Thai Press Reports articles from October 2008, page 2

Thai Press Reports archives from October 2008

Vietnam: 1.7 million people still illiterate in Vietnam.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Accounting for 235,000 out of total 1.7 million illiterates, Hanoi topped the list of unlettered people nationwide, announced the Ministry of Education and Training. Of the number in Hanoi, over 220,000 people live...

Mongolia/Vietnam: Vietnam, Mongolia want to expand cooperation.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - State President Nguyen Minh Triet, his spouse and entourage arrived in Ulan Bator, starting their official visit to Mongolia at the invitation of President Nambaryn Enkhbayar. At 10 AM (local time), President...

Vietnam: Steel export tax reduced to zero.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News - The Ministry of Finance decided on October 28 to readjust the export tax rate applied for some iron and steel products. Accordingly, the tax rate imposed on iron and steel products in the sub-group 7204.50.00.00...

Vietnam: USAIDS helps the handicapped in Da Nang.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The United State Agency for International Development (USAID) recently announced a donation of US $1 million through three separate projects with a view to assisting disabled people in the central city of Da Nang to...

Vietnam: Norway sponsors Phu Tho to improve environment.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Vietnam Red Cross and two partners, the Norway Red Cross and the international company Det Norske Veritas, signed on October 29 a cooperative memorandum on carrying out the project on clean water and environmental...

Vietnam/Cambodia: Cambodian Premier to visit Vietnam.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Cambodian Premier Samdech Akkak Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and his spouse will pay an official visit to Vietnam from November 4-5 at the invitation of PM Nguyen Tan Dung. - VGP

Vietnam: Vietnam shows enthusiasm at UNSC.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on October 29 held an open debate on "Women, peace and security" and a working session for the approval of a draft Resolution on the necessity to put an end to economic, trade...

Syria/Vietnam: Syria's sovereignty must be fully respected.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Vietnam opposes the US's recent unilateral military attack on a farm in Syria's territory and territorial integrity of nations must be fully respected, said Mr. Le Dung, Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs....

Philippines: Philippines conducts side talks with other Gulf states for migrant workers' protection.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque today bared that the Philippine government has kicked-off initial talks with Gulf Coordinating Countries (GCCs) to protect and safeguard the rights of migrant Filipino...

United Arab Emirates: UAE crafting new law to protect migrant workers.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The interior ministry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is drafting new laws that will provide and strengthen protection against possible abuse and exploitation of migrant workers employed in that oil-rich Middle...

Philippines: Respect for human rights fundamental to migration, says IOM.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Thursday asserted that respect for human rights is a key element needed for migration and development. IOM director general William Lacy Swing, in his statement to...

Philippines: Philippines, India and UAE launch joint Pilot Project to administer temporary contractual workers.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Affirming to uphold the rights and welfare of migrant workers, the governments of the Philippines, India and the United Arab Emirates Thursday bound themselves together and launched a pilot project that aims to...

Philippines: DFA sets up GFMD-assistance unit.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - An administrative support unit exclusive to matters on the Global Forum for Migration and Development (GFMD) will be set up at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), according to DFA Undersecretary for...

Philippines: 'Diaspora bonds' proposed as financial aid to migrant workers.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - A roundtable of intergovernmental leaders on migration and development has recommended that so-called "diaspora bonds" be instituted to ensure the economic well-being of the migrant labor worldwide. This was...

Philippines: President Arroyo leads groundbreaking for P9-M Cebu State College of Science & Technology.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - As part of improving science and technology education in the country, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led Thursday the groundbreaking for a two-storey, eight-classroom academic building of the Cebu State College of...

Philippines: President Arroyo lauds new strategy to double farm production, increase farmers' income.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo congratulated today Dr. Romulo Davide of the University of the Philippines-Los Banos (UPLB) for helping corn farmers here double their production and income by using modern farming...

Philippines: President Arroyo signs into law credit information system Friday.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will sign into law Friday the Credit Information Act, or Republic Act (RA) 9510, that stands to ensure the credibility of credit standing borrowers. A priority bill certified as...

