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Growing Support for Central Bank Independence Amid Political Concerns Picture courtesy: Bank of Thailand (BoT) The campaign to safeguard the independence of the Bank of Thailand has gained significant momentum, with 830 academics and members of the Economics for Society group now backing the cause. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343184-growing-support-for-central-bank-independence-amid-political-concerns/

Picture courtesy: Bank of Thailand (BoT) The campaign to safeguard the independence of the Bank of Thailand has gained significant momentum, with 830 academics and members of the Economics for Society group now backing the cause. Among these supporters are four former governors of the Bank of Thailand, underscoring the importance of keeping political influence at bay. This push coincides with the upcoming selection of a new chairman and two board members for the central bank, slated for Monday, November 11, following a weeklong delay. In their third public statement, the group stressed the vital need for the selection committee to maintain the bank's independence. This comes amidst opposing views from factions with close political affiliations, who have expressed disagreement with the group’s stance. Particularly contentious is the potential appointment of Mr. Kittiratt Na Ranong as board chairman. The academics argue that while personal capabilities are important, it's crucial for the individual in this role to remain devoid of strong political ties. They fear that any association with political agendas could compromise the bank's objective monetary policy-making. The group's concerns extend beyond individual appointments. They cite historical instances, such as the 1997 Tom Yum Kung financial crisis, arguing that political influence may have contributed to past economic errors. They assert that while the Bank of Thailand has made mistakes independently, political control inherently introduces unpredictable variables and incentives, which are often detrimental to economic stability. The global precedent supports their position: central bank independence is key to credible monetary policy and controlled inflation rates. Without this independence, monetary policy becomes unreliable, potentially leading to economic instability and uncontrollable inflation. Ultimately, this growing advocacy highlights a critical dialogue on maintaining robust economic governance free from political pressures, aiming to ensure long-term financial stability and credibility, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-11-11

Director Responds to Outcry Over Cat's Treatment in TV Series Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Following widespread outrage among Thai netizens, director Sant Srikaewlao has clarified the situation regarding a black cat featured in the TV series "Mae Yua" (The Empress of Ayodhaya). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343179-director-responds-to-outcry-over-cats-treatment-in-tv-series/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Following widespread outrage among Thai netizens, director Sant Srikaewlao has clarified the situation regarding a black cat featured in the TV series "Mae Yua" (The Empress of Ayodhaya). Concerns erupted after scenes emerged showing the cat anaesthetised, experiencing convulsions, stiffness, and vomiting. Social media users questioned whether these actions violated the Animal Cruelty Act, sparking a campaign under the hashtag #MaeYuaTorturesAnimals. Animal lovers and veterinarians voiced their disapproval, highlighting the inherent risks of administering anaesthesia to animals, which can suppress respiratory and circulatory functions and potentially lead to choking due to the inability to control vomiting. In response, Sant took to Facebook to address the burgeoning controversy. He posted a detailed explanation and shared a video clip to demonstrate that the cat is now in good health. He explained that while anaesthesia was indeed used, careful precautions were taken, with the cat being attended to by its owner and professionals throughout the process. He assured viewers that the cat recovered swiftly post-filming and is now living normally, reinforcing his claims with video evidence. Understanding the depth of public concern, Sant provided an additional video clip today to further attest to the cat's current well-being. He emphasised that his production team has not overlooked public sentiment and is actively gathering information to provide clear explanations. The director’s clarification aims to alleviate concerns and reaffirm the show's commitment to animal welfare, amidst ongoing discussions about ethical treatment in entertainment settings. As discussions persist online, this incident underscores the delicate balance between creative endeavours and humane practices in media production, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-11-11

Ultra-Conservatives Urge Thai Govt to Abandon Thai-Cambodia MoU Picture courtesy: Facebook วรงค์ เดชกิจวิกรม - Warong Dechgitvigrom A rising tide of support led by the ultra-conservative Thai Pakdee party is urging the Thai government to scrap a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343176-ultra-conservatives-urge-thai-govt-to-abandon-thai-cambodia-mou/

