South-East Asia (Page 1,354)

A visa-free scheme for Chinese and Kazakh tourists has received a positive response, according to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin.

The scheme — which runs from Sept 25 to Feb 29, amid the Chinese National Day on Oct 1, the Mid-Autumn Festival this month and Chinese New Year in February — is part of the government’s “Quick Win” policy to spur the economy.

Mr Srettha yesterday posted a message on X, formally known as Twitter, that a CNN report showed that Chinese tourists had responded well to the visa exemption and better was yet to come.

Thailand is a top destination for Chinese tourists, he said, adding he was happy for businesses that would benefit from the visitors.

Citing information from Trip.com, which operates China’s largest travel booking platform, Ctrip, Mr Srettha said travel bookings from China to Thailand are now nearly 20 times higher when compared with the same holiday period last year.

Hotel reservations in the country by Chinese tourists have jumped by 6,220% when compared to the same period last year, he said.

“Thailand is very happy to welcome every Chinese traveller,” he said.

“Our country has beautiful beaches and myriads of Thai cuisine. I wish every tourist to travel in Thailand safely and gain good experiences.”

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday said the government’s visa-free policy will help spur the economy, adding the country is stressing the importance of keeping tourists safe, which will boost Thailand’s reputation for safety.

Meanwhile, state-run Transport Company managing director Sanyalak Panwattanalikhit said the visa exemption scheme has also benefited domestic tourism as the number of locals visiting tourism sites during weekends has also increased.

Some schools are already on term break, he said, noting the company has reported 30,000–35,000 passengers travelling during the weekend.

One of the most popular routes is Bangkok to Chiang Khan in Loei, he said.

The town of Chiang Khan is a popular destination among Thai tourists who are looking for the laid-back ambience provided by old wooden shophouses lining the bank of the Mekong River, he said.

The company will increase its service from two trips to four trips per day, he said.

In another move, the company will also resume its Bangkok–Ban Phaeng in Nakhon Phanom starting from today, Mr Sanyalak said.

Political activist Srisuwan Janya plans to petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to look into the expulsion of Deputy House Speaker Padipat Santipada from the Move Forward Party (MFP).

Padipat: Looking for a new party

Like many political observers, Mr Srisuwan believes the controversial expulsion of Mr Padipat is merely a tactic employed by the MFP to hold both the deputy House speaker’s position and the opposition leader’s post at the same time.

He accused the MFP of violating the ethics code for parties and politicians, stipulated in Section 234 (1) of the 2017 constitution.

“If found guilty, not only will the MFP likely face legal action, but so will any party that accepts Mr Padipat as a member after this dubious expulsion approved by the MFP’s executives,” said Mr Srisuwan.

He described the expulsion as a form of collusion.

On Thursday night, the MFP issued a statement saying Mr Padipat insisted on remaining a deputy House speaker, so the MFP decided to expel him to enable it to lead the opposition.

However, the move was widely seen as a win-win for the main opposition party as it allowed the MFP to take on the role of opposition leader while simultaneously having a sympathetic deputy speaker to chair meetings in the House.

Pitipong Temcharoen, leader and the only MP of the Fair Party, said yesterday he would welcome Mr Padipat with open arms if he decided to join the Fair Party, as some in the media have predicted.

Mr Padipat still has time to decide which party he will join as he has been given 30 days to find a new political home, or he could risk losing his MP status, said Mr Pitipong.

In the event that Mr Padipat chooses to join the Fair Party, he will function as a Fair MP and no longer as an MFP MP, said Mr Pitipong, dismissing speculation the Fair Party would serve as a temporary shelter for Mr Padipat, who would in practice continue acting as an MFP MP and as the deputy House speaker in parliament.

Mr Pitipong said the “hidden agenda” theory was mere opinion by the media and the public and was not a reflection of what’s really happening.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday ordered a prompt response to floods now occurring in several provinces in upper Thailand, with the northern run-off from the Yom River expected to trigger more floods in provinces downstream, including Sukhothai and Phitsanulok.

Flooding incidents were reported yesterday in some northern and northeastern provinces including Phrae and Phetchabun where one particular inundation had prompted an evacuation in several areas, following a night of torrential rain.

Mr Srettha had emphasised the need for all state agencies concerned, particularly the Ministry of Interior, to reach out to flood victims as fast as possible to ensure their safety and flood relief, said government spokesman Chai Wacharonke.

The PM has received updates on the flooding situation and instructed Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin to take charge of the flood response being led by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Transport, said the spokesman.

“Floods are expected to continue for at least a day or two in several parts of the North and Northeast, particularly in Sukhothai and Phitsanulok where an overflow from the Yom River is expected to flood more communities,” according to Mr Chai.

The Royal Irrigation Department is now racing against time to divert as much run-off as possible into the Nan River to decrease the volume of the northern run-off expected to hit the provinces downstream of the Yom River later, he said.

