EC says no plan to summon 60 senators over collusion

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PUBLISHED: 8 May 2025 at 20: 00

Election Commission (EC) chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong. (Photo: Office of the Election Commission of Thailand)
Election Commission (EC ) chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong. Office of the Election Commission of Thailand ( Photo )

Ittiporn Boonpracong, the head of the Election Commission (EC ), refuted reports that the polling station was about to begin summoning about 60 senators to support collusion allegations in the previous year’s Senate election, calling the reports “groundless.”

When asked to confirm the press accounts, he responded,” I’ve just heard it from the information.”

The agency’s investigation into the allegations of collusion, which is being conducted by a joint committee made up of officials from the EC and the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI), is still in its early stages, according to a source at the EC.

The senators must be given the opportunity to protect themselves against the claims in front of a section called the 26th Committee before a summons may be issued, the source said. The council will then turn in a statement to the EC secretary-general for further discussion.

The polling place will then create a committee, which will make recommendations for possible activities based on the findings of the 26th Committee.

The EC may then make a decision based on the recommendations of the committee, according to the supply.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called the ongoing investigation into the claims of money laundering during the Senate vote a standard procedure in wrongdoing cases. In his power as the president of the DSI special cases council, he said the investigation wasn’t politically motivated.

The Constitutional Court had previously ordered Mr. Phumtham to listen to a plea that 92 lawmakers filed on March 26 requested that the court remove him and Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong from their articles because they had interfered with the Senate election.

The ministers ‘ actions were deemed to be in violation of Article 170, Paragraph 1( 4 ) of the constitution by ordering a special investigation into allegations of vote-rigging in the election of last year.

The EC is the only entity authorized to evaluate poll-related issues, according to the lawmakers.

Since submitting his answer to the petition, Mr. Phumtham claims that he has not received any more notice from the judge.

He also refuted says that the investigation was merely a social activity between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai.

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Thaksin’s Qatar trip nixed

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The judge views Qatar’s proposal to Thaksin as a personal issue.

PUBLISHED: 8 May 2025 at 19: 24

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's request for a trip to Qatar is rejected by the Criminal Court on Thursday. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
The Criminal Court on Thursday rejected former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s ask for a trip to Qatar. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was denied entry to Qatar by the Criminal Court on Thursday.

The request was made on Thursday night by Thaksin, who was also accompanied by testimony from Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. According to a cause, they came to the court to provide him with court documents and details of his travel schedule.

Thaksin had a trip to Qatar on the advice of the Emir, or the head of state. As of media time, no additional information had been made public.

The court rejected Thaksin’s plea because the offer was perceived as a private matter, according to the cause.

In accordance with his parole, Thaksin is prohibited from leaving the country without permission while the case is pending with the South Korean court case involving the allegations of lese-majeste and system crime. This July this time, see testimony is scheduled.

Since his bail was set aside in February, Thaksin has thrice been granted temporary leave of absence.

The former prime minister, 76, was given temporary leave on January 31 to enter an Asean conference in Malaysia on February 2 and 3 with a 5-million-baht cash security.

On February 15, Thaksin requested that he go another Asean gathering in Brunei on February 19-20, and the court granted his request. He offered a comparable level of security.

At the ex-prime minister’s proposal, Hun Sen. Thaksin also requested permission to travel to Vietnam. The most recent request included a stopover in Cambodia.

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‘All set for the bulls-eye’ Star darters from South-East Asia and region all set for intense battles at Selangor Darts Championships from Friday (May 9)

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This week’s Selangor Open Darts Championships 2025 is going to be a celestial event with document entries and report prize money on offer, not to mention some of the best darters from Asia who are already competing.

The highly anticipated function, which is scheduled to have all the best South-East Asian athletes, will take place from Friday through Sunday at Ballroom L2, Quayside Mall at Twentyfive 7.

In a press release, the organizers thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the game in conjunction with the 15th anniversary of Selangor Darts Association.

The organizers added that they thanked the Malaysian Darts Association and the Youth and Sports Ministry for their significant assistance and ongoing support in making the event a success. They added that the local government of Selangor and its sections also provided significant aid in ensuring the tournament’s success in a great manner.

The team celebration entry count for this year’s event is confirmed with 73 entries, and the women’s doubles area has a record 34 entries.

