Thai Culture, Products Spotlighted at ASEAN Trade Fair in Korea

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17 November 2025, 16:41

thai korea trade2 — Thai exhibitors showcase food products at the ASEAN Trade Fair 2025 at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, Nov. 13–16, 2025.

GOYANG — The Thai Embassy in Seoul highlighted Thai food products, culture and entertainment at the ASEAN Trade Fair 2025 while urging Thai travelers to South Korea to take out travel insurance before their trips.

Ten Thai exhibitors took part in the Nov. 13–16 event at KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, joining producers and buyers from across Southeast Asia. The fair, organized by the ASEAN-Korea Centre and regional trade agencies, aims to expand market access for ASEAN products.

Chawadol Nipathannont, minister and deputy chief of mission at the Thai Embassy, said Korean consumers remain highly receptive to Thai goods, especially food, as 300,000 to 400,000 Koreans visit Thailand each year. Thai exporters, he said, still face challenges, including strict regulations and the difficulty of securing reliable distribution partners.

He said Ambassador Thani Sangrat has made expanding Thai business and cultural visibility a priority. The embassy’s annual “Sawadee Thailand” festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of Korean visitors, serves as a major platform to promote Thai cuisine, culture and consumer products. The embassy is also encouraging Thais in South Korea to establish legally registered associations to strengthen community networks.

thai korea trade1 — Chawadol Nipathannont, deputy chief of mission at the Thai Embassy in Seoul, speaks to media about promoting Thai products and culture in South Korea during the ASEAN Trade Fair 2025.

Embassy Eyes Future “Thai Town”

The embassy is working to introduce recurring Thai markets in cities across South Korea as part of broader efforts to raise the visibility of Thai culture. Chawadol said the goal is to make Thai brands more familiar to younger Korean consumers.

He noted the rising popularity of Thai pop music, with Korean fans lining up overnight for fan events featuring Thai artists. Thailand’s cultural presence — from tourism and food to entertainment, TV dramas and the so-called Thai Wave — should be promoted as a unified ecosystem, he said.

thai korea trade3 — Thai exhibitors showcase food products at the ASEAN Trade Fair 2025 at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, Nov. 13–16, 2025.

A more organized Thai community could eventually pave the way for the country’s first “Thai Town,” he added. While the Thai population in South Korea is significant, it remains dispersed. “If we have more associations working legally and collaboratively, a Thai Town is absolutely possible,” he said.

Embassy Advises Travelers

Chawadol also urged Thai nationals to review South Korea’s entry rules before traveling, even though Thailand enjoys visa-free access. He stressed the importance of carrying travel insurance, calling it inexpensive, easy to obtain and essential in emergencies.

“Many people think that if they’re coming for only five to seven days, nothing will happen,” he said. “But having insurance at least gives you peace of mind. Korea is very familiar to Thai visitors, and everyone is welcome. But before you travel, please make sure you have travel insurance.”

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Bangladesh Tribunal Sentences Sheikh Hasina to Death for Crimes Against Humanity

By

Associated Press

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17 November 2025, 15:31

Bangladesh-Hasina Verdict — FILE- Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks during a press conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Jan. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh, File)

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — A special tribunal sentenced Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death on charges of crimes against humanity for her crackdown on a student uprising last year that killed hundreds of people and led to the toppling of her 15-year rule.

The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death for his involvement in the use of deadly force against protesters.

Both Hasina and Khan fled to India last year and were sentenced in absentia.

A third suspect, a former police chief, was sentenced to five years in prison after becoming a state witness against Hasina and pleading guilty.

Hasina and Khan were accused over the killing of hundreds of people during a student-led uprising in July and August of 2024. The country’s health adviser under the country’s current interim government said more than 800 people were killed and about 14,000 were injured. However, the United Nations in a February report said up to 1,400 may have been killed.

AP25321183418619 — Bangladeshi Army soldiers stand guard outside the Supreme Court after security has been beefed up across the country ahead of an expected verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

Hasina says the charges are unjustified, arguing that she and Khan “acted in good faith and were trying to minimize the loss of life.”

“We lost control of the situation, but to characterize what happened as a premeditated assault on citizens is simply to misread the facts,” she said Monday in a statement denouncing the verdict.

The verdict comes as the country still grapples with instability after Hasina was ousted on Aug. 5, 2024. Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus took over as the head of an interim government three days after her fall. Yunus has vowed to punish Hasina and banned the activities of her Awami League party.

A three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, announced the tribunal’s ruling, a session that was broadcast live.

Some of those in the packed courtroom cheered when Mazumder announced the death penalty for Hasina. He admonished them, telling them to express their feelings outside the courtroom.

Many families of the killed and the injured during last year’s uprising waited for hours outside the tribunal ahead of the verdict.

