Probe into Thaksin hospital stay ‘on track’

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Described: 12 Apr 2025 at 05: 07

A photo circulating on social media shows former PM Thaksin Shinawatra being moved from his room at the Police General Hospital to get a CT and MRI scan in October last year.
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is being moved from his place at the Police General Hospital for a CT and MRI test in October of last year, according to a picture that is currently available on social media.

According to the Medical Council, an ethics investigation into specialists who were involved in Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospitalization at the Police General Hospital is proceeding according to the anticipated timeframe.

There was no attempt to delay the event, according to Prof. Dr. Prasit Watanapa, Vice President of the Medical Council of Thailand, at a press event on Friday.

A committee is handling the case as anticipated and is on record to complete its work by May, according to Dr. Prasit.

He claimed that the investigation was scheduled for six weeks, with the possibility of an additional two-months if needed. He claimed that there is no current evidence that the analysis period may be extended.

There is no reason to keep this event in the loop. To avoid additional problems, we are firmly adhering to the regulations. After the investigation is finished, a press conference will be held, according to Dr. Prasit.

He added that the findings of the investigation would be sent to the particular president of the council, the Public Health Minister.

The findings may be finalized if the particular president raises no concerns.

However, a two-thirds majority of the clinical agency’s committee is required to support the decision if there is an objection. The specific leader has the final say in a vote that falls.

Dr. Amon Leelarasami, the committee chairperson, claimed his team had really received additional files that were crucial to the investigation.

He confirmed that the research has been supported by hundreds of pages of evidence, and he claimed that his group has” enough data” to maintain progress.

” We are aware that this situation has piqued a lot of the public’s curiosity. Please be assured that Dr. Amon and our team are working together and are committed to upholding the highest standards of health morality.

Following concerns from civil society organizations questioning the actions of the medical team at the Police General Hospital and the Department of Corrections Hospital, the investigation was launched.

The concerns stem from Thaksin’s instant transfer from a police station to a hospital, where he was declared to have” critical health conditions” that necessitate special care. He remained in the hospital until his prison name was over.

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Anutin swats away talk of rift

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Discussed: 12 Apr 2025 at 04: 02

Anutin Charnvirakul
Anutin Charnvirakul

Bhumjaithai leaderAnutin Charnvirakulplayed down talk of tensions within the party and coalition on Friday after secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob voiced opposition to the government-sponsored entertainment complex bill in parliament.

Mr. Anutin claimed to have spoken with Newin Chidchob, the group’s leader and Mr. Chaichanok’s father, and that the situation was not concerning.

He stated that Mr. Chaichanok and he are scheduled to go out for a holiday in Songkran.

Following Mr. Chaichanok’s dissention of the questionable bill, many important members of the ruling Pheu Thai Party demanded that Bhumjaithai reconsider its position in the government.

There was no speak of the group resigning from the partnership or the House being dissolved, he added, and he also refuted debate about a gap with the state.

When asked if the party had “put things in order” after the political corner, Mr. Anutin replied that such action was not important, adding that the group did meet weekly during the legislature breaks and once a month.

The Bhumjaithai head even urged people to avoid labeling the contentious expenses as a casino bill, noting that the proposed legislation is officially known as the integral entertainment complex bill.

He claimed that the act aims to foster domestic spending, stimulate private investment, and boost economic growth.

He claimed that measures to stop gambling addiction and enshrine exposure to playing have been suggested, and that additional discussions will be held when necessary.

After Mr. Anutin confirmed his support for the casino-entertainment difficult costs, Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong said the issue should be resolved.

He claimed that because Mr. Chaichanok’s notes were regarded as his own individual opinions, not those of the partnership group, there was no need for the ruling party to require any response from Bhumjaithai.

According to Mr. Anutin, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra received an apology for the speech, which may have contributed to the conflict between the factions.

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BMA prohibits the use of ‘T-steel’ in high-rise projects

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Described: 12 Apr 2025 at 03: 47

A pile of dismantled steel bars from the construction site of the State Audit Office building, which collapsed due to the March 28 earthquake, was found to include substandard products of Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill
The State Audit Office building’s construction site, which collapsed as a result of the earthquake on March 28, contained a collection of poor products from Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co. Pattarapong Chatpatpattarasillo, according to a collection of demolished steel bars.

According to a source, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) has forbid the use of heat-treated steel or “T-steel” in its high-rise construction projects without undergoing a thorough quality check.

