South-East Asia – Page 986

This hidden restaurant in Fortune Centre sells legit Japanese curry rice

On: July 4, 2024

Matsubara, who relocated to Singapore 12 centuries ago to work in a Scotts Square restaurant, has years of experience working in numerous Italian, French, and Chinese restaurants both in Singapore and Japan.

The chef hails from Mie Prefecture ( next to Nagoya ) in Japan, and started out as a cook at hotel banquets there, serving French cuisine.

So why would you sell Asian curry at an Italian restaurant?

” In 2023, we served meal with a donburi strategy. Back then, I had a Chinese assistant to help, but she left, that’s why I changed the strategy. Curry is easy to make, and you can generate a lot of it”, he explains. &nbsp,

Elevate your instant noodles: Jjambbong and army stew ramyeon by Nae:um’s chef Louis Han

By: Marcus Ching

On: July 3, 2024

In: South-East Asia

Of course, he did n’t stop there. He added nai bai broccoli for beauty and appearance, baked beans for umami and beauty, onion for fragrance, and garlic, onion, chilli, rice cakes and Spam.

” Koreans want flavorful materials”, he said. Watching Asian plays while eating their pasta is another activity Koreans enjoy doing. ” What I watch depends on what my wife wants to watch”, Han quipped.

Growing up, he said,” I ate a lot of quick pasta”. At age 13, he started cooking, producing scrambled egg. Again, he decided to make a clean quick pasta, to which he added dairy. It was so bad,” I could n’t finish it”.

Commentary: What will it take for Singapore residents to get serious about recycling?

By: Marcus Ching

On: July 3, 2024

In: South-East Asia

But, a world full of stones would be an unpleasant position. Carrots have been shown to reduce leakage rates as well.

A two-year recycling trial using” smart boxes” in Bishan and Sin Ming shows a significant improvement over the typical 40 % level at the blue bins, with a contamination rate of just 10 %.

The bright boxes, operated by waste management firm 800 Super, collects paper, plastic, aluminium, steel cans, old clothes and glasses in separate bins. People may download an app and access the boxes using a QR code in order to use the boxes. They are awarded points for reuse, which can be exchanged for mall tickets.

Although some people are likely to enjoy the vouchers, this significant decrease in pollution price can also be attributed to a perceived decrease in contamination risk caused by the controlled access to the bins.

Another contributing factor could be the need to deposit recyclable items separately based on the type of material (” source-separated recycling” ) as opposed to the commingled blue bins, where all recyclables, regardless of type, are disposed of in one bin.

‘Heartbreaking’: Residents lament chopping down of ‘unauthorised’ trees at Aljunied HDB block

By: Marcus Ching

On: July 3, 2024

In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: An serious gardener, Mr Lim has planted some plants near his home at Block 126 Aljunied Road over the last century.

The 66- yr- ancient resident has lived in the area for about 30 times. Residents may produce ginkgo trees and additional edible plants and herbs for their use along with him and a group of other long-time neighbors.

But to their chagrin, most of the plants have been chopped over. Workers hired by Marine Parade Town Council, which is over the estate, last Wednesday ( Jun 26 ), removed trees that it claimed were “unauthorised plantings.”

” This is an ancient house, but there’s lots of space. In some lands like ours, all grows their own crops downstairs”, said Mr Lim, who did not like his full title published, in Mandarin.

” This is a unique feature of our village. I’m not sure why they do n’t want to keep it and make it something we can proud of.

But the city government said other residents had issues. Some of the plants and trees had opened empties that were blocked and unkempt, which affected cleaning procedures and led to mosquito breeding, according to the report.

Residents ‘ complaints about the inadequate maintenance of these unapproved plantings were also addressed by the community council. &nbsp,

It added that some of the trees were getting curved and that overgrown trees were harming a fence.

The city council carried out the removal of these seedlings in the area because there was no action taken despite numerous recommendations.

