Thailand’s Minimum Wage Adjustment Plan Has Sparked Debate

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11 December 2023, 13:28

BANGKOK – The recent minimum wage adjustment by the Tripartite Committee of employers, workers, and the government has sparked widespread controversy. Even Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin explicitly stated his disagreement. Particularly in the southern border provinces, where the wage was increased by only 2 baht, he emphasized that this amount is not even enough to buy a single egg, prompting a need for a reevaluation.

“One cannot even buy one egg with two baht, it needs to be reviewed,” Srettha said the ruling Pheu Thai Party pledge is to significantly increase minimum wage and the ministry’s announcement for all the provinces must be reconsidered.

srettha wage1 — The PM disagrees with the minimum daily wage hike of just two baht in the three southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, from 328 to 330 baht, as one cannot even buy one egg for two baht.

Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, stated on Monday, Dec. 11, that it is his responsibility as Minister of Labour to bring the unanimous resolution at the Ministry of Labour Tripartite Meeting on December 8 to present to the Cabinet meeting on December 12 to acknowledge and what the Cabinet’s opinion will be; it must be discussed further within the tripartite.

The Labour Ministry on December 8 announces new minimum wages effective January 1, 2024. Phuket saw the highest increase of 16 baht to 370 baht per day, followed by Bangkok and the surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakarn, Samut Sakorn and Nakhon Pathom with a 10 baht increase, or around three percent increase, to 363 baht per day. The three provinces in the deep south, Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani see the lowest increase as well as lowest minimum wage, and increase of just two baht to 330 baht daily.

Weerasak Kaewboonpun, the representative of the workers on the wage committee, also argued with the PM that the government do not have the authority to reconsider this arrangement.

“The Prime Minister has the right to criticize and express opinions, but this matter is related to labor protection laws that stipulate, ‘The Tripartite Committee independently considers wages,’ and should be free from interference or influence from other parties,” he said.

“It would be better if the Prime Minister discusses wages, he should take the time to think about how to reduce the prices of goods, water, electricity, and the cost of living, so that people with this income can live, and entrepreneurs can sustain their businesses,’ he added.

Weerasak states that as a worker, whether satisfaction is achieved with these numbers is still debatable. However, earning 400 baht per day would be quite good in the current economic situation. Despite the economic challenges faced by workers, it is important to consider the difficulties faced by employers as well.

“Those who will benefit from the announced minimum wage adjustment, how many percent of them are genuine Thai workers? Currently, there are approximately 500,000 Thai workers, while more than 5 million are legal foreign workers entitled to these benefits. Meanwhile, the prices of various goods will increase in line with the rising wage rates, and more than 70 million Thais will bear this burden,”

The representative of the workers also said eariler that if employee demand a wage higher than what is reasonable, it will lead employers to replace human labor with machines. The impact will fall on the workers themselves. Let’s not forget that machines don’t demand holidays, sick leave, or salary increases.

“Therefore, we are in a situation where we can coexist well,” he said.

Attayudh Leeyawanich, the employers’ representative in the wage committee, explained that the current wage adjustment is aimed at providing entry-level workers with a living that is in line with the standard of living, current economic and social conditions and the capabilities of businesses in each local area.

“The 2 baht increase may seem small, especially in the southern border provinces where most provinces have seen an increase between 9-10 baht and a maximum of 16 baht, but employers themselves have to accept this to ensure the livelihood of their employees,” said Attayudh.

He emphasized that this minimum wage only applies to entry-level skilled workers. The specific figures for the minimum wage are the result of negotiations that employers in each province can accept.

Opinion: Is Bangkok’s Soi Nana Very Dangerous for Young, Unaccompanied, Good-Looking Chinese Girl at Night?

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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11 December 2023, 11:00

Soi Nana — A Chinese woman is being questioned at the Immigration Bureau headquarters in Bangkok on Dec. 8, 2023.

What is more dangerous than being an unaccompanied young Chinese woman and not feeling safe in the Nana nightlife district of Bangkok at 11.30pm? Answer: Doing a video clip to make such a remark and post it on TikTok, only to have Thai immigration police “inviting” you for a talk, declaring you are persona non grata, and blacklisting you.

