Kremlin Critic Navalny Convicted Of Extremism And Sentenced To 19 Years In Prison

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4 August 2023, 23:17

Russia Navalny — Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, 2nd left, is seen on a TV screen standing among his lawyers, as he appears in a video link provided by the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service, during a hearing in the colony, in Melekhovo, Vladimir region, about 260 kilometers (163 miles) northeast of Moscow, Russia, on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

MELEKHOVO, Russia (AP) — A Russian court convicted imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny on charges of extremism and sentenced him to 19 years in prison Friday, his spokesperson and Russian news agencies reported. Navalny is already serving a nine-year term on a variety of charges that he says were politically motivated.

The new charges related to the activities of Navalny’s anti-corruption foundation and statements by his top associates. It was his fifth criminal conviction and the third and longest prison term handed to him, all of which his supporters see as a deliberate Kremlin strategy to silence its most ardent opponent. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he would serve this new term concurrently with his current sentence on charges of fraud and contempt of court.

The prosecution had demanded a 20-year prison sentence, and Navalny said beforehand that he expected to receive a lengthy term.

AP23216323243791 — FILE – In this photo provided by the Moscow City Court, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny makes a heart gesture standing in a cage during a hearing in Moscow, Russia on Feb. 3, 2021. (Moscow City Court via AP, File)

Navalny was also sentenced in 2021 to two and a half years in prison for a parole violation. The extremism trial took place behind closed doors in the penal colony east of Moscow where he is imprisoned.

Navalny appeared in the courtroom wearing prison garb and looking gaunt, but with a defiant smile on his face. As the judge read out the verdict, the politician stood alongside his lawyers and his co-defendant with his arms crossed, listening with a serious expression on his face.

It took the judge less than 10 minutes to announce the verdict and the sentence — something that in Russia usually takes hours and even days. The hearing was broadcast to reporters in a separate room, but the judge’s speech was barely audible. Navalny’s spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, confirmed the verdict on social media, and Russian state news agencies RIA Novosti and Tass ran direct quotes from the verdict.

The 47-year-old Navalny is President Vladimir Putin’s fiercest foe and has exposed official corruption and organized major anti-Kremlin protests. He was arrested in January 2021 upon returning to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin.

Navalny’s allies said the extremism charges retroactively criminalized all of the anti-corruption foundation’s activities since its creation in 2011. In 2021, Russian authorities outlawed the foundation and the vast network of Navalny’s offices in Russian regions as extremist organizations, exposing anyone involved to possible prosecution.

AP23216337660984 — FILE – Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny takes part in a march in memory of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

One of Navalny’s associates, Daniel Kholodny, stood trial alongside him after being relocated from a different prison. It wasn’t immediately clear what sentence was handed to Kholodny.

Navalny rejected all the charges against him as politically motivated and accused the Kremlin of seeking to keep him behind bars for life.

On the eve of the verdict hearing, Navalny released a statement on social media, presumably through his team, in which he said he expected his latest sentence to be “huge … a Stalinist term.” Under the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, millions of people were branded “enemies of the state,” jailed and sometimes executed in what became known as the “Great Terror.”

AP23216337418386 — FILE – Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, with his wife Yulia, right, daughter Daria, and son Zakhar pose for media after voting during a city council election in Moscow, Russia, on Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo, File)

In his statement, Navalny called on Russians to “personally” resist and encouraged them to support political prisoners, distribute flyers or go to a rally. He told Russians that they could choose a safe way to resist, but he added that “there is shame in doing nothing. It’s shameful to let yourself be intimidated.”

The politician is currently serving his sentence in a maximum-security prison — Penal Colony No. 6 in the town of Melekhovo, about 230 kilometers (more than 140 miles) east of Moscow.

He has spent months in a tiny one-person cell, also called a “punishment cell,” for purported disciplinary violations, such as an alleged failure to button his prison clothes properly, introduce himself appropriately to a guard or to wash his face at a specified time.

On social media, Navalny’s associates urged supporters to come to Melekhovo on Friday to express solidarity with the politician.

