Fresh petition to disband govt

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

claims of Thaksin’s repeated effect

PUBLISHED: 10 Sep 2024 at 04: 48

Thaksin Shinawatra meets reporters at his residence in Bangkok on his birthday, July 26. (Photo supplied)
On July 26, Thaksin Shinawatra celebrates his day by meeting reporters at his Bangkok home. ( Photo supplied )

A new petition was submitted to the Election Commission (EC ) on Monday asking for the dissolution of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and five coalition partners, alleging they knowingly allowed themselves to be influenced by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The five other parties named in the complaint filed by Nopparut Worachitwutthikul, a former leader of the 2006 White Pigeon group, were Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation ( UTN), Chartthaipattana, Prachachat and Palang Prachrarath ( PPRP ).

Following the ruling of the Constitutional Court, the Constitutional Court upheld Mr. Nopparut’s claim that the August 14 gathering of important figures from these six parties took place at Thaksin’s home.

According to reports in the media, Thaksin requested a meeting with key partnership parties to let them know about the group’s choice to select Chaikasem Nitisiri as premier. Apparently, Thaksin claimed to be the parents of Ms. Paetongtarn, who was traveling abroad at the time.

In accordance with the complaint, Thaksin’s behavior may fall under Sections 28 and 29 of the Political Party Act for intervention by an outsider in governing social events.

Additionally, the plea cited Section 21 of the Political Party Act, which mandates that group behavior been approved by the party executives and subscribe to the values of integrity, great leadership, and public attention.

According to the law, the EC is authorized to take such matters before the Constitutional Court for thought, and it claimed that the crime could lead to the disintegration of a political group.

The majority of the government also assumed that Thaksin was the party’s owner, and his activities gave the impression that he was pulling the strings. As Ms Paetongtarn’s parents, Thaksin was even believed to have influence over her.

Thaksin frequently discussed the plans of the Pheu Thai Party before the organization itself, as if his thoughts were going to turn into group resolutions. The Aug 14 meeting may be perceived as a shift to form the government,” said Mr Nopparut.

He even called on the Department of Probation to understand the Aug 14 gathering at Thaksin’s mansion as Thaksin, at that time a prisoner on parole, was never allowed to engage in elections.

The six parties ‘ petition was filed as Ms. Paetongtarn is getting ready to make a policy speech to parliament this week before the company officially begins operations.

Following Tuesday, when the government holds its primary official conference, the so-called anti-Thaksin program groups plan to obtain outside Government House.

The anticipated meeting was made public over the weekend by the Thai Citizens Protecting the Monarchy, the Dhamma Army, and the Network of Students and People Reforming Thailand. They vowed to continue to examine the Pheu Thai-led government’s contentious policies, including those involving the casino entertainment advanced and modern budget handout schemes.

Pichit Chaimongkol, head of the Network of Students and People Reforming Thailand, said on Monday the anticipated meeting was not a protest against the new state.

He promised to file a complaint asking for an investigation into the Corrections Department’s alleged treatment of Thaksin.

He insisted the party is an edible meeting, not funded by any parties with political attention. Because the party’s goal was to examine the work of the state, he did never rule out the possibility of holding a rally if there was no improvement.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the deputy prime minister and internal minister, reaffirmed the right of the government’s critics to stage a rally on Monday and urged them to uphold the law.

He even called on them to denounce the state policies based on facts, not debate, so the government could use them to strengthen.

Continue Reading

Northern drug crackdowns snare over 1,600 suspects

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 10 Sep 2024 at 04: 00

Anti-drug officials have made 1, 607 arrests this year in six northern regions, and they have pledged to intensify efforts to prosecute more people in the 2025 fiscal year beginning next month.

The six northeastern provinces are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Nan and Tak.

According to estimates, there are thousands of kilos of crystal meth kept close to the Thai border in the northeast and waiting to be distributed to users in Malaysia, central and southern, as well as tens of millions of heroin pills.

The results of the crackdowns carried out in the northern regions ‘ borderland areas over the past ten months were revealed at a press conference held by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board ( ONCB) secretary-general Pol Lt Gen Phanurat Lukboon and Pol Gen Narit Thawornwong, the unit’s commander, on Tuesday.

