SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday ( Jun 27 ) warned people about “malicious” deepfake videos of him commenting on foreign relations and leaders. In a Facebook post, Mr Lee said that there have been algorithmic clips of him presumably talking about foreign relations, foreign leaders, and differentContinue Reading
Some electorates appear to be affiliated with the second-largest partnership group.
More than a few of the 200 senators- elect evidently had social group affiliations, notably with the Bhumjaithai Party, a review of the illegal results of Wednesday’s vote shows.
The last inter-group vote for the candidates took place on Wednesday at 8 p.m., and the count ran for an extended period of time until 4.52 a.m. yesterday. A list of 200 legislators- choose ( in Thai ) and 100 prospective competitors has since been released.
Substitutes may be legislators if any elective senators are later disqualified.
The Election Commission stated that it anticipated the release of the standard benefits on July 3, adding that studies into problems and anomalies would definitely want to continue after that time.
Nipon Ekwanit, a previous Phuket MP member from the Bhumjaithai Party, Pibul at Haruehanprakan, a former advisor to a previous hospitality and sporting minister from the same group, and Dr. Praphon Tangsrikiatkul, who served as a vice chancellor under Bhumjaithai head Anutin Charnvirakul while he was health minister in the previous government, are among the electorates on the list.
Another senator- elect was former 4th Army chief Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, chief adviser to Mr Anutin, who is the Interior Minister in the current administration.
Buri Ram, the seat of Bhumjaithai godfather Newin Chidchob, ranked first among all provinces with 14 elected senators, followed by Bangkok with nine, Surin and Ayuthaya with seven each, and Ang Thong, Satun, and Songkhla with six each, according to a Facebook post from Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw ).
Bhumjaithai is particularly strong in some of the Central and lower Northeast provinces. iLaw noted that in 12 provinces that produced a total of 80 new senators, Bhumjaithai also has MPs.
Other senators- elect include human rights activist Angkhana Neelapaijit, Chulalongkorn University economics lecturer Lae Dilokvidhyarat, former Ang Thong governor Weerasak Wichitsaengsri, former Si Sa Ket governor Thawat Suraban, and Mongkol Surasajja, who served as director- general of the Department of Provincial Administration.
Only a select few civil sector representatives, according to Ms. Angkhana.
Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, a brother- in- law of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, was not among those elected. Many political observers had anticipated that he would become the speaker of the Senate. ( Story continues below )
Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, a brother- in- law of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, is not among those elected. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )
Angkhana Neelapaijit, a former head of the National Human Rights Commission, was among the prominent activists who won a Senate seat. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )
The new Senate will have 200 representatives from 20 different professions, replacing the 250 coup-appointed senators whose terms ended on May 10 and whose terms ended.
Unlike their predecessors, the new senators will not be empowered to co- elect a prime minister. They will participate in the passage of laws and constitutional amendments. They will also be responsible for appointing independent organizations and monitoring the executive branch’s performance.
Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at King Prajadhipok’s Institute, told the Bangkok Post that many of the newly elected senators are affiliated with Bhumjaithai.
” In other words, the old power group still holds sway over the new Senate”, he said.
He asserted that the newly created Senate would not be unlike the junta-appointed chamber.
” The majority of the new Senate is governed by those who have ties to the previous Prayut Chan-o-cha government. They have a long history of belonging to the former power group, he claimed.
Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon demanded on Thursday that all 200 winning candidates be endorsed first and disqualified later if there is proof of any poll fraud.
Any delay in the approval process will make it more likely that the caretaker Senate will serve, he noted.
SINGAPORE: Despite being warned by authorities, a beautician who performed cosmetic methods without a practising document persisted in doing so.
Zhang Yanli claimed that she needed the money for a marriage and her family in China after becoming unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. She knew that her cosmetic companies were prohibited.  ,
The 39- year- old woman, a Chinese national and Singapore permanent resident, was jailed for 14 weeks and fined S$ 13, 000 ( US$ 9, 600 ) on Thursday ( Jun 27 ).  ,
She admitted guilt to eight vulnerabilities of the Medical Registration Act and four breaches of the Health Products Act, with the imprisonment of 21 more related offenses being taken into account.  ,
Zhang acknowledged that she lacked a true training certificate and was not authorized to practice medicine.  ,
At different locations in Singapore, including Peace Centre and her home, she provided services like yarn lift and filler injections procedures.
In cost sheets, at least 10 users were named, and the hiring process started in 2019.  ,
On July 12, 2021, officers from the Health Sciences Authority ( HSA ) and the Ministry of Health ( MOH) conducted a joint inspection at Peace Centre after receiving feedback in May 2021, where they discovered unregistered health products.  ,
Zhang had been working as a beautician that since March 2021, offering cosmetic, makeup and eye services, as well as skin booster solutions.  ,
She was cautioned against offering illegal companies, but she continued to carry out the steps.  ,
HSA conducted a second inspection as investigations arose from comments about an Instagram user offering cosmetic services.  ,
On September 29, 2021, MOH employees scheduled a house phone to be held for visual services to be provided at a private investigator’s device in Punggol.
