PATTAYA — Two Koreans riding a motorcycle while live streaming their visit to Pattaya city were hit by another motorcycle.
The incident occurred at the entrance of Chalermprakiat 9 Alley on Sai Sam Road, Central Pattaya, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, at 2:20 AM on June 16.
When the rescue team from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya and medical staff from Bangkok Hospital Pattaya arrived at the scene, they found a gray Honda Wave 125 motorcycle overturned and damaged. Nearby, they found Mr. Narong Pha-in, 32 years old, the driver, who was injured with a cut on his head.
The other party’s vehicle was a gray Honda Click motorcycle with a Bangkok registration plate, also overturned and damaged. The driver was a Korean man, and the passenger was his friend of the same nationality, who suffered a head injury. The rescue team provided first aid to the injured before urgently transporting them to the hospital.
Mr. Chaiwat Ob-un, 26 years old, a witness, said that the Thai motorcyclist was driving at high speed, then lost control, crossed the lane, and collided with the foreign motorcyclist coming from the opposite direction, causing the motorcycles to be thrown in different directions.
Police investigators found that before the incident, the two Korean tourists were riding a motorcycle, sightseeing in Pattaya city while live streaming using their mobile phone. The live stream was able to capture the moment when the injured person’s motorcycle crossed the lane and collided with them.
Former leader of Move Forward party Pita Limjaroenrat during a press conference on the party's plan to defend in its dissolution case at the party's office in Bangkok on June 9, 2024.
The main opposition Move Forward Party could soon be dissolved, and leaders banned from politics for 10 years for pledging to amend the royal defamation law. Would there be a large street protest if that happened?
PM Srettha Thavisin could soon be removed from office for having appointed Pichit Cheunban as PM Office Minister despite the latter having been charged for attempted bribery of a judge in the past. Could there be a mass demonstration if it happened?
Ex-PM-cum-ex-convict Thaksin Shinawatra, who is the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party and still on parole, will very soon be indicted for royal defamation. Will there be a big protest if Thaksin was found guilty and sentenced back to ‘prison’ anew?
Allow me to focus on the first case first. Why are there no massive protests yet given the political dysphoria about what may happen to MFP and the fact that over two hundred people have been charged under the controversial draconian law?
Bear in mind that only a few dozen showed up outside the Criminal Court when lese majeste detainee Bung Thaluwang passed away inside Corrections Department Hospital a month ago on May 14 after a long hunger strike. One would have expected hundreds if not thousands in front of the court but only a few dozen showed up to vent their anger at the justice system.
Fatigue after years of massive protests on the streets of Bangkok with little gain among the monarchy-reform movement may be a factor. Political disillusionment and dysphoria could lead to either a very strong active reaction manifesting in street protests, and more, or a sense of political apathy and withdrawal.
Also, the movement, in which majority of the members are young educated middle-class Thais, may have different thresholds of what is acceptable and what is not. Not all want to go to prison and or see Thailand turning into a republic. They have different levels of commitment and willingness to pay the price for their belief, not unlike sponsors of events in the private sector that could be divided into silver, gold, or platinum supporters or sponsors.
We will see if MFP is dissolved and people including former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat are banned from politics as to how angry these people can and will be, however.
As for Srettha, he is an outsider brought into politics to the top job by the Pheu Thai Party and has little popular support in the wider circle, so the reactions on his fate, if he ends up being removed, would very much depend on how the ruling Pheu Thai Party would react and decide. If the party thinks the damage can still be contained, they will definitely not wage an all-out war with the deep state but seek a viable replacement.
Thus, Srettha’s future is hinged on not just the Charter Court but also on the Pheu Thai Party (and Thaksin).
As for Thaksin, he had never spent a full day in proper prison when he was sentenced last year and there is little sign to believe he will go to a real jail this time. Sentencing Thaksin to the General Police Hospital again could be very upsetting for his supporters, but many are getting old after more than two decades of Thaksin in politics. The Pheu Thai Party has a strong political machinery connected to the grassroots in rural Thailand, however.
