Local Protestors Unjustly Labelled as Threats to Thai PM's Safety, Demand Answers
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Trump and Xi Reignite Dialogue, Trump confirms China trip after 'very good' call
Taco is so last week. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 7 June 2025
Ministry of Transport Backs Down Over Double-Decker Bus Ban on Khao Phap Pha Route Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Ministry of Transport has agreed to reconsider its controversial ban on double-decker buses travelling along several steep mountain routes, most notably the Khao Phap Pha section of Highway 4 connecting Trang and Phatthalung. The decision follows a large-scale protest by operators and a growing backlash from local businesses and the tourism sector. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362946-ministry-of-transport-backs-down-over-double-decker-bus-ban-on-khao-phap-pha-route/ -
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Kilmar Abrego Garcia Returns to U.S. Amid Criminal Trafficking Charges
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier this year, has been returned to the United States to face serious federal charges tied to human trafficking. His return comes after a prolonged legal standoff between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary over the government’s obligation to comply with a court order mandating his return. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the development on Friday, confirming that Abrego Garcia now faces prosecution in the Middle District of Tennessee. He has been indicted on two counts: conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain and unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain. “Abrego Garcia has landed in the United States to face justice,” Bondi declared, thanking Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for cooperating with the extradition. The charges stem from a wide-reaching conspiracy dating back to at least 2016. According to the indictment, Abrego Garcia was part of a network that unlawfully transported thousands of undocumented migrants across the United States, many of whom were allegedly affiliated with the MS-13 gang. “Knowingly and unlawfully,” the document states, “they transported thousands of undocumented aliens who had no authorization to be present in the United States, and many of whom were MS-13 members and associates.” Despite these allegations, Abrego Garcia and his family deny any links to MS-13, claiming instead that he fled El Salvador to escape the very gang violence now associated with his name. His lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, has criticized the Trump administration for “playing games” with the legal system and insists that his client belongs in immigration court rather than a federal criminal court. Abrego Garcia’s arrest centers around a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee, where he was found driving a Chevrolet Suburban with nine undocumented Hispanic men lacking identification or luggage. The indictment details how he and various unnamed co-conspirators, including individuals identified only as CC-1, CC-2, and CC-6, moved undocumented migrants from Texas to Maryland and other states, often fabricating cover stories to mislead law enforcement during transports. The scheme also allegedly involved controlling migrants’ cell phone access to prevent outside contact and to maintain control during transit. Although prosecutors have painted Abrego Garcia as a significant figure in this trafficking operation, they do not depict him as the mastermind. Instead, he appears as one cog in a much larger and more complex smuggling machine. Notably, the indictment references a 2021 tragedy in which over 50 migrants died in Mexico during a failed transport attempt organized by one of the alleged co-conspirators. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem responded to the indictment with sharp criticism, accusing the media and political opponents of defending Abrego Garcia. “For the last 2 months, the media and Democrats have burnt to the ground any last shred of credibility they had left as they glorified Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a known MS13 gang member, human trafficker, and serial domestic abuser,” she said. “Justice awaits this Salvadoran man.” Abrego Garcia’s March deportation to El Salvador was labeled an “administrative error” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He spent several weeks in a notorious mega-prison before being moved to another facility. His removal had violated a 2019 court order barring his deportation to El Salvador due to the threat of gang violence—an order the administration has reportedly considered challenging or bypassing by removing him to a third country. The case has become a flashpoint in U.S. immigration politics, highlighting tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary. While Abrego Garcia is now back on U.S. soil, his legal future remains uncertain. Officials have not ruled out another deportation, pending the outcome of his criminal case and the possible revocation of earlier judicial protections. Related Topics: White House Defends Abrego Garcia Deportation, Calling Return "Out of the Question" El Salvador will not return Kilmar Ábrego García deported from the US in error Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-06-07 -
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Transport Bus Operators Protest Ministry’s Ban on Double-Decker Coaches Along ‘Risky’ Routes
UPDATE Ministry of Transport Backs Down Over Double-Decker Bus Ban on Khao Phap Pha Route -
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Transport Ministry of Transport Backs Down Over Double-Decker Bus Ban on Khao Phap Pha Route
Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Ministry of Transport has agreed to reconsider its controversial ban on double-decker buses travelling along several steep mountain routes, most notably the Khao Phap Pha section of Highway 4 connecting Trang and Phatthalung. The decision follows a large-scale protest by operators and a growing backlash from local businesses and the tourism sector. On 4 June, over 100 double-decker buses assembled at the Andaman Gateway on the Trang-Phatthalung border in protest. Led by the Thai Association of Double-Decker Bus Operators (TADBO), the demonstrators submitted a formal petition to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, urging him to revoke a recent Department of Land Transport (DLT) directive banning such vehicles from operating on seven so-called “high-risk” routes across the country. The ban cited safety concerns, specifically prohibiting buses from travelling on roads with gradients exceeding 8% for more than five kilometres or on routes with more than five accidents per year. Khao Phap Pha was included despite, protestors claim, having no history of major accidents and only short stretches of steep incline. The DLT’s decision forced operators to divert via much longer routes through Satun or Thung Song in Nakhon Si Thammarat, increasing travel time and fuel costs. The move also sparked criticism from local business owners, including hoteliers, restaurant operators and tour agencies, who say the ban threatens to damage the region’s fragile post-pandemic tourism recovery. Protestors also called for the removal of Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, who oversees the DLT, and announced plans to file a case with the Administrative Court. There were also calls for criminal charges under Section 157 of the Penal Code, accusing officials of malfeasance for issuing a ban they claim lacks legal basis. In response to the growing pressure, Minister Surapong chaired an urgent meeting on 5 June with representatives from TADBO. It was agreed that a new four-party fact-finding committee would be formed, comprising: 1. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport 2. The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Land Transport 3. The Engineering Institute of Thailand 4. The President of the Thai Association of Double-Decker Bus Operators This committee will re-inspect all seven contested routes, starting with the Khao Phap Pha section on Sunday, 8 June. According to a joint statement, if the route does not meet the criteria set out in the original directive, particularly the required 5km of continuous steep gradient or frequent accidents, the ministry will revoke the ban immediately. Regarding the other six routes, the Ministry will hold further discussions next week to determine safety upgrades or modifications needed before potentially reopening them to double-decker traffic. In light of these developments, TADBO has decided to temporarily suspend its plan to file a court case, stating: “We are giving the Ministry an opportunity to show sincerity and to correct the issue in a concrete manner. However, if the upcoming inspection of Khao Phap Pha yields no progress or clear direction, we will proceed with legal action without delay.” Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362718-bus-operators-protest-ministry’s-ban-on-double-decker-coaches-along-‘risky’-routes/ Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-07 -
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