This image made from a video provided by the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office shows a large group of raccoons on a woman's property in Poulsbo, Wash. (Kitsap County Sheriff's Office via AP)
Sheriff’s deputies in Washington’s Kitsap County frequently get calls about animals — loose livestock, problem dogs. But the 911 call they received recently from a woman being hounded by dozens of raccoons swarming her home near Poulsbo stood out.
The woman reported having had to flee her property after 50 to 100 raccoons descended upon it and were acting aggressively, said Kevin McCarty, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. She told deputies she started feeding a family of raccoons decades ago and it was fine until about six weeks earlier, when the number showing up went from a handful to around 100.
“She said those raccoons were becoming increasingly more aggressive, demanding food, that they would hound her day and night — scratching at the outside of her home, at the door. If she pulled up her car, they would surround the car, scratch at the car, surround her if she went from her front door to her car or went outside at all,” McCarty said. “They saw this as a food source now, so they kept coming back to it and they kept expecting food.”
It was not clear what caused their numbers to balloon suddenly. Both the sheriff’s office and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife determined no laws were broken, McCarty said.
“This is a nuisance problem kind of of her own making that she has to deal with,” he said. Video from the sheriff’s office shows raccoons milling around trees, and deputies who responded to the call observed 50 to 100 of them, he added.
Bridget Mire, a spokesperson with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, said by email that under state law it is illegal to feed large carnivores, such as bears or cougars. While municipalities or counties may have local statutes forbidding the feeding of other wildlife, it is currently not against state law to do so, she said.
Regardless, the agency discourages people from feeding wildlife. Raccoons, for example, can carry diseases, and food can also attract predators such as coyotes and bears, according to Mire.
Mire said an agency wildlife conflict specialist has met with the woman, who has stopped feeding the critters.
“The raccoons appear to have started dispersing now that they are no longer being fed, and we are glad for a positive outcome to this case,” Mire wrote.
Poulsbo is about a 90-minute car and ferry ride northwest of Seattle.
Chiang Rai, October 9, 2024 – True Corporation, led by Mr. Manat Manavutiveth, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Prathet Tankuranun, Chief Technology Officer, have been closely monitoring the situation in the northernmost region of Thailand, visiting Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, to offer assistance and support to flood victims and providing various forms of aid to help alleviate the impact and restore the local community.
Focus on a Strong Network, Committed to Signal Maintenance
To ensure the safety of our customers, employees and partners, True is committed to providing a strong and stable network to coordinate relief efforts and reach emergency services. The company has implemented several measures, such as deploying mobile cell sites (COW) at emergency points and setting up free 24-hour “WiFi by True” services at evacuation centers and command centers for flood relief in Chiang Rai. On this visit, True management inspected the cell sites in Mae Sai and instructed the network team to maintain high-quality signals continuously, ensuring that the affected residents could stay connected even during the crisis. Despite having to relocate base stations urgently from disaster areas, the team’s strong spirit enabled them to complete the mission, establishing a new base station that later served as a refuge for residents and became a key distribution point for relief supplies.
Standing by Partners to Overcome Challenges Together
The executive team visited business partners affected by the floods in Chiang Rai, offering encouragement and implementing measures to support the recovery of their businesses. These efforts included compensation for lost or damaged SIM cards to minimize the impact on customers. Additionally, True provided food, drinking water, and survival kits to partners and residents. The company also organized a “Big Cleaning” activity with its employees, helping clean shops and surrounding areas so that partners could resume their operations as soon as possible. This effort underscores True’s commitment to standing by its partners, offering support and assistance to navigate through the crisis together.
Special Measures for Customers: “Technician Support – Assistance – Compensation”
Recognizing the difficulties faced by customers affected by the floods, True has introduced special measures to assist and relieve customers in the affected areas, including:
TrueMove H and dtac Customers
1.Extension of Service and Payment Period: Prepaid customers will receive an additional 7 days of service, with uninterrupted connectivity. Postpaid customers will also have an extension of 7 days for their bill payment due date.
2.Free 3GB Data for 3 Days: If customers experience service issues, True will send an SMS allowing them to claim 3GB of free internet data for 3 days, available for both True and dtac customers.
True Online Customers
1.Inspection and Replacement of Damaged Routers: For TrueOnline customers residing in flood-affected areas who experience service interruptions, True will reach out through the call center to inquire about their situation and determine the cause. If the router is found to be damaged, True will send a technician to replace it at no cost to the customer.
