Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Celebrates International Women’s Day

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5 March 2024, 16:08

The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ministry of Culture – Department of Cultural Promotion and B. Grimm Group Ltd. – at 7:30 pm on March 9, 2024 at the Thailand Cultural Centre, is set to perform a concert on this auspicious occasion, in honour of Her Royal Highness Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

International Women’s Day is a day when women are recognised for their achievements. HRH has long been passionate about the arts and culture; the RBSO recognises the positive contributions HRH has made to the Thai people through social and cultural development.

Additionally, in celebration of International Women’s Day, the RBSO soloist Leticia Moreno plays the 1762 Nicola Gagliano violin, and the Embassy of France in Bangkok is supporting this concert for the invited French conductor Chloé Dufresne.

The programme for the concert will consist of Gabriel Faure’s Pavane, Op. 50 is celebrated for its enchanting melody; written in 1887, is a short and beloved composition by Fauré, becoming one of his most popular works. The “Carmen Fantasy,” Op. 25, by Pablo de Sarasate, was composed in 1881 as a fantasy on themes from Georges Bizet’s opera “Carmen.”

The “Carmen Fantasy” became a benchmark for measuring violin virtuosity through the twentieth century. While rooted in the opera’s moods and atmospheres, the piece is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated for its exhilarating form, reflecting the nature of humanity and its potential for extraordinary achievements.

“Tzigane” is a rhapsodic composition by the French composer Maurice Ravel, created in 1924 and dedicated to Hungarian violinist Jelly d’Arányi. “Tzigane” draws its name from the generic European term for “gypsy,” reflecting a popular musical exoticism rather than an authentic representation of Roma culture.

Antonin Dvorak: Symphony No.7 in D minor, Op.70 composition is vivid, with the music unfolding through a determined theme accentuated by the richness of ideas, leading to climaxes and transitions, such as a pastoral interlude. Ultimately, it is a complex, emotional, and thematic-rich symphony.

Leticia Moreno is a highly acclaimed and versatile violinist known for her charisma, virtuosity, and interpretative depth. She has worked with conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Paavo Järvi, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Christoph Eschenbach, Yuri Temirkanov, Krzysztof Penderecki, Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Juanjo Mena, Gustavo Gimeno, Peter Eotvos, Andrey Boreyko and more.

Notable performances include Wiener Symphoniker, St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Houston Symphony Orchestra, the Helsinki Philharmonic and the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo. Trained by Zakhar Bron, Maxim Vengerov, and Mstislav Rostropovich, Moreno has won numerous international violin competitions.

Chloé Dufresne, a conductor, has been named Dudamel Fellow 2022 by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She graduated from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and has studied with renowned conductors. Her diverse musical background includes musicology, viola, singing, and choral conducting.

Dufresne has received nominations and awards, including 3rd Prize at the Malko International Competition 2021 and multiple awards at the Besançon International Competition 2021. She has conducted the Lucerne Festival Contemporary Orchestra at the Lucerne Festival.

Dufresne has conducted at several opera houses and collaborated with orchestras internationally, including the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Paris Philharmonic and Colorado Springs Philharmonic.

Tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor: https://www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/rbso-2024-celebrating-international-womens-day.html

Warning Against Nationalism After Thai-Filipino Transgender Clash

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Khaosod English

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5 March 2024, 15:28

transgen war3 — The chaotic situation reached its peak at 3.30 a.m. Tuesday, when about 10 Lumpini police officers protected the first group of two Filipino transgender people who were leaving the hotel.

BANGKOK – Late Monday and early Tuesday of March 6, 2024, tensions escalated between groups of Thai and Filipino transgender people on Sukhumvit Soi 11 in Bangkok, resulting in injuries on both sides, including police who were present at the scene. This matter has sparked criticism and provoked nationalism on Thai social media.

It was reported that a group of about twenty Filipino transgenders have been surrounded by an angry mob of hundreds Thai transgenders at a hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 11 early Tuesday at 3.30 a.m. after an earlier rumble at 5 a.m. on Monday where the Thai side said they were taunted, given a middle finger, and attacked first – 20 Filipinos against four Thais – and video footage spread on social media in the Philippines.

