Britney Freed: Judge Dissolves Spears’ Conservatorship

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13 November 2021, 16:06

APTOPIX People Britney Spears — Confetti falls on Britney Spears supporters outside a hearing concerning the pop singer's conservatorship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. Photo: Chris Pizzello / AP

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears is free. A Los Angeles judge on Friday ended the conservatorship that has controlled the pop singer’s life and money for nearly 14 years.

The decision capped a stunning odyssey that saw Spears publicly demand the end of the conservatorship, hire her own attorney, have her father removed from power and finally win the freedom to make her own medical, financial and personal decisions for the first time since 2008.

“As of today, the conservatorship of the person and estate of Britney Jean Spears is hereby terminated,” Judge Brenda Penny said.

Jubilation erupted outside the courthouse, with fans cheering and shouting after the decision was announced. The crowd chanted “Britney! Britney! Britney!” and fans sang and danced to Spears’ song “Stronger.”

Spears promptly tweeted about the decision: “Good God I love my fans so much it’s crazy!!! I think I’m gonna cry the rest of the day!!!! Best day ever … praise the Lord … can I get an Amen???”

Spears’ attorney, Mathew Rosengart, told fans and reporters that the case “helped shine a light on conservatorships and guardianships from coast to coast, from California to New York. And that took a tremendous amount of insight, courage and grace.”

AP21316814419156 — Britney Spears supporters Aaron Morris, second from right, and Elizabeth Crocker embrace outside a hearing concerning the pop singer’s conservatorship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. Photo: Chris Pizzello / AP

The judge’s move was widely expected, with little support left for prolonging the legal arrangement. No new arguments were offered at the 30-minute hearing. Spears did not attend.

As recently as last spring, it appeared that the conservatorship could continue for years. Then it unraveled with surprising speed.

Key to the unraveling was a speech Spears made at a hearing in June when she passionately described the restrictions and scrutiny as “abusive” and said “I just want my life back,” a line her lawyer repeated in court Friday. Spears demanded that the conservatorship end without any prying evaluation of her mental state.

Legal experts at the time said that was unlikely to happen, and would represent a departure from common court practice.

But the judge said at Wednesday’s hearing that California law did not require her to order further evaluation of Spears if no one requested it.

AP21316760126383 — Twins Edward, right, and John Grimes of Dublin, Ireland, hold a “Free Britney” flag outside a hearing concerning the pop singer’s conservatorship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. Photo: Chris Pizzello / AP

The judge allowed Spears to hire Rosengart, an attorney of her choice, in July. He made it his goal first to have James Spears removed from his role as conservator of his daughter’s finances before working to end the conservatorship altogether. The judge suspended James Spears at a September hearing, citing the “toxic environment” his presence created.

But more courtroom battles could lie ahead.

Rosengart has further vowed to pursue an investigation of James Spears’ role. He said he and his team have found mismanagement of Britney Spears’ finances, suggesting she could pursue further legal action. Court records put her net worth at about $60 million.

He also said law enforcement should investigate revelations in a New York Times documentary about a listening device placed in her bedroom.

James Spears’ attorneys said Rosengart’s allegations ranged from unsubstantiated to impossible, and that he only ever acted in his daughter’s best interest.

The post-conservatorship fight has in some ways already begun. James Spears has parted ways with the attorneys who helped him operate it, and he has hired Alex Weingarten, a lawyer specializing in the kind of litigation that may be coming.

In court filings last week, Britney Spears’ former business managers, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, pushed back against Rosengart’s demands for documents about the firm’s involvement in the conservatorship from 2008 to 2018. The group also denied any role in or knowledge of any surveillance of the superstar.

AP21316735202035 — Britney Spears supporters decorate a pink “Free Britney” Christmas tree outside a hearing concerning the pop singer’s conservatorship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. Photo: Chris Pizzello / AP

Jodi Montgomery, the court-appointed conservator who oversaw the singer’s life and medical decisions starting in 2019, developed a care plan with her therapists and doctors to guide Spears through the end of the conservatorship and its aftermath.

“There is no reason Ms. Spears can’t lead a safe, happy, fulfilling life after this conservatorship,” Montgomery’s attorney, Lauriann Wright, said at the hearing.

