More changes likely if digital wallet delayed
Genetically deserving individuals anticipated receiving cash starting the following month
PUBLISHED: 27 Aug 2024 at 22: 05
The funds bureau announced on Tuesday that the 10, 000-baht online budget plan will get put on hold until the following fiscal year, which will begin on October 1.
Information of the money handout plan will have to be clarified again once the new case it is formed, said Chalermphol Pensoot, the department’s director.
The Pheu Thai Party’s personal plan is to distribute 10,000 baht to as many as 50 million people, but getting money for it has been a difficult decision. Additionally, many critics hold the program against it because it does n’t give the party the promised economic lift.
According to Mr. Chalermphol, those who are truly in need would probably be the first to qualify for the funds.
That would include the around 14 million people who hold state security cards, and the rest who are people with disabilities.
He claimed that the costs would be covered by the 2024 governmental budget, which approved 122 billion ringgit, and the northern funds, which approved 20 billion ringgit.
The Ministry of Finance has yet to approve the last amount, but it was expected to be distributed in September.
Mr. Chalermphol claimed that the government is on record to start the program by the following month because the subscription procedure has already been completed.
” But, if the flyer cannot be implemented on occasion, the project will get put on hold and a new budget planning must be re-drafted if the project is is to resume,” he said.
Another 30 million registered individuals may become eligible to receive the money when the fiscal resources for 2025 comes into effect in October.
However, these individuals must still be thoroughly checked in order to prevent unintended repetition of payment. When the program is available, the cash will be distributed in electronic pockets, said Mr Chalermphol.
Lighthouse Canton boosts North Asia and SEA wealth management teams | FinanceAsia
Singapore-headquartered Lighthouse Canton has appointed Stella Lau as managing director, wealth advisory where she will be strengthening the company’s client base and leading the growth strategy for North Asia.
A market veteran, Lau has over two decades of private banking and leadership experience. She was previously Greater China market group head at Deutsche Bank and has held similar roles, managing and expanding North Asia market teams at JP Morgan, UBS, and Credit Suisse.
Lau’s team will provide co wealth solutions to ultra-high-net-worth clients, families, and institutions.
In addition, Charlene Lin has been promoted to managing director, strategic growth – North Asia and Southeast Asia (SEA). A founding member of Lighthouse Canton, Lin has been pivotal in establishing the company’s presence across Asia since its inception in 2014, a statement said.
Shilpi Chowdhary, Lighthouse Canton’s group CEO, said in a statement: “Under the leadership of Stella and Charlene, I’m confident that we have a formidable team, deeply committed to delivering excellence and innovation. Their extensive experience and expertise are invaluable assets to our company, and I’m certain their teams will be instrumental in advancing our growth strategy.”
Rapid growth
In H1 2024, Lighthouse Canton reported a 89% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year to assets under management (AUM) of $3.7 billion.
The firm’s AUM is expected to cross $4 billion by the end of 2024 with growth in markets including Singapore, the Middle East, and India. Additionally, it has seen a 23% increase in hires since the start of the year and is continuing to make strategic appointments across business lines.
Lighthouse Canton employs more than 160 professionals across its offices in Singapore (based in Collyer Quay – pictured), Dubai, India, and London.
The firm offers wealth and asset management services to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, family offices, private accredited investors, and institutional investors.
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¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.
New out-of-prison detention rules defended
Justice Minister disputes that if ex-PM Yingluck is reinstated, she may gain from it.
PUBLISHED: 27 Aug 2024 at 21: 52
In spite of problems that it might benefit former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong has defended a new law that allows criminals to get detained outside of captivity.
The Department of Corrections suggested the rules to reduce prison overcrowding because it can only house between 150 000 and 160 000 prisoners, according to Pol Col Tawee on Tuesday.
According to the office, the latest prison population globally is about 220, 000.
According to Pol Col Tawee, the rules, which even designates institutions as detention services for sick residents, and is in line with Parts 33 and 34 of the 2017 Corrections Act, is viewed as an impressive solution.
Other detention facilities must not be viewed as offering comfort to inmates while also providing them with rehab or career training, as required by the Act.
