Two men arrested for alleged B4m AI-aided scam against beauty queen

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 3 Feb 2025 at 22: 16

Suspected scammer Ramil Pantawong, 31, was arrested in Wang Nam Yen district of Sa Kaeo on Sunday. (Police photo)
Suspected scam Ramil Pantawong, 31, was arrested in Wang Nam Yen city of Sa Kaeo on Sunday. ( Police photo )

Two people have been detained by police for allegedly working for a call-scam business in Poipet, including a beauty queen who lost$ 4 million on each.

Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, director of the Central Investigation Bureau, said on Monday that Ramil Pantawong, 31, was arrested in Wang Nam Yen city of Sa Kaeo and Thanawut Kanyaphan, 28, was caught in Bang Lamung city of Chon Buri on Sunday.

According to the inspector, both defendants used artificial intelligence technology to assume to become police officers. They were based in a 18-storey tower in Poipet, near a call-scam center. A Thai guy just fell to his death in the 13th floor of the building where their group of about 50 suspects occupied.

Both posed as Thai policemen and fabricated identities to defraud Thai subjects of large sums of money using scripts created by their Chinese group leaders. Charlotte Austin, a Thai-British beauty queen, lost 4 million ringgit to the group, among their patients.

With AI guidance, the defendants pretended to become police officers. According to Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop, they informed subjects that they were looking into money-laundering and drug circumstances and then instructed them to exchange money to their records for investigation.

The fraud crew had tricked 163 individuals before both defendants were arrested, he said.

Thanawut Kanyaphan, 28, was caught in Bang Lamung city of Chon Buri on Sunday. ( Police photo )

Thanawut Kanyaphan, 28, was caught in Bang Lamung city of Chon Buri on Sunday. ( Police photo )

Continue Reading

B35bn Hat Yai-Sungai Kolok rail link eyed

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 3 Feb 2025 at 19: 39

(Bangkok Post file photo)
( Bangkok Post file photo )

A feasibility study of a new double-track railway connecting Hat Yai in Songkhla and Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat is being conducted by the State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) using an 80-million-baht budget.

The initiative, costing 34.59 billion rmb, aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s plan to improve railway efficiency, increase connectivity across Thailand and neighbouring countries, and boost border trade, tourism and financial development in the southeastern provinces.

The feasibility study will last roughly a year, according to Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrangreangkit, who also serves as minister of transportation. It may come to an end in 2026.

The project will then move into the design phase ( 2026-2027 ), followed by an environmental impact assessment ( EIA ) from 2027 to 2028. Land confiscation and brand bidding are anticipated to occur in 2028 and 2030, with cabinet approval expected in 2028. Design is expected to start in 2029, with a 2034 service start anticipated in 2034.

The line had course 216 miles, taking in 27 facilities, eight coach stops and two transport yards.

The project’s primary objective is to improve communication between Thailand and Malaysia by connecting Bangkok to the city of Sungai Kolok on the Thai-Malaysian borders.

Mr. Suriya also noted that the Indonesian railway sector from Rantau Panjang to Pasir Mas has been unused since 2005, despite the railroad bridge having been upgraded for operational preparation.

Six additional double-track railway projects totaling about 280 billion ringgit are awaiting authorization from the National Economic and Social Development Council before being submitted to the cabinet, added Mr. Suriya.

Continue Reading

More classrooms to get upgrades to be dust-free classroom

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 3 Feb 2025 at 19: 31

Kindergarten students at Wat Wimuttayaram School in the Bang Phlat area of Bangkok learn in classrooms equipped with air purifiers. (File photo)
Wat Wimuttayaram School in the Bang Phlat district of Bangkok, where school students are taught in air-conditioned rooms. ( File photo )

By the end of the year, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has pledged to convert more rooms into “dust-free rooms” at BMA-run universities.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stressed the value of responding to people concerns, especially those relating to environmental and public health issues, during a new community examination in Watthana district.

