The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) — China has set its 2024 economic growth target at around 5 percent, which is well considered, achievable, and uplifting for the world.
On par with last year’s, the target matches needs with possibilities given the situations and various factors at home and abroad. It demonstrates the resolve of Chinese authorities to work proactively, and shores up market confidence and social expectations.
The growth target is based on the growth potential and conditions of the Chinese economy. It takes into account the need to promote employment, raise residents’ incomes, and prevent and defuse risks in key areas. The target is in keeping with the goals of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and the goal of basically realizing socialist modernization through 2035.
As a developing nation, China is at the crucial stage of building a modern socialist country, which needs to keep a certain economic growth speed to tackle external challenges and solve problems through development.
Security personnel march in front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
The comprehensive industrial system, well-connected infrastructure networks, and tech-focused drivers underpin the resilience and vitality of Chinese economy. Its potential in urbanization, service and green sectors will be further tapped, and new quality productive forces fostered to sustain growth.
China’s economic expansion target for 2024 is realistic, but the task is no easy. Fresh efforts should be exerted to deepen reform, expand high-standard opening up, and accelerate development.
The Chinese leadership has vowed to strengthen counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments of macroeconomic policies, continue to implement proactive fiscal policies and prudent monetary policies, and enhance policy innovation and coordination.
Leveraging its strengths in industry, talent and institution, China is capable of achieving the growth target through hard and united efforts, and continuing to be a major engine for global economic growth.
BANGKOK – The Department of Intellectual Property has announced that “Koh Yao sea cucumber” is Phang Nga Province’s fourth geographical indication or GI product, after Salika Phang Nga durian, Phangnga flower galangal rice, and Mangosteen Thip Phangnga.
Wutthikrai Leeweeraphan, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, stated that his agency’s aim is to establish a strong economic foundation and transfer income to communities in a sustainable manner.
As a result, the department focus on GI to safeguard products that are unique to each location while also adding value to them. It is also a method for maintaining product quality and increasing consumer confidence.
Sea cucumbers are marine animals with a leathery skin and an elongated body containing a single, branched gonad. They are found on the sea floor worldwide.
The recent GI registration of Koh Yao sea cucumber, which is fed in earthen ponds in the district of Koh Yao, Phang-nga province, included fresh sea cucumber, ready-to-cook sea cucumber, and dried sea cucumber. They have elements that help nourish the body and enhance immunity, and they are popular in many nations, both fresh and dry.
The Koh Yao sea cucumber has a long, cylindrical shape and a firm, fleshy texture. They are processed based on the local people’s knowledge and wisdom. They are also economically valuable marine animals that have the ability to boost Phang Nga Province’s reputation as a raw ingredient in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.
Koh Yao sea cucumber is fed in earthen ponds in the district of Koh Yao, Phang-nga province,
The GI registration aims at protecting the specific geographical characteristics of that locality. It is beneficial for both consumers and producers, as it controls the quality of the product, prevents false claims, and greatly increases the value of the product.
Thailand currently has GI items registered by the Department of Intellectual Property, which cover all 77 provinces, encouraging local products to increase in value, provide money for the community, and sustainably enhance the Thai grassroots economy.
FILE - Taylor Swift performs during "The Eras Tour," May 5, 2023, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)
BANGKOK – The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau has issued a recommendation to Thai persons who were duped into purchasing a concert ticket for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, which just played in Singapore on Sunday night, March 3, to file a report only at www.thaipoliceonline.go.th.
“To avoid impersonation, which could lead to further deceit, we’d like to confirm that the Cyber Police does not accept reports via social media platforms like Facebook, Messenger, Line, or any other website or application. If you have any questions, you can call the hotline at 1441 for guidance 24 hours a day,” it said.
Previously, a young Thai social media influencer wept and said she was scammed into buying a duplicate ticket for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour Concert in Singapore over the weekend and was denied entry at the venue.
