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to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 19 September 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1338533-thailand-live-thursday-19-september-2024/

Thailand banks could be forced to share hacking costs Photo courtesy of The Nation Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong has thrown his weight behind a groundbreaking proposal that could see commercial banks sharing the financial burden when their customers’ accounts are hacked. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338504-thailand-banks-could-be-forced-to-share-hacking-costs/

Police on the picturesque island of Koh Samui swooped and shut down 21 luxury villas that were built illegally on the pristine Khao Ma Ngaen mountain, leaving foreign tenants scrambling to pack their bags. Thai police shut down 21 villas on Koh Samui, foreigners evicted Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338515-thai-police-shut-down-21-villas-on-koh-samui-foreigners-evicted/ Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Thailand allocates 3.04 billion baht for flood relief by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a request from the Ministry of Interior to allocate 3.04 billion baht (US$91 million) from the central budget to assist flood victims across the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338480-thailand-allocates-304-billion-baht-for-flood-relief/

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a request from the Ministry of Interior to allocate 3.04 billion baht (US$91 million) from the central budget to assist flood victims across the country. This decision, taken at the new Cabinet’s first weekly meeting, will provide financial relief to approximately 338,391 households affected by flooding since May, according to ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. The financial aid will range from 5,000 to 9,000 baht (US$150 to 270) per household, depending on the duration of the flooding. Households experiencing flooding for one to 30 days will receive 5,000 baht (US$150), those affected for 31 to 60 days will get 7,000 baht (US$210), and households facing floods for longer periods will be entitled to 9,000 baht (US$270), said Traisuree. “This special budget aims to offer immediate financial assistance to households severely impacted by the floods in various provinces.” Jirayu Houngsub, an adviser to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, added that households suffering over 70% flood damage will receive an additional 230,000 baht (US$6,890). The affected 57 Thailand provinces include Krabi, Kanchanaburi, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Khon Kaen, Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao, Chaiyaphum, Chon Buri, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Trang, Trat, Tak, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Bueng Kan, Prachin Buri, Ayutthaya, Phang Nga, Phayao, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Phrae, Phuket, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Mae Hong Son, Yala, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Roi Et, Lampang, Lamphun, Loei and Sisaket. Prime Minister Paetongtarn, at her first Cabinet meeting, announced the creation of a new committee to manage and mitigate the impacts of flooding, storms, and landslides. A new centre will also be established to assist victims of these natural disasters. The Thai premier emphasised the importance of engaging in serious dialogue with neighbouring countries in the Mekong River basin, including Myanmar, to enhance water management cooperation through the Greater Mekong Subregion mechanism. “We need to strengthen our cooperation with neighbouring countries to tackle water management issues effectively and prevent future flooding.” As torrential rains are expected from today to September 21, The 38 year old Thai PM revealed all relevant agencies have been instructed to ensure their disaster warning systems are functional and that residents in flood-prone areas receive timely alerts, reported Bangkok Post. The premier stressed, “It is crucial to have efficient warning systems in place to ensure the safety of our citizens during these challenging times.” by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Jirayu Houngsub to become new Thailand govt spokesperson by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Jirayu Houngsub, previously a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, is on course to become the new government spokesperson next week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338479-jirayu-houngsub-to-become-new-thailand-govt-spokesperson/

Jirayu Houngsub, previously a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, is on course to become the new government spokesperson next week. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appointed Jirayu as her public relations adviser yesterday while his credentials are further scrutinised. The screening process for political appointees intensified due to a surge in ethics-related complaints. The Pheu Thai Party and PM Paetongtarn are currently dealing with at least 12 complaints concerning appointments and other matters. Last month, the court-ordered removal of Srettha Thavisin from the premier’s position was triggered by the appointment of a Cabinet minister with a tainted record. Traditionally, police only checked the criminal records of candidates for such roles, while the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Council of State verified other qualifications. Now, additional checks are conducted by various agencies, including the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), the Constitutional Court, the Legal Execution Department, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. As the PR adviser to the premier, Jirayu will initially focus on promoting government initiatives before his official appointment as the government spokesperson, reported Bangkok Post. Yesterday, September 17, six additional individuals were appointed as advisers to the prime minister: Chaikasem Nitisiri, Yuttapong Charasathien, Suwat Liptapanlop, Songkram Kitlertphairoj, Jakkapong Sangmanee, and Thitiwat Adisornphankul. In related news, the Cabinet appointed Ansit Samphantharat as the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, effective October 1. He will succeed Suttipong Juljarern, who retired at the end of August. Ansit currently serves as the director of the Department of Provincial Administration within the ministry. His appointment came alongside the approval of Supachai Pathumnakul as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Supachai is presently the Deputy Permanent Secretary. In other news, a ruling party loyalist and critic of the central bank governor is set to be nominated as the chair of the Bank of Thailand, as the government seeks to assert influence over the institution amid ongoing disputes over interest rates. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Thai military faces renewed bribery allegations involving US firm by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Allegations of transnational bribery involving the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) have resurfaced, prompting responses from top officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged the persistent issue, stating that bribery has long plagued the military. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338478-thai-military-faces-renewed-bribery-allegations-involving-us-firm/

