PM Urges Japan To Back Dawei Plan

[Lite Beer]

PM urges Japan to back Dawei plan

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- Yingluck calls for cooperation in huge deep-sea project to be built across the Thai-Myanmar border

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has urged her Japanese counterpart to support the Dawei deep-sea port and industrial estate scheme across the Thai-Myanmar border.

During an official visit to Tokyo to attend the Japan-Mekong Summit, consisting of leaders of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar, Yingluck said Japan was an important partner in this region so the Thai government had sought Japanese cooperation in the major development scheme.

Under a concession granted by the Myanmar government, Ital-Thai group is spearheading the US$8-billion (Bt246 billion) Dawei development, which features a deep-sea port on the Andaman Sea, as well as petrochemical and other industries.

The new Dawei port would also create a "land-bridge" linking Thailand's Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri province via new highways, which would be built from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi province on the border with Myanmar.

Prime Minister Yingluck said her Cabinet had recently approved state budgets starting this fiscal year to build the new highways to support the Dawei development, which is expected to attract major investors from Japan who want to further expand their manufacturing facilities in Thailand into Myanmar.

The planned Dawei port and industrial estate is situated only about 160km from the Thai-Myanmar border.

According to Yingluck, the scheme will serve as a crucial link between the Andaman Sea and the South China Sea in the near future.

In addition, the PM said the government had sought co-operation from Japan to help formulate training and other programmes to boost the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand and other Mekong sub-region countries, including Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

These SMEs will face new challenges when the Asean Economic Community (AEC) comes into effect in 2015, resulting in liberalisation of trade in goods and services as well as cross-border investment.

The AEC has a total of 10 member countries, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar, which are in danger of lagging behind more developed countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, she said.

In regard to Thailand, she said the government had also set aside a budget of $77 million for infrastructure, technical and other assistance programmes for less-developed countries in the Mekong sub-region.

Meanwhile, Yingluck also offered Thai support for negotiations and a peaceful way to end or sort out conflicts in Asia, including the North Korea missile and nuclear programmes and multilateral conflicts over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

She said Thailand could act as a mediator to coordinate talks or other cooperation under a Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) protocol under a China-Asean framework, in order to pursue the legally binding Asean-drafted code of conduct (CoC) for contesting parties in the South China Sea.

"Thailand has welcomed China's constructive approach towards the issue, which would result in an increase of trust between parties concerned," she added.

"Thailand has concerns over a missile test by North Korea, and although it failed, its impact has reflected the need for the global community to deal with problems which threaten peace in the region.

"As North Korea is now entering a great transition, Thailand has seen a good opportunity to open communication channels and seek good relations with it, in the hope of establishing a collaboration which would hopefully encourage North Korea's constructive approach towards the nuclear programme issue," she said.

Speaking of the Spratly Islands issue, Yingluck said the South China Sea was a key transport route, where security and safety in maritime traffic was needed to serve all parties.

Thailand also agreed in principle to seek an increase in the number of seats in the United Nations Security Council, and that more Asian countries should have roles in supporting UN functions and responsibilities.

Yingluck also thanked the Japanese government for its pledge for six billion yen (Bt2.26 billion) over a three-year period beginning next year.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said yesterday that Japan would provide five Asian countries in the Mekong sub-region with 600 billion yen in official development assistance over the next three years to help build up infrastructure.

-- The Nation 2012-04-22

[waza]

Good to hear Yingluck is making progress on solving Asias problems and the trip has resulted in a windfall of 6 billion yen.

[Soutpeel]

Good to hear Yingluck is making progress on solving Asias problems and the trip has resulted in a windfall of 6 billion yen.

Before Yingluck starts solving Asia's problems, she may want to consider solving Thailand problems first...

Yeap with this cash they may be able to buy the tablet computers they promised, implement the minumum wage of THB 300/day they promised, give all University graduates the THB 15000/m they promised and erradicate all drugs in Thailand by 2015 as they promised....

[jonclark]

Good to hear Yingluck is making progress on solving Asias problems and the trip has resulted in a windfall of 6 billion yen.

