As PM Srettha Reshuffles His Cabinet, FM Panpree Resigns

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April 28, 2024 4:38 pm

panpree resign — Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to receive Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, at the Government House on April 26, 2024.

BANGKOK – Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara, confirmed that he had sent a letter to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin requesting to resign from the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and every assigned position after he lost his Deputy Prime Minister post in today’s Cabinet reshuffle.

In his resignation letter, he stated to open the way for others to take over the position. He also gave the reason that he needed to remain faithful to his principles. After performing well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, he is certain that his efforts would have a significant impact on the country.

3ministers maesot5 — The Deputy Prime Minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, and the delegation surveyed areas around the First Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Tha Sai Luat sub-district, Mae Sot district, Tak province on April 23, 2024. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

“I firmly denied that I am an under-performer.” Thailand is now back on the global radar screen. There are more countries that are friends. Foreign investors are becoming more interested in investing in Thailand. The visa exemption provided Thai citizens with greater convenience when visiting overseas. “The effort to repair relations with ASEAN, the EU, India, and major countries, both the US and the US, until negotiations can take place also helps ease global geopolitical tensions in Thailand,” the resignation letter stated.

Panpree also mentioned that Thai citizens living overseas are important to his works. He also personally secured the release of 23 Thai hostages held in Israel, as well as 8,000 Thai workers, and an additional 1,000 individuals in Laukkai incident in Myanmar.

Following the fighting in Myawaddy, PM Srettha recently appointed FM Panpree to chair the special inter-agency committee to manage the impacts of situations in Myanmar on Thailand.

After seven months of government administration, Prime Minister Srettha announced his first cabinet reshuffle on April 28. He changed 13 ministerial positions, the majority of whom are from his Pheu Thai Party.

srettha reshuffle — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin

Many critics asserted that Thaksin Shinawatra, who received a suspended prison sentence, influenced the Cabinet reshuffle. However, PM Srettha acknowledged that he made the decision.

Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai on Friday denies he and PM Srettha Thavisin met and and had lunch with Thaksin on April 25 at a hotel in Bangkok. Phumtham insists the lunch was just between he and Srettha and the decision about Cabinet reshuffle is up to the PM

The Royal Gazette stated on April 27, 2024 that after His Majesty the King graciously appointed Mr. Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister on August 22, 2023, and appointed ministers to administer the kingdom on September 3, 2023, the Prime Minister has respectfully stated that it is appropriate to improve some ministerial positions for appropriateness and benefit to government administration.

Pichai Chunhavachai is Deputy PM and replaces Srettha Thavisin as Finance Minister. The PM appointed Phaopoom Rojanasakul as Deputy Finance Minister. Currently, the Finance Ministry has three Deputy Finance Ministers.

Transport Minister Suriya Juangrungruangkit will keep his post but also become a Deputy PM. The new Public Health Minister is Somsak Thepsuthin, replacing Cholnan Srikaew.

Three people, Chakrapong Saengmanee, Pichit Chuenban, and Jiraporn Sinthuprai are new PM Office Minister, replace Puangpetch Chun-la-iad.

There was a switch in positions between Sermsak Phongpanich, from Culture Minister to be new Tourism and Sports Minister, and Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol is now designated Culture Minister, even though she received a “Grade A” for the Songkran tourism from the PM.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Chaiya Promma will be replaced by Attakorn Siriratyakorn of Bhumjai Thai Party.

Another Deputy Agriculture Minister, Anucha Nakhasai, from Bhumjai Thai Party, is also removed.

Attakorn Siriratyakorn from Palang Pracharat Party is new Deputy Agriculture Minister along with Suchart Chomklin from United Thai Nation Party.

Defence Minister Suthin Klangsaeng retains his position, despite being notified in the reshuffle report that he would be replaced by the Prime Minister.

