Swedish Scammers Who Targeted Elderly Found Hiding in Pattaya

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29 October 2024, 15:57

Immigration police announce the arrest of two Swedish nationals who fled fraud charges in Sweden to stay in Thailand, where they had been overstaying their visas for almost two months, on October 29ม 2024.

BANGKOK — Typically, foreign scammers arrested in Thailand usually come from Southeast Asia or are Asian, but this time the scammer duo who fled to Pattaya are Swedish.

Police Colonel Phloen Klinphayom, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3, announced on October 29 the arrest of international fugitives who were subject to an Interpol Red Notice. They were involved in a scam causing damage worth over 50 million baht and had fled to hide in Pattaya while overstaying their visas.

The Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau 3 received information about two Swedish men, Mr. John and Mr. Vladis, who had committed criminal fraud in Sweden through a call center gang operation. They targeted elderly victims, obtaining their personal information. Once victims were convinced to download an application, the scammers would drain their money and transfer it to other regions such as Asia and South America.

Swedish authorities had already arrested 9 suspects in this network. These two suspects fled to Thailand and were hiding in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

Investigation officers conducting checks in front of an apartment building in Pattaya, noticed suspicious-looking foreigners in front of the building. They identified themselves as immigration police officers and requested to check their passports, subsequently arresting both individuals.

Investigation revealed they had overstayed their visas by 57 days. The officers charged them with being aliens staying in the Kingdom beyond their permitted duration. They were handed over to investigating officers at Pattaya City Police Station, Chonburi Province, for legal proceedings, after which they will be deported.

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CP Brings Smart Farming Tech to Myanmar Corn Sector

By

MC Marketing

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29 October 2024, 14:38

CP, in collaboration with “Charoen Pokphand Produce (CPP)” and “Bangkok Produce (BKP),” announces its partnership with the “Myanmar Corn Industrial Association (MCIA)” to introduce a traceability system for corn used as animal feed. This system will be available to all sectors, including producers and partners, enhancing sustainability and transparency in the industry using world-class technology. The initiative reinforces CP’s policy of “no purchase or import of animal feed corn from deforested or burnt areas.”

Yangon, Myanmar – October 24, 2024

Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), through Charoen Pokphand Produce (CPP) and Bangkok Produce (BKP), has joined forces with public and private sector partners in Myanmar to launch a traceability system for corn produced by CP for animal feed. This system will be available to producers, partners, and relevant organizations across the supply chain, marking a significant step toward sustainability in Myanmar’s corn industry. A press conference was held in Yangon to announce the project, which includes a pledge not to purchase corn from areas affected by burning or deforestation. The event took place under the Myanmar Corn Traceability Project, and notable attendees included Mr. Mongkol Visittsthumph, Thai Ambassador to Myanmar; Mr. Akwat Thanaprasitpattan, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) in Yangon; Mr. Titi Lujintanon, Chief Executive Officer of CP’s Feed Ingredients Business; Mr. Worrasit Sithiwichai, Chief Operating Officer of Myanmar’s Integrated Crop Business; Mr. U Aye Chan Aung, President of the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association (MCIA); as well as many Myanmar corn farmers from areas such as Naung Taya, Shan State, and Mandalay, among others. The project has garnered support from both Thai and Myanmar participants, all expressing their intent to use the traceability system to foster transparency and sustainability in the Myanmar corn industry.

Mr. Mongkol Visittsthumph, the Thai Ambassador to Yangon, revealed that this collaboration to enhance traceability in Myanmar’s corn industry is an important step in supporting Thailand’s “Clear Sky” strategy, aimed at tackling cross-border haze and PM2.5 pollution from forest burning. The use of traceability systems showcases private sector responsibility towards the environment, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particularly by protecting terrestrial ecosystems and mitigating the effects of climate change. This commitment aligns with the Thai government’s efforts to promote sustainability across the region, reflecting a genuine desire to set new standards in agricultural sectors and promote long-term sustainability.

Mr. Akwat Thanaprasitpattan, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) in Yangon, emphasized the importance of traceability in building international trade confidence, saying, “The introduction of a traceability system that is accessible and beneficial to all will help Myanmar’s corn gain greater acceptance in the global market, particularly in markets that prioritize sustainability and transparent production practices.”

