Vu Dang Yen Hang, chief executive officer of VinFast Thailand, poses in front of its electric vehicle VF7 during the 45th Bangkok Motor Show in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — Vietnamese automaker VinFast announced Tuesday that it plans to sell its electric vehicles in Thailand and said it had tied up with auto dealers to open showrooms in the country.
VinFast, which only began exporting its EVs last year, faces stiff competition in Thailand from Chinese automakers like BYD. Tesla also recently entered the fray. All were displaying their latest models at the Bangkok International Motor Show.
The Thai EV market is small but growing fast, buoyed by incentives and subsidies from the government. The country of more than 70 million plans to convert 30% of the 2.5 million vehicles it makes annually into EVs by 2030.
VinFast hopes to start selling both its electric scooters and electric SUVs in the country in the next two months, Vu Dang Yen Hang, chief executive officer of VinFast Thailand, told The Associated Press.
Vu Dang Yen Hang, chief executive officer of VinFast Thailand, smiles in front of its electric vehicle “VF7” during the 45th Bangkok Motor Show in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Details about pricing and buying the EVs are likely to be announced later this year.
Thailand accounted for 58% of all EV sales in Southeast Asia in 2022, ahead of both Vietnam and Indonesia, according to market research firm Counterpoint Research. But the EV market remains small, accounting for only 0.5% of EV sales worldwide in 2022.
Thailand is trying to change this with incentives to promote manufacturing and sales of EVs, such as reducing import duties and paying subsidies to make them more price competitive.
VinFast has set a target of selling its cars in 50 markets worldwide by the end of 2024.
Initially it’ll rely on existing charging developers in Thailand, but the long term plan was to work alongside V-Green, a company that builds EV charging stations and is owned by VinFast’s parent company, said Hang.
“We will be working alongside (V-Green) to build infrastructure for our customers in Thailand who are using our cars,” she said.
A Thai model poses next to Vinfast’s electric concept pickup trucks called “Wild” during the 45th Bangkok Motor Show in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
V-Green was launched this month and plans to spend $404 million in the next two years to build charging stations for VinFast cars in different countries. Like VinFast, it is a part of the sprawling conglomerate Vingroup, that began as an instant noodle company in Ukraine in the 1990s. It is founded and run by Vietnam’s richest man, Pham Nhat Vuong.
VinFast’s foray into Thailand is part of a global expansion that has included exports of EVs to the United States. The company is building an EV factory in North Carolina, where production is slated to begin later in the year. Another factory is under construction in India, and it plans another in Indonesia.
VinFast has begun shipping EVs made in Vietnam to neighboring Laos to supply vehicles for Green SM, an EV taxi operator that is mostly owned by VinFast’s founder Vuong.
Last year, the company listed its shares in August on Nasdaq, where they initially soared, pushing its market value briefly above those of General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. But investor enthusiasm has cooled and the company lost more than $1.4 billion in the first three quarters of 2023.
VinFast has struggled to sell its EVs in the U.S. and its early cars have received bad reviews, but the company maintains that if it can succeed in the crowded and competitive American market, it can succeed anywhere.
A file photo of Thai workers preparing durians for exports to China.
BANGKOK – Mr. Chantanon Wannakejohn, Secretary-General of the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed the overall picture of Thailand’s agricultural trade with the world in 2023. Thailand had a total trade value of 2.372 trillion baht (65.2 billion USD), down 0.13 percent from 2022, which was 2.375 trillion baht. However, Thailand still had a trade surplus of 951 billion baht (26.1 billion USD).
Looking only at the countries that have joined the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Chile, India and Hong Kong (with the exception of the ASEAN countries), it can be seen that they continue to show steady growth. In 2023, Thailand’s total agricultural trade with these 9 countries grew by 3.25 percent or 1.01 trillion baht (27.7 billion USD) compared to 2022, with Thailand achieving a trade surplus of 529 billion baht (14.5 billion USD).
Durian Ice Cream made in the ice cream maker is fresh and creamy with a delicious tangy and sweet flavour, It is the most expensive and most delicious of all durians.
The most important export markets for agricultural products are China, Japan, South Korea, India and Australia. The top 5 agricultural products exported by Thailand are durian (139 billion baht), processed chicken meat (53.2 billion baht), natural rubber (49.1 billion baht), cassava (39.9 billion baht) and frozen chicken meat and edible offal (36.1 billion baht).
