Southern Economic Corridor still pursued as logistics boon
PUBLISHED: 24 Apr 2025 at 19: 24
SURAT THANI: The government is moving forward with the development plan for the Southern Economic Corridor ( SEC ), a development project for economic and transportation infrastructure that will improve the link between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand while promoting more robust economic growth.
At a pondering conference on Thursday in Surat Thani, assistant transportation secretary Manaporn Charoensri and public and private parties from Surat Thani, Ranong, Chumphon, and Nakhon Si Thammarat regions exchanged views.
All of these individuals were representatives of organizations that were influencing this grouping of southern counties ‘ economic growth.
The minister said,” The authorities now treats the advancement in the South as important because it has a demonstrated ability to grow in terms of both financial and hospitality development.”
If properly developed, the country could possibly offer better carry links to Asia via the region, according to Ms. Manaporn, who lives between the Andaman and the Gulf of Thailand.
A land bridge to connect the two coasts is included in the draft bill that the ministry’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning ( OTP ) has created for the SEC, she continued.
The SEC, which was approved by the government on August 21, 2018, includes financial developments in Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat as well as a number of transportation projects, including a double-track coach system passing through these southern provinces, as well as a hospitality enhancement job.
Prior to a conference, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the administrators of these southern regions, as well as other local government and civic organizations, agreed that the creation of a transportation system to better connect the Andaman and the Gulf of Thailand needed to be done more quickly, according to Ms Manaporn.
By bypassing the Malacca Strait, the area gate may significantly increase the ease of moving goods between the Indian Ocean and Asia, she said.
According to Ms. Manaporn, the OTP has consulted with traders, created an environmental impact assessment, a business development plan, and made suggestions for investors.
No Thai cabinet reshuffle anytime soon: DPM Phumtham
PUBLISHED: 24 Apr 2025 at 19: 13
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, there is no indication of an oncoming cabinet reshuffle from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who has the final say in the matter.
The second-most effective government minister in the state, Mr. Phumtham, a member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, said he has never heard from Ms. Paetongtarn about the latest governmental portfolio.
Mr. Phumtham was responding to growing rumors that he might leave his position as minister of commerce and resign from the Srettha Thavisin leadership.
According to reports, some lawmakers who served in the Srettha state, for as Sutin Klungsang, who held the post of defense minister, may also appear in the upcoming shakeup.  ,
Mr. Phumtham claimed he was free to work in the pantry however he wanted to. He argued, however, that any discussion of a change was entirely fanciful.
He claimed that Ms. Paetongtarn has emphasized the need for collaboration between departments and that she dislikes rumination among case users.
” I’ve never heard from the prime minister regarding her ] wants to have a shakeup,” he said.  ,
According to Mr. Phumtham, Ms. Paetongtarn, who is also the party’s leader, has effectively listened to issues affecting the organization.
According to reports, many Pheu Thai MPs expressed concern about the ongoing decline in the price of agricultural goods, sparking rumors that Mr. Phumtham might be reappointed to change the then-ex-chief commerce minister Pichai Naripthaphan.
However, Mr. Phumtham argued that people ‘ opinions shouldn’t automatically lead to change.
” We can’t please everyone, and neither should we,” he said. It’s certainly possible to control emotions.
However, Mr. Phumtham remarked,” What we must do is keep what is right and control what is appropriate.”  ,
But, Mr. Phumtham acknowledged that a cabinet reshuffle should be carried out after the upcoming budget spend bill is approved by parliamentarians.
The government has requested a special meeting to discuss the 3.78-trillion-baht costs costs for the upcoming fiscal year on May 28 and 30.
However, there hasn’t been a “new” concept about a cabinet reshuffle, according to Mr. Phumtham, adding that the federal also enjoys the majority of parliament’s support.