The judge kept a small part of the conservatorship temporarily in place to allow the accountant who took over for James Spears to put the singer’s affairs in order in the coming months before transferring power back to her.

Britney Spears was a 26-year-old new mother at the height of her career when her father established the conservatorship, at first on a temporary basis, in February 2008 after a series of public mental health struggles.

AP21316732642983 — Britney Spears supporter Saige Douglas, of Denver, Col., decorates a “Free Britney” Christmas tree with a Britney Spears doll he created, outside a hearing concerning the pop singer’s conservatorship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. Photo: Chris Pizzello / AP

It ends a few weeks before her 40th birthday, with her sons in their mid-teens and her career on indefinite hold, as she is engaged to be married a second time.

A turning point came early in 2019, when she canceled a planned concert residency in Las Vegas.

Convinced she was put in a mental hospital against her will, fans began coalescing and demanding that the court #FreeBritney. At first, they were dismissed as conspiracy theorists, but the singer herself gave them validation in 2020 in a series of court filings that said they were correct to demand greater transparency and scrutiny of her legal situation.

Those filings proved to be the first indication from Spears, who had remained silent on the conservatorship for years, that she would seek major changes.

Story: Andrew Dalton

Ramifications of Constitutional Court’s Ruling on Monarchy Reformists

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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13 November 2021, 10:00

If there’s any court ruling that would have ramifications far beyond those directly involved, it’s the one made by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday. On that day, the court ruled that leaders of the monarchy-reform movement acted unconstitutionally by exercising their rights and freedom in an attempt to overthrow the democratic system with the king as head of state, thus treacherous.

A key part of the ruling worth noting at length, with my translation, read: “Any action with the intention to destroy or causing the monarchy institution to disintegrate, be it through speech, writing or various other actions that cause the subversion, denigration or weakening [of the monarchy] revealed the intent to overthrow the monarchy institution… The actions of the three [complainants] only cited rights and freedom without consideration to the principles of equality and fraternity… The three complainants… violated the rights of privacy of others through revile, disturbance of personal space, incitement with distorted information. It is apparent that the actions of the three complainants involved network group formations and with continuous use violence. In some incidents, the three complainants played a role in igniting speeches that incite violence in the country, causing divisions among the people, thus destroying the principles of equality and fraternity. The results of the actions of the three lead to the overthrow of the democratic system with the king as the head…”

Intentionally or not, the ruling effectively lump the whole movement into that of the republican movement.

Yes, there are people who are anti-monarchists and want to see Thailand turning into a republic among the movement, whether they are explicit about it or not, but there are also those who merely wanted to see the Thai monarchy transitioned into ones they see in the United Kingdom, Japan or Sweden where the rights to criticize the monarchy are guaranteed and the elected government as well as the people can hold the monarchy accountable.

The court may have rightly noted in its ruling that the colour blue, which represents the monarchy, was removed from the national flag at some rallies, or “repeated vandalizations of the portrait of the king” but that doesn’t mean all are republicans. Now the court ruling risks lumping them all as anti-monarchist and leaving no room for genuine calls to reform the monarchy.

We will never know for sure if any or all of the three complainants, Arnon Nampa, Panusaya “Rung” Sitthijirawattanakun and Panupong “Mike” Jadnok, are republicans or not because under Thai law, it’s an act of treason to call for the overthrow of the monarchy and turning the kingdom into a republic. The same can be said about other monarchy-reform protest leaders and protesters.

What’s clear is that the ruling will most likely affect the on-going lese majeste charges against at least 154 people now facing the charge of defaming the monarchy, which carries a maximum imprisonment term of 15 years. It will also most likely lead to legal petitions to dissolve and ban politicians running the two main opposition parties, Pheu Thai and Move Forward, since the parties and some of its MPs expressed support, or at least sympathy, to the monarchy-reform movement.

Beyond the protest leaders and party politics, the Constitutional Court’s ruling risks deepening the already very deeply polarized ideological and political divides and makes any calls to reform the monarchy from now on a possible act of treason.

Protesters became infuriated and the website of the Constitutional Court was hacked Thursday, less than a day after it passed the ruling. The site’s name was changed to “Kangaroo Court” and linked to a music video from American hip hop group Death Grips, “Guillotine (It Goes Yah).” On the same day, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha urged students at the National Defense College to “be brave” and stand during the royal anthem in movie theaters. The remark stems from a growing trend among moviegoers to sit during the pre-screening anthem as a symbolic act of indifference if not disapproval.

