Efforts ongoing for release of Thai crew

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PUBLISHED: 28 Jan 2025 at 04: 00

Maris:
Maris:

According to Maris Sangiampongsa, the government has no abandoned the four team members of a Thai fishing vessel that has been detained in Myanmar since November, citing the Thai officials have attempted at least three times to make a visit.

Senator Thanakorn Phawornshinnachot inquired about progress being made in helping the Thai fishermen who were taken hostage by Myanmar guard ships on their fishing boat and 14 people off Ranong state on November 30 during an investigation conference held in the Senate monday.

The four sailors were not included in the 151 Thai immigrants who had been detained in local jails who were released and sent up on January 4th.

Sen Thanakorn said just one visit had been made to see the imprisoned team so much, citing a dialogue with the fishing vessel operator. The attend, made by a family member of one of the prisoners, lasted less than three days.

Telephone calls were short and often allowed.

According to Sen Thanakorn, this contradicted a government statement that the prisoners had been well cared for and visited.

Mr. Maris responded that the state had at least three times requested and may continue to do so with the imprisoned hunting crew in Myanmar.

He claimed that since the fishermen were initially detained, the government has been negotiating with the Myanmar authorities, and that calls have been made by him to both his rival and the deputy prime minister of Myanmar on the subject.

He claimed that the delay was brought on by the various techniques that the two nations adhere to.

He claimed that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the prime minister, had ordered that efforts remain divided into two groups: ensuring the safety of the imprisoned angling crew and urging their release.

According to Mr. Maris, the issue is even being looked into by a bilateral border commission in an effort to lower tensions.

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No guarantee 400-baht wage will go nationwide

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PUBLISHED: 28 Jan 2025 at 04: 00

There is no assurance that the 400-baht normal minimum wage modification, now successful in some hospitality provinces, may be implemented in remaining provinces, workers permanent secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth says.

Mr. Boonsong made this statement at the 22nd joint salary committee’s second meeting of this year, which he presided over in the Prasong Rananant Conference Room at the Ministry of Labour creating.

The pay commission chairman updated the meeting’s plan, gave the results of the income meeting’s on December 23, approved the report, and discussed ways to reduce the impact of the wage adjustment this year.

From January 1, the government approved a global daily minimum wage increase that would range from 337 to 400 baht.

Many major commerce places, including Chon Buri and Phuket, were assigned the highest level of 400 ringgit.

According to Mr. Boonsong, the income committee is gathering input from employers and the parties involved in the provinces where the increase has been implemented following the least wage adjustment in particular provinces starting in the first quarter of this year.

Additionally, he claimed that opinions will be sought from various regions of the country where income increases will also be presented for committee concern.

Mr Boonsong said, however, that implementing a 400-baht minimal income global is not guaranteed. The council will make a decision on that, which even depends on the economic conditions that will be evaluated monthly.

” We cannot verify whether the 400-baht income will be implemented global by 2026, 2027 or in later years”, he said.

Regular committee meetings will be held to gather ideas and maintain fairness in the hope that all workers in the country will gain from them,” he continued.

According to him, all members of the committee agreed that it was necessary to find ways to raise the minimum wage in accordance with foreign labor requirements.

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More than 1,000 general practitioner clinics open during Chinese New Year

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SINGAPORE: A total of 1, 115 general practitioner ( GP ) clinics will be open at various times during the Chinese New Year period, the Ministry of Health ( MOH) said on Monday ( Jan 27 ).

Of these facilities, 17 may be available 24 hours a day throughout the festive period from Jan 28 to Jan 30.

On MOH’s GPGoWhere site, you can find out more about the facilities and their working time.

” Members of the public, including babies, who feel restless during the festive period are encouraged to attend their GP or a 24-hour center for small conditions”, MOH said in a media transfer.

Additionally, it advised people to call centres or schedule appointments before visiting them.

The Alexandria Hospital’s UCC, UCC@Admiralty, and National University Hospital’s UCC@Bukit Panjang are available for those with serious conditions that are not lethal.

