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- Scoot Commences Flights Between Singapore and Samui
On Monday, an official warmly greeted passengers arriving at Samui airport on Scoot’s inaugural flight from Singapore. The introduction of a second airline offering regular flights to the island from Singapore has sparked hopes in Samui for an increase in Singaporean holidaymakers. Scoot’s first flight from Singapore landed at Samui...
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On Monday, an official warmly greeted passengers arriving at Samui airport on Scoot’s inaugural flight from Singapore. The introduction of a second airline offering regular flights to the island from Singapore has sparked hopes in Samui for an increase in Singaporean holidaymakers.
Scoot’s first flight from Singapore landed at Samui airport with 105 passengers onboard. The Tourism Association of Koh Samui highlighted the positive impact of direct flights from Singapore on tourism in Samui, as well as the nearby islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
Emphasizing that there is still room for more tourists from additional flights, the association stated that Samui has the capacity to welcome a higher influx of visitors.
Scoot now joins Bangkok Airways as the second airline providing services between Samui and Singapore, further enhancing connectivity and travel options for passengers between the destinations.
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15 May 15 2024Aviationhttps://bangkokone.news/?p=201388 - Two arrested for B300m crypto investment fraud
Photo credit Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Following an alleged online scam involving cryptocurrency investment, authorities from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) have apprehended two suspects for reportedly defrauding a businessman of over 300 million baht. The female suspect, identified as Athima, 32, was captured in Chon Buri’s Nong Prue...
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Photo credit Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau
Following an alleged online scam involving cryptocurrency investment, authorities from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) have apprehended two suspects for reportedly defrauding a businessman of over 300 million baht.
The female suspect, identified as Athima, 32, was captured in Chon Buri’s Nong Prue district, while her male alleged accomplice, Atthaphol, 38, was arrested in Nong Kung Si district of Kalasin.
Both individuals have been charged with several offenses, including colluding in public fraud, inputting false information into a computer system, and money laundering, as confirmed by Pol Col Adichart Amornpradit from CCIB division 3. However, he refrained from disclosing their full names.
The investigation began after a businessman lodged a complaint with the police, claiming that he fell victim to an investment scam related to cryptocurrency trading last July. The perpetrator, operating under the Line chat account name “Oil,” purportedly enticed the businessman with promises of lucrative investment opportunities in shares and cryptocurrency through online conversations. The victim was directed to invest in USDT cryptocurrency via a website link provided by “Oil.”
Trusting the interactions, the businessman transferred funds for investment purposes, under the impression that he would receive returns. However, when he attempted to withdraw profits, he realized he had been deceived, according to Pol Col Adichart. The businessman estimated his losses to exceed 300 million baht.
In response, Pol Lt Gen Worawat Watnakhonbancha, the CCIB commissioner, initiated an inquiry, leading to the successful arrest of the two suspects, Ms. Athima and Mr. Atthaphol. They are currently in police custody awaiting legal proceedings.
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15 May 15 2024Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=201385 - Chumphon’s Twin-Track Railway Expected to be Fully Operational by August
Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote announced that the Nakhon Pathom-Chumphon double-track railway is set to be fully operational by August. The 421-kilometre route will offer round-the-clock services once completed. During a recent inspection of the province’s transportation and logistics network as part of a mobile cabinet meeting in Phetchaburi, Mr....
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Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote announced that the Nakhon Pathom-Chumphon double-track railway is set to be fully operational by August. The 421-kilometre route will offer round-the-clock services once completed.
During a recent inspection of the province’s transportation and logistics network as part of a mobile cabinet meeting in Phetchaburi, Mr. Surapong provided an update on the project. This initial phase of the south-bound double-track rail system, estimated to cost around 33 billion baht, is divided into three segments: Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin (169km), Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan (84km), and Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon (167km).
The State Railway of Thailand is overseeing the construction, which has reportedly made significant progress. The first section, including the Nakhon Pathom-Nong Pla Lai stretch (36km) and the Nong Pla Lai-Hua Hin segment (76km), is now 98% complete. Construction of the latter part is anticipated to be finished by June 15.
The second part from Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan station (84km) is currently operational. The final section covers the Prachuap Khiri Khan-Bang Saphan Noi (87km) and Bang Saphan Noi-Chumphon (80km) segments. The former is fully functional, while the latter is at 99% completion and expected to be done by next month.
