Experts Point Out Solutions to Nominee Business Issues in Thailand

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28 May 2024, 19:49

chonburi factory — This is a photo taken on April 27, 2024, inside the factory of Midea Refrigeration Equipment Thailand in Chonburi province, Thailand. (Xinhua)

BANGKOK – The Lawyers Council of Thailand under Royal Patronage, in cooperation with the Thai-Chinese Journalists Association, organized a seminar entitled “Unveiling and Closing Loopholes in Nominee Structures: Dissecting Thai-Chinese Investment Laws.”

The aim of the seminar on May 24 was to address concerns and uncertainties regarding direct and indirect foreign investment affecting Thailand’s protected professions and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Dr. Wichian Chubtaisong, President of the Lawyers Council, pointed out that even in the legal profession, which is protected in Thailand, considerable foreign investment has flowed into legal advice. This exploitation occurs due to loopholes in the Lawyers Act B.E. 2528, which does not extend to legal advisors, making it difficult for the Lawyers Council to take direct action against foreign legal advisors. Instead, government agencies must intervene.

Emeritus Professor Dr. Decha-udom Krairit, former President of the Council of Advocates, explained that nominee structures have been prevalent in all professions for over 50 years. Foreign investors often come to Thailand with minimal capital and use Thai nominees to hold 51 percent of the shares without actually investing, which is a common but difficult to detect practice.

These investors use various tactics to circumvent the law. For example, foreigners who want to get into the real estate business to sell to other foreigners circumvent the subdivision laws by dividing up Thai-owned land and selling it as individual plots for self-development. They also set up companies with foreign directors and business advisors, avoiding the term “legal advisor” due to the protected status of this profession, making them difficult for the authorities to prosecute.

M.L. Phuthong Thongyai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, addressed the misconception that Chinese companies extensively use Thai nominees. In reality, most nominees come from Europe, Singapore, and Taiwan. The department has been consistently tackling this issue.

According to the law, Thais must hold 51 percent of the shares, while foreigners must hold 49 percent. Companies in which foreigners hold the full 49 percent are closely scrutinized as they carry the risk of exceeding the majority shareholding threshold.

Out of 17,000 such companies, 439 have been identified as potential candidates, mainly in the tourism sector. The department carries out overt and covert checks on a monthly basis and forwards suspicious cases to the DSI for further investigation.

Dr. Tharakorn Wutthisatirakul, Chairman of the BRI Institute for Economic and Educational Development Research, explained that foreign companies invest in Thailand because of its favorable geopolitical location. Investments that comply with BOI conditions are not a problem, but companies must generally comply with the 49/51 Joint Venture Act.

“In practice, only rarely are all laws followed. For example, companies that buy fruit from farmers for export can be considered nominees. Without legal changes, it is impossible to avoid the problem of nominees

Dr. Tharakorn referred to Singapore’s model of allowing 100 percent foreign investment, except in sensitive sectors. He suggested that Thailand could attract significant foreign capital by allowing more than 49 percent foreign ownership, which would reduce reliance on nominee structures.

The nominee problem exists worldwide, but some countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia impose strict penalties, including imprisonment, to prevent such practices. In addition, the Thai government needs to improve education and train a skilled workforce to compete internationally and reduce the need to serve as nominees and exploit local resources.

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Thailand Eases Visa Rules to Boost Economy Urgently

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Khaosod English

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28 May 2024, 17:26

suvannabhumi improve3 — Tourists crowded at Suvarnabhumi Airport on February 25, 2024. (Photo by Pravit Rojanaphruk)

BANGKOK – The Thai government has announced a three-phase economic stimulus plan, including easing visa rules to boost tourism and attract more foreign visitors. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on May 28, as the country faces a prolonged economic slowdown, low GDP growth, and increasing public debt.

The Cabinet meeting reached a unanimous conclusion that Thailand needs to generate new income by fully accelerating tourism policies, which are considered the only economic engine that will yield rapid returns. Key points of the plan are divided into three phases for 2024-2025.

