(Photo: Mitr Phol Group)HANOI: Vietnam has imposed anti-dumping penalties between 25.73% and 32.75% on sugar products imported from some of Thailand’s biggest sugar producers for a period of nearly three years, the country’s trade ministry said on Tuesday. An anti-dumping tax of 32.75% will be applied to Asia’s biggest sugar and bioenergy producer, Mitr Phol Sugar, and four associated companies, the ministry said. Thai Roong Ruang Industry and its five affiliates will face an anti-dumping tax of 25.73% and an anti-subsidy tax of 4.65%, the statement added. Vietnamese sugar producers had complained to the government that to get around earlier anti-dumping measures, some sugar products originating from Thailand were being imported via Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar. Vietnam removed duties on sugar imported from Southeast Asian countries in 2020, in accordance with the commitments of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement.

PM at new terminal before soft launchPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha tours Satellite Airport Terminal 1 (SAT-1) at Suvarnabhumi airport before its soft launch next month. (Photo: Government House)Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday inspected Suvarnabhumi Airport's Satellite Airport Terminal 1 ahead of its soft launch next month. Gen Prayut said the visit was a follow-up on construction projects under Phase 2 of the Suvarnabhumi Airport development plan, which includes the SAT-1 terminal. The terminal is set for a soft opening late next month, he said. "The SAT-1 terminal, the third runway and other projects under development are part of the foundation work to revive the economy and tourism sector," the premier said.

Atta Gallery is holding "Pearl", a group exhibition by 10 international material-based artists, until Sept 17. On showcase are accessories and artistic items by five female British jewellers -- Caroline Broadhead, Lin Cheung, Melanie Georgacopoulos, Maria Militsi and Frances Wadsworth Jones. The strength of this group, however, is the diversity of each individual's ideas and approaches to a single subject matter. Their investigations interrogate traditional uses of pearls and position them in a contemporary, surprising, humorous or ironic context. Atta Gallery is located at Warehouse 30, Charoen Krung 30 and opens Wednesday to Sunday from 1-6.30pm.

Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai announce bid to form govtPheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew, centre right, and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, centre left, announce their partnership to form the next government, at Pheu Thai headquarters on Monday afternoon. Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew said he was grateful for Bhumjaithai's agreement to join Pheu Thai "to solve people's problems and national crises, especially those concerning the constitution". Pheu Thai came second in the May 14 general election with 141 House seats, followed by Bhumjaithai with 71. Although Move Forward won the most seats, Dr Cholnan said the 212 votes Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai control were also legitimate people's votes. Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai said people would see which parties Pheu Thai approaches this week.

Rice exports benefitting from India's export banWorkers unload sacks of rice imported from Thailand from a cargo ship at Malahayati Port in Krueng Raya, Indonesia's Aceh province. (Photo: AFP)Thailand is benefitting from India's rice export ban and has no reason to halt shipments of the grain itself, caretaker Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Monday. In the first seven months, Thailand shipped 4.8 million metric tons, he said, adding monthly exports stood at 700,000 to 800,000 metric tons. Thailand, the world's second-largest rice exporter after India, is expected to export more than 8 million metric tons of rice this year, said Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, up from 7.71 million last year. Two trade sources said last week that some rice exporters in Thailand and Vietnam were re-negotiating prices on sales contracts for around half a million metric tons for August shipment, after India shocked global markets with a ban on exports of non-basmati white rice.

Spanish chef faces murder rap for Phangan dismembermentSURAT THANI: The Koh Samui Provincial Court has approved a warrant for the arrest of a Spanish chef, suspected to have killed and dismembered the body of his Colombian surgeon lover in a hotel room on Koh Phangan island. The Spanish suspect, Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, 29, has been detained at Phangan station. Pol Lt Gen Surapong said that after admitting to killing and dismembering the Colombian, the suspect appeared relaxed. Pol Col Panya Nirattimanon, the Koh Phangan police chief, said the suspect is the son of the Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho Aguirre and actress Silvia Bronchalo. His father was shocked on learning that his son had become a murder suspect and is travelling to the country to see his son.

Meeting set to gauge droughtA shopper browses rice products at a hypermarket. "The price of bagged rice remains normal, despite recent news about a rise in rice prices following India's ban on exporting non-basmati white rice and the drought reducing production," he said. He said overall domestic rice prices are rising, though the department believes it will not significantly affect the price of bagged rice. The free-on-board export price of 5% white rice is now US$600 per tonne, the same price as Vietnamese rice. However, the situation may improve once there is clarity on India's policy regarding the opening of export channels, said Mr Chookiat.

