Barkar Nash – Page 903

Tour boat hit, sunk by waterspout, 2 missing

On: August 13, 2023

PUBLISHED : 13 Aug 2023 at 09:48

PHETCHABURI: Two tourists went missing after a tour boat was hit by a waterspout and sank in the middle of Bang Ta Boon bay off Ban Laem district on Saturday afternoon.

The incident was reported to the 191 police emergency centre at about 5pm.

The boat was suddenly struck by a waterspout while it was taking seven passengers for a sightseeing excursion of the Ban Ta Boon bay.

The vessel sank and the seven passengers went missing.

A rescue unit of the Sawang Sanphet Thammasatan Foundation was despatched for a rescue mission. The rescuers managed to pluck five passengers from the water to safety, but two were still missing.

Sampan Jinping, 63, the boat operator, said the two missing tourists were male, one wearing a Hawaii shirt and the other a black T-shirt and jeans.

A video clip of the tour boat while it was struck by the waterspout was taken by a man who was dining with his family at a restaurant on the shore.

A search continued for the two tourists still missing.

Prawit not quitting politics just yet, ‘willing’ to accept new govt post

By: Barkar Nash

On: August 13, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 13 Aug 2023 at 08:04

Deputy Prime Minister and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon is not leaving politics just yet and has never knocked back the prospect of a post in the next government, deputy PPRP leader Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said.

Mr Chaiwut, who serves as Digital Economy and Society Minister, was speaking following a report the PPRP would join a coalition government led by the Pheu Thai Party.

According to a source, Pheu Thai has now sealed a deal with the PPRP and the party has agreed to vote for Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate in exchange for slices of the cabinet quota cake.

The source said the Pheu Thai-led coalition would be down to 278 MPs from the previous 315 MPs reported on Friday as the United Thai Nation Party has not yet confirmed its support.

Asked whether Gen Prawit would accept any cabinet post in the Pheu Thai-led coalition government after a report surfaced that he would let his younger brother Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon, the PPRP’s chief adviser, take a cabinet post instead, Mr Chaiwut said: “[Gen Prawit] never said he would not accept a post.” Mr Chaiwut said Gen Prawit remains the party’s leader and PM candidate.

Quizzed about Phai Lik, a PPRP MP for Kamphaeng Phet, who earlier said PPRP’s 40 MPs would vote for Pheu Thai’s PM candidate, Mr Chaiwut said that was the opinion of some MPs. Mr Chaiwut said the party will meet to decide whether to join the Pheu Thai-led coalition.

Deputy UTN leader Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana also said on Saturday that the party will meet on Tuesday to discuss whether it will take part in the coalition.

Hoping for better days

By: Barkar Nash

On: August 13, 2023

In: South-East Asia

The business sector says Thailand’s tourism has not reached its peak. Many say the complicated tourist visa application process, criminal activities and delays in the formation of the next government have discouraged tourists.

Chaiyapruk Thongkam, president of the Association of Domestic Travel, said a lull in the sector expected in the second half of this year would result in similar tourist numbers as H1, due to intractable factors such as natural disasters and unstable politics.

In terms of numbers, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) found that during the first seven months of the year, Thailand welcomed 1,935,241 Chinese tourists. ATTA forecast the number of Chinese tourists might not reach the target of 5 million set for the year but rather reach 4.2-4.5 million Chinese visitors instead.

“The exhausting process of establishing a new government might be followed by protests. Plus, tourism agencies will have to rely on the next government to finalise the annual budget,” Mr Chaiyapruk said.

“If the government comes together quickly, we will be able to prepare tourism campaigns for the country,” he added. The number of domestic tourists at the moment is only 50-60% of the estimated total for the high season, running from October this year to April next year.

“If we were subsidised by the government, we would design programmes to take tourists to visit small or regional cities and offer guides for cross-provincial trips,” Mr Chaiyapruk added.

Targeting short-haul tourists

The caretaker government has tried to attract long-haul tourists from Europe, the United States and the Middle East as they tend to stay longer and have more spending power.

Mr Chaiyapruk said that in his view, Thailand should focus on attracting more tourists from countries in Asia, such as Japan.