The government aims to generate this short-term measures no less than 3 trillion baht (81.91 billion USD) in tourism revenue by the end of 2024.

Short-term measures:

Visa exemption for tourists, business visitors, and short-term workers from 93 countries (up from 57), allowing stays of up to 60 days.
Expansion of Visa on Arrival (VOA) to 31 countries (up from 19).
Introduction of a new visa category, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), for foreigners seeking to stay in Thailand for an extended period and work remotely (workcation).

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) eligibility and benefits:

Skilled foreign talent, digital nomads, freelancers, and those engaging in activities such as learning Muay Thai, cooking, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and arts and music events.
Spouses and legal children (under 20) of DTV holders.
Proof of financial support or a guarantee of at least 500,000 baht for the duration of stay.
DTV allows a stay of up to 180 days, with a visa fee of 10,000 baht, valid for 5 years. The stay can be extended once for another 180 days with an additional fee of 10,000 baht.

Improved benefits for foreign students:

Foreign students pursuing bachelor’s degrees or higher with a Non-Immigrant Visa (ED) will have an easier time finding work and staying in Thailand after graduation.
Extended stay of 1 year after graduation for job hunting, traveling, or other activities, with certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

Medium-term measures:

It will be implemented from September to December 2024.

Restructuring and reducing the number of Non-Immigrant visa categories from 17 to 7, starting in September 2024.
Adjusting the criteria and conditions for the Long Stay visa for elderly people who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand, starting in September 2024.
Reducing the health insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant visa (O-A) from 3,000,000 baht to pre-COVID-19 levels: 40,000 baht for outpatients and 400,000 baht for inpatients.
Expanding the e-Visa service from 47 to 94 Thai embassies, consulates, and trade and economic offices worldwide by December 2024.

Long-term measures:

It will be fully implemented by June 2025.

Developing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption.
Using technology and innovation to enhance the screening of foreign nationals by integrating data with the Immigration Bureau.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharong stated that while these measures to facilitate tourism will result in a loss of approximately 12.3 billion baht (335.7 million USD) in government revenue annually, the expected return from increased tourism, estimated at 800 billion to 1 trillion baht (21.8 – 27.3 billion USD), led the Cabinet to approve the measures.

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Surat Thani Takes Resolving Koh Samui Land Issues Seriously

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Khaosod English

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28 May 2024, 14:41

samui2 — The luxury villas are located on Khao Ma Ngon, Village No. 3, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province.

KOH SAMUI – Thai government authorities are currently taking serious steps to tackle the problem of state land grabbing by foreigners on Koh Samui. This comes after there is clear evidence of the dense development of luxury buildings on the hills.

On May 28, 2024, a meeting was held at Surat Thani Rajabhat University under the chairmanship of Mr. Jessada Jitrat, the Governor of Surat Thani. The meeting focused on solving problems related to the development of steep slopes in Koh Samui district and the illegal activities of foreign companies.

He said he had instructed the relevant authorities to collect all problems and obstacles related to land ownership and foreign business activities on Koh Samui. This is to ensure that the problems are thoroughly resolved and do not escalate to avoid future problems.

The authorities involved include the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4, the Koh Samui District Chief, the Koh Samui City Municipality, the Koh Samui Police, the Regional Harbor Office Koh Samui Branch, the Surat Thani Provincial Land Office (Koh Samui Branch), the Koh Samui Revenue Office and the Koh Samui Forest Protection Unit.

The task force is to review and rectify errors in the issuance of land rights documents by government officials, such as the misuse of Sor Kor 1 to issue illegal building permits, non-compliance with the 1979 Building Control Act, unauthorized hotel operations and foreign companies operating in business sectors (hotels and food and beverage sales) where Thais are not competitive.

In addition, there are cases where foreigners own or control companies through nominees in order to retain ownership in Thailand. Cases have also been found where janitors or hotel managers have failed to report the whereabouts of foreigners within 24 hours as required by Section 38 of the Immigration Act 1979.

samui villa4 — The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 inspected two locations on Khao Ma Ngon, Village No. 3, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province.

