Chinese trio linked to online gambling arrested in Bangkok
Network had more than B2 million a moment in churn, state police
PUBLISHED: 4 Feb 2025 at 16: 04
Three Chinese men have been detained in Bangkok for allegedly working for a gambling website with more than 200 000 people and a daily turnover of over$ 2 million.
Holiday Police officers arrested Wen Chong, 41, Peng Cheng, 24, and Po Hong, 31, in connection with the Dafabet playing blog during a raid on a luxury apartment in Huai Khwang city on Tuesday.
Government seized five laptops, 11 mobile phones, 13 SIM cards, an Invoice gift ( a hardware device that generates one-time passwords ), 50 rounds of 9mm weapons and a small amount of crystal meth.
The three suspects were renting the condominium unit for 100, 000 ringgit a fortnight and living that despite having no visible work, raising suspicions that led to the investigation, said Pol Lt Gen Saksira Pheuk-am, commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau.
The online gambling network is reportedly owned by Chinese investors in a so-called “grey business” with a base in Cambodia. The first and third suspects, Wen and Po, are also wanted by the Chinese government.
The trio has been accused of operating gambling websites, possessing narcotics, and bringing ammunition into the possession of illegal ammunition. They were turned over to the Huai Khwang station for legal action.
According to Pol Lt. Gen. Saksira, this operation was a part of a police effort to crack down on foreigners who are employed illegally in Thailand, particularly those who engage in gambling.
From vice to virtue: Orchard Towers targets full tenancy with retail outlets and church
Yet today, the building management frequently receives concerns about alleged availability promoting physical solutions.  ,
” It actually affects the change that we are going through”, said Mr Stevenson Goh, a member of Orchard Towers ‘ building management.  ,
Approaching the authorities is Mr. Goh’s only option because for activities occur in open areas outside of buildings. The policeman told CNA that they are looking into the matter and that they will take appropriate steps to stop any illegal activity.
“STRONGHOLD OF THE ENEMY”
The chapel Cornerstone, which purchased two opposite properties in Orchard Towers, has construed the mall’s transformation as being spiritual.
In a word to his community explaining the religion’s choice, Senior Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong acknowledged the house’s dirty past, directly referencing its famous nickname,” The Four Floors of Whores”.
” Once a stronghold of the enemy, ( the two properties are ) now being claimed by the people of God”, Mr Yang, who is one of the church members, wrote.
In the meantime, attempts are underway to increase the house’s wall.
Faith tries to recapture Orchard Towers from its former glory, but a fresh coat of paint and fresh cladding aim to accomplish the same, working only one roof at a time.
Singapore tourism sector posts strong performance in 2024; tourist spending set to hit new high
Customer Visitors
International visitors to Singapore increased by 21 % to 16 million.
According to STB, the , major markets for guest visitors were China, Indonesia and India.
” Additional markets that exhibited good year-on-year progress included Japan, Taiwan, the UK, and the USA, representing a great combination of short, mid and long-haul industry”, said STB.
STB attributed the 30-day shared visa deduction with China, and Singapore’s solid rise in air connection as factors.
Other important factors that contributed to the overall rise in user arrivals include Singapore’s year-round calendar of live events and concerts, which has enhanced the government’s “appeal as a top tourist destination”.  ,
” In addition to important leisure events like the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 and Singapore Art Week, family-friendly attractions at precincts like Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, and Mandai Wildlife Reserve, including the Bird Paradise, were also instrumental in boosting visitor arrivals and spending across the tourism sector and related industries,” according to STB.
Concerts by Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift “generated substantial economic benefits and enhanced Singapore’s global brand, with spillover effects to adjacent tourism industries such as retail, dining and hotels”.  ,
STB continued to say that 2024 was an “exceptional year” for world-class entertainment and that it will continue to put an emphasis on attracting a range of events across the lifestyle and sports.
