China’s Xi vows ‘all-out battle against corruption’
Admiral Miao Hua had served in the posh Central Military Commission in Beijing, where he was seated along with five different people, including Xi at the top. He joined a host of high-ranking characters, including two former military officials, to fall foul of a sweeping crackdown on bone in theContinue Reading
Buyer splashes out US$1.3 million for Tokyo new year tuna
Tokyo’s top bidders said they paid US$ 1.3 million for a tuna on Sunday ( Jan 5 ), which is the second-highest price ever paid at an annual prestigious new year auction. Michelin-starred rice restauranteurs the Onodera Group said they paid 207 million yen for the 276kg bluefin fish, roughlyContinue Reading
Nightclub near Bangkok investigated for selling ID data
PUBLISHED: 6 Jan 2025 at 19: 28
Over 200 people have complained about a bar in Nonthaburi’s Bang Yai area for alleged unauthorized access to ID data.
After the bar was accused of photographing its clients ‘ ID cards and reportedly selling the information for gain, inquiries into the club have grown.
The membership is also being investigated for having illegal operations and engaging in illegal activities.
Police are preparing to submit the case to the Personal Data Protection Committee ( PDPC ), according to Bang Yai Police Station Superintendent Pol Col Ronaphat Thapthimthongchai.
Following a widely circulated movie alleging misconduct by the bar, the discussion gained momentum.
After more than 100 customers had their substance tested, an initial inspection revealed no evidence of improper behavior.
The landlord was informed that if any misconduct was discovered, legitimate action would be taken.
ID accounts photographed
One of the alleged subjects described her encounter with New Year’s Eve parties at the club.
He claimed he felt uncomfortable after a team employee took his ID cards without covering the identification number.
He said he was cautious, fearing possible abuse of his ID’s files.
Prasert Jantararuangtong, the deputy prime minister and minister of modern economy and society, ordered a complete inspection and put the emphasis on how selling personal information is against Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act.
He assured subjects of legal protection and urged anyone who had fears to report them, even if no immediate harm had resulted.
However, the PDPC has given the bar 72 hours to understand its behavior.
Additionally, officials are working with Bang Yai Police Station to investigate possible criminal activity and assist the alleged victims in filing complaints.
People who have visited this pleasure location and are concerned that their ID cards data has been abused are urged to lodge issues at Bang Yai Police Station, according to Pol Col Ronaphat.
Pheu Thai’s Chousak says factions near charter deal
PUBLISHED: 6 Jan 2025 at 19: 16
The Pheu Thai Party believes that the government, the opposition, and Senate whips can come to an agreement on a proposed charter amendment that would establish a charter drafting assembly ( CDA ) that would be in charge of creating a new constitution” soon.”
On Tuesday, Pheu Thai’s MPs are scheduled to meet to decide whether to send its edition of the plan, which primarily addresses Section 256 of the constitution.
The part explains the steps and needs for a legal article.
Pheu Thai’s edition, if approved, may involve the creation of a 200-member CDA, whose people are picked from several groups from across the nation, before an article can continue.
From January 14 to January 15, Parliament is scheduled to examine different law act bills section by section. Its president, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, said he would include the People Party’s ( PP ) proposal to amend Section 256 to set up the CDA.
Chousak Sirinil, the deputy head of Pheu Thai, stressed the necessity of creating the CDA on Monday, claiming that the law drafting assembly will not need to take section-by-section reviews of amendment proposals.
” I believe the government, criticism and Senate whip will discuss and agree on the subject”, said Mr Chousak, who likewise serves as the Prime Minister’s Office Minister.  ,
He also said that general government punch, Wisut Chainarun, will determine when the authorities, criticism and Senate whips did meet to discuss the issue.
In response to rumors that Pheu Thai MPs won’t help the PP’s expenses, Mr. Chousak said that any group should be allowed to make a proposal to amend Section 256.  ,
In a Twitter post on Monday, PP list-MP Parit Wacharasindhu noted that despite Pheu Thai’s frequent criticism of the PP’s force to amend the constitution, several of its ideas are similar to PP’s.
He then referred to the PP’s plan to replace the law, which requires an act to have the support of at least one-third of the Senate in order to go, and a subsequent drive to have the need replaced with two-thirds assistance from the House of Representatives.