In the event of” significant or lethal situations, such as stomach pain, dizziness, and excessive bleeding,” according to MOH, health care should only be sought at a doctor’s accident and emergency section.

The government added that “people who are not experiencing lethal situations should refrain from calling 911” to ensure that the 995 Emergency Medical Services can provide quick transportation for those with emergency problems.

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Tanglin Club’s ‘toxic’ workplace culture under scrutiny after member allegedly abused employee

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SINGAPORE: Tanglin Club’s” dangerous” work society is facing scrutiny by people after an incident of workers abuse that contributed to the withdrawal of the team’s general manager.

Founded in 1865, the exclusive members ‘ team has more than 4, 000 users and about 200 employees.

A part of the Tanglin Club’s general committee reportedly verballyabused another member on June 28, 2023, according to a report from the Tanglin Club’s general manager David Brightling.

Mr Brightling resigned on Sep 27, 2023. He said that” a dangerous job culture” was the primary “push” issue, according to internal documents seen by CNA.

The general manager was also hired and fired from Hong Kong’s private members ‘ club.

After a ballot called by the team’s leader Chong Zhi Cheng on October 16, 2023, the participant involved was removed from the standard commission.

The vote was called on the grounds that his alleged verbal altercation was in violation of membership rules that no club member should “reprimand or overuse” any associate of the staff.

On January 30, 2024, a commissioned separate assessment committee was established to examine the removal of the member in question.

After investigating, the review committee found that the alleged misuse did take place, according to its document dated May 23, 2024.

According to Mr Brightling, he sent an internet on Jun 28, 2023 about the league’s treadmill. The assessment agency’s report&nbsp, indicated&nbsp, that this was because a part had been seen “moving the practice bike around”.

The member in question finally called Mr. Brightling to schedule a meeting later that day after receiving a call. The representative allegedly had an issue with being named and accused in the internet. &nbsp,

The review committee found that Mr Brightling was apparent in his proof that the part used the words “evil”, “incompetent” and” stupid” towards him at this meeting.

The basic director was even yelled at over the telephone, and the member in question “banged down” the phone on him.

The review committee made up of three regular team members and determined that this constituted “plainly aggressive conduct” together with the rhetorical abuse.

In a legal charter, the public administrator stated that in about three decades working at the league, he had come across “many occurrences” of harassment and bullying.

He said the Jun 28, 2023 affair was “certainly the most severe case” in his whole career.

Mr Brightling’s study of a” dangerous” work society at Tanglin Club was also supported by people the committee interviewed, who said that staff, including management, were “afraid” of people.

If a club member misbehaved, staff had apparently tend not to make a proper complaint, but tell their head of department and allow their manager handle the matter, or just resign.

According to the assessment committee, this negatively impacted staff morale and caused the club to lose staff members.

They suggested that the team’s general committee establish a harassment policy for both employees and members, as well as a procedure for employees to report misuse without filing a strong complaint against a member.

They also suggested creating a common method to handle administrative complaints against team members to confirm “fairness and transparency” and establish expected timelines.

The review committee also pointed out that it was a problem to “get the correct folks” into the common council, as just about 300 out of 4, 000 people voted in elections.
 
Members of the general committee “tend anecdotally to be male and older”, in their 50s and 60s, so there was a need for more emphasis on diversity.

According to the report, “work needs to be done” to encourage female and male members to run for president and, in doing so, contribute to the club.”

The review committee noted that “factions, cliques and political in-fighting” were affecting working relationships within the general committee, and between the committee and the club’s president.

Members of the general committee may take into account mediation “or other efforts to heal divisions, rather than exacerbate them,” according to the report.

Finally, the review committee suggested looking into the suitability of a code of conduct” to set the right tone and improve the dynamics underlying the relationships at the club.”

CNA has reached out to Tanglin Club to ask about the implementation of the review committee’s recommendations.

Before, there have been controversy-filled disputes involving Tanglin Club members.

Yeoh En Lai, the club’s former president, resigned in 2022 amid concerns about his academic credentials, according to the Straits Times report.