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A Munitions Explosion at a Cambodian Army Base Kills 20 Soldiers, but Its Cause Is Unclear

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Associated Press

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April 28, 2024 1:32 pm

Cambodia Explosion — In this image from a video, smoke rises above a distant base, seen from Chbar Mon district in Kompong Speu province, Cambodia Saturday, April 27, 2024. An ammunition explosion at a base in southwestern Cambodia on Saturday afternoon killed multiple soldiers and wounded several others, Prime Minister Hun Manet said. (Chim Sothea via AP)

CHBAR MON, Cambodia (AP) — Security was tight around a military base in southwestern Cambodia on Sunday, a day after a huge explosion there killed 20 soldiers, wounded others and damaged nearby houses.

Guards sought to keep media away from the site in Kompong Speu province.

A funeral was held Sunday for 20 soldiers who died at an army base in southwestern Cambodia in a huge explosion of stored munitions that also wounded several others and damaged nearby houses.

There has been no public explanation of what caused the Saturday afternoon blast at the base in Kompong Speu province, though there were no suggestions it was triggered deliberately.

Defense Minister Tea Seiha, representing Prime Minister Hun Manet, presided over the Buddhist funeral ceremony, which was attended by relatives of the victims and fellow soldiers. Cambodian flags covered the wooden coffins.

A villager living nearby told The Associated Press on Sunday that he trembled after hearing the blast because he had never before experienced such a loud explosion.

“When the explosion happened, I was fixing my house with some construction workers,” said Chim Sothea. “Suddenly there was a loud explosion, causing my house to shake and breaking tiles on my roof. They fell down but luckily they didn’t fall inside the house.”

Hun Manet said in a Facebook post on Saturday that he was “deeply shocked” when he received the news of the blast in the province’s Chbar Mon district. It was not immediately clear what caused it.

Images from the scene showed several badly damaged buildings on the base, at least one with its roof blown off, and soldiers receiving treatment in a hospital. Other photos showed nearby houses with holes in their roofs.

AP24119065045247 — A roof of a nearby residence is seen damaged after an ammunition explosion at Prey Beng village in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Four buildings — three for storage and one work facility — were destroyed and several military vehicles damaged, Col. Youeng Sokhon, an army officer at the site, said in a brief report to army chief Gen. Mao Sophan, posted on social media. He added that 25 villagers’ homes were damaged as well. Photos of the base showed the damaged structures in a large field, apparently with no civilian structures close by.

Another villager, who asked to be named only as Sophal, told AP he had heard a sharp sound, and when he saw smoke rising from the direction of the army base, he realized it was an explosion at the arms depot. He then ran back to his house from the small shop where he sells food and drink to shelter inside with his wife and two children.

He said the military immediately closed the road to the base and “villagers were in a panic, seeking a safe place.” He then moved his family to his parent’s home, farther away from the base. When he returned to his own house hours later, he found it undamaged but other villagers’ houses had broken windows, doors and roofs, he said.

Cambodia, like many countries in the region, has been suffering from an extended heat wave, and the province where the blast took place registered a high of 39 C (102 F) on Saturday. While high temperatures normally can’t detonate ammunition, they can degrade the stability of explosives over a period of time, with the risk that a single small explosion can set off a fire and a chain reaction.

AP24118565948579 — FILE – Cambodia’s prime minister Hun Manet said in a Facebook post that he was “deeply shocked” when he received the news of the explosion Saturday afternoon at the base in Kampong Speu province. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Kiripost, an online English language news service, quoted villager Pheng Kimneang as saying a major explosion occurred at about 2:30 p.m., followed by smaller blasts for about another hour.

In March 2005, a nighttime blast at an arms depot in the northwestern provincial town of Battambang triggered an hourslong spray of shells and bullets, killing at least six people and panicking local residents.

A 2014 report by the Swiss-based group Small Arms Survey highlighted the dangers of poorly stored or mishandled munitions, calling it a “global problem.” It noted that from 2013 through 2019 there were more than 500 incidents involving unplanned explosions at munitions sites.

