Hong Kong Driver, Thai Woman Injured in Chonburi Crash

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16 December 2024, 14:16

CHONBURI — A Hong Kong driver and his Thai female passenger were seriously injured when their car crashed into a tree in Chonburi Province early Monday morning. The accident occurred near the tree tunnel in Ban Huay Saphan, Village No. 9, Pong Sub-district, Bang Lamung District.

Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation Pattaya rushed to the scene with hydraulic cutting tools to extract both victims from the wreckage. The injured were immediately transported to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya for emergency treatment.

Nongprue Police Station received the accident report at 10:10 a.m. on December 16. At the scene, officers found a severely damaged black Honda Civic with Bangkok license plates. The front of the vehicle was completely destroyed, with car parts scattered across the road.

hong kong crash2 scaled — A severely damaged black Honda Civic with Bangkok license plates is on the road in Ban Huay Saphan, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on December 16, 2024.

The driver, identified as Mr. Cheung, 48, a Hong Kong national, was trapped in the wreckage with severe injuries to both legs and chest. His passenger, Ms. Kanyapat, 21, from Chiang Mai province, was found unconscious in the front passenger seat with serious lacerations and a major knee injury.

Local residents reported hearing a loud crash and rushed to help. They found both victims conscious and responsive initially. The female passenger managed to lower the car window, allowing residents to provide assistance before emergency services arrived.

Police investigators noted a Wonderfruit Festival sticker on the car’s windshield, suggesting the pair may have been returning from the music festival. Preliminary investigation indicates the Hong Kong driver likely fell asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and collide with a large roadside tree.

Bangkok Prepares District Officials for Equal Marriage Registration

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Khaosod English

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16 December 2024, 14:06

BANGKOK — Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to provide equal marriage registration services starting January 23, 2025, following the “Equal Marriage” Act that was published in the Royal Gazette on September 24, 2024.

In previous years, Bangkok has processed approximately 40,000 marriage registrations annually. This year, during a trial run for equal marriage services, 164 couples participated in a mock registration, expressing their intent to officially register as soon as the law takes effect.

To ensure smooth implementation, the BMA will conduct a training event for civil servants on January 4, 2025, at Bangkok City Hall. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt recently held a meeting with the BMA executive team and key officials to discuss preparations for this historic change.

The law establishes clear guidelines for marriage registration, including age requirements (18 and above, with some court-authorized exceptions) and various restrictions regarding mental competency, familial relationships, and existing marriages.

chaichat marriage — Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt

A significant event is planned for the first day of implementation: Naruemit Pride and its network partners, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, will organize a historic mass marriage registration event for LGBTQIAN+ couples across Thailand.

They aim to register more than 1,000 couples nationwide on January 23, 2025, attempting to set a Guinness World Record. The main event in Bangkok will be held at Paragon Hall, 5th floor of Siam Paragon shopping center, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Additionally, all 878 districts nationwide and 50 districts in Bangkok will be ready to process registrations for LGBTQIAN+ couples.

The document then details the registration process, which includes required documents for different scenarios such as:

For Thai nationals: national identity card or proof of identity via ThaiD application.
For one Thai national and one foreigner: Thai national’s national identity card or ThaiD proof of identity, foreigner’s passport and a certificate of marital status proving that the foreigner is single.
For two foreigners: Passports and civil status certificates proving that both parties are single.
Two adult witnesses are required for each registration. If one of the parties is 18 years old but not yet an adult, the written consent of the guardian must be presented. Premarital agreements may also need to be submitted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into Thai and notarized by the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The marriage registration process begins with applicants submitting Form Kor.Ror.1 to the registrar, who will then verify their eligibility based on legal requirements and review the supporting documents.

Once the verification is complete, the applicants, along with any consenting parties (if applicable) and witnesses, must sign the family registration record. After ensuring the information is accurate, the registrar will sign the record and input the details into the computer system. The entire process usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on the complexity of any premarital agreements.

