Man arrested for suspected cheating offences involving over S$2 million
SINGAPORE: A 36-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a series of cheating cases involving over S$ 2 million ( US$ 1.5 million ), the police said on Saturday ( Aug 17 ). Local businesses filed numerous police reports between November 2023 and August 2024 over errorsContinue Reading
Made in Korea: Could K-pop trained Brit band be the new One Direction?
BBCThousands of screamers from viewers. A global trend. A multi-billion ounce company. No, it’s not Taylor Swift ( this time ). We’re talking K-pop.
And with four of 2023’s top 10 best-selling acts coming out of South Korea, the Brits want a piece of the action.
Move forward recently created boy band, Dear Alice, who applied to take part in the latest BBC One skills show, Made in Korea: The K-pop Practice.
Meet Blaise, Dexter, James, Olly and Reese. From now on, you may learn a little bit more about them.
None of them were intimate before the showrunners put them together as a channel after each audition.
The fresh-faced band were then flown out to South Korea’s money, Seoul, for 100 times of comprehensive K-pop training with fame in their sights.
Most K-pop education takes weeks or even months. The boys ‘ experience involved extended hours of vocal training, intricate dance, and a little Korean sight-seeing thrown in for good measure ( and good Television- the North Korean tourist board will be thrilled ).
The six-part set is a partnership between the BBC, K-pop superstar company SM Entertainment and Moon&, Up Media, run by Television soldiers Dawn Airey, Nigel Hall and Russ Lindsay, whose back library includes shows such as The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and Saturday Night Takeaway.
Hee Jun Yoon, the creative power behind some of the biggest K-pop songs of the past 20 years, views the singer’s performance at the end of every week, and it’s safe to say she pulls no blows. Perhaps the mind of BBC spontaneous information, Kate Phillips, says Hee Jun “makes Simon Cowell look like Mary Poppins”.
Cowell, the past X Factor head prosecutor, is, of course, starting his own search for a child band in a pending Netflix series that is still being produced.
Without giving too much apart from Made in Korea’s first season, Hee Jun gives the channel a huge wake-up visit in week one with some uncompromising criticism. ” The level of choreo is so simple, it’s hospital level”. Oops. Her physical expressions only have the potential to get popular.
The boys wo n’t be tipped as to whether any of them intended to end the show at any point. ” You’ll have to wait and see”, says Olly Quinn, 20, from Sunderland, a new student in dance and musical theater. ( Clearly, the media training has also been exacting ).
They only said they’re still “rehearsing hard” and that the effort and harsh feedback was worthwhile, and that they have n’t signed a record deal yet.
Londoner Dexter Greenwood, 22, who also trained in music theater, says:” It was difficult work, truly challenging but the end justifies the means. I believe that SM’s staff was very patient, but we were “different from what they anticipated”!
Reese Carter, 20, from Wiltshire and a previous cruise ship comedian, adds:” At first it hit challenging but we had a wonderful security team in place… and it was all done with love.
” They’re fair because they want to drive us to be that much better. I enjoy the suggestions. They’re on our side. We had happiness, a career coach, we had persons living with us regularly, you may walk inside and talk to someone, “he adds.
Olly concurs:” It’s the brutal honestly. We needed it.”
In episode one, the band’s performance is undoubtedly different from a later video clip that was shown to the audience for a preview.
Coco Yeonsoo Do is a K-pop dancer and choreographer, and was a former member of KAACHI, considered the UK’s first K-pop girl group.
She claims to the BBC,” It’s really difficult to make a K-pop group reach BTS or Blackpink level,” but training is what distinguishes successful groups.
” It’s very intense and competitive,” says Coco.
She adds that the latter’s production is one of the main differences between UK and US pop groups and K-pop ones.
” It’s obvious, but K-pop groups work more like a group, and emphasise the group identity, rather than individuality,” she adds.
Following allegations over very strict and punishing training regimes by wannabe K-pop stars over the past few years, Korean press reported the introduction of regulations to ban some unfair practices in contracts between K-pop trainees and entertainment companies.
The producers of The K-pop Experience have obviously given welfare a lot of thought.
Helen Wood is a professor of media and cultural studies at Aston University, and she is pursuing a study on the importance of decency in television.
Following a number of reality stars ‘ suicides in 2019, there was a Parliamentary Inquiry and Ofcom Consultations on the broadcasting code.
In 2020, the media watchdog announced new rules to protect those taking part in TV shows.
” Now there’s more pressure on production to make sure that they’re taking due care of the welfare, dignity and wellbeing of participants that go through production,” she says.
