Barkar Nash – Page 41

Coalition partners ‘to see out this term’

On: April 17, 2025

PUBLISHED: 18 Apr 2025 at 05: 28

Warm reception: Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul greets Kinzang Dorji, Ambassador of Bhutan to Thailand, before discussing plans for a visit by Their Majesties the King and Queen to Bhutan from April 25 to 28. Mr Anutin is the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. (Photo: Ministry of Interior) — Warm welcome: Before discussing plans for a visit by Their Excellency the King and Queen to Bhutan from April 25 to April 28, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul greets Kinzang Dorji, the embassy of Bhutan to Thailand. The Bhumjaithai Party’s head is Mr. Anutin. ( Photo: Interior Ministry )

The decision Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, are expected to work together and support the administration’s efforts despite their tense marriage, according to Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the head of the major opposition Women’s Party.

He claimed that the two largest parties in the partnership, Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, still need to rely on one another’s votes in the House to keep the partnership stable until the end of the parliament’s two-year term.

But, he said if Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra decides to break the House in advance, the parties are likely to veer off. Since the formation of the government, Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai have had a turbulent connection, with their collaboration more seen as a political union of convenience than a real alliance.

Following Bhumjaithai secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob’s charter that he disagreed with the government-sponsored entertainment complex expenses, conflicts between the parties have just gotten worse. Due to this, Pheu Thai heavyweights have begun to question the commitment of their partner in the alliance.

The parties have fought since the beginning over a number of pressing issues, including Pheu Thai’s effort to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic despite Bhumjaithai supporting its decriminalization as a vital policy. Additionally, there are area issues involving important players from the parties who have widened the divide.

Mr. Natthaphong, in his comments on the casino-entertainment complicated costs, said the government must explain to the public how it will respond to their concerns about potential money laundering and corruption if casinos are allowed to work.

He also supported the idea of a vote on the act, saying it could be held at the same time as the following vote to reduce costs. He claimed that a particular Senate committee review will provide more details on the casino-entertainment task because a previous research by the House of Representatives failed to provide enough information. On April 23, the Senate committee that is reviewing the costs holds its second meeting. The completion of the investigation is anticipated to take 180 days.

Northern rivers face ‘severe pollution’

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 17, 2025

In: South-East Asia

Citizens ‘ organizations urge PM to address the issue.

PUBLISHED: 18 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

A group of civil society organizations and many scientists in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai have written to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra urgently requesting state action to address the serious waste in the Kok and Sai river, which originate in Thailand from Myanmar’s Shan State.

The letter makes “alarming” amounts of heavy metal and sand pollution in rivers.

More than 1.2 million people in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai regions, who rely on the waterways for food and cultivation, are in grave danger of the waste, they warned.

The email lists 14 high-risk mine areas that the Pollution Control Department identified in 2023 and states that” The Kok and Sai streams have become extremely polluted due to illegal mining downstream in Myanmar.”

Five of those locations are close to Thai river. Satellite pictures show extensive property construction in inland areas.

Civil society organizations claim that there hasn’t been a coordinated effort to address transnational pollution despite the growing danger.

The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has warned that long-term cyanide exposure, detected in rivers at levels as low as 0.05 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, can have serious health effects.

Areas along the Kok and Sai river basins experienced catastrophic flash floods and landslides in September 2024, a disaster that was deemed to be unheard of in the area’s history.

Numerous families have lost their homes, goods, and jobs, but extensive restoration efforts have not been made. Residents are angry over the government’s silence with just a month left of the rainy season, the text claims.

It was a typical example of cross-border pollution, according to Suebsakun Kidnukorn, a professor at Mae Fah Luang University.

He claimed that while the pollution is found in Myanmar, Thai communities are also affected by the consequences. ” This is the time for climate politics. The primary minister must discuss this matter with Myanmar’s command and use local forums for dialogue.

He claimed that Thailand should put the issue on the local agenda now that the Malay prime minister is scheduled to meet Myanmar military innovator Min Aung Hlaing in Thailand tomorrow.

The telephone for quick motion was shared by Pianporn Deetes, director of the Southeast Asian Battle for International Rivers and secretary-general of the Hill Area and Community Development Foundation.

