Staff from The Voice Foundation place dogs in cages to remove them from the house in Nimit Mai Alley, Bangkok, for medical care and to find them new homes.
BANGKOK — A retired man living alone with over 30 dogs passed away, leaving his dogs hungry for several days and in poor health in unsanitary conditions.
On July 27, Nimit Mai Police Station officers were notified of a body found in a two-story house in a village on Nimit Mai 40 Alley, Sam Wa Tawan Ok Subdistrict, Khlong Sam Wa District, Bangkok. Upon arrival, they found the house in a dirty state, with garbage strewn about and several small dogs in shabby condition. Dog feces were scattered throughout the room.
Forensic doctors and evidence examination officers identified the deceased as Attapol, aged 62, the homeowner. He was found dead beside his bed on the second floor, with no signs of assault. However, his left leg had been gnawed to the bone, likely by 5-6 dogs surrounding him. It’s estimated he had been dead for at least a week.
Dogs guard their owner’s body, which had been lying lifeless beside the bed for weeks, until officials discover it on July 27, 2024.
Sompong, a 53-year-old neighbor who reported the incident, said he became suspicious when Attapol’s car remained parked in front of the house for weeks, contrary to his daily routine of driving out for groceries. After ringing the doorbell with no response and seeing lights on inside, Sompong alerted the authorities.
Initially, officials assigned Ruamkatanyu Foundation to transfer the body for examination at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Police General Hospital. They also contacted The Voice Foundation, led by famous model Chonlada Mekrat, to take care of the remaining dogs in the house.
Staff from The Voice Foundation place dogs in cages to remove them from the house in Nimit Mai Alley, Bangkok, for medical care and to find them new homes, on July 27, 2024.
At 3:00 PM, The Voice Foundation team came to rescue all the dogs in the house, numbering over 30. Veterinarian Benjalak Leeprapaiwong examined the Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus, finding them all malnourished. Two dogs were particularly weak, requiring blood tests and other health checks. Some dogs had eye problems needing continuous treatment for 2 weeks to a month.
“All dogs are in concerning condition. We need to check if there are any complications besides malnutrition, as they were kept in unhygienic conditions with a lot of accumulated dog feces in the room,” the veterinarian said.
Staff from The Voice Foundation place dogs in cages to remove them from the house in Nimit Mai Alley, Bangkok, for medical care and to find them new homes, on July 27, 2024.
Supawadee Sritassanakan, an officer from The Voice Foundation, said that in 2021, a veterinarian caring for dogs at Attapol’s house asked the foundation to inspect the house because dogs were dying every week. The team inspected with police and livestock officers, finding 44-46 dogs.
During that inspection, the foundation offered to neuter over 20 dogs to help manage the population, but Attapol filed a trespassing complaint. After negotiations at Nimit Mai Police Station, the neutered dogs were returned.
Attapol then agreed with the foundation that if he died, he would entrust the dogs to the foundation’s care. The case was suspended at that time. Today, they were notified by rescue workers to take care of over 30 dogs in the house.
The foundation is now seeking people interested in adopting these dogs. Those interested can contact The Voice Foundation at phone number: 098-878-8477.
Committee Members of the World Heritage Committee inscribe 'Phu Phrabat' on the World Heritage List on July 27, 2024.
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a keynote address via a teleconference on July 27, 2024 at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee following the decision made by Committee Members of the World Heritage Centre to inscribe “Phu Phrabat” on the World Heritage List.
The event took place at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre, New Delhi, Republic of India. Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke disclosed gist as follows:
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation toward the Committee Members of the World Heritage Centre, and the Advisory Bodies for recognizing the Outstanding Universal Value of “Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sima stone tradition of the Dvaravati period”, which led to its inscription on the World Heritage List.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivers keynote address to express Thailand’s appreciation on inscription of “Phu Phrabat” on World Heritage List on July 27, 2024.
With Phu Phrabat’s inscription, Thailand’s World Heritage List now includes five cultural and three natural sites. Udon Thani, where this new site is located, is now the only province in Thailand that is home to two World Heritage Sites.
According to the Prime Minister, the Phu Phrabat site consists of Phu Phrabat Historical Park and the Sima cultural sites. It represents the Sima stone tradition from the Dvaravati period, dating back to around the 8th Century, and preserves the largest corpus of Sima stones in the world.
The inscription of Phu Phrabat on the World Heritage List today is not only significant to Thailand, but it will also benefit future generations. This will bring forth conservation, restoration, and protection efforts at all levels, as well as contributions in academic research in the interest of humankind.
