Mr. Philippe, a 63-year-old Belgian national was arrested in Moo 7, Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province, on charges of operating a pawn shop without permission on May 25, 2024.
PHUKET – Many motorcycles were parked in the house of a Belgian man in Phuket; police officers discovered that he operated an unlicensed pawn business and lent money with high interest rates.
On May 25, Pol. Lt. Col. Thepnom Suwannarat, Superintendent of Investigation Division 3, Provincial Police Region 8 arrested Mr. Philippe, a 63-year-old Belgian national residing in Moo 7, Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province, on charges of operating a pawn business without permission.
The authorities found evidence, including 13 motorcycles, 1 mobile phone, and 15 national identification cards (belonging to debtors).
There were 13 motorcycles parked in the house of Mr. Philippe, a Belgian national who operated a pawn shop without permission.
Initially, the officials charged him with “operating a pawn shop without permission, engaging in the personal loan business under normal commercial supervision without permission, and allowing others to borrow money with interest rates exceeding the legal limit.” The suspect and evidence were then handed over to the interrogators at Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The establishment of pawn shops is regulated by the Pawn Shop Act of 1962, which requires operators to obtain permission from the government. The Ministry of Interior is responsible for considering and controlling such businesses.
Meanwhile, engaging in the personal loan business is governed by the Financial Institution Business Act of 2008, which requires operators to obtain permission from the Minister of Finance, based on recommendations from the Bank of Thailand.
Under Thai law, when allowing others to borrow money, the interest rate on loans must not exceed 15% per annum or 1.25% per month.
Manchester United's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
LONDON (AP) — Manchester United won the FA Cup after stunning defending champion Manchester City 2-1 in the final at Wembley on Saturday.
United’s first silverware of the season deprived crosstown rival City of the first back-to-back English league-cup doubles. United also qualified for the Europa League next season.
The final was a repeat of last year’s which City won 2-1, and Pep Guardiola’s team did not give up its trophy without a fight.
Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring in the 30th minute after mistakes from City defender Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Kobbie Mainoo then added a second goal in the 39th to spark passionate celebrations from manager Erik ten Hag, whose job was under intense scrutiny going into the final.
United was in control at halftime but City piled the pressure on in the second half and eventually got back into the game through substitute Jeremy Doku’s long range shot into the bottom corner in the 87th.
By that point Erling Haaland had hit the bar, Kyle Walker had forced goalkeeper Andre Onana into two outstretched saves, and substitute Julian Alvarez missed the target from close range with only the keeper to beat.
It is United’s 13th FA Cup, one behind Arsenal’s record of 14. And it is Ten Hag’s second trophy in as many years at the club after winning the League Cup last year.
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, second left, scores his side’s second goal during the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Players and staff embraced him on the field after the final whistle as the Dutchman managed to end a troubled campaign on a high.
Watching on were the United co-owners, Americans Joel and Avram Glazer and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.
Speculation about Ten Hag’s future dominated the buildup and it was widely anticipated he would lose his job regardless of the result after overseeing United’s worst league season in 34 years.
“It’s not about me, it’s about the team and winning the cup,” he said before kickoff.
Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag celebrates after his team won the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
It was a very different story for City. After becoming the first English team to win four titles in a row, it was aiming to set a new benchmark by completing back-to-back doubles. City’s parade in Manchester on Monday to celebrate the historic league success will not include the FA Cup.
City dominated possession in the first half but United posed the more threatening attacks and took the lead through Garnacho.
The Argentine winger sparked panic in City’s defense when chasing onto a hopeful punt from Diogo Dalot deep in his half. Gvardiol was quicker to the ball, but his headed back pass went over the onrushing City goalkeeper Ortega to leave Garnacho with an open net to tap home.
If that goal benefited from luck, United’s second came from a slick attack, with Garnacho at the heart of it again when cutting in from the right wing and playing in Bruno Fernandes.
The United captain hit a first-time no-look pass to Mainoo, who coolly slotted past Ortega.
“It’s been a tough season with ups and downs. This is the only thing we’ve had to look forward to,” Mainoo said. “We knew we had to come together. The preparation for this game has been amazing. We’ve shown we can compete and win games.”
