webfact

The Department of Corrections (DoC) faced intense criticism yesterday for transferring Vonnarat Tangkaravakoon, a key suspect in the Stark Corporation scandal, to the Police General Hospital (PGH). Victims of the financial debacle accuse officials of granting him special treatment. Affected investors, seeking transparency, petitioned Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. They discovered that Vonnarat, the largest shareholder of Stark, was receiving medical care in what they believe to be a luxurious setting at the PGH. Vonnarat is among seven suspects charged with forgery, fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering under the Securities and Exchange Act. The alleged misconduct affected 4,704 shareholders and resulted in damages estimated at 14.7 billion baht. Detained at Bangkok Remand Prison since February 12 following a denied bail request, he was recently seen at the PGH. This has sparked outrage among the victims, who questioned the fairness of his treatment. Vonnarat was initially confined in the Corrections Hospital before his transfer. Dr Pongpak Areeyapinant, the Acting Director of the Corrections Hospital, addressed the controversy at a press conference. He stated that Vonnarat developed swollen testicles after a week in detention and was prescribed antibiotics for a suspected infection. A medical examination revealed a 5cm lump, likely malignant, prompting the transfer to PGH on April 23. Vonnarat underwent surgery on May 1. The atmosphere at the press conference was tense. Victims demanded details on who funded Vonnarat's medical costs, further fuelling suspicions over preferential treatment. The scandal continues to unravel, with victims and the public keenly watching for the next development in the pursuit of justice for all affected shareholders. TOP: Police General Hospital. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia -- 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Judicial Process Under Scrutiny at Seoul Conference Attended By Pita Picture courtesy: Thai Rath During the Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) in Seoul, questions about Thailand’s judicial system took centre stage. Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the Move Forward Party in Thailand, was confronted by current and former global leaders who sought clarity on the state of political justice in his country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327914-thai-judicial-process-under-scrutiny-at-seoul-conference attended-by-pita/

During the Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) in Seoul, questions about Thailand’s judicial system took centre stage. Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the Move Forward Party in Thailand, was confronted by current and former global leaders who sought clarity on the state of political justice in his country. The ALC is an annual event organised by Chosunilbo, South Korea’s largest daily news media outlet. This year’s conference is themed “The Era of Hyper-Uncertainty; Innovative Leadership for the New Future,” and brings together leaders to discuss pressing issues faced by Asia and the broader world. Pita gave his views on several global matters, including the political scenario in Thailand. Notably, today marks the 10th anniversary of the 2014 coup, led by then-army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha, which overthrew the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra. However, the discussion quickly turned to the Thai judicial process, especially concerning political dissenters. Global leaders questioned Pita about the treatment of young political activists held in pre-trial detention. The case of Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom, a Thai woman activist who died after a 110-day hunger strike to protest against being denied bail, was highlighted. Additionally, activists Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanond, 22, and three others continue their hunger strikes, demanding bail and improved judicial fairness in Thailand. Among those attending the conference were Yoon Suk Yoel, President of South Korea, Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister of Finland, Mike Pompeo, former US Secretary of State, and Rahm Emanuel, former White House Chief of Staff under President Obama and current Ambassador to Japan. Their presence underscored the global importance of the issues being discussed. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Fears for a Thai woman gone missing in Switzerland with a US man with sinister past by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Concern for a Thai Woman missing in Switzerland with an American boyfriend with a sinister past. Nantiwa ‘Noon’ Saejiw vanished after moving to Switzerland. She announced she was getting married and going to live in the United States. Family anxious due to US man’s criminal history and an absence of contact from her since April 27th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327913-fears-for-a-thai-woman-gone-missing-in-switzerland-with-a-us-man-with-sinister-past/

Concern for a Thai Woman missing in Switzerland with an American boyfriend with a sinister past. Nantiwa ‘Noon’ Saejiw vanished after moving to Switzerland. She announced she was getting married and going to live in the United States. Family anxious due to US man’s criminal history and an absence of contact from her since April 27th. Concern for a Thai Woman missing in Switzerland with an American boyfriend with a sinister past. Nantiwa ‘Noon’ Saejiw vanished after moving to Switzerland. She previously announced she was getting married and going to live in the United States. The family is anxious due to the US man’s history and an absence of contact since April 27th. A concerned Thai family has filed a missing persons report in Switzerland relating to a 32-year-old woman who has not been heard from since April 27th. Nantiwa Saejiw, known by her nickname ‘Noon,’ left Thailand just days after meeting a new American boyfriend from a dating app at the end of March. Noon’s family have been made particularly anxious by reports of previous criminal charges against the US man. The Thai Embassy in Switzerland has become involved in a search for a missing 32-year-old Thai woman. Nantiwa Saejiw, or ‘Noon,’ previously left her home in Thailand on March 28th. She went to meet an American she had gotten to know on a dating app. However, three days later, ‘Noon’ told her family that she was preparing to get married and would live in the United States. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

