Prospect of peaceful ‘reunification’ with Taiwan being ‘eroded’, says China
SINGAPORE: The prospect of peaceful “reunification” with Taiwan is being increasingly “eroded” by Taiwanese separatists and external forces, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun said on Sunday ( Jun 2 ), promising to ensure independence never happens. China holds Taiwan, which is politically governed, as its own territory, despite the government’sContinue Reading
She cycled solo for 1,630km from Singapore to Indonesia to visit her grandfather’s birthplace and beyond
My late father father was born in Bagansiapiapi, on the eastern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Before he moved to Singapore around World War II, I would learn a lot of different tales about his early life.
I read everything I may find online about the Chinese people who lived in Sumatra in the early 1900s because the fragments I heard made me so fascinated.
I even inquired about our Indonesian prolonged family’s history, which I found to be fascinating.
My great-grandparents were born and raised in Indonesia, with roots in China. They could speak both Hokkien and Bahasa Indonesia well. In addition to fish, they made the majority of their income from the rubber plantation they owned.
What if I cycled alone from Singapore to Sumatra to attend my father’s place of birth despite all these tales? I never took any action on it.
Every day I thought about it, I became excited and the thought grew in my head.  ,
I knew I had to make it occur. And I made the decision to get big because I was going to get in Sumatra. Why not make the entire journey across the island and travel to Aceh’s Sabang Island, Indonesia’s northern point?
When I told my friends about my schedule to cycle piano from Singapore to Aceh, as expected, they were worried.  ,
They asked me:” Why not just stay to Malaysia? You do n’t know Bahasa Indonesia, what if you get lost? Do you even know what’s in Sumatra? You’re a smaller Asian person, who knows what could happen”?
Although I acknowledged their concerns, I still believed it was a significant experience to take on. Nobody more I knew was behind it, but I wanted to try it.
Air force plane to return fugitive from Jakarta
PUBLISHED: 2 Jun 2024 at 07: 11
According to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, the government will fly a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF ) aircraft to Bangkok this week to transport infamous fugitive Chaowalit” Paeng Nanod” Thongduang.
The Airbus A320, according to Pol Col Tawee, may take off from Indonesia on Tuesday and then return to Chaowalit.
ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul, captain- in- chief of the air force, said the Foreign Affairs Ministry does work to handle the flight to obtain the fugitive.
Chaowalit, 37, was serving day at Nakhon Si Thammarat Prison for attempted murder and was facing a slew of different costs in other situations, including murder, attempted murder and firearms hands, when he fled.
After being taken it for medical care, he fled Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital on October 22. Chaowalit escaped Thailand in a boat presumably from Satun despite a massive manhunt that ensued. Chaowalit was on the move when he released movie clips claiming unfair treatment by the justice system.
According to the justice secretary, Chaowalit was detained by Indonesian authorities on Thursday for drug dealing, using a false Indonesian ID cards, and assaulting people.
After discussing the legal processes with Indonesian officers, Pol Col Tawee and a group of federal officers flew to Jakarta on Saturday at 2.30pm and may return on Sunday.
Interpol is assisting with the fugitive’s transport, according to Pol Col Tawee, which is scheduled to be completed in three weeks.
The move certification may be secured, according to Gen. Nipat Thonglek, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s assistant and delegate part.
The Chaowalit case will be handled in a unique way. According to Pol Col Tawee, the fugitive will be interrogated by the Royal Thai Police upon his return to Thailand before being taken to Phatthalung and Provincial Police Region 9 for further investigation.
A committee headed by the ministry will be established to investigate how Chaowalit escaped from the country and identify those who helped him escape.
Sahakarn Petchnarin, director- general of the Department of Corrections, said Chaowalit might not be transferred back to Nakhon Si Thammarat Prison, but a high- security prison elsewhere.
