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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024724

Prayut condoles with Turkey as search teams uncover scale of quake horror

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2023

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai have sent condolences to the people of Turkey as a Thai search and rescue team prepares for its mission in the earthquake-hit country.

The death toll from devastating quakes that hit southern Turkey and northwest Syria on Monday passed 7,800 on Wednesday morning, as more bodies were pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings. No Thai citizens had been reported dead in the disaster as of Tuesday evening, but some are sheltering in government-provided accommodation after their residences were destroyed in the disaster.

Turkish President Recep Erdoğan has declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces devastated by the 7.8 and 7.7 magnitude earthquakes that left a trail of destruction across a wide area of southern Turkey and neighbouring Syria. Turkey confirmed 5,894 people had been found dead, while 1,932 people have died in Syria for a combined total of 7,826 fatalities. The World Health Organisation estimates the final death toll could reach 20,000 but some experts forecast the figure could rise above 100,000.

Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

In a letter to Erdogan, Prayut expressed his “heartfelt condolences” to the Turkish people, its government, and families bereaved by the disaster, wishing them “strength and courage … during this difficult time”.

There were no reports of Thais being killed or injured by the earthquakes, said Thai ambassador in Ankara, Apirat Sugondhabhirom, on Tuesday.

However, the Royal Thai Embassy has discovered that some residences of Thais living in the disaster zone have been destroyed by the quake. The Thai citizens affected are now living in temporary accommodation provided by Turkish government, Apirat said.

He urged Thais planning to enter Turkey to study the routes to their final destinations and stay updated with developments to avoid the affected areas.

Thailand is deploying a 20-member urban search and rescue (USAR) team to the disaster zone where thousands of buildings are confirmed to have collapsed. More than 8,000 people have been pulled alive from the debris in Turkey, according to authorities.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Ankara can be reached by phone at 90 (533) 641 5698 or via its page, facebook.com/rteankara/.

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Syria insists earthquake aid go through Damascus, citing sovereign rights

Rescuers work against time as Turkey-Syria quake death toll passes 7,800

Turkish leader declares emergency as Turkey-Syria quake death toll passes 6,300

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024717

Amnesty International calls for release of Thai political activists

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023

Amnesty International (AI) issued an urgent call for the release and dismissal of charges against four political activists in Thailand.

AI’s London office on Tuesday called on its supporters across the world to write a letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha demanding the immediate release of Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon, Orawan “Bam” Phuphong, Nutthanit “Bai Por” Duangmusit and Sopon “Get” Suritthamrung.

The agency reminded the government that people have the right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

The agency also attacked the authorities of unfairly detaining and prosecuting Tantawan, 21, and Orawan, 23, over false lese majeste charges. The two women were arrested for conducting a public poll on whether royal motorcades were acceptable and have been on hunger strike since January 18.

Natthanit and Sopon, meanwhile, had their bail revoked after they protested the government during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in November last year.

Apart from these four activists, hundreds of protesters also face long prison terms and charges, the rights agency told its supporters.

In its statement on Tuesday, AI also accused Thai authorities of resorting to prosecution and arbitrary detention over charges of defamation of the monarchy, which it said, violated people’s right to freedom.

“We call on the Thai government to urgently ensure that activists on hunger strike are protected from torture and other ill-treatment and to receive ethical health care, including the principle of confidentiality, self-determination, and informed consent,” AI said.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024715

Police charge travel agent who allegedly attacked Chinese tourist in Phuket

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023

A Thai travel agent who allegedly attacked a Chinese tourist in Phuket province has been slapped with charges by the police, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Tuesday.

A TikTok video clip of the incident on February 1 went viral among netizens. The clip showed a travel agent kicking a Chinese man and slashing the victim’s arm with a knife.

“The police are working on this case,” Phiphat said.

He added that related agencies, including Tourist Police Region 3 and Phuket Tourist Association, have apologised to the Chinese Embassy for the incident.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn

According to the police, Chinese tourist Fang Liqiao (36) and his three family members had bought a tour package to Similan Islands in Phang Nga province worth 9,000 baht through Blue Ocean Travel on January 29.

The visitor had reportedly paid 5,000 baht to Blue Ocean Travel in advance. The travel agency had reportedly promised to pick him up and his family at Pamookkoo Resort, where Fang and his family stayed, on January 31.

On January 30, travel agent Wiree Sawangwit (44) told Fang to pay the balance 4,000 baht. The Chinese tourist reportedly promised to pay the amount to the driver on the next day (January 31). Fang also told Wiree that he had moved to Chanalai Flora Resort.

However, Fang and his family could not visit Similan Islands on January 31, as Wiree had reportedly misunderstood that the Chinese family was waiting at Chanalai Flora Resort.

Fang contacted Blue Ocean Travel, which is located near Pamookkoo Resort, in the afternoon to claim a full refund and later contacted Karon Police Station to help him with the negotiations.

Fang claimed a refund of 5,000 baht, but Blue Ocean Travel was willing to refund only 3,400 baht as the travel agency said it had paid 1,600 entry fee to the Mu Ko Similan National park.