Marriage registration at the registry office is free of charge. A fee of 200 baht is charged for registration outside the registry office, and applicants must provide transportation for the registrar.

If transportation is not provided, the applicant must pay for travel expenses. A fee of 20 baht is charged for registration at licensed marriage venues, while certified copies cost 10 baht each.

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Thai Layout Artist Behind Disney’s Moana 2

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Contributor

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16 December 2024, 13:26

Meet Thirada Kangwankiattichai, also known as Tida, a talented Thai Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Once an avid animation fan, she has turned her passion into a career, contributing to the stunning visuals and captivating story in Disney’s Moana 2.

From an animation fan to an animator

Tida, born and raised in Bangkok, spent a childhood much like many other kids who loved watching animated films. Among her favorites were Disney’s iconic storytelling. “I was a kid who loved drawing and watching movies. I remember saving up money in high school to buy so many movie CDs that my cabinet at home was completely full,” she fondly recalled.

She added, “But I never expected to grow up pursuing a career in animation.” Her path to animation did not begin to take shape until after she graduated from Nawaminthrachinuthit Bodindecha School and earned a bachelor’s degree in management engineering and logistics from Silpakorn University. When Tida moved to Vancouver, Canada, her inspiration was ignited. “It was then that I realized animation could be a viable career, and that realization sparked the inspiration to start taking it seriously,” she shared about the beginning of her journey.

Once Tida discovered her true path, she pursued it with determination. In 2014, Tida started studying 3D animation and visual effects at Vancouver Film School. Her dreams came true when she joined the Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2023 as a Layout Artist. Tida views animation as a unique blend of art, technology, and storytelling, and with her creativity, it became the perfect medium to express her passions.

Growing up with a love for Disney

When asked if she considered herself a die-hard Disney fan, Tida expressed her deep appreciation for the magical combination of musical elements and adventurous storylines that make Disney films both enjoyable and timeless. She shared, “No matter how old I am, I can always relate to the stories.” This enduring connection to Disney’s animated films inspired her dream of one day becoming a part of the company.

Tida was also drawn to Disney’s legacy in animation, believing that the company’s enduring success in the industry is a testament to the many talented individuals working behind the scenes. Collaborating with amazing talents at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, she hopes to create timelines classics that can inspire the future generation.

Layout Artist – A crucial role in animation

The role of a Layout Artist may not be widely known, but within the animation industry, it is recognized as a vital position that help keep animated films engaging and visually realistic. As a Layout Artist, Tida says, “We do it all. You can say this right away because, although the main responsibilities are to set camera angles and determine how the camera moves to capture the characters in a scene, we also animate the characters, arrange the lighting, and add effects. It is to convey the overall story and align it with the storytelling objectives of that sequence as much as possible.”

This role requires collaboration with various departments throughout the animation process. “The responsibilities of the Layout Artist is unique and expansive,” she emphasized, “because most other departments in the animation industry tend to be more specialized or focused on specific areas of expertise.”

The challenges of working on Disney’s Moana 2

Moana 2 is the first animated film that Tida has worked on with Disney, and she describes it as quite a challenge. “The duration we had to work with and the quality we were striving for were the biggest challenges in creating Moana 2 because we wanted to make it the best. We had to be very meticulous, searching for camera angles that fit the storytelling and kept the audience engaged. Ultimately, we needed to use as many camera angles as possible to find the best ones for the film.”

The main techniques used in the film include ensuring the proportions of the characters are clear, creating beautiful shapes, and employing the Enhance Depth technique. This technique arranges elements within a scene for balanced composition, ensuring each scene is beautifully crafted.

Additionally, the camera work requires great attention to detail. Every movement must have purpose and meaning to effectively communicate with the audience, especially in the action scenes. The camera movement should flow seamlessly with the characters—never too still to the point of becoming boring, and never too complex to the point of causing discomfort for the audience. Achieving a beautiful and engaging result on the big screen is no simple task.