Before Yingluck starts solving Asia's problems, she may want to consider solving Thailand problems first...

Yeap with this cash they may be able to buy the tablet computers they promised, implement the minumum wage of THB 300/day they promised, give all University graduates the THB 15000/m they promised and erradicate all drugs in Thailand by 2015 as they promised....

Come on, we can't knock her down every time. Give her some credit, she has represented Thailand on an international stage, has tied down a nice piece of short term investment whilst the dam in Myanmar will be a long term investment which should bring jobs and development to both Thailand and Myanmar. If she can get Japanese companies to offer skills training to SME;s even better.

[Pseudolus]

I wonder at which point the ASEAN countries will actually decide that these kinds of projects might run a lot smoother, less complicated and importantly less costly without Thailand's involvement? Myanmar has a great opportunity to clean up as they start their potential transition from the dark past especially if they adopt true fair trade as opposed to the myopic policies of this country.

[Unkomoncents]

"Yingluck also thanked the Japanese government for its pledge for six billion yen (Bt2.26 billion) over a three-year period beginning next year."

That's pretty evasive. Pledge for what? I'd love to hear about more infrastructure development in Thailand.

[Soutpeel]

"Yingluck also thanked the Japanese government for its pledge for six billion yen (Bt2.26 billion) over a three-year period beginning next year."

That's pretty evasive. Pledge for what?

Tablet computers ?

[hellodolly]

Good to hear Yingluck is making progress on solving Asias problems and the trip has resulted in a windfall of 6 billion yen.

Before Yingluck starts solving Asia's problems, she may want to consider solving Thailand problems first...

Yeap with this cash they may be able to buy the tablet computers they promised, implement the minumum wage of THB 300/day they promised, give all University graduates the THB 15000/m they promised and erradicate all drugs in Thailand by 2015 as they promised....

I believe the money was to be used for infrastructure.

I am not saying that it won't find it's way into their election promises but if used for infrastructure it would certainly be a help.

Bt2.26 billion would be a good start.

Edited April 22, 2012 by hellodolly

[hellodolly]

Good to hear Yingluck is making progress on solving Asias problems and the trip has resulted in a windfall of 6 billion yen.

Before Yingluck starts solving Asia's problems, she may want to consider solving Thailand problems first...

Yeap with this cash they may be able to buy the tablet computers they promised, implement the minumum wage of THB 300/day they promised, give all University graduates the THB 15000/m they promised and erradicate all drugs in Thailand by 2015 as they promised....

Come on, we can't knock her down every time. Give her some credit, she has represented Thailand on an international stage, has tied down a nice piece of short term investment whilst the dam in Myanmar will be a long term investment which should bring jobs and development to both Thailand and Myanmar. If she can get Japanese companies to offer skills training to SME;s even better.

Yes she has represented Thailand on the world stage to what degree has it mattered.

As for the dam in Myanmar there is a small group out now calling for some conditions being put on dam's.

Slowly the world is waking up to the fact that water is a important part in the well being of the planet and to just build dam's to create jobs and electricity as well as irrigation is not the only way to manage water.

[tukkytuktuk]

An interesting link for this thread topic http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=12&ved=0CDsQFjABOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdemocracyforburma.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F01%2F04%2Fknu-gives-green-light-to-italian-thai-dawei-road-construction%2F&ei=44yTT5nKMobWrQfN5qCXBQ&usg=AFQjCNEnsfyCaGFZUDLwE_MGbxO2sDlJsg

Are the Shinawatra clan involved in this in anyway, benefiting financially or diplomatically?

[waza]

An interesting link for this thread topic http://www.google.co...wE_MGbxO2sDlJsg

Are the Shinawatra clan involved in this in anyway, benefiting financially or diplomatically?

Yingluck and her ministers' moves closely followed those of Thaksin, who was in Burma a few days ahead of the visit by his sister. A Burmese source said Thaksin flew directly to Dawei to see the project, in which he was likely interested in having some stake.

The former premier was also aware of the Thai government's deal on the petroleum resource.