” This is in fact a special one for us. This is the best way to celebrate our ( association’s ) 15th anniversary in a significant way. Some of the world’s top athletes from Asia and the South-East Asia region will compete in this game, according to C. Pathmanathan, chairman of the Selangor Darts Association.

Major darters from Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Thailand, and Japan will also be vying for the best spots in the game besides the best bulls-eye experts from Malaysia. Sabah and Sarawak’s team had a sizable success, and they should also be expected to be among the top three.

This year’s game entries from Sarawak and Sabah are record-setting, with eight more coming from both provinces.

” The darters may also receive record-breaking reward income this year. We want to make this tournament a leading event in the area in the future.

I also like to take this opportunity to thank Quayside Mall for being the place partners, who have been really patient with us from beginning to end. Additionally, I want to thank all the other partners who participated in this competition.

” A exclusive thank you even extend to the Malaysian Darts Association and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.”

Some of the best darters in the world have now confirmed their participation in this year’s competition, which falls under the WDF bronze category, and it is anticipated that the competition for the top prizes will be fierce.

The star of the show will undoubtedly be Japan’s No. 1 darter Mayumi Ouchi, who is already the No. One person was ranked in the WDF Asia Women’s record. She also played for the extraordinary Japan group that captured the WDF Asia Pacific Cup title last year.

But, Mayumi is likely to experience a significant issue from Yukie Sakaguchi, her teammate, who also participated in Japan’s victory over the Asia Pacific. However, she won the gold medal singles group at the Asia Pacific game, which makes her a fearsome player.

Mayu Shimuzu, who is already ranked No. 1, is another structure for the event. 14th place in the WDF Asia singles rankings.

The brother-sister duo of Yuta Hanashi and Momoka Hanashi, both of whom are hailed as potential stars of the game, will also be present for the event.

Ryusei Azemoto, a specialized Chinese soft-tip and steel-tip arrows person who also represented his country at the 2024 PDC World Cup of Darts, is another Chinese legend on the meet’s level.

Janice Penero Hinojales will be in charge of the Philippines. She is the current champion of the Cosmo Malaysia Open 2024 Women Singles category and the top-ranked female player in the Philippines.

Maisuriyati Md Zain, who is currently ranked No. 1, will be in charge of Malaysia’s challenge. 7 in the list of Asian women singles. She just recently won the 2024 Kuching City Open singles title, and she has a lot of potential to give the best Japanese darters a run for their money.

The duo of Zarina Khan and Nur Sazleena Muliyono will also join Malaysia as its leader. The WDF Asia Women’s Singles category currently ranks both the local darters 11th. The top-ranked Malaysian women’s player and finalist for the Cosmo Malaysia Open 2024 Women Singles competition is Nur Sazleena.

Tenooth Sivalingam, the current International Sabah Open champion, will be aiming for back-to-back singles titles at the Selangor Open Championships, while the men’s section is expected to feature heated battles for top honors in both the singles and team events.

Malaysian Faizal Mohamad ( ranked No. 2 ) is one of the other top athletes at the tournament. Zulrizan Azdan, the 2019 WDF Men Singles COSMO Malaysia Open champion, and Mohd Nasir Jantan ( who won two titles at the PDC Asian Tour Championship in 2023/Malaysian doubles pair at the 2024 PDC World Cup in Germany ) won the category with seven men.

For the record, the Selangor Open is Malaysia’s first WDF-ranked event in 2025, which will be followed by the Cosmo Malaysia Open ( WDF silver-ranked event ) on August 22 through August 24.

Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, and Japan are the only nations that have confirmed participation besides Malaysia. By the end of the month, diplomats from other South-East Asian countries and other Asian nations are also expected to confirm their participation.

For more event details: WhatsAPP 012-3132663– K. Saegaran ( Secretary SEDA ) or for Sponsorship details: WhatsAPP 012-3431010– C. Pathmanathan ( Presiden- SEDA )

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Thai rights groups seek clarity on ‘hate crimes’

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The death of a Chinese national by a Pattaya sex worker inspires calls for justice.

