationed, to the southernmost station in Sungai Kolok, in Narathiwat province.
"The southern trains had been stopped at Surat Thani out of fear that when they reached Hat Yai, the locomotives would be seized by the workers there. To date, they have seized four locomotives. But tomorrow, the services will resume, as the government has to ease the troubles of commuters, particularly those riding on free trains," Tawalyarat said in a phone interview yesterday.
He said the SRT had the government's green light to resume services, as yielding to the union's demands would pose a long-term problem for nationwide train services.
He added that the authorities' filing of a charge on Monday had scared off the union, which did not in the event seize control of the country's main station at Hualamphong as it had threatened to do.
While stating that the trouble was partially caused by Sawit Kaewwan, the union leader who is also chairman of the SRT's savings cooperative, the state rairoad chief said the SRT was ready for damage claims from those inconvenienced by the strike.
Transport Minister Sophon Ssaram yesterday said on television that the ministry would use police and military force to seize the locomotives confiscated by the striking workers.
He also accused union leader Sawit of lying by stating that all the locomotives were in need of repair.
The Cabinet yesterday endorsed a revision of the SRT's recruitment rules, alloing the agency to hire retired drivers and 170 graduates from the train academy for a short period.
Sophon urged all drivers to return to work.
"Our policy is to seek compromise, but this depends on the rules. Service must be resumed, and then there can be negotiations. All drivers need to uphold their duty and cannot [in effect] take passengers hostage," he said.
He said since the accident in Prachuap Khiri Khan on October 4, the ministry had been ordered by the Cabinet to complete the SRT's restructuring plan within three weeks. He said a restructuring of the agency was essential.
PORTS REPORT DELAYS
Meanwhile, the Port Authority of Thailand reported the rail strike had led to delays in shipments destined for Klong Toei and Laem Chabang ports, as they were stuck at Surat Thani train station.
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning yesterday suggested the SRT be upgraded into a department of the Transport Ministry.
Deputy director Chula Sukmanop said the upgrade would lead to better management of the national railroad network, while its funding costs would be lower.
"[Due to its importance], the SRT should be like the Highways Department and the Airport Transport Department, as it is supposed to be the regulator and not just the operator of rail services," he said.
A study by the Thailand Development Research Institute showed the proposed railway department under the ministry should be responsible for development of rail infrastructure, as well as signalling, stations and other key components of the rail service.
It should also have subsidiaries for running the train service, property management and so on.
In the next stage, the government should invite private firms to form joint ventures to run the rail service, the study said.
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) chairman Tawalyarat Onsira said workers at all main stations, apart from those in Hat Yai, had agreed to cooperate.
Patrol police will escort trains past Hat Yai, where most of the rebellious union members are stationed, to the southernmost station in Sungai Kolok, in Narathiwat province.
"The southern trains had been stopped at Surat Thani out of fear that when they reached Hat Yai, the locomotives would be seized by the workers there. To date, they have seized four locomotives. But tomorrow, the services will resume, as the government has to ease the troubles of commuters, particularly those riding on free trains," Tawalyarat said in a phone interview yesterday.
He said the SRT had the government's green light to resume services, as yielding to the union's demands would pose a long-term problem for nationwide train services.
He added that the authorities' filing of a charge on Monday had scared off the union, which did not in the event seize control of the country's main station at Hualamphong as it had threatened to do.
While stating that the trouble was partially caused by Sawit Kaewwan, the union leader who is also chairman of the SRT's savings cooperative, the state rairoad chief said the SRT was ready for damage claims from those inconvenienced by the strike.
Transport Minister Sophon Ssaram yesterday said on television that the ministry would use police and military force to seize the locomotives confiscated by the striking workers.
He also accused union leader Sawit of lying by stating that all the locomotives were in need of repair.
The Cabinet yesterday endorsed a revision of the SRT's recruitment rules, alloing the agency to hire retired drivers and 170 graduates from the train academy for a short period.
Sophon urged all drivers to return to work.
"Our policy is to seek compromise, but this depends on the rules. Service must be resumed, and then there can be negotiations. All drivers need to uphold their duty and cannot [in effect] take passengers hostage," he said.
He said since the accident in Prachuap Khiri Khan on October 4, the ministry had been ordered by the Cabinet to complete the SRT's restructuring plan within three weeks. He said a restructuring of the agency was essential.
PORTS REPORT DELAYS
Meanwhile, the Port Authority of Thailand reported the rail strike had led to delays in shipments destined for Klong Toei and Laem Chabang ports, as they were stuck at Surat Thani train station.
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning yesterday suggested the SRT be upgraded into a department of the Transport Ministry.
Deputy director Chula Sukmanop said the upgrade would lead to better management of the national railroad network, while its funding costs would be lower.
"[Due to its importance], the SRT should be like the Highways Department and the Airport Transport Department, as it is supposed to be the regulator and not just the operator of rail services," he said.
A study by the Thailand Development Research Institute showed the proposed railway department under the ministry should be responsible for development of rail infrastructure, as well as signalling, stations and other key components of the rail service.
It should also have subsidiaries for running the train service, property management and so on.
In the next stage, the government should invite private firms to form joint ventures to run the rail service, the study said.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Magnificent seven
In the most important, most revered event since the invention of the brontosaurus trap,Microsoft shipped the most incredibly fabulous operating system ever made; the release of Windows 7 also spurred a new generation of personal computers of all sizes at prices well below last month's offers.The top reason Windows 7 does not suck: There is no registered website called Windows7Sucks.com
Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.
Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.
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