Additionally, Mr. Titi Lujintanon, Chief Executive Officer of CP’s Feed Ingredients Business, commented, “To ensure clarity, transparency, and alignment with CP Group’s sustainable development goals, the traceability system for corn used for animal feed is a vital tool that will elevate Myanmar’s corn industry to meet international standards. The system requires collaboration from all sectors, especially the MCIA, as well as Myanmar traders and farmers. We are opening this system to all sectors to participate in building a sustainable corn supply chain in Myanmar led by the Myanmar people. This is a success story of the traceability system developed by CP Group and expanded through cooperation with Myanmar.”

As a leader in agriculture, CPP (Charoen Pokphand Produce) plays a key role in promoting sustainable farming. Mr. Worrasit Sithiwichai, Chief Operating Officer of Myanmar’s Integrated Crop Business, noted, “CPP is committed to developing a traceability system that not only helps trace the origin of corn but also supports farmers in accessing technology and environmentally friendly farming practices. We have collaborated with BKP to integrate this system into both production and marketing, enabling farmers and corn traders to effectively connect with markets in Thailand and beyond.”

CPP, a company in CP Group’s Integrated Crop Business, has also been certified by Control Union, an international organization with worldwide renown for the exacting standards it applies to the independent audits it conducts in many industries, and particularly agriculture. CPP and BKP have accordingly been issued with Control Union certification to roll out the traceability system for corn used as animal feed in Myanmar, underlining the transparency and reliability it will bring to the supply chain.

By enabling the corn’s origin to be tracked at every step of the production process, the adoption of this system is a clear sign of the partnership’s shared commitment to operating to the highest standards of sustainable agriculture. CPP and BKP are ready to expand this system to include producers, partners, and other stakeholders, aiming to elevate regional agriculture to new levels of sustainability and transparency in the immediate future.

CP’s traceability system, open to all sectors including producers, partners, farmers, and relevant organizations, utilizes technology that tracks and verifies the origin of corn used for animal feed. First developed in 2023, the system incorporates blockchain technology, satellite imagery, and satellite heat detection to monitor supply chain data, from planting to export. This ensures that buyers can confidently source corn grown in safe, ethical conditions (in accordance with GEUDR 2020 standards), rather than from traditional and protected forest areas or burned cornfields.

Furthermore, the system promotes transparency for all involved parties. MCIA (Myanmar Corn Industrial Association) will support and encourage its members, including traders and corn exporters, to participate in the system to link purchasing data from traders and farmers within the system. This will strengthen confidence in the origin of raw corn materials and raise production standards towards sustainability.

Mr. U Aye Chan Aung, President of MCIA, said, “We believe that the launch of this system presents a great opportunity to clearly demonstrate the transparency of corn sourcing to buyers, thereby enhancing market confidence both domestically and internationally. MCIA is ready to advocate full cooperation from our members to encourage all farmers to join this system.”

A representative from the Naung Taya village, Shan State, who participated in the project, shared their experience, saying, “Joining the system was not as complicated as we had expected. The company provided guidance and technology that allowed us to farm sustainably. Our community now enjoys more stable lines of income thanks to the clearer market access we now enjoy.”

The announcement of this collaboration under the Myanmar Corn Traceability Project has received support from various sectors, including the public sector, private companies, and local farmers, as well as international audit organizations. The transparent and inclusive traceability system is set to become a cornerstone of efforts to bring increased sustainability and trust to Myanmar’s corn industry and in the future will serve as a model for other industries to follow.

EBC, Oxford Economics to Co-host WERD Macro Talk

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MC Marketing

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29 October 2024, 14:36

EBC Financial Group (EBC) and the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics announce their second collaboration of 2024 for the “What Economists Really Do” (WERD) webinar series, focusing on the crucial intersection of macroeconomics and climate change.

The upcoming hybrid event, “Sustaining Sustainability: Balancing Economic Growth and Climate Resilience,” will take place on 14 November 2024 at the Sir Michael Dummett Lecture Theatre, Christ Church College. This marks the first WERD event to feature a dedicated panel discussion, building on the success of their March 2024 collaboration on The Economics of Tax Evasion.

