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Suspect Questioned Over Kidnapping and Ransom of Indonesian Man File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing Thai authorities pulled in a key suspect for further questioning on Wednesday in connection with an alleged kidnapping case involving a Indonesian man who was seized from Hat Yai district. The man was taken to Phatthalung province, held captive and a 2.3 million baht ransom demand was made for his release earlier this month. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327350-suspect-questioned-over-kidnapping-and-ransom-of-indonesian-man/

Thai authorities pulled in a key suspect for further questioning on Wednesday in connection with an alleged kidnapping case involving a Indonesian man who was seized from Hat Yai district. The man was taken to Phatthalung province, held captive and a 2.3 million baht ransom demand was made for his release earlier this month. Two additional suspects have been considered as witnesses, as the investigation showed they were just instructed by the leader to watch over the house where the victim was kept. The rescue of the victim, Mr. Syawana, a 29-year-old Indonesian, happened on Tuesday. He was found in a house in the Mueang district of Phatthalung province. This rescue was made possible due to the joint efforts with the Indonesian Consulate General in Songkhla province. The consulate reported on May 11 that a group of Thai men had abducted Mr. Syawana in Songkhla and taken him to Mueang Phatthalung district. The kidnappers reportedly tortured Mr. Syawana and even filmed a video, which they sent to his sister in Indonesia with the ransom demand. Before he was able to sneakily send out his location via a borrowed phone to his sister, his family had already paid 800,000 baht of the demanded ransom. The authorities arrested three suspects- Weerasak from Phatthalung, Ruswan and Saidee from Narathiwat province. A 9mm handgun and a pair of handcuffs were seized from them as proof of their involvement. The suspects were then taken to the police station in Mueang Phatthalung for more questioning while Mr. Syawana was asked to provide more statements about his ordeal. The search led to the discovery of two more Indonesians held captive at the same house, bringing the total number of victims to three. All of them were taken to Phatthalung Hospital for a medical check-up to determine any signs of abuse. The house where the victims were held was reportedly a deserted rental property. The owner of the property is yet to be identified. Once again the forensic team from Phatthalung revisited the house to gather more evidence. The police have not made any statement on the suspects' testimonies so far. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Culture Ministry Plans to Nominate "Khao Wang" for World Heritage Recognition File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google The Culture Ministry of Thailand is working towards getting Phra Nakhon Khiri National Historical Park, or Khao Wang as it's commonly known, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol revealed at a recent cabinet meeting that the Fine Arts Department is studying the possibility of listing the 165-year-old park on UNESCO's preliminary list. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327348-culture-ministry-plans-to-nominate-khao-wang-for-world-heritage-recognition/

The Culture Ministry of Thailand is working towards getting Phra Nakhon Khiri National Historical Park, or Khao Wang as it's commonly known, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol revealed at a recent cabinet meeting that the Fine Arts Department is studying the possibility of listing the 165-year-old park on UNESCO's preliminary list. The park, built during King Rama IV's rule, has been used as a royal summer retreat. The architecture of the park showcases a mix of neoclassical and Chinese designs. Phra Nakhon Khiri, also part of the group of palaces known as the "City of the Three Palaces," houses a temple, a palace, and other structures within its premises. According to the Fine Arts Department, the rich cultural history of Khao Wang makes it an excellent candidate for World Heritage status. The site attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually, contributing significantly to the tourism sector. Besides working towards the UNESCO recognition for Khao Wang, Minister Sudawan is also actively supporting cultural preservation. She recently visited various cultural sites and ethnic communities in the area. She also shared that the government has just approved a new law aimed at preserving the traditions and customs of these ethnic groups. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Government Plans to Toughen Rules on Meth Possession File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing The Health Minister of Thailand, Somsak Thepsutin, is advocating for changes in regulations that would permit authorities to confiscate the property of those discovered with even a single methamphetamine pill. The suggestion will be discussed at a multi-agency meeting on Thursday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327347-government-plans-to-toughen-rules-on-meth-possession/