2.Free 10GB Data for 3 Days: If service issues are detected, True will notify customers via SMS, allowing them to claim 10GB of free internet data for 3 days.
3.Compensation for Service Interruptions Beyond 48 Hours: If a customer is unable to use the service for more than 48 hours, True will provide compensation by adjusting the charges according to the time when the service was unavailable, helping to reduce the burden on customers.
4.Extension of Payment Due Date: TrueOnline customers will receive an additional 7 days to pay their service bills.
TrueVisions Customers
Extension of Payment Due Date: TrueVisions customers will receive an additional 7 days to pay their service bills.
Donation Delivery to Mirror Foundation from True and dtac Customers
True has delivered the first donation of 280,510 baht, contributed by True and dtac customers between September 25 and October 4, 2024. The donations were made through the exchange of TruePoints and dtac Coins under the “True Across Thailand Helps Flood Victims” campaign, supporting the Mirror Foundation’s efforts. The donation was received by Mr. Sombat Boonngamanong, Founder and Director of the Mirror Foundation, and Mr. Akeluck Lumchomkhae, Director of the Mirror Foundation’s Missing Person Center, The Mirror Foundation, to aid those affected by floods in Northern Thailand. The campaign has been extended from October 9 to 18, 2024, allowing customers to continue participating in helping flood victims in a more accessible and timely manner.
Boosting Morale for Chiang Rai Employees with Relief Measures
On this occasion, True CEO Mr. Manat Manavutiveth visited True employees at the True Shop, recognizing their vital role in serving customers. The management offered encouragement and listened closely to the needs of employees impacted by the floods. The company has introduced various support measures to alleviate hardships and build confidence, enabling employees to return to work at their full potential. These measures include support for welfare and safety, assistance with temporary housing expenses and home repairs after the floodwaters recede, as well as providing survival kits. Additionally, in emergency situations where employees are unable to leave their residences, True will dispatch a boat to assist in evacuating them from the affected areas.
Mr. Manat Manavutiveth, CEO of True Corporation Plc., said that “In these challenging times, True Corporation remains committed to its role as a leading telecom and tech company, standing by our customers, partners, and employees. We understand the importance of providing swift and comprehensive assistance in maintaining communication networks, as well as in the recovery and support of those affected by the floods. In addition to the current relief measures, True plans to support the education sector by helping restore schools under the care of the CONNEXT ED Foundation in Chiang Rai and other flood-affected provinces. We believe that this collective effort will contribute to the rapid recovery of Chiang Rai Province, helping it return to normalcy soon.”
International contestants of Miss Grand International 2024 visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), one of Bangkok's landmarks, on October 8, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Chalathip Roongbour)
BANGKOK — The tumultuous dispute in the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant between the Thai organizing team and the Cambodian organizing team may cause some debate among netizens of the two countries. However, this dispute has not escalated widely because it’s understandable that this is merely a business conflict.
Miss Grand International 2024 cancelled Cambodia as its host country on October 7, saying that was due to the inability to fulfill requirements stipulated in the hosting agreement contract. Miss Grand Cambodia later issued a counter-statement saying it would no longer work with Miss Grand International.
This dramatic move resulted in 74 contestants from various nations being recalled to Thailand to restart the competition on October 8, but Sotheary Bee, Miss Grand Cambodia 2024 withdrew, due to the business conflict between both sides.
Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Grand International, gives a press conference on the Meridian Cruise ship, on October 8, 2024. He explains the reasons for cancelling Cambodia as the host of Miss Grand International 2024 and moving the pageant to Thailand.
The Thai organizers and the Cambodian organizers each held press conferences to explain their own reasons and to criticize the other side.
On Tuesday, Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Grand International and Miss Grand Thailand, expressed his profound disappointment and frustration with the Cambodian organizing team.
He admitted to a lack of due diligence in vetting the organizers, having assumed their financial stability and capability based on outward appearances. This assumption proved to be a critical misstep, as the reality of the situation fell far short of expectations.
The issues plaguing the event were numerous and varied. From the moment the contestants arrived at the airport, it became apparent that the promised preparations were inadequate. Basic elements such as backdrops, vinyl banners, and even proper security measures were conspicuously absent.
Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Grand International, poses cheerfully with the Miss Grand Cambodia team in July 2024, before the current dispute arose.
The problems extended beyond mere aesthetics. Promised attendance by high-profile individuals, including the Cambodian Minister of Tourism, failed to materialize. The expected crowd of 400 guests dwindled to a mere 20, and the promised media coverage from across Cambodia was non-existent.