In closing, the Prime Minister stated that he looked forward to welcoming everyone to Thailand to visit the country’s newly inscribed World Heritage Site.
Committee Members of the World Heritage Committee inscribe ‘Phu Phrabat’ on the World Heritage List on July 27, 2024.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is located on a small sandstone mountain in the Phu Phan mountain range, Ban Phue District, in the western part of Udon Thani Province. It is situated within the Khuea Nam National Forest Reserve, at an elevation of approximately 320-350 meters above sea level. The landscape is characterized by large rock shelters scattered throughout the dense forest area.
These unusually shaped rock shelters were formed by glacial movement during the Mesozoic-Cretaceous period and differential erosion of rock layers. This resulted in large flat rocks resting on one or more stone pillars of varying heights, resembling giant mushrooms scattered throughout the mountainous area.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is unique compared to other historical parks because most of the ancient structures found in the park are naturally formed. These structures were created by natural processes that altered the area’s geomorphology before humans in the past adapted them to serve their cultural needs in different periods.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is located on a small sandstone mountain in the Phu Phan mountain range, Ban Phue District, in the western part of Udon Thani Province.Committee Members of the World Heritage Committee inscribe ‘Phu Phrabat’ on the World Heritage List on July 27, 2024.
The unusual rock formations in the park include spires, massive boulders and balanced rocks and form the backdrop for the prehistoric art and religious shrines created there. The geological origins of these rocks are thought to be from under-sea erosion that occurred fifteen million years ago.
Prehistoric art paintings on the rocks can best be seen where some rocks have formed a natural shelter. Others have faded considerably. The formations named Tham Wua and Tham Khon are particularly good examples; in the former oxen are depicted, the latter has huma n figures. The park’s rock paintings are believed to date from 6,000 years ago.
Phu Phra Bat’s rock formations are the setting for a local legend about a king, his daughter and her suitor. The park’s most striking rock formation, Ho Nang Usa, is where the overprotective king forced his beautiful daughter to live. Despite her confinement, she was able to get a message out to her suitor prince and the two were married in defiance of her father.
Ho Nang Usa is one of a number of the rock formations where a shrine has been constructed. Early shrines date to the Dvaravati period in the seventh to tenth centuries. Shrines feature Hindu and Buddhist influences.
Ho Nang Usa is one of a number of the rock formations where a shrine has been constructed.
Thailand submitted documents for Phu Phra Bat Historical Park to be registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2004, over 20 years ago. It finally succeeded in being declared a World Cultural Heritage site in 2024.
The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee is held during July 21-31, 2024 in New Delhi, Republic of India. At the session, two Thailand’s heritage sites have been included in the agendas:
1) Deliberation on inclusion of Songkhla and its Associated Lagoon Settlements in the the World Heritage Centre’s Tentative Lists
2) Deliberation on inscription of the Phu Phrabat Historical Park and proposal of title change to “Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sima stone tradition of the Dvaravati period” on the World Heritage List (Cultural Landscape) for its Outstanding Universal Value.
International tourists walk to board a boat from Pattaya to Koh Larn on July 28. 2024.
BANGKOK — The Thai economy is expected to grow 2.7% in 2024, according to increased government estimates; tourism and exports lead the rise, without the digital wallet scheme.
Paopoom Rojanasakul, Deputy Minister of Finance, announced on Friday that the estimated growth of the Thai economy in 2024 is expected to be 2.7 percent, an increase from the previous estimate of 2.4 percent, due to tourism, exports, and private consumption.
He emphasized that the GDP estimate does not include the expected impact of the Digital Wallet project.
The Finance Ministry’s preliminary estimate on April 10, 2024, suggested that the Digital Wallet project alone could boost economic growth by 1.2-1.8 percent over the project’s duration, depending on the source of funds, project conditions, the number of participants, and spending behavior of beneficiaries.
General inflation is expected to be 0.6 percent per year, he said. The service balance surplus is driven by the increase in the number of foreign tourists, with the current account balance surplus expected to be 11.0 billion USD or 2.4 percent of GDP in 2024.
“Visa-Free Policy’ Is Showing Results
The economy will be supported by the tourism sector, with both the number of tourists and spending per tourist exceeding previous estimates. The number of foreign tourists is expected to reach 36 million in 2024, an annual increase of 27.9 percent compared to the previous estimate of 35.7 million.
The average spend per tourist is expected to be 47,000 baht per trip, up from the previous estimate of 44,600 baht. This increase is partly due to the visa waiver for 93 countries and the higher proportion of tourists from high-spending countries. Overall, the tourism sector is expected to generate over 1.69 trillion baht in 2024, an increase of 37.4 percent.
