South-East Asia – Page 1350

Visa-free deal sought with UAE

On: March 2, 2024

PUBLISHED: 3 Mar 2024 at 07 :01.

When Thailand returns from the UAE on Saturday, Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee stated that he will try to talk with the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) about the possibility of them starting a visa-free program.

According to Mr. Jakkapong, who spent next Thursday until Saturday in the UAE to enter a World Trade Organization meeting, this may be a part of the government’s efforts to increase the availability of Thai visas.

Thailand’s No. 1 is the UAE. He claimed that Thailand and the UAE were the region’s number one trade partner, adding that last year’s trade volume was roughly US$ 9 billion ( 81.18 billion baht ).

The visa-free program may help increase comfort for travelers from both nations while Thailand continues to negotiate free trade with the UAE, he said.

He claimed that nearly 200 000 persons from the UAE flew into Thailand last month, and that there are now five direct flights between the UAE and Thailand every day.

Alro insists it’s ‘not park’s land’

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 2, 2024

In: South-East Asia

Are legal says of farmland close to Khao Yai?

PUBLISHED: 3 Mar 2024 at 06 :24

The Department of National Park, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation ( DNP ) claimed that all disputed land plots close to Khao Yai were legitimate agricultural land and did not overlap with national park land. The Agricultural Land Reform Office ( ALRO ) reaffirmed this claim on Saturday.

Vinaroj Sapsongsuk, Alro’s secretary-general, claimed Alro and the DNP had originally agreed to work together to resolve property ownership disputes close to the park.

The Alro owns the land in question, which is located in Ban Hew Pla Kang in the tambon Mu Si of the Pak Chong city of Nakhon Ratchasima, according to Mr. Vinaroj.

He cited findings from a recent survey by the Royal Thai Survey Department (RTSD ), which claimed the property was not part of the park.

He claimed that in a land reform system, about 33, 896 ray of property was given over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in 1962.

The Alro and the Royal Forest Department, which at the moment oversaw federal parks in the country, approved the barrier marking in Khao Yai on December 26, 1984, he claimed.

He claimed that at the moment, roughly 86.25 % of the territory was being used for agriculture.

Following the passage of the 1975 Agricultural Land Reform Act, Alro started grant farmers the right to use the property, according to Mr. Vinaroj.

A proper article to the law is required, according to him, and payment for farmers who are now occupying the land should also be provided.

According to him, an Alro committee would continue to look into its provincial officers ‘ alleged misconduct in issuing Sor Por Kor documents (title deeds ) on forest land. He added that these Alro officials have been moved to make room for the investigation and face disciplinary action as well as criminal and civil charges if found guilty.

Locals to rally against Swiss man

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 2, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 02:12 on March 3, 2024

On Sunday, residents of Phuket will collect around Yamu Beach in Thalang area to protest a European man who supposedly kicked a regional for standing near his seaside villa.

When she and her companion were moon-watching in front of his villa on the evening of February 24th, Urs” David” Fehr, 45, reportedly kicked Thandao Chandam, a physician at Dibuk Hospital in Phuket, in the back.

Khanuengnit, the Swedish man’s wife, allegedly berated Dr. Thandao. Eventually, the doctor reported the incident to the police as an assault charge.

The Swedish man and his wife responded by saying that they believed the doctor and her companion to be Chinese tourists who had previously supposedly trespassed on their house. Mr. Fehr thanked the dentist for the tragedy, insisting that he had no desire to hurt her.

Locals are, however, calling for the European man’s ejection and the return of the open beach to the citizens. On Sunday, they intend to march it.

The couple was escorted to Thalang police station on Friday to accept a charge of natural assault. The event description will then be presented to the Phuket Kwaeng Court for legal action.

The child’s property’s palace steps were not even on the child’s property, but they were discovered to be encroaching on public seaside land, according to locals.

Phuket Peninsula Estate Co Ltd, which manages the palace venture, was sued by the Tambon Pa Klok city on Thursday.

A second examination revealed that two more structures, including a sitting surface and wooden steps, were even encroached on the beach, according to Tambon Pa Klok president Panya Sampaorat.