About 40 supporters from different Russian cities gathered outside the colony, one of them told The Associated Press in the messaging app Telegram. Yelena, who spoke on condition that her last name was withheld for safety reasons, said the supporters weren’t allowed into the colony, but decided to stay outside until the verdict as announced: “People think it’s important to be nearby at least like that, for moral support. We will be waiting.”

Navalny was ordered to serve the new prison term in a “special regime” penal colony, a term that refers to the Russian prisons with the highest level of security and the harshest inmate restrictions. It wasn’t immediately clear when he would be transferred to such a colony from the Melekhovo prison.

By law, Navalny has 10 days to appeal the verdict, and if he does, it will not take effect until the appeal is adjudicated.

Russian law stipulates that only men given life sentences or “especially dangerous recidivists” are sent to those types of prisons.

The country has many fewer “special regime” colonies compared to other types of adult prisons, according to state penitentiary service data: 35 colonies for “dangerous recidivists” and six for men imprisoned for life. Maximum-security colonies are the most widespread type, with 251 currently in operation.

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Associated Press writer Dasha Litvinova contributed to this report from Tallinn, Estonia.

Spanish Guy Is Suspected of Murdering and Dismembering His Colombian Friend in Koh Phangan

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Khaosod English

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4 August 2023, 18:58

pa-ngun2 — Koh Phangan Police Station discovered additional human body fragments on August 4, 2023.

On August 4, the Koh Phangan Police Station in Surat Thani Province apprehended a Spanish suspect for the murder and dismemberment of a Colombian man, placed the body pieces in a garbage bag, and disposed of them at the Koh Phangan garbage dump.

Officers discovered the dismembered human remains on August 3. They were deposited in a trash bag and covered with a second layer of green plastic bags contained in a separate compost bag. They were placed on the cement yard at the Koh Phangan Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Centre, Moo 4, Koh Phangan Subdistrict.

pa ngun3 — Officers discovered the dismembered human remains on August 3 at the Koh Phangan Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Centre.

Later, on August 4 in the morning, the Koh Phangan Police Station discovered additional body fragments after Mrs. Mimee, a Myanmar worker at the Koh Phangan Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Centre, informed the police.

Police officials formed a task force to track down the individual who was responsible for the murder and dismemberment after getting information that the suspect is a 29-year-old Spanish male named Daniel who had reported to the Ko Phangan Police Station that his 44-year-old Colombian companion, Edwin, had vanished.

pa ngun4 — Daniel, a 29-year-old Spanish suspect of murdering and dismembering his Colombian friend.

According to the surveillance camera, it appears that Daniel went to buy a knife and plastic bags in department stores in Phangan on August 1. The bags are similar to those used to wrap human parts. He also bought rubber gloves, sponges, and cleaning liquid.

After calling Daniel to be questioned in connection with the case, police apprehended him.

Daniel stated that he had made plans to visit Koh Phangan with Edwin, whom the police believed to be Daniel’s lover. Edwin is the one who reserved the room from July 31 to August 3.

Daniel claimed that he arrived at the hotel on July 31, and then on August 2, he went to pick up Edwin at the port of Koh Phangan, brought him to have something to eat at Haad Rin near the hotel, and then to the hotel. After midnight, Daniel reported to the police that Edwin had disappeared.

When the cops examined the room, they discovered blood, tissue, grease, and hair stains in the sewer. As a result, they requested forensic analysis to gather evidence against Daniel.

Daniel was also discovered to have failed to notify the Surat Thani Immigration Division of his change of residency in the country. Because his behaviour is becoming a threat to society, the officer has terminated his stay in the Kingdom.

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GSMA joins AIS To Make Developers Connect To The API Through The Mobile Network

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Contributor

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4 August 2023, 17:40

GSMA joins hands with AIS to open up opportunities for developers to connect to the API through the mobile network.

This is another advancement in the telecommunications industry in Thailand, as GSMA collaborates with major operators in the country, with the latest partnership being AIS, allowing software developers to access the network of the Telecommunications Provider through the API.

Thank you AIS for advancing GSMA’s #OpenGateway initiative – a framework of common network APIs designed to provide universal access to operator networks for developers.

