Jail for ex-investigation officer who molested 2 women under probe for vape-related offences

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SINGAPORE: An officer charged with bringing up allegations of vaping crimes sexually harassed two women he was interviewing and sexually harassed one of them. &nbsp,

Zaini Ibrahim, 55, was jailed for 28 months and 10 weeks on Friday ( Jul 26 ). He admitted guilt on two counts of molesting a lady, one count of demeaning the woman’s humility, and one count of trying to get her sexual pleasure. &nbsp,

His imprisonment was taken into account for the addition of nine related costs. &nbsp,

Health Sciences Authority ( HSA ) previously said that Zaini’s services had been terminated after an internal investigation. He was employed by a business called WSH Professionals, which was contracted by the Tobacco Regulation Branch of HSA at the time.

Following the incident, HSA said extra protection may be adopted. For example, when a female investigation official is interviewing sexual subjects, they must always have a feminine operational staff member in the room. &nbsp,

Due to a joke get keeping their names, the two victims cannot be identified. &nbsp,

As part of his job, Zaini was tasked to check into the order, use and hands of prohibited tobacco-related products, for as vapes- or e-vaporisers- which are banned in Singapore. Before preparing an inspection report for HSA, his responsibilities included reviewing information, questioning, and recording claims from subjects. &nbsp,

Zaini even made suggestions for fines to the HSA. &nbsp,

The second victim, a 44-year-old person, had her situation assigned to Zaini after she was caught with two cigarettes at Woodlands Checkpoint on Jul 3, 2022. &nbsp,

Zaini called her to schedule an interview, and she exchanged Facebook communications with her. Shortly after Zaini asked the victim to get a picture of her breasts, these messages became romantically obvious. &nbsp,

The target declined, but Zaini kept berating her with inquiries of a sexual nature and similar demands.

When Zaini made offensive remarks about the victim in a meeting room at WSH’s office on July 6, 2022, he was taking the defendant’s speech in a meeting place. &nbsp,

As the target was leaving, Zaini groped the sufferer, who slapped his hand away. &nbsp,

The victim finally explained to Zaini that she was concerned about the potential penalties because of her situation. In reaction, Zaini said he could suggest a notice of content if the target “helped” him in trade. An offender is required to pay a sum of money to settle the dispute without going to court, according to the notice of texture. &nbsp,

When the survivor inquired as to what Zaini meant, he responded that he wanted to have sex with her. She did not respond to the demand. &nbsp,

In the end, Zaini suggested this target receive a recognize of content. &nbsp,

The second target, a 41-year-old woman, had her speech recorded by Zaini on Mar 29, 2022, after smoke seeds and a smoke were found in her hands earlier that month. &nbsp,

Zaini immediately asked her to sit opposite him, presumably so he could take some photos, but she agreed to do so. &nbsp,

He finally started touching her knee, ignoring her demonstrations. At one level, Zaini touched the defendant’s thigh for about half a minute. &nbsp,

Zaini acknowledged in his speech that he had been encouraged to contact the victim because he knew the sufferer believed he had the authority to make a liberal advice for her case while being investigated for the offences.

The defense argued that Zaini should receive between 29 and 38 weeks in addition to 10 months in prison in exchange for five wood strokes.

The second victim’s risk was cited by Deputy Public Prosecutor David Menon as an worsening issue. &nbsp,

” As a subject of investigation, the second victim’s death was in the accused’s arms. Additionally, the first victim was destitute. The accused abused her anguish by attempting to stifle her, according to Mr. Menon. &nbsp,

Zaini had likewise displayed a” major victimization” of his position of trust, as he had been an investigation agent, added Mr Menon.

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Pita hopeful amid Move Forward’s battle for survival

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But even if jury rules against breakdown, individual case could lead to embargo on 44 essential members

Chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat says one of the key goals of the Move Forward Party is “to prove that the Thai economy works for the 99% and not just the top 1%”. (Photo: Reuters/Patipat Janthong)
One of the Move Forward Party’s main objectives, according to chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat, is” to demonstrate that the Thai economy works for the 99 % and not just the top 1 %.” ( Photo: Reuters/Patipat Janthong )

Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward Party‘s key adviser, is optimistic that the organization will survive a potential resolution to the dispute, but warns that a separate investigation could result in the main opposition party being destroyed.

Mr. Pita, who helped Move Forward win the election last year but was denied power by army-appointed senators, claimed that the conservative establishment was once more using its muscle to have common leaders.

” This is the second vicious cycle in 20 years. In a recent interview with a member of parliament, he claimed in a statement that the liberal elites had discovered a way to preserve elected leaders at bay amid the chaos of politicians debating in its tanks.