” That’s not to say that things were n’t in place before 2021, but there’s now much more regulation.”
A requirement to show audiences that a duty of care is being enacted is another key change that the new Ofcom code introduces, she adds.
This means pulling back the curtain to show viewers some of the behind-the-scenes production procedures to make sure they are aware that contestants are properly cared for.
The band members ‘ welfare has been at the center of their training, according to a Made in Korea spokesperson, adding that there was a” strong support team in place” and that the band’s welfare continues to be the top priority.
Reese claims that they also lacked support from one another.
” We ‘ve]the band ] grown closer and closer over the last couple of months. Although there was great welfare there, there were many instances where we were n’t required to visit them because we were strong enough as a group.
Blaise Noon, 19, from London, is the baby of the band but appears to be taking it all in his stride. He graduated from the Brit School and appears to be the most confident.
There are a lot of really good things we can take away from this hybrid fusion, he says, and they are really fortunate to have had the advantage as a British band to be submerged in the Korean training regime.
Interestingly, most of them have never had any desire to be in a boy band until now.
James Sharp, 23, from Huddersfield, is one half of the Sharp twins, whose TikTok account has amassed 5.5 million followers.
He says he thought boy bands were” cringey”, Blaise laughs as he recalls feeling” too cool” for them although Dexter was always a fan. Olly also received instruction in K-pop from his auntie, who runs K-pop fan pages.
All agree, though, that this was too big an opportunity to pass up.
But how did they come up with the name of the band?
They discovered a restaurant in Seoul called Dear Alice after Olly’s suggestion of British bulldogs was quickly scotched ( ca n’t remember why ).
They all liked it and it stuck.
” The’ dear’ is like a letter to the fans” and Alice stands for’ a love I ca n’t explain”, says Blaine.
More to the point, the restaurant” sold the best beef wellington in the world” according to the lads.
Although not exactly your typical Korean dish, Dear Alice will be hoping a similar cultural fusion will be the key to their success.
On Saturday, August 17th, at 17 :15 BST, BBC One and BBC iPlayer will air the first episode of Made in Korea: The K-pop Experience.
Ruchira Sharma provided additional reporting.
Govt urged to fund debt help scheme
Money to purchase seized property
PUBLISHED: 17 Aug 2024 at 06: 20
The Land Bank Administration Institute needs more cash, according to the Supha Wongsena Foundation for Debtors ‘ Rights Reform, to help people pay off their debts.
The Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) held a seminar on reducing household debt last Thursday at the DSI Academy in the Nong Chok district.
Arjin Joonglook, the foundation’s evil president, said her company is working on a job to help debt avoid having their possessions seized. She used an instance from Phatthalung as an illustration.
One person allegedly owed money to the Government Savings Bank, but Ms. Arjin contacted the basis for assistance. The Land Bank of the Land Bank Administration Institute product was obtained by the foundation for the debtor.
The creditor submitted his loan application, and in three to six months, he was given a loan to buy back his home. Additionally, the institution provided him with career education so he could make more money.
” I want the government to give the Land Bank a bigger finances,” said Ms. Arjin, so that it can assist more borrowers in resolving their economic issues asap.
The administration’s plan to “end women’s hardship”, which next prime minister Srettha Thavisin announced on May 17 of last year, includes plans to address issues regarding various types of loan, including home loan, debts owed to farmers, and debts owed to the Student Loan Fund, said Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, who attended the conference.
According to Pol Col Tawee, the government has at least partially met the aim, citing the Interior Ministry’s success in settling casual debts.
But, he said 90 % of all debts are elegant ones, adding three million cases related to such debts, worth tens of thousands of baht, have been filed with the Legal Execution Department, with lenders in 700, 000 cases having had their property seized.
The minister claimed that the government’s top priority is to assist citizens in paying off their official debts. A 470 million baht budget was approved by the House’s subcommittee on land, buildings, and state enterprises at a meeting last Friday. The budget was approved without being reduced by the subcommittee.
City hails food bank scheme for homeless
PUBLISHED: 17 Aug 2024 at 06: 01
According to City Hall, its food banks program has transformed 315 tons of leftover food that would have otherwise been thrown away as waste into over 1.3 million dishes for the state’s underprivileged and vulnerable inhabitants.
Since BKK Food Bank launched on Aug 8, individuals and businesses across the town have donated 315, 741.42 kg of profit foods, which have been redistributed to 67, 449 citizens in want, said Pornphrom Vikitsreth, director to Bangkok government Chadchart Sittipunt on conservation.
” The project has also helped cut the state’s carbon footprint by 789, 825.79 kgCO2e]kilogrammes of CO² equivalent ]”, said Mr Pornphrom.
BKK Food Bank, which is one of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s ( BMA ) programmes designed to ensure food security, is meant to improve access to food among low-income and vulnerable groups, said Mr Pornphrom.
” Left unused, profit meal would have to be discarded as spend, which has a negative effect on both the environment and the economy”, he said.
” With a good management system, surpluses could be redistributed to people who ca n’t afford food for whatever reason,” according to the article.
From Tuesday through Thursday, donors may drop off income foods at the BKK Food Bank drop-off location in their neighborhood. He explained that the food may be stored at the city office for after supply.
Those who are interested in giving are encouraged to get in touch with their neighborhood area company for more details.
Pattaya welcomes 12m-plus visitors
a million more than the year 2023 itself.
PUBLISHED: 17 Aug 2024 at 05: 47
According to the local Tourism Authority of Thailand ( TAT ) office, Pattaya welcomed more than 12 million visitors in the first six months of this year, a million more than in 2023.
Urai Mukpradabtong, director of the TAT Pattaya company, reported that Chon Buri province’s tourism industry experienced a 9.32 % increase in customers, up from the 11.61 million reported during the same time last year.
Of the 12.69 million visitors to Chon Buri and Pattaya capital from January to June, most of them were Thai, with 7.2 million recorded, while the other 5.49 million were foreigners, Ms Urai said.
With 25 million more people visiting Pattaya for the entire year, up from the previous month’s history of 23 million, the TAT anticipates one million more guests to the state in the latter half of this year. Ms. Urai saw the figure as a great option for commerce companies to work toward promoting the market by utilizing the advantages of the province.
These include the short journey from Bangkok and strong ties between the private and public areas in promoting commerce events, she said.
The county has hosted a number of visitor-friendly events, including the Pattaya Marathon and the Vijitr Chonburi Light Festival, which took place last month in Koh Loy of Si Racha area, as well as the Incredible Music Festival, which runs from August 31 to September 1.
She said the Pattaya International Firework Festival will take place on November 29 through November 30.
Every quarter, especially in the low season, the TAT regional office has made an effort to organize tourism promotion events for Pattaya and another Chon Buri regions. Additionally, it has collaborated with the providers of U-Tapao Airport and Lion Air for a sweepstakes that has increased traffic to Pattaya during the rainy winter.
Cabinet to be named in 3 weeks
PUBLISHED: 17 Aug 2024 at 05: 30
Within three days, the decision Pheu Thai Party expects to unveil the new government.
Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Friday, following legislature’s vote for the new elite, it will be freshly installed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s constitutional right and duty to make political decisions and maintain conversations.
Since the previous administration is over, Mr. Phumtham made it clear that the governmental positions will not fall under the earlier quota.
” There wo n’t be any old quotas. When the previous government stops, it’s up to the new leading to explain and negotiate with all the party rulers”, said Mr Phumtham.
” I think the current situation will encourage people to believe collectively, and the new prime minister will need to consult with coalition partners to establish what is still correct in the current situation,” Mr. Phumtham continued.
According to Mr. Phumtham, the supervisory change is not an entirely new arrangement. Ms Paetongtarn, as the new elite, may need time to discuss the problem with all alliance partners.
Sorawong Thienthong, secretary-general of Pheu Thai, said the timeframe to form a new government should be within three days of Ms Paetongtarn receiving royal support. She can then create a new case and send the names ‘ list for royal approval.
The new president will finally deliver the House the government’s policies, which the constitution mandates are required to take within 15 days of the oath-taking day.
The Bhumjaithai Party’s head, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, stated that the celebration has already informed the coalition leader that it will not change the party’s current positions, which are four governmental and four assistant supervisory positions.
Everything should be the same, according to Mr. Anutin, and the celebration has proposed its deputy head Paradorn Prissanananthaku for concern as the first Deputy House Speaker.
He claimed that Ms. Paetongtarn has been a Pheu Thai head throughout the previous administration and has had the opportunity to collaborate with all the coalition lovers.
In addition, Sanan Angubolkul, the Thai Chamber of Commerce chairman, stated that the TCC will share information with the government to find ways to implement monetary stimulus measures and alleviate common suffering.
IN FOCUS: A father and daughter’s journey to find their long-lost relatives in China
Amy thought she had gained a lot from her brief but valuable journey.  ,
I came into my family in China with no expectations and small knowledge, but meeting them gave me a sense of hope that there is more to learn about and more relatives to get to know,” she said.  ,
We all talk loudly like we want to fight, and I do n’t think we look alike, but I did notice some similarities with my relatives in China and Singapore. The women in our community also have a tendency to get round and large, Amy said in a chuckle.  ,
” I certainly feel a sense of connection with them… When we met them, it was different from meeting a man or perhaps long-lost friends, there was no challenge. We only embraced each other without any doubts and it just happened naturally.
Regarding her father, he claimed that feeling at peace after seeing his family once more.  ,
My parents had frequently discuss the family’s situation in China and the home they had left behind when I was younger.  ,
” But going back this time, I may see for changes in their life, and that made me feel so glad and comforted me, too,” he said.  ,
A Century REUNITED
Amy and her father assisted in finding our long-lost friends by bringing closure to community members on both sides of the household who had long apposed to rekindle their relationship but were unable to do so.  ,
Knowing that this line of relatives existed and that we were then in effect gave my home a sense of accuracy and comfort.  ,
I called my friends in China after I questioned whether it was the same as it was for them. For family from Shantou and Singapore to be able to communicate on Twitter, Amy had established a group.  ,
Unable to communicate Teochew, my family became my interpreter, helping me to ask the questions I did not possess the vocabulary to respond.
What struck me as I listened to my family and her aunt talking in Teochew and how it appeared to be some sort of connection between the two despite never having met.
” Can I contact you big girl? You’re older than me best? “asked my family’s aunt Chia Xi Qin in Teochew.
To which, my mother replied” Well! I believe I’m a few years older than you.
During the call, Xi Qin, who had been in Shenzhen working when Amy visited, told us that his mother ( Amy’s aunt ) had initially been wary when the pair showed up at the door.
Our family was a little cautious, but when she realized who they were, she welcomed them, said Xi Qin,” For decades, we did not have any contact with our family in Singapore, and then abruptly one showed up.”
We were already aware that we had relatives in Singapore, and Amy’s mother and some of her sons had already visited us. But when Amy sent us photos of her aunties in the Twitter group, I soon recognized them.
I have a strong idea of Amy’s mother because she used to stay for at least a month when she visited us. She would often bring clothes with her, and I would always make a quick decision to take the people I liked the most, he joked.
I could tell Amy’s mother was in trouble when she last visited, but she said she may return the next year, but she never did.  ,
” Amy and her dad showed up at our door without any communication or word from the other side all these times.”
” This attend meant a lot to us,” he said. The Singapore and Chinese cousins in my generation have never met each other, we do n’t even know what each other looks like, but we are finally in touch and for that, I’m very, very happy”.
Three weeks have passed since our last visit, and the dust has settled. When abuzz with a burst of messages, videos and ancient photos, the household chat group is now mostly peaceful.  ,
But unlike the silence that both sides endured for so many times, this one is secure. Our Chinese family are a message or contact away from our family, despite decades of unconnectedness.  ,
Commentary: We need to think hard about joss paper burning habits
NOT JUST ABOUT THE SMELL
Singapore’s technique so far is one of tolerance and expediency. We ca n’t completely stop burning, but we can continue to ignore the problem year after year.
To be honest, there have been fewer concerns over joss paper losing. During the Chinese New Year time this year, city governments and government organizations logged 567 problems, down from 761 instances during the same time in 2023, marking an all-time small.
Although the AfA’s complaint reduction points to progress and powerful advocacy, our population density increases as Singapore’s people grows. More and more people are residing closer and closer up, which means that a greater number of homes are affected by the by-products of joss paper using at any one day.
The problem is not just about taste or discomfort. According to studies in air pollution, like dust, whether religious or not, poses a growing threat to public health. In other words, it’s not just about the unpleasant scent; it’s also about improving one’s health.
However, as household wealth likewise increases, people are similarly tempted to buy more and lose more. There are plenty of companies willing to fulfill desire in our customer community. One only needs to enter a supermarket right away to purchase as much papers as possible and burn a Fort Knox value of “gold paper.”
As an away, we might want to know whether the amount we burn is a reflection of the desires of our grandparents or whether the existing are under pressure to “keep up looks.” Are our wishes to protect against misfortunes unfairly influenced by a world that is driven to consume more and consumes more each month?
“Ung Ing” vows to serve all Thais
Thaksin’s girl is world’s youngest PM
Paetongtarn” Ung Ing” Shinawatra, perfect minister-elect, has vowed to work with dedication to make chances and enhance the quality of life for all Thais.
After acknowledging the House of Representatives voting in her favor to be Thailand’s 31st prime minister, the 37-year-old daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra acknowledged the media’s support for her.
Without a doubt, Ms. Paetongtarn won enormous support from the House of Representatives to become the nation’s 31st prime minister. She is the region’s youngest prime minister.
She received 319 seats of support, including all six MPs from the criticism Thai Sang Thai Party, 145 seats against, and 27 nays, which came from the Democrat Party, the House Speaker and the subsequent Deputy House Speaker.
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the coalition partner Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) and Pheu Thai list-MP Chalerm Ubamrung, who recently challenged the party to expel him, were absent.
Srettha Thavisin, who was dismissed on Wednesday by the Constitutional Court for an honest infraction, was succeeded by Ms. Paetongtarn.
The Pheu Thai head thanked the House for their assistance and pledged to carry out her duties to the best of her capability following her endorsement. Before receiving royal assent, she made no comment on state activities or the allocation of cabinet seats.
She claimed that despite criticism for her lack of experience, she could handle the demands of the department, stating that her strongest points are her unwavering drive and cooperation skills.
” We, the Pheu Thai Party and the partnership parties, will work together to create prospects, improve the quality of life and generate electricity for all Thai people”, she said. ” Now, I feel respected and extremely happy. I appoint myself to do my best every day and whenever I can. I think everyone does turn out well.
After her father and uncle Yingluck, Ms. Paetongtarn is the next person in the Shinawatra family to hold the position. Thaksin’s brother-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat, also quickly held the position in 2008. Thaksin and his younger sister, Yingluck, went into exile after martial dictatorships against their institutions.
The events in the partnership state agreed on Thursday to support the election of Ms. Paetongtarn as prime minister.
Sorawong Thiengthong, Pheu Thai’s secretary-general, elected Mr Paetongtarn as the prime minister member after House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha convened the conference at 10am yesterday.
The movement was supported by 291 MPs, with no other participant. Miss Paetongtarn was no present at the meeting. Before voting began at 11.11am, government and opposition MPs gathered to question the nomination of the prime minister.
At 5pm yesterday, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, President of the House of Representatives, told investigators that he submitted Ms Paethongtarn’s title for the prime minister part to the Royal Palace for His Majesty the King’s acceptance according to procedure.
” After this, we are waiting for the royal assent, which will be notified to the Office of the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives again”, he said.
Thai Prime Minister Hun Manet congratulated Ms Paetongtarn on her visit, saying the House’s help is a testament to the Thai person’s trust and confidence in her command.
Thakorn Tanthasit, secretary-general of the Thai Sang Thai Party, said he and other party Lawmakers voted in support of Ms Paetongtarn to stop the political pump after Mr Srettha’s treatment.
He claimed that the group had no vested interest in the outcome and that the party had never reached any agreements, and that the party’s MPs wanted a new administration to solve their issues as soon as possible.
Mr. Thakorn claimed that he and party leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, who was upset by the Members ‘ decision, do not share a rift and will explain the situation to her. Khunying Sudarat claimed on her Instagram page that their choice conflicts with the group’s philosophy and social standards. She said the group’s board may join to regard their behavior.
Ageing society a boost for care industry
PUBLISHED: 17 Aug 2024 at 04: 00
According to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office ( TPSO ), the country’s ageing population is promoting the growth of the elderly care sector.
Thailand is now an aged community, according to director-general Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, who notes that the delivery rate is declining while the number of older people continues to rise.
According to United Nations ( UN) data, 13.06 million people in Thailand were aged over 60 last year, accounting for 20 % of the total population. This was an increase of 4.3 % over the past year.
Over the past ten years, the number of older people has increased by an average of 4.8 % per four times. The rise in the age of the general population has been linked to a number of components, including the rise in the number of singles, a reduction in the beginning frequency, and increased longevity as a result of advances in medicine and technology.
Mr. Poonpong claimed that the current circumstance is opening up new opportunities for different businesses, such as care homes.
According to an analysis by Zion Market Research, the world old treatment market’s value is projected to increase from US$ 1.02 trillion last year to$ 1.96 trillion by 2032.
The Asia-Pacific industry will have the biggest growth due to its growing people, advanced technologies and reputation as a retirement destination.
There were 708 nursing homes in 55 regions last year, with the number growing by 25.1 % annually on regular since 2018 according to Mr. Poonpong, adding that 887 legal institutions are operating elder care businesses in Thailand.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Region ( BMR ) offers entrepreneurs a great opportunity to enter those other markets because the majority of nursing homes are there, he said.