The Rising Urgency of Thai National Security 2024

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6 May 2024, 13:58

ASEAN foreign — Lightning illuminates the sky behind the gunner on a Thai military armored vehicle, as he keeps watch along the Moei river, under the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot in Thailand's Tak province on Friday, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The appointment of a new foreign minister would not affect international affairs functions but tough challenges lie ahead, expert says

Prof Dr. Surachart Bamrungsuk, a lecturer with the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, believes turbulence may lie ahead following the recent government reshuffle. The Thai government and new foreign minister will be faced with border security-related issues, he wrote in an article entitled “The rising urgency of Thai national security 2024” published in the Matichon Weekly.

The appointment of Maris Sangiampongsa as new foreign minister will not affect the functions of foreign affairs as he was formerly a member of the ministry team.

Maris replaces Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, who resigned on Sunday, April 28, 2024 after losing the position of deputy prime minister, which he held concurrently, in the cabinet reshuffle.

Maris was a career diplomat at the Foreign Affairs Ministry and a member of Parnpree’s advisory team.

In the article, Prof Dr. Surachart named the three biggest challenges Thailand and the new foreign minister have to deal with related to border security.

1. Myanmar’s civil war

The civil war in Myanmar could well tear the country apart. The war has grown significantly and at an unprecedented rate in an already fragile setting since the military staged a coup on February 1, 2021. The hostilities can be regarded as a full civil war as they pits civilians who disagreed with the military seizing power and ousting the elected government against the junta. The war is not just about ethnic minority armed groups and local defense forces fighting against the Myanmar military.

In short, the war is not simply one against many but many against many.

The civil war escalated significantly in early 1994 after an offensive named Operation 1027, which was launched on 27 October 2023 by an alliance of three powerful ethnic rebel armies, seized control of towns and overran dozens of military bases. The junta lost control of townships where its battalions had been based for decades to resistance groups.

The situation went from bad to worse in recent days. The latest escalation in the conflict has now reached Yangon, which is one of Myanmar’s economic centers, signaling that heavy fighting will follow. Gains by the Myanmar resistance groups have been seen as a symbol of hope for a turning point to overthrow the military junta this summer.

However, this could well lead to an influx of refugees to Thailand.

Meanwhile, the implementation of the Myanmar’s People Military Service Law coupled with heavy fighting in Myanmar’s Myawaddy township in eastern Kayin state across the border from Thailand’s Mae Sot in Tak province and crackdowns on illegal “grey” business involving Chinese nationals in Thailand complicate the problems of the crisis in Myanmar, Surachart noted.

The expert has urged the Thai government and the Thai national security agencies to be well aware of this issue. Some Chinese nationals suspected of operating illegal activities are using the Thailand-Myanmar border areas as their operations base.

The geography means that Thailand serves as an escape route for refugees who flee to the Thai side in the wake of escalating conflict near the border. Massive refugee waves from Myanmar have been a cause for concern for the Thai government. If this continues, Thailand will be heralded as the ‘Poland of Southeast Asia’ and will face similar challenges to the Eastern European nation, which has played a major role in receiving refugees from the war in Ukraine.

Thailand is not new to providing aid along the Thai-Myanmar border and is prepared for refugee situations and the protection of its border and people. At this time, however, the country should have a clear ‘preparedness and response policy’ in place at both the national and local levels, with great emphasis being placed on establishing the integrity of operations that involve several parties and ensuring that humanitarian assistance operations are carried out in compliance with international guidelines for humanitarian aid to prevent the exploitation of this situation.

AP24111280959032 — People cross the Moei river as they flee Myawaddy township in Myanmar to Thailand’s Mae Sot town in Thailand’s Tak province, Saturday, April 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Warangkana Wanichachewa)

Prof Dr. Surachart believes that Thailand should consider taking the role of ‘peace broker’ who helps mediate a peace deal between the two or more groups in conflict or pushes towards a ‘Myanmar Peace Forum’ to help lower the intensity of the conflict. The country should also ensure that Asean member countries including Laos, which is chairing the group this year, are informed about the aid and operation plans, which must be in line with the five points of the ASEAN consensus, the international diplomatic effort on Myanmar aimed at ending the crisis.

External communication is also of paramount importance, the international affairs expert added. It’s important for Thailand to communicate with the US, China, EU, Japan, Australia and India about the plans as the countries also play leading roles in creating peace in Myanmar.

More importantly, Thailand should consider seeking cooperation from NGOs which can contribute to bringing peace to Myanmar even though the former Thai government agreed to the Myanmar military junta’s request to not allow representatives from NGOs to get involved in any operations along the border. Thailand should consider removing itself from this agreement under the current circumstances, Surachart noted.

However, ‘thought’ is a fundamental tool of every action. To ensure successful operations, the Thai government should formulate a policy and assign the roles and powers of the prime minister and the relevant government agencies. Most importantly, it should make sure that all the government leaders and the military leaders fully understand the current crisis in Myanmar and the solutions to problems.

2. Conflicts in the Deep South of Thailand

2024 was an important year for the peace restoration deal in the Deep South, with hope turning into frustration and deep concerns.

The problems of violence and insurgency in the three southern border provinces of Thailand are now back in the spotlight following an agreement to develop a Joint Comprehensive Plan towards Peace (JCPP) which is intended to bring peace to the Deep South.

The agreement has faced strong criticism from experts. Commenting during a public forum on peace talks in southern Thailand, they said the draft plan is not a positive approach to address the problems, particularly in terms of the demand made by Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN). It appears that the movement wishes to expand the problem areas to include some parts of Songkhla; and not limit them to only three southern border provinces through the agreement.