As climate challenges intensify globally, the event will explore how macroeconomic policies can address environmental challenges while maintaining economic stability. The session will include a keynote lecture from Professor Andrea Chiavari on “Macroeconomics and Climate,” followed by a panel discussion with industry leaders and academic experts.

“This collaboration embodies our commitment to advancing academic research and addressing the pressing issue of climate change through macroeconomic perspectives,” said David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd. “We believe in the power of strategic partnerships to drive meaningful change.”

Banu Demir Pakel, Associate Head of External Engagement and Associate Professor of Economics, who will moderate the session, commented: “Building on the success of our previous collaboration, we’re excited to host a larger hybrid panel event combining industry insights with academic expertise. The Department of Economics is proud to facilitate thought-leadership discussions between academia and industry.”

The event will provide attendees with:

Insights into aligning macroeconomic principles with sustainable growth objectives
Practical perspectives from both academic and financial sector leaders
Understanding of how economic policies can enhance environmental resilience
Real-world examples of sustainable business practices

Participants will gain valuable insights into how the financial sector can lead in promoting sustainability while maintaining economic growth and stability.

Stellar Cyber, NCSA Boost KKU Cyber Training with XDR Platform

By

MC Marketing

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29 October 2024, 14:34

Latest knowledge helps protect global cyber threats and strengthen the digital security landscape in Thailand Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirapat Chiewchanwattana (Right) Dean of College of Computing, Khon Kaen University is granted Stellar Cyber Open XDR platform from Mr. Dominic Neo (Left) Regional Vice President of Sales, Stellar Cyber and Captain Sirinate Rugvong RTN. (Middle) Special Expert, NCSA to open cybersecurity curriculum, recently.

Stellar Cyber, the innovator of Open XDR technology, announced its partnership with The National Cyber Security Agency of Thailand (NCSA) in providing the new Open XDR platform, under the Stellar Cyber University Program, to enable Khon Kaen University (KKU) free access to the Stellar Cyber’s advanced comprehensive detection and response platform. This collaboration is to add best-of-breed tools to KKU’s existing cybersecurity program and to accelerate the highly qualified cybersecurity graduates to meet the world demand.

Cybersecurity, today, evolves fast. Organizations need many types of cybersecurity tools to detect and manage attacks. Unfortunately, the number of cybersecurity pros who are keen in diversified tools far exceeds the number available and the production is in slow pace for many reasons. Stellar Cyber University Program works with academic institutions worldwide to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap. The program enables the schools to open appropriate curriculum; instructors and students to get the real practice on the new Open XDR technology. This helps produce the next generation of cybersecurity professionals faster.

Dominic Neo the Vice President of Sales for ASEAN and ANZ at Stellar Cyber said, “Under the Stellar Cyber University Program, educational institutes get free access license to the Stellar Cyber Open XDR Platform to use in their labs. The platform includes SIEM, NDR, UEBA, FIM, IDS, Malware Sandbox, SOAR, and TIP, providing a comprehensive set of tools for real training. The knowledge is the same level of other worldwide educational institutions who join this world-classed program, including Glendale Community College in the US, for example.

Stellar Cyber sees College of Computing at KKU’s strong commitment in developing cybersecurity personnel of the future, by offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as certificate programs in this field. To support this vision, Stellar Cyber is happy to provide the university with an Open XDR license to help enhance the efficiency of cybersecurity education. NextWave (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the key distributor of Stellar Cyber, will provide technical advice as well as cybersecurity experts to spend time with the instructors, training them on the platform so they are well-prepared to deliver student lessons.

Captain Sirinate Rugvong RTN., Special Expert, NCSA revealed, “NCSA has been responsible for accelerating the development of cybersecurity personnel all along. Recently, The National Cybersecurity Academy has initiated the project to accelerate the development of cybersecurity personnel, Phase 1, including organizing various training courses to develop cybersecurity skills for children, youth, office workers, the elderly, and the disabled. From the over 1 million participants on all platforms, NCSA clearly witnesses the exponential growth in the education sector. Therefore, we are very pleased that Stellar Cyber has come to strengthen cybersecurity landscape in Thailand by providing the Open XDR platform to help produce high-quality personnel to cope with new threats.”

