CP Vietnam Corporation (CP Vietnam) hosted the second edition of “Capacity building for partnership” training programme for critical suppliers to help them transition toward a more sustainable working culture, especially in the areas of human rights and labour practices.
Mr. Chamnan Wangakkarangkul, Executive Vice President – Agro Feed and Food Products Business and President of Sustainable Sourcing Committee of CP Vietnam, said the company has applied and communicated CP Foods’ sourcing policy, covering four main areas that are product and services’ traceability (Product), fair treatment of employees and human rights (People), environmental-friendly process (Process), and verifiability performance and risk management (Performance).
To achieve this goal, CP Foods has shared its expertise in sustainable practices, including its knowledge in human rights, workplace safety and good labour practices, to the suppliers. He added that, good and sustainable practices will raise their competitive advantage at a global stage.
“Nowadays, companies around the world are looking for a partner with ESG (Environmental Social and Governance) practice. This training program will guide our critical suppliers to be one of them, a supplier of choice for leading corporate and government organizations.” Mr. Chamnan said.
Mr. Worawit Arunraksa, Assistant Vice President Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainable Development (CSR&SD) of CP Vietnam, added that “Capacity building for partnership” training programme which initiated following the success of the same program by CP Foods in Thailand. The first batch was held in 2019 for 78 critical suppliers in the southern part of Vietnam. Meanwhile, this year program was made for 70 suppliers in the northern part, covering packaging, ingredient, services, machinery etc.
This year training program was held online to avoid the risk of COVID-19 with specialists from SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, in charge of labour laws and human rights training and CP Vietnam’s SHE&EN team on occupational health and safety measures.
CP Vietnam also encourage its suppliers to apply the company’s Online Supplier Sustainability Self-Assessment to ensure that they are stringently comply with law and international trade regulations.
Mr. Worawit added that, after the training program, the company will work closely with the suppliers, providing a guidance to help them transition toward a better practice.
Being recognized for its sustainable practices, the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) has named CP Vietnam Corporation (CP Vietnam) among Top 10 sustainable companies in the manufacturing sector in 2020. Moreover, it was listed in the Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) 100 for the third consecutive year.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) proceeds with its effort to promote responsible operations among business partners and suppliers, to engage them in the development of agricultural supply chain and food industry for sustainable development.
Mr. Siripong Aroonratana, chief operating officer of CPF, said that as a world-class producer and exporter of quality food to over 30 countries, CPF is striving to continually enhance business partners’ and suppliers’ capability in strictly complying with laws and regulations as well as international standards. The goal is to reinforce economic, social and environmental responsibility throughout the supply chain by uniting all in the delivery of high quality, safe and traceable food in response to increasing demand for products from responsible production process and sources as well as the New Normal way of life following the COVID-19 outbreak.
“In producing and delivering quality food in a sustainable manner requires suppliers’ engagement. Considered our “business partners”, they must responsibly produce products and source raw materials and ensure their operations meet international standards. This will not only help address consumers’ preferences and challenges in the global scene, but also contribute to mutual growth for both CPF and the suppliers and sustainable development for society and the environment,” Mr. Siripong stressed.
CPF has informed and communicated with suppliers the Company’s Sustainable Sourcing Policy and Suppliers Guiding Principle since 2015. Each year, CPF has organized a seminar to promote knowledge and understanding in labor management. It has also conducted an annual assessment on suppliers’ sustainability, to help suppliers improve their operations and conform with CPF’s and international sustainable development principles.
In 2021, CPF will proceed with the suppliers’ capability building and sustainability assessment, to ensure their conformity with CPF’s Sustainability Policy’s 4P principles which entail Product, People, Process and Performance; as well as international sustainable sourcing standards that involve treatment of labor, human rights principles, environmental management, and optimization of energy and resources. The conformity is aimed at enhancing the confidence of customers and consumers, through the delivery of high-quality, nutritious, safe and traceable food products that come from a sustainable supply chain.
Mr. Vichapoom Kantanarumitrakul, managing director of A.N.B. Packaging Co., Ltd. which has supplied corrugated boxes for CPF’s product delivery to the world for more than 20 years, said that aside from cost and profit, A.B.N. Packaging has to be concerned with business ethics, fair treatment of employees and sustainable material sourcing which must not violate laws or harm forests. The concerns have fostered solid growth for the company and won trust from CPF and customers for a long period.
