8 Dead, 2 Missing as South Korean Chemical Tanker Capsizes off West Japan

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20 March 2024, 20:23

FUKUOKA – Eight crew members perished, and two others remain unaccounted for after a South Korean chemical tanker capsized off the western Japanese city of Shimonoseki on Wednesday, a local coast guard office said.

The 870-ton Keoyoung Sun’s crew radioed for help around 7:05 a.m., reporting that the ship anchored near Mutsure Island off Shimonoseki was capsizing, according to the Moji Coast Guard Office near the area.

AP24080236940971 — A rescue operation is conducted as a South Korean tanker capsized off Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi prefecture, southwestern Japan Wednesday, March 20, 2024. shipKyodo News via AP)

On board the tanker at the time of the incident were 11 crew members — eight Indonesian, two South Korean and one Chinese. The eight confirmed dead were among nine rescued, with the remaining survivor having no life-threatening injuries.

All nine rescued were wearing lifejackets, according to the coast guard office. Search continues for the two missing crew members.

The vessel was carrying 980 tons of acrylic acid, although no leaks have been confirmed, the coast guard office said.

Warnings about strong winds and high waves had been issued at the time of the incident, according to a local observatory.

Thailand’s National Police Chief and His Deputy Are Suspended Amid Rumors of a Power Struggle

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Associated Press

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20 March 2024, 19:07

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, BANGKOK — Thailand’s national police chief and one of his deputies were temporarily suspended under the order of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday, as accusations that the deputy was involved in an illegal online gambling ring sparked rumors of a power struggle in the police department.

Torsak Sukvimol, who was appointed to the top police post in October last year, and Surachate Hakparn, one of his deputy chiefs, were temporarily moved to inactive posts in the Office of the Prime Minister, which directly supervises the police department.

Surachate has been accused of involvement with illegal online gambling websites, a charge he denies.

Surachate’s home in Bangkok was raided in September last year in an operation police said was related to the bust of a major illegal online gambling network. Eight of Surachate’s subordinates were arrested on the day of the raid over the case.

The raid occurred as a new national police chief was set to be named, and Surachate was considered one of the frontrunners. Torsak was appointed to the post days after the raid.

Thailand’s national police agency has a tradition of fierce internal politicking, as well as a longstanding reputation for corruption at all levels. The latest accusations have spurred rumors of a power struggle within the agency.

The prime minister on Wednesday said the transfer order is effective immediately and that he is forming a special committee to investigate the situation, adding he would consider lifting the suspension orders after 60 days. Srettha said the orders were not meant as punishment but to ensure that an investigation could occur without interference.

Torsak and Surachate were called into the Prime Minister’s Office hours before reports of the transfers came out and later held a news conference together, denying any personal rift between them.

Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the deputy chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, said last month that Surachate was accused of abuse of power and bribery, after money trails linked him to bank accounts used by the online gambling websites. He also said investigators would pursue a money laundering charge against Surachate, who has yet to be arrested or formally charged.

Through his lawyers, Surachate has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the accusations were made to discredit him and accusing other top-ranking police officers of taking money from the gambling operators.

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Police Investigate Phuket Foreign-Shareholder Companies

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2024, 15:28

foreign share1 — Region 8 police together with Phuket provincial police raided a building in Moo 7, Tambon Si Sunthon, Thalang district, Phuket province on March 19 2024.

PHUKET – Police officers checked and arrested legal entities with foreign shareholders operating car and motorcycle rental companies and real estate rental companies in Phuket. The investigation revealed that there is a network of individuals who have violated the law in the same way.

Region 8 police together with Phuket provincial police raided a building in Moo 7, Tambon Si Sunthon, Thalang district, Phuket province on March 19 2024. The building was used as a storage facility for cars and motorcycles by foreigners who were partners in a Thai legal entity. A large number of suspicious cars and motorcycles were found and the foreign operators are now under investigation.

It was established that these foreign individuals had entered Phuket as tourists. They then inquired with legal experts about the conditions for obtaining a residence permit in the country, focusing on the registration of legal entities. Originally, the shareholders were Thai nationals, but then the shares were transferred to the foreign individuals to hold in accordance with the shares required by law for Thai legal entities.

foreign shar3 — Police officers checked and arrested legal entities with foreign shareholders operating car and motorcycle rental companies.

foreign shar2 — Police officers checked and arrested legal entities with foreign shareholders operating car and motorcycle rental companies

The legal entities with foreign shareholders then hired themselves or other foreigners as employees of the legal entity. This resulted in the conditions for applying for a work permit and opening a bank account at a financial institution for financial transactions, including the extension of the residence permit in the Kingdom.