Manchester United players celebrate at the end of the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Manchester United won 2-1. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola reacts during the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (John Walton/PA via AP)Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, center, applauds fans at the end of the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Manchester United won 2-1. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)Britain’s Prince William, the Prince of Wales, centre, watches the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)Manchester United players, Christian Eriksen, center, Victor Lindelof, left, and Rasmus Hojlund celebrate with the trophy after his team won the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Manchester United won 2-1. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho raises the trophy after his team won the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Manchester United won 2-1. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes pose with the trophy after winning the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez celebrates with Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag after winning the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez liftes Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag while celebrating victory in the English FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Monkeys eat rambutan in a cage which was set to trap monkeys in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
JERRY HARMER, LOPBURI — A Thai town, run ragged by its ever-growing population of marauding wild monkeys, launched an offensive against the simian raiders on Friday, using trickery and ripe tropical fruit.
Several high-profile cases of monkey-human conflict recently convinced authorities in Lopburi in central Thailand that they had to reduce the animals’ numbers.
If all goes well, most will end up behind bars, before starting a new life elsewhere.
The first stage of the plan, instituted Friday, is to bait cages with the animals’ favorite food, then wait for hunger to get the better of their natural caution.
Monkeys climb a billboard in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
There was early success for the catchers on one street, with three of the macaques falling for the ruse and ending up trapped because they had fancied a taste of rambutan fruit. The cages had been placed on the street earlier in the week so the monkeys got used to them and found them less threatening.
There are thought to be around 2,500 monkeys running around the town. The capture of the unlucky trio and around 30 others -– trapped in other parts of the town — slightly pared down that total.
The effort will go on for five days this month, then is likely to be repeated. Some of the monkeys will be left free to maintain Lopburi’s image as Thailand’s monkey town.
But no one is expecting it to be easy.
Monkeys climb on a cage fencing a spirit house in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
“With the monkey’s intelligence, if some of them go into the cage and are caught, the others outside won’t enter the cage to get the food because they’ve already learnt what’s happened to their friends,” said Patarapol Maneeorn from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
The roaming monkeys have long been a symbol of the town, 140 kilometers (90 miles) north of Bangkok, and are a major tourist draw. They’ve become increasingly aggressive, however, with several videos of them snatching food from residents and causing injuries being widely shared online.
One auto parts shop now trades from behind wire. The owners erected it at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, but keeping out the light-fingered primates was also a prime concern. They say they’ve adapted to the monkey problem, but not everyone has.
“When there are a lot of monkeys around, customers are afraid of buying the goods at the shop. Only our regulars aren’t frightened,” said Supaporn Tantiwong.
The town’s mayor, Chamroen Salacheep, agrees that the monkeys, while bringing in visitors, have also become bad for trade, with shops and malls seeing a drop in income and even people’s homes damaged. Lopburi, he said, is almost an “abandoned town.”
Veterinarian shave hair of monkeys before anesthesia in Lopburi Province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
“After our operation is over,” Chamroen said, “I will do a big cleaning across the town and paint all the buildings to regain the faith of the people.”
These may seem like grim times for monkeys in Lopburi, but there is a plan to give them a fresh start.
On Friday authorities began sedating them to carry out health checks before cleaning and sterilizing them and inking them with tattoos so they can be identified to keep accurate records.
After that they’ll transfer them to a series of huge holding pens, just outside the town center, while looking for a permanent home.
The map of the Land Bridge is installed at the beach in Ranong Province.
BANGKOK – Recently, Chinese delegations from at least two groups, one from Kunming and another from Chengdu, visited the Land Bridge project sites in Chumphon and Ranong provinces in southern Thailand.
Reporters from “Prachachat” reported that a delegation from the Kunming Municipal Communist Party Committee led by Mr. Liu Hongjian, member of the Yunnan Provincial Communist Party Committee and secretary of the Kunming Municipal Communist Party Committee, along with a twelve-member team, traveled to the Gulf of Thailand side in Chumphon Province and to the Andaman Sea side in Ranong Province on 19 May 2024 to discuss and exchange views and inspect the construction sites of the land bridge project.
This visit by Mr. Liu is seen as an on-site inspection to assess the feasibility and opportunities for China in relation to this project, including the “trial” of multimodal transport between Kunming-Vientiane-Bangkok-Ranong.
Seaside in Ranong Province where the Land Bridge project is located.
Mr. Liu is considered the third most important figure in the Yunnan Communist Party. Previous Chinese delegations have discussed the land bridge project with the Thai port authority, indicating the Chinese government’s interest in the project as a transportation route for goods from southern China through Laos and Thailand to the deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong. This is in addition to the transshipment of goods via the ports connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
After talks between the two parties in Ranong port, representatives of the Thai cargo companies proposed:
A large-scale test of the end-to-end transportation system for handling goods from Kunming-Vientiane to Nong Khai and then to Ranong, where goods are shipped to third countries destined for Myanmar, the Middle East and India via Ranong Port to test the issuance of documents, permits and customs procedures.