AP25321362887502 — Protesters throw stones and shout slogans during a standoff with police outside the demolished residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s former leader and the father of the country’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after the verdict against Hasina, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/ Rajib Dhar)

It appeared unlikely that Hasina would return to Bangladesh to face her sentence. India had not responded to requests by Bangladesh to extradite her to face the trial.

The interim government beefed up security ahead of the verdict, with paramilitary border guards and police deployed in Dhaka and many other parts of the country.

Hasina’s Awami League party called for a nationwide shutdown to protest the verdict on Monday.

Hasina denounced Monday’s ruling, calling it “biased and politically motivated” in a statement. She also denounced the tribunal as “rigged” and alleged that it was “established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate.”

“In their distasteful call for the death penalty, they reveal the brazen and murderous intent of extremist figures within the interim government to remove Bangladesh’s last elected prime minister, and to nullify the Awami League as a political force,” Hasina said.

Hasina cannot appeal the verdict unless she surrenders or is arrested within 30 days of the judgment.

Tensions and disruptions grew in the country in recent days ahead of the verdict.

Nearly 50 arson attacks, mostly targeting vehicles, and dozens of crude bombs explosions were reported nationwide over the past week. Two people were killed in the arson attacks, local media reported.

Authorities at the Supreme Court, in a letter to army headquarters on Sunday, requested the deployment of soldiers around the tribunal premises ahead of the verdict.

Yunus said his interim government would hold the country’s next elections in February, and that Hasina’s party would not get a chance to contest the race.

Bangladesh’s politics under Yunus has remained at a crossroads with limited signs of stability.

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Bhutan’s Drukair to Join Amadeus Platform, Expanding Global Reach

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Contributor

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17 November 2025, 14:27

PRNewswire — Drukair, the national carrier of Bhutan, will soon distribute its fares and schedules through Amadeus, one of the world’s largest travel technology providers, in a move aimed at boosting the airline’s international visibility.

The agreement will allow travel agents worldwide to book Drukair flights through the Amadeus Travel Platform. The airline, headquartered at Paro International Airport, operates routes connecting Bhutan with major cities including Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya and Dubai.

“Partnering with Amadeus opens new horizons for Drukair and Bhutan,” Drukair CEO Tandi Wangchuk said in a statement. “This collaboration allows us to connect with more travelers around the world.”

Javier Laforgue, executive vice president for Amadeus’ Travel Unit in Asia Pacific, said the company is “proud to be Drukair’s first distribution partner” as the airline seeks to broaden its international footprint.

Travel agents in India, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany and France will be the first to gain access, with additional markets scheduled to join in 2026.

Drukair said launch dates for each market will be announced later.

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Zaldy Co Drops Bombshell; ‘Pure Hearsay,’ Says Palace

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Contributor

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17 November 2025, 13:53

zaldy1 — Former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co

MANILA, Philippines — Former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who is at the center of a corruption scandal involving multimillion-peso flood control kickbacks, broke his monthslong silence, alleging that President Marcos and ex-Speaker Martin Romualdez ordered P100 billion worth of graft-tainted “insertions” for public works in the 2025 budget.

In a five-minute video he sent to reporters and uploaded on Facebook on Friday, the former chair of the House appropriations committee accused the Marcos administration of “using the entire country’s resources to silence me.”

Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co. | PHOTO: FACEBOOK/CO
MANILA, Philippines — Former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who is at the center of a corruption scandal involving multimillion-peso flood control kickbacks, broke his monthslong silence, alleging that President Marcos and ex-Speaker Martin Romualdez ordered P100 billion worth of graft-tainted “insertions” for public works in the 2025 budget.

In a five-minute video he sent to reporters and uploaded on Facebook on Friday, the former chair of the House appropriations committee accused the Marcos administration of “using the entire country’s resources to silence me.”

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Co said he decided to speak out and hoped that “I would not be killed before I’m able to release everything.”

His lawyer, Ruy Rondain, confirmed the authenticity of the video but refused to discuss it further.

Co said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman late last year allegedly relayed “instructions to insert P100 billion worth of projects” during the congressional bicameral conference for the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“She even told me, ‘You can confirm this with Usec. Adrian Bersamin because he was also in that meeting with President BBM that day,’” Co said.

He said he immediately called Bersamin, head of the presidential legislative liaison office, to confirm the President’s instructions.

“What he said was true,” Co said. “Right after our conversation, I called former Speaker Martin Romualdez and reported the President’s instructions to insert the P100 billion worth of projects, and he told me, ‘What the President wants, he gets.’”

‘Wild accusations’

Both Malacañang and Pangandaman denied Co’s allegations.