Did you forget that you also suggested removing the requirement when you introduced your personal legislation in the first place in the year, Mr. Parit wrote in the Facebook post.
DPM Phumtham calls for new path to peace in Thailand’s South
PUBLISHED: 6 Jan 2025 at 19: 03
Vice-President Phumtham Wechayachai has demanded a complete analysis of the methods used to end the decades-old rebellion in the deep South.
Mr. Phumtham, who is also the defense minister, presided over the first meeting of the Emergency Situation Administration Committee in 2025 and announced on Monday that the city of Yaha in Yala territory would no longer be considered a state of emergency, reducing the number of districts under the legislation from 33 to 17.
He questioned whether the Thai government was heading in the right direction and urged a rethinking of its strategy given that the issue has not yet been settled despite having lasted for more than 20 years.
The new mind of Thailand’s peace talk team will be appointed just when apparent strategies are adopted, according to Mr. Phumtham’s directive to the important organizations to come up with practical solutions within a month.  ,
He expressed optimism about Malaysia’s role in the peace process, claiming that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s current position as the country’s top director on Asean politics, is likely to contribute significantly to fostering cooperation.  ,
” Thaksin’s presence may help bring balance to the Thai-Malaysian borders and encourage socioeconomic development in the region,” he said.
Mr Phumtham furthermore acknowledged continued problems, including incredulity from citizens in the region. He emphasised the importance of winning common respect, saying”, If we focus on what advantages the majority, people will encouraged our efforts.”
Further complicating the peace process are disputes over the platform for negotiations. A Joint Comprehensive Plan Towards Peace (JCPP ) was initially agreed upon, but BRN’s opposition to it has stalled progress.
Mr. Phumtham praised Malaysia’s choice of Datuk Mohd Rabin Bin Basir as facilitator for talks between Thailand and the main separatist group, the Barisan Revolusi Nasional ( BRN), and stressed the importance of having trustworthy representatives from all sides involved in the discussion. According to Thai negotiators, Mr. Mohd Rabin has shown versatility and dedication to lead to fruitful results.
Thailand has yet to find a new dialogue staff due to the recency of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s interview, he added.
Philippines deploys maritime and air assets to monitor China’s ‘monster ship’
MANILA:  , The Philippines has deployed heat and , sea , resources of its military and beach shield in its exclusive economic zone to monitor , China’s largest coast guard vehicle, calling the ship’s appearance an act of Taiwanese “intimidation, force and anger”. The 165-meter-long vessel 5901, known as” the monster,” was 65Continue Reading
300 same sex couples expected to wed
PUBLISHED: 6 Jan 2025 at 18: 52
When the landmark marriage equality law becomes effective on January 23, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) anticipates 300 same-sex couples getting married there.
The BMA is active making plans for the big time. Sanon Wangsrangboon, the lieutenant governor of Bangkok, has taken a tour of the district offices to check the progress being made with the marriage registrations.  ,
District authorities have received training on how to teach people the necessary steps and processes.
He called on people to fill out online types to minimize registration period at <, https: //form. jotform.com/Bangkokpride2024/equal-marriage-registration-confirm>,.  , He expected around 300 people will file on Jan 23.
But far, at least 100 people have pre-registered. According to Mr. Sanon, 67 of them have enrolled to officially marry at the Siam Paragon shopping complex, while the rest have done so at different district offices.
Even on Monday, People’s Party MPs, Thanyawat Kamolwongwat and Paramet Witthayaraksan, visited Bang Rak city company in Bangkok to observe procedures there for the big day.
The company is expected to pleasant many people, given the state’s apt moniker of” Love Hamlet”.  ,
On January 23, Bang Rak and Pathumwan city offices, according to district workplace chief Pornpan Watthanasin, may hold special events for couples.  ,
Mr Thanyawat said the new legislation may usher in some location changes, including the alternatives of the term “husband” and “wife” with” spouse” in the register.
On January 14, the Department of Provincial Administration will launch a campaign to promote same-sex marriage register global.
Thai citizens who marry a foreigner are eligible for enrollment. In case the unusual national’s own land does not accept same-sex relationship, constitutional protection will be valid only in Thailand.  ,
The MP stated that MPs and PP members may be present to thank wedding registrants on the first day of the legislation becoming effective.