The establishment of a bilateral working group, which has been positively received by the Chinese side and will discuss further details.
However, from the discussions with the participating delegates, it emerged that the Thai government is still in the process of “listening” to investors’ views on the land bridge project. This includes obtaining feedback from Chinese investors, which is an important objective. Previous consultations with investor groups from Europe, the Middle East and China have shown that there are differing views on the project.
European investors, for example, focus on the project’s cost-effectiveness in terms of time and shipping costs compared to bypassing the Strait of Malacca and connecting the two coasts via the land bridge project. Chinese investors, on the other hand, are considering the shipping routes from southern China via the two deep-sea ports of Chumphon and Ranong or the north-south route.
Land Bridge Project, The Ministry of Transport
There is a belief that the success of the land bridge project depends on three factors:
The connection of the two coasts between the countries on the Pacific Ocean side, including East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania, and the countries on the Indian Ocean side, including South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, which provide transshipment opportunities.
The development of industries along the 89 km stretch of railroad connecting the deep sea ports of Ranong and Chumphon.
Development into an energy hub for the transportation of oil and gas.
It was recently reported that shortly after the return of Mr. Liu Hongjian’s delegation from Kunming, the Sichuan or Chengdu One Belt One Road Economic and Trade Promotion Association will lead a group of Chinese companies to Thailand from 27 to 31 May 2024 to assess the feasibility of the land bridge project.
The Chengdu delegation will meet with the Ministry of Transport’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) and the Thai Ports Authority to inspect the deep-sea ports to be built in both Chumphon and Ranong, and will also hold talks with Thai commercial banks.
The Ministry of Transport has assigned the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to study and conduct a preliminary design of the Land Bridge project using a Business Development Model. The project’s role is set to be a Gateway, supporting import-export activities of Thailand and countries in the ASEAN region, including the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and southern China.
It will also serve as an alternative for Transshipment of goods between the BIMSTEC group and countries in the Pacific Ocean, connecting rail and road networks and Port Industry. A free economic zone will be established to attract investors.
The project development model will be a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with the private sector investing in the entire project in a One Port Two Sides manner. The project’s progress is currently in the Roadshow phase to gather information from investors, which will result in further adjustments to the project model. The total value of the entire Land Bridge project (all 4 phases) is estimated at 1,001,206.47 million baht or 29.02 billion USD.
However, this project has faced opposition and raised concerns regarding its economic viability, impact on local communities’ way of life, and potential effects on the environment and natural resources.
Presiding Judge Nawaf Salam reads the ruling of the International Court of Justice, or World Court, in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday, May 24, 2024, where the top United Nations court ruled on an urgent plea by South Africa for judges to order Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza and withdraw from the enclave. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The top United Nations court ordered Israel on Friday to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah — but stopped short of ordering a cease-fire for the enclave. Although Israel is unlikely to comply with the order, it will ratchet up the pressure on the increasingly isolated country.
Criticism of Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza has been growing, particularly once it turned its focus to Rafah. This week alone, three European countries announced they would recognize a Palestinian state, and the chief prosecutor for another international court requested arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, along with Hamas officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also under heavy pressure at home to end the war, which was triggered when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing 1,200 people, most civilians, and taking some 250 captive. Thousands of Israelis have joined weekly demonstrations calling on the government to reach a deal to bring the hostages home, fearing that time is running out.
While the ruling by the International Court of Justice is a blow to Israel’s international standing, the court does not have a police force to enforce its orders. In another case on its docket, Russia has so far ignored a 2022 order by the court to halt its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier, Israel signaled it, too, would brush off an ICJ order to stop its operations. “No power on earth will stop Israel from protecting its citizens and going after Hamas in Gaza,” Avi Hyman, the government spokesperson, said in a press briefing Thursday.
A lone demonstrator waves the Palestinian flag outside the Peace Palace, rear, housing the International Court of Justice, or World Court, in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday, May 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Immediately after the ruling, Netanyahu announced that he would hold a special ministerial meeting to decide how to respond. Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition, derided the decision.
“The fact that the ICJ did not even directly connect the end of the military operation in Rafah to the release of the hostages and to Israel’s right to defend itself against terror is an abject moral failure,” he said.
The court’s president, Nawaf Salam, read out the ruling, as a small group of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside.