“A single unplanned explosion at a munitions site can claim dozens of lives, injure hundreds of people, and displace thousands,” it said. “The damage to infrastructure can be extensive, covering many square kilometers. In addition, the loss of economic activity can exceed tens of millions of dollars and have long-term ramifications for livelihoods and the environment.”

Hun Manet offered condolences to the soldiers’ families and promised the government would pay for their funerals and provide compensation both to those killed and those wounded.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he was army commander before he was elected last year to serve as prime minister, succeeding his father Hun Sen, who led Cambodia for 38 years before stepping down.

U.S. Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy, in a post on the social platform X, extended condolences to the families of the soldiers affected by the explosion.

Durian Sales Surge in China as Demand Soars

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Xinhua News Agency

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April 27, 2024 10:20 pm

durian chumphon — A worker piles freshly harvested durians at an orchard in Chumphon, Thailand, Sept. 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

NANNING – Opinions on durians, whether described as sticky-sweet or compared to the odor of socks, vary widely, yet the demand for durians is rapidly increasing, particularly in China.

After placing orders online for durians, Huang Rongsheng, a resident of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, received doorstep delivery within about one hour. This was Huang’s third online order for durian this year.

“Thai durians, known for their rich flavor and dense texture, are particularly popular among Chinese consumers,” he said.

Thailand, the leading exporter of fresh durians to China, has seen sustained growth in demand for its produce. At a newly established display stand in a market around 5 km from Huang’s home, imported Thai durians, including varieties like Golden Pillow and Musang King, are drawing crowds of consumers.

“Despite limited quantities and high prices, consumer enthusiasm remains unabated,” said a fruit vendor at the supermarket.

durian shipment1 — Photo taken on May 5, 2022, shows a durian sorting factory in Chanthaburi province, Thailand. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

China’s appetite for the pricy tropical fruit is enormous. According to an HSBC report from last year, the Chinese market accounted for 91 percent of the global demand for durian in the past two years.

Buoyed by the overwhelming demand, retailers are optimistic about their sales projections for 2024.

“There’s a robust demand in the Chinese domestic market,” said Lai Pingsheng with a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Group, a leading agribusiness conglomerate in Thailand.

In 2024, the company plans to sell 324 tonnes of Thai durians in Guangxi through supermarkets and convenience stores.

China imported approximately 6.7 billion U.S. dollars worth of durians in 2023. Economists believe that the surge in durian demand presents opportunities for the rest of Southeast Asia, not just Thailand.

Remarkable year-end figures from 2023 revealed that Vietnamese durian exports to China hit 2.1 billion U.S. dollars, capturing 31 percent of a growing durian market in its northern neighbor, according to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs.

The soaring popularity of durians in China underscores the increasing purchasing power of consumers and their preference for this fruit, said Mo Jiaming, general manager of Guangxi-based fruit company Youxianyuan.

“I am confident of profitable business during the upcoming peak durian season in May,” Mo added.

Thai Police Seek Japanese Murder Suspects Who Fled to Laos

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Khaosod English

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April 27, 2024 7:48 pm

NONTHABURI – Since the two Japanese suspects fled the country, the shocking case of Yakuza gang members coming to kill a member and dismember the body in Thailand remains unsolved.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirasan Kaewsaeng-aek, Commander of Provincial Police Region 1, revealed the murder case of Mr Kabashima Ryosuke, 47, a Japanese national, in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province, after it was discovered that Mr Takuya Kato, 50, who called himself “Boss,” and Mr Hiroto Suzuki, 33, both suspects of Japanese nationality, had fled the country through a natural channel.

The police believe the two suspects are presently on the run in neighbouring countries, thus Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirasan has already sent police personnel to share information with the authorities in neighbouring countries to bring them back to Thailand.