Philippines: PGMA bares formula for success before 2,000 Nat'l SK Congress delegates.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Use your energy and get involved in civic activities to make your dreams come true. This was the message of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to 2,000 delegates to the 2008 Sangguniang Kabataan National Congress...

Philippines: President Arroyo thanks UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for UN support to bring peace to Mindanao.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo thanked last night United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the support of the world body to the efforts of government to achieve a long-lasting peace and development in...

Philippines: Inter-governmental roundtable recommends ratification of labor conventions, setting up of "diaspora funds".
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Former Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, a roundtable general rapporteur at the intergovernmental meetings of the Second Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), this afternoon said her group recommended...

Philippines: DA allots P150-M to improve coffee yields.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated some P150 million to improve the Philippines' coffee production to reduce the country's dependence on imports. As a start, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap has...

Philippines: Angara urges SC to decide on Bolante's petition.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Senator Edgardo Angara on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to act swiftly on the petition filed by former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn Joc joc Bolante in order to put an end on the question on which forum has...

Philippines: SC junks with finality Querubin's petition.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed with finality the petition filed by Col. Ariel Querubin questioning the legality of the court-martial proceedings being conducted by the Judge Advocate General's Office (JAGO)...

Philippines: Sabio asks DOJ to junk De Borja's motion.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Suspended Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Jose Sabio Jr. has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss the motion filed by businessman Francis Roa De Borja in connection with the attempted P10 million...

Philippines: President Arroyo inaugurates P87-M Cebu City flyover.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated today the P87-million Banilad Flyover, one of the major infrastructure facilities here intended to decongest the monster traffic in the Banilad-Talamban business district....

Philippines: President Arroyo confers 'Order of Sikatuna' on UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-Moon.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last night conferred the Order of Sikatuna (Rank of Rajah) on visiting United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. The conferment of the Order of Sikatuna honors on...

Philippines: Bolante's doctor confirms he is stable, normal -- Senate Sgt-at-Arms.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Senate Sergeant-at-Arms retired Gen. Jose Balajadia on Thursday said that the doctor of former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn Jocjoc Bolante has already released a medical bulletin stating that Bolante is in a...

Philippines: Philippines, UN seal MOU formalizing RP's commitment to UN peacekeeping efforts.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Philippines and the United Nations (UN) sealed last night the Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) on Contributions to the UN Standby Arrangement System, formalizing the Philippines' commitment to contribute to the UN's...

Philippines: PCG reactivates passenger assistance center desks.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is on red alert starting Wednesday until November 5 in line with the observance of the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day as the agency reactivated the Passenger Assistance Center (PAC)...

Philippines: Sterling Bank launches EMV-embedded debit, prepaid cards.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News - Sterling Bank of Asia launched Wednesday night the five variants of its ShopNPay Visa Card eyed to address different needs of its customers. These five variants includes a debit card and four prepaid cards namely...

Philippines: GFMD-2 ends as Philippines pushes for continuing discussions of workers' rights.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Second Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) ends this afternoon, with its chairman, Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr., recommending that the issue of the human rights of even...

Philippines: Roxas urges Villar to sign arrest order vs. Dela Paz.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Senator Mar Roxas on Thursday called on Senate President Manuel Villar to sign the arrest warrant against former Philippine National Police (PNP) comptroller Eliseo dela Paz to quickly resolve the euro-general...

Philippines: SSS relaxes foreclosed housing sale conditions.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Social Security System (SSS) is offering, through its year-long Housing Fair III program beginning October 2008, more lenient terms for prospective buyers of the agency's acquired residential properties. SSS...

Philippines: VP De Castro helps 28 undocumented OFWs go home.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Vice President Noli "Kabayan" De Castro announced on Thursday the repatriation of 28 undocumented Filipinos who were given assistance by his office and the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) to be able...

Philippines: Give Bolante a chance to defend himself, says Escudero.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Senate should give just treatment in handling the case of former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn Joc-joc Bolante, the alleged mastermind of the multi-million peso fertilizer scam, an opposition senator said...