The Health Minister of Thailand, Somsak Thepsutin, is advocating for changes in regulations that would permit authorities to confiscate the property of those discovered with even a single methamphetamine pill. The suggestion will be discussed at a multi-agency meeting on Thursday. Pol. Lt. Gen. Rewat Klinkesorn, the former Narcotics Suppression Bureau Commissioner, supports the government's idea of reducing the minimum quantity of methamphetamine that merits criminal charges. He encourages the government to focus on making drug treatment and rehabilitation readily available for users. He, however, insists that individuals who fail to make use of these opportunities should face full legal consequences, including property seizure, if they're found in possession of the drug. Klinkesorn also suggests that the authority should immediately confiscate the assets of people involved in drug trafficking as it could serve as a strong deterrent. He believes that fear of losing their assets is a bigger worry to drug users and dealers than the threat of jail. He is in favor of setting up separate treatment centers for drug addicts rather than jailing them to prevent overcrowding in prisons. These centers could be set up in locations like military bases or rural areas. A significant issue raised by Klinkesorn is the escalating number of individuals affected by violent, drug-induced psychosis — estimated at around 30,000. He urges immediate intervention to remove these individuals from society through the use of specialized treatment centers. He suggests using secluded islands or remote areas as potential rehabilitation centers where addicts can receive intensive treatment and medication. He argues that isolating these individuals will scare them into seeking help while safeguarding the community from incidents of drug-induced violence. Meanwhile, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the Office of Narcotics Control Board, stated that current laws already allow for seizure of assets even without physical evidence of drugs. He maintains that the main objective should be to identify and punish those involved in drug trafficking, regardless of the quantity of drugs seized. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

"Back To School 2024" Campaign Receives Boost Following Positive Response File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google Following overwhelming positive feedback from the public, the "Back To School 2024" campaign organised by the Ministry of Commerce, has sprung into action. With targeted efforts in Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Bangkok, the campaign has sparked buying interest and significantly increased sales, resulting in a buzzing shopping atmosphere Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327346-back-to-school-2024-campaign-receives-boost-following-positive-response/

Following overwhelming positive feedback from the public, the "Back To School 2024" campaign organised by the Ministry of Commerce, has sprung into action. With targeted efforts in Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Bangkok, the campaign has sparked buying interest and significantly increased sales, resulting in a buzzing shopping atmosphere. Local malls seem to be the epicentre of the campaign. CentralPlaza WestGate in Nonthaburi witnessed a robust participation from stores, each offering attractive deals on diverse products - from books and stationery to food and consumer goods. B2S stores, OfficeMate, Power Buy, Supersports, and Tops tapped into the spirit of the campaign, slashing prices and raising the discount bar. Meanwhile in bustling Bangkok, Suksapanpanit stores are providing comprehensive discounts from school uniforms and textbooks to socks and teaching aids. This generous approach towards educational discounts is proving to be an excellent aid to parents, students, and schools by minimising their expenses. Keeping up the momentum, "Do Home" mall in Pathum Thani, which primarily focuses on home decor and furnishings, has also embraced the campaign. The mall offers a variety of back-to-school essentials at discounted prices, thus looking to ease the strain on parents and students as they prepare for the new academic year. Following the policy outlined by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai, the "Back To School 2024" campaign is a welcomed financial relief for parents. Running from the 25th of April till the end of this month, it features over 8,000 discounted items across 12 different categories. For a comprehensive understanding of the initiative and additional details, the public is urged to visit the Department of Internal Trade's website at “dit.go.th.” This campaign’s success is shaping up as a promising indicator for similar initiatives in the future. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Embattled Move Forward Party Given another Lifeline by Constitutional Court Photo courtesy of Thai PBS In an unprecedented turn of events, the Constitutional Court has bestowed a respite on the beleaguered Move Forward party. Today, they granted a third and final 15-day extension, lasting until 2nd June, for the party to prepare its defence against the Election Commission's call for the court to dissolve it. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327344-embattled-move-forward-party-given-another-lifeline-by-constitutional-court/