International tourists are waiting to board a boat from Pattaya to Koh Larn on July 21. 2024.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted a message on July 27 that the government’s Visa Exemption policy is already showing results, with tourist numbers from Taiwan and India entering Thailand reaching record highs compared to post-COVID figures, and trending to surpass 2019 levels as well.
“Our measure to exempt visas for Indian and Taiwanese tourists, extending their stay to 60 days since late 2023 and continuing the project until November 11, 2024, along with cooperation from all sectors, is contributing to the continuous recovery of tourism. In just half of 2024, we’ve already increased tourists from a major market like India by more than 30%, and we expect this to reach 2 million people by the end of this year,” the Prime Minister said.
He also mentioned that the government has extended the 60-day stay to 93 more countries, which will increase the number of tourists with high per-capita spending. Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is preparing activities to attract tourists from each country throughout every month.
“I urge the tourism sector to be prepared. Today, Thailand’s big door is open,” the Prime Minister stated.
Figures Don’t Align with People’s Feelings
Exports are showing better-than-expected growth, projected to grow by 2.7 percent, up from the previous estimate of 2.3 percent. Demand from major trading partners, particularly the USA, China, and the Eurozone, has improved. The GDP of the top 15 trading partners is expected to grow by 3.2 percent, up from the previous estimate of 3.1 percent.
Private consumption is expected to grow by 4.5 percent, compared to the previous estimate of 3.5 percent. This is partly due to an 8 percent increase in farmers’ income and a 3.6 percent increase in real VAT, indicating increased spending and money circulation in the economy. This growth is supported by continued fiscal measures and government credit and liquidity measures.
However, Phaopoom admitted that the increased economic forecast figures do not align with the feelings of many citizens, who face high costs of living and economic hardship. This sentiment is reflected through the representatives of the people, both from opposition parties and government parties.
“The expansion of the Thai economy has improved beyond the forecast made this April. However, we must acknowledge that this may contradict the feelings of some people who feel that the economy is still not doing well. This is because the recovery of the Thai economy has a K-shaped characteristic, where economic growth is not evenly distributed. Therefore, the government aims to improve this situation further to help reduce income inequality among the country’s population,” he said.
Athletes travel by boat along the Seine river during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
PARIS (AP) — Celebrating its reputation as a cradle of revolution, Paris kicked off its first Summer Olympics in a century on Friday with a rain-soaked, rule-breaking opening ceremony studded with stars and fantasy along the Seine River.
On-and-off showers did not seem to hamper the enthusiasm of the Olympians, with some holding umbrellas as they rode on boats down the river in a showcase of the city’s resilience as authorities dealt with suspected acts of sabotage targeting France’s high-speed rail network.
Widespread travel disruptions triggered by what French officials called coordinated arson attacks on high-speed rail lines as well as the weather had dampened the mood ahead of the ceremony.
Ceremonial smoke in the colors of the France flag appear over the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Crowds crammed along the Seine’s banks and bridges and watching from balconies “oohed” and “aahed” as Olympic teams paraded in boats down the waterway. Undeterred from the festivities, many of the hundreds of thousands of spectators huddled under umbrellas and jackets as the rain intensified, though some dashed from their seats to seek shelter.
As global audiences tuned in, Paris put its best foot forward — quite literally, with a spectacular launch that lifted spirits and joyous French cancan dancers featured early on. A humorous short film featured soccer icon Zinedine Zidane. Plumes of French blue, white and red smoke followed. And Lady Gaga sang, in French, with dancers shaking pink plumed pompoms, adding a cabaret feel to what is expected to be a more than three-hour show.
French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura, the most listened-to French-speaking artist in the world, sang her hit “Djadja” accompanied by the orchestra of the French Republican Guard. She emerged from a pyrotechnic display, wearing an all-gold outfit as she performed with a Republican guard band of the French army.
Lady Gaga performs in Paris, France, ahead the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Merging the elements of opera and rock metal music on the global stage, band Gojira brought their progressive and technical death metal style, while singer Marina Viotti inserted her mezzo-soprano vocals.
With the opening ceremony, the stakes for France were immense. Dozens of heads of state and government were in town and the world was watching as Paris turned itself into a giant open-air theater. Along the Siene, iconic monuments became stages for dancers, singers and other artists.
The sprawling ceremony gave organizers bigger crowds to transport, organize and safeguard than would have been the case if they’d followed the example of previous Olympic host cities that opened with stadium shows.