“These wild accusations are completely without basis in fact. All the charges leveled against the President are pure hearsay,” said Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.

“Let us not forget, President Marcos Jr. himself exposed all these flood control anomalies and has taken numerous steps since to ensure that the guilty are brought to justice, the stolen wealth recovered and the system is fixed to avoid any of this from happening again,” Gomez said.

He challenged Co to return to the country and sign everything he said under oath.
Malacañang press officer Claire Castro said Co was linked to the flood control kickback scandal by the evidence, testimony of witnesses and the wealth he had accumulated.
“To save himself from allegations of stealing from the nation’s coffers and to show that he is the victim, he has woven fallacious stories against other people, pointing to other people except himself in spite of the fact that his and his family’s wealth is screaming evidence against him,” Castro said.

‘Already in the NEP’

At a press conference, Pangandaman denied Co’s allegations.

“We reject any insinuations about it,” she said. “The Bicam is purely under the power of the legislature. We respect and strictly follow the budget process and all our actions are aboveboard.”

She said that all appropriations that had been ordered by Mr. Marcos were already in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), which had been presented to Congress months earlier.

Co resigned from his post as appropriations committee chair in January. He left the country for medical treatment in the United States on July 19, missing the President’s July 28 State of the Nation Address where Mr. Marcos blasted corruption and corrupt officials, saying that they were shameless.

In the following month, the President disclosed the capture of a large chunk of the flood control projects by just 15 out of 2,000 private contractors, including several allegedly owned by Co and his family.

Mr. Marcos then went on a high-profile campaign to expose unfinished, substandard and “ghost” projects, with amounts totaling in the billions of pesos, triggering investigations by the House and the Senate.

In September, the President created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate irregularities in the flood control projects from 2016 to 2025.

‘Poster boy’ for lies

Co said he was ready to return to the country after his medical treatment but he was allegedly told by Romualdez, supposedly at the behest of Mr. Marcos, to remain abroad and he would be taken care of.

“I believed them. That’s why I didn’t return. I shut my mouth, I followed instructions,” Co said in his five-minute video labeled Part 1. “What I didn’t know about their promise to take care of me was that they were actually going to use me in their campaign, and made me their poster boy for their own lies.”

Co said that after his conversation with Pangandaman, he met with the budget secretary, Bersamin and Romualdez at the Aguado Building in front of Malacañang’s Gate 4. There, Bersamin gave him the list of the projects to be inserted.

This list, he said, “came directly from PBBM and he took it from a brown leather bag” that he recognized to be Mr. Marcos’ from the 2022 elections.

“That’s why I believed that this was really the instruction of the president,” h said.
After a few days, he said he informed the three as well as Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz whether they could simply insert P50 billion instead because “the DPWH funds would end up larger than the Department of Education.” The Constitution requires that education gets the largest share of the national budget.

‘Utos ng hari’

Co said that he suggested that the P50-billion balance be included in the unprogrammed funds in the 2025 budget “since it is the Office of the President that releases those funds anyway.”

But Pangandaman told him a few days later that “the President’s instruction was to make sure these projects are ‘all inserted because Speaker Martin promised me this and this cannot be changed.’”

“Kumbaga, ang utos ng hari hindi pwedeng mabali (The king’s command is unassailable),” Co said.

That’s why, the lawmaker said, he couldn’t understand why Mr. Marcos “kept saying he couldn’t recognize the budget when everything that we took off and added from each government agency had his approval through Sec. Minah.”

Co resigned his congressional seat on Sept. 29 so that the House could not compel him to return to the country as his name was directly linked to the flood control scandal.

The Makabayan bloc in the House said in a statement that Co’s “damning exposé” directly implicated the President, Romualdez and other high-ranking officials “in the systematic corruption of our national budget through massive illegal insertions.”

Not safe from scandal

“This testimony demolishes any pretense that Marcos Jr. is innocent or unaware of the corruption plaguing his administration. He is not merely complicit—he is the chief architect,” said the statement by ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Kabataan Rep. Renee Co, and Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago.

They demanded, among others, an immediate and independent investigation of the President’s direct role in ordering the insertions and his approval of unprogrammed fund releases.

Kamanggagawa Rep. Eli San Fernando said Co’s testimony proved that “Marcos Jr was not safe from the flood control scandal.”

“This is what we have been saying for a long time: it is impossible for the president to be unaware or have nothing to do with it, contrary to what the Palace says,” he said. “[The] corruption in flood control is massive, systemic, and reaches the highest levels of government.”

Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila De Lima urged Co to return to the country and fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation of the irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

“He should take an oath and tell the whole truth before the proper forum,” she said.

There were no immediate comments from Romualdez and Bersamin.

ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said the commission was “still carefully reviewing and studying” Co’s disclosures and the information from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings.