On the issue of heat pollutants, Mr Chadchart confirmed that 744 out of 1, 966 schools are earmarked to be upgraded into dust-free schools in 437 BMA-run institutions.

By the end of the year, he predicted, the rest will be converted into dust-free schools.

Of the 437 institutions, 429 also operate nurseries.

Every BMA-run school will finally have air conditioning units and filters to protect pupils from PM2.5 waste, which just forced classes to remain suspended, according to Mr. Chadchart.

However, problems remain about personal institutions going without dust-free areas.

The BMA is attempting to provide each center with air quality monitoring equipment by the end of the year, according to Mr. Chadchart.

Alternatively of sweeping or dusting rooms every day, the Department of Health has urged schools to use damp cloths to clean them.

Additionally, it advises installing air conditioners, sealing windows and doors, and maintaining a sound air system in the apartments. Now, over 2, 000 institutions and childcare centres globally have established dust-free rooms.

Bangkok residents continue to experience unhealthy air quality, with Monday’s PM2.5 levels exceeding the safe limit of 37.5µg/m ³ in 66 areas.

The three most polluted districts were Bung Kum ( 64µg/m³ ), Nong Chok ( 63.8µg/m³ ) and Lat Krabang ( 61.7µg/m³ ). Bangkok’s climate conditions from Monday to Sunday are expected to further reduce air pollution scattering, keeping PM2.5 rates elevated.

Continue Reading

More Bangkok classrooms to be upgraded to dust-free

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 3 Feb 2025 at 19: 31

Kindergarten students at Wat Wimuttayaram School in the Bang Phlat area of Bangkok learn in classrooms equipped with air purifiers. (File photo)
In air-conditioned schools in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district, school students can learn in the Wat Wimuttayram School. ( File photo )

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) has vowed to create more “dust-free classrooms” in its network of schools by the end of the year.

Bangkok chancellor Chadchart Sittipunt spoke at a new community examination in Watthana district, highlighting the value of responding to public concerns, especially those relating to environmental and public health issues.

On the issue of heat pollutants, Mr Chadchart confirmed that 744 out of 1, 966 schools are earmarked to be upgraded into dust-free schools in 437 BMA-run institutions.

By the end of the year, he said, the rest will be converted into dust-free rooms.

Of the 437 institutions, 429 also operate preschools.

Every BMA-run school will finally have air conditioning units and filters to protect pupils from PM2.5 waste, which just forced classes to remain suspended, according to Mr. Chadchart.

However, problems remain about personal preschools without such technology.

War on sand

The BMA is attempting to provide each center with air quality monitoring equipment this yr, according to Mr. Chadchart.

Instead of sweeping or dusting schools every day, the Department of Health has urged schools to use damp cloths to clean them.

Additionally, it advises installing air filters, sealing windows and doors, and maintaining a sound air system in the rooms. Now, over 2, 000 institutions and childcare areas globally have established dust-free areas.

Bangkok residents continue to experience unhealthy air quality, with Monday’s PM2.5 levels exceeding the safe limit of 37.5µg/m ³ in 66 areas.

The three most polluted districts were Bung Kum ( 64µg/m³ ), Nong Chok ( 63.8µg/m³ ) and Lat Krabang ( 61.7µg/m³ ). Bangkok’s wind patterns from Monday to Sunday are expected to further reduce air pollution scattering, keeping PM2.5 rates elevated.

Continue Reading

Trump’s tariffs hand China a free-trade opportunity – Asia Times

By:
On:
In: Asia

Donald Trump’s subsequent phrase is off to a aggressive start, and the first casualty may be America’s personal influence. &nbsp,

His broad tax increase, including 25 % duties on imports from Mexico and Canada, a 10 % tax on American power and new tariffs on Chinese goods, underscores a US shift towards extreme economic nationalism. &nbsp,

He has also indicated that the EU will soon face taxes, which will rattle the world’s markets even more. While Trump asserts financial leverage, China appears well-positioned to profit.