These failures not only damaged the prestige of the event but also raised serious questions about the organizers’ credibility and connections.
Nawat described the boat trip as unbearable. He found the location was much farther than claimed. Despite the Cambodian team’s suggestion to cancel due to rain, MGI insisted on proceeding. When asked to see the boat, they were told it was already in the water, and then lost phone signal.
“Our team couldn’t find the boat, causing embarrassment. We frantically sought alternatives from locals. After solving the issue, I met them at the hotel. They berated my assistant, emotions escalated, and we felt unsafe. We immediately ended the discussion.”
Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Grand International, described this boat trip in Cambodia as unbearable.The organizing committee of Miss Grand International 2024 Cambodia reveals images to counter accusations regarding the boat arrangements for contestants, showing well-prepared food and venues.
Nawat’s criticisms of the Cambodian team were scathing. He questioned their experience in organizing national-level events and accused them of lacking creativity and responsibility. The director even went so far as to state that he was unafraid of potential legal action, suggesting a deep-seated frustration with the entire experience.
Throughout the press conference, Nawat emphasized that his criticism was directed solely at this particular organizing company and not at Cambodia or its people. He also stated that he did not want this to escalate into an international problem.
On the Cambodian side, Ms. Imm Sokunthea, Director General and Manager of Miss Grand Cambodia, held a press conference with her team, which lasted more than 3 hours. During several parts of the conference, the participants cried due to their sadness at being criticized and having their host status canceled.
The organizing committee of Miss Grand International 2024 Cambodia holds a press conference on October 9, 2024, after being stripped of their host status for the pageant.
The Cambodian team confirmed that regarding the boat trip activity, they had prepared another boat and food, but due to the rain, it arrived late, which made Nawat angry and took the contestants to another boat, which was just a regular tourist boat for sightseeing on the river, not the cruise ship that Cambodia had prepared.
“The Miss Grand Cambodia side was frustrated with having to meet many demands and requirements from Mr. Nawat,” Sokhunthea said. She cried while saying that she had already prepared everything in Siem Reap. All they did was to promote Cambodia to the world. She emphasized at the end that they were not at fault.
She also announced that she will do everything in her power to prevent the Miss Grand International beauty pageant from appearing in Cambodia in the coming years.
Miss Grand International (MGI PCL), founded in 2013 by Nawat Itsaragrisil, is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Initially focused solely on managing the Miss Grand Thailand and Miss Grand International pageants, the company expanded and diversified its operations in the late 2010s.
Today, MGI PCL encompasses a wide range of businesses across various industries, including advertisement, cosmetics, entertainment, events, health products, processed food, talent management, jewelry and aesthetic medicine.
The friends of the injured Indian tourist plead with the police, raising their hands in a wai gesture, asking for help in catching the man who assaulted their friend at Pattaya Beach on October 9, 2024.
PATTAYA — At 09:40 a.m. on October 9, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya City Rescue Radio Center received a report of a foreign tourist being assaulted and injured on Pattaya Beach, opposite Soi 13/4.
A screenshot from a video of the moment when the Indian man was punched and lay unconscious on the beach on October 9, 2024.
When the rescue team arrived, they found three Indian tourists helping their friend who was staggering, with blood covering his face and a severe gash on his left eyebrow. They were frantically asking for help for their injured friend, but refused the first aid. Instead they requested that the police be called to the scene. The rescue team then contacted the Pattaya City Police Station.
The Indian tourist’s friends pleaded with the police officers, raising their hands in a wai gesture, asking for help in catching the perpetrator. They agreed to have the injured person taken to the hospital, stating that they didn’t trust anyone other than the police.
The police then took the injured Indian man to Pattaya City Hospital and advised the group to file a formal complaint with the investigating officers to pursue legal action against the attacker.
Upon questioning, a Thai woman nicknamed “A” (pseudonym), aged around 25-30, a friend of the person who punched the Indian tourist, revealed that before the incident, they were sitting on the beach. A group of Indian tourists who had been drinking alcohol under a coconut tree approached them and asked to take pictures.
The Indian tourist and his friends allow Pattaya police to take them to the hospital.
Initially, she and her female friend allowed it without thinking much of it. The groups took turns taking photos, but on the fifth round, an Indian man approached again, this time embracing and groping them, touching one woman’s stomach and attempting to kiss her. This angered that woman’s husband, leading to an argument and the punch to the Indian man’s face.
A witness recorded a video of the moment when the Indian man was punched and lay unconscious on the beach, with narration suggested that the Indian group had harassed someone’s wife before being punched.
