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American Academic Faces Thai Royal Insult Charges in Legal Storm Photo: Facebook Paul Chambers Thailand's legal system is in the spotlight after an arrest warrant was issued for American academic Paul Chambers. Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University, is the target of lese majeste charges, a rare move against a foreigner under these stringent Thai laws. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356887-american-academic-faces-thai-royal-insult-charges-in-legal-storm/

Photo: Facebook Paul Chambers Thailand's legal system is in the spotlight after an arrest warrant was issued for American academic Paul Chambers. Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University, is the target of lese majeste charges, a rare move against a foreigner under these stringent Thai laws. The warrant arose from an army-filed case alleging both royal insult and violations of the computer crimes act, leading Chambers to plan a police meeting in Phitsanulok. The basis for the charges, reportedly linked to an article Chambers posted online last year, remains undisclosed by authorities. Thai police have yet to comment, and responses from the U.S. embassy and Thai government are also absent. Data from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights reveals that 278 people have faced lese majeste accusations since 2020, highlighting the contentious nature of this law. Thailand's lese majeste statutes enforce penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment for defaming or insulting the monarchy. Though mostly applied to Thai citizens, the law has occasionally implicated foreigners, sparking controversy within international circles. Human rights activists have condemned Chambers' charge, expressing concerns over the impact on academic freedom and potential deterrents for foreign scholars in Thailand. Phil Robertson, an advocate from Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates, criticised the charges as detrimental to Thailand's educational ambitions. SEAHRN has echoed these concerns, urging Thai authorities to drop the allegations. Meanwhile, Chambers' academic work, focused on Thai military dynamics and regional comparisons, remains significant in scholarly circles. As the situation unfolds, the implications for foreign academics in Thailand are keenly observed, stressing the delicate balance between national law and academic expression. Based on a story by Reuters -- 2025-04-05

Bangkok Building Collapse: China Defends Its Companies Heavy machineries are deployed to clear the rubble from an under construction high-rise building that collapsed after Friday's earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) The Chinese embassy implores against defaming Chinese firms following the collapse of an unfinished State Audit building during last week’s earthquake in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356867-bangkok-building-collapse-china-defends-its-companies/

USAR International Rescue Teams Withdraw at Bangkok Building Collapse Site Picture courtesy of Siam Rath International relief teams have begun to withdraw following a successful week-long mission to locate victims after the collapse of an office building in Bangkok. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt assures that future operations will continue seamlessly. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356865-usar-international -rescue-teams-withdraw-at-bangkok-building-collapse-site/

Anutin: Investigation into Bangkok Building Collapse to Take Months A week after the collapse of a new government building in Chatuchak, authorities have announced that a definitive cause remains elusive, with investigations poised to extend for several months. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356862-anutin-investigation-into-bangkok-building-collapse-to-take-months/

Thailand Eyes US Arms Deals to Slash Trade Surplus Amid Tariffs File photo courtesy of Benar News Thailand is urged to boost its purchase of US military technology to cut down a hefty trade surplus. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) suggests this could ease the sting of new US tariffs that President Donald Trump has slapped on Thai exports. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356859-thailand-eyes-us-arms-deals-to-slash-trade-surplus-amid-tariffs/

Weak Baht Fails to Spark Tourism Boom, Safety Concerns Prevail Photo courtesy of Asean Post Thailand's tourism industry faces an uphill battle despite a weakened baht, say experts. The national currency's recent drop, a result of US tariff announcements, isn’t attracting the hoped-for influx of tourists since similar economic trends affect other Asian currencies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356856-weak-baht-fails-to-spark-tourism-boom-safety-concerns-prevail/

