Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra chairs the first Economic Stimulus Policy Committee meeting (1/2024) at Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, November 19, 2024.
BANGKOK — The Thai government has approved the second phase of its 10,000 baht ($290) digital handout program, specifically targeting vulnerable elderly citizens aged 60 and above.
The initiative, announced during an economic stimulus committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on November 19, will benefit approximately 4 million eligible seniors, with a total budget allocation of 40 billion baht.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira explained that this phase focuses on addressing the needs of vulnerable elderly citizens. Assistant Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that distributions will commence before Chinese New Year 2025.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be 60+ years old and classified as vulnerable
Must register through “Tang Rath” government app
Not a recipient of Phase 1
Annual income under 840,000 baht
Total bank deposits under 500,000 baht
Not imprisoned
Not blacklisted from other government programs
“Tang Rath” government app
A Debt Relief Initiative
In a significant parallel development, the government also unveiled a debt relief initiative. The program includes a three-year interest payment suspension for household debts, targeting loans less than one year old. This encompasses housing, vehicle, and consumer loans, with a total debt pool of approximately 1.2-1.3 trillion baht.
“During the first three years, principal payments will be reduced,” Chunhavajira stated. “For those who maintain good payment records, the interest reduction could extend to 5-10 years. However, those who fail to comply will need to resume regular interest payments.”
The government is currently developing a registration process for citizens without smartphones to ensure broader program accessibility.
Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the opposition People’s Party and monitor of government economic projects, criticized the government’s economic recovery plan. She posted that after making people wait for two full months, the announced plan still doesn’t utilize a digital wallet system. She also expressed uncertainty about whether this upcoming cash distribution to the elderly would effectively stimulate the economy.
GDP Target Hits 2.6%
According to the National Economic and Social Development Council’s announcement on November 18, Thailand’s Q3/2024 GDP grew 3%, with overall growth of 2.3% for the first 9 months.
Q3 growth was driven by government investment (expanding for the first time in 6 months), exports, and government consumption. Key metrics showed private consumption at +3.4%, service sector at +6.5%, construction at +15.5%, exports at +10.5%, and imports at +9.6%.
Thailand’s 2024 economic forecast was revised up to 2.6% from 1.9%. Inflation is expected at 0.5%, with the current account surplus projected at 2.5% of GDP.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn viewed the projected c economic growth for 2024 as a positive indicator for Thailand’s economy, noting that current growth is primarily driven by government investment and tourism sectors.
Recognizing the need for increased private sector participation, the Prime Minister has directed the Finance Ministry, Commerce Ministry, NESDC, and related agencies to develop measures to stimulate greater private sector investment to enhance GDP growth.
Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri and Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig compete during the final round of the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
BANGKOK — Miss Universe pageant has been widely regarded as the pinnacle of beauty pageantry for Thai fans. After claims of Thailand being robbed at Miss Universe, Thai owner of the pageant hits back.
Like the Philippines and many Latin American nations, Thailand is among the countries passionate about international beauty pageants. Thailand has already won the Miss Universe crown twice: Apasra Hongsakula in 1965 and Porntip Nakhirunkanok in 1988. Fans hope for the elusive “third crown” every year.
Even Thailand’s prime minister regularly comments on pageant results. Last year, when Anntonia Porsild became the first runner-up, then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin offered words of encouragement and praise.
This year, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was asked about the results after Thailand’s representative, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, came fourth. Many fans felt that she was the strongest contestant in the top five as she shone in the question and answer session and prevailed among the more than 120 contestants from different countries and territories.
Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig, left, Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri, center, and Miss Venezuela Ileana Márquez compete during the final round of the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Robbed of Victory?
The Prime Minister stopped short of criticizing the results, explaining that she had not watched the live broadcast due to her APEC meetings in Peru, but caught up on the news afterwards.
“I want to commend Opal for being so incredibly beautiful and giving an outstanding performance. She represented Thailand brilliantly and gave her fans a treat. I think every Thai sent their support to her,” she said.
The Miss Universe 2024 crown went to Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark, a surprising choice considering that no European blondes have won the title for many years. Over the past two decades, the competition has usually been dominated by contestants from Latin America and Asia, with only one exception — a brunette from France in 2016.
British tabloid The Daily Mail reports widespread fan discontent on X (formerly Twitter), with many claiming Miss Thailand Opal Suchata was robbed of the victory at the 73rd Miss Universe final on Saturday evening in Mexico City.