An examination by the Inquirer of the documents Co released with his bombshell video, showed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) got about 80 percent of the total insertions from the 2025 GAA.

The total GAA amount from all the projects listed in Co’s documents was P99.85 billion.
There were 33 listed confirmed bidded flood control-related projects amounting to P2.868 billion. This included the Maculcol Dike in Narciso, Zambales, improvement of drainage systems in Caloocan City, flood control mitigation projects in Carmen, Davao del Norte, Buenavista, Quezon, and Labo, Camarines Norte.

There were 139 confirmed bidded road and bridge developments, which amounted to P14.995 billion.

A chunk of the data from the documents was labeled “Not on DPWH website” and “For checking if bidden or not.” The total amount of those projects was P63.218 billion, P1.945 billion of which were for flood control-related projects that needed checking if they had been bidded.

The documents also noted that P18.768 billion was allotted for agencies like the Philippine Coconut Authority, National Electrification Administration, National Housing Authority, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Office of the President.

WITH REPORTS FROM GABRIEL PABICO LALU, NYAH GENELLE C. DE LEON, KATHLEEN DE LEON, MARY JOY SALCEDO INQUIRER RESEARCH

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MELAND: Thailand’s World-Class Indoor Theme Park Opens at Siam Paragon

By

Mc Marketing

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17 November 2025, 11:07

Get ready to welcome a new phenomenon in world-class family entertainment with the launch of “MELAND”, a World- Leading Indoor Theme Park, one of the largest and most advanced indoor amusement parks in the world, and Thailand’s first flagship global landmark outside of China. Scheduled to officially open this December 2025, MELAND will be located on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon, in the heart of Bangkok, with an investment of 400 million baht and spans over 5,000 square meters. With its large-scale design and advanced concept, MELAND will be a world-class attraction unlike any other, offering experiences that no other venue can match.

Siam Paragon, recognized as one of the world’s leading destinations, spans 30,500 square meters of world-class attractions, offering an unparalleled combination of entertainment experiences that make it the most comprehensive hub in Thailand for both local and international visitors.

Dedicated to elevating family entertainment experiences to international standards, Siam Paragon integrates the concept of “Edutainment”, combining learning and fun in perfect harmony. The goal is to establish MELAND as the No.1 destination for learning and entertainment in Southeast Asia, setting a new standard for world-class family attractions.

Radian Arc, Blacknut, and TrueID Launch Cloud Gaming in Thailand Expanding AI Sovereign Infrastructure

By

Mc Marketing

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17 November 2025, 09:00

Radian Arc, a global leader in GPU edge infrastructure and AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS), has partnered with TrueID (a True Corporation subsidiary) and Blacknut to launch a Cloud Gaming service in Thailand.

This deployment establishes Thailand’s largest GPU-powered Point of Presence (PoP), expanding the global cloud gaming partnership into the Thai market and laying the foundation for future AI-native services.

TrueID users can instantly stream and play hundreds of premium PC and console-quality games from Blacknut’s catalog directly on mobile devices, Smart TVs, and PCs, eliminating the need for expensive hardware or downloads. The service is bundled with TrueID’s existing data plans.

The service leverages Radian Arc’s GPUaaS edge infrastructure deployed within True’s network to deliver high-performance, low-latency gameplay optimized for Thailand’s connectivity.

David Cook, CEO of Radian Arc, stated the launch is the first step in expanding Thailand’s sovereign digital infrastructure, starting with cloud gaming and scaling into future AI, Cloud PC, and Bandwidth on Demand services.

The partnership also sets the groundwork for Radian Arc’s AI Points of Presence (AI PoPs) across Thailand as part of its AI Sovereign Model, designed to provide localized and secure AI inferencing capacity for governments and enterprises.

Winradit Kolasastraseni, President – Digital Media, True Digital Group, highlighted that this collaboration is a significant milestone for True Digital Group, empowering Thai consumers with cutting-edge cloud gaming experiences while paving the way for future innovation in AI.

Anutin at the Center of a Storm Spanning Cambodia to Washington

By

Khaosod English

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17 November 2025, 02:49

BANGKOK — The suspension of U.S.-Thai trade talks has ignited a political clash in Bangkok, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul fending off accusations that his nationalist rhetoric has pushed Washington to link tariff negotiations to Thailand’s faltering ceasefire agreement with Cambodia.

The U.S. Trade Representative last week paused negotiations under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, saying talks could resume “once the Thai side commits to complying with the joint statement,” a reference to the Thai-Cambodian ceasefire declaration witnessed by President Donald Trump in October.