Fears the court expressed earlier this year about an operation in Rafah have “materialized,” the ruling said, and Israel must “immediately halt its military offensive” in the city and anything else that might result in conditions that could cause the “physical destruction in whole or in part” of Palestinians there.
Rafah is in the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip, on the border with Egypt, and over 1 million people sought refuge there in recent months after fleeing fighting elsewhere, with many of them living in teeming tent camps. Israel has been vowing for months to invade Rafah, saying it was Hamas’ last major stronghold, even as several allies warned an all-out assault would spell disaster.
Israel started issuing evacuation orders about two weeks ago as it began operations on the edge of the city. Since then, the army says an estimated 1 million people have left as forces press deeper inside.
Rafah is also home to a critical crossing for aid, and the U.N. says the flow of aid reaching it has plunged since the incursion began, though commercial trucking has continued to enter Gaza.
The court ordered Israel to keep the Rafah crossing open, saying “the humanitarian situation is now to be characterized as disastrous.”
But it did not call for a full cease-fire throughout Gaza as South Africa, which brought the case, requested at hearings last week.
South Africa’s foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, said the country’s allegation that a genocide is underway is getting “stronger and stronger by the day.”
“We are really pleased that the court has given very serious consideration to the matters that we put before it and has affirmed that an urgent decision is needed from the court to pause this onslaught against innocent Palestinian people,” she told South African state broadcaster SABC, adding that it’s now up to the U.N. Security Council to determine how to protect the Palestinians.
Journalists take images of Israel legal team before Judges enter the International Court of Justice, or World Court, in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday, May 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Balkees Jarrah, associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, said the court’s order “underlines the gravity of the situation facing Palestinians in Gaza, who have for months endured the blocking of basic services and humanitarian aid amid continued fighting.”
“The ICJ’s decision opens up the possibility for relief, but only if governments use their leverage, including through arms embargoes and targeted sanctions, to press Israel to urgently enforce the court’s measures,” Jarrah said.
The cease-fire request is part of a case filed late last year, accusing Israel of committing genocide during its Gaza campaign. Israel vehemently denies the allegations. The case will take years to resolve, but South Africa wants interim orders to protect Palestinians while the legal wrangling continues.
The court ruled Friday that Israel must ensure access for any fact-finding or investigative mission sent by the United Nations to investigate the genocide allegations.
At public hearings last week at the International Court of Justice, South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Vusimuzi Madonsela, urged the panel of 15 international judges to order Israel to “totally and unconditionally withdraw” from the Gaza Strip.
The court has already found that Israel’s military operations pose a “real and imminent risk” to the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Israel’s offensive has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. The operation has obliterated entire neighborhoods, sent hundreds of thousands of people fleeing their homes, and pushed parts of the territory into famine.
“This may well be the last chance for the court to act,” Irish lawyer Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh, who is part of South Africa’s legal team, told judges last week.
“Israel takes extraordinary measures in order to minimize the harm to civilians in Gaza,” Tamar Kaplan-Tourgeman, a member of Israel’s legal team, told the court last week.
In January, ICJ judges ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza, but the panel stopped short of ordering an end to the military offensive. In a second order in March, the court said Israel must take measures to improve the humanitarian situation.
The ICJ rules in disputes between nations. A few kilometers (miles) away, the International Criminal Court files charges against individuals it considers most responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
On Monday, its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, said he has asked ICC judges to approve arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and three top Hamas leaders — Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh — of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel.
Israel is not an ICC member, so even if the arrest warrants are issued, Netanyahu and Gallant do not face any immediate risk of prosecution. But the threat of arrest could make it difficult for the Israeli leaders to travel abroad.
Mr. Duan , a 42-year-old Chinese national (orange shirt) was arrested at a condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng district of Bangkok.
BANGKOK – Following a tip-off about an Asian man suspected of working and residing illegally in Thailand, immigration officers conducted an investigation and identified Mr. Duan , a 42-year-old Chinese national living in a condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng district of Bangkok, who had a fraud case in China.
Samut Sakhon Immigration Police monitored Mr. Duan’s behavior and found that he frequently left the residential compound to pick up groups of Chinese tourists and take them to their accommodations. He also coordinated various locations in a private tour style, targeting Chinese tourists who came on business and preferred privacy and shunned conventional tour companies.
An Immigration Police officer announced on May 24, 2024 the arrest of Mr. Duan Zhenming, a 42-year-old Chinese national who had a fraud case in China.