This is what happened to Miss Wang (given name withheld), a twenty-something Chinese lady on Friday after she posted such video on Tuesday which went viral, partly due to the fact that the Thai press and most news commentators were outraged and politicians accused the woman of deliberately portraying Nana area on Sukhumvit Road, also known as Soi Nana by many Thais, to be a dangerous place where a single Asian woman could be dragged away (and possibly sexually assaulted) by foreign sex tourists or sexpats in the area.

These nationalistic Thais feel it was a deliberate attempt to undermine the “reputation” of tourism of Soi Nana. Please note that there is a less-popular, but more sober drinking hole near Chinatown called Soi Nana as well, while the one we are talking about here is Nana, or Soi Nana, on both sides of Sukhumvit Road, filled with scantily-clad Thai girls serving drinks at the bars and independent sex workers standing and waiting for foreign clients. Hooters, the American Restaurant and Sports Bar, also has a branch there.

They rightly argue that given the way Miss Wang (provocatively) dressed, she was bound to be mistaken as a sex worker looking for a customer. In the short video clip, the foreign men, including old white men, looked at her and they walked past. One asked her how she is “doing today,” although it was clearly late at night before Miss Wang waved her hands and said “sorry.”

Miss Wang then quickly passed a moral judgment that this street is very dangerous for young single Chinese women to come alone and “ninety nine percent of people walking on this street are not good people.”

As much as I understand that this is a cheap video clip meant to exaggerate and attract as many Chinese eyeballs as possible, I think how the Thai authorities reacted was disproportionate. Mind you, they blacklisted Miss Wang after they discovered she is not a tourist, but based in Thailand and was selling goods online from Bangkok.

Still, without that viral video clip, it is inconceivable that the Thai immigration police would even bother to find out who is Miss Wang.

It also reflects a belief by some Thais, including the authorities, that some foreigners, including Chinese, are bent on destroying Thai tourism reputation. (Miss Wang insisted on Friday that she had no intention of destroying the good name of Soi Nana.)

Let’s face it, Soi Nana, is largely a nightlife and sex district (which I have no problem with, BTW). Thus, it ia understandable if a young good-looking girl intentionally dressed as if she might be a sex worker and standing alone at 11.30pm would be attracting the interests of western and non-western sexpats, sex tourists, or just drunk tourists, or those who had a stick of weed.

This is what the authorities should be saying. They must come to term with the fact that you cannot stop people from not feeling safe or talking badly about Bangkok or Thailand. We do not need travel guidebooks and websites to warn that foreigners should not speak badly about Soi Nana as many have already warned foreign tourists to not speak badly about the Thai king.

Instead, more tourist police should patrol the area to make unaccompanied foreign women who dress like Miss Wang feel safe at 11.30pm. BTW, I’m not really aware of any recent, or not recent, reported sexual assault on Soi Nana.

As for Miss Wang’s quick judgement on TikTok that 99 percent of those walking around her are no good people, I will leave it for you to ponder as to how credible, or ludicrous, Miss Wang is.

But please, please, Thailand does not need to blacklist her.

Philippines Says Chinese Coast Guard Used Water Cannons Against Its Vessels For A Second Day

By

Associated Press

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10 December 2023, 21:49

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Chinese coast guard targeted Philippine vessels with water cannon blasts Sunday and rammed one of them, causing damage and endangering Filipino crew members off a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, just a day after similar hostilities at another contested shoal, Philippine officials said.

The Philippines and its treaty ally, the United States, immediately condemned the latest confrontation near the Second Thomas Shoal, where two Philippine navy-operated supply boats and two Philippine coast guard escort ships had sailed to deliver food and other supplies to Filipino forces in a long-marooned navy ship that serves as a territorial outpost.

“We condemn, once again, China’s latest unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal that has put the lives of our people at risk,” a Philippine government task force that deals with the territorial disputes said in a statement, using the Filipino name for the shoal.

The Chinese coast guard’s high-pressure water cannon blasts disabled and severely damaged the engines of the Philippine supply boat M/L Kalayaan, which had to be towed back to the western Philippine province of Palawan, Philippine officials said, adding the action seriously endangered the lives of the crew.

One of two Philippine coast guard escort ships, the BRP Cabra, sustained damage to its mast due to the water cannon blast. Another supply boat was rammed by a Chinese coast guard ship but still managed to maneuver away and deliver supplies to Filipino marines at Second Thomas Shoal, they said.