In Phrae, the provincial government yesterday stressed with all district offices and local administration organisations the need to remain on high alert and brace for more floods.

Heavy rain continued yesterday morning in this northern province, resulting in floods and evacuations in several parts of the province, said a source.

The run-off hit several areas of Den Chai, Long, Sung Men and Muang districts where many houses and roads were inundated. A large number of vehicles were damaged in a strong tide, particularly in the flooded Muang district where levels of flood waters continued rising yesterday.

In Mae Hong Son, rescue workers yesterday removed larges trees and power posts which fell onto the road surface in Mae Sariang district during the torrential rain.

Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang rushed to Udon Thani province where two districts, Phen and Si That, were being inundated.

He said he had instructed a number of military medical teams to be deployed in flood-hit areas to ensure flood victims receive proper care.

Prof Wijit Srisa-arn, the former education minister and founder of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, died yesterday at the age of 88.

Wichit: Dubbed the’Troubleshooter’

The well-respected scholar died of heart failure about 10am yesterday. A funeral rite will be held at Wat Makut Kasattriyaram in Bangkok from tomorrow to Sunday.

Born in 1934 and a native of Chachoengsao, Prof Wijit won a scholarship from the Education Ministry to study at Chulalongkorn University with the intent to become a teacher after completing Matthayomsuksa 8.

He obtained his first bachelor’s degree from the faculty of arts in 1959 and the second from the faculty of education, also from Chulalongkorn University, two years later.

A Fulbright scholar, he earned a master’s degree in education management from Minnesota University in 1964 and obtained a doctorate in that field from Minnesota University in 1967 on a university scholarship.

Prof Wijit started his career at Chulalongkorn University’s education faculty following his graduation in 1961 and continued there following his return from overseas study.

He became the secretary-general of Chulalongkorn University in 1971 and three years later, at the age of 40, was appointed deputy permanent secretary of the then University Affairs Ministry.

He was dubbed the “Educational Troubleshooter” by the magazine Who is Who in Thailand after he was appointed acting rector of Thammasat University and Khon Kaen university to help solve internal conflicts there.

He founded Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University and served as the rector from 1978-1987. Known for the nation’s education innovations, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University is internationally recognised for its role in promoting education through long-distance learning.

Prof Wijit also held several political offices, serving as a senator, an MP, and permanent secretary of the then University Affairs Ministry. He served as education minister from 2006-2008.

Three zones launched ahead of tomorrow’s opening ceremony

Sustainability Expo (SX) 2023 was soft-launched on Friday, with participants highlighting local products’ potential to create a better life for all.

Touted as the largest annual sustainability expo in Asean, SX 2023 is being held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok until Oct 8. Three zones, SX Food Festival, SX Marketplace and SX Kids Zone, were opened on Friday.

The main exhibition is expected to open later.

An official opening ceremony will be held tomorrow from 2–4pm. Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation, and Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, president and CEO of Thai Beverage Pcl, are expected to join.

Members of the public yesterday visited the SX Marketplace, which features over 200 shops run by local communities and organisations.

Orasa Tosawang, managing director of the Saraphad Sabbhasilp (Social Enterprise) group, said social enterprises can help locals promote their arts and crafts by utilising creative designs and marketing.

Ms Orasa said she started Saraphad Subbhasilp six years ago by helping a Phuket community sell their handmade goods on Facebook without commission.

The group now works with more than 20 communities in 10 provinces, such as Chiang Mai in the North, Khon Kaen in the Northeast and Pattani in the South, she said, adding each has a unique cultural identity.

“Our work is based on goodwill to help villagers have better living conditions,” she said.

“When they have more marketing channels, they will have sustainable incomes.

“Locals that we work with care for us and embrace us as they consider us part of their lives,” she added.

Saraphad Sabbhasilp is known for handcrafted items, such as natural-dyed clothes, home decorations and fashion accessories, she said.

The products are made by local community members trained by the organisation, she said.

Some products with outstanding designs are exported to Finland and Saudi Arabia.

Jeremiah Pitakwong, CEO of Media and Event Business of Amarin Corporation, said the SX Marketplace showcases the success of sustainable product projects by all stakeholders.

The Mae Chaem Model Plus project in Chiang Mai is one example, he said.

People in the Mae Chaem community wanted to reduce forest fires that cause PM2.6 pollution during the annual dry season, he said. So, they decided to plant bamboo to make furniture.

With the help of designers, people in the community can add value to their products, which also helps increase their income, he said.

He said the Mae Chaem Model Plus project focuses on addressing environmental issues by focusing on reducing mono-crop plantations and increasing forest land, among other factors.

This project is supported by about 30 public, private and civil organisations, he said.

Amnart Reansoi, owner of Tan Khun Organic Farm in Nakhon Pathom, said he has a medium-sized farm where he raises free-range chickens and sells eggs to create food security for people.

He said he wanted to produce high-quality eggs without harming people or the environment.

He said he has worked with organic animal food partners to sort environmentally-friendly food for his chickens, such as crab shells from Phetchaburi, shrimp shells from the south, rice from Si Sa Ket and Buri Ram and maize from Kanchanaburi.

Last year, he paid about 5.5 million baht to his partners, he said.

“I want to create a fair and sustainable business model,” Mr Amnart said.

“Our partners can earn from their organic waste. It is a win-win situation. I hope this can be a business model for other food producers.”

Tongjai Tanachanond, working group director for Sustainability Expo 2023, said that over 10,000 square metres were transformed into a Thai Street Food Museum with over 120 food shops.

Local and foreign chefs will present an extraordinary menu under the concept of good health and sustainability at Hall 5-6 on the LG Floor, he said.

15-year-old waiting for flight to Krabi was lured into restroom by airline ground crew member, say police

SAMUT PRAKAN – A ground crew member with a major airline has been arrested on a charge of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old male passenger in a restroom at Suvarnabhumi airport.

The 43-year-old man was taken into custody at a dormitory in Lat Krabang district of Bangkok at around 4pm on Saturday and brought to the Suvarnabhumi airport police station for questioning. He used a jacket to cover his head and refused to answer questions from reporters.

Pol Col Chakrapong Nuchphadung, superintendent of the station, said a 46-year-old woman had approached authorities on Wednesday to report that her son had been molested. The perpetrator was a ground crew member with an airline operating out of the terminal, she told police.

The incident took place around 6.40pm in a restroom located near Gate B8 of the domestic terminal.

The 15-year-old was travelling to see his mother in Krabi and had approached the man for assistance as he was travelling alone.

After issuing a boarding pass and directing the boy to wait for boarding, the man allegedly groped him and then convinced him that his baggage exceeded the weight limit. He told the boy to follow him into a restroom where he would inspect the luggage.

Once in the restroom, however, the suspect reportedly locked himself in a stall with the boy and blocked the exit, sexually assaulting him twice despite the victim’s protests.

According to the victim, the man threatened him about reporting the incident and made him wait while he left the restroom.

After revealing the attack to his family upon arriving in Krabi, the boy was taken to the Nua Klong police station, where authorities were able to collect DNA evidence that led to an arrest warrant being issued.

The suspect, Sukksasem Cherdchoo, admitted to having had sex with the boy but claimed the latter persuaded him to do so and offered no resistance, according to Pol Col Pongkasem Jaturongsak, investigation chief at the Suvarnabhumi police station.

He claimed he and the boy did not reach sexual climax because someone entered the restroom at the time.

He came to work as usual for the rest of the week but took leave on Saturday as he probably knew that the boy had filed a complaint, said Pol Col Pongkasem.

Police question Sukksasem Cherdchoo, 43, at the Suvarnabhumi airport police station on Saturday afternoon about an alleged sexual assault on a minor. (Photo: Sutthiwit Chayutworakan)

Third conviction in the last month for former Democrat Party deputy leader

Prinn Panitchpakdi, a former deputy leader of the Democrat Party, has been sentenced to four years in jail for sexually assaulting a former party member.

The Bangkok South Criminal Court on Friday also ordered Mr Prinn to pay 2 million baht in compensation to Hathairat “Anna” Vidhyaphum. It was his third conviction in the past month.

Ms Hathairat took the rare step last year of going public with her allegations against the politician, as she said she wanted other victims to come forward.

She was the co-plaintiff along with public prosecutors in the case against Mr Prinn.

Mr Prinn was accused of luring Ms Hathairat to a condominium room in Wattana district of Bangkok on April 24, 2021, and using force to rape her.

Prosecutors asked for Mr Prinn to be punished under Sections 276 and 281 of the Criminal Court related to rape and indecent acts and demanded 45 million baht in compensation for physical, psychological and reputational damage to the victim.

The defendant denied the charges.

After examining the evidence and testimony, the court found the defendant guilty of the charges. It initially sentenced him to six years in jail. As his testimony was useful, the court commuted the jail term to four years.

The court said it fount the compensation demand too high. It ordered the defendant to pay 2 million baht plus interest of 5%, starting from the date the assault took place.

After the ruling, Mr Prinn was granted 200,000-baht bail by the court pending his appeal against the conviction.

Ms Hathairat is married to Tanat “Nat” Thanakitamnuay, a wealthy former Democrat Party member who quit and became a high-profile supporter of the pro-democracy protests in 2020. He lost an eye when one protest rally turned violent.

On Monday, the Criminal Court sentenced Mr Prinnn to two years in jail for sexually assaulting an underaged girl, while throwing out another similar case.

On Aug 10, the Criminal Court sentenced him to two years and eight months without suspension for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old student in 2021.

Mr Prinn is the son of Supachai Panitchpakdi, a former deputy prime minister and director-general of the World Trade Organization.