The 21-year-old contestant from Phuket, who is currently studying International Relations at Thammasat College’s Faculty of Political Science, impressed viewers with her confident and thoughtful answers during the question and answer session.
Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri competes during the final round of the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
A Natural Working Queen
Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, CEO of JKN Global Group and co-owner of the Miss Universe pageant, reacted sharply to the criticism, calling it “ridiculous” and describing the outcry as immature behavior.
“People who are throwing tantrums just because they didn’t get what they wanted need to understand that Miss Universe is like the Olympics of beauty,” she said.
Anne explained that this year’s points system has changed and the points accumulated will be taken into account from day one instead of focusing only on the final round.
“A Miss Universe should be a brand ambassador, someone who is lovely, likable, and personable. We’re looking for a queen who can work, not just someone with a pretty face or overly rehearsed answers — that’s fake and becomes irritating to work with,” Anne said.
She emphasized that answering the questions in English is not a requirement. Candidates can use their native language as long as they address the question directly.
Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip poses with Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig in Mexico City on November 18, 2024. (Facebook page Anne Jakrajutatip)
Miss Universe co-owner also rejected claims that her possession had influenced the results. She clarified that an 11-member jury follows strict evaluation protocols.
“If you want me to pick the winner myself, then the competition is pointless,” she said, adding, “stop demanding the third crown. This is not a ready meal, this is the Olympics. If you want the crown, train harder. If you don’t like it, don’t watch. It’s as simple as that.”
Opal: ‘I Won Recognition’
For Opal, she declared that she had no regrets and no disappointments. “I gave it my best shot. Although I didn’t win the crown, I won recognition,” she said. Piyaporn Sankosik, an executive of TPN, the organizer of Miss Universe Thailand, added that Opal performed exceptionally well in the top five and that her answers impressed the group of National Directors who sat nearby during the finals.
During the first question round, Opal demonstrated her thoughtful perspective on leadership and human resilience. When asked about the qualities of a truly successful leader, she emphasized the importance of empathy.
“For me, it’s empathy,” she stated. “Because no matter how good you are, what kind of education you have, in the end, you need empathy to care about your people. To care about their well-being.” She expanded her view beyond leadership, adding, “And not only a leader, I believe that everyone in this world needs to have empathy among each other. That’s how we can unite.”
Contestants compete during the final round of the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Later in the second question round, when the top five contestants were asked: Miss Universe has inspired generations of women. What is your message to the ones watching you right now?, Opal’s response focused on hope and perseverance, drawing from her personal experience with her project OPAL FOR HER.
“To always believe and to always have hope,” she began. “Working on my project OPAL FOR HER, I work with a lot of breast cancer patients and doctors. We all know that it is a hard thing to overcome this disease. But what I can feel is that everyone has hope. Everyone believes that tomorrow will be a better day. As long as you believe, your power is infinite. As long as you have hope, your spirit and power will shine.”
The Trump Effect
The Miss Universe pageant has faced criticism for its transformation and rebranding since its acquisition by Anne Jakrajutatip, who leads the new non-US ownership. Even after Mexico-based Legacy Holding purchased a 50% ownership stake in January, the pageant maintained its 2023 competition changes, which featured married, plus-sized, and transgender contestants.
Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig waves after winning the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
However, according to a Daily Mail report, many Miss Universe fans hailed “the end of wokeness” and credited “The Trump Effect” after biological woman Miss Denmark won the 2024 crown.
Social media users linked Theilvig’s victory to the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement and thanked Trump, who once owned the Miss Universe Organization, for ‘bringing sanity back’ to the pageant industry.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s victory is a historic first for Denmark. At a press conference after winning, she expressed her pride: “I have worked so hard to make a name for myself again and make history. To be the first woman from Denmark to win Miss Universe is monumental. I know Denmark and Europe will be incredibly proud.”
BANGKOK, 16 NOVEMBER — C.P. Group and Zhejiang University have joined forces to galvanise the development of human capital, innovation, and research across multiple fields in support of the global endeavour to realise a sustainable future.
On Saturday the two parties signed an MoU formalising a partnership between Thailand’s largest private company and one of China’s oldest and most prestigious universities. This marks a pioneering collaboration between leading representatives of the business and academia spheres, transcending national borders in pursuit of outcomes that will benefit the people of Thailand and China as well as the wider world.