An elephant remains in the pens after the water level in the Elephant Nature Park dropped on October 6, 2024. (Photo: National Elephant Institute, under the Forest Industry Organization)
BANGKOK — As the floods recede in Chiang Mai, a tragedy involving two elephants from the Elephant Nature Park of the Save Elephant Foundation in Mae Taeng district has sparked a heated debate among elephant lovers, particularly over the evacuation of more than one hundred elephants and thousands of other animals.
Pang Fah Sai, aged 16, and Pang Ploy Tong, aged 40, were swept away by flash floods on October 3. Their bodies were found drowned 5 km from the Elephant Nature Park on October 5.
The death of these two elephants has led some people to criticize the delay in evacuation, despite other elephant camps having already evacuated all their elephants to safety. Even the Elephant Nature Park’s decision to bury the elephants’ remains near the riverbank has also been questioned by veterinarians, who warn that it may risk spreading pathogens into the river.
The body of Pang Ploy Tong, aged 40, lies among floodwater debris in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Chatkla Samnaingjam)
According to a report from the National Elephant Institute, under the Forest Industry Organization (2015-2024), there are 49 elephant camps (with 546 elephants) along the Mae Taeng River. Before the disaster, there were 118 elephants in the Elephant Nature Park. After the water receded, 106 female elephants and 10 male elephants were found, while 2 female elephants deceased.
One of the critics of the management of the Elephant Nature Park is Kanchana Silpa-archa, chairman of the advisory committee of the Chart Thai Pattana Party. Kanchana played a key role in the return of Plai Sak Surin, an elderly and ailing elephant from Sri Lanka to Thailand in 2023, and has continuously advocated for other elephants.
She explained that she did not want to harshly criticize the drowned elephants and the handling of sick and disabled elephants in this flooding incident in Chiang Mai. Otherwise, the veterinarians and various authorities would not have fully stepped in to help. Speaking as an animal lover, she urges improvements to reduce the loss of elephants and other animals.
FILE – Kanchana Silpa-archa, advisor to the Thai environment ministry, stands by the Asian elephant Sak Surin gifted by the Thai Royal family at the national zoological garden in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, June 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Kanchana pointed out that other camps had been warned about the flash floods and had moved their elephants to safety since late September. They heeded the warnings and had their mahouts evacuate the elephants. However, the Elephant Nature Park continued to receive tourists until October 4 and only canceled activities when the situation had already become critical.
She also pointed out that video clips and pictures show elephants wading through the floodwaters alone, including a blind elephant, suggesting that the park did not have specialized mahouts for each elephant. Instead, general mahouts oversaw the entire area, making it impossible to respond in time. Caring for the elephants requires control, especially in emergencies, but it must abide by the law and avoid cruelty.
“I would like to say that other elephant camps that use chains did not let their elephants die. They had removed the chains before the floods came. That is not the problem. The problem is the elephant management system that has to ensure access in emergencies. This park has not trained its elephants in the same way as other camps,” Kanchana said.
Saengduean Chailert, President of the Save Elephant Foundation, hugged to bid farewell to Pang Ploy Thong, aged 40, who died after being swept away by flash floods from the Elephant Nature Center in Kuet Chang Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, on October 5, 2024.
Meanwhile, Saengduean Chailert, President of the Save Elephant Foundation and founder of the Elephant Nature Park in Mae Taeng, responded in a post. She said she did not want to be part of the drama about the way her elephant care center looks after elephants, which has been going on for almost two decades. Many people have already been sued and sentenced by the court. So if something happens this time, she will leave it to her lawyer.
“Constructive criticism based on good reasoning is acceptable, and I am willing to listen and make improvements. However, when there is criticism filled with bias and falsehoods, I feel compelled to come forward and inform society of the truth,” she said.
Saengduean affirmed that at the center, there are actually more mahouts than elephants, and mahout meetings are held every two weeks. Regarding tours, they were booked in advance, even across years, with a clear calendar available on the website.
She added that the lessons learned from this loss are hard to forget and serve as a warning that future floods will be more severe. They will not allow this to happen to their “family” again.
For now, the task remains to search for the remaining elephants, dogs, cows, buffaloes and other animals and to care for the injured animals that have been relocated elsewhere. She thanked all the organizations and individuals who helped and provided the animals with food and medicine.
Currently, the center is buried under mud throughout the entire area. It will take months to clean and rebuild. Some of the elephant shelters have been destroyed by the floods, while many mahout families have lost their homes and are now seeking refuge elsewhere after their houses were washed away.