The State Audit Office ( SAO ) building in Chatuchak district was destroyed on March 28; the source claims that this has led to the BMA’s Public Works Department suspending its use.

The ministry advised against using heat-treated metal or steel produced by training furnaces in high-rise projects under the BMA in an internal memo sent to the construction supervision division on April 9.

The sector is required to send detailed reports identifying the areas where the substance is used within the structures, according to the statement.

The office will take the matter further when the examination results are available, and the source claims that the department has taken the necessary steps in response to concerns about the use of architectural materials.

However, Metropolitan Police Division 2’s deputy chief, Pol Col Thitipong Piwatthikul, stated that the site’s collection of construction materials is routinely used for investigative testing.

He stated that various institutions are looking into building materials, including King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology and Thailand’s Iron and Steel Institute, and that preliminary findings are prepared and will be included in the ongoing research report. He added that he was confident that rescue operations would not be hampered by the process of gathering information.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the minister of inside, reported that the Comptroller General’s Department had voted in principle to raise funeral expenses from 20, 000 to 100, 000 ringgit per victim. Post-earthquake restoration efforts have received approval for an emergency account of 200 million baht.

The Board of Purchase partially revoked bonuses for a Chinese chipmaker that provided goods for the building of Bangkok’s collapsed State Audit Office creating.

At a table meeting presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira on Friday, the committee made the decision to instantly withdraw Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co’s purchase privileges until further notice.

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4 held after alleged rape

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Described: 12 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

Nakhon Phanom: Four men between the ages of 15 and 25 have been detained in this northeastern state on suspicion of drugging and raping a 15-year-old female on Wednesday nights.

After being discovered incapacitated outside a house where she had formerly been seen drinking beer with around 10 of her peers, the student has been receiving treatment in a clinic.

One of the four imprisoned men apparently gave his allegiance to the crime.

About ten people, according to police, may become interrogated, and they all are suspected.

A witness claimed that the woman was seen leaving the house and collapsing during their investigation.

She didn’t respond when he shook her brain. Then she was taken to the hospital.

The testimony claimed that they had previously witnessed her drinking and partying with other people.

The woman’s brother claimed that the medical contacted him about the woman’s situation around 11pm on Wednesday night. Since the alleged assault, the brother claimed that his daughter had been shocked.

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Price to align with the times

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Described: 12 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

The Bangkok Post has been devoted to providing Thai and international visitors with high-quality news, in-depth research, and complete protection of local and international activities for 79 times.

Given today’s fast changing community and tumultuous global economic climate, fair, balanced, and precise journalism is more important than ever.

Beginning on May 1, we will be adjusting the price of our week and Saturday copies from 30 ringgit to 40 baht per version in response to rising manufacturing and operating costs.

The Sunday edition’s cost will be the same, at 40 ringgit. The newspaper’s include cost will increase for the first time since 2008, according to this announcement.

This adjustment will allow us to keep up the high standards of media that have been our guiding principles since 1946, and to reaffirm our responsibility to our visitors and our region by providing trustworthy news and articles for the public attention.

Thank you for your knowing and continued reading.

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House gives round-up for year to date

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Discussed: 12 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

Khampee: Gives a summary
Khampee: Provides a succinct description

Since December, the House has approved nine costs, and the prime minister has until December to approve 45 more.

A representative for the House speaker, Khampee Disthakorn, gave a brief description of the legislative sessions from December 12 last year to April 10 at yesterday’s meeting.

MPs convened 31 times during that time, along with six shared political classes.

19 legal amendments are still pending after the combined meetings, one natural law was approved, one was rejected, and three treaties were approved. Additionally, three democratic gestures were passed.

One bill was suspended under Part 137 of the law, and another is currently being reviewed by a mutual commission, making up nine costs full that were approved by parliament.

Numerous more charges are still being considered: four are being reviewed by the Senate, 19 are being reviewed by the council, 63 are awaiting plan thought, and 12 are undergoing impact evaluation studies and open hearings.

Regarding the constitution’s public-proposed costs, Mr. Khampee reported that six are on the plan, and 10 are pending the perfect minister’s approval.

Additionally, legislature approved committee information linked to 15 movements and passed 28 motions directing the government to take action.

One action for no confidence was made in accordance with Section 151. Additionally, the House reviewed and addressed a number of commission information, of which 135 received responses in the Royal Gazette.

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ABOUT POLITICS: Governor needs a sprint finish

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Chadchart: Promises not kept?
Promises never kept, Chadchart?