58 injured Singapore Airlines passengers still in Bangkok hospitals 58 of the passengers injured when Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 encountered severe turbulence en route from London to Singapore yesterday are still being treated in hospital, including 20 who are in intensive care units (ICU), according to a statement from Bangkok’s Samitivej Srinagarind Hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327912-58-injured-singapore-airlines-passengers-still-in-bangkok-hospitals/

58 of the passengers injured when Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 encountered severe turbulence en route from London to Singapore yesterday are still being treated in hospital, including 20 who are in intensive care units (ICU), according to a statement from Bangkok’s Samitivej Srinagarind Hospital. Yesterday, 103 passengers were taken to Samitivej Srinagarind, Samitivej Sukhumvit and Bangkok hospitals and the Samitivej Suvarnabhumi Clinic, 27 of whom have already been discharged. Nine injured passengers required urgent surgery at Samitivej Srinagarind Hospital and their conditions are now stable. Five more are undergoing surgical procedures at the same hospital today. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 23 May 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1327911-thailand-live-thursday-23-may-2024/

Phuket jet ski tragedy casts shadow over British man’s holiday Picture courtesy of Arenda-Yacht A British man’s paradise holiday in Phuket tragically turned to gloom for his family when he lost his life in a jet ski crash earlier this month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327889-phuket-jet-ski-tragedy-casts-shadow-over-british-man’s-holiday/

A man from Britain died in a motorbike accident late-night on May 21, 2024, in Pattaya. Witnesses report that he had a dispute with another driver while in a heavy downpour before meeting his untimely demise. Motorcycle Accident in Pattaya Claims Life of a British Man Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327893-motorcycle-accident-in-pattaya-claims-life-of-a-british-man/ Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News

NBTC rings changes: Task force to dial down online banking scams by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of The Star The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has established a working group to enforce a new policy aimed at preventing online scams targeting mobile banking users. This policy mandates that the name used to register a mobile phone SIM card must match the name of the bank account holder connected to the internet via that SIM card. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327877-nbtc-rings-changes-task-force-to-dial-down-online-banking-scams/

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has established a working group to enforce a new policy aimed at preventing online scams targeting mobile banking users. This policy mandates that the name used to register a mobile phone SIM card must match the name of the bank account holder connected to the internet via that SIM card. This policy had been approved by the NBTC and now, the newly formed team includes representatives from the NBTC, Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), Bank of Thailand, Thai Bankers’ Association, mobile phone network operators, and other relevant state agencies. The working group will see banks collecting information regarding ID or passport numbers and mobile numbers of individuals who have registered for mobile banking services. According to Police General Nathathorn Prousoontorn, commissioner of the NBTC, this data will then be provided to Amlo in an encoded format for use and sharing with the NBTC. “The NBTC will manage the mobile banking customer database held by mobile networks and verify whether the users match the individuals registered for the mobile phone number linked to the transaction service.” Verification results will be sent back to the banks, which will in turn ask their customers to comply with the new rule to continue using mobile banking services. Exceptions will be made in specific cases, such as when individuals use their name to register for mobile banking and phone services on behalf of their young children or elderly parents. In another announcement, the NBTC revealed that up to 2.13 million SIM cards were cancelled after the deadline for individuals who had registered 101 or more SIM cards to identify themselves in person to the NBTC lapsed yesterday. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of The Star Full story: The Thaiger 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Koh Samui’s new cruise terminal project anchors big investors by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that Koh Samui’s ambitious new cruise terminal project has drawn substantial interest from investors both locally and internationally. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327875-koh-samui’s-new-cruise-terminal-project-anchors-big-investors/