The example of Colombia’s reaction is one. Gustavo Petro, the country’s president, next year formally challenged the United States over the treatment of deported workers. &nbsp,

Shortly after, Trump imposed tariffs on Chilean exports, imposed banking restrictions, and prohibited government officials from traveling to the US. The walk was a hard power switch in Washington’s strategy, one that could have broader repercussions for global partnerships.

However, its effects remain to be seen if the White House considers this to be a necessary strong position. &nbsp,

The event highlights the unpredictable nature of American relationships abroad under Trump. Others may try to diversify their alliances if one nation that has historically been associated with Washington is suddenly subject to unexpected financial abuse. &nbsp,

And Beijing, with its growing economic relationship in Latin America, is watching attentively.

For decades, China has positioned itself as an alternative to US monetary management. Its Belt and Road Initiative, which offers infrastructure money with fewer social requirements than Western loans and help, has significant investment in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. &nbsp,

In Latin America only, Beijing’s trade and financial relationships have expanded greatly. Then, as Trump reintroduces price threats and financial pressure, China’s part as a stable trading partner becomes more attractive.

This move isn’t simply economic. Washington has long relied on its reputation for uniformity and adhering to international treaties. &nbsp,

Institutions like the WTO provided some security even when Trump stifled international commerce during his first term. Some nations may reevaluate their dependence on US trade now that punitive economic measures are being put under renewed scrutiny.

Denmark and Panama, two nations already drawing Trump’s attention, offer more insight into these interactions. Trump’s desire to purchase and threaten to buy Greenland and problems over the Panama Canal serve as examples of how financial liquidity is increasingly being used as a political tool. &nbsp,

Beijing, which has already built financial alliances in both countries, could gain if tensions with Washington rise. After US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the government during his Sunday visit, Panama pledged free passing for US ships through the Panama Canal and said it did not renew its involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Finally there’s Mexico and Canada, America’s closest buying lovers. With Trump following through on rocky 25 % taxes, the consequences will extend beyond North America. Under NAFTA and its heir, the USMCA, years of economic integration may be challenged. &nbsp,

China, constantly expanding its business relationships worldwide, may be a more beautiful partner for manufacturers and governments seeking long-term stability.

None of this, to be sure, will cause a significant transition apart from the US and toward China. Some nations are careful about Beijing’s investment plans, especially those that have had trouble with debt and concerns about influence. &nbsp,

But Trump’s method does make China look more repetitive by comparison. Unlike Washington, Beijing tends to prevent placing social conditions on business or repeated tariff escalations. For nations afraid of plan uncertainty, that regularity carries weight.

For the US, the dangers of this technique are important. China is now viewed as a significant financial spouse by an increasing number of Latin American nations. &nbsp,

Washington was experience trade reversals as well as a deterioration of its local impact if Trump’s guidelines push them even further toward Beijing. The more America’s friends feel uncertain about their position, the more likely they are to observe other alliances.

China doesn’t need to get aggressive steps to profit, it may simply need to give a firm option. &nbsp,

As Trump continues asserting his economic perspective, the broader question remains: did these policies strengthen America’s place, or did they create openings for competitors like China to get ground?

Continue Reading

Rats at Beauty World food centre: Customers complain of dirty conditions, hawkers defend pest control efforts

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

The owner of a barn facing one of these stations reacted furiously by saying he had complained repeatedly about bird droppings but that no one had arrived to address the issue. &nbsp,

” People come here to have but it’s so ugly and there is animal crap everywhere”, the landlord, who did not want to be named, told CNA.

He also made note of the holes that animals frequently ran into in the roof. &nbsp,

More buyers complained about mouse occurrences during the monsoon year in November, according to Mr. Ng, who hawks Chinese food stalls. &nbsp,

” We’re largely occupied in the booths, but we don’t see them. But users will tell us about it, he said, adding that he too serves fewer customers immediately. &nbsp,

In a statement released on February 1st, the National Environment Agency ( NEA ) and the Singapore Food Agency announced that they had conducted a joint inspection of the food center. &nbsp,

The roof and the Beauty World Food Centre frequent area both showed evidence of rats, according to preliminary investigations.