After gathering enough evidence of his illegal activities, the officers approached Mr. Duan while he was helping customers check in at a luxury hotel in the Ratchadaphisek area. Upon inspection, they found that his residence permit for the Kingdom had expired on February 3, 2024. He was charged and arrested for “working without authorization and overstaying his visa”
In addition, coordination with the Chinese security authorities revealed that Mr. Duan has a criminal record for fraud in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. In January 2023, he posed as a regional sales manager of a wine company and contacted several retailers with an offer to sell high-end rare wines at a special 10-percent discount, convincing them to transfer nearly 2 million yuan (about 10 million baht) to his bank account. He did not deliver the wines and broke off all contact with the victims.
As a result, the Public Security Bureau in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, issued an arrest warrant and revoked his passport. The Thai police arrested Mr. Duan and handed him over to immigration investigators for prosecution.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a keynote speech at the 29th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia, Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Japan, on May 24, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Sompong Wanjapoh)
TOKYO – Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attended the 29th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia and delivered a keynote speech on “Asian Leadership in an Uncertain World” at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Japan, on May 24, 2024. He highlighted 3 things at hand that urgently require Asia’s collective efforts to navigate through the stormy seas.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri disclosed gist of his speech as follows:
Today, the world is experiencing major shifts and challenges ranging from geopolitical conflicts, the economy, rapid advancement of technology, and the environment, made worse by the effect of COVID-19. While these challenges are immense, the Prime Minister also sees them as an opportunity for Asia to take leadership to tackle these challenges. He shared his perspective on a few of these problems, and on how Asia can work together to address them.
Problem number one: The Prime Minister thinks that Asia is the equilibrium while some say Asia is the main arena for superpower rivalry. Throughout all these years, major powers have made attempts to maintain the right ‘balance’ in engaging with Asia. This gives the region a unique position on the world stage.
This is especially the case for Southeast Asia who strives to maintain ASEAN centrality and relevance, and navigate through geopolitical flashpoints to avoid further confrontations – whether it’s Myanmar, the Taiwan Strait, or the South China Sea, as well as the ongoing conflicts further away in Ukraine and in the Middle East.
Despite the challenging geo-political and geo-economic landscapes, the agenda should be clear: to bring long-term prosperity to peoples and maintain peace and stability in the region. However, while ASEAN does not take sides, it remains vigilant and steadfast to safeguard its own interests.
For example, on Myanmar, ASEAN is working together relentlessly towards a peaceful, stable, and unified Myanmar, and wants to see Myanmar back on the path of democracy. Thailand is working to help support peace dialogue. The country is coordinating closely with Laos, as ASEAN Chair, and neighboring countries of Myanmar.
In the meantime, Thailand is now scaling up humanitarian assistance for the Myanmar people along the border. In the Prime Minister’s opinion, this is a solid example of how Asia can take the lead through collective efforts and unified voice, because together, we speak loudest.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attended the 29th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia, at Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Japan, on May 24, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Sompong Wanjapoh)
Problem number two: It is said that multilateralism and globalization is on the decline. Superpowers rival against each other. Yet, the Prime Minister sees a silver lining. An opportunity to revive group spirits, and strengthen regional and cross-regional cooperation that is open and outward-looking. In his view, this should be the region’s new common agenda. Asian countries should stick together and work together even more closely.
Problem number three: The world is fast evolving and going through massive technological changes — Internet of Things, AI, financial technology, quantum computing, blockchain, etc., the so-called digitalization of life.
These are the changes that transcend borders and bring about many profound challenges. While being excited about technological advancements may bring, it is also important to be mindful of the impacts, whether it be beneficial or damaging.
To this end, there is a need to strike a balance between long-term initiatives, including formal education and up-skilling to promote digital literacy, and careful implementation of legal and regulatory frameworks that promote innovation.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of building resilience within Asia. This is where Asia can make a difference. No one country will ever win this fight alone. In this ‘Asian Century’, Asia must remain together and continue to lead. This is because Asia is the part and parcel of the global engine.
Asia is the factory and kitchen of the world, deeply rooted in the global supply chains. Asia is also the economic powerhouse, being home to over 4.78 billion people, which is more than half of the world’s population.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a keynote speech at the 29th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia, Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Japan, on May 24, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Sompong Wanjapoh)
The three things that the Prime Minister mentioned and urged Asia’s collective efforts to navigate through the stormy seas are:
First is trade and investment. Because economic progress is the very foundation of peace and stability. It also underpins social and human development, as economic growth enables people to thrive.
For the past decade, the region has been negatively impacted by the spillover effects of the geo-political conflicts around the world, and continues to see deepening fragmentation, leading to the re-shoring, near-shoring, and ‘friend-shoring’ phenomena. Asia must adapt to these new circumstances.