A meeting was held to discuss the efforts of various military and police organizations to combat the drug problem and prepare for the efforts for the following year.

In a charge to fulfill the president’s commitment to minimize the effects of medicines on Thai culture, it was also revealed that the government will intensify efforts to combat drugs in the 2025 fiscal year.

According to Pol Gen Narit, there are believed to be at least 80 million cocaine medications and 1, 000 kg of glass meth being stored in warehouses just over the nation’s northern border.

These opioids are owned by two distinct Thai substance systems, he claims. The second includes Malaysia and the southern area of the nation. The others are those who transport them between the eastern and central parts.

The commander added that most people in Thailand are interested in purchasing cocaine pills, whereas foreign drug users are more likely to find them.

Pol Gen Narit also said that Taskforce 35 was involved in 44 anti-drug activities, arresting 1, 607 offenders. It also seized 256 million cocaine medications, 2.68 tonnes of crystal meth, 375 kg of cocaine, 206 kg of raw opium and 21 kg of morphine in 18 regions in the six northeastern regions between Dec 1 last year and Sep 8.

He added that 31 offenders, who were mostly based in Chiang Mai’s Mae Ai and Fang regions and Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai and Mae Fa Luang towns, were killed by soldiers.

Continue Reading

Phumtham notes past work

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 10 Sep 2024 at 04: 00

Former commerce minister Phumtham Wechayachai bragged yesterday about the achievements made by the Commerce Ministry in the first year of office, including ensuring better produce prices, lowering the public’s living costs, and strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ).

Mr Phumtham, who is now the defence secretary under the Paetongtarn state, held a press event yesterday to show his commerce-related job.

He claimed that the ministry had demanded cooperation from Thai companies and government organizations to obtain financial and extra vegetables to increase farmers ‘ income by about 200 billion baht.

The government also promoted native and cross-border industry valued at 2.35 billion baht, Mr. Phumtham said, increasing the earnings of farmers, neighborhood entrepreneurs, and SMEs.

He claimed that these included drafting a memorandum of understanding to encourage Thai products between Japan’s largest e-commerce program Rakuten and the Commerce Ministry on May 10.

He continued, adding that the government also signed an MoU with Amazon Global Selling to improve Thai SMEs ‘ ability to export goods via e-commerce.

Through sessions, consulting services, and support for those fascinated in becoming Amazon selling partners, the partnership is intended to increase Thai businesses ‘ knowledge of e-commerce export to the US, he said.

The ministry has also revamped the 251 Tong Chom ( must-see ) markets to boost the grassroots economy and tourism, which bring income of about 1.98 billion baht to local communities, he said.

He claimed that the ministry even promoted the use of spatial indication to enhance crops with social or geographic significance.

Continue Reading

Platform worker protections: MPs concerned about costs of higher CPF contributions, discrimination by platforms

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

WHO WILL Keep Expenses QUESTION ABOUT LAWMASTERS

On Monday, MPs voiced their support for the costs while also worrying about the effects of the higher efforts.

Who was the first to worry about having to bear the costs of higher Pension contributions and labor injury compensation?

Starting in 2025, system operators, who now contribute no to a worker’s net earnings, will start contributing 3.5 % of that worker’s gross income.

In accordance with the proposed legislation, system operator and worker CPF contributions will gradually increase to meet those of both employers and employees.

In his launching address, Dr. Koh made it clear that the modifications would raise firm costs and that consumers should be willing to pay more to help pay for software workers ‘ protection.

However, many MPs expressed concern that platform operators may end up taking CPF efforts and work injury insurance from employees ‘ wages instead.

Additionally, they questioned how the government may manage prices so that software providers, workers, and customers are evenly distributed.

Pritam Singh, the WP-Aljunied head, questioned the possibility of software companies “profiteering in the name of governmental compliance.” He claimed the WP supported the expenses.

He inquired about the planned price increases for platform apps and whether platform companies may be specific about the potential impact of price increases on the heels of stronger worker protections.