These ramifications means Thailand is entering a new phase of ideological struggle where more and more people became radicalized and see the situation as a zero sum game. Some genuine monarchy reformists have been expressing republican views on social media as they are losing hope for a peaceful reform while ultra-royalists got the confirmations from the court to see things in a more simplistic black and white divide. This new phase is even more precarious and unpredictable for Thailand.

CIMB Thai Bank and College of Innovation of Thammasat University ink MOU to enhance students’

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Contributor

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12 November 2021, 17:52

CIMB Thai Bank and College of Innovation of Thammasat University ink MOU to enhance students’ professional potential and open up banking business learning opportunities

Mr. Anon Sirisaengtaksin, Independent Director, and Mr. Paul Wong Chee Kin, President and CEO, CIMB Thai Bank Plc., jointly with Asst. Prof. Chayakrit Asvathitanont, Ph.D., Dean of College of Innovation, and Asst. Prof. Nopphon Tangjitprom, Ph.D., Director of Digital Transformation and Innovation Program, College of Innovation, Thammasat University (CITU), together with the executives, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration in promoting and supporting professional skill development for students, professors and relevant personnel aiming to open up opportunities for sharing of knowledge among students and relevant personnel so that they are equipped with future skills and capabilities as quality members of the society.

Mr. Paul Wong Chee Kin, CIMB Thai Bank President and CEO, said “CIMB Thai Bank has all along given priority to development of human resource as a key element for the success of the organization. Meanwhile, next generation people are considered a strong driving force of business growth under the rapidly changing landscape looking forward. Therefore, we have taken part in promoting education and opening up opportunities for students to boost their professional skills and capabilities through internship and cooperative education programs in which the students will acquire practical working experience from our experienced staff, including problem-solving and teamwork skills, so that they would be fully prepared for their future career advancement.”

Asst. Prof. Chayakrit Asvathitanont, Ph.D., CITU Dean, said “the signing of the MOU is a testament of both institutions’ firm commitment to people development on a sustainable basis. In addition to the internship programs for learning banking business, the students will also gain knowledge through the knowledge sharing programs.”

“The Bank has developed strategies focused on people development in response to changes and to support their sustainable advancement along with the Bank. We not only enhance our internal staff’s capabilities, but also give opportunities for students to learn and grow with us. Besides the internship and cooperative education programs, we also provide CIMB ASEAN Scholarship to build talents of next generation in pursuit of growth alongside ASEAN and to achieve our goal as ASEAN leading organization,” added Mr. Paul Wong Chee Kin.

CP-CP Foods volunteers help flood affected students at Wat Sao Thong Klang School

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Contributor

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12 November 2021, 14:44

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) donated food supplies and other essentials under flood-relief project, “CPF delivers food from the heart against flood”, to students from at Wat Sao Thong Klang School, Samut Prakan, and their families, as they are affected by flash flood.

Mr. Kittisak Pachwong, Director of Wat Sao Thong Klang School (Pitaprachasan) received 50 bags of rice, 2,250 eggs, and ready-to-eat food from volunteers of CP Foods Bangna Feedmill to alleviate the impact of flash flood in the area around Wat Sao Thong Klang School.

“This flash flood was caused by the high sea level and heavy rain in the same time. This has caused difficulties for people around Wat Sao Thong Klang School, including the students and their families,” Mr. Kittisak said. “CP Foods’ feed mill in Bangna has provided survival bags, consisting of supplies and foods, to affected 90 students. We would like to thank the company for caring the people of Samut Prakan.”

Mr. Nithipong Nongnak said that CP Foods initiated the relief project, “CPF food from the heart against flood” and continues to operate continuously with the dedication of CP-CP Foods volunteers that visit flood-affected areas in many provinces such as Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen and Kanchanaburi, providing assistance with safe food to Thai people during the crisis.

Myanmar Court Sentences US Journalist to 11 Years in Jail

By

Associated Press

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12 November 2021, 12:42

BANGKOK (AP) — The lawyer for detained U.S. journalist Danny Fenster says a court in military-ruled Myanmar has sentenced him to 11 years in prison after finding him guilty on several charges including incitement for allegedly spreading false or inflammatory information.

