A Letter to Concerned Thais from a Burmese Refugee

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12 October 2024, 12:06

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related countries’ meeting in Vientiane, Laos, which just concluded this week, had Myanmar as one of the important topics.

Thailand announced in this summit that it will host an informal ASEAN ministerial-level consultation on Myanmar in mid-December to try to find a path to peace, although it is unclear who will attend from Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Thet Swe Win, a Burmese political refugee who fled Myanmar’s military crackdown, is based in Mae Sot Town, Tak Province. He wrote to Khaosod English expressing concerns about how the situations regarding the perceptions among some Thais are changing.

Here is his unedited letter to us:

Dear Thai Friends,

I write to you as a refugee from Myanmar, one of the many displaced by the brutal military junta that has seized control of our homeland. We have fled to Thailand seeking refuge, safety, and the chance to rebuild our lives. For the opportunity to stay here and the supportive attitudes of many Thai people, we are deeply grateful.

However, I have recently watched with concern the growing protests and instigations by some unfriendly nationalist groups here in Thailand who seem angry about the presence of Myanmar migrants. I am beseeching Thai neighbours to see us not as threats, but as neighbors in need, but neighbors who can and want to contribute to the Thai economy and society. Also as neighbors who need your compassion and understanding.

Myanmar has suffered deeply from the devastating effects of extreme nationalism, with the military weaponizing this sentiment to persecute minorities. Decades ago, the anti-Rohingya movements began in our country, cynically used by dark forces as a tool for division. This culminated in the 2017 atrocities that saw over 700,000 Rohingya driven out of Myanmar into Bangladesh, with many more internally displaced, villages burned, and more than 30,000 lives lost.

This systematic targeting and exclusion of Rohingya among other minorities have sown deep divisions in our society, and we are now seeing this tactic used again by the military to suppress the broader population. Since the military coup in 2021, almost 50,000 people have been arrested and detained, more than 5,700 were killed and many of them abused or tortured. Entire towns and villages have been destroyed by airstrikes, artillery and ground attacks. The military has even used natural disasters, like the recent floods and cyclones, as opportunities to attack civilian areas and internally displaced people’s camps.

Many of us who have sought refuge in Thailand are professionals—teachers, doctors, engineers, and small business owners and students who have joined the Civil Disobedient Movement against militaryrule. But without proper documentation, we are unable to secure suitable jobs that match our skills. Many of us face unlawfully issued warrants by the Myanmar military, and if arrested in Thailand and deported, will face serious risk of torture or execution by the Myanmar military. Young people deported from Thailand have been forcibly conscripted into the Myanmar military (SAC) upon their return, according to various reports highlighting the regime’s crackdown on returnees.

Burmese in border areas live in fear of increasingly frequent raids by Thai police, who are searching homes and businesses for undocumented Burmese. This constant fear of arrest and deportation adds to the immense stress and trauma they already bear. Those who are involved in Myanmar’s restoration of democracy, and there are many living along the border in villages or in towns like Mae Sot, suffer other forms of trauma. Our struggle for democracy has come at a great cost, and living in hiding has taken a toll on our mental health.

Tragically, the mental health situation of refugees in Mae Sot is marked by high levels of anxiety, and stress due to displacement, uncertaintyand past experiences of violence and persecution. Despite these hardships, we do not want to be seen as a burden. So many are eager to contribute to Thailand’s economy and society, to offer our skills and labor to benefit both societies. All we ask is a chance to work openly and legally, to live without fear, and to rebuild our lives in safety.

Those who have sought refuge in Thailand range from young people to adults alike, having escaped the oppression of the military dictatorship. For some, arriving in Thailand has been their first experience of personal freedom. While this newfound sense of freedom may have led to a few misunderstandings with the local community, we want to emphasize that none of us ever intended to disrespect or disregard Thai culture or customs.

We aim not only to be good guests but also to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of this beautiful country as much as we can. For example, there are currently more than 40 university professors and lecturers among the Burmese community in Mae Sot, highly qualified and willing to teach Thai students, while offering Burmese youth the opportunity to study alongside them. Some Burmese musicians have even volunteered to teach music at Thai schools, demonstrating how our two communities can exchange knowledge and skills to benefit both nations. There are also numerous teachers and dozens of qualified medical practitioners including doctors and dentists who would be willing to help in any capacity.

