DoH hails success of M81 motorway trial

The M81 motorway (photo: Department of Highways)
The M81 motorway ( photo: Department of Highways )

According to the Department of Highways ( DoH), the new M81 motorway has gained popularity among drivers during the New Year’s Free Trial and has been helpful in reducing travel time and easing traffic on the south- and west-bound highways.

During the trial, which ran from Dec 26 until Jan 2, the 96km road stretching between Bang Yai region in Nonthaburi and Tha Muang region in Kanchanaburi, served a full of 276, 316 cars on the Bang Yai-Nakhon Pathom area, and 219, 181 cars on the Nakhon Pathom-Kanchanaburi area, said Apirat Chaiwongnoi, director-general of the DoH.

Given what is described above, the road significantly reduced prospects on Phetkasem Road, which is also known as Highway No. 4, in Nakhon Pathom’s Nakhon Chaisi area and 43 % on the portion of Highway No. 323 in Tha Muang city of Kanchanaburi, Mr Apirat said.

Overall, he claimed, the M81 highway eased visitors on Bangkok’s main roads leading to the South and West, especially Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi, and saved a lot of time while traveling.

According to him, these regions serve as the gate to counties that are renowned as important tourist destinations like Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The test demonstrated the M81’s ability to handle large traffic and comfortable traffic on important highways like Phetkasem Road, the main street leading to the South, he said.

Due to its standard opening, expected later this year, the M81 motorway’s 51km northern Nakhon Pathom-Kanchanaburi section does available for free trials on weekends, starting next Friday, until further notice, he said.

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WHO backs facility for  Efavirenz

Director hails native achievement

A GPO facility in Pathum Thani (file photo)
Pathum Thani GPO facility ( file photo )

The government pharmaceutical organization’s ( GPO ) facility in Pathum Thani has been certified by the WHO Prequalification Programme ( WHO PQ ) to produce the antiretroviral drug Efavirenz.

According to GPO producer Mingkwan Suphanpong, the facility’s certification, which is the first in Thailand and the Asean location to have received WHO PQ documentation, means that all of the Efavirenz capsules produced by the GPO remain on the WHO Prequalified List.

After the GPO submitted an application in 2016, the WHO approved GPO’s demand to place the medication on its record.

When a person is diagnosed with the disease, they are prescribed efavirenz, and it is frequently combined with tenofovir/emtricitabine in adults, adolescents, and kids.

In addition to being used in combination with another antiviral medications as part of an expanded post-exposure treatment regimen, efavirenz is also used to lower the risk of HIV infections in people who are at a high risk.

Dr. Mingkwan said the documentation reflects GPO’s commitment to quality and safety, making sure Thais have access to medicines that are as powerful as the original. The drug also can get registered in other countries, enhancing trade prospects.

According to Dr. Mingkwan, qualification comes after a second inspection conducted in the WHO PQ on August 12 to 16 last year to check compliance with WHO requirements.

The assessment covered manufacturing process, creation support systems, experiment, and excellent management among others. It is valid for three years.

Dr Mingkwan said GPO’s research, development, and production of Efavirenz serve as a key example of its success in producing generic drugs, especially crucial drugs, which are essential for the medical system.

Generic drugs have also gained GPO foreign credibility because they give Thais access to potent treatments similar to those found in their own homes for less money, she said.

She said that the GPO needs to keep working on developing basic medications so that patients can get access to affordable alternatives when their original substance patents expire.

The recent success of the GPO also supports the likelihood for HIV patients to lead normal lives as non-HIV persons.

According to WHO’s scheme on the part of HIV viral suppression, those who live with HIV and use any WHO-prequalified combination of treatments and testing platforms pose no risk of HIV being passed onto others.

Mingkwan: Relates to value, safety

Mingkwan: Relates to value, safety

Jarunee Siriphan, director of the Foundation for Action on Inclusion Rights ( Fair ) and founder of the People’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination ( MovED ) said undetectable means untransmittable.

She cited the public health initiative Unknown Equals Untransmittable ( U=U), which uses advances in public health science to ensure a healthy life for those living with HIV ( PLHIV ).

” U=U is a crucial tool to enable PLHIV to release themselves from being tarnished and sinful,” says U=U.

They are encouraged to pursue their dream and live their lives to their full probable that, apart from being good, they won’t transmit the virus, she continued.

Ms. Jarunee argued that PLHIV benefits from the U=U method because they are permitted to define themselves as healthy and uninfected, especially in terms of employment.