Looking at the value of trade and the growth rate of the individual FTA partner countries compared to the same period last year, it is clear that China is still the market to which Thailand exports the most agricultural products. They were worth over 449 billion baht, an increase of 10.60 percent. Major exports include durian (137 billion baht), cassava crisps or pellets (39.4 billion baht) and natural rubber (35 billion baht).
Other FTA partners where Thailand’s agricultural exports increased last year include:
New Zealand: 7.39 billion baht, an increase of 11.18 percent. Major exports include dog and cat food (878 million baht), canned tuna (860 million baht), and sugar from cane (801 million baht).
Chile: 2.42 billion baht, an increase of 11.75 percent. Major exports include canned tuna (1.69 billion baht), dog and cat food (294 million baht), and processed pineapple (95 million baht).
Peru: 1.79 billion baht, an increase of 15.98 percent. Major exports include canned tuna (1.3 billion baht), corn for planting (187 million baht), and rice (179 million baht).
Countries where Thailand’s agricultural exports declined include: Japan: down 5.31 percent, South Korea: down 8.47 percent, and India: down 22.49 percent. Major exports include crude palm oil (24.4 billion baht), natural rubber (3.48 billion baht), and soybean oil (2.88 billion baht).
“Despite volatility in the global economy due to rising interest rates and unresolved geopolitical issues in many areas, exports have grown at a slower pace overall. Nevertheless, Thai agricultural products are still able to grow and provide steady income for the country. However, Thai agricultural products still need to improve the quality and standards of products to compete in the still highly competitive global market, especially in terms of environmentally friendly production,” said the Secretary General of the OAU.
BANGKOK – Dennis, a 31-year-old Norwegian, and his Thai wife, Ms. A, filed a complaint with Mr. Ekkapop Ruangprasert, the founder of the “Saimai Must Survive” Facebook group, on March 26. They stated that their possessions, including 30,000 baht in cash saved for their wedding, had been taken. He had already reported the incident, but there had been no progress.
Some people reported their cases to the Saimai Must Survive page, which shared them on social media to pressure officials to conduct an investigation.
Ms. A reported that the incident occurred on March 24, 2024, when she and her husband visited Central World to purchase rings and wedding outfits for their April 12 wedding. Following that, they waited for a bus to return home at the bus stop outside the Big C department store.
CCTV footage showed the moment a group of four thieves—one guy, two women, and one transgender woman—came across the scene. One of the members approached her and pressed against her as she was ready to get into the car. She turned around and questioned why she hadn’t gotten in the car instead of pushing her.
Less than a minute later, when she boarded the bus and went to pay with her wallet, she realised her wallet had been taken.
The stolen items were an iPhone 14 Pro Max phone, 30,000 baht in Thai money, 200 kroner in Norwegian cash, two credit cards, one debit card, and one Norwegian lottery ticket.
She and her Norwegian husband immediately proceeded to Lumpini Police Station to report the crime. The police officer instructed them to obtain proof by reviewing the CCTV footage. Because there were no police officers inside the police station at the time, they all stepped outside to do their jobs and apprehend drug dealers.
Dennis and his wife are really upset. They had to go examine for themselves the footage from the CCTV cameras at the Big C department store near the incident’s site. The camera caught all four thieves. Everyone had been following Dennis and Ms. A since they entered the mall, but the couple hadn’t noticed.
They later reported the incident to immigration officials. But the officer told them, “This could be the karma you did 100 years ago.”
The Norwegian man expressed his sadness, saying he loves Thailand and had intended to marry here. However, he never expected Thais to take such ashamed acts. He doesn’t expect the property to return to its original condition, but he begs the authorities to act fast in apprehending and punishing the criminal in order to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
Mr. Ekaphob stated that he will hasten to communicate with the superintendent of Lumpini Police Station to help find the perpetrator and prosecute them as soon as possible.
EM District (EMPORIUM, EMQUARTIER, EMSPHERE) invites you to experience the ‘Songkran Festival’, The traditional Thai New Year festival that has been culturally inherited for centuries. Under the theme of ONLY IN THAILAND’, decorations emphasize the colorful Thai loincloth, known as Pha Khao Ma, and feature enjoyable activities that represent Thai identity.