Political Firestorm at Home

The opposition Pheu Thai Party has seized on the suspension, accusing Anutin of stoking nationalism at the expense of economic interests. Tensions escalated after the prime minister, visibly irritated when asked whether scrapping the ceasefire could affect U.S. tariffs, replied: “I don’t care about trade talks or tariffs anymore. If we can’t sell to this country, we’ll sell to another.”

While traveling with the Thai monarchs on a state visit to China, Anutin told reporters he had privately asked Trump to consider further tariff reductions, saying Thailand “cooperates well with America in all aspects.” He said he asked Trump to “save face,” while the U.S. president urged Thailand to honor the Cambodia agreement to preserve his own credibility.

anutin on phone — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul posted this photo of himself and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow in China on a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim on November 15, 2025.

Conflicting Accounts

After Washington’s announcement, Anutin insisted the suspension was issued before his November 14 call with Trump. He also said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had assured him on November 15 that Washington would not link the ceasefire issue to trade negotiations.

That account diverges from Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, which expressed frustration that the United States had tied trade to a bilateral security dispute. “Security and safety issues… must be considered separate from trade issues,” ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said on Saturday.

The Stakes

Two-way goods and services trade between Thailand and the United States totaled an estimated $88.3 billion in 2024, a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthampun said Thailand remains ready to continue negotiations within the planned timeframe.

AP25218709041842 — Cargo containers fill a ship at the Port of Oakland on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Trump’s Leverage and Political Messaging

The intertwining of tariffs and the Thai-Cambodian conflict predates the current government. Washington previously imposed reciprocal 19% tariffs on both countries during a five-day ceasefire in July under the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration. Trump has promoted the ceasefire as a signature diplomatic win, telling reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, “I stopped a war just today,” and crediting tariff threats for giving the U.S. leverage.

Domestic Political Calculations

Analysts say Anutin’s combative tone reflects an effort to regain nationalist support after he angered conservatives by acknowledging that both sides contributed to recent border tensions. His decision to suspend the Cambodian declaration came a day after a Thai soldier lost a leg to a landmine believed to have been newly planted by Cambodian forces on November 8.

AP25299183024719 — Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, from left, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet and U.S. President Donald Trump take part in the ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (Mohd Rasfan/Pool Photo via AP)

Former assistant foreign minister Russ Chalijandra said the prime minister’s comments, aimed at pleasing “certain social currents,” reveal inexperience in foreign affairs and risk harming national interests.

Pheu Thai spokesman Suksit Sreejomkhwan criticized what he called Anutin’s “confused and immature” messaging, saying it undermines Thailand’s credibility and weakens its position in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.

Peopls’s Party Missing in Action

Noticeably silent in the uproar is the People’s Party, the main opposition bloc whose lawmakers backed Anutin’s rise to power under a four-month pact to pursue constitutional amendments before dissolving parliament. The prime minister’s handling of the Cambodia dispute—now spilling into U.S.-Thai relations—appears to have ventured far beyond what the party expected when it struck that deal.

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Hundreds of Thousands Rally in Manila Against Flood-Control Corruption Scandal

By

Associated Press

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16 November 2025, 22:16

Philippines Flood Control Corruption — Members of the religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) gather during a three-day anti-corruption rally at Manila's Rizal Park, Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Cristino)

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered Sunday in the capital in the largest rally so far to demand accountability for a flood-control corruption scandal that has implicated powerful members of Congress and top government officials.

Various groups have protested in recent months following the discovery that thousands of flood defense projects across one of the world’s most typhoon-prone countries were substandard, incomplete or simply did not exist.

Government engineers, public works officials and construction company executives have testified under oath in hearings by the Senate and a fact-finding commission that members of Congress and officials at the Department of Public Works and Highways took kickbacks from construction companies to help them win lucrative contracts and avoid accountability. Most denied the allegations.

About 650,000 members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, or Church of Christ, joined the start of the three-day rally Sunday in Manila’s Rizal Park despite intermittent rains, police said. Many wore white shirts and carried anti-corruption placards. About 2,000 people, including retired generals, held a separate anti-corruption protest late Sunday at the “People Power” monument in suburban Quezon city.

AP25320366512816 — Members of the religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) shout slogans during a three-day anti-corruption rally at Manila’s Rizal Park, Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Cristino)

“These thieves have made us very outraged because we pay our taxes and these officials just plunder the treasury and rob us of our future,” said Rachel Morte, a 41-year-old resident from northern Pampanga province who joined the huge Manila rally. “We hope we’ll get justice and the stolen money will be returned to the people.”

Iglesia is an influential group that votes as a bloc and is courted by political candidates during elections.

The police, backed by the military, went on full alert and deployed thousands of personnel to secure the weekend rallies, which were peaceful, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

During a Sept. 21 anti-corruption demonstration, a few hundred black-clad protesters threw rocks, bottles and firebombs at police near the presidential palace in Manila, injuring more than 100 officers. Criminal complaints have been filed against 97 protesters.