With the support of 32 mobile network operators globally since its launch at MWC23 Barcelona, the move represents a paradigm shift in the way the telecoms industry designs and delivers services in an API economy world.

GSMA Open Gateway will help developers and cloud providers enhance and deploy services more quickly across operator networks via single points of access to the world’s largest connectivity platform.

(Source: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gsmaapac_ais-activity-7092050944305074176-tlWC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios)

U.N. Experts Say There Are Hundreds Of Victims In Johnny’s Case

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Kyodo News

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4 August 2023, 17:27

johnny associated — File photo taken in May 2023 shows the sign of Johnny & Associates Inc. on its office building in Tokyo. (Kyodo)

TOKYO – U.N. Human Rights Council experts said Friday their investigations in Japan exposed “deeply alarming” allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse involving hundreds of performers at Japan’s top male talent agency Johnny & Associates Inc. and called for the government to act on behalf of those affected.

The remarks came at a Tokyo press conference as the U.N. Working Group on Business and Human Rights wrapped up its first visit to Japan, during which it held interviews with alleged victims of the agency’s founder Johnny Kitagawa.

AP23188142032074 — FILE – A passer-by watches a TV news reporting Johnny Kitagawa’s passing away in Tokyo, on July 10, 2019. (Kyodo News via AP, File)

Pichamon Yeophantong, a member of the group and a political scientist specializing in human rights and business, said perceived inaction by the government highlighted the need for it to act as “the primary duty bearer to ensure transparent investigations of perpetrators and that victims obtain effective remedies” in the form of an apology or financial redress.

The delegation to Japan comprises Pichamon and the working group’s chairman Damilola Olawuyi. The pair delivered their preliminary observations to journalists at the Japan National Press Club.

UN johnny — Pichamon Yeophantong (L), member of U.N. Working Group on Business and Human Rights, and working group chairman Damilola Olawuyi, attend press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2023. (Kyodo)

In a response issued Friday night, Johnny & Associates said the agency “seriously reflects on the views given and intends to continue to respond faithfully to all individuals coming forward with abuse claims.”

The entertainment company also said an expert panel it established to probe the matter plans to present its findings at the end of the month.

The agency has said that it will take appropriate measures based on proposals from the group which includes a former prosecutor general, a psychiatrist and a practicing clinical psychologist.

The U.N. delegation, however, reported ongoing doubts about the transparency and legitimacy of the investigation.

While the U.N. group said it had met with representatives at the talent agency regarding its system for responding to sexual abuse claims, it did not reveal whether it had received cooperation from Julie Keiko Fujishima, the company’s president.

Referring to Japan’s media and entertainment industry as a whole, Pichamon said the working group “observed deeply troubling issues” and referred to exploitative working conditions and a lack of a clear legal definition of harassment as factors fostering a culture of “impunity for sexual violence and harassment.”

Kitagawa was one of the Japanese entertainment industry’s most powerful figures before his death in 2019. Sexual misconduct claims against him have received renewed scrutiny since a BBC documentary released in March interviewed some alleged victims, with more coming forward after it aired.

The U.N. working group began its 12-day investigations on July 24 at the invitation of the Japanese government, and its itinerary included the capital as well as Osaka, Hokkaido, Aichi and Fukushima prefectures.

Apart from issues relating to the talent agency, the working group also assessed attempts in Japan to identify, prevent and address human rights and environmental infringements caused by business activities. It met with government officials, businesses, lawyers, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

Its full report on the visit is scheduled to be submitted to the Human Rights Council in June 2024.

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ONYX Hospitality Group Launch of the Spectacular ‘Amari Raaya Maldives’

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Contributor

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4 August 2023, 16:53

ONYX Hospitality Group Unveils Exquisite Addition to Luxury Market with Launch of the Spectacular ‘Amari Raaya Maldives’ The launch marks ONYX Hospitality Group’s strong foothold in the hotel business across Southeast Asia, showcasing its readiness to compete with global brands.

ONYX Hospitality Group, a prominent management company in Southeast Asia specialising in hotels & resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, continues its ultimate vision to establish itself as “The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia.” The Group is poised to expand its international presence in line with a strategic plan that takes advantage of the vigorously resurgent global tourism and service industry.

