PM to address online fraud, strengthen links with China

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives in Beijing to begin an official three-day visit to China on Wednesday. Long-term investment partnerships rank high on the agenda for her visit. (Photo: Government House)
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra travels to China for the first time in three days. Prior to her visit, long-term investment alliances are higher on the plan. ( Photo: Government House )

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra may discuss bilateral cooperation with Beijing during her official trip to China in order to stop call centers and other virtual scams targeting Thai citizens.

The prime minister said she will meet with Xi Jinping, the president, and Zhao Leji, the head of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, on Thursday to talk about a range of cooperation-related concerns.

Ms. Paetongtarn praised Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all readers, including those coming from China. She did request that China investigate online resources that sell fake information about tourism in the nation.

She also emphasized the value of working together to stop contact center fraud and various forms of online criminal activity. To solve the issue, this may require technical assistance.

During her visit, Ms. Paetongtarn stated that during her visit, Thailand and China would sign at least 14 memoranda of understanding ( MoUs ) in various fields.

The common intentions are stated in the MoUs when they discuss how to attach the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project with the nearby Laos high-speed rail system.

The prime minister said her attend would cover the area gate proposal in Thailand and examine expanding trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

She may also meet with members of the Thai-Chinese business organizations in China while applying for a loan from China for a couple of penguins.

Monday, Ms Paetongtarn is due to keep Beijing for Harbin, where she will attend the opening of the 2025 Asian Winter Games. According to government official Jirayu Huangsub, she may meet with Thai players and go to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.

Supamas Isarabhakdi, the minister of higher education, research, research, and creativity, said on Wednesday that the cupboard approved a proposal for Thailand to signal an MoU with China to expand its nuclear technology use for peaceful purposes.

The MoU is anticipated to get signed on Thursday in Beijing.

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China’s Xi meets with Thai prime minister

strengthens ties with China and addresses online forgery, according to Paitongtarn.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Thursday. (Photo: Government House)
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Thursday. ( Photo: Government House )

According to the standard Xinhua news agency, China’s president Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met in Beijing on Thursday.

At the Great Hall of the People, reportedly, Ms. Paetongtarn reportedly called the Foreign leader.

Ms. Paetongtarn may discuss bilateral cooperation with Beijing during her standard trip to China in order to stop call centers and other online scams targeting Thais.

The top announced earlier that she would meet with Zhao Leji, the head of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, on Thursday to talk about a range of cooperation-related concerns.

Ms. Paetongtarn outlined Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all readers, including those coming from China. She may request that China investigate online resources that sell fake information about tourism.

She also emphasized the value of working together to stop contact center fraud and various forms of online criminal activity. To solve the issue, this may involve technical assistance.

During her visit, Ms. Paetongtarn stated that at least 14 memorandums of understanding ( MoUs ) would be signed between Thailand and China in various fields.

The common intentions are stated in the MoUs when it is proposed to connect the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project with the nearby Laos high-speed rail system.

The prime minister said her attend would address the Land Bridge proposal in Thailand and examine expanding trade and investment assistance.

She may also meet with people of Chinese firm organizations that are Thai-Chinese, and she will ask for a loan from China for a few pandas.

On Friday, Ms Paetongtarn is due to keep Beijing for Harbin, where she will go the opening of the 2025 Asian Winter Games. She may meet Thai players and take part in the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, according to government official Jirayu Huangsub.

Supamas Isarabhakdi, the secretary of higher education, research, research, and creativity, announced on Wednesday that the cabinet had approved a proposal to mark an MoU with China to further cooperate in using nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes.

The document is anticipated to get signed in Beijing on Thursday.

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Commentary: Is DeepSeek triggering a Sputnik moment for the American AI industry?

BLIND SPOTS EXPOSED

Although there is some disagreement over whether DeepSeek has told the entire history, this show has exposed “groupthink” in the British AI industry. Its deafness to solution, cheaper, more encouraging approaches, combined with enthusiasm, is exactly what Simon Johnson and I predicted in Power and Progress, which we wrote just before the generative-AI time began. &nbsp,

The question is then whether the US economy has any other, even more risky blind spots. For instance, are the leading US tech firms missing an opportunity to get their designs in a more “pro-human way”? I’m sure the answer may be well, but only time will tell.

Then there is the issue of whether China is outperforming the US. If so, does this mean that authoritarian, top-down structures ( what James A Robinson and I have called “extractive institutions” ) can match or even outperform bottom-up arrangements in driving innovation?

My discrimination is to believe that top-down power hampers development, as Robinson and I argued in Why Governments Fail. Although DeepSeek’s success makes it seem unlikely to dispute this assertion, it is far from convincing evidence that innovation can be as potent or resilient under inclusive institutions. &nbsp,

After all, DeepSeek is building on decades of advancements in the US and some of Europe. In the US, all of its fundamental techniques were used as models. Mixture-of-experts designs and support understanding were developed in scientific research organizations decades ago, and it was US Big Tech firms that introduced converter models, chain-of-thought argument, and evaporation.

What DeepSeek has accomplished is exhibit its engineering success: utilizing the same techniques more efficiently than US businesses. Will Chinese companies and research institutes be able to develop innovative products, techniques, and strategies that will change the game in the future.

In addition, DeepSeek appears to be different from most other Chinese Artificial companies, which typically develop technology for the state or receive funding from the government. Does the company’s creativity and vitality continue now that it is in the light if it ( which was spun out of a hedge fund ) was operating under the radar? &nbsp,

Whatever happens, one company’s success cannot be taken as compelling evidence that China can defeat more open cultures at technology.

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Thai travellers warned of rising visa scams

Travelers advised to apply early to avoid delays as a result of more inbound go.

Thai passports. (File photo)
Thai documents. ( File photo )

In light of the rising outgoing journey from Thailand, VFS Global has warned Thai travelers about immigration scams and advised them to submit their visa applications quickly to avoid delays.

On Wednesday, the world’s top provider of technology solutions and visa outsourcing held a meeting in Bangkok to increase Thai travelers ‘ awareness.

Officials from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Norway and Switzerland attended the event to spotlight the rising threat of immigration fraud.

Swindlers are taking advantage of the desire by posing as immigration brokers, selling fake appointments, and falsely claiming to be able to sway visa approvals as immigration applications for different destinations reach record highs.

Peak travel conditions lead to a surge in immigration programs, creating much visit waiting periods. In this circumstance, swindlers can mislead travelers by charging fees for phony reservations or guaranteeing visa approvals for a cost.

According to the event, some candidates are victims of these scams, believing they can pass the formal method.

Kaushik Ghosh, mind of the Australasia place at VFS Global, stressed the importance of monitoring.

” We firmly advise all travelers to use well in advance. Application delays increase the chance of being hacked by phony companies that profit from the urgency of the moment, he said.

” Applicants should do thorough investigations before making any payments because VFS Global does not work with any third-party agencies.”

Embassy officials furthered this warning that scammers usually operate during the busiest times of the year.

Travelers should not be relying on those who charge for meetings or promise guaranteed permits, warned Christina Lehner-Telic, Consul General at the Hungarian ambassador in Bangkok.

VFS Global assists with visa applications by performing operational duties for 27 Thai governments.

This includes collecting program varieties, checking papers, and taking genetic information.

But, VFS Global does not determine whether a card is approved or denied — that’s off to embassies and consulates.

Travelers are advised to just apply through the www.VFS World website. vfsglobal.com, to prevent falling for frauds from swindlers who charge extra fees or make false promises.

VFS Global even warns about common mistakes like matched details, bad photo types, missing documents, and unverified institution statements, which is reason visa rejections.

Click below to watch the full interview and the” Thailand’s new visas” episode of the Bangkok Post vodcast Deeper Dive, or search for” Deeper Dive Thailand” wherever you get your&nbsp, podcasts.

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Tak braces for refugee influx

Tak: The Tak Provincial Public Health Office is gearing up for an influx of people from immigrant tents along the Thai-Myanmar borders, with around 40, 000-50, 000 people expected.

Donald Trump, the president of the United States, recently decided to stop funding the International Rescue Committee ( IRC ).

The Nu Po Refugee Camp’s care companies have been halted since Jan 27 according to public health officials at Tak’s Umphang area. Only emergency individuals can receive care, while non-emergency situations can no longer get served.

There are nine migrant camps in the area, home to about 90, 000 migrants. They were established over three decades ago to help those who were escaping the turmoil in Myanmar, and for many centuries have received aid from the United States and other European nations.

Clinics that have relied on IRC money to treat refugees have been concerned about this funding’s interruption.

Local facilities are now having trouble meeting the demands of the universal healthcare system and are now under the additional strain of caring for tens of thousands of immigrants. The issue is how to use the available resources to address this rise in demand.

Pitakpong Chandaeng, captain of the Tak Provincial Public Health Office, said authorities have met late to determine how to manage the situation.

People from refugee camps were originally taken care of by public wellness units funded by the IRC, but with the money suspended, these units are prioritising the treatment of common diseases, autoimmune conditions, psychiatric disorders, disease and emergencies, he said.

Due to plans to subpoena funding from various NGOs, Dr. Pitakpong said the models may have to continue operating this way for the time being.

Now, there are three evacuation areas or temporary shelters in Tak, catering to about 40, 000 to 50, 000 immigrants. The Mae La Center in Tha Song Yang, the Umpium Center in Phop Phra, and the Nu Po Center in Umphang are just a few examples.

Worawit Tantiwattanasap, chairman of Umphang Hospital, proposed setting up a regional account to obtain funds.

The emphasis would be placed on charitable rules and making sure that no migrant is charged for cure, he said.

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Mother seeks help for her missing son

Victim ‘ lured’ into Poipet fraud group

Photos:123RF
Photos:123RF

A woman who met her son on social media may have been duped into joining a call scam gang in Poipet, Cambodia, according to a woman who has already reported her to the Crime Suppression Division ( CSD ) yesterday.

The family, Khajorn Somjai, 48, along with her eldest child, Boonlong U-Nak, 27, met CSD police to report the removal of her youngest boy, Jetsarit Phumjai.

They were accompanied by Thamanant Taengtim, also known as Ja Kings Saphan Mai, an online applicant.

Ms. Khajorn claimed that Mr. Jetsarit was last seen on January 26 at about 4:30 p.m. when he claimed he was going to join a lady friend on Instagram.

He hasn’t communicated since being seen leaving a green-yellow car in front of a convenience store.

Ms. Khajorn claimed that he vanished with just one pair of layers of clothing and no recognition records along with him.

Mr. Jetsarit claimed he had been lured to operate in Poipet by sending a message to one of his daughters the day after they received their letter.

He claimed that the girl and her crew assaulted and drugged him after getting into the car.

While being transported to Poipet, his face was covered in a garbage case.

Mr. Jetsarit informed his home that a call center fraud gang had forced him to work as a call center operator. He was forced to act in a scripted dialogue in Thailand to deceive the patients.

Additionally, he claimed that at least 50 Thai nationals were assisting the gang in paying off a$ 2 million debt.

They would either have to give the group two million baht or face real assault if they attempted to flee, he said.

Ms. Khajorn claimed that the home informed the police station in Chorakhe Noi after receiving Mr. Jetsarit’s message.

The person he met online may be a fake working for the group and having a role in luring victims into their function, according to the home.

Believing that she is still in Thailand, Mr Jetsarit’s girl attempted to contact her, Ms Khajorn added.

Before he went silent, Mr. Boonlong claimed that the mother’s past communication with Mr. Jetsarit occurred on February 2, between 10 and 11pm, probably because the group had taken his cellphone.

Mr Thamanant called on the state, especially PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to take action on the situation.

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Four Thai crewmen in Myanmar ‘not forgotten’, says government

Naval patrol vessels dock in Ranong after rescuing crew from Thai trawlers that three Myanmar warships fired upon, on Nov 30. (Photo: Royal Thai Navy)
After three Myanmar warships fired on Thai trawlers on November 30th, naval patrol ships set sail in Ranong to retrieve team from the dock. ( Photo: Royal Thai Navy )

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists that work to free four Thai sailors who were detained by Myanmar after their boats crossed into disputed waters next November have been fruitless.

In Kawthaung, a frontier city in Myanmar, are the crew members being detained.

On Wednesday, MFA Vice Minister Ras Chalee Chan declared that the government would continue to press for the four’s release.

The government and government officials are constantly looking for ways to re-enter their country.

But, political agreements require time and patience, with a similar work leading to the latest release of Thai victims in Gaza, he said.

While the agency’s job has not been widely reported in the media, this does not imply the government is ignoring the anglers.

Publication of facts of a dialogue could complicate matters and put unnecessary pressure on the Myanmar government. The government has urged the general public to trust its efforts to secure the discharge of the Thai staff members.

Mr. Ras claimed that the government is aware of the needs of the prisoners ‘ individuals. &nbsp, The Consular Affairs Department has opened a 24-hour line for the individuals at 0-2572-8442.

According to Ministry official Nikorndej Balankura, conferences have been held with Myanmar’s officials at all levels, and letters from prisoners ‘ people have been written requesting their release.

The House Committee on Armed Forces is also expected to visit the people, according to the government.

The government has maintained contact with Myanmar authorities and offered guidance to the detainees ‘ families in Ranong since their imprisonment on November 30 last year.

Additionally, Mr. Nikorndej noted that the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon has accompanied families to Kawthaung prisoners on visits, and that additional visits are on the cards.

Given the Thai-Myanmar connections, the government may work with prudence and compassion, he said.

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Reading-based early parole plan mulled

According to Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, the Department of Corrections ( DOC ) is considering whether to include reading as one of the requirements for prisoners ‘ early release.

The DoC was considering a venture wherein individuals may be eligible for one moment of pardon for every publication they finish reading while they are detained, according to Pol Col Tawee.

The project aims to encourage learning among inmates and fulfill the district’s obligation to ensure that all inmates receive a fundamental training before being released.

Every criminal must be able to read, write, and run a firm after serving their prison term, the secretary said.

Of the 230, 000 inmates jailed nationwide, 77 % are under-educated, meaning they have not finished their compulsory education, while 10 % are deemed uneducated.

To increase their employment opportunities upon their release, the DoC is pushing for them to earn the equivalent of Mathayom 6 ( Grade 12 ) or a higher vocational level.

The reading review is part of this initiative. According to Pol Col Tawee, it has been used in some nations, like Brazil, where inmates you receive a four-day prison sentence for each book they finish.

As part of the” To Get Number One” job, the DoC has set up Phrom Panya books in prison.

Real copies of books are kept in the prison library. Some of the books have a library of 20, 000 scriptures.

According to Pol Col Tawee, the program does not gain any particular group of inmates.

At the 109th DoC Foundation Day celebration on October 11, he initially pitched the idea for a checking.

He claimed that promoting browsing among prisoners may aid in their social integration after release.

The DoC is doing its part to enhance the quality of the world’s labor to contribute to the government’s growth, said the justice minister.

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Residents seek legal help over Alpine land dispute

Ministry revoked their property ownership

Residents of the Alpine Golf Club controversy have contacted the Lawyers Council of Thailand (LC T) for legal assistance.

Wira Kaewsaitip, representing more than 10 damaged people, yesterday submitted a formal demand to the LCT, seeking legal help. The plea was received by LCT chairman Wichien Chubthaisong.

Mr. Wira claimed he was speaking for the Khlong Luang Samakkhi community residents who had purchased more than 200 plots of land for the Alpine Golf Club housing initiative in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang city. 30 to 40 people who have built houses on the area are included in this list.

He acquired an 80-square-wah house in 2010 through a hire-purchase deal worth over three million ringgit.

Other people have invested in one- or two-storey houses on narratives ranging from 100 to 200 square woo, with injuries exceeding one million baht per family.

Residents of the housing estate have been left in a state of uncertainty as a result of the Interior Ministry’s decision to revoke land ownership, according to Mr. Wira, who is concerned about their constitutional obligations, including paying for the cost of social energy and security services.

Past pertains to government authorities, including the Department of Special Investigation, the Interior Ministry, and the Department of Lands, have yielded no distinct decision, he said.

In response, the people have turned to the LCT to find compensation for their losses, Mr. Wira explained. This could include possible civil lawsuits against state companies or private institutions.

The Alpine Golf Club property was previously donated by a lady, Noem Chamnanchartsakda, to Wat Dhammamikaramvoraviharn in Prachuap Khiri Khan in 1971. The Mahamongkut Ratchawittayalai Foundation, which was appointed the administrator of her house after her passing, sold the land to Alpine Real Estate and the Alpine Golf and Sports Club, in which Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was a stockholder.

Previous Pheu Thai head Yongyuth Wichaidit abused his position in 2002 by allowing the purchase of religious property for the Alpine Golf Club while serving as the Interior Ministry’s acting permanent minister. In 2017, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct cases was upheld. The lower court’s two-year jail sentence was upheld by the Appeal Court in 2019.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission, which conducted the price, determined that Yongyuth was responsible for overturning a Land Department purchase that had revoked Alpine Real Estate’s sale of the 732-rai religious property. The area was designated for religious use, which eventually led land officials to cancel the sale, which the Council of State later determined to be illegal.

Mr. Wira stated yesterday that people had used property activities issued by the DoL to legitimately and in good faith purchase their homes and land. But, the legal dispute has prevented them from taking out mortgages or selling their homes, which has caused significant pain, especially for those who are also repaid with bank loans. He claimed that their concerns weren’t motivated by politics.

The LCT will form a working group to offer legal assistance, according to Mr. Wichien.

He outlined three possible ways to address the issue, including leasing it to the present occupants from Wat Thammikaram, the land’s unique owner, with the help of religious authorities.

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No dodgy soft drinks here: FDA

No soft drinks from a Coca-Cola bottling plant in Europe, according to the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ), have been imported here.

Coca-Cola recalled some soft drinks in Europe last month after finding higher rates of chlorate in products from its Ghent, Belgium, grow. When water treatment and meal processing employ chlorine-based antiseptics, chlorine is produced.

Lertchai Lertvut, the lieutenant secretary-general of the FDA, yesterday sought to calm what he claimed was growing open issue in the midst of the recall information.

No Coca-Cola soft beverages from the French flower were imported these, according to the FDA investigation. Most gentle drink imports come from different Asean places, such as Laos and Singapore, Mr Lertchai said.

Coca-Cola said the recognize was focused on Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Mr. Lertchai claimed that the FDA routinely checks all imported food and drink products and also periodically checks materials to make sure they adhere to health standards.

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