Experience local Thai food and products from every region of Thailand at the ‘Kudthai Transport Only Thailand’s Best’ starting on March 27, 2024, at Quartier Avenue, G Floor, EMQUARTIER, EM Market, G Floor, EMSPHERE, and Gourmet Market, 4th Floor, EMPORIUM.
Join the water fight in the heart of Sukhumvit at the THAILAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL: EM SUMMER SPLASH, featuring a 50-meter-long water tunnel at the EMSPHERE, from April 11 to April 16, 2024.
Celebrate the biggest Songkran Festival party in Asia for the gay community at SHAGAYLA WORLD OF FANTASY SONGKRAN 2024, from April 12 to April 15, 2024, featuring 4 fantasy party themes: ANIME PLANET, EVER AFTER, HOUSE OF DRAGON, and MEDIEVAL GODS @UOB LIVE HALL. Besides, enjoy the hot pool party under the theme of MEGA TROPICANA @TRIBE SKY BEACH CLUB at EMSPHERE. For more information and ticket purchases, please visit gcircuit.com.
Furthermore, EM DISTRICT presents EMDINING SUMMERLICIOUS, featuring hot and spicy along with cold menus for summer at EMDINING: EMPORIUM, EMQUARTIER, and EMSPHERE. Additionally, you can shop the SUMMER GLOW SUMMERCATION, EM DISTRICT’s summer fashion collection, with special promotions available throughout this April.
Join us to experience the unforgettable Songkran Festival in the heart of Sukhumvit with EM DISTRICT. For more information about these activities, please visit the EMPORIUM EMQUARTIER and EMSPHERE at EM District Facebook pages or LINE @EMDISTRICT.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited the Pheu Thai Party office on March 26, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Chavalit Panyong)
BANGKOK – Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited the Pheu Thai Party office on New Petchaburi Road, Bangkok, on Tuesday afternoon. There was a group of about 150 Red Shirts, as well as party members and party supporters, welcoming him. He arrived at 1.30 p.m. and left at 3.10 p.m. with a smile and looking healthy.
Some anti-Thaksins derided him for recovering too rapidly from his condition when the Department of Corrections claimed that he was so ill that he needed to be hospitalised rather than remain in prison.
The Pheu Thai Party’s leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, revealed that her father was delighted after paying his first visit to the party following his conviction as a political prisoner for more than 17 years.
Asked if Thaksin’s presence will enable the party to gain more popularity than the Move Forward Party, Paetongtarn said it’s up to the voters to decide.
The Pheu Thai Party’s leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and the party’s members welcome former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on March 26, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Chavalit Panyong)
“He comes here without interfering with the work of party members or the administration since he has gone above and beyond. He’s happy like he returns home. I suppose that many individuals are pleased to meet him. He founded the Thai Rak Thai Party and was formerly an excellent prime minister. He makes the MPs more active and motivated to work. It’s a great feeling,” said Paetongtarn.
On March 25, senators who were appointed by the coup leader spoke in the Senate, accusing the justice minister and prime minister of assisting detainee Thaksin in avoiding prison, damaging public trust in the country’s legal system.
Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, pointed out that Thaksin’s visit to the Pheu Thai Party office did not violate the law, although it might attract public criticism.
Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice
He clarified that the Probation Department has instructed former Prime Minister Thaksin to report on his whereabouts and the people he meets with, but the ministry’s regulations do not state that it is prohibited to engage in political activities under the conditions of suspension. The movement restrictions imposed by the Department of Probation consist of no substance abuse and no visiting inmates together. Beyond that, there are rights and freedoms.
Pol. Col. Tawee explained that the Ministry of Justice normally only reviews the criteria for behavioral control, while the issue of suspension of sentences is related to punishment by the Prison Service, which is still subject to the condition of being a convict. The Prison Service does not reduce anyone’s sentence, but there is a process called sentence management, suspension of sentence or use of other methods of detention.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is greeted by the Red Shirt supporters on March 26, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Chavalit Panyong)
Earlier, Pol. Col. Tawee responded to some senators, including Tawin Pleansri at the meeting that as far as he knew about Mr. Thaksin, he had never instructed him to do anything against the law or the judiciary.
He said that when Mr. Thaksin entered the justice process on August 22, 2023, at that time, General Prayut Chan-o-cha was the Prime Minister. Mr. Wisanu Krua-ngam served as the Minister of Justice, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and the Director-General of the Department of Probation remained the same from the previous administration.