On February 1, when Fang came to travel agency at around 10am to claim his 5,000 baht refund, he allegedly attacked Wiree on her face and body.

When Wiree left the travel agency building, Fang reportedly chased her and recorded a video clip with his smartphone. Wiree allegedly kicked the Chinese man before slashing him on his arm with a knife.

Fang later filed a complaint against Wiree at Karon Police Station. He was sent to Chalong Hospital for treatment.

Investigators have now charged Wiree with attacking the Chinese man and carrying a weapon in a public area. Wiree had reportedly pleaded guilty, but said she had just acted in self-defence.

The Chinese tourist returned to China on February 2.

Related stories:

‘Siren service’ for Chinese tourist lands 3 police officers in trouble

Police chief orders probe into ‘siren service’ for Chinese tourist

Chinese tourists return to Chiang Mai just in time for Lunar New Year

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024713

Kong Salak Plus gambling platform to remain shut, says court

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023

The Criminal Court on Tuesday issued an injunction to shutter the online lottery platform Kong Salak Plus until a final verdict.

The court was responding to a request from the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry for the closure of two Kong Salak Plus websites and mobile app pending a ruling on the ministry’s lawsuit demanding the platform’s permanent closure.

Kong Salak Plus’s websites and platform were blocked by the authorities just two days before the February 1 lottery draw, after it had filed a lawsuit in June last year to close Kong Salak Plus and 14 other platforms permanently.

In its decision to issue an injunction, the court reasoned that after the ministry filed a lawsuit for the platform’s closure, Kong Salak Plus still sold overpriced lottery tickets and still failed to block buyers younger than 20 years old.

The court also said that Kong Salak Plus continued advertising via various media, despite the lawsuit, and preferred to pay fines instead.

“Kong Salak Plus is ordered to stop spreading any information via the websites and its mobile platform until a new order is issued,” the court said.

On January 31, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) filed charges against Kong Salak Plus’s CEO Panthawat Nakwisut after they found a cashier’s cheque for 53 million baht allegedly given to him by a suspect in an online gambling case.

The crackdown on the popular lottery platform intensified early last month and involved state agencies like the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Revenue Department, and the DSI.

Kong Salak Plus faces various allegations, such as money laundering, selling overpriced lottery tickets, and involvement with online gambling and illegal businesses.

Related stories:

DSI oversees closure of online lottery platform before lucky numbers are drawn

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

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024711

More than 3,600 boxers gather on Muay Thai Day, setting ‘wai khru’ Guinness record

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023

A mass Muay Thai ceremony in Prachuap Khiri Khan province brought together 3,660 boxers on Muay Thai Day (February 6), beating the Guinness World Record for the biggest “Wai Kru” event, a pre-fight dance showing respect to teachers, parents, and ancestors.

Present at the “Amazing MuayThai Festival 2023 ceremony” was well-known Muay Thai boxer Sombat Banchamek (widely known as Buakaw Banchamek), the president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) Mauricio Sulaiman, and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Sulaiman told Prayut that the WBC would collaborate with Thailand to maintain the status of authentic Muay Thai on the global stage.

Muay Thai, Wai Kru, Guiness Record, Thailand

Muay Thai, Wai Kru, Guiness Record, Thailand

Meanwhile, Buakaw expressed his pride in Muay Thai having performed on an international level, saying that the Thai martial art, as a cultural heritage, has brought about unity amongst citizens.

Muay Thai, Wai Kru, Guiness Record, Thailand

Muay Thai, Wai Kru, Guiness Record, Thailand

Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2023 includes several activities, namely a Muay Thai demonstration, merit-making ceremony, Muay Thai exhibitions, as well as food exhibitions and concerts.

Muay Thai, Wai Kru, Guiness Record, Thailand

Muay Thai, Wai Kru, Guiness Record, Thailand

Related Stories: 

• Grand ritual honours father of Thai martial art in Ayutthaya to celebrate Muay Thai Day
• Thai champ unfazed by Cambodian move to replace Muay Thai with local martial art
• Muay Thai will always belong to Thailand, proclaims Prayut 

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024707

BMA launches ‘After School’ project to engage young Bangkokians

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s After School scheme promotes education with a learner-centric approach via volunteer teaching staff.

Volunteer teaching staff have been recruited to teach students subjects they are interested in.

“Teachers need to stimulate children, so they can find their passion and discover what they want to be in the future,” Dr Wanthanee Watthana, BMA deputy permanent secretary, said.

She visited the Wat Pracha Sattha Tham School in Bang Sue district on Tuesday to see how the After School project was working.

The school has 161 students from kindergarten to Grade 6, and the After School project targets Grade 5 and 6 students via specialised classes every Monday from 3pm to 5pm. The classes are conducted in Thai.

“BMA aims to have all schools in the city provide language classes in English, Chinese and Thai as well as computer coding as part of the project,” Wanthanee said.

“Coding will help children develop their thought process systematically and improve their problem-solving skills.”