England's Kieran Trippier, left, and Harry Kane arrive for a training session of the national team in Blankenhain, Germany, Thursday, June 13, 2024 ahead of their Group C soccer match against Serbia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) — England is among the favorites to win the European Championship and end its long wait for a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Gareth Southgate’s team begins its campaign against Serbia in Group C on Sunday. There are concerns about potential fan violence. Police have deemed the game “high risk,” and beer sales at the stadium will be low-alcohol only. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) on Sunday. Here’s what to know about the match:
Match facts
— Excluding penalty shootouts, England has lost only one of its last 18 games in the European Championship. The Three Lions, of course, suffered the heartbreak of losing to Italy on spot kicks in the final of the 2021 tournament at Wembley Stadium.
— England’s hopes could rest on Jude Bellingham, who has just completed a dream debut season at Real Madrid after winning the Spanish title and Champions League.
— Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is coming off an outstanding first season in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, where he won a league and cup double, beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr to the title.
— This could be Southgate’s final tournament in charge of England, with his contract due to expire after the Euros. He led his team to the semifinals of the World Cup in 2018 and the final of the Euros but admits failure to win a trophy this time would likely end his reign.
Team news
— The fitness of John Stones has been a focal point, not least because England had to leave defensive stalwart Harry Maguire out of the squad because of a calf injury. Stones missed training through illness earlier in the week but was back on Thursday. Southgate could play Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold as holding midfielder alongside Declan Rice.
— Serbia reported no injury concerns.
By the numbers
— Harry Kane, John Stones and Kyle Walker are playing in their fifth major tournament for England.
— Serbia scored 15 goals in qualifying for the Euros and five of them came from headers.
— Kane is England’s all-time leading scorer with 63 goals for his country — but he is still waiting for his first trophy at club or international level.
— If selected, Kane will set a record for England appearances at major tournaments on 23.
— Mitrovic scored 28 goals in all competitions for Al-Hilal, behind only Ronaldo (35) as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League.
— Eleven members of Southgate’s squad, including Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, have been selected for a major tournament for the first time.
— 80,000 liters of beer will be available to fans in Gelsenkirchen, organizers have said.
Italy concedes goal after 23 seconds but recovers to beat Albania 2-1 at Euro 2024
DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — By conceding a goal after just 23 seconds, Italy made the worst possible start to its European Championship title defense.
Thankfully for the Azzurri, it soon got much better.
Italy recovered from letting in the quickest goal in the tournament’s 64-year history to beat Albania 2-1 in Dortmund on Saturday in an atmospheric Adriatic derby that immediately threatened an upset.
Albania’s Nedim Bajrami celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Nedim Bajrami thrilled a heavily pro-Albanian crowd at Westfalenstadion by pouncing on a throw-in by Italy left back Federico Dimarco that failed to reach teammate Alessandro Bastoni, before taking a touch and smashing a rising shot inside the near post.
Within 16 minutes, the Italians were ahead as Bastoni headed in Lorenzo Pellegrini’s cross to the back post in the 11th then Nicolo Barella struck home a swerving first-time shot from the edge of the area.
Barella was one of five survivors from the team that started for Italy in the penalty-shootout win over England in the 2021 European Championship final.
The pressure was on Italy’s new-look side under Luciano Spalletti to win its opener given the other teams in Group B are three-time champion Spain and Croatia, a World Cup semifinalist in 2022. Spain beat Croatia 3-0 earlier Saturday.
Croatia’s Luka Modric reacts as Spain’s Dani Carvajal is congratulated after scoring his side’s 3rd goal during a Group B match between Spain and Croatia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
Bajrami’s goal gave the Azzurri a jolt and created some history — it was much quicker than the previous fastest in the tournament’s lifespan, which was 67 seconds by Russia’s Dmitri Kirichenko in 2004.