AP23344167706154 — The Chinese coast guard targeted Philippine vessels with water cannon blasts Sunday and rammed one of them, causing damage and endangering Filipino crew members off a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, just a day after similar hostilities at another contested shoal, Philippine officials said. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP)

Drone video footage and photographs issued by the Philippine coast guard show two Chinese coast guard ships separately blasting water cannons at close range at BRP Cabra and a smaller supply boat.

“The systematic and consistent manner in which the People’s Republic of China carries out these illegal and irresponsible actions puts into question and significant doubt the sincerity of its calls for peaceful dialogue,” it said. “We demand that China demonstrate that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community.”

AP23344219234072 — A Chinese Coast Guard ship, bottom, uses water cannon Philippine coast guard patrol ship, BRP Cabra in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday Dec. 10, 2023. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP)

The Chinese coast guard said it had “implemented controls in accordance with laws and regulations.” The statement gave no details about the measures taken but said the Philippines action “seriously infringed on China’s sovereignty.”

It also claimed a Philippine vessel ignored warnings and in violation of international navigation regulations made a sharp turn in an “unprofessional and dangerous manner” and intentionally collided with a Chinese coast guard ship, causing “scratching.”

“The responsibility lies entirely with the Philippine side,” the coast guard said.

Coast guard spokesperson Gan Yu described China’s actions as “reasonable, legal and professional,” and said such operations would continue unabated.

“We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately cease its infringing actions … and strictly control its provocations on the front line so as not to drop a stone on its own foot,” Gan was quoted as saying on the coast guard’s website.

China’s actions were strongly condemned by foreign diplomats in the Philippines, including the ambassadors from treaty partner the U.S., the European Union and Japan.

“The U.S. stands with the Philippines and partners in vehemently condemning the PRC’s repeated illegal and dangerous actions against vessels,” U.S. Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

AP23343612130211 — A Chinese Coast Guard ship, right, uses its water cannons on a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel as it approaches Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on Saturday Dec. 9, 2023. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP)

China’s ships, which have surrounded the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal for years, have blocked Philippine coast guard and supply boats in a yearslong effort to take control of the hotly disputed atoll claimed by both nations.

China has rejected all international condemnation and attempts at legal intervention, including a 2016 ruling by a U.N.-backed arbitration tribunal that invalidated China’s claims, leaving them without any legal basis. China insists it has a legal right to “defend its sovereignty” in keeping with its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, one of the world’s most crucial waterways for shipping and other maritime activities.

On Saturday, the Chinese coast guard and accompanying ships also trained water cannons at three Philippine fisheries vessels to prevent them from approaching Scarborough Shoal in the disputed waters off the northwestern Philippines.

That caused “significant damage” to the communication and navigation equipment of one of the three Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel, Philippine officials said. They added that suspected militia vessels accompanying Chinese coast guard ships used a long-range acoustic device that could impair hearing, causing “severe temporary discomfort and incapacitation to some Filipino crew.”

In other high seas clashes this year, Chinese coast guard ships used a military-grade laser that caused Filipino crewmen temporary blindness and engaged in dangerous blocking and shadowing maneuvers that caused minor collisions, Philippines officials say.

More tensions loom.

“The Philippines will not be deterred from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones,” the Philippine government task force said.

A flotilla of 40 civilian fishing boats, backed by Philippine coast guard escort ships, initially was en route Sunday to Second Thomas Shoal but decided to proceed first to two Philippine-occupied islets in the South China Sea to deliver Christmas food packs.

From there, organizers will reassess before the flotilla proceeds with a plan to sail along the vicinity of the Second Thomas Shoal, said one of the organizers, Rafaela David, who denounced the latest Chinese action.

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Associated Press reporter Christopher Bodeen in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.

Jay Chou Carnival World Tour In Bangkok Draws Over 70,000 Fans

By

Khaosod English

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10 December 2023, 18:09

BANGKOK – Jay Chou Carnival World Tour dives into a joyful carnival theme with well-designed visual effects that had fans embark on an auditory and visual fantasy journey.

In a momentous performance on December 8-9 at the Rajamangala National Stadium, Jay Chou, widely recognized as the King of Mandopop, shared his musical brilliance, marking a significant milestone as the first Mandopop artiste to take the stage at Thailand’s National Stadium.

The occasion transformed the renowned venue into a harmonious musical space, creating an unparalleled “carnival” of music that left fans deeply moved.