Zhejiang University, ranked among the world’s top 50 universities and renowned for the excellence of its science, technology and engineering faculties, was represented at the signing ceremony by Mr Zhu Yuan, Chairman of the university’s School Council. Ms Wang Huan, First Secretary for Education at the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, witnessed the signing.
CP Group was represented by Ms Pimonrat Reephattanavijitkul , Chief People Officer. Also present at the ceremony was Mr Soopakij Chearavanont, C.P. Group CHAIRMAN, alongside subsidiary company CEOs, Mr Prasit Boondoungprasert (CP Foods), Mr Tanit Chearavanont (Makro Thailand), and Mr Manas Manavuthiveth (True Corporation).
Mr Zhu expressed the university’s eagerness to work with one of Thailand’s leading corporations, announcing plans to collaborate on curricula and training programmes with a practical focus that would develop skillsets that meet the demands of the global job market. With its strong international collaborative network, Mr Zhu continued, the university was committed to enhancing the employability of its graduates and developing future leaders. He said he envisioned the partnership producing a generation brimming with talent and ready to shine upon joining the workforce.
Ms Pimonrat announced that the C.P. Group would be providing internship opportunities to Zhejiang University staff and students, helping them to gain valuable practical experience in the international business world. She added that C.P. Group employees would be given the opportunity to participate in jointly prepared training and development courses.
Both signatories expressed excitement at the promise of mutually undertaking research projects with academic and commercial value as well as lasting societal benefit. They agreed that areas of research which effectively address the changes presently affecting the global economy would be of particular importance.
Ms Pimonrat noted that the MoU is reflective of the commitment of both organisations to implementing projects and programmes that offer far-reaching benefits. She detailed the following approaches to sustainable development which both parties have agreed to pursue:
International Human Resource Development: C.P. Group and Zhejiang University will work together to develop students, faculty staff, and administrative personnel through internship programmes, specialised courses, and knowledge exchanges, with a view to enhancing not only local knowledge but global competitiveness.
Research and Innovation: Leveraging a combination of CP’s expertise in agriculture and food production and Zhejiang University’s renowned academic capabilities, the parties will work together to undertake research projects in multiple fields, ranging from animal husbandry to innovations in global business practice.
Global Cooperation Networks: The partnership will also create opportunities on both sides to expand international networks for exchanging knowledge, experience, and new technologies, all of which will be crucial to future success.
Sustainable Community Development: C.P. Group and Zhejiang University will lend their support to projects and initiatives that contribute to efforts towards realising sustainable development objectives, and which aim to effect substantive and tangible improvement in quality of life for communities in line with globally-agreed terms.
“This is another critical step for C.P. Group in creating global change. This collaboration represents greater alignment and stronger relations between international business and education. Not only will the partnership secure further development of each organisation’s capacity, but it will bring far-reaching societal benefits by making a substantive contribution to regional and global efforts in sustainable development”. Said, the Chief of People, C.P. Group.
A notice displayed at the bar of Nana Backpack hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
VANG VIENG, Laos (AP) — Two Australian tourists are being treated in Thailand for suspected severe alcohol poisoning after consuming tainted drinks in neighboring Laos, Australian media reported Tuesday.
The two 19-year-old women were on a backpacking vacation in Laos when they became ill in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, The Age newspaper in the women’s hometown of Melbourne reported.
Duong Duc Toan, manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, said staff were told by other guests that the women were unwell after they failed to check out as planned on Nov. 13, and they arranged transport to a hospital for them.
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)
He said that two days earlier the women had joined more than 100 other guests for free shots of Lao vodka offered by the hostel as a gesture of hospitality. He said no other guest reported any issue, adding that the women had then gone for a night out, returning in the early hours of the morning.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that it was providing consular assistance to two Australians and their families in Thailand but could not provide further information for privacy reasons.
“Our thoughts are with them at this deeply distressing time,” the office said.
Foreign tourists relax at a swimming pool at Nana Backpack hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
They were then transported to Thailand and are being treated at hospitals in Bangkok and Udon Thani, The Age reported. Their parents have flown in to be with them.
It was not clear what the two drank, but methanol is sometimes used as the alcohol in mixed drinks at disreputable bars and can cause severe poisoning or death.
It was not immediately possible to verify reports that other tourists were also poisoned in the same incident.