Associate Professor Dr. Sirapat Chiewchanwattana, Dean of the College of Computing at Khon Kaen University said, “The College of Computing is established as faculty-level unit, serving the strategy of Khon Kaen University. It offers courses to cultivate the students with knowledge and quality that meet the needs of the business world. In 2023, it launched two new courses: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security. The Stellar Cyber Open XDR platform is ideal for cybersecurity education because it incorporates the most critical cybersecurity tools in one intuitive dashboard and integrates with any third-party tool to deliver a holistic view of cyber threats, that the students have complete investigation on the whole process. KKU has five lecturers who are experts in the XDR platform, who will maximize the new Open XDR platform capabilities to educational and research benefits. Around 300 students are expected to benefit from this program during the 2 academic year of partnership. This will also help Thailand secure its economic and digital security infrastructure.

About Stellar Cyber:

Stellar Cyber’s Open XDR platform delivers comprehensive, unified security without complexity, empowering lean security teams of any skill to secure their environments successfully. With Stellar Cyber, organizations reduce risk with early and precise identiﬁcation and remediation of threats while slashing costs, retaining investments in existing tools, and improving analyst productivity, delivering an 8X improvement in MTTD and a 20X improvement in MTTR. The company is based in Silicon Valley. For more information, contact https://stellarcyber.ai.

About National Cyber Security Agency

The National Cyber Security Agency of Thailand is responsible for coordinating and implementing national cybersecurity policies, strategies, and initiatives. The main factor in establishing the activities of the Center of Excellence in Cyber Security is to develop personnel of all ages to have knowledge and understanding in cyber security in terms of prevention, response, and reduction of risks from cyber threats, both domestically and internationally, including creating awareness of the situation of cyber threats together in order to conduct integrated and current operational operations, which will lead to sustainable cyber security.

About College of Computing, Khon Kaen University

College of Computing, Khon Kaen University is one faculty in Khon Kaen University. The Department of Computer Science in Faculty of Science was transformed to College of Computing on March 23, 1994. It was established as a new department of Khon Kaen University. The new department was announced in the Government Gazette on October 15, 2021. Currently, the College of Computing offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, totaling 8 programs, and opened 2 new programs in 2023: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security. For more information, please visit https://computing.kku.ac.th/history-cp.

About Nextwave Co., Ltd.

Nextwave is a leading Cybersecurity and IT distributor in Thailand, specialized in advanced and value added solutions. Over 20 years, we have been delivering trustworthy services through our channel partners and providing technical consultants to leading enterprises. For more information, please visit https://www.nextwave.co.th/

North Korea Sends FM to Russia as Its Troops Train to Fight in Ukraine

By

Associated Press

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29 October 2024, 14:08

North Korea Russia — FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un smile during their meeting at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport outside Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Tuesday its top diplomat is visiting Russia, in another sign of their deepening relations as rival South Korea and Western nations say the North has sent thousands of troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said a delegation led by Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui departed for Russia on Monday, but didn’t specify the purpose of the visit. In a closed-door hearing at South Korea’s parliament, the South’s spy agency said Choe may be involved in high-level discussions on sending additional troops to Russia and negotiating what the North would get in return, according to Lee Seong-kweun, a lawmaker who attended the meeting.

The announcement of Choe’s visit came hours after the Pentagon said North Korea has sent about 10,000 troops to Russia, who are expected to arrive in battlefields in Ukraine within “the next several weeks.”

South Korean and Western leaders have expressed concern that North Korean involvement could help prolong Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and that Russia may offer technology in return that could advance the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile program.

AP24296358600964 — FILE – Soldiers march in a parade for the 70th anniversary of North Korea’s founding day in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Sept. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday that some of the North Korean soldiers have already moved closer to Ukraine and were believed to be heading for the Kursk border region, where Russia has been struggling to push back a Ukrainian incursion.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers it’s examining the possibility that some groups of North Korea’s military personnel in Russia, including generals or other high-ranking officials, may have already moved to frontline areas. The spy agency also said the two sides appear to be struggling to resolve communication issues although the Russian military is training North Korean troops on Russian military terminology, Lee said.

