This photo shows the exterior of Bangkok Hospital, in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
VANG VIENG, Laos (AP) — A second Australian teenager who fell critically ill after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos has died in a hospital in Bangkok, her family said Friday, bringing the death toll in the mass poisoning of foreign tourists to six.
Holly Bowles, 19, had been in critical condition on life support following the poisoning in Laos more than a week ago.
“We are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” her family said in a statement sent to Australian Network 10 and other Australian media. “We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people.”
An officer at Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office, who refused to give his name, told The Associated Press on Friday that a “number of people” had been detained in the case but that no charges have yet been filed. Staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which was still operating but not accepting new guests, confirmed that the manager and owner were among those taken in for questioning.
Health officials come out of Nana Backpackers hostel after checking documents in Vang Vieng, Laos, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Tourist police offices are common in Southeast Asia and are set up specifically to help with incidents involving tourists and other foreigners.
The U.S. State Department on Friday issued a health alert for citizens traveling in Laos, warning of “suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through the consumption of methanol-laced alcoholic drinks,” following similar alerts from other countries whose citizens were involved.
Australia’s prime minister announced Thursday that a 19-year-old citizen, Bianca Jones, had died in a Thai hospital where she had been evacuated for emergency treatment, and that her friend — Bowles — remained in a hospital “fighting for her life.” A 28-year-old British woman, Simone White, also died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, the British Foreign Office said.
The empty bar of Nana Backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
An American and two Danish tourists also died, though specifics about the causes of death have not been released.
New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry said one of its citizens was sickened in Laos and was a possible victim of methanol poisoning.
Laos is a one-party communist state with no organized opposition and the government keeps a tight lid on information. In this case, officials have released almost no details.
The Foreign Ministry has refused to comment, and in Vang Vieng the small hospital where some of the victims are believed to have been treated initially referred all questions to the town’s health office on the hospital grounds. The town health officials refused to comment, saying they lacked proper permission.
Methanol is sometimes added to mixed drinks at disreputable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, but can cause severe poisoning or death. It is also a byproduct of poorly distilled homebrew liquor, and could have found its way into bar drinks inadvertently.
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.
Health officials check documents and ask questions to Nana hostel employees in Vang Vieng, Laos, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Neil Farmiloe, a New Zealander who owns the Kiwi Kitchen restaurant in town, said a lot of his customers were very worried about the incident.
“I think it’s never happened before, so it is hopefully just a one-off incident,” said Farmiloe, who has lived in Vang Vieng for 20 years. “It’s very sad all around. I’m sure nobody intended to cause injury, but it’s happened.”
The two 19-year-old Australian women who have both now died fell ill on Nov. 13 following a night out drinking with a group.
They failed to check out from the Nana Backpacker Hostel as planned and were found sick in their room and then taken to Thailand for emergency treatment.
Thai authorities confirmed that Jones had died by “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system.”
Duong Duc Toan, the manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, told the AP the day before he was detained that the two women had joined other guests for free shots of Laotian vodka before heading elsewhere and returning in the early hours of the morning.
Streamline Your Phone Service with an eSim in Thailand
Alt Tag: a busy woman in an airport talks on the phone.
Now, a new, convenient alternative to SIM cards is becoming a popular and easy choice. The eSIM, offered by True, is now available in Thailand for phones, tablets and smartwatches.
What’s an eSIM?
An eSim is a virtual, digital sim card. Phones equipped with eSim technology can have up to six different numbers on one eSim from True in Thailand. The numbers can be any combination of pre-paid and post-paid plans, and you can switch between numbers with just a tap of your screen.
What’s the Advantage of Having an eSIM?
Consider a businessperson who travels to several different countries regularly every month. Before eSIMs streamlined and simplified their lives, they would carry around a variety of SIM cards and constantly fumble for the correct one, depending on which country they were in.
This would invariably lead to missed calls and frustration from clients who need to reach them.
With eSIM technology, they can simply throw their collection of SIM cards away. The eSIM replaces all of them and provides users with a streamlined service that allows them to switch between numbers quickly and easily. You simply tap your phone screen to change to a new number.