Yet they controlled the game after that, dominating possession to a backdrop of jeers and boos from a sea of Albanian red in the crowd.
“They showed there was a gulf in class by playing good football … we played the game the right way,” Spalletti said.
“The scoreline doesn’t reflect the difference between the two teams.”
It’s now just one loss in 12 matches under Spalletti, who took over last August — three months after leaving Napoli following its Italian league triumph — and was tasked with restoring national pride after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for a second straight time.
Italy is clearly more at home in the European Championship these days as it goes for a record-tying third title.
Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni, center, celebrates with his teammate Lorenzo Pellegrini after scoring his side’s opening goal during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Making its second appearance at a European Championship, Albania — coached by former Barcelona and Arsenal defender Sylvinho — nearly grabbed a draw in stoppage time only for Rey Manaj’s deft chip to deflect just wide off the back of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy’s goalkeeper and captain.
“We need to play in lots of Euros and World Cups so we can get better,” Sylvinho said. “The first 25 minutes were tough but we were up against one of the favorites to win the comp.
“We didn’t play those first 25 minutes well but we stayed in the game.”
Euro 2024 has gotten off to a fast start.
Saturday started with Switzerland beating Hungary 3-1 in Cologne and that, after host Germany’s opening-night 5-1 thrashing of Scotland on Friday, means there has been 16 goals so far — an average of four a game.
BANGKOK — Japanese manufacturers in Thailand have reduced production to a single shift and have stopped paying overtime to workers. Meanwhile, imported Chinese EVs are not selling, with over 10,000 cars parked idle at ports.
According to a report by Prachachat Business, the Thai car market has hit its lowest point in 10 years. Japanese automakers and Chinese EV manufacturers are facing difficulties with excess inventory. They are scrambling to find parking spaces at warehouses in Laem Chabang, Chonburi, and Rayong.
Surapong Paisitpatanapong, advisor to the chairman of the Automotive Industry Group and spokesperson for the Automotive Industry Group of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), admitted that car sales have dropped significantly, with passenger cars declining by about 5% and pickup trucks by nearly 50%.
A source from the FTI’s Automotive Industry Group added that the decline in car sales, especially in the pickup truck market, clearly indicates that each factory will definitely have to reduce production capacity. As the EV trend overtakes internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, inventories are starting to swell.
Photo taken in July 2018 shows people looking at Suzuki Motor Corp. vehicles displayed in a shopping mall in Yangon, Myanmar. (Kyodo)Great Wall Motors (GWM) manufacturing plant in Rayong, Thailand, Jan. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)
After production, the vehicles are gradually sent to dealerships, but now dealerships of each brand are also experiencing sales problems, with many closing down. Importantly, there is no space to stock cars, which has become a problem for each factory to find storage space.
“We estimate this year’s total production capacity in Thailand to be close to 2 million units, divided into 1 million units for export and 800,000 units for the domestic market. If the domestic market is replaced by Chinese EVs, which are estimated to be close to 100,000 units this year, that is the lost production capacity.”
Dr. Saroj Vasuwanich, former president of the Eastern Industrial Council, revealed to “Prachachat Business” that since the second quarter of this year, many auto parts manufacturers have been notified of order reductions from several car manufacturers.
As a result, the parts industry has had to reduce production accordingly. It is expected that the overall car production in 2023 will decrease by approximately 20-25% compared to 2022 (Jan-Dec 2022 had a production volume of 1,841,663 units). The main reasons for the reduction in production capacity are twofold: lower exports and Chinese EVs taking over the domestic ICE vehicle market.
“Don’t be alarmed by the current situation. We have to wait and see what happens in the second half of the year. Right now, it’s only a 25% reduction. However, if this continues, it could be dangerous. During this period, most employees don’t have to work overtime. Some companies will reduce the number of working days for employees. For example, previously they worked on Saturdays, but now they get Saturdays and Sundays off. The company still pays the full salary, but the company will save on reduced water and electricity costs,” he said.