“We have to work tirelessly to get through this crisis. I am the head of this family and I am responsible for these people. I will only work for the voiceless animals,” she said.
An elephant remains in the pens after the water level in the Elephant Nature Park dropped on October 6, 2024. (Photo: National Elephant Institute, under the Forest Industry Organization)
However, it seems that the story she said she didn’t want to become drama will not end. Because on the morning of October 9, Saengduean posted a message announcing to Ms. Kanjana to come and take the two male elephants, Khun Dech and Dok Kaeo, that were previously left at her Elephant Nature Park to live elsewhere, which she thought was ” appropriate.”
Later, Ms. Kanchana posted about the history of rescuing both elephants more than ten years ago and bringing them to the Elephant Nature Center with admiration for Saengduean and this center at that time. She didn’t just bring the elephants there, but had provided a great deal of support, more than she had ever given to anyone before.
She thanked Saengduean for taking care of both elephants all along. However, she is now in the process of taking both elephants out.
Philippine's President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., left, shares a light moment with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, second left, as Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, second right, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh look on during the opening ceremony of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Vientiane, Laos, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — Southeast Asian leaders gathered in the capital of Laos on Wednesday for an annual regional forum that will focus on tackling the prolonged civil war in Myanmar and territorial tensions in the South China Sea, two key challenges that have long tested the bloc’s credibility.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit will also be followed by meetings with global powers including China, the United States and Russia, which are contending for influence in the region.
The timing of the meetings in Vientiane makes it likely that talks will also touch on the escalation of violence in the Middle East, although Southeast Asia has faced only indirect fallout.
ASEAN’s influence has historically been limited even among its own members, but the forum has often served as a platform for dialogues among superpowers looking to engage with the region.
From left to right, Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Aung Kyaw Moe, Philippine’s President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Laos’ President Thongloun Sisoulith, Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, and East Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao applaud after a photo session during the opening ceremony of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Vientiane, Laos, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
The 10 member states of ASEAN — Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei and Laos — will also hold talks with their dialogue partners from elsewhere in the region including Japan, South Korea, India and Australia on topics ranging from the economy, to climate change and energy.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone welcomed new leaders from Thailand and Singapore to the summit in his opening speech. He said Lao, one of the poorest countries in the bloc, aims to help members work together to manage geopolitical and economic challenges under its chairmanship.
“We help one another, and work together the ASEAN way,” he said. “We will discuss and strengthen cooperation between ASEAN members and other dialogue partners, along with upholding the unity and centrality of ASEAN.”
Thailand’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who took the premiership in August, is the bloc’s youngest leader at 38. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took over in May from Lee Hsien Loong, who stepped down after 20 years. Vietnam also has a new leader after President To Lam took office in August, but the country is being represented by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attends the 44th the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Minister in Vientiane, Laos, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, ASEAN’s biggest member, is skipping the forum as his successor Prabowo Subianto prepares to take office later this month, sending Vice President Ma’ruf Amin in his stead. It will also be the first overseas trip for Japan’s new prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, who was confirmed just last week.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will fill in for President Joe Biden at the meetings, while China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang.
Frayed U.S.-China relations, particularly over Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea, will be a major agenda item for Blinken, said Dan Kritenbrink, the top U.S. diplomat for Asia. He could not say if Blinken plans to hold separate meetings in Laos with Chinese officials.
“A number of (China)-related issues are likely to come up in the context of the ASEAN meetings, including the situation in the South China Sea and China’s continuing to take a number of escalatory and irresponsible steps designed to coerce and pressure many in the South China Sea claimants,” Kritenbrink said.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, right, waves at the media as Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, left, looks on during the retreat session of the 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Vientiane, Laos, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei , along with Taiwan have overlapping claims with China, which claims sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea and has become increasingly aggressive in attempts to enforce them. ASEAN members and China have been negotiating a code of conduct to govern behavior in the sea for years, but progress has been slow.
Chinese and Philippine vessels have clashed repeatedly this year, and Vietnam charged last week that Chinese forces assaulted its fishermen in disputed areas in the South China Sea. China has also sent patrol vessels to areas that Indonesia and Malaysia claim as exclusive economic zones. The Philippines, a longtime U.S. ally, has been critical of other ASEAN countries for not doing more to get China to back away.
Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman, research fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said there’s little chance of clear outcomes as those not in direct conflict with China — the region’s top trade and investment partner — will likely prioritize ties with Beijing,
“It is the preference for conflict avoidance while getting geostrategic benefits where possible,” he said. “In reality, national interests matter more than regional interests.”