Islamabad says any India threat to be met with ‘firm reciprocal measures’
On Wednesday night, really over 24 hours after militants killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir, New Delhi suspended a water-sharing agreement, announced the closing of the major property border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic relations, and withdrew applicants for Pakistanis. Expelling American diplomats and postponing permits for Indian nationals wereContinue Reading
GE2025: Eight parties to deliver campaign messages in political broadcasts
Singaporeans will be able to watch eight political parties deliver their campaign messages for the 2025 General Election on free-to-air television and radio during two-party political broadcasts, with time being allocated for this by the Infocomm Media Development Authority ( IMDA ). The candidates may send promotion messages in eitherContinue Reading
Singapore Red Cross to send another S$600,000 in aid to Myanmar in wake of deadly quake
Comfort EFFORTS QUESTIONS
Access is one of the biggest obstacles to these reduction efforts.  ,
The majority of the earthquake-hit places in Myanmar are in areas that are the subject of the ongoing civil war.  ,
Although a stalemate has been declared, there are still issues, which make it difficult for charitable organizations to determine which safe spaces they can get, according to Mr. William.
This is in addition to the fact that a lot of equipment has collapsed as a result of the earthquake, which makes it challenging to enter the affected areas, he continued.  ,
The IFRC representative to ASEAN, Mr. Elkhan Rahimov, added that the shifting focus of the public on different issues poses a new challenge.
” Unfortunately, even with the tragedies on this level, attention shifts very quickly from one emergency to the next,” he said.  ,
However, he continued, the neighborhood is always the first to respond.
The SRC has so far raised more than S$ 4 million through its open attractiveness for those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar.  ,
The SRC acknowledged that while the need on the ground is urgent,” the good outpouring of support has enabled SRC to provide important help.”  ,
It has urged the general public to continue to support the damaged areas.
The SRC is holding open charity appeals until May 30 for the earthquake in Thailand and Myanmar and until April 30.  ,
Outgunned on NGAD, Lockheed doubles down on F-35 – Asia Times
Lockheed Martin, which is competing in the next-generation US warrior opposition, is betting heavily on turning the F-35 into a “fifth-gen-plus” fighter by retrofitting today’s technology into the plane of the future to be competitive.
According to multiple media sources, Lockheed Martin’s CEO, Jim Taiclet, will not contest Boeing‘s bid to award the US Air Force’s$ 20 billion Next Generation Air Dominance ( NGAD ) fighter contract.
The business announced plans to incorporate technology from its stale NGAD charge into improved versions of its F-35 and F-22 combatants.
By making the F-35 into a warrior from the fifth-gen plus, Taiclet stated during an earnings call that Lockheed aims to “deliver 80 % of sixth-generation capacity at 50 % of the cost.” Advancements may include secrecy, passive infrared sensors, advanced tracking, and weapon systems, some of which are currently being developed as part of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade.
According to Lockheed executives, the company plans to trade some of these improvements, area to US federal approval. With a planned 3,500 F-35 ships worldwide, Lockheed hopes its upgraded jets will provide a cost-effective option to the unnamed, possible multi-million-dollar NGAD aircraft.
Lockheed is partially cut out of all publicly known advanced warrior courses as a result of the NGAD determination, which was made by US President Donald Trump in March 2025. Boeing offered NGAD the “best general value,” according to the US Air Force.
The F-35 may be upgraded to a mirror finish as part of the Next Gen 2.0 OML Coating Program, which is crucial for the terrible, acidic maritime environment used in plane carrier-based operations, according to a March 2025 article from Naval News.
Additionally, David Cenciotti and StefanoD’Urso notice that the camera covering might be able to shield the F-35 from low-power lasers in an August 2022 essay for The Aviationist.
In an article for Air &, Space Forces Magazine in October 2024, John Tirpak mentions that the F-35 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) is designed to improve the strength and life duration of the aircraft’s Pratt and Whitney F135 vehicles, which have suffered in recent years as a result of increased and innovative tools installed on the plane.
Tirpak points out that the F-35’s Block 4 upgrade’s cooling, performance, and electrical power requirements are met by the ECU upgrade.
The F-35 is unique from most US fighters because it was developed using an EOTS ( EOTS ) IRST system from the beginning, but the A-EOTS upgrade offers improved resolution, multi-spectral range, greater reliability, and lower operating hour costs.
TWZ reported in January 2023 that the new AN/APG-85 radar, which is most likely a gallium nitride ( GN ) based system, could significantly increase the F-35’s radar range and resolution and support more dynamic electronic warfare tactics.
The A-EOTS AN/APG-85 DAS combination, combined with the Distributed Aperture System ( DAS ), which gives F-35 pilots a 360-degree view through the aircraft, can significantly improve the aircraft’s” see-first, shoot-first” advantage.