The Public Health Ministry had come in, validate the U=U view, and incorporate the idea in the open market, some of which have rejected PLHIVs based on their body position, she continued.

She argued that employers shouldn’t take advantage of this tactic by demanding that candidates who have PLHIV disease demonstrate evidence of their disease reduction during hiring, as doing so would endanger people.

” Irregardless of destruction level, businesses have little right to exclude them from work. She continued,” The condition may serve as a role model for every company and everyone in community in tackling prejudice against PLHIVs.”

Jarunee: Hails U=U battle

Jarunee: Hails U=U battle

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Full plastic import ban faces hurdles

On January 1, a new regulation became effective, but more needs to be done.

A man places a bag of empty plastic water bottles on a pile in Nonthaburi. (File photo)
In Nonthaburi, a person places a bag full of empty plastic water containers on a pile. ( File photo )

A laws banning the transfer of foam pieces into Thailand became a major breakthrough in the long-term effort of civil society to stop Thailand from becoming a dumping ground for international plastic waste.

However, this does not indicate a clear success, nor is it a happy ending just however.

To stop improper plastic waste supplies into the region, an ongoing process of tracking and the effective enforcement of the law is necessary.

The Anti-Plastic Scrap Citizen Network’s producer, Penchom Sae-Tang, who played a significant role in the campaign against plastic waste exports, thanked them for their time and effort to turn advocacy into action.

The show’s work began in 2021 with a complaint to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, urging the government to impose a moratorium on plastic waste goods.

32, 000 people signed an online complaint for Change, and 108 civil society organizations gave their support to the action. which aided in the advancement of the activity.

After the government approved the transfer of plastic waste in 2018 to allegedly support the plastic recycling market, Ms. Penchom claimed Thailand has become a world place for cheap spend dumping.

Between 2018 and 2021, the Department of Customs imported more than 1.1 million tons of plastic waste.

This flow, she said, disrupted the nearby waste management pattern and harmed small-scale spend collectors, who protested against the policy due to significant business losses.

Additionally, Ms. Penchom claimed that inadequate law enforcement had led to the entry of poisoned and illegal waste, which sparked numerous public complaints and contaminated waste in neighborhoods near plastic recycling facilities.

The import restrictions on all cheap scrap products should be seen as a victory for civil society in preventing the entry of hazardous waste into Thailand, she said.

” Yet, our work is far from over.

The key to ensuring the law is enforced for the benefit of all is diligent surveillance and co-operation with government.

Ms. Penchom claimed that the system would keep an eye on the condition.

She added that the Ministry of Industry must use caution when allowing imports of cheap scrap in unusual circumstances, making sure that the quantities are completely proportionate to the recycling plant’s capacity to prevent excessive waste.

” This is just the start of a fresh chapter.

” Law enforcement may play a key role in safeguarding the atmosphere for everyone”, she stressed.

Pollution from plastic waste recycling facilities has had a significant impact on local communities ‘ lives and the welfare of those who live close to fields or rivers and ditches, according to Ms. Penchom.

The Ministry of Commerce announced a total ban on plastic waste goods in December next year, which will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

But, the news included a clause allowing the Department of Industrial Works to impose import restrictions on home plastic waste.

In 2023, the state permitted the lawful transfer of 372, 994 kilograms of plastic pieces, limited to 14 designated business areas.

This amount was reduced by half in 2024 as a result of public support and the president’s preparations for a complete ban.

Penchom: Proud to the community

Penchom: Proud to the community

The authorities should enact a ban on all types of plastic waste, according to Phicha Rakrod, the project leader of Greenpeace Thailand, to ensure that the country is free of intergovernmental spend shipments.

She also urged the government to take advantage of this opportunity to establish Thailand as a regional leader in the fight against and regulation of intergovernmental spare.

Phicha: Govt may broaden the ban

Phicha: Govt may broaden the ban

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Thailand’s full plastic waste import ban faces hurdles

New legislation became effective on January 1, but there is still work to be done.

A man places a bag of empty plastic water bottles on a pile in Nonthaburi. (File photo)
In Nonthaburi, a person places a bag full of empty plastic water containers on a mound. ( File photo )

Thailand’s long-standing campaign against becoming a dumping ground for international plastic waste reached a major step when a law banning the import of cheap pieces into the nation became effective on January 1.

However, this does not indicate a clear success, nor is it a happy ending just however.

To stop the importation of illegal plastic waste into the land, it is necessary to maintain a tracking system and carry out effective law enforcement.

