Panel to visit Thaksin on Jan 12: govt

On: December 31, 2023

PUBLISHED : 31 Dec 2023 at 21:08

The Department of Corrections will allow the House committee on police affairs to visit the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital, where convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is staying, on Jan 12, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said.

However, he said, all visitors must comply with visiting rules. He said the Ombudsman has also inspected the 14th floor, along with officials from several other agencies.

Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin previously warned members of the House committee against inspecting the 14th floor of the hospital without permission from the Shinawatra family, as they risk getting sued for trespassing.

The House panel had threatened to turn up whether invited or not amid talk of double standards in the case.

When asked about Thaksin’s health condition, Pol Col Tawee said he has not received any update from the DoC. “I’ve never visited Thaksin, but I’ve met doctors who are looking after him, and they confirmed Thaksin is indeed sick,” Pol Col Tawee said.

Thaksin has been allowed by the DoC to continue staying at Police General Hospital despite having reached the maximum allowed 120 days of inpatient care on Dec 22.

The inspection follows criticism that a regulation issued by the DoC on Dec 6, which allows for the detention of certain inmates outside of prison, was tailor-made to suit the former prime minister.

Thaksin, 74, returned to Thailand on Aug 22 after 15 years of self-imposed exile.

He was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison over his role in three corruption cases, which was later commuted to one year through a royal pardon.

However, he was moved from Bangkok Remand Prison to Police General Hospital that night for health reasons and has remained there since.

Officer charged over tollway shooting

By: Barkar Nash

On: December 31, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 31 Dec 2023 at 20:56

Police have pressed four charges against a police officer who allegedly shot dead a 30-year-old businessman who hired him as a driver on an expressway in Wang Thonglang district late on Friday night.

Pol Col Jessada Yangnok, commander of Wang Thong Lang police station, said investigators on Sunday sent Pol Lt Narongwat Thachata, former deputy inspector of Hua Mak station, to be remanded in custody at the Criminal Court, the start of his 12-day detention period.

Pol Lt Narongwat is charged with premeditated murder, shooting a firearm in a public area, carrying a gun and owning a gun without permission.

The Criminal Court approved his detention and the investigation is now being expanded.

Police have objected to Pol Lt Narongwat’s bail request due to the gravity of the alleged offence and say he poses a flight risk.

The 25-year-old was arrested in the Don Muang area on Saturday after allegedly shooting Krit Saruwaranon to death on Chalong Rat Expressway above Pradit Manutham Road on Friday. He was suspended from duty.

Krit ran a property business and law firm. Pol Lt Narongwat was hired by Krit as his driver and a security guard for five months prior to the shooting.

It was reported the police officer told Krit he needed to moonlight to make extra money and clear his debt.

Pol Lt Narongwat allegedly told investigators Krit had gone back on his word to help him pay off his debt of 2 million baht and secure him a promotion in the force. He admitted threatening Krit many times, but the victim refused to transfer money to him, which led to the murder.

After shooting Krit and leaving his body on the expressway, the suspect took the van they were travelling in to Soi Rang Nam where he abandoned it and called a taxi to drop him off at a rented room in Don Muang district, according to the investigation.

An expressway employee at the scene said the suspect and Krit were quarrelling beside the van parked near a wall of the expressway. Pol Lt Narongwat shot Krit five times, killing him.

The man sustained fatal wounds to his forehead, right hand, right arm and right leg. The police found 50,000 baht in cash and other valuables. Five cartridges were also collected. A source said Pol Lt Narongwat cried and was visibly stressed throughout his detention. No family members met him at the station.

The suspect declined to answer any questions from reporters. He said he was sorry for what he did. According to Pol Col Jessada, the suspect admitted to the crime. He said he demanded 20 million baht from Krit as he knew Krit had 100 million baht in savings.

Ombudsman to release 10k scheme review this month

By: Barkar Nash

On: December 31, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 31 Dec 2023 at 19:23

The Ombudsman’s review of feedback from experts on the legality of the government’s 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme is expected to be finished later this month.

Chief Ombudsman Somsak Suwansujarit said on Sunday state agencies with legal expertise have been asked to provide feedback on the wallet programme, a flagship policy of the ruling-Pheu Thai Party.

The government is looking to implement the plan later this year. It is being opposed by critics because the government plans to take out a 500-billion-baht loan to fund the programme via a bill to be introduced to parliament. They say it will saddle the country with too much debt.