The tower control and managing broker of the meal center have been given advice to improve their pest control measures based on the findings, according to SFA and NEA, though it has not been revealed if rodent infestation has been identified. &nbsp,

The statement read,” Stallholders have been reminded to confirm food is kept in rat-proof pots, to properly bag their hesitate before waste, and to keep their booths clean of meal scraps so as to avoid quick access to food by the animals,” the statement said.

“STILL ACCEPTABLE”&nbsp,

Before going into lying, Ms. Elaine Ng was about to break into a dish of pasta when she witnessed a rat repeatedly run across a metal tube. &nbsp,

She only visits the stalls center once every three to four months, and she says it’s also “acceptable” despite the garbage on the ground and the mouse she just witnessed. &nbsp,

” It’s not ugly to a point that it’s off-putting, and I’ll still come back unless I see a group of them”, the 33-year-old said. &nbsp,

“I’ll be more wary if I see rats in the stalls itself, running on the food” .&nbsp,

While other clients who had caffeine or a late dinner agreed that sanitation may be improved, they said they would continue to patronize their go-to stalls. &nbsp,

Similar to Ms. Ng, Mdm Alice continues to travel to the stalls center twice a year despite being unsatisfied with the sanitation problems. &nbsp,

She spotted a mouse crawling from one stall to another just a few months ago. &nbsp,

” I’ve been coming here for more than 30 years, some factors are fresh, but some can be quite ugly and there’s usually litter on the floor”, she said.

Continue Reading

Mitsubishi Electric doubles down on China supply chains – Asia Times

By:
On:
In: Asia, Technology

To improve the effectiveness of its domestic market competition and prevent issues that may come from US trade restrictions, Mitsubishi Electric, a Chinese manufacturer of programmable logic controllers and other business automation equipment, plans to establish full supply chains in China.

Initial steps are anticipated to result from Mitsubishi Electric’s regional partnerships and purchasing, with investments and other arrangements beginning in the upcoming year. More cutting-edge products are likely to observe, but at a rate that won’t derail Japan’s production, employment, and industrial leadership.

Kuniaki Masuda, the company’s CFO, told the Nikkei that Mitsubishi Electric will be able to satisfy demand by sourcing products solely from China in the future, even though the company now exports items to China from Japan and other nations.

This is consistent with Western businesses like ABB, Volkswagen, and Bosch, which have all established or are expanding their operations in China.

In programmable logic controllers ( PLCs ), Mitsubishi Electric competes with Siemens and Fanuc in computerized numerical control ( CNC ) systems, as well as Siemens and Rockwell Automation. It also makes industrial robots, human-machine interfaces ( interactive screens ), servomotors, inverters, power distribution and control equipment, and other products used in factory automation.

Mitsubishi Electric is well established in China, with a office in Beijing, income offices in other major cities, factories producing business automation technology, elevators and escalators, air conditioners and energy silicon devices, R&amp, D centers in Beijing and Shanghai, and a research collaboration in electricity systems and environmental technologies with Tsinghua University.

In 2018, Mitsubishi Electric announced a” strategic partnership” between two of its group companies, Mitsubishi Electric ( China ) and Mitsubishi Electric Automation ( China ), and China’s state-owned Instrumentation Technology and Economy Institute ( ITEI ) to support Beijing’s” Made in China 2025″ initiative:

The Chinese government released its Made in China 2025 roadmap in 2015, stating that it would help China become a global manufacturing powerhouse. Mitsubishi Electric Group built its Smart Manufacturing Comprehensive Test Platform [which ] in order to support standardized intelligent manufacturing…

In a joint effort to support Made in China 2025, the strategic partnership [with ITEI] will concentrate on promoting defined intelligence production. Mitsubishi Electric will continue to support the… Platform with the company’s most recent FA components and technologies and verify the use of cutting-edge technologies like edge computing and artificial intelligence ( AI ) for intelligent manufacturing. The company hopes that with these efforts, it can promote standard, smart manufacturing for use in China.