The Anti-Plastic Scrap Citizen Network’s producer, Penchom Sae-Tang, who played a significant role in the campaign against plastic waste imports, thanked them for their time and effort to turn advocacy into action.

The show’s work began in 2021 with a complaint to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, urging the government to impose a moratorium on plastic waste goods.

108 civil society organizations and 32, 000 people signed an online petition on Change, which gained a lot of help for the activity. which aided in the advancement of the action.

After the government approved the transfer of plastic waste in 2018 to allegedly support the plastic recycling business, Ms. Penchom claimed Thailand has become a world place for cheap spend dumping.

Between 2018 and 2021, the Department of Customs reported that more than 1.1 million tons of plastic piece were imported.

This flow, she said, disrupted the nearby waste management pattern and harmed small-scale spend collectors, who protested against the policy due to significant business losses.

Additionally, Ms. Penchom claimed that subpar law enforcement had led to the entry of poisoned and unlawful waste, which in turn caused pollution in neighborhoods close to plastic recycling plants, and sparked numerous public complaints.

The import ban on all cheap waste products should be seen as a success for civil community in preventing toxic waste from entering Thailand, she said.

” But, our job is far from over.

Vigilant tracking and effective cooperation with government are essential to ensuring the law is upheld for the good of all.

The position will be monitored by Ms. Penchom, who added.

She added that the Ministry of Industry must use caution when allowing any imports of cheap scrap in unusual circumstances, making sure that the quantities are completely proportionate to the recycling plant production capacity to prevent excessive waste.

” This is just the start of a fresh chapter.

” Law enforcement may play a key role in safeguarding the atmosphere for everyone”, she stressed.

Pollution from plastic waste recycling facilities has had a significant impact on local communities ‘ lives and the happiness of those who live close to farms or rivers and ditches, according to Ms. Penchom.

The Ministry of Commerce announced a total ban on plastic waste goods in December next year, which will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

However, the news included a clause that allows the Department of Industrial Works to impose import restrictions if private plastic scrap supplies are lacking.

In 2023, the state permitted the lawful transfer of 372, 994 kilograms of plastic pieces, limited to 14 designated business areas.

This amount was reduced by half in 2024 as a result of public support and the president’s preparations for a total ban.

Penchom: Proud to the system

Penchom: Proud to the system

The authorities should enact a ban on all types of plastic waste, according to Phicha Rakrod, the project leader of Greenpeace Thailand, to ensure that the country is free of intergovernmental spend shipments.

She also demanded that Thailand take advantage of this opportunity to become a regional leader in the fight against and regulation of intergovernmental spend.

Phicha: Govt may increase the ban

Phicha: Govt may increase the ban

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BMA explores new ways to curb harmful dust particles in city

Clean air concerns: A bird's-eye view of the dust-covered Bangkok from the Samut Prakan City Observatory on Saturday when the amount of PM2.5 in many provinces throughout the country was reported to exceed the standard. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Concerns with clear air: A bird ‘s-eye view of Bangkok, covered in dust, was captured on Saturday at the Samut Prakan City Observatory, where it was reported that PM2.5 levels in many regions across the nation were reported to reach the required level. ( Photo: Somchai Poomlard )

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) is making more efforts to address the city’s dust problem, which is anticipated to continue at current high levels until the following month.

Bangkok’s governor Chadchart Sittipunt claimed on Saturday that discussions were held about making meteorological openings to separate damaging dust particles during his January 3 visit to the Hua Hin Royal Rainmaking Centre.

He stated that the project is supported by scientific studies and may require the assistance of PTT Plc, which will add 300 tons of dry snow for the operation.

He claimed that the BMA and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand have also reached an agreement that will allow royal allows aircraft to travel over internal Bangkok for the first time. Recently, rainmaking roads conflicted with aircraft pathways for Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi flights.

Recently, PM2.5 sand levels in Bangkok were measured at an average of 42.9 microgrammes per square metre, with air value reaching an peach level, indicating possible health risks.

The BMA will carefully monitor the situation, especially during the “dust time” in January and February.

More than 160, 000 vehicles have already been required to follow the steps to reduce the particles, including changing the oil and replacing the air filters. More than 10, 000 cars have registered under the natural car program, achieving goals, the government said.

The BMA even plans to promote work-from-home guidelines for 80, 000 people to decrease the use of cars during critical conditions.

” Without rainmaking activities, the sand problem would truly be worsened”, Mr Chadchart said. ” We must develop collaboration among different firms, especially with the Air Force, which is providing larger plane to help operations”.