They arrived for the interview and discovered Zhang rubbing numbing lotion on a customer. Zhang’s case contained unlicensed health products.  ,
According to MOH attorney Jason Nim, the methods were aggressive and had the potential to harm.  ,
Before performing the procedures, Zhang did inquire customers a list of issues, including if they have any sensitivities, history of heart disease or if they had new cosmetic treatments.  ,
Before performing invasive procedures on the company’s face, she would wash the area and utilize numbing cream to the region. These included applying answers or sewing needles to their faces.  ,
If the patient’s experience bled, she may stop the bleeding with gauze. Zhang used Chinese strands purchased from an aesthetics doctor.
Zhang advised consumers against washing their faces, applying beauty, or consuming particular foods for a while following the procedure.  ,
She would also provide medicines that she purchased from a Chinese store.  ,
One customer who received needles into her head complained of bruising and headaches near her temples, but Zhang assured her that this was typical.  ,
She advised the customer to get pain reliever medicine and said the pain would last for about three days.  ,
Thomas Tham Kok Leong, Zhang’s attorney, stated in a sage note that his customer came to Singapore in 2009. Before the marriage turned ugly, she had her sole child with her ex-husband.  ,
According to Mr. Tham, the woman committed the crimes in order to support her child and make money for herself because her husband did n’t pay maintenance.  ,
For acting as a skilled worker without a true training certification, Zhang could have been jailed for up to 12 months, or fined up to S$ 100, 000, or both.
For supplying unregulated wellness products, she could have been jailed for up to two years, fined up to S$ 50, 000, or both.  ,
The 2013-2014 Bangkok Shutdown demonstrations and coworkers will file an appeal with the Supreme Court.
PUBLISHED: 27 Jun 2024 at 18: 35
Suthep Thaugsuban’s lawyer Sawat Charoenpol claims that the court of appeal on Thursday ordered his prison sentence commuted from five years to one year without a suspended jail sentence. He was found guilty of leading the People’s Democratic Reform Committee ( PDRC ) protest in the Bangkok Shutdown operation in early 2014.
The Criminal Court read the decision on Thursday. The public prosecutor indicted 39 PDRC key members, led by , Mr Suthep, on a ship of charges including engaging to commit crime, violence, inciting people to join them in the opposition, unlawful assemblage and causing public disturbances.  ,
The team’s Bangkok Shutdown activity occurred during the PDRC’s rally in the capital in early 2014, and some polling stations were obstructed during the general election on February 2, 2014, which was later declared invalid by the Constitutional Court.  ,
The lower jury found 26 PDRC key people and leaders not guilty of trying to erode the constitutional monarchy, which is considered crime, on February 24, 2021. Additionally, the plaintiffs did not engage in violence.  ,
But, they were judged innocent of provocation, unlawful assembly and other costs, according to the jury. They had persuaded the general public to abandon their jobs and visit the Bangkok Shutdown activity. The plaintiffs were given a five-year suspension order to have their social privileges suspended.  ,  ,
The remaining accused lost the lower court decision although they were determined to have been individuals, no leaders, of the opposition, who committed minor offences and deserved a chance to redeem themselves. Their varying prison sentences were given a two-year suspension by the judge.  ,
Mr. Sawat reported on Thursday that the Appeal Court had commuted the prison sentences for the 26 PDRC’s base members and leaders.  ,
Mr. Suthep said when he arrived at the court on Thursday that he complied with the judge’s order and that he had prepared in case he had to spend some time in jail following Thursday’s ruling.
Following the reading of the decision, Mr. Suthep and 13 different plaintiffs filed appeals with the Supreme Court. According to reports, Mr. Suthep was released on bail.
After a month of being suspended due to reports of gastroenteritis, the Pan Pacific Hotel’s Edge restaurant was reinstated on Thursday ( Jun 27 ).
The suspension, which started on May 24, was lifted after the restaurant complied with food safety requirements, said the Singapore Food Agency ( SFA ) and Ministry of Health ( MOH).
According to updated figures released on Thursday, authorities reported receiving reports of hepatitis involving 39 individuals who had consumed meals prepared by the cafe between May 1 and May 23.
In the joint press release released on Thursday, MOH and SFA stated that one man was also in the hospital and has since been discharged.
It was previously reported that 16 customers at the restaurant suffered a health issue between May 2 and May 18.
During the expulsion period, the cafe disposed of all set- to- have food, thawed food and fragile food items, said MOH and SFA.
It even cleaned and sanitised the facilities, including equipment and utensils, and cleaned food preparation surfaces, furniture and flooring.
Food managers re-apply for and pass the Level 1 Food Safety Course, and meals health officials re-apply for and pass the Level 1 WSQ Conduct Food &, Beverage Hygiene Audit program.
SFA may continue to “place Edge cafe under close monitoring to ensure that they adhere to food safety specifications.”
The expert said it” will never hesitate to take police action” if it is determined that meal operators are in violation of economic public health regulations. It is also taking the findings from investigations into the epidemic of gastroenteritis into account.
Those convicted of that may face a fine not exceeding S$ 2, 000 ( US$ 1, 474 ). For a continuing offence, an additional fine of up to S$ 100 per day may apply after conviction.
Food safety is a shared responsibility, and SFA would like to remind food producers to always adhere to good food and personal hygiene standards.
Thailand’s position unchanged on US monthly statement but agencies stepping up sufferer protection
PUBLISHED: 27 Jun 2024 at 18: 16
The Ministry of Labour has made significant progress in improving its capacity to prevent prostitution of persons for workers but more can be done, says Pairoj Chotikasathien, the agency’s continuous minister.
He was commenting on the launch of the 2024 Trafficking in People Report , by the US state, on which Thailand remains on Level 2 for the second consecutive year.
Since being removed from the Tier 2 watch list three years ago, the Thai government has made significant efforts to improve its performance, according to the report, but it has n’t yet fully met the minimum requirements for eradicating trafficking.
Mr. Pairoj said the United States had advised Thai organizations to enhance their efforts to locate and protect victims of labor oppression when they return to the country.
According to the Ministry of Labour, the National Referral Mechanism ( NRM ) should be in place and victim identification centers that are focused on victims ‘ psychological trauma. Authorities on the front lines may be trained to adhere to the same rules as victims.
In the fish market, laws governing labor protection should also be put in place. According to the report, sea-based transfers may be prohibited, and options for digital payments should be made available to employees.
One of the three major organizations, according to Mr. Pairoj, is Thailand’s Ministry of Labour, which is charged with preventing and combating people prostitution.
According to him, the government has made significant progress in recent years in strengthening the capacity of the Secretariat of the Command Center of Prevention on Labour Prostitution to streamline operations and advance protection laws.
Standard operating procedures were even put in place to improve the ability of law enforcement in prostitution cases.
He explained that the government has increased the number of labor inspectors to focus on at-risk groups like migrant workers, baby labor, and those employed in the fishery industry, adding that this was done to ensure that workers receive legal protection that is compliant with global standards.
He claimed that the ministry is collaborating with other organizations to strengthen the Port-In-Port-Out ( PIPO ) Control Centers in 22 coastal provinces. Additionally, it has inspired private companies to work with US organizations in the protection sector and uphold good labor practices.
” I’d like to applaud representatives from all sectors for their work and commitment in tackling all forms of human trafficking,” he said.
According to Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who has given instructions to all important organizations to work harder to stop people smuggling in the nation,
Heng, a former performer, was commended by the Embassy of France for playing a “key function” in promoting French opera in Singapore. La Cafe aux Folles ( 2017 ) and Tartuffe ( 2022 ) are two well-known productions.
In a job spanning over three years, he has staged several productions in Singapore and has even brought some of them , – including the works Hotel and , Emily Of Emerald Hill , – elsewhere.
Heng was named a victim of an honorary degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, which is regarded as one of the world’s top performing art institutions in March. And again in 2013, he was awarded , the Cultural Medallion which is , Singapore’s highest social glory.
Nansi was the Singapore Writers Festival‘s previous producer. During her four- year career, she was “instrumental” in the success of the Focus France sector, which featured around 20 European and Francophone artists from 2019 to 2022,  , said the Embassy of France.
Her devotion to French poetry has considerably strengthened Singapore’s and France’s cultural ties.
Nansi won the 2016 Young Artist Award. The Ministry for Culture, Community, and Youth presented the award, which is Singapore’s highest honor for young artists under the age of 35, and is administered by the National Arts Council.  ,
The Himalayan nation supports sustainable development by imposing high everyday taxes on visitors.
PUBLISHED: 27 Jun 2024 at 18: 05
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said on Thursday that the two countries may work together to advance green hospitality.
He made the remarks at a” Intelligent Management” event held by Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Asian Studies, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Royal Bhutanese Embassy.
Mr. Tobgay was questioned how Thailand could learn from Bhutan, which is renowned for its unspoiled surroundings and exceptional principles for ensuring sustainable tourism.
He claimed that the two nations could work together to share their knowledge and success stories despite the various circumstances, including Bhutan’s people of 700, 000 people versus the 67 million in Thailand, for instance.
In contrast to Bhutan, a rocky nation, Thailand’s physical landscape is more varied.
According to the Bhutanese Tourism Department, 70 % of its area is covered by jungle with more than a second under biological protection.
Tourists, defined as “responsible journey to healthy areas and ecosystems, which conserves the environment, respects the culture and traditions of its people”, has been adopted by the Bhutanese government for the development of sustainable tourism.
Its strict hospitality tax policy, called the sustainable development fee ( SDF), also helps improve the country’s “high benefit, low level” tourism principle and ensures exclusivity for high- quality visitors, Mr Tobgay said.
Visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan are required to pay the SDF, which is currently$ 100 per day for adults and$ 50 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. The charge, which is paid straight to the government, is distributed to numerous projects for their long-term, sustainable development in order to support the local people’s well-being and livelihood as well as boosting the economy.
That includes providing free care, education, and improvements to the tourism industry’s amenities and services.
According to Mr. Tobgay, the price is also a significant source of income for the country’s carbon-neutral status and forest preservation.
Although Thailand and Bhutan are distinct, he continued,” It is important that we exchange information and collaborate to advance issues of green tourism.”
The Himalayan country supports sustainable development by imposing high everyday taxes on guests.
PUBLISHED: 27 Jun 2024 at 18: 05
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said on Thursday that the two countries may work together to advance green hospitality.
He made the remarks at a” Enlightened Management” event held by Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Asian Studies, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Royal Bhutanese Embassy.
Mr. Tobgay was questioned how Thailand could learn from Bhutan, which is renowned for its unspoiled surroundings and excellent principles for ensuring sustainable tourism.
He claimed that the two nations could work together to share their knowledge and success stories despite the fact that Bhutan has a population of 700, 000 individuals compared to 67 million in Thailand, for instance.
In contrast to Bhutan, a rocky nation, Thailand’s geographical landscape is more varied.
According to the Bhutanese Tourism Department, 70 % of its area is covered by jungle with more than a second under biological protection.
Tourists, defined as “responsible journey to healthy areas and ecosystems, which conserves the environment, respects the culture and traditions of its people”, has been adopted by the Bhutanese government for the development of sustainable tourism.
Its strict hospitality tax policy, called the sustainable development fee ( SDF), also helps improve the country’s “high benefit, low level” tourism principle and ensures exclusivity for high- quality visitors, Mr Tobgay said.
Visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan are required to pay the SDF, which is currently$ 100 per day for adults and$ 50 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. The payment, which is paid straight to the state, is used to fund various projects in order to promote local people’s well-being and livelihood as well as boosting the economy.
That includes providing free care, education, and improvements to the tourism industry’s amenities and services.
According to Mr. Tobgay, the price is also a significant source of income for the country’s carbon-neutral status and forest preservation.
Although Thailand and Bhutan are distinct, he continued,” It is important that we exchange information and collaborate to advance problems of green tourism.”
Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, an anti-corruption organization, claimed costs for personal use of a federal vehicles.
PUBLISHED: 27 Jun 2024 at 16: 54
Officials said on Thursday that the National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) is looking into a former director-general of the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency ( Gistda ) in connection with personal use of an official vehicle.
NACC secretary-general Niwatchai Kasemmongkol discovered that Anont Sanitwong na Ayutthaya claimed personal travel costs of more than 250, 000 ringgit despite using an agency vehicles as his official car as he led Gistda between 2013 and 2015.
Mr. Anont requested a request to use an agency vehicle for his specific use when he took office in 2013, according to Mr. Niwatchai, the then-director of the core administrative section at Gistda.
Ms Niramon approved the demand, and even reimbursed gas prices, toll charges and other traveling expenses throughout Mr Anont’s moment as chairman. Between December 2013 and November 2015, the payouts totalled 254, 685 ringgit, according to the NACC.
The requests were approved despite the fact that under Mr Anont’s work deal, he was privy to benefits equivalent 37, 500 ringgit on top of his monthly income of 150, 000 ringgit, to go towards covering his traveling expenses.
As per the regulations governing the use of state vehicles, Mr. Anont was not permitted to use any Gistda-owned car as his standard vehicle.
According to Mr. Niwatchai, Mr. Anont’s actions constituted a violation of the Organic Anti-Corruption Act ( 2018 ) and the Act on Offences Committed by Officials of State Organizations or Agencies ( 1959 ).
The NACC did request that Mr. Anont be sued by the Office of Attorney-General and that Gistda be notified to demand payment from Mr. Anont, he said.
In terms of Ms. Niramon, Mr. Niwatchai said that while the NACC stated that her behavior did not constitute a criminal act, she may face disciplinary actions.