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https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/thailand/general/40022690

Government, ISPs focus on online safety for children as risk of cyber abuse rises

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022

A public-private partnership has been formed to create a safer digital environment for children and youths in Thailand. The new partnership demonstrates that government officials and internet service providers (ISPs) are committed to combatting what has been described as an alarming increase in online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Government officials will also work with ISPs to teach children and youths how to navigate the online world safely and confidently, officials said.

More than 40 senior officials and experts who focus on child-protection, health, education, law enforcement and information technology discussed and adopted a holistic and coordinated approach to address the alarming increase of online harm against children and young people, exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Led by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security with support from Unicef, the consultation resulted in the adoption of an innovative public-private partnership, the Thailand Safe Internet Coalition.

Thailand’s leading telecommunications companies, including AIS, DTAC and True, expressed their willingness and commitment to partnering with the government, private sector and civil society for safer digital spaces for children and young people. 

Founded from a holistic, child rights approach, the Thailand Safe Internet Coalition aims to improve overall reporting of online abuse; enhance coordination among sectors, including the ICT private sector; improve service provision for victims; and build resilience among children, young people and parents to cope with online risks that children and young people face.

Its five pillars focus on safe digital experiences; child and youth engagement; accessible and responsive services; coordination and a unified message; and corporate sector engagement. 

“While the internet provides unlimited opportunities for learning, communication and creativity for children and young people, it also exposes them to all kinds of risks and threats,” said Kyungsun Kim, Unicef Representative for Thailand, at the event. “The Covid-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these risks of online safety, as children are spending more and more time online. As the internet knows no bounds, no single organization can act alone in tackling online harm. That is why Unicef is supporting public-private partnerships to not only help build a safer digital environment but also ensure child rights in the online world.” 

“Today marks an important step as the Thailand Safe Internet Coalition is formed,” said Juti Krairiksh, Minister of Social Development and Human Security. “It is a new dawn for public-private partnership, creating a safer internet for Thailand’s children. The only way forward is through collective commitment and coordinated action from everyone, and that needs to happen now. May this meeting be the beginning of our continued collaboration.” 

According to the report Disrupting Harm in Thailand by Unicef, ECPAT and Interpol, a concerning 9 % of children aged 12-17 in Thailand, or about 400 thousand children, were victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse in 2021. These incidents include sharing sexual images of children and blackmailing or coercing children to engage in sexual activities through promises of money or gifts.  

In Thailand, Unicef is helping to protect children and young people in the digital space through supporting law reform and working with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the child protection system covers online safety. Its Disrupting Harm in Thailand report features key evidence and steps to guide the government, law enforcement, social services, businesses, schools and communities in joining forces and acting now. 

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022688

Prachinburi cops help out by ‘kicking’ pickup to petrol station

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022

A video clip of two cops on motorbikes guiding a pick-up truck to a petrol station in Prachinburi’s Sri Mahosote district went viral on Friday.

The clip recorded by a motorist on Thursday shows two police officers on motorbikes guiding the pick-up truck with their feet. The officers from Sri Mahosote Police Station were identified as Pol Corporal Kritsada Kaewkla, 25, and Pol Sergeant Nattawong Rungroj, 29. 

Phongsatorn Khongna, 26, who posted the clip, said he was very impressed because he had never seen policemen help out like this before. 

“The effort was admirable,” he said.

Meanwhile, police station chief Pol Colonel Krirksit Niamnat said he had sent the two officers out to help after the pickup driver called the police to say he was stranded some 700 metres from the petrol station. 

“Since the petrol station closest to the truck did not have any fuel cans, the police officers had no choice but to guide the pick-up truck to the station,” he said.

He added that the driver did not mind his vehicle being “kicked” to the station, saying all officers at his station were strong enough to “kick” cars thanks to the exercise and training they do. 

He said people can call the police at 191 to ask for help at any time.

Related stories:

• Police to start new driver points system from January 9 to cut road accidents
• Live snakes seized in raids as triad crackdown expands to Phuket, police say
• Fourth ‘lieutenant’ arrested as noose tightens on triad, police say

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022683

Utility building under construction in Phitsanulok collapses killing 1

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022

A building under construction in Phitsanulok province collapsed on Friday morning, leaving one worker dead and another injured.

The accident took place inside the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA)’s Region 2 office in the northern province’s Muang district.

Construction of the 142-million-baht building began on May 20 and was scheduled to be completed on November 10 next year, Pol Colonel Pakpoom Prabsriphum, superintendent of the Muang district police station, said after inspecting the scene.

Pornpoj Juthakul, a senior engineering specialist at the Samor Khae Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO), which has jurisdiction over the area, said the construction began before the local authorities had issued a permit.

He added that the TAO had been notified about the construction plan in a letter, but no official documents, building blueprint or application was submitted.
 

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022682

Suvarnabhumi Airport offers free parking for Constitution Day long weekend

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022

Suvarnabhumi International Airport will offer free parking from December 9 to 13 for travellers taking flights for the Constitution Day long weekend.

