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78
Does it annoy you when a Thai person doesn't understand your spoken Thai?
Most Thais try to understand me, and sometimes smile when I get it wrong. But sometimes asking a shop girl in the Mall for a size bigger/ smaller, the mouth falls open and she goes back to her telephone ! Some try, some don’t. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 5 August 2024
Disbanding Move Forward Could Endanger Thailand’s Bid for UNHRC Membership File photo courtesy: Thai PBS The Constitutional Court has been warned that Thailand’s third bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for 2025-27, slated for October, could be in jeopardy if it decides to dissolve the opposition Move Forward party on August 7th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334614-disbanding-move-forward-could-endanger-thailand’s-bid-for-unhrc-membership/ -
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Disbanding Move Forward Could Endanger Thailand’s Bid for UNHRC Membership
The Constitutional Court has been warned that Thailand’s third bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for 2025-27, slated for October, could be in jeopardy if it decides to dissolve the opposition Move Forward party on August 7th. This warning comes from Chamnan Chanruang, a core member of the Progressive movement, led by former Future Forward party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. Chamnan pointed out that Thailand is also set to host the 6th symposium of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions (AACC) in Bangkok from September 17th to 21st. The event will see presidents of charter courts and equivalent institutions from 19 countries participating, raising questions over how the Thai Constitutional Court president would justify such a decision to his counterparts, reported Thai PBS. Thailand’s previous attempt to secure a UNHRC seat failed due to the diplomatic fallout from the 2014 coup and subsequent increases in human rights violations, including the misuse of the lèse majesté law to target political opponents. Chamnan suggested that dissolving the Move Forward party could hinder Thailand's current bid. He mentioned a possibility that the Constitutional Court may spare Move Forward by rejecting the Election Commission’s (EC) petition demanding the party’s dissolution on procedural grounds. The EC’s failure to follow proper submission protocols could lead the court to drop the petition. However, Chamnan pointed out that, even if dismissed, the petition could be resubmitted after correcting the procedural faults. Notably, the Move Forward party and its former leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, have already been ordered to cease all activities related to amending the lèse majesté law in a January ruling. If the court opts to dissolve the party, Chamnan asserted that its members and MPs would join a new party, which would not be bound by the court’s earlier ruling. This new entity would continue the campaign for amendments to the controversial law. Thailand’s international standing and its bid for a UNHRC seat thus hang in the balance as the Constitutional Court's decision looms. File photo courtesy: Thai PBS -- 2024-08-05 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
99
Decoding Kamala Harris's Foreign Policy A Blend of Continuity and Change
Why? P.S. the president has very little control over inflation. Turn off the right wing media outlets -
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Decoding Kamala Harris's Foreign Policy A Blend of Continuity and Change
Seems really low. Impossible to live with this kind of income in the US. P.S. I'm an economist. Practiced the profession for years. -
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Which members do you think are Russian/Chinese/NK etc bots?
There is overwhelming evidence of organized disinformation campaigns managed by Russia and Iran. China has a lesser involvement. It therefore follows that this forum will have members who are aligned with the disinformation campaigns. The most likely to be involved will be those who are already predisposed to supporting the policies of these countries. The messaging the countries provide is compatible with the pre-existing bias of these people and so they are most likely to promote and support the Russian/Iranian/Chinese disinformation. Examples of this are the defenders of the invasion of Ukraine and the "excusers" of the shooting down of the Malaysian passenger aircraft over Ukraine. The US cyber intelligence agencies have documented how Russia relies on 'unwitting Americans' to spread election disinformation. Russia also uses westerners who deliberately wish to spread false information, as well as commercial public relations firms in Russia to spread the disinformation. A cornerstone of the strategy relies on planting false information in social media which is then picked up by people who then repost the false information. Two Russian linked PR firms were identified in March: They created fake websites and social media profiles to spread Kremlin disinformation. The disinformation included false information on candidates, immigration, crime and the war in Gaza. Other examples are the conspiracy claims that came out after the Trump assassination attempt. There was a deluge of idiotic claims that it was a Ukraine or Biden campaign plot. When that did not stick, there were claims that Biden was incapacitated and that the deep state was at work to remove both Trump and Biden. Russian propaganda has been overtly pro Trump. In a joint operation, Dutch, Canadian and US intelligence organizations recently took down a very sophisticated Russian cyber unit. Full details available here https://www.ic3.gov/Media/News/2024/240709.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery It details the Russian operations and is a must read. China's activities are focused on its own immediate interests such as sabotaging western - Taiwan relations, or promoting stories on Covid that shifted attention away from China and its activities. It is not specifically active in US presidential politics although it has been linked to multiple stories related to the Gaza war. The Chinese strategy is to promote blame for the war on the west, and to circulate false claims of wrongdoing against the west. This is intended to cast China in the role of the neutral friend. The Iranian disinformation campaign has been bold and assertive. It has ranged from mass media posting of staged videos, to cyber attacks, to cyber hacking and to mass postings on social media of stories intended to stir up anger about the USA, France, Israel and the UK. Iran has gone one step further by directly supporting Gaza related protests as civil unrest in the west works to its advantage. The US intelligence service has documented the groups linked to Iran who have posed as online activists, encouraged protests and who have provided financial support to some protest groups. Nor can there be any denying that the Iranian disinformation has targeted Trump as he is seen as being hostile to Iran since he was against the lifting of nuclear related sanctions, authorized the elimination of a top Iranian Republican Guards general, and acted to contain Iranian military support of the Houthi in Yemen. Many of the negative stories about Trump based upon false information originate with Iranian agents. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 5 August 2024