Initially, no one was identified to have assisted two Japanese men in fleeing the country. The driver who drove the two men to Nakhon Phanom, bordering Thakhek, Khammouane Province, Laos, told police that on April 22, an acquaintance contacted him and hired him for 12,000 baht to pick up two foreigners from Vibhavadi Road 19 in Bangkok and deliver them to Nakhon Phanom Province.

They arrived in Nakhon Phanom Province at 8:00 a.m. on April 23, and another vehicle drove to pick up the two men. However, he had no idea where they had gone. When he returned to Bangkok, he discovered that the two were suspected of murdering a Japanese man.

According to the inquiry, the deceased, Mr. Kabashima Ryosuke, 47, had a conflict of interest with a Yakuza group in Japan about the cryptocurrency business, secretly taking advantage of the money for personal use and failing to return before travelling to Thailand.

yakuza nonthaburi2 — The first discovery of the body parts occurred on April 19.

A Yakuza gang in Japan contacted Kato, the main leader who had escaped an arrest warrant in Japan and fled to Thailand, and Suzuki, who has just arrived in Thailand, to find Ryosuke and punish him in accordance with Yakuza rules in order to set an example for other members not to betray or be dishonest with the gang. Kato shot Ryosuke to death in the car on March 28.

Kato hired Thai driver Kritsakorn Jaipitak, or Game, aged 33, to rent an empty warehouse, purchase tools for dismembering a body, and use three cars in rotation to conceal the murder. The first discovery of the body parts occurred on April 19.

Game is charged with “conspiring to conceal or destroy corpses and concealing the cause of death,” and the police have already asked the court to issue a full arrest order for two Japanese suspects.

The Nonthaburi Provincial Court has decided not to give Game bail due to the appalling nature of the crime and the suspect’s direct involvement. The authorities apprehended him and sent him to Nonthaburi Provincial Prison.

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Related coverage:

Thailand and Bangladesh Sign to Drive Cooperation in All Dimensions

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Khaosod English

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April 26, 2024 8:33 pm

Thailand Bangladesh — Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, left, is escorted by Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, after listening to national anthems during a welcoming ceremony at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Srettha Thavisin welcomed Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of People’s Republic of Bangladesh at the Government House, on April 26, 2024. It is the first visit by Bangladesh’s Prime Minister since 2002.

Both sides had bilateral discussions, in which they agreed to begin the FTA negotiations in order to expand trade and promote investment between the two countries, in particular processed food and Halal products.

These were the Letter of Intent to Commence the Negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement by 2024, the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism, and the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters

According to the Prime Minister, Three important memoranda of understanding and one agreement were also signed today: namely (1) The Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Official Passports will facilitate more travel between Thai and Bangladeshi officials; (2) The MoU on Energy Cooperation will help materialize the two countries’ true potential from energy cooperation;

(3) The MoU on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters will lead to effective border control and anti-smuggling operations and; (4) The MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism will allow the two countries to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices in this area.

They later witnessed the signing of the following 5 Agreements and Memorandum of Understaffing:

1) Letter of Intent on Commencement of Thailand – Bangladesh FTA Negotiation between Ministries of Commerce of Thailand and People’s Republic of Bangladesh
2) Agreement on Visa Exemption for Official Passport Holders of the Kingdom of Thailand and People’s Republic of Bangladesh
3) Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation between Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Thailand and Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of People’s Republic of Bangladesh
4) Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation between Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Kingdom of Thailand and Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism of People’s Republic of Bangladesh
5) Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters between Customs Departments of the Kingdom of Thailand and People’s Republic of Bangladesh

The joint press conference was later held, of which Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke disclosed gist as follows:

The Prime Minister was deeply honored to warmly welcome the Bangladeshi Prime Minister and the delegation on her first official visit to Thailand. Thailand and Bangladesh share a long-standing friendship since 1972.

Given historical and cultural affinities, this visit reaffirms commitment of the two countries to further strengthen bilateral relations through trade and investment, development cooperation, and tourism.