Nattarada “Chopluem” Thampaya said she got up at home in Bangkok at 3.30am to fly out of the city for this “once in a lifetime” concert with she arrived with a specially tailored dress, with her brother, only to be rejected along with seven other concertgoers who have the same QR code for the same seat on their tickets.
Nattarada “Chopluem” Thampaya
Nattarada said about 120 have been duped, and many Thais were among them.
She adds some lost nearly 400,000 baht as they bought many tickets which costs about 20,000 baht each.
“It’s the worst experience in my life,” Nattarada wept in a clip on social media. The Thai online seller posted a message on Sundaythat they are looking into the problem and will be responsible.
The stairs close to the beach marks the beginning of the Swiss man's case, which has been extended to Phuket police. A picture of a senior police officer enjoying wine with this Swiss man has surfaced online.
BANGKOK – It’s more than simply kicking or driving rudely; the Swiss man and his Thai wife in Phuket have been investigated for their elephant business and for their villa, which has sparked protests from locals, and the man’s visa may be revoked.
Now the Phuket police officers who used to be close with them have also been investigated.
The Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the National Police Chief Pol. Gen Torsak Sukwimol said they had instructed the Phuket provincial police commander to set up a committee to investigate the veracity of allegations circulating on social media against police officers in Phuket province that they may have received money from foreigners or foreign gangs.
“If a police officer has committed misconduct and accepted money, or if a foreign gang has paid him, he must bear the consequences. Police officers are not in conflict with foreigners; if foreigners commit misconduct, they must take responsibility. Police officers enforce the law, but if a police officer benefits personally, it will be handled fairly,” said the police chief stated on Monday, March 3.
In at least two occasions, the wife of the Swiss man, Mr. Fehr or David, was cited as threatening their opponents, claiming she knew senior police in Phuket.
Swiss man Mr. Fehr, also known as David, and his Thai wife held a news conference in Phuket City Hall regarding their dispute with a Thai doctor on March 1, 2024.
In the case of kicking, “Dr.Pai,” a 26-year-old resident doctor, has filed a complaint against a Swiss man for allegedly kicking her in the back as she and a friend sat on a stairway near the beach in Thalang District on February 24, 2024.
Dr.Pai expressed tension and concern because the Swiss man’s wife claimed her son was a police officer and knew top officials.
In the second case involving the road dispute an ambulance driver, Lt. Wiboon, shared a video of David raising his middle finger as a pistol gesture and pointing at his head. Following that, the Swiss man sued him in Choeng Thale Police Station, and the Thai wife claimed to know many top police officers in Phuket.
Protesters gathered at Phuket’s Yamu Beach on March 2, 2024.
These two cases left people in Phuket unsatisfied. Protesters gathered at Phuket’s Yamu Beach on Sunday morning to demand the deportation of a Swiss man who attacked a Thai woman because she was sitting at the step of his beachfront villa.
The participants held placards with messages in English addressed to the Swiss man at the area where the incident occurred. Police were present to ensure safety.
One local resident, Prasit Wongkajorn, said in an interview that he came to demonstrate against inappropriate behavior to ensure that society can live together peacefully. He stressed that regardless of who the incident happened to, human dignity should be respected equally, and personal rights violations should not occur, especially towards women, which are unforgivable.
The case between a Swiss man and a Thai doctor reflects the dissatisfaction of local people in Phuket with privileged foreigners.
Furthermore, he observed that the privatization of beaches in Phuket is a problem. He said that when he was a child, he could walk around Phuket’s beaches freely, but now there are investor groups buying land and turning it into business projects, often claiming ownership rights to the beach, treating it as private property.
“When incidents like this occur, I want the authorities involved to take appropriate action to make it a public space where everyone can benefit together. As the owner of the area, they should provide convenience to tourists to truly enjoy nature,” he said.
A police officer inspected the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park on March 4, 2024.