He claimed that Yingluck, who was imprisoned on September 27, 2017, for failing to stop false and corrupt corn sales, had nothing to do with the law. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions on that day.
Before the judge sentenced Yingluck, he fled the nation.
According to Pol Col Tawee,” The Ministry of Justice is certainly aware of any advancements regarding reports of Yingluck’s reported plan to get a royal pardon.”
He stated that the Corrections Board, which includes representatives from various organizations like the Office of Attorney-General, the courts of justice, and local government, has completed and may review the guidelines and registration requirements for individuals who may be detained outside of captivity.
The guidelines do not specify how long a prisoner had serve before being eligible for other detention.
He noted that each captivity did evaluate an inmate’s behavior before making a decision.
However, he said those available for other confinement may include ill inmates, those over 70 years older, or female inmates.
Each prison may decide on appropriate locations for other detention facilities, according to Pol Col Tawee, who claimed he was not in charge of creating the criteria.
” We need accountability.”
Past Democrat , head Jurin Laksanawisit demanded on Tuesday whether those found guilty of fraud and misconduct under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, like Yingluck, may be eligible for the rule.
” We need accountability to prevent further divisions caused by another prisoner receiving preferential care,” he said.
Given how well that turned out for her nephew, former prime minister Thaksin, debate has been rife that Yingluck may acquire returning and submitting to the justice system has become a thing.
Thaksin, 75, returned to Thailand past August after 15 years of self-exile, having jumped bail and fled the country in 2008.
He was given an eight-year jail sentence on his return to Bangkok the day he was freed from office in 2001-2006 for conflicts of interest and abuse of authority.
He spent six months in Police General Hospital, not one day behind bars. He was eligible for probation in February based on his time, his health, and the fact that he had already served half of his word.
His pardon came to an end on August 18, a few days before the scheduled time, as he was a part of a second royal pardon.
Air force chooses Gripen jets from Sweden
New cabinet members must also take into account decisions made after reviewing Finnish and US offers.
PUBLISHED: 27 Aug 2024 at 20: 59
The Royal Thai Air Force announced on Tuesday that it had chosen to purchase Job fighter jet from Sweden rather than US-made F-16s.
According to ACM Phanphakdee Phattanakul, the air force captain, an air pressure choice committee made the decision after reviewing more information submitted by both challengers on August 20.
These details primarily dealt with so-called offset, such as technology transfer and training, which the Thai government has been placing greater emphasis on when conducting procurements.  ,
After reviewing all of the elements, the board chose the Gripen E/F over the F-16 Block 70/72 planes, ACM Phanphakdee was quoted as saying in a speech.
He claimed that the weather force would then prepare documents to describe the details to the community and his superiors about Saab from Sweden and Lockheed Martin from the US.
The air pressure has been looking for four new fighter jets to begin a detachment of a few outdated F-16s that are scheduled to close in the near future. It had previously expressed a desire for the Gripen, according to solutions.
Following the recent poll of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the government is expected to remain formed in the coming weeks. The new government is currently waiting for final approval.
ACM Phanphakdee praised the heat agency’s decision, claiming that the new aircraft would be crucial in expanding the organization’s capabilities.
As also, the fighter jets had offer maximum benefits in terms of the world’s safety and protecting its independence, the statement said.
Public space linking Little India, Kampong Gelam and Waterloo Street among proposed plans along North-South Corridor
The 21.5km North-South Corridor , is meant to enhance communication from , Singapore’s northwestern territory to the city, serving cities such as Sembawang, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Novena and Rochor.  ,
It has underwater caverns in the south and viaducts in the northeast.
According to previous LTA statements, if floor road traffic is diverted to these bridges and caverns, it will open up 30 football grounds of road space for other purposes.
Expected to be completed in phases from 2027, it will also be the , country’s second included carry corridor that includes communicate vehicle lanes, pedestrian paths and riding trunk routes.
Society SPACES, GREENERY
The landscape architecture strong Henning Larsen developed ideas for the exterior streets along the , North-South Corridor.
The company and its associates have been appointed , Master Plan Consultant for the exterior streets, LTA announced on Tuesday, after reviewing ideas from , 25 various local and international architecture teams.
