One Thai killed, three injured in Vanuatu earthquake

A drone view shows a collapsed building in the aftermath of a strong earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Tuesday. (Photo: Jeremy Ellison via Reuters)
A drone view shows a fell tower in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Tuesday. ( Photo: Jeremy Ellison via Reuters )

According to Foreign Affairs Ministry official Nikorndej Balankura, a Thai national was killed and three people were hurt on Tuesday in Vanuatu, Pacific Island, in a 7.3 % disaster. &nbsp,

The&nbsp, strong disaster occurred about 30 miles from the investment, Port Vila, and was followed by a 5.5-magnitude tremor, causing severe damage to the region.

One Thai man was reported dead in the event, while three people sustained minor wounds, with their problems improving, the official said.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra, Australia, accountable for the area, has contacted member of the Thai society and the Customs Office to tell the patients ‘ people.

About 40 Thai citizens live in Vanuatu, with some having now returned to Thailand. &nbsp,

No food or water shortages have been reported, and the ambassador will continue to assist the area, according to Mr. Nikorndej.

Vanuatu disaster on Tuesday. ( Image: United States Geological Survey )

Vanuatu disaster on Tuesday. ( Image: United States Geological Survey )

According to the National Disaster Management office, there were 14 proved fatalities, of which four occurred in a collapsed building, and an increase in deaths was anticipated.

More than 200 people were injured, authorities said, and screening houses were set up outside Port Vila’s clinics to maintain the flow of clients.

The United Nations ( UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated 116, 000 people, around one-third of the country’s population, had been affected by the earthquake.

According to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Australia will assist Vanuatu in restoring operations to Port Vila’s international airports, which has been closed to commercial flights as a result of the damage.

” More support will be provided where possible, ahead of the aircraft reopening”, Wong said in a blog on X, previously Online.

Around 150 American citizens stayed immediately on the two aircraft that assisted them, according to Wong.

The tropical beach state, which is situated on the seismically effective” Pacific Ring of Fire,” is ranked among the world’s most vulnerable for extreme weather and natural disasters.

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Malaysian, Thai wife arrested for investment scams

Police arrest a Malaysian man and his Thai wife, whose faces were blurred by police, in Sadao district, Songkhla, on Thursday. (Photo: Central Investigation Bureau)
Police arrest a Malay man and his Thai woman, whose eyes were blurred by officers, in Sadao city, Songkhla, on Thursday. ( Photo: Central Investigation Bureau )

In Songkhla, a Malaysian man and his Thai partner were detained on suspicion of engaging in funding fraud using phony smart applications, causing total damage worth 800 million baht.

The Central Investigation Bureau ( CIB ) made the announcement on Thursday that Lim Chin, 38, and his wife Saowalak had been detained while crossing the border from Malaysia to Songkhla’s Sadao district.

Following numerous complaints about funding schemes promoted through Facebook posts featuring pictures of well-known stocks gurus, the border checkpoint in Sadao was set up. Victims were lured into using fake apps named” Nicshare” and” ComonApps”, receiving returns only initially, according to the bureau.

More than 50 patients were identified by the CIB, who apparently lost an estimated 800 million baht in the scams overall.

Other Thais and foreigners were also a part of the purchase con group, and their financial dealings totaled about 5 billion ringgit. The CIB elicited warrants to arrest about 50 suspects connected to the hoax system over the past several months.

The Indonesian suspect was a group leader, according to the report, and he and his spouse facilitated the establishment of businesses that would open animal bank accounts, which were then sold to parties in Southeast Asian countries.

These animal accounts were linked to call fraud centres, online gaming networks and other illegal activities, the CIB said.

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Police profile transgender individuals in Phuket to boost safety

Officials collect the profiles of transgender people at an entertainment place on Bangla Road in Phuket at 1am on Thursday. (Photo: Patong police station)
At a party on Bangla Road in Phuket on Thursday at 1 a.m., officials collect the information of trans individuals. ( Photo: Patong police station )

PHUKET — To improve public health, authorities are keeping track of the identities of transgender employees employed in a well-known entertainment district of this well-known tourist destination.

This is being carried out along Bangla Road, close to Patong Beach, by local authorities and operational representatives.

The program aims to reduce tourist-related battles while encouraging visitors to work as informants for crime reduction in the area, according to Pol Col Chalermchai Hernsawat, captain of the Patong authorities station.

The report registration process started a few days ago and continued until early on Thursday morning along Bangla Road, a bustling area of restaurants and hotels.

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EC downplays fears of poll interference

Ittiporn Boonpracong
Ittiporn Boonpracong

The Election Commission (EC ) has downplayed concerns that powerful political families may be influencing the upcoming Provincial Administrative Organization ( PAO ) chairman and council elections.

EC chairmanIttiporn Boonpracongsought to allay fears as candidacy registration begins on Thursday and runs nationwide until next Monday.

Four to five days before PAO votes, the commission normally sends investigators to regions. In order to keep things calm and buy during the elections, authorities will also build rapid-response units. These units will be based on the provincial safety assessment. If needed, officers from local police stations will meet the patrols.

Prior to and during an earlier by-election in Chumphon state, officers were given surveillance duties, and police were dispatched reinforcements from neighboring provinces.

” Maintaining get depends on the circumstances in each state. To maintain a clean political process, the EC collaborates closely with local police, according to Mr. Ittiporn.

He emphasised that preventing and addressing election scam is generally the EC’s duty, carried out through its established methods. When asked about further measures in regions where powerful people are involved in social issues, Mr. Ittiporn assured the people that the EC is prepared to deal with these issues. He continued,” Local election officials work effectively with relevant companies to run good and trouble-free votes.”

” This is always a concern for the EC”, he said.

The EC president praised the agency’s effective collaboration with provincial governors and local authorities in keeping the environment purchase.

New crime involving prominent families occurred in Prachin Buri, where Chaimet Sitsanitpong, a provincial government representative, was shot dead following an explanation with Soonthorn Vilawan, his adoptive parents and PAO president, who had earlier announced his retirement.

Mr. Soonthorn, a part of the Bhumjaithai Party and the son of former deputy minister of education Kanokwan Vilawan, has been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the firing. He is among six offenders.

Studies suggest the crime may have stemmed from a political issue, as Chaimet supported his family, Napaphat Anchasanichamon, to work for Prachin Buri PAO key under the Pheu Thai Party symbol.

Following her father’s passing, Ms. Napaphat immediately withdrew from the race, but she afterwards made the decision to run for president under the Pheu Thai Party.

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Election Commission downplays fears of poll interference

Ittiporn Boonpracong
Ittiporn Boonpracong

The Election Commission (EC ) has downplayed concerns about political interference by powerful political families in the upcoming Provincial Administrative Organization ( PAO ) chairman and council elections.

EC chairmanIttiporn Boonpracongsought to allay fears as candidacy registration begins on Thursday and runs nationwide until next Monday.

Four to five days before PAO votes, the commission normally sends investigators to regions. In order to keep things calm and buy during the elections, authorities will also build rapid-response units. The size of these models will depend on the provincial safety assessment. If needed, officers from local police stations will meet the patrols.

Prior to and during an earlier by-election in Chumphon state, police were given surveillance duties and were dispatched with reinforcements from neighboring provinces.

The status of purchase is determined by the circumstances in each county. The EC and local police work closely together to make sure a soft electoral process, according to Mr. Ittiporn.

He emphasised that preventing and addressing election scam is generally the EC’s duty, carried out through its established methods. When asked about further measures in regions where powerful people are involved in social issues, Mr. Ittiporn assured the people that the EC is prepared to deal with these issues. He continued,” Local election authorities work effectively with relevant companies to run good and trouble-free votes.”

” This is always a concern for the EC”, he said.

The EC chair praised the commission’s effective collaboration with local authorities and provincial governors in preserving order.

New crime involving prominent families occurred in Prachin Buri, where Chaimet Sitsanitpong, a provincial government representative, was shot dead following an explanation with Soonthorn Vilawan, his adoptive parents and PAO president, who had earlier announced his retirement.

In connection with the firing, Mr. Soonthorn, a part of the Bhumjaithai Party and the son of former deputy minister of education, was taken into custody for questioning. He is among six defendants.

Studies suggest the crime may have stemmed from a political issue, as Chaimet supported his family, Napaphat Anchasanichamon, to work for Prachin Buri PAO key under the Pheu Thai Party symbol.

Following her father’s passing, Ms. Napaphat immediately withdrew from the race, but she afterwards made the decision to run for president under the Pheu Thai Party.

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Talks continue over withdrawal of Red Wa

Lt Gen Kittipong Jamsuwan
Lt Gen Kittipong Jamsuwan

According to the 3rd Army Region commander, negotiations regarding the troop withdrawal from Thai territory are ongoing with Myanmar’s United Wa State Army ( UWSA ), also known as the Red Wa Army.

CommanderLt Gen Kittipong Jamsuwanissued a statement on the Red Wa Army issue in Phitsanulok during an event focused on improving the skills and operational capabilities of authorities responsible for border security development projects.

The National Security Council ( NSC ) outlined security development strategies for 2023-2020 in its recommendations for the event.

The potential improvement program aims to give employees and organizations the understanding needed to properly plan for security and incorporate it into statewide development plans to achieve tangible results. Lt. Gen. Kittipong reiterated during the celebration that military action is only a last resort in the 3rd Army Region.

” Problems exist worldwide. There’s no need to intensify them unnecessarily”, he said.

Negotiations are continuing at various levels, leaving space for calm resolutions, the commander added. He was presumably speaking of the Red Wa Army conflict.

Lt. Gen. Kittipong clarified that the Red Wa Army had a set day before responding to the army removal request on Wednesday. Thailand’s forces are constantly on top alert and are now preparing for regular annual training exercises, including moving troops and gear to training locations.

On December 16, a Facebook page called Wa News Land denied reports that the Southern Wa Army, the United Wa State Army, or the United Wa Army, had agreed to withdraw forces from seven disputed places along the Thai-Myanmar frontier in the next three to four months.

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United Thai Nation denies defection rumours

Akanat claims that Twitter discuss from Exodus is “baseless.”

Akanat Promphan
Akanat Promphan

The United Thain Party ( UTN) Party ) has denied that 25 of its 36 MPs are switching parties.

UTN secretary-generalAkanat Promphandismissed the rumoured exodus on Wednesday as baseless, saying all party MPs were elected together under the UTN banner and will keep sticking together.

He disputed rumors that up to 25 Members in the third-largest partnership group, with 36 MPs, planned to resign and are attempting to join the New Opportunity Party, which was largely led by officials.

Mr Akanat, who is also the economy minister, said the Members continue to work with the group to understand its objectives. ” No one is going anywhere”, he said, adding everyone is treated like home in the group.

In less than three decades, the UTN did undoubtedly challenge the upcoming election. Although its people come from all walks of life, he continued, the group has developed into a potent melting pot.

All admires the part of group head Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who is also a deputy prime minister and the energy secretary, Mr Akanat said.

Criticism has come from Mr. Pirapan’s accusation that he is aloof to different party members and that he keeps a small profile when performing his ministerial duties.

The UTN broke away from the then-ruling Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) before last year’s general election. It was established with the approval of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former prime minister.

However, the Kla Dharma Party did fully say 20 past PPRP MPs into its fold on Thursday, according to a group cause.

The 20 MPs, led by former PPRP secretary-general Capt Thamanat Prompow, are due to appear up at a press conference on Thursday to reveal their account of Kla Dharma at congress.

After a contentious rift between PPRP executives, the 20 MPs defected to Kla Dharma, allegedly over the section of cabinet positions held by the PPRP, a group that is now a part of the opposition bloc.

Kla Dharma is led by Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, even a past PPRP heavy.

The party does overhaul its board once the MPs are actually admitted as members, according to the source, with some of the newly enrolled MPs being appointed as executives.

Capt Thamanat is expected to get named as the group’s expert chair, while Phai Lik, the MP for Kamphaeng Phet, is tipped to become its secretary-general.

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UTN denies MP defection rumours

Akanat calls the TikTok emigration “baseless”

Akanat Promphan
Akanat Promphan

The United Thain Party ( UTN) Party ) has denied that 25 of its 36 MPs are switching parties.

UTN secretary-generalAkanat Promphandismissed the rumoured exodus on Wednesday as baseless, saying all party MPs were elected together under the UTN banner and will keep sticking together.

He disputed rumors that up to 25 Members in the third-largest partnership group, with 36 MPs, planned to leave and are attempting to join the New Opportunity Party, which was largely founded by officials.

Mr Akanat, who is also the economy minister, said the Members continue to work with the group to understand its objectives. ” No one is going anywhere”, he said, adding everyone is treated like household in the group.

In less than three decades, the UTN did undoubtedly challenge the upcoming election. The group has developed into a powerful melting pot, he continued, despite its people ‘ comings from all walks of life.

All admires the part of group chief Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who is also a deputy prime minister and the energy secretary, Mr Akanat said.

Criticism has come from Mr. Pirapan’s accusation that he is aloof to different party members and that he keeps a low profile when performing his governmental duties.

The UTN broke away from the then-ruling Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) before last year’s general election. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former prime minister, gave the foundation’s approval.

However, the Kla Dharma Party did fully say 20 past PPRP MPs into its fold on Thursday, according to a group cause.

The 20 Members, led by former PPRP secretary-general Capt Thamanat Prompow, are due to appear together at a press conference on Thursday to reveal their account of Kla Dharma at congress.

After a contentious rift between PPRP executives, the 20 MPs defected to Kla Dharma, allegedly over the section of cabinet positions held by the PPRP, a group that is now a part of the opposition bloc.

Kla Dharma is led by Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, even a past PPRP heavy.

The party may overhaul its board once the MPs are actually admitted as members, according to the source, with some of the newly enrolled MPs being appointed as executives.

Capt Thamanat is expected to get named as the group’s expert president, while Phai Lik, the MP for Kamphaeng Phet, is tipped to become its secretary-general.

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Ministry eyes tweaks to 2024 power plan

Reviewers say PDP didn’t meet climate targets

The 2024 power development plan ( PDP ) may need significant adjustments to develop better ways to manage Thailand’s long-term power supply and strengthen the country’s fight against global warming, says Prasert Sinsukprasert, permanent secretary of the Energy Ministry.

The Energy Policy and Planning Office is now reviewing the PDP, which will submit it for authorization to the National Energy Policy Council, which is led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Despite the fact that the program has already received a public reading, there is still a large dispute among energy experts regarding the PDP’s potential change.

Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga even did not give an “active answer” to the schedule, Mr Prasert said on Wednesday.

Under the PDP, energy demand in Thailand is expected to increase to 112, 391 kwh at the end of the program set for 2037, away from 51, 000MW at present.

Critics worry that the size may put too much of a strain on the government because it is too high, according to Mr. Prasert.

According to the critics, the PDP is designed to encourage greater usage of solar power, but its fraction is insufficient to support the president’s anti-global heat plan.

By 2037, according to the PDP, solar energy will account for 51 % of total energy use, up from 20 % at the end of last year, while coal and oil will account for 48 %, down from nearly 80 % as of early this year.

The remaining 1 % is made up of nuclear power and novel energy options that aim to cut down on energy use and save money.

Previous top Prayut Chan-o-cha announced in 2021 at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference that Thailand would be more intense in addressing climate change, striving to reach carbon independence, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and assimilation, by 2050, along with a net-zero goal, a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and assimilation, by 2065.

Mr. Pirapan will officially announce whether the PDP will be changed next year, according to Mr. Prasert.

In another matter, the Energy Ministry intends to pick Thai and international businesses interested in the Andaman Sea’s oil exploration and production by the end of the first quarter of the year.

In Myanmar, according to Mr. Prasert, new oil sources are feasible close to the country’s current offshore oil fields.

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Thaksin case gets dismissed

Charter judge rejects medical allegations

Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition alleging that state officials facilitated former prime ministerThaksin Shinawatraserving his prison sentence in a hospital rather than a prison.

The petition, filed by Kongdecha Chairat, accused Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, the Department of Corrections ( DoC ) director-general, and the Bangkok Remand Prison chief of failing to strictly enforce regulations regarding treatment outside prison. Despite no clear evidence that Thaksin’s health situation was important, it reportedly allowed him to be at the Police General Hospital ( PGH) and get privileges accessible to different individuals.

Thaksin was detained in a hospital on the 14th surface of the hospital for about six weeks after receiving royal mercy, which reduced his sentence to eight years in prison. He was granted a one-year jail sentence on February 18 and was released from the PGH on August 31.

Mr. Kongdecha claimed that the three officers ‘ steps were infringed on the constitutional monarchy and the court.

After reviewing the problem, the court determined that there was insufficient evidence to support claims of malfeasance or negligence. The allegations were deemed insufficient to establish whether the officers had exercised their legal rights in an effort to overthrow the government. As a result, the jury universally dismissed the complaint.

Mr. Kongdecha had first requested a court order to stop Thaksin from influencing the three officials by filing a petition with the attorney general ( AG ) on November 11th. After the AG dismissed the complaint, it was filed immediately with the court.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) made the decision shortly after the court’s announcement on Monday that it would look into the officials who were alleged to have allowed Thaksin to spend time in the hospital rather than incarcerate him. 12 officers from the DoC and PGH will be the subject of the NACC’s investigation.

On Thaksin’s second evening at Bangkok Remand Prison, physicians recommended his move to the PGH due to chest pain, hypertension, and lower blood oxygen levels. The DoC extended Thaksin’s hospital remain beyond December 22 despite the fact that he was legally able to spend 120 days receiving treatment outside of jail.

Democratic activists gathered at the NACC department on Wednesday to support the organization and demand that it finish the Thaksin-extended hospital stay investigation within three weeks. Additionally, they gave the NACC suggestions for attention during the investigation. The activists argued that Thaksin’s pardon research should be separated from his hospital stay, and that they should not have relied on a fair evaluation of his health.

In contrast to earlier claims that Thaksin was in a delicate state, they claimed he appeared healthy and engaged in things like golf and traveling after his release.

Additionally, it was urged to immediately require Thaksin’s medical records. Protesters called for attention of the justice secretary, the justice continuous director, and the police chief regarding their responsibilities in managing Thaksin’s word. However, the activists emphasised the importance of strategic measures in phrase management, especially in corruption cases.

They claimed that while abolishing the statute of limitations helped to combat problem, the absence of accountability and supervision in sentence management may harm the public’s trust in the justice system. Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan, lawyer Nititorn Lamlua, and Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand ( NAP ) member Pichit Chaimongkol were just a few people who were present at the NACC office.

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