ASEAN’s credibility has also been severely tested by the crisis in Myanmar, where close to 6,000 people have been killed and over 3 million displaced since the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military council, salutes on stage during a parade to commemorate Myanmar’s 79th Armed Forces Day, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Wednesday, March 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)
Myanmar’s junta has agreed to an ASEAN peace plan that calls for ceasefire and mediation, but hasn’t followed through as it continues battling pro-democracy guerillas and ethnic rebels. It’s widely believed that considerably less than half the country’s territory is under the army’s control.
Thailand is expected to host an informal regional consultation on the Myanmar crisis in December, although it is unclear who will attend from Myanmar. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balangura said the meeting will be open to all ASEAN members at a ministerial level and possible to countries with a shared border with Myanmar.
“Thailand is ready to coordinate to create a concerted ASEAN effort that will lead to peace in Myanmar,” he told reporters.
Myanmar sent Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Aung Kyaw Moe to the summit, its first high-level representative at the summit in three years, after ASEAN barred it from sending political representatives in late 2021.
Allowing a senior diplomat from Myanmar to join the meetings “will be perceived as ASEAN is compromising, confirming the concern that ASEAN is experiencing fatigue in dealing with the crisis,” said Lina Alexandra, senior researcher at Indonesia’s Centre for Strategic and International Studies. Chances for any significant breakthrough on the crisis remain slim, she said.
When the education sector becomes a crucial driving force in transferring knowledge to support the strength of the Digital Ecosystem in this new world, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, a part of the University of Southern California (USC), a leading U.S. institution, stands out as a leader in creativity and deep research in the media industry. Associate Professor David Craig, a world-renowned scholar in social media, who has received a global academic research grant from the Fulbright Foundation (Fulbright Scholar), has developed the research project “Thai Creator Culture.” This is part of the broader research into “Local Creator Cultures” in regions such as Southeast Asia, South America, and the Middle East. The study aims to understand how creators in these areas compete with creators from the other side of the globe. Professor Craig also partnered on this research with Assistant Professor Jess Salathong from Chulalongkorn University and Saittawut Matt Yutthawaorakool, a graduate student at Asian Institute of Technology.
This collaboration was introduced by Mr. Sarath Ratanavadi, CEO of Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, Vice Chairman of Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), and a member of the USC Annenberg Board of Councilors. Mr. Sarath places great importance on supporting industry networks and driving innovation in education to ensure that communication and media studies are modern and capable of adapting effectively to changes in the industry. This collaboration aims to answer the question of how creator culture will shape the future direction of the global economy and society.
As creators play an increasingly important role, studying to understand the characteristics of creators will allow digital technology to support them more effectively. This also helps connect with other ecosystems, with the main goal of enhancing work and creating new opportunities for the media industry and creators. It aims to enable them to showcase their potential and build upon their work on platforms and digital infrastructure efficiently.
The exchange of information and discussions during the Global Creator Culture Summit held in May 2024 between AIS and Professor David Craig marks the beginning of an open platform that provides highly valuable perspectives for the research mentioned above.
Professor David Craig stated, “What we have found is that today, creators are an influential group, serving as a key driver of the global economy. They have the potential to be both a ‘brand’ in their own right, creators of online communities, and generate O2O (online to offline) revenue from their own spaces, platforms, and other channels. Furthermore, they add economic value to surrounding industries as well, such as driving the development of mobile services and features, making them a central hub for creating economic value for related platforms and ecosystems. Therefore, this exchange and research collaboration has provided valuable insights that will help shape the future direction of the global economy and society in a concrete way.”
The “Thai Creator Culture” study revealed four major categories of Thai creators:
Commerce Creators: Blending product promotion, reviews, and direct sales, this group uses their influence to stimulate purchases through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and live sales.
Socio-Cultural Creators: Focused on social and cultural issues, these creators engage their audiences in discussions about identity, community, and societal change.
Multicultural and Diversity Creators: This group emphasizes diversity in race, gender, and culture, using their platforms to promote equality and inclusivity, such as LGBTQ creators.
Nomad Creators: Frequent travelers who produce content from their experiences, promoting local tourism and products to national and international audiences.
Beyond benefiting Thailand’s creative industries, this collaboration underscores the value of global partnerships that will drive digital economic growth. Through robust digital infrastructure and support for creators, AIS and USC Annenberg aim to enhance the competitive edge of Thailand’s digital ecosystem in the global market.