Travellers can leave their cars for free in Zone C of the airport’s long-term parking area, which accommodates 718 vehicles, during the five-day period.

Constitution Day is held on December 10, but because it falls on a Saturday this year, the following Monday is a public holiday.

A free, round-the-clock shuttle bus service runs every 15 minutes from Zone C to the passenger terminal.

For more information, call the airport’s Parking Building Operation Centre at 0 2132 9511, or the Airports of Thailand contact centre at 1722.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022681

Government pushing for Thailand’s emergence as EV hub in Asean

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022

The government is putting in efforts to promote Thailand as an electric vehicle (EV) production base for the Asean region, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Friday.

He said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed related agencies to implement their environmental targets to meet the PM’s carbon neutrality, EV and renewable energy policies.

He added that the government is accelerating the development of renewable energy, green economy and the EV industry under its 30@30 policy in order to promote Thailand as EV production base in the Asean region.

The 30@30 policy stipulates that Thailand must boost manufacturing capacity of zero-emission vehicles, or EVs, by 30% by 2030.

“The private sector has responded to the government’s policy and guidelines well,” he said, adding that more foreign investors were investing in Thailand’s EV industry.

Anucha added that Thailand was ranked 9th among countries with readiness for electric mobility, citing the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index (GEMRIX) 2022 conducted by leading consulting firm Arthur D Little.

Thailand was also included in the group of emerging EV markets along with the US, Japan and the United Arab Emirates, he added.

“This proves Thailand’s EV industry development over the past four years,” he said.

Anucha also thanked related parties for boosting the growth of Thailand’s EV industry, adding that the government is ready to launch policies to assist related parties and meet consumer trends.

“The government is ready to hear opinions from all sectors and expand investment to maintain a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation,” he added.

Related stories:

• Researchers laud Thailand’s potential in becoming regional EV hub
• Did Tesla drop a hint on revving up Thai EV market?
• Eppo upbeat on Thailand’s EV industry, expects more foreign investment

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022680

New dept will tackle Thailand’s climate-change challenges more effectively: Varawut

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has said it is setting up a special department to help tackle climate change challenges more effectively.

“The new department’s mission will be to set up policy, strategy and measures to deal with climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the country,” Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said on Thursday.

“The department will also assess climate change risks and propose guidelines in line with international pacts, protocols and agreements.”

He added that the new agency will also cooperate with public and private sectors as well as local and foreign organisations on tackling global warming as well as conducting research on climate change-related technology.

Varawut said the department will also adjust its role and duties in line with the global situation to ensure maximum efficiency.

“Such departments have been established in 26 countries so far,” he said, adding that his ministry was drafting an act on climate change which will feature mandatory regulations, carbon-credit management, financial mechanisms and targets.

He expects the draft to be proposed to the Cabinet at the beginning of 2023.

“Cooperation among all sectors is necessary to help Thailand achieve its [carbon neutrality] goals,” he said.

He added that the new generation should contribute to protecting the environment as their ideas are essential for Thailand’s future.

“Sustainability means all parties need to work together to make it a reality,” he said.

Thailand already has a National Committee on Climate Change Policy that defines climate change and environment-related policies at the national level. The committee, chaired by the PM, works with different ministries, the public and private sectors, academic institutions and climate change experts.

Related stories:

• Sustainable practices will help Thailand with its net-zero goals: Varawut
• Tackling climate change a united battle, Varawut says at COP27
• Varawut, special US envoy discuss reduction of methane emissions

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022679

Thailand investigating whether foreigners are using proxies to buy land

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022

The Department of Lands is investigating whether foreigners are using Thai proxies to own residential projects around the country.

The investigation comes after police sought court warrants to search 50 houses in two Bangkok projects they suspect were bought by representatives of Chinese businessman Chainat “Tuhao” Kornchayanan.

Chainat surrendered to a police team investigating Chinese criminal gangs on November 23. He denies being the boss of a triad drugs ring.

The housing projects under investigation are in Soi Lasalle and Charoen Nakhon Road.

Department of Lands deputy director-general Panitavadee Prachnakorn confirmed on Thursday that by law, residential projects in Thailand must be owned legitimately by Thais.

“Anyone who owns residential projects in foreigners’ stead will face punishment in line with the law,” she said.

She said the department will investigate shareholdings and acquisitions of residential projects where proxy ownership is suspected.

Department officials have been instructed to investigate carefully as news of foreigners acquiring land in Thailand has caused unease among the public, she added.

The government recently backtracked on its move to allow foreigners to own residential land after a public outcry.

“Officials have also been asked to publicise that Thais who own land in a foreigner’s stead are breaking the Land Code and Criminal Code by making a false statement,” Panitavadee said.

Meanwhile, penalties for foreigners found using proxies to own land in Thailand include jail, fines, and having the land seized and sold by the department, she said.

Related stories:

• Alleged Chinese drug-ring boss surrenders to police in Bangkok
• Fifty luxury houses linked to alleged Chinese drug lord under police scrutiny
• Suspected Chinese mafioso’s private jet seized for examination: ONCB

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022675

Thailand switches off World Cup C-band satellite signal after Fifa warning

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022

Viewers in Thailand are no longer able to watch World Cup matches on C-band satellite television, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) said.