These rivers are” transnational.” Upstream Shan State’s silver mining is destroying communities and ecosystems in Thailand. The government may then take action to stop popular mining and land clearing.

Residents were advised early this month by the Environmental and Pollution Control Office to prevent direct contact with the water in both streams because lead and arsenic levels found to be significantly above health thresholds.

Public confidence is declining despite claims from the Provincial Waterworks Authority that treated tap water is still healthy, according to Ms. Pianporn.

The government says the waters is good, but she claims that we feel unsafe. ” We are being advised not to feel river water, but we still consume waters from it. There isn’t a clear path to solving the problem’s root, and in the meantime, these communities that depend on these streams are continuing to devastate.

No winners in US trade war

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 17, 2025

In: South-East Asia

The introduction of bilateral tariffs by the United States has gotten a lot of international attention. The Women’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, shared his thoughts on the subject.

A trade deficit constitutes a crime?

International business is fundamentally based on the resources and comparative advantages of each nation, with deliberate exchange and reciprocal benefit at the forefront.

Because Thailand has a value benefits, British firms chose Thailand as a foundation to make tough drives and then sell them back to the United States.

What of the United States ‘ trade deficit in services, which amounted to an enormous US$ 295.2 billion in 2024, if one claims that Thailand has a business deficit with the United States and deems that Thailand is engaging in cruel business and should be subject to tariffs? Does that mean the United States is unjust to its international trading partners? If the world punish the United States in retaliation?

The mutual levies in place in the US violate fundamental economic principles. The foundation of global economic development is labor sector and free trade.

In reality, the United States has been the biggest contributor to the international trading system. American consumers are satisfied with high-quality, affordable goods from all over the earth, while the US retains merits in high-value industries like finance and technology. The director-general of the World Trade Organization ( WTO ), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, once said that” the United States is the biggest winner in global trade.”

Tariffs as force

The US uses tariffs as a means of exerting severe pressure on its trade partners in an effort to get from them.

In fact, this is social strength putting pressure on trade partners by acting unjustifiably unilaterally. Imagine if every nation put itself second and relied on its reputation as the world’s top strength if there were over 190.

The world may turn into a powerful woods. The global order may be severely impacted, and fragile and marginalized nations would incur.

The United States has stifled global supply chains and caused a severe recession, drawing powerful criticism from many different countries, by starting a trade war.

Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, urged Asean nations to stop being careless.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned that the US’s actions are putting the world in a new era of random power, isolationism, and danger.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, claimed that the US’s hostile tariff policy would have serious effects on the world economy and harm consumers everywhere. It was described as a” tragedia of global trade,” according to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

What did China say in response?

The main value of China-US economic and trade relations is common advantage. Both nations are significant dealing partners for products, services, and other types of investments. China and the US have a lot of reasons why maintaining balance and green growth in economic and trade relations between the two nations is important, as well as maintaining stability.

The truth is that both China and the US profit from each other’s cooperation. However, both suffer when they fight. Protectionism is not the answer because there are no victors in a trade war. The success of China and the US serves as a chance for them to compete against one another, hardly a danger.

China won’t fight off a trade war, but it must retaliate if taxes are absurd. China has taken strong measures to protect both fairness and justice for society, as well as its legitimate freedom and the regulations of global free trade.

The trade war started with the United States, and in the close, it has hurt both people and itself. Shoppers in America bear the brunt of the costs.

According to research from the Peterson Institute for International Economics ( PIIE), importers, downstream businesses, and consumers in the United States are ultimately responsible for over 90 % of tariff costs.

This reality has just been reflected in the US stock and bond markets ‘ recent rollercoaster-like uncertainty.

A saying from the Chinese language is,” One lifts a stone just to drop it on one’s own feet.”

I think the US’s improper use of taxes does sway criticism from nations all over the world as well as from the country’s intelligent and discerning citizens.

Trade relations between China and Thailand

Both China and Thailand have a shared coming thanks to their geographical proximity. We are significant trading partners for both products and industrial bars.

China and Thailand should work together to promote bilateral trade, promote flexibility, and promote connection in supply chains in the midst of global financial turmoil.

We may use platforms like China-Asean assistance mechanisms, the WTO, and other forums to need all countries to uphold the principles of non-discrimination, flexibility, and peaceful coexistence in order to simultaneously protect and promote an empty international cooperation environment.