According to LTA,  , Henning Larsen had envisioned , the , North-South Corridor , as a horizontal hall featuring four different personality segments- a 6km Community-Industrial section, a 7km Ecological Loop, a 5km People’s Wellness Corridor, as well as a 3.5km Cultural-Heritage section.
More than 20 public space nodes will be lining these four segments, which “represent the distinctive characteristics of the adjacent neighbourhoods and destinations,” the agency said.
In Ang Mo Kio, for instance, one idea is to create an area that , features nature-based public spaces, cycling paths, footpaths and play areas lined with greenery. These would connect the corridor to neighbourhoods and places such as , Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Meanwhile, the northern stretch of the corridor could include spaces for a playground, art installations and cycling beneath the corridor’s viaduct at Gambas Avenue.  ,
2 police officers injured in landslide in Malaysia while preparing to dispose of an old bomb
In the Johor district of Kluang on Tuesday ( Aug 27 ), two police officers in Malaysia were seriously hurt as they were getting ready to dispose of an old bomb. A bomb waste product from the Johor police dependent office was dispatched to Taman Sri Lambak at about 8.50am,Continue Reading
Kuala Lumpur sinkhole: Residents worried about safety but experts caution against speculation, suggest preventive measures
WAS IT THE LIMESTONE?  ,
The Indonesian capital has been rife with information sharing past studies findings that show its geology makes it susceptible to sinkholes, landslides, and rockfalls.  ,
According to a 2017 study by researchers from the Universiti Teknologi MARA’s University of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, Kuala Lumpur has two distinct geological structures: The Kenny Hill Formation which consists of geological stones, and Kuala Lumpur Limestone Formation with “highly uneven karstic components”.  ,
According to the study, rapid development over the past 158 decades has resulted in” specific shifts in terrain and geologic such as the presence of sinkholes.”
Sinkholes can be carefully managed, the authors claim, such as by properly mapping hazard zones before any development takes place, even though they may be fully prevented.
Some cities around the world are, in reality, built on stone, said Dr Lim Choun Sian of the Geological Society of Malaysia.
” It is not really a red flag to build on limestone”, he told CNA. You may make sure that the design and structure are based on accurate studies and there are accurate prevention measures in place.
The cause of final Friday’s event is still not known, researchers noted.  ,
While the state’s common limestone rock is well-known, this does not apply to all places of Kuala Lumpur, noted Dr Nor Shahidah Mohd Nazer, an analyst in geographical architecture and ground mechanics.
Dr. Lim agreed that it has not been established that the Masjid India place was constructed using stone.  ,  ,  ,
” It is possible that it is, but we ca n’t say until there are checks. Because nearly half of Kuala Lumpur is made of limestone, he said, persons are guessing it’s true.  ,
“We have to establish the kind of geology and conduct thorough investigations.” Continue Reading
India police tear-gas protesters over doctor’s rape and murder
In the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, authorities had used tear gas and water cannons to pelt down thousands of protesters who want justice for the apprentice doctor’s murder and murder earlier this month at a state-run doctor.
The 31-year-old’s body was discovered, sparking a national outcry about the gender crime problems.
On Tuesday, thousands marched to a federal building in Kolkata, demanding the withdrawal of West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.
After being critical of the local police’s slow progress, a hospital volunteer has been detained in connection with the crime. It has since been turned over to India’s Central Bureau of Investigation ( CBI ).
The protesters chanted phrases and clashed with authorities, who used batons to disperse the crowd.
Namita Ghosh, a university student at the opposition, told media company AFP the masses intended to “protest calmly” before the stick charge.
A senior officers official, speaking secretly, said at least 100 demonstrators were arrested for” creating murder”.
Since the shooting on August 9th, a number of rallies have been staged. Tens of thousands of people from across West Bengal took part in the Reclaim the Night protest on August 14 to require “independence to live in liberty and without anxiety.”
However, some of the protests have since turned into chaotic political rallies, with authorities colliding with BJP protesters who are protesting the state government.