Exciting news awaits travellers from around the globe as the highly anticipated ultimate luxury destination, “Amari Raaya Maldives,” celebrates its successful grand opening event. The resort promises an unparalleled experience for discerning tourists.

Opening this August, the resort signifies ONYX Hospitality Group’s bold expansion into the prestigious luxury lifestyle resort market. With this strategic move, ONYX is continuously broadening its business hotel portfolio, setting a new standard of excellence in the realm of high-end hospitality.

Catering to tourists from across the globe, the newly launched “Amari Raaya Maldives” by the Group promises to be the finest luxury resort in the Maldives, aiming to provide an unforgettable experience. This exciting venture marks a significant expansion of ONYX Hospitality Group’s business hotel portfolio as it ventures into the thriving luxury lifestyle resort market.

According to ONYX Hospitality Group’s CEO, Yuthachai Charanachitta, the Amari Raaya Maldives project represents the most substantial investment in the Indian Ocean region this year. The Panchshil Group, a renowned luxury real estate developer with a rich history of creating high-end residential properties, IT Parks, office spaces specially customized for a special economic zone (SEZ), hotels, convention centres, and luxury department stores, has entrusted ONYX Hospitality Group with the responsibility of managing the prestigious Amari Raaya Maldives.

He continued, “The Indian Ocean region is renowned for its stunning natural beaches, making it an ideal location for the development of luxury resorts. It has become a highly sought-after destination for tourists from around the world. Among the key target markets for this region are Russia, Germany, India, United Kingdom, USA, Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, the potential for attracting Chinese tourists is also highly promising as the country gradually opens to international travel. The distribution strategy of Amari Raaya Maldives is focused on achieving a balanced distribution between wholesale and retail segments. Our top five target markets stand out due to our strategic price positioning and the exceptional and exclusive resort experiences we offer.”

In 2023, ONYX Hospitality Group has outlined a key strategy to drive significant expansion in the hotel, resort, and serviced apartment business. This expansion plan encompasses both domestic and international markets, with an ambitious target revenue of 8.8 billion baht. The vision guiding this growth initiative is to establish itself as “The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia.”

The Group’s working principle revolves around the promise of providing ‘A Tailored Approach to Hospitality’ by crafting exceptional business strategies and fostering successful collaborations with partners and allies throughout the organization’s journey. As a result, this approach has garnered immense trust from renowned partners, both at home and abroad, enabling the creation of sustainable and enduringly prosperous ventures.

ONYX Hospitality Group is firmly grounded in its belief in expertise and profound market knowledge within the Southeast Asian region and numerous countries across the Asia-Pacific area. Benefiting from over five decades of valuable business experience and the exceptional skills of its management team, the company maintains a robust database to support its operations and decision-making processes.

Additionally, the Group boasts a diverse portfolio of brands that cater to various market segments, including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence. These hotel brands range from luxurious offerings targeting the upscale segment to hotels designed for tourists seeking a lifestyle infused with convenience. Moreover, the company operates sophisticated serviced apartments strategically located in bustling business districts and residential areas, catering to the needs of both short and long-term stays, whether for leisure or business purposes.

Presently, ONYX Hospitality Group holds ownership and management of hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments. The Company currently oversees 44 service locations, encompassing a wide range of domestic and international destinations, namely Thailand, Malaysia, China including Hong Kong, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Lao PDR.

To solidify its leadership in hotel, resort, and serviced apartment management in Southeast Asia, ONYX Hospitality Group also emphasizes management under three core areas that reflect the strengths of ONYX. The company’s “Tailored Approach to Hospitality” consists of the following:

The first approach reflects ONYX’s profound expertise in the Southeast Asian market and comprehensive understanding of the region’s tourism industry. The company operates with highly efficient work styles and management systems that adhere to international standards. What sets ONYX apart is its flexibility, enabling seamless adjustments to meet the diverse business needs of all stakeholders involved. The commitment to finding win-win solutions is achieved through strategically focused investments, lean and efficient operations, and the provision of internationally acclaimed levels of service that can adapt to changing market dynamics.

