Barkar Nash – Page 573

Electric Bangkok boat taxis to launch in July

On: June 9, 2024

PUBLISHED: 9 Jun 2024 at 16: 51

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) is scheduled to launch an on-demand electric boat taxi service in July, which Krung Thep Thanakom Co (KT), the BMA’s business arm, announced on Sunday. The BMA looks set to launch the city’s wide expansion of its app-based motorcycle taxi-hailing service.

The ship taxi services, which is designed to connect with Bangkok’s electric rail techniques, public bus services and car bicycle services, aims primarily to support the state’s tourism development.

KT’s handling director, Tharatporn Techakitkachorn, said its aircraft phase will commence operating in Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem and some of its spreading rivers, including Khlong Bang Lamphu, next month.

According to Mr Tharatporn, when the city- broad service is completely implemented, the energy boat taxi will be available on several key canals in the city, like as Khlong Lat Phrao.

He claimed that once an on-demand ship taxi is rented using an software created specifically for this purpose, passengers will then be able to hail it, and the cost will be determined based on the distance traveled.

According to Mr. Tharatporn, KT is currently negotiating with electronic boat manufacturers regarding the boat’s styles and prices. Two design canoes are currently being used for the prosecution service in July.

He mentioned the BMA’s motorbike taxi game, which is currently being tested in four regions of Bangkok, and that about 5, 000 registered car motorcycles and 90, 000 riders who are each licensed to ride on the hailing system are expected to be connected to it when the city-wide procedure begins in July.

He claimed that therefore, with just a few presses on their smartphones, users will be able to storm a rave.

Now, most motorcycle car services are available only on some application- based shipping service platforms.

He stated that the BMA’s calling software will be focused on providing motorcycle taxi services, which will cover the majority of Bangkok. He added that KT did very regulate riding charges.

8 suspected loan sharks arrested at Bangkok house

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 9, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 9 Jun 2024 at 15: 57

On Sunday, authorities detained eight people who they thought were loan sharks who lived under the same roof in Bangkok’s Bang Khen region.

Following a complaint from a vendor that she had faced actual rape threats after failing to pay the party a 2 % daily interest, Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan, captain of the Crime Suppression Division, said a search warrant led to a attack on a home on Phahon Yothin 59 Road.

The house’s eight suspects face charges of overcharging mortgage interest and fraudulently operating a lending company. The nose of the group was identified only as a Mr Montri, &nbsp, aged 43.

In the attack, authorities also found weapons, bullets, the listings and ID cards of debtors, cars and motorcycles reportedly used by debt collectors, product business cards and bank accounts recording transactions for over 20 million ringgit.

Suspect Montri acknowledged that his gang operated an illegal lending industry, but claimed that all of the suspects ‘ arrests were related to a still-at-large Thai loan shark.

Two big bike riders killed by 18-wheeler

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 9, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 9 Jun 2024 at 14: 06

Two great bike riders were killed in Khao Yoi area on Sunday morning when their scooters collided and were then struck by an 18-wheeler.

A woman and a man named Rachata Boon-sra, both identified as drivers, were riding their motorcycles in a large group of more than 100 people when the incident happened in front of a PTT gas station on Phetkasem Road in tambon Huay Rong at around 8am according to a Khao Yoi authorities officer.

Witnesses claimed that the two-wheelers were traveling at high speed, with some driving others on both the left and right sides, spreading across three prospects lanes. At one level, Supatchara’s and Rachata’s riders grazed one another and both fell off their bikes. An 18-wheeler vehicle behind them struck them, leaving them with their deaths at the scene. The vehicle driver fled the scene of the accident. Unidentified motorist was hurt in the collision and was taken to Khao Yoi Hospital.

The great bike group was reported to be heading to the lower-central province’s Kaeng Krachan district.

Move Forward argues Constitutional Court has no power to dissolve it

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 9, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 9 Jun 2024 at 13: 06

The Move Forward Party ( MPP ) claimed that the Constitutional Court has no authority to dissolve it and that the current dissolution case is unrelated to a previous ruling regarding the party’s position on the lese majeste law.

Pita Limjaroenrat, the MFP’s chief mentor and former president, said at the group’s hq on Sunday that he and his side’s legal matters crew had examined the law and found no provision that gave the Constitutional Court the authority to dissolve a political party or withdraw political rights.

Additionally, Mr. Pita claimed that his party had not had enough opportunity to defend itself against the allegations made in the ongoing breakdown situation.

Additionally, he claimed that the Constitutional Court’s decision on Jan. 31 was unrelated to the current event. The group was advised by the Constitutional Court on January 31 to stop working on the Lese Majeste rules, known as Area 112 of the Criminal Code.

