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Five Senior Police Officers Transferred Post Nightclub Shooting File photo for reference only In a swift and unexpected move, five senior police officers in Hua Hin have been reassigned following a tragic shooting incident at an unlicensed nightclub, which left one soldier dead and three individuals injured. The incident has sent shockwaves through the serene resort town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337429-five-senior-police-officers-transferred-post-nightclub-shooting/

A 42-year-old Swedish man named Ahmet recently found himself the victim of a heartbreaking scam after falling for a Thai woman he met online. The deception cost him over 300,000 baht (approximately £7,000), and now Ahmet is seeking help to recover his money and ensure his safety. Swedish Man Scammed by Thai Woman, Loses Over 300,000 Baht Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337385-swedish-man-scammed-by-thai-woman-loses-over-300000-baht/ Picture courtesy: Amarin TV

Deputy Finance Minister reveals 'Casino Bill' likely to receive 80% approval Picture courtesy: Bangkokbiz News At Government House, Mr. Chulphan Amornvivat, the Deputy Finance Minister, shared updates about the progress of the 'Casino Bill' and the work of the new Finance Minister team. He stated that the current team is very capable and works well together. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337390-deputy-finance-minister-reveals-casino-bill-likely-to-receive-80-approval/

At Government House, Mr. Chulphan Amornvivat, the Deputy Finance Minister, shared updates about the progress of the 'Casino Bill' and the work of the new Finance Minister team. He stated that the current team is very capable and works well together. Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, has great expertise in capital markets and the private sector. Mr. Paopum Rojanasakul, the other Deputy Finance Minister, has strong academic knowledge, making them a good team. Mr. Chulaphan believes this combination will help boost the economy. He mentioned several pending policies that need to be pushed forward, such as the digital wallet project, the Vayuphak Fund, and the Financial Hub, among others. These initiatives are aimed at stimulating the economy and must be completed quickly. Regarding the entertainment complex, which includes the proposed casino, Mr. Chulaphan noted that this idea has been around for a long time and had previously been studied by the parliament. The findings were sent to the cabinet, which then ordered a public hearing to gauge public opinion. Mr. Chulaphan revealed that the public hearing on the draft bill has been completed, with 80% of the respondents reportedly agreeing with the proposal. Currently, the government is following the legal process to amend and improve the bill based on the feedback received during the public hearing. They are taking the public's opinions into consideration and making necessary adjustments. Next, the revised bill will be sent to the Cabinet, where all coalition parties will discuss and decide whether to approve it. If both the coalition parties and the Cabinet agree, the bill will then be reviewed by the Council of State before being sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Mr. Chulaphan emphasized that they are not rushing the process and are following all legal steps, aiming to introduce the bill when the timing is right. Picture courtesy: Bangkokbiz News -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Swedish Man Scammed by Thai Woman, Loses Over 300,000 Baht Picture courtesy: Amarin TV A 42-year-old Swedish man named Ahmet recently found himself the victim of a heartbreaking scam after falling for a Thai woman he met online. The deception cost him over 300,000 baht (approximately £7,000), and now Ahmet is seeking help to recover his money and ensure his safety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337385-swedish-man-scammed-by-thai-woman-loses-over-300000-baht/

Swedish Man Scammed by Thai Woman, Loses Over 300,000 Baht Picture courtesy: Amarin TV A 42-year-old Swedish man named Ahmet recently found himself the victim of a heartbreaking scam after falling for a Thai woman he met online. The deception cost him over 300,000 baht (approximately £7,000), and now Ahmet is seeking help to recover his money and ensure his safety. Ahmet met the woman through a dating app in June and soon believed he had found true love. By late July, she had convinced him to send money for a wedding, claiming they should equally share the expenses. Ahmet sent a whopping 359,000 baht before he travelled to Sukhothai on August 25 to meet her in person. Upon arrival, he was left waiting in a temporary room she said belonged to a relative. After two days of silence, Ahmet realised he had been deceived. Desperate, he sought the help of local rescue workers engaged in flood relief efforts in the area. They were able to contact the woman and arrange a traditional engagement ceremony on August 30, as a stand-in for the now vanishing wedding plans. However, things took an even darker turn when the woman’s husband, a soldier from Tak province, called the rescue team, asserting that he was still legally married to her and that he planned to take legal action against Ahmet. Shocked and scared, Ahmet went to the Sri Samrong Police Station to file a fraud complaint. Despite the dire situation, the police refused to accept his complaint. During this chaotic scene, the angry husband confronted Ahmet, verbally abusing and even pushing him at the police station. Feeling unsafe and keen to retrieve his lost money, Ahmet turned to Mr. Ekapop Leungprasert, advisor to the Minister of the Interior and the founder of the Saimaithongrod Facebook page, for assistance. Ahmet's troubling experience serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of online relationships and making financial commitments based on them. While he continues his fight for justice, his story highlights the importance of being vigilant in the digital age. -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Indian Man Goes Crazy, Damages Hair Salon, Gets Violent & Strips Naked in Jail Cell Picture courtesy of Ch3. A chaotic scene unfolded in the heart of Bangkok, on September 4, when a foreign man, later identified as a 38-year-old Indian national, went on a rampage at a hair salon in the busy Siam Square area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337346-indian-man-goes-crazy-damages-hair-salon-gets-violent-strips-naked-in-jail-cell/