This can save on inadvertent roaming charges and the need to rely on spotty internet-based communication at times. With six numbers to choose from, you’ll always be well-connected with the people who are important in your life.
Setting Up an eSIM is Simple
True makes it simple to set up your eSIM in Thailand for devices that support eSIM Technology. There are just six simple steps involved.
Step 1: go to your settings screen and select Cellular.
Step 2: tap on Add eSIM in the cellular menu.
Step 3: Select Use QR Code.
Step 4: Scan the QR code you received via email or saved on your device.
Step 5: Tap on Continue.
Step 6: Your new eSIM has been added to your phone.
You’re still free to use your existing sim cards with an eSIM. True dtac customers can switch their SIM cards to an eSIM at any True shop across Thailand. True customers can change to an eSIM themselves by using the True iService App.
Sign Up for an eSIM Today
With no service fees for using an eSIM, there’s no reason not to enjoy the freedom and convenience of having up to six numbers with you wherever you go. The list of supported devices taking advantage of the streamlined connectivity of an eSIM is growing. Currently, Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Oppo and Motorola all have a variety of devices that provide you with the freedom of using an eSIM, and the list of brands and models is growing!
So, what are you waiting for? Join the next wave of communications technology by getting an eSIM in Thailand from True.
AIS reinforces its position as the #1 leader with its SEA COVERAGE intelligence network, covering over 95% of the southern population’s area, and ready to handle the expected surge in usage during the year-end and high season for tourism in the southern region. The network also integrates cutting-edge technology to elevate its digital infrastructure and cater to various sectors, including government, services, fisheries, tourism, hospitality, restaurants, and both local and international tourists.
Kitti Ngarmchatetanarom, Chief Technology Officer AIS, stated, “Our mission is to develop digital infrastructure in the southern region that is deep, high, wide, and far, connected to the Ecosystem Economy in all aspects. This means every square meter covered by the AIS signal network not only facilitates digital communication but also supports the growth of the southern economy, including tourism, services, tour businesses, hotels, ferry services, yacht and speedboat operators, restaurants, and even the coastal and deep-sea fisheries industries.”
Paiboon Rinsakun, Head of Regional Operations – SouthAIS, added, “AIS has successfully improved service quality, network reliability, and SEA COVERAGE (both the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman coasts), covering coastal areas, islands, and sea routes—by land, sea, and air. We’ve designed our network architecture to continuously expand coverage while integrating signal transmission systems, technological innovations, and renewable energy to address the unique challenges of geographical features from coastal areas to the middle of the sea.”
Today, AIS’s 5G and 4G networks cover more than 95% of southern Thailand, with a focus on key tourist destinations recognized worldwide, such as Ratchaprapa Dam in Surat Thani, Maya Bay in Krabi, and Surin Islands National Park in Phang Nga. These efforts aim to meet the needs of tourists who wish to take photos, videos, and create content to share in real-time on social media.
“To welcome both Thai and international tourists visiting southern Thailand’s natural wonders during the high season, we confirm that AIS SEA COVERAGE will ensure optimal usage. We believe that AIS’s robust digital infrastructure will be a driving force to support the recovery and growth of the tourism sector and contribute to the sustainable growth of the ocean economy,” Kitti concluded.
November 20, 2024 – The Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO), in collaboration with the National Institute of Genetics (NIG) from Japan, successfully hosted the 2nd Asia ABS Academic Forum (AAAF) at The Berkeley Hotel, Pratunam, Bangkok. The event aimed to exchange ideas and practices on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) of biological resources within the Asia region.
The forum was opened by Dr. Tanit Changthavorn, President of AAAF, followed by a keynote speech by Mr. Prasert Sirinapaporn, Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), Thailand.
Key discussions at the forum included: A country report on Thailand’s, presented by Mr. Suwee Ngandee, Deputy Director of BEDO. Updates from Japan, delivered by Dr. Mutsuaki Suzuki, Director of ABS Support, NIG. Insights from Korea, presented by Dr. Seon Lee from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB). A special lecture on the Role of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) in ABS was delivered by Ms. Che de Jesus, Director of ABS.
In the afternoon, the forum showcased case studies and regional initiatives on ABS. Highlights included a presentation by Dr. Suwit Chaikiattiyos, Consultant of the Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA), Thailand, as well as contributions from representatives of Japan and Malaysia.