Both the Prime Ministers had substantive discussions on many issues of mutual interest, and affirmed commitment to enhance cooperation in various areas for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

On trade, Thailand and Bangladesh welcome bilateral trade volume at 1.2 billion USD, and believe that both sides can do more to expand economic cooperation. Trade and investment facilitation was highlighted during the discussion to increase trade and investment volumes, as well as to create a resilient supply chain. The Thai Prime Minister encouraged the Bangladeshi side to provide investment promotion schemes and ease of doing business measures, which will facilitate and attract more Thai investors.

He was also pleased that Thailand and Bangladesh are committed to working together towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and expressed belief that the Letter of Intent signed today would help to expedite the negotiation process.

Both sides also aim to elevate cooperation in agriculture, in particular halal and food processing sectors. Thailand and Bangladesh will collaborate to make use of resources to ensure food security for their peoples.

The two countries also attach importance to the improvement of infrastructure and connectivity. The commencement of direct shipping between Ranong Port and Chittagong Port will enhance maritime connectivity and help bolster economic activities.

On medical tourism, Thailand will continue to provide excellent medical services, at competitive prices for Bangladeshis seeking treatment in Thailand. The two Prime Ministers also discussed the possibility of cooperation in training and capacity building for Bangladeshi medical personnel.

On educational cooperation, Thailand proposed a collaboration on vocational education. The Thai Government is glad to see mutual commitment to foster work-integrated education to develop workforces of both the countries.

According to the Prime Minister, Thailand will host the BIMSTEC Summit later this year; while Bangladesh will become the next BIMSTEC chair. BIMSTEC is a key driver of regional economic growth, and a mechanism to promote closer bonds between the two regions. With a combined total population of 1.8 billion people, there is huge potential for BIMSTEC to achieve much more.

Thailand also appreciates Bangladesh’s role in providing humanitarian assistance for displaced Rohingyas since 2017. Thailand has always given its support towards Bangladesh’s endeavor in order to achieve a sustainable solution to this matter.

Lastly, the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Thai Government, expressed firm commitment to drive cooperation and encourage exchanges in all dimensions, at both government and public levels. He thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina again for making this historic visit.

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Head of Vietnam’s Parliament Resigns Amid Corruption Probe

By

Associated Press

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April 26, 2024 8:04 pm

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — The head of Vietnam’s parliament has resigned, according to state media, making him the latest senior member of government to leave office amid an ongoing anti-corruption campaign that’s shaken the country’s political and business elites.

The resignation of National Assembly Chair Vuong Dinh Hue adds to growing instability in the country. President Vo Van Thuong resigned in March — just over a year after the previous president, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, resigned to take political responsibility for corruption scandals during the pandemic.

“It also highlights the extreme uncertainty in a political environment that’s often boasted of its stability, as three top leaders have been axed in just a year,” said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

Hue’s resignation came days after his assistant Pham Thai Ha was arrested on charges of abusing his position and power for personal gain on April 21, according to state media outlet VN Express.

AP24117044083232 — FILE – Vietnam Communist party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, center left, is presented with a bouquet by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, center right, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021. (Le Tri Dung/VNA via AP, File)

Initial reports did not say that Hue was implicated in corruption, but noted that investigators found that the parliamentary leader had “violated Party regulations, and his violations have affected the reputation of the Party, the State and himself.” Vietnam’s Communist Party accepted what it called a voluntary resignation from Hue, according to VN Express.

Hue, 67, had been the chair of Vietnam’s national assembly for over three years. That made him the fourth most important politician in Vietnam, along with the President, the Prime Minister and the head of the Communist Party.

Political instability could threaten Vietnam’s economic ambitions as it vies to become an alternative to China in the region’s supply chain. On a visit to Vietnam earlier in the month, Apple CEO Tim Cook said he wants to further increase investment in the country.

