Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra attends a one-on-one discussion with Forbes Media Chairman Steve Forbes at the 22nd Forbes Global CEO Conference on Nov. 21, 2024.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Constitutional Court has rejected a petition alleging former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party were involved in attempts to overthrow the democratic system with the King as Head of State.
Five of the allegations were dismissed by unanimous vote, while the sixth allegation regarding maritime negotiations with Cambodia was rejected by a 7-2 majority vote.
The court’s November 22 ruling found insufficient evidence to support the accusations brought forward by Teerayut Suwanakeson under Article 49 of the Constitution. The petition contained six key allegations, including:
Thaksin ordered the government through the Ministry of Justice, Department of Corrections, and Police Hospital to grant him special privileges by allowing him to stay in a room on the 14th floor of the Police Hospital while serving his prison sentence, to avoid imprisonment, despite no evidence of critical illness.
Thaksin ordered the government to favor Cambodia’s former prime minister by negotiating overlapping maritime areas to share natural gas benefits and undersea resources within Thailand’s maritime sovereignty with Cambodia.
Thaksin ordered Pheu Thai Party to cooperate with the People’s Party on constitutional amendments. The People’s Party was established by the former Move Forward Party’s political group, which had been ruled by the Constitutional Court as having behavior aimed at overthrowing the democratic regime with the King as Head of State.
Thaksin ordered Pheu Thai Party to negotiate with leaders of other political parties in former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s government to discuss nominations for a new prime minister at Thaksin’s private residence.
Thaksin ordered Pheu Thai Party to pass a resolution expelling the Palang Pracharath Party from the coalition government.
Thaksin ordered Pheu Thai Party to implement his stated vision as cabinet policies to be declared to parliament.
File Photo: Thailand’s Constitutional Court in Bangkok
The court stated that the evidence presented failed to demonstrate any clear intention to undermine Thailand’s democratic system with the King as Head of State. For the maritime negotiations with Cambodia allegation, seven judges – including Nakharin Mektrairat, Panya Udchachon, Udom Sitthiwirattham, Wiroon Sangtian, Banchongsak Wongprach, Udom Ratamrit, and Sumet Roikulcharoen – ruled that there was insufficient evidence, while two judges dissented.
Just a day before the ruling, Thaksin appeared unconcerned about the pending legal challenges during his appearance at the Forbes Global CEO Conference. In a conversation with Forbes Media Chairman Steve Forbes, the former premier reflected on his experiences, stating, “I’ve been through similar situations many times before. I’ve experienced both heaven and hell, so I’m not excited about it. I look forward, understanding history and the past, but won’t go back to it – only moving forward.”
The case represented another legal challenge for Thaksin, who recently returned to Thailand after 17 years in self-imposed exile. The court’s decision effectively closes one of several legal matters surrounding the former prime minister and his political party.
Jatupat Boonpattararaksa talks to reporters before leaving the Civil Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court on Thursday threw out a lawsuit brought by a pro-democracy activist which alleged spyware produced by an Israeli tech firm had been used to hack his phone.
The Civil Court in Bangkok said Jatupat Boonpattararaksa had failed to provide sufficient proof that his phone was infected with Pegasus spyware produced by NSO Group Technologies.
Jatupat, also known as Pai Dao Din, had alleged that the NSO Group had violated his and other activists’ constitutional rights by facilitating the use of Pegasus to allegedly target them and extract data from their devices.
He had claimed his phone was infected on three occasions in 2021, a time of large-scale protests against the government that included unprecedented demands for reform of Thailand’s powerful but opaque monarchy.
The NSO Group welcomed the ruling, saying it reaffirmed “the lack of evidence to support the claims against our company.”
“We remain committed to the responsible use of our technologies, which are exclusively provided to government agencies for the prevention of serious crimes and terrorism,” spokesperson Gil Lainer said in an email to The Associated Press. “NSO operates under strict regulatory frameworks and ethical standards, and we will continue to cooperate with authorities to ensure our products are used lawfully and effectively.”
