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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/40023636
SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2023
Bangkok rang in the New Year with a countdown and fireworks display as midnight struck on Sunday (January 1) over the picturesque Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn, by the Chao Phraya River.
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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/asia-pacific/40023632
SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2023
At a key meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party, Kim highlighted the need to boost the country’s nuclear arsenal and secure “overwhelming military power” to defend its sovereignty and security.
Kim accused Washington and Seoul of carrying out a “plot to isolate and stifle” Pyongyang, calling it “unparalleled in human history.”
The report came hours after North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile off its east coast, in a rare late-night, New Year’s Day weapons test.
The Japanese government has filed a diplomatic protest against North Korea after it launched a ballistic missile in the early hours of Sunday, Japan’s Defence Minister told reporters in Tokyo.
“In the last year, North Korea’s repeated missile launches have gravely raised tensions on the Korean peninsula and regionally. North Korea’s series of provocations threatens the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community, and must not be tolerated,” Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada said.
The move came less than 24 hours after North Korea launched three ballistic missiles on Saturday, capping a year when the isolated country conducted an unprecedented number of missile tests.
The latest launch came as Pyongyang’s ruling Workers’ party held a key meeting, which leader Kim Jong Un had previously used to make major policy announcements for the new year.
Reuters
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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/china/40023625
SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2023
Tsai, in her traditional new year message, delivered at the presidential office, said everyone had seen the rise in cases in China and offered assistance based on ‘humanitarian care’. In the speech Tsai reiterated a call for dialogue with China, saying war was not an option to resolve problems.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his New Year address on Saturday evening, made only a brief reference to Taiwan, saying people on either side of the Taiwan Strait “are members of one and the same family”, and made no mention of seeking to bring the island under Chinese control.
Tsai, taking questions from reporters, said she had noted Xi’s “gentler” remarks but added that any military action near Taiwan is not ‘conducive to cross-strait relations nor regional peace and stability’.
Tsai has repeatedly said she wants talks and peace with China but that Taiwan will defend itself if attacked and that only its 23 million people can decide their future. China views Tsai as a separatist and has refused to talk to her.
Shortly after Tsai spoke, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said 12 Chinese military aircraft had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which had previously served as an unofficial buffer between the two sides, in the past 24 hours.
Reuters
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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/russia-central-asia/40023624
SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2023
In a stern and combative recorded video message, broadcast on national television, Putin cast the war – which he calls a “special military operation” – as a near-existential fight for the future of Russia.
Its soldiers, he said, were fighting for “our motherland, truth and justice … so that Russia’s security can be guaranteed.”
For months, the Kremlin presented the conflict as a limited campaign that would not affect most Russians’ lives.
But the speech, delivered in front of grim-faced soldiers in combat uniform, put the war squarely centre-stage, telling families gathered for the year’s main celebration that the months ahead would require support and sacrifice from everyone.
The message was being broadcast into millions of homes on state TV just before the clocks struck midnight in each of Russia’s 11 time zones, as families tucked into a festive meal and exchanged gifts.
As the war drags into its 11th month with no end in sight, the Kremlin has slowly put society on more of a war footing – calling up more than 300,000 reservists, often in chaotic fashion, retooling an economy hurt by a barrage of Western sanctions and saying publicly that the conflict may be long.
Moscow was unprepared for the staunch resistance and the billions of dollars in Western weapons that have turned the tide in Ukraine’s favour, and Russian troops have been forced out of more than half the territory they took in the war’s first weeks.
In the nine-minute address – the longest of his 22 years in power – Putin targeted those opposed to the conflict, a personal crusade that now defines his tenure and Russia’s relations with the world.
The past year, he said, had “put a lot of things in their place – clearly separating courage and heroism from betrayal and cowardice.”
In a rejection of Kyiv’s calls for Russian troops to leave as a precursor to negotiations, Putin said Russia was “defending our people and our historical territory”.
He also accused the West of lying to Russia and of provoking Moscow to launch its military campaign.
“The West lied about peace,” Putin said. “It was preparing for aggression … and now they are cynically using Ukraine and its people to weaken and split Russia.
“We have never allowed this, and never will allow anybody to do this to us.”
Kyiv and the West reject Putin’s oft-repeated allegation that the Western Nato alliance planned to use Ukraine as a platform to threaten Russia, and say he launched a baseless war of aggression in a bid to seize territory and install a regime more to his liking.
Although Russia has not made any major battlefield gains in the past six months, Putin promised ultimate victory.
Russia fired more than 20 cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least one person in Kyiv, in attacks President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said showed Moscow was in league with the devil.
Zelenskiy speaking in a video address noted that Russia had also launched attacks at Easter and Christmas.
“They call themselves Christians … but they are for the devil. They are for him and with him,” he said.