The Transport Ministry has mandated that the entire system be up and running by August. This double-track railway project aims to enhance the economy and tourism by boosting logistics and transportation efficiency. It targets reducing travel times to the southern region by at least 30% and cutting down journey durations by up to two hours on various routes.
Moreover, the initiative is expected to promote energy conservation, decrease environmental impact, enhance connections to neighboring countries, and drive Thailand’s economy towards greater stability, prosperity, and sustainability, as highlighted by Mr. Surapong.
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15 May 15 2024Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=201382 - Jailed activist Netiporn “Boong” Sanesangkhom dead
Jailed activist Netiporn “Boong” Sanesangkhom, 28, was pronounced dead at Thammasat University Hospital late Tuesday morning, over three months after she had started a dry hunger strike. Netiporn, a core leader of the Thalu Wang protest group, had been imprisoned at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution in Chatuchak district since...
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Jailed activist Netiporn “Boong” Sanesangkhom, 28, was pronounced dead at Thammasat University Hospital late Tuesday morning, over three months after she had started a dry hunger strike.
Netiporn, a core leader of the Thalu Wang protest group, had been imprisoned at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution in Chatuchak district since Jan 26, having had her bail revoked in connection with a charge of lese-majeste.
She had been sentenced on the same day to one month behind bars for contempt of court in connection with a protest that turned into a scuffle with guards outside the Bangkok South Criminal Court on Oct 19, 2023. She and others had gone there to show support for another activist sentenced to jail for royal defamation under Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
The lese-majeste charge the former tutor was facing stemmed from her participation in an opinion survey on royal motorcades in February 2022. Her bail revocation was connected to a protest she staged at the Ministry of Culture on Aug 6, 2023.
The day after she was sent to prison, Netiporn began a hunger strike to demand reform of the justice system and an end to the imprisonment of people prosecuted for political cases.
As she refused food and water, as well as most medication and medical intervention, her condition gradually deteriorated and she was moved from the prison to the Central Correctional Hospital in early February. She was subsequently sent to Thammasat University Hospital for more treatment before being transferred back to the prison hospital.
In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, the Department of Corrections said that after Netiporn returned to the prison hospital, she started taking food and water normally.
According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), Netiporn was taken back to the prison hospital in early April. The department did not specify when she began consuming food and water again.
However, she was suffering from weakness and slightly swollen legs, anaemia and low minerals. She also refused to take minerals and medication for her blood, it said.
Netiporn had a heart attack at the Central Correctional Hospital just after 6am on Tuesday, the department said. Doctors immediately began resuscitation attempts and arranged for her to be taken to Thammasat University Hospital. She arrived there at 9.30am and was pronounced dead at 11.22am.
Move Forward Party MP Rukchanok Srinork, who is currently free on bail while she appeals a six-year sentence for lese majeste and computer crimes, was among the first public figures to comment on the activist’s passing.
“I would like to express my condolences on the passing of Boong,” she wrote on her X account. “To demand the right to bail is a basic right that people should have while still fighting their case.”
Nattawut Saikuar, a former co-leader of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, called for the release of other detained youth activists.
“No one should die because they think differently,” he said.
Lawmakers for many months have been debating whether to grant an amnesty for people convicted of political offences dating back nearly two decades. While they are in general agreement on amnesty for those in the yellow- and red-shirt movements, there is considerable resistance to including people convicted under Section 112.
“Deaths like this wouldn’t have happened if the government had tried to do more and be more sincere,” said Lisa Nunarnan, a Move Forward MP and deputy spokesperson.
Two colleagues of Netiporn — Natthanon “Frank” Chaimahabud, and Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon — are also continuing with their hunger strikes, though they reportedly have been accepting some liquids and medications.
They face a charge of sedition arising from an incident on Feb 4 during a motorcade carrying Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
According to data from TLHR to April 30 this year, 1,954 people have been prosecuted for political participation and expression since the beginning of the Free Youth protests in July 2020. At least 272 are facing lese-majeste charges under Section 112 and 152 have been charged with sedition under Section 116.
credit Bangkok post
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14 May 14 2024Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=201378 - Thailand Plays a Crucial Role in the ‘China + One’ Strategy for Electric Vehicle Manufacturers
Thailand is emerging as a vital link in the evolving ‘China Plus One’ supply chain strategy, especially among EV automakers seeking to diversify their production bases. With geopolitical uncertainties and ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and China prompting companies to explore alternative manufacturing locations, Thailand’s automotive prowess is becoming...