An investigation last year by Thai civil society group iLaw, Thai internet freedom organization DigitalReach and Canadian internet watchdog group Citizen Lab found that 35 individuals in Thailand were targeted by government surveillance using Pegasus in 2020 and 2021. The victims were predominantly activists and scholars.
Other activists alleged that Thai government agencies were behind the use of Pegasus, but officials have not commented directly on it. When pressed by the opposition in Parliament in 2022, the government acknowledged that state agencies had used Pegasus for activities related to “security or narcotics.”
Speaking outside the court, Jatupat, who had been a leader of street protests in 2021, said he had brought the suit to fight for people’s rights and freedoms.
“We fought for this because we wanted to prove whom the law will protect,” he said. “It is obvious today that the court chose to protect state security.”
Sutawan Chanprasert from DigitalReach called the ruling “disappointing.”
“I think there’s a lesson learned,” she said. “I think the reason the court gave will help us to prepare better for future cases.”
Amnesty International, which had filed a brief in support of Jatupat’s suit and has investigated the use of Pegasus spyware around the world, called the ruling “deeply alarming.”
“However it won’t deter the fight against the unlawful use of spyware and the fight for justice for the victims of spyware in Thailand and around the world,” the rights group said in a statement.
NSO Group has previously said it only develops the spyware and does not control its use. Its products, including the Pegasus software, are typically licensed to government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to investigate terrorism and serious crime, according to the company’s website.
The Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi Province, Thailand.
BANGKOK — Despite the friendly tone of a phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Donald Trump earlier this week, his “Make America Great Again” economic policies are expected to have a significant impact on Thailand.
As the end of 2024 approaches, the Thai government is under increasing pressure to prepare for Trump, who will once again assume the US presidency in early 2025.
Dr. Thanawat Polvichai, President of the College of Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Economic and Business Forecasting Center, has outlined the potential impact of Trump’s policies on the Thai economy and export trends for 2025.
These include increasing tariffs on Chinese imports by 60 percent, imposing a global tariff of 10 and adjusting trade balances with individual countries. He predicted direct impacts such as a weakened Thai baht and 3.106 billion dollars (approximately 10.714 billion baht) drop in Thai exports to the US, which corresponds to a 1.03 percent drop in total exports and a 0.59 percent drop in GDP.
Taking into account both the direct and indirect effects, Thailand’s export losses could amount to 160.472 billion baht, which would mean a 1.52 percent drop in total exports and a 0.87 percent drop in GDP.
Thailand Economic Outlook 2025: Navigating Trump’s Trade Policies
Three Scenarios
The Thai Chamber of Commerce assessed the potential trade impacts under three scenarios:
Base case: No US tariff increases in 2025. Thai exports are estimated at 302.477 billion dollars, which corresponds to growth of 2.80 percent.
Worse case: A US tariff of 10 percent on Thai imports, coupled with a tariff of 60% on Chinese imports, reduces Thai exports to 297.892 billion dollars, a growth of 1.24 percent.
Worst case: A US tariff of 15 percent on Thai imports, coupled with a tariff of 60 percent on Chinese imports, leads to a further decline in exports to 296.339 billion dollars and growth of only 0.72 percent.
In addition, there may be indirect effects, such as an influx of Chinese goods into the Thai market as China looks for alternative markets. Products such as machinery, furniture, electronics, metals and textiles could face increased competition in Thailand.
However, Thailand could also seize opportunities to expand its share of the US market, particularly in machinery, electronics, rubber products and toys, provided the country adapts and ramps up production to meet demand.
Five Key Strategies
Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), has presented five key strategies for managing the Thai economy in 2024 and 2025:
The first priority is to drive continuous export growth while preparing to handle escalating trade barriers. This involves enhancing readiness to address the impacts of stricter trade protectionist measures, ensuring Thailand’s resilience in the global market.
Secondly, efforts will focus on protecting the manufacturing sector from market dumping and unfair trade practices. Key measures include: Strengthening quality controls for imported goods, expanding mandatory product standards to cover more imports, promoting international agreements for mutual recognition of standards, and enforcing stricter penalties for importing non-compliant goods.
Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)
In addition, the government plans to improve oversight of foreign e-commerce operators by requiring them to register as legal entities with offices in Thailand to ensure compliance. Tax laws for foreign online sellers and platforms operating in Thailand will also be updated. The authorities will closely monitor and combat market dumping, unfair trade practices and illegal import activities that exploit loopholes in the law.
Third, to boost private sector investment, Thailand will prioritize boosting the confidence of foreign investors. This includes: leveraging Thailand’s status as a regional hub and infrastructure readiness to attract foreign direct investment, especially from companies relocating due to trade restrictions.
This includes promoting the rapid implementation of approved investment projects from 2022-2024 to boost the high-potential manufacturing and service sectors, as well as accelerating infrastructure projects and the development of strategic economic zones according to the planned timetables.
Thailand also aims to create a favorable ecosystem to attract target industries and services and increase production efficiency through advanced innovation and technology.
“Government investment will play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of trade barriers in the coming year, with efforts to accelerate disbursements and propose additional investment plans to stimulate the manufacturing sector, especially construction and industrial activities.”
File photo taken on Jan. 24, 2022 shows a view of the Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi Province, Thailand. (Xinhua/Wang Teng
The fourth strategy, the government will focus on supporting farmers and adjusting agricultural production:
Accelerating damage assessment and relief efforts to provide immediate assistance to affected farmers.
Prepare for climate variability, especially during La Niña events, by managing water resources and improving infrastructure and early warning systems.
Boosting the growth of agricultural exports and processed agricultural goods to support domestic prices as production increases.
Promote awareness and acceptance of area-specific crop production and shift to high-value agricultural production.
Fifth, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will consist of increasing their liquidity, improving their production capacity and increasing their competitiveness. At the same time, the government will continue to restructure the debt of households and companies, especially for vulnerable groups with small amounts of credit and a high proportion of non-performing loans (NPLs).
Looking ahead, Thailand faces growing economic risks, making early preparation essential to navigate the challenges arising from shifting global trade dynamics effectively.
FILE - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses lawmakers in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem. Monday Nov. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File)
THE HAGUE (AP) — The world’s top war-crimes court issued arrest warrants Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza.
The warrants said there was reason to believe Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and have intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny.
The action by the International Criminal Court came as the death toll from Israel’s campaign in Gaza passed 44,000 people, according to local health authorities, who say more than half of those killed were women and children. Their count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
FILE – Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, speaks to journalists after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, June 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File)
Experts say hunger has become widespread across Gaza and may have reached famine levels in the north of the territory, which is under siege by Israeli troops. Israel says it has been working hard to improve entry of aid, though the trickle of supplies into Gaza remains near the lowest levels of the war.
Netanyahu condemned the warrant against him, saying Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions” by the court. In a statement released by his office, he said: “There is nothing more just than the war that Israel has been waging in Gaza.”
Gallant, in a statement, said the decision “sets a dangerous precedent against the right to self-defense and moral warfare and encourages murderous terrorism.”
The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice. The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects, putting them at risk of arrest when they travel abroad and potentially further isolating them.
A woman weeps during the funeral of the victims of an Israeli army airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Thursday Nov. 21, 2024. Palestinian health officials say the death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Israel and its top ally, the United States, are not members of the court. But others of Israel’s allies, including some of its close European friends, are put in an awkward position. Several, including France, welcomed the court’s decision and signaled they might arrest Netanyahu if he visited.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden’s administration was “deeply concerned by the prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision.”
The warrants represent “the most dramatic step yet in the court’s involvement in the conflict between Israel and Hamas,” said Anthony Dworkin, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Israeli leaders, politicians and officials across the spectrum denounced the warrants and the ICC. The new defense minister, Israel Katz, who replaced Gallant earlier this month, said Thursday’s decision is “a moral disgrace, entirely tainted by antisemitism, and drags the international judicial system to an unprecedented low.”
Human rights groups applauded the move.