Police had to call for backup to ensure the safety of some Filipino transgenders who were trapped inside a hotel and being targeted by the angry Thai mob. Despite police efforts to calm the situation, violence ensued, with some Filipino transgenders being physically assaulted as they were escorted out of the hotel.

@khaosodenglish At 3.30 a.m. Tuesday, Thai police escorted the Filipino transgenders and asked the crowd not to get violent, but the Thai transgenders rushed forward and attacked the Filipino people relentlessly. The Thai side stated previously that at 5 a.m. on Monday, 20 Filipinos attacked four Thais and published video footage to spread ridicule on social media. #filipino #thai #transgender #sukhumvit11 ♬ original sound – Khaosod English

Around 3:50 a.m., the chaotic situation reached its peak when about 10 Lumpini police officers, along with police vehicles, gathered in front of a hotel to protect the first group of two Filipino transgender people who were leaving the hotel. Meanwhile, a group of several hundred Thai transgender people shouted nationalist slogans such as “Thailand!” and “Get out!”

When the police accompanied the Filipino transgenders and requested the gathering of people not to be violent, the Thai group threw bottles at them in the presence of the police. They then rushed forward and attacked the Filipino people relentlessly. They even jumped into the middle of the police formation to continue the attacks.

The police were unable to bring the situation under control quickly, but they were able to do it later by bringing both parties involved to be questioned at the police station.

transgen war2 — Eventually, the police managed to control the situation and questioned both parties involved.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Witawat Chinkam, commander of Metropolitan Police Region 5, said on Tuesday police are finding out whether there’s an influential Thai group behind Filipino transgenders selling sex at Sukhumvit Soi 11. Police are awaiting information from the Immigration Bureau to check the history of the group of Filipino transgenders.

Pavin Chachavalpongpun, an associate professor at Kyoto University’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies who openly identifies as LGBTQ+, commented that while the initial reaction to the news may be amused at the situation as a clash between Thai and Filipino transgenders, a more nuanced understanding reveals a deeper issue.

Recent incidents, including the one in Phuket where locals gathered to demand the deportation of Swiss tourists, reflect a rising sentiment of nationalism that rejects foreign intrusion. While legal measures can address such incidents without resorting to violence, the underlying challenge remains fostering peaceful coexistence and neighbourly relations within the ASEAN community.

“All right then. My advice might sound compromising, but from years of teaching nationalism, if the flames of nationalism are ignited, extinguishing them becomes difficult, and both sides will suffer. This doesn’t even touch on the need to peacefully coexist with our neighbors, especially within ASEAN. Shouldn’t we love each other? And this attempt to build a common regional identity, is it all crushed today by the onslaught of Thai transgender troops?,” said Pavin.

Thanyawat Kamonwongwat, LGBTQ MP for the Move Forward Party, stated that this matter must also be fair, as the Filipino ladyboy group involved in the incident does not represent the majority of Filipino transgenders. We must hold individuals accountable for their inappropriate behaviour.

Thanyawat added that this angry incident shows the fact that LGBTQ individuals are already disadvantaged in society and that working as a sex worker is illegal, leaving them helpless to seek justice from any side. Both service users and employers took advantage of them, secretly allowing foreigners to work in this sector despite having tourist visas. As a result, these groups believe they have been treated unfairly.

The LGBTQ MP also stated that since Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin supports equal marriage and LGBTQ+ people’s gender identification, the government ought to speed up and carefully consider the drafting of regulations that benefit sex workers.

Announcement of Void Transaction of Wind Energy Holding

By

Contributor

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5 March 2024, 14:15

BANGKOK – KPN Energy (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (“KPNET”) published the Notification to Relevant Parties that it initially carried out a sale, purchase, and transfer of shares on April 25, 2559 B.E. (2016) with Mr. Kasem Narongdej, involving the shares KPNET owned in Wind Energy Holding Co., Ltd. (“WEH”), a company registered in Thailand, totaling 64,717,411 shares.

These shares bore serial numbers: 104005, 640007-690006, 11232507-27914506, 33980137-34138082, 34138087-34285503, 35817507-50000000, 50610006-50660005, 66552506-100000000, and 101089417-101089474.