In an unprecedented turn of events, the Constitutional Court has bestowed a respite on the beleaguered Move Forward party. Today, they granted a third and final 15-day extension, lasting until 2nd June, for the party to prepare its defence against the Election Commission's call for the court to dissolve it. The Move Forward Party, already found guilty by the court of attempting to overthrow the constitutional monarchy, will utilise the period to challenge the Electoral Commission's recommendation. The party is being accused of seeking to undermine the monarchy through its campaign promise to revise the infamous Section 112 of the Criminal Code, otherwise known as the lèse majesté law. It's worth noting that the court stopped short of ordering an outright dissolution of the party. This noteworthy detail is in line with Section 92 of the Political Parties Act. No request for the party's dissolution was filed by the complainants, notably lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn and Suvit Thongprasert, erstwhile activist monk Phra Buddha Issara. This ruling injects a fresh bout of uncertainty into the already tumultuous political arena, leaving citizens and political pundits hooked on the unfolding drama. Whether the Move Forward Party can seize this lifeline to secure its political future, or if it proves to be another step towards its inevitable dissolution, remains, for the moment, a tantalising cliffhanger. Photo courtesy of Thai PBS -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Age-Old Tradition Shores Up: Venus Clam Harvesting Commences in Banglamung File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google Banglamung district's charming beaches of Naklua and Krating Lai are currently abuzz with the historic practice of Venus clam harvesting. A riveting sight unfolds daily as locals, spanning diverse ages and genders, embark on their quest to harvest the prized Venus clams off the shore amidst the ebbing tide. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327342-age-old-tradition-shores-up-venus-clam-harvesting-commences-in-banglamung/

Banglamung district's charming beaches of Naklua and Krating Lai are currently abuzz with the historic practice of Venus clam harvesting. A riveting sight unfolds daily as locals, spanning diverse ages and genders, embark on their quest to harvest the prized Venus clams off the shore amidst the ebbing tide. Encompassing over 60 to 100 community members daily, these shores are transformed into a lively tableau of tradition steeped in dedication and resilience, where each clam harvester is armed with perseverance, efficient tools and capacious baskets. The harvested clams, a cherished addition to local cuisine, fetch up to 35 baht per kilogramme and come in bountiful abundance just beneath the sandy surface. Among the harvesting crowd stands Nid Suksan, a 56-year-old beacon of dedication who manages to hoard an impressive 30 to 40 kilogrammes of clams daily, starting her harvest at the breaking of dawn. To Nid, and many others like her, clam harvesting is a practice deeply entrenched in their lifestyle, transcending its economic significance to symbolise their seashore community's resilience and resourcefulness. In the words of one local harvester, "Beyond its economic value, clam harvesting epitomises the resilience and resourcefulness of coastal communities. It’s a harmonious blend of tradition and sustainability, strengthening the bonds between humans and the coastal environment." Through the continuation of this age-old tradition, locals are not only sustaining their economy but also preserving an integral part of their cultural identity. By doing so, they are building a sustainable future grounded in history, fostering a symbiotic relationship with their coastal environment, with mutual benefits blooming alongside the rhythm of the tides. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Day-Long Power Outage Expected North of Heroines Monument in Phuket File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google / hotels.com Australia Phuket's Provincial Electricity Authority's Thalang branch (PEA Thalang) has announced an all-day power outage scheduled for tomorrow's date. The disruption arises due to planned enhancements to the high-voltage network around a Shell petrol station north of the Heroines Monument in Phuket. The power cut is set to commence at 9am and expected to end by 5pm, affecting residents and businesses within the vicinity. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327340-day-long-power-outage-expected-north-of-heroines-monument-in-phuket/