It plays the same music over and over again, according to the author.

Politics in Thailand has been defined by a continuous two-decade conflict between the conservative-royalist creation, backed by the military, and famous political events, including Move Forward.

The Constitutional Court ordered Move Forward to abandon its strategy in January, citing the fact that its plan to update the lese-majeste legislation, which shields the king from criticism, was a covert attempt to denigrate the crown.

In a case brought by the Election Commission (EC ), the party is now facing a potential dissolution by the same court over the same issue. A decision is expected on August 7.

Move Forward maintains that the polling place committed important errors while denying any wrongdoing. Although the court has declined to hear any dental testimony, it did list many legal scholars and others who were willing to support its situation.

Mr. Pita continued, citing arguments that the group has claimed it submitted in writing to the court that the election commission had determined that the problem process was constitutionally flawed.

The judge in this instance conducted the proceedings behind closed doors and simply accepted written submissions from the opposing parties.

He continued, arguing that a similar problem that the court considered more than ten years ago was rejected.” I also believe in administrative fairness and administrative consistency,” he said.

Mr Pita remains Thailand’s most popular prime ministerial choice, polling at 46 % in a survey last month ahead of premier Srettha Thavisin who was backed by only 13 % of respondents.

‘ Violent routine ‘

Move Forward, a 43-year-old Harvard-educated politician, said he faces a second significant challenge from a complaint that conservative activists have to the National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC).

The committee has not made any public comments regarding whether or not the case will be heard in court.

44 current and former politicians face career social bans for reportedly breaking ethics by supporting the effort to update Section 112 of the Criminal Code, one of the most stringent laws of its kind in the world.

” If we were to be found’ evil’ in our social activities inside parliament, we will be banned for living”, Mr Pita said.

” There’s no other charges”.

The progressive motion, which has won widespread support for its goals, including ending military conscription and eradicating business monopolies, could be severely weakened by the fact that this case only.

” That will be almost like dissolving antagonism in Thai democracy”, Mr Pita said.

Four Thai social events, starting with those backed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have been dissolved in the last two years.

The most recent was Walk Forward’s father, Future Forward, which was disbanded in 2020 and had 16 top members banned from politics for 10 years for receiving a loan from chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.

” Maybe it’s time to prevent this cruel period”, said Mr Pita. ” I want to show to the creation, and also to the earth, that dissolving events is pointless”.

However, Move Forward would go on to its parliamentary plan, including a proposed laws to open up the$ 8.6 billion liquor industry, which is currently under the control of Boon Rawd Brewery and Thai Beverage, if it were to prevail over the impending difficulties.

ThaiBev did not respond to a request for comment soon, while Boon Rawd declined to comment.

According to Pita,” We are trying to demonopolize the wine industry,” adding that Thai farmers, such as those growing crops like corn and sugar cane, may gain from the liberalization without substantially lowering the marketplace share of incumbents.

It serves as a way to demonstrate that the Thai economy benefits both the 99 % and the top 1 %.

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Company COO jailed over bribes to NLB assistant director who asked for ‘sponsorship’

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SINGAPORE: Fearing that his company’s business might be jeopardised, a chief operating officer ( COO ) agreed to give bribes to a National Library Board ( NLB ) assistant director.

After pleading guilty to two counts of conspiring with Francis Lim Boon Hor and Lien Hoi Choon to bribe Adrian Chan Siew Leng, Tan Lai Heng, then the COO of Broadcast Engineering Services ( BES ), was given a six-month, two-week sentence on Friday ( July 26 ).

Chan was a former NLB associate director before being assigned to the Singaporean National Archives.

These two charges involve S$ 60, 000 ( US$ 44, 650 ) in bribes, given over two occasions. Another cost of a similar nature was taken into account when punishment. &nbsp,

Of the four accused, Tan is the first to have his case heard by the judge. Chan, 49, and Lim, 50, are expected to plead guilty on Aug 6, while 68-year-old Lien’s event is pending. &nbsp,

Tan, 64, became a producer of Bis on Nov 30, 2017, after the agency’s members approached him and Lien to get over their responsibilities. &nbsp,

Tan became COO by April 2018, while Lien was the Chief Financial Officer. Both men discussed and decided significant firm issues head-on. Lim was a sales director in charge of Tan at the time at the time. He became a producer of Bps on Jan 16, 2019. &nbsp,

NLB conducted a tender on October 24, 2017, for a project to strengthen the National Archives of Singapore’s systems and audio and visual infrastructure. Chan was the project manager and a member of the committee that evaluated the sweet proposals.

