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Corruption Allegations Loom Over Phuket Airport Staff
Corruption in Phuket? Please, for the love of all that you hold dear to you, say it isn't so. -
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What's your favourite milk to put in coffee?
Is not milk I take it you haven't seen the YouTube of the guy milking almonds and their incredibly small nipples? -
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Corruption Allegations Loom Over Phuket Airport Staff
Picture courtesy: AoT Phuket Phuket International Airport's management is currently under scrutiny for corruption, though no official investigation has commenced. Concerns centre on four Airports of Thailand (AoT) management staff accused of mismanaging an 11.8 million baht (£256,000) contract for commemorative stickers, yet they remain employed as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) continues to gather evidence. In late November, NACC officials from Bangkok conducted onsite inspections following the allegations. However, the commission's Phuket office chief, Suwat Saowarat, has confirmed that they are still in the evidence-collection phase and, as such, a formal investigation hasn't been initiated. The completion of this phase will dictate when the Central NACC might proceed with an official inquiry. The specific inquiries include collecting documents related to the contract, assessing budget allocations, and examining procurement methods and authorisation processes. These steps are crucial, especially given the discrepancies noted in the auction dates for the contract and the actual installation of the stickers, which occurred prior to the scheduled bidding. Meanwhile, the NACC has expressed concerns about AoT's delay in providing necessary documentation, a situation that may be stalling their progress. While the investigation remains informal, the AoT's internal mechanisms have reportedly taken disciplinary actions against the implicated staff. However, details of the actions or their severity have not been disclosed, citing internal policy reasons. Phasaramon Kanchanawanit, representing AoT communications, has assured that an internal AoT committee is reviewing the situation. Yet, the lack of external reporting to state-required agencies like the PACC or NACC has drawn criticism, reflecting possible gaps between internal procedures and formal legal obligations. Despite the seriousness of the accusations, the lack of formal investigation keeps the matter in a nebulous state. As of now, the NACC awaits further documentation to advance towards a potential official probe. Meanwhile, AoT's statement in August, which promised disciplinary action post-internal review, provides no clear insight into the measures taken against the accused. This situation underscores the challenges governmental oversight entities face in holding state-run enterprises accountable. The next steps will likely depend on the NACC’s ability to obtain comprehensive evidence, and whether AoT can justify its internal handling of the allegations transparently. For now, the spotlight remains on both AoT and NACC, as stakeholders await clarity and decisive action. This illustrates the balance that agencies must strike between internal review processes and ensuring accountability under public corruption laws, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-10 -
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Anutin Highlights China's Praise for Thailand’s Scam Crackdown
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul shuts down electricity supplies to five locations in Thailand-Myanmar border at the Provincial Electricity Authority headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Provincial Electricity Authority via AP) China has praised Thailand for cutting electricity to disrupt scam centres in Myanmar, according to Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. This support follows Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's recent official visit to China, where allied efforts to tackle crime were a focal point. Returning from a diplomatic mission to China, Ms Paetongtarn met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, among other officials, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation. The Chinese government commended Thailand's decisive action against scam centres by severing electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to five areas notorious for fraud activities along the Thai-Myanmar border. The Thai government's move, seen as a significant step in safeguarding national security, aims to dismantle operations run by criminal gangs that exploit forced labour to perpetrate fraud. This crackdown was necessitated by the broader implications of these operations, which compromise the security and interests of multiple countries. Despite the Thai government's intentions, the disruption has stirred unrest among Myanmar nationals living near the Thai border. In Tak province, over 100 protesters, mostly from Myawaddy in Kayin State, gathered to voice their discontent with the interruptions to daily life. They aimed to block key trade crossings between Thailand and Myanmar, reflecting the challenges people face due to the fallout from anti-fraud initiatives. The protests, while a direct response to the economic strain felt by households and small enterprises affected by the power cuts, bring to light the delicate balance between enforcement and humanitarian concerns. As protestors marched to the bridges connecting the nations, Myanmar police ensured the rally remained within Myanmar’s territory. The demonstrators have urged Myanmar officials to broker a resolution with Thai authorities, simultaneously calling for a boycott of Thai products and demanding the closure of key crossings to pressure a restoration of services. In anticipation of escalating issues, the National Security Council has indicated the potential for similar crackdowns in additional regions if criminal activity persists. Thailand's electricity supply extends beyond Myanmar, reaching Laos and Cambodia, where similar actions could be considered if necessary, highlighting the regional scope of these cooperative efforts. Thailand’s initiative seems bolstered by international support, notably from China, reinforcing the need for united efforts in combating cross-border crime. As this situation unfolds, maintaining peace and addressing both the root causes and consequences of these operations will be vital for regional stability, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-10- 1
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