Barkar Nash (Page 1,051)

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) warned on Friday that online scammers are promoting false advertisements for the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, a policy proposed by the Pheu Thai Party.

Pol Gen Sompong Chingduang, special adviser to the RTP, said some online scammers have developed a mobile app called “Digital Wallet”, mimicking Pheu Thai’s populist scheme.

The fraudulent app tricks victims into believing they can receive the 10,000 baht in digital money if they install it. Afterwards, people will receive a text message linking them to a Line mobile app that is actually malware capable of accessing their financial information via their phones.

“The Public Relations Department also stated that the Digital Wallet mobile app is a fraud, aiming to embezzle money from its users,” said Pol Gen Sompong.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society said it has contacted Google Play Store, asking it to take down the app, but people are reportedly still receiving texts from the scammers.

Once they have started chatting with the scammers, victims are instructed to register for the 10,000 baht in digital money.

The scammers stay with them throughout the registration process, with many reportedly disclosing their phone numbers and their 6-digit ATM pins.

The fraudsters use remote access to control the functionality of the victims’ phones and withdraw money from any bank accounts linked to their finance apps.

Pol Gen Sompong said scammers usually update their narratives to match recent occurrences, such as tax-filing season or higher electricity and water bills, to appear more convincing.

The digital currency giveaway is a Pheu Thai policy that the public has been highly anticipating since it became the leader of the coalition government.

Pol Gen Sompong warned people not to click on unfamiliar links or advertisements sent via text message, as well as avoid adding Line accounts whose real identity is unknown.

Before installing mobile apps from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, users should read the reviews or check for any news about them, he said.

People are urged to contact or cross-check with any government agencies cited before proceeding to take the next step, he added. More information about online scams can be found at www.facebook.com/PCTPOLICE or by calling the Police Cyber Taskforce’s hotline on 1441.

Party members’ ideas deemed too early

The internal allocation of four cabinet seats allotted to the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) didn’t get off to a very good start on Friday when a call for party members to take part in nominating candidates for such positions was removed from the party’s website and Facebook page not long after being posted.

The removal of the announcement prompted questions as to why it was suddenly removed.

“Why delete the post? Why delete it from the UTN’s Facebook page since we actually want to know the opinions of our supporters?” asked Jirawut Singtothong, a UTN MP for Chon Buri, in a Facebook post on the announcement’s removal.

A source said the UTN has been allotted two cabinet minister positions and two deputy cabinet minister positions, namely the energy minister, industry minister and two deputy ministers in the Pheu Thai Party-led coalition.

UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga is expected to emerge as the new energy minister while also serving as a deputy prime minister. The industry minister post is expected to be given to ML Chayotid Kridakon, who leads the UTN’s economic team.

Supattanapong Punmeechaow, the outgoing industry minister, has refused to accept the same position in the new coalition, said the source.

As for the two deputy ministers’ positions, three prospective candidates are competing for these posts, said the source.

The three are Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, deputy leader of the UTN and list-MP; Chumpol Kanchana, a party key figure; and Suchart Chomklin, the outgoing labour minister and another key party figure, said the source.

Akaradej Wongpitakroj, party spokesman and MP for Ratchaburi, later explained, saying the announcement was posted on the party’s website and Facebook page by some staff who had good intentions to help facilitate the party’s gauging of opinions among party members.

However, party executives later ordered the deletion of the post as Mr Pirapan and Akanat Promphan, the party’s secretary-general, are officially responsible for selecting candidates suitable for filling these cabinet positions, said the spokesman.

“Opinions from party members will be considered when the party finally chooses the people to fill these cabinet positions,” Mr Akaradej said.

A major shareholder of the Bazaar Hotel Bangkok has petitioned a court for the removal of the controversial Khru Kai Kaeo statue from its premises on Ratchadaphisek Road.

Phairoj Thungthong on Friday said that he has an 80% share of Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchadapisek Co Ltd, which was registered in 2009 with capital of 780 million baht.

However, today, the company is under a rehabilitation process due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.

He said Chan Tulyapisitchai, who holds 20% of the shares, is leading a new management team for the rehabilitation process. However, Mr Phairoj said he has been prohibited from getting involved in management.

He said it was Mr Chan who brought the Khru Kai Kaeo statue and had it erected in front of the hotel.