Toan, the hostel manager, said he hoped the investigation would clear its name but for now the hostel has stopped giving free shots to its guests.
A British tourist being assaulted and left by the roadside on South Pattaya Road Three, suffering a broken nose and bruised eye, on Nov. 19, 2024.
PATTAYA — Following a report to Pattaya City Police about a tourist being assaulted and left by the roadside on South Pattaya Road Three, suffering a broken nose and bruised eye, it was revealed that he couldn’t remember anything due to heavy intoxication. The men who punched him have given their statement to police, claiming they were attacked first.
Mr. Manatchai, 30, and Mr. Chakkrit, 28, maintenance staff at an entertainment venue in South Pattaya, visited the Pattaya City Police Station around 4:30 a.m. on November 19 to file a daily record as evidence following an altercation with a British tourist.
Police Lieutenant Kittipong Thalankan, Deputy Investigation Inspector, stated that earlier, he received a report from Sawang Boriboon Rescue volunteers about finding a British tourist, approximately 55-60 years old, who was heavily intoxicated and injured with a broken nose, bruised left eye socket, and facial bleeding. The tourist received first aid and was transported to the hospital.
Mr. Manatchai, 30, points to damage on his car allegedly caused by an intoxicated British tourist during a violent outburst. He claims he was also assaulted on Nov. 19, 2024.
When police checked at the hospital, the British man was still intoxicated and kept removing his bandages against medical advice. Police had to wait for him to calm down. Even after sobering up, he claimed he couldn’t remember anything.
According to statements from Manatchai and Chakkrit, the British man requested a ride from a bar in Soi Buakhao, but no available drivers wanted to take him. They volunteered to give him a ride, but once in the car, he became aggressive and attacked them. They tried to calm him down, but he wouldn’t listen and attempted to make them drive in wrong directions despite their warnings.
When they stopped the car, the British man allegedly damaged their vehicle and started throwing punches at them. They fought back in self-defense, leading to a brawl where they were also injured. They then left the foreigner by the roadside, not expecting police to search for them. They came to meet the police to prove their innocence and maintain they were attacked first despite their good intentions to help with transportation.
Police officials stated that the British man hasn’t filed charges yet as he can’t remember anything. Authorities will check CCTV footage and record the details. The Thai parties indicated they would only file charges if the British man files charges against them first.
The 11th edition of Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards 2024 (ACES Awards) held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok on Nov. 15, 2024.
BANGKOK — The Mall Group Chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh, Giffarine Skyline President Nalinee Paiboon, and Bitkub founder Jirayut Sruprisopa were among less than a dozen Thais recognized in the 11th edition of Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards 2024 (ACES Awards) held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok last Friday.
Fifty eight leadership awards were given to entrepreneurs from countries including Taiwan, China, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia.
Supaluck, the woman behind luxury Siam Paragon, Emporium, Emquartier, and Emsphere malls was named Woman Entrepreneur of the Year and delivered the last acceptance speech where she started by saying she used not to be proud to be a Thai woman.
The 11th edition of Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards 2024 (ACES Awards) held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok on Nov. 15, 2024.
“I have never been proud to be a Thai woman because wherever I go [abroad] they think Thai women carry marijuana, some drugs, ride on an elephant to school or, sorry to say, a prostitute,” she told leading Asian entrepreneurs in English.
Fast forward, Supaluck, now 69, heads one of Thailand’s two leading department store empires and as a result, makes Thailand more civilized.
“I tried to build one mall that’s going to change the economy of Thailand,” she said, adding that she hopes there will be peace in the world, where US President-elect Donald Trump will “make peace with China”.
The 11th edition of Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards 2024 (ACES Awards) held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok on Nov. 15, 2024.Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., Jirayut “Topp” Srupsrisopa, paves the way for Thailand’s digital future and beyond.
Oxford-educated Bitkub founder Jirayut, 34, meanwhile was recognized among other admirable young Asian business leaders. He gave a short speech as to how in the early days of crypto currencies, his startup, which is now the biggest in Southeast Asia was viewed with suspicion and with potential links to figures involved in criminality.
CEO of MORS Group and President of the ACES Awards and ACES Council Shanggari B said these business leaders “are driving the future of leadership” and that the group is proud to honour their achievements.
