DPM Somkid discusses high-speed railway project with Japan's Kishida

[webfact]

DPM Somkid discusses high-speed railway project with Japan's Kishida



BANGKOK, 3 May 2016, (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak met Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida to discuss the progress of the ongoing high-speed railway project.

Dr. Somkid said the feasibility studies of the high-speed rail project and the construction of the Southern Economic Corridor route are nearly complete. He urged the Japanese government to hasten the process, hoping to create connectivity in the ASEAN region. He also introduced Mr. Fumio to Thailand's Eastern Seaboard, an emerging economic region and a center for export-oriented industries.

The Deputy Prime Minister informed the media that the Laem Chabang development project is currently in its 3rd phase while underlining the plan to make U-Tapao Airport the country's third international airport. He said, in the next five years, Laem Chaban would become an important industrial area, a super cluster, in Thailand.

DPM Somkid stressed that Thailand is interested in working with Japan on several industrial development projects.

Mr. Fumio, meanwhile, said that Japan would seek cooperation from the Thai government on human resources development. To return the favor, Japan would share its expertise in management and engineering with the Ministry of Education of Thailand.


-- NNT 2016-05-03

[marcusd]

Human resources development - Means I think - BETTER deals for investments and staffing not these crazy outdated outlandish visa requirements changed at the whim of any official or person in a uniform.

[Srikcir]

Japan would share its expertise in management and engineering with the Ministry of Education of Thailand.

TRANSLATION: Thailand has serious deficiencies in management and engineering that makes it difficult for Japan to operate in Thailand.

[chainarong]

Going on the information provided it would seem Foreign Minister Kishida didn't get too enthusiastic about anything on this visit , perhaps he has already seen the costings , planning's and budgets and is wondering just where all this money is supposed to come from, Japan will never give something for nothing.......................................

[ratcatcher]

Is there somebody here that can actually define the Japanese High Speed rail Project (HST?) As opposed to the Chinese version?

What gauge, where to and where from and how it will be incorporated into the existing network?

Is it an HST between Bangkok and U-Tapao - Rayong?

[phoenixdoglover]

In the past 6 months, notwithstanding a lot of reporting and hand wringing about the influence of the Chinese, the Japanese have quietly gone about the business of shoring up their interests in Thailand. Notably, it is Japanese investment that is leading by a wide margin; while the Chinese seem unable to make progress given their domestic economic conditions.

If there are to be high speed trains in Thailand, than I have a personal preference for the Japanese technology and expertise. Besides, it aligns well with their interests in the manufacturing sector within Thailand, whereas China seems primarily interested in using Thailand as a rail right-of-way to get to other ports and markets.

No that I am fond of these G2G arrangements. They bypass some aspects of normal procurements, and the risk of graft is higher. Would the Japanese participate in such a thing?

[rubl]

Is there somebody here that can actually define the Japanese High Speed rail Project (HST?) As opposed to the Chinese version?

What gauge, where to and where from and how it will be incorporated into the existing network?

Is it an HST between Bangkok and U-Tapao - Rayong?

From January, 2016

http://www.asianews.network/content/transport-projects-seen-longer-term-benefits-thailand-7095

[ChrisY1]

"Can you pay the commissions?

[marcusd]

Japan would share its expertise in management and engineering with the Ministry of Education of Thailand.

TRANSLATION: Thailand has serious deficiencies in management and engineering that makes it difficult for Japan to operate in Thailand.

Actually, I think the translation is really

You give us money and skills and build and pay for everything. You ask no questions and we say thank you goodbye!

[scorecard]

Japan has recently been critical of Thai education in several areas (and it's not the first time).

I have personal experience of several Japanese companies at Samut Prakan who are totally dissatisfied with new graduates who have been employed in administration and similar positions, in regard to:

- Their lack of commitment, lack of contribution and lack of focus.

- Severe lack of punctuality.

- Lack of focus on assigned outputs, late on deadlines etc.

- Lack of any inputs at all into work discussions.

- Overall expectations that they are entitled because they have a bachelor degree (but the new graduates seem to expect they should be paid more even though they don't have any work experience).

The majority of these kids come from the typical government schools, primary and secondary, where all subjects are taught by rote learning, students not allowed to ask questions, etc., and 50, 60, and more kids in the class room.

In fact I know two Japanese companies near Bangkok who have recently made policies that they will no longer employ new graduates and the minimum age for employment is 25 and 27 years old, with 4 or 5 years work experience.

On the other hand Japanese companies in Thailand (and other countries) make very little to zero compromise for the fact they are located in other countries, where there is local culture and local work attitudes, behaviors, etc.

Many professors have tried many times to discuss this with bachelor students. Total waste of time, much more important to take another selfie.

Edited May 3, 2016 by scorecard

[MaiChai]

Might have something to do with the no fail education system. If people are not up to the mark they should not pass. Thai boys seem to have a real problem with education too; its not cool to study. Get rid of the loose face aspect and fail those who are not up to grade.

[marcusd]

Might have something to do with the no fail education system. If people are not up to the mark they should not pass. Thai boys seem to have a real problem with education too; its not cool to study. Get rid of the loose face aspect and fail those who are not up to grade.

They all have great skills asking for a 1000 baht or a new Iphone!