Fenster, the managing editor of the online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was also found guilty Friday of contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations, lawyer Than Zaw Aung said.

Fenster has been detained since May. He still faces two additional charges in a different court for allegedly violating the counterterrorism law and a statute covering treason and sedition.

Elements of Automatic Bag Filling Machines

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Contributor

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12 November 2021, 11:19

Automatic bag filling machines can be an incredibly useful tool for any manufacturing or packaging company. They increase efficiency, save time, and can standardize processes reducing the frequency of errors in many packaging processes. Incorporating these machines into your packaging systems for products that need to be stored in bags can, therefore, have massive benefits.

It is important to know how automatic bag filling machines work and what all the elements are that go into creating this new level of efficiency. Understanding all the elements will ensure that when you install one you can use it effectively with the other machines used in your packaging line. This article will cover some of the parts that make up automatic bag filling machines and how they work.

Photo credit https://psscombine.com/

Bag Placer

This is the element of an automatic bag filling machine that properly places the bag so that product can effectively be transferred into it. It is important that this element has a good way to adjust the opening properly for the type of product and the size of the bag opening. If the product is liquid or semiliquid in form, then it is important that this element is able to create and maintain a proper seal to avoid any leakage.

Bag Former

Not all automatic bag filling machines will need a bag former. This element can either create the bag from raw material directly before it is filled, or help maintain the shape of the bag before it is filled.

Bag Filler

The bag filler is the element of an automatic bag filling machine that dispenses product into the prepared bag. It is important for this element to start and stop at the right part of the process, but also that it has an accurate way to measure when the bag is filled to the right volume and filling should stop. This is essential to avoid any spillage and make sure that bags are not overfilled, which could cause them to burst unnecessarily when experiencing pressure.

Check Weigh Conveyor

A check weigh conveyor is important for an automatic bag filling machine, because it checks to make sure that filled bags have been filled correctly with the appropriate volume of product. THis is an important check to make sure that bags will remain properly intact during transport after being filled.

Bag Closer

A bag closer is the part of an automatic bag filling machine that seals the bag. This can be done with either a permanent seal, such as sewing the bag closed, or with a reopenable seal, such as a zipper closure. The type of seal used will depend heavily on the type of product being transported and if you want it to be easily openable without any sort of tools.

Essential Elements of Automatic Bag Filling Machines

Make sure that any automatic bag filling machine that you incorporate into your packaging solutions operates in coordination with other machinery that you are using. In addition, make sure that all the elements of the machine are properly calibrated to give you the best packaging solution results possible.

Great Traits Of Hair Salon in Chidlom

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Contributor

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12 November 2021, 11:18

Many people have long been awaiting the opportunity to get their hair cut or treated at a salon after the extended lockdowns caused by Covid-19. The excitement of going to the salon in person, getting a scalp massage and shampoo, being pampered, and knowing you’ve got professionally styled hair in the exact look that you’ve been wanting is a great feeling.

And one of the top places in Bangkok to seek expert hair styling and hair cutting services is in Chidlom. Centrally located and renowned for high-class beauty services, hair salons in Chidlom are highly regarded for their expert services and great reviews. But there is an overwhelming amount of choice, so this article will give you tips on how to select the best hair salon in Chidlom.

Convenient Location

One of the best traits of a great Chidlom hair salon is an excellent location. Chidlom is a busy area full of interesting shopping locations and quaint restaurants that can make for a very exciting day out on the town. Some of the best hair salons in this area are located near or inside the shopping complexes, allowing you to easily get your shopping done as well as your hair.

Great Service

In addition to looking for a hair salon in Chidlom that is conveniently located, it is essential to find a salon that offers great service. This refers to expert level hair cutting services, but also excellent customer services. Whenever you visit a salon, you want to feel that you are respected, pampered and treated with esteem by the stylists, so that you can truly relax and feel fully refreshed after your salon visit.

Special Style Options

A final consideration you should make for any hair salon in Chidlom that you’d like to visit is the type of services they offer. Are you interested in a simple cut, a complex styling service, or coloring services? You should always take a look at what the salon offers and specializes in so that you know you can get exactly what you want and you know that it will be done with a high level of professionalism and expertise. If a salon can’t offer you the exact look that you’re interested in, then it would be better to consider other salon options.