Asia was one of the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when all supply chains collapsed. However, it was also one of the fastest to recover. Asia rose to the challenge. Gradually and steadily, we have been expanding and gaining more influence and strategic importance.
Looking towards the future, Asia should continue to lend its support to the multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core. In this light, Asia must continue to deliver a free, open, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, and inclusive trade and investment environment. The region has come far.
This was possible through regional collective action such as RCEP, which was built upon the existing ASEAN+1 FTAs with partners including Japan, making it the largest FTA to date in terms of combined GDP, accounting for one-third of the world’s population. Still, Asia can achieve much more.
The Prime Minister believes that FTA negotiations should be a top priority. FTAs must be utilized to boost trade and investment and diversify markets. Currently, Thailand has signed 15 FTAs with 19 countries, the latest one with Sri Lanka, with 7 more under way, EU and EFTA included.
Thailand is proud of its decision to submit the letter of intent to join the OECD. On this note, the Prime Minister personally thanked Japan for its outstanding support and for leading the charge in bringing the OECD closer to Southeast Asia. Thailand is determined to build the business ecosystem and enhance its global competitiveness to retain and attract investors.
Second is the green transition. Climate action is no longer a trend or an option, it is the only chance of survival. This requires a global effort on all fronts. It is the responsibility of each and everyone. Being green starts at home. In the Government’s ongoing effort to cut emissions, Thailand’s first-ever Climate Change Act will come into force within the next few years.
The Thai Government has also set up a new Department of Climate Change to oversee Thailand’s overall climate action. Thailand has been making good progress, especially in the energy and transportation sectors, and looks forward to welcoming more investments in the areas of green hydrogen and CCUS technology, as well as expanding carbon credit markets.
On transportation, Thailand is working towards becoming the Future Mobility Hub and creating a comprehensive EV supply chain industry. The initial goal is to increase the production of zero emission electric vehicles (EVs) to 30% by 2030.
However, it is the Government’s objective to support Japanese producers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in this transition period. Thailand has long valued the indispensable role of Japan and Japanese investors in building a solid foundation for the automobile industry in the country.
“ASEAN Power Grid” will help increase the share of renewable energy in the region. Thailand alone plans to increase the share of clean and renewable energy in power production to at least 50% by 2040. To build an entire ecosystem and infrastructure for clean energy, private sector and financial institutions are indispensable players.
They should be provided with both tax and non-tax incentives. Moreover, sustainable and green finance can be the main driving force. Thailand has been issuing green bonds since 2021. Additional series of sustainability-linked bonds will be rolled out this year, amounting to about 1 billion USD. The country welcomes participation from all of Asian investors to drive the region towards a more sustainable future.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a keynote speech at the 29th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia, Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Japan, on May 24, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Sompong Wanjapoh)
Third is digitalization. The Prime Minister wants to create, not only a digital economy, but a full-fledged digital society, where digitalization becomes a part of the people’s everyday lives. For Thailand, digitally active citizens already paved the way for this change. It was accelerated by the impacts of COVID-19 which made fast payment systems via QR-code, food delivery applications, and online shopping become a necessity.
Today, Thailand’s cross-border payment system is already linked with a number of countries, mostly ASEAN, as well as Japan, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations of all time among the Thai people.
Earlier this month, Microsoft CEO announced the plan of investment for a digital-first and AI-powered future, through its new regional datacenter in Thailand, along with other projects to up-skill the young digital talents and tech workforce of the whole ASEAN. This is a ground-breaking development for Thailand, and is fundamental to the country’s growing high-tech and cloud-based digital industries.
This will enable Thailand to take that crucial leap to fully capture massive potential in the digital economy. On top of that, ASEAN is currently negotiating on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). Once completed, it will become the world’s first regional agreement of its kind. It is projected to double the value of the region’s digital economy to 2 trillion USD by 2030.
The Prime Minister expressed belief that these three things will bring Asia closer to the world that the region aspires to see. Each Asian country has a shared responsibility, and no one can achieve this alone.
Platforms like the Nikkei Forum should continue to bring the public and private sectors together to share thoughts, best practices, and lessons learned. Because the business community is truly behind the Rise of Asia.
In closing, the Prime Minister emphasized that Asia must maintain collective leadership to re-ignite growth and restore trust in the global system. Because that is the region’s true strength. This is the Asian Century. It’s now time to walk the talk and put things into action.
