Digital wallet scheme coming in Q4: PM Srettha
泰國總理Srettha Thavisin:預計將在第四季推出數位錢包
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the government’s 500 billion baht digital wallet scheme, slated for rollout in the fourth quarter of this year. The initiative, spearheaded by the ruling Pheu Thai Party, aims to invigorate the economy by providing 10,000 baht to 50 million eligible Thais within six months for local spending. Mr. Srettha, also the finance minister, anticipates a GDP growth boost of 1.2 to 1.6 percentage points, emphasizing the necessity for substantial stimulus amidst sluggish economic performance.
Eligibility for the scheme targets Thais aged 16 and older earning below 70,000 baht monthly with less than 500,000 baht in their bank accounts. While initially intended for 56 million people, revised criteria lower the eligible count to an estimated 50 million. However, concerns linger over the scheme’s fiscal responsibility, prompting scrutiny from economists and former central bank governors over potential strain on public debt.
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/digital-wallet-scheme-coming-in-q4-says-srettha/ar-BB1lrkBS
Energy Absolute and Bangkok develop new green aviation fuel venture
Energy Absolute 與曼谷BAFS合作發展新的永續航空燃料項目。
Subsidiary EA Bio Innovation, in collaboration with BAFS, aims to develop sustainable fuel for turbine-engine aircraft, targeting the replacement of traditional jet A-1 fuel derived from fossil resources. With the potential to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can be sourced from materials like used cooking oil or agricultural waste, as outlined by Vasu Klomkliang, EA’s executive vice-president. Anticipating production to commence in the first quarter of next year, EA plans to initially produce 130 tonnes of SAF daily using raw materials such as used cooking oil and palm fatty acid, with a portion of its 2024 investment budget, totaling 14 billion baht, allocated for this development.
Despite significant interest from oil and aviation sectors, formal purchase agreements for SAF are yet to be finalized, revealed by Mr. Vasu, reflecting the ongoing negotiations with potential buyers.
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/new-green-aviation-fuel-venture-formed/ar-BB1lmZwW
小編點評：Energy Absolute的子公司EA Bio Innovation正在與曼谷航空燃料服務（BAFS）合作，從廢食用油和農業廢棄物等來源生產永續航空燃料（SAF）。儘管業界對此表現出濃厚的興趣，但有關SAF的正式購買協議仍在談判中，預計將利用EA 2024年的140億泰銖投資預算之一，在明年第一季度開始生產。
Absolute Clean Energy starts offering net-zero solutions
泰國Absolute Clean Energy開啟推動淨零解決方案
Efforts to combat global warming have motivated Absolute Clean Energy (ACE) to transition into a net-zero solution provider, leveraging the rising demand for clean energy. Recognizing the significance of achieving net-zero targets, ACE plans to expand its services by selling renewable energy certificates (RECs) and offering carbon dioxide reduction advice to clients, particularly targeting large multinational companies interested in building data centers in Thailand. With 23 power plants already in operation, ACE aims to further its renewable energy initiatives by allocating 20 billion baht to finance 66 new renewable power plant projects secured through state auctions, underlining its commitment to clean energy development.
Meanwhile, subsidiary EA Bio Innovation, in collaboration with BAFS, is venturing into the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to replace conventional jet fuel derived from fossil resources. With an expected production launch in the first quarter of next year, EA plans to produce 130 tonnes of SAF daily using raw materials such as used cooking oil and palm fatty acid, allocating part of its 2024 investment budget of 14 billion baht for this purpose. Although EA has received interest from oil and aviation businesses for purchasing SAF, formal agreements are yet to be finalized, highlighting ongoing negotiations with potential buyers.
https://ground.news/article/ace-becomes-a-provider-of-net-zero-solutions
小編點評：Absolute Clean Energy（ACE）正在調整其業務重心，成為一家淨零解決方案提供商，向跨國企業提供可再生能源證書（RECs）和減少二氧化碳排放的建議，尤其專注於那些計劃在泰國建立數據中心項目的企業。同時，Energy Absolute（EA）的子公司EA Bio Innovation正在與曼谷航空燃料服務（BAFS）合作，從廢食用油和棕櫚脂肪酸等來源開發永續航空燃料（SAF），預計明年第一季度開始生產。
VAT now applied to all imported goods
泰國總理Srettha Thavisin: 所有進口貨物實施7%的增值稅（VAT）
Following a directive from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the government is poised to implement a 7% value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods valued at one baht or more, starting in May. Currently, goods imported to Thailand and sold for less than 1,500 baht per parcel are exempt from VAT.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat revealed progress in finalizing relevant legislation during the weekly cabinet meeting, affirming that the Finance Ministry and Revenue Department are in the process of completing legislation on VAT collection, expected to be finalized by May. Mr. Julapun reiterated the Prime Minister’s emphasis on the necessity of VAT collection for goods valued less than 1,500 baht per parcel, highlighting the anticipated increase in government tax revenue resulting from this initiative.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2769869/all-imported-goods-now-face-vat
小編點評： 根據泰國總理Srettha Thavisin的指示，泰國政府將自5月起對價值一泰銖或以上的所有進口貨物實施7%的增值稅（VAT）。財政副部長Julapun Amornvivat在內閣會議上確認了立法發展的進展，並強調了對之前在1500泰銖門檻下免稅的貨物擴大增值稅覆蓋範圍所帶來的預期增稅收入。
Thailand eager to partake in chip frenzy
泰國積極參與半導體熱潮
Thailand aims to bolster foreign investment in advanced semiconductor production this year, signaling growing interest from companies in China and Taiwan seeking to mitigate geopolitical risks. According to the Board of Investment (BoI), these investments, particularly in printed circuit boards, are expected to bring advanced technology clusters to Thailand’s manufacturing landscape, leveraging the country’s robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and tax incentives.
