Maris allays concerns on Overlapping Claims Area in Gulf

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Thailand, Cambodia may agree on term

PUBLISHED: 7 Nov 2024 at 05: 46

Koh Kut
Koh Kut

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa addressed concerns over upcoming discussions with Cambodia regarding issues relating to the Overlapping Claims Area ( OCA ) in the Gulf of Thailand, arguing that both countries must accept them in order for the negotiations to succeed.

According to the law, he said on Wednesday that any subsequent deal would need the government’s support and approval before it could be reached.

He also refuted claims made by some as impossible that one side would win the negotiations, which would be based on the contentious Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) from 2001.

He claimed negotiations must be concluded before natural resources in the Gulf of Thailand can be exploited. Additionally, the MoU directly mandates that discussions on maritime boundaries and shared development take place at the same time.

Mr Maris said Thailand’s interests may be prioritised, with perks expected for Thai people, including clearly defined sea edges and more cheap energy assets.

According to the minister, Cambodia wo n’t lose its territorial title as a result of the MoU of 2001.

The image included in the MoU only depicts each nation’s claimed continental shelves area and does not imply a maritime boundary line. He added that the MoU encourages parallel discussions on sea borders and joint development, which is useful for Thailand.

PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who left on Wednesday for two regional conferences in Kunming, China, declined to comment on the discussions.

She did mention on Tuesday that the government is preparing to form a Joint Technical Committee (JTC ) in the upcoming two weeks to discuss issues relating to the OCA, and that the proposal is expected to be presented to the cabinet soon.

However, advocate Thaikorn Polsuwan wrote on Twitter that, following the 2019 votes, the Palang Pracharath Party-led state and Cambodia agreed to continue discussions under the 2001 MoU, although just one meeting was held.

Citing sources close to the issue, he said that during the meeting, Cambodia presented two proposals: for Thailand to recognise its 1972 territorial claim over half ofKoh Kutin Trat province, and designateKoh Kutas a joint economic development area.

The Thai committee requested an injunction upon learning of Cambodia’s ideas, and no further discussions have been held since.

Key members of the PPRP’s organization urge the Pheu Thai-led authorities to withdraw the 2001 MoU, arguing that it puts Thailand at a risk and risks regional loss.

However, Wichit Sukasuyanon, chairman of the Trat Tourism Association, expressed issue that concerns related to the 2001 MoU are affecting hospitality.

He claimed that some of the videos that are available on social media about the Gulf of Thailand’s maritime boundary are false and may have damaged viewers ‘ trust.

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Minister confirms stable Thai-US ties in post-election outcome

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Maris: Relationship with US 'robust'
Maris: Partnership with US ‘ solid’

Regardless of the outcome of the presidential election, Thailand’s connection with the US will continue to be powerful, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

Mr. Maris made an emphasis on the impact of the poll results on Thailand’s longstanding diplomatic relations with the US during a speech on Wednesday at Wing 6’s Military Terminal 2 in Bangkok’s Don Muang area.

” Our relation with the US is powerful, consistent, and historic. Irrespective of who becomes the next US senator, our common goals and assistance remain steadfast”, he said.

The minister added that Thailand prioritizes healthy global partnerships that bring just outcomes for both parties under the leadership of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

He expressed confidence that this fundamental approach may help to maintain balance and fairness in US-Thai relations.

Regarding possible alterations to Thailand’s political stance, Mr. Maris stated that any adjustments would be based on open discussion between authorities and different sectors.

He highlighted various forms of collaboration, including government-to-government ( G2G), private-sector partnerships, and citizen-led initiatives.

However, the US consulate on Wednesday held” The 2024 Election Watch” welcome at the US president’s house, providing participants with a chance to see the US national vote and learn more about the American political process.

US Ambassador Robert F Godec, in his comment, said that regardless of the vote results, bilateral relations would be solid.

He acknowledged that the dignity of the political process is what counts the most, even though some may doubt when the results will be announced.

