Activist lawyer’s jail time reaches 18 years

In the seventh case, Arnon Nampa was given a second 2 years, 8 months, and more time for lese-majeste and rebellion.

Lawyer Arnon Nampa speaks to reporters following a court appearance in September 2020. (Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut)
Following a jury look in September 2020, attorney Arnon Nampa addresses writers. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut )

In connection with his speech at a rally in 2020 calling for the restoration of the king, human rights attorney Arnon Nampa received a second sentence for lese-majeste and sedition.

According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights ( TLHR ), the sentence that the Criminal Court passed on Thursday increases Arnon’s time served to 18 years, 10 months, and 20 days.

The decision in the case — the fifth of 14 the advocate is facing — will be appealed, his attorneys said. His another five beliefs are still pending on appeal, and no verdict has yet been reached, they continued.

The incident that was heard on Thursday stemmed from a grievance Arnon made about notes at a rally in Bangkok with a Harry Potter theme on August 3, 2020.

The respondent was found guilty by the court in accordance with Area 112 of the Criminal Code, which covers sedition, and Section 116 of the Royal Defamation Law.

” The defendant’s steps were a single action that violated many rules. So, the judge imposed a sentence for him to serve four years in prison under Section 116, TLHR claims.

Because he gave evidence that was important to the test, the sentence was reduced by one-third, to 2 times and 8 times. Arnon received his next conviction this month.

Arnon has been detained since Sept. 26, 2023, pending appeals against all of his views, and his attorneys claim that he has been denied parole 31 days.

Since the start of the Free Youth demonstrations in July 2020, 1, 958 individuals have been charged for social participation and appearance, according to statistics from TLHR to October 31 of this year. According to Section 112, at least 275 people are facing charges of lese-majestety, and 154 others have been charged with rebellion.

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Three foreign crime suspects arrested on Koh Phangan

A Thai candidate is also the subject of an illegal company investigation.

Police hold a briefing on the arrests of foreigners on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, on Thursday. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham)
Police carry a lecture on the detention of foreigners on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, on Thursday. ( Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham )

Looking THANI: Three immigrants have been detained in Koh Phangan for operating a business using a Thai countrywide as a candidate and for selling and possessing illegal drugs.

Following the arrest of a European drug suspect on March 1 in nearby Koh Samui, the arrests were the result of a follow-up analysis. Peter Hull was immediately sentenced to five times and 11 months in jail, Pol Lt Gen Panumart Boonyalak, director of the Immigration Bureau, said in a presentation on Thursday.

Officers discovered that Hull had purchased drugs from Federico Carlo Eugenio Pistolesi, 36, who had been detained on the holiday island of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani’s southwestern province.

He is accused of wealth fraud, possessing and selling cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.

Police seized 24 items, including a sedan vehicle, a bank accounts containing over 6 million baht, and an a two-rai area story for 8 million baht, which was registered to a company named Pittaya Land.

As the research expanded, authorities arrested two different foreigners — Frenchman Roman Malik Bertagnol, 37, and Russian federal Anton Zaozerov, 39 — who were found to be consumers of the Roman think.

According to authorities, Mr. Pistolesi was discovered to have received money from another foreigners who resided on the two territories.

Pol Col Songprod Sirisukha said Mr Zaozerov and his family were also found to have been running a cleanup company, which is prohibited for immigrants, by using a Thai girl, identified only as Meena, as a candidate.

The officers investigation is continuing.

Kittharath Punpetch, the head of the national authorities, has urged all divisions to repress any differences regarding illegal international businesses operating in Thailand and crimes that negatively impact hospitality.

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14 scrap dealers arrested in Bangkok

In the Prawet area, repairs are made in response to complaints about the smelly garbage.

A police officer looks at bales of packed rubbish piled high in On Nut Soi 86 in Prawet district of Bangkok. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham)
In On Nut Soi 86 in Bangkok’s Prawet area, a police commander examines bags of packed garbage that are piled high. ( Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham )

Following raids in Bangkok, authorities have detained 14 piece dealers who have been accused of operating their businesses without permits.

Officials in Bangkok’s Prawet district on Thursday raided 20 stores, including a provincial garbage removal service, in On Nut Soi 86.