Under the vision of “A Tailored Approach to Hospitality,” ONYX Hospitality Group revolves around cultivating long-term partnerships that foster mutual growth, in line with the current business trend where investors seek alliances with strong brands to leverage each other’s potential. ONYX strategically utilizes its extensive regional network to connect with both domestic and international investors, earning their trust and confidence in the process.

ONYX showcases the exceptional quality and diversity of ONYX Hospitality Group’s three main portfolio brands: Amari, OZO, and Shama. Each brand is renowned for its high quality and comprehensive coverage of all target groups, excelling in satisfying diverse customer needs. The company places significant emphasis on continuously developing and upholding brand standards to ensure competitiveness in the fiercely competitive market.

Through their distinctive and unique features, these brands maintain a prominent position in the industry, standing out from competitors and making their products attractive to both partners and end consumers, contributing to the company’s ongoing success.

With these three approaches at the core of its operations, ONYX Hospitality Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and solidifying its position as a leader in Southeast Asia’s dynamic and competitive hospitality industry.

The latest addition to the portfolio, Amari Raaya Maldives, perfectly embodies the company’s core values and business principles. Located on a private island in the serene Raa Atoll, this exquisite resort is just a convenient 45-minute seaplane journey away from Velana International Airport. Drawing inspiration from its breath-taking natural surroundings and the vast expanse of the ocean, Amari Raaya Maldives offers a haven of tranquillity, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

It promises a paradisiacal experience, where guests can indulge in relaxation and embark on adventures amidst the beauty of nature. Each villa at Amari Raaya Maldives is thoughtfully designed to offer unobstructed views of the boundless deep blue ocean, stretching as far as the eye can see. Guests have the luxury to choose between beachfront villas or villas situated in the middle of the ocean.

Amari Raaya Maldives offers a total of 187 villas, each providing a range of options to suit individual preferences. Guests can choose from private beach villas, overwater pool villas, or adjoining family villas. Regardless of the villa type chosen, all guests will find themselves enveloped by the pristine beauty of nature.

Every room at the resort offers unobstructed views of the breath-taking Raa Atoll waters, creating a serene and rejuvenating sanctuary for guests. Each space is meticulously designed with a blend of style and personality, ensuring a memorable and delightful stay. The resort is nestled amidst the splendour of vibrant coral reefs and embraced by the lush foliage of palm trees in the undamaged tropical forest.

Amari Raaya Maldives is dedicated to providing guests with extraordinary moments, allowing them to celebrate special occasions through a diverse range of unforgettable activities, from snorkelling, offering an opportunity to witness the spectacular coral reefs up close, to water skiing, jet skiing and wakeboarding.

For a dash of excitement and exhilaration, a thrilling zip line adventure awaits in the kid’s club. For guests looking for a leisurely yet engaging experience, the resort offers options like mini-golf, paddle tennis, archery and badminton. Nature enthusiasts can opt for a delightful discovery walk through the serene mangrove forest on a designated nature trail.

Following a day filled with invigorating outdoor adventures, there’s no better way to unwind and relieve stress than indulging in the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation at Maai Spa. Here, guests can experience a profound sense of holistic healing, nurturing both the body and mind.

For those seeking moments of pure joy, an unrivalled culinary journey awaits at one of the eight restaurants available. Each restaurant boasts its own unique décor style and atmosphere, providing a diverse and exceptional dining experience for every palate.

Interwoven into the resort experience is the captivating tale of Seb’s Adventure, a fictional artist who made the island his temporary home and left an indelible mark on its design and activities. The resort boasts a dedicated Arts & Craft studio, offering workshops and activities hosted by local artists for guests’ enjoyment. Throughout the island, remnants of Seb’s life can be found, including his ship and three watch towers that rise above the lush grounds, adding an adventurous touch to the serene landscape.

Amari Raaya Maldives is the perfect destination for couples, families, or friends seeking a unique and unforgettable experience together. This tranquil island paradise boasts breath-taking natural beauty both on the water and in the forest, surrounded by a vibrant community and rich cultural heritage. It’s the ideal place to escape and create lasting memories.