Mr. Pita said the warning was concerned with things that had not yet occurred, and that the test of the continuing case involving alleged threats against the constitutional king should concentrate on what has already happened.

The original MFP leader argued that parties should only be disbanded when there is no other way to defend democracy and deal with serious issues.

Attempts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code may normally be proposed to congress, Mr Pita said, but no such a costs had reached congress.

Even if a bill like this is introduced, congress may halt it on the grounds that it threatens the democratic dynasty. Thus, Mr Pita said, the issue was not an urgent problem that may involve party dissolution.

Despite the Constitutional Court’s demand that the parties refrain from making any comments on the subject while the case is pending, the group held a press event. The court claimed that doing so could change the trial and cause confusion in the judges.

The Election Commission (EC ) in March&nbsp, submitted a petition&nbsp, asking the court to rule on dissolving the party. It was responding to the judge ‘s&nbsp, ruling on Jan 31&nbsp, that Walk Forward’s efforts to change Part 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese- guess legislation, indicated an intention to destroy the democratic monarchy.

The EC argued in response to the decision that the group had violated Section 92 of the natural laws governing social events. The area grants the court the authority to dissolve any organization that threatens the democratic king.

The court&nbsp, accepted the petition&nbsp, for reading on April 3.

According to Sections 92 and 94 of the legislation, the petitioner requested that the court dissolve the party, withdraw party executives ‘ right to contest elections, and forbid anyone who violates those right from registering or serving as the party’s managers for ten years.

Any lese-majeste complaints that were proposed by Move Forward had to be submitted by the Bureau of the Royal Household. Any individual or organization is now lodge a royal slander grievance against anyone else, and police are required to conduct an investigation. In consequence, according to the group, politicians and other power figures have used the law to stifle dissenting viewpoints.

The organization has also demanded less harsh words for lese-majeste views.

A judgment under Part 112 is now sentenced to between 3 and 15 years in prison. Authorities often cite the magnitude of the crime, based on the words, as the reason for denying loan to individuals awaiting trial or appealing their convictions.

Imprisoned advocate Netiporn” Boong” Sanesangkhom, 28, died on June 11&nbsp, from the effects of a poverty attack she went on after repeatedly being denied bail, sparking international condemnation. &nbsp,

Poll: Two-thirds of Thais dissatisfied with govt’s performance

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 9, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 9 Jun 2024 at 10: 27

According to an opinion poll conducted on Sunday, the majority of Thais are not happy with the efficiency of Srettha Thavisin’s state and not comfortable in its ability to solve regional problems.

The National Institute of Development Administration polled 1, 310 citizens from across the nation who are 18 and over in various levels of education and occupations to find out what they think of the Srettha Thavisin management since it took office in September of last year.

Asked if they were satisfied with the government’s performance over the past nine times, the replies various as follows:

34.35 % somewhat dissatisfied, citing difficulties in the management of major problems and no change in vision
31.69 % very unhappy because of the complete lack of progress and failing to implement the procedures promised during the election campaign.
25.19 % somewhat satisfied, saying the business had improved because of the government’s continued drive to implement policies and measures, and that results from the government’s problem- solving were plainly obvious
7.40 % quite happy because the state was determined to help and improve people’s nicely- being
1.37 % did n’t know/not interested

Asked if they were convinced that Mr Srettha’s government would be able to handle the government’s major problems, the answers were as follows:

35.95 % were unconcerned at all because they had not yet witnessed any change and the government had not yet addressed issues at their root causes.
35.04 % not very comfortable because the Srettha presidency just scratched the surface when it failed to meet its goals.
22.14 % somewhat confident, saying the government had the job experience and administrative skills to move the country forwards
5.42 % pretty confident, citing the president’s solid determination to solve Thailand’s problems and handle it properly
1.45 % did n’t know/not interested.

Chinese woman feared kidnapped found at Bangkok mall

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 9, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 9 Jun 2024 at 07: 34

A 27-year-old Chinese girl who was allegedly kidnapped for a 25-million-baht payment was discovered at a shopping plaza in Bang Na area on Saturday night.

According to media reports, officers found Lu Xinlei at HomePro Bangna. She was taken to the Phra Khanong police station where she was met by her mother and older girl, who had just arrived from China following suspicions of violence.

According to reports, the Chinese lady worked for a Chinese property company and received a call-scam call from a claiming to be Chinese authorities, telling her she had broken an anti-money-laundering law.

