Prosecutors in Guyana Mull Charges for Teen Suspect in Deadly Blaze at Girl’s Dorm

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24 May 2023, 21:30

In this photo provided by Guyana's Department of Public Information, the dormitory of a secondary school is burned in Mahdia, Guyana, Monday, May 22, 2023. Photo: Guyana's Department of Public Information via AP Photo

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — Police in Guyana conferred Wednesday with prosecutors on what charges to bring against the main teenage suspect in this week’s fire that destroyed a girl’s dormitory at a school, killing 18 students and a young boy.

Investigators believe that a 14-year-old student who was injured in the blaze ignited the fire late Sunday in anger over having her mobile phone confiscated by an administrator at the government boarding school serving Indigenous villages in southwestern Guyana.

There were 57 female students in the wooden, concrete and iron-grilled dorm when the fire tore through the building in Mahdia township. The victims were mostly aged 12 to 18. The fire killed 18 female students and the five-year-old son of the administrator — or dorm mother. Twenty-eight injured female students were treated in hospitals, police said.

Investigations so far “reveal that a female student is suspected of having set the devastating fire because her cellular phone was taken away by the dorm’s mother and a teacher,” a police statement said.

Police said surviving students have been interviewed and that evidence gathered at the scene was being forwarded to prosecutors Wednesday before any charges are filed.

Police and other sources have said the suspect, who was expected to be released from hospital this week, was 14. However, fire department officials who interviewed her over the past two days maintained she was 15, which — if accurate — would mean she could potentially be indicted as an adult on arson and murder charges.

“We have interviewed her and she admitted to nothing,” Deputy Fire Chief Dwayne Scotland told The Associated Press early Wednesday

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, senior officials and Western diplomats planned to head Wednesday to Mahdia, a gold and diamond mining town about 200 miles southwest of the capital, Georgetown.

Late Tuesday night, the government held a huge candlelight vigil for the dead and injured in Georgetown. Ali said he had assigned a government minister to each of the affected families, to provide any assistance they might need.

Among those attending were some of the injured students who had been taken to a hospital in Georgetown but were well enough to be discharged by Tuesday evening. Many of them wept openly, heads bent over, faces covered as a moment’s silence was held for the victims.

Opposition lawmaker Beverley Alert slammed the government for bringing the surviving victims to the vigil for what she described as a spectacle “to score cheap political points.” In a social media post, she said: “These girls suffered great trauma. They need to be with their families.”

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Story: Bert Wilkinson

People Are Moved By A Pro-democracy Speech

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Khaosod English

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23 May 2023, 21:28

“Not only the young generation has hope, but also my generation,” the former Speaker of the Thai Parliament, who is aged 79, said in a speech.

At the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ceremony, which was attended by eight political parties, the most praised speech was given by Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, also known as Wan Nor, who is now the leader of the Prachachat Party.

“I would like to share with the media and the people my views on the seizure of people power.” Wan Nor, who was Speaker of Parliament and Minister in many ministries, began his speech at the Conrad Hotel, Wireless Rd., in Bangkok.

“I must relate to you that 9 years ago, on 22 May 2014, I was sitting in the Royal Thai Army Assembly Room on Viphavadi Road. On that day, I had to bear with grief the announcement of the coup by the then-former Chief of the Army, now the Prime Minister.

wannor3 — The historic Memorandum of Understanding ceremony of eight parties

When I heard the coup, it occurred to me how it was possible that 70 million Thais could simply be disempowered by a small group of people.

I want to say to the media that [I wish] the incident of 9 years ago, caused by those in power at the time, would have been the last time in Thailand. [We] should not experience this incident again

For the people I respect, I am in this assembly room today along with the media to proclaim “devolution of power to the people” instead of “wresting power from the people” as it was done 9 years ago. I must admit that I am proud and happy for all the people. We are taking back our power.

Today we all sit here to unfold power, spread hope and increase the happiness of all people.

I would like to beg all people on all sides who may or may not feel the same way: please give us a chance, a chance for us here, a chance for Pita to be the leader, to work for the people.

In the past, you gave a chance to those who made the coup for 9 years without having a right of appeal. Today, if you do not give us a chance, we who were elected by the people and are ready to return power to the people, to return happiness to the people.

Therefore, I wish to beg all sides, please give [us] a chance.

Should you think that you are not getting 100 per cent of what you want, I must tell you that no one gets 100 per cent in any negotiation or work.

It must go back a step on each side in order to move steadily forward.

