Barkar Nash (Page 429)

Agribusiness large contests claims made by BioThai captain about aggressive fish.

In connection with statements he made about Charoen Pokphand Foods ( CPF ) and the spread of invasive blackchin tilapia fish in various provinces, the BioThai Foundation’s secretary-general is facing libel charges.

On Saturday, BioThai reported on its Facebook page that Witoon Lianjamroon was given a policeman summons to respond to the defamation complaint made by CPF, a subsidiary of the Charoen Pokphand farming conglomerate.

Mr. Witoon is instructed to appear in court at the Rattanathibet police stop on September 12 at 1pm.

Mr. Witoon claimed he received the call on Friday night, one day after Samut Songkhram province’s fishing, supported by the Lawyers Council, complained to CPF about problems. This was the second call, according to the letter, and only one section of documentation was provided with no specifics.

The details of the summons have been forwarded to the non-governmental organisation’s legal team, led by the Environmental Law Foundation ( EnLaw ), which is authorised to handle the case, Mr Witoon said.

Mr. Witoon claimed in a conference titled” Natural Disaster from Blackchin Tilapia” hosted by BioThai that CPF imported 2, 000 blackchin fish from Ghana for research and development at its breeding facility in Samut Songkhram territory in July. The Department of Fisheries merely granted the fish to CPF as the only business.

After the fish’s majority died within three days of being transported to Thailand, CPF later informed the department that the job was being canceled. The firm claimed that all the fish were disposed of in accordance with regulations and that paperwork was sent to the department.

However, as nearby waters became more abundant, local fish species started declining as a result.

Climate advocate Witoon Lianchamroon. ( Photo: Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council )

CPF continues to insist that these bass have nothing to do with the study project that was abandoned. Additionally, it states that it has been constantly supporting efforts to solve the issue.

Mr. Witoon criticized the government at the conference for failing to bring legal actions against those responsible for the spread of the invasive species.

Mr. Witoon explained to attendees at a community in Bangkok on Thursday that the country’s system of government is incredibly centralized and closely linked to large corporations. Despite some changes in government, conglomerates remain, and small business users are excluded from the business, he added.

At a special meeting on Saturday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra laid out four objectives for her government officials. Following the commission’s oath-taking on Friday before His Majesty the King, the appointment marked her first official statement.

Ms. Paetongtarn emphasized the importance of adhering to His Majesty the King’s guidance during the conference held at Government House, which she described as a source of encouragement and guidance for the government’s job away. &nbsp,

The second issue is to keep the monetary policies of her father, Srettha Thavisin.

Second, she urged related officials to create lists of prospects for permanent secretary opportunities in their respective ministries to fill openings left by retiring officials and those serving for four years. Following the plan speech, the cabinet may receive these lists.

All ministers may be prepared to respond to inquiries about their portfolios during the delivery of the policy declaration for the second problem. In order to increase public knowledge, Ms. Paetongtarn urged them to efficiently advertise and talk their policies.

The cabinet members are asked to carry out the economic stimulus initiatives that Mr. Srettha has in mind in the third goal.

A special case meeting is held on Saturday at Government House in Bangkok, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. ( Photo: Royal Thai Government )

A source further reported that the particular case meeting approved Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej’s session as the Prime Minister’s secretary-general. Dr Prommin, who has relations to the Shinawatra home, originally held this position under the Srettha management.

Ms. Paetongtarn, 38, is Thailand’s youngest prime minister and the youngest child of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Following the removal of Mr. Srettha on August 14 for a grave social infraction related to the appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban to the government, the head of the decision Pheu Thai Party assumed the position of primary minister.

Ms Paetongtarn is the second part of the Shinawatra home to keep the prime minister place, following Thaksin and her uncle Yingluck Shinawatra, with Thaksin’s brother-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat, even having served briefly in 2008.

Before holding a specific government meeting, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinwatra leads the government officials to take group pictures at Government House on Saturday night. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

Ministers obtained a sworn statement in front of His Majesty.

After all 35 government ministers were formally sworn into office yesterday, the new government will hold a special meeting now to make a speech outlining the president’s policy stance.