AP24117041568757 — FILE – Vietnamese Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue pose for a photo at the national assembly in Hanoi, Vietnam, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Minh Hoang, Pool, File)

Ha’s arrest resulted from an expansion of the ongoing investigation into the Thuan An Group, said Vietnam News Agency, citing Ministry of Public Security spokesperson Lt. Gen. To An Xo. Company chair Nguyen Duy Hung and several others were arrested earlier in April.

The Blazing Furnace campaign has singed businesses, and led to an unprecedented death sentence for real estate tycoon Truong My Lan in Vietnam’s largest-ever fraud case.

Giang, the analyst, said Hue was previously seen as a likely successor to Trong. “His downfall will only intensify Vietnam’s succession crisis,” he said.

Vietnam’s leaders are next due to convene a Communist Party congress in early 2026.

Meanwhile, experts say, rivals are jostling to position themselves as a successor to Trong, who was elected to an unprecedented third term as party chief in 2021. Given his age, experts say that it is unlikely that he will continue for another term.

A British Woman Hit by a Thai Guard Requests a Speedy Investigation

By

Khaosod English

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April 26, 2024 7:18 pm

british guard3 — The Thai businessman and his British wife submitted a letter to the representatives of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengswang, on April 25, 2024.

BANGKOK – A British woman who filed a complaint against a security guard for assaulting her in a Bangkok condominium three years ago has lately requested authorities to locate the man and seek legal action.

On April 25, 2024, at the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), Mr. Boon-eak Wongsuriyawattana, 46, a wholesale businessman in Huai Khwang, brought his British wife, Miss Cox, 35, and a representative from the Foundation for Justice and Social Restoration to file a complaint about his wife, a mental patient, being assaulted by a security guard at a condominium in Rama 3, who used a fake license to apply for the job, punching her in the face, and had fled since 2021.

A report was filed for bodily harm, alleging that the case has not progressed and that they are seeking justice from the MPB Commissioner, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengswang.

The MPB Commissioner’s representative stated that they received the initial complaint on October 15, 2022, but since then, the accuser has not appeared to provide a statement, and the officers were unable to locate the accused. Now the investigators will look into whether the security guard used a fake license or engaged in any misconduct.

british guard2 — CCTV footage showed the British woman hitting the guard’s face before being punched back.

Mr. Boon-eak said the incident occurred on December 12, 2021 at condominium in Soi Nonsi, Yannawa District, his wife had gone downstairs to their car and found the guard asleep, whereupon she woke him up. His wife then proceeded to enter the apartment and the security guard followed her, whereupon she told him to go back to work. The security guard punched her once before disappearing, fracturing his wife’s facial skull.

His wife suffered a nervous breakdown due to her mental illness and was afraid of the effects on their child, which is why she did not go to hospital for two months. As a result, the injured bone did not heal properly and she had to stay in hospital for 10 days.

She became withdrawn and severely depressed, suffered increasing stress and anxiety as a result of the incident and was afraid to return to the apartment where the incident had occurred. However, now his wife is ready to make her statement, so he asked the judiciary to expedite the case.

Thai media also published CCTV footage of from the condominium, which showed the British woman hitting the guard’s face before being punched back.

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Transforming Thailand’s Rice Sector Toward Low Emissions

By

Matichon Marketing

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April 26, 2024 4:30 pm

BANGKOK – As global attention turns towards sustainable agricultural practices, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has organised the Policy Forum titled “Strengthening Thailand’s Low-Emission Rice Market: Learnings from the Thai Rice NAMA Project” at Asawin Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok.

The policy forum aims to address and deliberate on the critical developments and challenges in the transition towards low-emission rice production in Thailand, and represents a pivotal moment for stakeholders invested in sustainable agriculture and climate mitigation strategies for a transformational change in the Thai rice sector.

This essential gathering brought together over 80 key stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and representatives from various sectors such as the Rice Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Kasetsart University and representatives from the private sector.

Dr. Bjoern Ole Sander, IRRI Representative to Thailand, stated, “Agriculture ranks as Thailand’s second highest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, following the energy sector. Notably, rice cultivation accounts for approximately 55% of the agricultural emissions, predominantly methane, making it a crucial target for low-emissions development.