Photo courtesy of Asean Post Thailand's tourism industry faces an uphill battle despite a weakened baht, say experts. The national currency's recent drop, a result of US tariff announcements, isn’t attracting the hoped-for influx of tourists since similar economic trends affect other Asian currencies. Travellers' confidence in safety remains a bigger obstacle, with reports of scams and natural disasters looming larger than currency issues. President Trump’s tariffs affected the baht, reaching a three-month low before stabilising at around 34.15 per dollar (approx. 1,200 Baht). However, it seems a weaker baht won’t sway potential visitors, as the baht's competitive edge is lost amidst widespread regional currency depreciation. Adith Chairattananon of the Association of Thai Travel Agents highlighted that foreign tourists continued to choose destinations like Japan, largely due to its safety record, despite a weaker yen. Chinese tourists, a vital demographic for Thailand, remain wary post-earthquake and following reports of scams. Even unaffected areas like Phuket aren’t drawing expected numbers, with hotels reporting low bookings for the upcoming Songkran holiday starting April 11. Suksit Suvunditkul from the Thai Hotels Association noted scant long-haul reservations during this low season, despite some beachfront resorts maintaining high occupancy. Prospects appear clouded by global economic instability following US policies, though Phuket, having diversified its markets, may be less impacted. According to the Thai Hotels Association’s survey on April 3, major destinations like Bangkok and Chiang Mai recorded nearly a 25% drop in bookings year-on-year for the Songkran festival. Although the weakened baht offers potential for growth, restoring confidence in safety and reliable travel experiences seems crucial. Amidst global economic uncertainties, Thailand's tourism sector remains challenged, striving to regain its former allure. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-05

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath A week after the collapse of a new government building in Chatuchak, authorities have announced that a definitive cause remains elusive, with investigations poised to extend for several months. At the centre of the ongoing probe is the structural engineering of the building, which requires comprehensive examination before any conclusions are drawn. Following a meeting at the Ministry of the Interior on 4 April, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that while preliminary assessments have begun, immediate conclusions are currently impossible due to the ongoing rescue operations. Engineers must further analyse the design structure, particularly concerning its unique elevator placement that deviates from conventional mid-building positioning. This unusual design could contribute to structural instability. Mr Anutin emphasised the need for a detailed probe into various engineering safety factors, including resistance to shear and torsion forces, all of which will necessitate meticulous calculations over the coming months. On another note, he addressed the need for fairer compensation for victims. Current legal frameworks prescribe inadequate compensation—29,000 baht for fatalities and 4,000 baht for injuries. Mr Anutin directed officials to identify more reasonable support mechanisms, given the severity of the incident. Associate Professor Dr Thanet Veerasiri, president of the Engineering Institute of Thailand, reinforced the complexity of the task ahead. He stressed that collecting intact material samples remains challenging amidst ongoing rescue efforts, further challenging the timeline for conclusive findings. Based on a story by Siam Rath -- 2025-04-05

Heavy machineries are deployed to clear the rubble from an under construction high-rise building that collapsed after Friday's earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) The Chinese embassy implores against defaming Chinese firms following the collapse of an unfinished State Audit building during last week’s earthquake in Bangkok. The contractor, ITD-CREC, is a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development Plc and China’s Railway Number 10 Engineering Group, with the latter holding a 49% stake. The embassy highlights the substantial benefits of Sino-Thai infrastructure collaboration. The calamity spurred criticism of Chinese companies involved, especially after the incident claimed lives. The incident prompted a swift investigation by the Thai government to uncover the causes. The embassy assured the venture adhered to strict legal and engineering standards and is cooperating fully to ensure the investigation’s fairness and accuracy. Chinese companies have significantly bolstered Thailand's economy by generating employment and investing heavily in local industries. While advocating for legal accountability in corporate practices, the embassy opposes the unjust vilification of Chinese firms. The Chinese embassy commits to fostering beneficial relations and cooperation to advance prosperity for Thailand and China. Based on a story by Thai Newsroom -- 2025-04-05

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath International relief teams have begun to withdraw following a successful week-long mission to locate victims after the collapse of an office building in Bangkok. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt assures that future operations will continue seamlessly. On 4th April, Israeli rescue specialists departed the site of the collapsed office of the Auditor General in Bangkok. According to Governor Chadchart, the withdrawal aligns with global operations schedules for international rescue teams, such as those from Israel, who joined from day one and worked for around a week. As per protocol, some teams need to attend to other rescue missions globally. Governor Chadchart clarified that the withdrawal of these international teams is by international standards and will not impact the ongoing mission. These teams, organised under the global USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) network and classified as "Heavy" for their capability to operate globally within 78 hours and work continuously for 24 hours, have provided crucial support to Thai teams. The initial seven-day mission primarily focussed on search and rescue, during which the international teams shared valuable information with their Thai counterparts. Governor Chadchart emphasised the opportunity to upgrade Thai rescue units to the Heavy classification in the future. The foreign rescue experts praised the Thai efforts and highlighted the need for the safe use of heavy machinery under expert supervision, to avoid further collapses and ensure the area is clear of survivors or casualties. Israeli teams showcased expertise in pinpointing crucial hazard locations immediately upon their arrival, identifying signs of life and other indicators through analysis of situational data. Despite the complexity of this rare, high-rise collapse, Thai rescue operations continue with full gear and resources. Ultimately, Governor Chadchart reiterated commitment to future missions using heavy machinery and skilled personnel without hindrance, determined to bring Thai operations to international standards. Based on a story by Siam Rath -- 2025-04-05

File photo courtesy of Benar News Thailand is urged to boost its purchase of US military technology to cut down a hefty trade surplus. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) suggests this could ease the sting of new US tariffs that President Donald Trump has slapped on Thai exports. The move is considered a possible antidote to the looming 36% tariff scheduled to kick in on April 9. FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul believes acquiring pricey US military goods will not only help reduce Thailand’s surplus but also meet essential needs for the Thai military. With the trade surplus being the 11th largest globally, exceeding 1.2 trillion baht, action is needed to remedy the situation. Another consideration is increasing purchases of US agricultural raw materials, though this needs careful examination to avoid negatively impacting Thai farmers. The FTI has promptly requested detailed reports from 47 sectors on the tariff effects, seeking strategies to navigate Washington's policies. In addition to military purchases, Trump has also implemented a 25% tariff on foreign car and auto parts, a move designed to nudge US companies back to domestic production. Thai auto parts, significantly cheaper than their US-manufactured counterparts, form a key export to Ford Motor’s operations in the US. Further, Nipatsin Yimyam, of the FTI’s Petroleum Exploration and Production Industry Club, suggests expanding imports of US fuel, particularly liquefied natural gas. They predict the new tariffs could dent Thailand’s GDP by a concerning 1%, or 1.7 trillion baht. These defensive strategies are in focus as Thailand braces for the economic impacts of the tariff imposition. The collective efforts aim to protect Thai industries while addressing the trade deficit with the US. As the situation evolves, Thai officials and businesses remain scrutinising avenues that might balance this financial tightrope. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-05

Thaksin's Medical Treatment Case Postponed Due to Late Documentation Police General Hospital. Picture courtesy of Wikipedia In an unexpected twist, the Medical Council has deferred its verdict on Thaksin Shinawatra's medical care at the Police General Hospital. The decision, originally slated for April 10, was postponed due to a tide of documentation pouring in at the final hour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356885-thaksins-medical-treatment-case-postponed-due-to-late-documentation/

Police General Hospital. Picture courtesy of Wikipedia In an unexpected twist, the Medical Council has deferred its verdict on Thaksin Shinawatra's medical care at the Police General Hospital. The decision, originally slated for April 10, was postponed due to a tide of documentation pouring in at the final hour. Reports indicate crucial medical records from both the Corrections Department’s hospital and the Police General Hospital only landed on March 31 and April 1. The sheer volume of papers demands meticulous scrutiny, the council declared in a statement, rendering it impossible to meet the April deadline. Professionals are now dissecting these documents to assess potential ethical breaches by the doctors who tended to Thaksin. The ex-prime minister's lengthened stay at the hospital since his return to Thailand on August 22, 2023, has prompted widespread scepticism. Allegations swirl around Thaksin, accusing him of exaggerating serious health issues to steer clear of his eight-year jail term. Suspicions suggest possible collusion with medical professionals to remain within hospital walls rather than a prison cell. However, a royal pardon ultimately sliced the sentence down to one year, and Thaksin never actually donned prison garb. This case has riveted the nation, leaving citizens speculating about the real story behind Thaksin's hospital time. As the Medical Council continues its enquiry, eyes remain glued to further developments. The decision, whenever it arrives, could have significant repercussions for those involved and might just spark yet another chapter in the Thaksin saga. The future remains uncertain, with facts yet to unfold. Based on a story by Thai PBS World -- 2025-04-05

Thailand Accelerates Emergency Alert Overhaul Post-Earthquake Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English In response to the March 28 earthquake, Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has initiated a trial of a new Cell Broadcast alert system in Phuket. This move aims to upgrade the country's emergency alert infrastructure, addressing flaws exposed during the quake. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356847-thailand-accelerates-emergency-alert-overhaul-post-earthquake/