According to Pol Col Arun Wachirasrisukanya, mind of the Natural Resources and Environment Crime Suppression Division, concerns from local residents led to the attack, which has had a negative impact on the air and water quality and women’s health.

Fourteen firms were discovered to be operating without allows without authorization, and their owners were detained.

The defendants told police that they had collected the trash from people’s stores before sorting it for sales.

Huge amounts of garbage are clogging a staircase in On Nut Soi 86. ( Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham )

Huge amounts of garbage are clogging a staircase in On Nut Soi 86. ( Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham )

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Austrian arrested for fatal jet ski crash in Phuket

Thai authorities arrest Austrian national David Robert Herbst, wearing a white T-shirt, at a room on Koh Phi Phi in Krabi province on Thursday. The arrest followed a fatal jet ski crash that claimed the life of a 58-year-old Russian man in Phuket on Tuesday. Photo: Karon police station)
On Thursday, Thai authorities detained Hungarian regional David Robert Herbst, who was wearing a white T-shirt, in a place on Koh Phi Phi in Krabi state. The arrest came after a deadly jet ski accident on Tuesday in Phuket that claimed the life of a 58-year-old Russian person. Photo: Karon police stop )

A Russian man was killed off Karon Beach in Phuket on Tuesday when an Hungarian gentleman was detained in Krabi on Thursday on suspicion of driving a jet ski.

Following an investigation into the catastrophic incident, police and immigration officials detained David Robert Herbst, 25, on Koh Phi Phi in the southern province of Krabi.

A food barn operator in the tambon Karon reported the incident around 7pm on Tuesday, who was called in by a foreign regional witnessing the collision. The visitor provided a video of the incident, which the barn controller next shared with the government.

Police and members of the Pack Bang water rescue center arrived at the scene to begin a search after being informed. At 12.45am on Wednesday, local sailors discovered the body of a 58-year-old Russian gentleman, whose name was withheld pending notification of friends, near cliffs in the area.

The Soviet federal arrived in Thailand on December 11 and was scheduled to remain there until Sunday, living only at Lae Lay Suites Karon.

He was seen walking from his home to Karon Beach on Tuesday evening around 5.15pm before going for a float, according to a police investigation.

No broken legs or signs of being struck by a painful thing were discovered during the first examination, which suggested he had drowned.

Therefore, police launched a thorough investigation to ascertain his precise cause of death. They examined closed-circuit television (CCTV ) footage and&nbsp, located the foreign witness.

The visitor confirmed that the Russian gentleman had been struck by the jet ski&nbsp. The driving jet ski hit him before fleeing the scene, according to CCTV footage that confirmed this.

Investigators obtained court approval to issue an arrest warrant for the flight ski pilot, who was later apprehended on Koh Phi Phi.

The Austrian gentleman was moved to the Karon authorities for legal actions.

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Holiday period to see 18,000-plus flights

Outbound travellers are pictured at the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi airport on Aril 11, 2024. Airports nationwide are expected to cater to more than 18,000 flights during the upcoming New Year holiday, according to the Transport Ministry. (File photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
On Aril 11th, 2024, inbound travelers are pictured at the Suvarnabhumi airport’s customer switch. The Transport Ministry predicts that over 18, 000 airlines will be handled at airports across the country during the future New Year’s Day. ( File photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

As the nation’s aviation industry is on a journey to stronger expansion next year, airports global are expected to accommodate more than 18, 000 flights, according to the Transport Ministry.

As the nation’s aviation industry is on a journey to stronger expansion next year, airports global are expected to accommodate more than 18, 000 flights, according to the Transport Ministry.

From Dec 27–Jan 2, a total of 18, 280 flights, or 2, 211 flights per day, will operate at airports nationwide, up from 14 % when compared with the same period last year, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri says.

The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. ( Aerothai ) compiles the figures.

According to the assistant transport secretary, the surge in private air travel is a result of strong demand from visitors to the regions during the holidays and from tourists making trips to the provinces to celebrate the new season.

The aircraft sector is expected to continue to perform highly next season. In comparison to the numbers from the previous year, which is 981, 270 planes, at least a million are expected to serve airports globally in the year ahead.

Ms. Manaporn added that terminals ‘ facilities and technologies will be upgraded to accommodate escalating customers as a result of the steadily recovering tourism industry.