As such, the ‘comprehensive peace plan’ would become a ‘complicated plan’, Surachart said. It’s still unclear whether the proposed plan, which is supported by some NGOs will bring peace to southern Thailand or build ‘bargaining power’ for the BRN in any negotiations.

srettha deep south — Prime Minister Srettha Thawisin, the and his delegation visited Krue Se Mosque in Tanyong Lulo Subdistrict, Mueang Pattani District, on February 27, 2024.

In addition, when Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the three southern border provinces in an effort to boost the economy, he didn’t talk about the violence and insurgency issues in the area. Experts and observers question if a focus on economic growth only will help address the violence and insurgency problems of the Deep South. The government’s actions raise questions as to whether it has a well-designed strategy, a strategic direction, or even a policy to end the conflict and violence.

Villagers of the three southern border provinces have raised doubts as to whether the leader of the Thai government is neglecting his duty to solve the state violence, which is one of the significant impediments to economic growth and indeed how such growth can be achieved.

However, the government must be fully aware that tackling violent issues driven by a ‘war with insurgency’ in the three southern border provinces requires a comprehensive strategy derived from multi-dimensional thinking rather than a plan driven by one-dimensional thinking.

In short, ending war requires a clear strategy, not just a dream. Dreams without strategies are just dreams. They cannot stop violence and fighting. Surachart has urged the Thai government to take this opportunity to seriously review its strategy for the Deep South and think about how to make economic factors part of this strategy to help restore peace.

3. Maritime Border Dispute

The Thai government’s attempts to resolve the Cambodian-Thai land and maritime border disputes have appeared to ignite nationalist and right-wing sentiments.

In 2024, the Cambodian and Thai governments reopened talks on the overlapping maritime claims but already nationalists and right-wing circles are making waves that risk complicating relations between Cambodia and Thailand.

Cambodia and Thailand’s talks over the land surrounding Preah Vihear temple in 2008 awakened ill-feeling and caused tensions and clashes between the two nations.

Surachart explained that the most recent talks between Cambodia and Thailand over the maritime dispute are focused on the ‘Overlapping Claims Area’ (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand, which is already complicated in itself.

The attempts made by right-wing circles are seen as a mechanism to create a role for them in political activities and to protest against the Thai government. The moves are based on nationalism in relation to border issues, and focus both on the decades-old dispute over Preah Vihear, an ancient Hindu temple complex located between the two countries, and overlapping territorial claims in the Gulf of Thailand.

These right-wing circles are using the conspiracy theory as a tool to draw the attention of people. The expert thus warns that the Thai government to exercise extreme caution over any actions it takes that could make the conspiracy theory a reality.

The overlapping maritime claim issues are very complicated, Surachart noted. The Thai government has been dealing with the long-standing territorial issue for years.

Thai Cambodia Overlapping2 — Thailand Cambodia Overlapping Claims Area Source: PE

Following an unresolved claim between Cambodia and Thailand, the Thai government decided to award petroleum concessions in the overlapping areas in the Gulf of Thailand in 1968. However, it later notified the concessionaires to suspend all activities in the areas until the government could reach an agreement with the Cambodian government on the exploitation of resources for the mutual and equal benefits of the two countries, reminiscent of Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA).

The MTJDA is the area of overlapping continental shelf claimed by both Malaysia and Thailand, located in the lower part of the Gulf of Thailand. The area was agreed by the Thai government and the Malaysian government to be jointly explored and exploited for non-living natural resources for the mutual and equal benefits of the two countries.

The bilateral negotiations over the OCA are governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Thailand and Cambodia in 2001 which serves as a framework.

Surachart explained that it’s common to have a framework for negotiations that guide how parties will work together and define responsibilities and expectations. Even though parties have agreed to cancel the MoU, the documents can be reviewed, updated and reassigned as a new round of negotiation process opens.

The move has reignited the right-wing sentiment and they are criticizing the Thai government for being willing to draw up an agreement in exchange for maritime benefits. They have called on the government to cancel the MoU and ‘innocently denied’ the positive response to this agreement.

The Thai government should not neglect its duty to solve the problems of political movements that use nationalism to achieve political goals which can affect the government’s stability. Surachart has urged the government to look back and review lessons learned from past experiences in 2008 in connection with the Pheu Thai Party.

He added that the Thai government must clarify the issues to the public including the media so that they understand what is involved and thus prevent the use of nationalism to ignite ‘the power of political movement’ that would affect relations between Cambodia and Thailand.

4. Additional issues

Additionally, Surachart said, the Thai government should do more on these two issues; (1) new Chinese migrants in Thailand and their business expansion in the country; and (2) Thai workers held hostage in Gaza.

Thailand is experiencing an influx of Chinese migrants in what is seen as the country’s new social and political phenomenon. Many Chinese nationals have businesses in Thailand and these are causing a flood of cheap Chinese products into the Thai market, hurting local businesses. This would affect Thai national security in the long term. The government needs to figure out how to solve this issue.

Last but not least, the Thai government should step up its effort to help Thai nationals captive in Gaza. No one should be left behind. Even though the hostages have nothing to do with national security, the lecturer said, the Thai government should handle the issue for the sake of ‘human security’ of the Thai workers themselves and their families.

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About the author

Surachart Bamrungsuk1 — Professor Dr. Surachart Bamrungsuk

Professor Emeritus Dr. Surachart Bamrungsuk is an academic specializing in security and military strategy.