” We emphasise medical approaches backed by research”, he added. ” Thailand’s issues may remain unique, requiring us to create our own tools and methods, similar to the late King Rama IX’s imperial effort to create rainmaking for Thais”.

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Bangkok explores new ways to curb harmful dust particles

Clean air concerns: A bird's-eye view of dust-covered Bangkok from the Samut Prakan City Observatory on Saturday when the amount of PM2.5 in many provinces throughout the country was reported to exceed the standard. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Problems with clean air: A animal ‘s-eye perspective of Bangkok dust-covered from the Samut Prakan City Observatory on Saturday, when it was reported that some regions across the nation had reported having higher levels of PM2.5. ( Photo: Somchai Poomlard )

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) is making more efforts to address the city’s dust problem, which is anticipated to continue at current high levels until the following month.

Bangkok’s government Chadchart Sittipunt stated on Saturday that discussions were held about creating ambient holes to separate dangerous dust particles during his attend to the Hua Hin Royal Rainmaking Centre on January 3.

He stated that the project is supported by scientific studies and may require the assistance of PTT Plc, which will add 300 tons of dry snow for the operation.

He claimed that the BMA and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand have also reached an agreement that will allow the second royal encourages aircraft to fly over the city’s core. Recently, rainmaking roads conflicted with aircraft pathways for Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi flights.

Recently, PM2.5 sand levels in Bangkok were measured at an average of 42.9 microgrammes per square metre, with air value reaching an peach level, indicating possible health risks.

The BMA will carefully monitor the situation, especially during the “dust time” in January and February.

Over 160, 000 vehicles have already been required to replace their air filters and change their motor oils as part of efforts to reduce the debris. More than 10, 000 cars have registered under the natural car program, achieving goals, the government said.

The BMA even plans to promote work-from-home guidelines for 80, 000 people to decrease the use of cars during critical conditions.

” Without rainmaking activities, the sand problem would truly be worsened”, Mr Chadchart said. ” We must develop collaboration among different firms, especially with the Air Force, which is providing larger plane to help businesses”.

” We emphasise medical approaches backed by research”, he added. ” Thailand’s issues may remain unique, requiring us to create our own tools and methods, similar to the late King Rama IX’s imperial effort to create rainmaking for Thais”.

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Myanmar releases 151 Thai prisoners, but not detained fishing crew

Last year, there were 4 Thai fishing detained, not one of whom was a fisherman.

Finally free: Relatives celebrate with a released prisoner, centre, outside Insein prison on Myanmar's Independence Day in Yangon on Saturday. (Photo: AFP)
Suddenly free: Family celebrate with a released prisoner, center, outside Insein prison on Myanmar’s Independence Day in Myanmar on Saturday. ( Photo: AFP )

The 151 Thai prisoners who were detained by Myanmar men in late November, including the four fishermen from Thailand, were not included in the list of 151 of them who were released on Saturday.

According to Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Senior Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), the 151 Thais were repatriated again to Thailand via the next Thai-Myanmar connection bridge in Chiang Rai on Saturday afternoon.

He said,” We have coordinated with Myanmar authorities for an urgent flight to bring 151 Thai nationals back home to help victims and expand efforts to apprehend online gambling and call center scam gangs.”

On Saturday, Pol Gen Thatchai and another senior police officers traveled to the next Thai-Myanmar connection bridge in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai area to wait for the introduction of the Thai captives.

Following the agreement with Myanmar officials to return the Thai immigrants, Pol Gen Thatchai said, he was assigned by Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, to handle this situation.

Once they are up in Thailand, the 151 Thais will go through a screening process to find out who were survivors of deception and who were active people of call center con groups or online gambling.

The Thai authorities have records of people who work in these legal sites, some of whom falsely claim to avoid being charged with crimes.

Officials from the PCT and state officials have been given the directive to look into and indict all those responsible, according to Pol Gen Thatchai.

According to reports from Myanmar’s media, the Thai prisoners were one of the 180 international prisoners who were among the 180 who were released as part of the neighboring nation’s annual asylum to mark its independence day.

In total, 5, 864 detainees were released on Saturday, Gen Zaw Min Tun of Myanmar told local press, adding of this variety, 600 were Burmese politicians and 180 were immigrants.

Of the 180 unusual prisoners who were released, the majority were Thai and Indonesian immigrants who had been detained in Tachileik, Myanmar, for being involved in illegal online gaming or elsewhere for illegal hunting in Myanmar’s waters, according to Gen Zaw Min Tun, who were also present.