In 2025, Mitsubishi Electric will expand its strategic relationship with China and more integrate its business automation business with the world’s largest manufacturing nation.

In China, it’s competing with it. They include Fanuc, Yaskawa Electric, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Denso, Epson Robots and Nachi-Fujikoshi from Japan, ABB and Kuka ( now owned by China’s Midea Group ) from Europe, and Rockwell Automation from the US.

All of these businesses have regional colleagues and produce some goods in China. In Shanghai, ABB runs one of the most technologically advanced and largest technology companies in the world. It has participated in Belt and Road activities as well as Made in China.

Rockwell Automation, which entered the Chinese market in 1988, has facilities around the nation that serve a wide range of companies. The US government was reportedly looking into the possibility that the business was “exposing important US system, military, and other state assets to a potentially severe cyberattack through one of its China-based services” in 2023, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Rockwell Automation stated at the time that it hadn’t been informed of any inquiries but that it would work with it whenever needed. Bloomberg wrote that an analysis” did show US anxiety on China.”

However, US officials are now more concerned and willing to impose sanctions on both China and their supporters. In this scenario, Mitsubishi Electric’s decision to isolate its supply chains for business automation in China makes sense both politically and economically.

Mitsubishi Electric’s two main industrial automation products are programmable logic controllers ( PLCs ) and computerized numerical control ( CNC ) systems. The firm has a number of well-known rivals in each item and a long list of Chinese rivals trying to succeed.

As defined by Israeli robotics company Unitronics“, A Programmable Logic Controller, or PLC, is a rugged machine used for commercial technology. These controllers can manage a particular method, system work, or even an entire generation line. The PLC receives information from connected sensors or input devices, processes the data, and triggers outputs based on pre-programmed parameters. PLCs are employed to operate industrial robots.

Computer numerical control ( CNC ) is a manufacturing technique that automates the control, movement, and precision of machine tools through the use of pre-programmed computer software, according to the technology website Informa TechTarget. CNC systems are also employed with other types of industrial equipment.

Other top producers of PLCs include Siemens ( Germany ), Rockwell Automation ( USA ), ABB ( Switzerland/Sweden ), Schneider Electric ( France ), Omron ( Japan ) and Delta ( Taiwan ). Chinese PLC producers include HollySys, Wecon, Inovance Technology, Chint, Kinco and Xinje. Fatek ( Taiwan ) and LS Electric ( South Korea ) also have a presence in China.

Other top producers of CNC systems besides Mitsubishi Electric include Fanuc ( Japan ), Siemens ( Germany ), Haas Automation ( USA ), Heidenhain ( Germany ), Okuma ( Japan ), DMG Mori ( Germany/Japan ) and Bosch ( Germany ).

Chinese producers of CNC systems include Guangzhou CNC, Shenyang Machine Tool, HuazhongCNC, Shenzhen Inovance, Nanjing Estun Automation, and close to a dozen other companies identified by DeepSeek, which notes that” …the industry is dynamic, with rapid advancements in smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies.”

The world’s largest industrial robot market is China. China accounted for 51 % of the total number of industrial robot installations worldwide and 41 % of the total stock in 2023 ( the most recent year for which complete data is available ), according to the International Federation of Robotics.

Mitsubishi Electric has an estimated 5-10 % of the Chinese industrial robot market, according to industry and market research sources, ranking below only Fanuc, ABB and Yaskawa. Its market share for CNC systems in China is thought to be 10-15 %, with a high end concentration.

According to various market research firms, China currently accounts for more than 30 % of the world’s machine tool market, and Chinese demand is projected to increase by as much as 50 % by 2030. The Chinese market for CNC systems accounts for between 10 % and 10 % of Mitsubishi Electric’s.

