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Lao netizens stepped forward to seek justice for a Thai man who was killed in a car crash caused by a 17 year old driver from a powerful, wealthy family in the country. A Laotian man named Joseph Akaravong shared pictures of the damaged white Ferrari on Facebook and a photo of the dead Thai man, identified only as Fu, yesterday, August 27. In the caption, Joseph shared some details of the incident. “This is the car involved in the fatal accident. The deceased is a Thai national who was staying in Laos. The driver is a 17 year old Laotian teenager named Suapone Bouphasavanh. His family is trying to avoid legal punishment by saying he is just a minor.” Details of how the accident occurred were not revealed in the post. The story drew attention from both Lao and Thai netizens. Some Laotians feared that the family of the teenage driver would use their wealth to close the case. Netizens voiced their opinions in the comment section. “When the president was 17 years old, he didn’t even own a motorcycle, yet this 17 year old has a Ferrari. Does his family sell drugs?” “The parents must take responsibility for allowing their child under the age of 18 to drive.” “This is not fair for Fu. He did not deserve this.” “Saying he hasn’t reached the legal age is a nonsense excuse but it works. Why do you say nothing about the legal age when buying the car and driving it? This isn’t about legal violations; it’s about the life of one person.” Thai people expressed their appreciation for the support from the Lao people in the comments. Some stated that they hoped Lao laws could not be bought with money, unlike in Thailand. Others mentioned a recent accident where a Laotian driver ignored a red light and crashed into a car carrying a Thai family, resulting in the deaths of a pregnant Thai woman and her unborn baby. They believed that the victims had not yet received justice, as there had been no follow-up information on the legal punishment or compensation. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Joseph Akaravong Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-28 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s female CEOs soar but the gender equality gap remains Photo courtesy of East Asia Forum Thailand’s female business leaders are smashing glass ceilings at an impressive rate, but the country’s gender equality struggle is far from over. With 32% of senior leadership positions in Thai businesses held by women, compared to a global average of 27%, Thailand boasts one of the highest ratios of women CEOs in the world. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336627-thailand’s-female-ceos-soar-but-the-gender-equality-gap-remains/

Thailand’s female business leaders are smashing glass ceilings at an impressive rate, but the country’s gender equality struggle is far from over. With 32% of senior leadership positions in Thai businesses held by women, compared to a global average of 27%, Thailand boasts one of the highest ratios of women CEOs in the world. Nearly 90% of businesses in Thailand have at least one woman in senior management. However, these statistics hide a more complex reality. Despite this progress, Thailand ranks only 74th globally on the Gender Inequality Index, lagging behind regional neighbours like Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei. Although government support exists for small enterprises, women-owned businesses still face significant challenges. They often struggle to secure formal financing, relying instead on personal savings or loans from family and friends. These enterprises, frequently small-scale and within the retail and service sectors, are at a disadvantage from the start. Thailand’s gender wage gap may appear negligible, but this is misleading. Women, who generally attain higher education levels than men, still earn less when qualifications are equal. Workplace segregation remains stark, with over 70% of healthcare and social work roles filled by women, while only a fraction work in construction. The burden of care work, disproportionately shouldered by women, further hampers their economic advancement. Women spend more time on childcare, and poorer women are hit hardest, balancing long working hours with familial responsibilities. As Thailand’s population ages and domestic workers become scarce, the strain on women is expected to grow unless significant changes are made. Government policies, however, are skewed towards male-dominated industries, leaving women’s enterprises, particularly in the green economy and online businesses, without adequate support. This lack of focus on gender equality threatens to widen the socio-economic gap between men and women, pushing those already disadvantaged even further behind, reported East Asia Forum. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of East Asia Forum Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Court Dismisses Petition against Election Commission Photo: Thai News Agency BANGKOK, Aug 27 (TNA) – Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday unanimously dismissed a petition accusing the Election Commission (EC) of attempting to overthrow the democratic system of government with the King as Head of State by issuing regulations that allegedly allowed for widespread senatorial electoral fraud. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336626-court-dismisses-petition-against-election-commission/