The C-band signal was switched off on Thursday after a warning from Fifa over broadcasting copyright.

As a result, viewers with black-mesh satellite dishes were unable to watch the Costa Rica vs Germany and Japan vs Spain matches on Thursday night.

The ban on C-band match broadcasts will last for the whole tournament, NBTC said.

It came after Fifa warned Thailand that its broadcast rights could be revoked over the leakage of its World Cup signal to other countries in the region. Fifa has issued six warnings to Thailand over the leakage, according to NBTC.

“Thailand will be banned from broadcasting the World Cup if the country does not tackle this issue immediately,” it said. The rights were bought for 1.4 billion baht but could still be revoked, it added.

NBTC said it has asked television operators to set up advanced encryption and suspend any C-band satellite broadcasts of the World Cup.

Viewers in Thailand can still watch live World Cup matches via digital television, the Samart KU-Band satellite system and TrueVisions channels.

Related stories:

• Japan clean up Group E, their fans clean up the stadiums
• Germany crash out of World Cup despite 4-2 win over Costa Rica
• Japan roar back again to beat Spain and advance to last 16

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022676

Bus company gears up for long weekends, New Year celebrations

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022

Interprovincial bus operator Transport Co Ltd says it is prepared for a large increase in passengers for two long weekends this month as well as the New Year celebrations, and that passengers can now reserve seats on its website.

Transport Co president Sanyalak Panyawatthanalikhit said on Thursday the company had increased the number of buses and minivans on its routes ahead of this and next week’s long weekends.

It has scheduled 2,900 bus and minivan departures from the capital each day of both long weekends, he said, adding that they can accommodate 32,000 passengers per day The company has also scheduled 3,000 daily return trips that can accommodate 33,000 passengers per day, Sanyalak said.

The company is also taking reservations on every route to reduce overcrowding and prevent the spread of Covid-19, Sanyalak said, adding that reservations can be made online or at bus stations.

He said the company would strictly follow Covid-19 prevention measures, and that all buses and drivers would be inspected before departure. To further ensure safety all drivers have been instructed to avoid speeding, he added.

This weekend is a long weekend due to the holiday for Fathers’ Day on Monday. Next weekend is also a long weekend due to Constitution Day on December 10. It falls on a Saturday this year so the following Monday will be a substitute holiday.

Related stories

• Bangkok to restore ‘Venice of the East’ with THB5.5bn water transport plan
• Transport authorities set to push for one ticket for all public transport in Bangkok
• Government steps up efforts for closer rail links with Laos and China

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022671

Chao Phraya river to light up with spectacular firework displays during new year countdown

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2022

To emphasize the role of the country as a “global countdown destination”, Bangkok’s largest shopping mall ICON SIAM is hosting the event “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023” at Icon Siam River Park, with the 1,400-meter length of fireworks being displayed alongside the bank of Chao Phraya river.

The event, scheduled to be held on December 31, under the theme – win the World for Thailand, resulted from a collaboration between Icon Siam, government agencies, and its business partners.

ICON SIAM’s managing director Supoj Chaiwatsirikul said that “The resolution of ICON SIAM is to represent the historical Chao Phraya River to the world as a global countdown destination. We are honored to provide both Thai and foreigners with a special night at the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023 event, taking place on December 31. This year, we have invested more than 100 million baht to create this fantastic celebration as a gift for Thai people and tourists coming to Thailand through this new year festivity.”

Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023 will welcome travelers with the 1,400-meter length of more than 30,000 eco-friendly fireworks amidst the riverside view of the Chao Phraya river at night. The firework displays are separated into 7 shows namely; 1. The Joy of Siam, 2. Enchanting Land, 3. Eternal Prosperity, 4. Heroic Spirit, 5. Sharing Possibilities, 6. Beautiful Harmony, and 7. Win the world for Thailand together. 

All firework displays will be broadcast via TV channels as well as online platforms such as ICON SIAM’s Facebook page. 

Also, The event offered visitors special line-ups of both Thai and international artists such as Mark Tuan, who is one of the renowned South Korean boy band GOT7’s members.

For photo freaks, ICON SIAM has organized a photography competition for the fireworks show under the theme “Amazing Shot of Happiness”, with cash prizes totaling more than 200,000 Baht.

“I would like to invite everyone to celebrate the new year festival at the beautiful Chao Phraya river. We are ready to provide visitors with a majestic new year celebration” added Supoj at the press conference.

The shopping mall is accessible by all modes of public transportation including cars, buses, passenger boats, and BTS sky train (taking Silom line to Krung Buri Station and then taking the connected golden line to Charoen Nakhon station). 

ICON SIAM has been regarded as a landmark in Thailand, and it has held a countdown event for 4 consecutive years.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the number of tourists visiting Thailand next year is expected to reach 18 million people, generating around 970 billion baht in the country’s revenue.