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that Koh Samui’s ambitious new cruise terminal project has drawn substantial interest from investors both locally and internationally. The Ministry of Transport plans to review the outcomes of a feasibility study into the project’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment model before submitting it to the cabinet for approval. Manaporn provided an update on the project’s progress, emphasising the involvement of the Marine Department in conducting the study and analysis report. Following the review, the project will be proposed to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) for consideration. The goal is to secure Cabinet approval by September, allowing the process of selecting private partners to commence. An Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA), which will take approximately 18 months, will follow this approval. Construction is slated to begin in 2029, with the project expected to be operational by 2031. Initial market feedback has shown interest from at least three private investors. These include two domestic firms: Bangkok Airways Plc, which manages Samui Airport, and a business group from Phuket and Koh Samui. Additionally, a Japanese shipping line operator has expressed interest. The PPP study identified a 47-rai plot of land near Laem Hin Khom in tambon Taling Ngam as the optimal location for the cruise terminal. This includes 15 rai of onshore land, 10 rai of which is owned by the Department of Forestry. PPP investment Recent negotiations regarding the use of this land have been successful. The remaining five rai are privately owned and could be acquired through expropriation or further negotiations for a PPP investment. The offshore area, spanning more than 32 rai, will feature a suspension bridge connecting the passenger terminal to a tourist centre and service building. The project will require an investment of approximately 12.17 billion baht. It will include a 7,200 square metre passenger terminal capable of accommodating 1,200 passengers per hour and a cruise terminal designed to host two cruise ships, each with up to 4,000 passengers, simultaneously. The terminal will also be able to accommodate 120 cruises per year, 80 yachts, and six ferries at any given time. Manaporn highlighted the economic benefits of the project, noting that tourists on cruises are expected to spend around 5,000 baht each while in the country. The project is anticipated to generate a total revenue of 8.5 billion baht. “This initiative is expected to significantly boost the local economy and enhance Koh Samui’s status as a premier tourist destination.” The completion of the cruise terminal will mark a major milestone in Koh Samui’s development, promising to attract more tourists and investment to the island. As the project progresses, more details and updates will likely emerge, keeping both investors and the public informed. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Passengers of air turbulence-hit flight arrive in Singapore Passengers who were on a flight that was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok yesterday afternoon after encountering severe air turbulence arrived at Changi Airport in Singapore this morning, with almost all briskly escorted out of the baggage collection area by Singapore Airlines staff. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327867-passengers-of-air-turbulence-hit-flight-arrive-in-singapore/

Passengers who were on a flight that was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok yesterday afternoon after encountering severe air turbulence arrived at Changi Airport in Singapore this morning, with almost all briskly escorted out of the baggage collection area by Singapore Airlines staff. The Straits Times reported that there were hugs and some tears as they reunited with worried family members and loved ones, and airport staff or personnel wearing Singapore Airlines vests ushered them to the arrival pick-up point. Their uneventful departure from the airport was a stark contrast to the ordeal that the passengers had experienced the day before, when SQ321 experienced sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin about 10 hours after departing from London. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM Srettha scrambles to address economic woes by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called an urgent meeting with his economic ministers next Monday in a bid to tackle Thailand’s sluggish economic growth. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327866-pm-srettha-scrambles-to-address-economic-woes/

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called an urgent meeting with his economic ministers next Monday in a bid to tackle Thailand’s sluggish economic growth. This move comes after a dismal first-quarter GDP report, which has sent shockwaves through the government and the public alike. In a Twitter post last night, the 62 year old Thai prime minister announced that he will chair an unofficial meeting of economic ministers next Monday upon his return to Bangkok. This emergency session was prompted by the National Economic and Development Council’s (NESDC) report that the economy grew by only 1.5% year-on-year in the first quarter. The NESDC has also revised the annual growth forecast down to 2.5% from the previously projected 2.7%, citing escalating trade tensions between the United States and China as significant factors. This sluggish growth places Thailand behind six other ASEAN members. The Philippines and Vietnam are leading with impressive growth rates of 5.7%, followed by Indonesia at 5.1%, Malaysia at 4.2%, and Singapore at 2.7%. The Bangkok-born Srettha is currently in Italy, wrapping up a three-country tour that included visits to France and Japan, reported Bangkok Post. He is expected to arrive in Japan tomorrow, where he will stay until Friday before heading back to Bangkok. In related news, the Thai PM met with Intesa Sanpaolo, a leading international financial institution in Milan to discuss funding for Thailand’s Land Bridge project. The bank is aware of the Thai government’s plans to expand Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports and showed keen interest, hinting at future detailed discussions. The prime minister also revealed that Intesa Sanpaolo is enthusiastic about green bonds, aligning with Thailand’s policy to issue bonds worth US$1 billion (approximately 36 billion baht) in July. In other news, Srettha remains resolute amid an ethics complaint that could see him suspended. While on an official visit to Italy on Sunday, PM Srettha addressed the brewing controversy. A group of acting senators filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court, accusing him of violating the code of ethics in his recent appointment of PM’s Office Minister Pichit Chuenban. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Authority Unveils Strategy to Support 39M Tourists by 2024 Picture courtesy: Bangkokbiz news The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to increase tourism revenue to 3.5 trillion baht in 2024, targeting 39 million international tourists. To achieve this, the TAT is seeking an increased budget for collaborations with airlines, new flight paths, and streamlined tourist influx. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327865-thai-authority-unveils-strategy-to-support-39m-tourists-by-2024/