Hawaii eager to further tap Chinese tourism marketTwo girls play at Waikiki beach in Honolulu of Hawaii, the United States, Aug 23, 2018. We are eager to welcome these wonderful travelers to our shores," Daniel Naho'opi'i, chief administrative officer of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), told over 100 guests from China and the United States here on Friday. Most attendees agreed that Hainan and Hawaii were well-known worldwide for their tropical environments, beautiful beaches, lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Ka'ana'ana said the recovery of China's economy and the deep relationship between the people of Hawaii and China would help bring more Chinese tourists to the Rainbow State. "My ancestors actually came from China and made their way to Hawaii, and here we are as children of this place.

Toyota beefs up FortunerToyota Fortuner GR-Sport. The Fortuner GR-Sport is powered by a 2.8-litre GD turbo diesel that's been tuned to produce 20hp more and 550Nm of torque, a 50Nm increase. Apart from special GR-Sport accessories including red brake calipers, there's also a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, tyre pressure monitor, monotube shocks and Toyota Safety Sense. Meanwhile, the lower-spec Fortuner Legender gets similar infotainment, tyre pressure monitor and Toyota Safety Sense. The lowest-spec Fortuner Leader is available with only the 2.4-litre engine and comes with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and 360-degree camera.

Thaksin, Yingluck appear at Hun Sen's birthday partyFormer prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra appears in an online episode of the CARE Clubhouse x CARE Talk programme in May. (Screenshot)Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his younger sister Yingluck attended Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's birthday party in Cambodia on Saturday, according to Cambodian media outlets. Fresh News and The Phnom Penh Post reported on Sunday that Thaksin and Yingluck were at the party on the occasion of Hun Sen's 71st birthday in Ta Khmao, Cambodia. It was reported that Thaksin and Yingluck stayed there for one night. The fugitive former prime minister has been in self-imposed exile since being toppled by a coup in September 2006.

Japan condemns Russia nuclear threat on Hiroshima anniversaryPeople visit and say prayers at sunrise at the cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Sunday to mark the 78th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack. (Photo by AFP)Japan's prime minister hit out at Russian threats to use nuclear weapons as the country marked the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Sunday. "The path towards it is becoming increasingly difficult because of deepening divisions in the international community over nuclear disarmament and Russia's nuclear threat," he said. "Devastation brought to Hiroshima and Nagasaki by nuclear weapons can never be repeated," said Kishida, whose family comes from Hiroshima. Any use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable," Guterres said.

Pheu Thai Party leader, Cholnan Srikaew, centre, deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai, left, and secretary-general Prasert Chanthararuangthong announced withdraw from the Move Forward Party-led coalition on July 2. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)The Pheu Thai Party, now leading the formation of a new coalition government, has admitted the mission represents a major political crisis which the party is trying its best to overcome. The crisis stems from the time limit of the government's formation, legal limits associated with the constitution, the country's problematic governing structure and persistent conflicts among different groups, said Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai on Saturday. Under the circumstances, Pheu Thai is now committed to implementing those policies promised to voters in the May 14 election for the betterment of the country while leading the new government, he said. And as Pheu Thai is working on a rather realistic yet gentle approach to defusing the political crisis, it calls for more cooperation from all sides concerned and hopes for the best, he said.

Climate change threatens wild tigers' habitatFor the first time in 30 years, a trap camera captures photos of tigers roaming inside the Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi early this year. (Photo: Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary)Climate change presents a big challenge for protecting and preserving tigers in the wild, says the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment permanent secretary Jatuporn Buruspat. Speaking on Saturday at the event "Move Forward to Sustainable Tiger Conservation" to mark Global Tiger Day on July 29, in Nakhon Sawan province, Mr Jatuporn said the country has done a good job of protecting and preserving its wild tiger populations. He said efforts by forest officials and other stakeholders had been a success, as the wild tiger population in Thailand has increased. As long as the forest is fertile, the tiger population should grow sustainably.

Thaksin scraps plan to return next weekThaksin: 'Waiting for Pheu Thai govt'Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's plan to return to Thailand will be postponed until a Pheu Thai-led government is formed, a Pheu Thai source said on Thursday. The ex-premier, who is widely believed to be Pheu Thai's de facto leader, had initially planned to return on Aug 10. The plan was announced by Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn "Ung Ing" Shinawatra last week on Instagram. Thaksin also believed he should wait as Pheu Thai was still holding discussions with other parties to join its new coalition, the source added. "I don't think Thaksin will return home anytime soon, out of safety concerns.

Debt-ridden Electricity Authority of Thailand (Egat) cannot yield to any further requests for cheaper electricity bills in the next four-month cycle as this would affect its future investment in the power infrastructure. With the new power tariff rate of 4.45 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), applicable between September and December this year, Egat would clear its loss within April 2025. The power tariff is used to calculate electricity prices. "Egat needs to repay its debt which increased to support the subsidy programme," said Boonyanit Wongrukmit, governor of Egat. Mr Boonyanit said the 4.45-baht rate is acceptable and will help Egat avoid an unpleasant impact on its future investment.