People who spoke with CNA spoke to Mr. Lim, who regularly appears in the morning and evening to clean the area and tend to the plants. &nbsp,

Mr. Lim clears the leaves in the dump more frequently than the house workers, according to Mr. Tan Chong Kiat, who objected to the city council’s claims that the drains were blocked. &nbsp,

” Every moment he’s there. And he’s doing it for free. He’s never asking for money, he’s doing this out of his personal passion”, said the 61- season- old native, who started gardening with Mr Lim during the COVID- 19 pandemic. &nbsp,

NACC urges probe into BMA

By: Barkar Nash

On: July 3, 2024

In: South-East Asia

raises questions about energy garbage trucks

PUBLISHED: 4 Jul 2024 at 05: 00

The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) is urging the Cabinet Secretariat to examine the 3.99 billion baht projects to lease electric rubbish trucks to stop corruption.

On Monday, NACC Chairman Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit wrote a notice to the Cabinet Secretariat to give it suggestions for what it should look out for to stop fraud in the projects.

In response to complaints, the NACC requested that four BMA plans to license 842 energy garbage trucks for five years in order to replace the current gasoline trucks whose rent agreements will expire this year. With the funds allocated in the last governmental season, the tasks full are for 3.99 billion baht.

The text suggests that changes to the projects could cause the BMA to pay higher fees because they might not be in line with the BMA budget rules.

In the email, the concerns about uncertainty in the task management are also addressed.

The uncertainty is reflected in the truck’s requirements, the lease’s duration, the building and management of charging stations, the truck’s maintenance costs, and the truck’s pilot projects.

According to the letter, these uncertainties could lead to the incapacity of energy trucks, the isolation of a vehicle supplier, and adverse effects on the BMA’s good waste management.

In response, the NACC gave the BMA and the cabinet three recommendations to prevent fraud in the projects, as per Part 35 of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption 2018, which allows the NACC to look into any circumstance it considers to be dishonest.

According to the NACC, the new projects will cause significant modifications to the BMA’s licensing of solid waste vehicles. As a result, the tasks may fall outside the Bangkok president’s expert.

The NACC suggested that the effectiveness of the cars may be related to the trucks ‘ specifications in order to give all truck suppliers the same opportunities to bid.

The NACC added that the BMA may create crystal-clear and efficient management programs for the projects. A lack of planning may impact the BMA’s designed objectives, it said.

Thousands applaud as prince adorns saffron robe

By: Barkar Nash

On: July 3, 2024

In: South-East Asia

In a glittering centuries-old meeting at the Royal Temple of the Emerald Buddha, his Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn traded his red military uniform for the basic yellow robe of a Buddhist monk on November 6, 1978.

He then became known as” Vajiralonggarano Bhikku” and served 15 days at Wat Bovornnives, where his father was also a monk.

The ceremonies were watched by Their Majesties the King and Queen, members of the Royal Family, secret councillors, the excellent minister and his case, the Policy Council, regional assemblymen, commanders- in- chief of the armed forces, and Thais watching on tv.

One of the honoreee guests was visiting Foreign evil top Teng Hsiao-ping, who presented his fingers in a “wai” to the previously ordained priest.

Clad in a black” Mao” suit, Mr Teng was greeted with applause from the crowd. When he was about to provide the temple, he was met by former prime minister Kriangsak Chomanan, deputy interior minister Prem Tinasulanonda, and supreme chief Serm na Nakhon.

The 26- yr- ancient Crown Prince’s locks had been reverently cut by his parents, his mother and his parental grandmother, after which an expert barber shaved his head.

While the majority of people gathered at the sanctuary from their residence television sets, including community scouts from various parts of the nation, there were several thousand people gathered at the temple.

ROYAL SPLENDOUR

After a meeting in the Paisal Taksin Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, the royal family made their way to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at around 2.15 p.m.