Another issue regarding the Swiss national is the operation of elephant tourism in Phuket. Even though an inspection of the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park found that all 14 elephants in the park had proper microchips and the park had the correct business license, the Swiss national is suspected of using elephants for more income rather than conservation or assistance.
This suspicion arises because the elephants in the park were purchased with only one of the ropes owned by the Swiss national, while the rest were rented out for tourism purposes.
Commander of Region 8 Police Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomjit also said Monday afternoon that Phuket police have requested Immigration Police to revoke of the visa of David the Swissman who attacked a woman at the beachfront step of his villa.
Surapong said the real name of David is Mr Urh Beat Fehr, 45. He is deemed to be a threat to the safety and order of the people under Article 12 of the Immigration Act.
Israeli security forces in Kiryat Shoma, northern Israel, evacuate a wounded Thai man after he was hit by an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon, in a nearby village on Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
KIRYAT SHMONA, Israel — Israeli rescuers say a foreign worker was killed and several others wounded by an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon.
The Magen David Adom rescue service said Monday it was treating seven people, including two in serious condition.
Associated Press reporters saw the Israeli army transporting several Thai workers, some limping and bleeding, to ambulances near the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona.
Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group have traded fire nearly every day since the start of the war in Gaza. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, says it is trying to pin down Israeli forces in the north to aid the Palestinian group.
Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility for Monday’s strike.
Israeli security forces in Kiryat Shoma, northern Israel, evacuate a wounded Thai man after he was hit by an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon, in a nearby village on Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)Israeli security forces in Kiryat Shoma, northern Israel, evacuate a wounded Thai man after he was hit by an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon, in a nearby village on Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
The Lebanese group said in statements Monday that it had stopped two attempts by Israeli forces to cross into Lebanese territory overnight and that it had launched an artillery attack on an Israeli barracks.
Also on Monday, U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Beirut to meet with Lebanese officials in an attempt to tamp down tensions.
The near daily clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have killed more than 200 Hezbollah fighters and at least 37 civilians in Lebanon. Around 20 people have been killed on the Israeli side, including civilians and soldiers.
Tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border have been forced to flee their homes because of the ongoing fighting. Israel has vowed to continue attacking Hezbollah, even if there is a cease-fire in Gaza, in order to push its fighters away from the border.
Farm workers from Thailand and other Asian countries have flocked to Israel in recent years, drawn by higher wages. Several foreign workers were among those killed and abducted in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack out of Gaza, which triggered the war.
Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister, presided over a press conference on the project "Create Thailand's Future 2020" to provide details and understanding to the public on the country's transportation infrastructure development project at the Government House on September 26, 2013.
BANGKOK – The Supreme Court judges voted 9 to 0 on March 4, 2024, to acquit the former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on charges of mishandling government funds.The arrest warrant against her was also revoked.
Yingluck and six others, including Mr. Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Mr. Suranand Vejjajiva, Matichon Company Limited, Siam Sport Syndicate Limited, and Mr. Ravi Lohthong, were found not guilty of corruption related to the 240 million baht budget allocated by her government for a roadshow to promote the Thailand 2 trillion Mega Project “Create Thailand’s Future 2020” in 2012.
Many individuals, including academics and the media, believe that Yingluck, who is now living in exile, might return to Thailand, like her older brother Thaksin Shinawatra.
On September 26, 2013, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presided over a press conference at the Government House to convey details and understanding to the public about the country’s transport infrastructure development project, “Create Thailand’s Future 2020”.
The Associated Press reported by recognising that it was the latest favorable verdict for Yingluck, who was prime minister from 2011 until she was forced from office in 2014. In December last year, the same court cleared Yingluck of abuse of power in connection with a personnel transfer she had overseen.
“In 2017, she was sentenced in absentia for alleged negligence in implementing a rice subsidy program that lost the government a massive amount of money, estimated to be as much as 500 billion baht ($14 billion). To return to Thailand without facing prison, she would also need a pardon from King Maha Vajiralongkorn or other form of clemency,” reported AP.
