Air force chooses Gripen jets from Sweden

New cabinet members must also take into account decisions made after reviewing Finnish and US offers.

Pilots from Royal Thai Air Force Wing 7 fly two Gripen jets over the Andaman Sea in June 2011. (Photo by Surapol Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn)
Two Job planes are flown over the Andaman Sea by Royal Thai Air Force Wing 7 in June 2011. ( Photo by Surapol Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn )

The Royal Thai Air Force announced on Tuesday that it had chosen to purchase Job fighter jet from Sweden rather than US-made F-16s.

According to ACM Phanphakdee Phattanakul, the air force captain, an air pressure choice committee made the decision after reviewing more information submitted by both challengers on August 20.

These details primarily dealt with so-called offset, such as technology transfer and training, which the Thai government has been placing greater emphasis on when conducting procurements. &nbsp,

After reviewing all of the elements, the board chose the Gripen E/F over the F-16 Block 70/72 planes, ACM Phanphakdee was quoted as saying in a speech.

He claimed that the weather force would then prepare documents to describe the details to the community and his superiors about Saab from Sweden and Lockheed Martin from the US.

The air pressure has been looking for four new fighter jets to begin a detachment of a few outdated F-16s that are scheduled to close in the near future. It had previously expressed a desire for the Gripen, according to solutions.

Following the recent poll of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the government is expected to remain formed in the coming weeks. The new government is currently waiting for final approval.

ACM Phanphakdee praised the heat agency’s decision, claiming that the new aircraft would be crucial in expanding the organization’s capabilities.

As also, the fighter jets had offer maximum benefits in terms of the world’s safety and protecting its independence, the statement said.

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Dems’ ex-boss scoffs at rumoured Pheu Thai deal

Chuan keeps the information he delivered to citizens during the 2023 election campaign.

Former Democrat leader Chuan Leekpai (left) attends a House session held on June 16 to vote for the new prime minister. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
Former Democrat leader Chuan Leekpai ( left ) votes for the new prime minister at a House session on June 16. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

Previous Democrat leader Chuan Leekpai reiterated his position on Tuesday that the party should certainly ally with the Pheu Thai-led state, saying that this was in line with his message to voters during the election campaign for 2023.

Mr. Chuan said Pheu Thai’s claim that it would prioritize the development of counties that had backed it in elections over different regions had irritated him particularly.

Because Pheu Thai did not win a solitary chair in the southern area, a standard Democrat stronghold, Mr. Chuan said his remarks must have had an impact on citizens.

The former Trang MP and former prime minister said he was worried about those who were being let down by Pheu Thai’s view rather than out of personal gain.

He claimed that for this purpose, he had also not supported Srettha Thavisin, the party’s former prime minister.

Mr. Chuan refuted rumors that he was being fired from the party, saying that anyone who disregarded the group’s decision may face legal action.

His comment came amid reports that the Democrats, led by Chalermchai Sri-on, appear poised to enter the opposition and join the coalition government.

Mr. Chuan claimed that Mr. Chalermchai had formerly promised to strengthen the Democrats ‘ antagonism while ensuring that they would not lose support in upcoming elections. If the group found a way to address its shortcomings, the Democrats would probably win more seats, he said.

The individuals cited in media reports as throwing their bit with the new authorities have not confirmed those reports, according to Democratic deputy president Chaichana Detdecho, who claimed the group had not been invited by Pheu Thai to join the alliance.

The group has concise instructions on this subject. Second, there must be an invitation]to meet the government ] which will be discussed by the group’s managers and MPs”, he said.

According to rumor, the Democrat Party could hold two governmental positions in the new government, with Det-it Khaothong serving as party secretary-general and Det-it Chalermchai serving as minister of natural resources and environment, respectively.

These slots are regarded as belonging to the divided Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ), led by Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon, who may not be in the government.

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Senator’s bid to target outspoken judge shot down

Nantana Nantavaropas, according to the lieutenant speech, did not adhere to the rules.

