One in ten kids face food poverty: UN
Survey shows issues with infant nutrition
PUBLISHED: 8 Jun 2024 at 04: 30
One in ten Thai children under five years old experience severe food poverty, while globally, one in four kids face similar struggles, according to a new report from the United Nations Children’s Fund ( Unicef ).
The document titled” The Child Food Hardship: Nutrition Deprivation in First Childhood” analysed the effects and reasons of diet deprivation among children in nearly 100 countries.
” Bad diets can have profound effects on children’s physical and mental health”, said Kyungsun Kim, Unicef Representative for Thailand. Eating healthy food and receiving adequate nutrition are necessary for their well-being and are a fundamental right that are necessary for their survival and growth.
Out of 440 million children international under five years of age, about 181 million are experiencing extreme baby food poverty according to disparity, fight, and weather crises. The report also noted that 65 % of these children reside in 20 countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and South Africa.
Children living in extreme food poverty are those who are fed no more than two meals groups per day, while the lowest dietary should be at least five out of the eight defined food groups, which are breastmilk, eggs, dairy products, grains, flesh foods like meat, vitamin A- wealthy fruits and vegetables, and various fruits and vegetables.
The report also found that about 84 million children ( or 46 % ) of the 181 million kids living in severe child food poverty belong to poor families, and about 97 million children ( or 54 % ) belong to non- poor families.
This suggests that baby food hunger is not the only factor in home income. The option to consume unhealthy foods and beverages is another factor.
According to Unicef, Thailand’s nationwide survey also indicated worries about infant feeding. Just 29 % of children are breastfed exclusively during the first six months, according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey conducted by the National Statistical Office and Unicef in 2022. The study also found that 13 % of children under five were stunted, and 7 % were thin due to prolonged poor nutrition.
Stunting and wasting are more prevalent in children from poor homes, children from non-Thai families, and those whose mothers have little or no training. At the same time, obesity in young children in the kingdom is on the rise, with 11 % of children under five obese in 2022, up from 9 % in 2019. Consuming food and beverages with higher glucose and fat content is the main reason.
According to Unicef, a number of factors are contributing to the child food poverty crisis, including food systems that do n’t offer children nutritious, safe, and accessible options, families ‘ inability to buy nutritious foods, and parents ‘ inability to adopt and maintain effective child-feeding strategies.
Cheap, nutrient-dense, and bad ultra-processed foods and beverages are frequently aggressively promoted to parents and families and are now the norm when it comes to feeding kids.
Two British judges quit Hong Kong’s top court – Asia Times
After lawmakers in the United States and the United Kingdom demanded sanctioning the city’s foreign judges and accused them of ratifying the government’s crackdown on political dissent, two non-permanent judges from Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal ( HKCFA ) have submitted their resignations.  ,
English lawyer Joshua Rozenberg Houston broke the news that Lawrence Collins resigned as a non-permanent judge of Hong Kong’s highest court on Thursday.  ,
According to Collins, I have left the Court of Final Appeal due to the political climate in Hong Kong, but I still have full confidence in the courtroom and the people ‘ complete freedom.  ,
He declined to explain what social position concerned him.  ,
Jonathan Sumption, who has served the Court of Final Appeal since 2019, told the Financial Times that he had also resigned. He promised to submit a declaration in due course.  ,
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong ( CFHK) Foundation on May 14 released a report titled” Lending prestige to persecution: how foreign judges are undermining Hong Kong’s Freedoms and why they should quit.” The two judges resigned. Edward Carmichael, president of the All- Party Parliamentary Group on Hong Kong, hosted the record release.
According to the report, Sumption was involved in a 2021 situation that supported the widespread use of violence charges to arrest violent protesters.
Additionally, it stated that Collins took a leave of absence in September of 2021 when he and another courts were required to report their financial rewards to the Court of Final Appeal.
The two of them resigned after the United States ‘ Congressional-Executive Commission on China ( CECC ) called on the Biden administration to use the authority granted by the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act and the Hong Kong Autonomy Act to impose sanctions on prosecutors, judges, and other individuals who helped to undermine Hong Kong’s rights and autonomy.