Still, as the show got underway, optimism soared that Paris – true to its motto that speaks of being unsinkable – might just see its gambles pay off.
Paris organizers said 6,800 of the 10,500 athletes would attend before they embark on the next 16 days of competition.
The boats carrying the Olympic teams started the parade by breaking through curtains of water that cascaded down from Austerlitz Bridge, the start of the 6-kilometer (nearly 4-mile) parade route. The jetting waters were a wink at the splendid fountains of Versailles Palace, now the venue for Olympic equestrian competitions.
A boat with the delegations from Dominica, Egypt and El Salvador sails past the passerelle Debilly footbridge on the river Seine during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Luis Robayo/Pool Photo via AP)Athletes from Thailand react as the travel by boar down the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Per Olympic protocol, the first boat carried athletes from Greece, birthplace of the ancient Games. It was followed by the Olympic team of refugee athletes and then, the other nations in French alphabetical order.
Usually during Olympic opening ceremonies, the parade of athletes takes place during a pause in the razzmatazz. But Paris shattered that tradition by having the parade and pageantry at the same time, blending sports and artistic expression.
Some spectators who followed organizers’ advice to arrive well ahead of time along the ceremony route fumed over long waits to get to their seats.
“Paris has been great, anything to do with the Olympics and dissemination of information has been horrible,” said Tony Gawne, a 54-year-old Texan who turned up six hours in advance with his wife.
“When you spend $6,000 on two tickets, well, that’s a little frustrating.”
But Paris had plenty of aces up its sleeve. The Eiffel Tower, its head still visible below the clouds, Notre Dame Cathedral — restored from the ashes of its 2019 fire — the Louvre Museum and other iconic monuments will star in the opening ceremony. Award-winning theater director Thomas Jolly, the show’s creative mind, was using the signature Paris cityscape of zinc-grey rooftops as the playground for his imagination.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron, righ, and IOC President Thomas Bach wave as they arrive for the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Loic Venance/Pool Photo via AP)
His task: Tell the story of France, its people, their history and essence in a way that leaves an indelible imprint on Olympic audiences. Refresh the image and self-confidence of the French capital that was repeatedly struck by deadly extremist attacks in 2015. Capture how Paris is also aiming to reboot the Olympics, with Summer Games it has worked to make more appealing and sustainable.
It’s a big ask. So Paris is going big, very big. That goes for the security, too. Large fenced-off stretches of central Paris were locked down to those without passes and the skies during the ceremony were a no-fly zone for 150 kilometers (93 miles) around.
Many details of the spectacle that will stretch through sunset and into the Paris night had remained closely guarded secrets to preserve the wow factor.
Zidane, who led France to World Cup ecstasy in 1998, was among the guesses for who might light the Olympic cauldron. Another suggestion is that organizers might bestow that honor on survivors of the 2015 attacks by Islamic State-group gunmen and suicide bombers who killed 130 people in and around Paris.
The identity of the final torch bearers has been the country’s biggest secret. Chief Paris Games organizer Tony Estanguet said Friday morning that only he knows “the personality or athlete” and that he still hadn’t told that person.
“I plan to tell the last carrier today,” he said. “He or she doesn’t know.”
The ceremony’s broad-brush strokes have been previously announced and are stunning in their ambition. French President Emmanuel Macron said they initially felt like “a crazy and not very serious idea.”
This aerial photo shows the Invalides with the river Seine in the foreground in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Lionel Bonaventure/Pool Photo via AP)
During the athletes’ waterborne adventure, Paris’ splendors unfurled before them. They were passing historic landmarks that have been temporarily transformed into arenas for Olympic sports.
Concorde Plaza, where French revolutionaries guillotined King Louis XVI and other royals, now hosting skateboarding and other sports, and the Grand Palais of iron, stone and glass, the fencing and taekwondo venue.
The golden-domed resting place of Napoléon Bonaparte, the backdrop for Olympic archery, and the Eiffel Tower, which donated chunks of iron that have been inlaid in the gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals. They’ll be won in the 32 sports’ 329 medal events.
Up to 45,000 police and gendarmes, plus 10,000 soldiers, were safeguarding the ceremony and its VIP guests, with IOC President Thomas Bach and Macron presiding.
Paris’ aim, said Estanguet, is “to show to the whole world and to all of the French that in this country, we’re capable of exceptional things.”
Pattaya police officers intercept motorcycles disturbing residents in South Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on July 26, 2024.
PATTAYA — A group of foreigners in Pattaya who caused disturbance to local residents by riding motorcycles back and forth while honking horns and revving engines loudly was confronted by 10 patrol police officers around 5 a.m. on Friday.