The agency said space-based reconnaissance is an area where North Korea is likely receiving Russian help. It said North Korea may be acquiring advanced components from Russia as it prepares to launch another military reconnaissance satellite following a failed attempt in May, said Park Sun-won, another lawmaker who attended the hearing.

North Korea first placed a spy satellite in orbit last November. Its leader Kim Jong Un has described those assets as crucial for monitoring South Korean and U.S. military activities and enhancing the threat of his nuclear-capable missiles.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in telephone calls with European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday shared South Korean intelligence assessments that North Korean troops could be deployed to battlefronts “more quickly than anticipated.” He called for closer coordination with European governments aimed at “monitoring and blocking “illegal exchanges between Pyongyang and Moscow, Yoon’s office said in a statement.

After initially denying the claims about North Korean troop deployments, Pyongyang and Moscow have adopted a vaguer stance, asserting that their military cooperation conforms with international law without directly admitting the presence of North Korean forces in Russia.

North Korea has also been accused of providing millions of artillery shells and other military equipment to Russia to fuel its war in Ukraine. The United States and its partners have described Russia’s procurement of North Korean personnel and supplies as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and raised suspicions that Moscow is helping Pyongyang to evade sanctions and unlawfully finance its weapons program.

Russia, along with China, has blocked U.S.-led efforts at the Security Council to tighten sanctions on North Korea over its recent missile testing activities, which intensified after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia also vetoed a U.N. resolution to extend the mandate of a panel of monitors in March in a move that effectively abolished oversight by U.N. experts of Security Council sanctions against North Korea. It prompted Western accusations that Moscow was acting to shield its arms purchases from Pyongyang.

“The illegal military collusion between Russia and North Korea poses a significant security threat to the international community and a serious matter that could potentially harm our security. We must thoroughly examine all possibilities and prepare countermeasures,” Yoon said in a Cabinet meeting in Seoul on Tuesday.

Yoon last week raised the possibility of supplying Ukraine with weapons while saying Seoul is preparing countermeasures that could be rolled out in stages depending on the degree of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.

South Korea, a growing arms exporter, has provided humanitarian aid and other non-lethal support to Ukraine and joined U.S.-led economic sanctions against Moscow. It has so far resisted calls by Kyiv and NATO to directly supply Ukraine with weapons, citing a longstanding policy of not providing arms to countries engaged in active conflict.

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Patong Beach Volleyball Game Gone Wrong Sparks Thai-Arab Brawl

By

Khaosod English

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28 October 2024, 20:12

PHUKET — A video showing a fight between a group of Thais and Arabs, which involved punching and the use of brooms and beach branches during a brawl on Sunday, drew widespread criticism on social media.

On October 28, a Khaosod reporter in Phuket Province inquired with Patong Police officers and found that no formal complaint had been filed regarding the incident. The reporter then traveled to Patong Beach in Kathu Sub-district, Kathu District, to interview local witnesses.

patong volley2 — Patong Beach, where a brawl broke out between Arab tourists and local Thais during a beach volleyball game. A reporter visits on October 28, 2024.

Mr. Ko, an eyewitness who posted the video clip on Facebook, said the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on October 27. Arab tourists were playing beach volleyball with a group of Thais, starting from around 5 p.m. They had set rules that the losing side must leave the court while the winning side continues playing.

However, when the Arab side lost, they refused to leave, leading to an argument with the Thai side that escalated into a physical fight.

Mr. Ko wasn’t sure about the extent of injuries, so he didn’t report it to the police, and no police officers came to the scene. He said he posted the clip to show that tourists should not engage in such violent behavior.

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A Thai Court Drops a Case Over the Deaths of Muslim Protesters in 2004

By

Associated Press

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28 October 2024, 17:58

Thailand Southern Violence — FILE - Thai-Muslim rioters lie on the ground after they were arrested and forced to take off their shirts by Thai security forces after rioting at Takbai district of Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, Oct. 25, 2004. (AP Photo, File)

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, BANGKOK — A court in southern Thailand on Monday dropped a case against former state security personnel and officials over the deaths of 85 Muslim protesters in 2004, saying none of the suspects had been apprehended.