By January 2025, he claimed, the US may have a fresh leader elect.

Whatever the outcome, I can tell you that the United States ‘ collaboration with Thailand will continue to be strong.

” Our serious and important relationship is woven from relationships in business, investment, safety, education, and our people-to-people contacts.

” Thailand was America’s first companion in Asia, and our diplomatic relations stretch over 190 times. None of that will change”, he said.

When asked how a possible Donald Trump victory may impact the Thai-US marriage, Mr. Godec once more stated that the relationship may continue to be strong despite the election results ‘ impact.

He said that while little is said during election activities, it is essential to observe the exact guidelines once the leader is in business, as Congress, including the Senate, plays a significant role in shaping American plan.

But we’ll see who the American people elect and what specific programs and plans are put into place. However, he continues,” I believe the relationship between Thailand and the US may be strong,” he continued. Thailand is an incredibly critical state for the US.

Meanwhile, People’s Party ( PP ) list-MP and spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu commented on the possible implications of a Trump victory, cautioning that heightened US-China tensions under Mr Trump’s leadership could affect Thailand, creating both challenges and opportunities.

For instance, if the US imposes higher taxes on Chinese products, some of those items may be redirected to Thailand, possibly affecting Thai items.

But, he said, if production bases in China were to travel to Thailand, it may get investors and increase employment.

Mr. Parit added that Mr. Trump faces a problem because of his confined attention to climate change.

With recent severe weather events, such as landslides in northeastern Thailand, weather tenacity is an immediate concern.

He urged Thailand to develop international cooperation to successfully combat climate change.

Godec: ' Partnership will remain sturdy'

Godec: ‘ Partnership will remain sturdy’

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Kittiratt off the hook for rice sale

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Attorney-general wo n’t take the case against the court for acquittal in a case involving the Yingluck era.

PUBLISHED: 6 Nov 2024 at 19: 55

Former commerce minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong was indicted in 2021 in connection with a rice sale to Indonesia a decade earlier, and acquitted of malfeasance this year.(Kittirat Na-Ranong Facebook account)
Previous commerce secretary Kittiratt Na-Ranong was found guilty of wrongdoing this year after being indicted in 2021 in connection with a wheat sales to Indonesia ten years prior. ( Kittirat Na-Ranong Facebook account )

According to an informed cause, the attorney-general has decided not to take the case against Kittiratt Na-Ranong, a former commerce minister, for causing a malfeasance in connection with the purchase of grain to Indonesia in 2011.

In a case that the National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) conducted in July, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions found Mr. Kittiratt innocent in court.

Attorney-General Phairach Pornsomboonsiri signed an attempt not to appeal the judge’s decision next year, according to the cause, who asked not to be named.

After the NACC determined that there were basis for the allegations made against him, Mr. Kittiratt was indicted in the case in 2021.

According to the indictment, Mr. Kittiratt was aware that Siam Indica, the exporter, was preferred by the Public Warehouse Organization ( PWO ) in order to supply rice to Bulog, the Indonesian food procurement agency. The agreement signed in August 2011 called for Bulog to get 300, 000 kilograms of milled corn priced at$ 559 per kilogram from Thailand.

However, he failed to respond to a petition calling on him to confirm that the price was conducted freely, the accusation alleged.

The Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Kittiratt did not neglect his duties because Phum Sarapol, his lieutenant, handled the paperwork relating to the corn sale and handover.

According to the classic NACC research, Siam Indica and another company, Nakhon Sawan Kha Kao, submitted proposals in December 2011. The documents were submitted for both companies by an Siam Indica staff.

Nakhon Sawan Kha Kao did not meet the standards, leaving Siam Indica as the only candidate.

Siam Indica was afterwards contracted to supply 100, 000 kilograms of grain at$ 559 per kilogram, although a provision was inserted into the contract allowing it to provide a additional 200, 000 kilograms, for which no charge was held.

The NACC claimed that the alleged misconduct prevented the PWO from receiving a good sweet provide, which constituted an abuse of position for an unlawful and conferred gain.