The cross atop of Our Lady of Hadath Church lights up as smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
The warrants against both sides “break through the perception that certain individuals are beyond the reach of the law,” the associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, Balkees Jarrah, said in a statement.
The decision came six months after ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan requested the warrants.
The court issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ armed wing, over the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. It said it found reasonable grounds to believe Deif was involved in murder, rape, torture and the taking of hostages amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In the Hamas-led attack, militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking some 250 others hostage. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third of them believed to be dead.
Khan withdrew requests for warrants for two other senior Hamas figures, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, who have both since been killed. Israel says it also killed Deif in an airstrike, but Hamas has never confirmed his death.
The warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant were issued by a three-judge panel in a unanimous decision. The panel said there were reasonable grounds to believe that both men bear responsibility for the war crime of starvation and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.
Areej al Qadi weeps of one of her children’s clothes after the funeral of her three children in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Thursday Nov. 21, 2024. Seven-year-old Hamza, his five-year-old brother Abdelaziz, and his four-year-old sister Laila Hassan were among 9 people killed by an Israeli strike in Khan Younis on Wednesday. Palestinian health officials say the death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
The judges said the lack of food, water, electricity, fuel and specific medical supplies created conditions “calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in Gaza,” including the deaths of children due to malnutrition and dehydration.
They also found that by preventing hospital supplies and medicine from getting into Gaza, doctors were forced to operate, including performing amputations, without anesthesia or with unsafe means of sedation that led to “great suffering.”
Israeli diplomatic officials said the government is lobbying the international community to speak out against the warrants and is considering an appeal to the court. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal decision on how the government will proceed.
Despite the warrants, none of the suspects is likely to face judges in The Hague anytime soon. Member countries are required to detain suspects facing a warrant if they set foot on their soil, but the court has no way to enforce that.
Still, the threat of arrest now complicates any travel abroad by Netanyahu and Gallant. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the warrants are binding on all 27 members countries of the European Union.
France signaled it could arrest Netanyahu if he came to its territory. Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine called it a “complex legal issue” but said France supports the court’s actions.
“Combating impunity is our priority,” he said. “Our response will align with these principles.”
Hamas in a statement welcomed the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant but made no mention of the one against Deif.
Israel’s opposition leaders fiercely criticized the ICC’s move. Benny Gantz, a retired general and political rival to Netanyahu, said it showed “moral blindness” and was a “shameful stain of historic proportion that will never be forgotten.”
Israel’s campaign has caused heavy destruction across Gaza and driven almost the entire population of 2.3 million people from their homes, leaving most dependent on aid to survive.
Two days after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, Gallant announced a total seal on Gaza, vowing not to let in food, fuel or other supplies. Under U.S. pressure, Israel began allowing a trickle of humanitarian aid to enter a few weeks later.
Israel now says it puts no limit on the supplies permitted into Gaza, and it blames the U.N. distribution system. But Israel’s official figures show the amount of aid it has let in has plunged since the beginning of October. The U.N has blamed Israeli military restrictions, along with widespread lawlessness that has led to theft of aid shipments.
The case at the ICC is separate from another legal battle Israel is waging at the top U.N. court, the International Court of Justice, in which South Africa accuses Israel of genocide, an allegation Israeli leaders staunchly deny.
Lawyers for Israel argued in court that the war in Gaza was a legitimate defense of its people and that it was Hamas militants who were guilty of genocide.
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Associated Press journalists Raf Casert in Brussels, Mike Corder in The Hague and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
A Siam jackal is found near the MSU five-way intersection, close to Sri Sawat Damnoen Park in downtown Mahasarakham on November 20, 2024.
MAHASARAKHAM — A late-night encounter with a Siamese jackal in downtown Mahasarakham led to a chain of events highlighting the unusual presence of protected wildlife in urban areas.
The incident unfolded when a passerby noticed an unusual animal near a curved road section. “The creature’s behavior immediately caught my attention,” said Thitima, 28, who initially passed by on her motorcycle. After consulting with her boyfriend, they returned to find what appeared to be a jackal, visibly distressed by passing vehicles.