In August 2023, Amari Raaya Maldives opens its doors to tourists, and we are thrilled to announce a special treat to mark this momentous occasion. As part of our exclusive opening offer, we are delighted to extend a very special 40% discount for the first travellers to the castaway island.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to be among the first to experience our exquisite paradise island destination, which has never been visited before. With up to 40% off stays, this offer includes complimentary transfers for two people, a 30-minute private photo shoot to capture your cherished memories, and a memorable group sunset cruise, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable vacation. Terms and conditions apply.

Make the most of this limited-time offer, available between 1st August to 23rd December 2023, and embark on a journey of tranquillity and natural beauty. Discover the serenity of our private island in the serene Raa Atoll and immerse yourself in the pristine waters and lush surroundings.

For reservations and more information, please visit the official website of Amari Raaya Maldives at www.amari.com/raaya-maldives/special-offers

Train Collides With Pickup Truck, 8 People Killed in Tragic Accident

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Khaosod English

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4 August 2023, 16:18

A train collided with a pickup truck at a crossing without railroad gates near Khlong Udom Chonlajorn station, Mueang district, Chachoengsao province. The accident killed 8 people, including 5 men ages 18, 27, 55, 60 and 62, and 3 women ages 22, 55 and 64, while 4 others were injured.

The train involved in the accident was freight train No. 883, which was carrying containers filled with flour and was en route from Lad Krabang to Laem Chabang. At the time of the collision, it was at a standstill. The car that was hit was a bronze-colored Isuzu pickup truck with Bangkok license plates. The car was hit at the rear.

8bodies 3 — The train involved in the accident was freight train No. 883.

Wichai Yoolek, 55, a pickup truck driver, told that he was traveling from Wat Bua Roey in Lad Krabang, Bangkok, with some workers who were going to catch fish in the ponds near Khlong Udorn Chonlajorn, Mueang Chachoengsao. When they reached the railroad crossing, they saw the train coming and the people in the car urged him to cross quickly. However, he did not make it in time and was hit from behind by the train, causing the car to overturn. Unfortunately, the workers who were in the back of the pickup truck were also killed.

8bodies 1 — The accident killed 8 people.

One survivor, Surapath Prasop, 20, said he managed to jump out of the vehicle just in time, but several others were still in the vehicle and asleep at the time of the accident, leading to their tragic demise.

The owner of the fish pond, Wichian Saengtubson, 58, had hired this group of workers to fish at about 2 a.m. He heard warning signals from the train several times, but had no idea that this would lead to an accident with the workers he had hired.

AP23216315476705 — Gov. of the State Railway of Thailand Nirut Maneepan, fourth form left, talks to police at a crash site in Muang, Chachoengsao province, Thailand, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023.(Public relations of the State Railway of Thailand via AP )

In the morning, the Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station summoned Wichai, the driver of the pickup truck, for questioning to charge him with causing the fatal accident. The site of the accident on a concrete road was at an unauthorized crossing without any automatic barriers to prevent crossings when trains approach.

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How Picture of a Japanese Train Help Clean up Trash in Bangkok?

By

Khaosod English

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4 August 2023, 14:28

waste train2 — A viral posting by Japanese netizens that showed image of the KIHA 183 train amid a pile of scattered garbage.

In response to a viral posting by Japanese netizens that showed image of the KIHA 183 train amid a pile of scattered garbage in the media, Thai netizens also began sharing it on social media, prompting criticism and prompting immediate action by Thai government authorities.

These areas fall under the jurisdiction of several government agencies, most notably the State Railway of Thailand, which is currently clearing the land to make way for the construction of the high-speed railroad that will connect three airports.

Chadchart Sittipunt, the governor of Bangkok, has visited the affected areas in Phaya Thai district on August 2. He explained that the problem areas are located in Daengbungha, Bun Rom Sai and Khong Rotfai Yommarach communes in Phaya Thai district in Bangkok.

waste train5 — Chadchart Sittipunt, the governor of Bangkok has visited the affected areas in Phaya Thai on August 2, 2023.