Philippines: 9 maltreated OFWs to arrive in Manila Friday.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Following Senate President Manny Villar's visit to Jordan, an overseas Filipino worker, who was blocked from boarding her flight to Manila, is expected to come home finally Friday along with eight others. ...

Philippines: BOC alerts shipment of used medical equipment.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - A 45-foot container van loaded with used medical equipment was alerted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to ensure the safety of the public once it is released. Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Port of...

Philippines: Philippines and UAE launch joint Pilot Project to administer full employment cycle for OFWs.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Firming up the international thrusts and cooperation to protect and ensure the welfare of vulnerable migrant workers, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Thursday joined hands in launching a pilot...

Philippines: Pinoy nurses seeking US jobs steady at 15,079 in first 9 months of 2008.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - A total of 15,079 Filipinos took the United States licensure examination for nurses for the first time from January to September 2008, indicating they wanted to seek employment in America, former Senator Ernesto...

Philippines: Senate to act on Bolante case soon, says Villar.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Senate will soon determine whether it will continue with its probe on former Undersecretary Jocelyn Joc-joc Bolante, the alleged mastermind behind the multi-million peso fertilizer scam, or not. Senate...

Philippines: CAR posts highest average residential floor space.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) had fewer new residential construction started in 2008's second quarter compared to other regions but average floor area coverage for this work was the highest then...

Philippines: NSO to train other countries in data generation.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Philippine National Statistics Office (NSO) will help Cambodia, Laos and other Asian countries develop capabilities in generating statistical data from administrative documents. "We'll give training,...

Philippines: Justice Secretary Gonzalez off to Hong Kong.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - At the height of the controversy generated by the arrival of former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn JocJoc Bolante, Justice Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. will be out of the country for two days starting Thursday...

Philippines: President Arroyo-Serbisyo Muna! caravan serves 12,000 in Surigao del Norte.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Thousands of local folks from Surigao del Norte and its adjoining island, Siargao were given free medical, dental and other vital services by the People's Government Mobile Action (PGMA)-Serbisyo Muna! recently. ...

Philippines: 335 indigent families in Malabon to get decent housing.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - In line with the national government's housing program for poor but deserving citizens, some 335 indigent families will be getting decent housing with the help of the Malabon city government and non-government...

Philippines: BPI reports P1B net income in 3Q '08.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News - The mother company of the Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI) has reported about P1 billion net income in the third quarter this year. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Thursday, the bank said...

Japan: Japan unveils 26.9 trillion yen new stimulus package to tackle crisis.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - Prime Minister Taro Aso on Thursday unveiled a new economic stimulus package worth 26.9 trillion yen to cushion the negative impact of the global financial crisis on people's livelihoods, featuring 2 trillion yen in cash...

Japan: Nikkei closes above 9,000 for 1st time since Oct. 21.
October 31, 2008... Section: Stocks - Tokyo stocks extended their winning streak to a third day on Thursday with the key Nikkei index finishing above the 9,000 line for the first time in over a week, as investors found relief in a series of economy-boosting...

Russia: Russia's VEB to invest US$ 185 mln daily in Russian stock market.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -Russia's state-controlled Vnesheconombank (VEB) will invest up to 5 billion rubles (US$ 184.5 million) daily on the Russian stock market to ease the effects of the ongoing global financial crisis, VEB chairman Vladimir...

Japan: Japan, ADB to help Kiribati with budget management and public sector reform.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide assistance to Kiribati to help strengthen public financial management through long-term budget strategies and to improve the efficiency of public enterprises. The...

Russia/Finland/China: Russo-Finnish-Chinese economic forum to open in Helsinki.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - Energy, transport, timber industry and environment will be the key item on the agenda of a Russian-Finnish-Chinese economic forum set to open in Helsinki Thursday. A representative of the Russian commercial office in...

World: International trade & industrial forum opens in Far East.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -An international far eastern trade and industrial forum will open in Khabarovsk on Thursday. It will be attended by more than 700 scientists, businessmen, regional government officials and representatives of local...