However, Yingluck said her government had nothing to do with Thaksin's moves and his personal business deals. http://www.nationmul...n-30172409.html

Thaksin said that he traveled to Burma last Thursday to meet President Thein Sein and former junta leader Than Shwe. He said that his sister's visit to Burma, which would include discussions on energy deals, would benefit Thailand.

However, Yingluck's decision to visit Burma accompanied by Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and executives of the Thai state-owned oil and gas company, PTT Public Co Ltd, has come under criticism from some who say that plans to increase investment in Burma's energy sector would serve the interests of Thaksin's cronies.

http://www2.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22685

Edited April 22, 2012 by waza

[tukkytuktuk]

This isn't the first time Thaksin had shady dealing in Myanmar. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CEoQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thaiworld.org%2Fen%2Finclude%2Fprint.php%3Ftext%3D197%26category_id%3D3%26print%3Dtrue&ei=aJOTT9X9MI_PrQeLnP2TBQ&usg=AFQjCNGFS0PgXvc44oh1pWYe_1q6WBV1tw

[rfukata]

shouldn't it be; PM urges China to back Dawei plan?

[whybother]

Japan backed a similar plan 70 60 years ago. Why wouldn't they want to now?

Edited April 22, 2012 by whybother

[OzMick]

Japan backed a similar plan 60 years ago. Why wouldn't they want to now?

They had an even more ambitious plan 70 years ago.

[whybother]

Japan backed a similar plan 60 years ago. Why wouldn't they want to now?

They had an even more ambitious plan 70 years ago.

OK ... I was 10 years out.

[tukkytuktuk]

Well rfukata she has been to China on a visit recently and I did find this link interesting on Chinas involvement at the Dawei mega port project. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=28&ved=0CGEQFjAHOBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chinamining.org%2FInvestment%2F2012-01-13%2F1326421532d53394.html&ei=osOTT83ZJMyrrAfg-syiBQ&usg=AFQjCNGjGCaXQRPwhoSX3-N8ymuo9fyBog

[Woodcaulk]

.

However, Yingluck said her government had nothing to do with Thaksin's moves and his personal business deals.

Indeed. Never more than a mere coincidence....

[metisdead]

A post containing overly derogatory generalizations toward the PM has been removed.

[AngryParent]

A picture and this says it all.

Yingluck also thanked the Japanese government for its pledge for six billion yen (Bt2.26 billion) over a three-year period beginning next year.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said yesterday that Japan would provide five Asian countries in the Mekong sub-region with 600 billion yen in official development assistance over the next three years to help build up infrastructure.

So, 1% of the of the 600 given to Thailand. These Japanese really know how to say it directly to one's face!

[hellodolly]

A picture and this says it all.

Yingluck also thanked the Japanese government for its pledge for six billion yen (Bt2.26 billion) over a three-year period beginning next year.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said yesterday that Japan would provide five Asian countries in the Mekong sub-region with 600 billion yen in official development assistance over the next three years to help build up infrastructure.

So, 1% of the of the 600 given to Thailand. These Japanese really know how to say it directly to one's face!

And it is going to take three years to collect it all.

[Soi Sauce]

Can someone please tell me how Thailand will benefit by spending billions of its people's money developing a competing country?

[whybother]

Can someone please tell me how Thailand will benefit by spending billions of its people's money developing a competing country?

If the port and the road to it are developed, there will be a lot of product that goes through Thailand to get to the port.

[siampolee]

There is of course the possibility that the money may well have been a late rental payment for a Japanese tenancy that commenced in 1941 and was terminated in 1945.

As the railway construction was a dismal failure then no doubt the current updated project is somewhat more labour friendly project proposal and its current focus is on an updated deep sea port project along with both an updated rail and road link system.

[waza]

So on Sunday the PM is cap in hand begging financial backing for the project and the next day.........

Dawei Port in Doubt with Bangkok Hub Plan

Shaky plans for a US $50 billion oil port and industrial complex on Burma’s southeast coast at Dawei (Tavoy) are looking even more uncertain after Thailand disclosed that it is re-appraising its strategic trade transport infrastructure to look at domestic ports.