It claimed that Mr. Kittiratt was aware that Siam Indica had been chosen to provide the extra amount of grain without a call for a bid being made.

Under the law, if the attorney-general decides not to appeal the ruling, he is required to tell the NACC of the selection.

The NACC apparently wants the attorney-general to charm. The anti-graft body’s future intentions are unknown.

Mr. Kittiratt has long been near to top Pheu Thai Party images and served in the Yingluck Shinawatra state. Recently, he has been the subject of attention when the Bank of Thailand table elects a new president.

The government has proposed Mr Kittiratt for the position, but critics see a chance of political meddling. The variety panel has already delayed its decision half, and it will meet once more on November 11.

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PM gives top priority to food security 

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Thailand has the opportunity to target local requires thanks to two summits in China.

PUBLISHED: 6 Nov 2024 at 19: 49

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and cabinet ministers arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport in Yunnan province of China on Wednesday afternoon for the Greater Mekong Subregion summit. (Photo: Royal Thai Government)
For the Greater Mekong Subregion conference, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and government officials arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport in Yunnan province of China on Wednesday evening. ( Photo: Royal Thai Government )

One of the main issues to be discussed at two regional meetings in China is the promotion of Thailand’s imports and addressing problems surrounding food safety, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Wednesday. &nbsp,

Ms Paetongtarn is attending the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion ( GMS ) Economic Cooperation Summit and the 10th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy ( Acmecs ) summit in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. The two sessions will finish on Thursday.

Ms. Paetongtarn said the browse presented an chance for the Thai authorities to strengthen its cooperation with local leaders and build on the discussions that took place at the Asean mountain in Laos in October to increase trade and investment opportunities.

” We will get assistance to develop our trade markets, especially in the food safety field, which is becoming a global issue”, she said. Thailand has the resources to support foods safety because of its technological and technological advancements.

She also emphasized the need for local leaders to collaborate on issues like flooding, dryness, and air pollution.

Thailand is prepared to learn from the experiences of its neighbors in terms of disaster management and prevention, as well as their systems and early warning systems, in order to stop future disasters like the recent flooding in the Mae Sai area of Chiang Rai, according to Ms. Paetongtarn.

She added that she would get discussions with neighbors to find strategies to combat intergovernmental cloud pollution, which occurs almost every dry time.

At the GMS Summit, the chairman of the Asian Development Bank and members of the GMS Business Council joined the rulers of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and China. &nbsp,

They were expected to explain how to suppress disparities in the sub-region through three pillars: communication, competitiveness and society, according to government official Jirayu Houngsub.

The Acmecs meet, chaired by Laos, is reviewing the development of its 2019-23 master plan.

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Iconic Italian ship docks in Phuket

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Venice Vespucci’s world tour to promote European culture

PUBLISHED: 6 Nov 2024 at 19: 35

Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian Navy tall ship billed as “the most beautiful ship in the world”, is moored at Phuket Deep Sea Port and will welcome visitors aboard to tour a special exhibition. (Photo: 3rd Naval Area)
Visitors can board the Roman Navy’s Amerigo Vespucci to visit a special exhibition at Phuket Deep Sea Port. The tall ship is billed as” the most beautiful ship in the world.” ( Photo: 3rd Naval Area )

The Thai Deep Sea Port is home to the tall ship of the Roman Navy PHUKET-Amerigo Vespucci, which is awaiting visitors to observe an exhibition of European art, culture, and infrastructure.

The 94-year-old fleet is on a three-year world tour to promote Italy’s much history and rich tradition. India will be its future port of call after Phuket.

Aside from the onboard show, the ship also boasts an Italian cafe.

Although there is no charge for attendance, registration is required in advance. Visiting periods are as follows:

  • Thursday: 10am to lunch and 2pm to 7pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 10am to lunch and 3pm to 5pm
  • Sunday: 10.30am to 12.30pm and 3pm until 7pm.