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to increase tourism revenue to 3.5 trillion baht in 2024, targeting 39 million international tourists. To achieve this, the TAT is seeking an increased budget for collaborations with airlines, new flight paths, and streamlined tourist influx. This "Airline Focus strategy" is vital in a post-Covid-19 era to revive Thailand's tourism industry. TAT’s Deputy Governor, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, stressed the importance of extra funding for joint ventures with airlines and stakeholders. He expects the recovery trend among airlines to peak from late 2024 to early 2025 and plans to encourage airlines through joint performance targets to initiate flights to Thailand. Initial funding is key for these collaborations. Once profitable routes are established, airlines can operate independently, reducing the need for further backing. Despite past budgetary constraints, TAT has achieved tourism growth through successful collaborations with private-sector partners and other agencies. TAT aims for global travellers from long-distance markets, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, to make up 30% of all international tourists and 40% of total foreign tourism revenue in 2024. The pandemic has caused a significant shift in travel dynamics. In 2021, 77% of visitors to Thailand came from long-haul destinations, a dramatic increase from 23% in 2019. In the future, Siripakorn announced plans for new flight schedules for summer and winter of 2024. Summer 2024 is expected to see a 28% increase in the number of scheduled flights to Thailand compared to 2023. Picture courtesy: Bangkokbiz news -- 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin Shinawatra’s Influence Revives Political Cynicism in Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra. File photo courtesy: Thai PBS Thaksin Shinawatra's return to the political spotlight reveals significant ramifications for Thailand’s already tumultuous political landscape. The former prime minister, recently rehabilitated and freed from a short stint of detention, is making waves, casting a long shadow over the nation's politics. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327864-thaksin-shinawatra’s-influence-revives-political-cynicism-in-thailand/

Thaksin Shinawatra. File photo courtesy: Thai PBS Thaksin Shinawatra's return to the political spotlight reveals significant ramifications for Thailand’s already tumultuous political landscape. The former prime minister, recently rehabilitated and freed from a short stint of detention, is making waves, casting a long shadow over the nation's politics. Thaksin Shinawatra, the linchpin of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, returned from self-imposed exile with much fanfare. Barely out of confinement, his immediate engagement with political allies and business magnates across key provinces has raised eyebrows. His actions starkly manifest a perceived erosion of institutional justice and a flagrant disregard for ethical norms. One key thing about Thaksin's return to power is how openly he shows his influence. His quick comeback and fast release from custody have led people to think that the Thai justice system might be unfairly in his favor. This has made many people doubtful and upset, contributing to a growing belief that you can't really trust political leaders anymore. Thaksin’s assertiveness extends beyond national borders. His meetings with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, along with engagement with conflict factions in Myanmar, position him as an unofficial but potent actor in regional politics. These manoeuvres complicate Thailand's official foreign policy and raise concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the sidelining of formal diplomatic channels. Domestically, Thaksin's influence impacts economic stewardship. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and others in Pheu Thai have publicly criticized the Bank of Thailand's (BOT) independence, calling it an "obstacle" to resolving economic woes. This challenges global norms that advocate for central bank autonomy to ensure long-term economic stability. Their rhetoric pressures the BOT to align with governmental policies, fueling further political and financial uncertainty. In summary, Thaksin’s comeback has intensified political discord, questioning the stability and fairness of Thai institutions. His overt and covert actions continue to polarise opinions, making Thailand's path to political and economic stability increasingly fraught. -- 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

ANALYSIS New school year, same old story: Thailand’s education system ‘stuck in the past’ Students returned to school for the new academic year last week – but most found that little had changed in Thailand’s subpar education system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327862-new-school-year-same-old-story-thailand’s-education-system-‘stuck-in-the-past’/

Students returned to school for the new academic year last week – but most found that little had changed in Thailand’s subpar education system. “Thailand’s education is still stuck in the 2.0 era instead of stepping into the 5.0 era,” prominent educator Assoc Prof Dr Sompong Jitradub commented at the start of the 2024 academic year. He said the country’s much-hyped educational reforms were mostly physical and focused on things like buildings, cleaner toilets, the hiring of school janitors and administrative staff, as well as higher pay for teachers. But reforms tackling the essence of education have simply not materialized, he added. That view is backed by the latest Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), in which Thai children’s academic performance was the lowest since the country joined the program in the early 2000s. Thai kids scored an average of less than 50% in all subjects assessed by PISA, which is run by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). ‘No progress’ under current government Sompong said the current government has made no real progress since announcing its policy statement eight months ago. There has neither been real educational reform nor a significant reduction of longstanding educational inequality, he said. For decades, the performance of rural schools in Thailand has significantly lagged behind their urban counterparts. “From what I’ve observed, the government has merely been repairing the current education system. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 22 May 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327859-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-22-may-2024/