Zelenskiy in comments addressed to Russian speakers said President Vladimir Putin was destroying Russia’s future.
“No one will forgive you for terror. No one in the world will forgive you for this. Ukraine will not forgive,” he said, reiterating calls for allies to supply more anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems.
The second barrage of major Russian missile attacks in three days badly damaged a Kyiv hotel and a residential building.
At least a dozen people were injured in the attacks. A Japanese journalist was among the wounded and taken to a hospital, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
Other cities across Ukraine also came under fire. In the southern region of Mykolaiv, local governor Vitaliy Kim on television said that six people had been wounded.
In the western city of Khmelnytskyi, two people were wounded in a drone attack, Ukrainian presidential aide Kyrylo Tymoshenko said.
He also reported a strike in the southern industrial city of Zaporizhzhia, which Tymoshenko said had damaged residential buildings.
Russia and Ukraine said on Saturday they had freed more than 200 captured soldiers, the latest prisoner exchange between the two sides in the 10-month-old conflict.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said 82 Russian soldiers had been released by Ukraine, while the Ukrainian president’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said Russia had handed over 140 Ukrainian service personnel.
Some of the 132 Ukrainian men and eight women who were freed had been wounded or had fought to defend the Black Sea port city of Mariupol and on Snake Island, Yermak said in a message on his Telegram page.
The two sides have exchanged hundreds of captured soldiers in several rounds of prisoner exchanges in recent months, despite a complete breakdown in broader diplomatic talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/europe/40023623
SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2023
Many leaders paid tribute to Benedict as a renowned theologian and some recalled meeting the pope in person.
Former Pope Benedict, who in 2013 became the first pontiff in 600 years to resign, died on Saturday aged 95 in a secluded monastery in the Vatican where he had lived since stepping down, a spokesman for the Holy See said.
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY:
“I express my sincere condolences to Pope Francis @Pontifex, the hierarchy and the faithful of the Catholic Church all over the world on the death of Pope Benedict XV1 – an outstanding theologian, intellectual and promoter of universal values.”
2. TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL, ANTONIO GUTERRES:
“It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. I offer my deepest condolences to Catholics and others around the world who were inspired by his life of prayer and tenacious commitment to non-violence and peace.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF BRITAIN’S ROYAL FAMILY:
“Your Holiness, I received the news of the death of your predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, with deep sadness.
I remember with fondness my meeting with His Holiness during my visit to the Vatican in 2009.
His visit to the United Kingdom in 2010 was important in strengthening the relations between the Holy See and the United Kingdom.
I also recall his constant efforts to promote peace and goodwill to all people, and to strengthen the relationship between the global Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.
My wife and I send you our continued good wishes for your own pontificate.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF IRISH PRIME MINISTER, LEO VARADKAR:
“I was saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Leading the Catholic Church for almost a decade, the son of a police officer & a cook, the first German elected as Pope in 1,000 years, he was ultimately a ‘humble worker in vineyard of the Lord’”.
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN:
“Pope Benedict’s passing saddens me. My sympathy goes out to all Catholics.
He had set a strong signal through his resignation. He saw himself first as a servant for God and his Church.
Once his physical strength waned, he continued to serve through the power of his prayers.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF BRAZIL’S PRESIDENT-ELECT, LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA:
“I received with sadness the news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. We had the opportunity to talk about his commitment to the Christian faith and teachings during his visit to Brazil in 2007 and at the Vatican. I wish comfort to the faithful and admirers of the Holy Father.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF KENYAN PRESIDENT, WILLIAM RUTO:
“It is with great sorrow that I join the Catholic Faithful and the global community at large in mourning the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
His death marks the end of a truly great life and the passing of a towering theologian and a steadfast servant of the church.”
FACEBOOK POST FROM ACCOUNT OF HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER, VIKTOR ORBAN:
“RIP His Holiness XVI Benevolent the Pope Emeritus!”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF POLISH PRIME MINISTER, MATEUSZ MORAWIECKI :
“Today, Pope Benedict XVI, one of the greatest theologians of our time, ended his long journey to the House of the Father. Throughout his life he demonstrated the spiritual and intellectual depth of Christianity. He leaves behind a great legacy – may we continue it.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF SPANISH PRIME MINISTER, PEDRO SANCHEZ:
“My heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church on the death of His Holiness Benedict XVI. A great theologian dedicated to the service of others, justice and peace.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF PRIME MINISTER OF PORTUGAL, ANTONIO COSTA:
“I want to express my condolences to the entire Catholic community on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. I recall the honour of having welcomed him to Lisbon when I was president of the Assembly, and the beautiful celebration he presided over in the renovated Terreiro do Paco”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF CZECH PRIME MINISTER, PETR FIALA:
“I had great respect for Pope Benedict XVI. I like his theological and philosophical works, he was one of the leading intellectual figures of our time. His greatness is also shown by his decision to leave the papal see. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him in person. May he rest in peace.”