Returning to Thailand after an impressive 20-year hiatus, Jay Chou stirred excitement throughout the entire arena from the very beginning. The concert featured a captivating blend of new songs and choreography from his latest albums, complemented by thoughtfully designed program variations that maintained a cheerful atmosphere throughout.

The performance also included several less-frequented songs, adding an extra layer of charm to the concert’s brilliance. Jay Chou’s mastery of instruments such as the piano, guitar, and guzheng coupled with his charismatic dance moves contributed to the overall spectacle, infusing fresh energy into the “carnival” concert.

Jay Chou’s diverse musical repertoire, celebrated for its variety, was further enriched with the inclusion of several new songs from his latest album, “Greatest Works Of Art,” which was released last year. One notable addition was “Red Face Like Frost”, a Chinese-style composition where Jay Chou and his dancers presented a modern and harmonious dance style, offering a revitalizing interpretation of traditional Chinese elements.

Jay Chou’s dance expertise also extended beyond “Red Face Like Frost” to the new addition, “Bullfight”, where the fusion of basketball and dance captivated the audience. Jay Chou, adorned in specially designed cowboy athletic attire, executed skilful basketball moves and synchronized dance routines resulting in an enjoyable and visually stunning experience.

Throughout his illustrious career, Jay Chou has not only been a successful performer but also a prolific songwriter for other artistes. A dedicated segment of the concert celebrated these compositions, with Jay Chou’s interpretation breathing new life into each beloved song, bringing joy to pleasantly surprised fans.

The concert seamlessly blended classic songs with the latest tracks, and the meticulous visual effects left the more than 70,000-strong audience gently immersed in a top-notch audio-visual music “carnival.”

Thailand Sets Up A “PISA” Team To Address Educational Crisis

By

Khaosod English

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9 December 2023, 21:07

BANGKOK – The announcement of the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which measures literacy in students every three years among the 81 member countries/economies, poses a significant challenge for the Thai government. The recent results indicate a decline in Thai students’ scores in reading, mathematics, and science.

PISA 2022 assessment involved approximately 690,000 students, considered representative of the 29 million 15-year-olds, and aims to provide information to guide education policy. The focus is on assessing students’ competencies in applying knowledge and skills in real-life situations rather than just following curriculum-based learning.

In Thailand, the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) served as the national center, conducting exams in August 2022 with students from 279 schools, totaling 8,495 participants. The assessment included computer-based testing and online surveys for school administrators.

Thai students’ performance in all areas hit the lowest scores in the past 20 years since Thailand joined PISA in the early 2000s. Reports indicate that 43 percent of Thai students feel the impact of inadequate teaching due to insufficient teachers, and approximately 16 percent report low-quality teaching.

Internationally, Singaporean students outperformed others in mathematics, science, and reading in the PISA 2022 assessment. Thai students ranked fifth among ASEAN countries, trailing behind Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia. Thailand’s average scores in mathematics, science, and reading (394, 409, and 379, respectively) were below the OECD average scores (472, 485, and 476).

In addition to the latest EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) survey, Thailand ranked 101 out of 113 non-native English-speaking countries and fell into the “very low proficiency” category with a score of only 416. The global average score is 502. In Asia, Thailand ranks 21 of 23, and in ASEAN, Thailand ranks 8 of 10.

These surveys and measurements indicate that Thai education is in a serious situation.

Surasak Pancharoenworrakul, Deputy Minister of Education, stated that global education systems faced challenges from the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic but for Thailand, the country also faced persistent inequalities and limited access to technology.

Surasak mentioned that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is concerned about the PISA results and has directed the Ministry of Education to address the issues. A National PISA Committee was established in October to improve results in the 2025 assessment, aiming for better performance than the 2018 ranking of 59th.

Suphattra Patiwisan, the Deputy Director-General of IPST, emphasized the need to promote analytical thinking in classrooms for the 2025 exam, focusing on scientific knowledge and global environmental issues. Efforts to enhance learning should begin in primary education.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt spoke about the education challenges, acknowledging that many Bangkok schools primarily cater to primary education, influencing the quality of students entering secondary education. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues to attract both domestic and international investments, as the quality of people is a significant factor.

Japan’s Empress Masako Turns 60, Expresses Eagerness To Move Forward

By

Kyodo News

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9 December 2023, 16:24

TOKYO – Japan’s Empress Masako, on the occasion of her 60th birthday Saturday, expressed renewed eagerness to “keep walking toward the future” as she thanked those who have supported her throughout the six decades of her life so far.