Mr. Khajadpai Areeprasertsook, Director of marketing and sales – industrial products of Srithai Superware PLC.
Mr. Khajadpai Areeprasertsook, Director of marketing and sales – industrial products of Srithai Superware PLC which is a packaging supplier of CPF, said that by integrating sustainability into the company’s business strategies, Srithai Superware has enjoyed increasing trust from customers and consumers. Business stability in turn draws talented employees who have further driven the company forward. Importantly, operating business under sustainability principles has introduced new trade and marketing opportunities to the company.
Mr. Chatchai Wachiratienchai, managing director of Aur-Aree Food Product Co., Ltd.
Mr. Chatchai Wachiratienchai, managing director of Aur-Aree Food Product Co., Ltd., added that as a supplier of garlics and chili for CPF for 12 years, the company is required to emphasize organizational development and conformity with CPF’s standards. As a result, the company’s employee benefits and product quality and development are closer to international standards. Meanwhile, the company has applied the knowledge obtained from CPF with its sustainable garlic peeling project and a program dedicated to uplift organic vegetable farming in Chiang Mai Province.
Corporate Mission “Grow in Thailand, Contribute to Thailand”
aims to support digital transformation while giving back to society
[Bangkok, Thailand/ 9 March 2021] Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has been chosen for the Special Prime Minister Award for the “Digital International Corporation of the Year” category. The award recognizes Huawei Thailand for its valuable support and outstanding contributions to Thai society since its establishment in the country 21 years ago and its efforts to support digital transformation. It is the only company to receive this award.
Mr. Abel Deng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., accepted the award from HE General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand in the presence of Mr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), during the award ceremony held at Government House.
The Prime Minister congratulated this year’s awardees. He commended the younger generation for being able to apply digital technology creatively and for leveraging on innovation to create new businesses to move ahead together. He also added that the government gives importance to the development of 5G and AI systems to drive Thailand forward and expressed hope that today’s success will inspire university students to make use of digital technology to create business opportunities for the country in the future. In addition, the Prime Minister congratulated Huawei executives and asked them to continue the company’s mission to drive Thailand forward.
“The PM’s Digital Awards recognize organizations whose products and solutions help drive digital technology and innovation development. For the PM’s Special Award: Digital International Corporation of the Year, the criteria for this distinction includes excellence in development of digital technology that supports enterprises, services and the society; application of digital technology that drives better economy, society, culture and security for Thais; investment that creates jobs in Thailand; social and environmental development that support local and international economy. Huawei received the highest scores from our distinguished committee,” said Mr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President of Digital Economy Promotion Agency. “Our collaboration with Huawei has been central not just for the country’s development, but also crucial when technology is used for emergency responses to unforeseen events such as natural disasters, security threats, health crises and others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company instantly applied the world’s leading technology called AI-assisted solutions and 5G technology to support the country’s medical working teams at government hospitals. Recently, Thailand’s first 5G Ecosystem Innovation Centre (5G EIC) was launched at depa’s office, thanks to a collaboration between the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) and Huawei. Our partnership with Huawei and our ability to leverage on 5G technology give us an edge in enhancing our business competitiveness. I would like to congratulate the company on this achievement. We are grateful for Huawei’s goodwill and continuous efforts to help drive the digital economy in the country,” he added.
“It is an honor for me to accept the Prime Minister’s Award on behalf of Huawei Technologies,” said Mr. Abel Deng, CEO of Huawei Thailand, during the ceremony. “At Huawei, we value long-term partnership. We are committed to collaborating with customers and partners to help keep Thailand at the forefront of the digital age. With the mission of ‘Grow in Thailand, Contribute to Thailand, Huawei reinforces its commitment to helping the country move forward to Thailand 4.0 and become a digital hub in the Asia Pacific region, and to ensuring that no one is left behind. We will bring digital to every person, every home and organization, for a fully connected, and intelligent Thailand.”