Awardees from some neighbouring countries include Michael O De Jesus, President and CEO of Development Bank of The Philippines, and Raman Rivero, Chief Strategist at Robinson Land Corporation, the latter was awarded the Most Inspiring Executive.
From Malaysia, Dato’ Idzham Modh Hashim, President and CEO of Iskandar Investment Bank was named one of Asia’s Most Admirable Young Leaders.
Asia’s Leading SME award went to Singapore’s Cyclect Facilities Management Pte Ltd.
The annual awards presentation, a black tie event, was pioneered by MORS Group, which is based in Malaysia.
ONESIAM SuperApp advances its smart platform transformation, elevating a universe of extraordinary experiences to new heights. It’s now set to deliver unparalleled privileges for valued customers of prestigious global projects. Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok are joining forces with leading partners across diverse industries, including premium and luxury brands within the world-class premium business ecosystem. Together, they are creating unparalleled privileges and valuable experiences exclusively for ONESIAM members.
ONESIAM members can now enjoy extraordinary rewards with every luxury purchase through the ONESIAM Coin Ecosystem, perfectly enhancing their shopping experience as they embrace the excitement of the 2024 year-end festival.
Panthep Nilasinthop, Chief Customer Officer for Customer Experience at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., said, “Siam Piwat Group, a premier real estate and retail developer and owner and operator of world-class projects, is reinforcing its position as the top player in the luxury retail market. We are advancing the transformation of the ONESIAM SuperApp to further energize and engage our members. Since its inception, ONESIAM SuperApp has focused on delivering unique experiences and a variety of privileges that stand out from the crowd. These are curated from all 6 shopping malls within the Siam Piwat group, over 2,000 renowned brand stores both inside and outside the malls, and 9 world-class shopping mall partners, ensuring members can enjoy special privileges anytime, anywhere.”
He continued, “This has reaffirmed the success of ONESIAM, with the member base growing by 57% this year and the rate of ONESIAM Coin redemption in participating stores doubling compared to 2023.”
With a commitment to offering more privileges and exceptional experiences to ONESIAM Members, the SuperApp continues to innovate its platform, enhancing access to exclusive benefits and making every purchase more rewarding. It also includes unique services from global partners. The benefits under the SuperApp are as follows:
The ultimate value experience with the Universe of Infinite Rewards
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– A special surprise! During this year-end festive celebration, ONESIAM members will receive 100 Surprise ONESIAM Coins when shopping ONESIAM shopping malls and collect spending 500 baht and above per receipt and using just 1 ONESIAM Coin to get a complimentary drink from BRIX DESSERT BAR, valued at up to 100 baht.
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– ONESIAM SuperApp joins forces with world-class partners, offering customers exclusive privileges at 9 prestigious shopping malls as VIP members. These partners include PARCO in Japan, TAIPEI 101 in Taiwan, Hong Kong Times Square in Hong Kong, ION Orchard in Singapore, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Plaza Indonesia in Indonesia, BFC Shopping Center in China, The Hyundai in South Korea, and Galaxy Macau in Macau.
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Building on this success, ONESIAM SuperApp is set to enhance the experience, expand its member base, and stimulate spending among ONESIAM Members. In 2025, the app will offer numerous special privileges to provide customers and ONESIAM members with the best shopping experiences across all six shopping malls under the Siam Piwat Group. This includes exclusive ‘extra benefits’ for ONESIAM Titanium members who have accumulated spending of 500,000 baht or more.
“ONESIAM SuperApp is ready to be more than just a mobile application; it is a universe of experiences beyond expectations, intentionally designed to offer members a gateway to a new world of borderless shopping. This will seamlessly connect customers’ needs with special privileges that exceed all previous experiences,” concluded Panthep.
Waroonthep Watcharaporn, Head of Business Relations at AIS, stated: “AIS has collaborated with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), and other agencies to select the most suitable technology for the national emergency alert system, following international standards. This is the Cell Broadcast Service technology, which allows messages to be sent directly to mobile phones in specific areas. This technology is ideal for emergency alerts because it can simultaneously send messages to all 4G and newer devices within the coverage area of a specific base station. The messages appear on mobile screens as Pop-Up Notifications in near-real-time, enabling immediate awareness of situations.”