Mr. Jessada assigned the Koh Samui district chief to lead the policy-level problem-solving team working with ISOC’s legal efforts. The information will be submitted to him as the provincial governor, who also has oversight of the relevant local government agencies, including land, local government, municipality and public works. The plans are forwarded to ISOC Region 4 through ISOC Surat Thani.

“I am not aware of the causes of the past problems, but upon assuming office as provincial governor, I recognized the need to resolve these problems to protect national interests and ensure that there are no hidden agendas. I am determined to reduce these problems,” he said.

Earlier, on May 8, Lt. Gen. Santi Sakuntanak, the area commander of the 4th Army and director of ISOC Region 4, conducted a helicopter survey together with the Koh Samui Land Issue Task Force. Several luxury villas on hilltops or pool villas were discovered in six locations: Khao Laem Yai in Bo Phut Subdistrict, Khao Lamai in Maret Subdistrict, Khao Tai Khuai in Lipa Noi Subdistrict, Khao Laem Yai in Maenam Subdistrict, Khao Toei in Maenam Subdistrict, and Khao Phra in Bo Phut Subdistrict.

samui3 — The luxury villas are located on Khao Ma Ngon, Village No. 3, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province.

Maj. Gen. Anusorn O-u-rai, deputy commander of the 4th Army Area, said the investigation clearly showed illegal constructions on steep slopes, which is expressly against the law. On-site inspections also uncovered irregularities in land ownership records. This problem, which is widespread in tourist areas, needs to be solved urgently.

The working group tasked with resolving issues related to encroachment on state land and the destruction of natural resources and the environment conducted a survey at two locations on Khao Ma Ngon, Village No. 3, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province, on May 24.

They found that the structures at both locations were in violation of at least three acts, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Announcement 2014, the Hotel Act 2004, and the Building Control Act.

The luxury villas are located on Khao Ma Ngon, Village No. 3, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province, in an area with a slope exceeding 50 percent, which is prohibited for construction. Both operators had claimed the area had a slope of 35-50 percent. Additionally, one of the locations was found to be open for tourists as usual, with room bookings available on the internet at a price of 13,900 baht per night.

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CP Foods Upskills SME Suppliers, Bolsters Stringent Food Production Standards

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Contributor

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28 May 2024, 12:27

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) continues bolstering the capabilities of its small and medium enterprise (SME) partners in the food supply chain through the second year of its “PARTNER TO GROW…Sustainably Together” initiatives. The company’s Corporate Food Quality Assurance division organized the “Quality Day Together” workshop, equipping entrepreneurs who supply raw materials, particularly SMEs, with best practices for advanced quality control and food safety standards that meet international criteria for social and environmental responsibility.

This initiative fortifies global consumer confidence while creating opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of Thai SME entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive on the world stage. By imparting comprehensive knowledge on quality assurance, root cause analysis in production processes, and systematic corrective measures based on international principles, CP Foods elevates the management of high-quality, safe food ingredient production processes in line with global standards.

Wilailuck Klodpeng, Head of Corporate Food Quality Assurance at CP Foods, emphasized the company’s unwavering focus on continuously nurturing the potential of small business partners and SMEs, which constitute the foundation of their food production chain. This strategic collaboration fosters sustainable opportunities and collective success. This year, CP Foods partnered with the British Standards Institution (BSI) to conduct comprehensive training workshops tailored for business partners engaged in producing food ingredients, seasonings, and packaging materials. These immersive sessions empowered entrepreneurs with invaluable insights into advanced quality assurance methodologies, root cause analysis techniques for production processes, and the systematic implementation of corrective and preventive measures adhering to internationally recognized approaches.

Wilailuck highlighted that this concerted effort aims to elevate the management of high-quality, safe food ingredient production processes, aligning them with rigorous global standards. By equipping its business partners with cutting-edge knowledge and best practices, CP Foods reinforces its commitment to driving operational excellence throughout the supply chain, ensuring consistent delivery of superior products to consumers worldwide.