She was told to move 17 million yen to them for examination, left for either Thailand or Singapore, and not to talk to her parents in Shanghai.

The Chinese girl arrived in Thailand last week on Wednesday. She was required to frequently switch out of her SIM cards and relocate to various resorts.

A man called her parents in China on Friday last week to tell them that their daughter had been abducted and that they must pay a ransom of 5 million yuan ( approximately 25 million baht ) for her safe release. Later on Friday, a Chinese-language speaker forwarded the kids ‘ objection to the police.

Authorities believed that Ms. Lu and her relatives had been duped by a call-scam group through a chat program, without that there had actually been any actual abduction.

Missing Chinese woman found at a shopping mall

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 9, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 9 Jun 2024 at 07: 34

A 27-year-old Chinese girl who was allegedly kidnapped for a 25-million-baht ransom was ultimately discovered at a shopping plaza in Bang Na area on Saturday night.

According to press reports, authorities found Lu Xinlei at HomePro Bangna. She was taken to the Phra Khanong police place where she met her mother and older girl, who had just come from China, after being informed of the information of the suspected violence.

A call-scam crew claiming to get Chinese authorities informed the Chinese woman that she had broken the anti-money-laundering law.

She was told to send them 17 million yen for an examination, have them keep for Thailand or Singapore, and never communicate with her kids in Shanghai.

The Chinese lady arrived in Thailand last week on Wednesday. She was required to frequently switch out of her SIM cards and relocate to various resorts.

A person called her relatives in China on Friday last week to tell them that she had been abducted and that they may pay a ransom of 5 million yuan or roughly 25 million baht for their daughter’s flexibility. Later on Friday, a Chinese-language speaker forwarded the kids ‘ complaint to the police.

Police believed that Ms. Lu and her parents were victims of a call-scam group that had fabricated their identities using chat apps.

Poll off to wobbly start

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 8, 2024

In: South-East Asia

Issues that the new electoral system does not provide the Upper House that contract authors hoped will be the result of the Senate race’s start on Sunday in 928 towns across the country.

HOW IT WORKS

According to the 2017 law, the novel Senate to achieve the coup- appointed chamber may include 200 members selected from 20 expert groups, with 10 seats available for each group.

Candidates will choose among themselves candidates from the same group and from various professional groups at the district, provincial, and national levels during the three-phase process that the Election Commission (EC ) has organized.

At the city level, there will be an intra-group vote in which five candidates with the most votes in each team will advance to an inter-group election. In the between- group surveys, three candidates with the highest number of votes may get shortlisted per party, or 60 across 20 groups.

The shortlisted candidates are elected in a provincial election, a process that is repeated. The winning candidates then take part in the final round of the contest, where the top 10 senators from each of the 20 groups are chosen.

The new Senate should be a chamber of impartial experts in their fields, according to the charter drafters, who introduced the complicated method of intra-group and inter-group voting to stop attempts to rigg the process.

At least 100, 000 candidates must be running for office for the new system to work, and each of the 20 groups must have a sizable number of candidates to put up a big challenge against one another. However, the Senate race has attracted 48, 117 candidates.

PROBLEMS ANTICIPATED

The lack of applicant turnout has reportedly exposed the flaw of the new system, with charter drafters and academics anticipating difficulties during the election process.

Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, a former senator and charter writer, claimed that the absence of candidates in some professional organizations or some districts is not as concerning as the lower-than-expected number of candidates is.

Based on media reports, in some districts, only one professional group is taking part in the election, instead of 20 professional groups.

This would mean that a candidate from each group wo n’t receive any votes during the cross-group voting, making them ineligible for the provincial-level contest.

What will the polling place do in this regard? Will these candidates be disqualified”? he asked.

When there are n’t as many applicants as there should be, according to Mr. Kamnoon, it’s difficult to say whether the new Senate will succeed in appointing members who will fulfill their duties as the charter drafters intended.

He claimed that the new Senate is intended to be different from the previous ones, which were mostly made up of legal experts to review legislation.

But this Senate election, he said, would generate only 10 senators from the legal and justice administration field.

THE RIGHT START MATTERS

However, Mr. Kamnoon claimed that this should not be taken as a hindrance in the new Senate’s ability to carry out their legislative responsibilities.

The senators who make up for this with their expertise can use the Senate’s secretariat for the necessary assistance, he added.

He said it is the first time the new system is implemented, so problems are anticipated. He continued, those who are unhappy with the system may begin a petition to amend the charter and the Senate election law.

Kamnoon: New Senate to be different

Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science lecturer at Burapha University in Chon Buri province, said the low applicant turnout has posed a challenge to this new, complicated system.