Pheu Thai has argued the wallet scheme has to be launched urgently to alleviate the impact of what it calls an economic crisis facing the country.

Mr Somsak on Sunday said the Ombudsman was asked by the civic sector to examine the policy. The office will consider feedback as part of its decision whether the policy is constitutional.

“We’ve sought detailed input from agencies, including those connected to designing and implementing the policy,” he said. “The process is ongoing.”

He said regulations allow the process to be finalised within 30 days. Since the Ombudsman began contacted agencies involved in the middle of last month, the deadline will be the middle of January, he added.

He said sifting through the feedback and checking the legality will not take long and the office will try to wrap up the work quickly. If needed, the office will seek additional information from state agencies. He said if the Ombudsman finds the scheme unconstitutional, it will refer the issue for a ruling by the Constitutional Court.

Sirikanya Tansakul, list-MP for the main opposition Move Forward Party, said the high interest rate for the government’s loan to fund the scheme may drive the country into a fiscal crisis. The high interest could also prompt ratings agencies to downgrade the country’s economic outlook, she said.

Singapore GDP grew 1.2% in 2023 but expect less favourable external environment ahead: PM Lee

By: Marcus Ching

On: December 31, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Despite these headwinds, Singapore has “reason for hope and confidence”, Mr Lee said.

“Rapid technological progress, especially in artificial intelligence and robotics, holds great promise for our businesses and people,” he said.

“The government will work closely with businesses to upgrade and transform their operations, and with our tripartite partners to support every Singaporean to upskill and reskill, so that all can actively pursue their careers and keep themselves employable and competitive.”

Mr Lee added that the government would continue to support lower-income families and vulnerable groups “to enable them to live with purpose and dignity”.

“We will continue to build affordable and accessible public housing for Singaporeans, a cornerstone of our social compact,” he said.

“To care for our ageing population, we are enhancing our physical infrastructure and social safety nets, and transforming our healthcare system with Healthier SG and Age Well SG. All these, and more, form part of the blueprint for a refreshed social compact.”

Mr Lee also spoke about the Forward Singapore agenda, which he described as “ambitious”, especially “in an era of rapid external and internal change”.

“Many larger societies have become divided and weakened because difficult issues were not tackled directly and effectively, rival interest groups jostled against one another and leaders put their own interests above the nation’s,” he said.

“As a small red dot, Singapore cannot afford to make the same mistakes and suffer the same consequences. We must work ever harder to keep our society together, and strengthen our sense of shared identity and nationhood.”

Launched in June 2022, the Forward Singapore exercise was led by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and other fourth-generation (4G) political leaders to review and refresh Singapore’s social compact.

This has been described as “the glue that holds society together, the shared understanding of our roles and responsibilities towards each other, and our shared values and aspirations as a people”.

Gold miner Akara Resources faces indictment for alleged encroachment

By: Barkar Nash

On: December 31, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 31 Dec 2023 at 16:46

The Department of Special Investigation has decided to indict Akara Resources Plc, a gold mining firm, and three other suspects in an encroachment case, Wirun Chanthananan, chief prosecutor in the special litigation office at the DSI’s Bureau of Special Case Management said on Sunday.

Mr Wirun said DSI investigators started investigating the alleged encroachment by the four suspects – Akara Resources Plc and three individuals, Pakorn Sukhum, Michael Patrick Monaghan and Cherdsak Atha-arun – in 2016. The investigation report was forwarded to prosecutors at the special litigation office in 2018 for further legal proceedings.

Mr Pakorn is chief executive officer, Mr Monaghan chief operation officer and Mr Cherdsak general manager for sustainability of Akara Resources Plc.

The four are charged with collaborating to occupy state land without a permit, violating Sections 9 and 108 of the Land Act and causing damage to land for public use in breach of Sections 83 and 360 of the Criminal Code; illegally occupying a forest area in violation of Sections 54, 55 and 72 of the Forest Act of 1941; and encroaching on highways in violation of the Highway Act and Criminal Code.

The alleged offences took place in areas adjoining Phichit and Phetchabun provinces.

Mr Wirun said the prosecutors reviewed the report and ordered additional investigations. The process was time-consuming as the two sides also submitted their petitions for consideration.

After concluding there was sufficient evidence to support the charges, the prosecutors decided to indict the suspects in the Criminal Court.

The DSI investigators issued a summons for three suspects in the case to report to the prosecutors on Jan 24 at 10am as the other suspect, Michael Patrick Monaghan, had escaped. After that they would be taken to the Criminal Court for indictment, Mr Wirun said.

As for the suspect who had fled, the DSI investigators had been instructed to seek a court warrant for his arrest. The statute of limitations in this case is 10 years,.

A DSI probe in August 2018 found a large gold mine operated by the firm might have encroached on parts of a forest and highways in tambon Khao Chet Luk in Phichit’s Thap Khlo district and tambon Thai Dong in Wang Pong district of Phetchabun.

The mining operations were suspended in 2016 by the now-dissolved National Council for Peace and Order following complaints from villagers that the mine had damaged the environment and harmed their health.

Marina Bay New Year countdown: Expect large crowds, road closures and security checks

By: Marcus Ching

On: December 31, 2023

In: South-East Asia

CROWD CONTROL AT MRT STATIONS

Certain entrances and exits of MRT stations around Marina Bay will be closed to regulate crowd flow. If there is overcrowding, trains may skip the affected stations.

After the countdown event, there will be designated routes out of the Marina Bay area.

People may be directed to another MRT station to avoid overcrowding at certain stations.

“We seek your understanding to head to these less-crowded MRT stations and use the inter-connected MRT networks to get to your intended destination,” the police said.

“Members of the public are advised to be patient and cooperate with security personnel.”

SECURITY CHECKS, ROAD CLOSURES

Bag checks may be conducted by security personnel.

The police also advised revellers to stay close to their friends, avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wear excessive jewellery and avoid contact with unruly crowds.

People should also ensure their bag is closed at all times and slung in front of them. Wallets should not be put in their back pockets.

As several roads will be closed to vehicular traffic, members of the public are advised to take public transport to the Marina Bay area.

“Parking at peripheral roads and stopping of vehicles along ECP (Benjamin Sheares Bridge) to watch the fireworks are strictly prohibited,” the police said.

If you prefer to welcome 2024 in the heartlands, there will be fireworks at seven locations. Here’s where you can catch the displays:

Flu, dengue and Covid top 2023 infectious disease charts

By: Barkar Nash

On: December 31, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Dengue fever soars 3.4-fold

PUBLISHED : 31 Dec 2023 at 12:59

Infuenza, haemorrhagic dengue fever and Covid-19 have been the most widespread infectious diseases in Thailand this year, according to the Department of Disease Control.

Dr Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, acting director-general of the department, said that from Jan 1 to Dec 16, there were 460,325 influenza patients, 29 of whom died. The biggest group of patients was in the age range of 5-14 years.

He said that the number of influenza patients naturally rose when people became more lenient in their protection against Covid-19.

For haemorrhagic dengue fever, there were 147,412 patients from Jan 1 to Dec 13. The number was 3.4 times higher than last year’s figure.

The 174 dengue fatalities were spread across 54 provinces and most fatalities were 25-34 years old and had underlying illnesses including obesity.

Dr Thongchai said that haemorrhagic dengue fever normally spread when the country faced the El Nino weather phenomenon and outbreak would last for two years at a time. This year was the first.

From Jan 1 to Dec 23, 37,863 people were admitted to hospitals for Covid-19. Of them, 845 died and 114 suffered lung inflammation.

The disease spread continuously from last year and cases peaked from April to July. However, the number of cases and the seriousness of symptoms were lower than a few years ago, Dr Thongchai said.

37 reported killed, 404 injured in road accidents Saturday

By: Barkar Nash

On: December 31, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 31 Dec 2023 at 12:42

A total of 385 road accidents occurred across the country on Saturday, the second of the 7-day (Dec 29-Jan 4) road safety campaign over the New Year holidays, leaving 404 injured and 37 dead, said Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, citing figures from the Road Safety Directing Centre.

The most accidents, 18, occurred in the northern province of Tak, which also recorded the highest number of injuries, 18.

Bangkok recorded the highest number of deaths, 4.

No deaths were reported in 37 provinces.

Most of the accidents, 34.55%, were caused by speeding and 22.60% by drink-driving. Motorcycles accounted for 85.29% of the accidents.

Most (80.52%) of the accidents happened on straight roads – 38.44% on highways and 35.32% on rural or village roads. The peak time for the accidents was between 6.01-7.00pm. Those aged 20 to 29 accounted for the highest number of injuries or deaths by age group.

A total of 1,774 safety checkpoints, manned by 51,408 personnel, were in place across the country on Saturday.

The Dec 30 figures increased the road toll over the first two days (Dec 29-30) of the seven-day road safety campaign to 724 accidents, with 739 injured and 71 killed.

The Department of Probation, meanwhile, revealed that during Dec 29-30 there were 644 traffic law violations and most (95.81%) involved drink-driving.

The most drink-driving cases occurred in Samut Prakan (78), Bangkok (69) and Chiang Mai (58).

According to the World Health Organization, an average of 60 people die on Thailand’s roads every day of the year, so the Road Safety Directing Centre’s statistics appear to understate the actual fatality rate. One possible explanation is that some of those reported injured will die later.

Most people tired of economic problems in 2023: Nida Poll

By: Barkar Nash

On: December 31, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 31 Dec 2023 at 09:59

Most people are fed up with the economic problems in 2023 although in general they are fairly happy with the year, according to the results of a survey by National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.

The poll was conducted on Dec 12-20 by telephone interviews with 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education, occupations and incomes in all regions.

Regarding happiness, most or 42.75% of the respondents said they are fairly happy with the year having been together with family members and having jobs to do without health problems or debts.

However, 27.86% said they are not happy due to the economic slump, low farm prices, high prices of goods, high cost of living, low incomes and political uncertainties.

While 18.63% said they are very happy for not being jobless, having good health, receiving a good care from children and family members – with some adding that they are satisfied with improved economic and political situations, 10.69% said they are not happy at all due to the poor economy, joblessness, insufficient incomes to cope with expenses, increased debts, low prices of agricultural products, high prices of goods, high cost of living and health problems.

The rest, 0.07%, had no answer or were not interested.

Asked what they have been tired of in the year 2023, with the respondents allowed to choose more than one answers, most or 58.63% mentioned economic problems which have affected their incomes and livelihood; 25.42% political confusion both inside and outside parliament; 23.13% cyber threats; 20.76% energy prices; 20.23% health problems and epidemics; 19.54% drug spreading; 16.03% low prices of farm products; 13.89% crime and safety in life and property; 11.91% environmental problems and natural disasters; 10.61% social conflicts; 9.85% had nothing to get tired of; 9.62% corruption at all levels; 7.56% traffic problem; 5.65% problems in the justice system; 5.19% unfair transfers of officials in the bureaucracy; 4.58% wars and international conflicts; and 0.92% mentioned other problems including work, family and love.

Economic problems biggest burden in 2023: poll

By: Barkar Nash

On: December 31, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 31 Dec 2023 at 09:59

Most people felt frustrated by economic problems in 2023 although in general they were fairly happy with the year, according to the results of a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.

The poll was conducted on Dec 12-20 by telephone interviews with 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education, occupations and incomes in all regions.

Regarding happiness, most (42.75%) of respondents said they were fairly happy with the year having been together with family members and having jobs to do without health problems or debts.

However, 27.86% said they were not happy due to the economic slump, low farm prices, high prices of goods, high cost of living, low incomes and political uncertainties.

While 18.63% said they are very happy for not being jobless, having good health, receiving good care from children and family members – with some adding that they are satisfied with the improved economic and political situation, 10.69% said they were not happy at all due to the poor economy, joblessness, insufficient income to cope with expenses, increased debts, low prices of agricultural products, high prices of goods, high cost of living and health problems.

The rest, 0.07%, had no answer or were not interested.

Asked what they most disliked in the year 2023, with respondents allowed to choose more than one answer, most (58.63%) mentioned economic problems which have affected their incomes and livelihood; 25.42% political confusion both inside and outside parliament; 23.13% cyber threats; 20.76% energy prices; 20.23% health problems and viruses; 19.54% drugs; 16.03% low prices of farm products; 13.89% crime and safety in life and property; 11.91% environmental problems and natural disasters; 10.61% social conflicts; 9.85% had no dissatisfactions; 9.62% corruption at all levels; 7.56% traffic problem; 5.65% problems in the justice system; 5.19% unfair transfers of officials in the bureaucracy; 4.58% wars and international conflicts; and 0.92% mentioned other problems including work, family and love.

South-East Asia (Page 371)

CROWD CONTROL AT MRT STATIONS

SECURITY CHECKS, ROAD CLOSURES