“These activities underscore the importance of our SME partners aligning with CP Foods’ vision,” said Wilailuck. “Together, we can elevate production standards and raw material quality to meet strict criteria for product excellence and sustainability. Guided by the ‘Good products require good raw materials,’ concept, our collaboration drives food quality and mutual growth.”

Moreover, CP Foods honored three outstanding SME partners with the prestigious Supplier Quality Engagement Awards 2023. This recognizes their commitment to elevating raw material quality and consistently meeting stringent standards. CP Foods also commended three dedicated SME partners for their tireless collaboration in improving and enhancing production processes.

The “Quality Day Together” workshop is part of the “PARTNER TO GROW…Sustainably Together” program, now in its second consecutive year. It underscores CP Foods’ commitment to sustainable sourcing policies, nurturing competitiveness and sustainable practices among its supply chain partners, fostering mutual growth. Through collaborative development, the company aims to enhance SMEs’ operational excellence, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, driving collective sustainable progress.

Chaithawee Samanya, Managing Director of Chai Charoen Fresh Company Limited, said, “The Quality Together Day activity benefits fresh vegetable producers who must focus on quality, safety, and chemical-free. It helps small operators implement good practices to improve and increase their operational efficiency, enabling them to deliver products that meet CP Foods’ requirements.”

Paisarn Somsri, Managing Director of Ying Paisarn Agriculture Company Limited, added, “CP Foods assists farmer partners in gaining knowledge about international standard production systems and enables them to implement these practices for producing and supplying fresh, clean, safe, and chemical-free agricultural products. Importantly, this helps reduce losses from substandard quality products.”

Pathawee Mapaisarnsin, Quality Assurance Manager at M.P. Food Production Company Limited, added, “The knowledge from experts helps enhance the capabilities of medium-sized raw food material producers, providing them with principles for accurately analyzing and resolving issues that arise. They can efficiently improve and develop their products to meet customer demands. This enables operators to reduce costs and increase revenue.”

North Korea Says Its Attempt To Put Another Spy Satellite Into Orbit Has Failed

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Associated Press

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27 May 2024, 23:19

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A North Korean rocket carrying its second spy satellite exploded midair on Monday, state media reported, after its neighbors strongly rebuked its planned launch.

The North’s official Korean Central News Agency said it launched a spy satellite aboard a new rocket at its main northwestern space center. But KCNA said the rocket blew up during a first-stage flight soon after liftoff due to a suspected engine problem.

Earlier Monday, North Korea had notified Japan’s coast guard about its plans to launch “a satellite rocket,” with a warning to exercise caution in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and China and east of the main Philippine island of Luzon during a launch window from Monday through June 3.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff later said it detected a launch trajectory believed to be of a spy satellite fired from the North’s main space center at 10:44 p.m. on Monday. Four minutes later, many fragments were spotted in the waters, it said.

Japanese Prime Minister’s Office earlier issued a missile alert for the island of Okinawa following North Korea’s launch. The alert was lifted soon after.

Japan’s NHK public television earlier reported that an image captured by a camera in northeastern China showed an orange light in the sky and then an apparent explosion a moment later.

AP24148216286126 — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, center, waves as he boards the plane to leave after attending the trilateral meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Monday, May 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

North Korea sent its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit in November last year as part of efforts to build a space-based surveillance network to cope with what it calls increasing U.S.-led military threats. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later told a ruling party meeting that the country would launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024.

The November launch followed two failed liftoffs.

In the first attempt, the North Korean rocket carrying the satellite crashed into the ocean soon after liftoff. North Korean authorities said the rocket lost thrust after the separation of its first and second stages. After the second attempt, North Korea said there was an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight.

The U.N. bans North Korea from conducting any satellite launches, viewing them as covers for testing long-range missile technology. North Korea has steadfastly maintained it has the right to launch satellites and test missiles. Kim has said spy satellites will allow his military to better monitor U.S. and South Korean military activities and enhance the threat posed by its nuclear-capable missiles.