Allegations of transnational bribery involving the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) have resurfaced, prompting responses from top officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged the persistent issue, stating that bribery has long plagued the military. “It’s been around for a long time.” Phumtham, addressing the recent claims of kickbacks allegedly paid by a US company to the RTAF, admitted he has yet to examine the details of the latest allegations, adding that his immediate focus is on directing military relief operations for flood victims in the north and northeast regions. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has committed to investigating reports suggesting that Deere, a US-based agricultural and construction equipment firm, paid bribes to secure contracts with the RTAF, the Department of Highways (DoH), and the Department of Rural Roads. This commitment from the NACC follows Deere’s agreement to pay US$9.93 million (approximately 336 million baht) to settle charges by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The charges indicated that Deere’s Thai subsidiary, Wirtgen Thailand, bribed state agencies to win procurement contracts. The NACC highlighted that this case of international bribery is of significant public interest. The commission is actively gathering information and coordinating with the SEC to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of any officials found to have accepted bribes. RTAF chief ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul confirmed the RTAF’s awareness of the reports, noting that the alleged bribes were paid between 2019 and 2020. Yesterday, September 17, Phumtham emphasised the existence of agencies dedicated to handling corruption cases involving state officials and political office holders. The Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) deals with graft related to state officials, while the NACC addresses corruption among public office holders, reported Bangkok Post. “They must be given a free hand to do their jobs. The Defence Ministry will not interfere with the investigation process.” While addressing the broader issue of military procurement projects, Phumtham expressed uncertainty about continuing the initiatives started by his predecessor, Sutin Klungsang. He stated that procurement projects, including those for Gripen fighter jets and submarines, will be revisited after addressing the immediate flooding emergency. by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Phuket Airport skips memorial for One-Two-Go crash victims again by Bob Scott The Airports of Thailand (AoT) once again dodged the chance to hold an official memorial service in Phuket for the 90 victims of the One-Two-Go Flight OG269 disaster. This marks the 17th consecutive year that local officials have avoided organising any remembrance ceremonies for one of Thailand’s deadliest air crashes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338477-phuket-airport-skips-memorial-for-one-two-go-crash-victims-again/

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) once again dodged the chance to hold an official memorial service in Phuket for the 90 victims of the One-Two-Go Flight OG269 disaster. This marks the 17th consecutive year that local officials have avoided organising any remembrance ceremonies for one of Thailand’s deadliest air crashes. On the anniversary of the tragedy, Monchai Tanode, General Manager at Phuket International Airport, took part in World Ozone Day events and attended a meeting with the Economic and Business Research Centre at Siam Commercial Bank. The meeting covered macroeconomic research, impact analysis, and passenger growth trends at the airport. Tanode also honoured retiring staff with bouquets in a separate ceremony. The One-Two-Go Flight 269 crash occurred on September 16, 2007, during an attempted go-around after an aborted landing in heavy rain and strong crosswinds—conditions strikingly similar to those in Phuket yesterday. The McDonnell Douglas MD-82, carrying 123 passengers and seven crew members on a flight from Bangkok to Phuket, crashed into a runway embankment and erupted in flames after ground control ordered a go-around. Out of the 130 people on board, 89 died at the scene, with one survivor later succumbing to burn injuries in hospital. Forty others survived but were injured. The passengers included nationals from Thailand, the UK, France, Australia, Canada, and other countries. Following damning safety reports, budget airline One-Two-Go was shut down by its parent company, Orient Thai, on October 9, 2018, reported Phuket News. Today, September 18, local rescue worker Chukiat Ayuperm, head of the Kusoldharm Foundation Phuket’s Thepkrasattri branch and a volunteer with the Pitakkarn Foundation, shared his own tribute to the tragic event that rocked Thailand, posting photos of the rescue efforts at the scene. “I remember the chaos and devastation vividly. It’s something you can never forget.” Picture courtesy @OnDisasters Picture of the wreckage from the One-Two-Go crash courtesy of Phuket News TOP Picture courtesy of Phuket News Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Ang Thong official paid full salary for decade without working by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A local government officer in Ang Thong has reportedly received a full salary and bonuses for 10 years without ever showing up for work, due to his side job as a night-time musician. The revelations were made by the popular Facebook page, Watchdog, which often exposes irregularities in government agencies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338475-ang-thong-official-paid-full-salary-for-decade-without-working/

A local government officer in Ang Thong has reportedly received a full salary and bonuses for 10 years without ever showing up for work, due to his side job as a night-time musician. The revelations were made by the popular Facebook page, Watchdog, which often exposes irregularities in government agencies. A local official in Ang Thong, holding the position of a Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Officer, has not been attending work for roughly a decade. Instead, he has been performing as a singer at a night-time restaurant, which leaves him too tired to work during the day. Despite his absenteeism, he has continued to receive his full salary and bonuses. Occasionally, the official would appear at the local government office only when summoned by the mayor, who would instruct the department head to call him in for a reprimand and to sign documents retroactively. This measure was ostensibly to avoid scrutiny. The timing of these appearances was irregular. He would sometimes show up, sign the necessary documents, and then disappear again without facing any penalties or consequences. The online community has reacted strongly to the post, with many commenting that such cases are not surprising. Numerous people expressed their belief that this is just one of many similar instances occurring throughout the country. The post has sparked a significant discussion about the integrity and efficiency of local government operations. Many netizens have voiced their concerns over the lack of accountability and the apparent ease with which such misconduct can go unchecked, reported KhaoSod. This case sheds light on a troubling aspect of local government administration, where public servants can potentially exploit the system without facing repercussions. It also raises questions about the oversight mechanisms in place and whether they are sufficient to prevent such abuses. In related news, a Thai family in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima accused their government official neighbour of six years of anti-social harassment. The allegations include throwing glass bottles and rubbish at the family and attempting to physically attack a family member. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Foreign Tourists Caught in Intimate Acts on Tuk-Tuk During Traffic Jam Picture courtesy: MGR online Phuket – Two foreign couples were caught engaging in intimate behavior on a tuk-tuk near Patong Beach, Phuket, during a traffic jam caused by heavy rain. The tourists appeared unfazed by onlookers as they openly displayed their affection. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338472-foreign-tourists-caught-in-intimate-acts-on-tuk-tuk-during-traffic-jam/

Picture courtesy: MGR online Phuket – Two foreign couples were caught engaging in intimate behavior on a tuk-tuk near Patong Beach, Phuket, during a traffic jam caused by heavy rain. The tourists appeared unfazed by onlookers as they openly displayed their affection. On the morning of September 17, 2024, a 40-second video clip was shared across various social media platforms and chat groups in Phuket. The clip was filmed from a car following a red tuk-tuk driving along the roads near Patong Beach in Kathu district during a downpour that caused severe traffic congestion. In the video, a woman is seen sitting on the lap of a foreign man, appearing to be partially undressed, with little regard for passersby. Another foreign man can be seen assisting with the positioning before sitting across from the couple and embracing the woman beside him. The clip captures two couples openly engaging in intimate behavior, seemingly indifferent to people walking by, as the tuk-tuk slowly moved forward in the traffic. Picture courtesy: MGR online Picture courtesy: MGR online After the video was shared, it quickly garnered numerous reactions online. Many comments expressed concern, with remarks such as, "Patong is a place with no rules" and "Do foreigners really think they can do anything here?" TOP Picture courtesy: MGR online -- 2024-09-18

Thai man dies after enduring harassment from illegal chicken farm (video) by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A Thai father’s accumulated stress led to his death following persistent threats and harassment from a nearby chicken farm , leaving a community devastated. The farm's operations, which were found to be illegal and improperly managed, caused significant distress to locals due to the foul odours and noise. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338469-thai-man-dies-after-enduring-harassment-from-illegal-chicken-farm-video/

THAILAND - A Thai father’s accumulated stress led to his death following persistent threats and harassment from a nearby chicken farm , leaving a community devastated. The farm's operations, which were found to be illegal and improperly managed, caused significant distress to locals due to the foul odours and noise. Yesterday, September 16, a TikTok user, @mamiew345 , shared a post detailing the hardships faced due to a chicken farm's activities. The account highlighted the harrowing experience her father endured, which culminated in his untimely death. “If we had known earlier, things might have been different because my father was a very gentle person who suffered from this harassment.” The TikTok user revealed that her father had been living in the area for over a year after purchasing the property and building a house. Approximately five to six months prior, her father requested help to have a door blocked and an exit redirected. This raised suspicions, especially since a persistent foul smell was noticeable every time she visited. The woman's father eventually disclosed that the odour came from a chicken farm located nearby. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Terrifying Encounter: Hospital Maid Saved After Being Attacked by a Python On the night of September 17, 2024, in Samut Prakan, a 64-year-old hospital maid experienced a near-death encounter with a massive python while washing dishes behind her rented home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338467-terrifying-encounter hospital-maid-saved-after-being-attacked-by-a-python/

On the night of September 17, 2024, in Samut Prakan, a 64-year-old hospital maid experienced a near-death encounter with a massive python while washing dishes behind her rented home. The woman, Ms. Arom, had just finished dinner and was tending to chores at around 8:30 PM when she suddenly felt a sharp bite on her thigh. Initially thinking it was a monitor lizard, she looked down to discover a giant python, more than 4 meters long, coiling itself around her. Terrified, Ms. Arom attempted to pull the snake off by grabbing its head, but the python’s grip tightened, causing her to fall to the ground. Despite struggling for over two hours, she was unable to free herself. Alone and in pain, she began shouting for help. Fearing for her life, she believed she wouldn’t survive the ordeal, thinking she would become the snake's next meal. Luckily, a passerby eventually heard her screams and immediately called the police and rescue services. Officers from Phra Samut Chedi Police Station, along with rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, quickly arrived on the scene. Finding the door locked from the inside, the team had to force their way in. To their horror, they found Ms. Arom barely conscious, tightly constricted by the python. After 30 intense minutes of working to free her, the team managed to release the snake’s grip, but it quickly escaped into the nearby swamp. Ms. Arom was rushed to the hospital, suffering from multiple bite wounds on her thigh, but she survived. The quick response of the police and rescue workers undoubtedly saved her life from what could have been a fatal incident. -- 2024-09-18

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 18 September 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338464-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-18-september-2024/

NEWS - 18-September.mp4 The government has approved a diversion of over 3 billion baht from the central budget to provide financial aid to flood victims. The relief fund is aimed at assisting around 338,000 households across 57 provinces impacted by flooding since May, with payments ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 baht per household. An adviser to the Prime Minister stated that households with more than 70% flood damage would receive an additional 230,000 baht. The cabinet yesterday agreed to extend the current rate of VAT at 7% until September 30th next year. There had been speculation it may rise to 11 percent. Police arrested a 62-year-old woman in Samut Prakan for human trafficking after over a decade on the run, the last of five suspects in the case that provided forced labor on fishing boats, A Thai-African victim had filed a complaint in 2012, after being promised high wages, he was later thrown overboard and rescued by a vietnamese boat. Consumer Protection Police raided three warehouses in Bangkok and uncovered storage for electric plug-in mosquito repellents imported from China. Over 7,300 items, valued at more than 2.5 million baht, were seized as they contained hazardous substances. The products were being sold in bulk on various online platforms, priced between 10 and 20 baht per bottle. Across the region Myanmar's military government has ramped up killings and arrests in an apparent bid to silence opponents and recruit soldiers, with tens of thousands detained since the 2021 coup, according to a U.N. report released yesterday. Vietnam is preparing for more flooding with another tropical storm heading towards its central coast, just days after typhoon Yagi set off floods and landslides that killed more than 290 people in the north. Todays Weather The latest storm is set to track west bringing torrential rain into north east Thailand on Friday and the north over the weekend. Chiang Mai and the north: Thundershowers 31C degrees celsius Bangkok: torrential rain and Thunderstorms 34 Pattaya: Thunderstorms 29 Phuket and the south: Thunderstorms 28C Hua Hin: cloudy with thundershowers 31C 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 2024-09-18 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5

Dog's Loud Barking Drives Neighbour to Shoot Woman Next Door Picture courtesy: Daily News A night disturbed by loud dog barking in a quiet neighbourhood escalated dramatically, leading to gunfire and injury. An ongoing dispute between two neighbours over a noisy dog has culminated in a serious, violent incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338462-dogs-loud-barking-drives-neighbour-to-shoot-woman-next-door/

A night disturbed by loud dog barking in a quiet neighbourhood escalated dramatically, leading to gunfire and injury. An ongoing dispute between two neighbours over a noisy dog has culminated in a serious, violent incident. On the evening of September 17, around 7:06 PM, officers at Nong Prue Police Station received an urgent report of a shooting in Soi Bun Samphan 17, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Police, led by Pol. Lt. Charnchai Sanguansaksri, promptly arrived at the scene. The victim, 41-year-old Mr. Wanit Sueasingh, a maintenance worker at a local home, had been shot in the right thigh. The origin of the dispute lay in the persistent loud barking of his neighbour's dog, which had significantly disturbed his sleep. Over time, the issue had led to several heated exchanges between him and 47-year-old Ms. Siwaporn. The incident reached its peak when, during another argument about the dog’s barking, Ms. Siwaporn was trimming a tree in her garden. Mr. Wanit confronted her, frustrated and tired. According to his account, Ms. Siwaporn retaliated by throwing a potted plant at his door, followed by firing a gunshot which hit him. As Mr. Wanit lay injured, emergency responders provided him with first aid and transported him to the hospital. Ms. Siwaporn was quickly detained by the police. They discovered a .32 caliber revolver with two spent bullets, indicating recent use. Ms. Siwaporn confessed to the shooting, citing the long-standing disputes and claiming that Mr. Wanit had provoked her by tossing a plant pot earlier in the day. Pol. Lt. Chanchaloay, leading the investigation, has taken Ms. Siwaporn into custody and confiscated the weapon. Authorities will proceed with a thorough inquiry, including questioning Mr. Wanit once he is in a stable condition, and reviewing CCTV footage to gather all necessary evidence for the case. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-09-18

PM Paetongtarn Faces Threat with Impeachment Over Cabinet Pick Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing increased vulnerability to an impeachment lawsuit filed against her. The lawsuit accuses her of breaching political ethics by appointing an allegedly corrupt individual as a minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338454-pm-paetongtarn-faces-threat-with-impeachment-over-cabinet-pick/

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing increased vulnerability to an impeachment lawsuit filed against her. The lawsuit accuses her of breaching political ethics by appointing an allegedly corrupt individual as a minister. This move could have serious implications for her position, given the political history and recent events in Thailand's political landscape. Ruangkrai Leekitwatana filed the lawsuit to the Constitutional Court via the Election Commission, highlighting Paetongtarn's nomination of Surapong Piyachote as deputy transport minister in her cabinet. Surapong has a contentious past, having been accused of involvement in vote-buying activities during his run for head of the Kanchanaburi provincial administration four years ago. Key figures within the Pheu Thai party express concern that Paetongtarn, daughter of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, might end up being judged guilty by the court. This could potentially result in her impeachment and removal from office, echoing the fate of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, who was ousted under a similar lawsuit. Surapong had earlier held the same ministerial seat under the former prime minister, raising questions of consistency in the legal and ethical evaluation by Thailand's Constitutional Court. The court had previously ruled on former prime minister’s dishonesty and lack of ethics in the appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a convicted lawyer. This ruling could set a precedent for the current case against Paetongtarn. In addition to this lawsuit, other accusations loom over Paetongtarn. Many claim that her father, Thaksin, unlawfully orchestrated political moves within the Pheu Thai party and among its coalition partners. Allegations include his influence in securing his daughter’s nomination during a clandestine meeting following Srettha’s removal, reported Thai Newsroom. Thaksin's controversial return from self-exile last year and his favourable treatment during a prison sentence add further complexities. He allegedly played a significant role in reshaping the coalition government, leading to whispers of continued behind-the-scenes manipulation. The political future of Paetongtarn remains uncertain, with potential ramifications not just for her but for the entire nation’s political stability. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath -- 2024-09-18