She added that students with IT skills can grow up to be programmers – a profession that is high in demand in the current market dominated by the digital industry. The three languages, meanwhile, can also prove to be useful in several occupations.

“Schools, nowadays, must evolve from being just educational institutes to become places that provide lifelong learning. Meanwhile, programmes like After School or Saturday School aim to use existing resources to the fullest,” she said.

“Parents are also encouraged to infuse self-learning among children so they can explore their interests during their free time to strengthen their foundation.

“Another valid approach is providing vocational training to children, especially in subjects that can be adapted to daily life,” she added.

“The BMA wants to thank all volunteers who have donated their time and effort into building the future of young children in the city.”

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Fear of copycat shooting sparks tighter security measures at Bangkok schools

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No classes at BMA schools day after Bangkok elections

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024705

Malaysian PM arrives in Thailand on Thursday to discuss bilateral trade ties

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, are arriving in Thailand on Thursday for a two-day trip to boost border trade cooperation.

Anwar is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday to discuss the promotion of trade, investment as well as connectivity between Thailand’s five southern-most provinces and Malaysia’s four northern provinces.

Both countries are hoping to boost trade and reduce barriers to attain a bilateral trade target of US$30 billion (over 1 trillion baht) by 2025.

The aim is to also build support for new sectors like the digital economy and green technology as well as boost potential industries like rubber and halal food.

The two premiers are also expected to exchange views on current global and regional issues to help foster both economies in the fallout of the pandemic.

Anwar took the oath of office as Malaysia’s 10th premier on November 24, 2022.

Related Stories: 

• PM Anwar promises to work for free until Malaysia recovers
• Laos agrees to expedite reopening of border checkpoints between Vientiane and Nong Khai
• Train travel to and from Malaysia resumes after tracks damaged by blast repaired

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024701

TBJA, TJA demand withdrawal of new media ethics bill from parliamentary deliberation

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023

The Thai Broadcast Journalists Association (TBJA) on Monday demanded the withdrawal of the new media ethics bill from deliberations by MPs and senators on Tuesday, fearing it would provide legal tools to control or gag the media if enacted.

The TBJA issued a statement to voice strong opposition to the deliberations on the “bill to promote media ethics and set media professionalism standards” by the House and Senate at a special joint sitting on Tuesday and demanded its withdrawal.

The call for the withdrawal of the bill from the parliamentary deliberation was also made by the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) on Monday.

The TBJA said in the statement that the deliberations were done without hearing opinions from all sectors, especially professionals from different types of media.

The TBJA noted that the 49-section bill seeks to set up a new media profession council to become the legal registrar of media professionals and to rule whether their acts or reports violate media ethics.

The TBJA said the bill failed to take into account that all other professions can join the media profession. The TBJA fears that the bill could provide tools for restricting the rights and freedom to perform as media professionals.

In the statement, the TBJA noted that during the past decades, the military and the politicians who seized power, have been trying to control the media by trying to enact over five bills, including the latest bill.

The TBJA explained that it was against the new media ethics bill because the bill would empower a group of persons, who would come from a selection process, to control and supervise the exercise of media freedom that would in turn affect the people’s free access to information.

“Such an idea runs against the global trend and the changes in the media landscape at present as a result of which the state can no longer restrict people’s channels of communications,” the statement said.

The TBJA said the establishment of a new media council reflects an obsolete attitude of using the law to restrict the freedom of people and the media, also wasting resources from the national budget.

The TBJA alleged that the bill did not intend to protect freedom of the press.

It also feared that the selection process of members of the new media council would be done with nepotism, which would allow people with connections to be selected to the council to protect those in power.

The TBJA noted that the untrustworthy selection process of members of the new media council would increase the risk of persons in power using the new media law to control or interfere in journalistic work in the future.

The TBJA said the claims that the bill would guarantee press freedom were only a smokescreen.

The new law was not necessary at all because media professionals already have to work under the provisions of over 30 pieces of law, including the Criminal Code, the Civil Code and other laws, the TBJA said.

Last year, two other major media professional organisations – the TJA and the Press Council of Thailand (PCT) – said that they were no longer opposed to the bill. The TJA and PCT said the bill modified by the Public Relations Department and the Office of the Council of State over a year had met most of their demands.

The TBJA has put forth four major points why it could not accept the new bill:

● The bill would allow state media to give priority to the goals and missions of their agencies over press freedom and freedom of expression in line with media ethics.

● The new media profession council, which will be the media registrar, will be redundant as several media organisations already exist.

Although the new council will be eligible for 25-million-baht funding from the Thai Media Fund, which is under the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the Office is already required to provide financial support to existing media organisations without the need to create a new one.

● The media profession committee will comprise five media representatives and five specialists, including the manager of the Thai Media Fund.

The committee will be in charge of registering media professionals or disqualifying them. But the committee is not directly linked to media professionals and the people, and its members would be picked by a selection committee.

● The bill states that those violating media ethics would be punished with a warning or shaming in public. Even without the new bill, such punishments are already stated in charters of existing media organisations.