webfact

President-elect Donald Trump speaks at AmericaFest, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Phoenix. Rick Scuteri/AP President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will direct the Department of Justice to “vigorously pursue the death penalty” after President Joe Biden on Monday commuted the death sentences of 37 federal inmates to life in prison. “As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters. We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, echoing his long-standing advocacy for use of the death penalty, which was part of his tough-on-crime rhetoric during the 2024 campaign. After Biden’s commutation of most federal death row inmates – which Trump on Truth Social said “makes no sense” – there will be just three individuals in federal prison facing the death penalty when the president-elect takes office in January. Full story: CNN -- 2024-12-26

Escapee Drew Johnson was captured on Wednesday in an area near the South Mississippi Correctional Institution. Mississippi Department of Corrections (CNN) A convicted murderer who escaped from a Mississippi state prison on Christmas Eve was captured Wednesday, according to a Mississippi Department of Corrections post on Facebook. Drew Johnson was captured in an area near the prison, the post said. Sentenced to life in prison on Valentine’s Day in 2022, Johnson managed to escape from Mississippi’s newest state prison in Greene County nearly three years later on Christmas Eve, according to the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Authorities in Mississippi had described Johnson as “desperate” and “very very dangerous.” Full story: CNN -- 2024-12-26

By Tareq El Hilou, Eyad Kourdi, Ibrahim Dahman, Abeer Salman and Sana Noor Haq, CNN (CNN) A newborn baby froze to death in a tent encampment in Al-Mawasi, in southern Gaza, on Wednesday, highlighting the stark challenges to survival faced by Palestinian children displaced from their homes amid Israel’s ongoing assault on the strip. Sela Mahmoud Al-Fasih “froze to death from the extreme cold” in Al-Mawasi, Dr. Munir Al-Bursh, the director general of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, posted on X on Wednesday. In the past 48 hours, Al-Fasih and at least two other infants – a three-day-old and a one-month-old – have died from low temperatures and a lack of access to warm shelter, Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, the head of pediatrics and obstetrics at Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis, told CNN. Full story: BBC -- 2024-12-26

Many Kyiv residents sheltered in metro stations// Reuters Sofia Ferreira Santos in London and Will Vernon in Kyiv BBC News Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia made a "conscious choice" by launching a major attack on his country's energy infrastructure on Christmas Day. Ukraine's air force said it had detected 184 missiles and drones, but many were shot down or missed their targets. It said there were casualties from the strikes but gave no figures. Moscow confirmed the attack and said its goal had been achieved. Full story: BBC -- 2024-12-26

Sofia Ferreira Santos & Konul Khalilova BBC News Dozens of people have died after a passenger plane crashed with 69 people on board in Kazakhstan, local officials say. Kazakh authorities said 38 people were killed in the crash, while the remainder survived. Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 caught fire as it attempted to make an emergency landing near the Kazakh city of Aktau. The plane was en route to Grozny in Russia but it was diverted due to fog, the airline told the BBC. Footage shows the aircraft heading towards the ground at high speed with its landing gear down, before bursting into flames as it lands. Full story: BBC -- 2024-12-26

Council of State Declares Kittiratt Unqualified as BOT Board Chairman Picture courtesy: Naew Na In a recent development that has raised eyebrows across Thailand's financial and political sectors, the Council of State has ruled Kittiratt Na-Ranong unsuitable to serve as board chairman of the Bank of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347108-council-of-state-declares-kittiratt-unqualified-as-bot-board-chairman/

Picture courtesy: Naew Na In a recent development that has raised eyebrows across Thailand's financial and political sectors, the Council of State has ruled Kittiratt Na-Ranong unqualified to serve as board chairman of the Bank of Thailand. The decision comes amidst concerns regarding his previous role as an advisor to former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a position deemed political, despite Kittiratt reportedly not receiving any remuneration. The announcement relayed by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has thrown the Ministry into a search for a new candidate to assume one of the nation’s pivotal financial oversight roles. Until a suitable replacement is found, Paramethi Wimonsiri, whose term as chairman concluded on 11 September, will continue to serve in an acting capacity. Kittiratt’s nomination, supported by a selection committee led by former Finance Secretary Sathit Limpongpan, initially positioned him as the preferred candidate. However, this sudden turn of events underscores the delicate balance between political association and institutional independence within the Thai government’s financial sectors. The disqualification has garnered a response from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who implied that the procedural integrity must be maintained, though refraining from delving into specifics. This reserved stance reflects the gravity with which the Thai leadership is treating the situation, understanding the critical implications for both policy stability and public confidence. The nomination drawn from Kittiratt’s extensive background was met with strong dissent from various academia and former employees within the Central Bank. Among the vocal critics were four previous governors, underscoring fears that his close ties with the Pheu Thai party could be perceived as compromising the Bank’s essential autonomy. They argue that the central bank’s independence is vital for unbiased monetary policy decisions, which would be at risk should politically affiliated figures assume control. This unstable situation not only places Kittiratt under a harsh public spotlight but also puts into focus the often intricate web of influence between Thailand’s political apparatus and financial institutions. With this decision, the Council of State has aimed to reiterate the importance of ensuring those in pivotal financial positions are beyond the shadow of political influence, safeguarding the nation’s economic integrity. In the wake of these developments, the Ministry of Finance faces mounting pressure to identify a chairman who can assure both competency and neutrality, reported Thai PBS. -- 2024-12-25