TWO SHOTS OF TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF AUSTRIAN CHANCELLOR KARL NEHAMMER:
“Together we Catholics mourn for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He was a remarkable historical figure, a great scholar from an early age. Benedict XVI was one of few German-speaking church leaders and the first pope of modern times, who resigned from office of his own accord. He had a particularly appreciative relationship with Austria. I remember his visit to our country in 2007 well. May he rest in peace.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF MALTESE PRIME MINISTER, ROBERT ABELA:
“I pay tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The people of Malta recall the visit of His Holiness, where he conveyed a message of unity. On behalf of @MaltaGov I send my condolences to the Holy See”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF SOLVAK PRESIDENT, ZUZANA CAPUTOVA:
“The human person finds his perfection in seeking and loving what is true and good’. Saddened to hear of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. May his soul rest in peace.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT, GITANAS NAUSEDA:
“Sincere condolences to @Pontifex, Catholics of Lithuania and the whole world on the passing away of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The world has lost not only a clergyman, but also scholar, theologian, and professor loved by students. May his soul rest in peace.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF CROATIAN PRIME MINISTER, ANDREJ PLENKOVIC:
“On behalf of @VladaRH and myself, I express my deep sorrow and sincere condolences to Pope Francis, Cardinal Bozanic and all Catholic believers in Croatia and around the world who are saddened by the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF SENEGALESE PRESIDENT, MACKY SALL:
“Following the calling to God of His Holiness the Pope Emeritus #BenoitXVI , I send my heartfelt condolences to His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex_fr and to the entire Catholic community. I salute the memory of the illustrious deceased. Rest in peace.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF BENIN PRESIDENT, PATRICE TALON:
“The Catholic Church mourns the call to God of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
In this circumstance of painful separation, I would like to express my compassion to him and that of all the people of Benin.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF NAMIBIAN PRESIDENT, HAGE GEINGOB:
“I have learned with sadness about the passing of Pope Benedict XVI, who I had the honour of meeting at the Summer Residence outside Rome. During our exchange about the importance of faith in building tolerant communities, I remember him as frank, kindhearted and emphatic.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF ECUADORIAN PRESIDENT, GUILLERMO LASSO:
“Moved by the news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, I send my feelings of sorrow and those of the Ecuadorian people to Pope Francis and to all the Catholics of the world.”
22. TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF PARAGUAYAN PRESIDENT, MARITO ABDO:
“We join in the sorrow for the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who leaves a fruitful legacy and demonstrated in his life that faith, reason and justice can go hand in hand. Rest in peace.”
TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF BRAZIL, JAIR BOLSONARO:
“Pope Bento XVI – I received, with great regret, the news of the death of Pope (emeritus) Benedict XVI.
– Although your pontificate was short, it leaves an immense legacy for the Catholic Church, for all Christians and for humanity.”
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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023646
SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2023
“Take it easy,” Thailand’s top monk told the PM.
The advice was given when Prayut visited the Supreme Patriarch at Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan to present a New Year’s offering.
After leaving the temple, Prayut told reporters that the Supreme Patriarch discussed Buddhism with him and gave him a few tips.
Prayut said he was advised to keep calm and pull himself together.
The advice did not have an immediate effect.
Prayut became visibly irritated when reporters persistently asked him to explain what the Supreme Patriarch meant when he advised the premier to remain calm.
“The Supreme Patriarch didn’t say I’m hot-headed,” Prayut said. “That’s not what he meant.”
He then explained: “I have to deal with a lot of issues, so the Supreme Patriarch told me to pull myself together and avoid becoming irritated. I replied to the Supreme Patriarch that I’ve been trying.”
Prayut continued: “I’m not a person who gets angry out of the blue.”
He frequently loses his cool in public, especially when reporters ask him to comment on controversial issues.
His opponents and critics often ridicule his irate responses, saying they are merely a smoke screen for his inability to answer questions from reporters or MPs in Parliament.
Prayut scowled when a reporter asked him whether he had set a high goal for the New Year. Instead of answering the question, Prayut turned to wave to people inside the temple’s compound.
When pressed about whether he had any special concerns for this year, Prayut sounded irritated and then quizzed the reporter.
“And you? Do you have any concerns? Are you concerned when you ask me this kind of question? If you have concerns, please help me solve the issues. If not, don’t help me,” he said.
When asked what kind of New Year present he wanted, the prime minister replied that he wanted to see the country remain peaceful and to continue its progress towards sustainable prosperity.