Moana 2 as a source of pride for Tida

“Actually, ‘Moana’ or ‘Moana, the legendary adventure of the South Sea Islands’ is my favorite animated film because it tells the story of a princess while featuring lots of action and adventure, which is really fun for us. It also has catchy songs! I’m glad to be a part of Moana 2, and I hope everyone will enjoy Moana’s new adventure in this sequel,” Tida shared.

She adds that if anyone has enjoyed Moana: The Legendary Adventure of the South Sea Islands, they definitely can’t miss Disney’s Moana 2. The sequel is even more exciting, featuring not only Moana and Maui, but also new characters who will join the adventure on a more challenging mission. And, of course, it comes with beautiful songs that she predicts will be hits for many months. Moana fans and animation lovers, get your tickets to experience the fun, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music.

Finally, when asked about her pride in her latest work, Tida said, “I hope that by contributing to Moana 2, more people in Thailand will recognize and support local animators. The film is a great source of pride for me,” concluded Tida, the only Thai Layout Artist in Disney’s Moana 2.

“It warms my heart to see creative talents from Southeast Asia contributing to Disney’s century of animated classics that are celebrated worldwide. I hope our fans in Thailand feel proud to see an animator of Thai heritage bringing Moana and Maui’s adventures across the far seas to life through their unique perspective. Like Thirada Kangwankiattichai, we hope to inspire future storytellers, animators, and young creators in Thailand to pursue careers in animation,” said Vineet Puri, General Manager and Vice President, Disney Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia.”

Set sail on an adventure to the far seas of Oceania with Moana and her crew in Disney’s Moana 2, available in theatres today.

*Thirada Kangwankiattichai*

Thirada Kangwankiattichai, (Layout Artist) joined Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2023 as a layout artist on “Moana 2,” placing the cameras and determining camera movement for the cinematography of the film. Growing up in Bangkok, Thailand, she loved photography and drawing inspired by her movie collection. Kangwankiattichai attended Nawaminthrachinuthit Bodindecha School before studying logistic engineering at Silpakorn University. She then moved to Vancouver, Canada in 2014 to attend Vancouver Film School to study 3D animation and visual effects. Kangwankiattichai loves animation and its ability to make imagination come alive. “Moana 2” is her first Disney credit.

Discover How Packo Transforms Thai Food Packaging Industry

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Contributor

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16 December 2024, 13:23

Food packaging is an important part of the modern food industry, ensuring that items are safe, fresh, and appealing to customers. In Thailand, this industry is rapidly changing, owing to rising customer demands for innovation and sustainability. Packo has distinguished itself as a leader in this industry by providing cutting-edge solutions that address the unique demands of enterprises. This article explains why Packo is transforming food packaging in Thailand and how it is setting quality and environmental standards.

Challenges in the Packaging Industry

To remain competitive, enterprises in Thailand’s food packaging industry must overcome a number of hurdles. Key issues include:

Sustainability: The global push toward eco-friendly practices has made it imperative for businesses to adopt greener alternatives.
Cost Efficiency: Balancing quality with affordability is a significant concern, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Customization: Tailoring packaging to align with a brand’s identity while ensuring functionality can be daunting.
Regulatory Compliance: Meeting stringent food safety standards is essential, especially for businesses catering to international markets.

Packo has demonstrated its capacity to address these difficulties successfully. Packo ensures that its clients receive packaging solutions that match their individual needs while maintaining quality and cost by combining sophisticated technologies and sustainable practices.

Why Choose Packo

Packo stands out in Thailand’s food packaging landscape due to its unique solutions and customer-focused attitude. Here are some of the main reasons that firms pick Packo::

Innovative Materials: Packo uses state-of-the-art materials that enhance product safety and extend shelf life.
Sustainability Focus: From biodegradable options to recyclable packaging, Packo is committed to reducing environmental impact.
Custom Designs: Each client receives bespoke packaging solutions that reflect their brand values and aesthetics.
Global Standards: By adhering to international food safety and quality standards, Packo ensures that its packaging meets the requirements of global markets.