The deputy secretary claimed that she had instructed Aerothai and relevant organizations to take the I-Smart method in handling the flight jump and prepare for the New Year’s eve migration.

I-Smart ( inclusive, safe, security and sustainable, approachable, reasonable price and timely and technology ) is&nbsp, the heart of providing convenience&nbsp, and ease of travel for passengers, she said.

Flights also want to work to reduce overcrowding and avoid flight difficulties.

Nopasit Chakpitak, president of Aerothai, stated that during the holiday season, the company is ramping up High Intensity Runway Operations ( Hiros ) to increase the runway’s flight handling capacity.

Hiros aim to shorten the airport ownership time of each aircraft in order to allow for more airport landing and takeoff.

In contrast, preferred-exit airport may be opened to reduce gridlock on the planes.

Mr. Nopasit claimed Hiros may increase Suvarnabhumi Airport’s existing 68-frequency flight handling capability to 94 per hour. Additionally, it may increase the power at Don Mueang Airport from 52 to 57 to 60 flights per minute.

In addition, the aircraft at Phuket International Airport is anticipating a rise in passenger visitors over the holidays.

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House passes committee bill

MPs attend a parliament meeting. The House of Representatives passed both its second and third observations of a bill that would allow political committees to discipline state officials who refuse to appear for political inquiries. (File photo)
Lawmakers attend a legislature meeting. The House of Representatives passed its second and third readings, which will allow legislative committees to chastise state officials who refuse to appear for political inquiries. ( File photo )

The House of Representatives passed both its second and third observations of a bill that would allow political committees to discipline state officials who refuse to appear for political inquiries.

However, the most contentious area, which gives these committees the authority to even impose legal private companies on their summonses, was voted down and axed in the second reading before the remaining parts were approved in the third and final checking.

Numerous Pheu Thai Party MPs viewed this specific section as a flaw that could be easily exploited by an immoral committee member in exchange for a bribe from the affected parties.

” Many state officials have been extorted for money]by a parliamentary committee ] … It’s something of the past now for such an unethical committee to make money out of their authority”, said Cholnan Srikaew, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Nan.

Even though some different sections of this invoice initially faced strong opposition from MPs who argued that these sections were constitutional, they all ultimately passed.

According to Dr. Cholnan and a number of other Pheu Thai MPs, these parts appeared to be in violation of the constitution, and they may have resulted in the Constitutional Court receiving a complaint to view them.

For example, Section 13 mandates that the prime minister and cabinet officials accept responsibility for making sure that state officials under their watch do not provide documents or deliver statements to a commission.

The PM or other government officials are therefore required to appear in man during a committee examination in the event that state officials do not comply with committee instructions.

Pheu Thai MPs had doubted whether it would actually work because the bill didn’t mention any penalties for the PM or other government officials who didn’t show up in person.

In his ability as a member of the House committee vetting the bill, Rangsiman Rome, a record MP from the main opposition party, claimed that the PM and cabinet ministers could face dereliction of duty violations under different laws for failing to show.

The Senate will then be given the opportunity to consider the bill.

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Government to extend New Year road safety campaign

Some traffic is seen along Kanchanaphisek Western Outer Ring Road in Bangkok on Jan 1, 2024. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
On January 1, 2024, some traffic can be seen along Bangkok’s European Outer Ring Road. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

The state will increase its New Year’s Day road safety plan from seven to ten days.

The National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee approved the improvement with an extra three times, according to Vice Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong on Thursday. As previously agreed, the strategy will begin on December 27 and ending on January 5.

The authorities wants the plan to include more gates to prevent road injuries, especially those brought on by drunk drivers, because Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is concerned about people’s protection, he said.

He claimed that many people died next New Year as a result of drunk driving. During the last New Season health plan, there were 2, 288 injuries, 2, 307 accidents, and 284 fatalities. The federal intends to reduce these figures for the New Year’s Eve in 2025.

More anti-drinking initiatives will be launched by the federal both online and offline. In addition to the authorities checkpoints, there will be more area checkpoints established by village leaders.

Local authorities may be instructed to totally enforce the law against all vehicles by determining alcohol consumption at checkpoints across all provinces.

In all cases, he said, police officers must arrest the drivers or riders if the blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit of 0.05 %, he said.