Prayut also posted a New Year wish on Facebook.
He wrote that 2022 was a year of victory for Thailand because Thais united to overcome two crises: Covid-19 and geopolitical conflict.
He said that due to the unity of Thai people and their ability to cooperate, Thailand took leading roles internationally on four issues:
– Thailand opened the headquarters for the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases
– Thailand became a role model for implementing the Bio-Circular-Green economic model
– Thailand became a destination for tourists from around the world as well as leading MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) destination
– Thailand became a destination for investment in future industries, especially in the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Prayut said in the post that he hoped to see Thais remain united to continue to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Thais should also continue to be good hosts to tourists and investors from around the world, he said.
The prime minister said his government would continue to develop the country by further developing basic infrastructure, transport and telecom infrastructure, and 5G. The government will also continue to promote Thailand as an international hub for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and their parts, Prayut said.
He concluded by wishing that all those who travelled to their hometowns for the New Year break return to Bangkok safe and sound.
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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023635
SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2023
In a special interview with Parliament-beat reporters, Chuan stopped short of using the term “vote-buying” but said he expected election candidates to employ practices that he labelled “political business” or investments that can be recouped later.
Citing a recent opinion survey, Chuan, who also doubles as House speaker, said people want the next government to tackle corruption. However, he said, if the next government “bought” its way into power, then people’s wish would not be fulfilled.
“If politicians come into power through political businesses, it will lead to moves to reap unlawful gains either directly or indirectly,” he said.
“If election candidates spend money, where will they get the money from? When someone spends money, there must be someone who pays. Who is rich enough to spend such large amounts? So, we must join hands to get a good government by electing good candidates.”
The former PM said if voters want a government that has integrity, then they must elect honest candidates.
“Since the government is formed with a majority of House seats, people who realise the problem [of vote buying] should not have a hand in it,” he said.
“The upcoming election will use two ballots for constituency-based MPs and party-list MPs. So, if you don’t vote for cheating parties and cheating candidates, we will get qualified people in the government,” he added.
Chuan, who was also former Democrat Party leader, admitted that it will be difficult for election officials to prevent cheating, adding that though the Election Commission has claimed that the upcoming poll will be clean and fair, the reality is very different.
He added that it is very possible that election officials will fail to track down masterminds behind the vote-buying, adding that some officials were dishonest themselves.
“It’s usually difficult to prevent [vote-buying] because wrongdoers have ways of avoiding detection,” he said.
Chuan went on to say that Thailand’s parliamentary system and democracy have been growing for the past 90 years and getting stronger as people are gaining more confidence in the system.
“Yet political businessmen have sneaked in, so no matter how good the laws are if the enforcers are corrupt, the enforcement of law will be flawed,” Chuan said.
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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023618
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022
He said the agency has made its request to the Budget Bureau.
It cost 4.2 billion baht to hold the last general election in March 2019.
Next year’s election will cost more because the number of constituencies has risen from 350 to 400, and voters will receive two ballots instead of one, Ittiporn explained.
Moreover, the number of election officials required for each voting station will rise from five to nine, he added.
The commission has tentatively scheduled the next general election for May 7. The date may change if the House of Representatives is dissolved before its four-year term ends on March 23.
Ittiporn said preparations for the election were already underway.
Provincial election directors from all over the country had attended meetings to discuss their implementation plans, he said.
“There were two such [nationwide] meetings, one from August 17-19 and the other from November 30 to December 2. We are also in the process of preparing equipment and personnel,” Ittiporn said.
The EC is currently focused on issuing regulations to comply with the newly amended electoral and political party laws, including the establishment of political party branches and the selection of provincial party representatives.
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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40023645
SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2023
There were so many motorists attempting to avoid traffic jams that they ended up stuck on the roads, traffic police said.
Vehicles on the road between Muak Lek and Kaeng Khoi districts were almost at a standstill in the afternoon, and the situation was expected to worsen, police said.
Highway police are opening an expressway to reduce traffic congestion.
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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40023644
SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2023
Aekkarat Sriarayanpong, the agency’s public relations director, said the severely damaged tracks had been repaired.
“Officials have already finished checks to ensure safe operations,” he said.
Train travel opened today with three trains using the only rail link between Thailand and Malaysia:
Train No 707 was travelling from Songkhla’s Hat Yai district to Padang Besar in Malaysia when a bomb blast derailed it as it approached Khlong Ngae Station at 12.50pm on December 3.
Eleven of its 20 containers derailed. The rail line’s tracks were also severely damaged. No one was injured in the initial blast.
However, a subsequent blast on the morning of December 6 killed three engineers and wounded four more. The blast occurred just metres from the site where the train derailed.
For more information on train travel to or from Malaysia contact the SRT call centre at 1690.
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