Phuket's Provincial Electricity Authority's Thalang branch (PEA Thalang) has announced an all-day power outage scheduled for tomorrow's date. The disruption arises due to planned enhancements to the high-voltage network around a Shell petrol station north of the Heroines Monument in Phuket. The power cut is set to commence at 9am and expected to end by 5pm, affecting residents and businesses within the vicinity. Following the work started last month to relocate power lines and support poles along Thepkrasattri Road, this new round of improvements is a progress towards the construction of a proposed underpass at the Heroines Monument. It's part of the ongoing infrastructure development within the area, aimed at ensuring a robust and reliable electrical supply network. The Kai Service Vehicle Inspection Station, Shell petrol station, and its neighbouring electric vehicle charging station have been indicated as among the facilities to be impacted by the power outage, according to the announcement from PEA Thalang. The announcement included a map shedding light on the scope of potentially affected businesses. In a statement, the spokesperson from PEA Thalang clarified, “The power outage will allow workers to carry out improvements to the high-voltage network in the area.” PEA Thalang has urged residents and businesses to plan accordingly and remain patient during this period. For those with emergency needs, queries, or seeking more details about the power outage, the authority has provided contact numbers for direct communication. The PEA Thalang can be reached at 076-386882, or alternatively, the PEA hotline, 1129, is available for broader assistance. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google / hotels.com Australia -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok's Composting Initiative: A Triumph in Sustainability and Cost Saving File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google A commendable victory has been scored in the war against waste management in the sprawling cityscape of Bangkok. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has leveraged a waste composting initiative to significantly lighten the city's waste disposal load, bolstering its commitment to sustainability while also delivering a significant reduction in disposal expenses. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327338-bangkoks-composting-initiative-a-triumph-in-sustainability-and-cost-saving/

A commendable victory has been scored in the war against waste management in the sprawling cityscape of Bangkok. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has leveraged a waste composting initiative to significantly lighten the city's waste disposal load, bolstering its commitment to sustainability while also delivering a significant reduction in disposal expenses. This pioneering initiative, named 'Mai Teh Ruam' (Say No to Unseparated Garbage), promoted the proactive separation of perishable waste in a bid to create compost. It gathered widespread support from numerous markets and restaurants scattered throughout the city, setting an inspiring precedent for metropolitan regions globally. "The initiative has mobilised 184 markets and over 600 restaurants," said BMA spokesperson Ekwathanyu Amrapal, outlining the impressive reach of the campaign. By transforming perishable refuse into compost, the city has not only managed to fertilise its public parks but has also significantly pared down its waste footprint. The initiative's impact on waste reduction is nothing short of astonishing with an estimated dip of nearly 74,000 tonnes in garbage that would have necessitated alternative disposal methods. The waste-gutting initiative culminated in a windfall of savings for the city, totalling more than 141 million baht or US$3.8 million in the preceding year alone. This aspect underscores the dual-edge benefices of the campaign – promoting sustainable waste management while simultaneously pruning municipal expenditures. The BMA’s innovative approach signposts an effective path for other urban landscapes wrestling with waste disposal dilemmas. Adopting a community-centric approach, coupled with practical applications, could tick the boxes for urban sustainability solutions and fiscal responsibility. A win-win for all - and a beacon towards a greener future. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Lawyer Questions Activist's Death Cause: Autopsy Results Awaited Photo courtesy of The Thaiger Prominent Thai political activist Nethiporn, affectionately known as Bung Talu Wang, found herself the subject of a ponderous autopsy today, following an abrupt and hotly disputed demise last week. Results from this potent process, conducted at the Forensic Medicine Department of Thammasat University Hospital, are slated for release later today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327252-detained-political-activist-nethiporn-suffers-cardiac-arrest-amid-hunger-strike/?do=findComment&comment=18917358

