Govt frets over Uyghur fallout with EU

Problem grows over effect on FTA negotiations.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong meet with the Imam of the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, during their visit to the Xinjiang region of China to follow up on the status of Uyghur returnees on March 20. (Photos: Government House)
During their visit to the Xinjiang region of China on March 20, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and Vice Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai meet with the Imam of the Card Kah Mosque in Kashgar. ( Photos: Government House )

Working with the unusual and business departments, the Committee on Economic Development is looking into the effects of the government’s imprisonment of Uyghurs in the context of EU free trade agreements.

Représentants from both ministries, affiliated private companies, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC ) and the Federation of Thai SMEs attended a meeting on Thursday to discuss the matter.

Prior to the meeting, Sittiphol Viboonthanakul, a People’s Party ( PP ) list-MP and committee chairman, stated that the deportations would have an impact on Thailand’s international trade dynamics because the EU had condemned the government’s actions. The extent of the effect is not yet known.

He added that it was necessary to assess whether this circumstance might prevent Thailand from signing a free trade agreement (FTA ) with the EU, which is anticipated later this year, and whether it would have an impact on its ongoing efforts to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ). He added that the conversation had address issues with US industry policies, such as potential higher taxes on Thai exports.

When questioned about whether the government’s proposal to Western ambassadors would help to lessen the effects, Mr. Sittiphol stated that the government would do everything in its power to minimize the impact.

He also emphasized the need for the government to create a strategy to combat trade wars and the potential repercussions if the Thailand-EU FTA is never signed as planned this year.

During the conference, TCC members reportedly claimed that Thailand has consistently adhered to international human rights requirements.

They cited Thailand’s efforts over the past ten years to address global issues like illegal, unidentified, and unrestricted ( IUU) fishing issues.

Additionally, according to the representatives, the Uyghur repatriation situation was not a major source of concern in recent discussions with foreign financial organizations.

Persecution are a popular practice worldwide, they added, citing instances like these in the US and Europe.

They argued that the FTA negotiations should certainly address this subject.

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Casino bill foes step up protests

Protesters demonstrate outside the Govt. House

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announces the cabinet's decision to approve the casino and entertainment complex bill on Thursday. (Photo: Government House)
The commission’s decision to approve the game and entertainment complex expenses is made on Thursday, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. ( Photo: Government House )

Following the commission’s approval of the contentious costs on Thursday, critics of the game and entertainment complex bill have pledged to raise their protests.

A group of about 80 demonstrators gathered in front of Government House on Thursday to protest the act as the case gathered to discuss it. They were a member of a number of organizations that opposed the costs, including the Dharma Army, the Centre of Citizens for the Protection of the Monarchy, and the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Transformation.

Pichit Chaimongkol, one of the protest leaders, claimed that the cabinet is properly forcibly forcing the people to accept the bill despite growing opposition to the move.

Therefore, Mr. Pichit questioned why the government was so eager to pass the Game and Entertainment Complex Bill despite the fact that it wasn’t even mentioned in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s plan speech to parliament.

The development of pleasures is equivalent to [the government’s promise ] to strengthen the people’s quality of life and well-being, he said, which is the opposite of the government’s commitment to improve the people’s quality of life and well-being.

People’s Party ( PP ) MP Parit Wacharasindhu said the government’s rush to pass the bill despite warnings from opponents sounded like it had a “hidden agenda.”

The authorities is prepared to push the casino-entertainment complicated project through regardless of the adverse effects, he said, noting that the bill wasn’t supported by accurate information and research.

He added that the government hasn’t sufficiently explained how the legislation will benefit the nation or assured the public that it won’t lead to other issues, such as problem.

Outside Government House, protesters demonstrate against the game and entertainment complex's costs. Apichart Jinakul

Outside Government House, protesters demonstrate against the game and entertainment complex’s costs. Apichart Jinakul

Chittawan Chanagul, an economics professor at Kasetsart University, also objected to the coalition’s approval of the invoice, claiming that the government has not given enough thought to the potential negative effects of gambling.

The casino and leisure complex bill was approved by the cabinet on Thursday as part of the government’s effort to boost tourism and establish a constitutional gaming industry.