PUBLISHED: 8 May 2025 at 18: 56

Forensic officers collect evidence from a guesthouse room in Pattaya where the mutilated body of a murder victim was found on April 26. (Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong)
The mutilated figure of a crime victim was discovered on April 26 in a hotel place in Pattaya, where criminal officials gather information. ( Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong )

Thai rights organizations filed a petition with the legislature on Thursday, requesting justice for the Foreign embassy’s new handling of a transgender sex worker‘s death in Pattaya.

The petition urges the Chinese Embassy to accept responsibility for the killing of next month and calling on the government to take constitutional steps to combat hate crimes.

It was supported by 54 civil society organizations and 151 individuals and was presented by the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand ( RSAT ), the People’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination ( MovED), and allied organizations.

The petition’s main requirements are:

  • To differentiate between bias-motivated crimes and public acts, Thai law provides a distinct definition of “hate murder” and “hate conversation” in Thai law.
  • increasing the penalties for hate acts that result in death, damage, or home damage by at least one-third.
  • establishing a methodical data set system to help with decision-making,
  • development of education for law enforcement to detect and sue hate crimes properly, and
  • the need to quickly develop and enforce current constitutional protections for sex workers.

The petition also calls for accountability from the embassy, citing the influence the case had on public opinion, especially among those from underprivileged communities. The consulate is urged to strengthen procedures for adhering to international human rights laws.

The deputy chairman of human rights and conservation with RSAT, Caesar Rittiwong, emphasized that hate crimes are not individual acts of anger but are rooted in prejudice against a murderer’s personality.

The broader area feels threatened, she said, yet when a detest crime only affects one survivor. Thailand “lacks a legal description of love crimes and has no satisfactory methods to deal with these situations, which are frequently misclassified as regular crimes.”

She urged lawmakers to recognize hate crimes as a common threat and take action with specific, successful legal remedies, including precise definitions, tougher penalties, and proper law enforcement training.

She said,” No one should have to live in fear just because they are themselves.”

Following a World Bank record titled” Equality of Opportunity for Sexual and Gender Minorities,” Nachale Boonyapisomparn, chairman of the Sister Foundation, and vice-president of the Thai Transgender Alliance for Human Rights.

The report emphasizes the need for better monitoring, education, and victim support systems, as well as the ongoing legal security gaps for LGBTQ people around the world, including in Thailand.

She said that Thailand and much of Asia also have a long way to go. We lack rights-based techniques, information systems, and legal frameworks.

We must guard every existence from hate and hug variety as a strength if we want to create a community that leaves no one behind.

On Thursday, rights groups complaint parliament demanding activity against hate crimes. ( Photo: MovED- Women's Movement to Eliminate Discrimination Instagram page )

On Thursday, rights groups complaint parliament demanding activity against hate crimes. ( Photo: MovED- Women’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination Instagram page )

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Amid trade tensions, businesses should look at new growth paths, says DBS CEO

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In a comprehensive discussion with CNA, Ms. Tan added that if they wanted to take advantage of the uncertainty in the short run, they could do so by hedging interest rates or currencies. &nbsp,

She advised businesses to diversify their supply chains, have other payment options, and have a mix of currencies to reduce risk. &nbsp,

She continued,” Investing in generative artificial intelligence ( GenAI ) helps with productivity, efficiency, and staying relevant in a rapidly digitizing world.”

CHINA HAS CHANGED TO A MORE RESILIENT SYSTEM.

Ms. Tan said Beijing appears to be well-positioned to weather the storm, despite the fact that China has been the hardest hit by Washington by having 145 percent tariffs on Taiwanese products entering the US. &nbsp,

China has learned to “insulate itself” since US President Donald Trump’s second term in office, adding that the nation has “rebelated itself” despite this being a bit of a blow to consumer trust. &nbsp,

She noted that there has been a deliberate effort to make China self-sufficient in terms of power, silicon chips, systems, and food. &nbsp,

Ms. Tan added that she anticipates China to keep funding cutting-edge systems, including robots, drones, biotechnology, and GenAI.

The China development prospects are still there in the long run. You can see the emphasis being put on, and I believe its capacity for self-sufficiency will increase. she stated.

She noted that the second-largest market of the world is now heavily investing in renewable energy-related sectors like batteries and electric cars. &nbsp,

She remarked that China will continue to invest in the economy of Southeast Asia while highlighting the need for both sides to invest heavily in alternative energy.