In the past 2-3 months, imported car groups, especially EVs from China that have been gradually entering our market, are also experiencing problems. Currently, there are thousands of cars parked at Laem Chabang Port. Recently, executives of many brands have started to brake on import orders.
Nattapoom Powarat, president of the Warehouse, Silo and Cold Storage Association, told “Prachachat Business” that in the overall warehouse business, many EV importers and car manufacturers from various brands are renting warehouse space at Laem Chabang Port and nearby areas in large numbers, around 10,000 cars, equivalent to an area of approximately 200,000 square meters.
If calculated as a rental price, it is around 80-100 baht per square meter per day. One car uses an area of approximately 15-20 square meters.
Prince William, and Kate Princess of Wales on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with their children Prince George, left, Prince Louis, front centre, and Princess Charlotte wave to the crowds after the Trooping the Color ceremony, in London, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
LONDON (AP) — Britain put on a display of birthday pageantry Saturday for King Charles III, a military parade that marked the Princess of Wales ’ first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis early this year.
Kate, Princess of Wales waves to the crowd along the Mall as she attends the Trooping the Color ceremony, in London, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
The annual event was also a show of stability by the monarchy after months in which both the king and Kate, wife of heir to the throne Prince William, have been sidelined by cancer treatment.
Kate joined other members of the royal family on a Buckingham Palace balcony at the end of the King’s Birthday Parade. The family and crowds outside the palace watched a flyby of military aircraft to cap ceremonies marking the monarch’s official birthday
Kate announced Friday that she would attend the royal birthday celebrations after making progress in her treatment. She disclosed in March that she was undergoing chemotherapy for an unspecified form of cancer. It was her first public appearance since December.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” Kate said in a statement, adding that she faces “a few more months” of treatment.
The 42-year-old princess traveled in horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace down the grand avenue known as the Mall with her children George, 10, Charlotte, 9, and 6-year-old Louis. Bystanders cheered as they caught a glimpse of Kate, dressed in a white dress by designer Jenny Packham and wide-brimmed Philip Treacy hat.
Britain’s King Charles III, at centre with Queen Camilla, third right, joined by Prince George, left, Prince William, Prince Louis Princess Charlotte, Kate Princess of Wales, Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh, second right and Prince Edward on the Balcony at Buckingham Palace after attending the Trooping the Color ceremony, in London, Saturday, June 15, 2024. Trooping the Color is the King’s Birthday Parade and one of the nation’s most impressive and iconic annual events attended by almost every member of the Royal Family. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, front, Princess Charlotte and Prince George arrive for the Trooping the Color ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, London, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)
She watched the ceremony with the children from the window of a building overlooking Horse Guards Parade, a ceremonial parade ground in central London. Louis yawned broadly at one point in proceedings but mostly watched intently.
Kate said in her statement that she is “not out of the woods yet” and officials stress that Saturday’s engagement does not herald a full return to public life.
Huge crowds turn out each June to watch the parade, also known as Trooping the Color, which begins with a procession involving horses, musicians and hundreds of soldiers in ceremonial uniform from Buckingham Palace.
Prince William, in military dress uniform, rode on horseback for the ceremony, in which troops in ceremonial finery parade past the king with their regimental flag, or “color.” The display of precision marching and martial music stems from the days when a regiment’s flag was an essential rallying point in the fog of battle.
This undated handout photo provided by Kensington Palace shows Kate, Princess of Wales, earlier this week in Windsor, England. (Matt Porteous/Kensington Palace via AP)
Charles, who also is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, traveled in a carriage with Queen Camilla, rather than on horseback as he did last year. The king inspected the troops from a dais on the parade ground, saluting as elite regiments of Foot Guards marched past.
Five regiments take it in turns to parade their color, and this year it was the turn of a company of the Irish Guards, which has Kate as its honorary colonel. The troops in scarlet tunics and bearskin hats were led onto the parade ground by their mascot, an Irish wolfhound named Seamus.
Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla travel along The Mall for the Trooping the Color ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, London, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Jonathan Brady/PA via AP)
In one of the many quirks of British royal convention, Saturday is not the king’s real birthday — that’s in November. Like his mother Queen Elizabeth II before him, Charles has an official birthday on the second Saturday in June. The date was chosen because the weather is generally good, though early sunshine on Saturday gave way to a blustery, rainy day in London.
The rain held off for most of the ceremony but began pelting down as the massed troops escorted the royal carriages back to Buckingham Palace, to cheers from soggy but enthusiastic crowds.
Britain is putting on a display of birthday pageantry for King Charles III, a military parade that is the Princess of Wales’ first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis early this year. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)
Royal fans in raincoats and umbrellas had already gathered along the route several hours before start time, along with a smattering of anti-monarchist protesters chanting “Not my king.”
Spectators were treated to a display of pomp and precision involving 1,400 soldiers, 250 military musicians and more than 200 horses. The equine participants included Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish, three of the five military horses who sparked mayhem in April when they bolted and ran loose through central London.
The horses were performing routine exercises near Buckingham Palace on April 24 when they became spooked by noise from a nearby building site and galloped loose through the capital’s streets, crashing into vehicles and causing chaos during the morning rush hour.
The army says the other two horses are recovering well and are also expected to return to duty.
Mother, Chamchuri, stand with newborn elephant twins female, left, and male, right, in Ayutthaya province, Thailand, Monday, June 10, 2024. Buddhist monks in Thailand on Friday blessed twin baby elephants, one male, the other female, a week after their rare birth came close to being a tragedy. (AP Photo/Nathathaida Adireksara)
BANGKOK (AP) — Buddhist monks in Thailand on Friday blessed twin baby elephants, one male and the other female, a week after their rare birth came close to being a tragedy.
Their mother, Chamchuri, gave birth to the pair on the night of June 7 at a camp in Thailand’s ancient capital Ayutthaya, a popular tourist destination 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bangkok.
Twin elephant births are rare and male-female twins even more so. The Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal, home to the newborns, says that it was a first for the province, while a statement from the Thai government said they were the third such pair in the world.
The two are the 30-year-old mother elephant’s fourth and fifth offspring.
Mother, Chamchuri, stand with newborn elephant twins female, left, and male, right, in Ayutthaya province, hailand, Monday, June 10, 2024. Buddhist monks in Thailand on Friday blessed twin baby elephants, one male, the other female, a week after their rare birth came close to being a tragedy. (AP Photo/Nathathaida Adireksara)
Caretakers at the elephant camp had been expecting to help deliver a baby, but when a second offspring dropped from her mother’s womb 18 minutes afterward, they were shocked.
The elephant caretakers, who are called mahouts in Asia, had to act quickly to prevent the equally startled mother from accidentally injuring her new daughter.
One of the mahouts, Charin Somwang, broke his leg when he stepped between the mother and her offspring to prevent the tragedy. He told Thailand’s Daily News newspaper that it is normal for a mother elephant to step on and gently prod after birth to check if it is alive. But the second baby, the female, appeared too weak to sustain that kind of treatment, he said.
On Saturday, Charin was discharged from the hospital and was thrilled to discover that both babies were healthy.
Monks from Wat Traimit in Bangkok came to bless the twins on Friday as part of merit-making ceremonies for the occasion. Afterward, the calves were presented with a tray of bananas and cartons of milk.
Elephants are a big part of Thailand’s national identity and have been officially proclaimed a symbol of the nation. Thai kings rode elephants into battle and a white elephant, considered a sacred symbol of royal power, adorned the Thai flag until 1917.
Once essential to the logging trade, deforestation left many elephants without jobs, and while a shrinking population of wild ones roam the remaining forests, many are kept at animal shelters or used as living props at tourist sites.