The BJP, which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi but is a West Bengal opposition party, has accused Ms. Banerjee’s state of creating an uncomfortable environment for women, which they claim led to crimes like the doctor’s murder.
Her half-naked, mutilated body was discovered in a conference room at RG Kar Medical College, where she apparently had sat down for a while during her move.
India’s Supreme Court has said the incident had “shocked the conscience of the nation” and criticised authorities for their handling of the investigation.
Ms Banerjee’s government has announced a slew of actions for women’s health at organizations, including designated retiring areas and CCTV-monitored” safe areas” at state-run facilities.
Since the person’s death, more assault incidents have been reported in India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remarked that “monstrous behavior against women should be greatly and swiftly punished.”
How did Taiwan’s President Lai perform in his first 100 days in office?
UNFORTUNATE REFORM BILL
The president is authorized by the policy to call on the parliament to issue normal reports and respond to questions from lawmakers. The legislation also includes businesses and the general public.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets to rally the validity of the law.  ,
The two main opposition parties, the nationalist Kuomintang ( KMT ) and the less populist Taiwan People’s Party ( TPP ), were the main supporters of the Bills.
” The extremely aggressive move by the two opposition parties to pass the Bill has annoyed members of the public”, said Wang Chih-Sheng, director general of Taipei-based think tank Cross-Strait Policy Association.
” The citizens want checks and balances with the ruling group,” the statement read. However, when it was done in a very simplistic approach, it really sparked their desire to back or sympathize with Lai.”
Foreign Army THREATS
Lai has had to cope with the frequent military threat from China across the sea.
The 64-year-old has long been branded a” troublemaker” and a dangerous” separatist” by China.
His commencement speech in May, in which he claimed that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are” not inferior to each other,” further irritated Beijing, which held the claim that the two factors are distinct state.  ,  ,
He even rejected Beijing’s independence claims and said that simply Taiwan’s people can determine their future.
China has since increased military exercises with planes and staged belittle attacks by launching “punishment” drills in its area of Taiwan, escalating tensions more across the sea.
However, numerous studies have shown that more than half of the Japanese public support Lai’s notes.
According to experts, this is mainly due to a lot of Taiwanese, especially the young people, never being ready to accept a reconciliation with China right now.
” Lai had frequently say that Taiwan and China are not superior to one another. I believe it gives him the assistance of people between the ages of 40 and 45,” Wang said.
He continued, noting that Lai is more a demagogue and had a more eloquent position than Tsai Ing-wen, who had a less ambiguous position on cross-strait issues.
CROSS-STRAIT Relationships
According to experts, Lai’s statements have now heightened his bottom line in terms of cross-strait relations.
He is unlikely to adopt an even tougher position despite rising in the polls, as any more actions against Beijing depend on the growth of relations between China and the US.
” It does n’t seem like the US would want to create more trouble. The US has been using the brakes to stop Lai,” said National Taiwan Normal University professor of social technology Chu Chao-Hsiang.
I do n’t think he would be able to adopt a tougher or more aggressive position toward China, even if his approval rating increases by another 10 percentage points.
Cross-strait conflicts are unlikely to alleviate any time soon, watchers said. Lai has consistently offered deals with China under similar standing, but has been rebuffed.
According to experts, Beijing is unlikely to engage in discussions or resume official markets with Taiwan as long as Lai rejects the” One China” process.
Taiwan is expected to increase its military spending to a report US$ 20 billion second year in order to strengthen its defense capacity as Beijing’s military maneuvers in the waters and airspace around Taiwan are becoming more frequent.
The Lai administration wants to keep Taiwan’s gross domestic product ( GDP ) growing at 3 %, keep the unemployment rate under 3.5 %, and cap inflation at 2 %.
It even plans to bring US$ 3.29 trillion in assets in proper business, which would be selected and targeted by a cross-ministry work pressure.
About S$6.8 million lost to fake bulk order scams in last 5 months
SINGAPORE: At least S$ 6.8 million ( US$ 5.2 million ) has been lost to fake bulk order scams since April, with more than 420 cases reported, said the police on Tuesday ( Aug 27 ). According to the authorities, recent incidents targeted the food and beverage and services industries.Continue Reading