Furthermore, Packo’s industry expertise enables it to anticipate market trends and adjust its solutions accordingly, making it a dependable partner for enterprises of all sizes.

Success Stories

Over the years, Packo has built a strong reputation through its successful collaborations with various industries. Some noteworthy examples include:

Food Exporters: Packo has provided durable, visually appealing packaging solutions that enhance product value and comply with international regulations.
Restaurants and Cafes: With custom designs that reflect their brand identity, these businesses have been able to stand out in a competitive market.
Retail Chains: Packo’s innovative packaging has helped retail businesses reduce waste and improve customer satisfaction.

These success stories demonstrate Packo’s ability to provide value to its customers, reaffirming its position as a trusted leader in the food packaging sector.

Impact on the Thai Market

Thailand’s food packaging business is vibrant and rapidly expanding. Packo has played an important role in fostering this growth by delivering innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of the Thai market. Their emphasis on sustainability coincides with the global push for environmentally responsible activities, making them a popular choice among enterprises.

Packo supports the Thai economy by building collaborations with local manufacturers and suppliers, which create jobs and promote long-term growth.

Ready to take your business to the next level with cutting-edge food packaging solutions? Packo is here to help. Explore their diverse offerings and learn why they are the preferred choice for businesses in Thailand and beyond. Visit Packo to learn more about their innovative solutions and begin your journey toward a more sustainable future.

Food packaging is more than simply a way to keep food safe; it also improves sustainability and brand value. With Packo, businesses can accomplish all of this and more. Trust the leaders in *innovative packaging in Thailand* to provide solutions that are consistent with your vision and goals.

PM Paetongtarn Dismisses Government Rift Following Thaksin’s Remarks

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Khaosod English

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16 December 2024, 02:09

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has downplayed concerns about potential rifts within the coalition government following controversial comments made by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a Pheu Thai Party seminar last Friday.

Thaksin had criticized some coalition partners for being “sneaky” and avoiding a cabinet meeting regarding an international tax measure decree.

“I hate sneaky people. If we work together, we must be straightforward. Either you’re in or you’re out. If you’re in, we fight together. When it’s a joint government policy that you approved by raising your hand, you can’t just slowly withdraw once you get your ministerial position,” Thaksin stated at the seminar.

The remarks sparked criticism from opposition members who suggested possible fractures within the coalition government, while coalition parties denied being the target of Thaksin’s comments.

thaksin hua hin — Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra speaking at the Pheu Thai Party seminar in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, December 13, 2024.

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, drew particular attention after previously being criticized by Thaksin for rushing to oppose proposed amendments to the Defense Act “to look good.” Regarding the recent incident, Anutin explained that he had a medical appointment and was unaware of the rescheduled cabinet meeting, which he attended immediately after his check-up.

“Being part of the government means working together as a mandatory fight for the country’s and people’s benefit. We’ve never had issues with each other,” Anutin stated.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn, speaking before her visit to Malaysia on December 15, suggested that her father’s comments reflected his experience working with coalition partners. “I can reach out to all coalition party leaders anytime I need help. I don’t think there are any issues. I believe Thaksin was speaking broadly about the need for coalition parties to support each other and remain united,” she explained.

When reporters mentioned opposition criticism that Thaksin’s comments reflected government instability, Paetongtarn laughed and responded, “The opposition could try being more supportive sometimes. It would create a better atmosphere in the country.”

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Two Myanmar Workers Dead in Koh Samui Construction Site Landslide

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Khaosod English

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15 December 2024, 22:38

KOH SAMUI — Rescue workers discovered the bodies of two Myanmar construction workers – Aung Ko Ko, 19, and Moe Set, 39 – at a villa construction site on Koh Samui island Sunday afternoon. The victims were found 10 meters from where a landslide struck their workers’ camp in the early morning hours along Himatong Soi, Moo 1, Maret sub-district.