Monday at Ambara Villa in the Dusit Palace, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra led the government officials to administer the oath of office to His Majesty the King.

On September 12 and 13, Ms. Paetongtarn will formally begin her position on September 16 with the first cabinet meeting scheduled for September 17. She will also introduce the new government’s policy speech to parliament on September 12 and 13 and will begin her role on September 1.

Before beginning job, the government must first provide its policy speech to parliament.

Prior to writing the policy statement, Ms. Paetongtarn had stated that she would take another coalition party policy proposals into account. She hoped to complete it by the week’s end.

The Pheu Thai Party’s premier digital wallet handout plan, which is expected to be implemented by September 30th of the 2024 fiscal year, is at the top of the government’s plan, according to state resources.

Parliament has previously approved a secondary bill that would increase the amount of the government’s budget for the current fiscal year by 122 billion ringgit to partially finance the scheme.

But, deputy finance minister Julapun Amornvivat earlier acknowledged that some consumers ‘ program needed to be given cash instead of online money.

Other plans include improving people’s quality of life, increasing the costs of agricultural produce, and cracking down on medication.

As for long-term policies, they include the development of casino-themed leisure complexes as well as a water managing project to fight frequent flooding and drought.

Last month, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, commonly believed to be Pheu Thai’s de facto leader, told a local community the new state needed to undertake a variety of “megaprojects” during its name, including the pleasure complex.

During the forum, Thaksin emphasised the need to address the country’s chronic flooding and drought problems.

Some claimed that his speech was just a condensed version of the government’s policy statement to be presented in parliament.

The new government will put its focus on addressing economic woes, according to the sources, but policies that deal with political issues, such as changing the charter and any attempts to put lese majeste on the list of crimes that would be pardoned under a political amnesty bill, will take priority.

Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, the party’s leader and justice minister, allegedly submitted the party’s policy proposal for inclusion in the statement yesterday.

They include addressing unrest in the deep south by promoting peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society, increasing local residents ‘ access to education, encouraging peace negotiations with local residents ‘ participation, and raising people’s quality of life.

According to the sources, Ms. Paetongtarn has already divided the duties between six deputy prime ministers.

The Department of Special Investigation, as well as the Royal Thai Police, will be under the control of Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, while the Culture Ministry, Tourism and Sports Ministry, and Public Health Ministry will be under the control of Transport Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

The Commerce Ministry, Budget Bureau, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry will be under the control of Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

Suvarnabhumi aims to be in the major global rankings

Airports of Thailand ( AoT ) has proposed expanding its six international airports to accommodate 210 million passengers by 2032.

Kerati Kijmanawat, AoT producer, on Friday outlined the Ministry of Transport’s proper strategy for 2023-2027, which aims to make Thailand a local aviation hub.

According to him, Don Mueang International Airport anticipates reaching 40 million individuals by 2030, compared to Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s 120 million by 2030. By 2032, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport and Krabi International Airport does each provide 6 million people, while Phuket International Airport does control 18 million by 2028.

Suvarnabhumi Airport was when ranked among the top ten airports in the world, according to Mr. Kerati, but its position has declined, with Skytrax placing it in the 58th place this year.

He said this was due to the lack of services compared to other terminals, quite as Singapore, Tokyo, Istanbul, and Paris.

He stated that the AoT’s program, which is broken into three stages, aims to restore Suvarnabhumi to its best 20 airports worldwide. The first phase ( 2025-2027 ) aims to increase the airport’s efficiency, establish it as a leader in airport services within the second phase ( 2028–2032 ), and rank among the top airport operators globally by 2037 within the third phase.

AoT intends to invest in new technology to shorten the processing times for international travelers, cutting the arrival time from 30 minutes to 25 minutes, or 33 %, and the departure time from 45 minutes to 30 minutes, or 33 % faster, he said.

Mr. Kerati added that with a expenditure of 120 billion baht, the construction of the new South Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport may proceed according to its master plan. The South Terminal’s pattern will take approximately 14 weeks.

Building may start in 2027 and get four and a half years to complete. The fresh terminal will provide 70 million people.