” This is indeed traditional. It shows how societal acceptance of gender diversity and equal rights have actually advanced, he said.  ,
His Majesty the King endorsed the Marriage Equality Bill, which makes Thailand the second nation or country in Asia to recognize same-sex wedding, and it was published in the Royal Gazette on September 24, 2013.
300 same sex couples expected to wed in Bangkok Jan 23
PUBLISHED: 6 Jan 2025 at 18: 52
Around 300 same-sex lovers are anticipated to tie the knot in Bangkok on January 23 when the landmark marriage justice law becomes law.
The BMA is active preparing for the big time. Sanon Wangsrangboon, the lieutenant governor of Bangkok, has taken a tour of the city offices to check on how the marriage registrations are progressing.  ,
District officers have received training on how to teach people the required procedures and methods.
He called on couples to fill out ” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>online forms to shorten registration time. He expected around 300 couples will register on Jan 23.
But far, at least 100 people have pre-registered. According to Mr. Sanon, 67 of them have enrolled to officially marry at the Siam Paragon buying intricate, while the rest have done so at different district offices.
Even on Monday, People’s Party MPs, Thanyawat Kamolwongwat and Paramet Witthayaraksan, visited Bang Rak city company in Bangkok to observe procedures there for the big day.
The company is expected to pleasant many people, given the state’s apt moniker of” Love Hamlet”.  ,
On January 23, Bang Rak and Pathumwan city offices, according to district workplace chief Pornpan Watthanasin, may hold special events for couples.  ,
Mr Thanyawat said the new legislation may usher in some location changes, including the alternatives of the term “husband” and “wife” with” spouse” in the register.
On January 14, the Department of Provincial Administration will launch a campaign to promote same-sex marriage register global.
Thai citizens who marry a foreigner are eligible to register. In case the unusual national’s own land does not accept same-sex relationship, constitutional protection will be valid only in Thailand.  ,
The MP stated that MPs and PP members may be present to thank wedding registrants on the first day of the legislation becoming effective.
” This is indeed traditional. It shows how societal acceptance of gender diversity and similar freedom have actually advanced, he said.  ,
His Majesty the King endorsed the Marriage Equality Bill, making Thailand the next nation or country in Asia to recognize same-sex unions, and it was published in the Royal Gazette on September 24, 2013.
Thailand tourism bounces back, with 35 million visitors in 2024
BANGKOK: Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international tourists in 2024, surpassing the government’s target, as the country strives to revive its sluggish economy, officials said on Monday ( Jan 6 ). The country’s essential hospitality sector accounts for about 20 % of its GDP, but it has struggled asContinue Reading
Philippine laws seek to prevent online casino resurgence, plug loopholes uncovered in years-long probe
Following years of investigation into crime-ridden online gambling catering to international clients, Spanish legislators are attempting to pass numerous laws to close gaps in such areas as immigration checks, unusual disturbance, and spying monitoring.
Spanish Offshore Gaming Operators, who are frequently referred to as POGOs, were ordered banned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a national target in July of last year, citing social costs like rising violence.
In Congress, a rules proposal is currently pending to stop these offshore gaming operations from resuming.
” I hope the year 2025 is the year we finally pass the Anti-POGO Act. In a statement released at the beginning of this year, Senator Risa Hontiveros stated that” we need a complete regulation to ensure that there will no longer get POGOs that fraud, hurt, and intimidate people.”
President Marcos formalized the restrictions and gave the nation’s game controller until the end of 2024 to stop operating activities in an executive order signed in November. However, lawmakers claimed that policy would greater institutionalize the restrictions.
Instead of just the gambling regulation cited in the government’s executive order, lawmakers have proposed expanding the scope of the restrictions to contain POGOs licensed by various government agencies in a bill currently pending in Congress.
In an interview with CNA, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said,” Our proposal expanded the definition to ensure that ( it ) will be incorporated into the law regardless of who issued the license.”
” There’s a chance that these ( POGOs ) might go underground, but I think law enforcement has been very cautious about ensuring that these operations are seized before they spread further,” said Joseph Velasco, associate professor in the De La Salle University in the Philippines ‘ Department of Political Science and Development Studies.  ,