BMA ends vending in 2 key locations
PUBLISHED: 7 Jan 2025 at 06: 16
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) has cancelled street vending at two key locations in Pathumwan district to ensure the capital’s pavements remain safe, clean, and accessible.
One of them is located in Ton Son on Ploenchit Road, which recently hosted 17 suppliers, and the other is in front of the Siam Scape tower, where nine sellers operated.
Since Jan 1, the BMA has forbid the contractors from conducting business at these two areas.
In order to reorganize the open area and reduce the impact on customers in the area, the BMA will also speak with three flower vendors close to the Ratchaprasong intersection’s Erawan Shrine.
In Pathumwan area, there are now 13 places where 222 sellers are permitted to operate.
Originally, the city company had set up two hawker areas that could provide 122 sellers at Lumpini Park Gate 5 and at Ratchadamri crossing.
Deputy Bangkok government Jakkapan Phiewngam, accompanied by Supakrit Boonkhan, the BMA’s assistant continuous minister, on Monday inspected the two locations and visited vending areas in Bang Rak area to ensure compliance with regulations.
The BMA moved the sellers to Silom Soi 10 in place of the city vending on a bend of Silom Road in October of last year, starting at Silom Soi 12 and ending at the Shangarila cafe.
In Bang Rak area, there are already 32 locations where 618 city sellers are permitted to operate.
Mr. Jakkapan directed local authorities to completely enact laws requiring the enforcement of bans on selling in prohibited areas and requiring vendors to adhere to standards in accordance with the law governing public order and hygiene.
Turkey’s carrier battlegroup takes shape – Asia Times
Turkey’s optimistic maritime projects, including a destroyer, a submarine, and an aircraft carrier, signal a brave bid for both political prestige and naval power.
This month, Naval News reported that the  , Turkish Ministry of Defense announced the resumption of three major naval jobs: the MUGEM plane ship, the TF-2000 battleship and the MILDEN underwater.
Naval News mentions that the steel-cutting rites for MUGEM and TF-2000 were held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, while the MILDEN ceremony took place at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard.
In terms of dimensions, Naval News states in a separate October 2024 report that the MUGEM ship features an optimized hull shape for superior ship, balance and flexibility, with a spear layout that reduces energy intake by 1.5 % and improves underwater noise propagation.
MUGEM will have three runways, two for takeoff and one for landing, at the time of the announcement, according to Naval News, without a catapult system. A modular ramp design will be used until a domestic catapult system is developed, according to the report.
For its air wing, the report says the carrier can house up to 50 aircraft, including manned and unmanned systems, with space for 20 aircraft on the deck and 30 in the hangar.
In terms of armament, Naval News says the MUGEM will be armed with a 32-cell MIDLAS Vertical Launch System, four Gökdeniz Close-in Weapon Systems ( CIWS ) and six Aselsan 25-millimeter STOP Remote Weapon Systems.
Naval News says that the MUGEM carrier’s dimensions include a length of 285 meters, a beam of 72 meters, a draft of 10.1 meters, a displacement of 60, 000 tons, a maximum speed of over 25 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of 10, 000 nautical miles at cruising speed.
Alongside the MUGEM carrier, Naval News mentions that the TF-2000 destroyer, part of the MILGEM program, will be equipped with a 96-cell vertical launch system and advanced radar systems. This warship may be used as the MUGEM carrier’s escort. Naval News says that the MILDEN submarine, developed by the Turkish Naval Research Center Command, will feature an Air-Independent Propulsion ( AIP ) system, enhancing its stealth and operational endurance.
According to the report, the projects are anticipated to significantly improve Turkey’s maritime defense capabilities.
Turkey was forced to convert its TCG Anadolu landing helicopter dock ( LHD ) into a drone carrier in 2019 after being expelled from the US F-35 program for its controversial purchase of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missiles ( SAM ) despite being a NATO member. The S-400 is incompatible with NATO defense architecture, and Turkey operating the S-400 SAM alongside F-35s could compromise the latter’s stealth features, allowing Russia to detect the aircraft better.
However, drone carriers may be a less-than-ideal solution for Turkey’s capability requirements and great power ambitions.
Fatih Yurtsever claims in a Turkish Minute article from August 2021 that the TCG Anadolu was designed with 8-10 F-35Bs in mind, making that type the only viable aircraft for the ship. According to Yurtsever, it is unrealistic to hope that drones can effectively replace manned aircraft altogether while Turkey is trying to make up for the loss of the F-35Bs by turning the TCG Anadolu into a drone carrier.
He claims that the concept of drone carriers has not been thoroughly tested. He also points out that since drones don’t have air-to-air combat capability yet and have limited survivability against even rudimentary air defenses, they are confined to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance ( ISR ) operations and small-scale strikes.
Sinan Ciddi further mentions that Turkey has begun discussions with the US to reinstate the F-35 program in an article from September 2024. According to Ciddi, the S-400 issue is the only obstacle to Turkey’s reinstatement and that the US would not accept anything less than the S-400 system’s complete removal from Turkish territory.
Determined to replace the F-35, Turkey, as Asia Times reported in February 2024, had test-flown its domestically built KAAN 4.5-generation fighter, which features 85 % indigenous parts. However, the KAAN still uses two US-made General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engines and falls short of being a true 5th-generation fighter like the F-35.
Also, Turkey’s poor economic performance could result in cost overruns for KAAN production. Turkey could spread out production costs over several years, but that could lead to an outdated product on delivery.
But even if the US reinstates Turkey into the F-35B program and gets KAAN production up to speed, the TCG Anadolu’s small air wing can present an offense-defense dilemma. While deploying more aircraft in an attack may make the carrier vulnerable, avoiding one for fleet air defense may reduce the force of the attack.
Yurtsever suggests that Turkey should consider manned-unmanned teaming, wherein F-35Bs can control devoted wingman drones that act as “missile trucks” rather than trying to find out how to control untested and untested solutions like drone carriers. In that network-centric configuration, he mentions that the F-35B could launch the drone’s missiles against land or surface targets, effectively increasing the aircraft’s ammunition capacity while keeping it out of reach from enemy air defenses.  ,
Power projection and prestige appear to be significant components of Turkey’s carrier program. Turkey’s current fleet of F-16s and F-4 fighter jets is insufficient for power projection over the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Seas. Turkey also has a significant role in the ongoing conflicts in Libya and Syria and is setting up an extra-regional presence with military installations in Qatar and Somalia.
Turkey would have a floating airbase to cover areas that are beyond the reach of its land-based aircraft by using an aircraft carrier.
Turkey would also be included in the elite group of nations that operate such complex and expensive warships, according to an aircraft carrier. The prestige and symbolism of aircraft carriers align with Turkish President Recep Erdogan’s neo-Ottomanism, which seeks to bolster Turkish influence in regions once under the Ottoman Empire. However, Erdogan’s neo-Ottomanism faces significant challenges, such as increasing authoritarianism and political polarization in Turkey, economic woes, complicated relations with Europe and NATO, and costly military interventions abroad.
Commentary: A Xi appearance at Trump’s inauguration would give China the upper hand
IF CHINA AND THE US REALLY WANTED TO COMBINE?
Following the end of the war of resistance against Japanese aggression in 1945, Chiang Kai-shek, mind of the KMT-led republican government, invited Mao, mind of the Marxist forces, to the military funds of Chongqing to explore China’s future and the relationship between the two rival parties.
Mao traveled to Chongqing for 43 days of discussions, known as the Chongqing Agreements, under the supervision of the US and encouraged by the next Soviet Union, which led to a peace agreement known as the Double Tenth Agreement. Mao’s image of a sensible man seeking peace was captured in the eyes of the international community as a result of the two long-standing opponents ‘ failure to honor the contract and the civil war that ended with the success of the Communists and the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949.
Today, the US-China connection is at a critical juncture, with both nations confronting each other on issues ranging from industry and technologies to place, Taiwan, Hong Kong and human rights. Xi’s acceptance of Trump’s invitation presents an opportunity that should not be missed in light of growing concerns that the bilateral relationship will further deteriorate. As China’s top leader has repeatedly said, both countries stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation.
Interesting is how Trump asserted to reporters on December 17 that Beijing and Washington could” solve all of the problems of the world” together. Given Trump’s impulsive and unpredictable nature, it is hard to know if he means what he says.
However, his sweeping statement focuses on the most important factor to ensure global peace: Beijing and Washington should reevaluate a G2 relationship model, which will allow them to create a competitive and cooperative relationship to address bilateral issues and address global issues.
In response to his recent trip to China, Thomas Friedman, a columnist for the New York Times, suggested that Beijing and Washington should work together to combat a much bigger issue: disorder. I could not agree more.
Friedman suggested that Trump should look into a” Nixon goes to China” strategy in order to achieve the desperately needed rapprochement between the two nations for a stable 21st century.
Drawing from history and given the high stakes, China’s leadership should seriously consider a move of” Xi goes to Washington”, to gain the upper hand.
Wang Xiangwei is a former Editor-In-Chief of South China Morning Post. He is currently a journalist at Hong Kong Baptist University.
Aphrodisiac ‘love darts’ and four types of slime: Up close at Singapore’s first commercial snail farm
These are the stuff we have learned along the way. Traditional crab farming, is very, very intuitive”, said Ms Kudus, though she added that WholeSnail is also trying to bring a data-driven view to its functions.
” In the beginning, it’s hard. We build all of our models in-house, because there’s no playbook for crabs out it”.
Her group has also played music for the snails, which are blind but you feel vibrations.
Ms Kudus was also keen to dish out fun facts about the invertebrates, including the number of teeth they have  , – that ‘s , 14, 000, arranged in a semi-circle structure called a radula.
And then there are the various different kinds of filth that they secrete.
One jackets the body’s base to aid in fly. Another helps it agree to surfaces, but another is used for defence.
” When you make them mad, they secrete defensive filth and it forms a thick barrier to deter carnivores”, said Mr Laurenz, who’s really an ornithologist or insect scholar by education.  ,
There’s also mud with hormones, for reproduction.
Anutin defends handling of Khao Kradong land dispute
PUBLISHED: 7 Jan 2025 at 05: 01
After a senator questioned the Department of Lands ‘ ( DoL ) investigation procedure, deputy prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul has insisted that the Ministry of Interior has handled the Khao Kradong land dispute case lawfully and fairly.
Mr. Anutin, who is also the Interior Minister, attended an Upper House meeting on Monday to discuss the property dispute in Buri Ram territory.
Senator Nantana Nantavaropas claimed at the meeting that the Central Administrative Court ordered the State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) and the DoL to work together to investigate the 5 083 rai boundary line in the Khao Kradong area on March 30, 2023.
The debate involves 900 property title deeds, 12 of which, in overall, numbered 179 ra, apparently belonged to the Chidchob household.
Ms. Nantana claimed at the time of the meeting that one of the four DoL members of the probe committee was the SAO’s chief, whose name bears the initial” Sor” and has the initial” Sor.”
The senator questioned the legitimacy of the visit of this person, claiming that they had previously competed in the SAO key election for the” Phuan Navin Group,” which was allegedly connected to the Chidchob family.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision in 2021 that the property belongs to the SRT, it was revealed on October 22 that the land committee had voted to reject the property papers.
The question is “how the Interior Ministry does resolve the issue and if the DoL may be forced to comply with the court buy,” said Ms. Nantana.
Mr. Anutin responded by saying he had no knowledge of or connections to the lawmaker Ms. Nanthana mentioned.
He resisted that Section 61 of the Criminal Code be applied to the establishment of the council.
” I commanded that both parties ‘ inquiries been conducted in the most fair manner.” He declared,” I have never and will never unjustly interfere in the function of the authority.”
Mr. Anutin added that the Criminal Court’s decision was made in connection with claims brought by SRT and landowners.
” The Criminal Court attempt did not cover all disputed property, nor refer to all 5, 083 ray of disputed land”, said Mr Anutin, adding that the judge order was misinterpreted and unjustly claimed.
Commentary: What Singapore’s CBD peregrine falcons can teach us about conservation
WHY SOME BIRDS Would NOT BREED IN SINGAPORE
Out of over 420 species of birds observed in Singapore, around 140 are considered people, meaning they are believed to type in Singapore, with local communities provide year-round.
A deeper 60 or so species are readers, breeding often in Peninsular Malaysia or the Riau Archipelago, but just occurring in Singapore periodically for brief periods. Why can’t they keep up a steady reputation in Singapore?
When compared with other animals, the peregrine falcon is the exception, not the rule. Its cliff-creviced natural breeding areas resemble skyscraper support ledges faintly.
By contrast, most species in Singapore have specific wildlife interests. Some are restricted to dense trees, others are only found in ponds, and many have also stricter criteria within these broad groups. These birds cannot cross the bridge between these environments and urban ones, restricting them to the hands of these habitats scattered throughout our tiny isle.
With all these levels, there’s only very small area in Singapore to maintain some kinds of birds. Additionally, habitat separation can be a problem. Some animals, like babblers, are confined to small pockets of jungle with unsustainably little populations because they can move freely between ideal habitats.
Another problem, particularly for birds reliant on freshwater lakes and empty grasslands, is the part of aggressive fauna species. Aggressive predatory fish like snakeheads have been found feeding on the young whistling ducks that are geographically endangered. Aggressive birds like the golden-backed weaver , look to compete with our local kadar weavers for meals.
Cook pork properly, doctor warns
PUBLISHED: 7 Jan 2025 at 04: 47
To protect themselves from staphylococcus suis, also known as hearing loss illness, which can be dangerous, people are advised to avoid eating raw and uncooked pork.
The warning comes in response to reports of an increase in cases over some provinces ‘ extended vacations.
More individuals were discovered to have contracted the disease after eating raw and uncooked bacon, according to Dr. Taweechai Visanuyothin, director of the Department of Disease Control’s Regional Office 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima.
There were 197 recorded instances of hearing loss temperature between Jan 1 last year and Jan 2 this year, with 22 deaths occurring in regions under Regional Office 9’s care. Nakhon Ratchasima had the most cases ( 120 ) and deaths ( 10 ), followed by Chaiyaphum ( 37 cases and 7 deaths ) and Surin ( 24 cases and 3 deaths ).
He stated that meat may be cooked at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for at least 10 days before being safe to eat. He continued,” Put meat is cooked by squeezing lime juice over it.”
Dr. Taweechai even advised those who prepare food to be aware that they could contract the disease from open wounds and that they should use gloves when handling the meat. Symptoms include a fever, fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, bad eyesight, low blood pressure, and hearing damage.
No cabinet changes yet, Phumtham insists
PUBLISHED: 7 Jan 2025 at 04: 44
Phumtham Wechayachai, the deputy prime minister, reaffirmed that the alliance parties are still united and that any speculation about a cabinet reshuffle is unfounded.
Mr. Phumtham criticized talk of a cabinet shake-up as absurd and demanded that the media use reliable sources because they would serve as social tools that would conflate.
After being questioned in the media about past leading Thaksin Shinawatra’s remarks regarding UTN leader and energy minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, the media received questions about his remarks.
On Sunday, Thaksin, commonly seen as Pheu Thai Party’s de-facto head, denied rumours that Mr Pirapan may be removed from the government and said no government change was planned just yet.
Mr. Pirapan apparently faced fierce opposition from the party because he spearheaded a campaign to lower energy costs. According to reports, group financiers and executives were unsatisfied.
Mr. Phumtham assured that the government change may not occur without the consent of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
” I can assure you that a cabinet reshuffle won’t be occurring anywhere quickly. There has been no concern to support such conversations”, he said.
Some social observers, including Mr. Phumtham, said he disagrees with their predictions for an increase in political conflicts this year. Economists are free to express their opinions, but he claimed that all coalition parties think there is nothing to worry about.
He added that a no-confidence conversation between the coalition parties is unnecessary because the opposition has not yet moved a movement.
In yet another growth, Mr. Pirapan stated to the Senate on Monday that he has been working to revolution the energy industry in the interest of the general public.
He was responding to questions from Senator Noraset Pratchayakorn regarding the president’s energy reform strategy and alleged attempt by power companies to thwart these work.
” I’m not an investment. If you follow the news, you’ll discover I’ve suspended whatever deemed inappropriate. I have no vested attention”, he said.
” I’m doing my work under the government’s plan and instructions, which are to ensure the world’s power protection”.
Thaksin under fire for racist jibe
Thaksin’s remarks on American people draw criticism
A lawmaker demanded a public apologies for the racist remarks made by Pheu Thai’s de facto leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, at a campaign rally in Chiang Rai.
A Pheu Thai candidate running for the Chiang Rai provincial administration organization ( PAO ) elections, Thaksin delivered a speech to encourage more Thais to find employment in the entertainment sector.
Nevertheless, he made disparaging remarks about concepts from Africa in his conversation, which were widely seen as sexist.
” American people are hired for thousands of baht to get designs because they have dark skin and smooth faces that make it difficult to breathe.” Thai citizens look much better. There’s no need for]our people to find ] nose, neck or shoulder enhancement.
” It’s time to promote more Thais, including those from racial organizations like the Karen, who possess healthy beauty, to be global designs, “he said.
Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit pleaded on Monday with Thaksin to apologize in public.
” For notes violate the constitution and the standards of different international organisations, which Thailand is a group to,” she said.
” A person’s prejudice is based on their skin color is a significant issue. I want Thaksin to apologise for his notes,” she said.
Ms Angkhana, a past member of the National Human Rights Commission, even urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s child, to take the matter seriously.
I hope the excellent minister won’t ignore the problem and let it go. It should not be allowed to happen afterwards …]especially since ] Thailand has applied to visit the United Nations Human Rights Council and made many vows on… human rights and fighting prejudice,” she said.
Despite the controversy, Pheu Thai applicants are also eager to own Thaksin assist them in their election campaign.
Previous Pheu Thai MP for Nong Khai, Krissada Tanterdthid, announced that Thaksin may travel to the northern province on January 19 to support a PAO vote chief candidate’s campaign for votes.
On January 24, Pheu Thai member Wiwatchai Hotrawaisaya announced that Thaksin had been asked to support his campaign there.
” We are waiting for his assurance. We want him to support his election plan, Mr. Wiwatchai stated.
Mr Wiwatchai’s primary ballot enemy is Wichit Traisaranakul, a previous Si Sa Ket PAO captain and the parents of Traisuree Taisaranakul, minister to Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party chief Anutin Charnvirakul. In addition to the PAO general elections on February 1, Thaksin will assist party candidates in canvassing for votes in 16 provinces, according to Pheu Thai resources.
On Jan 12, he is scheduled to travel to Lampang to support Tuangrat Lohsuntorn, a girl of Phairoj Lohsuthorn, a Pheu Thai record MP, plan.
Lampang was again a Pheu Thai stronghold, but in the 2023 vote, the now-dissolved Move Forward Party, which has been reborn as the Women’s Party, won three of the four divisions in the state.
So, Thaksin’s help is needed to maintain Pheu Thai’s win it, the resources said.
According to the sources, Thaksin may also travel to Northeastern regions, which the party had previously lost to Bhumjaithai.
Thaksin may assist Bhumphan Boonmatun’s plan for seats in the Bueng Kan PAO election on January 19. Bueng Kan is a Bhumjaithai enclave.
Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai will likely face off in a furious fight, as did Wanfa Thongsri, the woman of Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri, will play a part in the fight.
Angkhana: PM must not let it slip
Ex-PM under fire for racist jibe
Chiang Rai conversation draws criticism
A lawmaker demanded a public apology for the racist remarks made by Pheu Thai’s de facto leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, at a campaign rally in Chiang Rai.
A Pheu Thai candidate running in the Chiang Rai provincial administration organization ( PAO ) elections, Salakjit Tiyapairat, who was the target of the rally, delivered a speech to encourage more Thais to find employment in the entertainment sector.
Nevertheless, he made disparaging remarks about concepts from Africa in his conversation, which were widely seen as sexist.
” American people are hired for thousands of baht to get designs because they have dark skin and smooth faces that make it difficult to breathe.” Thai citizens look much better. There’s no need for]our individuals to find ] nose, jaw or breast enhancement.
” It’s time to promote more Thais, including those from racial organizations like the Karen, who possess healthy beauty, to be global designs, “he said.
Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit pleaded on Monday with Thaksin to apologize in public.
” For notes violate the constitution and the standards of different international organisations, which Thailand is a group to,” she said.
” It’s a great trouble to discriminate against someone based on their skin color. I want Thaksin to sorry for his notes,” she said.
Ms Angkhana, a past member of the National Human Rights Commission, even urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s child, to take the matter seriously.
I hope the excellent minister won’t ignore the problem and let it go. It should not be allowed to happen afterwards …]especially since ] Thailand has applied to visit the United Nations Human Rights Council and made many vows on… human rights and fighting prejudice,” she said.
Despite the controversy, Pheu Thai applicants are also eager to own Thaksin assist them in their election campaign.
Previous Pheu Thai MP for Nong Khai, Krissada Tanterdthid, announced that Thaksin may travel to the northern province on January 19 to support a PAO vote chief candidate’s campaign for votes.
On January 24, Pheu Thai member Wiwatchai Hotrawaisaya announced that Thaksin had been asked to support his battle there.
” We are waiting for his assurance. We want him to support his election plan, Mr. Wiwatchai stated.
Mr Wiwatchai’s primary ballot enemy is Wichit Traisaranakul, a previous Si Sa Ket PAO captain and the parents of Traisuree Taisaranakul, minister to Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party chief Anutin Charnvirakul. In addition to the PAO general elections on February 1, Thaksin did assist party candidates in canvassing for votes in 16 provinces, according to Pheu Thai resources.
On Jan 12, he is scheduled to travel to Lampang to support Tuangrat Lohsuntorn, a girl of Phairoj Lohsuthorn, a Pheu Thai record MP, plan.
Lampang was again a Pheu Thai stronghold, but in the 2023 vote, the now-dissolved Move Forward Party, which has been reborn as the Women’s Party, won three of the four divisions in the county.
So, Thaksin’s help is needed to maintain Pheu Thai’s win it, the resources said.
According to the resources, Thaksin may also travel to regions in the Northeast where the group had lost to Bhumjaithai in recent years.
Thaksin will support Bhumphan Boonmatun’s strategy for seats in the Bueng Kan PAO election on January 19. Bueng Kan is a Bhumjaithai enclave.
Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai will likely face off in a furious fight, as did Wanfa Thongsri, the woman of Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri, will play a part in the fight.
Angkhana: PM must not let it slip