RTAF plane to return fugitive from Jakarta
PUBLISHED: 2 Jun 2024 at 07: 11
According to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, the government will fly a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF ) aircraft to Bangkok this week to transport high-profile fugitive Chaowalit” Paeng Nanod” Thongduang.
The Airbus A320, according to Pol Col Tawee, did take off from Indonesia on Tuesday and then return to Chaowalit.
ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul, captain- in- chief of the air force, said the Foreign Affairs Ministry does work to handle the flight to obtain the fugitive.
Chaowalit, 37, was serving day at Nakhon Si Thammarat Prison for attempted murder and was facing a slew of different costs in other situations, including murder, attempted murder and firearms hands, when he fled.
After being taken it for medical care, he fled from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital on October 22. Chaowalit managed to escape Thailand in a boat apparently from Satun despite a huge chase that ensued. Chaowalit claimed in court documents that the justice technique had badly treated him while he was on the run.
According to the justice secretary, Chaowalit was detained by Indonesian authorities on Thursday for drug dealing, using a false Indonesian ID cards, and assaulting people.
After discussing the legal processes with Indonesian officers, Pol Col Tawee and a group of federal officers flew to Jakarta on Saturday at 2.30pm and may return on Sunday.
Interpol is assisting with the fugitive’s exchange, which is scheduled to be finished in three days, according to Pol Col Tawee.
The move certification may be secured, according to Gen. Nipat Thonglek, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s assistant and delegate part.
The Chaowalit scenario may be handled as a unique case. According to Pol Col Tawee, the fugitive may be detained by the Royal Thai Police upon his return to Thailand before being transported to Phatthalung and Provincial Police Region 9 for further research.
A committee headed by the government will be established to investigate how Chaowalit escaped from the state and identify those who helped him escape.
Sahakarn Petchnarin, chairman- standard of the Department of Corrections, said Chaowalit might not be transferred up to Nakhon Si Thammarat Prison, but a higher- security prison abroad.
Phuket Airport eyes new terminal
‘ 18 million ‘ passengers to explore this time
PUBLISHED: 2 Jun 2024 at 06: 44
In order to increase its customer handling capacity from 12 million a year to 18 million, Phuket Airport plans to invest 6 billion ringgit to construct a new connector for international flights.
Monchai Tanod, the aircraft director, claimed the airport needs to be expanded.
It welcomed about 16, 000 home passengers per time final month, or 90 % of pre- Covid- 19 visitors.
Daily global arrivals and departures were recorded at 22, 000 on average, which now outstrips the prior- pandemic prospects in 2019 by 7 %, according to Mr Monchai.
He predicted that this year’s number of passengers passing through the airport will be no less than the 18 million number for the year nevertheless.
He claimed that the aircraft is now putting together plans for the new switch.
The job may be submitted to the National Environment Board for acceptance if the design is finished this year.
” The aircraft could use an extra global switch equipped to handle up to 18 million ]passengers].
” It will provide customers with greater convenience”, he said, adding that development is expected to begin in 2026 and the switch will take up to three times to get completed.
A 6 billion ringgit budget has been designated for the project by the Airports of Thailand.
Additionally, Mr. Monchai cited the airport’s long-term strategy to construct a separate seaplane switch.
However, Nutthajit Oonsiem, chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Asean, South Asia and South Pacific advertising group, said his team joined the Po offices in New Delhi and Phuket to maintain a welcome service on Friday for an annual SG89 flight, operated by Spice Jet.
It is the firm’s primary clear flight from New Delhi to Phuket.
A single-aisle Airbus A320 Neo aircraft with a capacity of 180 people and Spice Jet’s everyday direct flight from the American investment to Phuket.
Thailand did welcome about 2 million American visitors this year, generating at least 79 billion ringgit in tourism revenue, according to the TAT.
According to Mr. Monchai, Indians are now Phuket Airport’s third-largest visitors.