To provide a game, Thai gamblers may give a 5, 000 bass entry fee and provide proof that they have at least 50 million baht in bank deposits in accordance with the legislation.

The resource requirement for Thai citizens will likely be eliminated, according to deputy finance minister Julapun Amornvivat, because it would eliminate too many people.

He claimed that officials made the decision to send the draft in its present form and consider possible amendments afterwards.

The bill’s specifics, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, were never written in stone because parliament had the ultimate state.

The House of Representatives will now be given the opportunity to vote on the costs. Before going into consequence, it will also need to be endorsed by the Senate and His Majesty the King.

More public sessions will be held in places where casinos may be constructed, according to government official Jirayu Houngsub. He promised to pay compensation for any bad effects the games might have.

Game users will become prohibited from broadcasting entertainment activities at their locations and tying any casino game activity to any computer system. He added that they will be content to the anti-money fraud laws as well.

The government anticipates attracting at least 100 billion baht in fresh casino and leisure complex investments, and it anticipates a 5- to 10-fold increase in foreign arrivals each year.

About 80 % of the 71,300 polled people in support of the bill, according to Mr. Jirayu, during an online people experiencing conducted on February 28 through March 14.

However, a recent opinion poll revealed that the majority of people are concerned about the adverse effects of playing.

The PP even made the point that legalizing gaming might have a negative impact on tourism if China ultimately discourages its people from visiting Thailand as a result.

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Man slain over motorbike sale

Police take murder suspect Natthawut Meemang, 36, for a crime re-enactment in a forested area in tambon Nong Bua Sala of Muang district in Nakhon Ratchasima on Wednesday. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert)
On Wednesday, authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima’s tambon Nong Bua Sala took death think Natthawut Meemang, 36, to a offense re-enactment in the wooded area. ( Photo: Prasit Tangprasert )

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Nearby police arrested death believe Natthawut Meemang, 36, and demanded that he recreate a offense at the location of Jakkarin Charoenpha, 28, who was found dead in a wooded area of the Muang district’s tambon Nong Bua Sala.

When he saw the figure, Mr. Natthawut raised his hands in a prayerful movement before bowing in order to ask forgiveness from the dying.

One of Jakkarin’s older brothers reported missing on December 19th, claiming that the missing person had never heard from him since he last left his house four weeks earlier. Before he vanished, Jakkarin met with his oldest sibling, 33-year-old Narongsak ( also known as Panitphicha ), who identifies as LGBTQ.

Ms. Narongsak and her partner, Mr. Natthawut, who was the principal suspect in the case at the time, were at the time.

Later, police investigators discovered that Jakkarin and Mr. Natthawut engaged in a violent debate that escalated to the point where a gun was fired.

Finally, in response to the arrest warrants issued for Mr. Natthawut and Ms. Narongsak, who are facing charges of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and unlawful incarceration.

They were detained early on Tuesday and later admitted to having buried Jakkrain’s figure in the bush. They later confessed to the crime.

On Wednesday, authorities took Mr. Natthawut back to the scene and recovered the remains. Ms. Narongsak opted not to attend.

After Jakkarin sold his recently upgraded scooter, Mr. Natthawut claimed that this sparked a heated argument. He shot Jakkarin killed in a suit of anger. The couple then worked to suppress the body’s remains in the bush and get rid of the weapon.

Finally, police added more charges, including camouflage of a corpse and premeditated murder.

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PM keeps mum on stock sale

(Photo: 123RF)
( Photo: 123RF )

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declined to comment on allegations that Pitaka Suksawat, her husband, sold shares in a company but failed to inform the National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) about the allegations.

She retorted when investigators inquired about her questioning whether she had been appointed prime minister prior to Mr. Pitaka’s alleged sale of his 16,500 stock of MWP Co.

Next August, Ms. Paetongtarn took over the role. She turned to some nearby ministers to inquire whether the case had thoroughly explained this in parliament after the press release yesterday acknowledged this.

The top continued by saying she would prefer to skip this problem for the time being because the issue is very delicate before waiting for their response.

Ms. Paetongtarn questioned how the property market may be improved now that the country’s economic development program has been amended.