The transactions involved the purchase, lease-purchase and long-term rental of real estate, as well as the ownership of vehicles, buildings and villages by legal entities whose shareholders were the foreign suspects.

The officers had to collect evidence and continuously monitor the transactions. It turned out that the group of foreign perpetrators also invited their relatives and friends to enter the Kingdom, who may have committed similar crimes.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapong Thanomjit, commander of Region 8 Police, also stated the results of an investigation into crimes committed by foreigners in Phuket province in fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 to date). He reported that there were 614 cases of criminal law violations, including Driving under the influence of alcohol, working without a permit, illegal entry, damage to property, overstaying, forgery, drug offenses, obstruction of justice and sexual offenses.

Of these cases, 98 people were prosecuted and their residence permit for the kingdom was revoked.

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Police Raid on Russian-Ukrainian Poker Game in Phuket

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2024, 14:04

PHUKET – Even though Russia and Ukraine are at war in their home countries, they gambled on the same poker table in Thailand.

A team of investigators from Phuket City Police Station raided a house on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket Town’s Ratchada sub-district at 1:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 20. They had received information that the house was being used by a group of foreigners for illegal gambling.

The policemen watched the house for some time before they saw the door open. They then entered the house and found a group of Russian men and women and a Ukrainian man playing poker at a table set up like a casino. Police arrested the players and confiscated the evidence, including the poker table, three decks of cards, 318 chips (worth about 79,600 baht), a dealer button and an hourglass.

Mr. Oleksandr Shpetny, a Ukrainian national, who was the dealer, Mr. Evgeni Vlegzhanin, Mr. Rodion Elonov, Mr. Ruslan Kolontyrski, and Ms. Ekaterina Morozova, a Russian national. The five suspects were taken to the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division for further questioning.

phuket poker2 — The five suspects were taken to the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division for further questioning on March 20, 2024.

The police had tried to raid this group of players before, but had been unsuccessful because the house was always heavily guarded. The players also used chips instead of cash or cryptocurrencies to make it harder for the police to catch them.

The police charged Mr. Shpetny and Ms. Morozova with “being a bookmaker and accepting bets on poker games for money illegally.” Mr. Vlegzhanin, Mr. Elonov, and Mr. Kolondyrski were charged with “participating in a poker game for money illegally.” Mr. Shpetny, Mr. Vlegzhanin, Mr. Elonov, and Mr. Kolondyrski confessed to the charges, but Ms. Morozova denied them.

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Related coverage:

Thai Police Require Monthly Case Reports and Stricter Foreigner Screening

Thailand Attends Its Inaugural Summit for Democracy

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2024, 13:21

BANGKOK – Thailand participated for the first time at the Summit for Democracy and emphasised that last year’s general elections in the country signified a significant step towards reinforcing Thailand’s democratic values.

The 3rd Summit for Democracy has taken place from March 18–20, 2024, in Seoul under the theme “Democracy for Future Generations.” President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea has invited Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Srettha Thavisin of Thailand to deliver a statement on March 20, 2024.

Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke disclosed the gist of Prime Minister Srettha’s statement via a recorded video conference as follows:

It is a great honour to represent Thailand for the first time at the Summit for Democracy after last year’s general elections in Thailand, which signifies a significant step towards reinforcing Thailand’s democratic values. The Thai government is dedicated to prioritising democracy, the rule of law, and human rights both at home and in foreign relations.

Today, democracy confronts global challenges: rising inequality and social media’s divisive influence. The Prime Minister elaborated on these pressing challenges:

First, democracy needs good governance, citizen participation, inclusive society, the rule of law, and human rights. A successful democracy must be able to address the multi-dimensional needs of the people, consisting of civil and political rights, as well as social, economic and cultural rights.

While acknowledging the challenges and limitations inherited from the recent past, the Government remains committed to promoting such rights, building upon achievements like “Universal Health Coverage” and “Education for All”. The Prime Minister also took pride in the progress of Thailand’s “Marriage Equality Bill”, currently in the parliament, which will help promote greater social inclusivity and equality.

Second, democracy is an ongoing process, not a final destination. It requires continuous effort and nurturing to be sustainable. To fulfil people’s expectations, democracy must adapt and evolve. For nations with the scars of setbacks in democracy, managing public expectations and nurturing democratic progress is an ongoing endeavor that demands unwavering commitment.