BANGKOK, Aug 27 (TNA) – Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday unanimously dismissed a petition accusing the Election Commission (EC) of attempting to overthrow the democratic system of government with the King as Head of State by issuing regulations that allegedly allowed for widespread senatorial electoral fraud. The petitioner had argued that the EC’s regulations for the Senate election had created loopholes that allowed unqualified candidates, particularly from vulnerable groups, to participate. The petitioner claimed that this had undermined the integrity of the electoral process. Photo: Thai News Agency Full story: Thai News Agency 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Nightlife Business Owners Urged to Verify Employee Documents Photo: The Pattaya News The Pattaya Nightlife Business Operators Association had a meeting on August 26th, 2024 to address issues concerning employee documents, hiring practices, and community engagement. The meeting, which took place at Lisa’s Guesthouse Restaurant, was chaired by the association's President, Lisa Hamilton. Punnipa Flowers, an executive from TPN Media, the parent company of The Pattaya News, was also present. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336625-pattaya-nightlife-business-owners-urged-to-verify-employee-documents/

The Pattaya Nightlife Business Operators Association had a meeting on August 26th, 2024 to address issues concerning employee documents, hiring practices, and community engagement. The meeting, which took place at Lisa’s Guesthouse Restaurant, was chaired by the association's President, Lisa Hamilton. Punnipa Flowers, an executive from TPN Media, the parent company of The Pattaya News, was also present. During the meeting, members were told to heed advice from local authorities and the Banglamung District about maintaining correct employee records in nightlife venues. They were asked to ensure that all employees possessed accurate documents, were above 18 years, and that their ID's were scrutinized before being hired. Attendees were also warned about foreign organizations aiming to take advantage of nightlife venue operators in different ways. Furthermore, the importance of renewing operating licenses on time, sticking to legal operating hours, and contributing to community service was emphasized, reported The Pattaya News. Photo: The Pattaya News -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Dentist Seeks Aid After Year-Long Harassment from Antisocial Neighbour - video File photo for reference only In Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, a 36-year-old dentist is urgently seeking assistance after experiencing nearly a year of persistent antisocial behaviour from a woman living next to his clinic. Despite repeated appeals, local authorities have failed to act on his complaints. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336618-dentist-seeks-aid-after-year-long-harassment-from-antisocial-neighbour-video/

In Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, a 36-year-old dentist is urgently seeking assistance after experiencing nearly a year of persistent antisocial behaviour from a woman living next to his clinic. Despite repeated appeals, local authorities have failed to act on his complaints. Since opening his dental clinic in the Dan Khun Tod district in 2018, the dentist has faced growing disruption from the woman next door, especially since her husband's passing last year. Initially, they had no direct interaction, but her behaviour took a troubling turn thereafter. The dentist reported the following incidents during a press conference on August 26: the woman sprayed water over his clinic’s windows and doors, placed rocks and rubbish under cars, kicked refuse at a patient's child—accusing the child of telepathically disturbing her—hid patients' shoes, and wrote the word “Die” on car windows. Fearing for the safety of his patients, the dentist lodged complaints with the local police and contacted municipal officials, yet no action has been taken as the woman avoids confrontation by hiding indoors when authorities arrive. Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, the founder of the non-profit Saimai Survive, announced that they would assist in arranging a mental health evaluation for the woman. Should mental illness be diagnosed, appropriate treatment will be pursued. If none is found, the foundation will press for legal action. The dentist continues to seek resolution to ensure the safety and well-being of his patients and himself. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Experiences Slower Growth in Household Debt, Citing Stricter Lending Rules File photo for reference only The growth rate of household debt in Thailand has slowed down in the first quarter of this year. The main cause of this slowdown is the stricter loan lending criteria set by financial firms. According to an announcement from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), household debt reached 16.3 trillion baht. This signifies a growth increase of 2.5%, a drop from the 3% growth seen in the previous quarter. The debt level is equivalent to 90.8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a decrease from the earlier 91.4%. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336617-thailand-experiences-slower-growth-in-household-debt-citing-stricter-lending-rules/