On July 26, officers deployed forces to intercept motorcycles disturbing residents in this area, both at the entrance and end of VC Soi, South Pattaya, Moo 10, Nongprue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
They set up checkpoints to inspect the motorcycles. Most were rental motorcycles, some modified with loud exhaust pipes.
Officers confiscated 10 motorcycles of this type and stored them, waiting for the owners to bring documents to reclaim their vehicles and pay fines according to the Traffic Act.
Pattaya police officers intercept motorcycles disturbing residents in South Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on July 26, 2024.Officers confiscate 10 motorcycles modified with loud exhaust pipes on July 26, 2024.
The reporter also noted that while on-site, a group of foreign youths, aged approximately 18-25 years, attempted to surround the patrol officers and offered 2,000-3,000 baht to release the seized motorcycles. However, the officers refused and instead advised them to return to their accommodations and contact the police station to pay the full fines as per the Traffic Act.
Previously, police had conducted the same operation in this area on July 24. They focused more on public relations and warning tourists, mostly Kuwaitis, about their driving behavior, such as prohibiting reckless driving, revving engines, making loud noises, and causing disturbances to residents in the vicinity.
Police officers also enforced the law by arresting those violating the Traffic Act and confiscating dozens of motorcycles for inspection. But just two days later, groups of foreign youths continued to exhibit the same behavior, forcing the police to increase their enforcement measures.
Police officers examine evidence inside the room of the 77-year-old American man who was found dead on July 26, 2024.
CHANTHABURI — A 77-year-old American tourist was found dead in his apartment room in Chanthaburi city. Police sent the body for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, suspecting it may be due to chronic health conditions.
On July 26, the Sawang Katanyutham Foundation’s rescue radio center in Chanthaburi notified the Mueang Chanthaburi Police Station about a foreign tourist found dead in his room for unknown reasons at an apartment complex in the city district. Police were dispatched to investigate along with immigration officers and a forensic doctor from Prapokklao Hospital.
The room was on the 5th floor of the apartment building. The deceased’s body was found next to the bed in the bedroom, unclothed. There were no signs of physical assault or accident on the body. The forensic doctor estimated that death had occurred about 2 days prior.
Inside the room, packages of medication for chronic conditions were found on the bed. Personal belongings were in normal condition.
According to Police Lieutenant Thanachot Promtha, the investigator on duty, the deceased was identified as Mr. Steven, a 77-year-old American citizen holding a tourist visa. He was described as a retired government official.
The deceased American’s room was on the 5th floor of the apartment building.
Ms. Iam, who looked after Mr. Steven and lived in the room across from him, provided information that he had been traveling in Thailand and living in that room for several years. Recently, he had been suffering from various health issues, including an enlarged prostate and lymph node problems. She had tried to take him for treatment and contacted his relatives to inform them.
Ms. Iam also mentioned that the deceased often refused to cooperate in seeking medical treatment. The last time she saw him was on July 16, when he appeared weak. She tried to persuade him to go to the hospital for treatment, but he refused. They didn’t see each other after that as she had to take care of her grandchild.
It wasn’t until this morning when she came to check on the room that she found Mr. Steven had passed away. She then notified the authorities.
Rescue workers have taken the body for a detailed autopsy to determine the cause of death. They will also contact the relatives for further proceedings.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra celebrates his 75th birthday on July 26, 2024 at Chan Song La house, surrounded by family members and close associates.
BANGKOK — Not only did former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra express happiness during his birthday celebrations over these three days, but the parties and the interview he gave to the media also sent political messages.
On July 26, Thaksin celebrated his 75th birthday at his Chan Song La residence in Bangkok, following the previous two parties in the past three days. It was the first time in 17 years that he had celebrated his birthday in Thailand since he returned to his homeland on August 22, 2023.
He said that there is no place like home, where he has family, friends, familiar food, culture, and surroundings; therefore, he has been truly happy.
“Today I made merit by inviting respected monks to chant blessings and give alms. I enjoyed a simple meal with close friends, including politicians, businessmen and family members. It was a very happy atmosphere. (Close associates) did not need to book air tickets, such as Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Pheu Thai Party leader, who usually has to fly to see me,” Thaksin said.
Thaksin Shinawatra gives an interview to the media at Chan Song La house, where his 75th birthday celebration was held on July 26.
Political and business allies close to him and his family attended the events. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chantrarawong, Minister of Social Development and Human Security Varawut Silpa-archa, Chairman of the Chart Pattana Party Suwat Liptapanlop, Chairman of the Board of Gulf Energy Development Sarath Ratanavadi, and Chairman of BTS Group Holdings Keeree Kanjanapas.
However, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was not present at any of the parties.
Backup Plan for Court’s Ruling on Srettha
Prime Minister Srettha said at Don Mueang Air Force Base that he was preoccupied with work, so he was unable to wish Thaksin Shinawatra a happy birthday in person today. He added that he had called Thaksin this morning, but Thaksin was unable to answer the phone as he was in the middle of a merit-making ceremony.
Srettha had previously visited Thaksin at Chan Song La house last year, but he has not shown any indication of appointing Thaksin to a political advisory position. He himself is awaiting the Constitutional Court’s ruling on a case filed by former senators to determine whether the appointment of Mr. Pichit Chuenbaan as a minister would result in Srettha’s removal from office.
Thaksin said that the Prime Minister acted with sincerity and straightforwardness, with no complications. He believed that Srettha could explain everything and that there shouldn’t be any concerns.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attends a police committee meeting at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters and reveals that he hasn’t had the opportunity to personally wish Thaksin Shinawatra a happy birthday today, July 26, 2024.
When asked if it was necessary to have a backup plan, Thaksin said, “I can’t be Prime Minister anymore. I’m old and my working time is over. Besides qualifications, my working time is over. My duty is to give advice and encouragement.”
When reporters asked about the trip he and his daughter, Paetongtarn, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, took to relax at Anutin’s resort in Khao Yai, and whether it was a ‘Khao Yai Pact’ preparing for political changes, Thaksin said it was not.
He stated that the issue of pacts had already caused him trouble once before. In reality, there was nothing to it. Although he is a veteran politician, his duty now is to create reconciliation to strengthen politics and allow the country to move forward, rather than to perform other roles.
Restoring Economic Confidence
When reporters mentioned the current popularity of the song ‘Missing Uncle Tu,’ which refers to former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, as some people were comparing the current economic situation to that of the previous government, Thaksin said, ‘General Prayuth Chan-o-cha is now a Privy Councillor. He won’t return to politics. Let’s not do anything to tarnish his reputation.
Thaksin said that he is also concerned about the economy. Today, ordinary people are struggling. He suggested that everyone should work together to quickly revitalize the country and restore confidence.
“In a capitalist economic system, confidence, credibility, and trust are crucial. If confidence can be restored, money will flow in naturally. Without confidence and credibility, money will disappear completely. Today, many people are in debt. We need to cast a spell to bring money back in,” he said.
He emphasized that Pheu Thai is the only party that can fix this situation, saying, ‘In truth, if our party can’t fix it, no one can, because our party has extensive experience.’
A Matter of a Father Advising His Daughter
When reporters asked if there was a chance he would accept a political position, Thaksin said, ‘There’s nothing. My salary (senior citizen welfare payment) is now 700 baht, so what position could I possibly take?’ When asked if he would take on a role in the Pheu Thai Party to help Ms. Paetongtarn, Thaksin said it was a matter of a father advising his daughter.
Thaksin also stated that this year is a meaningful and joyful year because in two days Thai people are celebrating the 72nd birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand and he will celebrate with his fellow Thais, which make him very happy.
Thaksin Shinawatra and his family pose for a family photos at Chan Song La house, where his 75th birthday celebration was held on July 26, 2024.Former premier Yingluck Shinwatra on Friday posts a message on social media wishing her older brother, Thaksin Shinwatra a happy 75th birthday.
When asked if he had any birthday wishes for himself, Thaksin said that health was the most important thing. Everyone who is older than 55 should start taking care of their health because it is crucial for life. If you have energy, you can make an important contribution to the country. If you maintain good physical health and a sharp mind, you can help the nation.
When asked what gifts his children had given him, Thaksin replied, “My children did not like the foyer, so they put money together to buy me a piano to keep me company, even though I can’t play it. I will have it played by a ghost.”
Ms. Paetongtarn, in an interview about her father’s birthday wishes, said that she had wished every year for him to return to Thailand. Now that the wish has come true, everyone who came today has always visited their father. Today, he should be happy to be here among those who love him. Everything comes down to the heart, which is the most important thing.
As for the family member who is very close to Thaksin but couldn’t attend this event due to still being in exile abroad, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra posted a photo of herself with Thaksin and wished him: ‘Happy 75th birthday, my dearest brother. This year is a “perfect year” for you. May you be in good health and happy always.’
PHUKET — GO Wholesale, a food wholesale center under Central Retail Corporation (CRC), has proudly launched its inaugural branch in the southern region of Thailand, located in Rawai, Phuket.