RAYONG — An incident occurred where an airplane experienced a malfunction, and its landing gear failed to deploy while preparing to land at U-Tapao Airport in Phla Subdistrict, Ban Chang District, Rayong Province, at 00:30 on June 15, 2024.
Rescue units in Rayong Province were contacted by U-Tapao Airport, informing them that the incident happened as a commercial aircraft was preparing to land at U-Tapao Airport. They then requested ambulance and rescue teams to be on standby and prepared at the incident site.
All rescue teams were on standby in front of the Naval Air Division, with more than 40 ambulances and rescue vehicles from Rayong and Chonburi Provinces, along with officials ready to perform life-saving duties in case of an emergency.
Initial information revealed that the aircraft was an Airbus A319, traveling from Dubai, with 1 captain, 1 co-pilot, and 7 crew members, totaling 9 people. The plane intended to land at U-Tapao Airport but encountered a problem with the landing gear not deploying. They notified the U-Tapao Airport’s air traffic control tower to prepare for a ground situation. The airport then coordinated with rescue units to be on standby at the airport to prepare for potential emergency situations.
Later, at 01:05, it was reported that the aircraft had safely landed on the runway at U-Tapao Airport. All crew members and passengers were safe, which greatly relieved the officials.
Prior to this incident, a Singapore Airlines passenger plane requested an emergency landing at a Thai airport, Suvarnabhumi, due to encountering air turbulence. The incident resulted in the death of one British passenger on May 22.
Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller, from left, react after a Group A match between Germany and Scotland at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Munich, Germany, Friday, June 14, 2024. Germany won the match 5-1. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
MUNICH (AP) — Host Germany could hardly have wished for a better start to the European Championship.
Goals from Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala in an imperious first half set Germany on the way to a confidence-boosting 5-1 win over 10-man Scotland in the Euro 2024 curtainraiser on Friday.
While Germany didn’t really have to break sweat against a sub-par Scotland at Allianz Arena, it was the ideal result to launch its tournament and ramp up excitement in the country.
Germany’s Jamal Musiala, right, scores his side’s second goal during the Group A match between Germany and Scotland at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Munich, Germany, Friday, June 14, 2024. (Federico Gambarini/dpa via AP)
“Yes, that’s exactly the way we wanted to start and, to be honest, we needed a start just like that,” Germany captain İlkay Gündoğan told German broadcaster ZDF. “I had a good feeling before the game already, to be honest, and it came true, thank God.
“But exactly this atmosphere, the euphoria in the stadium now with our own fans, that’s exactly what we need in order to go far.”
Pre-tournament title expectations of the Germans were underwhelming after they crashed out of their last three major tournaments. But they’ve opened with their biggest victory in Euros history.
They dominated the first half, which ended in the worst possible way for Scotland when defender Ryan Porteous was sent off and Kai Havertz converted the resulting penalty kick. Substitutes Niclas Füllkrug and Emre Can piled on to Scotland’s misery after the break.
“The first 20 minutes were very impressive. The first goals were very good,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said. “It’s very valuable that many players performed well early on.
“It was only the first step but a very good one and we can build on this one. We’re very happy.”
Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann, left, celebrates with his assistant Sandro Wagner after Germany’s Emre Can scored his side’s fifth goal during a Group A match between Germany and Scotland at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Munich, Germany, Friday, June 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Scotland, which hadn’t had a shot on goal all match, managed to give its raucous fans something to celebrate late on when the ball was bundled into the back of the net off Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger for an own goal.
Steve Clarke’s side will have to do better against Hungary and Switzerland if it is to get out of Group A and reach the knockout stage for the first time.
“Difficult night. We didn’t play to our standard. The German team were excellent,” Clarke said.
“We feel as though we’ve let ourselves down. We’re better than that. Hopefully we can show that the next two games.”
Scotland’s Tartan Army of supporters started the match in fine voice but they were swiftly quietened when Wirtz scored in the 10th.
