Grenade attack injures 3 at Guanyin statue site in Songkhla

The tall figure of the Guanyin statue under construction in Thepha district, Songkhla, remains standing after the attack on Wednesday morning. (Photo: Assawin Pakkawan)
The large number of the Guanyin monument under construction in Thepha area, Songkhla, remains standing after the assault on Wednesday night. ( Photo: Assawin Pakkawan )

On Wednesday night, two exploding grenades exploded into a construction site in the city’s Thepha area injuring three people, including a 9-year-old.

Around 6 o’clock in tambon Sakom, the statue was attacked at the building blog in Ban Pak Bang Sakom.

Somporn Namkheow, 45, from Chaiyaphum state, suffered debris scars all over his figure and Don Kaewloy, 46, from Kalasin, suffered wounds to her left foot.

The 9-year-old woman, Manthita Withawet, from Kalasin, had wounds to her head and chest.

All were taken to Thepha Hospital.

A pickup truck was destroyed by the explosions, which also started fires in the staff station.

Police arrived on the scene and discovered flyers in Thai and Myanmaric that threatened the lives of those who dared to work there and in other southern border regions.

TPI Polene Power Plc owns the 65-rai seafront community in Thepha. The business is building a 136-metre-high Guanyin monument, which may make it the world’s tallest and a fresh hospitality location in the South.

The statue had even serve as a worldview building. Development began two years ago, and it will be finished in 2026.

Now, the tallest Guanyin monument stands 108 feet high and is on Hainan area in China.

In Taiwanese Buddhism, Guanyin is adult, the goddess of eternal compassion and mercy.

A fire engine arrives to put out the fire at the construction workers' camp. (Photo supplied)

The design tent that is ablaze is reached by a fire website. ( Photo supplied )

A pickup was damaged in the grenade attack. (Photo supplied)

The three-person bomb blasts that hit the shattered pickup truck. ( Photo supplied )

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SSO may use Swedish scheme as new model

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn

According to Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Labour Ministry will conduct an investigation into Sweden’s pension system in order to improve the Social Security Office’s ( SSO ) scheme and better address the needs of social security subscribers in an aging society.

Mr. Phiphat, who is leading a delegation of Thai labor officials to Stockholm, went to the Swedish Pension Agency ( SPA ) to get information and ideas for the SSO’s pension program.

He mentioned that during the visit, three crucial topics were discussed, including how the fund is managed effectively, how to invest in financial protection, and creative ways to enhance member services. According to Mr. Phiphat, one of the suggestions to address the socioeconomic changes in Thailand was establishing a flexible retirement age and developing annuity payment strategies to meet seniors ‘ needs.

The SSO is determined to strengthen the pension system in order to better meet the needs of the elderly, according to the labor secretary. He continued,” The SSO has also adopted digital technology to facilitate its management and ensure greater transparency.”

Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the labour continuous director, said the SPA shared insights on ensuring the firm’s conservation, which included the setting up of a “buffer fund” to control the difference between coming contributions and cheerful pension benefits.

He claimed that a annuity score is in place in Sweden that adjusts income payments based on various variables, including changes in the average life expectancy and the average salary the recipient receives while working.

The SSO’s income system is managed differently, according to Thanapong Chuamuangpan, a member of the organization. However, the information gained from the visit can be used to enhance the SSO’s pension scheme management. Sweden’s income program offers more than 50 different advantages to all Swedes, according to Anna Pettersson Westerberg, head of the Swedish Pension Agency.

The sources of funding include efforts from the government, businesses, and insured people, as well as deliberate involvement, she said.

In addition, incentives are provided to keep persons employed, such as extending the pension age and allowing those who have reached the lowest retirement age to receive a portion of their annuity payments.

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Suriya insists SRT owns land

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit

The State Railway of Thailand ( SRT), according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, has ownership of a disputed 5, 083-rai plot of land in Buri Ram’s Khao Kradong, and it will resolve any issues relating to the 900 people who are currently residing there in 30 days.

Mr Suriya, even a deputy prime minister, said on Tuesday the SRT is complying with the Supreme Court’s ruling in its behalf.

