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- Illegal Thai Workers Protest in South Korea, Draw Criticism Online
Photo by Facebook/ Fonfon Snt via Twitter/ Red Skull
Thai illegal workers in South Korea have sparked outrage online for recently staging a protest against their arrests. The protestors gathered in front of an immigration office in Gyeonggi Province, asking for the local authorities to halt the crackdown on illegal workers in the country.
Pictures of the event were shared on Facebook by a user named Fonfon Snt. The post quickly gained traction on Thai social media, attracting disdain from Thai netizens who accused the illegal workers of tarnishing Thailand's reputation and undermining the opportunities for legal Thai migrants in South Korea.
The protestors, identified as Phi Noi or “Little Ghosts,” were criticized by online commenters for their illegal entry and stay in South Korea, the evasion of local taxes, and the unlawful seizure of local jobs.
Responding to the online backlash, Fonfon Snt eventually shut down her Facebook account. So far, there has been no official response from the local authorities in South Korea regarding the protest.
This is not the first debacle involving illegal Thai workers in South Korea. Earlier, they were criticized for causing stricter entry restrictions for Thai tourists in South Korea, leading to several being barred from entering, including celebrities and popular public figures.
-- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25
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24 April 24 20241325858 - Private Talks Between Thaksin, Srettha Fuel Cabinet Reshuffle Speculation
Thaksin Shinawatra, de facto Pheu Thai boss and convict on parole, had a private meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The meeting, suspected to discuss a cabinet reshuffle, was conducted at a high-end Sukhumvit Road hotel in Bangkok.
Thaksin, known to have the final say over these changes, previously supported the rise to power of Srettha, a real-estate tycoon turned Prime Minister. Srettha, who also holds the finance portfolio, is predicted to resign this role in favor of Pichai Chunhavajira, former chair of the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Speculation points to Srettha taking over the defense portfolio from Defense Minister Suthin Khlangsang.
Possible additions to the cabinet may include Nattapon Nakpanich, a former deputy army chief and pupil of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Other anticipated members are Paopoom Rojanasaku as deputy finance minister, Jiraporn Sindhuprai as deputy commerce minister, and Pichit Chuenbarn as a minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
Current members that may be out in this reshuffle include Public Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew, Deputy Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Chaiya Promma, and Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpetch Choonla-iad. The third and fourth largest coalition partners, Palang Pracharath and Ruam Thai Sang Chart respectively, are anticipated to change some ministers.
Picture: Creative Commons License via Bing
-- 2024-04-26
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25 April 25 20241325945 - Bangkok sizzles at 40°C, heatwave scorches Thailand at 43°C
Thailand is currently experiencing sweltering heat, with temperatures soaring to a blistering 43 degrees Celsius in some areas, while Bangkok faces highs of around 40 degrees Celsius. Amid this intense heatwave, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) cautioned the public to avoid prolonged outdoor activities and to take care of their health.
The northern region is particularly affected, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius at night and hitting highs between 37 and 43 degrees Celsius during the day. Thunderstorms are expected in about 10% of the area, accompanied by strong winds in places like Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phetchabun.
The northeastern region is not spared, with scorching temperatures and sporadic thunderstorms also expected in about 10% of the area, particularly in Loei, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. The lowest temperatures at night will hover between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs reaching between 39 and 42 degrees Celsius.
Central Thailand is also grappling with the heat, with similar conditions of thunderstorms in 10% of the region and gusty winds in areas such as Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Uthai Thani, and Lopburi. The temperatures range from 27 to 29 degrees Celsius at the coolest part of the night to 39 to 41 degrees Celsius at the peak of the day’s heat.
The eastern part of Thailand is generally hot, with scattered thunderstorms in 10% of the region, notably in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The mercury dips to between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius at night and climbs to between 35 and 41 degrees Celsius during the day. The sea is relatively calm with waves under 1 metre, but during thunderstorms, the waves can exceed 1 metre.The situation is similar in the southern east coast provinces like Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat, where the temperatures fluctuate between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius at night and 35 to 40 degrees Celsius during the day. Sea conditions are generally calm, with waves below 1 metre rising above 1 meter during thunderstorms.
Temperature rises
The southern west coast, comprising provinces like Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, experiences hot weather with a higher chance of thunderstorms, affecting 30% of the region. The temperatures here range from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius at night to 35 to 38 degrees Celsius in the daytime. The sea has waves averaging around 1 metre, increasing in height during thunderstorms.
In Bangkok and its vicinity, the heat is pervasive, with occasional cloud cover during the day and isolated areas of extreme heat. The temperature at night is expected to be between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures are predicted to reach between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius, reported KhaoSod.
