Srettha Likens ‘Laos’ to Family Members and Close Relatives

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31 October 2023, 22:40

laos srettha5 — Srettha Thavisin meets Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, in Vientiane on October 29, 2023.

“Laos is a neighbouring country that is of primary importance to Thailand. Lao-Thai people are like family and close relatives and friends who have a strong, long-lasting relationship,” Srettha Thavisin, Thailand’s Prime Minister, posted the message about visiting Laos on the weekend.

He paid an official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on October 29 at the invitation of Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR.

Beside having a discussion with the Sonexay, PM Srettha also met Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao PDR and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, and Xaysompone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR.

laos srettha2 — PM Srettha Thavisin also meets Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao PDR, on October 29, 2023.

The official visit reflected the special relationship between Thailand and the Lao PDR as neighbours that enjoy cultural similarities and close bonds at the people level. The visit also emphasized the importance of the Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development between the two countries.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working closely to advance their bilateral cooperation in all dimensions. There would be regular exchange of high-level visits between the two countries, and both sides will strengthen cooperation in security, economic, development, and people aspects.

On economic cooperation, they will strive to achieve the bilateral trade target of 11 billion US dollars by 2025 through various measures, such as better trade facilitation, expansion of cross-border networks of SMEs, and promotion of economic activities between border provinces of both countries.

Both sides agreed to expedite the process to start the construction of a new railway bridge over Mekong River at Nong Khai – Vientiane border crossing as early as possible by 2026 to support the cross-border rail freight growth between Thailand – Laos – China.

During this visit, the two Prime Ministers presided over the opening ceremony of the Vientiane Train Station (Khamsavath), which is a cooperation project between the two Governments, through Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), to better connect the two countries’ rail systems.

The inaugural train service from Nong Khai station to the newly built Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station in inner Vientiane will start in 2024 to promote more cross-border tourism.

They were also pleased with the progress of the construction of the 5th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan – Bolikhamxai), which is now almost 90 percent completed. The construction is expected to be completed and the bridge will be opened in the near future.

According to Thai foreign ministry, Thai and Laos looked forward to more projects in the pipeline to enhance better connectivity between the two countries and the region, including the construction of the 6th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (Ubon Ratchathani – Salavan) and the improvement of the National Road No. 12 (R12) from Thai – Lao border at Nakhon Phanom – Thakek to Lao – Viet Nam border at Na Phao – Cha Lo.

On transportation and logistics, both sides will work together to increase the efficiency of road and rail transshipment to boost bilateral and regional trade. Both sides will also expedite the establishment of Common Control Areas (CCA) to reduce customs procedures for cross-border transportation at the 2nd Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge (Mukdahan – Savannakhet), which is a major transport route between Thailand – Laos –Viet Nam.

On tourism, both sides will conclude a Joint Plan of Action to promote cross-border tourism and make joint activities to attract tourists, in conjunction with the 2024 Visit Laos Year.

Security agencies of the two countries will cooperate closely to maintain peace and stability along the border, and effectively tackle transnational crimes, especially drug trafficking and online scams. The updated Agreement on Cooperation in Border Security between Thailand and the Lao PDR is scheduled to be signed by the end of this year.

Both leaders agreed to work even more closely on the issue of transboundary haze, and tasked their relevant agencies to conclude the trilateral Joint Plan of Action – CLEAR Sky Strategy between Thailand, Lao PDR and Myanmar by the end of this year. Thailand will support the development of Lao PDR’s fire risk map and capacity building programmes on the control of forest fire and crop burning.

After their bilateral discussion, the two Prime Ministers presided over the handover ceremonies and witnessed the signing of documents as follows:

(1) Handover of the Learning Centre for the Development of Sustainable Agriculture based on the Application of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy at the Attapeu Integrated Vocational Education and Technical School;

(2) Handover of the Friendship Arboretum in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Thai – Lao Diplomatic Relations;

(3) Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Exchange between the Ministry of Culture of Thailand and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Lao PDR; and

(4) Signing of the Record of Discussion between NEDA and the Lao National Railway for Technical Assistance for Capacity Building for Locomotive Driving and Ticketing System and Development of a Business Model for the Lao National Railway.