Although much of the secretive weapon’s capabilities are classified, as stated by TWZ in a February 2025 article, new armaments, such as the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile ( JATM), could significantly increase the range and lethality of the F-35 in US military service.
Integration restrictions, however, mean upgrades will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary; however, the F-35 must operate within the physical and technical constraints established years ago. For instance, the US Director of Operational Test & Evaluation ( DOT & E) FY2024 Annual Report mentions that significant hardware and software issues have resulted from integrating the Technology Refresh-3 ( TR-3 ) avionics upgrade, which is necessary for Block 4 mission capabilities.
Due to poor mission system software performance, the report claims, the program had to put off the delivery of aircraft equipped with TR-3 due to these issues.
The constraints of the F-35’s existing TR-2 architecture, according to the report, limited the scope of feasible improvements and highlighted inherent limitations set by legacy design choices.
According to The Asia Live, some analysts claim that sixth-generation fighters involve fundamental design changes that can’t be accomplished by upgrading existing platforms, such as the F-35.
These include “digital first” architecture, adaptive engines for optimized performance, and airframe shapes for better stealth, according to the report.
Upgrades would be useless if the F-35’s reliability issues were not addressed, in addition to those challenges. According to the US DOT&, E FY2024 Annual Report, the US F-35 fleet falls short of a number of reliability standards set out in the Joint Strike Fighter Operational Requirements Document ( JSF ORD ).
The F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C fail to meet important thresholds for mean flight hours between critical failures ( MFHBCF), which determine how frequently serious failures occur that prevent mission completion or compromise flight safety, in FY23.
Additionally, the report mentions that trends in the mean corrective maintenance time for critical failures (MCMTCF ) and mean mean repair time ( MTTR ) have not improved significantly, which indicates that there are ongoing challenges to keeping aircraft readiness.
The F-35 could become a viable replacement for other upcoming sixth-generation aircraft thanks to Lockheed Martin’s effort to retrofit it with some sixth-generation technology.
For instance, the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS ) was listed in the country’s Annual Report on Major Projects 2023-2024 with a red rating. A red rating, in the report, indicates that the project’s success appears to be unachievable, with significant issues emerging as unmanageable or unresolvable.
Additionally, Justin Bronk mentions that the UK-Italy-Japan Global Combat Air Program ( GCAP ) is unlikely to produce a product that is more expensive than the F-35 in an April 2023 article for the Royal United Services Institute ( RUSI).
The UK’s FCAS is made up of the GCAP. The former is a global collaboration, while the former is a UK initiative that makes use of its partners ‘ industrial and technological expertise for advancement.
Although Bronk points out that the F-35 is not a flawless program, decades of US expertise and investment in cutting-edge sensors, weapons, electronic warfare, stealth, as well as ongoing upgrades and retrofitting have had undeniable results.
He mentions that every air force that has evaluated the F-35 against US or European competitors chose it because of its unmatched ability to operate in contested airspace. According to Bronk, if the GCAP is constructed in the 2030s, it won’t be able to compete with the F-35 of the future.
However, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program’s evolutionary strategy may not be effective against adversaries who favor technology transition. China may have flown prototype sixth-generation fighters already and may be gearing up for serial production with 3, 500 F-35s that are eligible for the fifth-generation upgrade. Making such improvements too slowly, too little, and too late is a long way off.
GE2025: How the main political parties address economic concerns in their manifestos
SINGAPORE: As world difficulties persist, concerns about the economy and job security have come up as significant issues for the upcoming General Election. In response to rising trade tensions, The International Monetary Fund this week decreased its forecast for global growth for this year to 3.4 % from 2.8 %.Continue Reading
GE2025: Focus is on Tanjong Pagar residents, not opposition coming to contest, says PAP’s Chan Chun Sing
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing stated on Thursday ( Apr 24 ) that the People’s Action Party ( PAP ) team’s focus is not on the candidates in Tanjong Pagar GRC, but on the residents.  ,
After a haywire in the Telok Blangah Mall property, Mr. Chan addressed the media with his electorate team-mate Rachel Ong, saying,” Our main focus is often resident-centric.”
” Our work continues therefore, whether folks come or don’t, regardless.” That’s why the most crucial thing is a regular, steady work schedule rather than a nine- or 10-day plan.