Luxury Behind Bars? Police Probe Hotel-Like Prison Services Picture courtesy: X-bombert Provincial Police Region 7 has launched a thorough investigation into reports of hotel-like services being offered to inmates at a prison in the central province of Samut Sakhon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337347-luxury-behind-bars-police-probe-hotel-like-prison-services/

Picture courtesy: X-bombert Provincial Police Region 7 has launched a thorough investigation into reports of hotel-like services being offered to inmates at a prison in the central province of Samut Sakhon. This comes after two former prisoners shared their experiences of an unexpectedly comfortable life behind bars, revealing alleged corruption among the local police. The case came to light when a 26-year-old male inmate, referred to as A, and a 30-year-old female inmate, referred to as B, contacted social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Jompalang to expose the supposed luxury treatment they received during their incarceration. Former inmate B expressed her astonishment at the situation, explaining that she was initially placed in an "open" zone for those without money, while inmates with financial means were housed in a "closed" zone with personal space and more amenities. According to B, inmates could essentially buy their way to a more comfortable existence in prison. B disclosed that basic items and services such as boiled water, instant noodles, and coffee were available for prices ranging from 50 to 100 baht (£1.17 to £2.34). For 100 baht (£2.34), inmates could rent a comfortable bed and blanket, and even have someone make the bed, mimicking a hotel stay. Male inmate A corroborated B’s claims, adding that inmates could rent a mobile phone for 100 baht and use it until 7 a.m. the next day, provided they kept it away from security cameras. A phone charger could be rented for 30 baht per hour. Additionally, Kratom drinks, cigarettes, and even marijuana were reportedly available, thrown through a window by someone outside the police station. B also mentioned the involvement of a Burmese inmate, who appeared to take over some duties typically performed by the police, raising further questions about the prison management. The exposé has put a spotlight on the prevalence of corruption within Thai prisons, and B suggested her experience might not be unique. She went public with this information, not only highlighting the corruption but also pointing out the influx of Burmese workers in Thailand, which she claims is affecting local businesses. In response to these serious allegations, Provincial Police Region 7 and Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station issued an official statement on September 4. They acknowledged the gravity of the situation and announced the formation of a special committee to investigate the matter further. The committee aims to keep the public informed as the investigation unfolds. This case underscores the complexities and challenges of managing correctional facilities and the impact of corruption on the integrity of the justice system. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by many, both in Thailand and internationally. -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Chiang Rai vendor receives 54-year sentence for lese-majeste by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post A Chiang Rai clothing vendor has had his prison sentence extended to a record 54 years and 6 months for lese-majeste offences, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337345-chiang-rai-vendor-receives-54-year-sentence-for-lese-majeste/