Mr Brightling, then the general manager, reportedly made a police report over this.

A member sued Tanglin Club and its general committee after going through disciplinary proceedings after being subject to disciplinary proceedings in 2018, TODAY reported.

According to reports, this occurred after he was accused of sending “offensive and disrespectful emails and WhatsApp messages.”

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Free public transport gives big boost to Bangkok train trip numbers

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PUBLISHED: 27 Jan 2025 at 19: 05

A BTS Asoke station employee holds up a free train ticket. Staff at major BTS stations were seen giving out free tickets to help speed up the flow of commuters on Monday morning as ridership of both BTS and MRT has continued to grow in the wake of the government’s free public transport campaign aimed at tackling air pollution in Bangkok. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
A BTS Asoke place individual presents a complimentary train seat. Ridership of both Song and MRT has increased in the midst of the president’s free public transportation campaign aimed at tackling air pollution in Bangkok. On Monday night, workers at big Song facilities were seen handing out free cards to help speed up the stream of commuters. ( Photo: Somchai Poomlard )

Train ridership surged 60 % across Greater Bangkok on Sunday, the second day of the government’s week-long offer of free public transport to help combat air pollution, the Department of Rail Transport ( DRT ) said on Tuesday.

DRT director-general Pichet Kunathammarak&nbsp, said ridership on the state’s electric train system shot upward 60.90 % on Sunday, to 1, 549, 622 visits, over the three preceding Sundays in January.

The number was up on the 45.29 % rise in Saturday’s ridership, the first day of the free public travel plan.

Under government regulations, Bangkok’s air quality is impacted by the high level of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and smaller ( PM2.5 ) pollution. From January 25 to January 31, people can travel for free on the city’s public buses and electric trains. &nbsp,

Mr. Pichet provided the following ridership break for Sunday:  

1. Airport Rail Link- Ridership rose 34.36 % to 69, 199 visits compared with the typical traffic on the three preceding Sundays.

2. Red Line- Ridership skyrocketed 72.44 % to 43, 083 visits.

3. Blue Line- Ridership grew 48.38 % to 417, 740 visits.

4. Purple Line- Ridership expanded 46.76 % to 55, 164 visits.

5. BTS Green Line (Sukhumvit and Silom routes) – Ridership soared 62.46% to 805,591 trips.

6. Gold Line – Ridership rose 153.07% to 16,470 trips.

7. Yellow Line – Ridership swelled 114.47% to 64,662 trips.

8. Pink Line- Ridership ballooned 122.36 % to 77, 713 visits.

Free solution flyer

Mr. Pichet claimed that the DRT had asked the MRT and BTS’s users to track ridership during rush hour and improve coach trips accordingly. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Local media reported that team at occupied BTS Skytrain channels like Siam, Mo Chit, and Asoke distributed free train tickets to commuters on Monday during the morning rush hour, despite the high demand. &nbsp,

While customers under the Mo Chit and Siam channels was not as congested as it had previously been seen on Monday evenings, the majority of the travellers wore face veils to protect themselves from the fine sand. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated that the government had review all relevant data and figures following the plan before deciding whether to extend the free public transportation system.

Some critics claimed that the government is barking at the wrong tree and that the 140 million baht campaign could actually reduce the number of cars on the capital’s roads. Mr. Suriya insisted that the program would reduce the number of cars traveling on the roads.

Anyone who wants to know for certain can check with the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, or the &nbsp. They have CCTV camaras across Bangkok. The transportation minister said that they can check whether there are more cars or not.

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Gulf of Thailand overlapping claim negotiators ‘await parliament’s nod’

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PUBLISHED: 27 Jan 2025 at 18: 55

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa

A new Joint Technical Committee (JTC) has not yet been formed to negotiate with Cambodia on the maritime dispute as the government cannot act without parliament’s consent,Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsasaid on Monday.