Toni Kroos picked out Joshua Kimmich with a brilliant crossfield lob and he rolled it across for Wirtz to fire in.
Wirtz became Germany’s youngest Euros goal-scorer at 21. Musiala, 67 days older than Wirtz, doubled Germany’s tally nine minutes later after combining well with Havertz.
Scotland’s supporters react at the end of a Group A match between Germany and Scotland at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Munich, Germany, Friday, June 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Right on halftime, Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn only parried a header from Gündoğan, but just when the captain appeared set to tuck home the rebound he was upended by a thunderous challenge from Porteous.
Referee Clément Turpin showed Porteous a straight red card and awarded Germany a penalty, which Havertz converted.
Scotland managed to hold out in the second half until an attempted exchange between Musiala and Gündoğan fell kindly for Füllkrug. The substitute, who came on only five minutes earlier, unleashed a thunderbolt into the top right corner.
Scotland’s late consolation came when Kieran McKenna’s header from a free kick went in off Rüdiger.
Still, Scotland conceded five goals for the first time in 12 years when Can, who was brought into the squad only two days ago as a late replacement for the ill Aleksandar Pavlovic, curled in in stoppage time.
“A great feeling and a crazy story … I was on vacation two days ago” Can told ZDF. “Then the call came on Wednesday, and on Wednesday evening I met up with the team, trained once yesterday, came in today (off the bench), scored a goal. I’m thankful to Julian (Nagelsmann) and the whole coaching staff that they put their trust in me.”
Late German soccer great Franz Beckenbauer was honored before the match, and the capacity crowd included German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Scotland First Minister John Swinney, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
BANGKOK – Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated on Friday that one of government’s agendas is to boost FDIs especially through improving the ease of doing business in Thailand.
“Today, I was briefed on investment facilitation in 2 sectors namely film industry, including organizing of entertainment events, and food, drugs and medical equipment industry. Not only are we committed to easing procedures and providing incentives for the film industry but also to reducing the processing time for registration for the food, drugs and medical equipment industry,” he said.
On June 14, 2024, Mr. Thongthong Chandarangsu, Chairman of the Committee on Legal Reforms for Ease of Doing Business (KPT), held a press conference at Government House on the progress made in improving the ease of doing business laws.
This update followed a report to the Prime Minister and was attended by Ms. Onfah Vejjachiva, Secretary General of the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), Dr. Narong Apikulvanich, Secretary General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Mr. Kultep Narula, President of the Foreign Film Production Executives Association.
Mr. Thongthong explained that six months ago, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered a review of laws and regulations that hinder business, especially those that could affect important government policies. The aim is to make doing business more effective, build confidence and improve international competitiveness in three key areas. Progress is as follows:
Preparations to release laws to facilitate foreign film productions and music festivals. The foreign film production industry in Thailand is estimated at 7 billion baht annually, with potential growth to 15-20 billion baht. The Ministry of Labor is working on three initiatives:
Exempting Chinese nationals from foreign inspection when entering the country with a film production team, provided they can present a certificate from the Film and Video Review Committee, simplifying the process of applying for a work permit.
Amend the Ministerial Regulations on the Application, Issuance and Notification of Work Permits for Foreign Workers to allow designated coordinators to obtain work permits on behalf of foreign film crews. This is expected to be completed by August.
Inclusion of government-sponsored music festivals and concerts as urgent or special events, allowing performances of up to 15 days without the need for a work permit, to reduce barriers for foreign artists performing in Thailand.
2. Establish a Border Trade Service Center (One Stop Service: OSS) in Nong Khai Province, streamline processes and develop electronic systems for import-export management and inspection. This will reduce the workload for staff. The Cabinet decided on 7 May 2024 that the Customs Department should lead the establishment of the OSS center in Nong Khai by 1 October 2024.