His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, donned a red coat and military garb. Her Majesty’s family, all in profound orange, Her Royal Highness The Princess Mother in yellow bright, Her Majesty the Queen in deep crimson royal fabric, Her Majesty the Queen in deep crimson royal velvet, and Her Majesty the Queen in deep crimson royal fabric, as well as Her Majesty the Queen’s Highness, all in deep blue, and Her Royal Highness The Princess Mother in pale yellow, created the lavish surroundings of the Emerald Buddha Temple to be filled

His Majesty the King lit candles in honor of Rama I and II, the two rulers of the Chakri Dynasty, and the statue of the Emerald Buddha. The statue is pictured here.

The Crown Prince and Their Majesties retired to a specially constructed room at the back of the temple so that the Crown Prince could have his head shaved. The monk’s robes were brought by a Royal Page.

As usual during an ordination ceremony, the King, as father of the monk- to- be, cut a ceremonial lock of hair, followed by Her Majesty the Queen. The Crown Prince’s hair was placed on a special pahn tong or golden tray, where the locks were placed. This ceremony is performed with an ordinary pair of scissors, but for this special occasion a special sword was used to cut the ceremonial hair locks.

The Crown Prince entered the blaze of brilliant candlelight reflected by the gold ornamentation as deep-toned gongs sounded and monks chanted. He was dressed in dazzling white and gold robes, in contrast to the plain white of the typical initiate.

This was indeed a great occasion, unique in Thailand’s history: For the first time, a royal ordination was televised so that millions could see it, a “once- in- a- lifetime ceremony”, as the television commentator put it at the time.

Nai Choon Yaen-eka, a skilled barber, conducted the head-shave ceremony. Afterwards, His Royal Highness took a ceremonial bath for purification. King Bhumibol Adulyadej used the customary three white dots of paste to decorate his son’s forehead.

Meanwhile, in the specially red- carpeted area of the temple outside the Crown Prince’s special room, then- prime minister Kriangsak Chomanan arrived with his guest of honour, vice premier Teng Hsiao- ping of China. Their counterpart, the Chinese ambassador, and an interpreter who spoke faultless Thai to vice premier Teng explained everything that had happened.

GLIMPSE OF GREATNESS

A large and orderly crowd had gathered outside the temple grounds and were patiently waiting for a glimpse of the adored Royal Family after the ceremony. If needed, boy scouts were present to provide their services.

Everyone took their places for the ceremony. The King and Queen are seated in special chairs beautifully decorated with the Royal Garuda emblem and sat facing the chapter of 30 senior monks led by His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch.

To the right of the Royal Family sat the government dignitaries, all in white uniforms, and their guests from China in dark blue.

Through the front door, the Crown Prince entered the chapel while shaving his head and wearing a pale gold robe above a white lower garment. He presented the traditional dork mai, toob, tian flowers, joss-sticks, and candle to the King, Queen, and Princess Mother. He then performed the same offerings to the statue of the Emerald Buddha, lighting candles in homage to the Triple Gem, and performing the five-point prostration while music from and conch-trums.

After saluting His Majesty the King, the monk- to- be or nahk ( serpent ) as he is called in Thai, received his set of robes from his father and went to kneel before his preceptor, the Supreme Patriarch, from whom he asked permission to become a monk.

Every layman, be he Crown Prince or pauper, must go through an identical ceremony to become a monk.

He must first be declared a samanera or novice. In a follow-up to the same ceremony, only those over the age of 20 can become full monks. The entire procedure was conducted in the ancient Pali language, and His Royal Highness, like every nahk, had to master some 40 lines of Pali word- perfectly before the ceremony.

After His Holiness had enlightened the Crown Prince about the significance of his coming monkhood, he decided to drape the monk’s upper robe over His Royal Highness ‘ neck.

Once more the trumpets and conch shells blew as the Crown Prince departed to don the saffron robes for the first time in a row, accompanied by His Majesty the King. During the course of doing this, the entire distinguished assembly stood. The tone of the music was that of a piphat, or Thai classical band.