North Korea provides Japan with its launch information because Japan’s coast guard coordinates and distributes maritime safety information in East Asia.

Monday’s launch came hours after the leaders of South Korea, China and Japan met in Seoul in their first trilateral meeting in more than four years. It’s highly unusual for North Korea to take provocative military action when China, its major ally and economic pipeline, is engaging in high-level diplomacy in the region.

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Prime Minister Urges Green Businesses and Study of Nuclear Energy

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Khaosod English

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27 May 2024, 23:10

energy — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a special speech at the EARTH JUMP 2024: The Edge of Action event, at Sam Yan Mitrtown on May 27, 2024.

BANGKOK – Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a special speech at the EARTH JUMP 2024: The Edge of Action event, emphasizing the importance of addressing global warming and promoting investment in Thailand, particularly in the clean energy sector. The Prime Minister highlighted the following key points:

Foreign investors prioritize incentives, power neutrality, and clean energy, areas where Thailand has many advantages, such as low cost of living and favorable laws.

2. Thailand collaborates with neighboring countries in the trade of clean energy, such as Laos, which wants to sell electricity from dams, and Singapore, which wants to sell clean energy through Thailand’s transmission lines.

3. France is an interesting example of clean energy utilization, and Thailand should seriously study the use of nuclear energy.

The Prime Minister stated that France is an interesting country when it comes to clean energy utilization, with clean energy accounting for up to 90% of its total energy consumption, including nuclear energy. He emphasized that the country must begin to seriously study nuclear energy and continue discussions on this topic in the future, while also ensuring that the public understands it.

4. The government focuses on promoting agricultural practices that help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and encourages financial institutions to support clean energy businesses.

5. The government will issue green bonds to raise funds for environmentally friendly projects and cooperate with the stock exchange to promote the listing of companies engaged in green businesses.

srettha green3 — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attended the EARTH JUMP 2024: The Edge of Action event, at Sam Yan Mitrtown on May 27, 2024.

He urged private financial institutions to provide financial support to companies involved in clean energy, solar roofs, and EVs, which the government is trying to continue working on. As for various loans, the government will have sustainability promotion bonds, a new type of debt instrument in the green bond category, to serve as a source of funding for global social development.

“I admit that we still haven’t done well in terms of funding and still have to rely on the capital market. Therefore, I have discussed with the Stock Exchange of Thailand about supporting the listing of companies on the stock market, giving importance to companies involved in green businesses to get listed, because the capital market plays a crucial role in developing a green global society,” the Prime Minister said.

6. The Prime Minister is confident that by 2040, Thailand will have a 50% share of clean energy in its total energy consumption, utilizing energy from dams and developing other clean energy sources.

7. The Prime Minister emphasizes the importance of pushing business operators, especially large companies, to prioritize the use of environmentally friendly energy to prevent export problems and attract investment in the future.

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British Man Punches Russian at Pattaya Party, Killing Him with a Single Blow

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Khaosod English

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27 May 2024, 20:42

british russian2 — The Pattaya medical team tried to save Mr. Igor's life at the scene but was unsuccessful.

PATTAYA – A party at a pool villa in Pattaya turned into a criminal case when a British man punched a Russian man with a single blow, causing him to fall to the ground. The Russian man later died in the hospital. The British man revealed that he acted out of anger but did not think his opponent would die.

The incident occurred at a pool villa in View Point Village, Soi Chaiyaphruek 1, Moo 12, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, around 2:50 a.m. on May 27. Mr. Igor, a 36-year-old Russian, was punched in the face once by a British man at the party before falling and hitting his head on the ground, sustaining serious injuries.

The medical team tried to save his life but was unsuccessful. He passed away at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.

british russian3 — The Pattaya medical team took Mr. Igor into the ambulance. He died later at the hospital.

Later, at 1:00 p.m., after identifying the perpetrator, Pol. Lt. Col. Nawin Thirawit, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, ordered the investigation team to request an arrest warrant from the Pattaya Provincial Court for Mr. Ricki, a 35-year-old British national. The police went to arrest him, charging him with “assaulting another person, causing death.”