More than 20 fellow Myanmar workers gathered to mourn their colleagues’ deaths.

According to witnesses, two successive landslides hit the camp – the first at 4:30 a.m. and a second, more devastating slide at 5:40 a.m. that buried three dormitory rooms where workers were sleeping.

Construction work at the hillside site has been temporarily suspended due to heavy rainfall and saturated soil conditions, raising concerns about additional landslides. Authorities must inspect the area before work can safely resume.

landslide samui3 — Rescue workers excavate an area 10 meters from the construction workers’ camp in search of the missing Myanmar workers following the landslide on December 15, 2024.

landslide samui1 — More than 20 fellow Myanmar workers gathered to mourn their colleagues’ deaths, following the landslide on December 15, 2024.

The tragedy comes just one day after the Department of Mineral Resources issued a landslide warning on December 14 for specific sub-districts in Koh Samui. The warning specifically highlighted risks to buildings on steep slopes and hillsides, urging special vigilance during periods of continuous heavy rain.

Koh Samui’s mountainous areas and hillsides are popular locations for vacation homes, resorts, and hotels, attracting both foreign and Thai investors. However, some developments have faced legal challenges over unauthorized construction, forest encroachment, illegal land documentation, and operating without proper permits.

Several cases have already resulted in investigations and legal action by government authorities.

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Kidults Drive Global Toy Market, Asia-Pacific Leads Growth

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Khaosod English

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15 December 2024, 19:43

BANGKOK — The global toy and game market is experiencing a remarkable transformation, driven by an unexpected demographic: adult collectors known as “Kidults.” According to recent data from Euromonitor International, the market is projected to reach $348 billion by 2028, with Asia-Pacific emerging as the dominant region.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), reports that despite economic challenges and inflation, the industry showed strong recovery since 2023, achieving global sales of $273 billion—a 3.1% increase from 2022. The market is forecast to grow at a steady 2.4% annually over the next five years.

Asia-Pacific commanded the largest market share in 2023, generating $99.5 billion in sales and representing 36.48% of the global market. North America followed with $84 billion (30.80%), while Europe contributed $61.1 billion (22.40%).

The rise of “Kidults”—adults who collect toys and memorabilia—has become a major market driver. These consumers, drawn to nostalgia and collectibles, have prompted leading manufacturers to adapt their strategies. Companies are increasingly leveraging pop culture collaborations and entertainment franchises to appeal to this growing demographic.

LEGO exemplifies this trend’s success, maintaining its position as the top toy manufacturer for a decade. Through partnerships with franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and Harry Potter, the Danish company achieved a brand value of $7.9 billion in 2023, marking a 6.5% increase from the previous year.

In Asia, Japan’s BANDAI NAMCO has flourished by managing over 1,929 intellectual properties, reaching revenues of $7.17 billion in 2023. The company’s success extends to collaborations with major brands like Nike, demonstrating the growing intersection of toys and lifestyle products.

The United Kingdom provides further evidence of the Kidult phenomenon, with adult collectors accounting for 28.7% of the £3.5 billion toy market and contributing £1 billion in sales—a 6% year-over-year increase. Licensed toys, particularly those connected to pop culture, represented 32% of total sales.

China’s toy market has seen remarkable innovation through companies like POP MART, whose blind-box toys and artist collaborations drove sales to 6.3 billion yuan in 2023, representing a 40% increase from the previous year. The company now controls 13.6% of China’s Art Toy market.

As the industry continues to evolve, manufacturers are recognizing that toys are no longer exclusively children’s domain. This shift presents new opportunities for brand collaborations and intellectual property development, particularly in the high-value collectibles market.

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The Naked Truth About the Rogue Thai Army

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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15 December 2024, 12:37

three PM — Former PM Srettha Thavisin, PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra attend the Pheu Thai Party's major seminar in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, on December 13, 2024.