‘Sisters from another mother’: This Singaporean writer celebrates the beauty of female friendships in her life

By: Marcus Ching

On: March 2, 2024

In: South-East Asia

I do n’t have sisters, but that does n’t mean I ca n’t fall in love with one. I’ve been surrounded by various groups of female friends who have my up in every manner throughout my entire life. &nbsp, &nbsp,

My lady friends and I have always been there for each other, from major life events like divorce and activities to problems with infertility and quarter-life problems to everyday issues like career searches and what to use.

One of my close friends experienced her second separation when I was 14 years old. The divorce was carried out over Facebook Messenger because the connection had only been around for a short while. How was something like that hurt when we were youth, I know, I know? &nbsp,

Today, about 14 years later, we find ourselves laughing at how really we treated the situation. But when funny as it is today, it was actually taken seriously up next. &nbsp,

My friend and I both remember being so devastated by the separation that all I wanted to do was comfort her. &nbsp,

We spent the entire afternoon sat in a McDonald’s close to her apartment until 8 o’clock. I bought her potatoes that we dipped in glacier milk, and I made sure she was laughing well before I left. &nbsp,

That same companion experienced another breakup when I was 21. She was truly in love with this particular son this time. It was a difficult moment for her. And I made sure I was there for her, only like seven years earlier.

I sat with her on a chair at our school campus and skipped the first 30 days of my lesson to keep her and make sure she was alright before we parted way. This time, there were more tissues and kisses than just ice milk and potatoes.

A clogged artery

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 2, 2024

In: South-East Asia

Large construction jobs, especially those carried out by the state, have considerable effects on communities, often going beyond the site of design.

Rama II Road, for instance, has been undergoing renovations for more than five years.

Following a popular clip highlighting the building story, health concerns and poor traffic stream were once again brought up by work on one of the main routes to the southern region.

Additionally, a survey conducted by the well-known Social site” Paksabuy” last week asked users to identify a factor contributing to the continuing decline in the number of visitors visiting Hua Hin.

While many internet users chose cheap lodging and the country’s weak economic recovery, overcrowding along Rama II Road was at the top of the list of causes of the town’s declining popularity.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated that the function is expected to be finished in June 2025, an expansion of the previous date of January, in response to problems.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and governmental regulations, which merely allow construction at night to avoid traffic congestion, the contractor’s financial difficulties are to blame for the delays.

Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, said efforts are being made to handle the difficulties and that he would inspect the site quickly.

Additionally, he has requested that the Transport Ministry move more quickly along Rama II Road.

Finding out why the job has been ongoing for more than 50 years without a foretold conclusion, The Bangkok Post spoke with the organizations involved in it.

The Department of Highways ( DoH ) of the Transport Ministry is in charge of Rama II Road, or Highway 35.

The 84 km-long road begins at Suksawat Road in Bangkok, travels through Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram, and ends at Ban Wang Manao in Ratchaburi’s Pak Tho area on Highway 4.

The road’s structure, which was originally intended to be a two-lane street, began in 1970 and finished in 1973 with a 359 million baht budget. Compared to Phetkasem Road, the road cuts off the route from Bangkok to the southwestern region by approximately 40 kilometers.

Due to the increased volume of traffic, there has always been some sort of work in progress since its design started. Over the years, the road has steadily grown, and traffic currently has 10 lanes.

About 70 projects, including maintenance and development work, were completed between 1970 and 2017, according to a resource at the Ministry of Transportation, with estimated costs of 17 billion ringgit.

On Rama II Road, four jobs are currently in progress, with the goal of completion in 2024-2025.

The 18.7 km Rama III-Dao Khanong project by the Expressway Authority of Thailand ( Exat ), the 8.3 km elevated road from Bang Khun Thian to Ekkachai at a cost of 10 billion baht, the 16.3 km road from Ekkachai to Ban Phaeo at an expense of 18.7 billion baht, and the elevated road project at Ban Phaeo at a cost of 600 million baht.

According to the cause, the costs associated with assignments completed on Rama II since 1970 have been estimated at 77 billion ringgit.

Between 200, 000 and 250, 000 vehicles travel Rama II Road each morning, and traffic rises 1.5 times during lengthy holidays like Songkran and New Year’s observances.

” Motorists traveling south do n’t have many options because other routes take longer to get to their destinations. The source claimed that those traveling north and northeast have more route choices and that the distance differences are n’t significant.

Prior to now, past governments had allocated more money to the expansion of streets that would lead to other regions rather than the north, and in recent years, money has been allocated for the expansion of road transportation throughout the nation.

a lot of issues

Rama II Road’s large volume of traffic, according to DoH director-general Sarawut Songsivilai, poses challenges for traffic control during development work, creating congestion.

Work on Rama II is moving at a slower speed to improve health and lessen effect on traffic flow, he said, noting that companies can simply work from 9pm to 5am as part of the double protection plan.

The company is speeding up the construction of the eight-lane bridge opposite to Rama IX Bridge but that Rama II Road can be reached in July this year.

The major, which runs from Bang Khun Thian to the beginning of Rama II Road, is anticipated to be finished in June of next year, allowing for a soft travel to the Do H’s raised road along Rama II Road.

Samart Ratchapolsitte, a former deputy governor of Bangkok, claimed in a social media post that continuous development has negatively impacted both areas and travellers, with traffic congestion and fatal accidents delaying many drivers.

He compared the structure of Bang Na- Trat Road, one of the roads to the southeast area, to Rama II Road. Bang Na- Trat Road completed less slowly than Rama II Road despite having similar ground forms, job designs, and parties involved in the construction.

Bang Na-Trat Road, officially known as Theparat Road, was constructed in 1967 and finished in 1969, according to Mr. Samart. It was originally intended to be a two-lane route, but it was later expanded without much trouble for the public.

He claimed that the almost continuous construction of the road and the raised road could cause work delays on Rama II.

The labor on Rama II Road is challenging, according to Associate Professor Sutthisak Sornlum, a professor at Kasetsart University’s executive university. After it is finished, this land could cause the road to sink.

Accents of those affected by difficulties

The effects of the construction along Rama II Road have been subject to public concern.

In recent years, there have been numerous injuries and fatalities.

Janwit Kiamsawad, a vehicle for more than 15 years, shared his thoughts on how his life has changed as a result. This job seems to not end, they say. It causes street closures and traffic congestion. And it has an impact on the entire sector. Due to the customers, I have to make fewer trips.

Waste on the road has recently become a concern. Some days, they drilling a water hole and pour waste onto the road before about 8 to 9 p.m. It leads to accidents, particularly for riders. It’s a bumpy and icy path, he said.

A 46-year-old trader who has lived close to Rama II Road for six years, who requested anonymity, expressed concern that the construction work’s scrap and dust may result in accidents for locals. Some steel fell from the building site, as I learned yesterday. Luckily, no injuries were reported, but they should definitely complete as soon as possible.

Another 30-year-old pilot even brought up the site’s scrap metal and the wastewater problem. I’ve seen material pieces fall a lot of times. As you can see from the media, it has resulted in fatalities. When it rains, they pour the waste onto the highway and drilling into it. There are numerous accidents, and motorcycle riders suffer as a result of the wet conditions.

They actually have a waste vacuum vehicle. But they do n’t use it; instead, they just pour it onto the road, which leads to accidents, he said.

A group of car owners who have been circling Rama II Road have experienced negative effects from the work.

It causes a lot of issues, including traffic jams, sand, loud noises, and wastewater because it is so miserable. On the side of the road, we lately discovered clay that had also been left behind.

And the employees do not properly clean up after themselves. This issue has been bothering me for some time. The more issues arise the longer it takes. The drivers said,” I want them to complete as soon as possible and offer us up the road paths so that life can go back to normal with less traffic.”

Korat sole bidder for 2029 expo

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 2, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 3 Mar 2024 at 05 :18

Thailand is competing to sponsor the 2029 International Horticultural Expo with the intention of welcoming up to 4 million tourists for the four-month function.

According to Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kanchana Patarachoke on Saturday, the government has suggested hosting the 25th model of the international event with Nakhon Ratchasima as the location and times of Nov. 10, 2029 to February 28, 2030.

Given a successful bid, the fair, dubbed” Korat Expo 2029,” would address issues like the delicate balance between human development and environmental protection, green group, sustainable food production, links between nature, culture, and people’s lives, and development of agricultural and food production.

Nakhon Ratchasima, according to Ms. Kanchana, has a great potential as a MICE number city because it is one of the country’s agricultural centers.

Because of its three distinct geological history places: Sakae Rat Biosphere Reserve, Dong Phaya Yen Forest, and Korat Geopark, it is also regarded by Unesco as a Triple Crown City.

The exhibition is anticipated to have between 2.6 and 4 million readers.

The International Horticultural Congress will hold a public meeting in Doha, Qatar, on March 3 through March 7.

The 2029 fair sponsor may be chosen by 32 member countries during the meeting through a voting process.

Thailand is currently the only member with a listed name. There is no assurance of involuntary selection, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman, because it depends on whether the nation qualifies.

More than 36, 000 work and 18.9 billion ringgit of extra money may be created if chosen.

Not just issuing summons: Life as an active mobility enforcement officer

By: Marcus Ching

On: March 2, 2024

In: South-East Asia

There are times when we can walk for 30 or 40 hours without riders. We might be spotted by bikers who make a U-turn. We are aware of our presence and their information is being spread, ” he said.

Soldiers can sometimes face weight, according to Mr. Sulaiman. Some officials believe they are wasting their time, while others try to escape.

One of the new instances I saw involved a bike rider being on the phone, he recalls.

When he saw me, he immediately threw his cellphone into the container. ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ””

The rider denied using the telephone while riding and claimed he was scratching his eyebrows after Mr. Sulaiman stopped him.

However, when confronted with his own visit logs, the cyclist acknowledged his error. Additionally, Mr. Sulaiman reminded him that the affair had been recorded on his body-worn camcorder.

After stopping a food delivery horse on an improperly modified power-assisted vehicle on another situation, Mr. Sulaiman found himself on the receiving end of a reprimand.

The guy turned violent because we were going to truck the device, he said. We exchanged a very polite manner.

Nobody likes having stuff taken away by us soldiers, particularly if he is using that mode of transportation for work, I tried to understand the person’s feelings. ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ””

The man finally sat down and apologized.

I said,” Be sincere, I would respond as well, maybe in the same way.” However, you must comprehend our argument. We are law enforcement officers, and because of this, we must carry out our duties. “ ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ””

Commentary: The art of listening to the people and being a little ‘deaf’ sometimes

By: Marcus Ching

On: March 2, 2024

In: South-East Asia

A LARGER CHALLENGE TODAY&nbsp

Strong forth to 2024 and to DPM Lawrence Wong, the incoming prime minister, who did succeed PM Lee this year and who has pledged to hear more.

He put it this way at the party convention in November of last year:

He said,” I do n’t start with the assumption that I know everything or have the answers to all problems because I do n’t.”

” I’d rather began by listening, hearing a range of viewpoints and viewpoints, and remaining open to new ideas.” In the end, I will have to make a decision.

Although the words does sound familiar, DPM Wong may have a more difficult time finding the right balance than his predecessors.

Singaporeans are now more effective in expressing their opinions and supporting their reasons. Maybe Mr. Goh and PM Lee did some good by allowing more political room to appoint.

Or perhaps it’s an unavoidable growth as Singapore’s community matures and politicians become more contested.

Add to that the potential for a fierce political issue for any leader comes from the role that social media plays in boosting personal and public views.

Due to public opposition to state plans, DPM Wong’s 4G group has already had to deal with many more issues than their predecessors.

The government has recently had to reverse&nbsp, now officially announced plans, with the recent response to SimplyGo suffer cards and the cancellation of bus service 167 being the latest two.

Another example of the Housing Board’s opposition to the Housing Board’s ideas for a new town in Tengah, which may contain 42, 000 houses, is

Nature organizations set the tone by calling for the preservation of all or a portion of the wooded area that will make way for the new houses. The benefits of preserving vegetation and wildlife like the jaguar cat and the harlequin butterfly are now being debated along with the housing needs of Singapore.

Some Sembawang Road people expressed outrage over a proposal to construct a funeral and tomb complex in the Nee Quickly neighborhood in December next month. They criticized the feng shui and house costs. &nbsp,

OAG wins partial share of assets of drug kingpin held in Switzerland

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 2, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 3 Mar 2024 at 04:38

The infamous Golden Triangle region’s Office of the Attorney-General ( OAG ) has successfully negotiated with Switzerland regarding assets that were discovered to be linked to drug lord Wei Hsueh Kang’s network.

According to an OAG cause, Deputy Attorney-General Jumpon Phansumrit ratified the asset-sharing agreement on Saturday in accordance with the attorney-general’s instructions.

Thailand did receive network assets for 1.88 million European francs, or 76.8 million ringgit, with potential profit as a result of the agreement.

After the Anti-Money Laundering Office ( Amlo ) inspected the assets of a suspect suspected of being connected to the Wei’s network in the Golden Triangle region, the negotiations broke off.

Additionally, one investigation revealed that the suspect had some assets to loan at a banks in Switzerland. The attorney-general, who serves as a representative under the Mutual Assistance In Criminal Matters Act, was then urged by Amlo to capture the drug goods deposited in Switzerland.

The Supreme Court sentenced a think to a sentence in 2016 for breaking Parts 3, 60, and 61 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The Special Litigation Office’s attorneys then requested the Civil Court’s assent to capture the suspect’s property in connection with drug working. The judge ruled in 2017 to capture the remaining possessions and the income from those deposited in Switzerland.

The OAG requested in 2018 to ask the arrest of the drug assets from Switzerland. On the basis of foreign property posting, Switzerland evaluated the situation.

Eventually, the government made a decision to appoint the OAG to lead Thailand ambassadors in 2021’s negotiations with Switzerland. Representatives from Amlo, the finance ministry, and the foreign affairs ministry also made up the staff.

The situation demonstrated how successfully the OAG was able to retrieve drug possession records stored abroad. According to Amlo, the integration between the OAG, Amlo, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance, as well as European lawyers and justice officers was a success. It expressed gratitude to all concerned organizations, and it pledged to work on more convulsions.

Kingdom ‘sorry’ for offensive remarks made to India in UAE

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 2, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 3 Mar 2024 at 04 :00

Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai claims that Thailand has apologized to India for insulting remarks made by an embassy about India’s corn trade policy at the current 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in the United Arab Emirates.

The Indian government’s minister of commerce issued a written apology, as well as a declaration underscoring that the president’s notes did not represent the Thai government’s position on the subject, according to him.

According to Mr. Phumtham, the American part had also reacted to the Thai government’s apologies by saying it applauded the government’s swift action in response to what occurred.

He added that despite the setback, both countries do maintain robust relations and that the government would like to bless India for accepting the explanation.

Thailand’s WTO adviser, Pimchanok Vonkorpon Pitfield, has been called back as a result of the event.

Ms. Pimchanok allegedly claimed that India exported 40 % of the grain produced for home use while she was in the UAE, which Indian officials claimed was factually incorrect.

At a later ministerial conference where she was present, India’s committee expressed strong sorrow over the remarks and staged a boycott of the discussions.

India exports the most corn, ahead of Thailand and Vietnam, according to a Times of India record.

According to the state, the state recently restricted non-basmati grain exports in a bid to lower home prices.

According to the report, India has been looking for a solution with the WTO regarding payment hats, which are based on pricing established between 1986 and 1988 because prices have exceeded the maximum production value cap of 10 % for permitted levels of support for procurement for its food program.

The event in the UAE came to an end on Saturday with a momentary expansion of an e-commerce embargo, but without anticipated agreements on crops and fisheries.

To pencil up talks, the World Trade Organization needs to have complete agreement from all people.

Thani al-Zeyoudi, the UAE representative at the meeting, acknowledged the deficiencies.

Mr. Thani, who likewise serves as the United Arab Emirates ‘ foreign trade minister, said,” Despite our best efforts, we failed to reach agreement on some texts that are of great importance to many of our users.”

South-East Asia (Page 1,350)

A LARGER CHALLENGE TODAY&nbsp