Third, there is no one–size–fits–all democracy, but the democratic principle must be ONE and universal. As much as we believe in its values, there are diverse forms of democracy and political systems around the world. People are facing common global and inter-generational challenges, ranging from climate change and the environment to the digital divide. What the world needs now is greater international cooperation, stronger multilateralism, and more humanitarian cooperation.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister stated that the leaders, must always listen to and respect people’s will. Leaders also have to hear more from the younger ones. This is to ensure that democracy will continue to thrive and serve as an essential foundation for the betterment of the future generations.

Frederique Constant Unveils the 2024 New Watch Collection Line With Masterpieces

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Contributor

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20 March 2024, 09:28

Frederique Constant Presents Exclusive Preview of Timeless MasterpiecesUnveiling the new watch collection for 2024 for the first time

Frederique Constant, a Swiss watch brand, held an Exclusive Preview of Timeless Masterpieces event, continuing its marketing efforts. They revealed special limited edition timepieces, including two standout models, along with a lineup of Novelties that will debut at Watches & Wonders 2024, a major watch exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland.

The exclusive preview event had Mr. Niels Eggerding, Chief Executive Officer of Frederique Constant, attending along with Ms.Vipavan Mahadumrongkul, Managing Director of C. Thongpanich Co., Ltd., the exclusive distributor of Frederique Constant watches in Thailand. Special guests Ms.Sririta Jensen Narongdej and Mr.Korn Narongdej were present at IGNIV Bangkok, The St. Regis Bangkok on March 14, 2024.

Frederique Constant reaffirmed its brand vision of presenting high-quality Swiss mechanical watches in timeless, classic designs that transcend time itself. They introduced watch enthusiasts in Thailand to exclusive previews of exceptional watches under the concept “Exclusive Preview of Timeless Masterpieces”.

Among these were two special limited edition timepieces – the Slimline Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, designed by Peter Speake, which embodies the unique relationship with the renowned English watchmaker Peter Speake.

This masterpiece combines distinctive design aesthetics with a sophisticated perpetual calendar mechanism, featuring an openwork dial that showcases the beauty of the FC-775 perpetual calendar movement. The watch comes in a dark grey anthracite and minimalist white color scheme, reflecting 25 years of Peter Speake’s watchmaking expertise. Only 35 pieces of this model were produced.

Slimline Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Designed by Peter Speake

Another limited edition model unveiled was the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Special Edition, with only 235 pieces available worldwide. This sporty design from the flagship Highlife collection features a perpetual calendar mechanism displaying day, month, and year, along with a Moonphase dial in a blend of blue, grey, and black, inspired by the colors of the sea, sky, and space.

Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Special Edition

In addition to these limited editions, Frederique Constant showcased its 2024 Novelties, which will premiere at Watches & Wonders 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, in April 2024.

Ms. Vipavan Mahadumrongkul stated that “It was an exceptional opportunity to have Mr. Niels Eggerding attend the event and trusted us to have the 2024 Novelties that would debut at Watches & Wonders 2024 for Thai press and media to see first. C. Thongpanich Co. Ltd., the official importer of Frederique Constant watches in Thailand, will continue its marketing efforts throughout the year with various collections, including the limited editions for both men and women.

ABOUT FREDERIQUE CONSTANT

Founded in 1988, Frederique Constant is a Swiss watchmaking manufacture based in Geneva. In 2023, as it celebrates its 35th Anniversary, the Brand continues to showcase its constantly advancing watchmaking expertise as it pursues its aim: providing Swiss Made luxury watches at fair prices. Through the decades, Frederique Constant has been characterised by creativity and inventiveness – and even more so by mechanical ingenuity and pragmatism.

Born out of the shared passion of an independent entrepreneurial couple, Aletta and Peter Stas, Frederique Constant has written its own rules, blazing a trail into territory where none had dared venture before. Today the brand can proudly offer a range of quartz and mechanical models – and most importantly, a collection of 31 calibres designed, developed and assembled in its own Manufacture at Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva.

These movements include Tourbillon, Perpetual Calendar and Flyback Chronograph complications, along with the Monolithic, a type of escapement never before seen in watchmaking made out of a single piece of silicon, beating at a rate of 40Hz.

It presently has close to 3,000 points of sale in 120 countries. To pursue its international expansion and develop new synergies, since 2016 the Frederique Constant Group (Frederique Constant, Alpina Watches, Ateliers deMonaco) has been part of the Japanese group Citizen.

Thailand and India Applaud Holy Buddha Relics Event

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Khaosod English

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19 March 2024, 23:48

KRABI – Both Thais and Indians praised the event’s success in bringing the Buddha’s relics to Thailand for 25 days, allowing more than four million Thais in four regions across the country to pay their respects before they were returned to India on March 19, 2024.