The change in focus was outlined by a senior government planner at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) conference in Bangkok. The meeting was to map out transport links as the 10-nation bloc moves closer to creating a single market.

http://www2.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=23176

Hmmm also begs the question why isnt Yingluck at this meeting?

[phiphidon]

So on Sunday the PM is cap in hand begging financial backing for the project and the next day.........

Dawei Port in Doubt with Bangkok Hub Plan

Shaky plans for a US $50 billion oil port and industrial complex on Burma’s southeast coast at Dawei (Tavoy) are looking even more uncertain after Thailand disclosed that it is re-appraising its strategic trade transport infrastructure to look at domestic ports.

The change in focus was outlined by a senior government planner at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) conference in Bangkok. The meeting was to map out transport links as the 10-nation bloc moves closer to creating a single market.

http://www2.irrawadd...hp?art_id=23176

Hmmm also begs the question why isnt Yingluck at this meeting?

The Irrawady article was written on the 9th March.

[waza]

So on Sunday the PM is cap in hand begging financial backing for the project and the next day.........

Dawei Port in Doubt with Bangkok Hub Plan

Shaky plans for a US $50 billion oil port and industrial complex on Burma’s southeast coast at Dawei (Tavoy) are looking even more uncertain after Thailand disclosed that it is re-appraising its strategic trade transport infrastructure to look at domestic ports.

The change in focus was outlined by a senior government planner at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) conference in Bangkok. The meeting was to map out transport links as the 10-nation bloc moves closer to creating a single market.

http://www2.irrawadd...hp?art_id=23176

Hmmm also begs the question why isnt Yingluck at this meeting?

The Irrawady article was written on the 9th March.

ooops your right, my apologies forum and yingluck. Thanks for pionting that out phiphidon

Edited April 23, 2012 by waza

[soi41]

Can someone please tell me how Thailand will benefit by spending billions of its people's money developing a competing country?

That is exactly the point, Thailand don't want to spend any money on the project, that is why they ask Japan and other SEA countries to invest in the project. ITD is going to Southkorea this month trying to find investors, it is no secret that ITD is close to the present government, but despite that not a single investmentbaht from the mainly government owned PTT. At the time the project was on the drawingtable, Myanmar was considered a pariah internationally, and would say yes to any investment, even if Dawei to 90% would be beneficionary to only Thailand. With it's new label as a "democracy" they have the luxury of investors lining up, and no doubt a deepseaport near Rangoon would be better for Myanmar. So for the Thai investors (RATCH & ITD) "democracy" came a little to early.

[noitom]

The tremendous Thai engineering expertise will be at work here developing a project that is risk-free on the border of the Burma,Sunda, and Eurasia plates and high risk area for more disastrous earthquakes and following tsunamis. It's a certainty that the Thais and their proposed investors have thought this through. Let's do it and get that funding flowing through the proper coffers first, then worry about safety, security, and risk later. Whatever happened to the foreign lawsuits relating to the failed highway project along Don Muang going north and the Thai finger pointing, circular blaming, and reneging on agreements? And the Cinese tablets? In typical tradition, The Nation newspaper raises all these issues and then drops them just as spontaneously.

[noitom]

Private equity investors seem to favor low labor cost, corruption and graft, and lack of rule of law to investing in their own countries in Europe, the US, Australia, Japan, and elsewhere. Instead of investing in Heath Robinson/Rube Goldberg type projects at the behest of the Thais, they should be looking to invest in opportunities at home where corruption at least is occasionally policed with arrests and trials of Mr. Bigs, rule of law is enforceable, and investigative journalism does its job on a regular basis. These same private investors then express shock and concern when Thais sidestep and reneg on agreements, squander funds, and never complete projects within standards. They also voice concern and request "clarification" with new leaders when the military overthrows the sitting legal governments. Foreign private equity investors seem very adept at repeating the same mistakes expecting the results to be different in Thailand.