During this period of intense heat, the public is advised to stay hydrated, seek shade, and limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. The elderly, children and those with health issues should be particularly cautious.
by Nattapong Westwood
Picture courtesy of wirestock, Freepik
Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-24
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24 April 24 20241325794 - Frozen pension policy turns British expat's dream into a nightmare
Foreigners resident in Thailand are beginning to feel a financial strain due to the UK government's pension freeze policy. Three British individuals have experienced this challenge, providing insights about a difficult reality that contrasts sharply with the country's sunny appeal.
John Jones, 77, had enjoyed a lively international lifestyle but now, due to the frozen pension policy, his retirement plans are suffering. Residing in rural Thailand, Jones struggles with a heart condition adding to his financial woes.
Rising living costs are hitting him particularly hard. According to Jones, market items that were affordable thirteen years ago now seem overly expensive. The budget constraints hinder any saving capacities and he lives quite a simple life.
His fellow Briton, Jeffrey Barnes, 77, from Offham, Kent, shares a similar fate. Although receiving a comfortable private pension, the unfairness of the frozen state pension policy aggravates him.
Meanwhile, 55-year-old Linz Gelthorpe and his 61-year-old wife, Julie, find their dream relocation to Thailand tarnished by unforeseen financial challenges.
The problem lies in the UK Government’s position to freeze state pensions for its nationals living in non-European countries like Thailand. The policy precludes them from receiving the annual increment accessible to those residing in the UK. Reportedly, it affects over 480,000 globally.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), despite mounting criticism, stands by this policy, asserting that it has been in place for over 70 years. However, this isn't much consolation for the British foreigners who are still managing these financial realities.
Photo: Creative Common License via Google
-- 2024-04-26
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26 April 26 20241325999 - Thai Airways bids farewell to iconic Boeing 747 ‘Queen of the Skies’
Thai Airways has officially said goodbye to the iconic Boeing 747, also known as the 'Queen of the Skies.' This decision comes on the back of Air India retiring its last four Boeing 747-400s. The Thai airline held a grand farewell ceremony for the much-loved aircraft.
A photograph from the retirement ceremony showing the engineless Boeing 747-400 surrounded by tables and chairs was shared on Tuesday, marking the end of an era.
The plan was to retire the aircraft by the end of 2024. However, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a change of plans. Thai Airways put all its Boeing 747s into storage in March 2020, with the last one joining in December 2020 at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
As the aviation industry begins its recovery from the pandemic, Thai Airways decided it no longer needed the Boeing 747. The legendary aircraft was not the only one to retire; the airline also retired its six Airbus A380s.
Despite Thai Airways closing this chapter, Lufthansa still operates the biggest fleet of Boeing 747-400s, according to Aerotime Hub. Airlines like Atlas Air, Air Atlanta Europe, and Air China also continue to use the Boeing 747-400.
In other news, Thai Airways has decided to avoid the Middle East for its flights to Europe due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Thai Airways President Chai Eamsiri confirmed that the airline had slightly adjusted some flight routes to avoid the airspace over the Middle East. He also added that there were no immediate risks to Thai nationals in Iran and Israel.
Picture: :Thai Airways International Boeing 747-400. Creative Common License via Google
-- 2024-04-25
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25 April 25 20241325895 - Yingluck's Corruption Case Dismissed by Anti-graft Agency
Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously decided not to challenge the Supreme Court's acquittal of ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others regarding allegations of improper dealings tied to a 240-million baht public relations campaign.
The charges stated that they had misused their authority by not conducting public tenders for the campaign, favouring media firms Matichon Plc and Siam Sport Syndicate Plc.
The NACC alleged that funds for the campaign, aimed at promoting government infrastructure initiatives, were wasted when the associated roadshow was halted after a Constitutional Court ruled against the legislative proposal for the intended 2-trillion-baht loan.
However, the Supreme Court disagreed, stating there was no harm to the state regarding contract negotiations and fund distribution. It noted that government organisations and the Cabinet supported the initiatives and the Budget Bureau permitted the contingency fund allocation for the PR project.
The dismissal of the case removes further obstacles for ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra - Yingluck’s brother- to regain full political control. Both Thaksin and Yingluck left Thailand to avoid jail sentences handed down by the Supreme Court for separate charges.
Thaksin's return to Thailand and subsequent parole has sparked rumours that Yingluck may follow suit, solidifying the Pheu Thai Party’s stronghold, now led by Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn.
TOP: Yingluck Shinawatra. File photo Wikipedia commons
-- 2024-04-27
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26 April 26 20241326033 - Rise in Malaria Cases Spurs Action in Thailand
Thailand's Tak province is seeing a surge in malaria cases according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Since January, 2,913 infections have been identified, largely among foreign residents accounting for 60% of the cases. Other regions affected include Mae Hong Son, Kanchana Buri, Ranong and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
DDC Chief, Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, confirmed a comprehensive strategy is underway to handle the increase, especially in the border provinces. Health officials are now on high alert to ensure early detection and prompt treatment to prevent further spread.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 249 million malaria cases across 85 countries in 2022, causing 608,000 deaths. Accordingly, Thailand is striving to enhance its plan to eliminate malaria from 2017 to 2026, in cooperation with the WHO, USAID and the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance. Currently, 49 provinces in Thailand are malaria-free.