In 2023, total semiconductor production investment in Thailand amounted to 800 billion baht, with recent investments such as Sony Device Technology (Thailand) (SDT) injecting 2.3 billion baht into its new semiconductor fabrication building. SDT’s decision to establish this facility in Thailand, driven by geopolitical considerations and the nation’s cost advantages and skilled labor force, highlights the country’s attractiveness as a manufacturing hub. The new facility, slated to commence production of laser diodes by mid-year and image sensors for automotive applications next year, is expected to significantly boost employment, with plans to add 2,000 employees within three years, emphasizing the importance of the automotive sector and data centers in Thailand’s economy.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/investment/2767123/thailand-keen-to-join-the-chip-frenzy
小編點評：泰國積極尋求增加對先進半導體生產的外國投資，重點是吸引來自中國和台灣的公司，以減輕地緣政治風險。近期的投資，如Sony設備技術（泰國）的新半導體製造建築，突顯了泰國作為製造業中心的吸引力，這得益於成本優勢、熟練勞動力和戰略地理考慮等因素。
Vietnamese business raises $1.5 million for sand battery solution that reduces carbon emissions
越南企業籌集了150萬美元，用於研發沙電池解決方案，以降低碳排放
Vietnamese startup Alternō has secured US$1.5 million in an oversubscribed funding round, spearheaded by The Radical Fund and Touchstone Partners, with additional support from Antler, Impact Square, and international grants. This funding injection aims to propel the development of sand-based batteries tailored for agricultural energy storage, aligning with the company’s mission to combat carbon emissions.
Alternō’s innovative thermal energy storage solution utilizes patented sand battery technology, offering a sustainable alternative for agricultural operations. By leveraging insulated sand embedded with customized heat-conducting tubes, the solution addresses various agricultural needs such as drying, warming, or heating, presenting a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional grid energy and lithium-ion batteries. With the agricultural sector’s increasing demand for thermal energy, driven by climate change impacts, the urgency of adopting clean energy solutions underscores the significance of Alternō’s endeavor in curbing carbon emissions.
Additionally, Alternō is progressing its sand battery systems for industrial applications, offering capacities from 250 kWh to 1.8 MWh. This development holds the potential for significant energy conservation and yearly reductions in carbon emissions for farms and agricultural enterprises globally.
小編點評： 越南初創公司Alternō籌集了150萬美元的資金，以進一步發展其針對農業能量儲存量身定制的基於沙的電池解決方案，旨在降低碳排放。這款創新的熱能儲存系統為傳統電網能源和鋰電池提供了永續的替代方案，應對農業部門對清潔能源解決方案需求不斷增加的情況。
Nordic firms interested in investing in Vietnam due to its net-zero commitment
由於越南政府對淨零行動表示承諾，北歐企業展現了對投資越南的高度興趣
SEB, the largest Nordic bank headquartered in Sweden, recently selected Hanoi as the venue for its annual conference catering to Nordic business leaders, underscoring Vietnam’s appeal to European investors, particularly in renewable energy, green business, and human resources sectors. Following the event, Marcus Wallenberg, chairman of the SEB board of directors, expressed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that all 90 CEOs and directors in attendance exhibited optimism regarding business prospects in Vietnam.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, representing the Vietnamese government, outlined investment priorities and commitments to Nordic businesses during the conference. Wallenberg noted Vietnam’s determined growth trajectory, accompanied by essential reforms, yet emphasized the need for expediting investment license procedures and facilitating foreign enterprises’ understanding of the investment process. Notably, approximately half of the participating businesses lacked existing operations in Vietnam, signifying a growing interest in exploring the country’s business landscape and engaging in dialogue on various topics, including Vietnam’s capabilities and challenges.
小編點評： 受到越南淨零承諾的啟發，北歐企業對在該國投資越來越感興趣，特別是在可再生能源和綠色商業領域。瑞典銀行（SEB）選擇在河內舉行其年度會議，反映了歐洲投資者對越南商業前景的樂觀情緒。在活動期間，副總理陳劉光大概述了對北歐企業的投資重點和承諾。
Indonesia all set to host 7th Global Conference
印尼已準備好主辦第七屆全球會議
The International ESG Association, in collaboration with several esteemed organizations including the Center for Environmental, Social, and Governance Studies (CESGS) and Universitas Airlangga, is co-organizing the 7th Global Conference: ESG Management & Sustainability in Indonesia. Scheduled from August 6th to 8th, 2024, at the ASEEC Tower in Surabaya, the conference aims to address critical environmental challenges and promote sustainable business practices through inclusive discussions and expert sessions, engaging a diverse, international audience.
Indonesia, being particularly vulnerable to the severe impacts of climate change, faces rising temperatures, sea level rise, and frequent natural disasters. With a significant portion of its population residing in coastal areas, the threat of flooding and inundation looms large. In response, CESGS and Universitas Airlangga have joined forces to organize this conference, with the support of the International ESG Association, the APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program, and Korea University’s ESG Institute. The event seeks to convene global experts to address environmental concerns and foster sustainable solutions, featuring distinguished speakers such as Professor Yong Sik Ok, co-president of IESGA and Chair/Director of the APRU SWM Program.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040745
小編點評：第七屆ESG管理與永續發展全球大會將於2024年8月6日至8日在印尼泗水舉行，由國際ESG協會、CESGS和愛爾蘭加大學組織。由於印尼面臨嚴重的氣候變化影響，包括溫度上升和海平面上升，該大會旨在透過廣泛性討論和專家會議，促進永續的商業實踐，並應對關鍵的環境挑戰。