Families of the victims of what is known as the Tak Bai massacre in April accused seven soldiers and government officials of murder, attempted murder and unlawful detention. The Narathiwat Provincial Court formally accepted the case in August.

While there was enough evidence for an indictment, the court said the case was unable to proceed as no suspects were arrested and brought to the court, and as a result, the 20-year statute of limitations expired on Friday.

The court’s statement noted that its order is not a dismissal of the charges against the suspects, as they “had never entered the legal proceedings, but fled until the statute of limitations expired.”

One of those named is Pisal Wattanawongkiri, commander of the 4th Army Region at the time of the incident. At the time of indictment in August, he was a lawmaker of the ruling Pheu Thai party. The party said he filed a medical leave to seek treatment abroad, and resigned from the party earlier this month. Other suspects were also believed to have left the country after the indictment.

The case earned notoriety because of the manner in which the victims died. On Oct. 25, 2004, thousands of protesters gathered at the police station in Narathiwat’s Tak Bai district to demand the release of six Muslim men who had been detained several days earlier. The detainees, members of an official village defense force, were accused by police of handing over weapons to Muslim insurgents, but reporting them stolen.

Seven of the protesters were shot dead after the demonstration turned violent. Around 1,300 of them were later rounded up, had their hands tied and were loaded onto trucks, stacked like firewood. By the time the vehicles reached an army base where they were taken to be detained, 78 had died of crushing or suffocation. Several others were seriously injured or became disabled due to crushing.

The deaths occurred shortly after a Muslim separatist insurgency erupted in Thailand’s southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, the only ones with Muslim majorities in the Buddhist-dominated nation.

Muslim residents have long complained of being treated like second-class citizens in Thailand, and separatist movements have been periodically active for decades. Heavy-handed crackdowns have fueled the discontent. Fighting continues to this day, but at a lower level.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, Ratsada Manooratsada, who represents the victims’ families, said while the outcome was expected, the legal team will continue to pursue other alternatives, including investigations into whether police officers had purposefully delayed the proceedings until the case had almost expired.

“The statute of limitations in memory of the people will never have an expiration date,” he said.

The U.N. special rapporteurs of the Human Rights Council issued a statement last week calling for the investigation and the pursuit of justice to continue even after the statute of limitations expired, as “a failure to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice is itself a violation of Thailand’s human rights obligations.”

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last week said that it wasn’t possible to extend the validity of the case. She offered an official apology to those affected, insisting that all relevant agencies had done what they could to provide justice.

“We will do our best to prevent such an incident from happening again,” she said.

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Ministry of Social Development Joins Asia-Pacific Partners to Advance Sustainable Housing

By

Contributor

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28 October 2024, 16:55

Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) hosted the “International Conference on Sustainable Communities for All”under the initiative “Urban Renaissance: Empowering Thailand’s Low-Income Communities on the Global Stage.” This conference, held at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok, was led by Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary of MSDHS, who delivered the keynote speech to local and international delegates.

The conference aims to serve as a platform to showcase and exchange best practices in urban and housing development, particularly addressing the challenges of low-income and slum communities. It is intended to elevate the MSDHS’s proactive role in urban development across the Asia-Pacific, with Thailand as a regional leader for the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11, focusing on Target 11.1.

Participants included representatives from housing and urban development organizations, community networks across the Asia-Pacific, as well as policymakers and stakeholders from government, private sector, academia, and civil society in Thailand.

In his address, Mr. Anukul stated, “This conference presents a unique opportunity to celebrate Urban October and World Cities Day on October 31, highlighting the pivotal role of youth as change agents for sustainable, inclusive cities.

Today, regional partners come together to discuss housing a fundamental need and the backbone of security and quality of life. Providing accessible housing, especially for vulnerable groups, is a core mission of the MSDHS, particularly in today’s VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world, where demographic shifts and climate change underscore the importance of housing security. The United Nations has reported that over 1.8 billion

people globally lack stable housing, with rapid urbanization challenging the Asia-Pacific region. To address this, the MSDHS has launched a long-term housing policy to ensure all Thais have quality, secure housing by 2036.”