This year’s award is another recognition of Huawei’s leadership in Thailand’s digital scene. Among its success factors for this special recognition are:
For digital economy: • Open Lab Bangkok: one-stop support to provide industry solutions for the IoT, Big Data, and cloud computing, a verification platform, and ICT training services for customers and ICT industry entrepreneurs in Thailand and Southeast Asia • 5G EEC Testbed: established the first 5G Test Bed in a real world-setting in Southeast Asia located in Kasetsart University, Sri Racha campus (Eastern Economic Corridor). • Thailand 5G Ecosystem Innovation Center: Jointly established by Digital Economy Promotion Agency, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the center serves as a sandbox for SMEs, startups, developers, educational institutions to develop the digital innovations for 5G applications and service, incubate local digital talents and upgrade digital skills.
For social advancement: • AI-assisted solutions for government hospitals: AI-powered software provided to Ramathibodi and Siriraj Hospitals to help make COVID-19 diagnosis solutions faster and more efficient using 5G technology. • Huawei Telemedicine Video Conference Solution for the Ministry of Public Health: Real-time and full-functional teleconference system that can facilitate Thai medical staff and teams without risk of infection; doctors can conduct remote online consultations; patients can be diagnosed, treated and monitored through their own smart devices. • Unmanned vehicles using 5G: contactless delivery of medical goods within the hospital to reduce infection risks of frontline workers.
For human capital development:
• Huawei ASEAN Academy: partnering with local business, technical and engineering schools to “produce 100,000 digital and tech-related workers within 5 years”
• 5G courses by global experts and chief scientists from Huawei: topics such as 5G trends, commercial plans, 5G standards, use cases, business model ideas, etc. to promote multi-dimensional thinking
The leading tech company announced that more projects will be organized later this year to help Thailand strengthen its 5G ecosystem. In partnership with depa, Huawei will host the 5G Summit, 5G Industry Alliance and 5G Hackathon aiming to incubate local tech talents. The two parties will also release a 5G Whitepaper to help guide the industry towards the next-generation economy.
About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Our aim is to enrich life and improve efficiency through a better-connected world, acting as a responsible corporate citizen, innovative enabler for the information society, and collaborative contributor to the industry. Driven by customer-centric innovation and open partnerships, Huawei has established an end-to-end ICT solutions portfolio that gives customers competitive advantages in telecom and enterprise networks, devices and cloud computing. Huawei’s 180,000 employees worldwide are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers. Our innovative ICT solutions, products and services are used in more than 170 countries and regions, serving over one-third of the world’s population. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees.
For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on:
People with water guns on Silom Road during Songkran 2017.
BANGKOK — Water splashing will most likely be allowed this coming Songkran, the culture minister said Tuesday.
Culture minister Ittipol Khunpluem said that Songkran festivities had the go-ahead from the government, in the upcoming Thai New Year holiday from April 13 to 15.
“From infection numbers in the three digits, we’re seeing two digits,” Ittipol said.
Tuesday saw 60 new infections, a third of which were found from active case-finding missions, the government pandemic center announced Tuesday.
The current COVID-19 was stable enough to handle Songkran’s annual interprovincial travel back home, as well as family meetups including older relatives, Ittipol said, although social distancing must still be maintained.
The Wan Lai Festival in Chonburi province, usually celebrated from April 16 to 20 after Songkran, also has the green light. The sand sculpture festival is usually held at Bang Saen Beach and surrounding areas.
Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha had said that he hoped Songkran could boost the tourism-bereft economy.
“I want the economy to improve during Songkran for commerce, tourism, and hotels to make up for lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Prayut said Monday. “Plans are in the pipeline, and will be made clear before Songkran for sure.”
“We have to do what we can to make sure there’s not another COVID-19 wave,” he said.
In 2020, Songkran in April was cancelled, before being postponed to September. Water-splashing was prohibited – a Songkran, without Songkran.
In this image taken from video, people stand outside their homes and gather together on a road in Insein township in Yangon, Myanmar, Monday, March 8, 2021. Demonstrators in Myanmar’s biggest city came out Monday night for their first mass protests in defiance of an 8 p.m. curfew, seeking to show support for an estimated 200 students trapped by security forces in a small area of one neighborhood. (AP Photo)
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Demonstrators in Myanmar’s biggest city came out Monday night for their first mass protests in defiance of an 8 p.m. curfew, seeking to show support for an estimated 200 students trapped by security forces in a small area of one neighborhood.