I encourage my fellow Burmese to embrace the opportunity to learn about and appreciate Thai traditions, and to adapt to local customs with respect and openness. By doing so, we can build stronger connections with the Thai community, enriching our experience and contributing to a harmonious coexistence.I kindly ask the Thai people to continue demonstrating the remarkable patience and kindness that their country is so well known for. Your generosity and understanding have already made a profound difference, and by extending this warmth to those seeking refuge, you help foster an environment of compassion and unity.

This letter is a heartfelt call for solidarity, friendship, and cooperation. We share the same dreams of peace, freedom, and dignity. With your support, we believe we can achieve a brighter future, not just for Myanmar, but for Thailand and the region as a whole.

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Editor’s note: The writer added that he didn’t feel safe to have his photo published.

Four New Thai Plant Species Found, One Mimics Monkey Face

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Khaosod English

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12 October 2024, 04:30

BANGKOK — Researchers from the Department of National Parks have introduced four new plant species that they have discovered, one of which has a strange flower resembling a monkey’s face. It is called “Yard Wanorn Pak” in Thai, which means “monkey’s face dewdrop.”

The four new plant species of the Yard genus include two species found in Saraburi, one in Rayong, and one in Lopburi. These plants grow in the specific ecosystem of limestone hills and are endangered and threatened with extinction.

A team of researchers from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has discovered four new plant species worldwide belonging to the genus Yard.

These four new species, found in Saraburi (2 species), Rayong (1 species) and Lopburi (1 species), thrive in restricted areas of limestone hill ecosystems and are classified as threatened and endangered.

yard2 — Microchirita simia (Photo by Naiyana Tetsana)

The research team, consisting of Mrs. Naina Tetsana, Mr. Phachoke Pudja, Mr. Thirawat Thananthaisong, Mr. Khunanon Daonurai and Mr. Samran Suddee from the Forest Herbarium, the Forest and Plant Conservation Research Office, and Mr. Krirkwit Poompayak, the manager of Khao Somphot Wildlife Sanctuary in Lopburi, worked together on the research.

The researchers followed botanical research methods and consulted with Dr. David Middleton, an expert on the Gesneriaceae family, confirmed that the plants belonged to the genus Microchirita.

The results were published in the international journal Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany), volume 52(2), pages 80-88, in 2024. There are 51-55 species of this genus worldwide, 41 of which occur in Thailand, making the country the central hub for the diversity of this genus.

The Four New Species:

Yard Wanorn Pak

Microchirita simia D. J. Middleton, Thananth, Tetsana & Suddee: Found in the limestone hills of Mueang district in Lopburi province. This herb grows up to 30 cm tall and has succulent stems that are reddish-purple in color throughout.

The upper petals and corolla tube are deep reddish-purple, while the lower petals are alternately light yellow and deep reddish-purple. The specific epithet “simia” is Latin for “monkey” and refers to the flower’s resemblance to the face of a monkey when viewed from the front. The type specimen Tetsana, Pudja, Kerdkaew, Hemrat & Jirakorn 2785 is kept at the Forest Herbarium.

Yard Orathai

Microchirita orathaiae Suddee, D. J. Middleton, Tetsana & Pudja: Found in the limestone hills of the Khao Chamao district in Rayong province. This herb grows up to 40 cm high. The specific epithet “orathaiae” is in honor of Mrs. Orathai Kerdkaew, a botanical illustrator who has contributed to the Flora of Thailand project for many years. The type specimen Tetsana, Suddee, Pudja, Thananthaisong, Hemrat, Phankien & Daonurai 2256 is kept at the Forest Herbarium.

yard3 — Microchirita orathaiae (Photo by Naiyana Tetsana)

Yard Pra-Bhotisat

Microchirita radiata D. J. Middleton, Daonurai, Poompayak & Suddee: Found in the limestone hills of Kaeng Khoi district, Saraburi province. This herb grows up to 50 cm high. The specific epithet “radiata” refers to the brown lines that run radially in the corolla tube. The type specimen Thananthaisong, Poompayak, Udomsiripong, Khananthong & Daonurai 1000 is kept in the forest herbarium.

yard5 — Microchirita radiata (Photo by Kerkwit Poompayak)

Yard Thamkraborg

Microchirita puglisiae D. J. Middleton, Daonurai, Poompayak & Suddee: Found in the limestone hills of Phra Phutthabat district, Saraburi province. This herb grows up to 30 cm high. The specific epithet “puglisiae” is in honor of Dr. Carmen Puglisi, an expert on several genera within the Gesneriaceae family, who contributed to research for the Flora of Thailand project.