Senator and media academic Nantana Nantavaropas outlines her vision during an unsuccessful bid for the Senate speaker's position, at parliament on July 23. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
Senator and scientific in the media Nantana Nantavaropas lays out her vision at parliament on July 23 in response to her unsuccessful bid for the position of Senate speaker. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

Senator Nantana Nantavaropas has been thwarted in her effort to get a discussion about the actions of a Constitutional Court judge, who just made highly criticized remarks about the breakdown of the Move Forward Party.

On Tuesday, sheriff Senate speaker Kriangkrai Srirak put the brakes on Ms Nantana’s request to submit an immediate motion to discuss Judge Udom Sittiwirattham‘s remarks.

He claimed that before she could raise the issue in a conference, she had to ask the Senate Speaker for advice. Gen Kriangkrai cut her short when Ms. Nantana attempted to argue that she was about to reveal the urgency of the situation.

Mr Udom came under heavy criticism for notes made at a common platform about now-defunct Move Forward and its resurrection, the Women’s Party.

He made the remarks at a public community in Surat Thani on August 15 about the judge’s part in upholding freedoms and rights, a fortnight after Move Forward wasdissolved because it disregarded the constitutional king.

Given that its leader managed to raise millions of baht in a few days, the judge once joked incessantly that the group’s breakdown might not be all bad information.

Some academics warned that the judge could face an investigation into moral misconduct because of his remarks, which were widely perceived as inappropriate and not upholding the standards set for members of impartial public agencies.

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Thanathorn shrugs off Thaksin’s ‘landslide’ prediction

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit assured that the Women’s Party will win the party’s majority in 2027.

Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit addresses a forum celebrating the 50th year of the Thammasat University Student Union on March 9, 2024. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)
On March 9, 2024, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit addresses a community holding the celebration of the Thammasat University Student Union’s 50th time. ( Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul )

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra boasted that the Pheu Thai Party will win the next vote by a disaster, but Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the head of the Progressive Movement, shrugged off the talk.

Mr. Thanathorn expressed his confidence in the success of the People’s Party ( PP ), the most recent iteration of the Future Forward Party he helped found five years ago. &nbsp,

In the 2023 vote, Pheu Thai asked citizens to provide it a flood so that it could force its guidelines through. In the end, it came next to the Move Forward Party, the now-dissolved president of the PP. Pheu Thai was able to type a partnership after Move Forward’s unsuccessful attempt to win sufficient support.

Walk Forward was disbanded as a result of its opposition to changing the lese-majeste rules. An unnamed applicant is currently following Pheu Thai as she demands that the Election Commission look into possible violations that could result in its court-ordered breakdown.

Mr. Thanathorn expressed his opposition to the idea of repeatedly dissolving functions and the Constitutional Court’s excess in general. According to him, the individuals should choose the group they want to lead the nation.

He even declined to comment on speculations that the 25-MP Democrat Party, today in opposition, may join the alliance.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra did decide which events to include in or remove from the alliance, he said, adding that if the democrats did fault, it would not diminish the opponent’s security.

In a related development, Pakornwut Udompipatskul, a list-MP for the Women’s Party and speaking president of the criticism cooperation council, said the group has now been officially recognised.

According to him, the Election Commission has informed the House of Representatives ‘ Secretariat about updating the Move Forward Party’s information and status to represent their new PP account status.

After the authorities presents its guidelines to the congress, Mr. Pakornwut said, the proper procedure for appointing PP innovator Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut will begin.

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Progressive chief shrugs off Thaksin’s ‘landslide’ prediction

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit convinced that the People’s Party will win the party’s majority in 2027.

Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit addresses a forum celebrating the 50th year of the Thammasat University Student Union on March 9, 2024. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)
On March 9, 2024, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit addresses a forum holding the 50th anniversary of the Thammasat University Student State. ( Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul )

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra boasted that the Pheu Thai Party would win the next vote by a disaster, but Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the head of the Progressive Movement, shrugged off the talk.