On February 2, 2018, NLB gave the project to BES, with a cash award of about S$ 8 million before Goods and Services Tax ( GST ). &nbsp,

After Bis handed the task to them, Chan in April 2018 reached out to Lim to ask if Bis would sponsor or sponsor his Master’s program. &nbsp,

Lim told Tan about the demand. Given that this project was one of the largest ever awarded to BES, Tan had the impression that Chan had a significant influence on NLB and did not want to offend him or harm BES ‘ reputation.

He even argued that Bis would continue to fund projects with NLB. &nbsp,

The accused even believed that Chan might be able to stifle and compromise the job in a way that would harm BES. He therefore consented to the demand, according to Deputy Public Prosecutor Tan Pei Wei.

Lien even agreed to the demand. Lien suggested that Tan use invoices allegedly issued to Po by foreigners to mask the deal to pay Chan. &nbsp,

Around Apr 3, 2019, Chan approached Lim for funds again. The group agreed to pay Chan S$ 30, 000, drawn from Bis ‘ bank accounts. &nbsp,

In mid-2018, NLB began preparation for a sweet for the source of archive products, services, and fixtures for library facilities at the National Archives of Singapore. &nbsp,

The project manager handling the sweet was Chan’s superior. Chan advised the inferior to get administrative quotes from BES as part of his preparation for the sensitive in response to the money he received from Lim, and she did but in June and September 2018. &nbsp,

When the delicate was finally called on January 10, 2019, Chan was a part of the tender assessment council. &nbsp, The commission recommended that Bis been awarded the sweet.

The sweet was awarded to Bis for S$ 3, 171, 170 on Jun 17, 2019. &nbsp,

Tang Shangwei and Dorcas Ong, Tan’s attorneys, requested a three-month prison sentence. &nbsp,

The attorneys argued that, unlike most problem situations, Tan was not motivated by greed. &nbsp,

” He had acted out of fear that any refusal to pay the ( money ) would potentially jeopardise BES ‘ business”, the lawyers said. The accused have consistently stated this since the start of the examinations.

Mr. Tang also pointed out that the injury was” slight” because Tan or BES received little benefit from the incident and that there was no real loss to NLB. &nbsp,

He added that no third group had suffered any damage, nor was there “public discomfort” arising from the crime.

Mr Tang even sought a punishment cheap due to the delay in studies. &nbsp,

Around June 2020, Tan’s role in the investigation was now revealed publicly. Around November 2020, he made his final speech. &nbsp,

” A total of four years have passed since the accused’s second speech, and the very real possibility of being imprisoned has been hanging over his head all this time,” Mr. Tang said. &nbsp,

The accused cannot be minimized because of their anxiety and mental pain.

No real loss from NLB, according to Principal District Judge Jill Tan, were quantified. &nbsp,

She continued, adding that while the level of the benefit derived from BES was difficult to quantify, the work of fostering an insider to improve business interests was a “very true benefit.” &nbsp,

Judge Tan stated that his guilty plea was the main limiting factor in Tan’s circumstance, but this was offset by the fee that was taken into account. &nbsp,

Due to the alleged pause in investigations, the authorities had needed time to assess the level of the offending of all accused people, so she declined to give any sentencing discounts.

For problem, Tan could have been jailed for up to seven times, or fined up to S$ 100, 000 or both. &nbsp,

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NTUC designated ‘politically significant person’ under Singapore’s foreign interference law

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PSP DESIGNATED PSP PSP IN A THROUGH Institution

Singapore’s foreign meddling legislation is aimed at strengthening the president’s ability to prevent, detect and destroy foreign interference in local politics. After a long conversation, the Bill was approved in congress in October 2021.

Political parties, social company buyers, Members of Parliament, election individuals and their providers are among those defined as PSPs.

NTUC is the next organization to become designated a PSP, joining the Maruah and Think Centre of human rights organizations.

Since Maruah and Think Centre were designated as PSPs in December 2023, political gifts are now subject to stricter restrictions.

Maruah aims to promote people right at the national, regional and international levels. It serves as the Singaporean liaison for the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism, an NGO recognized in the ASEAN Charter.

The Think Centre is a member of the global human rights organization Forum Asia.

Philip Chan Man Ping, a business from Singapore, became the first person to become designated as a PSP under the foreign interference legislation in February.

According to MHA, Mr. Chan, who immigrated from Hong Kong in 1990, displayed” vulnerability to being influenced by foreign actors and determination to advance their interests.” The international actors involved were never identified.