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Thailand Welcomes China as Its “Elder Brother,” Says Srettha

ONYX c Group Shines Bright with Multiple Prestigious Awards at Luxe Global Awards 2023

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31 October 2023, 17:33

Bangkok, Thailand- – ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry with over five decades of hospitality management experience, is thrilled to announce that its esteemed Amari Brand has been recognised with several prestigious awards at the recent Luxe Global Awards 2023, held at Amari Bangkok (formerly Amari Watergate Bangkok) in Thailand on Saturday, September 30.

These accolades celebrate Amari’s unwavering dedication to excellence in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry and its commitment to conducting business with a strong focus on environmental responsibility. Simultaneously, the Shama Brand Services Apartment has also garnered awards highlighting its dominance in the service apartment sector.

The awards received by Amari Brand fall into two significant categories. Firstly, Amari has been honoured for its outstanding contributions to the MICE industry, where it has consistently set benchmarks for excellence. Additionally, the brand was lauded for its commitment to conducting business with a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, reflecting its dedication to sustainable practices.

Not to be outdone, the Shama Brand has asserted its prominence in the competitive service apartment landscape of the APAC region. These accolades reaffirm ONYX Hospitality Group’s commitment to providing exceptional service and accommodations to its valued guests.

Looking forward to the future, ONYX Hospitality Group is excited to announce ambitious plans for the Shama Portfolio. In 2024, the group is gearing up to expand its presence by adding five more locations, with a special focus on Malaysia and China. This strategic expansion reflects their confidence in the Shama Brand’s growth potential and their commitment to offering top-tier service apartments in new and exciting destinations.

The remarkable achievements of Amari Brand, the Shama Brand, and Oriental Residence Bangkok were unveiled and celebrated at the prestigious ITB Asia 2023 event. The awards received by Amari Brand include: Amari Bangkok: Best Luxury MICE Hotel (Global), Best Luxury Sustainable Hotel (Global) Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok: Best Luxury Conference and Event Hotel (Regional), Best Luxury Eco/Green Hotel (Continent), Best Luxury Airport Hotel (Global)

Oriental Residence Bangkok has received the following awards: Best Authentic Experience Hotel (Continent), Best Prime Location (Global), Best Luxury City Escape (Global), Best Luxury Private Residence (Global)

Meanwhile, the Shama Brand was recognised with the following awards: Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok: Best Luxury City Serviced Apartments (Continent), Best Luxury Business Serviced Apartments (Global), Best Luxury Hotel Residence (Global)

These awards showcase ONYX Hospitality Group’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and delivering exceptional experiences to guests across the globe. ONYX has been the proud recipient of many prestigious awards that underscore the group’s commitment to excellence and its ability to cater to diverse market segments and demands. For more information about ONYX Hospitality Group and its brands, please visit www.onyx-hospitality.com

Big Investment by Tencent in Nong Khai to Boost Tourism

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Khaosod English

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31 October 2023, 17:08

nong khai SEZ — Nong Khai Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

Bansha Asarairat, Chairman of the Nong Khai Provincial Tourism Industry Council, told Prachachat ฺBusiness that a major Chinese investor, Tencent, the leading IT company in China and owner of WeChat, is currently very interested in investing heavily in the Nong Khai Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

This special economic zone covers an area of 718 rai and includes various projects with a total value of several billion baht. These projects include the construction of a logistics center, the establishment of a university and much more.

As for the university project, Tencent is in preliminary negotiations with Dhurakij Pundit University to invest in a degree program focusing on mechanical engineering that will train professionals who can support the railway system. As for the tourism aspect, the plan is to create a tourist attraction similar to an “ancient city” with duty-free shops and amusement parks.

There are also plans to build the world’s largest Vessavana statue, which will be linked to the world’s largest Guanyin statue in Kunming, marking the beginning of the China-Laos Railway Project. There is also a plan to build the world’s largest Naga in Laos. The aim is to create a tourist route connecting three countries.