3. Amending the schedule of the Foreign Business Act, 1999. The Department of Business Development is proposing the exemption of 10 businesses from needing foreign business licenses, such as telecommunications services for Type 1 telecommunications licenses and petroleum drilling services. Public consultations have been held, and the amendments are expected to be completed by August.
In addition, the Office of the Council of State has submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat the proposals of the Legal Development Committee to amend the Foreign Transactions Act as a further way of updating the Act.
EBC is the official partner of FC Barcelona in the field of foreign exchange.
Operations cover Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
EBC was founded in London. which is the financial centre and has a branch in Bangkok.
In April 2024, FC Barcelona and EBC Financial Group (EBC), a financial services group, are pleased to announce their partnership in the foreign exchange sector across multiple regions for 3.5 years. This partnership designates EBC as FC Barcelona’s official Partner in Foreign Exchange, with coverage extending to regions including APAC, LATAM, the Middle East, and Africa.
This collaboration marks an important step in the growth of EBC, allowing the brand to reach fans of the legendary football club Barcelona (FC Barcelona) around the world. Under this exclusive agreement, EBC is granted the unique privilege to engage in specialized business activities within the foreign exchange domain. The partnership encompasses a range of services, including foreign exchange transactions, trading, brokering (including CFDs), and advisory services.
Statement by Samuel Hertz, APAC Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group and David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd:
“Even though EBC is only four years old, we’ve only grown because we demand the best from ourselves and the industry. We’ve delved deep into FC Barcelona’s storied history, learning from their culture of mentorship where the experienced guide the new, and the new inspire the younger, creating a continuum of growth and excellence. This isn’t just a partnership; it’s a shared journey towards greatness, embodying a culture where success is not just about winning but about fostering values, nurturing talent, and contributing positively to society.
We’re inspired by Barca’s way of doing things, their culture where veterans nurture newcomers, passing on wisdom and passion. Our choice of FC Barcelona as a partner is deliberate and profound; it’s about learning from the best and embedding their ethos of teamwork, respect, and ambition into our DNA,” stated Samuel Hertz, APAC Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group.
David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited, the UK subsidiary of EBC Financial Group added, “Being able to forge a partnership with such a strong and respected brand as FC Barcelona underlines the groups ambition to always push ourselves to the highest levels of achievement as possible.
EBC Financial Group has firms regulated in the UK by the FCA, Australia by ASIC and the Caymans by CIMA – all highly respected global centres in financial markets – this partnership with FC Barcelona underlines our efforts to align and partner with the best in all aspects.”
Statement by Juli Guiu, Marketing Area Vice President at FC Barcelona:
“This partnership coincides with FC Barcelona’s global expansion plan in recent years, I’m sure that this will help the Club open up a wealth of opportunities in the financial sector through these 3.5 years of partnership with the well-renowned EBC Financial Group.
With the untapped potentials we see in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the growing economies in South & Central America, Mexico, Africa, and Middle East, we’re excited to build more connections with brands, partners, supporters, and Culers in these regions.”
Through this alliance, EBC is set to innovate and inspire, drawing on the club’s rich cultural heritage and passionate fanbase to cultivate meaningful engagement and establish a lasting presence in key regions with a brand-new audience, fostering connections with a vibrant, global community that transcend traditional market boundaries. It is also an unparalleled opportunity to bring FC Barcelona closer to its partners, supporters, and Culers in these regions, alongside its global expansion strategy to grow and continue to lead the industry via exploring the right partners in different sectors.
EBC Financial Group, founded in the esteemed financial centre of London, is a comprehensive financial services group renowned for its expertise in online trading, asset management and investment consultation.
With offices strategically located in prominent financial centres, such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, the Cayman Islands, Singapore, Bangkok, Limassol, and more, EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional and institutional investors worldwide. Known for its institutional-grade trading environment, the group provides tailor-made financial brokerage, trading services, and an extensive array of investment solutions.
A signing event to commemorate this significant milestone between the Club and EBC will be held at the revamped Spotify Camp Nou at a later date.