“It exhibited behavior quite different from domestic dogs,” Thitima explained. “While it showed its teeth, it never barked. The animal was clearly stressed and afraid of both people and vehicle noise.”
The couple spent 30 minutes attempting to secure the animal’s safety, providing water and trying unsuccessfully to contact emergency services, rescue teams, and livestock officials due to the late hour.
Ms. Thitima, 28, places the jackal in a pet carrier bag before heading to file a report at Mueang Mahasarakham Police Station on November 21, 2024.
They managed to temporarily contain the jackal in a nearby hotel until patrol police arrived. With police assistance, they secured the animal and provided temporary care until around 11 p.m.
Later, Thitima posted the story and two photos in the Facebook group ‘Mahasarakham Buy-Sell Help,’ asking if anyone had lost a jackal and which agencies could take the animal. The post received numerous comments and shares, with many identifying it as a Siamese jackal, a protected wildlife species that cannot be legally kept in possession.
The following morning revealed the complexity of handling protected wildlife. The livestock department redirected them to the Forest Protection Hotline 1362, as jackals fall under protected wildlife status.
The Khon Kaen Wildlife Center was notified, though Thitima expressed bewilderment at finding a forest-dwelling animal in an urban setting.
Following police advice, they sought veterinary confirmation at Oonrak Animal Hospital. Dr. Jitboon Phujongjit’s examination confirmed it was indeed a jackal, weighing 4 kg, though its sex remains unknown. Wildlife experts will need to determine its age.
The Siamese jackal, also known as the Southeast Asian golden jackal, has been a subject of scientific interest. Recent research from 2023 supports its classification as a distinct subspecies through mDNA analysis. These creatures typically inhabit mountainous regions near farms or residential forests, sustaining themselves on small prey including birds, reptiles, and frogs, supplemented by fruits.
The jackal is scheduled for transfer to the Khon Kaen Wildlife Center, where it will receive specialized care appropriate for protected wildlife.
BANGKOK — Taiwan Expo 2024 opened on Thursday in Bangkok, bringing together 170 Taiwanese companies to showcase advanced technologies and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
The exhibition, organized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), centers on the theme “Advancing Smart New Southbound.”
The three-day event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center features ten pavilions across six major exhibit areas, highlighting innovations in smart manufacturing, healthcare, lifestyle solutions, and circular economy initiatives. A special cultural zone, TAIWAN SELECT, offers visitors hands-on experiences with traditional crafts like zodiac lantern-making and native plant workshops.
Taiwan Expo 2024Ms. Cynthia Kiang, Director-General of International Trade Administration
“Thailand’s strategic location and favorable investment climate make it an ideal partner for Taiwan’s technological expertise,” said Ms. Cynthia Kiang, Director-General of International Trade Administration. She emphasized how Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductors and smart technologies align with Thailand’s industrial transformation goals.
The expo showcases several cutting-edge developments:
Smart manufacturing solutions featuring AI-optimized scheduling and carbon management systems
Healthcare innovations including smart ward technologies presented by leading Taiwanese hospitals
Sustainable technology solutions focusing on recycling and resource reuse
Cultural exchange programs promoting traditional Taiwanese crafts and cuisine
Taiwan Excellence PavilionTaiwan Expo 2024 Opening Show
Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand Chang Chun-Fu highlighted the growing educational exchanges between the two countries, noting that Thai student numbers in Taiwan have quadrupled while Taiwanese students in Thailand have increased sixfold over the past decade.
The event showcases multiple industry forums focused on healthcare innovation, circular economy, and smart manufacturing, alongside business matchmaking sessions to facilitate direct collaboration between Thai and Taiwanese enterprises.
Taiwan Excellence
As one of the popular areas at this Expo, Taiwan Excellence showcases over 58 award-winning innovations at its Pavilion, demonstrating Taiwan’s leadership in technology, design, and sustainability.
Standout products include Optiqb Qbarmour’s 3D vision systems, YZTEK’s e+Autoff Compact safety solution, ible’s Wearable Air Purifier, mbranfiltra’s Portable Water Filter Bag, and BenQ’s W4000i Home Cinema Projector.