He graduated with a degree in Political Science and Government from Chulalongkorn University, an M.A. in Political Science from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University.

Prof. Dr. Surachart is one of the “October People,” referring to former students who participated in the fight against dictatorship in 1973 and 1976, which was heavily suppressed by the authorities. Later, he played a political role in academia and is also a writer whose articles have been published in Matichon and Matichon Weekly for four decades.

King Charles III’s Openness About Cancer Has Helped Him Connect With People in Year After Coronation

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Associated Press

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5 May 2024, 17:39

Britain Coronation One Year — FILE - Britain's King Charles III leaves The London Clinic in central London, Jan. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, File)

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III’s decision to be open about his cancer diagnosis has helped the new monarch connect with the people of Britain and strengthened the monarchy in the year since his dazzling coronation at Westminster Abbey.

Charles has used his illness to highlight the need for early diagnosis and treatment, showing leadership at a time of personal hardship. And in the process, people have begun to see him as a more flesh-and-blood character who faces the same challenges as them, not just an archetype of wealth and privilege.

“Ultimately, the great leveler is health,” said Anna Whitelock, a professor of the history of the monarchy at City University, London. “And the fact is, the royal family, like so many other families, are coping with a cancer diagnosis. And I think that has … taken the energy out of big challenges to the king.’’

AP24123455507816 — FILE – Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation ceremony in London, Saturday, May 6, 2023. (AP Photo/ Andreea Alexandru, File)

Questions still remain. Can a 1,000-year-old inherited monarchy represent the people of modern Britain? How will the institution address concerns about its links to empire and slavery? Should the monarchy be replaced with an elected head of state?

But for now, at least, those issues have been largely set aside as the 75-year-old king undergoes treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.

Of all the things experts expected the royal family to face in the year following Charles’ coronation, the events of the last five months took Britain by surprise.

First, Charles was treated for an enlarged prostate, then he revealed his cancer diagnosis. That was followed quickly by the announcement that the Princess of Wales, Prince William’s wife, Kate, also had cancer.

Both retreated from public duties to focus on their health.William followed suit so he could support his wife and the couple’s three young children.

It was not just the septuagenarian monarch who was ill, but the much younger future queen. Her spouse needed to help out. Suddenly the royal family seemed much more vulnerable, more human.

With three senior royals out of action, the Windsors were stretched thin as they tried to keep up with the perpetual whirl of ceremonial appearances, awards presentations and ribbon cuttings that make up the life of a modern royal.

Into the breach stepped, of all people, Queen Camilla.

AP24123455803605 — FILE – Britain’s Queen Camilla receives a message of support for Princess Catherine, during her visit to the Farmers’ Market in Shrewsbury, England, Wednesday March 27, 2024. (Chris Jackson/Pool via AP, File)

Once seen as the scourge of the House of Windsor because of her role in the breakup of Charles’ marriage to the late Princess Diana, Camilla emerged as one of the monarchy’s most prominent emissaries. Increasing her schedule of appearances, the queen played a crucial role in keeping the royal family in the public eye.

Wherever she went, royal fans offered get well cards and words of encouragement for Charles and Kate.

In many ways, the story of Charles’ first year since the coronation is about the rise of Camilla and how effective she’s been in representing the king, Whitelock said.

“The crowds reaching out to her has actually been quite remarkable,” she said. “So I think this first year has very much been the reign of Charles and Camilla in a way that we would never have imagined.”

Together, they helped create a year of stability for the monarchy, despite predictions from some critics that the death of Queen Elizabeth II would usher in an era of change.

That’s not to say Charles is free from troubles, many in his own family.

The king’s relationship with his younger son was strained even before Prince Harry and his wife Meghan ditched royal duties and moved to California in 2020. But the publication early last year of Harry’s bombshell memoir, “Spare,’’ deepened the rift with allegations about the unintentional racism of the royal family and sweetheart deals with the tabloid press.

And then there is Charles’ brother Prince Andrew, whose links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause headaches for the king. Just last month, Netflix dropped a full-length movie about the disastrous 2019 interview in which Andrew tried to justify his relationship with Epstein.

But throughout the last year, Charles worked to increase openness about the workings of the monarchy, continued to speak out on environmental issues and promoted interfaith dialogue, said George Gross, a royal historian at King’s College London.

Then came the king’s decision to publicize his health problems to demonstrate the benefits of early intervention in a country where cancer survival rates lag behind those in many other wealthy nations.

“Out of adversity, he’s managed to turn it around. It’s wrong to say he’s taken advantage of it, because it’s a disastrous situation to be in, and anyone with a cancer diagnosis will be very worried, very concerned,” Gross said. “But it has been this way that, as a head of state, he’s been able to do good with a very simple message, and I think that’s an extraordinary thing.”

Charles underscored his message last week when he began his return to public-facing duties with a visit to a cancer-care center.

Touring the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London, the king sat with Lesley Woodbridge, a 63-year-old cancer patient, and held her hand as chemotherapy drugs dripped slowly into her arm.

AP24123455947352 — FILE – Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla meet with Lesley Woodbridge, patient receiving the second round of chemotherapy for sarcoma and her husband Roger Woodbridge during a visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, Tuesday April 30, 2024. (Suzanne Plunkett, Pool Photo via AP, File)

“It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?” he said, adding: “I’ve got to have my treatment this afternoon as well.”

It’s the kind of personal connection Britons don’t usually expect from the royals, who are known more for reserve than emotion.