Foreign man assaults Pattaya transwoman over noise dispute by Petch Petpailin Photo via YouTube/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 A foreign man physically assaulted a Thai transwoman on Sunday, December 22, following an alleged dispute over a loud noise caused by the victim in an apartment in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347025-foreign-man-assaults-pattaya-transwoman-over-noise-dispute/

Photo via YouTube/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 by Petch Petpailin A foreign man physically assaulted a Thai transwoman on Sunday, December 22, following an alleged dispute over a loud noise caused by the victim in an apartment in Pattaya. A group of Thai transwomen alerted officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station to the apartment on Pattaya Sai 3 Road, Banglamung district after one of their friends was assaulted. Police arrived at the scene accompanied by Sawang Borribun Dhammastan Pattaya Foundation rescuers. Upon arrival, officers found the group gathered around their injured friend, 30 year old Em, who sustained bruises during the altercation. She requested to be taken to the hospital for a medical examination. The foreign attacker was not present at the scene. According to Em, the attacker returned to his room following the assault. The victim’s friend, Bew, revealed that a group of Indian tourists hired them to work as party entertainers at the apartment. While waiting to receive their payment, the group became loud due to intoxication, which angered the foreign resident living nearby. The foreign man reportedly left his room and engaged in a heated argument with Em. Bew rerecorded the encounter as evidence of the assault, she stated. Photo via Channel 8 The video allegedly shows the foreigner approaching Em and instructing her to lower her voice before suddenly pushing her to the ground with force. Channel 8 reported that the apartment management did not permit rescuers to enter the premises to provide first aid to the injured transwoman, forcing her to walk outside to receive treatment. The management also downplayed the incident, claiming it was not serious as Em only sustained minor injuries. Photo via Channel 8 The foreign attacker refused to speak to the media and remained in his apartment following the incident. No legal charges have yet been reported against him. Under Section 295 of the Criminal Code, if convicted, the attacker could face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both for physically assaulting another person. In a related story, a Thai transwoman and a foreign man got into a physical altercation at a hotel in Phuket last month. The foreigner initially hired the transsexual to spend time with him at the hotel, thinking she was a woman. After discovering her true gender, the foreigner refused to provide the service and also refused to compensate her for wasting her time as she requested, leading to the altercation. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-24

Phuket’s traffic revolution: New roads to transform island travel by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Phuket News Phuket is gearing up for a major infrastructure facelift with a slew of secondary road developments aimed at easing traffic woes and boosting tourism. Officials unveiled the ambitious plan at a press conference chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanarat at Provincial Hall on Friday, December 20, showcasing a roadmap for smoother travel and economic growth. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347022-phuket’s-traffic-revolution-new-roads-to-transform-island-travel/