I wish that we all do [this] for the people. Those who have hope are not only the younger generation, but also me or Khun Chuvit. I am 79 years old and many people my age also have hope that this country will change for the better.

I ask you, whoever has the power, whoever has the strength, use your power, use your strength to give people who want to work for the people the opportunity to work for the people. Thank you.”

Durian Guide: The Popularity of the Thai Durian in China

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Khaosod English

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23 May 2023, 14:32

Although several Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia are trying to take market share from China durian import, Thai durian remains popular. In the first quarter of 2023, China imported more than 63,000 tonnes, up 78 per cent from the same period last year. Thailand expects to export 4.44 million tonnes of fruit in 2023, worth a total of 200 billion baht.

The Agriculture Department of the Consulate General of Shanghai recently collected data from Panda Guide indicating the popularity of Thai durian. It is also reported that the Durian Flavor Wheel manual was first published in China.

The manual differentiate the flavours of durian in a similar way to the manual for wine and coffee. The Durian Flavour Wheel will help new consumers who have not yet tried durian to better understand the flavours of each durian.

Monthong durian, for example, is known as the “people’s choice” because it has a yellow color and such a dense and delicate texture. The taste is moderately bitter, while the sweetness lingers in the mouth for a long time. It also numbs the tongue a little. Monthong durian is a special recommendation for Thai durian. It is harvested between April and May.

Next 10 June 2023, the durian harvest season will start in the southern part of Thailand in Chumphon Province. The harvest season for the eastern part has already begun.

The puangmanee durian is also known as “Thai Musang King Kan Yao”. Its texture is a mixture of orange and yellow colours. The consistency is smooth and soft with a hint of alcohol. Puangmanee durian is not bitter, smells of flowers and has an intense sweetness. The aroma lingers in the mouth for a long time. This durian is one of our recommendations.

Cahni durian is known as “rare”. The texture is delicate, while the taste is juicy sweet, intense and redolent of alcohol. There is a mixture of long-lasting sweetness and bitterness.

Japan Slugger Yamakawa Referred To Prosecutors Over Rape Allegation

By

Kyodo News

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23 May 2023, 13:12

Hotaka Yamakawa1 — Supplied photo shows Seibu Lions infielder Hotaka Yamakawa. (Kyodo)

World Baseball Classic winner Hotaka Yamakawa was referred to prosecutors Tuesday for allegedly raping a female acquaintance at a Tokyo hotel in November

The 31-year-old power-hitting infielder from the Seibu Lions was removed from the team on May 12, a day after weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported in its online edition that he had assaulted a woman in her 20s and that the woman had filed a criminal complaint.

In referring Yamakawa to prosecutors on suspicion of forcible sexual intercourse, police said they would leave the final decision on whether he should be indicted to the prosecutors.

Police have not disclosed whether Yamakawa, who has been questioned on a voluntary basis, has denied or admitted the allegation.

Yamakawa won his third home run tite last year, when he also led the Pacific League in RBIs for the first time.

The Pacific League’s Most Valuable Player in 2018, Yamakawa led Nippon Professional Baseball in home runs that year in his first full season.

He was a member of the 30-man Samurai Japan roster that won the country’s third WBC title in March.

A Seibu spokesperson said the team is working to confirm the facts and cannot comment at present.

UOB Thailand hosts “For All You Love” gala dinner to introduce new cards campaign featuring strategic partnerships with over 40 established global and regional brands in travel, dining and retail

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Contributor

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23 May 2023, 12:31

Bangkok, May 2023 – UOB Thailand dazzled 207 attendees with its “For All You Love” gala dinner, a star-studded event that UOB is celebrating its reach in ASEAN to reinforce the Bank’s top position in the consumer card space for Visa and consumer credit cards for Mastercard portfolios in terms of billings.

The event also marked the launch of their new cards campaign. The campaign, boasting strategic partnerships with over 40 esteemed global and regional brands in the realms of travel, dining, and retail, aims to bring unparalleled deals and exclusive privileges to cardholders not only in Thailand but throughout the ASEAN region.

To create an unforgettable evening, UOB Thailand collaborated with none other than Robert Parker, the esteemed authority on wine ratings. The gala dinner took place in the opulent grand ballroom of the Capella hotel, where guests were treated to a delectable wine-pairing dinner prepared by acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs. The curated selection of fine wines from Spain, France, and Italy added a touch of sophistication to the culinary experience, delighting the palates of the attendees.