As such, when the Department of Lands ‘ director-general gave a different opinion from the Do L’s land committee, the SRT sent a letter of objection, he said, adding the body has yet to receive any response.

The railroad power is undoubtedly in control of the land, according to the jury. The SRT’s 20-page criticism letter provides clear theories as to why”, said Mr Suriya.

He claimed that the SRT has requested a meeting of legal professionals to carefully examine the situation involving the 900 people who are currently residing on the property.

He claimed that the claims against intruders are scheduled to be finished in a month.

Possible options for these people, as suggested by the Council of State, include renting property from the SRT.

Nevertheless, Mr Suriya emphasised the need to follow the law.

When questioned about whether the property in question covered the area where the current location of a football field and racing track was. He responded that he had not yet examined the specifics.

He said he was convinced the issue was being handled honestly.

He added that if someone is in error, both the SRT and themselves may face legal complaints of abuse.

Meanwhile, Thitikan Thitipruethikul, the People’s Party ( PP ) MP for Phuket and a spokesman for the House committee on land, natural resources, and environment, commented on the committee’s upcoming meeting to review issues related to land rights in the Khao Kradong area.

The council is scheduled to meet on Nov 27 to examine which sections require exploration, he said.

Laofang Bundidterdsakul, a PP list-MP, was asked to examine the facts surrounding the area on Khao Kradong next year.

The committee’s chair has the authority to add the subject to the plan. More discussions are required initially when being invited by individuals or organizations to offer explanations.

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iCon may lose licence over fraud claims

Warathaphon Waratyaworrakul, founder and CEO of The iCon Group, is escorted by police from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to the Criminal Court in Bangkok last month. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
Warathaphon Waratyaworrakul, founder and CEO of The iCon Group, is escorted by police from the Central Investigation Bureau ( CIB ) to the Criminal Court in Bangkok last month. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

The Office of the Consumer Protection Board ( OCPB) is considering revoking the licence of scandal-hit The iCon Group, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai said.

The direct sales company is alleged to have engaged in pyramid schemes and people fraud.

According to Ms. Jiraporn, OCPB is currently gathering data and information to ensure the company’s business license departure is properly handled.

On Wednesday, the Council of State will hold a discussion about the issue.

Ms. Jiraporn objected to the court’s slow progress, blaming strict enforcement of the applicable laws and regulations.

Ms. Jiraporn reported that the internal investigation against OCPB officials who allegedly served as The logo Group’s “guidance angels” had been extended by another 30 days and was scheduled to conclude on December 16.

In related news, Pol Maj Woranan Srilam, a DSI spokeswoman, said the DSI would go to Bangkok Remand Prison to further question 11 adult suspects in the case on Wednesday and on Thursday.

Prior to this, DSI authorities had to inform the suspects of their fees and conduct interviews, but they failed to provide any details, according to Pol Maj Woranan.

The suspects stated that they wanted to produce a statement of ignorance within 15 days, but the DSI has not yet received them.

Because all of the seven adult suspects who were being detained at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution had already made their claims, the DSI was free to ask them any more questions.

A dialogue between Kritanong Suwannawong, a mediator between The image Group and its alleged subjects, and another person about a 10-million-baht pay reportedly being made to the DSI was voiced on Monday. The Central Institute of Forensic Science’s criminal investigation department will receive the tracking.

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Thaksin petition is ‘dismissed’ by OAG

But claims also on contract court’s radar

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks to supporters at a campaign rally in Ban Dung district, Udon Thani, last week. (Photo: Pheu Thai Party)
At a campaign rally held last week in Udon Thani’s Ban Dung area, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra addresses followers. ( Photo: Pheu Thai Party )

According to a source, the Office of the Attorney General ( OAG ) has rejected Teerayut Suwankesorn’s petition, which claimed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party tried to overthrow the constitutional monarchy.

Attorney General Phairach Pornsomboonsiri, according to the origin, has signed a letter to the Constitutional Court asking that it be decided in accordance with Section 49 of the Constitution.

Through the reported collaboration, Thaksin was accused of manipulating Pheu Thai, the party then led by his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Thaksin is never a member of the party, so the group is prohibited from influencing its operations.