The Crown Prince came back in a sarong and striped robe. Barefooted, he knelt and touched his head at his father’s feet in filial obedience. His robe revealed that he was a novice. He made fresh offerings to the Supreme Patriarch and asked in Pali to be given the precepts while being accompanied by his attendant.

This was done by His Holiness from a large, elaborately decorated, pear-shaped fan, known as a talabhat. With the glittering and distinguished audience, it was a scene of unforgettable splendour.

Pita presses Pheu Thai on promises

By: Barkar Nash

On: July 3, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 4 Jul 2024 at 04: 02

According to Move Forward Party ( MFP ) chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat, the ruling Pheu Thai Party must fulfill its pledges to improve parliament transparency and efficiency, pass a new political amnesty bill, and move forward with armed forces reforms.

According to Mr. Pita, these commitments were made in a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) signed by the MFP and Pheu Thai before the coalition government was formed.

At a meeting held on Wednesday, the opening day of the fresh legislative session, he made the remarks. They targeted Srettha Thavisin, the case, and other events who had accepted the MoU.

Former Prachachat Party leader Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the current leader of the House, was chosen for his present position to break the pact between Pheu Thai and the MFP when the eight potential coalition events led by the MFP tried unsuccessfully to form a government last year.

Padipat Suntiphada, who was then an MFP MP for Phitsanulok territory and was being nominated by the group for the House presenter position, was rather made the party’s primary deputy speaker.

In what was thought to be a political maneuver, Mr. Padipat was afterward expelled from the MFP, allowing the party to take the lead in the opposition while keeping his deputy House speaker position.

A member of an opposition group is prohibited by law from having one of its people occupy a House speaker or assistant speaker’s position at the same time.

Additionally, MFP list-member Nutthawut Buaprathum, speaking in his power as the opposition’s key punch, consulted the House meet regarding the possibility of allowing more than two House sessions per month.

Given the high number of bills pending consideration, he claimed repeated meetings were required.

US kicks off new academic programme

By: Barkar Nash

On: July 3, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 4 Jul 2024 at 04: 00

To strengthen educational relations with Thailand, the United States has launched a new scientific premier program.

The walk was announced by Robert Godec, the US embassy, during a media briefing on Tuesday at a US Independence Day welcome, celebrating 248 years of independence and the 190th anniversary of US- Thailand relationships.

He said the embassy has introduced an education initiative called the International Academic Partnership Program ( IAPP ) by partnering with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, as well as the Institute of International Education ( IIE ) as the implementor of IAPP Thailand.

To encourage more student- and faculty exchange programs, combined research projects, and scientific collaboration between the two nations, IIE and the official chose 18 US and 29 Thai universities and colleges to take part in the IAPP.

The IAPP may also aid participating institutions in developing frameworks to maintain and advance those partnerships, developing partnerships with like-minded institutions, and drafting foreign education proper plans.

However, the ambassador even touched on the F- 16 fighter jet request that the US made to the Thai state. He said the security relationship is essential. The US and the state are working together to modernize the air force, and the US is committed to supporting this endeavor.

” We believe that the F-16 is a remarkable aircraft that is extremely competent. We are talking with the government, but I wo n’t go into any further details,” he said.

Regional haze challenges discussed

By: Barkar Nash

On: July 3, 2024

In: South-East Asia

The Asean colleagues make a number of positive contributions to improving surveillance and avoidance, thanks to the Environment Minister.

PUBLISHED: 3 Jul 2024 at 22: 11

Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan says Thailand has reiterated its commitment to working with local partners to increase efforts to combat intergovernmental haze pollution.

At a gathering of an Asean sub-regional ministerial committee on cloud waste in Bangkok on Wednesday, Pol Gen Phatcharavat made the declaration. Representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand were represented, along with young Asean part Timor- Leste as an spectator.

He expressed his gratitude for the efforts made by members to track, watch, and avoid transnational cloud waste in the Asean deal. The creation of the Southeast Asia Fire Danger Rating System and the creation of the Asean Coordinating Center for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control have been significant improvements.

In Thailand, he said, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, together with the Royal Forest Department, observe flames on peat and agricultural areas in the South during the flames period from July to September, in an attempt to minimize impact on people’s health and environment.

The two-day gathering ended up with a positive statement, affirming cooperation in limiting transnational haze pollution effects, and bringing up updated technology and information sharing to improve outcomes.

The southern Asean region’s Asean Specialized Meteorological Centre ( ASMC) anticipates above-normal rainfall in the upcoming months. However, there remains a danger of intergovernmental haze occurring. Some fire-prone places can still be predicted to have hotspots with smoke plumes or cloud, especially during cooler months.

Deferred Senate poll result ‘not a postponement’

By: Barkar Nash

On: July 3, 2024

In: South-East Asia

Results will be verified when it is certain that the poll commission’s vote was” clean, honest, and legal.”

PUBLISHED: 3 Jul 2024 at 20: 00

UPDATED: 3 Jul 2024 at 20: 48

The Election Commission (EC ) has indefinitely delayed announcing the verified results of the Senate election, citing unresolved issues that still need to be addressed.

Ittiporn Boonpracong, the president, said he disagreed with those who viewed the selection as a delay. He claimed that the deadline of July 3 was just a rough estimate for announcing the effects.

No precise date will be given for the release of the vote results, as per the natural laws regarding the Senate composition. The EC just needs to set aside five days after the election’s last round to get complaints.

The EC did announce the qualified outcome when it is certain the vote was clear, fair and valid, said Mr Ittiporn.

When questioned about what precisely was stopping the EC, he merely stated that the news would only be made once the EC had completed its tasks.

” This is n’t a postponement. The empty work will have to be done before the EC you make an announcement”, he said.

The EC does release the election results as a preliminary research is still being conducted. So, do n’t call it a postponement”.

The Senate’s Secretariat has been given a location to house the 200 new lawmakers who did report to the office starting on Sunday, according to custodian senator Somchai Swangkarn, who announced on Wednesday.

He claimed that that action demonstrated that the poll body’s choice to not release the qualified results on Wednesday was simply a ploy to avoid criticism.

According to Mr. Somchai, the EC does n’t want to be accused of failing to ensure the election was impartial before rushing to get the results verified.

A resource said on Tuesday that the EC has so far reviewed more than a thousand concerns about suspected disqualification of a number of senators-elect and reported election rules violations.

Some folks who strongly followed the procedure claimed to have discovered a lot of strange things. For example, some individuals had never voted for themselves, although they were allowed to do so. This indicated that their only intention was to cast ballots for specific people as per instructions from particular attention groups or social events.

Numerous senators- elect have even faced criticism for recognized profiles that were imperfect, inaccurate, inflated or simply misleading. More than a few were alleged to have relationships with political events or other vested interest organizations. The senators is supposed to be quasi- political.

During the multi-level Senate vote that ended last month, Mr. Somchai himself provided evidence of what he claimed was votes fraud.

His problem concerns four suspected circumstances in Si Sa Ket, Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram and Trang regions, said the senator.

According to Mr. Somchai,” Do n’t ever say you did n’t have the evidence to support these alleged misconduct cases because it was already presented to you along with the complaints,” referring to the Election Commission.

The three-stage vote method came to an end on June 26 when 2, 989 individuals— who had already won more than 45, 000 votes in the first round — cast their ballots at Impact Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi.

The new senators will have 200 members drawn from 20 professional organizations in place of the 250 senators who were appointed by the military and whose terms ended on May 10 and were due to expire on May 10.

Unlike their predecessors, new lawmakers are not empowered to join in&nbsp, legislature’s vote of a prime minister. They will continue to review regulations that the House has passed, appoint members of separate organizations, and monitor the effectiveness of the executive branch.

South-East Asia (Page 986)