The connector will make it easier to get to Bang Na-Trat Road from the south and link to Bang Na-Chon Buri Expressway for comfort.

Additionally, the aircraft will have a third runway constructed on the southeast side. It will take about 10 times for the design. Quick 2027 is expected to be the start of the bid process, he said.

He noted that AoT may also register its plan to expand the West Terminal and East Terminal to accommodate more people in the future.

After discovering six like facilities in Surat Thani and ordering their shutdown, the Education Ministry has ordered regional government to look into whether there are Burmese language learning centers operating improperly in their regions.

A video of pupils singing the country’s and Thailand’s national anthems during a school council at the southern province’s Myinttar Yeink Bang Kung Learning Centre went viral, leading to a problem to the Education Ministry.

The learning center was discovered to be operating improperly on the home that once belonged to the now-defunct Bang Kung Technological College in the tambon Bang Kung of Surat Thani’s Muang area. Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob and Suthep Kaengsanthia, the agency’s continuous minister, issued an order to search for any comparable learning facilities in response to the problem.

The center was opened allegedly without receiving established authorization a while back, according to Surat Thani lieutenant governor Sukont Noopakdee. According to him, it remained in operation even after the Surat Thani Provincial Education Office mandated its closing in 2022, adding that 1, 250 students from Myanmar are currently enrolled at this club.

Officials in Surat Thani may form a task force to control the situation and prevent the service from reopening, according to the provincial education company, and the provincial training office has requested that Muang Surat Thani Provincial Police find the individuals responsible for running it.

He added that all six Burmese language learning centres in the state, including the Myinttar Yeink learning center and five others located in the Po Wai group, the Wat Som Wang Wanaram area, Muang area, Khiri Ratthanikhom district, Don Sak district and Koh Phangan, have been shut down.

Government organizations are reportedly going to investigate the work permits and residency positions of employees employed by the club.

Sompong Srakaew, director of the Labour Protection Network ( LPN), criticized the Education Ministry’s decision to close the learning centers, arguing that the government should provide shelter and protection to Myanmar’s migrant children because their homes are suffering from internal conflict.

The value of the marginal forest has decreased by 28 %.

The northeastern province of Nan is home to one of the region’s important boundary trees, the cause of many major waterways, including the Chao Phraya River. In the 1960s, this forest region was designated a first-grade regional forest.

However, over the past 50 years, about 28 % of this vital forest land has been lost to agricultural activities.

Banthoon Lamsam, a popular native of Nan, referred to this as an “intractable malady”, stating that the state’s trees and local societies are in urgent want of support.

Mr Banthoon, Chairman Emeritus of Kasikorn Bank, highlighted this issue during a keynote speech at a charity gala” Together for Nan and Beyond”, organised by the Harvard Business School Association of Thailand, Yale Club, and Christie’s Auction House on Thursday.

He claimed that Nan’s headwater forest’s destruction had largely been unreported until recently, when the damage became particularly obvious during the dry season.

The eminent banker said,” This trend is not limited to Nan but it also applies to other countries where the demand for economic growth outweighs efforts to conserve forests.”

The environmental crisis was referred to as” the elephant in the room” by Mr. Banthoon as” the elephant in the room” and was unresolved by anyone until Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn founded the Rak Pa Nan Foundation, which aims to protect Nan’s forests while supporting local communities.

Inspired by Her Royal Highness’s foundation, Mr Banthoon conducted field research on local deforestation. He discovered that Nan residents were under pressure to renounce their traditional way of life, which had once been harmonious with nature, in favor of economic gain. He claimed that mountain residents began planting crops in national forests for investors.

Additionally, he discovered that conventional legal remedies could not be successfully used to protect them.

” We cannot jail the entire province”, he said.

Mr. Banthoon spoke with Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, the then-prime minister in 2016, and demanded that the government establish legal frameworks and provide funding for local agriculture.

In 2019, the Nan Sandbox was launched– a cooperative project between the private sector, local communities, and the government. Its goal was to restore the forest while allowing the locals to continue their agricultural work. The project, chaired by the prime minister, aimed to sustainably manage Nan’s national forest under the 72-18-10 framework.

