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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022129

Amnesty seeks Apec discussion on bloody crackdown in Myanmar

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Amnesty International Thailand called for an end to the bloody crackdown in Myanmar in a petition to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as head of the country hosting the 2022 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit.

On Wednesday, Amnesty submitted the petition with a list of signatures, urging Prayut, via his representative Nalinee Mahakhun, and the government to play a crucial role in facilitating discussions with Apec member countries to end the bloody crackdown in Myanmar and stand in solidarity with its people.

Amnesty Thailand director Piyanut Kotsan said that almost two years after the military coup, more than 1.4 million people have been internally displaced in Myanmar, while 12,839 are detained in inhumane conditions. In addition, at least 69 are facing the death penalty while four have already been executed.

This also affects 7.8 million children who have left school, Amnesty noted, adding that the Myanmar military has killed hundreds of protesters and civilians, while thousands have died from armed conflict across the country after the arbitrary coup.

The group also submitted 2,129 signatures of people who signed an online petition through Change.org, urging Prayut and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai to adhere to pledges in ending the bloody crackdown in the neighbouring country.

Amnesty called on the Thai government to play a key role in initiating a discussion to end the bloody oppression by the military in Myanmar.

The petition also urged the government to:

– Deploy all possible means to enable an environment for humanitarian assistant across the border.

– Collaborate with Asean states and dialogue partners as well as international organisations such as UN agencies to resolve human rights violations and the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

– Accept asylum seekers and guarantee access to humanitarian aid in Thailand. Refrain from deporting or returning Myanmar asylum seekers who have escaped a well-founded fear of persecution. Provide protection for the asylum seekers and halt any prosecution against them during their stay in Thailand.

– Mandate business enterprises and state enterprises to comply with the principles of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, signed by Thailand, which instructs companies not to be affiliated to or be involved with the Myanmar military or its related bodies as human rights violators.

On Wednesday morning Amnesty Thailand members also participated in a short march from Luk Luang Road to the headquarters of the United Nations in Thailand in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district while banging trays with utensils in a demonstration for Myanmar people. The activity was closely monitored by police officers.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022128

Prawit instructs govt agencies to help police keep law and order during Apec Summit

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan instructed 30 government agencies to help police keep law and order during the Apec Summit this week.

Prawit, who heads the special operations command for security at the summit, relayed his order via Police Commissioner-General Pol General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, deputy chief of the command, by assigning Damrongsak to hold a meeting of the command on Wednesday.

The Royal Thai Police and 30 other government agencies attended the meeting – being held on a daily basis – to review their operation plans for keeping security at the summit.

Damrongsak quoted Prawit as ordering the agencies to step up security, especially at hotels where the Apec leaders and delegates will stay.

Damrongsak also quoted Prawit as asking the agencies to cooperate with police and not to lower their guard.

After the meeting, Damrongsak told police that the traffic situation around the meeting venue of Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre was light because special government holidays begin on Wednesday.

He said the Bangkok traffic police order closing certain roads around the summit venue from Wednesday to Saturday was published in the Royal Gazette on Monday.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau has also prohibited demonstrations within a 50-metre radius of Government House from 6am on Wednesday to 6am on Sunday.

Damrongsak said the Nang Loeng police station was informed on Monday that a group of protesters would rally in front of the Agriculture Ministry from Tuesday to the end of this month and the station had told the demonstrators not to move out of the rally site.

The National Police chief added that Apec leaders started arriving on Wednesday, so the command and government agencies would do their best in providing them with protection.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022127

Heavy rains cause severe flooding and damage in Phuket

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Several areas in Phuket suffered extensive damage from floods following heavy rains on Tuesday.

Several hours of ceaseless rains until midnight on Tuesday caused overflows in several areas, including Muang Phuket and Kathu districts.

Many roads in Patong Municipality in Kathu district were flooded while small cars in Chalong and Wichit subdistricts in Muang Phuket district could not be used.

In Phuket’s business district, the water level was not high but the officials had to temporarily close roads to prevent the water from flowing into nearby houses.

Phuket City Municipality has monitored the situation closely and officials were sent to drain water into the sea. Arrangements were already in place after severe flooding on October 16.

On Wednesday morning, officials found more cracks on the Kathu – Patong road, including blockage caused by a landslide. Repair work, however, was delayed due to the rain.

All vehicles could move down from Patong to Kathu, but only motorcycles were allowed to travel from Kathu to Patong.