The 4-metre-tall gargoyle-like black sculpture with red eyes and long red nails has been worshipped by those who believe it will grant wishes. Buddhists, however, argue that worshipping a demon figure is black magic that goes against religious teachings.

Recently, the hotel agreed to put up a dome to cover the statue to shield those who may feel offended by its appearance.

Mr Phairoj said that on Tuesday, he told his lawyer to petition the Central Bankruptcy Court to order Mr Chan to remove the statue. A court hearing is set for Sept 12 at 10am.

Chalee Noppawong Na Ayutthaya, secretary of the chair of the hotel’s executive board, said the statue draws the attention of many tourists.

The Pheu Thai-led cabinet is taking shape and a full line-up of cabinet posts should be finalised within three to four days, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Friday.

He said the Pheu Thai Party will be in charge of economic affairs and the allocation of ministerial seats within the party is complete. He declined to confirm speculations that he may double up as finance minister.

He said the examination process of proposed ministers is expected to begin on Monday, adding the government expects to deliver a policy statement before parliament earlier than expected.

Pheu Thai list-MP Sutin Klungsang on Friday remained coy over speculation that he is tipped to be the education minister. On the defence portfolio, he insisted the post is under the Pheu Thai Party’s quota following speculation Gen Nattapon Nakpanich — a former secretary-general of the National Security Council and a close associate of outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha — would get the job.

Pheu Thai heavyweight Somsak Thepsutin said he would ask Mr Srettha to consider keeping the agricultural minister post after swine farmers threatened to withdraw support if Pheu Thai gave the post to another party.

Capt Thamanat Prompow, secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party, emerges as a candidate for the agriculture and cooperatives minister post.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said on Friday the Pheu Thai-led government is considered stable as it commands 314 votes in the House — although disagreement is expected among the 11 partners.

“Before they joined hands, they were engaged in conflicts. But if they can put this behind them, it would be good for teamwork and the country. If they are determined to do so, this government should be fine,” he said.

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat said on Friday he called Mr Srettha to congratulate him on being elected, saying as long as Mr Srettha was open to the people’s voices, he would succeed. Mr Pita added the MFP would do its best as an opposition party.

Airport to expand for mega tourism boost

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged to boost tourism in Phuket and expand its airport’s capacity to prepare for a likely surge in international arrivals during the high season in November.

Mr Srettha and members of the Pheu Thai Party’s tourism policy committee — led by Dr Prommin Lertsuridej — visited Phuket on Friday to engage with locals and gather opinions from the private sector to explore ways to promote tourism in the island province.

They are also scheduled to visit Phangnga on Saturday.

At Phuket airport, Mr Srettha and his team met with the airport’s management for a briefing on the expansion of the airport to increase its capacity to cope with the growing number of tourists.

Mr Srettha later met with members of the private sector in Phuket at the Ramada Plaza Chao Fah Phuket Hotel, where they discussed Phuket’s development strategies.

He told the attendees that even though Pheu Thai did not win a single House seat in Phuket, he still attaches huge importance to the island and chose to visit the province first after he was elected prime minister.

“We have to forget about politics but think of the country’s best interests. Pheu Thai does not have a single MP in Phuket.

“But as we know, economic growth during the second quarter was very low at less than 2% while economies in other countries grew considerably. We need to attach importance to the matter,” Mr Srettha said.

He went on to say that tourism will play a crucial role in boosting the economy in the fourth quarter.

“Tourism is the best way to spur growth in the short-term when the economy slows down,” the prime minister said.

“I am here not to give orders but to listen to and gather opinions. The reason I chose to visit Phuket is because I believe tourism will peak in the fourth quarter.

“We are gathering feedback so the Pheu Thai government will know what actions should be taken.

“I want everyone to know that the Pheu Thai government will propel the tourism sector in every dimension, including matters related to airlines, airports, security, visa exemption for some countries and extension of stays so that operators can prepare their business plans in advance,” Mr Srettha said.

He also stressed that Phuket airport needs to be expanded and that Pheu Thai has realised that additional facilities and transport networks must be built to support the airport’s expansion.

“We discussed the matter with the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries. The Pheu Thai-led government has attached particular importance to the issues and is ready to listen to opinions from all sectors in Phuket,” he said.