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Singaporean man suspected in local woman’s death

The woman is shown in an undated picture with her Singaporean boyfriend, who is now being sought by the police. TV SCREEN CAPTURE
In an unofficial photo, the girl poses with her Taiwanese boyfriend, who is currently being sought by the authorities. CAPTURE OF A Television Monitor

Prior to her death, a Malaysian man was seen with his Thai partner at a condo building in Bangkok.

According to Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, deputy director of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect may either be in Chiang Rai or may have crossed the Myanmar border.

Two women informed authorities at Thong Lor train on Wednesday that they had lost touch with their companion Praopilat Paladon, a 30-year-old local of Khon Kaen state, on Monday evening.

The people brought a record of their officers objection to the Marque tower on Sukhumvit Soi 39 on Wednesday at 6 p.m., Praopilat’s place of residence in Bangkok.

When they visited Praopilat’s apartment on the 22nd ground, they discovered that the apartment’s door was unlocked and the air conditioning had been turned on.

Therefore, according to them, Praopilat was discovered dead on the bathroom floor, covered in blood, a bedsheet, and a towel.

The two women claimed to Praopilat’s relationship with a 32-year-old Singaporean partner, Daniel, and that she had complained about numerous battles and physical abuse.

About two months ago, the pair moved into the property. According to a search of immigration documents, the suspect had visited Thailand 31 times and spent 10 to 15 days there. His most new remain, however, was one month, even though his card expired on May 28 of that year.

The couple was seen leaving the condo building at 6:42 p.m. in an elevator on Sunday afternoon. The Malaysian man is seen returning the woman to the room at 9.17 p.m. that night.

No one else entered Praopilat’s place other than the pair, according to Pol Maj Gen Noppasin, and she had never left since Sunday, which was her day.

The man was seen returning to the apartment at 12.12am on Monday on CCTV images. The victim’s phone was rang her mother at 10.29 a.m., but she did not return it. The family called again at 9:30 am but was unresponsive.

According to Pol Maj Gen Noppasin, the Malaysian man was present at the time, and authorities did not know who had made the call from Praopilat’s telephone.

The Malaysian man was seen leaving the room on Tuesday night at 3.15 p.m. with his bag. He allegedly entered a dark Mercedes-Benz two days afterwards via a ride-hailing game. After that, police discovered that the car was owned by a dying Thai gentleman in Bangkok.

The person allegedly visited a cafe on Sukhumvit Soi 41 before staying at a resort on Phetchaburi Road. He supposedly met two men that before entering an Isuzu pickup. Eventually, it was discovered that the delivery was heading for Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai area.

According to Pol Maj Gen Noppasin, authorities in Chiang Rai and leaders in the nearby village of Tachileik in Myanmar have been asked to look for the suspect.

Authorities were still unable to apprehend him as of yesterday’s media period.

The woman’s family, who identified herself as Pla, claimed yesterday that she was traveling from Khon Kaen to Bangkok to pick up her mother’s system.

Ms. Pla claimed that since Monday, her phone calls to her child have gone unanswered, so she had asked her mother’s friends to check on her.

According to Ms. Pla, the man first did not respond to her telephone calls and eventually turned off his phone. The gentleman was described as the “husband” of her daughter.

Praopilat and the gentleman were both flown back to Thailand three years ago when Ms Pla claimed Praopilat met the man in Singapore. Praopilat reportedly told the man to quit her job and said he would look after her. He frequently traveled between Singapore and Bangkok.

The family claimed to have witnessed some domestic disputes between the partners, but they were not aggressive.

But, Ms. Pla claimed that her daughter after started sending her photos of bruises on her figure, which Praopilat attributed to the Taiwanese man. The girl claimed that if she vanished, it would be because of him, according to the mother.

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Securities reform gets nod

(Photo: 123RF)
( Photo: 123RF )

A act to improve the effectiveness of regulating stock trading was approved by the government yesterday.

The Finance Ministry’s proposal for a costs was accepted in theory, according to Deputy Government Spokesman Karom Polpornklang.

The costs will be sent to the Council of State for evaluation, he said, and he added that the Department of Special Investigation, the Attorney-General, and the Office of the Judiciary will provide feedback as they work to improve the regulations.

According to Mr. Karom, the cabinet also gave the Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC ) instructions to develop measures to increase the efficiency of its staff members and work with organizations to investigate allegations of violating the Securities and Exchange Act.