The attorney general was contacted by the court for information on how the plaintiffs ‘ demands were handled and how much information had been collected. On both the petitioners ‘ and defendants ‘ sides, the OAG sent a letter to the court on November 8 with details regarding the witness questioning process.

The cause claimed that there was also a perception that this situation did not qualify for the government’s overthrow. The attorney general, therefore, ordered not to continue as requested, which was in line with the view of the working group that had previously submitted it to the solicitor general.

No man may exercise the freedom or rights that come with the King as the Head of State, according to Section 49 of the Constitution. The attorney general has the authority to ask the Constitutional Court for an order to halt an action that no one knows of.

The petitioner perhaps file the petition straight to the Constitutional Court if the attorney general orders a refusal to continue as begged or fails to do so within 15 days of receipt.

The Constitutional Court will still have the authority to hear the event, the source said, even if the attorney general makes the request.

A reading is set for Friday to decide whether to accept Mr. Teerayut’s complaint.

Jatuporn Prompan, a former red-shirt head, stated on Tuesday that he believes the court may consider the case.

If the judge ordered the resignation of the primary secretary and three officials, for whom he did not provide the names, the government would have to wait and watch. This may result in significant social revolution, he said.

In his potential as Pheu Thai secretary-general, Sorawong Thienthong, the minister of tourism and sports, denied that Thaksin ruled any party members because he has no actual connection to the organization.

Teerayut Suwankesorn speaking to the press after filing a petition to investigate Thaksin Shinawatra and Pheu Thai with the Constitutional Court over their alleged attempts to undermine the constitutional monarchy. TV Screen Capture.

Teerayut Suwankesorn speaks to the media after filing a complaint with the Constitutional Court last month to investigate Thaksin Shinawatra and Pheu Thai. Screen Screen Capture.

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Thailand, China set for ‘Golden Jubilee’

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, right, shakes hands with China's ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, at the unveiling of a logo marking the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations at the Iconsiam shopping complex. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, straight, shakes hands with China’s adviser to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, at the opening of a brand marking the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic ties at the Iconsiam shopping complex. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

The brand for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand has been unveiled.

Thailand and China signed the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations in Beijing on July 1, 1975, according to Maris Sangiampongsa, the unusual secretary.

According to him, both nations will use the symbol to mark the 50th anniversary of their connections next year, adding that the logo was created in part by the Thai and Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry.

It depicts a dragon, representing China and a Naga, a magical serpent-like thing, representing Thailand.

Red and blue are used in the Thai emblem, which are both red and blue.

The lion and magnus are facing each other and looking at the same golden ball, implying that they are aiming for the same objective:” A Thailand-China Community with a Shared Future for Enhanced Stability, Prosperity and Sustainability”.

Mr. Maris cited the 50 years of close relations between China and Thailand as evidenced by their ongoing relationship.

He added that this milestone celebration marking the first half of the century would be a great opportunity for both nations to come up and examine how to develop new relations in the coming years, particularly in light of how to address challenges ahead with goals that benefit both nations in the long run.

Additionally, he noted that there would be numerous events held annually to honor this situation and foster a positive relationship between the two countries.

He added that Sanam Luang will host the 50th anniversary celebration by bringing a Buddha’s bone relic to Beijing’s Lingguang church for public viewing from December 4 to February 14th, 2017.

Ambassador Han Zhiqiang and President Xi Jinping have spoken in conversation.

He claimed that President Xi had communicated that a particular connection existed between China and Thailand. Next year will be a gold time for both nations”, he added.

Han Zhiqiang, the Taiwanese adviser, said that next year would indicate a critical ancient stage for both nations, and it will be another new starting point for diplomatic relations.

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Hotel booze rules relaxed over New Year

Room service will get permitted 24 hours.

People gather in front of centralwOrld shopping plaza, Bangkok, for New Year countdown activities on Dec 31, 2023. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
People gather in front of centralwOrld buying square, Bangkok, for New Year clock actions on Dec 31, 2023. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board says hotel guests will be able to get alcoholic beverages from in-house bars and restaurants throughout the New Year.

The board, which was led by Somsak Thepsutin, the minister of public health, gave the new law its approval on Monday.