Subsequently, WEH reorganized the shares, and the shares received new serial numbers as follows: 1712271 – 14567160, 22810207 – 22825035, 31068082 – 31082910, 50487053 – 50511052, 50511153 – 50535152, 50584928 – 50730927, 52677950 – 53277949, 53777950-54277949, 54277950-56604317, 53277950 – 53777949, 57693433 – 57717432, 57765720 – 57911719, 58550082 – 58574081, 58589889 – 58601888, 58604303 – 58616302, 58794163 – 58918917, 58941402 – 58944401, 58973653 – 58978202, 59007175 – 59008552, 59139913 – 59176512, 59202691 – 59251490, 59257855 – 59258030, 59264429 – 59264945, 60807781 – 61488014, 61488015 – 62168247, 62168248 – 62848482, 62848483 – 63528714, 63528715 – 92931041, 104745112, 104745113 – 104769112, 104769113-104793112, 104793113-104807552, 104807553-104809992, 104809993 – 104824432, 104824433-104848832, 104848833 – 104861032, 104861033 – 104983032, 104983033-105056232, 105056233-105146532, 105146533-105227032, 105227033-105288032, 105288033 – 105349032, 105349034 – 105452033, 105532034 – 105802033, 105902034 – 106582267, 106582268 – 107262500, 107712501 – 107912500, 107914501 – 108714500 (the “WEH Shares”).

It appears that as of 28 September 2566 B.E. (2023), the South Bangkok Criminal Court has issued a judgment in Black Case No. 1708/2564 (2021) and Red Case No. 1753/2566 (2023), stating that the aforementioned share purchase agreement was a forged document.

Consequently, the court judgment rendered all relevant juristic acts and/or the sale and purchase of the WEH Shares completely void from the beginning, as though these transactions and/or the transfer of the WEH Shares had never occurred.

This resulted in KPNET and Mr. Kasem Narongdej reverting to their original statuses. Therefore, KPNET remains the legal owner/shareholder of the WEH Shares as initially held since 25 April 2559 (2016) until the present, while Mr. Kasem Narongdej is no longer a shareholder of the WEH Shares and is not entitled to transfer the WEH Shares to anyone.

Thus, anyone who has received the WEH Shares from Mr. Kasem Narongdej, regardless of the quantity or tranches received from Mr. Kasem Narongdej and from others who have received the said WEH Shares from Mr. Kasem Narongdej, cannot benefit as a shareholder from the received WEH Shares.

KPNET, as the legal holder of the WEH Shares, hereby notifies all potential or involved parties concerning said WEH Shares, regardless of quantity, to cease all actions that could potentially infringe on KPNET’s rights and/or damage the WEH Shares immediately. Additionally, KPNET requests all potential or involved parties to refrain from any juristic acts or to nullify or withdraw any unlawful transactions that could cause damage.

In this regard, dividends or any benefits received by each individual from the WEH Shares after 25 April 2559 (2016) are considered unlawfully obtained and must be returned to KPNET, the rightful shareholder, immediately.

Announced on 5 March 2567 B.E. (2024)
KPN Energy (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

KPNET contact details:
Email: [email protected]

Singapore Prime Minister Defends Exclusive Deal with Taylor Swift

By

Associated Press

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5 March 2024, 13:58

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — — Taylor Swift stole the show at an Asian summit Tuesday when Singapore’s leader defended his tiny country’s lucrative concert deal that could cause bad blood with neighboring nations.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was called on during a key regional summit on Tuesday to defend an exclusive deal his city-state struck with Taylor Swift that prevents the pop star taking her current Eras Tour to anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

Swift is performing six concerts from March 2 to 9 in Singapore under an exclusive deal that has been criticized by some Southeast Asian neighbors who complain they have been deprived of the tourist boom that her concerts have brought elsewhere.

In a sign of the international phenomenon that Swift has become, the veteran Singaporean statesman was asked by a journalist to confirm the deal and to comment on whether it undermined the spirit of cooperation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a 10-nation bloc known by the acronym ASEAN of which Singapore is a key member.

Lee was at a joint news conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a 60-year-old self-professed Swiftie who has revealed that Swift took second place in his 2023 Spotify Wrapped list after her fellow U.S. diva Lana Del Ray. The wrap is the steaming giant’s annual feature that tallies the songs a listener has played the most over the past year.

Singapore Swift — The Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong gestures duirng. Ajoint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following a bilateral meeting at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)

Albanese is hosting the ASEAN summit in the Australian city of Melbourne that marks 50 years since Australia became the bloc’s first external partner.