Mr. Maris responded to a question posed by Senator Yukol Chanawatpanya regarding the 26, 000-kilometer clashing sea say place in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Trat during a Senate program presided over by deputy Senate speech Gen Kriangkrai Srirak on Monday. &nbsp,

Mr. Maris claimed that the government has not yet instituted a new JTC, which would be the primary negotiation process and resolve the long-standing conflict.

In the presence of this commission, the government is prepared to hear views from all businesses. Feedback and ideas from Senate members may be incorporated in Thailand’s guidelines for negotiations, aiming for the government’s and people’s maximum advantage.

” The state will deal with the Thai government using international rules and other applicable legal frameworks.”

MoU 44′ healthy’

” The dialogue construction follows the principles of the 2001 Thai-Cambodian Document of Understanding]MoU 44], aligned with past governments ‘ directions since its drafting,” said Mr Maris.

The Foreign Minister said the MoU 44 is regarded as a healthy and appropriate resource to protect national interests regarding protection, sea boundaries, and the business while ensuring independence and regional benefits are thoroughly protected. &nbsp,

In addressing the maritime issue, he emphasized that the government has abided by three guiding principles: public support, parliamentary support, and unrestricted compliance with applicable and international legal frameworks. &nbsp,

Parliament’s consent

He assured the public that no action will be taken without the consent of the legislature, and that any negotiations would strictly adhere to these principles.

He argued that MoU 44 does not in any way obligate Thailand to accept Cambodia’s territorial claims or interfere with Koh Kut’s sovereignty.

He continued, adding that MoU 44’s fundamental clause requires that discussions on boundary demarcation and joint development of the area must take place at the same time.

Before a binding decision is made, the government will need to speak with parliament and request that it be taken into account.

Every action will need the parliamentary’s approval. A seminar will be held by the government to foster dialogue and gather perspectives from all sectors. He continued,” The government and relevant House committees will jointly organize the next seminar today.

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Pakistan ex-PM Khan, wife appeal against graft convictions

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Lahore: &nbsp, Pakistan’s imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan and his family Bushra Bibi appealed against their views for graft on Monday, his attorney said. Khan, 72, has been held in custody since August 2023 charged in approximately 200 circumstances that he says are politically motivated. In the most recentContinue Reading

Thailand’s online gig workers reminded to file income declaration

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PUBLISHED: 27 Jan 2025 at 18: 35

Food delivery riders pass near a condominium in Din Daeng district, Bangkok, in 2021. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
Food delivery users pass near a property in Din Daeng city, Bangkok, in 2021. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

The state is reminding website gig workers, including independent workers, food supply riders, YouTubers and social media influencers, to record the 2024 individual income&nbsp, tax kind by March 31 or risk facing penalties such as fines of up to 200, 000 baht and/or seven years imprisonment.

All employees who run their businesses online may submit a detailed review of their revenue last year to the Revenue Department by March 31. That is according to Deputy state official Karom Phonphonklang, who announced on Monday.

However, those who plan to file their income declarations online through the Digital MyTax (D-MyTax ) platform, the department’s e-Filing channel or the RD Smart Tax app have until April 8 to submit their files.

Income which need to be declared include earnings received from business procedures, sales, fee and service fees.

Before the deadline, those who don’t file will be fined 2, 000 baht plus a 1 % monthly interest rate until the pronouncement is submitted.

Those who fail to register their files on purpose face up to one year in prison, fines of up to 200, 000 baht, or both, plus additional charges amounting to half the paid tax plus a 1.5 % monthly fee.

Those who provide misleading information are subject to fines of up to 200, 000 rmb and up to seven years in prison.

Mr. Karom claimed that the Revenue Department’s employees did not send download links or emails to taxpayers informing them of updates on the filing process.

Citizens with further inquiries can touch the Revenue Department’s RD Intelligence Center via the 1161 line or by visiting any Revenue Department location globally, according to Mr. Karom.

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DeepSeek shows Trump tariffs doomed to fail – Asia Times

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Foreign artificial intelligence business DeepSeek has shook world markets and challenged long-held beliefs about the usefulness of tariffs as a means of economic dominance. &nbsp,

A cost-effective AI model that runs on less-advanced chips, highlighted by its breakthrough, which poses a significant challenge for the United States: tariffs and other financial restrictions may no longer suffice to encircle and outpace China’s scientific rivals.

Revelations about DeepSeek’s low-cost success in the high-cost AI space&nbsp, rocked&nbsp, global technology stocks on Monday, with Nvidia’s shares down 9 % in premarket trading and Dutch high-end chip equipment maker&nbsp, ASML down&nbsp, as much as 11 %, according to breaking news reports.

Bloomberg reported the hitherto largely unheard-of startup ‘s&nbsp, AI assistant has &nbsp, rocketed&nbsp, to the top of the app download charts since it was released last week with capabilities widely&nbsp, seen as competitive with the likes of&nbsp, OpenAI, Google and&nbsp, Meta’s AI offerings. That, in turn, has called into question America’s supposed big lead over China in the AI culture.

Meanwhile, President Trump’s current threat to impose taxes as high as 60 % on imports underscores Washington’s rely on financial restrictions to sustain its global technical standing. Tariffs have been a key component of US efforts for years to stop China’s increase and maintain its position of dominance in important technology and other sectors. &nbsp,

However, DeepSeek’s success shows how rivals can develop around these measures, probably rendering them outdated. This success is a sign of a wider pattern. While the US has previously led in cutting-edge systems, China’s rapid development in AI and electronics is altering the balance of power. &nbsp,

By restricting China’s access to advanced cards, Washington probably aimed to slow its modern development. Alternatively, it has spurred Beijing to triple down on self-reliance, accelerating inventions that could release America’s hold on global supply chains.

DeepSeek’s milestone AI design is more than just a modern leap, it’s a tactical victory for China. It demonstrates how development can circumvent restrictions imposed by taxes and other financial tools.

Diminishing performance of taxes?

This change raises important questions about the US economic strategy’s coming. Tariffs could turn into relics of a bygone time if rivals could circumvent restrictions with more powerful alternatives.

Traditional uses for tariffs include imposing costs on rival companies, ensuring trade priorities, and safeguarding home industries. But, DeepSeek’s success casts question on whether these measures can also achieve their planned outcomes in an age of swift innovation. &nbsp,

China’s advancement was slowed by the US’s policy of restricting access to crucial tools like advanced semiconductors. Alternatively, it has good accelerated Beijing’s modern push, demonstrating the unintended consequences of an depending on disciplinary measures.

If more companies adopt DeepSeek’s strategy, the need for high-end US cards was drop, more eroding America’s liquidity in international markets. These outcomes now have a ripple effect.

The Nasdaq 100 has experienced strong falls, Western tech stocks are slipping, and market sentiment is a sign of growing unease over Silicon Valley’s ability to maintain its position as the leader in the Artificial supply chain.

Trump’s proposed 60 % tax danger highlights Washington’s battle to adapt its guidelines to a world that is increasingly defined by technical aplomb.

Although these steps may have the potential to strengthen the US, they also run the risk of isolating it from a rapidly expanding global business. Competitors like China are proving adept at finding ways to overpower financial and other considerations, leaving Washington’s techniques looking obsolete and responsive.

Day for a serious rethink

DeepSeek’s fall is a wake-up contact for US politicians. Tariffs may have once been a useful tool for shaping international business dynamics, but they are extremely unfit for the challenges of a world driven by development. If the US wants to maintain leadership in important industries, it must reevaluate its financial strategies.

More convincing approaches are encouraging domestic innovation, funding research and development, and encouraging international collaboration than doubling down on disciplinary measures.

The emphasis should move from imposing restrictions on rivals to fostering domestic growth and development. Without these modifications, the US runs the risk of losing ground in the world’s battle for modern supremacy.

DeepSeek’s victory is not just a step for China—it’s a reminder for America. If Washington continues to move on tariffs as its main tool of financial control, it will consider itself extremely sidelined in a world where development, not restriction, drives power, wealth and growth.

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