FU BEAR, Taiwan’s beloved black bear mascot makes its Thai debut on BTS and Plan B buildings.
The exhibition features two special highlights: FU BEAR, Taiwan’s beloved black bear mascot making its Thai debut on BTS and Plan B buildings, and “The Best Made in Taiwan Red Tag” global campaign. The red tag, symbolizing excellence and good fortune, appears across various industries from architecture to yachting, strengthening Taiwan-Thailand trade relations.
Thai celebrities including Jeab Lalana, Mos Panuwat Sopradit, and Bank Mondop Hemtan visited the Pavilion, drawing significant media attention and showcasing Taiwan’s innovations to a broader audience.
Looking ahead, Taiwan Excellence plans to:
Launch a pop-up store in Thailand featuring interactive product demonstrations
Participate in Architect Expo 2025 and Manufacturing Expo 2025
Expand digital engagement through online showcases and promotional activities
These initiatives reflect Taiwan Excellence’s ongoing commitment to strengthening cultural and economic partnerships between Taiwan and Thailand, while making innovative Taiwanese products more accessible to Thai consumers.
Taiwan Expo 2024 runs from November 21-23, with free admission daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
FU BEAR, Taiwan’s beloved black bear mascot and Jeab LalanaTaiwan Excellence
Duong Duc Toan, the manager of Nana Backpack hostel displays a bottle of vodka, in the bar of the hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — An Australian teenager has died after drinking tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos, in what Australia’s prime minister on Thursday called every parent’s nightmare, and the U.S. State Department confirmed an American also died in the same party town, bringing the death toll to four.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones had died after being evacuated from Laos for treatment in a Thai hospital. Her friend, also 19, remains hospitalized in Thailand.
“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” Albanese said. “We also take this moment to say that we’re thinking of Bianca’s friend Holly Bowles who is fighting for her life.”
In a statement to the Melbourne Herald Sun newspaper, Jones’ family asked for privacy in their grief.
“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us,” the family wrote.
Foreign tourists have a drink at a night club at Nana Backpack hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we’ve received from across Australia.”
The State Department confirmed to The Associated Press in an emailed statement that an American tourist had also died but said it had no further comment out of respect to the family.
It said local authorities were investigating and that the U.S. was providing consular assistance.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the family on their loss,” the State Department said.
Telephone numbers listed for Laos’ Health Ministry did not work and police refused to comment.
Landlocked Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s poorest nations and a popular tourist destination. Vang Vieng is particularly popular among backpackers seeking partying and adventure sports.
Foreign tourists relax at a swimming pool at Nana Backpack hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Details on the alcohol poisoning began trickling out about a week after the two Australian women fell ill on Nov. 13 following a night out drinking with a group in the remote town.
They are believed to have consumed drinks tainted with methanol, which is sometimes used as the alcohol in mixed drinks at disreputable bars and can cause severe poisoning or death.
Thai authorities confirmed that Jones had died by “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system.”
“Drink spiking and methanol poisoning are far too common in many parts of the world,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said after receiving news of Jones’ death.
“At this time I would say to parents, to young people, please have a conversation about risks, please inform yourselves, please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again.”
New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday that one of its citizens was also unwell in Laos and could be a victim of methanol poisoning. Denmark’s Foreign Ministry, when asked about the poisoning incident, said Wednesday that two of its citizens had died in Laos but would not provide further details.
This photo shows the exterior of Bangkok Hospital, in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
“We have updated our travel advisory for Laos to note that there have been several cases of suspected methanol poisoning after consuming alcoholic drinks,” New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry said.
“Travelers are advised to be cautious about consuming alcoholic beverages, particularly cocktails and drinks made with spirits that may have been adulterated with harmful substances.”
The U.S. did not immediately issue an updated travel advisory.
On Tuesday, Duong Duc Toan, manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel where the two Australian women stayed in Vang Vieng, told the AP that staff were told by other guests that the two women were unwell after they failed to check out as planned on Nov. 13, and they arranged transport to a hospital for them.