Picture courtesy: Facebook วรงค์ เดชกิจวิกรม - Warong Dechgitvigrom A rising tide of support led by the ultra-conservative Thai Pakdee party is urging the Thai government to scrap a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. The agreement, which deals with profit-sharing in undersea resource development, has become a contentious issue, with up to 100,000 citizens encouraged to sign a petition against it. Warong Dechgitvigrom, the Thai Pakdee party chair, announced the push for signatures both online and through direct engagement with communities. The campaign targets an agreement brokered two decades ago between former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodia's then-leader Hun Sen - a deal that remains unresolved under the shadow of overlapping territorial claims. Warong’s latest efforts took him to Koh Kood island, a small community in Trat province, to garner local support. The island itself is a tiny fraction of Trat's approximate 227,000 residents, with just 1% living on Koh Kood. Still, Warong argues that the MoU threatens Thailand’s maritime sovereignty, potentially ceding parts of its continental shelf to Cambodia due to overlapping claims. At the heart of Warong’s demands is a call for the Thai government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, to insist on Cambodia's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) from 1982. This international statute outlines nations' rights and responsibilities concerning marine territorial claims and exploitation. Warong believes that without Cambodia’s adherence to UNCLOS, Thailand risks losing control over valuable maritime zones. He insists that no further negotiations on the profiteering of undersea natural resources should proceed without first addressing these territorial ambiguities. As the campaign gains momentum, the petition presents a growing challenge to the current Thai leadership, spotlighting nationalistic tensions and regional geopolitics, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-11-11

Thai Man Arrested after Slapping Russian on Bangla Road By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A Thai man was arrested after he slapped a Russian man in the face on Bangla Road in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343172-thai-man-arrested-after-slapping-russian-on-bangla-road/

Patong – A Thai man was arrested after he slapped a Russian man in the face on Bangla Road in Patong. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that a video clip of a foreigner being attacked in front of a famous nightclub on the Bangla Road at 4:50 A.M. on Saturday (November 9th) went viral in social media. At 3:00 P.M. on the same day the Patong Police arrested a Thai man. He was taken to the Patong Police Station. He told police that the Russian tourist showed a middle finger to him before he slapped the Russian tourist. The Thai man was charged and fined. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS -- 2024-11-11

Thai Govt Officials Gear Up for F1 Race Discussions ASEAN NOW composite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the government's renewed commitment to bring a Formula 1 (F1) race to Thailand, setting the gears in motion for what could be a major economic boost. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343149-thai-govt-officials-gear-up-for-f1-race-discussions/

ASEAN NOW composite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the government's renewed commitment to bring a Formula 1 (F1) race to Thailand, setting the gears in motion for what could be a major economic boost. This initiative forms part of a grand strategy to enhance tourism and establish Thailand as an elite global destination. In a recent post, the Prime Minister shared the government's enthusiasm for this megaproject, emphasising the potential benefits of hosting an F1 event. "We aim to attract tourists, spark excitement, and facilitate urban growth," she asserted. The envisioned influx of visitors promises to invigorate the local economy and showcase Thailand’s capability on the world stage. The move is complemented by a slew of tourism campaigns designed to bolster visitor numbers significantly. Deputy government spokesman, Karom Phonphonklang, revealed that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is unveiling the "72 Styles of Happiness to Experience" initiative. This campaign, encapsulated in an e-book, offers distinctive activities across 72 curated travel routes in Thailand, providing a "Five Must-Do" list encouraging culinary, adventurous, and cultural experiences unique to each destination. To amplify Thailand's allure, five influencers will embark on curated travel adventures, sharing their experiences via vlogs to ignite interest during the year-end tourist season. This strategy is part of a broader goal to drive visitor spending while maintaining sustainable tourism practices. Concurrently, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is promoting the country's intrinsic charm, aiming to boost travel across all five regions. The collective efforts are expected to result in a 7.5% increase in tourism revenue by the year's end, underscoring the government’s commitment to revitalising tourism and securing its place on the international events map. This comprehensive approach highlights Thailand’s readiness to leverage world-class events for national growth and development, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-11-11

Tak Bai Justice Failure Hits Pheu Thai Party Hardest, Poll Shows Picture courtesy: Benar News An opinion poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration reveals that the southern provinces of Thailand place responsibility for the Tak Bai justice failure squarely on the Pheu Thai Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343147-tak-bai-justice-failure-hits-pheu-thai-party-hardest-poll-shows/