Bansha said that about 4,500 Chinese tourists entered Thailand through Nong Khai in September and the number is expected to increase every month after the Tourism Industry Council of Nong Khai and the Promotion Association signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese government in Kunming to bring one million tourists to the country. There are plans to increase the number of train services from Kunming to Vientiane from the current two per day to five or six per day.

Kunming to Vientiane — Two women pose for photos with the bullet train at the China-Laos railway Vientiane station in the Lao capital Vientiane, Oct 16, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

“If we stick to the plans outlined in the MOU, the number of Chinese visitors to Nong Khai will increase, estimated at 2,000 to 3,000 people per day, especially during festivals such as the annual Naga Fireball Festival festival on October 29. It was observed that about 4,000-5,000 Chinese tourists booked accommodation in the area on that day,” said Bansha.

However, this project faces infrastructural challenges, particularly with regard to road access to the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge to connect with the future China-Laos high-speed rail project, which covers a distance of 13 kilometers.

The Department of Highways has not yet allocated a budget for the construction, which led to a request for urgent action during Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visited Nong Khai on October 29.

srettha nongkhai — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited Nong Khai on October 29, 2023.

Siam Piwat, the No.1 Global Landmark Developer, Delivers Extraordinary Festive Experiences in Celebration of the Holiday Season

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31 October 2023, 16:58

❖ No.1 Developer of Global Landmark Destination: Achieving traffic of over 100 million visitors across all shopping malls in 2023 and reigning as the No.1 destinations for Thai and international tourists.

❖ No.1 Creator of Holiday Season Experiences: Delivering global experience through over 40 iconic events in the final quarter of the year.

❖ No. 1 Countdown Landmark: #1 Delivering a spectacular celebration as a Global Countdown Destination

(Bangkok – October 31, 2023) As part of its efforts to reinforce its leadership in global destination development, Siam Piwat Group, a leading real estate and retail developer, the owner and operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint venture partner of ICONSIAM, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, is joining forces with global partners to launch a series of world-class events all through the last two months of 2023. The objectives are to strengthen the position of Siam Piwat’s shopping centers as the world’s best celebration venues, exponentially boost the traffic of each mall, stimulate the tourism economy, as well as solidify Thailand’s reputation as a premier destination to attract tourists from across the globe.

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director, ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated, “ICONSIAM is recognized by Thai and international visitors from across the world as a global destination and Thailand’s landmark by the Chao Phraya River. Over the past three years, we have achieved the record number of visitors, with a remarkable 70% year-over-year growth in the first half of 2023. During weekends, we are seeing exceptional traffic, with daily visitors numbering between 120,000 to 140,000, and we are confident that in the final quarter of this year, we will be able to increase the number of visitors by over 70%.”

ICONSIAM is launching the “World Collaboration” project in collaboration with five world-class partners from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and France, who are coming together to deliver a series of world-class entertainment events, leveraging soft power to stimulate the economy in the final stretch of the year.

The 5th Anniversary of The ICON Unrivaled – A magnificent celebration by the Chao Phraya River featuring a full lineup of Thai and international artists, to be held on November 9-11, 2023
Bangkok Illumination 2023 – The annual spectacular lighting festival by the Chao Phraya River featuring a colorful and breathtaking display and a unique Thai-style Christmas tree, to be held from November 1, 2023 – January 5, 2024 and “ICONSIAM UNRIVALED WORLD OF ILLUMINATION 2023”, to be held on December 1-31, at River Park, ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM CHAO PHRAYA RIVER OF ETERNAL PROSPERITY – A grand Loy Krathong celebration with a dazzling light and sound display and an array of Thai cultural activities from SookSiam, to be held on November 27, 2023
Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024 – A majestic global-scale New Year’s Eve countdown by the Chao Phraya River at Thailand’s most magnificent landmark recognized worldwide as a global countdown destination, with a full-scale entertainment extravaganza and concerts by top Thai and international artists, to be held from December 29-31, 2023 at River Park, ICONSIAM

Ms. Saruntorn Asaves, First Executive Vice President, Head of Shopping Center Business Division, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., stated, “Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery are joining hands with global partners to launch a more spectacular and colorful celebration than ever before, transcend all limits of entertainment with world-class iconic events featuring top Global Artists, as well as inspire and dazzle all with beloved Global Characters, with the goal of solidifying Thailand’s position as “THE WORLD’s BEST FESTIVE DESTINATION” and creating a Global Experience of happiness that will bring people from all around the world to join in the celebration.”

Siam Paragon is reaffirming its position as one of the world’s best luxury destinations by collaborating with the globally renowned luxury brand “Bvlgari” to create a unique Christmas celebration under the theme “Magnificent Wonders” to offer a luxury experience for all from November 30, 2023, to January 16, 2024.

Furthermore, Siam Paragon will also transform itself into “The Grand Stage of the World” with a grand celebration featuring World-class Iconic Events that will bring joy to everyone and exceed all expectations – a series of spectacular weekly international shows throughout December at Parc Paragon.

Siam Paragon Magical Balloon Wonderland: Orchestra of the Skies – Enjoy a spectacular balloon festival by Plasticiens Volants from France featuring a full 360-degree immersive light and sound show, complete with a world-class orchestra performance, taking place from December 8-11.
Siam Paragon Carnival International Show – Experience the exclusive performances “Le Dame e La Serva” & Pappagalli from the Netherlands,” which will immerse you in a dazzling world beyond the bounds of imagination featuring many fantastical characters, to be held from December 15-17.
Siam Paragon Christmas Celebration – Enjoy the Amorous Ballad from France, a performance promising to immerse you in Christmas festivities and deliver smiles, music, and special surprises for everyone, to be held from December 22-25.
Siam Paragon Festive Celebration & Countdown – Bid farewell to the year 2022 with a full-scale concert featuring a spectacular lineup of top artists on December 30-31 and a countdown to the New Year that promises to impress and delight all visitors.

Siam Center, the Ideapolis, is actively promoting creativity and cultural diversity in support of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Colorful Bangkok 2023 policy. As part of this effort, Siam Center is partnering with XEVA or Yoo Seung-Baik, a renowned female street artist from South Korea who has worked with various world-class brands, to bring her signature vibrant graffiti artworks to Siam Center’s venue of festivities under the concept “Cosmic Playground,” with the Thai idol group 789 contributing their youthful energy to this project. Siam Center presents XEVA X 789 COSMIC PLAYGROUND will be on display from November 14, 2023 to January 7, 2024.

Siam Discovery, the Exploratorium, is also delivering a unique and innovative Christmas experience. To celebrate the holiday season while meeting sustainability goals of the future in all dimensions, Siam Discovery is collaborating with PTT Global Chemicals Public Company Limited (GC) and Bellygom to create the Sustainable Living X’mas Tree 2023, made from discarded HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic bottles, known for their flexibility, strength, and toughness.

This event will feature the renowned pink teddy bear Bellygom from South Korea as well as Bellygom-themed wrapping paper. In addition to the Christmas tree, a full range of entertainment activities by artists and singers will also be hosted throughout December to offer an exciting and joyful experience for everyone, to be held from November 17,2023 to January 14,2024.

In addition, ICONSIAM, Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery are hosting an exclusive promotion campaign through the last two months of 2023. In celebration of the one-of-a-kind experience that exceeds all expectations on ONESIAM SuperApp, the “VIZ Member Day 2023” campaign will also be hosted on November 7-9, 2023 to offer a full range of privileges and benefits to VIZ members.

During this campaign, members can receive double the VIZ Coins when shopping and accumulating them through Snap & Collect and earn 10 times the VIZ Coins when making purchases in the Digital Mall category. In addition, they will spend VIZ Coins, they will receive the same amount of VIZ Coins in return.

Additionally, members can transfer and convert points from participating credit cards into VIZ Coins. This is not to mention an array of many other privileges and benefits that will be offered to both Thai and international shoppers to deliver happiness and enhance their shopping experience on this special occasion.

Siam Piwat Group believes that this grand celebration on a global scale will not only deliver moments of joy and memorable experiences but will also serve a significant driver of the economy and help to enhance Thailand’s tourism industry sustainably.

Red-Yellow Shirts Jointly Put Pressure on MFP’s Sexual Scandals

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Khaosod English

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31 October 2023, 15:18

anti-MFP scandal1 — Tankhun Jitissara, Chairman of the Human Rights and Gender Equality Promotion Committee, Democrat Party (center), joins the protest against sexual harassment.

The Move Forward Party (MFP ), which was the most popular party in May’s general election, now faces a credibility problem after its members allegedly sexually harassed women. This has raised concerns about the party’s handling of the situation, with the party leadership in particular being criticized for not acting quickly enough.

Critics of the MFP, organized under a Facebook fan page titled “What is the MFP lying today?”, held an event at the Thai Summit Tower to call on the party to speed up investigations into the alleged sexual harassment of a party member.

anti MFP scandal2 — Protesters held an event against sexual harassment at the Thai Summit Tower, where the MFP headquarter is located, on October 31, 2023.

Notable figures from both the Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirts were present at the event, including Niyom Nopparat and Tankhun Jitissara, Chairman of the Human Rights and Gender Equality Promotion Committee, Democrat Party

Niyom accused the Move Forward Party of not sending representatives to receive their petition, implying that the party does not seem interested in listening to their concerns. He stressed the need for the party to be clear and transparent, especially because the alleged victims are those who volunteered and supported the party by helping it gain a voice.

anti MFP scandal3 — Niyom Nopparat (center) the red shirt member

In addition, Niyom questioned the lack of response to the issue by the National Human Rights Commission and wondered whether these organizations are biased.

Tankhun also commented on how men in higher positions in society, such as in politics or among their own supporters, could silence the victims and compound the trauma by making the allegations appear untrue. He stressed the need for the party to be thoroughly investigated or given a fair trial by parliament.

Speaking about the event, he also said that it was a good chance for the yellow and red shirts to work together to fight the orange fandoms of the MFP.

Chairman of the Special Working Group to Solve the Problem of Sexual Violence of the MFP, Bencha Saengchantra, confirmed that there will be a discussion within the party on the two cases of alleged harassment and sexual misconduct. This discussion will take place during a meeting with the party leadership on 1 November at 5:00 pm. She assured that the party takes the matter seriously and will handle it appropriately.

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Thailand Welcomes Indian-Taiwanese Tourists With Visa Exemption

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31 October 2023, 14:18

On October 31, Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced at Government House, along with the Cabinet, the decision to expand the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand. The two additional countries on the list are India and Taiwan, which have a significant number of tourists in Thailand.

The visa-free entry policy will be in effect for a short period from November 10, 2023 to May 10, 2024. This temporary measure is being introduced due to the high season for Taiwanese and Indian tourists. A visitor is granted a visa exemption for a maximum duration of 30 days in Thailand.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, from January to September 2023, Thailand received 1,162,251 Indian tourists and 520,372 tourists from Taiwan. The total number of foreign tourists exceeds 20 million.

Earlier, on October 27, Pornchai Thirawej, the director of the Fiscal Policy Office, announced a downward revision of Thailand’s economic growth for 2023 to 2.7 percent year-on-year. This reduction is partly due to the expected decline in the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand. It is estimated at 27.7 million people, lower than the original forecast of 29.5 million tourists.

As a result, the projected tourism revenue is revised to 1.18 trillion baht, a decrease from the previous estimate of 1.25 trillion baht. This revision is influenced by the economic challenges in China, which have a significant impact on the number of Chinese tourists in Thailand.

In 2024, the Fiscal Policy Office forecasts that the tourism sector will continue to play an important role in the Thai economy. It is expected that 34.5 million foreign tourists will visit Thailand, an increase of 24.6 percent. The estimated revenue is 1.49 trillion baht, an increase of 26 percent. This growth is largely due to Chinese tourists, especially during Chinese New Year.

An American-Costa Rican Is Found Dead From Neck Stabs in a Phuket Hotel Room

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Khaosod English

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30 October 2023, 18:48

costa phuket2 — An American-Costa Rican tourist's body was found dead in a room at the Ma Maison Hotel, Choeng Thale Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province, on October 30, 2023.

Phuket Police from Choeng Thale Police Station launched an inquiry into the matter of a foreign tourist’s body found dead in a room at the Ma Maison Hotel, Choeng Thale Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province, on October 30.

After receiving a call by a hotel employee, the police officers joined with the medical examiners and investigated the body. They discovered four sharp-force cuts on the left side of the neck.

The deceased’s possessions and clothing, materials, and equipment were in good condition, including a notebook computer, an iPad, two phones, 6,000 baht in Thai currency, diving and boxing equipment, and two passports bearing the name Mr. Daniel James Artus Jerez, aged 35. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Costa Rica.

costa phuket3 — A police officer inspects the deceased’s room.

Items resembling crystal meth were discovered in the restroom, packaged in a plastic bag with drug equipment. There was one item of marijuana paraphernalia in the shoulder bag.

According to the medical examiner, Daniel died as a result of a throat wound. He’d been dead for perhaps two days, no more than three. A short, pointed pocket knife measuring 25 centimetres (including the handle) was discovered with blood traces at the corner of the room’s entrance door, which is at the deceased’s feet.

costa phuket1 — A pocket knife was discovered with blood traces at the corner of the room’s entrance door, which is at the deceased’s feet.

The hotel manager informed the police that Daniel had been staying at the hotel since August 30 of this year, paid the first month’s rent of 15,000 baht, paid the second month’s room rent of 42,000 baht, and had renewed the room rental contract for the third month already.

At first, he noticed that Daniel was friendly and enjoyed boxing and diving. But subsequently, he noticed that the foreigner changed to seem like a stressed-out person, slimmer, preferring to keep to himself, and drinking a lot. The hotel manager last saw him on the evening of October 26.

The police handed over the body to the medical examiner at Vachira Phuket Hospital for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Thailand Lowers Fees for Cambodian, Laotian, Myanmar, and Vietnamese Workers

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Khaosod English

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30 October 2023, 16:48

Dried Durian6 — A staff member shows freeze-dried durian products at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

The Thai Ministry of Labour has issued a ministerial order setting new fees for inspections and work permits for foreign workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

The fees have been reduced to promote legal employment and solve the problem of foreign workers entering the country for work purposes. Specifically, the visa fee was reduced from 2,000 baht to 500 baht and the fee for applying for a temporary stay was reduced from 1,900 baht to 500 baht.

This Ministry Order came into force on 10 November or 15 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette on 27 October. It is to take effect for four years and applies to foreign workers from these four countries who enter Thailand to work on the basis of an employment contract or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in connection with the recruitment of workers.

This measure aims to ensure that foreign workers are legally employed and contribute to the country’s economy by addressing problems related to illegal immigration and labour market stability.

AP23222300075590 — A worker prepare rice for sale in in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

“This ministry regulation is in line with the government’s approach to regulate the employment of foreign workers to strengthen the country’s competitiveness and support economic recovery after COVID-19. Reducing fees is a means to ease the financial burden on both workers and employers.”

According to the information of the Office of Foreign Labor Administration Department, in September, Thailand has a total of 2,593,439 foreign workers and there are still approximately 1 million workers in the process of submitting work permit applications according to the Cabinet resolution October 3, 2023.

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Thailand Disapproves of the Display of a Thai Worker’s Footage at the UN

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Khaosod English

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30 October 2023, 16:08

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on October 29 regarding the plight of Thai nationals inhumanely killed, injured and abducted as a result of the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

At a recent United Nations General Assembly meeting, a video clip was displayed of a victim, asserted to be Thai, inhumanely killed. Such horrific brutality has stirred a sense of outrage not only among Thais but undoubtedly people throughout the world.

The Ministry disapproves of the display of such footage, which does not afford the proper respect and due consideration for the deceased and his family.

israel thaiworker — Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan holds footage from Hamas’s October 7 massacre, during an emergency meeting on the Israel-Hamas war at the United Nations General Assembly, in New York, October 26, 2023. (Timothy A. Clary / AFP)

The Ministry condemns the killing of innocent civilians, regardless of nationality, by any group, and for whatever reason.

Earlier, Kanchana Phattharachoke, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on October 27 that Thai officials at the United Nations in New York are looking into reports that Israel’s Ambassador showed the United Nations General Assembly footage of a Hamas fighter attempting to decapitate a Thai worke

She indicated that Thailand’s permanent representative to the UN will discuss with the UN Secretariat. This is a delicate situation because photographs and information about the injured, the deceased, and those kidnapped must be kept private.

fm israel — Kanchana Phattharachoke, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

According to the report of The Times of Israel, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan on October 26 played a video of a Hamas terrorist trying to decapitate a Thai worker with a garden hoe during the October 7 onslaught in southern Israel, as the envoy faced an uphill battle to convince General Assembly members not to back a Jordanian resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza that makes no mention of Hamas.

On Friday, the Thai government also voted along with 119 other U.N. member states to support the U.N. resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire from all sides. However, Israel has continued to expand its military assault, including deeper into the northern Gaza Strip on October 30.

AP23290008972619 — Some members of the U.N. Security Council vote against a resolution put forth by Russia regarding the Israel-Hamas war at United Nations headquarters Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. The resolution did not pass. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

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Hundreds Storm Airport in Russia in Antisemitic Riot Over Arrival of Plane From Israel

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Associated Press

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30 October 2023, 14:53

Russia Airport Israel — People in the crowd walk shouting antisemitic slogans at an airfield of the airport in Makhachkala, Russia, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (AP Photo)

MOSCOW (AP) — Hundreds of people stormed into the main airport in Russia’s Dagestan region and rushed onto the landing field, chanting antisemitic slogans and seeking passengers arriving on a flight from the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, Russian news agencies and social media reported.

Russian news reports said the crowd on Sunday surrounded the airliner, which belongs to Russian carrier Red Wings.

Authorities closed the airport in Makhachkala, the capital of the predominantly Muslim region, and police converged on the facility. Dagestan’s Ministry of Health said more than 20 people were injured, with two in critical condition. It said the injured included police officers and civilians.

Sixty people were detained in the unrest, the Interior Ministry for the federal district that includes Dagestan said Monday. It was not clear if charges had been filed against any of them.

Video on social media show some in the crowd waving Palestinian flags and others trying to overturn a police car. Antisemitic slogans can be heard being shouted and some in the crowd examined the passports of arriving passengers, apparently in an attempt to identify those who were Israeli.

In a statement Sunday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel “expects the Russian law enforcement authorities to protect the safety of all Israeli citizens and Jews wherever they may be and to act resolutely against the rioters and against the wild incitement directed against Jews and Israelis.”

Netanyahu’s office added that the Israeli ambassador to Russia was working with Russia to keep Israelis and Jews safe.

AP23302783097026 — People in the crowd walk shouting antisemitic slogans at an airfield of the airport in Makhachkala, Russia, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (AP Photo)

While voicing support for Palestinians in Gaza, the regional Dagestani government appealed to citizens to remain calm and not take part in such protests.

“We urge residents of the republic to treat the current situation in the world with understanding. Federal authorities and international organizations are making every effort to bring about a cease-fire against Gaza civilians … we urge residents of the republic not to succumb to the provocations of destructive groups and not to create panic in society,” the Dagestani government wrote on Telegram.

The Supreme Mufti of Dagestan, Sheikh Akhmad Afandi, called on residents to stop the unrest at the airport.

“You are mistaken. This issue cannot be resolved in this way. We understand and perceive your indignation very painfully. … We will solve this issue differently. Not with rallies, but appropriately. Maximum patience and calm for you,” he said in a video published to Telegram.

Dagestan Gov. Sergei Melikov promised consequences for anyone who took part in the violence.

“The actions of those who gathered at the Makhachkala airport today are a gross violation of the law! … (W)hat happened at our airport is outrageous and should receive an appropriate assessment from law enforcement agencies! And this will definitely be done!” he wrote on Telegram.

He called the protests a “knife in the backs of those who gave their lives for the security of the Motherland,” referring to the 1999 war in Dagestan and troops currently fighting in Ukraine.

Russia’s civilian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, later reported that the airfield had been cleared, but that the airport would remain closed to incoming aircraft until Nov. 6.

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