This conference offers an invaluable chance for knowledge exchange on urban development, housing solutions, and community resilience across nations. “Let us collaborate to ensure housing security for all. I encourage all attendees to share insights and contribute toward a future where secure housing and sustainable communities are a reality for everyone,” Mr. Anukul added.

In addition, conference participants heard messages from UN-Habitat in observance of World Habitat Day and Urban October. The agenda included expert lectures, youth-led discussions, plenary sessions with Asia-Pacific representatives, a field visit to urban renewal sites in Bangkok, and exhibitions on MSDHS strategies and policies addressing urban challenges. Of note was the Ministry’s flagship “5X5 Crisis Policy,” which addresses Thailand’s demographic changes through integrative collaboration, aimed at enhancing family security and providing accessible housing for all.

The insights and innovations shared in this conference are expected to be further disseminated at the upcoming 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt. This global forum will provide a platform for delegates to share best practices in urban and housing development and unite in a commitment to sustainable communities, leaving no one behind.

Japan PM Vows to Maintain Coalition Makeup After Election Defeat

By

Kyodo News

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28 October 2024, 15:05

Ishiba Japan — Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (C, back) and other board members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party meet at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on the morning of Oct. 28, 2024. (Kyodo)

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday dismissed the idea of changing the ruling coalition’s composition for now but expressed a desire to incorporate policy ideas from the opposition camp after a crushing defeat in the general election the day before.

Ishiba, head of the Liberal Democratic Party, described the election outcome, in which the ruling bloc lost its majority in the 465-member House of Representatives, as “harsh,” vowing to fundamentally reform the party to restore voter confidence affected by a slush fund scandal.

While the LDP’s goal of retaining its majority along with its coalition partner Komeito was not achieved, Ishiba said he will continue as prime minister to lead the government and tackle growing economic and security challenges.

“We cannot afford a political stalemate,” Ishiba said at a press conference held at LDP headquarters on Monday.

The main reason behind the election defeat is that “we failed to address people’s suspicion, distrust and anger over the underreporting of political funds and the issue of money in politics,” Ishiba said.

AP24301513156525 — Japan’s Prime Minister and president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Shigeru Ishiba speaks to the media regarding the early result of lower house election, at the LDP headquarters Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Tokyo, (Takashi Aoyama/Pool Photo via AP)

The ruling coalition’s seats dropped sharply to 215 from 288, marking the first time in 15 years they have lost majority control. Seats won by the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan surged to 148 from 98.

According to a Kyodo News exit poll, 74 percent of voters considered the slush fund scandal when casting their ballots. Even among LDP supporters, 68 percent did so, suggesting the scandal influenced their voting behavior.

The LDP has come under intense scrutiny amid revelations that some of its factions, particularly its largest, which was led by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before his 2022 assassination, neglected to report portions of their income from fundraising parties and created slush funds for years.

Earlier in the day, Ishiba, elected LDP president late last month, called for intraparty unity in the wake of the major setback in the general election that could make it difficult for him to remain as leader of the government.

The LDP’s election strategy chief, Shinjiro Koizumi, resigned to take responsibility, while incumbent Cabinet members, including Justice Minister Hideki Makihara, lost their seats. Makihara has voiced his intention to step down on Sunday.

AP24301414309366 — Shinjiro Koizumi, chairperson of Election Strategy Committee of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) speaks to the media regarding the lower house election, at the LDP headquarters, in Tokyo, Japan, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (Takashi Aoyama/Pool Photo via AP)

The LDP has begun talks on how to sustain Ishiba’s government ahead of a special parliamentary session to be held within 30 days following the lower house election to elect the next premier. Opposition parties have ruled out joining the current coalition.

Meanwhile, the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, which increased its number of lower house seats, is also exploring ways to join hands with other forces, aiming to bring about a change of government.

Ishiba, who only took office on Oct. 1, had initially considered convening the special parliamentary session on Nov. 7, but his government is likely to revise the plan to allow more time to try and form a majority for the prime ministerial vote, sources close to the matter said.