Pol. Col. Tawee explained that he had compromised the judiciary. He said that had no power to influence the previous government, and that compromising the judiciary meant destroying the constitutional law for him. When the country was hit by a coup, someone offered him a seat but he refused as he was a firm believer in democracy.
As for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, he had previously informed reporters that he did not come because he had other duties, including cheering on the Thailand national football team playing against South Korea at Rajamangala Stadium.
ONYX Hospitality Group Expands Culinary Portfolio with the Launch of Nila: A Celebration of India’s Coastal Culinary Heritage
ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, proudly announces the launch of Nila, a sophisticated dining destination that pays homage to the culturally rich flavours of India’s coastal and river port regions.
The first NILA launched in March 2024 on the 4th floor of Amari Bangkok, promising an unforgettable culinary journey curated by Chef Bharath S. Bhat, the esteemed winner of Thailand’s Iron Chef one-on-one battle chef competition. This attractive establishment sets a new standard for Indian cuisine, blending traditional recipes with contemporary flair to create a truly immersive dining experience.
“NILA” derives its name from the Malayalam word for the colour blue, symbolising the azure waters that line India’s picturesque coast. The restaurant’s interior design draws inspiration from the vibrant hues of Portuguese architecture found in Goa (a state on the southwestern coast of India), complemented by traditional Indian textures and visuals, creating an ambiance that transports guests to a bygone era of maritime trade and cultural exchange.
Chef Bharath’s menu at “NILA” showcases an array of dishes influenced by centuries of culinary heritage, featuring fresh seafood recipes influenced by Portuguese cuisine from Goa and the Malabar coast, as well as European culinary traditions along India’s eastern coast. Each dish is meticulously crafted to highlight the diverse flavours and spices that define India’s coastal cuisine, promising to tantalise the taste buds of even the most discerning gastronomes.
“With the opening of NILA, ONYX Hospitality Group continues its tradition of delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences that resonate with the evolving preferences of global travellers,” said Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group. “We are thrilled to introduce this unique culinary concept to Bangkok and look forward to establishing NILA as the premier destination for Indian coastal cuisine not only in Thailand but across our Southeast Asia network.”
NILA marks the latest addition to ONYX Hospitality Group’s diverse portfolio of hospitality brands, which alongside hotels and resorts, also includes the renowned Italian restaurant Prego. The company has also unveiled plans for branch expansion into prominent hotels and resorts across Southeast Asia, reaffirming its commitment to providing guests with unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
For more information or to make a reservation at Nila, please contact +66 2653 9000 or visit our website at www.amari.com/bangkok
In the past year, T-POP has grown exponentially and become more recognized internationally. One of them are the Latin Americas. They are a group of countries that has the largest music market and the preferred countries where Thai artists would like to perform.
It is obvious that to bring Thai music, including artists to global market involve many detailed operations and complications. It does not depend only on the artist’s talent alone, but also the timing and opportunities as well.
In Thailand, there are many promoters who are trying to take Thai music to global market. One of them is Mr.Sittiporn Huangkaewpray (Oat), Music Business Developer, the person who successfully took Thai artist and Thai music to global. He is one of the few people in Thailand who can bring Thai artist to perform in Latin America.
Due to the year 2023, 4MIX which a T-POP band who have a unique and distinct dance performance from other T-POP group, is very popular in Latin America countries currently. They had the opportunity to do solo concert in Mexico with the support of Thai Embassy in Mexico and had a chance to be interviewed by local media in Mexico which created a trend in Latin America countries, including U.S.A
From the trend in Mexico same year, 4MIX had the opportunity to performed at Washington, D.C supported by Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C
At the beginning of 2024, Mr.Oat had the opportunity to take Thai artist to perform in Washington D.C. again. For this time his objective is to spread Thai Modern Culture to the world. The artist combined between Pinn (Thai instrument) and EDM music presented by Ae BOTCASH, the talented DJ and producer that have his own unique identity.
At the end 0f 2024, Mr.Oat aiming to push Thai artist continuously. He is working on big project that will bring 4MIX to invade Latin America Market. For this time is touring concert and festival with 3 countries, such as Brazil, Mexico and Chile. It is solo concert of 4MIX all of 3 countries. We are collaborating with top 3 organizers in each country that aware of 4MIX talent so much.