DBS Q1 Income

Ms. Tan even mentioned the company’s first-quarter findings, which were made public a few hours before the meeting. &nbsp,

DBS ‘ net profit for the first quarter of 2025 decreased by 2 percent on-year to S$ 2.9 billion ( US$ 2.24 billion ), primarily as a result of higher tax expenses. The company’s first profits decline in more than three decades, but it exceeded expectations.

It was Ms. Tan’s first earnings report since she succeeded Piyush Gupta last month as the company’s head.

In addition to rising net interest and payment earnings, the company’s wealth management business experienced strong growth.

We had a strong first quarter, according to Ms. Tan, adding that the bank recorded history fees for money management, loans, and government sales, which equaled a document net profit before tax of S$ 3.44 billion.

She stated that the bank will continue to be flexible and wisely manage risks as uncertainty persists.

She added that, based on lower interest charges, team net interest income is likely to decline this year to levels just slightly below those in 2024.

” With the exception of any significant tariff-induced mishaps,” she said the next quarter appears to be largely firm. &nbsp,

There will be some temporary volatility, she continued, adding that we must remain resilient and ready for the various risks or stressors that may strike us in the coming two or three quarters. &nbsp,

AI USAGE IN DBS

Ms. Tan also discussed how the bank has embraced AI and technology to increase productivity and increase productivity.

She claimed that bank workers have been using DBS-GPT, an inner GenAI tool that automates regular tasks. &nbsp,

People may be guided to publish, synthesize, and summarize important customer information, allowing them to concentrate on more challenging and strategic tasks.

You type of lower the risk because there is always a human in the loop, Ms. Tan said.

” Generative AI is very helpful for assisting with lower-level transactions. Many of the repetitive tasks and labor may be done by the employees. That implies that our employees are more likely to perform better work and perform higher levels of work.

In response to a question about job protection in light of the bank’s plans to reduce 4, 000 jobs over the next three years as AI extremely occupies more roles, Ms. Tan stated that the majority of redundancy will result from natural attrition. &nbsp,

She added that the lender, which employs about 49, 000 people overall, employs about 9, 000 temporary employees and contractors, and has a attrition rate of about 10 % among its permanent employees.

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Over 70 people seek probe into Rangsit dorm

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PUBLISHED: 8 May 2025 at 18: 38

Wichian Chubtaisong, President of the Lawyers Council of Thailand, meets with a group of 70 people seeking legal assistance from the council against the owner of a dormitory in Pathum Thani's Rangsit area over alleged fraud. (Photo: Lawyers Council of Thailand)
A group of 70 individuals meet with the owner of a dorm in Pathum Thani’s Rangsit area to ask for legal help from the committee. ( Photo: Thailand Lawyers Council )

More than 70 people filed a petition with the Thai Lawyers Council on Thursday asking for legal counsel in relation to an alleged scam against the owner of a privately held hostel in Rangsit, Pathum Thani.

Wichian Chubtaisong, the lawyer’s leader, and Weerasak Chotiwanich, the mayor’s vice president, received the petitions.

The allegations include unlawful incarceration when tenants attempted to leave, illegal changes to hire agreements, which could be considered document fake under criminal law, and the arrest of personal items, such as iPads.

He emphasized that despite ongoing investigation, the large number of complainants and the alleged involvement of Rangsit University representatives indicate that this is a serious issue.

He urged important government organizations to look into the dormitory’s activities as well as its design standards, security standards, business licenses, and tax obligations.

Mr. Wichian confirmed that the government would establish a fact-finding panel and provide the patients with free legal counsel. The government will assist patients in filing complaints with the police or serve as a co-plaintiff alongside a common prosecutor, he added.

Following many complaints from college students about being coerced into harsh contracts, being intimidated, having their documents searched without permission, and being charged exorbitant fees when leaving, the case attracted widespread attention.

Late last month, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraporn Sindhuprai, instructed the Consumer Protection Board and the Royal Thai Police to conduct an investigation in response to these studies.

Lertsak Raktham, the consumer safety club’s deal section director, and Pol Col Phatthanachai Phamonpiboon, the police station’s director, issued a summons to those suspected of being involved, including the user, following the order.

According to Mr. Lertsak, failing to appear could lead to up to a month in jail, a fine of up to 20,000 rmb, or both.