The growth rate of household debt in Thailand has slowed down in the first quarter of this year. The main cause of this slowdown is the stricter loan lending criteria set by financial firms. According to an announcement from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), household debt reached 16.3 trillion baht. This signifies a growth increase of 2.5%, a drop from the 3% growth seen in the previous quarter. The debt level is equivalent to 90.8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a decrease from the earlier 91.4%. Nearly all kinds of loans have seen a deceleration in household debt growth. This can be attributed to the already high household debt and deteriorating loan quality which has led to stricter approval processes by lending institutions. Danucha Pichayanan, the Secretary-General of NESDC, has noted an increase in non-performing loans(NPLs) with the amount now standing at 163 billion baht. This represents a rise from 2.88% to 2.99% and marks the fifth consecutive quarter increase in NPLs. According to Pichayanan, the main issues are the urgent need to restructure the debt of credit card holders struggling after the Bank of Thailand raised the minimum payment from 5% to 8% since January 2024, as well as informal lending practices which pose a significant risk of uncontrollable debt especially amongst young people. In other news, according to the NESDC, the unemployment rate saw a slight rise reaching 1.07% in the first quarter of this year, which translates to 430,000 unemployed people. Future job market trends suggest a need for employees to adapt their skills due to technological advancements. For example, the World Economic Forum predicts that over 42% of business sector jobs will be automated by 2027. With liquidity issues amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and increasing economic risks, employment is also being affected, as well as farmers' incomes due to recent floods damaging agricultural land and increasing production costs. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Prime Minister Says She'll Choose Cabinet without Father’s Influence File photo for reference only Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has firmly stated that she will solely decide the make-up of her cabinet. This comes amid worries that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, might interfere in her choices. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336616-thai-prime-minister-says-shell-choose-cabinet-without-father’s-influence/

Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has firmly stated that she will solely decide the make-up of her cabinet. This comes amid worries that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, might interfere in her choices. On August 18, Paetongtarn was formally chosen as Thailand's 31st Prime Minister after winning the majority vote in Parliament. Her coalition partners have since been quickly proposing their nominees for key cabinet positions. The vetting process for candidates is predicted to be thorough, given the recent controversy linked to former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s appointment of Phichit Chuenban, who was later removed by the Constitutional Court due to his criminal history. Paetongtarn, the 38-year-old Prime Minister of Thailand, pointed out the internal disagreement within the Palang Pracharath Party led by General Prawit Wongsuwan. She noted that the party is divided into factions, each proposing its own nominees. She stated, “Palang Pracharath will need to settle its internal disputes. We'll have to hold on and see how this develops.” Prime Minister Paetongtarn is looking to quickly finalize her cabinet, due to pressing national issues that need swift action. The current schedule indicates that Paetongtarn will introduce her cabinet to His Majesty the King early next month, followed by an oath-taking ceremony. She is expected to present a policy statement to Parliament on September 11, as per the constitution, which demands that a Prime Minister must present their policy plans within 15 days of their inauguration. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Robot deployed in search for 3 people trapped in Korat tunnel since Sunday Photo: Thai PBS World A remotely-controlled robot will be used to help in the search for and rescue of a Burmese and two Chinese workers trapped inside a collapsed train tunnel in Pak Chong district of Thailand’s north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima since Sunday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336423-landslide-buries-workers-inside-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction-in-nakhon-ratchasima/?do=findComment&comment=19184821