This is just a small beginning of a big ambition of Sittiporn Huangkaewpray (Oat) who is still seeking for ways in other countries to bring Thai artist to global music market in their own styles, including to expanding the business of music industry, aiming to generating profit from oversea to Thailand. His expectation is not only about popularity of artist but including how to enhance music industry and showcasing the potential of the music industry is the most important objective of Mr.Oat.
Sittiporn Huangkaewpray said, “I want to combine music, art and Thai culture together in my own style and spread it to global such as 4MIX, they are known for outstanding performance and their branding also represent equality of everyone in the world. And Ae, artist, DJ and producer who is first Thai artist to combine Pinn (Thai instrument) and EDM music in his unique style. People overseas probably knows K-POP, J-POP, but T-POP is becoming more and more popular. So, I want people overseas to try open up to Thai music and creative thinking of Thai people in this industry including Thai instrument and Thai contemporary rhythm. I just want to be a small part to bring Thai artist to be recognized in a wider aspect.”
“The Latin America project enhanced the image of Thai artist, including people in the front and behind the scene, also promoting the image of Thailand to become more renowned. I have got a lot of problem when I took Thai artist to aboard. We have to study the market and culture of each country to completely organize a concert. The plan I made last year was to start by collaborating with Thai embassy in each country. After that I will approach to partner company because when we have support and advise from Thai embassy, its easier to work and also for safety reason. “
“In the past, overseas Fan club gave us a good hospitality. When I was there I’m felt so proud because I invested in my belief and in my team including the artists. I believe whole heartedly that if we have a chance to get there, according to the picture I have in mind, which I knew exactly how it is going to be or even if it doesn’t’t go to plan, I’ve prepared the solution.”
In the end when I saw a lot of fan club waiting for the artists, Its the best. It inspires me to further develop from this model. For the next project, I try see in wider perspective and proceed on my roadmap as planned. However, I will have backup plans thats prepared for every situation because now a days everything changing so fast.
I guarantee that in 2524 and more years to come, we will see T-POP artist make it big in Latin America market for sure. My ambition for Latin America and oversea project is I want the world to listen to Thai music and able to sing in Thai language. Moreover, I want to show the world that people in Thai music industry is as talented as the global artists and I want Pinn (Thai instrument) to be recognized worldwide.
At last. If I have the opportunity from government, the things that I want to do more is to have teams to research about music industry in each countries so we will have more insights to support our work and precisely identify our targets.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Ambassador and Representative to the United Nations, holds to abstain her vote as the United Nations Security Council passed a cease-fire resolution in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, its first demand to halt fighting at U.N. headquarters, Monday, March 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations Security Council on Monday issued its first demand for a cease-fire in Gaza, with the U.S. angering Israel by abstaining from the vote. Israel responded by canceling a visit to Washington by a high-level delegation in the strongest public clash between the allies since the war began.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the U.S. of “retreating” from a “principled position” by allowing the vote to pass without conditioning the cease-fire on the release of hostages held by Hamas.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the administration was “kind of perplexed” by Netanyahu’s decision. He said the Israelis were “choosing to create a perception of daylight here when they don’t need to do that.”
Kirby and the American ambassador to the U.N. said the U.S. abstained because the resolution did not condemn Hamas. U.S. officials chose to abstain rather than veto the proposal “because it does fairly reflect our view that a cease-fire and the release of hostages come together,” Kirby said.
The 15-member council voted 14-0 to approve the resolution, which also demanded the release of all hostages taken captive during Hamas’ Oct. 7 surprise attack in southern Israel. The chamber broke into loud applause after the vote.
Gilad Erdan, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, addresses the United Nations Security Council at U.N. headquarters, Monday, March 25, 2024, after a vote that passed a cease-fire resolution in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, its first demand to halt fighting. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
The U.S. vetoed past Security Council cease-fire resolutions in large part because of the failure to tie them directly to the release of hostages, the failure to condemn Hamas’ attacks and the delicacy of ongoing negotiations. American officials have argued that the cease-fire and hostage releases are linked, while Russia, China and many other council members favored unconditional calls for a cease-fire.
The resolution approved Monday demands the release of hostages but does not make it a condition for the cease-fire for the month of Ramadan, which ends in April.
Hamas said it welcomed the U.N.’s move but said the cease-fire needs to be permanent.
“We confirm our readiness to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process that leads to the release of prisoners on both sides,” the group said. For months, the militants have sought a deal that includes a complete end to the conflict.