On Tuesday, Krabi Airport in Thailand hosted a ceremony to return the Holy Buddha Relics and those of his two Venerable Disciples, Sariputta and Moggallana, to India. An Indian Air Force plane flew the relics back to New Delhi.

The ceremony was attended by Thai and Indian officials, including Mr. Soemsak Pongpanich, the Thai Minister of Culture, and Mr. Nagesh Singh, the Indian Ambassador to Thailand.

In his speech, Mr. Soemsak thanked all those who had made the event possible, especially the Bodhigayavijjalaya 980 Institute. He noted that a total of 4,127,590 people had paid their respects to the relics during their time in Thailand. The figure was broken down to 2 million visitors in Bangkok, 511,189 in Chiang Mai, 810,374 in Ubon Ratchathani and 720,667 in Krabi.

Mr. Suppachai Viraphuchong, secretary general of the Bodhigayavijjalaya 980 Institute, said the relics were brought to Thailand for a temporary period, from February 22 to March 19, 2024. They were displayed in four different regions of the country: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani and Krabi.

“It is seen as a major achievement that Thais from all over the country may pay homage to the relics, and continue to use the Buddha’s teachings as a mental anchor to establish love and unity,” said Mr. Suppachai.

king relics — His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen came to pay homage to the relics of the Lord Buddha and his two main disciples, which the Indian government has given to be enshrined in honour of the King’s 72nd birthday at Sanam Luang on February 26, 2024.

Nagesh Singh, the Indian Ambassador, thanked the Thai government and the Ministry of Culture for their support in organizing the event. He said that the people of India had followed the news of the relics’ visit to Thailand with great interest and joy.

“People in India see Thailand as a civilized country,” he said. “India and Thailand have long exchanged cultures in many ways. Even many Thais or Indians may not know that we have a close relationship that goes back more than 2,000 years. Therefore, when the Indian government received a request from the Thai government to bring the sacred Buddha relics and the relics of the Arahants, it did not take long for a decision to be made.”

The ambassador explained that normally, it is not easy for them to travel outside the country, which would take at least three years. The Indian government decided to make an exception in this case to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries and to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand.

Mr. Singh also said that the Indian people see Thailand as a partner in creating a common success. The Thai and Indian governments have worked together to strengthen their friendship and the most important thing is a lasting relationship that will last forever, he said.

krabi9 — Mr. Soemsak Pongpanich, the Thai Minister of Culture, and Mr. Nagesh Singh, the Indian Ambassador to Thailand.

Phangan Cops Charge Russian Woman with Kicking Pregnant Thai

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Khaosod English

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19 March 2024, 22:59

KOH PHANGAN – On March 19, 2024, a Russian woman was charged with assault by police on Koh Phangan after she kicked a pregnant Thai woman. The Russian apologized for her behavior, but the Thai woman pressed charges.

The incident took place on the afternoon of March 18. The Thai woman, Mrs. Sathika, 34, was working in her natural products store in Koh Phangan when a foreign woman with shoes and a coffee cup entered the store. A sign on the front door of the store stated that entry with shoes was not permitted.

Mrs. Sathika explained to the foreigner in English that she was not allowed to wear shoes in the store or bring drinks from outside into the store. However, the foreigner ignored her. The pregnant woman repeated her request, to which the foreigner replied that her shoes were not dirty.

russia kick1 — The CCTV footage shows the Russian woman entering the store on March 18, 2024.

When Mrs. Sathika insisted that the foreign woman take off her shoes, the foreign woman kicked her twice on the right leg, causing slight abrasions. The foreign woman then walked away.

Mrs. Sathika went to the police station to report the incident and posted a picture of the foreign woman from the store’s CCTV camera on social media, hoping someone would recognize her.

Koh Phangan police and immigration authorities identified the foreign woman as Ms. Alena, a 41-year-old Russian national. They invited her to the police station for questioning, where she admitted to kicking the Thai woman. She apologised to Mrs. Sathika, who accepted her apology but insisted that the police press charges to defend her rights and her baby. The police then charged Ms. Alena with “assault.”

Thailand Will Announce Its First European Strategic Relationship With the UK

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Khaosod English

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19 March 2024, 20:08

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Cameron arrives in Downing Street for a cabinet meeting in London, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

BANGKOK – The UK will be the first country in Europe that Thailand will announce a strategic partnership with, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kanchana Phattharachoke, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stated that Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron will pay an official visit to Thailand on March 20, 2024. During his visit, Thailand and the UK will formally announce their relations as Strategic Partnership.

Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton will pay a courtesy call on Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and will have a bilateral meeting with Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, security and defence, science, technology and innovation (STI), climate change, tourism, and people-to-people exhanges.

The Foreign Ministers of the two countries will sign “Thailand-UK Strategic Partnership Roadmap”, to reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting comprehensive cooperation in 8 key areas, namely (1) economy, trade, and investment; (2) politics, parliament and multilateralism; (3) security and defence; (4) climate change, energy, green economy, and sustainable development; (5) agriculture; (6) digital, science, technology and innovation; (7) public health; and (8) people-to-people relations, education and soft power.

Thailand and the UK have close and longstanding relations that span for almost two centuries. Their bilateral relations have developed from strength to strength. With the UK’s focus on Thailand and the Indo-Pacific agenda, it is now more than ever that both sides build deeper engagement on priority issues and emerging shared interests.

Both sides will celebrate the 170th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations next year (2025).

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The Bank of Japan Ends the Negative Rate With Its First Rate Hike in 17 Years

By

Kyodo News

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19 March 2024, 18:03

TOKYO – The Bank of Japan on Tuesday scrapped its negative interest rate policy in its first rate hike in 17 years, overhauling the central bank’s unprecedented monetary easing framework of the past decade that aimed to end deflation.

The BOJ decided at a two-day meeting to guide short-term interest rates within a range of zero and 0.1 percent, judging that its goal of attaining stable 2 percent inflation is “in sight.”

The symbolic move signals that the dovish BOJ is gravitating toward policy normalization that analysts still expect to be slow at best, with the central bank saying financial conditions will remain “accommodative.”

The decision was not unanimous, with two of the nine board members opposed.

AP24079140194482 — The headquarters of Bank of Japan (BOJ) is seen in Tokyo Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Japan’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate Tuesday for the first time in 17 years, ending a longstanding policy of negative rates meant to boost the economy. (Kyodo News via AP)

The departure from the negative rate policy means higher borrowing costs for companies and households but a boost in the profitability of commercial banks and other financial institutions.

Since 2016, the BOJ has set short-term interest rates at minus 0.1 percent, making it less attractive for financial institutions to leave excess funds at the central bank. The goal was to prompt commercial banks to increase lending and investment in order to rejuvenate the economy.

The Policy Board also decided to scrap its yield cap program, under which long-term interest rates have been at extremely low levels, and end its purchases of assets such as exchange-traded funds.

“It came into sight that the price stability target of 2 percent would be achieved in a sustainable and stable manner,” the BOJ said in a post-meeting statement.

The monetary easing framework, which involved a negative rate and yield curve control program, has “fulfilled” its role, the bank said.

Despite the removal of the yield cap, the central bank will continue to buy long-term Japanese government bonds in “broadly the same quantities as before” when bond yields rise sharply.

While cost-push inflation may be a major factor in accelerating wage growth, it is viewed as a critical development for Japan to ensure a virtuous cycle of pay and price hikes.

AP24079140025869 — Kazuo Ueda, the governor of the Bank of Japan arrives at the bank headquarters in Tokyo, Japan Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Japan Pool/Kyodo News via AP)

The BOJ expects the Japanese economy to continue to recover moderately, though economists point to weak domestic demand, especially private consumption. Japanese firms have robust capital investment plans and the focus is on whether they will materialize.

Heading into the latest policy meeting, BOJ board members have sounded more confident about the probability of achieving 2 percent inflation, supported by wage growth.

The preliminary reading of a 5.28 percent pay hike offered by Japanese firms on average during this year’s labor-management negotiations has apparently boosted hopes for a virtuous cycle of pay and price increases. The pace is the fastest in over three decades.

BOJ chief Kazuo Ueda had indicated that the negative rate policy and yield control program would be reviewed when the inflation goal came into view. Still, he shot down expectations that the central bank would raise rates rapidly, saying financial conditions will remain accommodative.

Ueda is scheduled to hold a press conference later in the day. The governor’s remarks will be scrutinized for any clues about future policy changes, which would also impact financial markets.

The BOJ’s persistence with ultralow rates sharply weakened the yen as its global counterparts rushed to raise rates to fight surging inflation.

The yen fell against the U.S. dollar shortly after the BOJ’s decision. A weak yen cuts both ways, as it boosts import costs for resource-scarce Japan but can be a boon to exporters by inflating their overseas earnings in yen terms.

Market participants also pay close attention to the outlook for U.S. monetary policy. The Federal Reserve is scheduled to hold a two-day policy-setting meeting starting Tuesday, and analysts expect it to end its aggressive monetary tightening to fight soaring inflation and start cutting rates sometime this year.

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