After the king announced his diagnosis, Cancer Research UK recorded a 33% increase in visits to its website as people sought information about the signs of cancer, said Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of the charity.

That may have saved lives. And it connected people to the king.

Mitchell said she was struck by how very personal the king’s visit to the cancer center was.

Patients willingly told their cancer stories to Charles and Camilla, and the royal couple responded with intimate details of their own journey, she said.

“I observed not just empathy, but real compassion,’’ Mitchell said. “And overall, the atmosphere of the day was one of hope — but hope, I think, framed with the importance of research bringing greater progress.”

French Woman’s Will to Her Housekeeper Highlights Thai Business Law Issues

By

Khaosod English

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5 May 2024, 17:16

KOH SAMUI – The inheritance of a French woman to her Thai housekeeper reveals legal issues for foreigners doing business in Thailand.

The case of a French businesswoman, Madame Catherine, 59, who committed suicide by shooting herself and left her fortune, including a luxurious villa on Koh Samui in Surat Thani Province to her Thai housekeeper, known as “Pa Tim,” in her will, reveals the legal limitations in Thailand that affect foreigners.

The French woman’s intention to leave her inheritance to someone she trusted seems to be difficult in practice unless there is cooperation from the Thais who hold shares in Madame Catherine’s company.

samui law1 — A luxurious villa on Koh Samui, which Madame Catherine stated in her will that she wished to bequeath to Pa Tim, her close Thai housekeeper.

According to the police investigation, Madame Catherine registered a legal entity on April 19, 2012, named G.V.N.E Co., Ltd., located at Moo 2, Tambon Mae Nam, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province. The business type is 55101, hotels, resorts, and apartments, to operate rental accommodations, resorts, bungalows, and vacation homes. The registered capital is 2 million baht, divided into 20,000 shares.

Madame Catherine held 49% of the shares (9,800 shares) in accordance with Thai law, which stipulates that foreigners can own no more than 49% of real estate in the kingdom.

The other two Thai shareholders are Mr. Thongsai from Tan Sum District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, a businessman who holds 35% (7,000 shares), and Ms. Ratchaprapa from Cha-uat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, a businesswoman who holds 16% (3,200 shares).

french patim — An envelope containing the will documents, which Madame Catherine addressed to Pa Tim, her close Thai housekeeper who had worked for her for 17 years.

Mr. Ratchaporn Poolsawat, president of the Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association, commented based on his experience with foreigners investing in Samui and facing problems. He said that the shareholding proportion in Madame Catherine’s company might be a problem in the future regarding how the assets will be transferred to Pa Tim without the consent of the company’s partners.

“The nominee problem in foreign investment in Koh Samui is that many investors do not understand Thai law. Especially after the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian investors brought a lot of money to invest in buying real estate but still do not understand the law, causing problems,” Mr. Ratchaporn said.

He also said that this affects local investors in Koh Samui who do everything correctly according to the law and pay taxes correctly. But the nominee groups do not pay taxes to the state and do not proceed correctly according to the law. Some foreign investors do business without knowing Thai law.

samui law4 — Mr. Ratchaporn Poolsawat, president of the Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association

In addition, some were deceived by some law firms and accounting firms in processing documents to comply with Thai law. Some had invested more than 100 million baht and eventually were arrested and prosecuted, so he felt very sorry for this group of investors.

“I would like to call on the government to investigate because if left unchecked, it will become a double-edged sword, causing damage to Koh Samui’s tourism,” Ratchaporn said.

He also said that the Koh Samui Tourism Association is ready to be a mediator in coordinating between investors and government agencies, especially the Revenue Department, Immigration Police, or local authorities, to publicize in foreign languages, especially English, Russian, and Chinese, or organize workshops for foreign investors to understand Thai law.

french patim1 — Pa Tim cooperated with the police on May 2, 2024, while they went to inspect the luxurious villa where Madame Catherine committed suicide.

Pol. Col. Krairit Ngamsri-on, superintendent of Koh Samui police station, said that in the case of Madame Catherine, it is expected that the authorized attorney will have to file a lawsuit with the court to obtain a court order to the estate administrator and proceed with the distribution of the inheritance according to the will. Within 30 days, if there is a dispute, the interested parties can proceed directly to the court without going through the police officers.

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Opinion: Bangkok’s Heat Wave Needs to be Addressed Now

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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5 May 2024, 13:00

A French friend in Bangkok posted a few days ago that he was thankful for the man who invented the air conditioning machine (There is a debate whether in fact it was the American man by the family name of Carrier or not but would not get into that here).

I am thankful too, BTW, and wonder how one could possibly survive the ever-hotter Bangkok’s summer without an aircon. The Meteorological Department said, and Buddha forbid, the temperature rose to 41.1 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, April 30, somewhere in Don Mueang district.

Can’t complain, the record heat went to Lampang province’s Thoen district on April 22 at 44.2 degree Celsius and it is definitely not as dry as in Dubai. The Health Department earlier this week said 38 people have died from heatstroke wave in 2024 so far.

The scorching heat wave in Bangkok must have been so debilitating Al Jazeera called me from Doha, asking for a brief on-air interview three weeks ago only to learn that I was indisposed to their urgent request.

Here in Bangkok, we need to acknowledge that not all can afford to live in an air-conditioned environment or work in an air-conditioned environment. At the same time, those who can afford are in fact generating more heat into the outdoor environment as they turn the aircon on. Cars also generate more heat to the environment as well. There is no control as to the proliferation of air conditioners and cars in Thailand’s sprawling capital city. That, combined with more high-rise condos, means an incrementally hotter summer, a heat island.