He also affirmed that no matter what the future may bring, Thailand will always stand beside Japan, the country’s true and trusted friend.
Mr. Davis raised his hands to apologize to Tum at the Udon Thani City Police Station on May 24, 2024.
UDON THANI – A 44-year-old British national apologized to a gas station attendant whom he had punched two days ago as he was too drunk.
An incident occurred on the morning of May 22, at a PTT gas station on Udon Dutsadee Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict, Udon Thani City, in which a foreign man in a drunken state punched a gas station attendant twice on the right cheek, causing swelling.
This happened when the employee was refueling a customer’s vehicle 2024. The police have since located the foreign man responsible for the incident.
On May 24, Pol. Col. Phattanawong Chanphon, head of Udon Thani City Police Station, invited 44-year-old British national Davis, the suspect, and 25-year-old victim Jirawat Sunthon, or “Tum,” and 38-year-old gas station cashier Pranee, or “Mimi,” to the investigation room as witnesses for mediation. Tum’s parents and Mr. Davis’ 18-year-old daughter, May, were also present.
A 44-year-old British national, Davis, and a 25-year-old gas station attendant, Tum, shook hands to end a dispute after the Briton apologized for his behavior at Udon Thani City Police Station.
Mr. Davis explained that he was a former mercenary from the United Kingdom and had moved to Thailand 22 years ago to start a family and had an 18-year-old daughter with his Thai wife. He admitted to acting irrationally due to personal and family problems and regularly taking sleeping pills or tranquilizers.
Before the incident, he had run errands with his daughter in Udon Thani city and drank 40-degree white wine at a Bun Bang Fai festival in Phen district.
“I do not normally drink alcohol, but I could not resist the locals who are related to my daughter and my wife. They helped me with the farming and housework, so I drank several rounds before driving my daughter into town. On the way back, I stopped at the gas station to fill up. I lost control and was unaware of what was happening. I regret my actions and apologize to the victim and all Thai people. I am prepared to pay all medical expenses and compensation,” Davis said.
Mr. Davis then raised his hands to apologize to Tum, and knelt to apologize to Tum’s parents. Tum and his parents forgave him but demanded compensation for the medical expenses and moral damage and urged Mr. Davis not to repeat such behavior to others, respect the law and abide by Thailand’s cultural values. They acknowledged that Mr. Davis’ daughter was also of Thai descent and born in Thailand, but wanted the police to take legal action.
Mr. Davis promised not to repeat such behavior as he feared the revocation of his visa, which would prevent him from seeing his family in Thailand. He agreed to fully compensate the victim.
Pol. Col. Phattanawong discovered Mr. Davis’ address from the vehicle registration number and coordinated with the Udon Thani Immigration and Tourist Police to issue a summons. Mr. Davis was charged with “assault and causing public nuisance”,” which carries a fine.
The Udon Thani Immigration Department documented Mr. Davis’ criminal record, as this was his first offense. Given his previous assistance to the Immigration Department on Koh Samui and his remorse, he was warned that any further misconduct could result in the revocation of his visa and a ban from re-entering Thailand.
The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft of Singapore Airlines, is parked after the SQ321 London-Singapore flight, that encountered severe turbulence, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, near Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The Singapore Airlines flight descended 6,000 feet (around 1,800 meters) in about three minutes, the carrier said Tuesday. A British man died and authorities said dozens of passengers were injured, some severely. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — Singapore Airlines said Friday it will halt meal services and get all cabin crew to buckle up when planes fly through turbulence as part of tighter cabin measures after one person died and dozens were injured on a flight from London this week.
The airline said it has adopted a “more cautious approach to managing turbulence in-flight” after the Boeing 777 jet heading to Singapore hit extreme turbulence over the Andaman Sea on Tuesday, hurling people and items around the cabin.
“In addition to the suspension of hot beverage service when the seat belt sign is on, the meal service will also be suspended,” the airline said in a statement. “Crew members will also return to their seats and secure their seat belts when the seat belt sign is on.”
The plane, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, made a sharp 6,000-foot (around 1,800-meter) descent in about three minutes, after which it diverted to Thailand. Officials said the turbulence was believed to have occurred when meals were being served and many people were not using seat belts. A 73-year-old British man died of a suspected heart attack. Forty-six passengers and two crew members remained hospitalized Friday.
The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft of Singapore Airlines, flight SQ321 from Heathrow is seen on tarmac after requesting an emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International airport, Thailand, Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (Pongsakorn Rodphai via AP)
Passengers have described the “sheer terror” of the aircraft shuddering, loose items flying and injured people lying on the floor of the plane.