Mr. Thanathorn expressed his confidence in the success of the People’s Party ( PP ), the most recent iteration of the Future Forward Party he helped found five years ago. &nbsp,

In the 2023 vote, Pheu Thai asked citizens to provide it a flood so that it could force its guidelines through. In the end, it came next to the Move Forward Party, the now-dissolved president of the PP. After Move Forward’s unsuccessful attempt to secure sufficient help, Pheu Thai was able to shape a partnership.

Walk Forward was disbanded as a result of its opposition to changing the lese-majeste rules. An unnamed applicant is currently following Pheu Thai as she demands that the Election Commission look into possible violations that could result in its court-ordered breakdown.

Mr. Thanathorn criticized the idea of repeatedly dissolving events and the Constitutional Court’s excess in general. According to him, the individuals should choose the group they want to lead the nation.

He likewise declined to comment on speculations that the 25-MP Democrat Party, today in opposition, may join the alliance.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra did decide which events to include in or remove from the alliance, he said, adding that if the democrats did fault, it would not diminish the opponent’s security.

In a related development, Pakornwut Udompipatskul, a list-MP for the Women’s Party and speaking president of the criticism coordination council, said the group has now been officially recognised.

The Election Commission instructed the House of Representatives Secretariat to release the information and status of the MPs from the now-defunct Move Forward Party to reveal their fresh PP enrollment status, he claimed.

After the authorities presents its guidelines to the congress, Mr. Pakornwut said, the proper procedure for appointing PP innovator Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut will begin.

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Fresh election ordered for Pathum Thani PAO chairman

Winner of Phoeu Thai disqualified for allegedly buying votes

Charn Puangpetch celebrates his victory at his house in Sam Khok district, Pathum Thani on the night of June 30. He has since been disqualified but can stand in the recalled election. (Photo: Pongpat Wongyala)
On the night of June 30th, Charn Puangpetch celebrates his triumph at his home in Pathum Thani’s Sam Khok city. He is no longer eligible for the recalled vote, but he can run. ( Photo: Pongpat Wongyala )

The Election Commission (EC ) has ordered a new election to be held and disqualified the winner of the election for chairman of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Organization ( PAO ) &nbsp.

Charn Phuangphet, success of the June 30 vote, has been issued a yellow passport over concerns about alleged voting purchase. He reportedly threw a pre-polls group to woo citizens.

But, Mr Charn can remain afterwards, competing with other individuals for the seats. No date was set for the vote.

Mr. Charn contested the vote as a member of the Pheu Thai Party.

He received 203, 032 vote, beating Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang, the original PAO chairman, who received 201, 212 seats. Noppadol Laddayaem came second with 16, 983 and Athiwat Sonnoei third with 7, 122 seats

Charn, 62, and Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit, 72, were the main contenders in the PAO vote.

In addition to his previous roles as PAO president more than ten years ago, Mr. Charn is facing a misconduct trial.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) concluded in 2012 that there were grounds to believe that Mr. Charn had knowingly squandered funds in order to pay for the PAO’s purchase of aid during the 2011 floods.

The NACC next forwarded the situation to the Region 1 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct, which suspended Mr. Charn from his job after that time. The&nbsp, situation remains unfinalised.

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Rail concession buyback idea gains support

Congestion sales may be responsible for money, but how strict is it?

A sign promoting the 20-baht maximum fare is seen in front of Red Line commuter train at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
In front of the Red Line passenger train at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, a signal promoting the 20-baht optimum fare can be seen. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

Former deputy governor of Bangkok says he backs the proposal to have the government repurchase agreements for electric trains in order to keep charges at 20 baht per journey that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has suggested.

Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the commission’s secretary of transportation, previously said he concurred with Thaksin’s suggestion because it was in line with the agency’s policy of capting train service fares at that level. Samart Ratchapolsitte responded with the statement on his Facebook page on Tuesday.

The transportation and finance ministries do collaborate under the proposed plan to buy up concessions from private companies before hiring them to run the services until the original agreement terms are up.

Mr. Suriya previously stated that the government wanted to implement a 20-baht cover on all Greater Bangkok rail lines by March 2026. The State Railway of Thailand and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority ( MRT ) are currently the only companies that pay the 20-baht price cap, currently only for the Purple and Red lines.