Can we put a lid on the number of aircon, car, or high-rise condos, and buildings in hope of reducing the level of heat generated, thus creating an urban heat island effect?

What we can do is to apply heat or environmental tax on aircon and car owners and users, high rise building project owners, and use the money to create and fund pockets of green areas, creating new pocket parks, partly fund larger parks and make Bangkok greener – and less hot.

We can debate about the rate of the heat tax to be slapped on each aircon user per annum, say 100 or 200 baht for a smallest unit, 500 baht per annum for each vehicle owned, but it should be clear now and those who are creating more heat at the expense of the everyone else in the city that they must pay to help make Bangkok greener and less hot.

Greening Bangkok (and hopefully making it less hot, and less PM2.5 micro dust air-polluted particularly during summer) should be a priority task of the Bangkok governor, but he (or she) needs support from the national government as well. BTW, I learned from a reliable source that Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has an outstanding invitation to visit Singapore. Perhaps he should head there soon, spend at least a few days with his team, and learn the ropes on how to make Bangkok decisively greener and less hot – heat wise.

Viral Suvarnabhumi Airport Ginger Cat Launches Fan Page Amid Fewer Appearances

By

Khaosod English

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5 May 2024, 02:08

SUVARNABHUMI – A 9-month-old male ginger cat named “Nuu Rang” became an overnight sensation when a video clip was shared on social media last week, showing him enjoying sitting on the airport’s escalator LED directional sign pillar, where tourists came to take pictures with him.

However, his owner was warned later by airport officials not to bring him unnecessarily after some netizens raised a dramatic issue about how the airport could allow pets to wander around. They expressed concerns that the cat may cause problems to those allergic to cats, reflect negatively on the airport, and possibly pose a danger to the cat itself or spread disease.

airport cat33 — Nuu Rang the ginger cat walked on the handrail of the escalator with his owner’s leash attached at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Suvarnabhumi Airport authorities revealed on Friday that there are strictly no rules preventing a pet from being at the airport. In light of this incident, they may consider introducing new legislation or regulations. At the very least, they might mandate that pet owners keep their cats or dogs on a leash while in public areas.

Ms. Nokporn Charoenjitchinda, a 31-year-old Pathum Thani resident and the owner of Nuu Rang, has not given more interviews to the media about the AOT authorities’ order. She said earlier that since the social media trend began, she has had a big headache because people keep contacting her.

airport cat4 — Ms. Nokporn Charoenjitchinda, a 31-year-old Pathum Thani resident and the owner of Nuu Rang

She explained that she is a person who doesn’t like anyone to bother her much. But when she took Nuu Rang out and someone came to greet him, ask for photos, talk, or play, that was fine. However, when returning to her room, she needs privacy.

In a previous interview, Ms. Nokporn said that Nuu Rang is very attached to her and obeys only her after she raised him since he was a baby.

Nuu Rang’s mother got lost and came to her house, giving birth to 4 kittens. Not long after, the mother was bitten to death by a snake. The kittens were not yet weaned, so they had to be divided among acquaintances to take care of them. She took Nuu Rang to raise and recently had him neutered.

airport cat5 — Nuu Rang’s mother got lost and came to her house, giving birth to 4 kittens.

When she went to help her boyfriend work at Suvarnabhumi Airport, she took her beloved cat with her because Nuu Rang can’t stay alone in the room. He would destroy things in the room, so she had to take him with her, putting him in a motorcycle basket.

Her boyfriend works taking care of tourists, mostly Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. She helps carry packs of water bottles onto the bus for tourists, which is not a full-time job, so she has time to look after Nuu Rang.

While at the airport, this ginger cat would stay with her all the time, including when he sat on the airport’s escalator LED directional sign pillar at the escalator. She would always be there. People who met Nuu Rang would be surprised why there was a cat at the airport. As for Nuu Rang, he would always look at her.

airport cat2 — Nuu Rang the ginger cat loved siting on the airport’s escalator LED directional sign pillar at the escalator.

When she went to carry water packs, Nuu Rang would sit and wait there, not going with others. And he often slept on the trolley no matter how loud the noise was or what happened, he wouldn’t wake up. Some days if she doesn’t go to work at the airport, Nuu Rang won’t go either.

Normally she goes to work around 1 a.m. and comes back around 3 or 4 a.m., returning with her. Her boyfriend works until 5 a.m., sometimes until 7 a.m.

Nuu Rang really likes to go outside, so he will go sit and meow at the door. She will open the door and let him out to run and play. The reason she puts a bell on Nuu Rang is so she can listen to the sound to know where he is. And there’s a flashing light too to guard against snakes.

Nuu Rang now has a Facebook page for fans to follow, called “Nuu Rang, Suvarnabhumi’s Ginger Cat”, with pictures from when he was a baby and cute clips for cat lovers to follow, even though they won’t see him at Suvarnabhumi.

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Bangkok Deadly Manhole Cover Prompts Thai Authorities To Act

By

Khaosod English

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4 May 2024, 22:23

Police officers from Chokchai Police Station inspected the scene where a 59-year-old man stepped on a damaged manhole cover for electrical cable ducts and fell into the hole on May 3, 2024.

BANGKOK – The family of the man who tragically fell into an electrical cable manhole for underground electrical cables on the road’s median and lost his life is demanding 10 million baht in compensation from the responsible state agency.