Prior to their release, these prisoners had been serving their statements, according to Myanmar media.

The public, however, did not mention the four Thai staff members who were detained by Myanmar soldiers in the southern state of Ranong last year on the Thai fishing trawler.

Phumtham Wechayachai, the minister of defense in Thailand, originally stated to the press that the four fishermen would be released by January 4.

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who stated he anticipated the release of the four Thais immediately, even followed with his confidence on December 19.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had previously suggested that the good news about the four Thai nationals ‘ planned release should be less than a year after the New Year.

The four were taken after Myanmar patrol vessels launched a cannon attack on 15 fishing vessels off Ranong on November 30.

One staff member of a fish boat jumped into the water during the attack and died.

On Saturday, Thai government official Jirayu Houngsub declined to comment on the situation, while Mr. Phumtham was unavailable for comment. If the four will still be released in the first New Year, it is unknown.

Saturday’s growth prompted Nipit Intarasombat, a previous Democrat MP from Phatthalung, to repeat his inquiries to the state about the harsh assault on the sailors.

He questioned whether the four sailors had been given legal help from the Thai government and whether it was true that the Thai fishermen had actually invaded the country’s sea area before being taken into custody.

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Myanmar releases prisoners

Last year, there were 4 Thai fishing detained, none of whom were fishermen.

Finally free: Relatives celebrate with a released prisoner, centre, outside Insein prison on Myanmar's Independence Day in Yangon on Saturday. (Photo: AFP)
Suddenly free: Family celebrate with a released slave, center, outside Insein jail on Myanmar’s Independence Day in Myanmar on Saturday. ( Photo: AFP )

The four Thai fishermen personnel who were detained by Myanmar soldiers in late November for allegedly invading Burmese waterways weren’t among the 151 Thai prisoners who were released on Saturday.

According to Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), top inspector general of the Royal Thai Police and chairman of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), the 151 Thais were repatriated again to Thailand on Saturday evening through the following Thai-Myanmar connection gate in Chiang Rai.

He stated that” we have coordinated with Myanmar regulators to arrange for an immediate trip to take 151 Thai nationals back home to help victims and expand our efforts to capture online gaming and call center scam gangs.”

On Saturday, Pol Gen Thatchai and another senior police officers travelled to the next Thai-Myanmar connection bridge in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai area to await the arrival of the Thai captives.

Following the agreement with Myanmar officials to return the Thai immigrants, Pol Gen Thatchai said, he was assigned by Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, to handle this situation.

When back in Thailand, the 151 Thais will go through a screening process to find out who were survivors of deception and who were active people of call center con gangs or online gambling.

The Thai authorities have records of people who work in these legal networks, some of whom falsely claim to avoid being charged with crimes.

All those accused have been investigated and prosecuted by Pol Gen Thatchai, according to officials from the Percent and state officials.

According to reports from Myanmar’s media, the Thai prisoners were one of the 180 international prisoners who were among the 180 who were released as part of the neighboring nation’s annual asylum to mark its independence day.

In total, 5, 864 detainees were released on Saturday, Gen Zaw Min Tun of Myanmar told local press, adding of this variety, 600 were Burmese politicians and 180 were immigrants.

Most of the 180 international prisoners who were released were Thai and Indonesian citizens who had been detained in Tachileik, Myanmar, for their involvement in illegitimate online gambling or elsewhere for illegal hunting in Myanmar’s waters, according to Gen Zaw Min Tun.

These captives were serving their sentences for some time prior to their release, according to Myanmar media.

The public, however, did not mention the four Thai fishermen who were detained by Myanmar soldiers in the southwestern province of Ranong last year on a fishing fisherman in the country.

Phumtham Wechayachai, the minister of defense in Thailand, originally stated to the internet that the four fishermen would be released by January 4.

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who stated he anticipated the release of the four Thais immediately, even followed his confidence with a cheery note on December 19.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had previously suggested that the good news about the four Thai nationals ‘ planned release should be less than a year after the New Year.

The four were taken after Myanmar patrol vessels launched a cannon attack on 15 fishing vessels off Ranong on November 30.

One staff member of a fish boat jumped into the water during the attack and died.

On Saturday, Thai state official Jirayu Houngsub declined to comment on the situation, while Mr. Phumtham was unavailable for comment. If the four will still be released in the first New Year, it is unknown.