Other questions at the news conference covered issues including increasing tensions in the South China Sea, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the likelihood of China joining in a regional free trade pact known by the unwieldy acronym CPTPP.

Lee confirmed that Swift was provided with “certain incentives” from a government fund established to rebuild the tourism industry after COVID-19 disruptions to make Singapore her only Southeast Asian destination. He did not say how much the deal cost.

He said he did not regard the deal as unfriendly toward his ASEAN neighbors.

“It has turned out to be a very successful arrangement. I don’t see that as being unfriendly,“ Lee said.

Lee did not directly answer when asked if he had encountered “bad blood” among other leaders due to the deal.

Lees suggested that if Singapore hadn’t struck an exclusive deal, a neighboring country might have done so.

“Sometimes one country makes a deal, sometimes another country does. I don’t explicitly say ‘you will come here only on condition that you’ll not go to other places,’” Lee said.

Swift’s representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

AP24054713380870 — FILE – In this July 10, 2019 file photograph, singer Taylor Swift performs at Amazon Music’s Prime Day concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, brought attention to the deal in February with a public claim that a promoter told him the Singaporean government subsidized the concerts with around $2 million to $3 million per show with a condition that the artist not play anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

Srettha said that if he had known about the deal before, he was confident he would be able to pull off something similar.

But Thailand doesn’t hold it against Singapore, said Prommin Lertsuridej, the Secretary-General of the Prime Minister. He told reporters in a group interview Monday that Thailand took what Singapore did as an example, and while Thailand already has some laws in place to allow such incentive packages, the government is working to remove red tape and make Thailand a more attractive venue for international events.

AP24065142247950 — Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, left, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shake hands ahead of a bilateral meeting at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (James Ross/AAP Image via AP)

“We learn from each other,” Prommin said, adding that he admired Singapore for being able to come up with and achieve this “good business idea.”

In February, Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno took to Instagram to apologize to Swift’s fans, saying: “International music events, such as Taylor Swift concerts, do have a big impact on a country’s economy. But I’m sorry Swifties, Taylor Swift hasn’t stopped by in Indonesia yet. Bought out by Singapore. However, this is a lesson for us.”

Raisa Christy, a 37-year-old fan living in Jakarta, Indonesia, said she regretted that Swift’s closest stop by far was in Singapore. However, she believes it’s the only spot in the region that has the capabilities and infrastructure that meet Swift’s standards.

Lee said that, while he didn’t know what Australia’s arrangements were, he expected it similarly made “mutually acceptable, sensible arrangements” with Swift when she performed in Melbourne and Sydney — one of which Australia’s prime minister attended — before flying to Singapore.

Swift’s representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Other questions at the news conference covered increasing tensions in the South China Sea, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the likelihood of China joining in a regional free trade pact.

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Related coverage:

Cyber Police Advise Taylor Swift Concert Ticket Scam Victims

China’s Economic Growth Target Feasible, Uplifting

By

Xinhua News Agency

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5 March 2024, 09:25

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.

AP24065009744523 — 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.

Koh Yao Sea Cucumber Has Been Added to Thailand’s GI list

By

Khaosod English

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5 March 2024, 02:05

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 cucumber1 — 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.

sea cucmber3 — 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.

Cyber Police Advise Taylor Swift Concert Ticket Scam Victims

By

Khaosod English

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5 March 2024, 00:11

Music Taylor Swift Number 1 — 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.

taylor scammers — 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 Sunday that they are looking into the problem and will be responsible.

Phuket Police, Who Have Tie With the Swiss Man, Will Be Checked

By

Khaosod English

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4 March 2024, 22:29

swiss man police — 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 wife — 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.

swiss yamu2 — 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.

swiss yamu3 — 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.

swiss elephant1 — 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.

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Related coverage:

A Foreign Worker Is Killed in Missile Fire From Lebanon

By

Associated Press

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4 March 2024, 20:03

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.

AP24064372280963 — 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)

AP24064372287745 — 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.

The Verdict Explains Yingluck Shinawatra’s Roadshow Acquittal

By

Khaosod English

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4 March 2024, 17:36

Yingluck2020-1 — 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.

yingluck2020 2 — 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.

yingluck2020 3 — 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.

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