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Thai fishermen’s release ‘imminent’, says Maris

Deals between Myanmar’s neighbors take place in Bangkok

Maris: Respect rights, procedures
Maris: Value right, methods

The Foreign Affairs Ministry anticipates Is to” quickly” release four Thai fishermen who were detained last month off Ranong state in disputed waters in order to demonstrate its commitment to regional peace.

On Thursday, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa met with representatives from six nations in Bangkok to examine international crime and other issues.

He was accompanied by Laos Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Bangladesh Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs Touhid Hossain, Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Than Swe, and Lao Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong.

After the conference, Mr. Maris praised the importance of the debate because they were the first time Myanmar and all five of its neighbors had met. This reflects the honesty and firm intention to make more efforts in addressing popular issues, he said. A split meeting will be held immediately under the Asean platform, he said.

Mr. Maris claimed that he was informed of the good news about the four sailors during corner discussions with Myanmar.

Than Swe’s official confirmation that the Myanmar government will soon transfer these four fishing has been confirmed to me.

He stated that Myanmar and Thailand both agreed to work together more closely to stop this from happening again in the future.

There are some steps that must be taken. We need to value the rights and treatments of each nation”, he added.

The owner of the fish vessel was sentenced to six years in jail and given a 200, 000 baht fine on Tuesday in Kawthaung Township, Myanmar, while the other three were given four years and a 20 000 baht fine.

Phumtham Wechayachai, the minister of defense, recently announced to the internet that the four Thai sailors would be released by January 4.

However, Mr. Maris reported to the media that the casual discussion between the six nations went well and that everyone involved engaged in a sincere and productive exchange. He said that if Myanmar and its neighbors were to solve the country’s turmoil, each party felt a need for clear communication.

The debate also helped neighbouring states understand Myanmar’s awareness, he said.

Mr. Maris noted that Than Swe likewise provided an update on Myanmar’s social programs and the progress being made with its election campaign.

Myanmar has conducted a community population, and 53 social events have registered, Mr Maris said, citing Than Swe.

He continued,” Than Swe also stated that Myanmar plans to encourage poll watchers from neighboring nations.”

Mr. Maris emphasized that Myanmar’s neighbors would like to see a steady, peaceful, and united country. He also urged all parties to refrain from using violence and rather engage in dialogue as a means of a peaceful resolution.

He claimed that Than Swe stated to the audience that his government had opened the door to conversations about quiet alternatives through a social process.

The representatives of the nations even discussed border protection with Myanmar, bringing up issues such as virtual scams, drug and human smuggling, and transnational crime.

” All six countries want to promote closer cooperation to address these issues,” he said.

As we try to help each other, we will have more data sharing and constitutional enforcement cooperation.

Additionally, Mr. Maris claimed to have spoken with India about the reopening of Asian Highway 1, which is impacted by the Myanmar issue.

Because it connects South and Southeast Asia through Thailand, Myanmar, and India, “people from these three countries are essential to this bridge,” he said.

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PM sets bold course for nation

Pledges’prosperity for all the persons ‘

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasises that Thailand can redefine the future by exploring new opportunities and harnessing technology during her keynote speech on Thursday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
In her keynote speech on Thursday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasizes that Thailand is reinterpret the prospect by utilizing new opportunities and using technology. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra promised to reinvent Thailand’s coming by embracing its unique talents, exploring new possibilities, and harnessing technologies for the greater good.

Ms. Paetongtarn, who spoke at the Bangkok Post Forum 2024, expressed confidence in her ability to create a prosperous country.

” It is a promise to create shared prosperity for all– our people, communities, and the wider region,” the prime minister told the participants at the forum held yesterday evening at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, who included foreign dignitaries, business executives and politicians.

For decades, she said, Thailand’s growth relied on strategies which focused on mass production and heavy industries.

” These approaches brought progress, but in a world undergoing rapid changes, they are no longer enough,” she said.

” Thailand stands at a crossroads. We must find creative, bold solutions that match our individual strengths and distinguish us from others.

Our potential lies not in following other people’s paths, but in utilizing what makes us truly exceptional: our strategic location, plentiful natural resources, and the creativity of our people.

The prime minister said,” We can chart a new course toward prosperity and establish Thailand as a leader in an interconnected, dynamic world by embracing our identity and reimagining our future.”