The Hong Kong Judicial Sanctions Act, introduced by a number of US Representatives to keep Hong Kong authorities responsible for human rights violations, was demanded by the Congress.  ,
Laws governing federal safety
After anti-extradition protests broke out in the former British colony between June 2019 and early 2020, Beijing passed a federal security law for Hong Kong in June 2020.
In September of the same year, veteran Australian judge James Spigelman resigned from the Court of Appeal citing concerns about the sweeping scope of the Laws governing federal safety.
In a letter to The Times in March 2021, Sumption stated that Beijing’s demands for the revocation of European judges had nothing to do with criminal freedom or the rule of law but were meant to persuade it to change its position on politics.
He argued that judges ‘ participation in political protest was not a correct function.
Robert Reed and Patrick Hodge, two former UK Supreme Court judges, resigned from Hong Kong’s highest jury in March 2022 in response to American state force.  ,  ,
Serving people of the UK Supreme Court were prohibited from sitting on Hong Kong’s judge by Lord Reed, who argued that they had abdicated the country’s “values of political independence and freedom of expression.”
The UK state, according to finally Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, was against removing serving British judges from the HKCFA. Next Hong Kong government Chris Patten demanded the removal of British courts from Hong Kong’s major court in July 2023.
In his X account, Kevin Yam, a attorney and social activist who was wanted by Hong Kong authorities for crimes against national security, writes that Sumption and Collins are “probably the strongest commercial doctors of the foreign courts on HKCFA.”  ,
According to Yam,” Collins was the prerogative of the commercial table in England,” while” Sumption was the prerogative of the commercial club in England.” Herbert Smith, a long-time partner of London dispute powerhouse, is a world-leading authority on conflicts of law issues. Their departures” a serious blow to the HKCFA’s bench of corporate cases.”
Roberto Ribeiro and Joseph Fok, the two regional permanent judges, are the first two to resign from the HKCFA, he claims. He claims that the HKCFA’s total caliber will change once they leave because there are no comparable candidates who Beijing considers socially acceptable to replace them.  ,
Documents with dread
On Friday, Andrew Cheung, chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal said in a speech that he noted” with dread” the defections of Collins and Sumption.  ,
He stated that the courts is dedicated to upholding Hong Kong’s judicial independence and rule of law.
The bar organization expressed regret over the defections of two prominent court courts, but added that the court’s administrative functions would not be affected by their departure.
According to Chan Chak-ming, leader of the Hong Kong Law Society, the organization supports keeping non-permanent courts from other countries in Hong Kong, as stated in the Basic Law.
Chief Executive John Lee expressed regret at the defections. According to Lee, Collins had stated that he still believed in the Court and that its people were completely independent.
Ta Kung Pao, a pro- Beijing news, said in its editorial on Friday that, although Collins claimed that he was concerned by the “political position” in Hong Kong, he really resigned due to the pressure from the UK.  ,
It claimed that a smear campaign that sought to undermine Hong Kong’s judicial independence and undermine the foundation of the city’s rule of law included the publication of the CFHK report and the arrest of some Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office ( HKETO ) staff members last month. It stated that a plan like this is doomed to fail.  ,
In March this time, the Hong Kong government passed new national security policy, known as Article 23 of the Basic Law. On May 28, it used the rules for the first time to jail six persons, including Chow Drop- Tung, a attorney and human rights activist who has been jailed on additional charges, for rebellion.  ,
Read more: Hong Kong’s fresh safety laws concern overseas companies
Following Jeff Pao on X at , @jeffpao3
House panel wants more groundwork
PUBLISHED: 8 Jun 2024 at 04: 00
A specialized House committee that studies the Land Bridge proposal suggested that the government set up a management board and hold more hearings before construction begins structure.
Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri, a lieutenant state spokesperson, said yesterday that the council presented its advice to the government on Tuesday.
The study covered several dimensions of the Land Bridge initiative, including definitions, formats, purchase models, growth guidelines and expected benefits.