Singapore Airlines said other existing safety measures during poor weather conditions include getting crew members to secure loose items in the cabin and galley to minimize turbulence-related injuries, advising passengers to return to their seats and buckle up, and monitoring passengers who may need assistance such as those in the toilet.
“Pilots and cabin crew are aware of the hazards associated with turbulence. They are also trained to assist customers and ensure cabin safety throughout the flight,” the airline said. “SIA will continue to review our processes as the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance.”
The Singapore Straits Times newspaper said public records showed that authorities have investigated six other Singapore Airlines flights hit by turbulence in the past two decades, in which some passengers and crew members were injured. Tuesday’s incident was the only one involving a fatality.
It is unclear what caused Tuesday’s severe turbulence. It is believed to have been clear air turbulence, the most dangerous type that often occurs with no visible warning in the sky ahead. Wind shear can occur in wispy cirrus clouds or even in clear air near thunderstorms, as differences in temperature and pressure create powerful currents of fast-moving air.
Director of Samitivej Hospital Adinun Kittiratanapaibool talks to reporters during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, May 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, where most of the 104 people hurt in the incident were treated, has said that the 48 people still hospitalized include those spinal or spinal cord damage, skull or brain injuries and damage to bones or internal organs.
Twenty people remained in intensive care, but the hospital said none was in life-threatening condition. They include six Britons, six Malaysians, three Australians, two Singaporeans and one person each from Hong Kong, New Zealand and the Philippines.
Singapore Airlines has issued a deep apology over the incident. Its CEO, Goh Choon Phong, has pledged it will cooperate fully in the investigation and has visited those in the hospital to offer his support.
An almost complete lower jaw has been discovered in Khao Khom Cave, Satun Province.
SATUN – The Khao Khom cave located south of a limestone hill near the reservoir behind Satun College of Agriculture and Technology is now a prehistoric archaeological site from the Neolithic period, dating back some 3,000 to 6,000 years.
Panomboot Chantarachoti, Director General of the Fine Arts Department, announced on May 23 the results of an archaeological survey conducted after the discovery of human skeletal remains in Khao Khom Cave, Village No. 10, Khuan Kalhong Sub-district, Khuan Kalhong District, Satun Province. Office 11 of the Songkhla Fine Arts Department was commissioned to survey the site on May 16.
Inside the Khao Khom cave
The research team found significant evidence, including human skeletal remains, pottery shards, animal bones, freshwater mussels and marine shells. According to initial investigations, Khao Khom is a prehistoric archaeological site from the Neolithic period, dating back some 3,000 to 6,000 years.
This analysis refers to the 2010 archaeological excavation of the Pa To Ro cave in Khuan Don district, Satun province, where prehistoric skeletons were found that have been scientifically dated to around 3,000 years ago.
Previous archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous prehistoric sites in Satun Province, indicating that it was a major settlement area in ancient Thailand. At least 46 archaeological sites have been identified and efforts are underway to compile and publicize a comprehensive list.
The Director General thanked the various institutions for their efforts to protect and develop cultural learning and tourism sites. This significant discovery will benefit future archaeological research and the academic development of the Fine Arts Department.
Officers from the Fine Arts Department conducted an archaeological survey inside the Khao Khom cave.
The inspection was initiated following a report from Mr. Kampol Sassadi, a speleologist and Forest Mountain Guard volunteer, who had repeatedly requested permission to explore Khao Khom Cave. He described Khao Khom as a large limestone hill with dense forest at the base of which is a cave known locally as Khao Khom Cave. The dry cave system stretches for about 500 meters and leads to a stream cave that extends to an unknown depth.
Evidence of early human occupation was found at the cave entrance, including Stone Age tools and human bone fragments (tibia bones, vertebrae and skull fragments, more than 10 in total) as well as an almost complete lower jaw.
An almost complete lower jaw has been discovered in Khao Khom Cave, Satun Province.
Numerous shells were also found, suggesting that it may have been a burial site, as more and more human remains were found during further excavations, indicating the burial of at least 10 people.
Following the observations and collection of evidence by Mr. Sassadi and the team at Satun College of Agriculture and Technology, the findings were submitted to the Department of Fine Arts for formal academic validation.
Evidence of early human occupation was found at the cave entrance.
Officers from the Fine Arts Department conducted an archaeological survey.
Khao Khom cave
Numerous shells were also found in Khao Khom Cave.
Officers from the Fine Arts Department conducted an archaeological survey.