Mr. Ricki was arrested at a guest house in Ban Amphoe, Na Jomtien Subdistrict, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, about 10 km from the pool villa where the incident occurred. He was taken into custody for questioning at Pattaya City Police Station.

Ms. Mod, 28, the Thai wife of Mr. Ricki, said that before the incident, her husband sent her a map location to join the party at the pool villa with a group of friends. Not long after the party started, she excused herself to return to work. Around 3 a.m., her husband sent her a message saying he wanted to go home. Worried, she quickly returned to the villa but found her husband walking in the middle of the street.

british russian1 — Mr. Ricki, a 35-year-old British national, was questioned at Pattaya City Police Station.

Ms. Mod revealed details of her husband’s statement to the police, saying that while people at the party were drinking until they were drunk, Mr. Igor began to make flirtatious comments toward their daughter, even though Mr. Igor’s wife was also at the party.

The Russian man then began to sexually harass their daughter, walking up to her and whispering in her ear that he wanted to have sex with her. This angered Mr. Ricki, who punched Mr. Igor in the face once, causing him to fall to the ground.

He did not think his actions would lead to the man’s death, and he regrets what he did.

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A Thai Court Sentences an Opposition Lawmaker to 2 Years in Prison for Defaming the Monarchy

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Associated Press

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27 May 2024, 19:35

Thailand Royal Defamation — Move Forward Party's Chonthicha Jangrew, left, hugs her supporter on her arrival at the Thanyaburi Provincial Court in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court on Monday sentenced a lawmaker from a progressive opposition party to two years in prison after finding her guilty of defaming the monarchy in a speech she made during a protest rally three years ago.

Chonthicha Jangrew of the Move Forward Party was greeted by several supporters when she arrived at the Thanyaburi Provincial Court in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, with some party colleagues. Chonthicha, popularly known by her nickname “Lookkate,” represents a constituency in Pathum Thani.

Her charges stemmed from her speech in 2021 that demanded the release of all political prisoners during a rally in front of the same court that delivered Monday’s sentence.

She was found guilty for parts of the speech concerning how the government then led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha had amended laws to give King Vajiralongkorn more power to control the palace wealth, which is managed by the Crown Property Bureau.

The judge said her speech could misinform the public by suggesting that King Vajiralongkorn can spend taxpayers’ money for his personal use and use his influence to interfere with politics, which could tarnish his reputation.

AP24148128833648 — Move Forward Party’s Chonthicha Jangrew, center, arrives at the Thanyaburi Provincial Court in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The judge originally sentenced her to three years in prison, but reduced it to two years because of her cooperation in the trial. The law for defaming the monarchy, an offense known as lese majeste, carries a penalty of three to 15 years imprisonment. It is widely referred to as Article 112 from its place in the Criminal Code.

Chonthicha was afterwards released on bail of 150,000 baht ($4,100). Had bail not been granted and she been sent directly to prison, she would have immediately been removed from her seat in Parliament.

She told reporters that she wasn’t surprised about the verdict as the majority of 112 charges led to convictions.

She said she will appeal, adding that she was glad to have been granted release on bail but wished that other political prisoners were given the same right.

A young activist charged with lese majeste died in detention earlier this month after carrying out a monthslong hunger strike to protest the revocation of her bail in January.

Chonthicha and nine other defendants in the case were charged with other offenses including illegal assembly and violating an emergency decree enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. All 10 were acquitted of those charges. Chonthicha was the only one who had been charged with violating the lese majeste law.

Before becoming a politician, Chonthicha had been an activist since she was a college student. She became a high-profile figure in the youth-dominated movement by confronting the police during the mass street protests that demanded democratic reform of several powerful institutions including the monarchy.

AP24148129038578 — Move Forward Party’s Chonthicha Jangrew, front, takes a selfie with supporters on her arrival at the Thanyaburi Provincial Court in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 27, 2024.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chonthicha, 31, won a seat in last year’s general election, part of a surprise victory for the progressive Move Forward Party that shook Thai politics.