These new plant species are part of the “Flora of Thailand” project, which aims to publish comprehensive data on all plant families occurring in Thailand.

yard6 — Microchirita puglisiae (Photo by Kerkwit Poompayak)

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Nobel Peace Prize Given to Japanese Organization Nihon Hidankyo for Its Work Against Nuclear Weapons

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Associated Press

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11 October 2024, 22:15

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded Friday to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for its activism against nuclear weapons.

Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said the award was made as the “taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure.”

Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a shift in his country’s nuclear doctrine, in a move aimed at discouraging the West from allowing Ukraine to strike Russia with longer-range weapons. It appeared to significantly lower the threshold for the possible use of Russia’s nuclear arsenal.

Watne Frydnes said the Nobel committee “wishes to honor all survivors who, despite physical suffering and painful memories, have chosen to use their costly experience to cultivate hope and engagement for peace.”

Hidankyo’s Hiroshima branch chairperson, Tomoyuki Mimaki, who was standing by at the city hall for the announcement, cheered and teared up when he received the news.

“Is it really true? Unbelievable!” Mimaki screamed.

AP24285359380302 — Toshiyuki Mimaki, right, president of Nihon Hidankyo, or the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, speaks to media members in Hiroshima, Japan, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, as he reacts to Ninon Hidankyo’s winning the Nobel Peace Prize. (Moe Sasaki/Kyodo News via AP)

Efforts to eradicate nuclear weapons have been honored before by the Nobel committee. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) won the peace prize in 2017, and in 1995 Joseph Rotblat and the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs won for “their efforts to diminish the part played by nuclear arms in international politics and, in the longer run, to eliminate such arms.”

Beatrice Fihn, who was the executive director of ICAN when it won the Nobel, said honoring Nihon Hidankyo was “quite emotional.”

“We are partners in this fight,” she told The Associated Press.

The survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki “know nuclear weapons the best. … They know how it feels like, how it looks like, how it smells when your city is burning from nuclear weapons use,” she said.

This year’s prize was awarded against a backdrop of devastating conflicts raging in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan.

“It is very clear that threats of using nuclear weapons are putting pressure on the important international norm, the taboo of using nuclear weapons,” Watne Frydnes said in response to a question on whether the rhetoric from Russia surrounding nuclear weapons in its invasion of Ukraine had influenced this year’s decision.

“And therefore it is alarming to see how threats of use is also damaging this norm. To uphold an international strong taboo against the use is crucial for all of humanity,” he added.

AP24285338365418 — FILE – Smoke rises around 20,000 feet above Hiroshima, Japan, after the first atomic bomb was dropped, Aug. 6, 1945. The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for its activism against nuclear weapons. (AP Photo, File)

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X that “the spectre of Hiroshima and Nagasaki still looms over humanity. This makes the advocacy of Nihon Hidankyo invaluable. This Nobel Peace Prize sends a powerful message. We have the duty to remember. And an even greater duty to protect the next generations from the horrors of nuclear war.”

The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945, killing 70,000 people, three days after its bombing of Hiroshima killed 140,000. Japan surrendered on Aug. 15, 1945, ending World War II and its nearly half-century of aggression across Asia.

Nihon Hidankyo was formed in 1956 by survivors of the attacks and victims of nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific amid demands for government support for health problems.

“The atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as the hibakusha, are selfless, soul-bearing witnesses of the horrific human cost of nuclear weapons,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a congratulatory statement.

“Nuclear weapons remain a clear and present danger to humanity, once again appearing in the daily rhetoric of international relations,” he added. “It is time for world leaders to be as clear-eyed as the hibakusha, and see nuclear weapons for what they are: devices of death that offer no safety, protection, or security.”

Alfred Nobel stated in his will that the peace prize should be awarded for “the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”

Last year’s prize went to jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi for her advocacy of women’s rights and democracy, and against the death penalty. The Nobel committee said it also was a recognition of “the hundreds of thousands of people” who demonstrated against the “theocratic regime’s policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women.”

