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The 2023 national award winners of the Sony World Photography Awards have been crowned.
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17
How does Musk Keep Making Big Mistakes and getting away with it?
Musk is getting a treasury of free data, courtesy of DOGE. Perhaps you have heard the Greek saying, Hubris is always followed by Nemesis. Thank heavens I am not American. -
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Phuket Hit-and-Run: Police Hunt Knife-Wielding Foreigners - video
Mimicking locals will not be tolerated. -
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How does Musk Keep Making Big Mistakes and getting away with it?
I could live on half of that. -
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The POTUS is now a Tesla Salesman
When is that going to be released in theaters? -
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Bangkok's Iconic Giant Swing Set for Critical Repairs
Picture courtesy of Bngkok Post The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to embark on essential repairs to the iconic Giant Swing amid escalating concerns regarding its structural integrity. This monumental task comes after a comprehensive inspection revealed significant deterioration in the landmark, raising alarms about its safety and future. Thaiwut Khankaew, the director of BMA's City Planning and Development Office, announced the impending repair works following a collaborative assessment with the Thailand Structural Engineers Association (TSEA). The findings from the inspection pointed to severe damage, including cracks, peeling, and general weakening of the wood—a consequence of relentless exposure to weather, fluctuating temperatures, and inevitable natural ageing of materials. Such issues, officials noted, present a tangible threat to the Giant Swing's stability. The TSEA has urgently advised reinforcing the structure before the onset of the summer storm season. Once stabilised, a more in-depth examination will aid in selecting the most appropriate restoration techniques. Mr Thaiwut explained that the repair strategy would involve different levels of intervention, costing a substantial amount of fiscal outlay and time, all while strictly adhering to guidelines set by the Fine Arts Department. To ensure transparency and efficiency, the BMA plans to initiate a bidding process to secure a contractor tasked with these critical reinforcements. He also mentioned hiring a consultant to study potential restoration methods, whose recommendations will be submitted for approval to the Fine Arts Department. Located adjacent to City Hall in the Phra Nakhon district, the Giant Swing, or Sao Chingcha, holds significant historical value. It was officially recognised as a historical site in 1988. The Fine Arts Department, acknowledging the structure's perilous state, has given the nod to the City Planning and Development Office to advance with necessary repairs. The department stresses using traditional materials and meticulous attention to historical detail, cautioning against modern alterations that could compromise the site's heritage. The last comprehensive restoration of the Giant Swing occurred back in December 2017, a joint effort by the BMA and the Fine Arts Department. This current initiative underscores the ongoing commitment to preserving this cultural emblem for future generations, estimated to involve several million Thai Baht. As Bangkok braces for the advent of summer storms, the urgency in reinforcing this treasured landmark cannot be overstated. Locals and tourists alike eagerly anticipate the day when the Giant Swing stands fully restored, continuing to be a symbol of Bangkok’s rich heritage and resilience, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-13 -
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Labour Ministry to Assist Investigation in SKYY9 Centre Overpayment
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Picture courtesy Bangkok Post In a move to ensure transparency, the Ministry of Labour has pledged full cooperation with an inquiry into alleged overpayment by the Social Security Office (SSO) for the SKYY9 Centre on Rama IX Road. The office reportedly spent 6.9 billion baht on a building purportedly worth only 3 billion baht. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to transparency in the ongoing investigation. "We welcome scrutiny of the SKYY9 purchase. The SSO engaged independent appraisers to evaluate whether the investment was prudent," Phiphat stated. The inquiry panel consists of seven members, including high-ranking officials from the Labour Ministry and the SSO. This follows Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's directive to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to spearhead the investigation. Despite the SSO’s affiliation with the Labour Ministry, Anutin clarified his involvement stems from his concurrent role as Deputy Prime Minister overseeing the ministry. Complications arise as the current permanent secretary for labour, Boonsong Thapchaiyut, was the SSO's secretary-general during the transaction. While declined to comment, Boonsong merely acknowledged the legal compliance query with a nod. Allegations of the purchase price being inflated have been publicly challenged by Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin. He refuted accusations by Rukchanok Srinork, a People's Party MP, accusing her of distorting facts through political manoeuvring. The SKYY9 Centre’s complex history reveals a building once stalled by the 1997 financial crisis and later frequently changing hands, acquiring varied appraisals. The SSO contends its 6.9 billion baht purchase aligns with an SEC-certified estimation, despite public scepticism. Implemented through a Private Equity Trust under SEC regulation, the SSO’s investment in SKYY9 came after multiple renovative resales, sparking debate over valuation techniques. Interestingly, despite the controversy, 45% of SKYY9's space is reportedly occupied or soon-to-be, with rental rates standing at 600 baht per square metre. Prompted by possible irregularities, the inquiry seeks to unravel the intricacies of the SSO's hefty commitment. Whether the amount reflects the centre’s true market value or an oversight in fiduciary responsibility remains under close examination. Both governmental accountability and stakeholder trust hinge on the investigation’s transparency and resolution, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-13
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