TRUST, TRANSPARENCY IN PLATFORM APPS

Some of these issues, according to Mr. Singh and other MPs, are related to a lack of transparency regarding work allocation and worker compensation.

Nominated MP Jean See attributed the low confidence of software users to the fact that many system operators appear to be merely making “half-hearted attempts” at issuing rate sheets and statements for jobs and earnings, and protocols for job allocation are frequently vague. &nbsp,

This lower level of trust is also exacerbated by glitches that frequently disrupt operators ‘ applications for extended periods. &nbsp,

System workers are forced to double up as system operators ‘ helpdesk when confronting irate customers and retailers while trying but frequently failing to get support from operators, according to Ms See, who directs the Freelancers and Self-Employed Component of NTUC.

System workers also worry about electric problems undermining their incomes, she added. &nbsp,

Ms. See advocated for system operators to be held responsible for the accuracy of apps transactions and the effects of apps disruptions on platform workers ‘ lives.

She suggested that system operators be required to protect income from engaged system workers, who lose out on long-term earnings from extended platform app outages. &nbsp,

Prejudice, Security AGAINST ABUSE

Another issue that many MPs raised was prejudice against employees who are required to pay more than they can afford to.

Mr. Singh expressed concern that platforms will launch granting more jobs to those who do not choose to participate in higher Pension contributions in order to lower business costs.

Similar to how platform companies may change their algorithms to prioritize jobs to those who are contributing more to CPF or to “blatantly reduce” the salaries of those who opt in, according to Associate Professor Jamus Lim ( WP-Sengkang ). &nbsp,

He acknowledged that starting to save for their retirement first may be the biggest benefit for younger software staff from the higher Pension efforts. &nbsp,

However, due to how much more expensive they are now, this may unintentionally cause bias against choosing, according to Assoc Prof. Lim. &nbsp,

Leong Mun Wai, a non-constituency member for Progress Singapore Party, claimed that there are n’t enough safeguards to stop discrimination against platform workers who choose to receive higher CPF contributions. &nbsp,

Additionally, some MPs advocated for program employees to be kept safe from abuse. &nbsp,

The verbal abuse platform workers have to deal with, according to Ms. Joan Pereira ( PAP-Tanjong Pagar ) said, can have an emotional or even financial impact on them. &nbsp,

“( They ) may be given bad reviews even though they are not at fault or for situations beyond their control”, she said.

On Tuesday, the app workers bill debate will continue.

Continue Reading

PAP, WP MPs clash over independence of NTUC that is ‘symbiotic’ with ruling party

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

The second-term MP asserted that” PAP leaders often claim that this symbiotic partnership has helped Singapore understand crises and create a nation.”

” This near position also poses significant problems to union independence,” the author continues.

Mr. Giam questioned whether a potential conflict of interest could arise when union officials are also ruling party users.

When those interests may conflict with their own government policies or the PAP’s political agenda,” Can they fully advocate for workers ‘ interests”? he asked.

They may experience stress to back the plan, even if they genuinely believe it to be harmful to the personnel they represent.

This could lead to a subdued union advocacy where social harmony is prioritized over worker right.

” Over time, the serious ingrained PAP impact within unions may lead people to believe that organisations are modifications of the PAP’s political apparatus rather than separate body representing workers.

Organizations may lose the ability to efficiently mobilize and support staff if they believe their passions are being subordinated to the PAP’s political objectives or their political goals.

Mr Giam also said that an” exceedingly near “relationship between the PAP and the NTUC risked creating” groupthink”, where union officials are less inclined to challenge prevailing plans.

” Such a condition may lead to a decline of vitality in labour policy-making, reducing the possibility of new and better methods from emerging, “he said.

The risk of this positioning may be especially high in Singapore in the event of a major social change. Organizations affiliated with the PAP may struggle to collaborate with the fresh state if the PAP were to lose power.

He continued:” It is crucial that crucial institutions in Singapore, including the trade union movement, are no answerable to one social party.”

Democracy OF Workers Organisations

Then, according to MP Christopher de Souza ( PAP-Holland-Bukit Timah ), Mr. Giam’s speech was deemed to be unrelated to the draft law debate.

He claimed that it was primarily an assault on the NTUC and the parasitic relationship between the PAP and the NTUC.

Indranee Rajah, the PAP-Tanjong Pagar head, scurried in and asked Mr. Giam if he thought labor unions had to be democratic party independent.

After Mr Giam agreed, she replied:” Someone who knows something about democracies will realize that in many of the democracies in the world, unions and social parties really have a nearby connection.”

She claimed that organisations were a key component of the political parties in the United Kingdom and the United States and Canada.

In reply, Mr Giam said the associations between the Trades Union Congress and the Labour Party in the UK” is not the same as them being symbiotic”, as the organizations” reserve the right to express their own jobs”.

He said,” I would like to just let it be known that WP supports the confederal dialogue between companies, organizations, and the current government,” but he opposed an explicit position with any political party.

” I think that organizations must be free and non-partisan, and they must reflect their workers without fear or favor in front of their businesses, the government, and the ruling gathering,” he said.

Eventually, Mr Giam asked:” You I presume that… if the PAP were to ever lose power, the NTUC had thus become an instrument of opposition against the novel government?”

Ms. Indranee claimed that it would be up to the NTUC and the employees to decide whether they would support a social gathering, and if so, which one.

What I may say is that the PAP will do everything in its power to prevent them from believing that they will never help them or that they will not do their very best to support the staff and the business union senate.

Therefore, according to Ms. Indranee, Mr. Giam was “driving more and more into the democratic domain” when the topic of the discussion was supposed to be platform worker protection.

She noted that a general election had be held in Singapore by November of that year.

The political rhetoric “every time a general election occurs or is about to occur, the rhetoric ramps up,” but do n’t place the platform workers in the middle of this. Do n’t use them as the beating bags or the pawns for this. We have a Bill to move.”

The PAP is “deeply embedded” in the unions, so Mr. Giam rejected Ms. Indranee’s claim that it would be up to the NTUC and the workers to decide which group they support.

” It is not an matter of only philosophical politicking, but this is an issue of administrative stability. Are we going to experience a situation where any fresh government that emerges from energy is fully encircled?

Ms. Indranee responded that trade organizations elect their own officials, and that having PAP users among the present coalition leaders did not imply that this would always be the case.

The key level that Mr. Giam is missing is that business organizations have their own minds. They have management. They are aware of what they are doing and will behave in the manner that they believe is best for both their organizations and their employees, she said.

Federation LEADERS” ARE Just STOOGES”

NTUC deputy secretary-general Heng Chee How ( PAP-Jalan Besar ) also called on Mr Giam to” give due respect to our union leaders”.

” They are not lackeys. They have the proper intentions. As fellow MPs thumped their handles in aid, the older minister of state for defense said,” They do all this for their own employees.”

The NTUC and the PAP have a synergistic relationship, enabling us to communicate the workers ‘ opinions and needs to our political partner, so that when they become the ruling party, when they gain Singaporeans ‘ confidence and have the authority to be the ruling party, that the interests of workers in this nation will always be prioritized above all else.

” And you take a look at the PAP’s track record throughout its tenure in office. What has it delivered for this land? What has it delivered for the personnel? Has it sold out the personnel? Has it embarrassed our union rulers”?

Additionally, according to Mr. Heng, the” parasitic relationship” that Mr. Giam and the WP expressed support for led to the House’s review System Workers Bill.

Political parties and trade unions “are not uncommon, and they do n’t do this out of ignorance,” but “because it serves the interests of the constituents that they represent simultaneously” in a partnership or alliance.

He urged the House to be “very, very cautious” with Mr. Giam’s arguments, noting that the MP’s prediction for a scenario in which tripartite companions would be more likely to agree for the benefit of the workers was untrue.

” So I just wanted to ( say ) this as my heartfelt response: Be fair to our union leaders, be fair to our unions, be fair to the NTUC”, said Mr Heng.

Mr. Giam responded by addressing the structural limitations that unionists face rather than “punching the determination and the work of unionists.”

” I think that many organisations are doing their best to represent the employees that they represent, but they face a lot of limitations because of the restrictions that the government places on them through the NTUC and other laws,” he said.

Impact OF THE Argument

Members debated whether Mr. Giam’s talk was pertinent to the proposed platform workers law.

Mr de Souza described Mr Giam’s talk on the NTUC as “unfair”, “opportunistic” and useless, while Mr Giam said it set the framework for items he wanted to make about the particular laws being discussed.

Seah Kian Peng, the house speaker, said Mr. de Souza made a” true point.” He later requested that Mr. Giam refer to Section 50 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, which mandates that members of Parliament only make observations about the subject being discussed and refrain from bringing up unrelated issues.

Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh ( WP-Aljunied ) immediately rebutted the speaker, saying that Mr Seah’s remarks were” critical”.

He recalled that Mr. de Souza had made a speech in which he “did not speak about the Budget, but he later advised the government or the PAP to make a decision regarding the 4G leadership” during a debate on the government’s budget in 2022.

” So I think the sanitary message you provided at the end is important, because it cannot be just accusations made at the opposition, but I think some PAP members ought to reflect on themselves”, the WP secretary-general said to Mr Seah.

Mr de Souza said that during the Budget debate,” the members have free reign to discuss what they want in addition to the Budget– the objectives, the values, the future they want to see for Singapore”.

He claimed that his speech on the 4G leadership was in line with the budget because, “budgets are nothing without key leadership.”

Later, Mr Giam said:” Why is it that… very often, when Workers ‘ Party brings up a valid policy point, we are accused of politicking and making political speeches, whereas when the PAP talks about something different, it becomes a relevant policy point.

I believe there is a need to treat us equally unfairly.

The discussion ended when the MPs resumed delivering their speeches on the draft platform workers law. The discussion of the proposed Bill continues on Tuesday.

Continue Reading

Thai-Chinese train contract awaits PM nod

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 9 Sep 2024 at 19: 48

A replica of a high-speed train for the planned Thai-Sino line connecting Bangkok to the Northeast. (File photo)
A copy of a high-speed station for the anticipated Thai-Sino range connecting Bangkok to the Northeast. ( File photo )

Surapong Piyachote, the deputy transport minister, wants the State Railway of Thailand’s ( SRT ) prime minister’s ) intention to ratify one of the last two construction contracts for the first phase of the long-delayed Thai-Chinese high-speed train project.

Boonchai Panich Co has already received a bid for the lease number 4 4-5 to construct a 13.3-kilometer part of the first phase project, according to the minister.

He claimed that due to a problem with the location of its Ayutthaya Station, which is 1.5 kilometers from the Ayutthaya Historical Park, the deal filing was halted. Although the Unesco World Heritage site is not accessible or opposite to this section, common issue is raised by its close proximity.

According to Mr. Surapong, it led the SRT to request consultations with Unesco and the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning ( ONEP ) to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment ( HIA ) on the construction plan. The judgment has been completed, and an HIA record has been submitted to Unesco for attention.

The SRT has even agreed to reduce the level of this section’s increased high-speed train track from 19 meters to 17 meters, according to Mr. Surapong.

However, the SRT wo n’t take into account moving the planned route because it will result in a significant budget increase and cause the construction to be delayed by another ten years, he said.

He claimed that the SRT had sufficiently responded to Unesco’s suggestion and that it could not afford to postpone the anticipated construction worth 9.91 billion dollars while awaiting Unesco’s last opinion of the HIA research.

He claimed that the SRT wants the PM’s endorsement before the development contract is signed with the chosen company by October. He further stated that he would try to speak with Ms. Paetongtarn about the situation as soon as possible.

The high-speed train project will have to deal with its original construction plan regardless of how Unesco’s last opinion on this matter may turn. No layoffs”, he said.

Continue Reading

PP calls for charter rejig before election

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 9 Sep 2024 at 19: 42

Parit Wacharasindhu
Parit Wacharasindhu

The main opposition party, the People’s Party ( PP ), urged the new government to support the passage of a section-by-section charter amendment and the creation of a new constitution on Monday to ensure that both steps are taken before the following general election.

PP list-MPParit Wacharasindhustressed that the need for section-by-section revisions was justified because certain issues need to be addressed immediately and cannot wait for a whole new charter to be written, a process that can take up to two years.

His request came in advance of the Paetongtarn Shinawatra government’s plan assertion being presented to parliament on Thursday. &nbsp,

Before officially beginning its job, the government is required to make its speech to parliament in accordance with the constitution. More than 30 MPs have been assigned by the opposition group to debunk the plan speech. &nbsp,

Mr. Parit said the group may raise concerns about the new charter’s roadmap, referendum questions, and whether the authorities would help a wholly elected charter drafting body.

Based on the government’s review plan speech, the mandate act is broadly defined, similar to the transformation declared to congress by the preceding Srettha Thavisin management.

” The fully elected charter drafting body is n’t stated in the policy statement. While Pheu Thai has proposed it earlier, there is no official confirmation from the state”, he said.

He also expressed concern that the new law and its natural laws will likely not be available before the next elections with three polls on the new contract. &nbsp,

Nevertheless, he noted that the fresh government’s and the Senate’s views on policy article may be apparent later this month when the PP-sponsored documents go up for debate.

The Move Forward Party proposed three law act documents before it was disbanded and reborn as the PP in an effort to lessen the impact of the military government’s requests, stop retaliation, and repeal the junta-backed 20-year nationwide approach.

Of the three charges, one proposes scrapping Part 279 of the contract, which says all announcements and commands of the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO ) and its chief are lawful and constitutional.

Another aims to stop future uprisings by allowing state officials to disobey orders from those who are trying to seize strength and forbid judges from recognizing a revolution as a means of establishing a genuine state.

The 20-year regional plan and the regional reform plan, which are both proposed in the most recent costs, are both proposed to be eliminated by Sections 16 and 65 of the law.

Continue Reading

PP calls for charter rejig before election

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 9 Sep 2024 at 19: 42

Parit Wacharasindhu
Parit Wacharasindhu

The main opposition party, the People’s Party ( PP ), urged the new government on Monday to support the passage of a section-by-section charter amendment and the creation of a new constitution to ensure that both steps are taken in time for the upcoming general election.

PP list-MPParit Wacharasindhustressed that the need for section-by-section revisions was justified because certain issues need to be addressed immediately and cannot wait for a whole new charter to be written, a process that can take up to two years.

His request came as the Paetongtarn Shinawatra government’s plan speech was being presented to parliament on Thursday. &nbsp,

Before officially beginning its job, the government is required to make its speech to parliament in accordance with the constitution. More than 30 MPs have been assigned by the opposition group to debunk the plan speech. &nbsp,

Mr. Parit said the group may raise concerns about the new charter’s roadmap, referendum questions, and whether the authorities would help a wholly elected charter drafting body.

Based on the government’s review plan speech, the mandate act is broadly defined, similar to the transformation declared to congress by the preceding Srettha Thavisin management.

” The fully elected charter drafting body is n’t stated in the policy statement. While Pheu Thai has proposed it earlier, there is no official confirmation from the state”, he said.

He also expressed concern that the new law and its natural laws will likely not be available by the upcoming elections after three polls on the new charter. &nbsp,

Nevertheless, he noted that the fresh government’s and the Senate’s views on policy article may be apparent later this month when the PP-sponsored documents go up for debate.

The Move Forward Party proposed three law act documents before it was disbanded and reborn as the PP in an effort to stop future uprisings and repeal the junta-backed 20-year nationwide approach.

Of the three charges, one proposes scrapping Part 279 of the contract, which says all announcements and commands of the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO ) and its chief are lawful and constitutional.

Another aims to stop future dictatorships by allowing state officials to disobey orders from those who are trying to seize strength and forbid judges from recognizing a revolution as a means of establishing a genuine state.

The 20-year regional plan and the regional reform plan, which are both proposed in the most recent costs, are now included in Sections 16 and 65 of the law.

Continue Reading