“I have deep gratitude to everyone who has taken care of me, starting with my parents, who raised me with love,” the empress said in a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency, adding that she felt “disbelief” at reaching her diamond jubilee.

Reflecting on events since entering the imperial family in 1993 with her marriage to then Crown Prince Naruhito, now emperor, the empress said that the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995 and the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011 were “realities that had to be accepted with profound shock and sorrow.”

AP23343072757152 — Japanese Empress Masako poses for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, on Dec. 1, 2023, ahead of the empress’s 60th birthday on Dec. 9. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)

She also lamented the lives lost in global conflicts, particularly those claiming the lives of children, stressing the importance of “understanding and respecting others through dialogue to build a peaceful world.”

The empress expressed relief at the easing of the coronavirus pandemic and gratitude for the dedication of health care workers.

She recounted the warm hospitality and her joy of interacting with locals when visiting regional areas in Japan. She also described a goodwill visit to Indonesia in June as “a memorable stay filled with valuable experiences” despite initial reservations as she had not traveled abroad for official duties in quite some time.

A Harvard- and Oxford-educated former diplomat, the empress has been struggling with adjustment disorder since December 2003 while she was still crown princess and had made few public appearances until becoming empress.

In a separate statement, her doctors noted that although she is in the process of recovery, her condition fluctuates. They expressed the hope that she would receive sufficient rest to recharge, especially considering her increased attendance at events and ceremonies, as well as visits both in and outside of Japan this year.

With this year marking the couple’s 30th wedding anniversary, the empress said the unwavering support of her husband “enabled me to see this day.” She also expressed relief that their daughter, Princess Aiko, safely came of age two years ago.

“I hope she will spend the remaining years of her university life meaningfully,” the empress said.

Putin Will Seek Another Presidential Term In Russia

By

Associated Press

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8 December 2023, 22:17

Russia Putin — Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a ceremony to present Gold Star medals to Heroes of Russia on the eve of Heroes of the Fatherland Day at the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. (Valery Sharifulin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Vladimir Putin on Friday moved to prolong his repressive and unyielding grip on Russia for at least another six years, announcing his candidacy in the presidential election next March that he is all but certain to win.

Putin still commands wide support after nearly a quarter-century in power, despite starting an immensely costly war in Ukraine that has taken thousands of his countrymen’s lives, provoked repeated attacks inside Russia — including one on the Kremlin itself — and corroded its aura of invincibility.

A short-lived rebellion in June by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin raised widespread speculation that Putin could be losing his grip, but he emerged with no permanent scars. Prigozhin’s death in a mysterious plane crash two months later reinforced the view that Putin was in absolute control.

AP23342403893081 — Russian President Vladimir Putin talks with awarded Russian servicemen after a ceremony to present Gold Star medals to Heroes of Russia on the eve of Heroes of the Fatherland Day at the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. (Valery Sharifulin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Putin announced his decision to run in the March 17 presidential election after a Kremlin award ceremony, when war veterans and others pleaded with him to seek re-election in what Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described as “spontaneous” remarks.

“I won’t hide it from you — I had various thoughts about it over time, but now, you’re right, it’s necessary to make a decision,” Putin said in a video released by the Kremlin after the event. “I will run for president of the Russian Federation.”

Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center noted that the announcement was made in a low-key way instead of a live televised speech, probably reflecting the Kremlin’s spin effort to emphasize Putin’s modesty and his perceived focus on doing his job as opposed to loud campaigning.

“It’s not about prosperity, it’s about survival,” Stanovaya observed. “The stakes have been raised to the maximum.”

About 80% of the populace approves of Putin’s performance, according to the independent pollster Levada Center. That support might come from the heart or it might reflect submission to a leader whose crackdown on any opposition has made even relatively mild criticism perilous.

Whether due to real or coerced support, Putin is expected to face only token opposition on the ballot.

AP23306593994351 — FILE – President Vladimir Putin speaks in his annual televised New Year’s message after a ceremony during a visit to the headquarters of the Southern Military District, at an unknown location in Russia, on Dec. 31, 2022. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

Putin, 71, has twice used his leverage to amend the constitution so he could theoretically stay in power until he’s in his mid-80s. He is already the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, who died in 1953.