Philippines: BPI, Ayala, Globe pact for Philippines' first mobile microfinance bank.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -The Bank of Philippine Island (BPI), Ayala Corporation, and Globe Telecom have entered into a joint venture creating the first mobile microfinance bank in the country. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock...

Cambodia: Cambodian business leaders say foreign capital running dry.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -Cambodian business leaders said the global economic crisis is starting to affect local operations as foreign capital dries up, national media reported Thursday. Khaou Phallaboth, president of Khaou Chuly Group,...

Philippines: Sterling Bank of Asia eyes higher loan portfolio for MSMEs.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -A 60-40 share in favor of consumer loans, specially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), is what the Sterling Bank of Asia eyes by end-2008. This is contrary to the 60-40 share in favor of commercial...

United States: Fed slashes key rate by half-point to 1.00 percent amid financial crisis.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - The Federal Reserve on Wednesday slashed its benchmark short-term target rate half a percentage point to a more than four-year low of 1.00 percent in an effort to prevent the country from sinking into a deep and long...

Philippines: Flour prices down P30 per bag.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -Local bread flour prices have fallen as much as P30 per bag since August this year as flour millers compete for a bigger share of Christmas sale aided by the continued slide of wheat prices in the world market. ...

Russia: Russian international reserves down US$ 31 bln in week.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - Russia's gold and foreign currency reserves dropped by US$ 31 billion, to US$ 484.7 billion, in the week of October 17 - October 24, the Central Bank of Russia said Thursday. - PNA

Philippines: BOC backs proposal of lawmakers to review 2009 revenue target.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales supported the proposal of the lawmakers to review the 2009 revenue target owing to the continuous drop of oil prices in the world market. The Development Budget Coordinating...

Russia: Russia's main stock exchanges open trading with strong growth.
October 31, 2008... Section: Stocks - Russia's two main stock exchanges, MICEX and the RTS, opened trading on Thursday with their indices up from Wednesday's close. As of 10:40 a.m. Moscow time (07:40 GMT), the ruble-denominated MICEX saw its index rise...

Russia: Putin rules out nationalization of Russian economy.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Wednesday the Russian economy would not be subject to nationalization. "I would like to stress that imposing state controls on Russia's economy is not, cannot be, and will not...

Russia: Deposit insurer says up to 40 Russian banks may need bailing out.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -The head of Russia's Deposit Insurance Agency forecast that around 20 to 40 national banks could require bailing out amid the global financial crisis, the Kommersant business daily said on Thursday. "According to...

Philippines: Keppel expands Cebu shipyard operation.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -The Board of Investments (BOI) has approved the P589.927 million project of Keppel Singmarine Philippines Inc. (KSPI) for the production of tugboats and offshore support vessels for exports. Based on its...

Philippines: P1.4-B new bioethanol project in Negros.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -Roxol Bioenergy Corp., owned by the family of businessman Pedro Roxas of Negros Occidental, is investing P1.433 billion for the production of bioethanol and potable ethanol to be sold to local oil refining companies...

Philippines: NBI seizes fake Lee jeans in raids in Paranaque & Pasay.
October 31, 2008... Section: General News - Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seized several pieces of fake H.D. Lee jeans worth thousands of pesos during simultaneous raids in four stalls in Pasay and Paranaque cities, the bureau reported on...

Philippines: Opportunities in property sector remain untapped amidst ongoing consolidation.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News - The strong take-up of office space by Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in the last three years has revived the Philippine Property sector. Multinational Companies (MNCs) continue to outsource and/or...

Philippines: Fiscal response needed vs. global slowdown, says BSP.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday raised the need to implement fiscal measures to allay strains of the global slowdown from further impacting on the domestic economy. BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr....

Philippines: Oil firms implement big-time rollback of P5 per liter for diesel.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -Prices of diesel are expected to hit to as low as P32 per liter Thursday as major and independent oil companies announced the reduction of their diesel products by as much as P5 per liter and P2 per liter for gasoline....

Philippines: DTI confiscates substandard Christmas lights.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) confiscated several boxes of substandard Christmas lights in the downtown area of Iloilo City. DTI Iloilo Dir. Wilhelm Malones said that they were able to confiscate the...