This new establishment aims to create a comprehensive “Food Paradise,” offering extensive member benefits while playing a pivotal role in stimulating the local economy.
The opening ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of VDC Col. Adul Chutong, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province.
Mrs. Suchada Ithijarukul, CEO Group Thailand & International, Central Food Wholesales Limited, stated that the Go Wholesale, Rawai branch in Phuket is the first to open in the southern region and marks the 8th branch in Thailand.
Spanning over 5,000 square meters, the branch houses more than 10,000 products and embodies the concept of a food paradise,” with a significant emphasis on fresh and frozen food, solidifying its reputation as the House of Fresh.
This newly opened branch is set to support the economic expansion of the province, which is a major world-class tourist destination and has been promoted as part of Thailand’s soft power in the food sector.
“Phuket has immense growth potential, particularly in the tourism sector, leading to the proliferation of restaurants, hotels, HoReCa businesses, street food vendors, and small retail stores. GO Wholesale, as a food wholesale center under Central Retail Corporation (CRC), aims to inspire entrepreneurs in Rawai and nearby provinces to explore innovative business opportunities. Our membership system offers extensive benefits to all customer groups, provided by GO Wholesale and its affiliates,” she said.
Furthermore, GO Wholesale places great importance on supporting agricultural products and creating stable employment opportunities, with over 80% of the employees at the Rawai branch being local to Phuket and neighboring provinces. The company supports Thai farmers by purchasing local agricultural products such as Phuket lobsters, blue swimming crabs, tiger prawns, Phuket pineapples, and hydroponic vegetables, fostering sustainable jobs and income for the community.
Additionally, GO Wholesale consistently organizes environmental care campaigns and recently donated 40 waste separation bins, each with a capacity of 120 liters, to the Rawai Municipality for placement in key tourist and community areas.
To commemorate the opening of the Rawai branch, GO Wholesale offers new members a free discount coupon worth 1,000 baht, a large shopping bag for purchases of 3,000 baht, an apron with a unique design for purchases of 4,500 baht, and various other promotions, discounts, exchanges, giveaways, and more.
In 2024, Phuket is expected to generate substantial income from tourism, positively impacting the local business sector. This growth will benefit restaurants, small retail stores, HoReCa businesses, service providers, and street food vendors, all of which are preparing to capitalize on the increasing tourism and the government’s ongoing economic stimulus measures.
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A large Chinese advertisement is posted on a four-storey commercial building in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima city.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — The Chinese supermarket with a large Chinese advertisement in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima city, which attracted widespread attention and criticism on social media, is closing while being inspected.
This advertisement, posted on a four-storey commercial building along Ratchadamnoen Road about 500 meters from the province’s landmark Thao Suranaree Monument, used Chinese text to advertise Chinese food, snacks, spices, dried foods, frozen foods, and other goods, along with a contact number and the single Thai word “Chinese supermarket.”
Several government agencies, including the tourism police, the provincial health department and the Nakhon Ratchasima provincial trade office, inspected the supermarket on July 24 and 25.
Inside the Chinese supermarket in Nakhon Ratchasima
On July 26, Mr. Jirasak Sriphet, the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Trade Commissioner, stated that his office had requested an inspection regarding the business license as a legal entity. It was found that the supermarket has a valid business license registered under the name “Wang Zhong Wang Chinese Supermarket Co., Ltd.” with three shareholders who are all Thai nationals and not foreigners.
All of the store’s employees are also Thai, and the goods in the store are sourced from stores in the Yaowarat district of Bangkok, not directly from China.
The Chinese Supermarket in the heart of Korat closed on July 26, after it had been inspected since July 24, 2024.
Authorities affiliated with the Ministry of Commerce have been reviewing price tags, as required by law, to ensure that consumers are aware of the prices they can decide on. The Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality controls signboard taxes, while other taxes are reviewed by the Ministry of Finance. When it comes to product labels and compliance with FDA standards, the provincial health department will review them later.
The inspection was conducted within the scope of their legal authority and should not cause any trouble. If any violations are found, the appropriate legal action will be taken. It may be that the supermarket has been temporarily closed because the owner or manager was concerned by the inspections. The public and the store should not be alarmed or concerned.
Passengers queue at the Eurostar terminal at St. Pancras station in central London, Friday July 26, 2024. (James Manning/PA via AP)
PARIS (AP) — France’s high-speed rail network was hit Friday with widespread and “criminal” acts of vandalism including arson attacks, paralyzing travel to Paris from across the rest of France and Europe only hours before the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics.