Robot deployed in search for 3 people trapped in Korat tunnel since Sunday A remotely-controlled robot will be used to help in the search for and rescue of a Burmese and two Chinese workers trapped inside a collapsed train tunnel in Pak Chong district of Thailand’s north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima since Sunday. The robot is being used because rubble continues to fall from the failing ceiling of the tunnel, which jeopardises the safety of the urban search and rescue team (USAR) of the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. A USAR official said that, at about midnight last night, the search team detected signs of life again, near the site where they were earlier found by a life signs detector. A steel pipe, with a diameter of 1.2m, was inserted through the rubble into the tunnel, until it reached what appeared to be a truck, which was also trapped inside. Photo: Thai PBS World Full story: Thai PBS World 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya City officials invited to China’s Hunan for strengthened ties Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Pattaya City officials received a visit from the Vice Governor of Hunan province in China, accompanied by a delegation. They extended an invitation for Pattaya officials to visit Hunan province, aiming to enhance friendship and mutual understanding between Thai and Chinese communities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336615-pattaya-city-officials-invited-to-china’s-hunan-for-strengthened-ties/

Pattaya City officials received a visit from the Vice Governor of Hunan province in China, accompanied by a delegation. They extended an invitation for Pattaya officials to visit Hunan province, aiming to enhance friendship and mutual understanding between Thai and Chinese communities. The initiative seeks to promote shared prosperity through cooperation in economics, trade, tourism, science and technology, culture, education, and human resource development. Poramese Ngampiches, Mayor of Pattaya City, warmly greeted the delegation. He spoke about Pattaya’s robust economy and thriving tourism sector, expressing enthusiasm for strengthening the sister city relationship between Hunan Province and Pattaya City, reported Pattaya News. In related news, travellers are one step closer to an epic train journey from Bangkok to Beijing as a new railway bridge over the Mekong River has opened, linking Thailand and Laos by rail for the first time. This milestone, completed last month, leaves just a few dozen miles of a trackless gap before the route can finally reach China. With the launch of this new service, passengers can now enjoy a 12-hour train journey from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Station to Khamsavath Station in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. However, Khamsavath, located about 9.7 kilometres outside Vientiane, is currently the final stop on this route. Travellers wishing to continue their journey to China must navigate Vientiane’s streets via taxis or vans to reach the larger, Chinese-built Vientiane Railway Station, which lies 16 kilometres northeast of the capital. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man hospitalised after eating ‘crazy eggplant’ to quit drinking Photo via Facebook/ กลุ่มงานเวชศาสตร์ฉุกเฉิน โรงพยาบาลมหาสารคาม A Thai man in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham lost consciousness after his wife forced him to consume poisonous jimsonweed believing it would help him quit drinking. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336614-thai-man-hospitalised-after-eating-‘crazy-eggplant’-to-quit-drinking/

A Thai man in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham lost consciousness after his wife forced him to consume poisonous jimsonweed believing it would help him quit drinking. Mahasarakham Hospital issued a warning to the public after the 61 year old Thai man, Thongdaeng, was admitted to the hospital after consuming the poisonous fruit. It is known among Thais as Makhuea Ba. Makhuea means “eggplant” while Ba means “crazy” in the Thai language. This type of eggplant is commonly known as jimsonweed, datura metel, or devil’s trumpet, because of its trumpet-shaped white flowers. Its fruit looks similar to Thai eggplants but has many small thorns. Every part of the plant is poisonous and the effects can be fatal. Symptoms typically appear 30 to 60 minutes after consuming the poisonous plant. A person may experience a dry mouth, dry throat, dilated pupils, photophobia, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, seizures, and may lose consciousness. Daeng’s wife, 56 year old Ratree, admitted to medical professionals that she fed her husband the poisonous eggplants. Ratree explained that she wanted her husband to quit drinking and return to work. She heard from her neighbour that the crazy eggplant would help with alcohol withdrawal. According to Ratree, her neighbour gave her two eggplants, which she boiled and mashed before giving them to her husband. Daeng seemed normal after consumption but unexpectedly, strange symptoms appeared in the afternoon. Daeng appeared intoxicated. His mouth turned dark, his body turned red, and he lost consciousness. Ratree rushed him to the hospital, where, fortunately, the doctor managed to save him. His condition has improved, and he is now in a stable state. The Deputy Director of the Mahasarakham Provincial Public Health Office, Wattana Sriwattana, issued a warning in an interview with ThaiRath that locals, as well as their pets, should stay away from the devil’s trumpet. The plant does have some medicinal benefits but only for external application for certain skin diseases. According to Wattana, the plant that could help with quitting drinking is Laurifolia or blue trumpet vine. Anyone interested in using the plant should contact the public health office for further advice. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กลุ่มงานเวชศาสตร์ฉุกเฉิน โรงพยาบาลมหาสารคาม Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Mae Moh Modernizes Farming: Focus on Sustainable Practices File photo for reference only The agricultural community of Mae Moh in Lampang Province is undergoing major changes, adopting modern and eco-friendly farming techniques. Fresh vegetables like red and green oak, kale, and cos lettuce are flourishing, marking a move towards Smart Farming in the region. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336612-mae-moh-modernizes-farming-focus-on-sustainable-practices/