The presidential palace went on security lockdown over the weekend, with major access roads barricaded by anti-riot police, cargo containers and barbed wires.

National police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered law enforcement to exercise “maximum tolerance” in Sunday’s rallies.

Marcos promises action

Flood control is an especially sensitive issue in the Philippines, one of the Asian countries most prone to deadly typhoons, flooding and extreme weather. Two typhoons left at least 259 dead this month, mostly from flash floods and landslides, and affected millions of others.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been trying to quell public outrage and street protests sparked by the scandal, saying on Thursday that many of the powerful senators, members of Congress and wealthy businesspeople who were implicated would be in jail by Christmas.

AP25320275876688 — Members of the religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) hold placards during a three-day anti-corruption rally at Manila’s Rizal Park, Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Cristino)

Marcos said an independent fact-finding commission he created has already filed criminal complaints for graft , corruption and plunder against 37 suspects. Criminal complaints have also been filed against 86 construction company executives and nine government officials for allegedly evading nearly 9 billion pesos ($152 million) in taxes.

Among those accused are lawmakers opposed to and allied with Marcos, including former House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin and a key ally; and former Senate President Chiz Escudero. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

Sen. Bong Go, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has also been accused of involvement in corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects. He has denied the allegations.

Duterte, a harsh Marcos critic, was detained by the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands in March on charges of crimes against humanity over his brutal anti-drugs crackdowns.

His daughter, the current vice president, said Marcos should also be held accountable and jailed for approving the 2025 national budget, which appropriated billions for flood control projects.

There have been isolated calls, including by some Duterte supporters, for the military to withdraw its backing for Marcos, but Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has repeatedly rejected the idea.

“With full conviction, I assure the public that the armed forces will not engage in any action that violates the Constitution,” Brawner said. “Not today, not tomorrow and certainly not under my watch.”

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Thai Corner in Jeju Walk ASEAN–Korea Olle Trail Through Nature and Friendship in Every Step

By

CHAYAPON PONLAWAT freelance reporter

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16 November 2025, 19:48

jeju7 — Jeju Province unveils ten benches dedicated to ASEAN nations along the Olle Trail’s Route 8 during a ceremony at Parnas Hotel Jeju on Nov. 11, 2025.

JEJU — On November 11, 2025, Jeju Island unveiled ten new benches along Route 8 of its famed Olle Trail, each dedicated to one ASEAN nation, transforming the trail into the ASEAN–Korea Olle, a living symbol of cross-cultural friendship. The inauguration at Parnas Hotel Jeju in Seogwipo brought together ASEAN ambassadors, provincial leaders, the Jeju Olle Foundation, and journalists from across Southeast Asia, including Khaosod English.

The word “Olle” in Jeju dialect carries special meaning. Traditionally, it refers to the narrow path leading from a family’s home to the main street a small, intimate passageway connecting private life to the wider world. By naming the trail “Olle,” Jeju embraced this metaphor, and the ASEAN–Korea Olle extends it across borders, linking communities, cultures, and nations.

jeju6 — Map of Jeju Olle Trail Route 8 in Seogwipo, showing the coastal path and key points along the route.

Led by the ASEAN–Korea Centre (AKC) in partnership with Jeju authorities, the project goes beyond simple trail furniture. Each bench is paired with a ganse, Jeju’s iconic horse-shaped marker, offering cultural information, QR codes, and a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the journey. The ten benches, positioned at scenic viewpoints along the trail, allow visitors to relax while learning about each ASEAN member state.

The opening ceremony also featured a special performance by the Jerajin Boys and Girls Choir, singing in the Jeju dialect with AKC Secretary-General Kim Jae-shin highlighted the symbolic resonance

“Just as an olle connects home to street, this trail connects Korea to ASEAN. It is a pathway that brings peoples together, turning distant neighbours into close friends.”

jeju4 — ASEAN–Korea Centre officials and journalists attend the inauguration of the ASEAN–Korea Olle benches.

Route 8: Where Geology Meets Diplomacy

This year, Route 8 stretches 19.6 km through some of Jeju’s most striking landscapes from the hexagonal basalt pillars of Jusangjeolli Cliff to the tropical sands of Jungmun Saekdal Beach and the serene courtyards of Yakcheon-sa Temple. The Malaysian bench, as a Asean Leader this year overlooking Jungmun’s multicolored shoreline, instantly became one of the route’s most photogenic stops.

Inspired by the concept, Kim Jae-shin, who had previously created a “Korea Plaza” in Dresden, worked with local stakeholders to bring it to life.

