Russian bombing puts Kyiv’s utilities under critical strain – Klitschko

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Russian bombing puts Kyiv's utilities under critical strain - Klitschko

Russian bombing puts Kyiv’s utilities under critical strain – Klitschko

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023

Kyiv’s infrastructure could collapse at any second as Russia’s sporadic missile attacks along with freezing winter temperatures put local authorities under increasing strain, the Ukrainian capital’s mayor said on Monday.

Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko and his brother Wladimir told Reuters that Ukraine’s Western allies had to speed up deliveries of air defence systems capable of downing Russian missiles.

Kyiv has accused Moscow of indiscriminately targeting civilians as well as key infrastructure, threatening the winter supply of electricity, running water and central heating.

“We don’t talk about the collapse, but it can happen … at any second (because) Russian rockets can destroy our critical infrastructure in Kyiv,” Vitali Klitschko said, adding that there was currently a 30% deficit in energy in the capital.

“It’s pretty cold in Ukraine right now so living without electricity and heating is almost impossible. The situation is critical. We are fighting to survive,” he said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos.

Former world heavyweight boxing champions Vitali and Wladimir are part of a broader high-level business and political Ukrainian delegation attending the WEF summit.

“It is important not to hesitate to give us weapons that we so need, but to deliver them the sooner the better otherwise we will continue to lose our infrastructure and most importantly our best men,” Wladimir Klitschko said, adding that they expected an escalation in the north of Ukraine from Belarus.

Part of the focus of Ukraine’s delegation in Davos will be to lay the foundations for future reconstruction and assess the appetite for investment in the country’s recovery.

“Today, we are talking about the war and ending this senseless war, but we need to think about the day after tomorrow,” Vitali Klitschko added.

Reuters

Buakaw vs volleyball queen: Who hits harder?

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MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023

Buakaw vs volleyball queen: Who hits harder?

Legendary Muay Thai boxer Buakaw Banchamek was left stunned when ex-volleyball player Onuma Sittirak proved that her smash was stronger than his punch.

ANN news highlights: Mon, Jan 16, 2023

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Monday, January 16, 2023

Monday, January 16, 2023

MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023

Check out what’s hot in the region as The Nation puts together headlines from members of Asia News Network (ANN). Click to read more:

ANN news highlights: Mon, Jan 16, 2023
Bringing Asia Closer

Crash Nepal I
68 bodies recovered from Yeti Airlines crash site so far – Kathmandu Post
 

Crash Nepal II
How did the Nepal plane crash happen? | The Daily Star
 

Livestream Yomiuri 
Forum on Taiwan, Ukraine with Stanford experts – The Japan News
 

Travel China
International destinations excited to welcome back Chinese travelers – China Daily
 

Covid-19 China
China reiterates commitment to share COVID data with WHO, world – China Daily
 

TPP Japan
Kishida Makes Overture to U.S. about Return to TPP – The Japan News
 

Geopolitics China
US-Japan pact may increase global tension – China Daily
 

Rohingya
Opinion: Rohingya drowning at sea as regional leaders fail to act – Jakarta Post
 

South China Sea
Opinion: A subtle reminder to EEZ negotiators | Inquirer
 

Malaysia-Indonesia
Opinion: Stronger Malaysia-Indonesia ties is key to ASEAN’s growth and stability –  Sin Chew Daily 

S Korea-UAE
Leaders agree to broaden ties with $30 billion investment – Korea Herald
 

Economy China
Govt unveils new steps to help small businesses – China Daily
 

Economy Bhutan
Bhutanese economy to grow at 4.1 % in current FY: World Bank | Kuensel 
 

Finance Pakistan
Systemic risk lurks ahead, says Habib Bank CEO – Dawn
 

Aviation Vietnam
Taiwan’s StarLux launches route to Hanoi – Vietnam News

SEC issues rules on management of digital wallets for custody of digital assets and keys

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SEC issues rules on management of digital wallets for custody of digital assets and keys

SEC issues rules on management of digital wallets for custody of digital assets and keys

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued regulations requiring digital asset business operators that provide custody of clients’ digital assets to establish a digital wallet management system to accommodate efficient custody of digital assets and keys* and ensure the safety of clients’ assets.  