In a year of conflict, there was speculation the Norwegian Nobel Committee might opt to not award a prize at all. The prize has been withheld 19 times since 1901, including during both world wars. The last time it was not awarded was in 1972.

In the Middle East, spiraling levels of violence in the past year have killed tens of thousands of people, including women and children. The war, sparked by a raid into Israel by Hamas-led militants on Oct. 7, 2023, that left about 1,200 people dead, mostly civilians, has spilled into the wider region.

In the past week, Israel sent ground troops into Lebanon to pursue Hezbollah militants firing rockets into Israel, while Iran -– which backs both Hamas and Hezbollah -– fired ballistic missiles into Israel. Israel has yet to respond, but its defense minister vowed this week that its retaliation would be both devastating and surprising.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 42,000 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count but says more than half are women and children. In Lebanon, more than 1,400 people have been killed, with thousands more injured and around 1 million displaced since mid-September, when the Israeli military dramatically expanded its offensive against Hezbollah.

The war in Ukraine, sparked by Russia’s invasion, is heading toward its third winter with a massive loss of human life on both sides.

The U.N. has confirmed more than 11,000 Ukrainian civilian dead, but that doesn’t take into account as many as 25,000 Ukrainians believed killed during the Russian capture of the city of Mariupol or unreported deaths in occupied regions.

The Nobel prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million). Unlike the other prizes that are selected and announced in Stockholm, founder Alfred Nobel decreed the peace prize be decided and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee.

The Nobel season ends Monday with the announcement of the winner of the economics prize, formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.

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Operation Demolish Criminal Bridges: Thai Police Seize Large-scale SIM Boxes

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Khaosod English

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11 October 2024, 18:04

BANGKOK — Police officials have named their latest large-scale operation against call center gangs “Operation Demolish Criminal Bridges.” The goal is to cut off connection routes between criminals and the public, including phone signals, internet signals, ghost SIMs, money mule accounts, SMS, and social media platforms.

The Technological Crime Suppression Center believes that by cutting off these routes, scammers operating from neighboring countries will be unable to contact or deceive Thai people without SIM boxes or individuals helping to register SIM cards for criminals, or registration systems that facilitate anonymous registration by criminals.

Police General Kittirat Panpetch, the incoming National Police Chief and Director of the Technological Crime Suppression Center, led a press conference on October 11th. He stated that this operation took place from October 1-10, mobilizing police nationwide and receiving data support from the NBTC and network providers.

They searched 647 SIM box locations and small retailers across the country that sell and register SIM cards for criminals. The aim was to gather evidence, issue arrest warrants, and prosecute those who register SIMs for criminals.

So far, police have arrested and charged over 20 shops caught in the act. They seized evidence including 101,068 Thai SIM cards, 113 SIM box devices, 575 mobile phones, 23 computers, and documents such as copies of ID cards, passports, and work permits of foreigners used for phone number registration. These are crucial evidence for issuing arrest warrants for those involved and bringing them to justice.

Police General Kittirat said that the nationwide search of targeted SIM boxes revealed two gaps in the registration process:

(1) Criminals still hold large numbers of SIMs registered before the NBTC’s announcement limiting SIM ownership to 5 per person.

(2) The online SIM registration system cannot detect incorrect registrations, such as uploading photos that aren’t of the actual person or entering any text as a name. The Technological Crime Suppression Center will urgently discuss this with the NBTC and network providers to address these issues.

simcard1 — Police seize over 100,000 SIM cards.

Going forward, the Technological Crime Suppression Center will investigate phone numbers reported through the Thai Police Online system as being used by scammers to determine which SIM boxes registered them for call center gangs. They will take strict legal action.

“We warn all SIM box shops registering for scammer call centers, SIM card sellers, or anyone involved that this is equivalent to helping foreign scammer groups, supported by some Thai people, to deceive and steal assets from Thai people and send them abroad. Besides being unpatriotic, they will lose their freedom, be cut off from their families, and permanently lose their careers and businesses,” Police General Kittirat said.

On October 9, Police Lieutenant General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot led a press conference announcing scam equipment seizure, which was part of “Operation Demolish Criminal Bridges.”