Srettha, Anutin laugh off speculation of “substitute PM” Thai media have been rife with speculation that Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is only a few steps away from taking over the country’s top executive post from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334613-srettha-anutin-laugh-off-speculation-of-“substitute-pm”/ -
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Srettha, Anutin laugh off speculation of “substitute PM”
Thai media have been rife with speculation that Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is only a few steps away from taking over the country’s top executive post from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. “Substitute prime minister” is the term they have been using in recent weeks when referring to the leader of Bhumjaithai, the second largest partner in the Srettha coalition government. The speculation has become more intense as Thailand's Constitutional Court is set to rule on Srettha’s political fate on August 14. Srettha is accused of a serious breach of political ethics by appointing a lawyer with conviction record to join his Cabinet in late April this year. If found guilty, Srettha will be disqualified as prime minister along with his government. The House of Representatives will need to vote for a new prime minister. That’s why all eyes have been on Anutin as Srettha’s potential successor. Many analysts have concurred that Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, supposedly the first in line to succeed Srettha if something is to happen to him, is not yet ready for the job. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-08-05 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
35
English speaking facilitators at private hospitals...
We hardly ever compliment the people who really help.- 1
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English speaking facilitators at private hospitals...
I helped 2 French tourists years back when they had a horrendous accident in Patong, A Norwegian man with his little boy in front on a jet ski , ran amok right into these 2 French guys, literally opening their legs up to the knees on their left sides. First, the police, who stayed on the case for 3 weeks were fantastic and took me everywhere, to the guys hotel, opened their safe , paid the outstanding. Bills they had etc. Drove me everywhere. The facilitator who was Italian was equally marvelous, managed the insurance claims and helped with police work as I did not speak Thai, and blocked their rooms in ICU and then their rooms off to everyone but the police and myself , as the jet ski guys wanted to see the two tourists. Even though they had nothing to do with the accident. There were many witnesses. They were lucky to be alive . The huge operations went well, albeit with zip like scars all the way to the knees. They were finally repatriated on stretchers to France where they spent 9 months in rehab. I don’t know how I would have managed without the facilitator and the police man . There are very good people in Thailand. The Hospital was BPH . -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 5 August 2024
US Senator Warns Over Move Forward Party Dissolution Senator Ben Cardin. File photo courtesy: Middle East Observer Senator Ben Cardin, head of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has raised alarm over the potential dissolution of Thailand's Move Forward Party, which faces allegations of trying to subvert the nation's democratic system. This move, he warns, could harm Thailand's democratic principles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334612-us-senator-warns-over-move-forward-party-dissolution/ -
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US Senator Warns Over Move Forward Party Dissolution
Senator Ben Cardin, head of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has raised alarm over the potential dissolution of Thailand's Move Forward Party, which faces allegations of trying to subvert the nation's democratic system. This move, he warns, could harm Thailand's democratic principles. Sen. Cardin wrote to Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, stressing the recent election saw a historic turnout with over 39 million voters. The Move Forward Party, which received support from more than 14 million citizens, emerged victorious. Despite this clear mandate, the Election Commission has moved to dissolve the party, citing charges of subversive activities. The Constitutional Court is set to rule on the party's fate on August 7. A verdict against the party could lead to its dissolution and bar its key officials from politics for a decade. Senator Cardin emphasized that such a decision would disenfranchise millions who voted for progressive change, threatening Thailand's democratic commitment. “If the Move Forward Party is dissolved, this decision will effectively disenfranchise millions of voters who called for progressive change and democratic reform,” stated Cardin. He underscored the need for Thailand to uphold democratic values that underpin its long-term relationship with the US. Cardin also called on the Srettha government to respect the will of the people and maintain a commitment to democracy and the rule of law. “I sincerely hope that Thailand will navigate this period with a steadfast commitment to democracy, ensuring that the voices of its people are heard and respected,” he said. The international community is closely watching the situation. Diplomatic interest has been evident, with European diplomats meeting recently with Pita Limjaroenrat, Move Forward's chief advisor, to discuss the legal and political environment. Additionally, Pita and his team met with ambassadors from Asia and the West at the German ambassador's residence to discuss Thailand's democratic crisis. As the court date approaches, the world is keenly observing how Thailand will address these challenges to its democracy. TOP: Senator Ben Cardin. File photo courtesy: Middle East Observer -- 2024-08-05 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
78
Does it annoy you when a Thai person doesn't understand your spoken Thai?