The Third Naval Area Command’s Chief, Vice Adm. Suwat Donsakun, stated that his employees would be in charge of keeping the European ship safe until it departs.

The demand welcomed the fleet on Tuesday evening and escorted it to the slot with two patrol boats and a police helicopter.

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Two alleged yakuza held for abduction, extortion

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Police question the two Japanese suspects, right, over the alleged abduction and extortion of a compatriot, following their arrest at a resort in Chon Buri. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)
Authorities question the two Japanese defendants, straight, over the alleged abduction and blackmail of a friend, following their imprisonment at a hotel in Chon Buri. ( Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham )

At a destination in Chon Buri, two Japanese people are being detained. They are accused of abducting a friend, extorting him, then actually assaulting and making him have faeces. &nbsp,

The defendants are alleged to get people of a Chinese criminal organisation, the gang.

Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, commander of research at the Metropolitan Police Bureau, revealed information on Wednesday.

He said the Chinese victim, who was not named, had filed issues at Phaya Thai and Chok Chai police stations. He claimed that three men kidnapped him and took him to a property. They demanded 300, 000 ringgit from him, claiming it was a service charge to handle his card at Cambodia’s Poipet station.

The target claimed that he did not have that much cash. He paid the pair 135, 000 rmb, but they were not satisfied. He was taken to an region of&nbsp, thick vegetation, where he said they threatened to kill him.

Rather, they took him to a resort on Kaset-Nawamin Road in Bangkok, and detained him it, the man said in his speech to police.

The plaintiff claimed that his captors demanded more money from him after assaulting him in the motel room immediately before forcing him to have his faeces.

When the gentlemen recently lowered their guard, the sufferer said, he seized the&nbsp, opportunity to contact the Chinese ambassador. Authorities eventually came to his recovery.

Investigators eventually identfied the three criminals as Niki Fuku, 45, Tomiki Asai, 26, both Chinese citizens, and a Thai person identified just as Pao, 35. &nbsp, Court permits were otained for their arrest. Mr Pao was apprehended, but the two Asian offenders fled.

Mr. Fuku used marijuana regularly, especially the Three Kings tension, according to the police. A crew arrived in Chon Buri to find out that Mr. Fuku and Mr. Asai were hiding out in a hotel. ( continues below )

Police arrest the two Japanese suspects during a raid on two resort rooms in Chon Buri. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)

In a attack on two beach areas in Chon Buri, police arrested the two Japanese defendants. ( Photo supplied / Wassayos Ngamkham )

First, they could not find the two males- until the smell of marijuana smoking led them to two opposite areas, where the offenders were arrested.

Officers found the hemp and 130, 000 ringgit inside Mr Fuku’s area. Researchers claimed that Mr. Fuku was a near friend of Mr. Pao, the second suspect detained, and that he had given him a sizable sum of money.

During doubting, Mr Fuku denied any involvement in the alleged suicide and bribery, authorities said. He rebuffed the claim that he had neither assaulted nor forced the Chinese complainant to have faeces. He claimed to have fled after being advised by a solicitor.

He claimed that he wanted to settle in the country and that he loved Thailand. He had been detained in Japan four times for cannabis offenses, had decided to move to Thailand, had brought about one billion renminbi with him to engage, and had established a cannabis company and a logistics company these, according to Pol Maj Gen Theeradej.

Mr Fuku told authorities he had given Mr Pao about 135 million baht for investments. He believed that Mr. Pao had cheated on him.

The suspects showed no fear of the law, according to Pol Maj Gen Theeradej, and their behavior had tarnished the reputation of the nation’s hospitality industry.

The two Chinese defendants had settled in Thailand, according to the thorough research. They operated a transportation company that delivered packages abroad, but they also sold marijuana. Thousands of Baht was transferred through their companies.

They are suspected of being involved in illegal actions, according to Pol Maj Gen Theeradej. A thorough research may be launched.