Forbes Magazine named Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra the 29th most powerful woman in the world in 2024 earlier this week. Her father, ex-convict-cum-former-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, widely regarded as the real PM, is even more powerful. Apparently they are not powerful enough compared to the Thai army, which is supposedly under he Defence Minister Phumtam Wechayachai, who’s also a trusted aide of Thaksin.

This week saw PM Paetongatarn quickly and unequivocally reject a proposed amendment to the Defence Ministry Act after a Pheu Thai Partylist MP Prayut Siripanich made the proposal public. One of the key amendments include transferring the authority to appoint generals, particularly those in charge of troops, from that of the Army Chief to the Cabinet, and banning the use of military properties and force in case of a coup attempt. Basically, MP Prayut (not to be confused with former coup leader Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, wants more legal measures introduced to lessen the chance of yet another military coup.)

PM Paetongtarn, who is the official leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, held a press conference and offered the [rogue] Thai armed forces an assurance that her government has absolutely no intention to “interfere” with the armed forces. (Next to her stood Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a powerful politician who nearly single-handedly decriminalised marjuana for medical use, and leader of Bhumjaithai Party, looking apologetic. Anutin earlier surreally said his party is against the anti-coup bill.)

It was a farce that the civilian head of government has to openly admit it can’t control one of its ministries – the Defence Ministry. It’s also proof that Thailand is not yet a full democracy. Call it partial democratic, semi-democratic, or what you will, the fact remains that the armed forces, particularly the army, remains a state within a state and exists in a sort of delicate and unspoken power-sharing agreement with any civilian government. Basically, the golden rule is that you let the army do pretty much or whatever they want, do not try to interfere with how they run their affairs, and perhaps the PM will complete his or her term without being ousted in a military coup.

Soon after that, PM Paetongtarn’s much more powerful father, Thaksin, denied he was behind MP Prayut’s attempt to curb the power of the army generals. Thaksin must have known the risk, after all, he was ousted in a coup in 2006 while he was attending UNGA in NYC, and the government of her younger sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was ousted in yet another coup in 2014.

MP Prayut was probably testing the waters – and it’s choppy, if not very rough. So it’s best to retreat, even if Prayut insists he will revise the proposed amendment and resubmit it to parliament.

Such an ambitious task is best left to the main opposition People’s Party to attempt and although the PP’s version of the will certainly be rejected by all other major parties, including fellow opposition Phalang Pracharath Party, which is led by no less than former deputy coup leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, it will be another opportunity for the public to learn the naked truth about the army.

In the end, MP Prayut, who is either a Pheu Thai loose cannon or who quietly acted on behalf of the party, has managed to make visible to the public the naked and rogue power of the Thai army.

In the end, it’s up to both the people and the rank and file soldiers to change in order to ensure civilian supremacy over the military could finally be established. No laws, or no amendments, no constitution, no matter how well-intended and good, can prevent yet another coup from occuring in Thailand.

Change and an end to military coup will come when Thais, particularly the older generations of Thai citizens, who are more than willing to accept army putsch as, excuse the pun, “acceptable”, will either change their attitude or die. Rank and file soldiers will have to learn to think by themselves not to blindly obey the order of their commanders when it’s clear that it’s unconstitutional. You can write whatever you like on the papers but in the end, it’s what’s in the minds and hearts of the people and ordinary soldiers that matters.

Two Days, Two Weapons: Thailand’s Youth Violence Crisis Deepens

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Khaosod English

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15 December 2024, 01:53

CHONBURI/ NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — In a disturbing trend of youth violence, Thailand has been shaken by two separate incidents involving 14-year-old perpetrators using weapons against their peers. These cases have sparked nationwide concern about youth violence and weapon accessibility among teenagers.

Fatal Stabbing in Chonburi

In Sattahip, Chonburi province, a 14-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly fatally stabbing his Thai-Australian schoolmate, on December 10. According to surveillance footage, the incident began with a prearranged meeting outside a local grocery store, which escalated into a physical altercation. After initially retreating, the suspect returned with a kitchen knife and stabbed the victim from behind.