The police arrested two suspects: a 68-year-old Thai man named Theeraphat and a 33-year-old Chinese man named Chen. They seized over ten thousand registered SIM cards and a large number of SimBoxes. The equipment found would have allowed criminals to make outgoing calls from approximately 3,000 numbers at a time.

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C.P. Vietnam Donates VND 5 billion in Aid to Vietnamese Storm and Flood Victims

By

MC Marketing

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11 October 2024, 17:48

C.P. Vietnam Corporation (CPV) and C.P. Seeds Vietnam Co., Ltd. have donated cash and goods worth VND 5 billion (approximately THB 6.5 million) to support victims affected by Typhoon Yagi. This donation reflects the “Three Benefits” philosophy of Charoen Pokphand Group, which focuses on benefiting the nation, society, and the company. CPV is collaborating with the government and local communities to restore the lives and livelihoods of people impacted by the disaster.

The donation was made through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which will distribute goods to farmers in various provinces. The aid aims to support the recovery of livestock and aquaculture production in areas severely affected by the storm.

As part of the relief efforts, CPV has provided 10,000 chickens and 5 tons of animal feed to farmers in Tuyen Quang Province. A team of volunteers also joined activities to assist and restore agricultural production in the area.

Additionally, CPV has partnered with the government to organize chicken farming training for residents in Yen Bai Province. The company donated another 10,000 chickens, 5 tons of animal feed, farming equipment, and veterinary medicines. CPV also provided eggs and educational supplies to flood-affected households in the region. The company plans to continue supporting agricultural recovery and providing assistance to disaster-affected areas in the future.

Meanwhile, CP Foods and CP Vietnam remain committed to ongoing flood relief efforts. In Thailand, CP Foods has extended its aid to victims in the northern and northeastern regions through the “CPF Food from the Heart Against Floods” program. This initiative supplies fresh food and essential goods through government agencies, community kitchens, and foundations, helping flood victims access adequate food and boosting morale. CP Foods also provides support to its employees affected by the floods.

Middle East Latest: Thai Worker Killed by Missile in Northern Israel

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Khaosod English

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11 October 2024, 16:27

APTOPIX Lebanon Israel — A man uses his mobile phone as flames and smoke rise at the scene of buildings hit by an Israeli airstrike in central Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

An anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon killed a young man from Thailand in the north of Israel early Friday, a day after Israeli strikes in Lebanon left dozens of people dead in Beirut and wounded two U.N. peacekeepers.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued an announcement for Thai nationals in Israel:

As of this morning (October 11, 2024), an anti-tank missile was fired into the Yir’on agricultural settlement in northern Israel near the Lebanese border, which is a closed military zone. This incident resulted in the death of one Thai worker and severe psychological trauma to another.

The Thai Embassy wishes to inform Thai workers who are still in closed military zones or other high-risk areas that they can contact the embassy for assistance in relocating from these areas.

The closed military zones, where residence and work are prohibited, currently include 11 locations: Metula, Misgav Am, Kfar Giladi, Dovev, Tziv’on, Malkia, Rosh Hanikra, Shlomi, Hanita, Adamit, and Arab al-Aramshe.

According to the Associated Press, at least 22 people were killed and 117 wounded in Israeli airstrikes that hit two areas in central Beirut, Lebanon’s health ministry said.

In southern Lebanon, meanwhile, the U.N. peacekeeping force said an Israeli tank fired on its headquarters in the town of Naqoura, hitting an observation tower and wounding two peacekeepers, who were hospitalized.

Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed over 42,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, who do not say how many were fighters but say women and children make up more than half of the fatalities. The war has destroyed large areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population of 2.3 million people, often multiple times.

AP24285298149800 — Rescue workers search for victims at the site of Thursday’s Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

AP24285307195103 — Residents react in front of their destroyed apartment at the site of Thursday’s Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

A year ago, Hamas-led militants blew holes in Israel’s security fence and stormed into army bases and farming communities, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. They are still holding about 100 captives inside Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead.

Israel is now at war with Hamas in Gaza and its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, which began firing rockets at Israel on Oct. 8, 2023.