Prior to this, Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam stated that when the Singaporean government designate one as a PSP under the foreign interference rules, they may determine that doing so is in the common interest.

In response to political inquiries, Mr. Shanmugam explained on February 29 that in order to be designated as a PSP, a person must become a member of a foreign legislature or social organization, or their activities may be directed in Singapore’s interest.

” But in addition to this, there is also the public curiosity requirements that must be satisfied”, he added.

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Doors, seats and map displays from 1990s MRT train to be preserved by National Museum

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SINGAPORE: Riders who miss the look and feel of early-generation MRT trains launched in the 1990s may look forward to sections of these carriages, such as windows and chairs, being displayed at events.

In light of its historical significance and significance, the National Museum of Singapore ( NMS ) is conserving parts of a decommissioned MRT train for the first time. &nbsp,

NMS, in collaboration with the Land Transport Authority ( LTA ), transport operator SMRT, and two sets of train doors, two seats, and two MRT train system map displays have been acquired by NMS.

This falls under the” Collecting Contemporary Singapore” initiative that NMS and the National Heritage Board started in 2020. &nbsp,

The program seeks to identify significant passages from Singapore’s modern social history, according to Samuel Lee, assistant director for design at the NMS. &nbsp,

Because it represents the development of Singapore’s state creating development and rapid modernization in the 1980s and 1990s, he said,” we do view the MRT as something very significant in terms of historic and personal significance in Singapore.” &nbsp,

He added that this is the first time the train pieces have been incorporated into the national set. &nbsp,

NMS added to its collection earlier this year by purchasing an older Nanyang coffee roasting machine and an old lift from Ang Mo Kio. &nbsp,

According to Mr. Lee, items chosen for this program are chosen based on their historical and social impact. &nbsp,

” If it really speaks to national identity ( and ) collective memories of Singaporeans, with people riding the trains as children and then growing up with the transportation network, that speaks to the collective memory of Singaporeans”, he said. &nbsp,

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Maya Bay closing for two months for natural rehabilitation

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Closing aims to restore the marine ecosystem to its full potential.

PUBLISHED: 26 Jul 2024 at 13: 59

Maya Bay in Krabi province is a magnet for tourists. (Photo: Pattarawadee Saengmanee)
Tourists flock to Maya Bay in Krabi territory. ( Photo: Pattarawadee Saengmanee )

Beginning August 1 for healthy recovery, Maya Bay, a well-known tourist destination in Krabi, and two additional compartments may close for two weeks.

According to Yutthaphong Dumsrisuk, commander of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, an announcement regarding the closing of Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Lo Ko Bay on Mu Ko Phi Phi in tambon Ao Nang of Krabi’s Muang area from August 1 to September 30 may be made.

The closing also aims to protect tourists because, according to Mr. Yutthaphong, strong winds and waves during the rain can cause dangerous conditions, especially at Ao Loh Samah Pier, which is adjacent to Maya Bay, where visit boats cannot dock during this time.

Many tourists travelled to Maya Bay in search of its natural beauty after Leonardo DiCaprio’s role in the movie Leonardo DiCaprio’s Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach, which made the film world renowned 23 years ago.

From Oct 1 last year to July 22, the sea welcomed 1, 683, 430 customers, generating 549.86 million baht in entrance fees for the national park.

In July 2023, the garden collected about 23 million ringgit in entry costs from 110, 436 customers. This month, the site raised nearly 34.74 million ringgit in access fees from 96, 236 visitors. Despite dropping by 13 328 visitors in comparison to past time, the area still managed to collect an extra 11.74 million ringgit as a result of stricter fee collection measures.

Another tourist-accessible areas of the regional park were announced on The Helmet Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park’s Facebook page. For more information, customers may call park officials at 075 65 6150 or through their Instagram page.

From August 1 through September 30, Maya Bay and two other Krabi compartments will be closed for two weeks. ( National Park photo )

From August 1 through September 30, Maya Bay and two other Krabi compartments will be closed for two weeks. ( National Park photo )

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Lim Tean convicted of practising as a lawyer without valid certificate

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DEFENCE Explanations

His attorneys argued that the riding document, dated Jun 10, 2021, authorised Lim to work as an activist and counsel between Apr 1, 2021 and Jun 9, 2021. &nbsp,

According to the training document, Lim was “authorized to practice as an activist and lawyer in Singapore during the practice year that ended on March 31, 2022.” &nbsp,

This exercise time, which was from Apr 1, 2021, to Mar 31, 2022, &nbsp, may have captured the time when Lim was accused of acting as a litigator without authorisation, the army argued.