Photo courtesy of The Phuket News by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Phuket is gearing up for a major infrastructure facelift with a slew of secondary road developments aimed at easing traffic woes and boosting tourism. Officials unveiled the ambitious plan at a press conference chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanarat at Provincial Hall on Friday, December 20, showcasing a roadmap for smoother travel and economic growth. Jakkrapong Thamuntree, Director of Phuket’s Department of Rural Roads (DRR), revealed that 20 rural roads spanning 126 kilometres(km) have been earmarked for upgrades under the Phuket Provincial Development Plan. These projects promise better access to top tourist destinations, piers, and local landmarks. “The initiative will improve convenience, speed, and safety for travellers, elevate road safety standards, and reinforce Phuket’s reputation as a premier international tourist destination.” Key projects include: Rural Road 4018 (13.2km): Links to Nai Thon, Banana, and Layan Beaches. Rural Road 4055 (2.9km): Connects to Patong Beach and Bangla Walking Street. Rural Road 4038 (7.8km): Leads to Bang Wad Dam. Rural Road 3030 (10.6km): Enhances travel from the airport to Patong via Baan Kathu. Rural Road 4027 (2.5km): Access to Nai Yang National Park. Rural Road 4009 (2.7km): Rawai Beach to Laem Phromthep. Pier connection roads, like Rural Road 4005 (9.5km to Laem Sai Pier), are also prioritised. This year, 190.7 million baht has been allocated for 31 projects, with an additional 136 million planned for 2025, reported The Phuket News. Governor Sophon stressed that these developments are vital for Phuket’s long-term sustainability, saying they’ll “enhance infrastructure while driving economic growth.” Photo courtesy of The Phuket News In related news, a video clip sparking safety concerns has taken social media by storm, showing a lorry missing a wheel and with a bulging tyre, driving along Thep Kasattri Road, in Thalang, Phuket. Shared by a popular local social media page, the 27-second video amassed significant attention and stirred a variety of reactions online. In other news, in a proactive move to address complaints over potentially dangerous road conditions, Pattaya City Council member Wutthithorn Saengurai inspected an ongoing road project on Sukhumvit Road near the South Pattaya intersection on November 14. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-24

NIDA Poll Reveals Public Fatigue in 2024 Picture: National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) Poll Center has released the results of its annual survey, titled “What Have You Been Tired of in 2024?” The survey, conducted from December 16 to 18, included 1,310 respondents aged 18 and above from diverse regions, educational backgrounds, occupations, and income levels across Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347018-nida-poll-reveals-public-fatigue-in-2024/

Picture: National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) BANGKOK -The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) Poll Center has released the results of its annual survey, titled “What Have You Been Tired of in 2024?” The survey, conducted from December 16 to 18, included 1,310 respondents aged 18 and above from diverse regions, educational backgrounds, occupations, and income levels across Thailand. When asked about their overall happiness, 39.92% of respondents reported feeling fairly happy, citing personal contentment, smooth work lives, and minimal obstacles. A smaller group, 18.17%, described themselves as very happy, attributing this to good health and a lack of major concerns. However, 32.52% said they were not very happy due to financial pressures from rising living costs and political uncertainties, while 9.39% stated they were not happy at all, blaming economic struggles, mounting debt, and everyday hardships. Economic challenges emerged as the dominant source of frustration for 52.14% of respondents, who cited declining income and reduced quality of life as key issues. Concerns over cybersecurity, such as scam call centers, data breaches, and online fraud, affected 28.09% of respondents. Political instability, both inside and outside Parliament, was a concern for 27.86%, while 21.60% expressed fatigue over the ongoing drug epidemic. High energy prices, environmental issues, health concerns, crime, and agricultural product prices were also cited as sources of stress by a smaller yet notable proportion of respondents. Despite these frustrations, 12.75% of respondents reported no feelings of fatigue, reflecting a sense of resilience among the public. However, societal conflicts, corruption, traffic congestion, judicial inequities, and global tensions added to the overall landscape of challenges identified in the survey (NNT). -- 2024-12-24

Thailand Plans to Cut Armed Forces, Senior Roles Halved in Overhaul FILE photo courtesy: Wikipedia Thailand is set for a strategic military overhaul as the Defence Council sanctioned a comprehensive white paper outlining plans to significantly trim the armed forces and curtail defence spending. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347016-thailand-plans-to-cut-armed-forces-senior-roles-halved-in-overhaul/