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UOB Thailand Offers Exclusive Dinner with Star Chef Motokichi Yukimura

By

MC Marketing

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11 October 2024, 16:01

Bangkok, 11 October 2024 – UOB Thailand, in collaboration with Siam Discovery, proudly presents “KICHI KICHI WORLD’S TOUR,” offering UOB credit card holders an extraordinary culinary experience. For the first time in Thailand, renowned chef Motokichi Yukimura from KICHI KICHI restaurant in Kyoto has prepared his legendary omelet rice, providing an exclusive tasting opportunity for customers.

Ms Suporntip Pongsachamnankit, Head of Card Business, Card Payment & Unsecured Products, UOB Thailand said, “UOB Thailand is dedicated to continuously delivering unique experiences to our customers, particularly in the culinary arts. We invite world-class chefs to craft special menus and offer exclusive discounts at renowned restaurants across the country. This event, where we closed the restaurant for a private session, received an enthusiastic response from UOB credit card holders.”

The exclusive event took place on 19 September 2024, where UOB credit card holders could redeem 7,900 UOB Reward points to participate, with a total experience valued at 4,000 baht per person. This special occasion allowed attendees to be among the first in Thailand to savour Chef Yukimura’s exceptional skills.

Marking 50th Year, KMUTNB Table Tennis Club Hosts TASA Championships 2024

By

MC Marketing

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11 October 2024, 15:51

The Table Tennis Club, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) Organized “INTERNATIONAL KMUTNB – TASA TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024”

The Table Tennis Club, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), in collaboration with Tasa Industrial Co., Ltd. Organized the competition named “INTERNATIONAL KMUTNB – TASA TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024”. Asst.Prof.Dr. Thaksin Sangsuwan, Assistant President for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations, gave an opening speech while Asst. Prof. Dr. Panuwat Pinthong, the club advisor, gave a report on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the KMUTNB Table Tennis Club and the 65th anniversary of the founding of the university. The international competition was held with participants from 6 countries: China, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and Thailand. In addition, it included a senior team category, a young male category aged 13-15 years old, and a young female category aged 13-15 years old. The competition aimed to use table tennis as a medium of exercise and to develop the potential of the table tennis competition management system to meet international standards. Subsequently, it was to create good relationships among sports players and to be able to develop their own skills to a higher level of expertise. The competition was organized by students of the Table Tennis Club and Tassa Industrial Co., Ltd.

King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) has established the Table Tennis Club since 1974. The university sent athletes to compete in the World University Games in the Soviet Union. Assoc.Prof.Dr. Ranat Sirichote, a lecturer at the Faculty of Applied Science, had been the club’s advisor until 2019. After that, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Witthaya Wiphawiwat, former Vice President, was the club’s advisor. Currently, Asst.Prof.Dr. Panuwat Pinthong, a lecturer at the Faculty of Industrial Education, is the club’s advisor. The first TASA King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok Table Tennis Competition was organized in 1999. Throughout the past 25 years, we would like to thank Mr. Udom Suksudprasit for his continued support and making KMUTNB’s Table Tennis Club famous and recognized in the sports games. On the occasion of the club’s 50th anniversary, alumni and current students jointly organized the competition. This was the first time that an international competition was held at the Pradu Daeng Auditorium, KMUTNB, 28-29 September 2024.

“INTERNATIONAL KMUTNB – TASA TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024” has the following winners in various categories:

Senior Team Category: Champion: KMUTNB-TASA Team; 1st Runner-up: MBS Table Tennis Club Malaysia; 2nd Runner-up: ITC Thailand Team; 3rd Runner-up: SG Unite Red Singapore Team, totally 12 teams.

Young Male Category aged 13-15 years old: Champion: Michael Hartono from Indonesia;1st Runner-up: Jazzle Wahiu from Indonesia; 2nd Runner-up: Mr. Siriphop Phimkaew and Mr. Phakkanun Kaew-unruen from Thailand.

Young Male Category aged 15 years old: Champion: Mr. Apipum Laksana; 1st runner-up: Mr. Jakkapan Thongkham from Thailand; 2nd runner-up: Michael Hartono and Jazzle Wahiu from Indonesia.

Young Female Category aged 15 years old: Champion: Miss Phitsopha Chuea-in, 1st runner-up is Miss Phimlaphat Thirarot, 2nd runner-up: Miss Phattariya Phatthahira and Miss Naphaphat Woranopkun from Thailand.