“We should focus more on countries where air travel is convenient, especially Japan. Thailand has yet to become a top destination for Japanese tourists so we should try penetrating their market,” Mr Chaiyapruk said.

Meanwhile, domestic tourism has slowed due to demand for international flights. Air carriers are shifting their domestic planes to international routes to cater to foreign travellers.

When asked about the number of Chinese tourists after China reopened after Covid-19 earlier this year, Mr Chaiyapruk said the number of tourists from this source has fallen short of target.

One notable issue is that Chinese tourists find it hard to apply for Thai tourist visas. Many say visas on arrival take too much time and cost more than they did before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Plus, immigration services at train stations along the Thai border are not fully functional, which costs Chinese tourists on high-speed trains both time and money. The trains now connect China and Laos.

As a result of these problems, many have switched to visiting Vietnam where the immigration process is less complicated and travel facilities more amenable, said Mr Chaiyapruk.

“The government should hold talks about visa exemptions under bilateral agreements. The policy should be loose enough to encourage international tourists to visit Thailand,” he said.

Chaiyapruk Thongkam, president of the Association of Domestic Travel

On Aug 10, the government further relaxed its tourist visa requirements and shortened the standard time required for approving visas for Chinese visitors to make the process easier.

Under the new requirements, Chinese visitors are only required to submit just six documents along with their visa application.

These are their passport, three photos, an air ticket, a document showing where they are staying, a document certifying their permanent residence, and financial statements, says deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek.

This will also soon halve the application process to seven working days.

Islands still popular

Ratchaporn Poonsawat, chairman of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, said most visitors to Koh Samui are from European countries and make up 80-90% of hotel occupancies.

He added that two full-moon parties will take place this month, which are likely to draw tourists to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan until September.

Ratchaporn: ‘Safety still a concern’

Earlier this month, the shocking news of a Colombian plastic surgeon being murdered by his boyfriend put Koh Phangan in the spotlight again.

Mr Ratchaporn said the murder stemmed from personal issues between the couple and would not affect the overall tourism situation.

He said safety issues concern tourists more, such as ferry and pier safety standards and the risk of road accidents.

“Thailand is still ranked as one of the countries with the most road accidents and many tourists ignore traffic rules,” said Mr Ratchaporn.

Locals and entrepreneurs in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are aware of the importance of safety.

Mr Ratchaporn said the recent murder of the Colombian surgeon was quickly solved and police made sure the legal process was transparent.

Nonetheless, many are concerned that crime in Thailand will affect the country’s tourism image.

Slowly but surely: People arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport which has recorded a steadily increasing number of international arrivals.

Ensuring tourist safety

Pol Lt Gen Sukhun Prommayon, commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, admitted that murders among foreign tourists in Thailand are difficult to prevent for they tend to be personal matters.

While street crimes still concern locals and tourists, the crime rate has dropped as police regularly patrol around popular tourist areas.

Police also work with local entrepreneurs to solve scams targeting foreign tourists. “I do not believe crimes in Thailand are pushing tourists away,” Pol Lt Gen Sukhun said. He said vigilant civilians can help police learn about local crimes.

Pol Lt Gen Sukhun said the declining number of Chinese tourists coming to Thailand might also be because of the Chinese economy and false information released to make tourists nervous.

“[Police] are working to battle fake news spreading among Chinese tourists who are interested in a holiday in Thailand.

“The news said they would be held hostage for a ransom or ripped off in scams where people have their organs harvested, which is just false,” said Pol Lt Gen Sukhun.

Now the visa application process has eased, the number of Chinese travellers should increase by the end of this year, he predicted.

Sukhun: ‘Fake news puts people off’

Critics slam Pheu Thai’s ‘betrayal’

By: Barkar Nash

On: August 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

‘Uncle’ parties likely to join govt

Critics have slammed the Pheu Thai Party over its attempt to bring the so-called uncle parties into its coalition, accusing the party of betraying the people.

They said the make-up of the Pheu Thai-led coalition government will be no different from the outgoing government as only Pheu Thai will serve as a new addition.

Pheu Thai is coming under heavy criticism for reneging on its word before the May 14 election that it would not work with the “uncle” parties, referring to those linked to military leaders involved in the 2014 coup.

The “uncles” refer to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the former United Thai Nation Party (UTN) chief adviser and its prime ministerial candidate, and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, the leader and prime ministerial candidate of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).

According to a source, Pheu Thai has now sealed a deal with the PPRP in which the PPRP has agreed to vote for Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate in exchange for slices of the cabinet quota cake.

However, the UTN has not yet confirmed whether it will join the coalition. If the UTN also agrees to join, the Pheu Thai-led coalition will boast 315 MPs, the source said.

Pheu Thai has 141 MPs while Bhumjaithai has 71 MPs, the PPRP 40, the UTN 36, Chartthaipattana 10, Prachachat 9, Pheu Thai Ruam Palang 2, Chartpattanakla 2, with Seri Ruam Thai Party, Plung Sungkom Mai, Thongthee Thai and the New Democracy Party all having one MP each.

Wanwichit Boonprong, a political science lecturer at Rangsit University, said the PPRP and the UTN are Pheu Thai’s old foes.

”If they work together, people may suspect that they do so for the sake of their own interests regardless of how their supporters feel,” Mr Wanwichit said.

”If they join hands, they will find it hard to work together. Pheu Thai cannot expect to have a free hand in handling economic affairs as it wishes because the two parties will want to have a share.

“It will be difficult for Pheu Thai to implement several of its policies. As a result of its decision to bring the uncle parties into the coalition, votes for Pheu Thai are likely to decline at the next election,” Mr Wanwichit said.

Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science lecturer at Burapha University, echoed the view, saying Pheu Thai had previously said it would not work with the UTN and the PRRP.

If it goes back on its word, it can expect to see people take to the streets, and if demonstrations persist, the economy will be affected, he said.

Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a Move Forward Party (MFP) list-MP, tweeted that the configuration of the Pheu-Thai led coalition will be no different from that of the outgoing government if the UTN and PPRP join it.

“Another party comes as a new addition and only serves to provide support for a dictatorship,” Mr Wiroj tweeted, apparently referring to Pheu Thai.

Amarat Chokepamitkul, a key figure of the MFP, also posted on Facebook: “The people will not get any new government. It is only the previous government, with Pheu Thai added to it.”

Ekachai Hongkangwan, a red-shirt activist, said red-shirt supporters have made sacrifices to oppose illegitimate powers, and called on Pheu Thai not to betray them by working with parties that support a dictatorship.

Former red-shirt guard chief Sombat Thongyoi posted on Facebook that no matter how red-shirt groups protest, this could not stop Pheu Thai from forming a coalition government including the PPPR and UTN.

Meanwhile, Pol Maj Gen Jirasant Kaewsaeng-ek, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), on Saturday warned road users to avoid Sunday’s “car mob” rally.

A convoy of cars will start from BTS Mor Chit station and proceed to the headquarters of the Bhumjaithai Party and Pheu Thai, he said.

Srettha predicts no-fuss PM vote

By: Barkar Nash

On: August 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Pheu Thai targets support of 315 MPs

PUBLISHED : 13 Aug 2023 at 05:12

Srettha Thavisin, Pheu Thai Party’s prime minister candidate, is confident he will garner enough support from both houses to be named as the new PM in a single round of voting.

Mr Srettha is tipped to be nominated for the premiership in a joint sitting of the two Houses in the next round of selection. Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai has said the vote will likely take place on Aug 22.

It will be the first time a Pheu Thai prime minister candidate will be nominated for a vote after Move Forward Party Leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to be picked for the top job amid legal uncertainty over his renomination.

“I am hopeful that I will be backed by senators and MPs from all parties,” the real estate tycoon said on Saturday. He also thanked the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) for pledging to vote for him.

Mr Srettha said it is still too early to say whether the two “uncles” parties will join a Pheu Thai-led coalition, referring to the PPRP and the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party.

The PPRP is led by Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is UTN’s former chief adviser.

Critics have rebuked Pheu Thai for considering partnering with either party, dismissing them as a legacy of the National Council for Peace and Order dictatorship.

A coalition with 315 MPs in the 500-MP House of Representatives would make a stable government.

Mr Srettha also downplayed an ethics investigation by the Senate into his alleged complicity in property developer Sansiri Plc’s alleged tax evasion case. The accusation was made by whistle-blower Chuvit Kamolvisit.

Mr Srettha, who served as Sansiri CEO, said he trusts the Senate committee will treat him fairly in the probe.

In other news, Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai said the party has so far managed to assemble a coalition made up of eight parties with a total of 238 MPs.

Combined with 40 MPs from the PPRP, the tally would be 278. If UTN joined, the number would rise to 314.

“The UTN hasn’t made clear if the party will be in the coalition line-up,” Mr Phumtham said, adding the support of 278 MPs would lead to a stable government.

A party may support Pheu Thai’s candidate without being in the coalition, he said. He said a new Pheu Thai-led government would focus on taking care of the people’s needs and amending the constitution.

He said he saw no problems in welcoming the PPRP and UTN into the coalition. “The election is over. The poll result is clear. We have to live with the reality of the present.”

Royal merit for Queen Mother

By: Barkar Nash

On: August 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 13 Aug 2023 at 04:00

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

Their Majesties the King and Queen, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya and His Royal Highness Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, arrive at Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall to perform a merit-making ceremony to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s birthday yesterday. On arrival, Their Majesties were received by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. photo: Pool Photo

Phone-scam warnings stepped up

By: Barkar Nash

On: August 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Be alert for fraudsters claiming to represent public agencies, says government

PUBLISHED : 12 Aug 2023 at 20:23

The government has warned people about the increasing number of call centre scam gangs claiming to be state agencies.

Public agencies do not have a policy for contacting members of the public directly in any case, said Traisuree Taisaranakul, a deputy government spokesperson.

The warning came after it was revealed that TV news anchor Paweenamai Baikhloi had lost over one million baht after falling victim to scammers posing as officials from the Department of Land (DoL).

Ms Traisuree said most scammers normally pick agencies that work closely with people, such as the DoL, the Customs Department, or the Department of Business Development. A caller claiming to be from one of these agencies might say that victims need to update their personal information or verify information with a face scan.

She said that scammers had also been known to impersonate officers from the police, water and electricity authorities, the post office, logistics companies and financial institutions.

This week police warned about a new scam preying on university students and involving callers who claim to be from the Anti Money Laundering Office. They eventually convince young adults that they have been kidnapped in order to extort money from their parents.

Ms Traisuree said public agencies have been instructed not to contact clients over the phone or send short messages with any links to people’s mobile phones.

She also suggested that people recheck any information they receive over the phone. They can call the agencies directly, said Ms Traisuree.

In the case of the news anchor, the Department of Land issued a warning notification on Friday about the scam, in which a victim was told to click on a link sent via SMS and install a fake application, from which the scammers remotely gained access to their mobile phone.

The DoL has no authority over land tax collection, as that falls under local administrations, said Ms Traisuree.

She also suggested that people download the agencies’ applications through official app stores or contact them through verified Line accounts before proceeding with any transaction.

The Thailand Bankers’ Association (TBA) said it had suspended the victim’s three bank accounts immediately after news about the defrauded TV news anchor surfaced. It will also investigate the case. Any others who fell victim to the scam can file a complaint with police, who can freeze their financial transactions during the investigation, the TBA said.

The TBA and the Thailand Banking Sector Computer Emergency Response Team (TB-CERT) have also issued instructions (see graphic below) on how to avoid falling victim to scams.

Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, the caretaker minister of Digital Economy and Society, has promised that his ministry will develop a mechanism to support people who have fallen victim to scams.

Chinese manâs body found in Rayong pond

By: Barkar Nash

On: August 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Head covered and legs bound but exact cause of death still not determined

PUBLISHED : 12 Aug 2023 at 19:07

Police have found the body of a Chinese national in a pond in Rayong. His head showed signs of injury and was covered with a black cloth while his neck and legs were tied with wires. The cause of death is under investigation.

The man was identified as Tang Zongfei, 36. Police found security video showing Tang leaving his apartment building at around 1am on Thursday, said Pol Col Chaiyapong Sangpongchai, superintendent of Pluak Daeng Police.

He did not show up to work on Friday so his colleagues looked for him at his apartment. They later found him in Bueng Pradit pond in Pluak Daeng, two kilometres away from his apartment, at 9pm on the same day.

Pol Col Chaiyapong said five of Tang’s associates, both Thai and Chinese, were summoned for questioning but no suspicious motives were observed. An examination of Tang’s apartment showed that none of his belongings were taken.

“The cause of death remains unclear. There was no indication that Tang had a row with anyone at home or in the office,” he added.

Investigators on Saturday went to the scene where the body was found and to Tang’s apartment to collect more evidence and seek more leads.

The autopsy revealed that Tang’s head had been bashed while his body did not show any signs of violence. His hands were free, unlike his neck and legs which were heavily tied with wires.

The doctor concluded that the wound on Tang’s head might not have led to his death. Rescue workers had found Tang shirtless and wearing green shorts.

Tang used to work at Zhongce Rubber Co Ltd, a wheel-manufacturing company in Amata City industrial estate in Rayong.

Roaming wild elephant finally caught

By: Barkar Nash

On: August 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Parks officials locate animal after court order issued to stop damage to crops in Nakhon Si Thammarat

PUBLISHED : 12 Aug 2023 at 19:03

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: A wild elephant was finally captured in Nop Phi Tham district of this southern province on Saturday, 22 days after a court order was issued for authorities to have it relocated as it was disrupting the community.

A team from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) began the operation to track “Phlai Chao Nga” on Friday night.

A pair of captive elephants owned by Wiroj Supradit, a local mahout, helped to find Phlai Chao Nga, also known as Phlai Khai Nui, in the forest and bring it out so that it could be taken elsewhere.

Infrared drones, supported by the chief of Tha Sala subdistrict administrative organisation, Apinan Chaowalit, were also deployed for the operation.

After locating Phlai Chao Nga, the search team shot a tranquilliser drug into the beast.

Once it was calm, the elephant was tied to the two captive pachyderms and brought out of the forest. It was then sent to the Protected Areas Regional Office 5 in Nakhon Si Thammarat, which is now working on its relocation.

The Nakhon Si Thammarat Administrative Court issued the relocation order on July 21 after the elephant strayed from Tai Rom Yen National Park and began damaging local residents’ crops.

Phlai Chao Nga was said to have started wandering into a village in tambon Krung Ching looking for food in January 2022, leading to complaints that crops and farmland were being destroyed.

More than 100 local people’s livelihoods were affected by the elephant roaming around the area, according to the DNP.

Former insurance agent âsold fake policies worth B22mâ

By: Barkar Nash

On: August 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Insurance company alerts police after receiving nine complaints

PUBLISHED : 12 Aug 2023 at 18:05

Former insurance agent ‘sold fake policies worth B22m’ — An officer questions a former insurance salesman about creating fake policies and duping victims following his arrest in Chon Buri on Saturday. (Photo: Central Investigation Bureau)

CHON BURI: A former insurance salesman who continued to sell fake policies has been arrested in connection with damages totalling over 22 million baht, say police.

Officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division arrested the 45-year-old man, identified only as Setthawut, on Saturday at a petrol station in Chon Buri. He had three outstanding warrants.

Mr Setthawut was wanted for falsifying documents, defrauding individuals and inputting false information into a computer system. The charges stemmed from the sale of life insurance policies and failure to actually set up the policies.

In January of this year, nine complaints were lodged with an insurance company, stating that despite having paid premiums for over five years, the policyholders were unable to make claims with the company.

Upon investigating the reports, the company found the victims had been provided with fraudulent documents. The estimated damages exceeded 22 million baht, prompting the company to seek police intervention.

Authorities managed to trace the documents back to Mr Setthawut, discovering he had previously been an insurance agent. Also allegedly involved was a woman, identified only as Wannasa, who had been previously arrested for falsifying documents, including bank transfer slips.

The suspect has denied all charges against him, but investigators are seeking further legal proceedings.

Barkar Nash (Page 903)