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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 8 June 2025
Chaos at Ban Khlong Luek Border Checkpoint as Early Closure Catches Thais & Cambodians Out Picture courtesy of Amarin. Confusion and chaos erupted at the Ban Khlong Luek permanent border crossing in Aranyaprathet district on the afternoon of 7 June, after authorities unexpectedly closed the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge early, leaving large crowds of Thai and Cambodian nationals stranded. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362995-chaos-at-ban-khlong-luek-border-checkpoint-as-early-closure-catches-thais-cambodians-out/ -
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Politics Chaos at Ban Khlong Luek Border Checkpoint as Early Closure Catches Thais & Cambodians Out
Picture courtesy of Amarin. Confusion and chaos erupted at the Ban Khlong Luek permanent border crossing in Aranyaprathet district on the afternoon of 7 June, after authorities unexpectedly closed the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge early, leaving large crowds of Thai and Cambodian nationals stranded. At around 16:00, paramilitary rangers from Company 1201, along with troops from the Aranyaprathet Task Force of the Burapha Force, abruptly sealed the border. Military personnel erected steel barricades across the Thai side of the bridge, barring all vehicular and pedestrian traffic from crossing in either direction. The closure stranded hundreds of Cambodian nationals who had been working or trading at the bustling Rong Kluea Market on the Thai side. Many gathered at the checkpoint, desperately trying to return home. Similarly, Thai workers based in Poipet, Cambodia, were unable to re-enter Thailand. Military officials explained that the move was part of a graduated response strategy. Authority for such closures had been delegated from the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army to the First and Second Army Region Commanders, who now have discretion to open or close border points as deemed necessary. Additionally, the Army announced revised operating hours for all permanent and temporary border checkpoints. Effective from 7 June 2025, official border opening hours have been shortened from the previous 06:00–22:00 to 08:00–16:00. Trade-relief points will now operate only from 08:00–12:00. Further restrictions were also imposed: Thai nationals are prohibited from crossing into Cambodia for gambling or tourism purposes. Only Thais employed in Poipet are allowed to travel between the two countries and their Cambodian visa stays have been reduced from 14 days to just 7. Today marked the first day under the new 16:00 closing time, but the abrupt enforcement caught many off guard. Soldiers began sealing the checkpoint at the scheduled time, without prior public warning, triggering confusion and frustration among those trying to cross. In a bid to defuse tensions, the Commander of the Burapha Force later granted a temporary exemption, allowing stranded Cambodians to return home. However, Thai citizens and tourists were still not permitted to cross. The measure helped ease congestion and calm the situation at the border, which had reached near-panic levels earlier. This development comes amid heightened security concerns and a tightening of border regulations in the region. Officials have yet to confirm how long the stricter measures will remain in place. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-08 -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 8 June 2025
Lorry Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel, Kills Policeman and Elderly Woman Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A devastating road crash in Chonburi province has claimed the lives of a traffic police officer and a 66-year-old woman after a lorry driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and veered into oncoming traffic. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362994-lorry-driver-falls-asleep-at-the-wheel-kills-policeman-and-elderly-woman/ -
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Accident Lorry Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel, Kills Policeman and Elderly Woman
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A devastating road crash in Chonburi province has claimed the lives of a traffic police officer and a 66-year-old woman after a lorry driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and veered into oncoming traffic. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 18:00 on 6 June on Route 349 (Phanat Nikhom–Nong Chak Road) in front of a Shell petrol station in Moo 9, Thung Khwang Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi. Police Lieutenant Colonel Khemanat Sukee of Phanat Nikhom Police Station was notified of a serious collision involving a lorry and a car. Emergency services from Thung Hiang Rescue Unit and Panat Nikhom Hospital were quickly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered a black Honda Jazz, registration number from Chonburi, with its front damaged. Trapped inside the wreckage were Police Lieutenant Manop Sritrai, Deputy Inspector of Traffic at Mueang Chonburi Police Station and Ms Kamonluk Plodprong, 66, who was seated in the front passenger seat. Rescuers worked to extricate the pair from the vehicle and transport them to Panat Nikhom Hospital. Both succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival due to the severity of their conditions. Nearby, a Hino lorry with registration number from Pathum Thani, was found stationary at the crash site. The driver, identified as 28-year-old Sarawut Photisiri, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Sarawut told police that he had been driving from Chanthaburi to Bangkok via Nong Chak and Phanat Nikhom when he briefly nodded off at the wheel. He acknowledged the momentary lapse led his vehicle to cross into the opposite lane and strike the victims’ car head-on. “I was tired and must have dozed off. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I am truly sorry for what I’ve caused,” he said, visibly shaken. Police took Sarawut into custody for further questioning. Legal proceedings are underway, and he is expected to face multiple charges, including reckless driving causing death. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-08 -
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Greta Thunberg’s Gaza Aid Voyage Sparks Controversy After Senator’s Mocking Remark
I am NOT equating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. I don't believe that, nor have I ever written it in any post. In fact, I believe the opposite, as I wrote in an earlier post. It's the intent of the criticism that determines whether it is antisemitic. If the goal of the criticism is to persuade listeners or readers Israel has no right to exist as the homeland of the world's Jews, then it is antisemitic. If its purpose is only to register disagreement with the Israeli government's policies and actions or indicate disapproval of some aspects of Israeli society and the lifestyle of its people, then it isn't. There's one question you can always ask that instantly decides if the answerer is an antisemite: Does Israel have the right to exist as a sovereign state and homeland for the world's Jews? It's as simple as "yes" or "no." I'll turn to more authoritative voices than my own at this point. On its Web site, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam poses the question, "Is criticism of Israel antisemitic?" and answers in part: "Criticism of the policies of Israeli governments is not necessarily antisemitic. For instance, anyone is free to reject or criticise the political decisions of Israeli governments concerning the Palestinian territories – this is not uncommon in Israel itself. However, denying the State of Israel’s right to exist does constitute antisemitism." It goes on to state that "advocating for the rights of Palestinians is not inherently antisemitic," (my bold text) but also notes, "A line is undeniably crossed when Israel’s right to exist contested or when Israel is likened to Nazi Germany." The answer includes more detail, so read about it here: https://www.annefrank.org/en/topics/antisemitism/all-criticism-israel-antisemitic/ And I'll also quote what is the most authoritative group in the world on the issue of antisemitism, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The IHRA working definition of antisemitism includes the following sentences: "Manifestations [of antisemitism] might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic." The IHRA then gives some examples of what can amount to antisemitism: Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor. Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis. Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel. There are more examples; you can read them here: https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism I do equate Greta Thunberg chanting "Crush Zionism" and "From the river to the sea" with calls for the destruction of Israel, which was founded as a Zionist state 77 years ago. How could Israel continue as a sovereign state and homeland to the world's Jews if you "crush Zionism" or if the State of Palestine runs "from the river to the sea?" I also pay attention to what Greta hasn't said. She's never acknowledged Israel's right to exist. As far as I know, she has never called for the release of the hostages held by Hamas or other Palestinian groups. She has said the goal of the voyage of the Madleen is to break Israel's blockade of Gaza. My respect for her would have risen enormously if she'd shed some tears for the hostages and said she'd ask Hamas to free them. She has sympathy for hungry Palestinians but apparently none for starving hostages. One of the purposes of the tightened blockade of Gaza is to put pressure on Hamas to release the remaining 23 hostages thought to be alive, the Israeli government has said. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 8 June 2025
Public Consultation Held for New Terminal Design at Surat Thani Airport Picture courtesy of Kaoded. The Department of Airports (DOA) has conducted a second and final round of public consultations regarding the design of a new passenger terminal at Surat Thani Airport, as part of its long-term regional air transport development strategy. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362993-public-consultation-held-for-new-terminal-design-at-surat-thani-airport/
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