Speaking on his way to Phuket earlier on Friday, Mr Srettha said he wanted to gather information regarding tourism-related problems in Phuket, particularly pertaining to the airport, so that his team can draw up policies to respond to the needs of Airports of Thailand, which operates Phuket airport and five others: namely Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Mae Fah Luang in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai in Songkhla.

He said that even though China’s economy is slowing down and the Chinese government is not encouraging its citizens to travel abroad, Chinese tourists are still coming to Thailand.

Before Covid, mainland Chinese people were a major portion of international tourists entering the kingdom, with Phuket considered to be the top destination in Thailand for Chinese tourists, he said.

“Phuket is a major source of tourism-related income for Thailand,” the new prime minister added.

Monchai Tanode, director of Phuket airport, said the airport can handle about 40,000 arrivals per day. It handled up to 56,000 during the high season in 2019.

Regarding a project to build an airport in Phangnga, Mr Srettha said he will discuss the matter with the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council but that the project is already part of a master plan.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s condition has not improved since he was transferred to the Police General Hospital for treatment.

Pol Lt Gen Dr Sophonrat Singhajaru, the hospital’s chief physician, said on Friday an echocardiogram and lung tests showed Thaksin’s heart and lung conditions were still a concern, while his blood pressure remains stable.

Thaksin, 74, was sent to prison on Tuesday after returning home from self-exile the same day, following a court appearance. He was transferred from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital at 12.20am on Wednesday after suffering from chest pain, hypertension and low blood oxygen, according to the Department of Corrections (DoC).

He is currently in an intermediate care unit (IMCU) room on the 14th floor of the Maha Bhumibol Rachanusorn 88 Phansa Building. He is able to communicate, Pol Lt Gen Dr Sophonrat said, adding that all medical reports have been sent to Ayuth Sintoppant, the DoC director-general, but he could not confirm how long he will remain in the hospital.

Regarding rumours Thaksin would be transferred to a privately run hospital, the doctor said he would not be transferred as the Police General Hospital has the capacity and equipment to treat him unless it is requested by the DoC.

Details of Thaksin’s treatment cannot be disclosed due to patient privacy laws, said Pol Lt Gen Dr Sophonrat.

“The hospital only has a duty to treat patients and has nothing to do with security or politics,” he said.

Requests to visit Thaksin must also comply with DoC regulations, he added. Pol Lt Gen Achayon Kraithong, Royal Thai Police spokesperson, told the media that security arrangements for visits have not yet been discussed.

Meanwhile, outgoing deputy prime minister and acting justice minister Wissanu Krea-ngam responded to a question about a royal pardon for Thaksin, saying he can submit a request while in hospital.

Asked if Thaksin might be sent to a private hospital, Mr Wissanu said there was no reason to do so.

A senior forestry official based in Kalasin has been transferred pending a fact-finding probe into the disappearance of Siamese rosewood worth 1 million baht from the compound of a municipal office in Yang Talat district.

Surachai Achalaboon, director-general of the Forestry Department, said yesterday the director of Kalasin forestry centre has been moved to an inactive post to facilitate the fact-finding investigation into the missing wood.

Seven pieces of the much-sought Siamese rosewood, estimated to be worth 1 million baht, went missing from the municipal office in tambon I-tue on Aug 5, triggering a police probe. At least six state officials are allegedly involved.

Pol Maj Gen Suwan Chiewnawinthawat, chief of Kalasin police, said on Friday police have gathered evidence and are prepared to press embezzlement charges against eight people.

Of the accused, three are forestry officials, two are village heads, a tambon chief, a chairman of a tambon administrative organisation and his worker, he said.

He said the wood, which had been seized in a raid and kept at the municipal office, had been brought out to an open area in the compound for examination by brokers and later taken from the premises after a sale was made.

A source said two potential buyers were interested in the wood, with the first making an offer of 190,000 baht and the other offering 290,000 baht.

In a related development, the Kalasin governor has ordered a disciplinary probe against state officials involved in the illegal felling of 22 Siamese rosewood trees in Kam Hai Wittiya School in Nong Kung Si district for sale.

A fully grown Siamese rosewood tree can sell for one million baht, and the price goes up three-fold when exported overseas.