The U.S. decision to abstain comes at a time of growing tensions between President Joe Biden’s administration and Netanyahu over Israel’s prosecution of the war, the high number of civilian casualties and the limited amounts of humanitarian assistance reaching Gaza. The two countries have also clashed over Netanyahu’s rejection of a Palestinian state, Jewish settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the expansion of settlements there.
In addition, the well-known antagonism between Netanyahu and Biden — which dates from Biden’s tenure as vice president — deepened after Biden questioned Israel’s strategy in combating Hamas.
Then Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Biden ally, suggested that Netanyahu was not operating in Israel’s best interests and called for Israel to hold new elections. Biden signaled his approval of Schumer’s remarks, prompting a rebuke from Netanyahu.
During its U.S. visit, the Israeli delegation was to present White House officials with its plans for a possible ground invasion of Rafah, a city on the Egyptian border in southern Gaza where over 1 million Palestinian civilians have sought shelter from the war.
Last week, Netanyahu rebuffed a U.S. request to halt the planned Rafah invasion – vowing during a visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to act alone if necessary. Blinken warned that Israel could soon face growing international isolation, while Vice President Kamala Harris said Israel could soon face unspecified consequences if it launches the ground assault.
The Security Council vote came after Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution Friday that would have supported “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israeli-Hamas conflict. That resolution featured a weakened link between a cease-fire and the release of hostages, leaving it open to interpretation, and no time limit.
Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour addresses United Nations Security Council at U.N. headquarters, Monday, March 25, 2024, after a vote that passed a cease-fire resolution in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, its first demand to halt fighting. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
The United States warned that the resolution approved Monday could hurt negotiations to halt the hostilities, raising the possibility of another veto, this time by the Americans. The talks involve the U.S., Egypt and Qatar.
Because Ramadan ends April 9, the cease-fire demand would last for just two weeks, though the draft says the pause in fighting should lead to “a sustainable cease-fire.”
The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the resolution “spoke out in support of the ongoing diplomatic efforts,” adding that negotiators were “getting closer” to a deal for a cease-fire with the release of all hostages, “but we’re not there yet.”
She urged the council and U.N. members across the world to “speak out and demand unequivocally that Hamas accepts the deal on the table.”
Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. abstained because “certain edits” the U.S. requested were ignored, including a condemnation of Hamas.
The resolution, put forward by the 10 elected council members, was backed by Russia and China and the 22-nation Arab Group at the United Nations.
Under the United Nations Charter, Security Council resolutions are legally binding on its 193 member nations, though they are often flouted.
Algeria’s U.N. ambassador, Amar Bendjama, the Arab representative on the council, thanked the council for “finally” demanding a cease-fire.
“We look forward to the commitment and the compliance of the Israeli occupying power with this resolution, for them to put an end to the bloodbath without any conditions, to end the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he said.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, told the council that the vote “must be a turning point” that leads to saving lives in Gaza and ending the “assault of atrocities against our people.”
Shortly before Monday’s vote, the elected members changed the final draft resolution to drop the word “permanent” from its demand that a Ramadan cease-fire should lead to a “sustainable” halt in fighting apparently at the request of the United States.
Russia complained that dropping the word could allow Israel “to resume its military operation in the Gaza Strip at any moment” after Ramadan and proposed an amendment to restore it. That amendment was defeated because it failed to get the minimum nine “yes” votes — with three council members voting in favor, the United States voting against, and 11 countries abstaining.
Since the start of the war, the Security Council has adopted two resolutions on the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, but none has called for a cease-fire.
More than 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed during the fighting, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The agency does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, but says women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.
Gaza also faces a dire humanitarian emergency. A report from an international authority on hunger warned last week that “famine is imminent” in northern Gaza and that escalation of the war could push half of the territory’s 2.3 million people to the brink of starvation.
The United States has vetoed three resolutions demanding a cease-fire in Gaza, the most recent an Arab-backed measure on Feb. 20. That resolution was supported by 13 council members with one abstention, reflecting the overwhelming support for a cease-fire.
Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution in late October calling for humanitarian pauses in the fighting to deliver aid, the protection of civilians and a halt to arming Hamas. They said it did not reflect global calls for a cease-fire.
They again vetoed a U.S. resolution Friday, calling it ambiguous and saying it was not the direct demand to end the fighting that much of the world seeks.