China will continue to work harder and offer growth prospects to nations like Thailand.

With a population of 1.4 billion and a buyer business worth almost US$ 7 trillion, China welcomes more premium Thai goods into its industry.

China may encourage local institutions, business organizations, and business representatives from both nations to strengthen ties.

We will even support Chinese businesses in Thailand to fully exploit the nearby commercial chain, collaborate with Thai SMEs for shared development, and contribute to the growth of Thai industry– all of this while assisting Thailand’s transition to a online and natural economy.

China and Thailand are willing to work together to establish a model for economic and trade assistance, promote balance in an uncertain world environment, and increase confidence in global economic growth.

Wrongfully jailed man sues

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 17, 2025

In: South-East Asia

Copps resigns after fighting to clear his name, writes Nujaree Raekrun.

Boonserm Thongsong, an uncle of Mr Phuris, showed CCTV footage of the shooting scene to reporters at his house. NUJAREE RAEKRUN — Boonserm Thongsong, an aunt of Mr. Phuris, gave CCTV footage of the shooting field to reporters at his home. NUJAREE RAEKRUN

A 23-year-old Nakhon Si Thammarat resident named Phuris Saitong has pledged to file legal actions against the officers who he claims falsely imprisoned him for an attempted crime he did not commit.

After five unfair times in jail, Mr. Phuris was released from Nakhon Si Thammarat Correctional Institution for Young Offenders on Wednesday.

Mr. Phuris ran to his mother and knelt at his friend’s feet as he was free, overcome with emotion, and grabbed his mother. Since then, he has pledged to keep the police officers responsible for fabricating the allegations against him.

After his brother, Boonserm Thongsong, the head of the Ton Wa Community, presented his grievance to investigators, Mr. Phuris ‘ circumstance became known.

After serving time in prison for a murder he did not commit, Phuris Saitong, 23, is released. NUJAREE RAEKRUN

Following a shooting event on April 8, Mr. Phuris was detained on suspicion of attempted murder with a rifle. One youngster suffered minor injuries, and the other youngster suffered shoulder injury.

Mr. Phuris repeatedly attempted to present his argument and proof at the center, but the police ignored him while he was detained there for five nights while there was clear evidence of his innocence.

I was coerced into admitting my presence in the firing after being questioned and coerced into doing so. He later told investigators after being free,” I denied everything, claiming that I had no knowledge of the incident and was not involved.”

He was passing by the field at 7.30pm the night of the incident, went home, and then left once around 11pm. The officers dissented from his role in the firing, but he was uninstigated.

Additionally, no evidence was found for the bike, weapons, or clothes. He claimed that the authorities took my fingerprints and took me to the center.

Mr. Boonserm, his brother, claimed that the evidence clearly indicates that his brother was at home at the time of the firing. ” My grandson is being treated like a victim,” my brother said. He didn’t commit the crime, but he was unfairly detained, according to Mr. Boonserm.

” There is a lot of uncertainty about the officer’s research. He claimed that we had to do everything possible to obtain Video footage from the city to prove his innocence.

The shooting took place on April 8 at 9:34 p.m. in Tambon Pho Sadet. The offender was obviously captured on CCTV footage from the scene, but it was obvious that the suspect had no resemblance to Mr. Phuris, who weighs more than 130 kg and is 180 cm tall.

The believe in the video was little smaller and less bulky. Despite this, Mr. Phuris was detained the following morning.

Sudarat Sarapan, Mr. Phuris’s family, added evidence that proves his innocence, saying,” I have clear proof that he was with me at home at the time of the firing. The actual time was recorded on the phone I was using to record him playing. He could have committed the crime and therefore quickly vanished.

The authorities insisted the event be settled in court despite the fact that they had presented this information to the authorities.

” The authorities did not give me any explanation. They disregarded all the facts and refused to search for the true killer’s car or possessions, she claimed.

Local officers began looking at the CCTV footage after hearing several complaints from the families, and on April 16 they determined that Mr. Phuris wasn’t the shooter. Pol Col Kittichai Krainara, the head of the Muang city police department, expressed regret for his unlawful arrest and requested his release.