The women were then transported to Thailand for emergency medical treatment and their parents flew in to be with them.
“All Australians offer them our deepest sympathy in this time of heartbreak,” Albanese said.
“Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come,” he said. “It is beyond sad that this was not to be.”
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David Rising reported from Bangkok. Jutarat Skulpichetrat in Bangkok, Rod McGuirk in Melbourne, Australia, and Charlotte Graham-McLay in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this story.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered a speech at the "Thailand: Opportunities, Hope, and Reality" forum, organized by Prachachat Business, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on November 21, 2024.
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unveiled plans to strengthen Thailand’s creative industry, particularly film production, as part of a strategy to diversify economic ties with the United States amid changing global trade dynamics.
Speaking at the “Thailand: Opportunities, Hope, and Reality” forum organized by Prachachat Business, leading media in the Matichon Group, the Prime Minister addressed concerns about Thailand’s trade surplus with the US and potential scrutiny similar to that faced by China.
“With exports accounting for 60% of our GDP, and the US market representing 10%, we need to adapt our approach to maintain opportunities,” said PM Paetongtarn.
Following her recent Los Angeles meetings with Hollywood executives, the Prime Minister announced an increase in cash rebates for international productions from 20% to 30% with no ceiling. This move aims to attract more foreign filmmakers to Thailand.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra meets with several Hollywood studio executives and Mr. Rivkin, chairman and chief executive officer of the Motion Picture Association (MPA) at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Los Angeles, on November 12, 2024.
She explained her focus on increasing revenue in this sector, citing that last year, 2023 alone, over 450 films from 40 countries have been shot in Thailand, among which 34 motion pictures are American productions. The filming industry has generated an estimated revenue of US$190 million last year.
By implementing the measure, it is expected that Thailand earns no less than US$290 million in revenue the next year from foreign film shoots in the country. Additionally, American production teams bring valuable know-how when they come to Thailand, which will help elevate Thai filmmaking skills. Beyond generating economic circulation, this also creates new employment opportunities
Gradual Rebate Tiers
Chatuchon Phakdiwanich, Director General of the Department of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which is responsible for promoting foreign film productions in Thailand, detailed strategies to boost the economy through this sector.
In 2024, the number of international films and series shot in Thailand is expected to continue rising, generating more than $200 million or 7 billion baht in revenue. This trend reflects Thailand’s capability and readiness to host major film productions and position itself as a regional hub for international filmmaking.
Chatuchon explained that the Ministry of Tourism, through its Thailand Film Office (TFO), has received government funding to support international film crews under the cash rebate program.
The romantic comedy “Mother of the Bride” set in Phuket.
The cash rebate program, outlined in the Ministry of Tourism’s 2017 regulations on incentive eligibility criteria and conditions, allows individuals or companies spending at least 50 million baht on film production in Thailand.
Tiered rebate structure:
15% for investments over 50 million baht
20% for over 100 million baht
25% for over 150 million baht
Additional benefits:
3% for shooting in secondary cities
3% for post-production work
5% for hiring Thai key personnel
Another important change is the abolition of the investment cap. Previously, in 2017, the cap on qualifying expenditure was limited to 65 million baht, which was later increased to 150 million baht in 2022. The latest revision allows unlimited amounts of investment to qualify for rebates under the specified conditions.
Scheduled for Implementation in Early 2025
The Director General of the Ministry of Tourism explained that the plan still has to be reviewed by the National Film and Video Committee. Once it is approved by this committee, it will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration and then published in the Royal Gazette. The aim is to complete and implement the measures by early 2025.
“We recently presented our exhibition at the American Film Market 2024 (AFM 2024), one of the largest film markets in the United States and a major global film festival. The event, which took place in Las Vegas, USA, in early November 2024, aimed to promote Thailand’s high-quality film locations and the expertise of Thai production teams.”