Picture: National Crime Agency // STV news In a remarkable breakthrough for law enforcement, a Scottish man hiding in Thailand for 40 years has been extradited and jailed for historical sexual crimes against children. John Martin, 74, originally from Haddington, East Lothian, was returned from Bangkok to face justice in Scotland after committing decades-old abuse. Martin, a former antiques dealer, was convicted of three counts of child sexual abuse on 25 October at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. His offences spanned across Perth and Kinross, Fife, and East Lothian, affecting two young victims between the 1980s and 1990s. The Edinburgh court sentenced Martin to three years and three months in prison. His name will be added permanently to the sex offenders register, and he is barred from any contact with his victims for 20 years. Lynne Barrie, procurator fiscal for Lothian and Borders, denounced him as a "sexual predator" who traumatised vulnerable girls, and praised the victims' courage for coming forward. Martin's capture and trial were the result of a coordinated effort involving Police Scotland, the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Royal Thai Police's Central Investigation Bureau, and Thailand's Office of the Attorney General. This complex international operation highlights the determination of these agencies to pursue justice for such grave crimes. Duncan Burrage, NCA Liaison Officer for Thailand, remarked on the agency's commitment to tracking down British child sex offenders worldwide. Sergeant Richard Robson of Police Scotland expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, acknowledging their bravery in reporting the crimes and ensuring that Martin faced consequences for his heinous acts. As justice is served, there remains a firm commitment from law enforcement to protect vulnerable individuals and hold offenders accountable, regardless of the time or distance involved in their capture, reported STV news. -- 2024-11-11

Picture courtesy: Benar News An opinion poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration reveals that the southern provinces of Thailand place responsibility for the Tak Bai justice failure squarely on the Pheu Thai Party. The poll, targeting residents of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, casts a spotlight on the lingering outrage over the lack of accountability in the case of the 2004 Tak Bai massacre. In 2004, a protest in Tak Bai, Narathiwat, escalated when demonstrators demanded the release of detained defence volunteers. Authorities attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to seven immediate deaths. Tragically, 78 more lives were lost due to suffocation when over 1,300 protesters were packed into military trucks. This tragic event occurred under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. According to the poll, 55.20% of respondents believe the Pheu Thai Party is most affected by the failure to deliver justice in the Tak Bai case. A further 29.99% opine that no political party will suffer. Meanwhile, a small percentage sees this issue impacting the Prachachat Party (4.69%), Democrat Party (1.97%), and others mildly. Contrastingly, when asked if the Tak Bai case influences their voting decision in the next general election, 39.55% of respondents say it does not affect them at all, while 25.21% firmly state it will have an impact. Regarding political preferences, 50.14% of the surveyed populace are undecided on the party they support, although the People's Party garners 18.85% approval, outpacing others including Prachachat (13.68%) and Pheu Thai (4.69%). The findings highlight significant political disenchantment in Thailand's southernmost provinces, reflecting wider discontent with historical grievances unresolved to this day, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-11-11

Scottish Man Extradited from Thailand Jailed sexually abusing young girls Picture: National Crime Agency - STV news In a remarkable breakthrough for law enforcement, a Scottish man hiding in Thailand for 40 years has been extradited and jailed for historical sexual crimes against children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343140-scottish-man-extradited-from-thailand-jailed-for-sexually-abusing-young-girls/

Prawit's Hopes Dashed: Boonchai Wins Thailand Aquatics Election Prawit Wongsuwon. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath In a decisive and unexpected outcome, General Prawit Wongsuwon has suffered a significant setback, losing his bid to retain the presidency of the Thailand Aquatics Association (TAA) to Lieutenant General Boonchai Kasettrakarn. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343168-prawits-hopes-dashed-boonchai-wins-thailand-aquatics-election/