According to a policeman cause, Mr. Asai denied being a gang gang as claimed. He claimed that he also had a passion for weed and that he had decided to relocate to Thailand to start a business selling cargo pots and having a cannabis shop with Mr. Fuku.

During his stay in Thailand, he claimed, he had lost 1.5 billion yen ( about 330 million baht ) to an investment fraud in Thailand.

The defendants were detained by the police for legal actions.

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State railway sees ‘huge promise’ in 28 land plots

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To a company for area development and management, thousands of rent contracts were transferred.

PUBLISHED: 6 Nov 2024 at 17: 22

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor Veeris Ammarapala (third from right) hands over 12,333 land lease contracts to Pol Col Supakorn Supasincharoen, an executive of SRT Asset Co, on Monday. Looking on (in yellow jacket) is Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. (Photo: SRT public relations Facebook page)
State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) governor Veeris Ammarapala ( third from right ) hands over 12, 333 land lease contracts to Pol Col Supakorn Supasincharoen, an executive of SRT Asset Co, on Monday. Looking on ( in yellow jacket ) is Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. ( Photo: SRT public relations Facebook page )

The State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) is pinning its hopes on planned commercial development of 38, 500 rai of land it owns, including 28 plots with “enormous” potential, to bring in 20 billion baht in revenue over the next four years.

According to information released by the National Economic and Social Development Council ( NESDC ), the SRT lost 17.8 billion baht last year. The state organization is perpetually losing money, and it also has an accumulated bill of about 300 billion ringgit.

SRT Asset Co, a house management online established in 2020, has so far taken over the administration of 12, 233 lease agreements covering 38, 469 ray of property, SRT government Veeris Ammarapala said on Wednesday.

The plots fall under the category of “non-core,” meaning they are not intended to be used for key road operations or related activities.

The SRT is one of the country’s largest owners with 240, 880 ray in all, almost 202, 000 ray of which is considered core business area. But, not all the non-core company area has the ability to be developed for professional purposes.

SRT Asset has had little exercise to time, with revenue last year of merely 660, 000 ringgit, according to the NESDC.

Of the 12, 233 area lease contracts it has acquired, 5, 856 were previously handled by the SRT’s asset management office, 6, 369 by the coach operations section and the other eight by the signal and communications division, said Mr Veeris.

SRT Asset is also in charge of finding new plots of land to purchase for development projects and finding private partners to work together to develop either existing or new narratives, according to the government.

According to Mr. Veeris, the SRT anticipates a 5 % share of all development projects ‘ online income from SRT Asset Co., adding that the SRT will continue to be the owner of the land while its company will handle it.

He claimed that three phases are being used to divide the development of 28 plots that are deemed to have great possible.

Starting next year, the first phase will involve seven plots: the Bang Sue-Klong Tan (RCA ) project, Sila At, Klong San Market, Ratchaprarop, Phahon Yothin, Bang Sue Area and the Nong Khai station project, Mr Veeris said.

The other two aspects may be carried out from 2026 through 2029, he added.

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Tourists offered free Thai holiday if they smuggle weed back to Britain

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PUBLISHED: 6 Nov 2024 at 16: 41

ONCB secretary-general Phanurat Lukboon, second from right, and Prin Mekanandha, ONCB director for narcotics law enforcement, second from left, during the press conference at at the ONCB in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
ONCB secretary-general Phanurat Lukboon, following from proper, and Prin Mekanandha, ONCB chairman for cocaine law enforcement, second from left, during the press conference at at the ONCB in Bangkok on Wednesday. ( Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

American officials have requested that Thai officers detain Britons who smuggle marijuana back to the country in exchange for a free trip to Thailand with pocket cash.

Pol Lt Gen Phanurat Lukboon, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board ( ONCB), revealed this to reporters on Wednesday.

He claimed that American embassy Mark Gooding gave the ONCB a visit from the UK’s National Crime Agency next month. They pleaded for help in halting the immigration of marijuana into Britain.

The group received a notification that medicine smugglers were using the Telegram chat app to recruit people in Britain. They offered complimentary tour to Thailand, plus pocket cash, in exchange for trafficking cannabis back to Britain.