The Best Hair Salons in Chidlom

Whatever kind of hairstyle or cut you are looking for, there is a hair salon in Chidlom that can cater to your needs. When you are considering all the different options for hair styling services in this area, you should carefully consider the salon’s location, customer services, and special style options. Finding a salon that meets all your needs in these three areas ensures that you will have a great salon experience and leave feeling extremely satisfied with your service.

Cambodia Dismisses US Sanctions as ‘Politically Motivated’

By

Associated Press

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12 November 2021, 10:00

US Cambodia Corruption — Cambodian navy crew stand on a patrol boat at the Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, southwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 26, 2019. Photo: Heng Sinith / AP

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia on Thursday dismissed as “politically motivated” sanctions imposed by the United States on two senior defense officials over allegations of graft, accompanied by a broader warning of systemic corruption in the Southeast Asian nation.

Government spokesman Phay Siphan said Cambodia had not been told in advance about the sanctions, which are related to construction financing at the Ream Naval Base — a project that has raised U.S. concerns over China’s involvement. He said Cambodia did not intend to respond to Washington.

“The sanctions imposed by the U.S. government were made unilaterally and their decision was not based on the rule of law — it is an injustice for Cambodia,” he told The Associated Press.

“These sanctions were politically motivated, and it is not the position of Cambodia to talk with the U.S. on this matter,” he said.

The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh would not comment on whether Cambodia had been in contact regarding the sanctions but said that the move would not have come as a surprise.

“U.S. officials have regularly raised concerns with Cambodia’s officials about systemic corruption, transnational organized crime and human rights abuses,” embassy spokesman Chad Roedemeier said.

“Regrettably there have been no meaningful changes,” he added.

The sanctions, announced by the U.S. Treasury Department on Wednesday, target Chau Phirun, the director general of the Defense Ministry’s material and technical services department, and Tea Vinh, the commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy and brother of Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh.

The Treasury Department alleged that in 2020 and 2021, Chau conspired with Tea and other Cambodian officials to inflate costs of the Ream Naval Base construction project and then planned to use the funds for their own benefit.

“Chau and Tea were involved in corrupt acts that undermined the rule of law and the Cambodian public’s faith in their government institutions and public processes, including by using their political influence and official power for personal benefit,” U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

Neither the Cambodian Defense Ministry nor the Royal Cambodian Navy could immediately be reached for comment.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin defended what he called “equal and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Cambodia” on the project and accused the U.S. of interfering in Cambodia’s affairs by levying sanctions.

“China has always opposed unilateral sanctions and the so-called long-arm jurisdiction of the U.S., as well as its gross interference in other countries’ internal affairs,” he said at a daily briefing in Beijing.

The sanctions render Chau, Tea and their immediate family members ineligible for entry into the U.S., and freeze any assets in the U.S. that they hold. The Treasury Department did not detail whether either individual or their immediate families had financial interests in the U.S.

In addition to the sanctions, the Treasury Department, State Department and Commerce Department issued a business advisory cautioning U.S. firms “to be mindful of interactions with entities involved in corrupt business practices, criminal activities and human rights abuses.”

It identified two primary areas of risk: illegal financial activities in the financial, real estate, casino and infrastructure sectors, and entities involved in the trafficking of humans, wildlife and narcotics and “related risks in some areas of the manufacturing and timber sectors.”

American relations with the government of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been in office for 36 years, have long been frosty over concerns about the country’s poor record on human and political rights.

In recent months, the U.S. has expressed further worries about ties between Cambodia and China, and has urged the leaders of Cambodia, which frequently supports Beijing’s positions, to maintain an independent and balanced foreign policy.

New tensions have focused partly on China’s construction of facilities at the Ream Naval Base, and the possibility its military could seek future basing rights there. Hun Sen has strongly denied reports that Cambodia would allow China to set up a military outpost there, saying such an agreement would be forbidden by Cambodia’s constitution.

The base faces the Gulf of Thailand, which lies adjacent to the South China Sea, and holding basing rights in Cambodia would extend Beijing’s strategic military profile considerably.

In a meeting with Hun Sen in June, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman expressed concern about China’s construction of new facilities at Ream.