Mr. Olarn stated that it is still to be seen what steps the Election Commission will take to address the issues brought on by the low number of candidates.

The provincial and national stages are destined to be flawed if the district level election is flawed, too. Today’s election is the most important.

It will be unfair to these candidates and it will undermine the purpose of this system, which seeks for the Senate to represent people in 20 fields, he said.

Olarn: Low turnout complicates poll

Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at King Prajadhipok’s Institute, said the complications related to the low turnout are not enough to justify postponing or cancelling the election.

However, the polling place must make sure that all election officials in the country follow the same set of guidelines when dealing with complications to prevent further legal disputes, he said.

Mr. Stithorn expressed concern for potential manipulation of the election results, which will become easier when the candidate pool is n’t large enough. The entire system could be harmed by this.

The analyst’s concerns echo those of caretaker senator Somchai Swangkarn, who last week raised concerns that collusion might be a factor in the Senate election.

He claimed that 149 senatorial candidates had been designated as winners at the district and provincial levels, and that many more candidates might be a part of a campaign to rig the outcome.

Stithorn: Cannot justify cancelling election

ROOTING FOR NEWCOMERS

The district-level election is the most important stage of the race, according to Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, a lecturer from the National Institute of Development Administration ( Nida ), and the EC must screen out candidates who are hired to participate.

He stated that it is possible for parties to try to ingrain on the election at the national level, but it might not be worthwhile because the new Senate’s function is constrained and unlikely to serve their interests.

The new Upper House, with the exception of the right to co-select a prime minister, has the same authority and obligations as its predecessor. It will screen the nominations for public independent organisations, review legislation and examine the government.

Because senators are required to participate in the charter amendment process, Mr. Phichai said the new Senate’s position on charter rewrite is the most fascinating to watch.

As for other tasks, the previous senates, whether they were elected or appointed, tended to support those in power. The new chamber is unlikely to be any different, he said.

Phichai: Parties may try to interfere

Chaithawat Tulathon, the leader of the Move Forward Party ( MPP ), expressed concern about the possibility that the election’s outcome would be postponed or even invalid.

The process could be stalled if there are a lot of complaints because the Senate election law does not specify the deadline for the Election Commission to endorse or announce the results.

Additionally, if the Senate election law conflicts with the charter, the Constitutional Court is also set to rule.

Mr. Chaithawat criticized the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO ) and the charter writers for the legal dispute involving the Senate election law.

Chaithawat: Results could be invalidated

Senate election off to wobbly start

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 8, 2024

In: South-East Asia

Issues that the new electoral system does not provide the Upper House that contract authors hoped will be the result of the Senate race’s start on Sunday in 928 towns across the country.

HOW IT WORKS

According to the 2017 law, the fresh Senate to achieve the coup- appointed chamber may include 200 members selected from 20 expert groups, with 10 seats available for each group.

Candidates will choose among themselves candidates from the same group and from various professional organizations at the district, provincial, and national levels through the three-phase process that the Election Commission (EC ) organizes.

A district-level election will take place where five prospects with the most votes will advance to an intra-group vote. In the between- group surveys, three candidates with the highest number of votes may get shortlisted per party, or 60 across 20 groups.

The chosen candidates go to statewide elections, where a similar procedure occurs again. The top 10 applicants from each of the 20 teams are chosen as lawmakers after the successful individuals ‘ final round of voting.

The new Senate should be a room of independent experts in their fields, according to the contract drafters, who introduced the complicated method of intra-group and inter-group voting to stop attempts to rigg the process.

At least 100, 000 individuals may be running for office for the new method to work, and each of the 20 organizations must have a sizable number of candidates to put up a big challenge against one another. But, the Senate race has attracted 48, 117 individuals.

PROBLEMS ANTICIPATED

Charter framers and academics anticipate complications during the election process due to the low applicant participation, according to the new state’s flaw.

Previous senator and contract writer Kamnoon Sidhisamarn claimed that the lack of candidates in some professional organizations or districts is not as concerning as the low turnout of candidates.

Based on press reviews, in some districts, only one expert team is taking part in the vote, instead of 20 expert groups.

This would mean that this particular group would not receive any votes during the cross-group voting, which would mean that candidates from various groups would vote for each other, and thus not be eligible for the provincial-level contest.

What will be done in this regard by the polling place? Will these candidates be disqualified”? he asked.

He claimed that the new Senate is intended to be different from the previous ones, which were mostly made up of legal experts to review legislation.

But this Senate election, he said, would generate only 10 senators from the legal and justice administration field.