The rate at which Bangkok government Chadchart Sittipunt runs City Hall’s affairs has been compared by observers to an old gasoline energy engine– slow to start, just to accelerate towards the end.

Mr. Chadchart faced criticism for not keeping his presidential election promises during the first half of his four-year phrase.

The politician, who largely won the highest couch at City Hall with 1.3 million vote again in 2022, has a polarized opinion of his achievement as governor, according to observers.

Before the ballot, Mr Chadchart exuded the image of a hard-working, high-calibre candidate for Bangkok’s operational best job. He made numerous pledges that would be fulfilled when in company, including a lasting remedy for the city’s persistent floods, which usually occur during the rainy season.

Nonetheless, his opponents were underwhelmed by the governor’s” dramatic” live performances, which frequently feature him riding a motorcycle while inspecting flooded streets and sois.

After some such channels, people felt turned off, slamming what they said was the mayor’s failure to adopt an effective correct for the storm problem.

The supporters of Mr. Chadchart also blasted what they claimed were unfair criticism of him, insisting that Bangkok has a myriad of structural and infrastructure problems that cannot be fixed overnight.

One of the busiest sois meandering through a dense business and residential district, the governor was criticized for a critical traffic snarl in November of last year. The jam was triggered by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s ( BMA ) closure of a partial traffic lane that had instead been converted into a bicycle lane.

The traffic chaos caused by the conversion quickly flooded into Sukhumvit and nearby roads during rush hours and all day long.

Social media caused a lot of public outcry, with numerous complaints branding the converted lane as an ill-thought-out and short-sighted plan.

The BMA immediately issued an apology, and Mr Chadchart leapt forward to defend the merits of the bicycle lane. He argued that the BMA’s initiative, which was launched in collaboration with foreign experts and embassies, represented a designation of a safe route for cycling and walking through the city.

However, the dedicated lane was not tolerated by drivers and residents, leading to traffic issues on 17 major thoroughfares and nearby Phetchaburi, Thong Lor, and Ekkamai.

Motorists reported long queues stretching as far as Victory Monument and Phatthanakan Road. Observers observed that delivery riders and motorcycles primarily used the bicycle lane rather than cyclists.

The BMA made no mistake when it removed the lane barriers, restored two-lane vehicle traffic, and maintained a shared pedestrian and bicycle path.

Mr Chadchart also apologised and admitted that urban development was prone to being marred by the “occasional missteps”.

At the time, it was anticipated that Mr. Chadchart’s popularity would decline as a result of the residents ‘ unpleasant aftertaste of their bicycle lane experiences. The underlying danger, according to critics, may be related to the voters ‘ growing concern that the bicycle lane backtrack may attest Mr. Chadchart’s propensity to get carried away with projects that affect the masses before abandoning them later.

Growing concerns and the absence of substantial achievements may have spurred the governor to get his act together. After all, the following governor’s election is scheduled for the following year.

It wasn’t until recently that MCOT News Radio reported that Mr. Chadchart had made a decision to run for re-election when his current term expires in June of that year.

His strategy is to meet residents in communities via mobile campaigns on Sundays, listen to their problems, and deal with them with a hands-on approach. Additionally, he is expected to make more strides to finish the important initiatives and policies to address persistent issues like floods, microdust pollution, traffic congestion, and refuse collection.

According to a source, Mr. Chadchart’s biggest stumbling block was not completing what he started by quickly removing the most unforgivable sin a leader has committed: graft.

The BMA, with Mr Chadchart at its helm, has had its fair share of graft allegations, including the procurement of overpriced fitness equipment and the construction of what were viewed as substandard bus stops.

The source claimed that Mr. Chadchart’s recent campaigning for “visibility” was not surprising because it appeared to have swayed his popularity.

Projects have been running since November last year, dubbed by his critics as an “early” poll-canvassing ploy.

This refers to City Hall’s success in clearing out the Lao Market, which had for years encroached on the pavement opposite Klong Toey Market. The governor then directed the attention of the illegal stalls that had been occupying the pavement outside Klong Toey Market, where vendors admitted to having bribed city thessakij inspectors to keep their businesses running.

Additionally, Mr. Chadchart made an announcement that the authorities were repressing traffic on city streets and streets that have been obstructed by abandoned vehicles.

Also, recently, the government set a goal of planting 1.06 million trees in Bangkok’s eastern suburbs by April next year.