She also sought clarification about the demolition of two U.S.-funded buildings at Ream without notification or explanation, and “observed that a (Chinese) military base in Cambodia would undermine its sovereignty, threaten regional security and negatively impact U.S.-Cambodia relations,” according to the State Department.

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Story: David Rising and Sopheng Cheang. Rising reported from Bangkok. Associated Press journalist Sam McNeil in Beijing contributed to this report.

B.GRIMM POWER EXPANDS ITS RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO — TO ACQUIRE A SIGNIFICANT STAKE IN FAST GROWING RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY, RENIKOLA, MALAYSIA

By

Contributor

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12 November 2021, 09:05

B.Grimm Power Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., (“B.Grimm Malaysia”) which is a 100% owned subsidiary of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (“B.Grimm Power”), has entered into the agreements to indirectly purchase 40.6% in Pimpinan Ehsan Berhad (PEB) via a direct subscription to 45% shares in reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn. Bhd., a fast-growing pure play renewable energy company based in Malaysia with target to increase renewable portfolio to above 1 GW from current pipeline of more than 500 MW.

Currently reNIKOLA has 88 MW of solar plants in operations and term sheet signed for acquiring another 90MW of solar plants in the near future. Additionally, reNIKOLA also has various MOUs signed with major corporations in Malaysia, to develop a 375MW solar plant under the nascent Third Party Contract (Corporate PPA) framework. reNIKOLA, also has an identified pipeline of prospective solar and small hydro projects which it is pursuing actively.

The promoters and management of reNIKOLA have a strong track record in the recent past of being on the forefront of renewable projects in Malaysia, with some of the firsts being: The first project to reach commercial operation date (COD) under the Large Scale Solar (LSS) bidding system in Malaysia; and the first renewable company in Malaysia to get the approval of Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology for a solar plant under the TPC/”Corporate PPA” scheme.

At the virtual signing ceremony, President of B.Grimm Power Dr. Harald Link said: “We share same values as reNIKOLA, which is to provide clean, reliable and affordable electricity. As such, we see it as the ideal vehicle for us to venture into the energy sector in Malaysia. The country offers many opportunities, particularly in the renewable energy segment. We have plans to develop renewable energy power plants in Malaysia and through this acquisition, we can fast-track our expansion plans in the country and build a sizeable renewable energy asset portfolio together. We are thrilled with all the possibilities and look forward to turning the opportunities into reality expeditiously.”

Chairman of reNIKOLA Tengku Zaiton added: “The participation of B.Grimm Power, which is a respectable world-class energy company, as the significant shareholder of reNIKOLA Holdings validates the direction we are taking, focusing on pure play long term renewable energy or renewable energy assets. We are excited with the huge potential it brings when both parties combine our strengths. We can leverage on B.Grimm Power’s strong expertise and technical know-how in the renewable energy sector. Coupled with the RM367 million cash injection from B.Grimm, we have a strong war chest to seize the tremendous growth opportunities in the renewable energy sector.”

Chairman of PEB Jonathan Law Ngee Song, said: “We have set a clear goal, that is to transform PEB into a leading pure play renewable energy company in the region. We want to build the largest renewable energy asset portfolio in Malaysia. With B.Grimm Power as a significant shareholder in PEB [upon completion of the Proposed Acquisition], we are confident we are on the accelerated path to achieve our goal, and it certainly serves as a booster to our standing and credibility as well. With the support of B.Grimm Power, PEB through reNIKOLA Holdings can play a key role in helping to achieve this target. Moreover, we believe our efforts on the Environmental, Social and Governance or ESG aspect can be further enhanced by the input from B.Grimm Power given its excellent reputation and established track record in this area. All in all, it is interesting times ahead as we embark on the next phase of our corporate journey.”

B.Grimm Power’s Commitment to Net Zero by 2050

This is yet another step by B.Grimm Power towards reaching the goal of Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050.

Coincidentally Malaysia has also announced its target to reach Net Zero by 2050. It aims to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas or GHG emission across the economy by 45% based on the GDP by 2030, which is 10% higher than the earlier target.