Mr. Phuris’s family gathered to welcomed him at the changes facility, relieved by his release. His brother was clearly upset, saying,” I had to stop work for a month to help my brother. Our efforts have been put a lot of effort into preventing this, and my nephew is now facing criminal charges despite being stupid.

Mr. Phuris, who is now free, intends to bring legal action against the authorities for his unlawful confinement and to demand that they accept responsibility.

According to Mr. Phuris,” I have suffered a lot and gone through a lot of discomfort and stress.”

He said,” I was charged with a crime I didn’t commit, and I want justice for what I’ve been through.”

Lift flaw tied to State Audit Office building fate

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 17, 2025

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 18 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

A structural imbalance in a lift shaft, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, may have caused the State Audit Office ( SAO ) building to collapse during the earthquake last month.

Initial findings, including those relating to an irregular lift shaft, as formerly suggested by engineering expert Worasak Kanok-Nukulchai, were based on Mr. Anutin’s dual role as deputy prime minister.

The secretary emphasized the need to concentrate on thorough executive calculations to make sure the findings are conclusive and factually accurate.

He claimed that the shaft’s structure may have been susceptible to torsion during tectonic events because its structure was no perfectly balanced.

Mr. Anutin continued, adding that investigators are looking into whether the structure was properly constructed to withstand rotational forces. The professional research is led by the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning.

The SAO may look into any conclusions involving problem or bid-rigging, he said.

Before any accusations of wrongdoing or social violation may be brought against the authorities, he said an investigation into potential design flaws may be launched.

The secretary also addressed concerns that the site’s companies had reportedly forged the signatures of a mature engineer who claimed to have no ownership in the job.

He claimed that he was profoundly concerned over such an incident because he was an engineer himself. He emphasized that legal action may be brought if the trademark forgery is discovered.

Meanwhile, China Railway No. 1’s assistant mind of the group investigating the company candidate situation, Pol Maj Woranan Srilam, is in attendance. One of the project’s contractors, 10 ( Thailand ), has raised issues with the contract between structural design, construction supervision, and design modifications.

Investigators are looking into whether the design modifications had been properly approved before being carried out because the contracts, he said, involve two firms, Forum Architect and Meinhardt ( Thailand ).

He added that the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) is handling this case as a special case under the Foreign Business Act and the Act Concerning Offences Relating to the Submission of Bids to Government Agencies.

The DSI is also looking into several people, including Pimol Yingcharoen, an 85-year-old expert reportedly listed as the SAO property’s unique job designer, and Somkiat Chusangsuk, the older engineer whose signatures reportedly were faked to appoint the building’s design modifications.

New bill to deregulate film industry

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 17, 2025

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 18 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

The Ministry of Culture is proposing to amend the Film and Video Act ( 2008 ) to strengthen Thailand’s film-making industry’s competitiveness on the global stage.

The changes are intended to privatize and modernize Thailand’s film business, according to Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, to boost its appeal to global manufacturing companies and people.

The National Film and Video Committee and the government have approved the modifications, which are contained in a new act that the Council of State is currently reviewing urgently.

Output houses will no longer have to apply for a license to film in the country if the bill is passed. Alternatively, they will be required to simply inform Thailand Film Office of their material and production plans.

Ms. Sudawan stated that films will be reviewed by skilled, private business professionals who will use international requirements to rate the content rather than government top-down censorship.

According to Ms. Sudawan,” This new law will change state control with a present, self-regulating system.” ” We are now concentrating on development rather than limits.”

The National Film Industry Promotion Committee and the Film Industry Council of Thailand will also be the two new entities established under the costs if it is passed. These committees may develop policies, provide incentives like tax breaks, and serve as business advocates.

Just large, business cinemas will need a permit from the authorities, while smaller testing clubs will be free.

Ms. Sudawan remarked,” This is a novel era.” ” We’re shifting from control to partnership,” the statement read.

Amlo to reinstate policy on politicians

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 17, 2025

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 18 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

The Anti-Money Laundering Office ( Amlo ) has assured the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) that a shelved measure to rein in politicians who launder ill-gotten gains will be reinstated, according to the organization’s chief.

According to ACT Chairman Mana Nimitmongkol, the anti-money laundering and narcotics committee that is attached to the House of Representatives ‘ office has filed a petition to start the process of reinstating the PEP ( Politically Exposed Persons ) measure.

