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Democrats vow to develop Phuket

On: April 28, 2023

PPRP to aid farmers, Korat growth sought

Phuket: The Democrat Party is proposing to turn the resort island into a model city and a technology hub.

Helping party candidates campaign for support ahead of the election next month, Democrat list-MP candidate Suchatvee Suwansawat yesterday said the party wants Phuket to become a model city, not just for Thailand but also Asean.

Phuket is a top tourist destination so it is a perfect candidate for the party’s proposal to provide free internet access at various locations, he said.

“This is one policy the party’s offering to Phuket — free internet access like cities in other countries. The internet access should be more convenient and offered as a form of public welfare,” he said.

The Democrat Party has also pledged to support the development of the public transportation system in the province to alleviate traffic congestion, specifically a tram project.

Although Phuket is among the provinces that face severe traffic problems, there is no agency to oversee the issue, Mr Suchatvee said, adding the party’s candidates are familiar with the problems and can offer insights.

Mr Suchatvee, who also heads the party’s policy committee, said the party is considering pushing for an upgrade to Phuket Rajabhat University so it can expand its fields of study.

PPRP eyes 8m households

The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has pledged to introduce a fertiliser co-payment scheme to help reduce production costs for 8 million farming households facing fluctuations in prices.

Charnkit Dechavitak, spokesman for the party’s election strategy committee, yesterday said the PPRP attaches importance to every group of farmers and has been working to bridge the gap and improve their livelihood.

Although chemical fertiliser prices have dipped because of lower raw material costs, farmers’ concerns about price fluctuations remain, and this factor can adversely affect production costs and income, he said.

Moreover, with a possible decline in the global farming output due to the risk of drought and a surge in demand, the PPRP believes the government should intervene to help Thai farmers keep production costs manageable.

Mr Charnkit said the planned fertiliser co-payment scheme, together with the proposed fertiliser fund, is expected to stabilise fertiliser prices, reduce costs and generate more income for 8 million farming households.

Business strategy floated

Nakhon Ratchasima: The Chartpattanakla Party yesterday introduced a five-point strategy to generate growth in the province and the northeastern region in a bid to woo support.

The strategy was floated at a meeting between party chairman Suwat Liptapanlop, party secretary-general and candidate for Constituency 1 Tewan Liptapanlop, as well as young business leaders.

It covers the areas of economic development, transportation upgrade, tourism promotion, food production and water resource management with the “Korat-nomics” scheme to help transform the region into a new economic corridor.

PM poll quest goes South

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

UTN looks to make gains from Dems

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will hit the hustings in the South today, hoping his rising popularity in the region will help his United Thai Nation (UTN) Party capture many House seats in the Democrat Party’s traditional stronghold in the May 14 election.

Witthaya Kaewparadai, a deputy UTN leader, said that Gen Prayut, a party prime ministerial candidate, is now popular among voters in the South and wants the party’s candidates to win as many House seats as possible.

Gen Prayut will head south today to Trang, Phatthalung, and Songkhla, where he will spend the night, and Satun.

Even though the UTN is a new party, this is not a drawback as Gen Prayut enjoys a large following of admirers and receives a warm welcome wherever he goes, Mr Witthaya said, adding that the party has its sights set on securing at least 20 seats in the South.

“When the party’s popularity is high, its election candidates must make the most of this and step up efforts to woo voters,” he said.

There are 60 House seats in the constituency contest up for grabs in the South, compared to 50 in the previous election in 2019. Then, the Democrats secured the most seats with 22, followed by the Palang Pracharath Party (13), the Bhumjaithai Party (8), the Prachachart Party (6), and the Action Coalition for Thailand Party (1).

All eyes will be on whether the UTN, which is riding on Gen Prayut’s popularity in the South, will be able to secure seats and establish a foothold in the region, observers said.

However, deputy Democrat leader Niphon Bunyamanee was unfazed by the UTN’s move to score big gains in the South, saying it is normal for rivals to try to beat the Democrats on their home turf.

“We are confident we can beat them back, and we will secure the most seats in the South. Voters in the South still have trust in the Democrats,” Mr Niphon said.

Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at the King Prajadhipok’s Institute, said that the 11 provinces in the upper South would become a battleground for four major parties — the UTN, the Democrats, Bhumjaithai and the PPRP — competing for House seats.

“The UTN stands a good chance because several of its candidates defected from the PPRP, and they enjoy strong support bases in these provinces.

“The UTN is expected to secure at least 8-10 seats while the Democrats are expected to win at least 20, particularly in Surat Thani where the Democrats are likely to win all constituency seats,” said Mr Stithorn, who is now surveying political support bases in the South.

“Bhumjaithai may win 12-15 seats while the PPRP may win 2-3,” he said, adding that the Pheu Thai Party only hopes to get a seat in Phangnga, though it will face tough competition from Bhumjaithai and the Democrats.

As for the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, they are the strongholds of the Prachachart Party, which has the support of a network of local Muslim leaders, according to Srisompob Jitpiromsri, a political scientist at Prince of Songkla University’s Pattani campus.

The party is expected to win most seats up for grabs here, with Bhumjaithai, the Democrats and the PPRP vying for the rest, he said.

Cops now suspect 14 murders

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Investigators led by Pol Maj Gen Namkiat Theerarojanapong, left, commander of the Training Centre of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, and Pol Col Anek Taosupab, right, deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division, tell the media yesterday about the progress of the investigation into a suspected serial killer. They held a meeting at the Police Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

The number of reported victims of the suspected serial murderer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn reached 14 as of yesterday, according to police.

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, leading the investigation, updated the media on findings as investigation teams covering Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, and Phetchaburi provided updates on the case.

Police provided details on cases that have surfaced, including that of Sawittree “Nim” Budsrirak, 41, who passed away in 2020 in Mukdahan.

According to her husband, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Nithipon Nuchid, Sawittree knew the suspect through money lending and a pyramid scheme business and had a debt with her for at least 100,000 baht.

His wife died after taking a “diet pill” that Ms Sararat allegedly sent to her; the autopsy results showed that Sawittree had a high amount of potassium in her bloodstream, said Pol Snr Sgt Maj Nithipon.

Meanwhile, forensics found traces of cyanide in two of four cars seized from the 36-year-old suspect.

Weerachai Phutdhawong, an associate professor in chemistry at Kasetsart University, found traces of cyanide on the right console of the black Honda Civic she used with her ex-husband. The other was found in a bronze Toyota Vios that she drove on the day that Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong, 32, one of her alleged victims, died.

Mr Weerachai also believed that Ms Sararat might have some knowledge of chemistry, citing that she ordered sodium thiosulfate, which is normally used as a cyanide antidote, for herself.

The suspect’s sister, who claims to be a pharmacist, has said she is innocent after being accused of providing or using cyanide.

It is understood that the detained suspect, Ms Sararat is pregnant. Soraya Rit-Aram, director of the Central Women Correctional Institution, said the suspect’s mental state had improved while her unborn child was in a normal state.

Ms Sararat was apprehended on Tuesday at the government office complex on Chaeng Watthana Road with a bottle of cyanide in her possession.

Her arrest followed a complaint filed by the mother and elder sister of the late Siriporn Khanwong, who died on the bank of the Mae Klong River in Ban Pong district of Ratchaburi. She went with Ms Sararat to release fish for merit-making on April 14. Cyanide was found in her bloodstream.

Legal snag short circuits subsidy plan

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

The Election Commission (EC) cannot proceed with the government’s proposed plan to allocate more than 11 billion baht to subsidise low-income earners for another four months to help with their power bills due to a legal hitch.

A source said the proposal was approved by the cabinet on Tuesday.

However, the matter must be sent to the EC for consideration, as under Section 169 of the constitution any budget allocation for emergencies approved by an outgoing cabinet after a House dissolution must be endorsed by the poll agency first.

But after reviewing the government’s proposal, the source said the EC cannot approve the proposal as the Secretariat of the Cabinet failed to inform the cabinet of the resolution that approved the allocation of around 11 billion baht in subsidies under Section 169.

So the documents have been sent back to the government. The EC has not received a complete set of documents from the Secretariat of the Cabinet yet, said the source.

Under the plan, the power subsidy would be extended for another four months from May until August.

It would only apply to households that consume less than 300 units per month.

Those that consume 1-150 units a month would get a reduction of 92.04 satang per unit while those using 151-300 units would be given a reduction of 67.04 satang per unit.

About 7.6 billion baht would be drawn from the 2023 budget for emergency purposes to finance the plan. It is estimated that 18.36 million households would benefit.

Another measure to help people with costly power bills is a proposed reduction of 150 baht before VAT to households using no more than 500 units per month, valid for May only.

Calls grow for release of teen held for LM

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

15-year-old held in juvenile facility for 30 days ordered detained for 15 more days

A supporter holds up a “Cancel 112” sign at a gathering held in support of the 15-year-old detained on a royal defamation charge. (Photo: Thai Lawyers for Human Rights)

Thai authorities should drop charges and release a 15-year-old girl detained for alleged royal defamation, Human Rights Watch said on Friday.

Thanalop “Yok” Phalanchai was arrested on March 28, the same day that a 24-year-old man was caught spray-painting a “No 112” message on the wall of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

The number 112 refers to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law under which more than 200 people have been charged in the past three years.

Police said they had a warrant to arrest Thanalop, who was accused of insulting the monarchy during a rally in October 2022 in front of Bangkok City Hall. She was 14 at the time. Protesters at the event were calling for the release of political detainees and for the abolition of royal defamation prosecutions.

After her arrest on March 28, the girl was detained overnight at the Samran Rat police station and appeared the next day in juvenile and family court, where she refused to recognise the proceedings, sitting with her back to the judge. She was ordered into detention at the Ban Pranee Juvenile Vocational Training Center for Girls in Nakhon Pathom.

Under the Juvenile and Family Court Procedure Act, a minor must be released from detention if the prosecutor does not file charges or request a postponement within 30 days. In Thanalop’s case, the prosecution on Thursday of this week requested that she be detained for an additional 15 days and the court agreed.

The law allows for as many as four 15-day postponements in cases where the offence carries a prison sentence of more than five years, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).

People convicted of lese-majeste can be sentenced to between 3 and 15 years in jail. Sentences for multiple offences can be compounded.

“Thai authorities should immediately release Thanalop and drop the unjust case against her for criticising the monarchy,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

“By arresting a 15-year-old girl, the Thai government is sending the spine-chilling message that even children aren’t safe from being harshly punished for expressing their opinions.”

The Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Thailand, states that the arrest, detention, or imprisonment of a child “shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time”, Human Rights Watch notes.

According to data from TLHR to March 31 this year, 1,898 people have been prosecuted for political participation and expression since the beginning of the Free Youth pro-democracy protests in July 2020. At least 237 are facing lese-majeste charges and 130 have been charged with sedition.

Singapore says UN Human Rights statement on death penalty ‘glossed over’ serious harms that drugs cause

By: Marcus Ching

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

DETERRENT EFFECT OF DEATH PENALTY

The UN spokesperson said in the Apr 25 statement that the death penalty is ineffective as a deterrent.

“The death penalty is still being used in a small number of countries, largely because of the myth that it deters crime,” said the spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani.

“We call on the Singapore government to adopt a formal moratorium on executions for drug-related offences and to ensure the right to a fair trial for all defendants in line with its international obligations,” she added.

In response, Singapore said that capital punishment has proven to be a strong deterrent against serious crimes in the country.

It cited the introduction of the death penalty for kidnapping in 1961. The average number of kidnapping cases fell from 29 per year between 1958 and 1960 to two or fewer cases annually in all but two years since 1961.

Capital punishment was also introduced for firearms offences in 1973. A similar decline in the number of such offences immediately followed this move. “Today, firearms offences are very rare in Singapore,” said the mission.

It added that when it comes to drug trafficking, the death penalty has also had a strong deterrent effect.

“When mandatory capital punishment was introduced in 1990 for the trafficking of opium, the average net weight of opium trafficked into Singapore in the four-year period that followed fell drastically by 66 per cent from the four-year period that had preceded its introduction,” said the mission.

It also cited a study conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2018 which found a very high level of awareness of capital punishment among convicted drug traffickers, influencing their drug trafficking behaviour.

According to a separate study in 2021 which surveyed more than 7,200 people from countries in the region from which most of the drug traffickers arrested by Singapore originate, a majority of them believed capital punishment makes people not want to traffic substantial amounts of drugs into Singapore.

A majority also believed that capital punishment is more effective than life imprisonment in discouraging people from trafficking drugs into Singapore, according to the study.

The use of drugs has been linked to a host of social, economic and health-related issues, including increased crime rates, lower productivity and a greater burden on healthcare resources, said Singapore Permanent Mission.

“Singapore cannot afford such a high cost to our society and our people,” it added.

“We shall continue to implement evidence-based measures that have worked well for us in the fight against drugs.”

Japan to lift COVID-19 border controls before holiday week

By: Jing Write

On: April 28, 2023

In: Asia

TOKYO: Japan will lift most of its coronavirus border controls, including a requirement that entrants show proof of three vaccinations or a pre-departure negative test, beginning on Saturday (Apr 29) as the country’s Golden Week holiday season begins and a large influx of foreign tourists is expected. All entrants withContinue Reading

Thailand’s first air-con bus stop launched

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Solar-powered shelter at Seacon Square keeping happy commuters cool

The country’s first “Sabay Square” bus stop is located in front of Seacon Square shopping mall in Prawet district of Bangkok. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

The country’s first air-conditioned bus stop powered by solar energy has attracted many happy commuters since it was officially launched on Thursday at Seacon Square shopping centre in Prawet district of Bangkok.

The ”Sabuy Square” bus stop was jointly launched by Seacon Square, Bangkok Cool Cool Co Ltd and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) under a pilot project as a model for energy conservation and to help preserve the environment. It also helps protect public transport commuters from heat and PM2.5 fine dust particles.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt cut the ribbon to officially open the shelter on Thursday. He thanked Seacon for using the innovation for the benefit of the public.

Powered by solar power, Sabuy Square, covering 40 square metres, can accommodate 40 people waiting for buses, taxis and vans. It is equipped with free WiFi, USB charging ports, a drinking water machine, a closed-circuit television camera, an emergency alarm system or a panic bottom to alert police, and a display showing oncoming buses.

People can use the bus stop every day from 6am to 11pm, according to the Seacon Square Facebook page.

Commuters wait for public buses, vans and taxis inside the air-conditioned bus stop. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt tests the emergency alarm system inside the bus stop. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

Pita clarifies 2006 coup comments

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Move Forward leader targeted by activist Srisuwan, who wants Election Commission to investigate

Pita Limjaroenrat waves as he and Move Forward Party members leave Bangkok City Hall after taking part in the draw for party numbers on April 4. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has come forward to defend himself after political activist Srisuwan Janya asked the Election Commission to investigate comments he made about the military and his personal experiences during the coup in 2006.

In an April 20 television interview with newsman Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda, Mr Pita said he missed his father’s funeral as he had been detained by officers after returning to the country from the US during the coup that overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2006.

Mr Srisuwan said the statement was part of an attempt to defame the military and raise the party’s popularity before the May 14 election.

Mr Pita responded in a Facebook post that he never expected he would have to explain such a painful experience as the sudden loss of his father.

Mr Srisuwan also showed a video in which Mr Pita commented on the incident on a talk show hosted by Surivipa Kultangwattana in 2009.

The statements in the two interviews appeared contradictory, said Mr Srisuwan. In one, Mr Pita claimed he was a member of a working panel under Somkid Jatusripitak, Thaksin’s former economic tsar, while he told Ms Surivipa that he was studying in Boston at the time.

Mr Pita told Mr Sorrayuth that he was detained at Don Mueang airport which meant he could not attend his father’s funeral in time, while he told Ms Surivipa he was questioned by officers for four to five hours and did not miss the funeral.

Mr Srisuwan said that Panpree Phathithanukorn, the Thailand Trade Representative in the Thaksin government, recalled that at the time in question, officers just questioned and then released everyone later.

Mr Pita posted pictures of the funeral, saying he missed the first four days — he was still in Boston on the first day of the funeral. But he said he was able to attend the remaining three days, so his comments to Mr Sorayuth and Ms Surivipa were not at odds.

He also referred to a report by Channel News Asia saying that, on Sept 22, 2006 — three days after the coup — a plane returning from New York, carrying a group of officials of the Thaksin government, was forced to land at Bangkok’s military airport near Don Mueang.

He said he was among the group who were detained at the airport for five or six hours.

In any case, Mr Srisuwan maintains that if Mr Pita is found to have lied to gain votes, he would be in breach of Section 73 of the election law. Conviction could result in up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine of between 20,000 and 200,000 baht, as well as a ban from politics for at least 20 years.

Coronation Day ceremonies announced for May 4

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Event to go ahead without Their Majesties, who will be in England for coronation of King Charles

Flowers decorate the front of Government House, the venue of the Samosorn Sannibat Ceremony in 2019. The grand state reception will be held on May 4 to celebrate Coronation Day. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)

The Samosorn Sannibat Ceremony, or the grand state reception, will be held on May 4 to celebrate Coronation Day, according to an announcement by the Cabinet Secretariat.

The announcement, signed on April 21 by cabinet secretary-general Natjaree Ananthasilp, also provided the timeline for all of the royal ceremonies associated with this year’s Coronation Day.

Royal attendance at this year’s ceremony will be cancelled, according to the announcement. This is because Their Majesties the King and Queen plan to attend the coronation ceremony of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6, meaning they will be absent that week as their London schedule runs from May 3-7.

“The cabinet, however, has changed its plan and will hold the Samosorn Sannibat Ceremony on May 4 at the Santi Maitri building at Government House,” said government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri.

Privy Council members, former prime ministers, the president and vice-president of a constitutional organisation, heads of government agencies, cabinet members, the governor of Bangkok, the president of the Bangkok Council, ambassadors in Thailand, heads of major public organisations and other major political figures were invited to the reception, he said.

The ceremony will be televised via the Television Pool of Thailand and Radio of Thailand on the same day, said Mr Anucha.

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DETERRENT EFFECT OF DEATH PENALTY