Currently B.Grimm Power has 737 MW of renewable power plants in operations, consisting of solar projects in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, wind projects and waste-to-energy in Thailand and hydro power projects in Laos. The company also operates a number of solar rooftop projects in Thailand and the Philippines. Additionally, B.Grimm Power currently developing several renewable projects with a total of capacity of 126 MW, including wind project in Poland, hydro power projects in Laos and solar hybrid project in Thailand. The company aims to ramp up its total installed capacity from 3,058 MW at the end of 2020 to at least 7,200 MW of secured PPA by 2025, and to 10,000 MW by 2030 with a targeted annual revenue of more than 100 billion baht.

Constitutional Court Says Calls for Royal Reform May Be Seditious

By

Associated Press

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11 November 2021, 13:06

Pro-democracy activist Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul talks to the media after leaving the Constitutional Court where her protest activities came under legal review in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday that three pro-democracy activists who called for reform of the monarchy were attempting to overthrow the nation’s system of government with the king as head of state.

The ruling banned any similar activities in the future by the activists and their organizations. It also appeared to broadly deter calls for reform of the monarchy by highlighting legal liabilities beyond a royal anti-defamation law under which more than 150 activists have been charged in the past two years.

The ruling came in response to a complaint by a royalist lawyer who accused the activists of attempting to overthrow “the democratic system of government with the king as head of state.”

The decision has broader application beyond the three defendants, said Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, a legal expert and prominent progressive activist.

“This decision has drawn a line and creates a ‘red zone,’ meaning that if you don’t want to get charges or punishment, don’t touch the monarchy,” he said.

AP21314363906547 — Police officers guard outside the Constitutional Court behind a public monitor showing courtroom proceedings Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

The court also implied that the authority of the royal palace supersedes other institutions. The king’s role since the absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932, at least according to conventional wisdom, has been to reign but not rule.

However, since King Maha Vajiralongkorn took the throne after the death in 2016 of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the palace has steadily accumulated power and has downplayed the historical significance of the 1932 revolution which established a constitutional monarchy.

The three activists are key members of a student-led protest movement which last year began staging well-attended street demonstrations.

The protests demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who came to power in 2014 by staging a coup as army commander; amendment of the constitution to make it more democratic; and reform of the monarchy to make it more accountable.

AP21314364117931 — Pro-democracy activist Arnon Nampha talks to students during a protest at the Thammasat University in Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Aug, 10, 2020. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

The demand for reform of the monarchy is the most radical and controversial because the royal institution has rarely faced public scrutiny and is considered by many to be a sacrosanct pillar of Thai identity. Its reputation is fiercely guarded by the country’s ruling elite, including the courts and the military.

The Constitutional Court is seen by legal scholars as the conservative Thai establishment’s bulwark against change, with a particular devotion to the monarchy.

Its ruling Wednesday represents the latest defense of the royal institution, which has come under pressure due to sharp political divisions in the Southeast Asian country over the last two decades. An earlier military coup forced Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra out of office in 2006, but set off years of sometimes violent conflict between his supporters, who were attracted by his populist policies, and his detractors, who believed he was challenging the monarchy’s standing.

The coups carried out by the royalist military in 2006 and 2014, and what appeared to critics to be a series of court rulings biased against Thaksin and his allies, polarized public opinion and led to unprecedented questioning of the role of the palace in politics.

AP21314364347307 — Pro-democracy Panupong Jadnok talks to students during a protest at the Thammasat University in Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Aug, 10, 2020. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

All three of the defendants — Panusaya “Rung” Sitthijirawattanakul, Arnon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok — have already been charged under Article 112 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits defamation of the monarchy and is punishable by three to 15 years in prison, and under Article 116, which forbids the use of force to change laws or the government and is punishable by up to seven years.

There are fears that the court’s ruling could open the way for prosecutions under another, harsher law.

AP21314363142023 — Pro-democracy Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul raises a three-finger salute, a symbol of resistance, as she arrives at the Constitutional Court where her protest activities came under legal review in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

“What is most concerning about this is it means that the protesters could eventually be charged with violation of Article 113, or revolt, which is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty,” said Prof. Tyrell Haberkorn, a Thailand specialist at the University of Wisconsin.

Article 113, which covers acts of revolt or rebellion, “is generally used against those who attempt coups,” she said in an online interview.

“In the short term, I suspect this will prompt a large number of people to go into the streets” to protest, she said.

After the ruling, Panusaya said the activists had no intention of overthrowing the country’s system of government.

“The court’s decision today has already told us what our future will be,” she said.

Story: Grant Peck

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