Police arrest a 35-year-old Taiwanese man surnamed Tsai and his 19-year-old Thai girlfriend, who were part of a gang selling drugs at parties in entertainment venues on October 5, 2024. The drugs were packaged in Shin-chan cartoon snack wrappers and colorful mango tea bags, found in their residence in the Minburi-Rom Klao area.
BANGKOK — Thai Metropolitan Police announced the arrest of 3 Taiwanese and 1 Thai teenage girl for drug trafficking in pubs and condos in the Minburi area. Drugs were disguised in Japanese cartoon Shin-chan bags and tea bags. Export orders to foreign countries were found.
After the Metropolitan Police received information from sources about foreigners frequently gathering for drug parties in secret groups in Bangkok, specifically in the Minburi and Rom Klao areas, an investigation revealed that this drug gang brought narcotics from neighboring countries in the north and stored them for distribution to party-goers in Bangkok, including both Thai and foreign customers.
Due to the large quantity of drugs, the police had to expand their investigation, eventually discovering that the drugs were being exported to Taiwan or third countries, especially ketamine, which is popular among foreign users and would have high value if smuggled out. The police then planned the arrest using a search warrant for the house first.
Police Major General Kiattikul Sonthinet, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 3 (center) displays tea bags containing drugs during a press conference announcing the seizure of a large quantity of international narcotics at the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Bangkok, on October 8.
On October 5 at 11:30 AM, while the arrest team was executing a search warrant at a house in Mantana Village, Srinakarin – Rom Klao, Minburi District, Bangkok, the occupants ran upstairs. Police followed and found a man and a woman in the bedroom.
A search uncovered ice (crystal meth), ecstasy, ketamine powder, pressed ketamine tablets, which some of these disguised in Japanese cartoon Crayon Shin-chan bags and Mango tea bags. They also seized a key and a keycard for a room at Supalai Condo in the Ramkhamhaeng area.
As the officers were about to search another room, a man jumped from the upper floor to escape but was caught by the police. A subsequent search of the downstairs bedroom revealed 1 kg of ketamine in a green tea bag, a number of Happy Water sachets, 1 bag of ice, ketamine powder in clear plastic bags, a ketamine tray, a ketamine grinder, a digital scale, and party equipment including sound systems and lighting.
The police then used the room keys and keycards to search the room at Supalai Condominium, where they found 276 bags of ketamine (1 kg each) hidden in green tea bags and 18 bags of Happy Water (1 kg each) in brown coffee bags.
On October 8, the Metropolitan Police held a press conference to announce the arrest of three Taiwanese suspects: Tsai (35), Hsieh (27), and Wang (41), along with a 19-year-old Thai woman, Miss Achisa. The arrests took place at Supalai Veranda Ramkhamhaeng Condominium in Bang Kapi District, Bangkok.
All suspects were arrested while possessing large quantities of drugs, including 277 kg of ketamine, 18 kg of Happy Water (methamphetamine), and 8.7 kg of ketamine powder in 13 bags. Other evidence included a white Toyota Alphard and a Yamaha Aerox motorcycle.
Police Major General Kiattikul Sonthinet, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 3, revealed that the suspect surnamed Tsai, nicknamed “A-Ke Sai Tee,” enjoys partying and drug use and is part of an international drug trafficking network with a Taiwanese leader. A-Ke’s wife is the Thai woman, Miss Achisa, a former PR girl at a bar who acted as a contact and drove to pick up ketamine and Happy Water using rental cars and the Toyota Alphard.
276 tea packages containing hidden drugs were discovered in the bathroom of the Taiwanese and Thai suspects’ at Supalai Condominium.
Hsieh and Wang were responsible for distributing ketamine to customers in entertainment venues and condos, as well as repackaging and concealing drugs for delivery to customers.
The police have initially charged all individuals with conspiracy to distribute Type 1 narcotics (methamphetamine or ice and Happy Water), which carries a penalty of 4-15 years imprisonment or a fine of 80,000-300,000 baht, or both.
The second charge is conspiracy to distribute Category 2 psychotropic substances (ketamine) with intent to sell, which is illegal for commercial purposes and contributes to the spread among the public and poses a security threat to the state. This offense carries a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 1,000,000 baht.
The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 was held at Sanam Luang, where participants could see the Grand Palace in the background.
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has unveiled the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025” initiative, aiming to establish Thailand as a premier global destination and increase tourism revenue to 3.4 trillion baht.