The suspect, who surrendered to Sattahip police within an hour of the incident accompanied by his parents, told investigators the confrontation stemmed from ongoing school-related tensions. The victim was found by a security guard around 8 PM but succumbed to his injuries before emergency services could arrive. The Chonburi Juvenile and Family Court released the suspect on 10,000 baht bail on December 12, though he faces charges carrying a maximum 15-year sentence.

AP24348240150682 — This photo provided by the Sawang Rojana Thammasathan Sattahip Rescue shows a knife handle found at the crime scene where a Thai-Australian boy was stabbed to death in Sattahip, Chonburi province, Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Sawang Rojana Thammasathan Sattahip Rescue via AP)

Shooting Incident in Nakhon Si Thammarat

In a separate incident on December 9, two teenagers aged 13 and 14 were arrested for shooting a 15-year-old girl in Praprom District. The victim was seriously wounded while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. During police questioning, conducted with parents and psychologists present, the suspects revealed the shooting was related to a love triangle, with one suspect allegedly attempting to target his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend but accidentally hitting the victim due to poor visibility.

Rising Concerns About Youth Crime

Statistics from the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection reveal over 12,000 annual juvenile criminal cases during 2022-2023, with male offenders accounting for over 90% of cases. The department notes a concerning upward trend in violent crimes and weapons-related offenses among youth, often stemming from minor disputes in schools and communities, including bullying.

Recent legal reforms have raised the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years, reflecting medical considerations and prioritizing child welfare. However, these recent violent incidents have sparked renewed debate about youth violence prevention and weapon access among teenagers in Thailand.

The cases highlight growing concerns about the escalation of minor conflicts into serious violence among Thai youth, prompting calls for increased attention to early intervention and preventive measures in schools and communities.

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Railway Revival: Thailand’s Low-Income Housing and Fare Plan

By

Khaosod English

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14 December 2024, 20:58

BANGKOK — Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra observed “only fresh paint” on Thailand’s railway system during his first train journey in nearly 20 years. Despite his pessimistic view of railway development prospects, he expressed support for the government’s initiative to utilize State Railway land for low-income housing projects.

Thaksin joined current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on the Royal Blossom special train for a Pheu Thai Party seminar on December 13. Srettha asked Thaksin, who boarded separately at Bang Bamru station, if he had to wait long for the train. Thaksin’s reply – “Quite a while” – highlighted one of Thai railways’ key shortcomings: poor punctuality.

Reflecting on his experience, Thaksin shared memories of frequently using trains as a military cadet when air travel was prohibitively expensive – train sleeper cars cost 150 baht compared to 900 baht flights.

train govt1 — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, former Deputy PM Srettha Thavisin, and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit board a special train at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station on December 13, 2024.

The former leader highlighted challenges facing Thai railway development, noting low ridership of approximately 80,000 passengers daily creates a “chicken and egg” problem – limited passengers discourage development, while lack of development deters riders. “Rail systems are ideal, but they need to be affordable, punctual, frequent, and safe,” Thaksin remarked.

Meanwhile, the government is moving forward with urban rail development. The cabinet recently approved a draft Joint Ticket Act, expected to be implemented by June 2025, which will subsidize operators to enable flat-rate 20-baht fares across all lines by September 2025.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the affordable housing initiative will utilize State Railway land at 25 high-potential locations totaling 700.14 rai (112 acres). The project will be developed in three phases from 2024 to 2033. Model homes will be unveiled on January 20, 2025, at the central station, with initial projects launching in Bang Na, Thonburi, Chiang Rak, and Chiang Mai, offering approximately 1,000 units.

The housing units will be available through 30-year mortgages with 4,000 baht monthly payments and 99-year residential rights. Buyers must occupy the properties for at least 5 years before transfer rights are granted.

This initiative aims to complement the 20-baht flat-rate train fare policy, allowing commuters to redirect transportation savings toward home ownership.

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