This extravagant event not only showcased UOB Thailand’s commitment to delivering exceptional value to its cardholders, but also served as a platform for the bank to unveil its exciting partnerships and offerings. The carefully curated collaborations with renowned brands will elevate the cardholder experience, providing unparalleled access to exclusive benefits and experiences.

With the “For All You Love” campaign, UOB Thailand has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the credit card industry, revolutionizing the way customers enjoy the finest in travel, dining, and retail. As the evening unfolded, it became evident that UOB Thailand’s dedication to delivering quality and forging strategic partnerships has set a new benchmark for the industry, offering a glimpse into a world of unparalleled luxury and convenience for its esteemed cardholders.

Blue Tree Phuket extends ‘Buy 2 Get 1 Free!’ promotion until the end of June

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Contributor

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23 May 2023, 11:13

Blue Tree Phuket has extended its “Buy 2 Get 1 Free!” promotion for non-stop fun at Blue Tree Lagoon until the end of June. A luxurious entertainment option in the large, crystal-clear Blue Lagoon awaits all comers with many challenging activities such as Super Fly, Zipline, Ninja Warrior, Cliff Jumping, Rock Climbing, Underwater Scooter, and Wakeboard. Or just enjoy thrills with daring water shows (at scheduled times).

Get ready for great promotions at great time slots throughout June! Buy tickets at “Blue Tree Lagoon” https://bluetree.fun/tickets/ or walk in to inquire. For more information, please call 076-602435.

Note:

– Free entry for children under 7 years old and senior citizens over 60 years old.

– Tickets for Thai and resident adults are priced at 650 THB per person, 1,100 THB per person

for foreign tourists.

– Tickets for Thais and resident children (ages 7-12) are 250 THB, 600 THB for foreign tourists.

– Promotion tickets are valid only in June 2023.

#BlueTree #Phuket #BlueTreePhuket

#Entertainmenthub #ThrillandChill #DayandNight

#BlueTreeLagoon #Promotion #Buy2Get1Free

At Least 7 Die When The Dome Gym In School Collapses

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Khaosod English

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23 May 2023, 00:18

A whirlwind blew down the dome roof of the gymnasium of Wat Noen Po School, Moo 1, Noen Po Sub-district, Sam Ngam District, Phichit Province, collapsing onto students, parents, and school staff who had come to seek shelter from the rainstorm at around 6:40 p.m. on Monday, May 22.

A 59-year-old student parent, and a 39-year-old janitor were killed instantly, while many were injured.

Later, four more pupils died in the hospital, as did one more parent, for a total of seven deaths, while 23 injured students were transported to the district hospital. District Hospitals of Vajirabaramee and Sam Ngam.

It was difficult to mobilise officials to assist. because there are broken branches impeding travel routes, including power disruptions in a wide area.

Thailand’s Victorious Progressive Move Forward Party, 7 Allies Agree On Coalition Platform

By

Associated Press

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22 May 2023, 23:45

Thailand Politics — Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat, left, waves after signing a memorandum of understanding on attempt to form a coalition government between Move Forward Party and other parties during a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 22, 2023. Move Forward won the most seats in the May 14 election, and it has formed a coalition that seeks to become the government when Parliament selects a prime minister in July. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

by JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI — Thailand’s opposition Move Forward Party. the top vote-getter in last week’s national election, signed an agreement with seven other parties on Monday on a joint platform they hope will lead to the formation of a coalition government in July.

The 23-point agreement sidesteps several volatile issues while seeking to preserve most of the agenda that brought the progressive Move Forward Party its stunning May 14 victory, in which it captured 152 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives by promoting change after nine years of conservative army-backed rule.

The most contentious issue, amendment of a harsh law against criticizing the monarchy, was not included in the pact.

AP23142463377496 — Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat, left, and leader of Pheu Thai party Chonlanan Srikaew shake hands before signing a memorandum of understanding on attempt to form a coalition government. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

That proposal had been part of Move Forward’s campaign platform, and many younger Thais would like to see it considered along with other democratic reforms. However, the monarchy is considered a pillar of Thai national identity and conservatives oppose any changes to the law, which provides for penalties of up to 15 years in prison.

Some of the eight parties did not want to be associated with even mild calls for reform of the law.

The pact says, “All parties agree that every mission that the government will do must not affect the country’s status as a unitary state, the country’s status as a democracy under a constitutional monarchy framework, and the inviolable status of the monarch.”

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat said the negotiations were “fruitful, comprehensive, and a good start.”