Originally, organizers considered larger pavilions or bus-stop-style structures, but Jeju’s harsh coastal climate made them impractical.

“Such structures wouldn’t withstand the wind and salty air here,” Kim explained.

The design evolved into durable benches made of high-strength “super concrete” with smooth, organic shapes simple, resilient, and visually harmonious with the landscape. “It is serendipitous to witness the completion of these commemorative benches,” said Singaporean Ambassador Wong Kai Jiun, current chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul. Ambassadors hope the trail will inspire both Korean and international visitors to discover and learn about each ASEAN nation while exploring Jeju.

For Thailand bench is located at Haye‑dong, a tranquil fishing village along Jeju’s southern coastline in Seogwipo. This small yet historically rich area lies along Olle Route 8, and is part of the scenic Yeolli Coastal Road a roughly 4‑kilometre walking path from Nonjitmul to Daepyeong-ri.

jeju3 — The Thailand bench on Jeju’s ASEAN–Korea Olle Trail overlooks Haye‑dong village in Seongwipo.

Haye‑dong is more than just a stop on a trail. It’s a place where Jeju’s traditional haenyeo (Seawomen divers) have long lived and worked, lending the village a deeply rooted maritime character.

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The Haye Port, tucked into its rocky shoreline, offers sweeping views over the sea, with a charming white lighthouse known as the Jinhwang Lighthouse that overlooks volcanic rock formations beloved by local anglers.

Jeju’s Natural Tourism Boom

The Jeju Olle Trail also be one of the significant economic weight. A study by the Jeju Research Institute estimates its economic value at 317.5 billion KRW, driven not only by visitors but also by residents’ willingness to conserve natural landscapes. More broadly, nature tourism contributes around 20% of Jeju’s economy, With visitor arrivals in mid 2025 have already surpassed 7 million by midsummer, signaling that Jeju’s outdoor attractions—including the Olle Trail network are once again at the heart of its economic engine.

Rising visitor numbers, however, have led Jeju to consider eco-taxes and sustainability measures part of the island’s emerging “Jeju Promise” commitment to more responsible tourism.

In an era of geopolitical complexity, the ASEAN–Korea Olle demonstrates that diplomacy can unfold quietly, step by step, along coastal paths lined with wildflowers and lava rock. For travelers from Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and beyond, Route 8 now offers more than a scenic hike it provides a place of recognition, learning, and cross-cultural connection.

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Anutin, the Accidental PM, and How He Mishandled the US

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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16 November 2025, 13:36

anutin trump2 — Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul posts a photo while speaking on the phone with U.S. President Donald Trump on November 14, 2025 regarding the Thai-Cambodia border situation, following Thailand's announcement to suspend the Joint Declaration.

W hen Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that “I’m not interested in how the trade talks or tariffs are going anymore. If we can’t sell to [the US], we will find another country to sell to,” many ultra-nationalists felt it was a proud moment, a declaration of independence, an example of Thailand that can say ‘NO’ to the United States and Donald Trump.

The declaration was made after Anutin had unilaterally nullified the Kuala Lumpur Peace Declaration (KLPC) between Thailand and Cambodia following the loss of a Thai soldier’s ankle after the officer stepped on a landmine along the Thai-Cambodian border—a landmine that the majority on the Thai side fully believe was newly laid by the Cambodian side in violation of the peace agreement.

Anutin quickly won the hearts and minds of ultra-nationalists and nationalists, but less than four days later, he would capitulate and tell the public that he had received a call from Trump regarding the peace accord and took the opportunity to request that Trump reduce the tariffs further from the current expected rate of 19 per cent.

Just hours later came the bombshell.

The Thai Foreign Ministry announced yesterday afternoon that the US Trade Representative had informed them that they were putting the negotiation on hold pending Thailand’s return to the commitment to the ceasefire declaration with Cambodia.

About 10 hours later, shortly before 2 a.m. today, November 16, 2025, Anutin posted a message on Facebook from Beijing, where he is part of the entourage of Their Majesties the King and Queen, who are currently on a state visit to China.

Anutin posted on Facebook saying Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim had called him again and said that Trump had assured him he would separate the KL peace declaration issue from the tariff issue. The Thai PM also mentioned that Anwar would post a confirmation of this.

Ten hours have passed as of press time today, and Anwar still hasn’t posted any confirmation. However, we’ll wait for a full 24 hours and afford Anutin the benefit of the doubt, or wait for the US Trade Representative to confirm the matter. I cannot readily believe Anutin because it was less than a week ago, on November 12, when he declared he didn’t care about the Trump tariff.

Yet, the timing of Anutin’s latest Facebook post appeared to be exigent in nature because it was made shortly before 2 a.m. this morning.