The regulations cover the following requirements:

(1)  Policy and guidelines for overseeing risk management and management of digital wallets and keys as well as communication to clarify such policy, action plans and procedures, work supervision and internal control to ensure compliance with the policy;

(2)  Policy and procedures for designing, developing and managing digital wallets as well as creating, maintaining and accessing keys or other related information appropriately, securely and safely;

(3)  Contingency plan in case of the occurrence of any event that may affect the management system of digital wallets and keys. This includes laying out and testing action procedures, designating responsible persons and reporting the event. An audit of system security is also required as well as a digital forensic investigation in case of any event affecting the security of systems related to digital asset custody, which could cause significant impacts on clients’ assets.

 The regulations have taken effect since 16 January 2023. Pursuant to the transitional provisions, digital asset business operators who had provided custody of clients’ assets prior to the effective date of the regulations are required to fully comply within six months from the effective date. 

Remark:

* Key means a cryptographic key or any other data that must be kept confidential in order to be used for approval of transfers or transactions related to digital assets in digital wallets.  

DSI questions 39 transfers worth over THB1 billion to Kong Salak Plus owner’s account

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DSI questions 39 transfers worth over THB1 billion to Kong Salak Plus owner's account

DSI questions 39 transfers worth over THB1 billion to Kong Salak Plus owner’s account

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) claims 39 transfers worth 1.09 billion baht from “grey businesses” were made to the bank account of the Kong Salak Plus online lottery platform.

DSI director-general Trairit Temahiwong said on Tuesday that the agency has uncovered more than 39 transfers made to the bank account of the Kong Salak Plus CEO Phanthawat Nakwisut’s bank account, and believes the money came from allegedly illegal businesses.

Trairit said Phanthawat will have to explain where the 1.09 billion baht came from within this month, as well as reveal the source of the suspicious 53 million baht transferred to his account earlier.

The DSI chief said the department has decided to investigate Phanthawat for money laundering.

On January 13, Phanthawat was summoned by DSI to testify on the 53 million baht, Trairit said. He added that the CEO answered the summons and asked for time to gather evidence to defend himself within this month.

Trairit said investigators have found that the 53 million baht came from two persons called “Mr Or” and “Mr Thor”, who were allegedly engaged in illegal businesses and may have transferred the money for laundering purposes.

He added that the DSI has strong evidence to substantiate money laundering cases against Phanthawat. He said DSI has been exchanging information with the police and other government agencies that raided the Kong Salak Plus head office on Monday.

DSI questions 39 transfers worth over THB1 billion to Kong Salak Plus owner's accountUnfazed by the raid on Monday, Phanthawat announced that he is setting up a political party called “Plian” (Change), whose main job will be solving the problem of overpriced lottery tickets.

The party is awaiting the Election Commission’s approval.

Related stories:

Kong Salak Plus CEO sets up political party to ‘change’ Thailand’s lottery scene

Govt tells MCOT to reconsider ads of controversial online lottery ticket platform

2 Bangkok expressways to be charging less until year-end

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2 Bangkok expressways to be charging less until year-end

2 Bangkok expressways to be charging less until year-end

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023

Motorists will continue getting discounts at the Rama IX-1 and At Narong 1 (Bang Na) tollways until the end of this year, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) said.

“This will help motorists and reduce their expenses,” EXAT said in a statement on Tuesday.

The discount is applicable for motorists paying the toll in cash at Rama IX-1 until June 30, after which it will only be offered to users of the Easy Pass electronic toll collection system.

EXAT has also advised motorists whose Easy Pass has expired to renew it for free at all expressway toll plazas nationwide.

Easy Pass users can update their information via the EXAT Portal smartphone app or via www.thaieasypass.com.

The toll discounts at the two expressways are as follows:

Rama IX-1 toll plaza

• 4-wheelers: 30 baht (from 40 baht)

• 6 to 10-wheelers: 50 baht (from 60 baht)

• More than 10 wheels: 70 baht (from 80 baht)

At Narong 1 (Bang Na) toll plaza

• 4-wheelers: 25 baht (from 50 baht)

• 6 to 10-wheelers: 50 baht (from 75 baht)

• More than 10 wheels: 85 baht (from 110 baht)

The first phase of toll discounts ran from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022.

2 Bangkok expressways to be charging less until year-end

Related stories:

Govt House gates festooned with red lanterns ahead of Chinese New Year

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Govt House gates festooned with red lanterns ahead of Chinese New Year

Govt House gates festooned with red lanterns ahead of Chinese New Year

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023

Bright red lanterns have been hoisted up at all entrances of Government House to mark the Year of the Rabbit.

As of Tuesday, visitors and reporters on the Parliament beat caught sight of the lanterns at the gates.

Thailand has a large Chinese community and they believe the Deng Lun (red lanterns) welcome blessings from sacred beings.Govt House gates festooned with red lanterns ahead of Chinese New Year

Normally these lanterns are put up at the entrance and replaced on the occasion of Chinese New Year every year.

Govt House gates festooned with red lanterns ahead of Chinese New YearThe Lunar New Year falls on Sunday, January 22, this year.

Govt tells MCOT to reconsider ads of controversial online lottery ticket platform

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Govt tells MCOT to reconsider ads of controversial online lottery ticket platform

Govt tells MCOT to reconsider ads of controversial online lottery ticket platform

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023

The government has ordered MCOT Plc to review sale of advertisements by controversial lottery ticket platform Kong Salak Plus on Modern Nine TV.

PM’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday that he had discussed with the management of Modern Nine TV on Monday and asked the management to review ad airtime sold to Kong Salak Plus.
“I told the management to review whether the ads could be discontinued. Everything must be carried out according to the law and a final decision should be reached soon,” Thanakorn said.
Asked whether the ads should be suspended now pending a final decision, Thanakorn said the TV station of MCOT Plc must first look at the contract and the law to see whether it could be done.

“If the contract is broken, the TV station may be sued,” Thanakorn explained.
Earlier, Kong Salak Plus had bought airtime copyright during the Asean Football Federation Championship broadcast on Modern Nine TV. The tournament ended on Monday with Thailand emerging champions.
On Monday, the Metropolitan Police Bureau led representatives from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Revenue Department, and the Department of Special Investigation to raid the head office of Kong Salak Pus at SSP Tower in Bangkok’s Watthana district.

The raid followed a complaint filed by the Government Lottery Office that Kong Salak Plus had bought up lottery tickets from small vendors for retailing at inflated prices, or about 105 baht per ticket, compared to the face value of 80 baht.
Kong Salak Plus says the extra 25 baht is for service fees and it always asks buyers before paying whether they want to support the platform by paying the fees.
The practice drew support from a lot of patrons and lottery tickets scanned and sold on the platform were quickly snapped up by buyers.
Kong Salak Plus CEO Phanthawat Nakwisut initially sold the scanned lottery tickets on the previous platform, Kong Salak.com, for 80 baht each without extra fee. However, he said his arch-rival, Blue Dragon, offered prices higher than 80 baht to lottery vendors, prompting them to sell to Blue Dragon so he had no tickets to sell. Eventually, he set up Kong Salak Plus to sell lottery tickets with extra service fees in direct competition with Blue Dragon by offering a tempting price to retail lottery vendors.
Kong Salak Plus has been under scrutiny since last month on the orders of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha after Phanthawat announced a whopping 18 billion baht in sales last year.
The 15-day investigation ordered by the Government Lottery Office, the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Department of Special Investigation will focus on the business operations and tax filings of the popular lottery ticket seller.
Related stories:

CEO of Kong Salak Plus Lottery faces money-laundering probe

Owner of online lottery platform defiant after raid by police, several agencies

Chaiyaphum man ‘selling’ fresh air at 1,000 baht per hour

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Chaiyaphum man ‘selling’ fresh air at 1,000 baht per hour

Chaiyaphum man ‘selling’ fresh air at 1,000 baht per hour

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023

A Chaiyaphum man has come up with a novel way of attracting visitors to his farm – “selling” fresh air for 1,000 baht per hour.

“The first hour costs 1,000 baht but then visitors can stay for free, including food and camping,” quipped 52-year-old Dusit Kachai. Dusit runs the environmental group Asian Life in the Northeast province. His farm is located on the edge of Phu Laen Kha National Park, renowned for its pristine air, forests and mountain streams. 

Children and the elderly can stay for free, he added.

More and more people are seeking out natural sanctuaries to escape environmental threats such as ozone depletion, climate change, global warming, and polluted air, Dusit explained.

He said that as secretary of Asian Life, he is determined to campaign against environmental destruction and help improve air quality.

Chaiyaphum man ‘selling’ fresh air at 1,000 baht per hour
Chaiyaphum man ‘selling’ fresh air at 1,000 baht per hour

“I am confident that the quality of air on my 70-rai farm in the heart of Phu Laen Kha valley is so clean that it can be sold for 1,000 baht per hour per person,” he said.

“Don’t visit here if you cannot stop destroying nature” he added.

Chaiyaphum man ‘selling’ fresh air at 1,000 baht per hour
Chaiyaphum man ‘selling’ fresh air at 1,000 baht per hour

Related Stories: 

Bangkok male model loses appeal, gets 8 years for death of ‘pretty’ Lunlabelle

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Bangkok male model loses appeal, gets 8 years for death of ‘pretty’ Lunlabelle

Bangkok male model loses appeal, gets 8 years for death of ‘pretty’ Lunlabelle

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023

The Appeal Court upheld a lower court’s verdict sentencing actor/model Rachadech “Nam Oon” Wongthabutr to eight years in jail over the death of Thitima “Lunlabelle” Noraphanpiphat.

In the early hours of September 17, 2019, Rachadech was caught on CCTV dumping Thitima’s lifeless body on a sofa in the lobby of his condo in Bangkok’s Thonburi district.

The pair had been working as “pretties” at a house party in Nonthaburi’s Bang Bua Thong district.

During the party, Thitima had been plied with drinks before Rachadech reportedly fondled her in full view of partygoers.

He was then spotted carrying her back to his condo at about 6pm on September 16, before he dumped her in the lobby at about 2am the following day.

Thitima was found dead on the sofa by friends who had come to pick her up. Autopsy results showed that Thitima had died from alcohol poisoning.

In October 2020, the Thonburi Criminal Court found Rachadech and five others guilty of conspiring to detain and sexually abuse Thitima, causing her death.

Rachadech was sentenced to eight years in jail, while the other five were sentenced to five years and four months each.

The other five were Chaiyaphon Panna, 29, who threw the party; his girlfriend Phikunthong Bunpha, 24; his older brother Nathee Sathipongsathaporn, 33; and friends Koset Ritnithiruek, 35; and Kritsada Lohitdi, 27.

They were also ordered to pay a compensation of 748,660 baht to Thitima’s mother.

The six later applied for bail, and the court granted temporary release to Rachadech for a surety of 350,000 baht and the other five for 150,000 baht each.

Bangkok male model loses appeal, gets 8 years for death of ‘pretty’ Lunlabelle

On Tuesday, the Appeal Court upheld the verdicts for Rachadech, Chaiyaphon, Nathee and Phikunthong, but acquitted Koset and Kritsada, citing a lack of evidence.

Thitima’s mother said she was happy with the verdict, but will consider taking the case to the Supreme Court as she is suffering from a lack of financial support after her daughter’s death.

Lawyer Suradet Phojyindee, who is representing Thitima’s family, said he will take the case to Civil Court on January 31 to sue for compensation, which he estimates to be about 13 million baht.

He added that Thitima’s family has not received any compensation from the other side so far.

Meanwhile, Kritsada said he would make merit for Thitima by ordaining as a Buddhist monk for three months.

Related Stories

Nam Oon sentenced to 8 years over ‘Lunlabelle’ case

‘Nam Oon’ nabbed while fleeing over death of ‘pretty’ Lunlabelle

Authority approves Bt110,000 compensation in “Lunlabelle” case