In the case of the road show, the court pointed out that defendants 1-3 were not guilty under Penal Code Sections 151 and 157 and not guilty under the Constitution regarding the Public-Private Joint Investment Act as there was no evidence of collusion, corruption, or interference in setting the median price and the tender committee.
Even after being informed, there was an order to postpone the payment of fees. Defendants 4-6 were also not guilty under the same charges. Furthermore, they were not guilty under Penal Code Section 86.
The aforementioned project arose from a collective consideration of various agencies, not solely from the decision-making of Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, and there was no rush decision-making. The purpose was merely to justify the use of public funds. Coupled with the opinion of the Budget Bureau Director General that it was appropriate for the Prime Minister to approve this central budget, the court’s judgment was therefore based on the facts available at that time.
Furthermore, the organization of the roadshow project occurred during a tight timeframe, and it was mentioned that there was no evidence of involvement or endorsement by Mr. Niwatthamrong and Mr. Suranand in the budget approval process.
Details that were promoted to the public about the country’s transport infrastructure development project, “Create Thailand’s Future 2020,” were published in 2012.
There was no evidence of collusion or instructions to select Matichon Company Limited and Siam Sport Syndicate Limited as project contractors in advance of the bidding process. Additionally, there was no indication of any specific characteristics being specified to benefit or favor specific bidders or to obstruct other bidders.
“Most importantly, after the coup, the Prime Minister appointed a committee to investigate the project, which found that the roadshow project complied with the Prime Minister’s Office procurement regulations and was approved for disbursement. This finding was consistent with the investigation’s conclusion that there was no misconduct by government officials. Therefore, Mr. Suranand did not neglect his duties,” stated the verdict.
As for the project in the other 10 provinces with a budget of 200 million baht, it was conducted under tight deadlines, with no time for competitive bidding or compliance with procurement regulations.
Regarding defendants 4-6, from the investigation findings, it was not clear that they supported any wrongdoing. The division of provinces by Matichon Company Limited and Siam Sport Syndicate Limited was part of the procurement process and to prepare presentation materials, so it was not considered collusion or bid-rigging. Therefore, they were not guilty as charged. The panel of judges unanimously agreed to dismiss the case.
CHONBURI – Hino, We Care moves forward with the Hino Solar Powering a Sustainable Tomorrow project, installing solar panel equipment at the 6th location in Ban Noen Saen Suk Child Development Center, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province
On February 16, 2024, Ban Noen Saen Suk Child Development Center, under the Nong Kham Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, the solar cell electrical system was installed by Hino Motors Sales (Thailand) Ltd. by Ms. Yumiko Kawamura, President with executives and the dealers of the Mitsui Busan Automotive (Thailand) Co., Ltd. group.
It is the 6th location under the Hino We Care project. The concept of “Hino Solar Powering a Sustainable Tomorrow” sees the importance of clean energy which plays a significant role in Thai education, creating sustainability for the environment and reinforcing our commitment to create value for society along with sustainable business operations.
“Hino Solar Powering a Sustainable Tomorrow” Solar cells are a clean energy alternative which help reduce the school’s electricity cost by approximately 36,000 baht per year, allowing the school to use the left budget to develop various additional operations. Mr. Narupanat Bunying, Director of the Education Division Religion and Culture under the Department of Local Administration Promotion, The Ministry of Interior said thank you to Hino Company for supporting the solar cell equipment.
The organization uses the left budget from reduced electricity cost by allocating it and uses it to develop other areas in order to benefit the children both in terms of materials, digital teaching equipment, utility bills. The department is very grateful that Hino recognizes the importance of the children who will become great adults in the future.”
Hino We Care project: Donating solar cells and providing electricity from clean, and environmentally friendly energy. We are committed to conducting business under the responsibility of giving back to society and sustainability along with creating value for those involved. We are ready to give a smile to everyone since every smile of dealers, customers and society is our happiness.