In 2008, he stepped aside to become prime minister due to term limits but continued calling the shots while his close associate Dmitry Medvedev served as a placeholder president. Presidential terms were then extended to six years from four, while another package of amendments he pushed through three years ago reset the count for two consecutive terms to begin in 2024.

“He is afraid to give up power,” Dmitry Oreshkin, a political analyst and professor at Free University of Riga, Latvia, told The Associated Press this year.

At the time of the amendments that allowed him two more terms, Putin’s concern about losing power may have been elevated: Levada polling showed his approval rating significantly lower, hovering around 60%.

In the view of some analysts, that dip in popularity could have been a main driver of the war that Putin launched in Ukraine in February 2022.

“This conflict with Ukraine was necessary as a glue. He needed to consolidate his power,” said commentator Abbas Gallyamov, a former Putin speechwriter now living in Israel.

Brookings Institution scholar Fiona Hill, a former U.S. National Security Council expert on Russian affairs, agreed that Putin thought “a lovely small, victorious war” would consolidate support for his reelection.

AP23306593670433 — FILE – Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, is greeted by people after speaking at a gala concert marking the Victory Day in Sevastopol, Crimea, on May 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, File)

“Ukraine would capitulate,” she told AP earlier this year. “He’d install a new president in Ukraine. He would declare himself the president of a new union of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia over the course of the time leading up to the 2024 election. He’d be the supreme leader.”

The war didn’t turn out that way. It devolved into a grueling slog in which neither side makes significant headway, posing severe challenges to the rising prosperity integral to Putin’s popularity and Russians’ propensity to set aside concerns about corrupt politics and shrinking tolerance of dissent.

For the first time, voting in the presidential election will take place over three days from March 15 to 17, 2024, including in four regions of Ukraine partially and illegally annexed by Russia. The election commission argued that the practice of multi-day voting, used in other elections since the COVID-19 pandemic, is more convenient for voters.

Putin’s rule has spanned five U.S. presidencies, from Bill Clinton to Joe Biden. He became acting president on New Year’s Eve in 1999, when Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned. He was elected to his first term in March 2000.

Although Putin has long abandoned the macho photo shoots of bear hunting and scuba diving that once amused and impressed the world, he shows little sign of slowing down. Photos from 2022 of him with a bloated face and a hunched posture led to speculation he was seriously ill, but he seems little changed in recent public appearances.

“He’s a wartime president, is mobilizing the population behind him,” Hill said. “And that will be the message around the 2024 election, depending on where things are in the battlefield.”

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Deputy Police Chief Will Question A German Fugitive in Germany

By

Khaosod English

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8 December 2023, 20:39

BANGKOK – Thai police personnel have been told clearly that Thailand will not extradite the German suspect involved in child prostitution, who said in a DW documentary that he paid Thai officers a million baht bribe and escaped.

On December 8, Deputy Police Chief Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakphan met with Mr. Jens Mittag, the Kingdom of Thailand’s German police liaison officer, at the Royal Thai Police Office before revealing that Germany’s authorities had detained a German suspect since February, when he fled Thailand.

If a German citizen commits an offence outside the Kingdom, he will be prosecuted in Germany on that charge immediately, according to German law. As a result, bringing this man back to Thailand is difficult because the accused is already at the prosecutor’s office.

As a result, Pol. Gen. Surachet has chosen to visit Germany in January 2024. The prosecutor is expected to encourage the accused to provide relevant evidence, including questions regarding paying bribes to Thai authorities, while records and evidence will also be provided to German prosecutors.

For Thai authorities, they have already questioned the German suspect’s Thai lawyer, Mr. Parinya Promsak, regarding the withdrawal of money from the accused’s account. It is obvious that the suspect’s 1 million baht went towards paying bail and the lawyer’s administrative costs.

The accused could leave the country by following the court’s conditions for posting cash bail. As for whether bribes will be given to police officers or not and how, he will find them when he gets to Germany to question the accused.

Initially, the preliminary findings of the Police Region 2 investigation must be finished within 30 days, certifying that there will be no failure because he came to direct it directly.

In addition, in considering the overall picture of the Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP report), Thailand is now in good order and can be raised from level 2.5 to level 2, so this year. He will travel to the United States to explain when they started the ranking.

An American was accused in the same case of purchasing the services of a minor and leaving through natural routes. International police coordination will take place. Next week, a red notice will be issued.