The commission informed Amlo of the petition’s explanation, which stated that it had been put into effect in 2013 before being ended in 2020. The justification for the withdrawal was not disclosed.

After conducting a study to demonstrate that the measure was reinstated, Mr. Mana said Amlo has assured the ACT that it will be willing to restart the Booster in the middle of this year.

The measure calls for the recognition of “persons given social status” such as political post-holders and senior court officials, separate organizations, the defense, and the police. It even applies to foreigners who reside in the nation.

It requires institutions and other entities that offer services like expense consulting and golden shops to notify Amlo of PEP customers who might be engaging in money-laundering or asset-laundering activities. In a PEP woman’s money trail investigation, the trades can then be presented as a modern footprint as evidence in court.

According to Mr. Mana,” This can information in blatant detail how much money enters and exits a minister’s, office director-general, senior military personnel, or police officers ‘ bank accounts every day.” ” It is very much show whether the money is being spent on investing or purchasing costly goods, and where all this occurs.”

He claimed that any money that is obtained through bribery, bribery, extortion, the drug trade, or human trafficking is typically changed hands for cash.

The money will eventually need to be deposited in a bank account before being exchanged for crypto money or used to purchase silver before being distributed to parties later.

Mr. Mana claimed that even between the time the measure was in effect from 2013 to 2019, there were few instances wherefenders were discovered. He attributed this to soldiers ‘ resistance to enforcing it in order to prevent investigations from occurring among the powers that be.

In order to fight graft, the ACT chair suggested that the Booster measure should be implemented in addition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s investigation of senior politicians ‘ property declarations and the Revenue Department’s money tax audit.

Thailand was listed among 78 nations in the Reactive Reformers group in the Global Financial and Economic Crime Outlook 2025, which was released on April 10 by the Secretariat, a global independent expert services and litigation consulting firm. Their scores ranged from 2.19 to 2.83 with the Secretariat Economic Crime Index ( SECI) giving them scores. Thailand scored 2.53.

Countries in this group typically have poor anti-crime policies, important regulatory gaps, and high levels of high-risk activity, which makes it difficult to combat financial crimes because of inadequate regulatory measures.

BMA moves to amend city rules

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 17, 2025

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 18 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

According to the BMA, the state’s 40-year-old BMA Act will be updated to modernize urban management while increasing the city’s operational efficiency.

Aekwaranyu Amrapal, a BMA official, stated yesterday that the organization is proposing changes to the BMA Act 1985 to increase efficiency in response to the difficulties that confront a contemporary city.

It has become apparent that Bangkok also struggles with structural issues, such as frequent road construction, significant traffic congestion, under-used areas beneath expressways, and untidy overhead cables, after nearly three years of work and gathering common feedback from various communities, he said.

These issues, he said, generally stem from restrictions within the existing administrative system, which has been in place for more than 40 years.

He stated that the proposed BMA Act amendments will concentrate on three main points: duties and powers, revenue and budget, and operational structure.

The BMA’s authority may be strengthened with the passage of the article, including enforcing emission standards for cars and all kinds of factories, providing extensive care to the most vulnerable in Bangkok, and taking more effective steps to combat illegal businesses in the city.

With the new legislation, the BMA will be able to generate extra revenue through innovative fees or taxes, such as a pollution tax, hotel tax, and a surcharge on used vehicles.

At 2528. thailand, the BMA invites people to attend an online hear. come. which will be available for input until May 18th.

Army gets about 40k volunteers

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 17, 2025

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 18 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

The Royal Thai Army (RTA ) has reached the end of its 2025 military recruitment cycle, reporting a noticeably high rate of voluntary enlistment.

According to Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, an RTA official, 57.78 % of the army’s recruits voluntarily enlisted during the selection period from April 1 to April 12, causing the military command to applaud them.

He claimed that 429, 175 people from the army, navy, and air power, out of the three branches of the armed forces, were selected overall.

This season, the army only required 68, 166 volunteers. 19 981 people volunteered during the selection process, 5 207 for active duty, and 14 201 signed up through the army’s” Online Enlistment” program, bringing the total number of volunteer volunteers to 39, 389, or 57.78 % of its target, with an extra 5 207 men extending their commitment to the army.