However, it failed to take power after the party was out-maneuvered by influential conservative forces, as members of the Senate refused to approve the party’s leader as prime minister.

Criticism of Thailand’s monarchy is considered taboo, and insulting or defaming key royal family members is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

But student-led pro-democracy protests began to challenge that taboo in 2020, openly criticizing the monarchy. That led to vigorous prosecutions under what was previously a little-used law. Critics say the law is often wielded as a tool to quash political dissent.

The advocacy group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights says that since early 2020, more than 270 people — many of them student activists — have been charged with violating Article 112.

In December, another lawmaker from the Move Forward Party was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison over two posts she allegedly shared two years ago on the social media platform X, then known as Twitter. She appealed and was granted release on bail.

Ezy Airlines Expands into New Markets in Southern Thailand

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Khaosod English

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27 May 2024, 19:09

ezy3 — Gen. Supakorn Sanguanchartsornkrai (right) and Thanee Tharapak, Managing Director of Ezy Airlines (left)

BANGKOK – Following the soft-opening and unveiling of the new aircraft at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Gen. Supakorn Sanguanchartsornkrai, chief consultant of Ezy Airlines, M-Landarch Co Ltd, experts in the 12-seater aircraft business, gave Matichon an insight into entering the aviation market. Ezy Airlines is ready to offer scheduled and charter flights and sees itself as a short-haul airline connecting major and secondary cities in the south within 60 minutes.

“Ezy Airlines’ aviation business aims to improve convenience for business travelers, locals and people who need services, such as hospital patients. This will sustainably boost the economy and allow both tourists and business people to realize the true potential of the southern region and promote it on a national scale,” he said.

New Market in the Blue Ocean

The Ministry of Tourism and Sport expects over 23 million tourists to visit the southern region in 2024. So far, around 300,000 passengers have traveled by plane each year, with only 30,000 flights offered, which represents only 1 percent of the potential market. This is an opportunity for a new market in the blue ocean.

Ezy Airlines has introduced the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Ex, which can accommodate 8-12 passengers. This aircraft is extremely safe, durable and versatile, able to land anywhere and fly in all weather conditions and terrain. It is easy to maintain and will officially begin flying on 1 July 2025.

ezy1 — Ezy Airlines held the soft-opening and unveiling of the new aircraft at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan on May 24, 2024.

If Ezy Airlines obtains the Air Operator’s License (AOL) and Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), it will operate charter flights and use Hat Yai International Airport in Songkhla as its hub from October 2024. Initial routes include Hat Yai to Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Betong and Narathiwat, with fares for the Hat Yai – Betong route ranging from 1,900 to 2,500 baht per seat.

Gen. Supakorn explained that the company plans to increase the number of flights to a total of nine in the medium term (in 3 to 5 years) by purchasing additional aircraft. This will cover other regions of Thailand and establish connections to neighboring countries such as Malaysia (Langkawi, Penang and Ipoh airports) and Indonesia. The aim is to offer passengers new travel options and break even by 2027, generating billions in revenue.

Ezy Sets Sights on Betong Airport

Meanwhile, On May 27, Chatchwee Sakornvisai, Senior Director of Business Development and International Coordination at Ezy Airlines, gave an interview in Betong District, Yala Province, southern Thailand. He stated that the company sees that the previous government has already built Betong Airport, and there were initial problems (suspension of operations). So it is a good choice.

Ezy Airlines’ aircraft are small, with 12 seats, which are suitable for regional travel. Moreover, Betong’s local people, various economies, and border trade between Thailand and Malaysia have a demand for goods and services, including connecting to the center of the South, which is Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province.

“When there are planes to help shorten the travel time from 4.5 hours by car to only 30 or 35 minutes, it can save time and reduce the danger of driving on the winding mountain roads of Highway 410 Yala-Betong. Those who have traveled by car on this route probably understand well how winding the route is and how it causes motion sickness,” he said.