The students and other civilians earlier took part in one of the many daily protests across the country against the military’s seizure of power last month that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
A convoy of soldiers and policemen led by a bulldozer, move to remove makeshift barricades made by anti-coup protesters in Mandalay, Myanmar, Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AP Photo)
The military government also placed a major curb on media coverage of the crisis. It announced that the licenses of five local media outlets — Mizzima, DVB, Khit Thit Media, Myanmar Now and 7Day News — have been canceled.
“These media companies are no longer allowed to broadcast or write or give information by using any kind of media platform or using any media technology,” it said on state broadcaster MRTV.
All five had been offering extensive coverage of the protests, often with livestreaming video online. The offices of Myanmar Now were raided by the authorities Monday before the measure was announced.
DVB said it was not surprised by the cancellation and would continue broadcasting on satellite TV and online.
“We worry for the safety of our reporters and our staff, but in the current uprising, the whole country has become the citizens’ journalists and there is no way for military authorities to shut the information flow,” Executive Director Aye Chan Naing told The Associated Press.
The government has detained dozens of journalists since the coup, including a Myanmar Now reporter and Thein Zaw of AP, both of whom have been charged under a public order law that carried a penalty of up to three years in prison.
The night’s street protests began after police cordoned off part of Yangon’s Sanchaung neighborhood and were believed to be conducting door-to-door searches for those who fled attacks by security forces to seek shelter in the homes of sympathetic strangers.
News of their plight spread quickly on social media, and people poured into the streets in neighborhoods all over the city to show solidarity and in hopes of drawing some of the pressure off the hunted protesters. On some streets, they constructed makeshift barricades with whatever was at hand.
In the Insein district, they spread across road junctions, singing songs, chanting pro-democracy slogans and banging objects together.
The diplomatic missions of the United States, Britain, Canada and the European Union all issued statements urging the security forces to allow the trapped people to return safely to their homes. Although all have been sharply critical of the Feb. 1 coup and police violence, it is unusual for such diplomatic statements to be issued in connection with a specific, ongoing incident.
In this image taken from video, people stand outside their homes and gather together on a road in Insein township in Yangon, Myanmar, Monday, March 8, 2021. Demonstrators in Myanmar’s biggest city came out Monday night for their first mass protests in defiance of an 8 p.m. curfew, seeking to show support for an estimated 200 students trapped by security forces in a small area of one neighborhood. (AP Photo)
“There is heightened tension caused by security forces surrounding Kyun Taw Road in Sanchaung Township, Yangon. We call on those security forces to withdraw and allow people to go home safely,” said the U.S. Embassy’s statement.
Reports on social media citing witnesses said as many as 50 people were arrested overnight in Sanchaung and other parts of the city, but many of those who had been hiding were able to leave safely at dawn Tuesday, a few hours after police abandoned their search.
On Monday night, security forces chased crowds, harassed residents watching from windows, and fired stun grenades. They also were some reports of injuries from rubber bullets.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was following developments in the Sanchaung district where “many of those trapped are women, who were peacefully marching in commemoration of International Women’s Day,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
“He calls for maximum restraint and urges for the safe release of all without violence or arrests,” Dujarric said, and for respect of the rights to freedom of assembly and expression for peaceful demonstrators voicing “their hopes and desires for the future of their country.”
Guterres also called the occupation of a number of public hospitals in Myanmar by security forces “completely unacceptable,” the U.N. spokesman said.
The nighttime hours have become increasingly dangerous in Myanmar. Police and army units routinely range through neighborhoods, shooting randomly to intimidate residents and disrupt their sleep, and making targeted arrests.
People watch as a convoy of soldiers and policemen arrive with bulldozers to remove makeshift barricades made by anti-coup protesters in Mandalay, Myanmar, Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AP Photo)
Security forces shot and killed two people in northern Myanmar during the day, local media reported.
The Irrawaddy online newspaper said the victims were shot in the head during anti-coup protests in Myitkyina in Kachin State. Graphic video on social media showed protesters backing away from tear gas, responding with rocks and then fleeing after a fusillade of what seemed to be automatic gunfire.
Demonstrators hurriedly carried away the injured, including one apparent fatality, a person with a severe head wound. A second body was seen later on a stretcher, his head covered with a cloth.
Another shooting death took place in Pyapon, a city about 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Yangon.
To date, the government’s violent crackdown has left more than 50 protesters dead. At least 18 people were fatally shot Feb. 28 and 38 on Wednesday, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office.