Before proceeding, the commission suggested that a clear structure and goals become established.
The committee urged the government to ensure community involvement and provide accurate information to promote knowledge and public support for the project in relation to property confiscation and the environment.
New organizations may be established to monitor and ensure that the gate blends with the surrounding system.
Additionally, the committee suggested that the government work with the Policy Committee for the Eastern Economic Corridor ( EEC ) and the Council of State. Learning from the EEC’s experience may help identify hurdles and find answers. Additionally, the study demonstrated that it is necessary to gather public opinion, and that public information should be sourced from the related organizations.
The government should summarise its plans for using modern technology to attract foreign investment, economic smart.
Ms. Radklao claimed that the cupboard gave the Transport Ministry instructions on Tuesday to collaborate with important organizations to come up with legal recommendations and wrap up the studies. They do forward the reports to the government for approval before sending them to the Cabinet Secretariat.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit also stated that the overseas private businesses, especially those in Dubai and China, were interested in funding the project after running overseas roadshows.
” I am convinced that this job may come to fruition”, said Mr Suriya. The roadshows were successful because “many people expressed interest in the project.”
The next step is to submit the schedule to the legislature for legislation-drafting.
By the end of 2025, companies ‘ bids are anticipated to be submitted with the drafted Southwestern Special Economic Zone expenses by the upcoming period.
Mr. Suriya promised to drive for development to start right away after the bidding process was finished.
Maybe not so united
Perhaps no more united
Srettha: Wants to are- list cannabis
The development of the much-anticipated digital pocket handout plan may lead to the end of the coalition’s ferocious relationship.
Some critics are beginning to suspect that the decision Pheu Thai Party may not be as uptight as it may be if the knife is thrown at it and that the populist program might not even be seen in print.
The reviewers feel the plan hinges on the strength of relationships between the alliance partners. The president’s expensive handbook plan, however, appears to be justified in the eyes of the public.
Despite government officials repeatedly refuting the idea of an internal rift between them and the ruling party, Pheu Thai has touched a nerve with the major right-wing partners, Bhumjaithai and the United Thai Nation ( UTN) Party.
Although this state has entered its ninth month in office, some observers reckon it has managed to do amazingly well to keep partnership unification, considering the party backgrounds are worlds off.
Under the preceding management, which was led by former prime minister Gen Prayut Chan- o-cha, Pheu Thai after had a hostile relationship, especially with the UTN, which was still a part of Palang Pracharath, which is now a partnership party. He was in charge of the May 2014 revolution that overthrew the next Pheu Thai-led state.
Pheu Thai has maintained a fairly unbreakable link with Bhumjaithai. Bhumjaithai has explicitly stated that it has never spoken or behaved poorly against any political group for a long time and has made enemies of no one in politics. Its “central” position and medium size make it a good fit for the party to form any coalition government.
But when it came to the legalisation of cannabis, Pheu Thai and the Bhumjaithai have not seen eye to eye. Pheu Thai opposed the plan, which was supported by Bhumjaithai when it was in the Prayut Chan- o gan leadership, both before and after the public vote next year.
Social spectators were betting that now that the two parties are in the same coalition, they can find common ground and work through their disagreements. But as it has turned out, the problem has not only gone unanswered, it is looking to have led to holes in state unity.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed his schedule to decriminalize cannabis use in a state-owned media outlet France 24 a few months ago. According to reports, he reportedly argued that the social benefits of legalizing cannabis outweigh the monetary benefits of making it available for both medical use and research purposes.
The same information was relayed to the public first next month by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin who reaffirmed Mr Srettha has set a deadline for the ministry to are- list cannabis as a opioid before the year is out. Mr. Somsak argued that the premier should have the plant recriminalized” the sooner, the better”
Anutin Charnvirakul, a leader of Bhumjaithai and interior minister, said the plan to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic should be studied and evaluated by several health committees before any action is taken.
Although Bhumjaithai had pushed for the decriminalisation of cannabis, Mr Anutin, a former public health minister, said he would accept the outcome if health committees opt to reclassify the drug.