Alvin Tan, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Culture, Joan Pereira, and Foo Cexiang, the new face on PAP’s stone in Tanjong Pagar, are the other people on the party’s Tanjong Pagar stone.
Prabu Ramachandran, a commercial banker, Nadarajan Selvamani, Nadarajan Selvamani, Rickson Giauw Joon Chai, a safety officer, and Soh Lian Chy, a senior logistics assistant, will join them in a People’s Alliance for Reform ( PAR ) side.
Mr. Chan led his team in a wander around Telok Blangah, which was formerly represented by Ms. Ong when it was governed by West Coast GRC on Thursday. Additionally, Radin Mas and Mr. Melvin Yong were among the prospects for PAP for , Queenstown SMC, Mr. Eric Chua, and , Mr.  ,
Any candidate is encouraged to battle, we welcome that, Ms Ong said regarding the upcoming vote. For myself, I will concentrate on the requirements of this place so that I can continue to learn about our people, our position, and how to get to understand them more and more deeply each day.
GE2025: Five one-term MPs step down as PAP seeks refreshed team, highest number in recent polls
NEO SOON GRC CARRIE TAN
Ms. Carrie Tan is the leader of Daughters of Tomorrow, a non-profit organization that aids people in poverty. She recently stated that she didn’t think she suited the PAP candidate mold.
A” modify” in Ms. Tan’s personal life, according to Miss Soon anchor secretary K Shanmugam, would require her to go “quite a little.”  ,
Ms. Tan stated in a statement to the media that she felt it was the “right choice” to move away and let someone younger and more ambitious rule. She confirmed that she would not work for a second term.
She added that she is pleased that she assisted in the establishment of a caregiver resource center in Nee Immediately.
Ms. Tan’s name was mentioned 191 times in the most current name of parliament according to a search conducted on Hansard.
This report shows how many questions, speeches, and participants in disputes on bills, the resources, motions, adjournment motions, and other topics were raised.  ,
DERRICK GOH ( NEE SOON GRC )
The group’s chief operating officer is DBS Bank, led by Mr. Derrick Goh. When he was formally declared a candidate for the PAP in 2020, he stated that he hopes to improve the working relationships between the state, companies, and individuals to improve the lives of Singaporeans.
His most recent occupation advancement required him to go “extensively,” according to Mr. Shanmugam. Mr. Goh agreed that having a “full commitment” may be required to serve as an MP.
Mr. Shanmugam claimed that Mr. Goh had made sure that the Nee Quickly Town Council’s finances remained in a “healthy place” as chairman.
According to a research on Hansard, Mr. Goh’s name appeared 92 days.
DON WEE ( CHUA CHU KANG GRC )
Mr. Don Wee, who is now UOB’s head of development planning, stated during his prospect entry that he hopes to assist small and medium-sized businesses in overcoming the difficulties they encountered during the crisis.
Mr. Wee expressed his confidence in the fresh team’s ability to continue to “build on the solid foundations we have laid along” by addressing his term-end on social media.
The brand” Mr. Wee” appeared 264 days in a Hansard research.
MOHD FAHMI ALIMAN ( MARINE PARADE GRC )  
Mr. Mohd Fahmi Aliman is the original deputy chief executive of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and the president of South East District. He stated in 2020 that he wanted to promote low-wage staff ‘ happiness in important service.
On April 20, Mr. Fahmi posted a video on social media showing how his neighbors have praised him for the changes to their holdings. He wrote,” It’s been a true honor to serve and develop alongside this community.”  ,
According to a search on Hansard, his name was mentioned 86 times for the most current term in the legislature.
NG LING LING ( ANG MO KIO GRC ),
In her member history, Ms. Ng Ling Ling, who was formerly Community Chest’s managing director, stated that social factors have always been something she loves.
Ms. Ng stated in a social media post on April 19 that while she could not fix every issue, she hopes that people will benefit from her “humble work” through specific projects, community activities, and meet-the-people events.
According to a research on Hansard, her name was searched for 170 days.
GE2025: What the main political parties’ manifestos say about addressing the rising cost of living
SINGAPORE: Political parties are responding to the rising cost of living by offering a range of coverage thoughts in response to one of the defining issues of the 2025 General Election. CNA examines key proposals to ease Singaporeans ‘ burden as the five functions in the race for the mostContinue Reading