Philippines: Flower vendors expect business upsurge as All Souls', All Saints' Day approaches.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -Flower vendors stationed at the Iloilo City Central Market expects robust market as All Soul's Day and All Saint's Day approaches this weekend. Lydia Diogenes, a long-time flower retailer in the Iloilo Central...

Philippines: Latest Fed rate cut to give Philippines greater monetary, fiscal space, says BSP.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -Wednesday's 50 basis points (bps) cut on the Federal Reserve policy rate is seen to result positively to the Philippine economy. This latest cut brings the present Fed rate at one percent from 1.5 percent...

World: Dollar falls after U.S. rate cut.
October 31, 2008... Section: Currency - The dollar fell against major currencies on Wednesday after the U.S. Federal Reserve decided to cut its benchmark rate to stimulate the economy. The Fed decided Wednesday to lower its target for the federal funds rate...

Kenya/Turkey: Kenya calls for increased trade ties with Turkey.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -The Kenyan government on Wednesday called on the business community to take advantage of the good bilateral relations existing between Kenya and Turkey to initiate joint ventures with Turkish businessmen. Vice...

Europe: EU to raise ceiling of aid for troubled member states.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - The European Union (EU) is ready to raise its ceiling of aid to member states facing financing troubles to 25 billion euros (32 billion U.S. dollars), an EU official said on Wednesday. Joaquin Almunia, EU Commissioner...

United Kingdom: London stocks soar on prospect of rate cuts.
October 31, 2008... Section: Stocks - The London Stock Market soared eight percent at Wednesday's close, boosted on prospects of interest rate cuts. Britain's benchmark FTSE 100 index ended up 316.16 points to 4, 242.54. Among the insurers, Old Mutual...

United States: Federal Reserve cut rates by half-point to avert economic crisis.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - The U.S. Federal Reserve decided Wednesday to cut a key interest rate by half a percentage point to 1.0 percent to prevent the economy from slipping into deep recession. The Wednesday's unanimous vote set the rate to...

United States: Oil rallies back above 67 dollars on Fed rate cut.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -Crude oil rallied more than 4 U.S. dollars to above 67 dollars a barrel on Wednesday as a rate cut by the U.S. central bank outweighed a build-up in crude stockpiles. Light, sweet crude for December delivery surged...

United States/China: Boeing sees China new largest plane market outside U.S. by 2028.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -U.S. aircraft maker Boeing said Wednesday China will become the second largest market for new commercial airplanes after the United States in the next 20 years, as the country's aviation sector continues to grow...

Europe: EU to present economic recovery plan in November.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - The European Commission said on Wednesday it will present late November an economic recovery plan with short-term measures to drag the economy from the verge of recession. "We will bring forward, on Nov. 26, a...

United States: Economic crisis expected to cause higher college tuition bills in U.S.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - U.S. college tuition fees, already rising more than 5 percent this fall, would go much higher due to the economic crisis, education officials said on Wednesday. Annual tuition, fees, room and board for in-state students...

World: IMF to launch new facility for emerging markets hit by crisis.
October 31, 2008... Section: Economy - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Wednesday it will create a new short-term lending facility to channel funds quickly to emerging markets hit by the current global financial crisis. In a press announcement,...

United States: U.S. treasury begins to take stake in major banks.
October 31, 2008... Section: Business News -The U.S. Treasury Department said on Wednesday it has bought 125 billion U.S. dollar stocks in nine major U.S. banks under its 250 billion dollar purchase plan. The report, released by the Treasury, showed that...

World: Dollar falls after U.S. rate cut.
October 31, 2008... Section: Currency - The dollar fell against major currencies on Wednesday after the U.S. Federal Reserve decided to cut its benchmark rate to stimulate the economy. The euro bought 1.2852 dollars in late New York trading compared with...

United States: Wall Street trades mixed after Fed cut rates.
October 31, 2008... Section: Stocks - Wall Street traded mixed Wednesday after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates. The Fed cut a key interest rate by half a percentage point to 1. 0 percent to prevent the economy from slipping into deep recession....