During the World Malaria Day on April 25, USAID Mission Director Steve G Olive praised Thailand's real-time monitoring of malaria, crucial for quick detection and intervention. DDC's preventive plan, called 1-3-7, aims to issue a warning within one day of identifying a case, trace the source in three days, and launch preventive measures within seven days.
Marsh mosquitoes, found in mountain forests, rubber plantations and near natural water sources, have been identified as the carriers of malaria. People, especially tourists lodging in mountain forests, are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites between dusk and dawn. Those experiencing symptoms like fever, headache and chills must seek immediate medical attention and monitor the symptoms for 10 to 14 days.
Picture: Jim Gathany. Creative Commons License via Google
-- 2024-04-26
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26 April 26 20241325958 - UN Report Warns Of Asia's Increasing Climate Crisis
Picture: Creative Commons License via Bing
A recent report from the United Nations reveals that Asia, identified as the world's disaster centre, is significantly affected by climate-related disruptions like floods, storms, extreme temperatures, and melting glaciers.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) concludes that Asia, warming at an alarming rate, is the most affected region in the unfolding climate crisis, with forecasts predicting an increase in catastrophic events.
WMO Chief Celeste Saulo warns that "the report's conclusions are sobering." The impacts of these climate changes, ranging from record-breaking heatwaves to consistent heavy rains, have severe effects on human lives, economies, and ecosystems.
The 'State of the Climate in Asia 2023' report highlights worsening climate indicators and their grim outcomes. Asia continues to bear the brunt of these weather-related disasters, with floods and storms causing considerable loss of life and livelihoods.
From the vanishing glaciers to the rising sea levels, and heatwaves encompassing areas from Siberia to Japan, Asia is teetering on the brink of a climate catastrophe. Floods have decimated communities and storms caused extensive destruction, resulting in the loss of over 2000 lives and displacing millions, according to TRT World.
However, the WMO urges immediate action on reducing emissions and adapting to the climate changes.
In a related development, northern Thailand anticipates a severe heatwave, with temperatures predicted to break previous records, reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius.
The intense heatwave is due to a low-pressure area covering northern Thailand. Concurrently, the Ministry of Public Health highlighted the dangers of heatwaves after identifying 30 heatstroke-related deaths this year.
-- 2024-04-26
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26 April 26 20241325955 - Ex-Deputy PM's Wealth Revealed, Including Cars Worth 87M Baht
Thailand's former Deputy PM and Sports Authority of Thailand Chairman, General Prawit Wongsuwon, has faced scrutiny following the exposure of his vast wealth and assets, including a collection of luxury cars worth 87 million Baht, by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
The 78-year-old chief of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) declared in the triennial financial report- required by his position- that he was single and possessed total assets worth 87.84 million Baht, with a minor debt of 757 Baht.
Gens Prawit's assets comprise of considerable bank deposits of 40.48 million Baht, investments of approximately 6.53 million Baht, prime real estate in Bangkok and Pathum Thani totalling around 10 million Baht, and a fleet of five luxury vehicles amounting to 13.6 million Baht, among others.
Outstanding among his assets were his luxury vehicles, including a 4 million Baht Jaguar I-Pace AWD HSE and a 2.5 million Baht Mercedes Benz V250d. Also included in his declaration were a TW Steel watch, nine valuable rings, and three handguns.
Gen. Prawit's comparatively modest annual income of 2.34 million Baht raised eyebrows, fuelling discussions about his wealth's actual magnitude.
The disclosure becomes more significant considering previous controversies involving the General, including allegations of false asset declarations related to luxury items.
Despite his refutations, the new revelations have again cast doubt on Gen. Prawit's true wealth and incited further public investigations into his alleged impropriety.
Top Picture: Courtesy of Wikipedia
-- 2024-04-27
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27 April 27 20241326043 - Thailand Crowned Best Country to Visit in 2024
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia
Thailand was named as the top country to visit in CEOWORLD Magazine's 2024 travel rankings. The list was compiled based on a survey of 295,000 respondents, setting a new engagement record for the online magazine.
Out of 67 countries listed, Thailand took the first spot with the highest score of 72.15. The Asian nation was recognized for its cultural diversity, nightlife, culinary delights, high-end shopping malls, and striking landscapes.
Greece secured the second position with an overall score of 67.22. Known for its archaic sites, breathtaking islands, and rich heritage, Greece continues to be a top destination for world travelers.
Following close behind in third place is Indonesia. With a score of 65.15, the island nation is celebrated for its golden beaches, verdant forests, and dynamic local culture.
The magazine's list provides a useful tool for travel enthusiasts considering their next destination for 2024.
-- 2024-04-27
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27 April 27 20241326049
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