Ms Paetongtarn went on to discuss Thailand’s unique strengths, which she said should be utilised to achieve shared prosperity.

She claimed that Thailand’s greatest asset is its geographic proximity because it is situated at the heart of Southeast Asia.

As a result, Thailand has the opportunity to become a hub for logistics, trade and exchange, connecting countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( Asean ) with the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

” With plans for high-speed rail, an aviation hub and improved cold-chain logistics networks, we can enhance the movement of goods, people, and ideas across borders,” she said.

Thailand can also act as a gateway between the East and the West, fostering international cooperation and mutual understanding.

” In an era of division, we can stand as a beacon of collaboration and shared prosperity,” she said.

Thailand’s second strength is its abundance of natural resources and cultural richness, which gives the country unparalleled opportunities.

” Thailand has long been known as the ‘ Kitchen of the World ‘, but now, it is time to elevate this legacy even further,” the prime minister said.

” With our agricultural resources, culinary expertise, and advanced technologies like precision farming and blockchain for traceability, we can transform traditional farming into a modern industry that prioritises quality, sustainability, and innovation,” she stressed.

The prime minister turned her attention to Thailand’s tourism sector, citing the need for urgent assistance in its development because it is more than just a tourist destination.

” With our renowned hospitality and cultural heritage, we are uniquely positioned to offer wellness tourism, from spa therapies to meditation retreats, and become a top destination for digital nomads and retirees,” she said.

The prime minister also urged the nation to prepare for a tech-driven future and stressed the importance of technology in changing the nation.

” This is Thailand’s next chapter,” she said.

We ask that you join us on this journey along with your friends and partners. “

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PM brushes off talk of rift in coalition

‘ Unity undamaged’ despite vote split

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at Government House on Dec 3. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at Government House on December 3. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

Despite the Bhumjaithai Party voting in opposition to another coalition parties to use the contested double-majority rule in a contract amendment referendum, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, government unity is still alive.

There is no need to “break echelons,” according to Ms. Paetongtarn.

Allow the legislative process proceed. Yet MPs in the same party are exempt from similar thought patterns. It doesn’t matter. The majority of coalition parties and the major opposition Women’s Party on Wednesday voted to reject the election act that included the dual majority rule, saying,” We also work together, regardless.”

Following the Senate’s vote on Tuesday, where a majority of lawmakers supported the double-majority condition, the House of Representatives were able to cast a ballot on the legislation.

More than 50 % of voters had cast their ballots, and the majority of those who cast their ballots may endorse it, with a double lot.

The Senate argued that passing a referendum that would consider matters of national importance, such as the constitution’s rewriting, was the best way to go about doing so.

But, the House of Representatives argued that the proposed rule would make it more difficult to pass referendums, and instead offered a second majority, which would allow for a winning vote of any size to be deemed legitimate.

Before, the joint House-Senate council tried to iron out dissenting opinions between the two Homes. In the end, the panel’s individuals in the Senate managed to win, and the council voted in favor of the double majority rule.

The House rejected the dual majority rule-incorporating election act on Wednesday, with one acquiescence and one no-vote, by a ballot of 326 to 61.

Those opposing the costs were the alliance Pheu Thai, United Thai Nation, Democrat, Prachachart, Kla Dharm and Chartpattana functions. Its opposition events, including PP, Thai Sang Thai, and Palang Pracharath, even opposed it.

59 MPs from Bhumjaithai and two Members from Thai Sang Thai were the people who cast ballots for the costs.

The two tanks have presently convened individually to vote on the legislation. They stood strongly by their positions.

The unresolved disagreement has necessitated the bill being put on the back burner for 180 days during a” cooling-off” period. If the House persists on the individual lot standard after that, the expenses will be presented to the King for approval and enacted into law.

How many elections will be held in order to amend the contract as the next issue arises?

The Constitutional Court has stipulated three referendums: a second one inquiring if voters agree with a mandate update, a minute on whether Part 256 of the law, which makes way for setting up a charter-drafting system, needs amending, and a third on whether voters ‘ support for a new charter may be adopted.

In an effort to save time, the PP is consulting Parliament President Wan Muhammad Noor Matha to lessen the polls to two sessions in order to allow the current state to complete the mandate update within its lifetime.

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