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Marriott Bonvoy Tees Off To Raise Over Three Million Baht For Children’s Charities In Thailand

By

Contributor

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8 December 2023, 17:53

PHUKET – Staged at the Blue Canyon Country Club, the 2nd Annual Marriott Bonvoy Thailand Charity Golf Day, held in Phuket attracts over 150 golfers to support Save the Children Thailand, Scholars of Sustenance Thailand, and the Asia Center Foundation in Phuket.

Phuket, Thailand: 8th December 2023 – Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, is celebrating the success of the 2nd Annual Marriott Bonvoy Thailand Charity Golf Day, which was played in Phuket on Friday 3rd November 2023, and saw more than 150 golfers and business leaders tee-off to change the lives of disadvantaged children in the “Land of Smiles.”

Hosted at Blue Canyon Country Club’s beautiful yet challenging Lake Course, this important event achieved its goal of raising over THB 3 million to support three highly worthwhile charitable foundations: Save the Children Thailand, Scholars of Sustenance Thailand, and Asia Center Foundation Phuket.

Marriott Bonvoy would like to thank everybody involved in making this such a fantastic occasion, including its guests, associates and key sponsors BMW, LG Business Solutions and Asset World Corporation.

Following the event, which marked Thailand’s biggest charity golf day, a cheque was presented in a ceremony at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town on 8th December. All the proceeds will now be pledged directly to these three organizations, which work tirelessly to nourish, educate and empower young people in underprivileged communities across Thailand.

“We are delighted by the success of the 2nd Annual Marriott Bonvoy Thailand Charity Golf Day. At Marriott Bonvoy, we are fully committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged people – and especially children – everywhere we operate. In close collaboration with our charitable partners, Save the Children, Scholars of Sustenance, and the Asia Center Foundation, we will continue striving to build a brighter future for children all across the kingdom,” said Mr. Brad Edman, Multi-Property Vice President – Southern Thailand and General Manager at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa.

The Marriott Bonvoy Charity Golf Day is one of the important initiatives created by the Marriott Business Council Thailand, which is dedicated to giving back to communities. The global network of Marriott Business Councils works closely with 50+ internationally recognized non-profit organizations and hundreds of charities to make a real difference to the lives of local people. This forms an integral part of Marriott’s global social impact and sustainability platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction.

“At Marriott, we believe that we all have the power to drive positive change. We are the guardians of our destinations, and we have a responsibility to nurture them and build a better world for those who call them home.

Travel needs to be sustainable, responsible and meaningful – not in the future, but now – and we are proud to work with all our guests, associates and partners to make a lasting impact.” commented Mr. Daryn Hudson, Co-Chair of Marriott’s International Business Councils Thailand, and General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort.

The Marriott Bonvoy Charity Golf Day is set to return for its third edition in 2024, so stay tuned for further updates! For more information about Marriott’s Serve 360 program, please visit serve360.marriott.com.

Madi Paidi Hotel Autograph Collection Unveil Thai Christmas Tree

By

Contributor

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8 December 2023, 17:50

BANGKOK – Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, the stylish new boutique hotel which brings the art of storytelling to life in Thong Lor, Bangkok’s trendiest district, is celebrating its inaugural festive season by infusing the spirit of Christmas with a modern and highly authentic local twist.

The hotel has collaborated with PHKA, the contemporary Thai design studio, to reveal a Christmas tree that bursts with creativity and originality. Crafted using natural and native materials, including woven rattan, rachis (dried grass) and organic yarn used in Northern Thai hill-tribe clothing, this tree is a vibrant and dynamic celebration of light and color.

Designed to capture the explosive energy and excitement of firework displays, it is blessed with bold and brilliant hues that burst like rockets in the night sky, to evoke a sense of wonder and awe.

To add an extra layer of cultural authenticity, the design includes playful and rhythmic shapes that are designed to resembled traditional Thai ornaments, while the purple and gold color palette reflects Madi Paidi Bangkok’s interior design and hotel logo.

The Christmas tree will be displayed in the elegant lobby of Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection throughout the festive season. Whether you are staying for a holiday vacation, enjoying an exquisite dining experience at EKKALUCK, or just taking a stroll through Thong Lor, you can drop in and see this sparkling installation at any time this December.

For more information about Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, visit www.madipaidibangkok.com.

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