Weed treatment costs jump to B20bn: Ministry
PUBLISHED: 2 Jun 2024 at 06: 34
According to the Public Health Ministry, cannabis-related treatment prices increased from 3 billion to 20 billion ringgit next year as a result of a rise in population use.
Minister Somsak Thepsutin stated at a public hearing on cannabis use and its effects on society that more individuals have been getting bored and suffering from mental illness since its decriminalization. According to him, the government annually budgets for the administration’s “universal health treatment” program.
Since cannabis was delisted as a narcotic substance, the funds for the treatment of patients who used it increased from about 3 billion ringgit to 20 billion ringgit next year. This is very large, he said, and it raises concerns about hemp use.
Additionally, a study in the US found that cannabis-using children’s IQ dropped by eight to nine positions, despite the plant’s effects on child mental development. The results problem the state, he said.
He said the reading on Saturday, which brought up children, doctors and medical systems, and civil society systems, was part of the government’s attempt to relist hemp, particularly cannabis blossoms, as a opioid by the end of this year.
The current regulation only lists cannabis extracts that contain more than 0.2 % total tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) as narcotics.
Kriangkrai Puengchuea, from the Substance Abuse Academic Foundation, said 7, 700 hemp stores had opened globally since the plant was legalised.
Those stores sell arid cannabis buds and cannabis- associated products, allowing customers to employ cannabis responsibly. 40 % of heroin users started their medication voyage using cannabis, according to a study conducted in a northern nation.
Dr Manit Sisurapanont, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists of Thailand, said studies in the US found people get addicted to the use of hemp, which leads to mental health problems. The use of hemp can eventually result in IQ decline and emotional illnesses.
Dr. Prakarn Thomyangkoon, a part of the Psychiatric Association of Thailand, claimed using cannabis could lead to suicide attempt by big users, and that the plant-derived chemical could taint breast milk.
According to Youth Network Against Cannabis ( YNAC ), Arthit Satienwaree said that the general public is unaware of the cannabis use because some people believe the plant can be used anywhere because it is legal.
According to him, the miscommunication resulted in community-grown cannabis and improper use of the plant, including instances where it was combined with snacks that were later consumed by children without their knowledge.
Due to widespread issues over the effects of cannabis use on the health of adolescents and teenagers, YNAC supports the president’s relisting of the grow as a narcotic.
Sex workers in peril
Sex workers in Bangkok report feeling unsafe because they ca n’t report assault to the police without fear of being charged with prostitution.
In Thailand, according to the Criminal Code, people over the age of 16 who” relies on income as a girl” may be imprisoned for seven to 20 times and fined from 14, 000 ringgit to 40, 000 ringgit. Those who coerce some into performing prostitutes face life in prison.
Tanapat ( surname withheld ), a sex worker and employee of a Bangkok-based company that writes online sex content, claimed that many of his coworkers have been sexually assaulted while at work.
” Friends of mine in the industry have been punched and hit by users”, he said. ” Customers have also taken off contraception”.
Nevertheless, he said nothing of his classmates have reported the attack to authorities, fearing they would be arrested.
” I feel quite vulnerable”, he said.
Mr. Tanapat claimed that he has also been groped and offered his services when he is in common and recognized by those who have accessed his website content.
” People assume they can do anything because I’m a gender worker”, he said.
Online harassment and discrimination are even frequent, he said.
” I’ve had to have it normalized,” I said.
He claimed that another sex workers who are subject to abuse have turned to alcohol and drugs to deal with criticism.
According to Mr. Tanapat, sex workers should not be subject to police detention, and they should be given the same rights as other sexual staff when they report problems to the authorities without being detained.
” Sexual work is work”, he said.
The Labour Protection Act aims to safeguard the security of young employees while protecting workers from potential problems at work.
But, Thailand’s sexual employees are not governed by the law, so they face legal problems if they are assaulted or have an issue with the organization they work for.
Thanuch, or” Oscar” ( surname withheld ), a student and sex worker, said sex workers not only face the risk of being assaulted while working but can also be exploited if they work under an agency.