Prawit Wongsuwon. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath In a decisive and unexpected outcome, General Prawit Wongsuwon has suffered a significant setback, losing his bid to retain the presidency of the Thailand Aquatics Association (TAA) to Lieutenant General Boonchai Kasettrakarn. During the association's annual general meeting on Saturday, Boonchai secured a landslide victory, garnering 231 votes compared to Prawit's 22. Out of 277 member clubs, 271 were eligible to vote, with 18 abstaining. Prawit's loss comes just as his second four-year stint leading the TAA concluded on Thursday. The election outcome marks a pivotal change in the TAA's leadership and casts doubt over Prawit's role in the broader spectrum of Thai sports administration. The absence of both Prawit and Boonchai from the meeting didn't deter the clubs from endorsing them as candidates. However, Boonchai’s overwhelming win reflects a clear mandate for change within the TAA and poses a major setback for Prawit's influence in sports governance. This defeat also complicates Prawit's standing in the national Olympic committee (NOCT), where leadership elections are slated for March next year. The NOCT's rules require candidates to hold an elected position within a national sports organisation, impacting Prawit’s aspirations for continued leadership. Amidst this changing landscape, General Decha Hemkrasi of the Thai Cycling Association (TCA) and Pimol Srivikorn from the Taekwondo Association of Thailand are emerging as favourites for the NOCT chairman position. Despite the setback, Prawit still has a chance to regain eligibility by securing a role in another sports body before the elections, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-11-11

Indian Tourist Missing After Fall at Koh Samui Waterfall Despite Warnings An Indian tourist, aged 29, has gone missing after slipping and falling while taking photos at a popular waterfall in Koh Samui. The incident occurred amidst heavy rain and strong water currents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343115-indian-tourist-missing-after-fall-at-koh-samui-waterfall-despite-warnings/

Fortuner Veers Off Expressway Curve, Driver Ejected and Killed in 3 Metre Fall A crash occurred when a black Toyota Fortuner lost control on a curve along the Udon Ratthaya Expressway, with the driver being ejected from the vehicle and falling approximately three metres to his death Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343132-fortuner-veers-off-expressway-curve-driver-ejected-and-killed-in-3-metre-fall /

British Man Injured in Pattaya Road Rage Incident with Thai Driver A British man sustained head injuries in a road rage incident with a Thai driver after a minor traffic collision led to a heated confrontation on Pattaya’s busy streets. The altercation took place near the LK Metro Hotel on Soi Buakhao in Pattaya’s Nong Prue district, Chonburi province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343094-british-man-injured-in-pattaya-road-rage-incident-with-thai-driver/

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 11 November 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1343135-thailand-live-monday-11-november-2024/

Foreign Gang Robs Ukrainian Tourist of Over 8 Million Baht in Phuket Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A Ukrainian tourist fell victim to a foreign gang who lured him to a room in Phuket, where he was attacked, bound, and threatened with violence before being forced to transfer a staggering amount of 250,000 USD in cryptocurrency. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343146-foreign-gang-robs-ukrainian-tourist-of-over-8-million-baht-in-phuket/

Nine British tourists arrested for reckless driving in Phuket Nine British tourists were detained in Phuket for disturbing the peace after riding their motorcycles recklessly and causing a public nuisance that led to numerous complaints from residents and tourists. Picture courtesy: Thai Post Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343120-nine-british-tourists-arrested-for-reckless-driving-in-phuket/

Nine British tourists arrested for reckless driving in Phuket Picture courtesy: Thai Post Nine British tourists were detained in Phuket for disturbing the peace after riding their motorcycles recklessly and causing a public nuisance that led to numerous complaints from residents and tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343120-nine-british-tourists-arrested-for-reckless-driving-in-phuket/

Picture courtesy: Thai Post Nine British tourists were detained in Phuket for disturbing the peace after riding their motorcycles recklessly and causing a public nuisance that led to numerous complaints from residents and tourists. The incident occurred early Thursday morning, with the group riding loudly along Khok San Road toward the Muang district, according to Pol Col Ekarat Plaiduang, superintendent of the Chalong police station. Reports from witnesses described their behaviour as disruptive in the otherwise quiet resort area. Police later tracked down the group, who had rented the motorcycles from Patong for the late-night ride. All nine individuals were summoned to the police station, where they faced charges for public disturbance. Their documents were checked, and each was fined, with the incident formally recorded by authorities, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-11-10

Thaksin accused of undermining Thai monarchy, court decision imminent Picture courtesy of Thairath Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has not yet provided testimony in a legal case where both he and the ruling Pheu Thai Party face serious allegations. The accusations suggest attempts to undermine Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. This development comes as the deadline for public prosecutors to submit their findings to the Constitutional Court is fast approaching. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343017-thaksin-accused-of-undermining-thai-monarchy-court-decision-imminent/