We do not only provide good services from products and good after-sales services to customers but it is also a pleasure to create great things with the Hino Smile Project and the Hino We Care Project. Our social activities continue to be carried out continuously in order to conduct the business with social care.
Hino family creates sustainable growth together. For more information, activities, and latest updates, please visit www.hinothailand.com, Facebook: Hino Thailand Fan Club, Line: @hinoth, YouTube: Hino Thailand Official, and TikTok: @hinoth.
The BMW car crashed into the base of a road sign, causing tragedy for a Malaysian family.
PATTAYA – Police are seeking for the driver who turned in reverse in front of a Malaysian family’s BMW car, killing a Malaysian father and his 3-month-old infant. His wife and 5-year-old daughter sustained critical injuries.
This fatal road accident occurred on Sunday, March 3, causing traffic congestion and a large number of vehicles to slow down on the motorway inbound to Pattaya in Village No. 3, Nong Ri Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province.
Witnesses reported seeing a white BMW come into the rest area while another car was driving in the opposite direction, causing the BMW to veer sharply and lose control, slamming with a stand of a road sign. The car that turned in the opposite direction did not stop to look and continued driving away.
The serious accident happened on the motorway inbound to Pattaya in Nong Ri Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province, on March 2, 2024.
Following that, the rescue team attempted to aid the Malaysian family but discovered that the driver, Mr. Lee Chin Keong, 32, from Perak, and his 3-month-old baby were both dead inside the car.
The driver’s wife was crushed inside the car’s console. Rescuers rushed in with cutting equipment to assist her, and the girl, who was about five years old, was in critical condition. They provided first aid and then quickly transported them to Chonburi Hospital.
Locals reported seeing such a kind of reversal on several occasions, resulting in three or four deaths each year.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Phongsaran Wangphlap, the investigating inspector, stated that officials requested CCTV footage from the area in order to locate the car that reversed course and caused the tragedy, as well as to take legal action against the driver.
Mr.Sam, a British national, recognised his wrongdoing, repented, and honestly apologised to the Thai woman at the Na Jomtien police station on March 3, 2024.
PATTAYA – A Thai woman accepted an apology with compensation from a British man who smashed a glass next to her because a dog next to her was barking.
Amavalee Tongfak, 37, suffered a cut on her arm after a foreigner who sat behind her smashed a glass at a cafe on Jomtien Beach because this man was irritated by a dog’s barking on Friday, March 1.
Even though she informed him it wasn’t her dog, the man refused to accompany her to the hospital or pay for her injuries and said, “I don’t care,” before he fled with three friends.
A woman who came with him said he’s British and his name is Sam. Later, a Pattaya tourist police officer and investigators at Na Jomtien Police Station identified a British man and asked him to come for questioning at the police station on Sunday.
Miss Amavalee displayed her wound from the glass that the British man smashed.
According to Pol. Col. Wattanachai Saengrit, superintendent of Na Jomtien Police Station, Mr. Sam, a 60-year-old British native, admitted to being the one who caused the incident. He explained that after taking antibiotics to ease his toothache, he lost consciousness and was unable to recall the events of the day, including the point at which the dog barked.
He accepted his wrongdoing, repented, and truly apologised to Ms. Amavalee in front of the media, offering her 18,000 baht in compensation for appropriate medical and emotional treatment.
Miss Amavalee shakes hands with Mr. Sam after accepting an apology and compensation from the British man.
Mr. Sam stated that he loves being in Thailand and intends to stay. He had no intention of doing so and pledged that this would not happen again.
According to the accusations, anyone who acts carelessly and causes bodily or mental harm to others will face imprisonment for up to one month or a fine of up to 10,000 baht. However, the British man was able to satisfy the Thai woman with an apology and compensation, leaving him with only a fine.