Launched in August 2018, the Thai Rice NAMA Project is spearheading the transition to low-emission rice production in Thailand, demonstrating that large-scale application of GHG-reducing technologies is possible. This initiative deploys a tri-fold strategy encompassing low-emission rice production technologies, mitigation technology services, and the development of supportive policies and measures.”

“Building on the successes of the Thai Rice NAMA project, the upcoming project ‘Thai Rice: Strengthening Climate-Smart Rice Farming’ funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is slated to begin in 2024. Advancing the objectives of its predecessor, the ‘Thai Rice GCF’ project aims to drive transformative change within the Thai rice sector with a dual purpose adaptation-mitigation strategy.

This project focuses on empowering smallholder farmers, who are particularly vulnerable to climate change, by enhancing their decision-making capabilities and providing access to climate-smart agricultural technologies. Expected outcomes include a substantial reduction in methane emissions and water consumption in rice farming, higher profits for Thai rice farmers and increasing climate resilience,” Dr. Sander added.

Dr. Chitnucha Buddhaboon, Deputy Director of The Rice Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives expressed, “This event is an important milestone for the impactful collaboration between the Department of Rice, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), GIZ and partners from various ministerial agencies, universities, and the private sector.

Our goal is to enhance Thailand’s rice production efficiency and transition towards low-emission rice cultivation by utilising an array of climate-friendly rice production technologies. By doing so, this gathering is an important opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and offer suggestions, with a particular focus on the systematic development of a Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system.”

“The MRV system is envisioned to provide better insights in rice production practices, facilitate linkages with the market, and add value to rice production through greenhouse gas savings. Significantly, today’s forum featured a series of seminars on the MRV system in the context of rice production, supporting Thailand’s ambition to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions,” Dr. Buddhaboon emphasised.

The Thai Rice NAMA project can be regarded as a showcase initiative for transforming rice production systems in Thailand. Insights and lessons from the project are expected to significantly inform and enhance the forthcoming Thai Rice GCF project. The MRV system and advanced low-emission rice farming technologies demonstrate the project’s commitment to sustainable agricultural progress and climate-smart practices for transforming Thailand’s rice sector.

Thailand, Australia and Taiwan Seize 320 KG of Ketamine Hidden in Robot Bases

By

Khaosod English

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April 26, 2024 4:06 pm

BANGKOK – A press release from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) on Friday revealed the seizure of 320 kilograms of ketamine hidden in the bases of giant robots. The drugs were destined for Taiwan and were intercepted during shipment by sea. A Thai shipper has been arrested in connection with the case.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lhakbun, Secretary-General of the ONCB, stated that the seizure was the result of cooperation between the Seaport Interdiction Task Force (SITF) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) under Operation Task Force Storm, aimed at combating drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational crimes.

The operation stems from an earlier case in which Australian authorities seized 108 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a food processing machine shipped from Thailand on March 12, 2024. Thai officials traced the shipment to a Thai woman who sent a shipment of robot figurines to Taiwan on April 24. The shipping costs for this shipment amounted to 180,000 baht, raising suspicions that drugs were hidden in the goods.

The ONCB officers, in cooperation with the Narcotics Suppression Bureau of the Royal Thai Police, the Customs Department and the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MUB) of Taiwan, investigated the shipment and discovered 320 kilograms of ketamine hidden in the bases of the robots. On April 25, they arrested the shipper who had hidden the drugs. The suspect admitted that he had received instructions from a Laotian woman to transport the goods.

Between 2022 and 2024, SITF intercepted a total of 4 tons of methamphetamine, over 2 tons of ketamine, and 265 kilograms of heroin destined for Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and other third countries.