Related stories

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022126

Blasts at Pattani petrol stations made to discredit govt: Army Area 4

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Army Area 4 has launched a manhunt for four insurgents who carried out two bomb attacks at two petrol stations in Pattani on Tuesday night in what is believed to be an attempt to discredit the government ahead of the Apec Summit this week.

The almost simultaneous attacks occurred at about 8pm at a PTT station on Highway 42 near the Pattani bus terminal in Tambon Bana, Muang district, and a PT station on the same highway in Tambon Piya Murang in Yaring district.

A worker at the PT station was slightly injured without any life-threatening wounds and complained of a ringing in the ears.

The fires caused by the two explosions were put out by firefighters about half an hour later.

Witnesses told police two assailants arrived on a motorcycle at the PT station and the pillion rider placed a small gas cylinder in the middle of the station near the cashier’s booth.

One of them fired into the air and at an oil dispenser and the two fled the scene before the gas cylinder exploded about two minutes later, causing a fire.

At the PTT station, the authorities found three dispensers were damaged by an explosion and the subsequent fire. Bomb shrapnel also slightly damaged a convenience store, a food shop and other shops inside the station.

Army Area 4 deputy commander Maj-General Pramote Prom-in and Pattani Taskforce commander Maj-General Kachornsak Inthong checked the two spots on Wednesday morning.

After the inspection, Pramote told reporters the two attacks had a similar pattern. In each, two assailants arrived on a motorcycle at almost the same time, planted a homemade bomb and fired gunshots to intimidate station staff before they fled and the bombs exploded.

Pramote said the southern Army has stepped up security in the province and deployed units to protect all vulnerable spots, especially petrol stations.

“We believe the assailants want to damage the economy, hoping to discredit the government before Thailand hosts the Apec summit this week,” Pramote said.

The deputy commander of the southern Army warned that the authorities will have to step up law enforcement against the assailants.

Pramote said that after the insurgents carried out 20 simultaneous attacks in three southern border provinces in August, the authorities obtained arrest warrants for 16 suspects and arrested six of them while one was killed in Pattani’s Nong Chik district when resisting arrest.

Also on Wednesday, Pol Colonel Yannapong Ubolban, commander of Pattani’s Muang district police station, said officers are gathering evidence in the hunt for the four suspects in the latest attacks.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022123

Thailand’s hosting of Apec meetings expected to benefit economy, boost tourism

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Thailand’s hosting of the 2022 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit and related meetings will benefit the country and Thais in three different ways: stimulating the economy, showing the country’s potential, and boosting tourism, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Wednesday.

The key leaders’ summit will be held at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre on November 18 and 19 under the theme of “Open. Connect. Balance”, with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model for sustainable development in the spotlight.

Anucha said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had tasked the organising committee and related agencies with working together to make sure the country, as the host, benefits in three aspects:

1. The Apec meetings this week would significantly boost the economic recovery of Thailand and its trade partners in the Asia-Pacific region. During the summit member countries are expected to push measures to revive international travel and trade in the region, with the Covid-19 pandemic subsiding.

Meanwhile, Thailand will highlight the BCG model, which will benefit the country’s economy and the general public in the long term through sustainable and environmentally friendly business operations.

2. The summit will be a platform for Thailand to demonstrate to the global community its potential and readiness to host world-class meetings regardless of global challenges such as the pandemic and international tensions. This year’s meeting is also the first time in four years that Apec leaders will meet in-person.

3. The meetings are a great opportunity to promote Thailand’s tourism industry that is recovering from the impact of the pandemic. More than 3,000 international leaders, representatives and delegations are expected to participate in various forums, while over 2,000 foreign journalists will also be in Thailand to cover the event.

Anucha said the government had planned several performances and events to showcase Thailand’s uniqueness in culture, food and tourist attractions to foreign audiences during the Apec meetings and summit this week.

The summit and related meetings such as the Apec CEO Summit, Apec Business Advisory Council Meeting, and Apec SME Ministerial Meeting have all been organised as “green meetings” with a focus on reducing waste and impact on the environment. For example, the vehicles transporting participants will be electric, while the venues will be decorated with recycled materials, Anucha added.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022124

We must tackle global warming here and now, Thai minister tells climate summit

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Many countries have been urged to deal immediately with climate change as the impact of global warming, floods and drought are set to intensify, Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa told the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Tuesday.

The conference, which commenced on November 6, ends on November 18.

Varawut said Thailand aims to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 and reach net-zero emissions in 2065 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 388 million tonnes equivalent per year to 120 million tonnes.

Under a short-term plan, he said, the kingdom has instituted its Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030.

“Thailand has done more than just talk, the country has turned words into action,” he pointed out.

Varawut said Thailand is working on dealing with climate change, such as an agreement on carbon credit trade with Switzerland under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

He added that Thailand is paying attention to balancing economic growth and environment preservation under the Bio-Circular-Green economy model.

This model is in line with late King Bhumibol’s “sufficiency economy” philosophy to enable the country and its people to cope with climate change while promoting an environmentally friendly, circular economy, he explained.

Varawut noted that high technology is necessary to change production guidelines and consumer behaviour in order to reduce and control greenhouse gas emissions.

It is not easy to change the behaviour of 67 million people across Thailand, which include farmers and businessmen, he told the conference.

Varawut said he cannot predict what disaster Thailand will face next year.

“But most importantly, we have to tackle climate change here and now,” he asserted. “We are confident that by working together, we will be able to fight climate change, a common enemy that we ourselves have created.”

He vowed to present further progress on dealing with climate change during COP28 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Ministry permanent secretary Jatuporn Burusphat, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources director-general Athapol Charoenshunsa, Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning secretary-general Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (TGO) chairman Wijarn Simachaya and TGO executive director Kiatchai Maitriwong reportedly took part in the conference.

Related stories:

• Varawut showcases Thailand’s environmental achievements at the Thailand Pavilion during COP27 in Egypt
• Varawut gets ready for COP27 stage in Egypt to highlight Thailand’s goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
• Varawut to reaffirm Thailand’s pledge to fight climate change at COP27

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022121

National Artist Chalermchai unhappy over planned transfer of Chiang Rai governor

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

The Cabinet’s approval to transfer the Chiang Rai governor has affected plans to organise the “Thailand Biennale, Chiang Rai 2023” art event, National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat bemoaned on Wednesday.

According to an Interior Ministry proposal, 26 provincial governors and 11 inspectors under the ministry would be transferred once His Majesty the King graciously gives the go-ahead.

Chiang Rai Governor Passakorn Boonyaluck is expected to become Krabi governor, while Krabi Governor Puttipong Sirimat will take over from Passakorn.

In a video clip, Chalermchai praised Passakorn for his knowledge of the arts, adding that he did not know the reasons why the Chiang Rai governor would be transferred.

He explained he had cooperated with Passakorn in organising Thailand Biennale, Chiang Rai 2023 since Passakorn was the provincial deputy governor.

“I was glad when Passakorn was chosen as Chiang Rai governor as he knows the arts,” Chalermchai added.

Chalermchai said he had invested as much as 35 million baht to build the Tankhun Art Gallery at Wat Rong Khun to support the event.

He said it “would be hard to place hope in Puttipong” in organising the big art exhibition because he had already built a strong relationship with Passakorn.

“Thailand Biennale, Chiang Rai 2023 has actually given me a headache because the budget for organising this art exhibition has been cut a lot,” Chalermchai said.

He pointed out that Chiang Rai locals and foreigners were hoping the art exhibition would be “great”. He also expected the event to generate a large amount of revenue for the province.

“It is now a government matter, not mine. I thought I would give up on it because I cannot take it anymore,” he added.

The Cabinet’s approval to transfer the Chiang Rai governor has reportedly shocked locals as Passakorn was in the post for just a short time.

Apart from organising Thailand Biennale, Passakorn had committed to promoting tourism during the high season and tackling air pollution in the province.

Related stories:

• Thai city folk head up North to enjoy misty cool mornings
• Thailand’s National Artist Chalermchai reveals retirement plans
• Chiang Rai’s White Temple to host light festival

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022119

Key Apec meetings, pacts expected to boost Thai economic growth: Foreign Ministry

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Various meetings and agreements during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Week will hopefully boost Thailand’s economic growth and competitiveness in the long term, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The special week began in Bangkok on November 14 and ends on November 19.

The ministry’s Information Department deputy director-general, Natapanu Nopakun, said the Apec Senior Officials’ Meeting began on Monday to promote a free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region.

This meeting is scheduled to wrap up on Wednesday.

Natapanu expected the free trade pact to become an important mechanism in eliminating international trade barriers and supporting supply chain connections among Apec economies.

“This meeting is in preparation for the Apec Ministerial Meeting on Thursday,” he said. “Results from the Ministerial Meeting will be proposed during the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting on Friday and Saturday.”

Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai will preside over the Ministerial Meeting, Natapanu said.

Senior officials are currently in talks to reach an agreement on tax cuts on more products.

“We hope these meetings will help support Thailand’s economic growth and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the long term,” he added.

On Tuesday, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha will host bilateral discussions with international leaders at Government House and Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre during this week’s Apec summit.

Related Stories:

• Thailand stages music, light show to welcome 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting
• ‘Apec For Her’ TikTok contest puts women’s empowerment in spotlight
• Thai culture ‘full immersion’ awaits Apec leaders at gala dinner

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022086

Varawut showcases Thailand’s environmental achievements at the Thailand Pavilion during COP27 in Egypt

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa on Monday (November 14) visited the Thailand Pavilion at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre in Egypt.

Egypt is hosting the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the 27th Conference of the Parties or COP27 from November 6 to 18.

The Thailand Pavilion was organised by the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion.

Accompanying Varawut were ministry permanent secretary Jatuporn Buruspat, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources director-general Atthaphol Charoenchansa, Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning Office secretary-general Phirun Saiyasitpanich, president of Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) Wijarn Simachaya, and TGO executive director Kiatchai Maitriwong.

 
Varawut and followers also attended the “Youth Messages to the World Leaders” forum together with youth representatives from Thailand and other countries under the 27th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Varawut said climate change is a global issue that affects every life on earth, therefore nations from around the world must meet every year to drive the policies and working plans to achieve tangible climate results. “Floods, water runoffs, droughts, forest fires, and earthquakes are nature’s warning signs that we must take the climate issues seriously,” he said. “Every party must work together to mitigate the impact of climate change sustainably.”

The Thailand Pavilion at COP27 showcases Thailand’s achievements in tackling global warming problems under the United Nations Framework on Climate Change. Visitors can learn about climate change actions and projects implemented in the country through exhibitions and presentations. The pavilion also serves as a platform for the exchange of opinions, information, knowledge and experiences in climate change among nation leaders and COP27 participants. All visitors to the Thailand Pavilion will receive leatherback sea turtle and dugong fabric bags as a souvenir from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.

Varawut also visited the Saudi Arabia Pavilion which highlights the SGI (Saudi Green Initiative) in four aspects: Creating a carbon economy, increasing green spaces, conserving rare animals and ecosystems, and promoting sustainable development. Saudi Arabia aims to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes per year and plant 1 billion trees by 2030.

At 4 pm on Monday (local time), Varawut, Jatuporn and Phirun attended a bilateral talk session with Netherlands’ representatives for international water management to discuss a sustainable water management plan.

Related Stories

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Varawut to reaffirm Thailand’s pledge to fight climate change at COP27

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022112

Thailand stages music, light show to welcome 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Reuters

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Ministry of Culture have staged vibrant music and light shows along the country’s largest river of Chao Phraya, while preparing exquisite souvenir sets to welcome world leaders and representatives attending the upcoming 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting.

The show is scheduled to be staged at many famous scenic spots and bridges along the Chao Phraya River from November 12 to 27.
 

The performance is based on Thailand’s unique national culture and history, featuring fireworks and cultural activities to showcase the traditional stories and rich culture of the Chao Phraya River, as well as the enthusiasm and friendliness of the Thai people.

“Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism [and Sports] staged a music and light show at famous scenic spots on both sides of the Chao Phraya River to show people that Thailand is ready for the meeting of the APEC leaders. The ministry warmly welcomes the leaders who came to Bangkok to attend the meeting to enjoy the beautiful night view of the Chao Phraya River, and I believe that Thailand will benefit a lot from this meeting,” said the country’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

Fireworks explode along the Chao Phraya river ahead of the APEC Summit 2022 which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand

In addition, the Ministry of Culture of Thailand prepared seven exquisite souvenirs for the participating leaders, with their design, material selection and production closely correlated to the concept of green environmental protection and sustainable development.

Rama VIII bridge along the Chao Phraya river is illuminated ahead of the APEC Summit 2022 which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand

The set includes engravings from recycled metals made with handcrafted techniques that have been passed down for over 700 years, silver jewelry boxes made by Thai folk craftsmen, silver photo frames and rattan storage boxes made by Thai traditional handicraft schools, and commemorative coins for the leader’s meeting.

“The souvenirs of this meeting not only have distinctive Thai cultural characteristics, but also have practicality, and also reflect the concept of sustainable development. Therefore, the design of the souvenirs should combine Thai characteristics, internationalization and practicality. At the same time, these souvenirs are also in line with the purpose of this conference, which is to promote sustainable economic development,” said the country’s Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem.

Fireworks explode along the Chao Phraya river ahead of the APEC Summit 2022 which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand

Reuters