Security forces also clamped down on anti-coup protesters elsewhere Monday, firing tear gas to break up a crowd of about 1,000 people demonstrating in Pyinmana, a satellite town of the capital, Naypyitaw. The protesters deployed fire extinguishers to create a smokescreen as they fled from authorities.
Thousands of protesters who marched in Mandalay, the second-largest city, dispersed on their own amid fears that soldiers and police were planning to break up their demonstration with force.
Meanwhile, an armed force from one of Myanmar’s ethnic groups was deployed to protect anti-coup marchers in the wake of a brutal crackdown by the junta.
The unit from the Karen National Police Force arrived shortly after dawn to accompany about 2,000 protesters near Myitta in Tanintharyi Region in southeastern Myanmar. They carried an assortment of firearms including assault rifles as they marched ahead of the column down dusty rural roads.
The Karen police force is under the control of the Karen National Union, one of many ethnic organizations that have been fighting for greater autonomy from the central government for decades. The KNU employs both political and, through its armed wing, military means to achieve its aims.
Large-scale protests have occurred daily in many cities and towns since Myanmar’s military seized power, and security forces have responded with ever greater use of lethal force and mass arrests.
On Sunday, police occupied hospitals and universities and reportedly arrested hundreds of people involved in protesting the military takeover.
Running from 15-28 March 2021, the “Marriott Thailand Travel Show” will allow local nationals and expats to pick up vouchers with up to 70% added value, plus attractive partner offers at more than 40 hotels and resorts nationwide
Marriott International will celebrate the joy of travel in Thailand this month, as it hosts a major event in the center of Bangkok aimed at giving local residents even more opportunities to stay at world-class hotels and resorts in desirable destinations all across the Kingdom.
The “Marriott Thailand Travel Show” will see more than 40 Marriott International hotels and resorts, covering 14 distinct brands, gather together at Siam Paragon from 15th to 28th March 2021, to showcase their superlative services and offer an array of attractive promotions to attendees.
Over the course of two weeks, local residents can discover the outstanding accommodation, innovative restaurants and fantastic leisure facilities available at Marriott’s entire portfolio of hotels and resorts in Thailand. Customers will be able to purchase vouchers for value-added stays that combine their chosen room, suite or villa with spa treatments, delectable dining and more with up to sensational 70% bonus!
And that’s not all; under a partnership with “KTC” or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, and Krungsri Credit Card or Krungsriayudhya Card Co.,Ltd.,visitors to the Marriott Thailand Travel Show will be treated to extra privileges.
For every THB 5,000 spent at the fair, KTC cardholders will be rewarded with a THB 100 voucher for accommodation, dining or spa at JW Marriott Bangkok Hotel (maximum THB 500 per person per day). The three top spenders, with a minimum spend of THB 80,000 over the course of the two-week event, will receive special prizes! Also, under the KTC FOREVER program, cardholders will be able to earn 12% cash back on purchases made at the fair, when they show their sales slips. For example, a guest who spends THB 5,000 can get THB 600 back! KTC World Travel Service will also be in attendance, offering enticing airfares for travel to and from Marriott’s destinations.
In addition, Krungsri Credit Card customers who join the Marriott Thailand Travel Show will be awarded THB 100 voucher for every THB 5,000 spent at the event (maximum THB 500 per person per day), get premium value at THB 5,590 when the accumulated spending over THB 50,000, and great prizes for daily top spender value at THB 10,590. Also, cardholders will be able to earn 13% cash back when redeeming Krungsri points at the fair.
Club Marriott booth will present the many benefits of joining this exclusive membership program, and attendees will be given the chance to join at a discounted rate!
As one of the largest hospitality companies in Thailand, Marriott International has an important role to play in stimulating the Kingdom’s tourism industry. Thai nationals and expats can enjoy staycations in desirable destinations nationwide, including urban sojourns in Bangkok, island escapes in Phuket and Koh Samui, blissful beachfront breaks in Krabi or Khao Lak, weekend retreats in Hua Hin, Pattaya and Rayong, or captivating cultural experiences in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. With 14 distinct brands ranging from modern midscale hotels to ultra-luxury resorts, every guest can find their ultimate vacation.