The hostel in question had been operating without a valid force under the Dormitory Act and had undergone improper structural changes, according to Wiporn Waewsriphong, area commander of Muang Pathum Thani.

The native city has been given the order to begin the demolition process. Only two out of the area’s roughly 200 dormitories are fully licensed, according to additional investigations, causing a wider examination strategy.

Nearly 100 victims had previously reported their situations to authorities by Thursday, and at least 71 cases had been actually filed. This is continuing to increase.

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Thai Airways cancels flights to Pakistan on Thursday

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PUBLISHED: 8 May 2025 at 18: 36

Thai Airways International jets are visible from the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Thai Airways International jets can be seen leaving the Suvarnabhumi airport’s customer switch. ( Photo: Somchai Poomlard )

Due to the airport shutdown in the North Eastern nation as conflicts between Pakistan and India fall, Thai Airways International has suspended flights to and from two places in Pakistan on Thursday.

Planes TG345 from Bangkok to Lahore and TG346’s gain leg were canceled by the national carrier on Thursday.

The Bangkok-bound journey finds Lahore at 11.40pm and arrives in the Thai funds at 6.10am the following morning. Flight TG345 departs Bangkok at 7.50pm and arrives in Lahore at 10.30pm.

The profit foot of the TG341 to Karachi departs at 7 p.m. and arrives at 10 p.m., and the returning foot, TG342, leaves Pakistani city at 11.30 p.m. and arrives in Bangkok at 6 a.m. the following day.

Due to the closure of aircraft, THAI has advised air travelers on South Asian and European pathways to test flight information. In response to India’s issue with Pakistan, some international flights are rerouting or halting some flights.

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GE2025: Analysts expect ‘major’ Cabinet reshuffle, with defence, finance and DPM roles the ones to watch

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While some Cabinet people have military backgrounds, including those of Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister of Education Chan Chun Sing, spectators said the role necessitates more than just functional acumen.

Just one former military officer, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who served there from 2003 to 2011, has actually gone on to become a full-fledged minister of defense.

Assoc Prof. Chong noted that a military minister’s part is really different from a top armed officer’s because it deals more with budgets, laws, and policy.

There isn’t a distinct heir apparent to Dr. Ng. Previous military leaders have previously been recruited by the government for Cabinet positions, and some former governor-generals, like Gan Siow Huang and Desmond Tan, have now taken on political positions.

The PM was depended on familiarity to appoint one of the former uniformed services leaders, or move forward with the intention of having a unique, opposite point of view and appoint someone who is not a member of the defense forces, according to Mr. Singh.

The position requires storage, political will, and eloquence to explore diplomatic defense ties, he added.

Did PM WONG FINANCE RELINQUISH?

Mr. Wong’s decision to remain in charge of fund will also be carefully watched.

He might choose to concentrate on national command instead of handing the investment over. Prior to that time, then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong served as finance minister for three times before transferring the reins to Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Mr. Wong has” a lot of the big lifting” done to strengthen Singapore’s fiscal position in recent years, and he may then delegate the finance portfolio, according to Mr. Singh.

Dr. Teo added that while being familiar with the ins and outs of the finance department is good, the task is “taxing” given that it is a sizable job. &nbsp,

However, some people think he might keep the profile for the long run. According to SMU’s Assoc Prof. Tan, this will enable him to fully utilize the Forward Singapore plan, which may take shape over a number of Finances.

He might want to continue playing the lead and keep the bag strings, according to Assoc Prof Tan.

Additionally, spectators anticipate that Mr. Wong will appoint a second deputy prime minister when Mr. Heng steps down, restoring the dual-deputy architecture that was in place under former officials.

” Typically there are two distinct DPMs, one for the business and the other for examining the defense and security landscape,” said Dr. Felix Tan.

NEW PERFORMANCE IN THE POLITICAL OFFICE

In this change, observers anticipate the appointment of some new MPs as political office holders. &nbsp,

David Neo, Dinesh Vasu Dash, Jeffrey Siow, and Hamid Razak were among the candidates who Mr. Wong highlighted as having authority possible during the battle. &nbsp,

Prior to the gatherings, Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam also mentioned that Nee Immediately GRC newcomers Goh Hanyan and Syed Harun Alhabsyi may hold political office positions.

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