AP24301519834915 — Yoshihiko Noda, leader of Japan’s opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, prepares for a media interview with Japan’s Prime Minister and president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Shigeru Ishiba seen on TV screen, at Noda’s party headquarters Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Tokyo, (Kyodo News via AP)

In another development, the leaders of the two opposition parties, which are traditionally supported by Rengo, the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, met with Tomoko Yoshino, head of the country’s largest labor union, a day after the general election.

CDPJ chief Yoshihiko Noda, a former prime minister who became the party’s leader in late September, said he will hold “sincere” discussions with other opposition parties in the run-up to the special Diet session.

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, initially assured Yoshino that his political group will not join the LDP-Komeito coalition. His party and the CDPJ are both offshoots of the now-defunct Democratic Party of Japan.

After the talks, however, Tamaki told reporters that his party is open to policy coordination discussions with other parties, such as the LDP and the CDPJ, adding that he plans to vote for himself in the session rather than for Noda.

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End of Story! Miss Grand International Boss Lets Miss Myanmar Leave

By

Khaosod English

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28 October 2024, 14:56

BANGKOK — In a dramatic conclusion to the Miss Grand International (MGI) pageant controversy, MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil has officially accepted Miss Grand Myanmar Thae Su Nyein’s decision to reject her second runner-up position, effectively ending the pageant’s relationship with both the contestant and Myanmar’s national franchise.

“What makes her so delusional?” Nawat stated during a press conference at Bangkok’s Movenpick Sukhumvit 63. “If she wants first place and must have it, I suggest she create her own pageant so she can win every title.”

The controversy erupted when Myanmar’s National Director (ND) Htoo Ant Lwin physically removed the crown and sash from 18-year-old Thae Su Nyein on stage after she was awarded second runner-up, losing to Miss Grand India, Rachel Kupta.

mgi2 — Nawat Itsaragrisil, President and Director of MGI, congratulates the MGI 2024 title holder while Miss Grand Myanmar Thae Su Nyein is still crying on stage at Bravo BKK, Bangkok, on October 25, 2024.

mgi3 — Top 5 MGI 2024 contestants, where Rachel Gupta, Miss Grand India, wins the crown, while Christine Juliane Opiaza, Miss Grand Philippines, gets first runner-up and Thae Su Nyein, Miss Grand Myanmar receives second runner-up, at Bravo BKK on October 25, 2024.

Following the incident, MGI terminated their contract with Htoo Ant Lwin, issuing a lifetime ban due to “lack of sportsmanship and business credibility.”

The situation escalated when Htoo Ant Lwin accused Nawat of attempting to sell the crown for $25,000, an allegation Nawat firmly dismissed as “ridiculous,” noting his prominent position as the “sixth wealthiest person in Thailand entertainment industry.”

In a subsequent Facebook livestream, Thae Su Nyein announced her decision to reject the second runner-up position, stating, “I don’t want the second runner-up position… I came to win first place and believe I deserved a higher position.” She also questioned why she didn’t receive other awards, including Best National Costume, Popular Vote, and Country of the Year.

mgi5 — Thae Su Nyein, Miss Grand Myanmar states “I don’t want the MGI second runner-up position.”

mgi4 — Thae Su Nyein, Miss Grand Myanmar, and Htoo Ant Lwin, National Director of Miss Grand Myanmar

Despite the public controversy, Nawat revealed that his relationship with the Myanmar community remains strong, sharing an anecdote about his Myanmar household staff who supported the second runner-up placement.

“When I asked them about it, they said it was nothing, that Miss Grand Myanmar getting second runner-up was very good, and they thought it was already a great position,” he said.

The MGI organization maintains that this incident, along with the recent termination of their Cambodia franchise, has not impacted their business operations. Nawat confirmed they are currently reviewing new partnership opportunities in both countries, stating that there will always be contestants and organizers eager to represent their nations.

“Someone like you shouldn’t participate in anything competitive or challenging others. You should stay in your own imaginary, fantasy virtual world. End of story!” Nawat concluded, definitively closing this chapter of the Miss Grand International pageant.

On October 28, the Miss Grand International page released a statement as follows: “The Miss Grand International Organization has decided to revoke the title of 2nd Runner-Up from Miss Grand Myanmar 2024, Ms. Thae Su Nyein due to inappropriate behavior and actions that violated several regulations. This announcement is made for your information.”

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