Lawyer Questions Activist's Death Cause: Autopsy Results Awaited Prominent Thai political activist Nethiporn, affectionately known as Bung Talu Wang, found herself the subject of a ponderous autopsy today, following an abrupt and hotly disputed demise last week. Results from this potent process, conducted at the Forensic Medicine Department of Thammasat University Hospital, are slated for release later today. The delicate operation drew the focused attention of key figures, such as Lawyer Krisadang Nutcharas from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre and an anonymous sister of the late activist. The parents abstained, their incredible grief keeping them at bay. Krisadang, a formidable legal force, voiced critical doubts concerning two aspects of the Corrections Department's account, sparking the decision for today's crucial autopsy. The objective is not merely to confirm identity, as the May 14 autopsy had done, but to conclusively nail down the cause of Nethiporn's untimely passing. The Corrections Department’s heart failure verdict, which came under considerable scrutiny, necessitated a deeper investigative dive. Bothering to bridge speculation and truth, Krisadang demanded a comprehensive exploration of all potential causes for Nethiporn's heart failure. The agenda involved an all-encompassing scrutiny of physical injuries, toxicity, and possible heart issues. Additionally, Krisadang questioned the Corrections Department's initial medical response, laying bare the importance of accurate and timely treatment. While the lawyer predicted that the thorough toxicology reports might take weeks, he assured the eager public and grieving relatives that the religious rites for Nethiporn could proceed. The necessary evidence had been well-documented through meticulous photographs and video footage, he confirmed. The lawyer, ever vigilant, spotlighted inconsistencies in the Corrections Department's narrative. He underscored the importance of rigorously examining all leading events that ended in Nethiporn's hospitalisation and the subsequent medical response. Krisadang pressed, leaning into the clamouring doubts, requesting a wider probe into the quality of the healthcare provided at the Corrections Department's facility. He posed an uncomfortable question: did budget constraints factor into Nethiporn's care? In a plea for justice, the lawyer urged Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong to guarantee evidence preservation and the facilitation of an impartial, unblemished inquiry. Nethiporn's funeral rites are set to commence at Wat Suthatthep Wararam in Lat Krabang from May 16. Meanwhile, her family has politely requested the press and public respect their need for privacy during this harrowing time. A cremation ceremony will follow the rites on May 19. As the autopsy unfolds, the deeply missed activist's wavering cause of death haunts a nation struggling for answers. Today's outcome hopes to bring some closure to Nethiporn's family, friends, and supporters. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Energy Firm Gunkul Pauses £14M Cannabis Venture Amid Regulatory Uncertainty File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google Gunkul Engineering, a prominent Thai energy business listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), has put a stop to its investments in the cannabis industry due to murky governmental regulations. The company, which plunged into the cannabis and hemp sectors through its subsidiary, GK Hemp Group, has spent nearly £10.9 million on its cannabis project and has now decided to pause any further spending. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327337-thai-energy-firm-gunkul-pauses-£14m-cannabis-venture-amid-regulatory-uncertainty/

Gunkul Engineering, a prominent Thai energy business listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), has put a stop to its investments in the cannabis industry due to murky governmental regulations. The company, which plunged into the cannabis and hemp sectors through its subsidiary, GK Hemp Group, has spent nearly £10.9 million on its cannabis project and has now decided to pause any further spending. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's administration has hinted at categorising cannabis as a narcotic. This move contradicts Thailand's 2022 decision to decriminalise the plant in a bid to cultivate a new economic sector based on it and its derivative products, such as cannabis oil. Gunkul's Chairperson, Sopacha Dhumrongpiyawut, has called for a clear regulatory framework, outlining if cannabis can be used medically or recreationally, putting age restrictions on purchasers, and limiting sales to certain areas. The lack of clarity has led Gunkul to halt its intended investment, which was initially estimated to reach £37 million. Previously, Gunkul had outlined plans to transform part of its Nakhon Ratchasima wind farm into a cannabis plantation with a target of producing 1.1 tonnes daily. The firm's ambitions stretched to marketing cannabidiol (CBD) oil across several industries, including the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics sectors. However, the government's restrictions on allowable CBD content in products have stifled these developmental efforts. Still, despite these limitations, Gunkul's cannabis branch managed to rake in around £80,000 in revenue last year, with expectations to achieve £2.2 million by 2024. Yet, its relative financial impact on the company is minor, as its core energy business makes up approximately 99% of its profits. The reluctance of Parliament to pass a bill regulating cannabis usage signalled a might be possible shift in the government's perspective on the substance, which might compel other businesses to halt their investments or shut down. Yet, Sopacha remains hopeful, feeling that effective enforcement of cannabis control laws could flip this issue into an opportunity for the industry. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NBTC Official Escapes Corruption Charges; Legal Tussle Continues File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing In a landmark ruling, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has dismissed an allegation of duty dereliction against National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) official Pirongrong Ramasoota. Citing a lack of substantial evidence, the court acquitted Pirongrong, who was accused of biased execution of her duties by True Digital Group. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327336-nbtc-official-escapes-corruption-charges-legal-tussle-continues/