He added that the garbage seen in the pictures is not typical household waste, but debris generated during the demolition of some 48 buildings in the old communes. These materials include roof tiles, wood scraps and sheet metal.

Ekarat Sriaranyanpong, head of the State Railway of Thailand, said they are now coordinating with the Bangkok Municipality and mobilizing more than 30 staff to remove the trash. The non-biodegradable waste will be taken to a designated landfill, while the plastic waste will be buried and fenced off.

To find a long-term solution, the railroad authority will take steps to close the area and post signs prohibiting trespassing and dumping trash on its land.

Ekarat added that the high-speed rail project from U-Ru-Pong Station to Phaya Thai Station covers a distance of about 1,200 meters. Previously, squatters occupied the entire area, about 100 buildings. The railroad authority is trying to find solutions in cooperation with the affected communities and is offering support to those affected by the government’s investment project.

Many Thai netizens expressed their gratitude to the Japanese for sharing the images of their trains helping clean up garbage in Bangkok, which prompted swift action from the authorities.

The Japanese Twitter account @tabinezumiworld also posted on August 4, a VDO clip that follows up on this issue. “I went to see the situation near Phayathai station (August 3rd). Thanks for the very quick and excellent response.

パヤタイ駅付近の様子を見に行きました(8月3日)。非常に早く素晴らしい対応に感謝します。 pic.twitter.com/rE5toD3wLn

— 旅ねずみWorld (@tabinezumiworld) August 4, 2023

“I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Chatchart, the governor of Bangkok, the Thai National Railways, the cleaning staff, the Ratchathewi community, and everyone involved. thank you very much. Rubble on the side of the tracks in the Phaya Thai district has been removed and is becoming cleaner. It’s still a work in progress, so it will look better in the future.”

Police Search Nihon University Gridiron Team Dorm Over Cannabis

By

Kyodo News

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4 August 2023, 01:10

japan cannabis — Police search the dormitory of Nihon University's American football team in Tokyo on Aug. 3, 2023. (Kyodo)

TOKYO – Police on Thursday searched the dormitory of Nihon University’s American football team in Tokyo over an allegation a member possessed cannabis, investigative sources said.

The move came after the university found pieces of a plant and pills in July and contacted the police. The plant was later identified as cannabis, they said.

The team has suspended practice while the university has been hearing from its American football team’s former and incumbent members, the manager and coaches, among others.

“We will strictly deal with this if we confirm criminal or inappropriate acts through our probe,” said a public relations official at the university.

The Nihon University American football team is a 21-time winner of the Koshien Bowl, the national college American football championship game.

In 2018, the team came under fire over a dangerous tackle by one of its members in an exhibition against Kwansei Gakuin University.

A member of the university’s rugby team was also arrested in January 2020 for allegedly possessing cannabis.

Cannabis-related crimes are increasing in Japan, especially cases of young people buying drugs on social media, according to the National Police Agency.

On Thursday, two students at Asahi University were arrested and another student was served a fresh arrest warrant for allegedly conspiring and selling cannabis to a 19-year-old man, according to police.

The three belonged to the university’s rugby team, and its dormitory in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, was searched on the same day, the police said.

Phuket Police Chase A Ramming Car Across The District

By

Khaosod English

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4 August 2023, 00:08

On August 13, Phuket police officers from Cherng Talay Police Station, Phuket Immigration Police, and Phuket Tourist Police chased after a suspicious car and were told it had crashed into several cars on their way to Ban Pa Sak – Ban Don, Village No. 4, Thalang District, and Kathu District.

Later, officers from Kathu Police Station assisted in setting up of a car interception checkpoint at the intersection of Loch Palm Golf Course. They also pursued the suspicious vehicle until it lost control, breached the curve, and crashed into the drainage ditch.

The driver was a black foreign man who leaped out of the car and ran for approximately 300 metres, but the officers chased and eventually apprehended him, knowing his identity as George, a 26-year-old Nigerian citizen. His passport expired four years ago.

George was discovered to have sold cocaine in the Choeng Thale Subdistrict, Kamala Subdistrict, and Patong Beach, Kathu District. As a result, the police took him to his home in Bang Jo, Si Sunthon Subdistrict, Thalang District. They discovered some cocaine.