“After continuous development, we sincerely thank the NBTC Office for allocating funds from the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for Public Interest. This support enabled AIS and other operators to conduct Cell Broadcast technology trials in Phuket, achieving the set goals and preparing for full integration into the national alert system. The recent live network testing served as a proof-of-concept simulation for emergencies and natural disasters, designed to connect with the national command center. These trials were highly successful, building confidence in the safety and security of lives for citizens and tourists alike,” added Waroonthep.
Trairat Viriyasirikul Deputy Secretary General Acting Secretary General of the office of the NBTC, noted: “In the past, the NBTC Office has collaborated with the DES Ministry, the DDPM, and all telecom operators to develop an emergency alert system via mobile networks (Cell Broadcast). Responsibilities were distributed among agencies to ensure a functional Cell Broadcast system that benefits the public. By the second quarter of 2025, the Cell Broadcast system is expected to be operational in some parts of the country.”
Responsibilities are divided among the involved agencies as follows:
– DDPM: Determines the content and area for message dissemination, manages communication (Cell Broadcast Entity – CBE).
– DES Ministry: Oversees the cloud server system and connectivity between the CBE and the Cell Broadcast Center (CBC). Telecom operators are responsible for delivering the alert messages to mobile phones in affected areas.
– NBTC Office: Provides financial support to three mobile operators (AWN, TUC, and NT) through the the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for Public Interest.
The trials in Phuket were conducted to test the feasibility of the alert system in real-life scenarios, confirming the readiness of mobile operators in concrete terms.
Waroonthep concluded “At AIS, we are committed to not only ensuring readiness to connect with the national command center for public alerts but also continuously expanding our network coverage to reach all parts of the country. Currently, our network covers over 95% of the population. We aim to further expand into remote areas to ensure that the Cell Broadcast alert system provides equal and comprehensive safety to all citizens.”
Armed police officers stand guard outside the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts in Hong Kong Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)
HONG KONG (AP) — Dozens of prominent activists were sentenced to up to 10 years in prison on Tuesday in Hong Kong’s biggest national security case under a sweeping law imposed by Beijing that crushed a once-thriving pro-democracy movement.
The defendants were prosecuted in 2021 for their roles in an unofficial primary election under the 2020 national security law. They were accused of attempting to paralyze Hong Kong’s government and force the city’s leader to resign by aiming to win a legislative majority and using it to block government budgets indiscriminately.
The 45 convicted received prison terms ranging from four years and two months to 10 years. Legal scholar Benny Tai was given the longest sentence.
They either pleaded guilty to or were found guilty of conspiracy to commit subversion by three government-approved judges. The judges said in the verdict that the activists’ plans to effect change through the election would have undermined the government’s authority and created a constitutional crisis. Two of the 47 original defendants were acquitted.
Tai, who had written an article outlining “ten steps to mutual destruction” is widely seen as the organizer behind the unofficial primary. In a judgment uploaded online, the judges wrote that Tai essentially “advocated for a revolution” by publishing a series of articles over a period of months that traced his thinking, even though in his mitigation letter Tai said the steps were “never intended to be used as blueprint for any political action.”
FILE – A supporter holds a placard with the photos of some of the 47 pro-democracy defendants outside a court in Hong Kong, on July 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)
Some defendants had claimed that the scheme to secure a majority of seats in the legislature would never have materialized, though the judges rejected this reasoning, stating that “all the participants had put in every endeavor to make it a success.”
In the judgment, the judges highlighted that a great deal of time, resources and money had been put into the organization of the primary election, and rejected the idea that the scheme had been “doomed to fail.”
“When the Primary Election took place on the 10 and 11 July, no one had remotely mentioned the fact that Primary Election was no more than an academic exercise and that the Scheme was absolutely unattainable,” the judgment read. “In order to succeed, the organisers and participants might have hurdles to overcome, that however was expected in every subversion case where efforts were made to overthrow or paralyse a government.”
FILE – Former lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, known as “Long Hair,” second left, shows a victory sign as some of the 47 pro-democracy activists are escorted by Correctional Services officers to a prison van in Hong Kong, March 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)
The judges said the sentences had been reduced for defendants who said they were unaware the plan to secure a majority in the legislature and stall governance was unlawful.
However, the penalties were not reduced for Tai and Alvin Yeung, as they are lawyers who were “absolutely adamant in pushing for the implementation of the Scheme.”
Observers said the case illustrated how authorities suppressed dissent following huge anti-government protests in 2019, alongside media crackdowns and reduced public choice in elections. The drastic changes reflect how Beijing’s promise to retain the former British colony’s civil liberties for 50 years when it returned to China in 1997 is increasingly threadbare, they said.