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A Chiang Rai clothing vendor has had his prison sentence extended to a record 54 years and 6 months for lese-majeste offences, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The appeal court’s decision yesterday, September 4, upheld Mongkol Thirakot’s earlier conviction, adding to his existing sentences to make it the longest ever under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to royal defamation. Mongkol, already serving 28 years for previous lese-majeste convictions, saw his sentence extended by another 22 years. TLHR highlighted this as the longest prison term given to a Section 112 defendant based on available records. The Court of Appeal Region 5 confirmed the Chiang Rai Provincial Court’s ruling, which found Mongkol guilty of two counts of lese-majeste and one count of trespassing, resulting in an additional four years and six months in prison. Mongkol attended the ruling via video link from Chiang Rai Central Prison. Earlier this year, in January, the Court of Appeal Region 5 had upheld a 28-year prison term for 14 counts of lese-majeste, each carrying a two-year sentence. This, combined with a further 11 counts of the same offence, brought his total to 50 years before yesterday’s ruling added more time. Mongkol’s sentence eclipses that of Anchan Preelert, a former civil servant who was sentenced to 43 years and six months for similar charges. Mongkol was arrested in April 2021 after a hunger strike in Chiang Rai to demand bail rights for political prisoners in cases akin to his own. From March 2 to 11, 2021, Mongkol posted 25 times on Facebook, which were alleged to be critical of the monarchy. He shared videos from foreign sources deemed harmful to the monarchy and made additional posts on April 8 and 9 that year. Mongkol argued that his posts were political expressions against His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, not defamation. However, the court ruled that his use of vulgar language constituted defamation. Section 112 of the Criminal Code imposes a minimum three-year sentence and a maximum of 15 years for acts that defame, insult, or threaten the king, queen, heir-apparent, or regent. According to TLHR, as of July 31 this year, 1,954 individuals have been prosecuted for political participation and expression since the Free Youth protests began in July 2020. Among these, 272 face lese-majeste charges under Section 112, and 152 have been charged with sedition under Section 116, reported Bangkok Post. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian Buyers Fuel Phuket's 2024 Villa Boom Photo by Abhishek Revis on Unsplash Phuket's villa market is experiencing a significant boom in 2024, thanks to a surge in demand from Russian buyers. In the first half of the year, the number of new villas launched has already surpassed the total for 2023, marking a remarkable shift in the local property market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337343-russian-buyers-fuel-phukets-2024-villa-boom/

Photo by Abhishek Revis on Unsplash Phuket's villa market is experiencing a significant boom in 2024, thanks to a surge in demand from Russian buyers. In the first half of the year, the number of new villas launched has already surpassed the total for 2023, marking a remarkable shift in the local property market. Phattarachai Taweewong, director of the research department at property consultancy Colliers Thailand, noted the market's strong performance. "Some projects were quiet in May and June because of floods, but activity picked up significantly in July, with sales at one project reaching 400 to 500 million baht (£9.2 million to £11.5 million) in just a month," he explained. In the first half of 2024, Phuket saw the launch of 1,285 new villas across 65 projects, totalling 36.3 billion baht (£830 million). This is a significant increase from around 1,100 units launched throughout 2023. The demand remains robust despite the influx of new supply, driven by the buying power and interest from Russians. For the first time in 15 years, the value of new villas has outstripped that of condominiums. During the same period, 4,690 new condominium units were launched, valued at 36 billion baht (£830 million). The total combined value of condos and villas launched in the first half of the year stands at 72.3 billion baht (£1.7 billion), with projections suggesting it could reach 150 billion baht (£3.4 billion) by year-end, up from 110 billion baht (£2.5 billion) last year. Phattarachai pointed out that the usual number of villa projects in previous years was around 30 to 40, with 100 to 150 new units. This year, there are 170 villa projects with units available for sale, most launched in the past two years. Looking ahead, a substantial amount of new supply is anticipated in the fourth quarter. Notably, Sansiri Plc plans to introduce four new projects in the second half of the year, valued at around 4 billion baht (£92 million). These include a luxury pool villa project with units priced between 30 and 50 million baht (£690,000 and £1.15 million), a condo project in Cherngtalay, and a new single detached house project in Koh Kaew. Phattarachai also noted that locations like Bang Tao, Cherngtalay, and Rayan have the highest absorption rates for villas, with two to three units sold per month. In contrast, other areas recorded sales of one to 1.5 units per month. For condominiums, the absorption rate in the first half was 5.8 units per month, indicating they could be sold out in under two years, particularly those priced below 2 million baht (£46,000) per unit, which are considered affordable. The surge in Phuket’s villa market highlights the evolving dynamics of the local real estate landscape and underscores the growing influence of international buyers, particularly Russians, in driving this change. -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Indian Man Refuses to Leave Thai Wife Despite Her Request for Divorce Picture courtesy: Facebook/สมุทรปราการ press In Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok, an Indian man named Radej is making headlines after refusing to leave his Thai wife, Nuch, despite her demands for a divorce and expulsion from their home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337340-indian-man-refuses-to-leave-thai-wife-despite-her-request-for-divorce/

In Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok, an Indian man named Radej is making headlines after refusing to leave his Thai wife, Nuch, despite her demands for a divorce and expulsion from their home. The drama unfolded yesterday, September 3, at Mueang Samut Prakarn Police Station, where the couple's heated argument drew significant attention. Radej, aged 52, sought police intervention after his 53-year-old wife, Nuch, requested a divorce and threw him out, leaving him with only an old fridge. Tasked with nowhere to go and in emotional turmoil, Radej told the police how deeply he loved Nuch—even if it meant overlooking her deceit and financial exploitation. The couple's story began romantically when they met at a temple. Nuch's beauty and friendly nature captivated Radej, leading to a relationship before he knew she had four children from a previous marriage. Undeterred by her past, Radej committed himself completely, caring for Nuch and her children as his own until tensions grew. Over time, Nuch allegedly became distant and indifferent, ultimately demanding a divorce. Despite the rising conflict, chiefly over her children, Radej refused to leave her, attributing her behaviour to a supposed mental illness and feeling responsible for her care. Speaking to One 31 news agency, Nuch rebutted Radej's claims, stating that he barely appreciated her children and frequently used vulgar language. She firmly denied having any mental illness, explaining that their continuous arguments over her children led her to end the relationship. Under police mediation, a temporary resolution was reached: Radej would keep his valuables, but the house and land would remain with Nuch. Yet, Radej remains staunch in his decision not to sign the divorce papers. Expressing his unyielding love, Radej told the media, "I love my wife very much, even if she deceived me, but I was always willing to let it happen. I was happy throughout the time we were together." The emotional case highlights the complexities of love, commitment, and the struggles of intercultural relationships. While a temporary truce has been reached, the couple's future remains uncertain, leaving many to ponder the true cost of unconditional love. Picture courtesy: Facebook/สมุทรปราการ press -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 5 September 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337334-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-5-september-2024/

NEWS - 05-September.mp4 Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her new cabinet have been officially endorsed in the royal gazette, featuring 12 new members in the 36-member coalition government. The new cabinet largely mirrors Srettha’s, with five deputy prime ministers retaining their positions, along with the Interior Minister, Finance Minister, and Foreign Minister. The minister for public health Health has rejected a proposal from health experts to review the co-payment system for universal healthcare, known as the 30-baht gold card scheme. A network of hospitals and medical staff reported the system is straining state-owned hospitals with increased patient visits, staff shortages, and financial challenges. They urged the ministry to reform the scheme to ensure financial sustainability. A Chiang Rai appeals court has upheld a January ruling, sentencing a clothing vendor to 54 years and 6 months for multiple lese-majeste offenses. The vendor named Mongkon, was convicted of 14 counts with a 28-year sentence and an additional 11 counts, each carrying two years. He was arrested in 2021 after going on hunger strike for advocating bail rights for political prisoners. The minister for Transport yesterday assured that three road projects on Rama 2 Road near the capital will be completed and opened by the middle of next year. These include the Rama 3-Dao Khanong western ring road, an 8.3 km elevated road, and a 16.3 km elevated highway. Meanwhile, it’s unknown how long the extended elevated highway out of Bangkok on Rama 2 Road will take to complete. Around the region Indonesia: A former mayor of a small Philippine town accused of being a Chinese spy and crime boss has been arrested in Jakarta after being on the run for more than a month. Indonesia said it would turn Ms Guo over to the Philippines in exchange for Australian drug trafficker Gregor Haas, who was arrested in Manila in May and is one of Jakarta’s most wanted drug fugitives. Todays Weather Chiang Mai and the north: Thundershowers 34C degrees celsius Bangkok: Thunder showers 32 Pattaya: Sunny becoming cloudy 30 Phuket and the south: Thunderstorms 30C Hua Hin: After asunny morning, becoming cloudy, perhaps an isolated shower , 32C. Much the same over the weekend . AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Wunderground.com The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Windy.com. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-09-05 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai school bus driver accused of sexually assaulting teenage girl by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath A Thai mother accompanied her 13 year old daughter to file a complaint against a school bus driver who allegedly sexually assaulted her. The accused driver denies the accusation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337332-thai-school-bus-driver-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-teenage-girl/