Generally, guests can just buy drinking to their rooms during the normal hours: until 10pm from an in-house cafe, or till 2am from an in-house bar.

However, visitors are free to take beer from the mini-bars in the room at all times.

In-house bars and restaurants at most hotels are permitted to serve beer after the designated hours during the New Year’s countdown and after-party events, according to hotel alcohol licenses.

The Thai Hotels Association ( THA ) requested permission to offer the 24-hour service over the New Year’s Eve holiday.

However, the State Railways of Thailand ( SRT ) requested that alcoholic beverages be served on trains during this special time.

According to Mr. Somsak, the alcohol-related restrictions is still in effect on railways. He claimed that relaxing it may raise crime rates and compromise people ‘ security.

The table is open to suggestions about allowing beer to be served in first-class sleeping coaches, dining vehicles, or licensed trains, according to the public health secretary.

According to Mr. Somsak,” The SRT may conduct a research into whether alcohol sales had stimulate growth among train passengers and tourists.”

During the New Year trip that ended in January 2024, 4, 777 street people were injured from drunken driving globally.

Some 23, 902 cars were pulled off at roads gates for breathalyser testing, with 3, 370 found to become intoxicated.

Mr. Somsak claimed that the committee has mandated subdistrict health promotion facilities release information on stringent law enforcement against drunken driving offenses and establish guidelines for assessing vehicles ‘ alcohol levels in order to increase road safety over the new year.

Institutions have also been ordered to work with the local administrative agencies on community-level, drink-driving prevention methods. According to Mr. Somsak, kids are advised to watch their loved ones closely and prevent them from operating a vehicle while they are drinking beer.

Dr Panumas Yanwetsakul, director-general of the Department of Disease Control ( DDC ), said related sectors had planned the road safety measures for this New Year’s in three stages.

Before the event, they will work on a situation analysis while conducting a plan against drunk driving. The effects may be reviewed in the future.

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Hotel booze rules relaxed over NY

Room service will get permitted 24 hours.

People gather in front of centralwOrld shopping centre for New Year countdown activities in Bangkok on Dec 31, 2023. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
On December 31, 2023, citizens in Bangkok assemble in front of the Centralworld Shopping Center for festivities ringing in the New Year. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board says hotel guests will be able to get alcoholic beverages from in-house bars and restaurants throughout the New Year.

The table, which was led by Somsak Thepsutin, the minister of public health, gave the new law its approval on Monday.

Generally, guests can just buy drinking to their rooms during the normal hours: until 10pm from an in-house cafe, or till 2am from an in-house bar.

However, visitors are free to take beer from the mini-bars in the room at all times.

In-house bars and restaurants at most hotels are permitted to serve beer after the designated hours during the New Year’s clock and after-party events, according to hotel liquor licenses.

The Thai Hotels Association ( THA ) requested permission to offer the 24-hour service over the New Year’s Eve holiday.

However, the State Railways of Thailand ( SRT ) requested that alcoholic beverages be served on trains during this special time.

According to Mr. Somsak, the alcohol-related restrictions is still in effect on railways. He claimed that relaxing it may increase crime rates and compromise people ‘ safety.

However, the public health secretary said the committee is open to suggestions about allowing beer to be served in first-class sleeping coaches, dining vehicles, or licensed carriages.

According to Mr. Somsak,” The SRT may conduct a research into whether alcohol sales had stimulate growth among train passengers and tourists.”

During the New Year trip that ended in January, 4, 777 street people were injured from drunken driving globally.

Some 23, 902 cars were pulled off at roads gates for breathalyser testing, with 3, 370 found to become intoxicated.

Mr. Somsak claimed that the committee has mandated subdistrict health promotion facilities release information on stringent law enforcement against drunken driving offenses and establish guidelines for assessing vehicles ‘ alcohol levels in order to increase road safety over the new year.

Institutions have also been ordered to work with the local administrative agencies on community-level, drink-driving prevention methods. According to Mr. Somsak, kids are advised to watch their loved ones closely and prevent them from operating a vehicle while they are drinking beer.

Dr Panumas Yanwetsakul, director-general of the Department of Disease Control ( DDC ), said related sectors had planned the road safety measures for this New Year’s in three stages.