Pheu Thai battling for space

The Pheu Thai Party-led government has decided to temporarily halt its controversial casino-entertainment complex bill in response to rising economic pressure from many nations and concentrate instead on growing concerns over Washington’s 36 % increase in import tariffs on Thai goods.

Pichai: Solutions must be' viable'

Pichai: Solutions must be’ viable’

Fears are pervasive that they could still be put in place against the kingdom despite President Donald Trump’s surprise this week, which included a 90-day pause on the tariffs for nations that chose not to retaliate.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra refrained from accusing the Thai government of using its delay as a stalling tactic in order to distract attention from the contentious bill’s controversial provisions.

Last week, Mr Trump announced a minimum 10 % tariff on imports from all countries, along with additional country-specific retaliatory tariffs. Thailand’s rate was set at 36 %, which was originally effective on April 9.

The House of Representatives was scheduled to read the bill the day before the decision to postpone it, and the same day, the new tariff rate was scheduled to go into effect before the 90-day pause.

As the government moves from a local political battle to weather broader economic storms, political analysts suggest it should not rush into any deal and must first understand what the US truly wants to achieve.

There is no need to make any concessions right now, according to Sompob Manarangsan, president of the Panyapiwat Institute of Management, and the government should look for other ways to negotiate as well.

Mr. Sompob claimed that the US Trade Representative ( USTR ), the Thai-US Chamber of Commerce, and other in-person contacts like lobbyists who are close to the US Republican Party could be used as well.

He noted that markets with larger trade volumes with the US like Japan, the European Union ( EU) and Canada will feel the brunt of the tariffs more than Thailand.

In order to divide the countries facing tariff increases, Mr. Sompob divided them into three groups: smaller nations that support the US without retaliation, those who support China, the EU, and Canada, and those who are eager to see how things turn out.

The US-China tension is rising, and it is hurting the US economy, as evidenced by the decline in US stock prices and consumer confidence. This may prompt the US to reconsider its tariff policy”, he said.

Exporting to the US must continue as usual despite the effects of the tariffs, Mr. Sompob continued, noting that all nations will experience the pinch.

The US may end up being the biggest loser, he said, because its citizens will end up paying higher prices for goods.

Somjai Phagaphasvivat, an independent political and economic analyst, said the tariff hike appears to be driven more by national security concerns than economic ones, especially against countries perceived to be aligned with China.

He noted that Vietnam and Cambodia are subject to nearly 50 % tariff increases, which is thought to be a way for China to re-export Chinese goods under their own labels.

He claimed that because Thailand is perceived as leaning toward China, it faces the threat of a 36 % tariff.

Mr Somjai said the government must adopt a multipronged approach in its negotiations with the USTR and use any leverage the country has, especially in agriculture.

He claimed that the nation might increase imports of US goods and promote its security cooperation and investment by private Thai companies in the US to lessen tensions and lessen the impact of the tariffs.

He remarked,” Don’t be a punching bag.”

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who leads the Thai negotiation team, has admitted that settling on terms that satisfy both countries equally will not be easy.

We must fully comprehend what the US wants and what they’re attempting to fix. Although I’m willing to negotiate, we must make sure that the ideas we bring to the table are useful and achievable.

” We need to work hard to show that our proposed solutions are viable, “he said.

The trade imbalance, according to the finance minister, is a contributing factor to the US debt, which accounts for about 123 % of its GDP.

The US wants to lower its interest rates and debt. That’s why they’re pushing to correct trade imbalances and bring more manufacturing back to America,” Mr Pichai said.

Thailand’s trade surplus with the US was estimated to be greater than US$ 40 billion ($ 1.37 trillion baht ) in the previous year.

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Thailand and NZ press on amid tariff turmoil

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Two nominees engage in a telephone conversation to reiterate their desire to improve business ties.

PUBLISHED: 11 Apr 2025 at 18: 47

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra takes part in a telephone conversation with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Friday. (Photo: Government House)
On Friday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speak over the phone. Government House is in the picture.

In light of the threat of large mutual tariffs in the United States, Thailand and New Zealand have come to a consensus to reinforce bilateral trade ties across all channels using current frameworks.

According to government official Jirayu Houngsub, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her New Zealand rival Christopher Luxon had a telephone conversation on Friday to talk about closer assistance.

Ms. Paetongtarn stated during the discussion that the Thai government is carefully monitoring the effects of US tax policies and is willing to engage in dialogue with Washington to encourage more a balanced trade relationship.