China accounted for 22 % of Mitsubishi Electric’s factory automation revenues in the fiscal year to March 2024, 15 % of its total sales, and 27 % of its operating profit. The Chinese market for industrial automation equipment is very large, expanding rapidly, and fiercely competitive. Both Mitsubishi Electric and its rivals cannot afford to lose it.

Follow this writer on&nbsp, X: @ScottFo83517667

Continue Reading

Malaysia’s maritime shooting probe involving Indonesian migrants could extend to arms, drug smuggling: Minister

By:
On:
In: Asia

According to Bernama, the event is being looked into under Sections 301 and 39 of the Penal Code for attempting to murder, 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing public employees in the course of their responsibilities, and Section 26a of the Anti-Trafficking in People and Anti-Smuggling of Refugees Act 2007 for the trafficking of workers.

An Indonesian man suspected of being a” transporter” has also been arrested, the minister said.

This implies that he was in charge of facilitating the entry and exit of people entering our nation without any papers. According to Saifuddin, who was detained, and the initial research indicates that he is connected to the ship that the MMEA pursued, according to reports from news outlet Malay Mail.

Muhammad PROMISES Translucent Analysis

Following the incident, Indonesia urged an research, including into the possible use of “excessive power”.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed in a speech on January 25 that the shooting occurred as five Indonesian citizens were allegedly trying to illegally left Malaysia.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was in Putrajaya last week for a position attend at the offer of Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim, expressed confidence that Malaysia would launch a detailed investigation into the shooting, while Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim promised a transparent investigation, according to Free Malaysia Now.

Anwar claimed that he had instructed Indonesia to submit a preliminary research report via its Malaysian ambassador.

He also urged Malaysians to keep quiet after about 100 individuals from labor unions and human rights organizations pelted eggs at the Malaysian ambassador in Jakarta on Friday in protest.

WARNING GIVEN TO BOAT, SAYS SAIFUDDIN

Saifuddin said the boat’s Penggalang 31 vehicle, which had issued a caution to the vehicle using a loudhailer, which ignored the warning, and that MMEA’s Penggalang 31 vessel had given more information about the incident on Monday.

A fight ensued and the ship tried to memory the MMEA’s vehicle, targeting its website, which posed a threat of blast, he said.

MMEA officers shot warning photos in the air before trying to remove the ship’s website, he said. However, the MMEA vehicle returned to its foundation and the vessel continued to avoid being captured.

Earlier studies claimed that Malaysia’s sea company received a tip-off about a ship adrift off Banting Beach in Kuala Langat at around 9am on January 24.

One of the men who were found on the ship, who was later declared dead, and the other of whom was in critical condition, were taken to a hospital in Klang for treatment.

A medical physician official from the doctor filed a police report on January 24 after the three different Indonesians showed up with bullet wounds.

Continue Reading

Parliament to discuss unauthorised address changes using ICA online service, recent monsoon surge

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: Members of Parliament will discuss the recent spate of unauthorised&nbsp, attempts to change residential&nbsp, addresses via an online&nbsp, service provided by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) at the next sitting on Tuesday ( Feb 4), as well as last month’s monsoon surge. &nbsp, Questions were alsoContinue Reading

Singaporean actor Ayden Sng stars in Netflix drama Perfect Match

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Great Match, a film set during the Northern Song Dynasty, follows a mom who relocates to the city of Bianjing to assist her five sons in discovering true love.

Sng appears as&nbsp, Yan Zimei, a rich man. &nbsp, The Mediacorp professional stars alongside Chinese players Ni Hongjie and Lu Yuxiao&nbsp, in the 36-episode play.

Great Match is produced by praised writer Yu Zheng, who formerly produced the&nbsp, famous 2018 historical episode Story Of Yanxi Palace.

Netflix has the first half of the line available, and the second quarter will be available separately starting on February 3. &nbsp,

Continue Reading