That vote became another showdown involving world powers that are locked in tense disputes elsewhere, with the United States taking criticism for not being tough enough against its ally Israel, even as tensions between the two countries rise.
Thomas-Greenfield accused Russia and China on Monday of using the Gaza conflict “as a political cudgel, to try to divide this council at a time when we need to come together.”
Officials lured the monkeys with food to catch them.
LOPBURI – On Monday, more than 10 officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation conducted an attempt to capture monkeys in Lopburi town, particularly near Phra Prang Sam Yod and the old Malai Rama Cinema.
This was in response to the recent situation where some monkeys displayed aggressive behavior, took away food from local residents and caused several injuries. The operation was aimed at going from March 25 to 27, 2024, for a total of three days, with a goal of 50 monkeys.
Officials lured the monkeys with food to areas where they had previously been aggressive, such as the spot where a monkey snatched a woman’s bag of groceries on 6 March, causing her to fall and injure herself, and another spot on Ratchadamnoen Road opposite the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) where a monkey jumped on a car on 23 March, causing an accident.
After setting up the cage for a short time and using raw corn as bait, the officials captured the first five monkeys. They were all thin and seemed unafraid of the officers or the reporters. The officials will take all the captured monkeys to the Wildlife Rescue Center in Nakhon Nayok province for care and rehabilitation while they wait for the monkey park in Lopburi to be 100 percent completed.
Kittipong Liewpairoj, 39, a local resident and owner of the video footage showing the monkey snatching a woman’s bag of groceries, thanked officials from the relevant authorities for coming to address the situation. He said this is a good sign and he wants them to be consistent in their work.
“I don’t want them to just flaunt it like they have been doing for the past 10 years, which has resulted in more than half of the residents and shopkeepers moving away from the monkeys. I still love Lopburi and the monkeys, but I want to live happily with them and restore the well-being of the people of Lopburi,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Wildlife Compensation Fund Committee approved on March 23, 2024 the application of the criteria and methods to support and compensate wildlife-affected people, including monkey-affected people, in addition to elephants, bears and cucumbers.
All the captured monkeys to the Wildlife Rescue Center in Nakhon Nayok province for care and rehabilitation.
Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, announced the criteria for assistance and compensation to persons who have suffered loss of life, injury or disability. The details and compensation rates for those affected by wildlife are as follows:
1. In case of injury
(1) Disability, paralysis: Receive 100,000 baht. Loss of an arm, leg, or eyesight (blindness) in both eyes, or an arm, leg, and eyesight (blindness) in two places: Receive 100,000 baht. Loss of an arm, leg, or eyesight (blindness) in one eye: Receive 50,000 baht.
(2) General injuries: Receive the actual cost of treatment, up to 30,000 baht
(3) Loss of earnings during hospitalization: Up to 180 days from the date of the injury, as certified by a doctor: Receive up to 300 baht per day
2. In case of death
(1) Compensation: 100,000 baht
Those who have been injured or killed by monkeys or other wild animals can contact the local administrative office of the protected area and apply for compensation according to the prescribed criteria.
SUVARNABHUMI – On March 25, 2024, Customs officers working with the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) identified a male passenger of Nigerian nationality traveling from Doha, Qatar to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand.
Sixty-nine cocaine lumps with a total weight of 1,390 grams and a value of 4,170,000 baht were found in Nigerian suspect’s body.
Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the suspect exhibited suspicious behavior and was subsequently subjected to a thorough check. Sixty-nine cocaine lumps with a total weight of 1,390 grams and a value of 4,170,000 baht were found in his body. The arresting officers documented the seizure and handed the suspect over to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for further prosecution.
Mr. Thirach Attanawanich, Director General of Customs, stated that in line with the government’s strict anti-drug policy, he has directed officials to step up their vigilance in monitoring all channels for drug smuggling.
As a result, during fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023–March 25, 2024), the Customs Department recorded 74 drug seizures totaling approximately 412.86 million baht. In comparison, there were 185 arrests totaling 1.17 billion baht in fiscal year 2023 (October 1, 2022–September 30, 2023).
Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the suspect exhibited suspicious behavior and was subsequently subjected to a thorough check. Sixty-nine cocaine lumps with a total weight of 1,390 grams and a value of 4,170,000 baht were found in his body. The arresting officers documented the seizure and handed the suspect over to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for further prosecution.