Mr. Jaturon Phakdeewanit, Director General of Department of Tourism and TFO teams has set up a dedicated booth at the 45th American Film Market (AFM), the largest film and content marketplace in the United States, take place from November 5-10, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The exhibition also highlighted Thailand’s facilities for hosting international film crews and briefed key US filmmakers on the new incentive rates.
The US is the third largest market for film productions in Thailand. In 2024, 28 US films were shot in Thailand, generating around 780 million baht in revenue by October 28, 2024. Participation in AFM 2024 is expected to attract film crews from the US and other countries, resulting in investments of over 1.5 billion baht.
2024: Cash Rebates Total 500 Million Baht
Chatutorn also announced that cash refunds for foreign film productions under the Incentive Measures in fiscal 2024 amounted to over 509 million baht for 15 films.
Notable productions include:
The science fiction film “The Creator”,
The successful US series “S.W.A.T. Season 6”,
The worldwide blockbuster “Meg 2: The Trench”,
The romantic comedy “Mother of the Bride”, set in Phuket,
The historical dramedy mini-series “The Sympathizer”.
Global Incentive Competition
The incentive measures to support and promote international film production in Thailand are seen as a key strategy to increase the country’s competitiveness. They bring significant economic benefits, create jobs in the film industry and related sectors, distribute income to local communities and showcase Thailand’s culture and tourist attractions to a global audience. This exposure also promotes film-induced tourism.
Many countries around the world use similar incentives to attract filmmakers:
Hungary and France offer tax rebates,
Australia, Spain and the United Kingdom offer tax credits,
Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Iceland, India and Greece offer cash rebates, similar to Thailand.
On November 19, 2024, Mrs. Suwanna Tiansuwan, Director-General of the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (Public Organization) or BEDO, Thailand, signed a Record of Discussion (ROD) with Dr. Young Hyo Chang, Director of the ABS Research Support Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB ABS), South Korea. The signing, which aims to strengthen collaboration on the exchange of information concerning Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS), took place at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Bangkok, Thailand.
This cooperation reflects the shared intention of both organizations to fostering collaboration in exchanging knowledge, organizing forums, and implementing initiatives related to Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The scope of cooperation includes: Exchange of information on ABS, Organization of international workshops and symposium, Implementation of other joint activities related to ABS.
This significant partnership marks a step forward in promoting the sustainable management and utilization of biodiversity.
Let's try innovative insect-infused dishes like mango sticky rice with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms with caramelized locusts.
BANGKOK — In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable nutrition, Bangkok Patana School students are leading the charge to normalize insect consumption through their innovative “Amino Insecto” project, featuring international expertise and culinary demonstrations.
The initiative, spearheaded by student athlete Napa-ai Suriyabhivadh, hosted Professor Sara-Maria Kauppi from Norway’s NTNU and Finnish culinary expert Topi Kairenius, demonstrating the global reach of the insect protein movement.
“Through Amino Insecto, we aim to inspire others to view insects as a valuable, eco-friendly protein source,” said Suriyabhivadh, who discovered insect protein’s benefits during her time with the Thai national basketball team.
Professor Kauppi, who has been researching edible insects since 2015, shared her insights into how packaging design can enhance consumer interest in insect-based foods, supporting the transition to sustainable diets.
Amino Insecto, a student-led initiative, organizes a seminar on sustainable protein sources at Bangkok Patana School.Chef Topi Kairenius serves innovative insect-infused dishes for attendees to sample.
Chef Kairenius, a renowned advocate for insect protein in Nordic cuisine and a co-founded Finland’s Fat Lizard Brewing Company, spoke about the rapid acceptance of insect-based foods in Europe and presented tasting samples, including Finnish water bugs, which intrigued the attendees. He emphasized how insects can enhance sustainability in the culinary world.
In addition to the discussions, attendees had the opportunity to sample innovative insect-infused dishes like mango sticky rice with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms with caramelized locusts. Over 180 samples were distributed, with students eagerly returning for more, reflecting the growing acceptance of sustainable insect-based cuisine.
The overwhelmingly positive response from students signals growing acceptance of alternative protein sources among younger generations, potentially marking a shift in future dietary preferences.