Tickets on the two most widely used mass-transit devices vary by range, ranging from 17 to 43 baht on another MRT roads and 15 to 62 ringgit on the BTS Skytrain program.

Mr. Samart remarked that the purchase of up rail concessions is not a recent concept. Five years after the Skytrain’s opening, the government considered repurchasing Bangkok Transit System Plc ( BTS )’s first concession in early 2004 in order to keep fares at 15 baht.

However, the plan not moved forward despite there only being one range in operation at the time: the Green Line comprising the Mor Chit-On Nut and National Stadium-Saphan Taksin areas.

One way to reduce energy train prices is to “buy up the concessions,” Mr. Samart wrote on Twitter.

” Now, there are eight energy train ranges in service, covering a total length of 274 miles. Where will the funds be located? So the concept for finding the money came from the collection of fees in the business district, also known as a congestion charge or congestion pricing, in which case it was collected.

Singapore was the first state to introduce a congestion fee, called the Area Licensing Scheme, in 1975. At that time, the city-state did not have an electronic mass transit company, but it did include effective government cars.

There were concerns when the fresh service first launched because it had an impact on how people used exclusive vehicles. Yet, due to the strict enforcement of the program, everyone had to fall in line.

Police in Thailand is another issue, however.

Thailand has examined the application of traffic congestion cost measures numerous times, but it has never put them into practice. Now we will examine it once. But, I do have some concerns about the use of visitors congestion costs”, said Mr Samart.

Second, there must be electric carriages in the area where the congestion charges are to be collected, he said. He added that efficient public transportation that could get people to and from teach channels is also required.

Additionally, there must be a parking lot close to the location where the gridlock costs are collected. The government should decide whether the fees may be waived for local residents and businesspeople in the area, as well as other details like the time and date of the toll collection, the passenger counted in the vehicle, the collection method, and the particular penalties.

Lastly, Mr. Samart questioned whether the government would encourage businesses to invest in energy train services in the future and what would happen if the state were unable to recoup the concessions for the trains.

In a final point, he brought up the idea of the state relinquishing road concessions in order to lower toll costs.

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Students transform plastic waste into bedding for homeless

Homeless recipients of the mats made from used plastic bags, in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok. (Photo: EcoWeave Home group)
Homeless recipients of the mats made from used cheap carriers, in Phra Nakhon area, Bangkok. ( Photo: EcoWeave Home group )

A group of high school pupils recycle the waste and assist the poor by creating sweet sleeping mats out of ancient plastic bags and giving them to the unemployed.

The four 17-year-olds are Ponpalat Vipattipumiprates, Thanathorn Onraksa, Itthipat Saipornchai and Panyata Seelapatana, all pupils at Ruamrudee International School in Min Buri city of Bangkok.

They formed the EcoWeave Home team to manage their eco-friendly support-for-the-homeless job.

The project aims to assist the poor and reduce the number of plastic bags that are reused, which pollute the environment. Old plastic carriers are turned into free sheets for the homeless”, said Ponpalat, the head of the group.

Their decorative, roll-up mattresses were designed to be easily portable. EcoWeave Home team people collected and cleaned used sacks and poured them into sheets, he said. They were therefore sprayed with eco-friendly mosquito repellent, to help guard the consumers ‘ health. &nbsp,

Because it was so miserable, I used to lay on a hard floor and go to sleep frequently. I felt much more comfortable using an EcoWeave bed, &nbsp, which reduces the pain”, Ponpalat said.

” It felt as if I was lying on a bed. We were inspired to continue with this interpersonal commitment effort because the poor people feel the same way.

In the Phra Nakhon city of Bangkok, the musician have currently distributed 15 of the resting mats to the homeless. To create more mats and help the environment and the poor, they invite others to do so via TikTok at @ecoweavehome.

Ponpalat Vipattipumiprates makes a mat from used and cleaned plastic bags. (Photo: EcoWeave Home group)

A sleep bed is made by Ponpalat Vipattipumiprates out of used, cleaned cheap bags. ( Photo: EcoWeave Home group )

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Accused Korean drug smuggler overstayed his visa

Police arrest the alleged drug smuggler, a South Korean overstayer, in Pattaya, Chon Buri province, on Monday. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham)
Authorities assault the alleged drug criminal, a North Korean overstayer, in Pattaya, Chon Buri state, on Monday. ( Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham )

It was discovered that a Korean drug smuggler, who had been detained in Pattaya on Monday, had overstayed his visa by nearly a year. &nbsp,

His anxiety followed detention in four drug-smuggling situations brought&nbsp, by customs authorities in South Korea.

The suspects in those cases, medication riders, had given up the name of a Korean person in Thailand identified just as Jin, 40, and said they had picked up the medicines in Thailand’s Chon Buri and Samut Prakan regions.

Researchers in Thailand discovered that Mr. Jin do visit a Vietnamese restaurant on Monday this week in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung area.

They held him while he was being held, but it turns out that he overstayed by almost a month.

During doubting, Mr Jin reportedly admitted he was an under-boss in a North Korean drug trafficking group. His job involved using ladies to conceal the drugs in various body parts, including theirs, to offer and move drugs from Thailand to Korea.

According to the police, the drugs seized in Korea would have much higher city value than those in Thailand. Ketamine was valued at a price of 5.2 million baht per kilogramme, while crystal meth was valued at about 13 million ringgit per kilogramme it.

At a press conference held on Tuesday at the Immigration Bureau in Nonthaburi, authorities announced that the research was being expanded.

Police report the case at the Immigration Bureau in Nonthaburi on Tuesday. (Photo: Immigration Bureau Facebook page)

On Tuesday, police give writers a briefing on the situation at the Nonthaburi immigration office. ( Photo: Immigration Bureau Facebook page )

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Chao Phraya basin communities warned river is rising

No risk of new flood still, but be prepared

Ferry passengers arrive at Tha Ratchawong pier of the Chao Phraya River in Samphanthawong district of Bangkok on Monday. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
On Monday, passengers taking the Chao Phraya River’s Tha Ratchawong wharf in Bangkok’s Samphanthawong city arrive. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

People who live close to waterways in the 11 regions of the Chao Phraya creek lake, including Bangkok, are being warned of rising waters levels as a result of the torrent of discharge coming from the North.

The Chao Phraya River’s stream rate in Nakhon Sawan territory was 1, 169 cubic meters per second, according to the Royal Irrigation Department on Tuesday. The office was directing the river’s water to connect ditches on both sides of the Chao Phraya.

A bit further south, in Ayutthaya state, the Chao Phraya movement was measured at 1, 192 square feet per second, after the valley received liquid from the Pa Sak River.

On Friday, the ministry anticipated a surge of 1, 400 cubic meters per second in Nakhon Sawan and 1, 700 cubic meters per second at the Chao Phraya storm bridge, river in the adjoining Chai Nat state, at the rate of 1, 400 cubic meters per second. &nbsp, So, the division had to transfer water from the reservoir in the variety of 900-1, 400 cubic metres per next. On Tuesday night, the transfer rate increased to 917 cubic meters per second from Monday’s 700 cubic meters per second.

As a result, water rates may rise by 0.50-1.50 yards in Ang Thong and Ayutthaya regions. According to the department, the increase should n’t have an impact on neighborhoods.

However, the ministry advised people to keep an eye on water levels and make arrangements for flooding along the Chao Phraya River and in low-lying areas of 11 of the river basin’s 11 regions.

The counties are Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Bangkok.

The Chao Phraya River movement reached its highest peak in Nakhon Sawan at 4, 686 cubic meters per second, and at the Chao Phraya bridge in Chai Nat, at 3, 721 cubic meters per second.

The water section even reported that flood continued in Chiang Rai, Nan, Nakhon Phanom, Phayao, Phrae, Sukhothai and Suphan Buri regions. They were one of 44 counties that were affected by the floods in May. &nbsp,

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