AP23142435624599 — Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat, center left, and Leader of Pheu Thai party Chonlanan Srikaew, center right, hold a memorandum of understanding on attempt to form a coalition government between Move Forward Party and other parties during a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

“I’m prime minister-elect and there are several roadblocks as you understand it, but we have a strong team to manage it, and hopefully, to be able to minimize risk and minimize the destabilizing factors that have affected the economy.”

The electorate’s mood for change was underlined by the second-place finish by the opposition Pheu Thai party, a longtime antagonist of the army whose last government was ousted by a military coup in 2014.

The eight parties signed the agreement at a news conference on Monday, exactly nine years after current Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha seized power as army chief in the coup.

Monday’s agreement includes several of Move Forward’s core policies, such as drafting a new more democratic constitution, passing a same-sex marriage law, decentralizing administrative power and transitioning from military conscription to voluntary enlistment “except when the country is at war.”

AP23142443793342 — Leader Prachachat party Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, left, shakes hands with Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat after signing a memorandum of understanding on attempt to form a coalition government. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

It also calls for reforms of the police, military, civil service and the justice process, abolition of business monopolies, and the restoration of controls on the production and sale of marijuana after its poorly executed de facto decriminalization last year.

The eight-party coalition controls 313 seats in the lower house, a strong majority, but that is not enough to assure it can take power. Under the military-drafted constitution, the prime minister is selected by a joint vote of the lower house and the Senate, whose 250 members were appointed by the post-coup military government. That means the winning candidate needs at least 376 votes and will almost certainly need some support from the Senate, a solidly conservative royalist body.

Several of the points in Monday’s agreement required fine-tuning.

It calls for a “Marriage Equality Act to ensure equal rights for all couples, regardless of gender,” but adds the qualification that it should be done “without infringing upon the religious principles each individual adheres to.” The wording is seen as important for the support of the nine-seat Prachachat Party, whose base is socially conservative Muslims in southern Thailand.

AP23142449272069 scaled — Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat, left, waves after signing a memorandum of understanding on attempt to form a coalition government during a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Prachachat’s concerns are also singled out in the clause on monopolies, which targets the highly protected big producers of alcoholic beverages.

“Abolish monopolies and promote fair competition in all industries, such as alcoholic beverages, with Prachachat Party reserving their right to disagree on the alcohol industry only, due to religious reasons.” it says.

The pact includes a section on general principles which says that “All parties have the right to advocate for additional policies as long as they do not contradict the policies outlined in this agreement.”

Memorandum of Understanding for the Formation of a Government

By

Khaosod English

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22 May 2023, 18:48

Eight party leaders signed a coalition-formation MOU after 5 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2023. Here is all the detail:

This joint memorandum of understanding is made to establish the foundation for the formation of a government and to work together among Move Forward Party, Pheu Thai Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Prachachart Party, Seree Ruam Thai Party, Pheu Thai Ruam Palang Party, FAIR Party, and Plung Sungkom Mai Party.

All parties agree that every mission that the government will do must not affect the country’s status as a unitary state, the country’s status as a democracy under a constitutional monarchy framework, and the inviolable status of the monarch. All parties agree to work together on the following government tasks:

1. Restore democracy, including expediting the process of drafting a new constitution by
the Constitution Drafting Assembly elected directly by the people.
2. Affirm and pass Marriage Equality Act to ensure equal rights for all couples, regardless of
gender, without infringing upon the religious principles each individual adheres to.
3. Push for reforms in the civil servant, police, military, and justice process to be in line
with democratic principles, considering transparency, modernity, efficiency, and
maximizing the benefits for the people.
4. Transition from conscription to voluntary enlistment, except when the country is at war.
5. Collaborate on the process of building sustainable peace in the southern border provinces, considering human rights, coexistence in a multicultural society, participation
of all sectors, and reviewing the missions of agencies and laws related to security.

6. Strive for decentralization of power and budget allocation to enable localities to
respond to the needs of their communities appropriately, efficiently, and without
corruption.
7. Combat corruption through the establishment of a transparent and open government
system, disclosing state information in all agencies.
8. Revive the economy by increasing people’s incomes, reducing inequality, and creating a
fair economic system that promote growth.
9. Overhaul laws regarding the people’s livelihood and subsistence, such as temporarily
suspending or reducing unnecessary and obstructive permits, providing financial relief
and support for SMEs, while focusing on the GDP growth of SMEs, supporting industries,
and strengthening Thai products to compete globally.
10. Abolish monopolies and promote fair competition in all industries, such as alcoholic
beverages, with Prachachart Party reserving their right to disagree on the alcohol industry
only, due to religious reasons.