The total number of soldiers required for all three branches totaled 88, 255 warriors, with deliberate recruitment reaching 46, 623, or 52.83 %.

The approach was successful thanks to strong military cooperation and open support, according to the army spokesman. This year, we saw remarkable skill and civic duty from the volunteers, he said.

Maj Gen Winthai reported that the military document was carried out in accordance with a policy from Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk, who forbade strict obedience to clarity, fairness, and responsibilities. He continued, Senior officers were stationed throughout the regions to supervise operations, and synchronization centers were established to support and monitor the process.

The troops established a” Fast Lane” program for people who have medical conditions, have illness IDs, are volunteers, or want to be deferred. To inform recruiters about the advantages and responsibilities of serving in the military, people details points were likewise established.

” These figures reflect a growing appreciation of the value of federal service,” said Maj Gen Winthai.

” We sincerely appreciate every conscript’s commitment and tact.” The army is dedicated to giving all members of the army a comprehensive, safe, and honorable training regimen.

Thai PM backs Asean united front on tariffs

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 17, 2025

In: South-East Asia

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar and the Myanmar junta commander are also in Bangkok for a conference.

PUBLISHED: 17 Apr 2025 at 20: 12

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra greets her Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, during his visit at Government House on Thursday. (Photo: Government House) — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra greets her Indonesian rival Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday during his attend to Government House. ( Photo: Government House )

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated on Thursday that Thailand is willing to support Asean’s shared view in negotiating with the United States regarding its mutual levies on imports from nations in the region.

She made the remarks after speaking with Anwar Ibrahim, the excellent minister of Malaysia, at Government House on Thursday. At the request of Ms. Paetongtarn, Mr. Anwar is on a two-day working trip to Thailand.

The two leaders first got in touch when Ms. Paetongtarn traveled to Malaysia on December 16 and they then exchanged a telephone call on April 5.

Ms. Paetongtarn stated that they discussed how Asean could work together to combat US tax increases. She added that the group’s estimated 670 million members make the country a formidable industry and a force to reckon with because of their size and impact.

She stated that Thailand is willing to support the idea of Asean joining forces to gain all member nations at the upcoming Asean meeting and that the subject may be discussed at the meeting.

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will take the Thai committee to Washington for discussions on Wednesday, according to Ms. Paetongtarn.

As nations began lining up for negotiations, President Donald Trump announced on April 9 that there would be a wait on all bilateral taxes, including a 36 % tax on Thailand. A 10 % base tax on all products is still in place on almost all US trading partners, though.

” We have a number of good ideas to give to the US during the discussions. The Thai elite said,” It would be a win-win condition for both parties.”

Thailand’s trade deficit with the US was$ 45.6 billion last year, which was the 11th-largest among all of America’s trading partners.

Other matters discussed with Mr. Anwar, according to Ms. Paetongtarn, included a task to construct a new bridge over the Golok River, which serves as a natural border between Kelantan status in Malaysia and Narathiwat state.

She said that development is scheduled to be finished in 2027.

The prime minister also requested from her Malay equivalent to encourage greater participation between Songkhla Rubber City in Thailand and Kedah Rubber City in Malaysia to support landowners and small businesses on both edges.

She added that they had a discussion about creating a new peace negotiation team to address the continuing conflict in Thailand’s three southeastern border regions.

She added that Malaysia would continue to facilitate discussions between Thailand and the main separatist group, the Barisan Revolusi Nasional ( BRN), adding that the government is willing to give the team more support.

supper with power

While Ms. Paetongtarn’s dad was away from the limelight and the standard procedures, he was speaking with other senior citizens on Thursday night.

At the Rosewood Bangkok Hotel, where former top Thaksin Shinawatra hosted a dinner for Mr. Anwar, safety was increased at the sister of Ms. Paetongtarn’s girl Pintongta.

Thaksin serves Mr. Anwar as an unofficial advisor on Asean matters. This time, Malaysia holds the revolving chair of Asean.

Min Aung Hlaing, the mind of the military dictatorship that overthrew Myanmar’s elected government in 2021, was their meal host.

According to sources, the three gentlemen were scheduled to talk about efforts to revive the tumultuous “five-point discussion” reached by Asean to open the door for peace talks in Myanmar.

Barkar Nash (Page 41)

supper with power