Now you are getting caught up in your own silly lies. Here your saying that you spoke different variations of Chinese and couldn't understand or communicate with each other. And previously you said the said the following, which means it never happened: Fortunately, she spoke Chinese. We, too, had good fun speaking Chinese together on the flight, -
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Mass Arrests Follow Violent Far-Right Demonstrations Across the UK
I believe this is all orchestrated violence initiated by the agencies. As OffG explains so well. There are a lot of unanswered questions, and the current level of “mourning” by government institutions and groups in no way directly affected by the tragedy always has a taint of the performative that shouldn’t be too quickly conflated with insincerity or worse. And, of course, all of this is coming hot on the heels of the Manchester Airport incident, where police officers and Muslim youths allegedly clashed violently in as yet obscure circumstances. Plus the violence in Whitechapel and Leeds a couple of weeks ago. Then, as now, both sides were provided with adequate rage-bait to get them worked up. Whatever the truth of this latest incident, and whatever long term aims it might be used to further, this “strategy of tension” has an immediate political agenda already becoming clear – and it’s as predictable as ever. The Hill headlines “Misinformation floods social media in wake of breakneck news cycle”, Sky News went with “Southport attack misinformation fuels far-right discourse on social media” ABC News reports: “Online misinformation fueled tensions over the stabbing attack in Britain that killed 3 children” The Byline Times collectively scolds society’s negligence: “‘We All Need To Consider Our Role in the Wild West of Social Media Hypercriminality’” The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (an NGO funded by the usual suspects) has timelined it all for our convenience: From rumours to riots: How online misinformation fuelled violence in the aftermath of the Southport attack The BBC asks “Did social media fan the flames of riot in Southport?” and Telepgraph answers very much in the affirmative, cutting right to the heart of the matter [emphasis added]: Unregulated social media disinformation is wrecking Britain – Free speech must come with accountability The Times skips past establishing the problem right to apportioning blame: “Who is behind Southport social media storm — and can they be stopped?” The Guardian has decided the answer is TikTok (and AI): “How TikTok bots and AI have powered a resurgence in UK far-right violence” The New York Times demands to know what social media companies are going to do about it: The U.K. Riots Were Fomented Online. Will Social Media Companies Act? One particularly drunk uncle decided the whole thing is Putin’s fault, for some reason, but most of the fire is directed at Twitter/X. Writing in Prospect, former-Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger claims “Elon Musk’s misinformation machine made the horrors of Southport much worse”, while Forbes wails “Elon Musk Isn’t Stopping Misinformation, He’s Helped Spread It”. When it comes to this secondary goal the media are yet to reach the “call for action” phase. They are still locked into “fearmongering”, with widespread warnings about nineteen future “far-right” marches and calls to proscribe Tommy Robinson’s EDL as a “terrorist organization” Which, again, has the useful secondary effect of making this gentleman look more like a genuine force for opposition. Funnily enough, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was already discussing giving police “new powers to crackdown on antisocial behaviour” just a day before the Southport attack occurred. But it fell to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to formally lay it out in his address yesterday afternoon [transcript]. Pledging to counter the “far-right” with a new police division, and increased use of surveillance and facial recognition technology to “limit their movements”: Wider deployment of facial recognition technology…And preventive action – criminal behaviour orders…To restrict their movements… And firing a warning shot across the bows of social media: And let me also say to large social media companies and those who run them…Violent disorder clearly whipped up online…That is also a crime. It’s happening on your premises. And the law must be upheld everywhere. https://off-guardian.org/2024/08/02/uk-riots-the-agenda-becomes-clear/
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