” An company I used to operate for withheld 75, 000 ringgit from me”, he said, adding he did not file a police statement as he feared he would get arrested for adultery.
Oscar said if adultery was decriminalised, there would be fewer cases of employees being exploited.
There would also be advantages for the market:” If sex workers were regarded as being subject to the labour rules, they would have to spend tax.”
After leaving the company, Oscar then uses the online system OnlyFans, where 20 % of profits go to OnlyFans, and the rest to him as a material father.
” Being able to make online material, I am much protected and treated properly by my clients”.
Noom, a personal coach and sexual contractor based in Bangkok, said the stigma around sex work persists in Thailand.
He claimed that using online sexual content allows people to fulfill their sexual needs and that sexual staff can keep themselves safe.
” I enjoy my job, as I love to have intercourse and make money at the same time”, he said.
Visit for decriminalising trafficking
Surang Janyam is the CEO of Thailand’s Service Workers IN Group, a non-profit organization that promotes better pay for sex employees.
” Decriminalising adultery is just one step in paving the way for social change, as the issue is complex”, she said.
Swing’s centres also advocate for general access to health services, including primary health care, HIV and sexual and reproductive health providers.
Ms. Surang said she is aware of numerous sex workers who have experienced workplace assault.
” If consumers pay cash, they think they can perform everything”, she said.
One day, she received a visit from a sex worker who was afraid to speak to the officers, fearing she would be arrested. A buyer “had put a glass vodka bottle inside her vagina.”
In 2023, according to the Public Health Ministry, 31, 866 cases of rape were reported.
But, Ms. Surang believes that the real figure is significantly higher because sex workers are unable to record assaults to the authorities.
Additionally, the characters do not include trans people and cases of rape against men.
Ms Surang said LGBTQIA men and transgender people are usually excluded from their societies and face a high level of discrimination, violence and discrimination. ” They are human beings. Why should they be treated diversely”?
She claimed that older persons were also vulnerable to being abused. While working, several meet clients in man rather than offering online services.
Because older sex workers lack the tools and resources to create online content,” we are mainly concerned about older sexual workers in Thailand, especially in rural places,” she said.
Being unable to produce content, according to Ms. Surang, increases the risk of being assaulted because they are meeting with clients they may not understand.
She claimed that a lack of career opportunities and low-paying wages are one of the factors in why so many people choose to engage in sex work. How many work can I get to help people and their household completely?
In 2008, the authorities estimated there were 250, 000 sex workers in Thailand.
Yet, Ms Surang believes the exact amount to be over 2 million. This range also includes tens of thousands of refugees from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Surang Janyam
Adultery is prohibited in public spaces and prostitution under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act. Along with the Criminal Code, it classifies trafficking as illegitimate.
Penalties for citizens supervising sex employees, such as house masters, are higher, as this work is focused on preventing the abuse and abuse of children.
After passing its Prostitution Reform Act ( PRA ) in 2003, New Zealand became the first nation to decriminalize the sex industry.
Decriminalization has been successful in making the sexual economy safer and improving the rights of sexual workers, according to research conducted during the act’s review.
The work, according to studies, also had little impact on the number of persons employed in the sexual sector.
In 2023, a bill to create trafficking authorized in Thailand was proposed, nevertheless, it has yet to pass into law.
The bill grants the right to freely insert the intercourse industry for people over the age of 18. The Social Development and Human Security Minister did not respond to requests for comment.
Indian election 2024: Five key moments to understand the past six weeks
India’s vote, the biggest in the world, saw more than six months of gruelling fighting- usually in burning temperature.
So what were the huge talking items? And how big was it, exactly?
What the important events and issues of the vote were, according to Christian Parkinson of the BBC.
produced by Danish Alam and Nikita Mandhani.
Local halal industry gets a boost
Regional gateway programs make development
PUBLISHED: 2 Jun 2024 at 05: 47
According to Minister of Industry Pimpatra Wichaikul, the Thai kosher sector is ready to promote the region as a muslim gateway.
Ms. Pimpatra, who presided over the starting meeting of the Halal Industry Center hall at THAIFEX- Anuga Asia 2024, stated that the government is eager for Thailand to become the region’s center through the National Halal Industry Committee and the Halal Industry Center.
More than 200 million baht is likely to be in the mix as a result of negotiations with companies that hold connections during the May 28 to June 1 function. After this, the government, she said, will stimulate the growth of exports to possible markets around the world.
Halal items have a large and growing business, and it continues to grow. The worldwide market for halal items is valued at more than US$ 2.3 trillion and is expected to increase to$ 2.8 trillion by 2025, covering a broad range of products and services, including food, cosmetics, fashion, and hospitality, she said.
With 63 % of the total market value, the food and beverage team has the most shares. The world kosher food industry is valued at US$ 1.4 trillion, which is expected to increase within five decades, expanding in line with increases in the nation’s Muslim community.
According to Ms. Pimpatra,” Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wants to promote kosher as a significant business in the nation.”
He had designated the Ministry of Industry as the primary force behind the program.
To provide a framework for the Thai Halal Industry Center’s habitat, the ministry established one. Its goals are to raise the bar for technological innovation in production, place emphasis on creating new products, and increase kosher product standards. It would also encourage business in the muslim business domestically and internationally, she said.
Second, she claimed that the ministry has” created awareness of the potential of the Thai halal industry” both domestically and internationally through international exhibitions like the Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ) and THAIFEX- Anuga Asia 2024.
In a final statement, Ms. Pimpatra claimed that the government promoted” business promotion and the expansion of international trade markets” through discussions and the signing of cooperation agreements or MOUs between bilateral and multilateral countries.
She stated that the government wants to expand the muslim goods and services sector to Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Pimpatra: Highlights possible industry
Gender equality promotion to elevate kingdom”s economy
PUBLISHED: 2 Jun 2024 at 05: 24
The state anticipates that Pride Month actions will boost the economy because it is willing to promote gender equality.
Prime Minister Srettha’s announcement to the media about gender equality came second, according to deputy state spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit, who spokeswoman for the government.
” The government wants to make sure society is open to diversity and equality in terms of age, gender, religion and social status and welcomes tourists from all over the world ,]with Thailand ] as a major Pride destination”, she said.
According to Ms. Kenika, who cites information from the Tourism Authority of Thailand ( TAT ), Pride Month events are likely to draw 860, 000 visitors and contribute at least 10 billion baht to the economy, according to Ms.
This month, the Po and members of the private sector are organizing Pride-related events in several regions, including the Chiang Mai province’s May 25 to June 30 Colorful Pride Festival and other marches and recitals.
The Pride Nation Samui International Festival, which will feature both Thai and international LGBTQ musicians, will also be held in Koh Samui in Surat Thani state on June 24 through 29.
On Friday, Mr Srettha presided over the opening of Bangkok’s Pride Festival 2024 at Siam Paragon, which may work until Tuesday.
He stated that Thailand’s groundbreaking marriage equality bill is expected to get passed quickly, making it one of the first countries in Asia to totally support equal rights. The move may boost Thailand’s image as a welcoming country for all vacationers, he said.
” The government does not only stop at the justice bill”, he said. We may also advocate for legislation to help sex workers and a bill recognizing sex, among other things.
The sex act he was referring to seeks to make it possible for those who do not state whether they are male or female on recognized files.
Thailand will also be able to host WordPride activities in 2030, he said.
Chai Wacharonke, a government official, earlier said the state is wooing LGBTQ people because they have large purchasing energy, love to travel and tend to stay long in the country than another customer groups.
However, the Phuket Patong town announced on Saturday that it would coordinate the organization of a Phuket Pride festival on June 9th. The event will begin at 5pm at Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, and be open to all.