The bill’s essential provisions include strengthening the authority of securities issuers and listed companies, as well as improving the quality of the quality of capital industry professionals.

Additionally, the bill seeks to strengthen constitutional safeguards to prevent possible damages, identify illegal activity, and authorize asset management.

Moreover, it would allow investigations into cases that could have a significant impact on confidence in the economy or the money market, according to Mr. Karom.

The bill establishes fines for non-compliance and mandates that reports on major events been submitted to the SEC. These steps are intended to connect the activities of law enforcement.

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French jail break suspect cuffed

A 24-year-old European nationwide has been detained by Phuket emigration officers in collaboration with the Immigration Bureau’s Investigative Division because of his presence in major international crimes.

Under the Immigration Act BE 2522, officers have been given the task of cracking down on foreign nationals who reside in Thailand and engage in illegal work, business operations, or transnational crimes in accordance with the policies of the Royal Thai Police (RTP ) and the Immigration Bureau.

The French Embassy received a notification that one of its citizens was a key think in a vicious jail break and the murder of French prison officials after he was arrested.

In an effort to avoid being captured, this person, a part of an organized crime system, fled to Phuket.

The Phuket Immigration Office was able to locate and apprehend the suspect after conducting substantial research.

The suspect admitted to participating in the prison break and the deadly attack on European prison officers during questioning. He claimed that he had been hiding in Phuket to fend off an Interpol incarceration permit.

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Marine park chief shunted over illegal ticket sales

Thai E-tickets are thought to be resold at significantly higher “international costs.”

(Photo: Mu Ko Similan National Park Facebook)
( Facebook: Mu Ko Similan National Park )

In Phangnga state, the provincial park’s mind has been moved while an investigation into the illegal sale of entry tickets to the park is being conducted under his supervision.

Following a random investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC), Mu Ko Similan National Park determined that Thai nationals had been issued a number of e-tickets that they believed were intended to be sold to foreigners.

Thai citizens ‘ cards cost 100 baht for people and 50 baht for kids. The fees for immigrants are 500 and 250 Baht. According to data found on websites like Two Price Thailand, several parks and tourist destinations demand foreigners more than Thais. &nbsp,

NACC investigators believe that the person who sold the cards to immigrants would have made a sizable profit. The anti-graft organization decided to launch an analysis because the process may have cost the garden a sizable part of its revenues.

According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Ritthikorn Noonloy, the mind of Mu Ko Similan National Park, has been moved to the Forest Conservation Office 5 in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

If the inspection finds him guilty of wrong, Mr. Ritthikorn, the department’s director-general, said he would be able to resign from his position.

The division has hired forestry expert and Mu Ko Similan park assistant chief Warawut Saengthong to take over the position it until September 30.

Mr. Athapol noted that the office has consistently emphasized that no marine park manager may spend too much time in their posts. A chief’s excessive effect, which opens up opportunities for corruption, could be avoided through a movement.

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Veterans’ hospital drug scam probe widens

Seven out of eight suspects were released on bail, but more detention are anticipated.

A single doctor at Veterans General Hospital in Bangkok was responsible for 29% of all medication orders filled over a seven-year period starting in 2018, police investigators say.
According to police authorities, a single physician at Veterans General Hospital in Bangkok was in charge of 29 % of all treatment commands placed over a seven-year period starting in 2018.

Regulators are expanding their investigation into allegations of embezzlement at the Veterans General Hospital (VGH), where allegedly overregular drugs worth about 60 million baht was resold.

On Thursday, deputy prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai declared that he had ordered a thorough research into the situation, stressing that no outside factors may hinder the research.

Mr. Phumtham also thanked the criticism for its concern over the analytical approach, stating that the federal has been working sparingly with the PACC and AMLO.

He assured me that everything in the procedure was legitimate.

According to him,” the pause in taking action was necessary to obtain enough data, not to change or conceal corruption,” referring to feedback that noted that the scheme’s beginnings date could be found in 2018.

Eight defendants were detained on Wednesday in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Lop Buri, and Prachin Buri as part of a search that focused on their alleged role in the alleged prescription embezzlement system.