The Marriott Thailand Travel Show will be hosted at the Lifestyle Hall, on the 2nd floor of Siam Paragon, Bangkok, from 15th to 28th March 2021. The first week (15-21 March) will feature 20 hotels and resorts and a Club Marriott booth, and the second week (22-28 March) will showcase a further 21 properties and a Club Marriott booth.
Three-day event presents wonderful wedding packages and honeymoon deals at 35 Marriott International hotels and resorts in Thailand, along with a wide range of professional partners – including a horoscope area to find the most auspicious date!
Marriott International will make dreams come true for brides and grooms across Thailand this month, when it hosts a major wedding and honeymoon fair in Bangkok – the latest edition of a romantic annual event that showcases a spectacular selection of services available to couples who want to walk down the aisle in Thailand in 2021.
“Marry Me at Marriott, with the Best Honeymoon Deals” will run from 19th to 21st March 2021 at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, as 35 Marriott International hotels and resorts in Thailand come together under one roof to promote their wonderful wedding offerings, including world-class venues, creative catering, fantastic facilities, dreamy décor, value-added packages and much more!
A wide range of trusted suppliers will also be on display, providing everything from wedding dress design, shoes and jewelry to invitation cards, photography, professional planning, bridal services and live music, so couples can make every element of their “big day” absolutely perfect, with the best possible partners. A series of live food stalls will enliven the event and offer a tantalizing taste of the cuisine at each Marriott hotel and resort, and a horoscope area will help brides and grooms choose the most auspicious date for their wedding!
For the first time this year, Marriott’s annual wedding fair will also present heavenly honeymoon promotions in Thailand! With sumptuous suites, luxurious pool villas, sublime spas and private dining opportunities available all across the Kingdom, including a choice of blissful beach resorts, every couple can enjoy a truly magical start to their new life together.
Tie the knot at Marriott this year and receive add-on benefits for couples who book their wedding at any participating hotel or resort before 31 December, 2021:
20% saving on the wedding and reception
One complimentary guest for every 100 paid guests
A gift of 2 complimentary rooms for the parents of the bride and groom
Double Marriott Bonvoy points
If 2021 is your wedding year, make it truly extraordinary! Whatever size, style or theme of ceremony you’re dreaming of, Marriott International can bring your vision to life!
“Marry Me at Marriott, with the Best Honeymoon Deals” will be hosted in the Grand Hall (M Floor) of The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, from 19th to 21st March 2021, 10.00 to 20.00 hrs.
Pro-democracy activists, from second from left , Panupong Jardnok, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa gesture with a three-fingers salute, a symbol of resistance as they arrive at the Attorney General office in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March 8, 2021. Prosecutors in Thailand charged 18 pro-democracy activists Monday with sedition while lodging additional charges against three of them for defaming the monarchy during protests in September last year. (AP Phioto/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — Prosecutors in Thailand charged 18 pro-democracy activists with sedition on Monday, while lodging additional charges of insulting the monarchy against three of them.
The sedition charges, which carry a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison, stem from an antigovernment rally in September, though details on the alleged offenses were not immediately clear.
The three charged with violating the lese majeste law, which outlaws criticism of senior members of the royal family, are Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa and Panupong Jadnok. A court denied bail for all three, and they were being transferred to prison.
Pro-democracy activists, from second left, Panupong Jadnok, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul and Jatupat Boonpattararaksa receive a flower from a supporter as they arrived at the Attorney General office in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March 8, 2021. Prosecutors in Thailand charged 18 pro-democracy activists with sedition on Monday, while lodging additional charges of insulting the monarchy against three of them. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Thai authorities have stepped up their legal offensive against those involved in a student-led protest movementthat is pushing for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government to step down, the constitution to be amended to make it more democratic and the monarchy to be reformed to make it more accountable.
The latter demand is the most radical and controversial because the monarchy has rarely faced any public scrutiny and is considered by many to be an untouchable pillar of Thai identity. Those found guilty of violating the law against criticizing or insulting key royals face up to 15 years in prison per offense.
A cat walks on top of a gate at criminal court as the security persons wait for activists’ arrival for a court procedure in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March 8, 2021. Prosecutors in Thailand charged 18 pro-democracy activists with sedition on Monday, while lodging additional charges of insulting the monarchy against three of them. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The protest movement has struck a chord with many Thais but alienated others, especially royalists shocked at its criticisms of the monarchy. The movement began to lose steam late last year amid differences among its factions, and because of a resurgence of the coronavirus in Thailand.