In a landmark ruling, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has dismissed an allegation of duty dereliction against National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) official Pirongrong Ramasoota. Citing a lack of substantial evidence, the court acquitted Pirongrong, who was accused of biased execution of her duties by True Digital Group. This pivotal legal battle was ignited earlier this year when True Digital Group, a division of True Corporation, alleged that Pirongrong instigated strife by issuing notices to 127 television and radio operators for necessitated OTT broadcasting services' inspections. The plaintiff contended that this action amounted to a legal breach, potentially jeopardising a forthcoming True Corporation programme. Pirongrong, frequently under the spotlight for her influential role in NBTC, has consistently faced accusations of unfair treatment and prejudice in her official responsibilities. These allegations, however, have been staunchly negated by the defendant. After receiving the favorable ruling, an adamant Pirongrong refuted the charges categorically, promising to present additional evidence in her defense within the next month. The court, subsequently, has scheduled a session on July 30 at 9.30am to examine this added evidence. Despite the ruling on allegations of dereliction of duty, the plaintiffs' request to suspend Pirongrong's incumbency at NBTC and her chairpersonship of the Broadcasting Business Committee did not find favor with the court. According to a report in The Nation, the court stated its refusal to halt Pirongrong's duties, explaining that the plaintiffs failed to identify the relevant transgressions committed against them. Thus, despite a legal challenge from True Digital Group, Pirongrong remains in her NBTC role, with the court indicating a notable lack of justification to suspend her. The curtain hasn't fallen on this legal saga yet, with proceedings set to continue in late July, where further revelations are expected. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Champions Transgender Rights for World Pride 2030 File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google Thailand's commitment to promoting inclusivity and acceptance has been given a valuable endorsement by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party. As the nation gears up to bid for World Pride 2030, the party has announced plans to support legislation recognising the rights of transgender individuals. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327335-paetongtarn-shinawatra-champions-transgender-rights-for-world-pride-2030/

Thailand's commitment to promoting inclusivity and acceptance has been given a valuable endorsement by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party. As the nation gears up to bid for World Pride 2030, the party has announced plans to support legislation recognising the rights of transgender individuals. Paetongtarn unveiled the proposal at a buzzing event at Siam Discovery shopping centre recently, where she announced the party is firmly advocating for transgender rights. She also detailed the schedule for this year's Pride Month festival, set to kick off on May 31. This supportive stance and commitment fly in the face of recent setbacks, notably a gender recognition bill proposed by the opposing Move Forward Party. The bill was defeated in February this year with 256 votes against it, 152 in support, and one abstained. Critics of the bill deemed it "extreme", resulting in vocal opposition from many MPs. Unruffled by these choppier legislative waters, the Pheu Thai Party continues its pursuit of equality for all. Its stance follows in the footsteps of predecessor parties Thai Rak Thai and People Power Party, both strong advocates of LGBTQ+ rights. A glimmer of hope shone on March 27 for equality advocates when a marriage equality law was passed in the House of Representatives under the stewardship of the Pheu Thai-led government. Expressing optimism, Paetongtarn believes the law will receive Senate's approval, moving towards effectuality later this year. In tandem, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau is plotting efforts to secure the host role for World Pride 2030. Their hopeful bid illuminates Thailand's dedication to progress and inclusivity, reflecting the sentiments of many citizens and their readiness to adopt a modern, accepting stance. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Sweeping Crackdown on Drug Epidemic Rocking Khon Kaen File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google In a bid to turn the tide on the rapidly growing drug epidemic haunting the northeast city of Khon Kaen, Thai authorities have instigated a series of hard-hitting operations. The escalating drug problem in Khon Kaen, which holds the dreaded distinction of recording the nation's second highest rate of drug misuse, has the whole city on tenterhooks. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327329-sweeping-crackdown-on-drug-epidemic-rocking-khon-kaen/