According to Pol Lt. Gen. Phanurat, American officials have been seizing thousands of kilograms of illegal marijuana. This year, the amount had substantially increased.

” These people who are recruited in Britain are not defrauded. They are tempted with free trips, lodging and meals in Thailand, plus pocket cash, in exchange for their agreement to send cannabis again to Britain”, he said.

He said cocaine authorities have now begun an inspection. &nbsp,

Additionally, Pol Lt Gen Phanurat reported that they discovered a package that had been labeled as having 210 grams of a diet product. A American man and a Dutchman who live in Bangkok received the package from the UK.

36 kg of cannabis in sealed packages, packaging materials, and 1.4 kilogrammes of cannabis resin with an illegally high tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) content were discovered in a search of their rented condominium and house in Bangkok.

Prin Mekanandha, ONCB director of cocaine law enforcement, said the two gentlemen had arrived in Thailand as visitors about four months ago. They allegedly sourced hemp from Thailand for smuggling to the United Kingdom.

The seized marijuana was about to be shipped in packages to Britain. He claimed that the narcotics authorities discovered slips that claimed the mailed items contained cushions.

Mr. Prin claimed that the cannabis was also being distributed to Britons and other nations who had been hired through the Telegram app and did n’t need to apply for a visa to enter the country.

According to Mr. Prin, they hid the marijuana in their bag before going back to Britain.

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Over 94,000 illegal Chinese products seized in Bangkok

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PUBLISHED: 6 Nov 2024 at 14: 30

Food and Drug Administration officials check products at a shop in Bangkok. (Photo: FDA)
Representatives from the Food and Drug Administration inspect goods in a Bangkok store. ( Photo: FDA )

Over the past three weeks, the Food and Drug Administration has seize more than 94, 000 improper Taiwanese products from dozens of outlets in Bangkok.

Lertchai Lertvut, the lieutenant secretary-general of the FDA, reported on Wednesday that 94, 476 unlawful Chinese consumer goods were seized in 341 different product categories during a raid on 47 Chinese stores in Bangkok from July 31 to November 4. The products were in violation of identifying regulations, he said.

The dealers of makeup without a Thai brand are answerable to a fine of up to 10, 000 ringgit and/or a one-month in prison, according to Mr. Lertchai, while failing to display Thai-language names on food items is punishable by fines of up to 30, 000 baht.

He advised customers, for their own safety, to purchase only products with Thai names detailing food labels, suppliers, buyers, manufacturing and expiry dates and FDA registration numbers.

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Chinese, Taiwanese gamblers arrested in Bangkok

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PUBLISHED: 6 Nov 2024 at 13: 04

Gamblers are arrested in Wang Thonglang district, Bangkok, on Tuesday night. (Photos: Metropolitan Police Bureau)
Gamblers are arrested in Wang Thonglang city, Bangkok, on Tuesday evening. ( Photos: Metropolitan Police Bureau )

On Tuesday evening, police in the Wang Thonglang area of Bangkok detained 15 Chinese and Japanese gamblers at an improper den inside a locked restaurant.

Around 11.30pm, the Metropolitan Police made a raid on the bistro on Soi Saha Karn Pramool Road.

Following problems that the restaurant appeared to be operating, Thai guests were denied entry to the restaurant.

Officers detained 11 Taiwanese, aged 28 to 47 years, and four Chinese, older 26 to 44. One of the 44-year-old Foreign people admitted to renting the building and being a gambler. The four arrested Thais were workers, aged 22 to 42 times. One was a kitchen.

Two pieces of playing cards and roughly 1, 000 playing cards were taken by police.

The area was formerly a Chinese restaurant. It had previously been a betting hive and closed down during the Covid-19 crisis. Officers discovered on gamblers ‘ phones that they had scheduled meetings to play on social media platforms and chat applications.

The raided place

The former Foreign cafe was seized as a hideout for a gaming gang.

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