Before the event, they will work on a situation analysis while conducting a plan against drunk driving. The results may be reviewed in the future.

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Cat owner, others in poisoning scene face cruelty charges

Vets examine Samli at the Department of Livestock Development on Nov 13 (Photo: Livestock Development Dept).
On November 13, the Department of Livestock Development vets examine Samli ( Photo: Livestock Development Dept. ).

The owner of the cat and other individuals involved in the production of a Thai period drama will be held responsible for pet violence following the conclusion of the Department of Livestock Development’s investigation into the use of a sedated kitten.

The black kitten, named Samli, appeared in a field during the making of” The Empress of Ayodhaya”, or Mae Yuhua. The cat had seizures and cried when “dying” in a scene from event five where she was forced to consume a solution from a holder. What precisely had been done to the cat was the subject of concerns and worries over its safety. &nbsp,

User of the cat, Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, told the investigation board on Tuesday that he had many years of experience handling and caring for animals for TV, film, and television productions. &nbsp,

To create Samli act like he had consumed hazardous water, the landlord said, he injected the cat with a stimulant. He had used an anesthetic that a veterinarian may apply to patients before preparing them for surgery. &nbsp,

On September 4, the incident took place on the collection of the Samut Prakan province’s Ancient City, or Muang Boran. &nbsp, &nbsp,

According to Mr. Somchuan, he had instructed the Division of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Services to report a policeman grievance against those who violate Sections 20 and 22 of the 2014 Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Act. &nbsp,

No one can violate any provision of Section 20 that would otherwise be considered to be performing an act of cruelty to an bird without explanation. According to Section 22, an pet owner must give their pet with proper care in accordance with the laws, procedures, and requirements set forth by the Minister.

Someone found to have violated Section 20 will face a maximum sentence of two years in prison and/or a fine of up to 40, 000 baht. A fine of up to 40 000 ringgit did beimposed on those who violate Section 22. &nbsp,

Samli was thoroughly examined by a veterinarian, who found no irregularities. According to Mr. Somchuan, AI technology was used to make sure the animal being examined was the same as it was in the contentious theatre scene.

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Aussie women gravely ill from tainted booze in Laos

After a fatal incident in Vang Vieng in which two people passed away, a Melbourne trio was taken to a Thai hospital.

Vang Vieng is a popular destination for backpackers travelling in Laos. (Photo: Basile Morin via Wikimedia Commons)
Travelers from Laos frequently travel to Vang Vieng. ( Photo: Basile Morin via Wikimedia Commons )

After drinking contaminated liquor in Vang Vieng, a tourist town in Laos, two young American women are battling for their life in Thai hospitals.

The families of the two Melbourne teenagers, who are 19 years old, are reportedly laying on the sidelines of two different Thai hospitals, one in Bangkok and the other in Udon Thani, according to an announcement made on Tuesday by the American Broadcasting Corporation.

In Vang Vieng, a well-known gathering area north of Vientiane, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones were staying in a traveller hostel.

The young ladies had been drinking at a local cafe on Tuesday, November 12 according to the hotel’s owner, the Nana Hostel. After becoming poor, they were taken to a doctor in Vientiane early on Wednesday morning.

According to local reports, two Swedish ladies in their 20s passed away and at least 10 others have become sick as a result of the contaminated beer.

After their circumstances deteriorated, Ms. Jones was taken to Udon Thani and Ms. Bowles was moved to a doctor in Bangkok.

The Ms. Jones ‘ family released a statement, saying that “our wonderful Bianca was on a fantasy getaway with her best friend Holly.”

They enjoyed traveling through Asia and had such fantastic activities ahead of them.

” We are around by Bianca’s side praying for her.”

No other dormitory friends have ever fallen ill, according to Duong Van Huan, the owner of the Nana Hostel in Vang Vieng, who claimed he was certain the poisoned beverages were never sold at his table.

He claimed that this was the first time something like this had happened because he had been operating in Vientiane and Vang Vieng for about 11 years.

Methanol is a clear liquid substance that is frequently used as a less expensive alternative to biofuel in alcoholic beverages.

Even a small amount of consumption can become dangerous.

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