Saturday’s growth prompted Nipit Intarasombat, a previous Democrat MP from Phatthalung, to repeat his inquiries to the state about the harsh assault on the sailors.

He questioned whether the four sailors had been given legal help from the Thai government and whether it was true that the Thai fishermen had actually invaded the country’s maritime area before being taken into custody.

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Jakrapob invites Thaksin to his same-sex marriage registration

When the Marriage Equality Bill becomes law, there will be many who are ready to tie the knot.

Jakrapob Penkair, a prominent red-shirt member and political activist, returned to Thailand in March this year after 15 years in self-imposed exile. He left the country in 2009 after being charged with lese-majeste, a charge that was later dropped. (Bangkok Post file photo)
Jakrapob Penkair, a notable red-shirt part and political advocate, returned to Thailand in March this year after 15 times in self-imposed captivity. He left the country in 2009 after being charged with lese-majeste, a fee that was eventually dropped. ( Bangkok Post file photo )

This month, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be present at the wedding membership ceremony organized in honor of the passage of the Marriage Equality Bill.

Mr Jakrapob, who served as an MP and official for Thaksin from 2003-05, said he and his mate, Supraipol Chuaychoo, met Thaksin on Friday at the latter’s apartment in Bangkok to physically stretch the offer.

” Thaksin was kind and offered me advice on the subject, including the favorable schedule of the occasion. He stressed the importance of choosing an opportune moment when observing traditional norms, according to Mr. Jakrapob, who returned to Thailand in March after 15 times of self-imposed captivity. &nbsp,

He and his partner have been together for more than 23 years, which is a time that reflects the persistent force for the same-sex marriage to be recognized in Thailand.

He even attributed Thaksin to starting the idea of same-sex union recognition in 2001, despite criticism opposition. During the Yingluck Shinawatra leadership, a bill to recognize the LGBTQ society was proposed in 2013 but ultimately failed.

According to Mr. Jakrapob, the act did not pass congress until last year and was scheduled to go into effect under the Paetongtarn Shinawatra state.

His Majesty the King endorsed the Marriage Equality Bill, which was published in the Royal Gazette on September 24, 2013. It will actually get law 120 times after its release. With its passage on Jan 23, Thailand will become the next state or country in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to accept same-sex relationship.

Roughly 900 membership leaders nationwide have been trained to ensure the smooth register of same-sex relationships, according to deputy interior minister Theerarat Samrejvanich.

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Police transferred over course for Chinese ‘volunteers’

According to Sam University, it did not grant permission to conduct a coaching program that demanded members B38, 000 each.

Officials from Siam University say invitations to prospective guest lecturers from the police force were sent out without its authorisation.
According to Siam University authorities, offers to potential police force guests were sent out without permission.

Two top Thai police officers who were implicated in a contentious “volunteer police” training program for Chinese nationals have been moved to unactive positions.

The program charged 38, 000 ringgit per member. In the interim, the officers have been rescheduled to inactive positions at the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s ( MPB) operations center pending the results of additional inquiries.

The two soldiers ‘ names were given as Pol Col Niwet Ngamlap, the director of Metropolitan Police Division 3, and his assistant, Pol Lt Col Kriangsak Chuaiwong.

The two soldiers had been invited to speak during an initial inspection by the Bureau.

But, further investigation is needed to determine if they received any payment.

” They will experience both legal and administrative action if they are found to possess benefited financially”, said Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom, the MPB director.

Online commentators first reported on the existence of the training program, claiming that the Central Investigation Bureau ( CIB ), Metropolitan Police Division 3, and a privately run university were involved in its planning and the production of ID cards bearing the police logo.

In a later article on X, Sasinan Thamnithinan, a member of the People’s Party, inquired as to why the Royal Thai Police were paying 38, 000 baht to Chinese nationals to work as officers volunteers.

On Friday, the MPB summoned college educators for questioning.

Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, chairman of Siam University, claimed the school was looking into the situation and wasn’t just looking at the past.

Vethit Thongchantr, deputy chairman of the school’s Public Relations Office, said on Saturday that he had reviewed a letter apparently sent to ask police officials to talk at the program.

He insisted that the university did not provide the letter, and he claimed that he had spoken with Mr. Pornchai, who is now a student worldwide, over the phone.

According to Mr Pornchai, the email was not authorised by the Office of the President.

The coaching program, according to the college president, might have been planned by a single lecturer because only about 30 people showed up.

He promised that the school may look into the issue more once the academic year rolls around after the quarter break next week.

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