This shocking accident, which took place on Friday, April 3, involved Mr. Kamthorn Jaruanan, 59, stepping on a wooden cover of an electrical cable manhole and falling into a pit about 15-17 meters deep, opposite Soi Ladprao 49. The autopsy results revealed that the victim died from drowning in the manhole, along with a broken neck, presumably from the impact.

This incident has prompted the public to criticize state agencies for neglecting the safety of people’s lives and property, as similar incidents have occurred before, with other unfortunate individuals being injured.

hole4 — The deadly manhole cover was a wooden cover that the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) had placed to temporarily cover the cable duct hole after the metal cover had been stolen.

On Saturday, May 4, the family of the victim collected his body from the Police Hospital for religious ceremonies at the scene of the incident and at Wat That Thong temple.

Mr. Kamphon, the younger brother of the deceased, said that the family would sue the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) for 10 million baht in damages as the agency directly responsible for using the “deadly manhole cover” to cover the opening.

The MEA has earlier expressed their condolences and stated in preliminary investigations that the permanent steel cover of the underground electrical cable manhole in the area had been stolen prior to the incident, prompting MEA to install a temporary cover.

Mr. Kamphon demanded that state agencies must come and change the manhole covers completely, “don’t just do it half-heartedly,” because even wooden planks can cause children walking by to fall in as well. Moreover, the area around the manhole cover has trees and soil covering it, making it difficult for people crossing the road to notice.

hole2 — Buddhist monks performed a ritual to invite the spirit from the spot where Mr. Kamthorn Jaruanan fell into the electrical cable duct hole, in order to conduct the funeral chanting ceremony on May 4, 2024.

He said that casting a new manhole cover should not take long, and if they were afraid of the cover being stolen, why didn’t they install cameras? If cameras were installed, the perpetrators could have been caught immediately. The budget for procuring manhole covers is state money, so why are the agencies still being slow?

The younger brother of the deceased said that the family is demanding 10 million baht in compensation because they believe there will be negotiations. They also sympathize with the eldest sister, who normally lived with this brother all along, just the two of them. But from now on, the sister, who suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, and is elderly, will have to live alone.

“If my brother were still alive, money would not matter, because even though we were not wealthy, on Saturdays and Sundays, he would still take her out and have meals together all the time,” he said.

When asked by reporters if he would forgive the responsible agencies, Mr. Kamphon said no and asked to send a message to the agencies involved: “Try letting your own family members walk there.” And if the agencies claim that there are not enough manhole covers, why were they able to quickly install a concrete cover immediately after the incident? This shows that the concrete covers were already available, but the agencies were just careless and refused to do it.

chatchart hole — Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, pays respects to the body of Mr. Kamthorn Jaruanan while attending the funeral on May 4, 2024

Later on Saturday evening, Mr. Vilas Chaleysut, Governor of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), Mr. Thitiwut Ngoenkhlai, Deputy Governor of MEA, and Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, attended the funeral ceremony of Mr. Kamthorn. They all expressed their condolences to the family.

Mr. Chadchart also said that he would have officials from Wang Thonglang District take care of Mr. Kamthorn’s sister, who now lives alone, in addition to the compensation provided by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

“Problems of this magnitude are not limited to cable ducts. Every construction project in Bangkok must be inspected and anticipated in advance. I emphasize the need for thorough care and increased cooperation because theft, including cable cutting and manhole cover theft, has significantly increased. Collaboration among the BMA, MEA, MRTA, Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, and Expressway Authority of Thailand is necessary to reduce accidents,” he said.

hole7 — Mr. Thitiwut Ngoenkhlai, Deputy Governor of MEA, expressed his condolences and apologized to Mr. Kamphon for the loss of his elder brother in an unexpected incident.

Mr. Vilas, the Governor of MEA, gave 50,000 baht in cash to Mr. Kamphon and expressed his deepest condolences to Mr. Kamthorn’s family.

“I am truly sorry. The project was intended to improve the quality of life for city residents, but this tragic incident occurred. I assure you that MEA will not abandon you, contrary to the morning news reports. That’s why I came here in person today,” he said.

Mr. Thitiwut, Deputy Governor of MEA, added that all 150 stolen manhole covers were urgently replaced by purchasing concrete slabs from construction material stores to cover all the openings. MEA has now ordered precast concrete covers to replace all of them. Regarding the stolen covers, MEA has filed police reports at Phahonyothin, Chokchai, and Lat Phrao police stations, and will follow up on whether any suspects have been apprehended.

Airborne Microplastics a Dark Cloud on Horizon for Human Health

By

Kyodo News

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4 May 2024, 18:30

microplastic1 — Microplastics found in snow in Hokkaido. (Photo courtesy of Hiroshi Ono, associate professor at Kitami Institute of Technology. (Kyodo)

Microplastics are widely recognized as a major marine pollutant, but their lesser-known presence in the air has become a major concern in recent years due to the possible risks posed to human health.

Japanese researchers leading studies on the issue have confirmed that microplastics have infiltrated the skies and gone on to make their way into clouds and snow. It is possible they can be ingested into the human body in their airborne state and could then move into the vascular system, they said.

Hiroshi Okochi, professor of environmental chemistry at Waseda University, and Hiroshi Ono, an associate professor at Hokkaido’s Kitami Institute of Technology, are among those dedicated to advancing research that is still in its infancy stage.

Microplastics measure less than 5 millimeters in length. They are produced when plastic waste is broken down by ultraviolet light and natural forces such as wind and waves.

Microplastics are considered chemically harmful to organisms because their relatively large surface area allows them to absorb and transport toxic substances. When ingested by organisms, the plastics release the chemicals which can enter the human food chain through fish and shellfish, damaging both natural ecosystems and the people that rely on them.

Okochi and his research team demonstrated for the first time through field observations conducted from 2021 to 2022 that microplastics were contained in cloud water collected in three locations, including the summit of Mt. Fuji.

microplastic2 — Photo taken in August 2023 shows a Waseda University research team led by professor Hiroshi Okochi collecting cloud water at the top of Mt. Fuji. (Photo courtesy of Hiroshi Okoch / Kyodo)

The airborne particles become less water-repellent due to ultraviolet degradation, with evidence to suggest they may act as condensation nuclei of cloud ice and water, the researchers said.

Microplastics emit greenhouse gases when degraded by UV light. The researchers think they might hasten cloud formation, making it more difficult for the sun’s rays to reach the earth’s surface and thus interfering with predictive models of global warming.

Okochi’s team hypothesizes that airborne microplastics originate both from land- and ocean-based sources.

“In Japan, the most likely source is marine microplastics, which are blown up from the neighboring seas by typhoons and winter monsoons from the northwest,” Okochi said.

Ono of the Kitami institute, who specializes in cryology, or the study of snow and ice, discovered microplastics in snow.

Analysis of snow collected at nine locations in Hokkaido from 2021 to 2023, including the World Natural Heritage site of Shiretoko and Mt. Asahidake, found microplastics at all sites investigated.

In Shiretoko and other similarly remote areas, the majority of the materials found were less than 0.06 mm, a relatively small size. They included particles of polyethylene used for plastic containers thought to have been transported in the air.

In urban areas, synthetic rubber particles and relatively large microplastics were primarily found, most likely of local origin from sources such as car tires.

Supplied photo shows microplastics found in snow in Hokkaido. (Photo courtesy of Hiroshi Ono, associate professor at Kitami Institute of Technology)(Kyodo)

According to Okochi, microplastics in the atmosphere are less than 0.1 mm, which is small in comparison to those in the ocean, but they deteriorate more quickly because they are exposed to strong UV light.

As for health concerns, inhaled microplastics are thought to accumulate in the lungs, with the finer particles making their way into the bloodstream and then spreading around the body. But they are difficult to expel unlike plastics ingested through contaminated food and drink, he said.

The first paper referring to microplastics in the atmosphere appeared in 2016. Due to it being a relatively new field of study with a lack of standardized methodology, there has been little progress on grasping the actual severity of the situation, such as the amount of microplastics in the atmosphere and their size.

“There are still many things we don’t know. We would like to clarify the health risks in particular and consider how to deal with them,” Okochi said.

Is the Thai Massage Parlour Business Really Doomed in the Future?

By

Khaosod English

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4 May 2024, 12:34

BANGKOK – The closure and sale announcement of the famous massage parlour in Bangkok, “Emmanuelle Entertainment,” located in the Ratchada area for 645 million baht, just recently, seems to indicate the state of this business in Thailand quite well.

The location of Emmanuelle is on leased land, with an area of approximately 1 rai. The land in front is leased by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), with the lease expiring on 30 April 2027. Although it’s possible to extend the lease, the business owner has chosen not to do so.

Sopon Pornchokchai, President of the Thai Real Estate Information Center (AREA), stated that the massage business reached its peak in 2013 with 527 establishments in Bangkok alone. In 2007, there were only 390, indicating significant growth. However, many of these massage establishments, including spas and related businesses, are large-scale operations, contributing to the high numbers.

However, in 2024, there are only 71 authentic massage parlour in Bangkok, with the highest concentration in Din Daeng district (19), followed by Huai Khwang (18), Ratchathewi (9) and Bang Phlat (4). Otherwise, they are scattered, with only 1-2 businesses in each district.

The top five massage businesses with high registered capital are:

Youtopia Entertainment Complex, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok: 300 million baht
Plaza, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok: 88.2 million baht
La Belle Entertainment Complex, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok: 50 million baht
Velthee Pilar, Nonthaburi Province: 100 million baht
Wee Chai Somboon, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok: 80 million baht

There are 29 massage establishments in other provinces, most in Chonburi (6), followed by Nakhon Ratchasima (4), with only 1-2 establishments per province in others such as Krabi, Khon Kaen, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Phuket, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Saraburi, Sukhothai, Surat Thani, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani.

When evaluating massage facilities, assuming that each facility has about 50 service providers, which with 527 facilities in 2013 equates to a total number of about 50,000 service providers, with each person providing services about three times a day, the revenue would amount to about 82.125 billion baht per year, assuming an average rate of 1,500 baht per person.

emmanuelle12 — The massage parlor “Emmanuelle” ceased its operations on April 30, 2024 and put up a sale announcement for 645 million baht.

In this respect, the likelihood of massage businesses collapsing and disappearing is still low. If there are mergers between hotels and massage establishments or spas (of the higher category), the chances of survival are greater.

Sopon mentioned that from a financial perspective, currently, a typical 3-star hotel might have an occupancy rate of 60 percent with 100 rooms and a net income of 1,000 baht per night, resulting in a monthly income of 1.8 million baht. However, in the case of a massage establishment with 100 rooms, if the net room rate is only 600 baht per night (reflecting current market conditions) but with clients coming in once per day, the monthly income would also be 1.8 million baht. Moreover, other revenue streams such as food and beverages are likely to be higher compared to a regular hotel.