Pheu Thai was testing the party’s patience and friendship while working for the UTN when Pichai Chunhavajira, the newly appointed finance minister, was accused of unfairly delegating the Public Debt Management Office to one of his three deputies, Krisada Chinavicharana from the UTN.
Mr. Pichai, who was formerly a partner to Mr. Srettha, divided the other departments between his two Pheu Thai deputies, Paopoom Rojanasakul and Julapun Amornvivat.
The uneven split forced Mr Krisada to quit as deputy finance minister, it was reported.
Mr. Krisada claimed in his letter of resignation that he and Mr. Pichai had a different work philosophy and that Mr. Pichai had treated him unfairly when they collaborated.
According to a source, Pheu Thai may be rubbing Bhumjaithai and UTN in the wrong way for a reason.
” Imagine the friction getting out of hand and the two parties deciding to be vindictive and voting down the bill to procure the finances to fund the digital wallet scheme in parliament.
The source speculated that Pheu Thai may be appreciative of their efforts.
According to the source, Pheu Thai may secretly be praying that the digital wallet scheme succeeds. The policy, if allowed to materialise, could run the huge risk of breaking the law over its planned procurement of a loan from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives ( BAAC ) to partially provide the scheme with its needed financial lifeline.
The wallet scheme runs the risk of breaking the BAAC law, which forbids the bank from lending to the government for handouts.
The two coalition partners would be held accountable for derailing Pheu Thai’s flagship election policy if the bill is sunk in parliament.
But if this occurred, Bhumjaithai and UTN would have to exit the government. According to the source, they could be replaced by the main opposition Move Forward Party right away.
The lawman’s return
The return of Wissanu Krea- ngam to politics as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s adviser left observers wondering about Pheu Thai’s resources when it comes to legal experts.
Wissanu: Decades of legal wisdom
Mr. Wissanu has worked for eight different prime ministers and served in 12 different governments before becoming a well-known legal expert. So, when he announced in August last year that he was done with politics, some observers doubted whether he would or actually could wash his hands of it.
Even so, they did not anticipate him joining the Pheu Thai-led coalition despite the criticism he has received from Pheu Thai heavyweights.
As it turned out, Mr. Wissanu appeared to be one of the many “legal experts Mr. Srettha has consulted on while facing charges in the Constitutional Court regarding his appointment of controversial politician Pichit Chuenban as prime minister in the most recent cabinet reshuffle.
Pichit is off the hook because he resigned from the cabinet shortly before the Constitutional Court agreed to hear a petition lodged by 40 senators over his controversial appointment.
However, if the court finds him in violation of cabinet minister ethics rules, Mr. Srettha, who approved Pichit’s appointment despite his dubious background, may be fired.
When he represented then-on-released former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is regarded as a respected figure in Pheu Thai, in a contentious land deal case in 2008, Pichit served jail time for contempt of court in connection with an attempted bribery case.
On June 25 that year, the Supreme Court sentenced Pichit and two of his colleagues to six months in prison after they tried to bribe Supreme Court officials by handing them a paper bag containing 2 million baht in cash a fortnight earlier.
According to media reports, the prime minister offered Mr. Wissanu a deputy prime minister position when Mr. Srettha approached him for assistance. However, Mr. Wissanu turned it down due to a number of factors, including health issues.
The prime minister then asked Mr Wissanu to become an adviser instead. Because there were several legal experts in the coalition government willing to assist, Mr. Wissanu once more declined. When Mr. Srettha insisted on having a politically neutral adviser, he eventually gave in.
However, several analysts find it hard to believe that Mr Wissanu would accept the job simply because he could not resist the call of a prime minister in need.
They believed that Mr. Wissanu took the job at the urging of influential people, who, in their opinion, have no other choice but to hire Mr. Srettha, who they believe can form a link between the conservative movement and Thaksin, the alleged de facto leader of the ruling party.
The prime minister will use every means at his disposal to maintain his position of power, according to Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, a lecturer from the National Institute of Development Administration ( Nida ).