The officers then took him to Cherng Talay Police Station to conduct an investigation and order George to compensate all those whose cars were damaged as a result of his driving.

phuket ramcar2 — George, a 26-year-old Nigerian citizen, was arrested.

The Heaviest Animal Ever May Be This Ancient Whale Found in the Peruvian Desert

By

Associated Press

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3 August 2023, 22:18

Giant Ancient Whale — Scientists reported Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, that the creature could challenge the blue whale's title as the heaviest animal that lived on Earth. They've been digging up massive fossils from the creature in the Peruvian desert over the past decade. (Giovanni Bianucci/Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, via AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — There could be a new contender for heaviest animal to ever live. While today’s blue whale has long held the title, scientists have dug up fossils from an ancient giant that could tip the scales.

Researchers described the species — named Perucetus colossus, or “the colossal whale from Peru” — in the journal Nature on Wednesday. Each vertebra weighs over 220 pounds (100 kilograms) and its ribs measure nearly 5 feet (1.4 meters) long.

“It’s just exciting to see such a giant animal that’s so different from anything we know,” said Hans Thewissen, a paleontologist at Northeast Ohio Medical University who had no role in the research.

AP23214672863216 — Paleontologist Mario Urbina poses for a photo next to the vertebrae of a newly found species named Perucetus colossus, or “the colossal whale from Peru”, during a presentation in Lima, Peru, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

The bones were discovered more than a decade ago by Mario Urbina from the University of San Marcos’ Natural History Museum in Lima. An international team spent years digging them out from the side of a steep, rocky slope in the Ica desert, a region in Peru that was once underwater and is known for its rich marine fossils. The results: 13 vertebrae from the whale’s backbone, four ribs and a hip bone.

The massive fossils, which are 39 million years old, “are unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” said study author Alberto Collareta, a paleontologist at Italy’s University of Pisa.

AP23214676799697 — Visitors and journalists attend a presentation introducing a newly found species named Perucetus colossus, or “the colossal whale from Peru”, in Lima, Peru, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

After the excavations, the researchers used 3D scanners to study the surface of the bones and drilled into them to peek inside. They used the huge — but incomplete — skeleton to estimate the whale’s size and weight, using modern marine mammals for comparison, said study author Eli Amson, a paleontologist at the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart, Germany.

They calculated that the ancient giant weighed somewhere between 94 and 375 tons (85 and 340 metric tons). The biggest blue whales found have been within that range — at around 200 tons (180 metric tons).

AP23212746777950 — In this June 2017, photo provided by Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, a single vertebra collected within a plaster jacked of Perucetus colossus is transported from the site of origin in the Ica desert in Ica Province, southern Peru. (Giovanni Bianucci/Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, via AP)

Its body stretched to around 66 feet (20 meters) long. Blue whales can be longer — with some growing to more than 100 feet (30 meters) in length.

This means the newly discovered whale was “possibly the heaviest animal ever,” Collareta said, but “it was most likely not the longest animal ever.”

It weighs more in part because its bones are much denser and heavier than a blue whale’s, Amson explained.

AP23212746919286 — In this 2023 artist illustration by Alberto Gennari, Perucetus colossus is reconstructed in its coastal habitat, with an estimated body length: ~20 meters. (Alberto Gennari/Nature via AP)

Those super-dense bones suggest that the whale may have spent its time in shallow, coastal waters, the authors said. Other coastal dwellers, like manatees, have heavy bones to help them stay close to the seafloor.

Without the skull, it’s hard to know what the whale was eating to sustain such a huge body, Amson said.

It’s possible that P. colossus was scavenging for food along the seafloor, researchers said, or eating up tons of krill and other tiny sea creatures in the water.

But “I wouldn’t be surprised if this thing actually fed in a totally different way that we would never imagine,” Thewissen added.

AP23212746807416 — In this June, 2018 photo provided by Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, is the site of origin of Perucetus colossus field excavation in the Ica desert, in Ica Province, southern Peru. (Giovanni Bianucci/Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, via AP)

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MADDIE BURAKOFF AP Science Writer reported from New York. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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