THE RIGHT START MATTERS

However, Mr. Kamnoon claimed that this should not be taken as a hindrance in the new Senate’s ability to carry out their legislative responsibilities.

The senators who make up for this with their expertise can use the Senate’s secretariat for the necessary assistance, he added.

He said it is the first time the new system is implemented, so problems are anticipated. He continued that those who are unhappy with the system could start working to amend the Senate election law and charter.

Kamnoon: New Senate to be different

Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science lecturer at Burapha University in Chon Buri province, said the low applicant turnout has posed a challenge to this new, complicated system.

The Election Commission’s plans to address the difficulties brought on by the low number of candidates are still a mystery, according to Mr. Olarn.

The provincial and national stages are destined to be flawed if the district level election is flawed, too. Today’s election is the most important.

It will be unfair to these candidates if they are cut from the race due to low turnout, he said, and it could undermine the purpose of the Senate, which seeks to represent people in 20 fields.

Olarn: Low turnout complicates poll

However, the polling place must make sure that all election officials in the country follow the same set of guidelines when dealing with complications to prevent further legal disputes, he said.

Mr. Stithorn expressed concern for potential manipulation of the election results, which will become easier when the candidate pool is n’t large enough. This might completely undermine the system.

The analyst’s concerns echo those of caretaker senator Somchai Swangkarn, who last week raised concerns that collusion might be a factor in the Senate election.

He claimed that 149 senatorial candidates had been designated as winners at the district and provincial levels, and that many more candidates might be a part of a campaign to rig the outcome.

Stithorn: Cannot justify cancelling election

ROOTING FOR NEWCOMERS

He noted that parties may attempt to obstruct the election at the national level, but it might not be worthwhile because the new Senate’s function is constrained and unlikely to serve their interests.

The new Upper House, with the exception of the right to co-select a prime minister, has the same authority and responsibilities as its predecessor. It will screen the nominations for public independent organisations, review legislation and examine the government.

Because senators are required to participate in the charter amendment process, Mr. Phichai said the new Senate’s position on charter rewrite is the most fascinating to watch.

As for other tasks, the previous senates, whether they were elected or appointed, tended to support those in power. The new chamber is unlikely to be any different, he said.

Phichai: Parties may try to interfere

Chaithawat Tulathon, the leader of the Move Forward Party ( MPP ), expressed concern about the possibility that the outcome of the Senate election would be postponed or even invalid.

The process could be stalled if there are many complaints because the Senate election law does not specify when the Election Commission will announce the results.

Additionally, if the Senate election law conflicts with the charter, the Constitutional Court will also be able to rule.

In response to the legal controversies surrounding the Senate election law, Mr. Chaithawat criticized the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO ) and the drafters of the charter.

Chaithawat: Results could be invalidated

Lao railway set for full trial run this month

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 8, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 9 Jun 2024 at 04: 39

According to the State Railway of Thailand ( SRT), Thailand and Laos are working toward establishing a railway network connecting Bangkok and Vientiane, with a trial run scheduled for later in the month.

The project aims to improve traveler connection and the flow of goods between the two nations while strengthening the country’s transportation system with Thailand as a gateway.

SRT lieutenant governor Awirut Thongnet met Lao National Railways managing director Daochinda Siharath from Wednesday to Saturday to discuss the release of the coach services between Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station and Vientiane’s Khamsavath, said Ekkarat Sriarayanpong, mind of the SRT mayor’s office, on Saturday.

Prior to its official release sometime in the coming month, Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote had previously urged the SRT to be well prepared for the project, according to Mr. Ekkarat.

The procedure plan for station services running on the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station- Udon Thani- Nong Khai- Vientiane area, according to Mr. Ekkarat, was one of the topics of discussion between Mr. Awirut and Mr. Siharath. He stated that a test work is scheduled for June 13 through June 14.

Another discussions included hospitality business development, advertising and public relations and how to improve the transport of goods between Thailand, Laos and China, he said, noting a team has been formed to operate on the cross- border logistics.

He claimed that the SRT has even provided training to the Thai railroad staff in areas like ticket sales, station management, and train operations.

A trial services between Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Thanalaeng and Vientiane facilities was completed on May 21 without any issues, he said. According to Mr. Ekkarat, this initiative represents a more active cooperation between the two nations.

He claimed that Laos ‘ Thanalaeng Station can be reached by recent coach services from Thailand. With the expansion to Vientiane, there will be significant financial benefits, he said.

Barkar Nash (Page 573)

HOW IT WORKS

PROBLEMS ANTICIPATED

THE RIGHT START MATTERS

ROOTING FOR NEWCOMERS