The framework designated 72 % of the province’s forest land as a reserve area, allowed 18 % to be used for crops grown under restored forest conditions, and allocated 10 % for cash crop plantations, subject to Forest Reserve Area regulations.

According to Mr. Banthoon, the project has raised awareness among locals and officials, and there has n’t been any more forest encroachment. He added that it is crucial to have support from local communities and international organizations because they cannot do this alone.

The charity event also included fundraising activities, such as auctions and donations, to support hospitals in need in Nan and Phrae. Nan also has an unsatisfactory healthcare system, which Mr. Banthoon attributed to lack of funding.

” Most small clinics and health centers are run by nurses, while only the largest hospitals have doctors on duty.

” Even some major hospitals have inadequate facilities, medical supplies… and doctors and nurses are overworked, “he said.

While some foundations are attempting to improve access to healthcare for local residents, Mr. Banthoon noted that more assistance is still required.

By the end of the gala, a total of 6, 365, 000 baht had been raised for hospitals in need in Nan and Phrae.

Senator Keskamol Pleansamai has sparked controversy by proposing to establish a regulatory body to observe social media content and to file legal action against those accountable for any offensive or illegal content.

Dr. Keskamol stated in a statement to the Senate on Thursday that there is no recognized body with the power to properly regulate social media content because the NBTC and DES Ministers have distinct responsibilities.

The NBTC has no control over social media platforms, but it does control radio and communications. The DES Ministry, on the other hand, is responsible for virtual media but does not have the authority to regulate material, she said.

Social media outlets have monitoring, according to the senator, which could lead to the discharge of hazardous material that could threaten national security.

She suggested the establishment of a regulatory body with the specialist to file legal action against those responsible for inappropriate content.

Keskamol: Warns of threat to society

She even suggested creating safe and imaginative advertising, encouraging user media education, and providing reporting channels for inappropriate content.

She said,” I’m calling for the establishment of a system to effectively monitor social media content and collaborate with platform owners to prevent the dissemination of content that threatens society.”

However, the president’s plan has raised fears about freedom of speech.

The Society of Online News Providers ( SONP ) president Nanthasit Nitmetha argued that influencer-created content needs to be differentiated from that produced by media outlets.

He claimed that bloggers are regarded as operating easily and that online media sources are required to uphold professional standards and be governed by a professional code of ethics.

But, Mr. Nanthasit objected to any suggestions to govern influencers because they might be harmed by their right to free speech. Similar legislation to the system crime law already exists that addresses illegal information.

He advised anyone who is impacted by online information to report it to the platform’s creators, who could have it blocked, or file a lawsuit. Citizens of the Netherlands have responded to Dr. Keskamol’s suggestion because they believe that media command is a form of censorship that may harm the country’s reputation.

Charoen Pokphand Foods ( CPF ) has once more denied being responsible for the blackchin tilapia outbreak, but its critics may not have been completely convinced because it relied on findings from its own investigation into the invasive fish scourge rather than that of a third party.

On Thursday, native sailors in Samut Songkhram filed a complaint with Bangkok South Civil Court against CPF, seeking over 2.4 billion bass in payment.

According to a cause, the company is accused of failing to stop the blackchin fish, which the corporation imported from Ghana in 2010 for breeding studies at its growth center in the Amphawa region, from invading local waterways.

A fact-finding committee was established by CPF on Friday to look into the issue from the beginning of 2006 until the study’s removal in earlier 2011. CPF asserted that it was not responsible for the epidemic.

CPF stated that it is prepared to seek legal help to alleviate myths and raise cultural awareness.

The business acknowledged the significance of the matter, saying it is assured that it is not to blame for the blackchin fish outbreak.

In response, CPF has taken aggressive steps in concert with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to lessen the anguish of the general public and has actively supported efforts to find solutions with all important industries, it said in a statement.

The company’s initiatives include supporting the government and communities by introducing 200, 000 predatory fish, and promoting the purchase of 2 million kilos of blackchin fish to approach them for seafood products.

In the past, the business has delivered 70, 000 pale sea bass to federal agencies and areas in some regions. It has organised fishing actions on 30 times in 14 regions, catching blackchin fish, the declaration added.