A former law society associate director at Rejini Raman’s testimony, according to the attorneys, was likewise provided as a transcript of the testimony. There was no particular phrasing on the practising certificate, which read” June 10, 2021.” &nbsp,

The defense argued that Lim did not have the intentions to undertake the crimes or that he had used affordable care. &nbsp,

Mr. Lim made it clear to the Law Society that he had a request to see if he could still go to court and that he did not possess a riding license. He was told he was, but the defense claimed the defendant had to tell the prosecutor. &nbsp,

Mr. Lim claimed to have informed the judges about this issue during jury hearings, but that the change had not been recorded in the transcripts. &nbsp,

The defense told the court,” He would not have told the ( Law Society ] if he truly intended to commit the offences, if he had wanted to act as an unauthorised person and do so in a covert manner.” &nbsp,

Judge Ong said it was undisputed that Lim was given a certification for practicing on June 10, 2021. &nbsp,

The prosecutor ruled that the appropriate part of the Legal Profession Act had no room for error and that the training certificate had only become effective on June 10, 2021. &nbsp,

Mr Lim had failed to show how he could had fairly been mistaken in his views, the prosecutor said. He concluded that Lim’s claims had been proven without a doubt by the prosecution.

The situation was adjourned to Nov 5 for claims on punishment. &nbsp,

Mr. Lim is currently facing four other criminal charges, including immoral stalking and breach of trust as an attorney. He indicated through his attorney that he intends to battle these allegations. &nbsp,

For acting as a lawyer without a valid practising certificate under the Legal Profession Act, he could be jailed for up to six months, fined up to S$ 25, 000 ( US$ 18, 619 ), or both. &nbsp,

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Thai students win medals at World Invention Creativity Olympic

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PUBLISHED: 26 Jul 2024 at 13: 30

Thai students receive awards at the WICO award ceremony in South Korea. (Photo: supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)
Thai kids receive honors at the North Korean WICO award ceremony. ( Photo: supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham )

At the” 13th World Invention Creativity Olympic 2024″ ( WICO 2024 ), a group of four Thai students won two gold medals, one silver medal, and a special award.

The Korea University Invention Association ( KUIA ) and the World Invention Intellectual Property Association ( WIIPA ) organized the international competition, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Seoul University of Education Convention Hall.

Candidates from 27 different nations around the world showcased a complete of 206 ideas.

The Thai students showcased three inventions: Senior-Safety-Strider, an AI-powered running help with drop detection for seniors, Smart Finger Fruit, an AI-powered glove to help determine the ripeness of fruit, and Blip, a natural lip balm designed to minimize black pigmentation on the lips.

The Research Institution of Creativity Education ( RICE ) awarded them three medals and a special prize for their innovations.

Pimphaporn Chonviriyabun, Kanjanik Chonviriyabun, Natam Wongkularb, and Youth Exchange School ( YES ) student Piraya Makaraphong, Kanjanik Chonviriyabun, and Natam Wongkularb from Ruamrudee International School ( RIS ).

Thai individuals and customers to South Korea's 13th World Invention Creativity Olympic.

Thai individuals and customers to South Korea’s 13th World Invention Creativity Olympic.

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Thai students win medals at World Invention Creativity Olympics

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PUBLISHED: 26 Jul 2024 at 13: 30

Thai students receive their awards at the WICO awards ceremony in South Korea. (Photo: supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)
At the WICO awards ceremony in South Korea, Thai kids receive their prizes. ( Photo: supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham )

At the” 13th World Invention Creativity Olympics 2024″ ( WICO 2024 ), a group of four Thai students won two gold medals, one silver medal, and a special award.

The Korea University Invention Association ( KUIA ) and the World Invention Intellectual Property Associations ( WIIPA ) organized the international competition, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Seoul University of Education Convention Hall.

Candidates from 27 different nations around the world showcased a full of 206 innovations.

The Thai students showcased three inventions: Senior-Safety-Strider, an AI-powered running help with drop detection for seniors, Smart Finger Fruit, an AI-powered glove to help determine the ripeness of fruit, and Blip, a natural lip balm designed to minimize black pigmentation on the lips.

Their discoveries gave them three medals and a prized prize from the Research Institution of Creativity Education ( RICE).

Pimphaporn Chonviriyabun, Kanjanick Chonviriyabun, and Nadham Wongkularb from Ruamrudee International School ( RIS), as well as Piraya Makararpong from Youth Exchange School ( YES ), were the four students.

Thai students and visitors at the 13th World Invention Creativity Olympic in South Korea.

At the 13th World Invention Creativity Games in South Korea, Thai individuals and customers.

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