Prosecutors last month charged four protest leaders with lese majeste and they were denied bail.
Jatupat, who was imprisoned for violating the lese majeste law in 2017, said he and the other activists charged Monday would keep fighting from jail.
“The movement outside will surely continue no matter what happens,” he said.
Jatupat on Sunday completed a nearly 250-kilometer (155-mile) walk from Thailand’s northeast to Bangkok’s Democracy Monument. Along the way, he campaigned and talked to people about ousting Prayuth, amending the constitution and abolishing the lese majeste law.
According to the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, at least 382 people, including 13 minors, have been charged in connection with the protests, which picked up momentum last summer. At least 60 of those people have been charged with lese majeste.
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Story: Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul. Associated Press writer Bill Bredesen contributed to this report.
Yingluck Shinawatra in a photo posted to her Facebook on International Women's Day 2021.
BANGKOK — Women should be leading efforts to amend the military-backed constitution, former PM Yingluck Shinawatra said in her International Women’s Day statement on Monday.
Yingluck, whose government was overthrown in a 2014 coup, also expressed her concerns over the deteriorating level of freedom in Thailand after the U.S.-based rights watchdog Freedom House downgraded the country to “Not Free” in its latest report published last week.
“I support women and everyone who are fighting for democracy, for their rights, freedom, and equality,” Yingluck said on her Facebook. “Thailand is facing many challenges as with other countries, but furthermore, we are being deprived of freedom.”
She went on, “Unfortunately after the coup, the freedom index fell to 30 because the current constitution has been written to keep the junta in power, while taking a toll on the freedom of Thai people. When I led the government, Thailand scored 53 and 54 in 2013 and 2014 respectively.”
Yingluck fled Thailand in 2017, shortly before she was found guilty in a lengthy corruption trial. The ex-premier has since living in exile overseas together with her brother and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, whose government was also ousted in a 2006 coup.
Constitution amendment is one of the three core demands of pro-democracy demonstrators in ongoing protests that have raged since mid-2020.
The Freedom House cited a number of reasons for the demotion, including the dissolution of the opposition Future Forward Party and the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.
Thailand scored 32 out of 100 last year, a slight improvement partly due to the first general election after five years of military rule in 2019.
This image provided by Harpo Productions shows Prince Harry, left, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaking about expecting their second child during an interview with Oprah Winfrey. "Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special" airs March 7 as a two-hour exclusive primetime special on the CBS Television Network. (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions via AP)
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Memorable quotes and major revelations from Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Meghan and Harry, their first since stepping away from royal life:
“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. And that was very clear and real and frightening.” — Meghan, on the suicidal thoughts she had after joining the royal family.
There were ”concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born.” — Meghan, on the royal reaction to her son Archie.
“I wouldn’t have been able to, because I myself was trapped as well” — Harry, on whether he would have stepped down from his royal duties had he never met Meghan.
This image provided by Harpo Productions shows Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, left, in conversation with Oprah Winfrey. (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions via AP)
“I left my career, my life. I left everything because I love him. Our plan was to do this forever.” — Meghan, on allegations that she schemed from the start to pull Harry from the royal family.
“I think she would feel very angry with how this has played out. And very sad. But ultimately, all she’d ever want is for us to be happy.” — Harry on his late mother, Princess Diana.
“To have a boy and then a girl, what more can you ask for? But now we’ve got our family. We’ve got the four of us and our two dogs.” — Harry, after revealing the couple’s forthcoming second child is a girl.
“It made me cry and it really hurt my feelings. And I thought in the context of everything else that was going on in those days leading to the wedding that it didn’t make sense to not be just doing whatever what everyone else was doing, which was trying to be supportive.” — Meghan, on a dispute with her sister-in-law Princess Kate, which she said the press got exactly backward by reporting she had made Kate cry.
“I’ve never blindsided my grandmother. I have too much respect for her.” — Harry, on whether he failed to prepare Queen Elizabeth II for the news he was stepping down from royal duties.
“The queen has always been wonderful to me.” — Meghan.
“I wasn’t planning to say anything shocking. I’m just telling you what happened.” — Meghan.