If Anutin hadn’t spoken so brazenly and without forethought, saying he didn’t care about Trump’s tariffs, Thailand probably wouldn’t have reached this point today.

Another bizarre matter is the deputy leader of the main opposition People’s Party, Ms Sirikanya Tansakul, criticized Anutin, saying the PM made a tactical blunder: instead of having the US pressure Cambodia, Thailand itself ended up having the trade talks suspended.

Leaders People’s Party refuse to acknowledge that they are the ones who handed Anutin the 14 million votes on a silver platter, enabling him to become an ‘accidental’ Prime Minister. Yet today, they pretend not to see the significant role they and their own party played in creating this problem. I suspect there are no mirrors in their party’s headquarters or in the homes of their key leaders, because they are able to criticize Anutin without reflexivity and not sense the irony of the situation.

If I were a People’s Party MP, by now I would have publicly apologised for having voted Anutin into power, out of shame and a sense of contrition.

Back to Anutin’s haughty remark, I wonder if he had thought things through or was it just a remark driven by the ‘accidental-PM’ adrenalin, and whether he now regrets what he has said.

Without doubt, the US is using a heavy hand to show its superpower might by suspending tariff negotiations with Thailand until the country complies with the KL Peace Declaration. Thais must be level-headed on this matter. We must yield where necessary, or the economic impact will be immense. In 2024, Thailand’s trade surplus with America was 1.2 trillion baht.

Ultra-nationalist fanatics who do not see the bigger picture should wake up and realise that Thailand is not a superpower, nor is it even remotely a power on the level of Russia or South Korea. If Thais do not want to live a self-sufficient way of life, we must trade. At times we must comply even if this is not what many desire and remember how nasty the US can be in exercising its power.

Now Anutin and Thailand are being cornered and losing face, however. The Thai Foreign Ministry has failed to rein in Anutin’s lack of experience in international affairs, where he overestimated the limits of Thai power in the global arena.

And this is a PM propped up by the People’s Party, with PP leader Natthapong Ruengpanyawut saying he voted for Anutin to become PM to dissolve the Parliament after 4 months and to amend the constitution. Now Anutin is at risk of causing severe damage to the Thai economy and has caused a loss of face for not just himself but for Thailand on the international stage.

Why would Thailand put itself in a compromised situation where it would face US coercion and public humiliation? Only an inexperienced PM, the Foreign Minister, or the Foreign Ministry could answer that.

Humiliation aside, some Thais were outraged at America’s undiplomatic move and say they are ready to say no to Trump and the US.

One well-known lawyer, Paisarn Chuayduay, declared yesterday, “The U.S. is pressuring Thailand on taxes. What do the Thai people say? For me, I am ready to fight. The United States is not the father.” (It should be “my father” but he wrote it in English.)

The problem is, if we follow this reckless impulse, then tens of millions of Thais will suffer and be affected because their livelihoods are tied, directly or indirectly, to export businesses to America. Then who will take responsibility? Can Paisarn step in and take responsibility? If not, ultra-nationalists should not be so boastful and cause millions of Thais unnecessary economic hardship.

On X yesterday, a Thai asked me:

“Do we have to agree to everything the U.S. says like this? Is what the U.S. is doing to us worthy of being Thailand’s great friend?”

My reply: “Only a fool thinks America is Thailand’s great friend. That’s just a fancy phrase for diplomatic dinners. Thailand has a trade surplus of 1.2 trillion baht with America. Thai exports to the U.S. amounts to around 20% of the total of Thai exports. This, versus fighting for the satisfaction of xenophobic nationalists… Even a first-grader can answer what is more beneficial for the Thai people.”

BTW, this writer has been advocating for less dependency on both the US and China. Thailand should not be too dependent on any nation, as if we are, then they can wield too much power over us. It’s in the hegemonic nature of any superpower to have to exert control over lesser powers in order to maintain its status and power, sometimes more subtle, other times less subtle and undiplomatic as the US had crudely demonstrated to Thailand this week.

Thailand needs to seek new markets for trade and deepen its economic relations with other countries that are not superpowers if we do not want to be at the mercy of eithet the US or China, or both.

It seems many ultra-nationalist Thais are now unable to think rationally, however. Now, tell me more about ultra-nationalism elsewhere.

……

Note: Shortly after the article was penned and before it was published, Malaysian Prime Ministe and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim posted the following message on Facebook regarding the Thai-Cambodian peace accord and Thailand’s tariff negotiations with the US. The post was made shortly before 1pm Bangkok time.

“During my conversation with President Donald J. Trump, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, we reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring the full and effective implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord. We also concurred that meaningful progress must be made on the issue of demining, without involving any form of trade cooperation.

“I continue to appreciate President Trump’s personal and active commitment to resolving this matter.”

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Marcos promises action

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