Beijing and Hong Kong governments insist the law is necessary for the city’s stability.
The subversion case involves pro-democracy activists across the spectrum. They include Tai, former student leader Joshua Wong and former lawmakers. Most of them have already been detained for more than three and a half years before the sentencing. The separations pained them and their families.
As they pleaded for lesser sentences, some activists were remorseful and apologized while others remained defiant.
Lawyers for Tai and several other defendants argued their clients genuinely believed their actions were lawful at the time.
Representatives from various consulates wait in line outside the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts in Hong Kong Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, ahead of the sentencing in national security case. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)
More than 200 people stood in line in moderate rain and winds Tuesday morning for a seat in the court, including one of the acquitted defendants Lee Yue-shun. Lee said he hoped members of the public would show they care about the development of the court case.
“The public’s interpretation and understanding has a far-reaching impact on our society’s future development,” he said.
A supporter locally known as “Grandpa Wong,” who did not know the English spelling of his name, said he wanted to see the convicted activists again. He is about 100 years old and feared he wouldn’t be able to see them when they are released from prison.
Wei Siu-lik, a friend of convicted activist Clarisse Yeung, said she arrived at 4 a.m. even though her leg was injured. “I wanted to let them know there are still many here coming here for them,” she said.
People wait outside the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts in Hong Kong Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, ahead of the sentencing in national security case. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)
Thirty-one activists entered a guilty plea and have better chances of getting reduced sentences. The law authorizes a range of sentences depending on the seriousness of the offense and the defendant’s role in it, going from under three years for the least serious to 10 years to life for people convicted of “grave” offenses.
The unofficial primary in July 2020, which drew 610,000 voters, was meant to pick pro-democracy candidates who would then run in the official election.
The pro-democracy camp at that time hoped they could secure a legislative majority, which would allow them to press for the 2019 protest demands, including greater police accountability and democratic elections for the city leader.
But the government postponed the legislative election that would have followed the primary, citing public health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials led Kamonwan (person with face covered by a blanket), the suspect in the wealthy friend's murder, to reenact her confession at the crime scene in Wang Chan district, Rayong on November 18, 2024.
RAYONG — Police led a female suspect to reenact the murder of her wealthy friend before taking her to a gold shop in Ban Bueng, Chonburi where she sold stolen jewelry. She confessed to acting alone due to online gambling debts, confirming her German husband was not involved.
The victim, Wanna Kürner, 65, a wealthy woman and prosecutor’s mother-in-law, was found dead with both ring fingers severed in a palm plantation in Wang Chan district, Rayong. Her jewelry was stolen. Police arrested Kamonwan Wolf, 57, the victim’s friend, who initially denied involvement but confessed after DNA evidence from hair in the victim’s fingernails was found.
Kamonwan, the suspect in the wealthy friend’s murder, is taken from Chonburi to Wang Chan Police Station in Rayong Province for investigation on Nov. 17, 2024.
On November 18 at 6 a.m., police took Kamonwan to locate the iron bar used to kill Wanna on November 15, 2024. She admitted to striking the victim’s forehead repeatedly, stealing her gold necklace and bracelet, and cutting off her fingers to take rings. She sold the jewelry in Ban Bueng market for 80,000 baht ($2,300) to pay gambling debts.
During the crime reenactment, heavy security was present as locals gathered, including the victim’s brother who shouted angrily at the suspect. Before being detained, Kamonwan apologized to the victim’s family and warned society against gambling.
Kamonwan is transported in a prison vehicle to be detained at Rayong Provincial Court after completing the crime reenactment of murdering her wealthy friend on November 18, 2024.
Somchai, the victim’s brother, said he couldn’t understand how the suspect could be so cruel to his sister. He believes if she needed money, she could have simply asked his sister who would have surely helped. Instead, she chose to kill someone she knew. He is deeply grieved by the irreversible loss of his sister and absolutely refuses to forgive the suspect.
He also expressed disbelief at the brutality and doubts about the suspect acting alone. However, police confirmed evidence supports Kamonwan’s confession of acting independently, and her German husband was cleared after questioning showed he was riding his motorcycle to meet friends in Pattaya during the incident.
The punishment for intentional murder carries penalties of: death penalty, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for 15-20 years.