Pakistan's newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, foreground right, is congratulated by his elder brother and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following his appointment, at a parliament session, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, March 3, 2024. (National Assembly Office via AP)
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Lawmakers in Pakistan’s National Assembly elected Sunday Shehbaz Sharif as the country’s new prime minister for the second time as allies of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan in parliament shouted in protest, alleging rigging in last month’s election.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said Sharif secured 201 votes, defeating Omar Ayub of the Sunni Ittehad Council who got 92 votes. The winner only needs 169 votes to get a majority.
Ayub was backed by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, whose candidates could not get enough seats to form a government on their own. The PTI refused to hold talks with its rivals to form a coalition.
Following days of negotiations, Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League party and his supporters formed an alliance after the Feb. 8 election, which was overshadowed by militant violence, a nationwide mobile phone shutdown, Khan’s exclusion from the vote, and an unusual delay in announcing the result.
Authorities said cutting communications was necessary to avoid attacks on candidates and security forces.
However, the delay drew criticism from Khan’s party, which insists the vote was rigged to stop it from getting a majority. The party claims it has evidence that its victory “was stolen during the vote count,” a charge the Election Commission denies.
Sharif, in his acceptance speech in parliament Sunday, said: “We were subjected to political victimization in the past but never took any revenge.” Without naming Khan, he said the previous ruler jailed many political rivals, including himself and his ally Asif Ali Zardari.
He also accused Khan’s supporters of attacking military installations while protesting his ouster in 2022, adding that now parliament and the courts would decide whether those involved in attacking the military installations deserved a pardon.
Holding portraits of Khan, some lawmakers stood in front of Sharif when he began his speech, shouting “vote thief” and “shame.” Sharif denounced their actions, saying they were causing chaos in parliament. He also said they should present their evidence of vote rigging to the relevant authorities.
Supporters of Pakistan’s Former Prime Minister Imran Khan chant slogans during a protest against the Pakistan Election Commission, in Karachi, Pakistan, Saturday, March 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)
Sharif then addressed the opposition saying, “I am offering you reconciliation. Let us sit together to work for the betterment of Pakistan.” But he was greeted with more protests and shouts.
The premier also spoke of repairing ties with the United States. Relations between the two countries have been strained after Khan accused the U.S., Sharif and the Pakistani military of conspiring to keep him out of office, following his ouster.
Sharif also said his biggest challenge was the economic situation as Pakistan has been relying on foreign loans to run the economy. His government faces multiple issues, including how to respond to a surge in militant attacks, improve relations with the neighboring, Taliban-run Afghanistan, repair crumbling infrastructure, and resolve year-round power outages. It must also maintain political stability as Khan’s party has vowed to continue protests against the alleged vote-rigging.
After losing to Sharif, Ayub addressed the parliament, commending “my leader” Khan for his “bravery” while facing the cases against him. He denounced the arrest of “thousands of Khan’s supporters” last year after they took to the streets following his ouster.
Ayub repeated the allegations of vote rigging and demanded a probe into last month’s poll. He said PTI votes were tampered with and “votes were stolen” to stop Khan’s party from forming a government.
He said Sharif can rule the country but “he cannot win hearts and minds because he came to power through a rigged vote.”
Last week, Khan wrote a letter to the International Monetary Fund, urging it to link any talks with Islamabad to an audit of February’s election. Khan’s move, which Sharif criticized in his speech, comes days before the IMF releases a key installment of a bailout loan to Pakistan.
Pakistan has been relying on bailouts to prop up its foreign exchange reserves and avoid default, with the IMF and wealthy allies like China and Saudi Arabia financing the country to the tune of billions of dollars. Under his previous term as prime minister, Sharif had to struggle for months to get a $3 billion bailout from the IMF.
The new prime minister has said he will seek a new IMF bailout after the end of March when the current one expires.
He is due to be sworn in on Monday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was among the first to congratulate Sharif on his election as Pakistan’s prime minister, the official Xinhua news agency reported Sunday