Col Kanyarat Jitprasong, who is accused of organizing medical arrangements for Lop Buri residents to visit Dr. Barinda Ujwatee, a doctor at the Bangkok veterans ‘ doctor, included him.

Dr. Barinda reportedly fabricated their medical histories and prescriptions. &nbsp,

The treated medications were therefore stored in a washing on Rama IV Road in Bangkok before being resold at various pharmacy across several provinces.

According to studies, Dr. Barinda was to blame for almost 29 % of all medical medication purchases over the course of the past seven years, leading to financial losses estimated at 60 million ringgit.

Sompraj Kenthaorn, 49, Capt Phawana Kenthaorn, 49, Suri Thiranuthi, 50, Sompong Kitcharoenpaisan, 53, Tinnakorn Janmuang, 49, and Apinya Jorjaras, 56 are the other six defendants.

The investigation has grown to include additional suspects and compelling evidence, according to Pol Maj Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, the Central Investigation Bureau’s ( CIB ) deputy commissioner.

He claimed that Col Kanyarat would merely testify in court, while Dr. Barinda claimed she had spoken with investigators and would eventually give her testimony.

Other suspects who reportedly made purchases for the drugs also partly admitted to doing so, claiming they thought the drugs were lawfully obtained.

All of the defendants in the case have been released on bail, aside from Ms. Apinya, who is still in police custody because she has not yet secured loan money.

More reportedly included people are likely to be identified, according to Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat, and a second square of arrests are anticipated as investigators work with the Comptroller General’s Department to review random payments at the hospital.

He added that the PACC had discovered related phony activity in a number of other institutions. He didn’t go into more detail.

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Deputy PM unperturbed by Senate poll probe

Phumtham claims he hasn’t yet hired attorneys yet.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai chairs the special cases board of the Department of Special Investigation, which agreed to have the agency look into allegations of money laundering arising from the 2024 Senate elections. (Photo: Government House)
The Department of Special Investigation’s specific instances board, which was appointed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, has appoints to the department’s special investigations body to investigate allegations of wealth fraud arising from the 2024 Senate votes. Government House is in the picture.

Phumtham Wechayachai, the deputy prime minister, insists he is unconvinced by the possibility of the Constitutional Court hearing a case involving meddling in the Senate election, which had charge him his government position.

Mr. Phumtham, who is also the defense minister, stated on Thursday that he had not chosen a legal team because he believed the trials would go without a hitch.

” There’s nothing to it,” she said. We perform our duties. He said it’s all up to the court presently. We do our work with integrity and honesty.

He is commonly regarded as one of its key professionals and the right-hand gentleman of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and he was responding to a question about whether a guilty verdict against him might lead to the presidency to fall.

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday approved a complaint from 92 lawmakers asking for a decision on whether Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and Mr. Phumtham should be expelled from their posts because they allegedly interacted with the Senate election.

The ministers ‘ actions are alleged to have been in violation of Article 170, Paragraph 1( 4 ) of the constitution in relation to their participation in a special investigation into vote-rigging in the poll last year, according to the petition.

The senators have accused both ministers of abuse of power by using the DSI to undermine the Election Commission’s (EC ) independence. The DS I’s special situations committee is led by Mr. Phumtham.

They asserted that the EC is the only company tasked with examining issues relating to polls.

The judge gave the ministers a 15-day response and accepted the plea. No compelling facts has yet been presented to support a suspension of their service, though it decided to do so at this point.

After some losing candidates criticized the EC for dragging its foot in investigating surveys irregularities, the DSI was asked to investigate the previous year’s congressional election.

The research focuses on alleged collaboration that led to the election of tens of senators linked to a “blue” gathering, a term that makes research to Bhumjaithai, the coalition’s second-largest party.

At least 120 legislators from a full of 200 are thought to be in the traditional “blue” alliance, including 14 from Buri Ram state, where Bhumjaithai father Newin Chidchob resided.

When the DSI began its initial comments, these lawmakers were furious. The EC did investigate cooperation, but the company later decided to restrain its exploration into money laundering.

The EC announced recently that it had discovered 27 “promising” instances of cooperation, but it hasn’t however decided whether to launch a full inspection. Additionally, it expressed gratitude for DSI help because the situation was so difficult.

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