FILE photo courtesy: Wikipedia Thailand is set for a strategic military overhaul as the Defence Council sanctioned a comprehensive white paper outlining plans to significantly trim the armed forces and curtail defence spending. This initiative, reviewed at the year's last meeting under Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, paves the way for substantial organisational restructuring aimed at bolstering efficiency and aligning with national strategies. Spearheading this reform is a strategic roadmap stretching from 2026 to 2037, intending to synchronise efforts across various military departments under a single cohesive vision. "Each agency progresses in its strategic planning, but unification under a national strategy is crucial for effective downsizing," Phumtham remarked, underscoring the commitment to a streamlined military apparatus. A pivotal component of this restructuring involves the amendment of the Defence Act, originally drafted under the guidance of former defence minister Sutin Klungsang. After receiving initial feedback, this legislative piece is poised for refinement before making its way back to the Defence Council, subsequently moving to the cabinet for approval and thereafter the House for proposal. To ensure seamless execution, the Deputy Defence Minister and Defence Permanent Secretary have been tasked with overseeing the enactment of these plans. In a broader context, the council also affirmed Thailand's neutral stance on global issues, reinforcing national interests as paramount. Discussions touched upon modernising voluntary enlistment processes and amplifying disaster rescue operations, aligning defence capabilities with contemporary needs. Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Thanathip Sawangsaeng highlighted that the white paper serves as a foundational framework designed to foster improved military preparedness and internal cohesion. It will guide units in shaping their operational strategies and cultivating a deeper understanding of their roles. Already, the reduction of military personnel has begun, with a targeted 5% downscaling scheduled for completion by 2027. A significant thrust of the plan is the introduction of early retirement programmes aimed at halving the number of generals in specialist roles and officers at operational levels by 2028. This reshuffle is expected to optimise human resources, ensure mission alignment, and adapt to current threat landscapes. In response to these changes, adjustments will be made to educational intake and conscription levels to better reflect contemporary military demands. Notably, there will be a shift towards hiring voluntary recruits for combat and support roles, effectively recalibrating the composition of force personnel whilst potentially offsetting reductions in traditional military figures. These transformative steps reflect Thailand's dedication to reinforcing defence efficiency and future-readiness, establishing a balanced and resilient military stance amidst evolving regional dynamics, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-24

Suspect's Family Offers Million-Baht Bribe for Heroin Dealer's Release Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Authorities have apprehended the mother-in-law and wife of a heroin dealer in Kanchanaburi after they attempted to bribe officials with a million baht to secure his release. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347015-suspects-family-offers-million-baht-bribe-for-heroin-dealers-release/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Authorities have apprehended the mother-in-law and wife of a heroin dealer in Kanchanaburi after they attempted to bribe officials with a million baht to secure his release. On 22 December, a joint operation by Kanchanaburi's Narcotics Suppression Police, Border Patrol Police, and military intelligence successfully intercepted a heroin trafficking network. They initially arrested Wasin Tiankham, 30, and Jindaporn Yooyen, 36, for selling heroin to local youths. The couple was apprehended while delivering heroin to a customer on Saeng Chuto Road, Kanchanaburi. Police found a 350g block of heroin in their vehicle, which they admitted to owning. This led to the arrest of Anucha Muenard, 31, a major heroin distributor in the area. He was caught with 2.8kg of heroin, totalling nine blocks seized. Following Anucha's arrest, his wife, Kamolchanok, attempted to bribe officials, offering two million baht for his freedom. Acting swiftly, the police arranged a meeting. Kamolchanok arrived with her mother, Areeya, and a friend, presenting one million baht upfront and promising the remainder upon her husband's release. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Officers, equipped with video evidence, arrested the trio on the spot. Anucha was returned to custody, while Areeya and Kamolchanok face charges for bribing public officials. The friend was found not to be involved. The case proceeds under the full extent of the law. -- 2024-12-24

British Tourist Faces Charges for 'Destroying an Official Document' Picture courtesy: Siam Rath UPDATE A British tourist has found himself in hot water in Pattaya after his dramatic response to receiving a traffic ticket. Caught on camera, the man consumed the ticket issued for riding a motorbike without a helmet and licence, drinking it down in protest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347002-british-tourist-faces-charges-for-destroying-an-official-document/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath UPDATE A British tourist has found himself in hot water in Pattaya after his dramatic response to receiving a traffic ticket. Caught on camera, the man consumed the ticket issued for riding a motorbike without a helmet and licence, drinking it down in protest. His disruptive behaviour, which included playing loud music and dismissing police efforts to enforce the law, escalated into a scuffle, necessitating police reinforcements for his arrest. Following the incident, on the evening of 22 December, Pattaya Police Chief, Pol. Col. Navin Thirawit, instructed the responsible officer to formally charge the individual, identified as 34-year-old Emmanuel, with "destroying an official document". Immigration authorities had already detained him for an initial inquiry. Emmanuel had entered Thailand on a tourist visa on 10 December. Turning up at the station in a calm and subdued state, he donned a casual black vest and patterned shorts, contrasting sharply with his earlier demeanour. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Police emphasised the importance of adhering to Thai laws while advising him and reiterated their expectations for tourists and residents to comply with local regulations. The legal proceedings will continue as the authorities aim to resolve the issue while educating the tourist on acceptable conduct during his stay in Thailand, reported Siam Rath. ORIGINAL STORY: Foreign Tourist Swallows Traffic Ticket in Odd Pattaya Incident In an unusual scene in Pattaya on Saturday, a foreign visitor attempted to evade a traffic violation by swallowing his ticket. Stopped at a checkpoint outside the Pattaya police station, the shirtless man on a motorcycle was caught without a helmet or valid driving licence. When issued a traffic citation for these infractions, the visitor bizarrely ingested the ticket, washing it down with water, surprising officers and bystanders alike. Police immobilised his motorcycle by locking its front wheel, and despite his initial resistance to arrest, the man eventually agreed to enter the police station for processing. This incident sheds light on the cultural and behavioural challenges faced by Pattaya authorities, emphasising the critical need for tourists to respect local laws. While fines for such violations typically total several thousand Thai Baht, this situation highlights the ongoing struggle of ensuring effective enforcement among international visitors. Ultimately, the encounter adds to Pattaya’s trove of quirky tourist stories, reminding all of the importance of adhering to local customs and regulations. -- 2024-12-24

FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and his daughter and newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrive before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit). In an intriguing twist of tradition, Government House reporters have labelled Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration as a "dad-supported government," highlighting her perceived reliance on her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. This annual naming ritual, where reporters bestow nicknames upon political figures, also saw the Prime Minister nicknamed “Paetongphoey”, indicating her supposed dependence on prepared scripts. The “dad-supported” label stems from Thaksin Shinawatra’s influential role in Thai politics and his visible support for his daughter’s leadership. Thaksin, a former Prime Minister himself, remains a polarising yet influential figure in the nation’s political landscape. This connection has sparked discussions over the autonomy of Paetongtarn's leadership and the extent of her father's involvement in her political strategies. Responding to the moniker, Ms Paetongtarn remarked nonchalantly on Monday, acknowledging that her father imparts valuable experience and advice, which she finds beneficial. Her response was delivered with a composed smile, suggesting she takes the media spotlight in stride. Beyond familial ties, the nickname “Paetongphoey,” which plays on the Thai word for 'script', suggests that Ms Paetongtarn relies heavily on prepared speeches during official engagements. Addressing this, the Prime Minister quipped that she should rather be called “Paetongpad”, since her iPad is her go-to for notes, not paper scripts. The light-hearted banter reveals a leader at ease with public perception, and perhaps, with an appreciation for the media’s jest. Another memorable moment from the current administration, dubbed as the "quote of the year" by reporters, came when Ms Paetongtarn assured the public of her concern for flood victims in the South by stating that her husband hails from there. Her statement aimed to affirm her commitment to addressing the needs of those affected by natural disasters in the region. The annual tradition of assigning nicknames offers a candid snapshot of political sentiment and showcases the unique relationship between the media and political leaders in Thailand. While these monikers may offer a slice of jest, they also underline the continuing conversation about the dynamics within leadership and governance, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-24

PM Paetongtarn Dubbed 'Dad-Supported' by Reporters FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and his daughter and newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrive before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit). In an intriguing twist of tradition, Government House reporters have labelled Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration as a "dad-supported government," highlighting her perceived reliance on her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346974-pm-paetongtarn-dubbed-dad-supported-by-reporters/

Thai police removed after video exposes traffic fine misconduct By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Social Hunter 2022 A viral video on Thai social media led to the temporary removal of a traffic officer from the Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, for allegedly collecting traffic fines personally. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346986-thai-police-removed-after-video-exposes-traffic-fine-misconduct/

Russian Tourist, 60, Falls Victim to Gold Necklace Theft by Cunning Duo in Pattaya Picture courtesy of TMN. Police in Pattaya are investigating an incident in which a 60-year-old Russian tourist fell victim to theft after being charmed by two transgender individuals in front of a hotel in the Wongamat area of Naklua. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346955-russian-tourist-60-falls-victim-to-gold-necklace-theft-by-cunning-duo-in-pattaya/

UK & Thai Police Partner to Enhance Custody Conditions in Thailand Photo: The Thaiger In a significant step towards modernising detainee treatment, the Royal Thai Police have teamed up with the UK to revolutionise police custody conditions across Thailand. This collaboration focuses on adopting UK models to raise the quality of life and safety for those held in detention. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346980-uk-thai-police-partner-to-enhance-custody-conditions-in-thailand/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 24 December 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1346978-thailand-live-tuesday-24-december-2024/