French officials described the attacks as “criminal actions” and said they were investigating whether they were linked to the Olympic Games. The disruptions as the world’s eye was turning to Paris were expected to affect a quarter of a million people on Friday and endure through the weekend, and possibly longer, officials said.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal wrote on the social media platform X that France’s intelligence services have been mobilized to find the perpetrators.
Attal characterized them as “acts of sabotage,” which were “prepared and coordinated.”
There were no known reports of injuries.
The National Jurisdiction for the Fight against Organized Crime is handling it.
The prosecutor’s office said it had “jurisdiction over crimes involving the deterioration of property that threaten the fundamental interests of the nation.”
This crime, it added, carried a potential 15-year sentence and fines of 225,000 euros.
Further, it said crimes involving “degradation and attempted degradation by dangerous means in an organized group” can carry a 20-year prison sentence and fines of 150,000 euros.
Travelers check trains on an electronic board at the Gare de Montparnasse, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. Hours away from the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics, high-speed rail traffic to the French capital was severely disrupted on Friday following what officials described as “criminal actions” and sabotage. (AP Photo/Yasin Dar)
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete described people fleeing from the scene of fires and the discovery of incendiary devices. “Everything indicates that these are criminal fires,” he said.
The incidents paralyzed several high-speed lines linking Paris to the rest of France and to neighboring countries, Vergriete said, speaking on BFM television, Vergriete.
The French national rail company SNCF said that areas affecting rail track intersections were intentionally targeted by the arsonists in the overnight attacks to double the impact.
“For one fire, two destinations were hit,” the company’s CEO, Jean-Pierre Farandou.
It was “a premeditated, calculated, coordinated attack” that indicates “a desire to seriously harm” the French people, Farandou said.
The attack occurred against a backdrop of global tensions and heightened security measures as the city prepared for the 2024 Olympic Games. Many travelers were planning to converge on the capital for the opening ceremony, and many vacationers were also in transit.
As Paris authorities geared up for a spectacular parade on and along the Seine River, three fires were reported near the tracks on the high-speed lines of Atlantique, Nord and Est. The disruptions particularly affected Paris’ major Montparnasse station, where the station’s hall was full of travelers.
The Paris police prefecture “concentrated its personnel in Parisian train stations” after the “massive attack” that paralyzed the TGV high-speed network, Laurent Nuñez, the Paris police chief, told France Info television.
Many passengers at the Gare du Nord, one of Europe’s busiest train stations, were looking for answers and solutions on Friday morning. All eyes were on the central message boards as most services to northern France, Belgium and the United Kingdom were delayed.
“It’s a hell of a way to start the Olympics,” said Sarah Moseley, 42, as she learned that her train to London was an hour late.
“They should have more information for tourists, especially if it’s a malicious attack,” said Corey Grainger, a 37-year-old Australian sales manager on his way to London, as he rested on his two suitcases in the middle of the station.
Government officials denounced the acts, though they said there was no immediate sign of a direct link to the Olympics. National police said authorities were investigating the incidents. French media reported a major fire on a busy western route.
Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera said authorities were working to “evaluate the impact on travelers, athletes, and ensure the transport of all delegations to the competition sites” for the Olympics. Speaking on BFM television, she added, “Playing against the Games is playing against France, against your own camp, against your country.” She did not identify who was behind the vandalism.
Police officers patrol inside the Gare du Nord train station at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. Hours away from the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics, high-speed rail traffic to the French capital was severely disrupted on Friday by what officials described as “criminal actions” and sabotage. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Passengers at St. Pancras station in London were warned to expect delays of around an hour to their Eurostar journeys. Announcements in the departure hall at the international terminus informed travelers heading to Paris that there was a problem with overhead power supplies.
SNCF said it did not know when traffic would resume and feared that disruptions would continue “at least all weekend.” SNCF teams “were already on site to carry out diagnostics and begin repairs,” but the “situation should last at least all weekend while the repairs are carried out,” the operator said. SNCF advised “all passengers to postpone their journey and not to go to the station,” specifying in its press release that all tickets were exchangeable and refundable.
Valerie Pecresse, president of the regional council of the greater Paris region, speaking from Montparnasse station, said “250,000 travelers will be affected today on all these lines.” Substitution plans were underway, but Pecresse advised travelers “not to go to stations.”
The troubles comes ahead of an opening ceremony has been planned for later Friday in which 7,000 Olympic athletes are due to sail down the Seine past iconic Parisian monuments such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Musee d’Orsay.