The Table Tennis Club of KMUTNB and the organizing committee would like to thank the university and all sponsors for their great support, making this successful competition and achieving all of its objectives. See you again next competition.

2 Laotians, 7 Thais Arrested for Illegal Sex Toy Trade Worth Millions

By

Khaosod English

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11 October 2024, 15:31

sex toys1 — The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division police display some of the illegal sex toys from over 2,000 items seized during raids on 5 suspicious locations across 3 provinces on October 10, 2024

BANGKOK — In a recent case where police seized 2,580 illegal sex toys across 3 provinces, 9 suspects were arrested, including 2 Laotian nationals.

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) expanded their investigation from an earlier arrest involving the exploitation of minors under 18 for pornographic content. The suspects used sex toys to attract attention before selling clips on Telegram and illegal websites.

This group established private channels to distribute pornographic media, including child exploitation material. They also illegally sold sex toys and illicit aphrodisiacs. The group had over 90,000 members, including foreign participants.

Police Major General Saruti Khwaengsopha, commander of ATPD, stated that on October 10th, police arrested 9 suspects in 5 locations across 3 provinces: 3 in Bangkok, 1 in Nakhon Pathom, and 1 in Chonburi. They seized 2,580 illegal sex toys, 66 computers and mobile phones used in the crimes.

sex toys2 — The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division police display some of the illegal sex toys from over 2,000 items seized during raids on 5 suspicious locations across 3 provinces on October 10, 2024.

sex toys3 — One of the 9 suspects (left) arrested by police for possession of illegal sex toys.

The suspects include: Ms. Suchada (26), Mr. Anon (25), Miss Dokkeo (32, Laotian), Mr. Mongkol (40), Mr. Niksanh (30, Laotian), Mr. Chaiwat (31), Mr. Sukho (30), Mr. Ekkarat (29), and Mr. Wuttipong (25).

All confessed to operating illegal websites and Telegram groups to advertise sex toys for over 2 years, earning 100,000-200,000 baht monthly, with millions in circulation.

The suspects were charged with producing and distributing obscene materials, possession of child exploitation material, importing illegal data into computer systems, and working without permits for foreigners.

The most severe charge, possession of child exploitation material, carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and/or a 100,000 baht fine. Distribution of such material can result in up to 7 years imprisonment and/or a 140,000 baht fine.

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Mister Global 2024: A Historic Win for the Philippines and A New Era of Gentlemen with Essence

By

Contributor

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11 October 2024, 13:59

For the first time ever, Daumier ‘Dom’ Corilla from the Philippines made history by winning the Mister Global 2024 title for his country in the 10th edition of the Mister Global pageant. Held in Bangkok on October 6th, 2024 by Thailand-based TPN Global Group, the event brought together 33 contestants from around the world, culminating in Corilla’s groundbreaking victory.

A new tradition was also introduced this year, with the presentation of the Blazer of Fame, which was bestowed upon Corilla by Dr. Nalikatibhag Sangsnit, Advisory Chairman of the Mister Global Organization.

Dr. Nalikatibhag, also a Director of The One Enterprise PCL, a leading media and entertainment company in Thailand, noted that the Mister Global Organization has reached new heights in elevating this international platform to welcome “Gentlemen with Essence.” The organization aims to raise the standard of male pageantry by focusing on four key pillars: celebrating the dignity of gentlemen, fostering leadership qualities, supporting social impact projects, and maintaining an elegant and polished physical presence.

One contestant expressed heartfelt gratitude, praising the organization’s dedication to fairness and inclusion: “Your unwavering commitment to fairness, inclusion, and excellence has not only set a new standard but also shown the world that Mister Global is an organization that values integrity above all else.” This statement echoes the core values of Mister Global—providing an inclusive and fair platform that celebrates talent and effort without limitations based on race, culture, or borders.

Behind Daumier ‘Dom’ Corilla’s historic win lies a journey filled with perseverance and passion. Born and raised in the Philippines, Dom moved to the United States for college, where he took on various jobs before eventually finding success in modelling and acting. Despite the challenges along the way, his passion for basketball, movies, and his resilience led him to where he is today. Now, as Mister Global 2024, Dom will work alongside the Mister Global Organization over the next year to advance both the organization’s mission and his own personal goals.

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