The event attracted over 80 participants from government agencies, private sectors, academic institutions, and research organizations.
Innovations in digital finance have seen the inception of cryptocurrency platforms. They have really changed how people manage their assets and even how they invest them. These platforms support the cryptocurrency ecosystem so that users can seamlessly transact, they can securely store their assets and best of all — actively participate in the booming world of blockchain technologies. We are fast adopting digital currencies, and a cryptocurrency platform can help one understand and take full advantage of this financial frontier.
What we should note is that cryptocurrency platforms are not only used for trading services. Now, they have several systems that support non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized finance (DeFi), and cross-border payments, among others. The reason they are breaking barriers in finance is because they are accessible and demonstrate a high level of innovation that people around the globe can experience and be a part of in this decentralized economy.
Cryptocurrency Platforms as Catalysts for Financial Inclusion
One of the most significant — if not the most significant — contributions that cryptocurrency makes is providing greater financial inclusion. If you ever take a look at the traditional finance systems, which we have all gotten ‘used to’, they are generally systems of exclusion. Excluded populations are those who lack access to banks, or live in underdeveloped areas with limited financial systems, etc.
A 2021 report by the World Bank states that nearly 1.7 billion adults remain unbanked – many of these individuals actually have mobile devices. Cryptocurrency platforms are lessening this gap. They are giving people financial tools that they can digitally access through their smart mobile devices and computers. These peer-to-peer transactions, without any go-betweens, have enabled individuals without banks to manage their funds, giving them new economic opportunities.
What Technology Powers Cryptocurrency Platforms?
To be able to run cryptocurrency platforms, blockchain technology must be used. This is what makes cryptocurrency platforms transparent and also secure — at the end of the day ensuring the accuracy and stability of cryptocurrency transactions. Aside from that, there are also other technologies such as smart contracts which allow trustless and automated agreements for its users. What is great with smart contracts is that it eliminates the need to rely on traditional legal systems for contractual agreements.
Still, on technologies, we cannot forget artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) when it comes to cryptocurrency platforms. AI and ML provide its users with personalized insights — this is useful for fraud detection and will hyper-personalize user experiences. What about the millions of transactions globally? Cryptocurrency platforms solve this by implementing cloud infrastructure and high-performance computers for best performance.
Cryptocurrency Regulation
Since cryptocurrency exchanges are now popular, their framework and practices are now under the critical eye of governments around the world. And understandably so — they need to look at how to properly regulate and secure them. Governments want to create a clear process for how cryptocurrencies will operate that manages the issues concerning compliance, fraud, and security, without hindering innovation.
Cryptocurrency exchanges have no other option but to follow the rules put in place, but in doing so they can build trust with clients and attract a larger user base. Rules like Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) govern how they can hold themselves and their clients accountable and transparent. When cryptocurrency exchanges partner with regulatory bodies, they can work on a way to have a successful rollout, all while protecting users.
The Global Impact of Cryptocurrency Platforms
There is a surge in economic transformation, thanks to cryptocurrency platforms. With them, there are cost-effective and fast payments across borders. No more reliance on intermediaries or slow traditional systems. This is particularly advantageous for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which encounter high transaction fees and/or delays, any time they operate internationally.
For the regions that are facing economic instability and subsequent volatile currencies, crypto platforms are the saving grace. During times of financial uncertainties, these platforms offer a decentralized and secure store, so that businesses are assured of the safety of their assets.
In addition, since cryptocurrency platforms are decentralized, they will remain stable and resilient should there be a time when the economy faces centralized disruptions.
The Future of Cryptocurrency Platforms
The development of the cryptosphere will not cease to continue — it is projected to make a massive impact on the evolution of the world’s financial processes. Decentralized technologies gradually merge with conventional financial sectors, in the future, offering more cooperation between ordinary financial establishments we all got used to and crypto platforms.
Cryptocurrency platforms now have a cult following — and in as much as they are a lifesaver for traders, they are instruments that are beyond mere trading possibilities. They employ the power of inclusiveness, create the space for the flourishing of innovations and promote the ability to participate in decentralized economies for every user.
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.