11. Reform the land distribution system by amending related laws, providing fair land
distribution, resolving conflicts between state and people on land ownership, and
reviewing cases resulting from the policy of forest reclamation.
12. Improve the electricity production structure, pricing calculations, and appropriate
production capacity to reduce the cost of living and ensure energy security.
13. Establish a new budgeting system, emphasizing the use of zero-based budgeting.
14. Create a comprehensive welfare system from birth to old age, considering
appropriateness and long-term fiscal sustainability.
15. Combat drug problems urgently.
16. Reclassify marijuana as a controlled substance via issuing Ministry of Health’s Notification,
with new laws regulating and supporting its beneficial uses.
17. Promote safe agriculture and livestock farming, protect and maintain the benefits of
farmers, and reduce production costs. Support marketing, access to technology, water
resources. Encourage the formation of agricultural groups for production planning,
protection of farmers’ benefit, and promotion of agro-processing industries to create
economic value from agricultural production.
18. Revise fisheries laws, eliminate obstacles, remedy and develop sustainable fishing
occupations.
19. Improve the rights of workers in all professions by ensuring fair employment conditions
and remuneration that align with the cost of living and economic growth.

20. Elevate the healthcare system to ensure that the general public has access to quality
healthcare services in terms of health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and
recovery.
21. Reform educational system to enhance quality, reduce inequality, and promote lifelong
learning.
22. Foster domestic and international cooperation and mechanisms to address pollution
issues, including the reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions to net zero as quickly as
possible.
23. Implement foreign policy initiatives to restore Thailand’s leadership role in ASEAN and
maintain a balanced international relations between Thailand and major powers.

All parties agree to collaborate on the following principles for national governance:

1. All parties shall protect the rights of citizens and their civil liberties.
2. All parties shall work with honesty and integrity. Any party member engaged in corrupt
behavior shall be immediately removed from their position.
3. All parties shall genuinely respect and support one another, promote teamwork, and
consider the public’s interests as their priority, rather than the interests of any specific
party.
4. All parties have the right to advocate for additional policies as long as they do not
contradict the policies outlined in this agreement, through the executive power wielded
by the ministers representing their respective parties in the government.
5. All parties have the right to advocate for additional policies as long as they do not
contradict the policies outlined in this agreement, through the legislative power of the
representatives from each political party.

All parties hereby express their agreement to the above statements by signing below

Mr.Pita Limjaroenrat, Leader of Move Forward Party
Mr. Chonlanan Srikaew, Leader of Pheu Thai Party
Mr. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Leader of Prachachart Party
Khun Ying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Leader of Thai Sang Thai Party
Mr. Wasawat Poungponsri, Leader of Pheu Thai Ruam Palang Party
Police General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, Leader of Seree Ruam Thai Party
Mr. Pitipong Temcharoen, Leader of FAIR Party
Mr. Chaowarit Kajornpongkirati, Leader of Plung Sungkom Mai Party.

Fire Destroys Main Post Office in Philippine Capital, a Nearly 100-Year-Old Neoclassical Landmark

By

Associated Press

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22 May 2023, 17:23

Philippines Post Office Fire — Smoke billows from the still smoldering Manila Central Post Office as a fire hits early Monday, May 22, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A massive fire tore through Manila’s historic post office building overnight, slightly injuring one person and razing the nearly 100-year-old landmark in the Philippine capital, police and postal officials said Monday.

The fire started before midnight in the basement of the neoclassical, five-story building and was brought under control Monday morning more than seven hours after it began, firefighters said.

AP23142170941644 — Smoke billows from the still smoldering Manila Central Post Office as a fire hits early Monday, May 22, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. A massive fire tore through Manila’s historic post office building overnight, police and postal officials said Monday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire and what was damaged, officials said.

The Manila Central Post Office was one of the capital’s busiest office buildings but was closed when the fire started. The building was the country’s main mail-sorting and distribution hub and was the central office for the Philippine Postal Corporation.

Postal service in the Philippines began during the Spanish colonial period with horse-riding mail couriers.

The building, now recognized as a national landmark, was built in 1926 with high columns in the traditional neoclassical style. It was severely damaged during World War II and was rebuilt in 1946.

It is located along the Pasig River and on a main intersection of the capital’s key roads.

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