Chatchwee said that when the airline service opens from Hat Yai International Airport in Songkhla Province, it will fly directly to Betong. After that, it will expand to cover the entire southern region, focusing on secondary city airports such as Ranong, Krabi, Phang Nga, Trang, and Narathiwat, to connect travel between them and help shorten travel time and expenses for people in the South.

Local Travel Connections and Tourism

Thanee Tharapak, Managing Director of Ezy Airlines, pointed out the need for government support in reducing various charges that represent a significant cost to the company. Ezy Airlines is a smaller airline compared to the big players in the industry and focuses on facilitating local travel connections and tourism.

Tourism in Songkhla province and the southern region has seen significant growth in terms of visitor numbers and spending, such as tourists from Malaysia who can easily travel to nearby provinces. However, the current travel infrastructure does not support this convenience and Ezy Airlines aims to take on this task.

Thanee added that there is a high demand from passengers, but the supply is insufficient. Passengers from the south, especially those who fly, often inquire about chartering entire planes rather than ticket prices, reflecting their high purchasing power supported by lucrative rubber prices and various industries such as agriculture and fishing. Consequently, they are willing to pay for convenient travel options.

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Israel Helps Thailand Innovate Plastic Waste Conversion to Naphtha Oil

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Contributor

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27 May 2024, 17:48

inno israel4 — Ms. Orna Sagiv, Ambassador of Israel to Thailand, and Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA

BANGKOK – The Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) in collaboration with The National Innovation Agency (NIA), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, showcased an innovative process for recycling PVC-contaminated plastic waste using superoxide processes to produce naphtha oil for the chemical industry.

This is the first use case of this technology in Thailand, a result of the cooperation between SCG Chemicals from Thailand and Plastic Back from Israel.

The innovation aims to address the challenge of disposing of PVC-contaminated plastic waste, by producing naphtha oil that can be used in factories, replacing the high-cost fossil-based naphtha.

Ms. Orna Sagiv, Ambassador of Israel to Thailand, delivered the opening remarks at the press conference on the Israel-Thailand Bilateral Project on May 24, 2024. She expressed her happiness to hear that the introduction initiated by the Economic and Trade Mission, Embassy of Israel in Thailand, has led to a successful cooperation between SCG Chemicals and the Israeli start-up Plastic Back.

“I am sure that this is the first of many successful cooperation. I truly believe in the combination of small Israeli Start-Ups and big Thai Power-Houses, benefiting the peoples of our two countries,” she said.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, stated thay NIA is committed to promote the development of innovations that create economic and social value. Recognizing the importance of building international collaborative networks.

NIA partnered with the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) to launch the ‘Bilateral Programs for Parallel Support’ to enhance the capabilities of innovative business entrepreneurs in sectors of mutual interest between the two countries.

This plastic waste recycling innovation project between SCG Chemicals and Plastic Back is the first success since the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in innovation cooperation in 2018.

Dr. Suracha Udomsak, Chief Innovation Officer at SCGC, explained that the recycling technology developed by Plastic Back can transform PVC-contaminated plastic waste, traditionally challenging to recycle, into high-value products with an exceptional recycling rate nearing 100%.

This technology can be integrated either as independent units within factories or deployed regionally across diverse provinces. SCGC plans to trial this innovative technology with plastic waste in Thailand, aiming to ascertain the optimal conditions for producing hydrocarbon feedstock used in petrochemicals.

“This collaboration will advance SCGC’s circular economy concepts according to our business concepts. We aim to develop green solutions based on the Low Waste, Low Carbon approach to tangibly achieve sustainability goals and move towards a low-carbon society,”

Mr. Tal Binder Cohen, Chief Executive Officer at Plastic Back, added, “We have identified the PVC chemical recycling segment as a big opportunity. The collaborative efforts with SCGC will allow us to close the loop on the upcycling of difficult-to-treat PVC waste streams. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with SCGC as we scale up our process and partnership. The bi-lateral R&D framework, supported by the NIA and IIA have allowed us to bring together innovation, industry expertise, and a fertile ground for collaboration.”

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