“Therefore, the possibility of massage businesses collapsing and disappearing altogether is still low at this stage. If there is further integration between a hotel and a massage facility or (higher-end) spa, the chances of sustainability will be even greater.”

The smartlocal.co.th website introduces massage parlours in Bangkok.

However, if property prices are rising due to the prime location, it might be better to sell the business. For example, if a massage or hotel business generates a net income of 1.8 million baht per month or 21.6 million baht per year with a plot size of about 1.5 rai or a price of 450,000 baht per square meter (after deducting construction and other costs), it would be advantageous to sell the business at a higher land price of 1 million baht per square meter. This avoids the complexity of running the business and allows investment in other ventures.

So the massage business is not quite dead yet. There are still opportunities and potential for sustainability.

The massage parlour, or Ap Op Nuat in Thai, according to Claude, offers a range of services, including bathing, steaming, and massage. However, the term is often associated with establishments that provide sexual services, operating under the guise of a legitimate spa or massage parlour. It is important to note that not all massage parlors or spas in Thailand provide sexual services, and many operate as legitimate businesses offering therapeutic treatments.

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South and Southeast Asian Countries Cope with a Weekslong Heat Wave

By

Associated Press

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4 May 2024, 11:26

Asia Heat Photo Gallery — A pedestrian holds an umbrella to protect from the sun in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

South and Southeast Asian countries have been coping with a weekslong heat wave rendering record high temperatures that have posed a severe health risk.

Umbrellas to shield against blazing sunlight are popular, air-conditioned malls are serving as urban oases, and schools in Cambodia have been cutting back their hours. In the Philippines, India and Bangladesh, officials have told students to stay home and do their lessons remotely.

In April, the United Nations Children’s Fund warned that the sweltering weather could put millions of children’s lives at risk and asked caregivers to take extra precautions.

AP24124629069691 — A man pours water on his daughter on a hot summer day in Manila, Philippines on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

A UNICEF statement said that in the Asia-Pacific region, “around 243 million children are exposed to hotter and longer heatwaves, putting them at risk of a multitude of heat-related illnesses, and even death.”

The advice everywhere for everyone? Avoid outdoor activities and drink plenty of water.

Meteorologists in Cambodia say the country is facing its hottest temperatures in 170 years, reaching as high as 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit).

In Myanmar, weather experts said some parts of the country experienced record high temperatures in the past week. Several towns were included on lists of the hottest spots worldwide in April, in at least one case surpassing 48.2 C (118.8 F).

Parts of eastern India experienced their hottest April on record as a heat wave scorched the region amid a general election.

The recorded highs reflect only air temperature, the historical measure for hot and cold weather. They don’t factor in the debilitating effects of humidity, which can make it feel even hotter.

The Thai capital Bangkok has touched 40 C (104 F), but the heat index reportedly topped 50 C (122 F).

Cities such as Bangkok constitute urban heat islands, where the temperatures are hotter than in the surrounding countryside because of the mass of buildings and concrete that trap and retain heat.

Benjamin Horton, director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore where natural phenomena such as climate change are studied, said there are three causal factors for heat waves: El Nino, a naturally occurring climate phenomenon; an increase in global temperatures; and human-induced climate change.

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Chiang Mai Police Rescue Another Chinese Student Based in Australia, Lured by Scammers

By

Khaosod English

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3 May 2024, 17:46

chinese student-may1 — Police officers found Ms. Xu at the Thapae Inn Hotel in Chang Moi sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai district, Chiang Mai province on May 2, 2024.

CHIANG MAI – Police in Thailand’s northern region 5 have found a Chinese student who was lured to Chiang Mai by a call center gang and extorted for 7 million baht. The student had flown to Thailand from Australia, where she was studying, to seek help. This case is similar to that of a Chinese female student who was lured to Bangkok in April.

On May 3, Pol. Maj. Gen. Worapong Kamlue, commander of Investigation Region 5, that the Chinese student surnamed Xu, 23, was threatened and deceived by a call center gang to travel to Thailand from Australia, where she was studying. She arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 10.30pm on 30 April 2024 at 10:30 p.m. On Thursday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Police contacted the Information Technology Crime Suppression Center, Region 5 Police, asking for help in locating the student.

At around 11.50 p.m. on May 2, officers found Ms. Xu at the Thapae Inn Hotel in Chang Moi sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai district, Chiang Mai province. She was on the phone with the call center gang at the time. Police officers immediately intervened and rescued her. She was then invited to the Information Technology Crime Suppression Center of Region 5 Police for questioning.

chinese student may2 — Police in Thailand’s northern region 5 have found a Chinese student who was lured to Chiang Mai by a call center gang and extorted for 7 million baht.

Miss Xu said that around March 30, someone called her, posing as a Chinese police officer, and told her that her bank account had been opened using her identity card to transfer money obtained by fraud. She was told that her Australian visa would be revoked if she did not follow the instructions.

The scammers then got her to travel to Thailand and then to Chiang Mai province. She was told that the next day she would have to travel to Chiang Rai province to cross the border to a neighboring country.

On May 3, police from the Royal Thai Police and Miss Xu’s family traveled to Chiang Mai to pick her up and report the incident to the Chinese embassy and provide additional information for the investigation.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Thanathat Kangruambutr, deputy chief of staff of Special Analysis and Tools Division 1, stated that such cases mostly occur overseas, as wealthy Chinese families often send their children to study abroad, notably in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.

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