The nation’s strong performance in its tourism sector is” an affirmation of the industry’s efforts to refresh our products and experiences, as well as embarking on new collaborations this past year,” according to STB’s chief executive Melissa Ow.  ,
” Collectively, these efforts elevated Singapore’s destination appeal and strengthened the sector’s capabilities and competitiveness”, Ms Ow said.
2025 OUTLOOK
2025 international visitor arrivals are expected to hit between 17 million and 18.5 million, bringing in approximately S$ 29 billion to S$ 30.5 billion in tourism receipts, said STB.
Additionally, it acknowledged potential headwinds from” stemming from geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic challenges,” and continued to be focused on promoting tourism growth in an effort to advance and advance Singapore’s position internationally.
Ms Ow added:” Together with our industry partners, STB is committed to sustaining our tourism growth, by increasing Singapore’s mind share and market share, maintaining a diversified market portfolio , and strengthening destination vibrancy”.
In 2025, Singapore’s tourism landscape will continue to welcome new developments, including the introduction of new attractions and experiences, and a robust line-up of leisure and MICE events, the board said.
PM approves cutting off power, fuel to scammers in Myanmar
PUBLISHED: 4 Feb 2025 at 15: 54
Call-scam groups operating in Myanmar close to the Thai frontier now have access to fuel and electricity, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The offer may be immediately cut off, according to Ms. Paetongtarn on Tuesday, when there is compelling evidence that scammers are profiting from Thailand’s supply of power and fuel.
Some rural areas in Myanmar that are close to the Thai border even rely on Thailand for fuel and electricity.
” We must take care of our people”, the prime minister said.
The scam groups ‘ activities had a significant impact on Thai citizens and the country’s reputation.
” This requires serious measures … which can be imposed at once … This is a serious matter …  , which really concerns every country”, Ms Paetongtarn said.
Asked when the offer may be disconnected, Ms Paetongtarn said,” It can be done immediately. If debate come to a distinct realization, it can be cut off today”.
The Provincial Electricity Authority, according to deputy prime minister and defense secretary Phutham Wechayachai, had immediately shut down the country’s power supply if it was threatening national security.
According to him, the provide contracts allowed the PEA to either lower or unplug it in the name of national security.
” From June 2022 to June 2024, more than 500, 000 Thai people fell victim]to scam gangs ] and lost over 60 billion baht … I think that a gradual decrease in the power supply would be too slow, because the problem is already severe”, Mr Phumtham said.
” Today I will tell the NSC]National Security Council ] to inform the PEA that this issue is critical and the supply of power]to scammers ] must be ended right away”, he said.
Singapore unlikely to be targeted by direct US tariffs, says Vivian Balakrishnan
SINGAPORE: The United States is unlikely to establish clear tariffs on products from Singapore, but Singapore may also experience indirect impacts from taxes, said Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
He was responding to a supplementary question in parliament on Tuesday ( Feb. 4 ) regarding the effects of US tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada.
Donald Trump, the president of the United States, made the announcement on Saturday, but on Monday agreed to a 30-day wait for Canada and Mexico in exchange for agreements on frontier and murder protection. Nevertheless, China has retaliated , with tariffs of 10 per share to 15 per cent on some products. These may become effective on February 10.
According to Dr. Balakrishnan, tariffs and emerging taxes are a real going forward.  ,
Because the United States has a glut in terms of the business balance with us, he said,” I may take some risk and say that I do not foresee us being on the hit list for immediate levies.”
A trade deficit indicates that Singapore imports more goods and services from the US than it exports.
Because our business is small and empty, with trade accounting for more than three occasions Singapore’s gross domestic product, Dr. Balakrishnan predicted that tariffs on other nations will still have an impact on global supply chains and global trade.
US-SINGAPORE Relationships
Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore and the US like a meaningful, multi-faceted and long-standing collaboration that has been nurtured over the past 60 years across both Democratic and Republican services.
Singapore and the US institutionalized assistance in areas like storage, essential and emerging technologies, and nuclear power during past president Joe Biden’s term.
Last month, Singapore and the US even commemorated 20 years of a free trade agreement.
” The US is our best trading companion in service, our second largest trading partner in goods, and our largest international investor”, said Dr Balakrishnan, adding that Singapore is the second largest Eastern investment in the US.
He claimed that during his first term in office, Singapore and President Trump had good working relationships and looks forward to enhancing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Grab and GoTo in advanced merger talks, sources say
As the companies try to recoup years of costs, two publications with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. Grab, a South Asian ride-hailing and food distribution company, is in advanced talks with its smaller Indonesian foe GoTo. Investors were anxious to reach a bargain in 2025 after a fresh roundContinue Reading
Japan PM to meet Trump on Feb 6 to 8 US trip
Top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi announced on Tuesday ( Feb. 4 ) that Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will meet with US President Donald Trump for a meeting this week. ” If circumstances permit, he will visit the US from Feb 6 to 8 and hold ( his ) firstContinue Reading
Yayasan Hasanah, Carsome Academy partner to offer US$100,000 in grants for underserved rural youths
- Aims to develop localized talent, minimize reliance on foreign workers
- will provide youth with vocational support and specialized mechanical skills.
.jpg)
Yayasan Hasanah and Carsome Academy have partnered to provide scholarships for 25 students from B40 communities under Carsome Academy’s EmpowerYouth initiative. By granting access to industry-aligned mechanical TVET programs, which aim to promote sustainable incomes and close crucial skill gaps in the automotive labor, this collaboration aims to improve underserved youngsters in rural Malaysia.
The Ministry of Finance and Yayasan Hasanah both support the EmpowerYouth initiative through a Hasanah Special Grant.
It seeks to generate good shift by equipping younger individuals with complex mechanical skills, leadership advancement, and livelihood support. Participants will receive a one-off transfer allowance to go Carsome Academy in Petaling Jaya, along with a monthly allowance covering living expenses, accommodation, and go.
Additionally, Carsome Academy is providing over 30 % off of the award cost. This collaboration aims to cultivate skilled technicians while reducing reliance on foreign labour, aligning with Malaysia’s growing automotive sector, which was projected to reach a market value of US$ 8.32 billion ( RM37 billion ) in 2024.
Yayasan Hasanah’s director and managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki stated that the organization’s goal is to equip our children with future-ready knowledge through quality TVET instruction that leads to long-term jobs. This association with Carsome Academy is an expense in their potential, preparing them with industry-relevant mechanical skills, hands-on education in Carsome seminars, and the confidence to create livelihoods.
” Beyond themselves, through efforts like EmpowerYouth , these people are not only achieving economic opportunities but also contributing to Malaysia’s progress in the mechanical field, while uplifting their families and communities,” she added.
The co-founder and CEO of Carsome Academy, Teoh Jiun Ee, said,” Our collaboration with Yayasan Hasanah on this initiative is a crucial step in our shared goal of uplifting underserved communities. By empowering young people with the leadership and technical competencies necessary for success, we are opening doors for them in the automotive industry as well as aiding them in creating a brighter future for themselves and their families.
According to him,” the grant’s structure ensures that students and their families don’t have to pay for moving to urban areas to study and find employment opportunities that will enhance their economic prospects.”
This collaboration is a result of Yayasan Hasanah’s commitment to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Malaysia. By partnering with Carsome Academy, the grant ensures that young individuals, particularly from rural B40 communities, receive the technical, personal, and professional support needed to thrive in a competitive job market. The ten-month program aims to bridge skills gaps in the automotive industry while offering holistic personal development through additional modules like CV writing, interview skills, IT proficiency, and leadership training.
Key areas of collaboration include:
- 25 underprivileged youth receive full scholarships to attend Carsome Academy’s TVET programs.
- Comprehensive TVET training, combining practical and classroom learning, with a 70 % focus on hands-on experience.
- Livelihood support to reduce students ‘ financial burdens, including living expenses, accommodation, and travel allowances.
- On-the-job training with major automotive industry players such as Carsome, Proton, and Chery.
- Development of a career path to help participants acquire skills that are in line with the needs of the automotive industry.
Upon graduation, students will be prepared for roles such as service advisors, junior inspectors, and automotive technicians.
Thai cabinet approves Korat-Nong Khai high-speed rail
By 2030, the implementation of the second phase will enable smooth journey from Bangkok to China.
PUBLISHED: 4 Feb 2025 at 14: 40
The government on Tuesday gave an official approval for the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed coach line, which runs from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, for an investment of about 340 billion ringgit.
The line had connect to the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima second step, which is currently being built, allowing for quick journey from the Thai funds to Yunnan in China via Laos, where a high-speed range is already in operation.
As of last month, structure of the first-phase part was about 36 % full, many years behind schedule.
Due to disagreements over funding, contractors having profitability issues, the pandemic, and a controversy surrounding the Ayutthaya station’s construction, which conservationists claimed could have an impact on a Unesco World Heritage site, there have been delays.
The government expects bids for the 357-kilometer following phase this week, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who stated last week that construction would be finished by 2030.
The following phase’s acceptance comes one day before Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s first official visit to China.
The prime minister will use the visit, according to government official Jirayu Huangsab, to encourage participation on financial, trade, and expense issues during her journey.
According to Mr. Jirayu, Ms. Paetongtarn wants to accelerate the development of long-term purchase partnerships, particularly in those that are crucial for green and electric change in Thailand, such as electric vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing, and data centers.
The prime minister also requested that the government give more weight to product standards, quality, and safety, especially those for agriculture and food. This comes after China rejected supplies of Thai durian and sugar syrup. Although the edible problem has been resolved, syrup shipments for hundreds of millions of baht still remain blocked.
Ms Paetongtarn also reiterated the president’s increased focus on security measures for tourists, saying she would not let international gangs, especially call center scams, apply Thailand as a transport point, said the spokesman.
‘A special person’: Fazley Elahi, a migrant worker in Singapore whose life touched many, dies aged 38
SINGAPORE: Mr Fazley , Elahi, who founded a cultural show and library for fellow migrant workers in Singapore, died on Tuesday ( Feb 4 ) at the age of 38.
Mr Fazley, known as Rubel to his companions, was first diagnosed with stomach cancers in 2022. Despite initial treatment, the cancer immediately spread to the rest of his brain.
He helped organize the Migrant Cultural Show last year while battling cancers, while also helping to organize his family’s holiday and find out additional medical care.
Before departing Singapore, Mr. Fazley had stated in an interview that he hoped to one day go back and discover a nation that had improved its treatment of its immigrant workers.
He promised to “never forget” the friends who supported him through tough times, such as escorting him to treatment sessions after work.
” I have been loved by this area and these individuals, the same way, I love this city and these people”.
The Singapore government elicited a show of support for Mr. Elahi’s story, which included funding for him to get care in India and, conversely, give his family further replacement money so they could build up their discounts in the event of his death.
Mr Ak Zilani, who co-founded the social show with Mr Fazley, said the latter was like” a nephew” to him.
” He was a cheerful person, very daring, and one of the most kind-hearted persons I ever knew”, he said.
Before meeting him, I was a different person. I was very quiet, quite quiet… After I met him, I built up a community, met fresh people… During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped so many workers, but some dormitories”.
Mr Yuliatun Suraji, a , part of the organising committee of the Migrant Cultural Show, said Mr Fazley was a” special people” and really excited about promoting the “hidden skills” of migrant workers.
” I always saw anyone like him”, said Ms Suraji, who has known Mr Fazley for close to seven years. ” He wanted to show everyone that migrant workers have ( made ) big contributions to Singapore”.