At the same time, the conservative camp also needs Mr Srettha to remain and Mr Wissanu, who has decades of legal wisdom under his belt, is expected to help him navigate the legal minefield and ensure he stays premier for as long as possible, according to Mr Phichai.
The analyst does not believe that Mr. Wissanu will be able to assist Thaksin, who is accused of being charged with computer crime and lese majore in relation to an interview conducted for the South Korean Chosun Ilbo newspaper in 2015.
With his statements that claimed secret councillors supported the 2014 coup that overthrew the government of his younger sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin is alleged to have defamed the monarchy.
On May 29, the attorney general decided to indict Thaksin but could not arraign him as planned because his lawyer submitted a medical certificate stating the former premier had Covid- 19 and needed to rest. To begin the indictment process, Thaksin is scheduled to show up before the court on June 18.
According to Mr. Phichai, along with other political pundits, the indictment against Thaksin serves as a warning to the conservative establishment that he should follow when he attempts to regain a leading position in politics.
Thaksin fled Thailand in 2008, shortly before the Supreme Court convicted him for helping his then- wife Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra buy prime land in the Ratchadaphisek area at a discount while he was prime minister. He returned late last year amid rumors that a deal had been reached with the conservative camp had been made.
According to Mr. Phichai, Thaksin is very likely to flee at first sign that he wo n’t be granted bail.
” If there are negotiating skills left in him, Thaksin is likely to be granted bail]when he reports for the indictment. ] He claimed that denying bail would indicate that the deal had broken down.
The former premier, who has maintained a low profile since the indictment controversy, is still in the country, but it is anyone’s guess when he will show up for the June 18 appointment with the prosecutors, according to a source close to Thaksin.
Isoc to help probe Koh Samui violations
PUBLISHED: 8 Jun 2024 at 04: 00
In order to investigate land encroachment on Koh Samui in Surat Thani, the Internal Security Operation Command ( ISOC ) Region 4 has collaborated with local authorities, with a particular focus on 600 villas constructed on the island’s hilltops.
Maj Gen Anusorn Ourai, deputy chief of the Fourth Army Place, presided over a meeting on Thursday to explain what is being called the” Samui Model” activity.
It is a campaign to stop illegal business ventures by foreign investors using Thai nominees in the Koh Samui region in response to economic graffiti, illegal area equity, properties built in rough hilltop areas, and improper land ownership.
Eight organizations were forming a task force to examine 600 qualities in six Koh Samui neighborhoods suspected of violating the Hotel Act, Enhancement and Conservation of the National Environmental Quality Act, Building Control Act, and Foreign Business Act, according to Col Dusit Kaysornkaew, head of the Fourth Army State’s area analytical system.
Col Dusit added that the function will begin in full as soon as the Third Military Region commander gives his consent.
Isoc Region 4 will file a lawsuit next year against two legitimate companies that own rented residences in the Koh Samui town of Phon Bo Phut, according to Maj Gen Anusorn.
Prior to now, it was discovered that the palaces had broken all four rules.
According to a cause, there are nearly 17, 000 authorized legal entities in Surat Thani.
As many as 9, 000 of these companies have a second approved member.
Koh Samui and the Koh Phangan islands are the most notorious legitimate locations. They were registered through Thai nominations, and their approved members are foreigners.
However, the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI), along with members of several other companies, raided a law and accounting firm in Phuket on Thursday.
The business was supposedly owned by foreigners and registered through Thai nominations, and it was suspected of serving as an intermediary for up to 60 illegal business transactions in Thailand.
The initiatives, ranging from hotels and restaurants to real estate properties, have a cash stream of 200 million ringgit in full.
Houthis said to detain Yemeni staff from UN and US organisations
Three officials from Yemen’s globally recognized authorities told Reuters on Friday that at least 15 Yemeni workers of international organizations, including the UN, have been detained by Houthi security forces. Nine UN employees, three members of the US-funded pro-democracy organization National Democratic Institute ( NDI), and three members of aContinue Reading
Mr DAX takes on Germany’s Green pest economic policy – Asia Times
Theodor Weimer, the CEO of the Deutsche Börse and frequently referred to as Mr. DAX, slammed German Economic Minister Robert Habeck’s plans in a burning manner. Speaking at a debate hosted by the Economic Advisory Council of Bavaria, Weimer, a considerable number in both European and international fund, did not hold up in his judgment.
” We’re facing a large catastrophe”, Weimer declared, reflecting on his 18th conference with Vice- Chancellor and Economic Minister Robert Habeck, who is co- head of the Greens.
First, Weimer noted a sort of enthusiasm, observing that Habeck had shown great listening skills and made some proper decisions. But, that enthusiasm evaporated. ” The conservatives are exceedingly coming through”, Weimer said, indicating a shift in policy emphasis that he finds deeply troubling.
global view of Germany is waning
Weimer’s address was n’t just a tirade but an expression of genuine concern. He painted a grim portrait of Germany’s position in the world economic group by sharing perspectives from his extensive interactions with foreign investors. ” Our popularity has never been worse”, Weimer emphasized.
Investors, especially lengthy- word ones such as healthcare companies and pension funds, are bewildered by Germany’s current direction. They shook their heads and inquired,” Where have the German values gone?” We do n’t know how to read you anymore.'”
These buyers, according to Weimer, then process Germany with a sense of fatalism. ” If you continue this way, we will prevent you actually more”, they warn. What they perceive as irrational guidelines that have made Germany a” junk shop,” with investments motivated by unscrupulous goals rather than powerful fundamentals, is at the heart of their frustration. ” What you are doing is just insane”, they tell Weimer.
A federal lacking course
The skepticism is n’t limited to economic policy. Weimer reports that political watchers from places like Singapore are boldly questioning Germany’s government’s level of competence. ” They ask me,’ What kind of state do you have?'” Weimer said.
He elaborated on the perceived change towards a “big state” mentality, where the position feels compelled to overprotect. “Economically, we are on the path to becoming a developing state”, he warned.
Effects on key sectors
One important point of contention is Germany’s electrical business. Weimer criticizes the strict CO₂ laws that have, in his view, caught auto manufacturers. ” If I buy a BMW 7 Series, I just find a six- barrel cross in Germany, but in the USA, I get an eight- cylinder”, he pointed out, lamenting the stress to lower company cars as misplaced. ” We need big cars to drive growth”, he argued.
Broader policy failures
Weimer’s critique extended beyond economic policies to Germany’s handling of migration and defense. He criticized the nation’s immigration policies as being fundamentally flawed and unrequited. According to him, effective migration should concentrate on attracting skilled workers who contribute to the economy rather than supporting those who may turn out to be long-term recipients of welfare.
Additionally, he highlighted Germany’s lag in defense and digitalization as critical areas of failure.
A call for change
Weimer ended his speech by invoking a need for radical change and an urgency. The times of glossing over Germany’s economic issues are over, he asserted, quoting the late Wolfgang Schäuble, a famous German politician ( CDU) who died last year:” Isch over” ( It’s over ).
Weimer’s speech serves as a stark wake- up call. It’s a revolt against what he perceives as a noxious green ideology that permeates Germany’s economic policies. As international observers watch closely, the question remains: Will Germany heed this call for change, or continue down its current path?
Diego Fassnacht, CFA, is an international economist and an investment advisor to individual clients and institutions. Prior to his work in finance, he served on the governing council ( Deutschlandrat ) of the youth organization ( JU) of the main German opposition party, the CDU.
Man calls police with false information about gun in taxi entering Singapore, gets arrested hours later
A 54-year-old man was detained early on Friday ( Jun 7 ) after calling the police and providing false information. This wasted public resources that were put to work to investigate the alleged threat.  ,
A man claimed a weapon was kept under the cap of a certain car and called the police on Thursday evening at around 8:30pm.  ,
” He added that the vehicle would provide Singapore at one of the property checkpoints”, said the officers, adding that the caller did not , give his whole particulars and chose to remain anonymous.
The police worked with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) to locate the taxi in question based on the information provided by the caller.  ,
” The car was finally found and stopped at Woodlands Checkpoint”, said the policeman.
After conducting a thorough inspection of the car, the authorities determined that the caller’s information was false.  ,
Through observe- up investigations, the authorities established the identity of the man and arrested him on Friday at about 1.10am.
On Saturday, the man may face a charge in prosecutor for giving false information about a danger. Those found guilty face a prison term of up to seven times, a fine of up to S$ 50, 000, or both.
The police claimed that all security threats are taken seriously and that the government would not hesitate to take legal action against those who raise alarm with fake challenges.  ,
The making of false risks comes at a cost to the common tools that must be used to deal with the event, according to the statement.
Singaporean named top graduate at US Air Force Academy, first in almost 30 years
SINGAPORE: A Republic of Singapore Air Force ( RSAF ) officer has graduated top of his cohort at the prestigious , United States Air Force Academy, making him the first Singaporean to achieve that in nearly 30 years.
The four- time program at the open universities and military support academy combines athletics, character and leadership development, and defense training.  ,
Lieutenant ( LTA ) Jonathan Loh was seen waving , the Singapore flag at his graduation event last month,  , which was graced by US Vice President Kamala Harris.
At the celebration on May 30, LTA Loh received 10 prizes from the club.
The 25-year-old, who said he did not expect it and felt “overwhelmed,” was surprised to learn that he was the dean.
LTA Loh, who completed his experiments at Beatty Secondary School and St Andrew’s Junior College, said he has “never been number one in something” like that before.
” I had to give my best, which was all I was required to perform.” I’m certainly obliged to be the dean. I’m not entitled to it, LTA Loh said in a press interview on Friday ( Jun 7 ).
He recalled a quote that the principal of the academy used to say:” If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know it did n’t get there by itself”.
LTA Loh said,” I love that quote because I know I had to be there by myself at that time, but I did n’t.”
He continued,” Proud, proud, honored, and saddened” to storm the Singapore symbol.  ,
Being associated with retired captain Low Chung Guan, the second Taiwanese to achieve the top of his class at the university in 1995, and being a member of LTA Loh’s team was a great honor.
LTA Loh, who is a captain intern at the Air Force Training Command, continued,” The success is not the end but rather another step in a job he is “excited to live.”
Khao San raids crack down on laughing gas
19 immigrant workers arrested for income but store owners are even criminals, state police
PUBLISHED: 7 Jun 2024 at 21: 02
During a officers raid on leisure facilities and shops on Khao San Road in Bangkok, 19 migrant workers were detained for selling laughing gas-filled balloons to visitors.
Police said that the workers were not the only ones who cheated up the bubbles, and that their bosses also used them to offer them to avoid legal actions against their stores.
On Thursday night, a combined team of officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division ( ATPD ) and the Consumer Protection Police Division ( CPPD ) conducted random raids of entertainment venues, eateries, and shops on the streets that were popular with young tourists.
The Sky999 restaurant, where laughing gas-filled kites were sold, was the main focus of the procedure.
During the activity, authorities arrested 19 migrant workers — 16 Myanmar citizens, two Cambodians and one Chinese — for violating Section 12 of the Drug Act regarding creation of medication without permission. Additionally, they were accused of committing immigration crimes, including illegal entry, working without grants, or performing other types of jobs than permitted.
The officers seized a bubble containing nitric oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or happy fuel, a placard advertising sales of laughing- gas balloons, 18 applied tubes of nitric oxide, 2, 730 fresh balloons and other items.
Laughing gasoline- filled kites were found at various retailers that had been raided in February, said Pol Col Surapong Chatsut, the ATPD assistant captain. Most of the profits were to younger people and visitors, he said.
After the previous raid, shop owners used immigrants ‘ workers to sell the balloons to travellers, a new strategy. The owners claimed that their businesses had no bearing on the revenue, according to Pol Col Surapong.
However, such behavior went against the law and the users must be held accountable, he added.
On Thursday night, police officers randomly raided entertainment venues, eateries, and shops in Khao San Road in an effort to stop sellers of laughing gas-filled balloons. ( Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham )