Up your game, southern security forces told
According to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham, leaders should be more proactive and not just reacting on the spot.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Wednesday, security forces in Thailand’s heavy south must work more hard to stop violence and intervene more quickly to stop violent incidents.
In recent days, he was responding to a number of aggressive attacks in the southern border regions, including one that left a Buddhist amateur killed and another injured on Tuesday morning in Songkhla’s Saba Yoi area.
Mr. Phumtham, even the defense minister, expressed his concern for attacks that have taken place everyday over the past four to five days, with some involving two or three incidents occurring in a single day.
He claimed that he attended a Zoom meeting with security officials after these attacks and that he felt the need to change how violent the restive provinces ‘ residents handled the crime.
Gen. Pana Klaewplodthuk, the secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, the head of the army, Gen. Pana Klaewplodthuk, the head of the national authorities, Lt. Gen. Paisal Noosang, the captain of the Fourth Army Territory, and other leaders.
After all these violent incidents, Mr. Phumtham said, they must work more positively and never wait until new incidents occur in order to regain public trust in the safety standards maintained in the far north.
More importantly, the minister said the government must respond more quickly when quite violence occurs and record it to him right away.
Chousak Sirinil, the secretary of the prime minister’s office, has demanded increased surveillance for Buddhist monks and amateurs in the southern border regions who are still required to leave each day for their day alms round.
The amateurs who were killed and injured in Songkhla on Tuesday were ambushed while traveling in a delivery truck to perform their alma mater.
Lt. Gen. Paisal reported that the two novices ‘ attack came after a string of violent incidents that appeared to have taken place on April 18 in the Raman region of Yala, which led to a deadly ambush on a Muslim spiritual teacher.
He claimed that this particular attack had been used to spread false information that it was the work of safety regulators, the same strategy that had been employed to elicit violent revolt against state officials in prior significant situations like the Krue Se and Tak Bai murder in Pattani and Narathiwat, both.
Lt. Gen Paisal ruled out a possible link between the administration’s handling of the southwestern peace deals and this string of violent incidents, saying that the health of honest people in the heavy South should never be used as a tool for negotiations with the state.
M3.3 quake hits Mae Hong Son
PUBLISHED: 23 Apr 2025 at 21: 01
On Wednesday night, a 3.3 % earthquake was felt close to the epicenter of the northern Thai state of Mae Hong Son.
The earthquake reportedly occurred five kilometers under in tambon Tham Lot of Pang Mapha region at 6:07pm, according to the Department of Mineral Resources.
Although the cause of the vibration was also undetermined, the ministry claimed that the earthquake was felt in tambon Tham Lot.
The Earthquake Observation Division reports that a 3. 5-magnitude quake struck Myanmar, which is located 236 kilometers west of Mae Hong Son’s Muang area, twelve hours later.
Three weeks after a devastating earthquake of 7.7 magnitude near Mandalay, key Myanmar, that left over 3,700 people dead, were the incidents. In Bangkok, the collapse was felt as well, where lots of workers were killed by a collapsed high-rise creating. The hunt for the deceased continues.
Thai cabinet approves snake exports
Breeders and constitutional pathways to exports are seen by officials as lucrative sources of income and a legitimate pathway to exports are both under strict supervision.
PUBLISHED: 23 Apr 2025 at 20: 29
In a bid to improve the nation’s economy and stop the illegal trade in reptiles, Thailand’s government lifted a decades-old ban on exporting reptiles.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s proposal to revoke two 1990 and 1991 regulations that forbid the export of lived snakes and raw snake skins was approved by ministers this month.
The proposal’s authors claimed that the goal is to make domestic snakes legally available for trade in order to meet higher world need. By creating a legal trade route under strict control, this would help local producers make money and stop improper snake exports.
Thailand’s home snake trade is estimated to be worth at least 275 million baht annually, according to estimates. The trade market value, according to estimates, may meet this figure.
Related industries include snake feed production ( generating at least 180 million baht annually ), feed for snakes ‘ prey ( 51 million baht ), snake-raising equipment like terrariums ( 17 million baht ), and veterinary care for snakes ( producing at least 180 million baht annually ).
The Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ( Cites ) require that exporters of snakes obtain permits in accordance with these laws. According to authorities, these rules may help to make sure that the animals business doesn’t harm the ecosystem.
Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, along with Veera Kunchairuk, the department’s assistant director-general, and Sadudee Punpugdee, the division’s director of the Wild Fauna and Flora Protection Division, presented the proposal to the government.
Singapore condemns terrorist attacks in Kashmir and Jammu; no Singaporeans known to be among casualties
“EVIL AGENDA WILL NOT SUCCEED”
The attacks came on Tuesday afternoon at three spots within Baisaran valley at Pahalgam where gunmen burst out of the forests and ambushed crowds of visitors with automatic weapons.
The men, said to be from the militant group Kashmir Resistance, claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media message.
The group said that more than 85,000 “outsiders” had been settled in the region after arriving as tourists, vowing violence against such settlers.
In a fresh statement on Wednesday, Kashmir Resistance said that the “individuals targeted were not ordinary tourists; instead, they were linked to and affiliated with Indian security agencies”.
“It was not a typical tourist group but rather an undercover agency tasked with research.”
The attacks should “serve as a wake-up call not only for Delhi but also for those who support Delhi’s questionable strategies”, the group added.
“Resistance fighters plan to intensify their strategic attacks to ensure that those involved in undermining … (the) resistance struggle face appropriate consequences.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had been on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his trip and returned to his country on Wednesday morning.
Modi held a meeting with the national security adviser, the foreign minister and other senior officials at the airport. A special security Cabinet meeting was called, a defence ministry official said.
The prime minister decried the attacks in an earlier Facebook post, pledging that those involved would be brought to justice.
“Their evil agenda will never succeed,” he wrote.
“Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”
Hundreds of security forces rushed to the Pahalgam area soon after the attacks and a massive combing operation was launched in the forests there.
About 100 people suspected of being militant sympathisers in the past were called to police stations and questioned.
Militant violence has afflicted Kashmir, claimed in full but ruled in part by both India and Pakistan, since the anti-Indian insurgency began in 1989. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, although violence has tapered off in recent years.
India revoked Kashmir’s special status in 2019, splitting the state into two federally administered territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The move allowed the local authorities to issue domicile rights to outsiders, allowing them to get jobs and buy land in the territory.
That led to a deterioration of ties with Pakistan, which also claims the region. The dispute has spurred bitter animosity and military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Indian security agencies said that Kashmir Resistance is a front for Pakistan-based militant organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Pakistan has said that it provides only moral and diplomatic support to the insurgency in Kashmir.
“We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives,” Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement.
“We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
For Singaporeans in India who wish to call Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office, the 24-hours number is +65 6379 8800/ 8855. Or they may email: mfa_duty_officer [at] mfa.gov.sg.
Singapore condemns terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir; no Singaporeans known to be among casualties
” EVIL AGENDA WILL NOT SUCCEED”
The problems occurred on Tuesday afternoon at three locations in the Baisaran river at Pahalgam, where gunmen reportedly burst out of the trees and used automatic weapons to ambush crowds of visitors.
In a cultural advertising text, the people, who are alleged to be members of the violent party Kashmir Resistance, claimed responsibility for the attack.  ,
The party vowed to fight crime against the more than 85, 000 “outsiders” who arrived in the area as travellers and claimed more than 85, 000 had already been settled there.  ,
The individuals targeted were not just regular travelers, according to Kashmir Resistance in a new statement released on Wednesday, according to a new speech.
It wasn’t a normal tourists group; it was more of an undercover agency tasked with conducting research.  ,
The group furthered that the attacks really” serve as a wake-up contact for Delhi and those who support Delhi’s dubious strategies.”
” Resistance fighters intend to increase their strategic attacks to ensure that those responsible for undermining… ( the ) resistance struggle are punished appropriately.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India had been on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, so he cut little his stay and made his return to his nation on Wednesday night.
Modi met with the unusual minister, the national security adviser, and other top officials at the airport. A representative from the defense ministry claimed that a particular security government conference had been called.
In a previous Facebook post, the prime minister criticized the problems and said that those responsible had be held accountable.
He wrote,” Their terrible agenda will always succeed.”
Our unwavering commitment to combating extremism is unshakeable, and it will only grow stronger.
Shortly after the attacks, hundreds of security forces arrived in the Pahalgam area and a large combing operation was launched in the area’s forests.
In the past, about 100 people who were suspected of being violent sympathisers were called to police stations and interrogated.
Since the anti-Indian rebellion started in 1989, Kashmir, which is claimed entirely but is ruled in piece by both India and Pakistan, has experienced violent crime. Despite declining murder in recent years, tens of thousands of people have died.
In 2019, India dissolved Kashmir’s unique position, cutting it into Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, two of which are under the federal government’s control. The move made it possible for local government to grant foreigners their identity rights, allowing them to work and purchase property in the area.
That caused Pakistan, which likewise claims the area, to lose some of its relationships. The nuclear-armed neighbors ‘ bitter animosities and military conflict have been the result of this issue.
According to American security officials, the Kashmir Resistance serves as a front for violent groups based in Pakistan, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Pakistan has stated that it only gives the rebellion in Kashmir social and political support.
According to Shafqat Ali Khan, a spokesman for the Muslim international government,” we are concerned about the loss of lives for tourists.”
We offer our condolences to the deceased’s close relatives and want the injured a quick healing.
The 24-hours phone range for Singaporeans in India is 65 6379 8800 / 8855. Or they can email mfa_duty_officer [at ] authorization. gov. gs.
Singapore condemns terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Kashmir and Jammu; no Singaporeans known to be among casualties
” EVIL AGENDA WILL NOT SUCCEED”  ,
The problems occurred on Tuesday afternoon at three locations in the Baisaran river at Pahalgam, where gunmen reportedly burst out of the trees and used automatic weapons to ambush masses of visitors.
In a cultural advertising text, the people, who are alleged to be members of the violent party Kashmir Resistance, claimed responsibility for the attack.  ,
More than 85, 000 “outsiders” have been settled in the area since their arrival as travellers, according to the party, who have vowed to use violence against them.  ,
The individuals targeted were not just regular travelers, according to Kashmir Resistance in a new statement released on Wednesday, according to a new speech.
” It wasn’t a typical visitor class; it was more of an undercover agency tasked with research.”  ,
The group furthered that the attacks if” serve as a wake-up contact for Delhi and those who support Delhi’s dubious strategies.”
” Resistance fighters intend to increase their strategic attacks to ensure that those responsible for undermining… ( the ) resistance struggle are punished appropriately.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India had been visiting Saudi Arabia for two days, so he cut short his vacation and made his return to his nation on Wednesday night.
Modi met with the international minister, the national security adviser, and other top officials at the airport. A representative from the defense ministry claimed that a specific security cabinet meeting had been called.
In an earlier Facebook post, the excellent minister decried the problems and said that those responsible had been held accountable.
He wrote,” Their terrible agenda will always succeed.”
Our unwavering commitment to battling violence will only grow stronger.
Immediately after the attacks, hundreds of security forces arrived in the Pahalgam area and a large combing operation was launched in the area’s forests.
In the past, about 100 folks were called to police stations and interrogated for suspected violent sympathisers.
Since the anti-Indian rebellion started in 1989, violent crime has been roiling Kashmir, which is claimed entirely but is ruled in piece by both India and Pakistan. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, despite the crime stopping in recent years.
In 2019, India dissolved Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, two states that are under the federal government’s special position, from India. The move made it possible for local authorities to grant foreigners their home rights, enabling them to work and purchase land in the area.
That caused Pakistan, which likewise claims the area, to lose some of its relationships. The nuclear-armed neighbors ‘ bitter animosities and military conflict have been the result of this issue.
According to American intelligence agencies, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen are front-runners of Kashmir Resistance in Pakistan.
Pakistan has stated that Kashmir’s rebellion is only supported morally and diplomatically.
” We are concerned about the loss of life for visitors,” said Shafqat Ali Khan, a spokesman for the Pakistani foreign ministry.
” We wish the injured a quick recovery and expand our condolences to the adjacent ones of the dying.”
The 24-hours phone range for Singaporeans in India is 65 6379 8800 / 8855. Or they can email mfa_duty_officer [at ] login. gov. gs.
GE2025: ‘Equip yourselves with the best team to take our nation forward,’ PM Wong says to Singaporeans
Singaporeans are being urged to “equip yourselves with the best staff” to advance the country in a little changed world, despite the opposition presence in Singapore politics continuing.
” In the past, people would say that Singaporeans would vote for the PAP in hard times, in hard days,” he said.
That is completely untrue, I don’t consider that for granted. This did not happen when we went to the last poll amidst COVID, of course. So I firmly anticipate that this election will be a difficult vote.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, Minister for the Office of the Prime Minister Indranee Rajah, and Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli were presenting to writers from the group’s East Coast offices.
The prime minister made a point in his opening remarks by stating that the stakes are high in this poll.
” We are in a changed earth with turmoil all around us.” Not the first day you hold elections in difficult situation, he said.
He noted that the previous election in 2020 was held in similar situations to the COVID-19 crisis. The problems are more intense this time around, according to Mr. Wong.
He has seen this in his interactions with business leaders and union leaders, who both express concern about the world uncertainty’s influence on jobs and incomes and how worried they are about the slowdown.
After the election process on Wednesday, he revealed that he had met with Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund investment advisors and that” there is a compromise that things will not go back to how they used to be.”
According to Mr. Wong, this doubt may continue for a while because it won’t be addressed in the current year.
” The antagonism says, Don’t worry. This is a premature reaction. It’s overdoing it for the PAP. ‘. However, I believe if you genuinely consider the facts and ask yourself,” Is the world changing?” Is there a difference? He said,” Yes,” and the answer is “yes.”
So much is at threat for Singapore as a trading country because of how a new world order had appear in the midst of a very messy and uncertain transition, according to Mr. Wong.
In a new universe,” who Singaporeans choose to be the elected government is crucial. I asked Singaporeans to provide themselves with the best group to advance our country under these situation,” he said.
A DYNAMIC MATTER IN ELECTIONS
Additionally, Mr. Wong received a number of inquiries regarding the PAP’s implementation plan for the upcoming General Election.
After the ruling People’s Action Party ( PAP ) sprung a number of surprises on Nomination Day, he said, “preparing for an election is always a dynamic matter.”
Given that the screens in various rooms had already been revealed in the run-up to Wednesday, he was responding to a problem from CNA about how voters will react to the group’s Election Day late swapping of outlet ministers across some constituencies.
Mr. Wong noted that there have been numerous unexpected changes in the candidates ‘ backgrounds and that the group needs to consider when selecting the candidates to build.
” We make some of these actions, and we have done so in this vote,” said Mr. Wong, who is also the PAP secretary-general.” We try our best never to have too many actions, but we have done so occasionally,” he said.
After remaining unnamed about its slate in five slates, including East Coast Group representation Constituency ( GRC ), Tanjong Pagar GRC, Punggol GRC, and two SMCs Queenstown and Radin Mas, the party made several electoral surprises available on Nomination Day.
GE2025: Prospective PAP candidates visit multiple constituencies ‘quietly’ to observe, do the work, says Chan Chun Sing
After Nomination Day proceedings ended on Wednesday ( Apr 23 ), it is common for potential candidates for the People’s Action Party ( PAP ) to “quietly” visit and observe the work done in various constituencies “without an entourage.”
During a press conference officially introducing the constituency’s stone alongside prospects for Queenstown and Radin Mas SMCs, the outlet minister for Tanjong Pagar GRC was responding to questions about the ostensibly unexpected walk earlier in the day when gathering fresh experience Foo Cexiang was revealed to be contesting Tanjong Pagar GRC.
In the previous few weeks, Mr. Foo had been essentially spotted attending events in the former Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, and he was expected to be fielded in the local districts.  ,
Prospective candidates go to several locations “because we want to expose them to residents from diverse backgrounds,” according to Mr. Chan, adding that this is “better for their deployment.”  ,
As potential individuals pick up their experiences, it also provides us with information on the demographics they can relate to the most.
They also gain knowledge about the various ways that each electorate operates.  ,
The PAP field applicants “across the whole island, unlike other parties,” according to Mr. Chan, once they have this exposure, there will be “different factors” influencing their implementation.  ,
” We have to make sure that the candidates ‘ portfolios across the various pieces of Singapore can best serve the people and address their needs in various parts of Singapore.”
In this way, the party considers how a potential team can complement one another in addition to a possible candidate’s unique strengths. They will be taken into account for their unique background, experience, and viewpoints, he added.
GE2025: PAP West Coast-Jurong West GRC releases 5-year plan for estate, calls for PSP to do the same
The West Coast-Jurong West GRC candidates ‘ candidates for the People’s Action Party ( PAP ) announced a five-year plan on Wednesday ( Apr 23 ) hours after confirming their candidacy.
The 38-page record manifesto, which is the work of PAP’s team, has nine pillars that cover topics like cost of living, providing jobs, and creating a clean and lasting environment.
The constituency’s programs and initiatives are briefly summarized in the statement, along with what the candidates ‘ intentions are going ahead.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee also addressed the media to demand that his party’s candidates, who are challenging him to release their personal ideas for the people to see through the statement.
He was speaking in response to the West Coast-Jurong West GRC’s PSP staff, which had before contested the PAP team during the nomination center during a debate on federal policies.  ,
In his address to the group at the Nan Hua High School election center, PSP key Leong Mun Wai stated,” We would like to invite secretary Desmond Lee and his team to arguments on plans. Allow the electorate choose the winner.
As part of the team that almost defeated the PAP in 2020, the PSP stone contests in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, which includes Mr. Leong, Mr. Leong, Mr. Bock, Mr. Poa, and first vice-chairperson Hazel Poa. Sani Ismail and Sumarleki Amjah, outsiders, join them.
Mr. Lee, the PAP player’s anchor minister at West Coast-Jurong West GRC, originally stated at a press conference that he would separate his team’s response to the debate-related problem.
He later told the media that there are platforms where political parties can debate policies during the general election ( GE ). Parties even publish their policy recommendations in their slogans. During the GE, citizens can examine these ideas.
Political parties that claim to have walked the earth should also be able to release detailed proposals and local plans to the benefit of locals. We have carried it out. We request that PSP distribute these native plans for residents to research.
Mr. Lee did not give a ballpark , determine on how much the plans may cost because some projects may go beyond five years while others are still in the consulting period and the fees are” not cast in rock” when he presented the PAP’s programs on Wednesday following Nomination Day trials.
Mr. Shawn Huang, Mr. Ang Wei Neng, Dr. Hamid Razak, and Ms. Cassandra Lee were his other staff members who were present at the group’s branch office in Boon Lay to establish the manifesto at the press conference.
GE2025: Marine Parade-Braddell Heights walkover disappointing and surprising, opposition parties say
The walkover in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC on Wednesday ( Apr 23 ), the first general election since 2011, has left opposition parties disappointed.
PSP thinks that Singaporeans should have the opportunity to practice the political process. Leong Mun Wai, the leader of Progress Singapore Party ( PSP), said,” We should not have a walkover.”
Paul Tambyah, the SDP’s chair, said he was “very surprised” by the walkover.
It would have made much more impression if NSP  had returned, you know, individually. However, it’s difficult to tell because everyone was holding their accounts so close together, according to Dr. Tambyah, who is SDP’s member for Bukit Panjang SMC. The National Solidarity Party ( NSP) had previously contested in the 2011 General Election in Marine Parade, Georgia.
No other candidates have submitted nomination papers for the constituency, so the five-member People’s Action Party ( PAP )   )   team for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC was chosen.  ,
The stone also includes Diana Pang, past MacPherson SMC MP Tin Pei Ling, past MacPherson SMC MP Tin Pei Ling, and visitors Goh Pei Ming and Diana Pang.
The Workers ‘ Party ( WP), which was widely anticipated to compete in the GRC in 2015 and 2020, was ultimately unable to form a team.  ,
Mr. Leong claimed that the WP may include “valid factors” for not standing that despite his disappointment with the walkover. He confirmed there had never been any discussions about contests in the electorate with another opposition parties.
He said it was “hard to state” if the reshuffling of the PAP slate had benefited the opposition in any way because of it, which included PAP stalwarts like Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
In fact, PAP’s side’s stone has undergone a significant change, but they are valuable opponents, according to Mr. Leong, who is contesting in West Coast-Jurong West GRC.
On April 20, the PAP made its initial announcement regarding the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC stone.  ,
Manpower Minister Tan See Leng was initially a part of the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights line-up, but the gathering changed. But, Dr. Tan assumed the head of the PAP group in Chua Chu Kang GRC on Nomination Day.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong will take the place of prosecutor Harpreet Singh’s WP stone in Punggol GRC, where he will experience Deputy Prime Minister Harpreet Singh, who has left Chua Chu Kang.
Dr. Tambyah said in Dr. Tan’s final statement,” There’s going to be a trust problem there about See Leng.”