The agricultural community of Mae Moh in Lampang Province is undergoing major changes, adopting modern and eco-friendly farming techniques. Fresh vegetables like red and green oak, kale, and cos lettuce are flourishing, marking a move towards Smart Farming in the region. Located in the Ban Dong district of Mae Moh, near hilly areas unfit for conventional farming, the community has taken to modern technology for better crop yield. They utilize indoor vertical farming and organic methods to raise chemical-free vegetables, offering a steady source of income. Young people manage these initiatives under the Mae Moh Agricultural Community Co., Ltd. The shift from standard to vertical farming is backed by the Mae Moh Livable City Project of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The project aims to evolve community businesses into social enterprises by converting public spaces into model areas, with help from the Plant Factory startup, Distar Fresh Co., Ltd. Vertical farming enables controlled indoor crop growth in stackable layers that are carefully monitored for water, nutrients, and light with LED lights instead of sunlight. This method saves space, allows all-year farming regardless of the seasons, and reduces the risks posed by weather, pests and natural disasters. Special care is taken in this sterile environment to grow high-value crops like kale, Swiss chard, and mizuna. Workers wear protective gear to avoid contamination. The operation currently produces up to one ton per month, the highest in northern Thailand. The community sells these fresh vegetables that cater to the health-focused market. While some produce is distributed through Distar Fresh under an OEM arrangement, others are sold online under the Mae Moh Fresh brand, opening up new economic opportunities. In addition to vertical farming, EGAT Mae Moh has developed six organic farming greenhouses with the community and other partners. These greenhouses cultivate organic vegetables with the help of insect nets, water regulation systems, and tabletop planting. There is no need for chemicals as they have ways to keep weeds away. This project aims to set up an all-inclusive organic farming model and boost agritourism. It generates income from selling produce and offering jobs that pay daily or per hour. Organic farms currently produce three to five tons per month. Farmbook, a networking platform, matches farmers with buyers, allowing farmers to grow crops based on market needs. All vegetables sold are under Makro's Aro brand, reaching customers nationwide. Mae Moh Agricultural Community has plans to expand its organic farming and work towards achieving Net Zero status, thereby eliminating greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to set up the Mae Moh Agricultural Community Co., Ltd. as a social enterprise, reinvesting all profits back into the business for long-term growth. To order fresh vegetables from Mae Moh Agricultural Community, contact Line ID: @maemohfresh or call 08 0747 7599. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Family Struggles with Uncooperative Bus Owner Following Fatal Accident in Thailand File photo for reference only The family of a man left dead and a child permanently disabled after a tragic road accident are struggling to receive compensation from the tour bus owner involved. The owner allegedly transferred his assets to dodge legal responsibility. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336611-family-struggles-with-uncooperative-bus-owner-following-fatal-accident-in-thailand/

The family of a man left dead and a child permanently disabled after a tragic road accident are struggling to receive compensation from the tour bus owner involved. The owner allegedly transferred his assets to dodge legal responsibility. Naphatsawan Kat Klinnin shared on Facebook the difficulties her family has been dealing with since the dreadful collision when a tour bus hit their van from behind. The accident happened on January 19, 2020, on Rattanathibet Road in Nonthaburi, Thailand around 8pm. Four family members were seriously injured, including Naphatsawan, her young children, and her father-in-law. Tragically, her father-in-law died shortly afterward, and her son was left with irreversible injuries. Naphatsawan's family initiated a lawsuit against the responsible parties, including the bus driver, his wife, a limited partnership, and an insurance company. However, the defendants failed to appear in court. The family's attorney was able to negotiate for a lower compensation amount, but the defendants failed to make any payment from the first installment. Naphatsawan discovered the tour bus owner's husband had transferred their shared property to other relatives right after the settlement was agreed upon. Her family then filed a fraud lawsuit against the owner's wife, her husband, and his child from a previous marriage. Attempts at mediation led to an agreement to sell the tour bus to pay off the debt, but yet again, the defendants failed to follow through. Naphatsawan has voiced her frustration at the dishonest tactics of the defendants, who reportedly continued their business operations and flaunted their luxury lifestyle on social media despite claiming to have no assets. The aftermath of the accident and subsequent legal struggles have severely affected Naphatsawan's family. The medical care and physical therapy for her permanently disabled son are significant financial burdens. Naphatsawan herself has developed high blood pressure and anxiety, while her husband suffers from insomnia and her daughter has been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. Despite their financial distress, the defendants continue to evade responsibility, leaving the family feeling frustrated and helpless. Naphatsawan remains determined, saying, “It breaks my heart seeing my son suffer like this. The idea of giving up has crossed my mind, but I can't abandon my child. We need justice.” File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Court in Southern Thailand to Consider 2004 Tak Bai Massacre Lawsuit File photo for reference only The decision of the Narathiwat Provincial Court to hear a lawsuit raised against seven officials implicated in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre has been applauded by activists. Srisompob Jitpiromsri, the director of Deep South Watch, viewed the court's acceptance of the lawsuit as an important move towards achieving justice and peace in the conflict-ridden region. He made these remarks at a discussion held in Pattani's Mueang district concerning the court's decision. The massacre under scrutiny claimed the lives of 85 people. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336610-court-in-southern-thailand-to-consider-2004-tak-bai-massacre-lawsuit/

The decision of the Narathiwat Provincial Court to hear a lawsuit raised against seven officials implicated in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre has been applauded by activists. Srisompob Jitpiromsri, the director of Deep South Watch, viewed the court's acceptance of the lawsuit as an important move towards achieving justice and peace in the conflict-ridden region. He made these remarks at a discussion held in Pattani's Mueang district concerning the court's decision. The massacre under scrutiny claimed the lives of 85 people. Kannavee Suebsang, a proportional representation MP for the FAIR Party, and other campaigners concentrated on the Deep South were present at the event. Kannavee expressed that justice seems to be within reach now that the seven accused officials will be held accountable for their actions. He stressed the importance of recognising the past brutalities that would impact Thailand's global image. "A lot of concealed truths from the previous twenty years can now come to light, paving the way for a productive dialogue to establish lasting peace in Pattani," Kannavee added. He also urged the government to exhibit a strong political will to tackle the continuous problems in the southern provinces. Despite having 13 MPs from the southern provinces within the ruling coalition, Kannavee pointed out that the efforts to resolve the region's issues were unsatisfactory. The FAIR Party MP criticised earlier governments for focusing too much on security concerns. He argued that the failure to bring peace in the restless region stemmed from treating all difficulties as security threats. Examination of witnesses is set to begin on September 12. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe