Thaksin reports his return to Thailand

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PUBLISHED: 5 Feb 2025 at 13: 34

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, is greeted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia on Sunday. (Photo: Anwar Ibrahim's Facebook account)
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, is greeted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia on Sunday. ( Photo: Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook account )

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra reported to the Criminal Court on Wednesday morning, confirming his returning from a two-day journey to Malaysia, as required.

Thaksin arrived at the jury in his Mercedes-Maybach vehicle about 8.30am. He went in, re-emerged 10-15 hours afterward and then departed in his car.

He was prohibited from leaving the country without authorization by the court due to his pending loan, his trial on subsystem majoreste, and his arrest warrant for an interview that was broadcast in South Korea in 2015.

The jury rejected his request to go to Dubai in July of last year.

Late last month, the judge granted him permission to travel to Malaysia on Sunday and Monday for a meeting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. This year, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appointed Thaksin as its casual assistant on Asean matters.

Before leaving, Thaksin was required to place 5 million ringgit in cash as principal.

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‘Missed the boat’?: Malaysia ready to reconsider total vape ban, but ‘lacks political will,’ say experts

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Professionals: Target SHOULD BE ON ENFORCEMENT

According to pulmonologist Helmy Haja Mydin, the current emphasis should be on enforcing the laws as they become law as the policy becomes effective, both in terms of sales and use.

He said that whenever there are attempts to increase cigarette control laws, the lack of protection is often cited as a cause for disappointment, and therefore, an excuse to not create new regulations.

According to Helmy,” It is therefore extremely important for the Ministry of Health and its related partners to show the success of police efforts,” as this will affect support for more comprehensive policy like a complete ban on vaping products. &nbsp,

” With suitable protection, there should be much less selling and one would assume fewer new customers as well”, he added. &nbsp,

Helmy may also help a total ban on vaping, citing its effects on health. &nbsp,

There is growing evidence that it harms both the human body and our mental wellness, as well as that it serves as a gateway to other types of habit.

It is especially concerning to observe children become dependent as a result of vaping, he said. &nbsp,

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh reported about 20 000 cases of individuals vaping in schools last year.

In a parliament question day session on Tuesday ( Feb 4), Wong said&nbsp, 19, 450 were caught, about seven times more than the number of students caught tobacco, &nbsp, citing statistics from the Learners Discipline System.

According to Dzulkefly, the current priority is to tighten controls, including requiring product registration with the authorities, which has led to the ban on 80 % of vape and e-cigarette products.

However, Azrul pointed out that the online store that was intended to be immediately prohibited by Act 852 is still operational and accessible. &nbsp,

” It shows the lack of effectiveness in enforcement, “he said, pointing out one website that continued to sell their products online. &nbsp,

He claimed that before Act 852 was passed, there were an explosion of retail establishments selling high nicotine vapes and e-cigarettes in various stores and even gas stations, and that the sale of these items to minors was also permitted. &nbsp,

He said,” It is very likely that Malaysian teens aged 13 to 17 have a higher prevalence of e-cigarette and vape use than the 14.9 % recorded in 2022.”

Although the Federal Government hasn’t completely outlawed vapes, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the country’s ruler, decreed that Johor would stop issuing sales licenses for the products in 2016.

CNA had previously stated that even then, vape products were still being sold in public, and that enforcement remained difficult, especially given the limited resources available to the state government. &nbsp,

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No chlorate tainted soft drinks sold in Thailand

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FDA quiver fears after beverages from Coca-Cola’s French packaging plant recalled

PUBLISHED: 5 Feb 2025 at 12: 59

Some of the products from the Belgian plant subject to the recall. (Photo courtesy Food Safety News)
Some of the items being recalled from the French factory. ( Photo courtesy of Food Safety News )

No soft coffee imported into Thailand from a Coca-Cola manufacturing plant in Europe that were found to become contaminated with dihydrate have been confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration.

After finding higher levels of chlorate in products from its plant in Ghent, Belgium, Coca-Cola recalled some of its delicate coffee in Europe last month. &nbsp, Chlorate is produced when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in liquid treatmeni and food control. &nbsp,

Lertchai Lertvut, the lieutenant secretary-general of the FDA, made an effort on Wednesday to calm the growing public concern over the information.

No Coca-Cola soft beverages from the French flower were brought into Thailand, according to the FDA’s investigation. Most imported sweet coffee came from another Asean nations, like as Laos and Singapore, Mr Lertchai, said.

Coca-Cola said in a speech that the recall was focused on Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Mr. Lertchai claimed that the FDA rigorously examined all food and beverage exports and periodically reviewed materials to make sure they adhered to safety standards.

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MOE studying how to discourage undesirable advertising practices from tuition centres

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On Wednesday ( Feb. 5 ), Singapore’s Minister of State for Education, Gan Siow Huang, stated that the Ministry of Education ( MOE ) is looking into ways to stop tuition centers from using unfavorable advertising techniques. &nbsp,

Ms. Gan responded to a supplementary question from Mr. Liang Eng Hwa ( PAP-Bukit Panjang ) in parliament by saying MOE has observed some tuition centers that appeal to parents ‘ worries and their fear of missing out. &nbsp,

Mr. Liang claimed in his issue that he had been “very troubled” by the fact that kids were given flyers by the education center outside a primary school in his district on the first day of class earlier this year. &nbsp,

He continued,” I expressed my opinion to the couple who distributed the tuition flyers and said they should not do this on P1 ( students ) day.” &nbsp,

We don’t want to put on such obscene rivals on day one, nor do we want to put pressure on our students and parents on day one of P1.

He inquired if MOE could develop” standing guidelines” to advise education facilities against advertising outside schools, particularly for Primary 1 students on their first day of classes. &nbsp,

MOE does no help for methods, said Ms Gan in answer. &nbsp,

We believe that it unfairly compels relatives to pay for their children’s education, which is unhealthy. Our schools truly do not help for methods”, she added. &nbsp,

” We are looking into ways to stop fee centers from doing this,” he said. We are reviewing our process” .&nbsp,

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What Year of the Snake holds for China’s economy – Asia Times

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Foreign people around the world have really celebrated&nbsp, the Lunar New Year, which this year runs from January 28 to February 4.

The beginning of spring is a major event in China, and this is the year of the timber snake. According to Chinese astrology, the characteristics of the reptile – registration, possible, option and intelligence – will change the year ahead.

It feels appropriate to look forward as the new solar year approaches and examine the prospects for the Taiwanese economy through these traits.

Registration of the primary financial forces

China is the world’s largest manufacturer, with output equal to the size of the next seven biggest competitors combined. China has been given the name of the world’s top producer, but it has come at a price. China is among the best 20 most polluted nations in the world, according to the most recent information.

So, it’s likely that over the next 12 months, there will be a continuing travel towards the registration, or upgrading, of traditional business sectors that have previously driven growth in China but are also big polluters.

This is a part of China’s wider effort to reduce emissions and lower its carbon footprint. These are the federal climate action plans, also known as&nbsp, nationally determined efforts, as they are outlined in the National Climate Action Plan.

Potential for a rise in AI

China’s manufacturing center could change as a result of its adoption of AI, technology, and 3D printers. In addition, the country’s next-generation AI development plan sets out precise goals to create AI the primary force behind China’s industrial and economic growth. Hope to see more of this improvement in 2025.

China’s machine-learning market has experienced tremendous growth, and is predicted to grow by an average of 34.8 % a year over the next five times. The US is the main business leader and has the largest market share, but DeepSeek‘s most current release of the R1 robot has stirred up opinion.

New year, fresh possibilities. &nbsp, Image: EPA-EFE via The Conversation /Jessica Lee

The most affordable price for its R1 model is claimed to be around US$ 6 million, which is less than its US competitors, including Open AI’s ChatGPT-4, which is said to have cost more than$ 100 million.

It serves as an indicator of the pace of development and highlights the potential expansion of China’s AI industry, which is likely to help close the US-China border.

Options for international funding

We can anticipate opportunities for growth in advanced technology sectors like banking and green tech in addition to modernizing standard industries. China will continue shifting its focus to business in which its organizations can add thousands of benefit, such as in technology-related production.

To finance these industries, there must be significant expense, and two significant changes have occurred recently, acknowledging that private investment cannot suffice.

Second, the changes to China’s A-share industry, which went into effect in December 2024, may make it easier for a wider selection of international investors to provide. For instance, smaller amounts of money are required, and foreign cash is now appear from unlisted firms.

Next, in November 2024, China opened up its manufacturing industry to foreign investment by removing all access constraints.

We can anticipate that these changes will help China understand these new development areas and increase the amount of international capital in the country over the coming year.

The knowledge of revealing yourself

China continues to believe that opening its market in terms of purchase is wise, and that maintaining a strong connection to the rest of the world is crucial.

The geopolitical tensions with the US are a problem: the US president, Donald Trump, has said he will establish levies of 10 % on imports from China. But on a more positive note, breaking process last month, Foreign vice-president Han Zheng was invited to, and attended, Trump’s inauguration ceremony.

China’s vice-president, Han Zheng, sits behind internet billionaire Rupert Murdoch at Donald Trump’s opening, January 20, 2025. &nbsp, Photo: EPA-EFE via The Conversation / Chip Somodevilla / Pool

It’s an indication of the latest US government’s view of the importance of America’s connection with China.

The UK has a good chance to use the time to continue its efforts to rekindle its connection with China. During the subsequent visit to Beijing by the chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, there was a conversation of a” stable and balanced UK-China relationship”.

Some people anticipate or desire a return to the “golden era” rhetoric of past UK chancellor George Osborne, who urged China to work together to ensure common prosperity in a speech at the Shanghai Stock Exchange in September 2015:” This stick up to make Britain China’s best partner in the West. Let’s work together to make this a golden decade for both of our nations.

However, greater dialogue with China may be possible, while at the same time carefully managing the UK’s relationship with the new US administration.

Watch out for other economic developments in China over the coming year, such as the progress of Chinese fiscal reforms and their effects on local and regional finances and income distribution.

Also, there is the matter of the real estate market. House prices are beginning to stabilize after significant declines in housing sales and investment in 2024.

China’s economy will face challenges in the year ahead. However, as the manufacturing giant begins to close the gap with the US, there are also some exciting opportunities for this company, particularly in the tech sector.

Karen Jackson is reader in economics, University of Westminster

This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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US Postal Service suspends parcels from China

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Washington, on February 4, the US Postal Service announced that it was temporarily suspending outbound packages from China and Hong Kong, just as President Donald Trump’s new levies targeted Beijing were being implemented. The halt will continue until further notice, and it comes in response to Trump’s request for anContinue Reading

US Postal Service stops accepting parcels from China

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The US Postal Service ( USPS) claims that it has temporarily stopped accepting packages from Hong Kong and mainland China.

Words will not be affected by the expulsion, according to a speech on the bank’s website.

USPS stated that the suspension would remain in place “until more see,” but it would not provide a justification for the action.

Following President Trump’s decision to impose an additional 10 % tax on all Chinese imports into the US, this is a significant development.

An exemption that allowed goods worth$ 800 ( £641 ) or less to enter the US without paying duties or certain taxes was eliminated by Trump’s executive order.

As Foreign e-commerce companies like Shein and Temu continue to target millions of US clients, the so-called “de minimis” tax gap has come under increased attention.

In the upcoming weeks, President Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trade professional Deborah Elms noted that” Trump’s tax changes are particularly severe if products were originally shipped via e-commerce straight from China to the US.”

According to a 2023 review by the US Congressional council on China, close to half of all items entering the US under de minimis were sent from China.

According to US authorities, it became extremely challenging to search for potential illegal products because of the massive flow of packages entering the country through this provision.

USPS did not respond to a BBC News request for comment right away.

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Power cut off to scam centres along Myanmar border

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PUBLISHED: 5 Feb 2025 at 10: 23

Shwe Kokko town in Myawaddy, Myanmar, is one of the towns affected by the decision to cut off power to border regions where scam gangs operate with impunity. (Screenshot)
One of the settlements affected by the decision to cut off energy to border areas where fraud groups operate with impunity is Shwe Kokko in Myawaddy, Myanmar. ( Screenshot )

The Provincial Electricity Authority shut down power&nbsp that it was providing to the border regions of Myanmar on Wednesday night, aimed at the numerous scam-staging facilities it.

The disconnect was made in about 9am from the Seed command center at its head office in Bangkok.

Five factors were the power source disconnected:

  • Following Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge-Myawaddy
  • Ban Huay Muang-Myawaddy
  • Three Pagodas-Payathongzu
  • Ban Mueang Daeng-Tachileik
  • Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge-Tachileik.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the deputy prime minister and internal minister, oversaw the action.

He claimed that Thailand’s safety was harmed by the government’s decision to stop the power supply.

The energy people would have to resolve the issue themselves. He claimed that the Myanmar authorities and the Foreign Affairs Ministry did work together.

Additionally, Mr. Anutin claimed that regulations should be included in a previous case decision that allowed Thai electricity sales to areas of neighboring nations close to the border to help combat the scams being carried out from close to the border.

The Chinese government had made major demands of Thailand to appoint resources to contact fraud gangs that were abusing Chinese citizens. Foreign professional A&nbsp was one of the victims and apparently was drawn to the gangs by a fellow member.

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Power cut to scam centres along Myanmar border

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Native people claim to be in the squeeze, but gangs also have generators on hand.

PUBLISHED: 5 Feb 2025 at 10: 23

UPDATED: 5 Feb 2025 at 18: 52

Shwe Kokko town in Myawaddy is one of the areas affected by the decision to cut off power to border regions where gangs operate with impunity. (Screenshot)
One of the areas affected by the decision to cut off energy to border areas where criminals operate with impunity is Shwe Kokko village in Myawaddy. ( Screenshot )

The Provincial Electricity Authority shut off the supply of electricity to the border regions of Myanmar on Wednesday morning, aiming to stop the large number of con centers it.

Around 9am, the disconnect was made from the Seed command center at its offices in Bangkok.

Three areas where the murder groups are known to work are being targeted: Myawaddy, across from Mae Sot in Tak state, Payathongzu, same Three Pagodas Pass in Kanchanaburi, and Tachileik, same Mae Sai region in Chiang Rai.

Marketers who have contracts with the Peas were given five days to cut off the electric supply.

  • Next Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge-Myawaddy
  • Ban Huay Muang-Myawaddy
  • Three Pagodas-Payathongzu
  • Ban Mueang Daeng-Tachileik
  • Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge-Tachileik.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the deputy prime minister and internal secretary, oversaw the operation.

He claimed that Thailand’s safety was harmed when the government cut off the power supply.

The energy people would have to correct the problem themselves, he said.

They may encounter difficulties with a weak power supply, but we are at the place where no one can responsible Thailand for supporting illegal acts, according to Mr. Anutin.

They may use alternative energy sources or produce their own electricity.

The Seed claimed to have cut a full of 20.37 megawatts of source to the five regions, which would result in a loss of 600 million baht in annual revenue.

A native of Payathongzu said some local residents had faced power reduces since Wednesday night, while Chinese firms, including con facilities, continue to operate on generators.

” Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed large generating entering the city. He told Reuters, asking not to be named because of the awareness of the matter, that those producers are currently operating and that their firms, including con centers, are still operating.

” The town’s people are in trouble, and the local companies owned by citizens have stopped.”

Scam ingredients in Southeast Asia, including those along the Thai-Myanmar borders, are suspected to had entrapped hundreds of thousands of people in illegitimate online businesses, generating billion annually, according to a 2023 United Nations report.

Actor’s case led to action

Thailand&nbsp was finally made to take drastic action in response to serious requests from the Chinese government to stop funding the gangs that were abusing Chinese citizens. Chinese actor Wang Xing was one of the victims and reportedly was drawn into the gangs ‘ arms by a fellow member.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission reported that the targeted areas had been completely blocked from access to the internet once more. Unauthorized reconnections are possible, but the military has been stationed to stop them.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, efforts are being made to resolve the problem. He intends to check the border situation in Mae Sot on Thursday.

According to the National Security Council ( NSC), additional power cuts may be made in places other than Myanmar where criminal groups are active.

Additionally, Laos and Cambodia receive electricity from the PEA. If notified, it could act as it did with Myanmar, local media quoted an NSC official as saying.

The Thai state utility provides electricity to Cambodia’s border regions via eight service points and four points in Laos.

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