A Thai mother accompanied her 13 year old daughter to file a complaint against a school bus driver who allegedly sexually assaulted her. The accused driver denies the accusation. The 41 year old mother, Ta, brought the sexual assault case to her lawyer, Kritsada Lohitdee, who took her to the Damrongdham Centre, under the Ministry of Interior, to file a complaint yesterday, September 3. Ta informed a police officer at the Damrongdham Centre that the sexual assault occurred to her teenage daughter, Khaohom, on August 26 while she was travelling to school in the Isaan province of Udon Thani on the school bus. Khaohom’s school was the last stop, so she had to remain alone in the vehicle with the school bus driver, 58 year old Sonthaya. She then moved to sit next to Sonthaya at the front of the minibus. While waiting at a traffic light, Sonthaya reportedly put his left hand inside her uniform shirt and groped her breasts. Khaohom was shocked and told Sonthaya that he must not do this to her and she began to cry. She continued to cry until she arrived at school. When Khaohom got out of the bus Sonthaya told her not to tell her mother or teacher. Khaohom shared the incident with her friends, who subsequently called her after school to discuss the assault. The girl explained that she did not inform her mother because she was still in shock. Ta stated that Sonthaya later came to her home to discuss the matter and admitted to assaulting the girl. He insisted that he did not have any romantic feelings for Khaohom but loved her in the way an adult might love a young family member. Sonthaya attempted to compensate Ta and Khaohom, but they refused. Ta is determined that Sonthaya should be punished for his actions. Sonthaya declined an interview with ThaiRath, stating he was not ready but later provided some information to Naewna. He denied the accusation, asserting that he did not sexually assault the girl and accused Ta of exaggerating the story to the public and officials. Sonthaya claimed that he had not yet attended police questioning because he had done nothing wrong and had not been summoned. by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

The impact of Temu on Thailand’s e-commerce market remains unclear FILE photo Chinese e-commerce giant Temu's entry into Thailand is causing a stir, but its long-term impact on the local market remains uncertain, according to a study by market analytics firm Cube Asia. Sellers brace for potential price wars, similar to shifts seen with competitors like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337331-the-impact-of-temu-on-thailand’s-e-commerce-market-remains-unclear/

FILE photo Chinese e-commerce giant Temu's entry into Thailand is causing a stir, but its long-term impact on the local market remains uncertain, according to a study by market analytics firm Cube Asia. Sellers brace for potential price wars, similar to shifts seen with competitors like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Simon Torring, co-founder of Cube Asia, notes that Temu, the cross-border platform of China's PDD Holdings, launched in Thailand last July, following its expansions in the Philippines and Malaysia in 2022. The platform has already made significant strides in Western markets, notably in the US, where it recently surpassed Amazon in app downloads. In less than two years, Temu entered 70 global markets. Temu's competitive edge lies in its low-price strategy, directly linking Chinese manufacturers with global buyers, contrasting with Shopee and Lazada, which feature official brand stores. However, Cube Asia found that Temu’s fierce pricing advantages may not always hold up. Research shows Temu's product range is largely unbranded, marked by a blue check for verified sellers. Yet, only 12% of Temu’s products fall into this verified category, mainly electronics and gadgets. Initial price competitiveness studies revealed that three out of five products on Temu were more expensive than those on Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop. Discounts on Temu often appear attractive due to high list prices, with subsidies like first-order incentives and free shipping, faced with stiff pricing competition from local rivals. In direct price comparisons, Temu was the cheapest for only two out of five items. Other platforms, like Shopee and Lazada, also provide direct shipments from China, mirroring Temu’s model. Temu’s cross-border approach, though successful globally, faces stiff competition in Southeast Asia with established players like AliExpress, Amazon, and Shein. Torring highlighted that shifting customer loyalty could prove challenging, as regional consumers are accustomed to low-priced Chinese goods on existing platforms. Temu aims to woo these consumers with added discount coupons and special deals, intensifying short-term competition. The broader impact of Temu on the regional e-commerce scene remains to be seen, yet the existing competition shows no signs of waning, adding complexity for both sellers and consumers. -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

US Navy Coming to Visit Pattaya in Mid September By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand-The US Navy will land on September 16th to the 19th in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337330-us-navy-coming-to-visit-pattaya-in-mid-september/

Pattaya, Thailand-The US Navy will land on September 16th to the 19th in Pattaya. Chonburi Provincial Officials have been informed by the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the US Navy has requested permission for the MV OCEAN VALOR to dock at Pattaya Port. It will dock on September 16th, 2024 at 08.00 and will depart the port on September 19th, 2024 at 23.59. The visit of the ship is a routine request and personnel will disembark for relaxation. In addition to building good relations between the countries, the visit of the US Navy will also stimulate the tourism economy, generate income for Pattaya residents and bring a large amount of money into the country said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By Adam Judd Source: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Ex-Communist Insurgent Phumtham’s Appointment as Defence Minister Unwelcome by Military FILE - Phumtham Wechayachai. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath The recent appointment of Phumtham Wechayachai, a former communist insurgent, as Thailand’s new Defence Minister has sparked widespread unease among military ranks, both active and retired. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337329-ex-communist-insurgent-phumtham’s-appointment-as-defence-minister-unwelcome-by-military/