The campaign targets over 40 million international visitors and 205 million domestic trips by showcasing both popular and undiscovered locations across the country. Major tourism companies, including Grab, Agoda, Expedia, IHG, Marriott International, Trip.com Group, and Thai Airways, have pledged their support to revitalize the sector.
At a Government House roundtable on October 7, the prime minister engaged with senior executives from these companies to strategize on enhancing Thailand’s tourism industry. The campaign’s key elements include emphasizing unique cultural experiences through the “Thai Charms” theme and promoting lesser-known destinations via the “Hidden Gem Cities” strategy to distribute tourism benefits more equitably.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra poses for a group photo with executives from global platforms after participating in a round table meeting to support Thailand’s tourism industry at the Government House on October 7, 2024.Executives from global platforms participate in a round table meeting between the Thai government and executives from global platforms to support Thailand’s tourism industry at the Government House on October 7, 2024.
Additionally, the “Five Must-Do Activities” component encourages tourists to explore Thai cuisine, cultural heritage, local products, and vibrant festivals such as Loy Krathong and the newly introduced Thailand Winter Festival.
Private sector participants proposed a three-pronged approach focusing on enhancing the travel experience, promoting off-the-beaten-path attractions, and supporting Thailand’s role in hosting global festivals and mega-events. Their suggestions include integrating booking systems, improving public transportation, and leveraging technology to showcase local destinations.
The establishment of a Public-Private Tourism Taskforce was also recommended to strengthen collaboration and support the campaign’s objectives.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn expressed optimism that this collaboration with the private sector would attract more international visitors and generate economic opportunities for Thailand. She emphasized that efforts to position Thailand as a tourism hub are expected to contribute to sustainable growth and establish the country as a preferred destination for global travelers.
A family member mourns during the royally-bestowed cremation ceremony for victims of a school bus fire, at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School, Lan Sak, Uthai Thani province, Thailand, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Chavalit Panyong)
UTHAI THANI — Cries and grief echoed once again as relatives and friends bid farewell to 23 students and teachers at the royally-bestowed cremation ceremony held at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Lan Sak, Uthai Thani Province on October 8, 2024.
Since the shocking incident where a bus carrying students on a field trip caught fire on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Pathum Thani province on October 1, with 39 students and 6 teachers on board, 3 students are still being treated for injuries in hospitals in Pathum Thani and Bangkok.
Thousands of people attended this funeral, which in the morning included former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, ministers, politicians, government officials, and the public for a memorial service. In the afternoon, the royal cremation ceremony was held, with General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, presiding.
During the procession to the crematorium, the bright sunny sky suddenly darkened, and it rained lightly for 10 minutes, leading some attendees to say it was like tears of sorrow.
This fatal accident has led to ongoing investigations, legal proceedings, and preventive measures. Questions remain about whether the solutions will be sustainable after the funeral of these 23 lives, especially regarding law enforcement by state officials to prevent corruption or negligence that could lead to tragedies like this one.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra ordered in the cabinet meeting on October 8, before her official visit to Laos, that relevant agencies must inspect all 13,426 vehicles with CNG-NGV gas installations nationwide within 60 days. This includes 1,336 chartered buses, 5,967 public buses, and 6,123 vans and minibuses.
At a road safety meeting on October 7, 2024, the Prime Minister requests all relevant law enforcement agencies to meet and discuss updating outdated laws and regulations.
In a road safety meeting on October 7, the Prime Minister requested all relevant law enforcement agencies, including the Ministries of Transport, Interior, Public Health, Social Development and Human Security, and Education, to meet and discuss updating outdated laws and regulations. This includes studying public proposals for information dissemination, such as guidelines for using emergency equipment and exits on buses via social media.
“I want all sectors to cooperate, especially with the UN project, Mr. Jean Todt as UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, who will participate in activities this November. Private sector involvement through workshops with the government will address encountered problems, needed government assistance, and potential areas for joint development,” the Prime Minister said.
Portraits of victims of a school bus fire are placed in front of a cremation kiln at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School, Lan Sak, Uthai Thani province, Thailand, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Chavalit Panyong)
Additionally, the Marine Department was ordered to inspect all 15,000 passenger boats nationwide and 108 restaurant boats, checking energy systems related to cooking, gas tanks, and natural gas energy for safety.
Regarding the investigation into the bus fire, preliminary findings from the Department of Land Transport indicate that the cause was a broken axle due to excess weight from additional gas tanks. The vehicle involved should not have had more than 6 tanks, but 5 extra tanks were illegally installed.