Mr. Luxon pointed out that while New Zealand’s actual average tariff was only 1.9 %, the US had a 20 % reciprocal tariff rate.

Even though the US has announced a 90-day wait on bilateral taxes for all nations but China, and withholding the 10 % foundation transfer tax, the two leaders have come to a consensus to speed up progress to improve economic relations.

The two countries even expressed concern about the potential for rising global inflation and trade war, which was stifle regional economic growth.

The leaders reaffirmed that existing bilateral and multilateral frameworks, such as the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement ( AANZFTA ), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ), should be used as tools to reduce the impact of US import taxes.

Mr. Luxon even expressed his condolences over the recent earthquake in Thailand, and he thanked the Thai government for aiding Myanmar in the process.

Ms. Paetongtarn concluded the discussions by reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to developing diplomatic relations with New Zealand into a strategic relationship by 2026.

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Public warned to stay alert to drowning risk

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According to statistics, April and Songkran are at their highest points of the year when it comes to water casualties.

PUBLISHED: 11 Apr 2025 at 18: 32

Passengers wait for buses to take them home or to holiday destinations at the Mor Chit terminal on Friday, as people start leaving Bangkok for the Songkran holidays. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
As people begin leaving Bangkok for the Songkran vacations, people wait for cars at the Mor Chit switch on Friday to take them home or to their vacation destinations. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

Given the rise in deaths annually around the water event, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has issued a warning to the public during the Songkran vacations.

He said on Friday that disturbing records indicate that drowning fatalities rise rapidly in April, particularly during Songkran.

An average of 327 people per April, and between April 13 and April 15, there are up to 15 drowning on average per day, which is 1.5 times higher than at other periods of the year, according to statistics from the ministry’s continuous secretary’s business.

Adults between the ages of 45 and 59 are the most vulnerable, causing an average of 84 murders in April, followed by children under 15 and those between the ages of 70.

According to a report from the Department of Disease Control, 79 % of drowners now occur in agricultural or natural water sources, compared to 12 % who previously drank alcohol. No one who passed away was wearing a life jacket.

A lack of knowledge about how to support victims, bad swimming or survival skills, and a lack of awareness about how to help victims was all risk factors, according to Mr. Somsak.

He urged the general public to follow safety instructions posted at holiday destinations, to use career coats when engaging in water sports, and to stay away from alcohol in the water or near it. He emphasized that families may not leave their children unattended near the water.

He argued that lifeguards may be present in tourist destinations like reservoirs, waterfalls, and beaches, where there should be secure swimming areas kept away from boat traffic.

During the April 12 to 15 Songkran trip, the Marine Department announced that it would dispatch almost 800 officers and 52 police boats to improve health on piers and tourist destinations across the nation.

According to assistant state representative Sasikarn Wattanachan, the ministry has cooped with the Royal Thai Navy, the Sea Police Division, and rescue organizations to improve safety measures.

She advised people to avoid alcohol and use life vests when boarding ships. Additionally, they are advised to keep an eye on weather forecasts and dial the 1199 line 24 hours a day to review water-related emergencies.

Ms. Sasikarn stated that the Saen Saeb canal’s passenger ship companies may remain suspended from April 12 to April 15 as part of the security drive.

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Waterspout causes alarm near Phuket marina

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No reports of damage or injuries brought on by biological phenomena in Chalong Bay.

PUBLISHED: 11 Apr 2025 at 17: 37

A waterspout forms over the sea in Chalong Bay in Muang district of Phuket on Friday. (Photos: Government Public Relations Department)
On Friday, a tornado forms over the water in Chalong Bay in the Muang city of Phuket. Government Public Relations Department ( Photos )

Boaters and spectators in Chalong Bay, Phuket, were alarmed by a link that formed simply off a catamaran marina’s entrance on Friday.

A foreign visitor witnessed the normal occurrence on camera in the area around 11am when it first appeared.

Expressions of surprise and grief can be heard as a column of swirling waters rises from the ocean on video.

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No injuries have been reported to any warships, including local fishing ships and harbour structures, despite the event taking place close to a marina for boats and speedboats.

Authorities promised to examine the picture and investigate the circumstances.

Residents and visitors to the Chalong Bay region have been urged to closely monitor reports and remain on property for the time being until safety is assured.

The Meteorological Department predicted winds to strike 60 % of the southern area, including Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces, with waves erupting over two meters and winds gusting up to 35 kilometers per hour.

Waterspout emerges near yacht marina Phuket, causing alarm

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