Recently, drug trafficking networks have been observed using private/personal ports in the eastern region of Thailand, including Chanthaburi, Rayong, Trat and Chachoengsao, for drug smuggling. They load the drugs onto cargo vessels (fishing boats, longtail boats, speedboats) and transport them to large ocean-going vessels waiting in international waters for onward transportation to third countries.

In this way, large quantities of drugs can be transported and the international waters used for transshipment are not under the sovereignty or control of any state, which facilitates drug trafficking by sea. As a result, drug trafficking by sea is likely to increase and needs to be closely monitored.

CP Foods partners with Ministry of Labor to Establish Drug-Free Workplace Model

By

Matichon Marketing

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April 26, 2024 4:02 pm

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is committed to achieving drug-free workplaces in its farms and factories nationwide by 2024, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor to combat and eradicate drug use in the workplace. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for employees, foster resilient communities, and promote sustainable economic growth. It sets the goal for all operational sites throughout Thailand to attain White Factory Certification by 2024.

Mr. Phipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Labor, chaired the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on collaborating to prevent narcotics in the workplace under “the White Organization Towards Sustainable Steps” project between the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, and CP Foods. At the event, the Minister also awarded the White Flag for Drug-Free Organization to Mr. Prasit Boondoungprasert, CEO of CP Foods, in recognition of their anti-drug initiatives aligned with the White Factory Certificate and the Standard on Prevention and Solution to Drug Problems in an Establishment.

The Minister of Labor emphasized that the issue of drug abuse is a top priority on the national agenda, and the government is taking urgent action as part of its strategy to ensure the country’s robust and sustainable development. The Ministry of Labor is actively promoting collaboration from all sectors, both public and private, to systematically prevent and address drug use in workplaces in line with the White Factory criteria. This initiative guarantees a safe working environment for employees by effectively managing drug addiction. It sets an example of exemplary labor practices equally without discrimination, ensuring the consistent well-being of all employees thereby enhancing the well-being of the workers across Thailand. Such efforts serve as a crucial catalyst for driving sustained economic growth in the nation.

“I commend CP Foods for partnering with the government sector to tackle drug issues within their establishments systematically. The company’s efforts have been efficient, standardized, and effective while showing care for surrounding communities. Their dedication has bolstered organizations and notably decreased the prevalence of drug addiction in society,” stated Mr. Phipat.

Mr. Prasit Boonduangprasert, CEO of CP Foods, emphasized that employees are crucial in driving the company towards achieving its Kitchen of the World vision. The cooperation under the “CPF: White Organization Towards Sustainable Steps” project, underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to establishing drug-free workplaces. CP Foods consistently implements robust labor management practices aimed at fostering drug-free environments across all its operations nationwide, encompassing farms and plants that employ over 70,000 staff members, including Thai nationals and migrant workers. With targets set for this year, all 437 operational sites in Thailand have obtained White Factory Certificates, and meet stringent standards for preventing and addressing drug-related issues in the workplace. This initiative is geared towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization, communities, and the nation at large.

“CP Foods is pleased to collaborate with the Ministry of Labor to establish a model organization caring for all employees and ensuring nearby communities are resilient, supporting a strong Thai society, and fostering sustainable economic growth. This aligns with the three benefits principle of CP Group that all staff members adhere to, where the interests of the nation come first, followed by the interests of the people, and finally, the interests of the company,” said Mr. Prasit.

CP Foods is actively addressing drug-related issues by collaborating with relevant stakeholders to develop strategies for creating drug-free workplaces. To address the concerns of all employees impartially and without discrimination, the company has initiated anti-drug campaigns and programs that uphold human rights principles. These initiatives include educating employees on drug addiction policies, providing training to enhance their skills, and establishing a robust support network to mitigate drug-related risks.

Furthermore, the company’s policy includes support for employees undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, and opportunities for reintegrating them into the workforce. CP Foods collaborates with neighboring communities to address drug issues and promote resilient communities. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the company and surrounding communities remain free from drug addiction, contributing to the well-being of employees and nearby residents alike.

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