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Thailand is emerging as a vital link in the evolving ‘China Plus One’ supply chain strategy, especially among EV automakers seeking to diversify their production bases. With geopolitical uncertainties and ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and China prompting companies to explore alternative manufacturing locations, Thailand’s automotive prowess is becoming increasingly attractive to investors.
The country’s ambitious goal of transitioning 30% of its auto production to electric vehicles by 2030 has captured the attention of industry players aiming to expand their EV manufacturing capacities. Positioned strategically in Southeast Asia, Thailand has long been a favored destination for manufacturing and export activities, and recent developments have solidified its position as a key player in the electric vehicle sector.
Industry experts like Craig Irwin of Roth Capital see Thailand as a promising avenue for achieving cost efficiencies comparable to China, particularly in auto parts production. By leveraging Thailand’s established supply chain networks and avoiding Beijing’s regulatory constraints, manufacturers, including Chinese automakers, are finding success in the Thai market.
Partnerships with local firms and tailored localization strategies have enabled Chinese EV companies like BYD, Neta, and MG to secure significant market shares in Thailand. Notably, Tesla has recently slashed prices for its Model 3 sedan in the country, sparking further competition as Chinese manufacturers gear up to establish production facilities.
Thailand’s sustained efforts, such as the Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Incentive Program, have attracted substantial investments, surpassing $3.3 billion and garnering participation from global players. With supportive government policies and partnerships with heavyweight automotive companies, Thailand is poised to emerge as a prominent EV hub in Southeast Asia.
The country’s rich automotive ecosystem and proactive initiatives to transition towards EV production align with its broader economic objectives and sustainability goals. Thailand’s aspirations to lead the region’s EV market are reinforced by its competitive tax incentives and conducive business environment, enticing both domestic and international manufacturers.
Moreover, Thailand’s abundance of lithium deposits, a vital component in battery manufacturing, offers a strategic advantage over regional competitors, further bolstering its appeal to electric vehicle investors. By offering attractive incentives to foreign manufacturers and fostering a conducive regulatory environment, Thailand is paving the way for a dynamic and sustainable automotive future.
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14 May 14 2024Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=201375 - Suspect Detained in South Korea for Barrel Murder Case Denies Allegations
One of the three Korean suspects who allegedly murdered a man and disposed of his body in a barrel in a Pattaya reservoir has refuted the accusations after being detained in South Korea. The suspect, who is in his 20s, remains unidentified by South Korean police. On Monday, Pol Maj...
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One of the three Korean suspects who allegedly murdered a man and disposed of his body in a barrel in a Pattaya reservoir has refuted the accusations after being detained in South Korea.
The suspect, who is in his 20s, remains unidentified by South Korean police.
On Monday, Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, a chief investigator from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, named the detained individual as Lee Roun.
Yonhap news agency reported that the suspect denied the charges during his interrogation on Monday night. However, South Korean authorities are planning to seek a formal arrest warrant.
The suspect was captured at his Jeongeup residence in North Jeolla province, South Korea, after recently returning from Thailand. Surveillance camera footage was instrumental in tracking his movements prior to his arrest.
Collaborating with Thai officials, South Korea is actively involved in locating the two remaining suspects who are still at large.
Allegedly, the trio is implicated in the murder of a Korean individual, reportedly Roh Eui Jong, who was reported missing on May 3 after being abducted by three South Korean men.
Thai investigators are awaiting DNA test results from samples collected from the victim’s elder sister and father to confirm his identity.
The suspects were identified through CCTV footage tracking their movements from the day the victim went missing. They were seen transporting a large plastic barrel in a rented pickup truck to Map Prachan reservoir in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, near Pattaya.
Surveillance footage also captured one of the suspects purchasing a similar barrel before dumping it into the reservoir on May 5. Subsequently, divers recovered the barrel from the reservoir containing the victim’s body encased in concrete on Saturday evening.
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14 May 14 2024Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=201372 - Expected Fluctuations Ahead for the Baht in the Near Term
The baht is likely to be volatile in the near term, pending clear signs from the US Federal Reserve (Fed) concerning interest rate cuts, with the Thai currency expected to slide to 37.25 baht to the dollar within 1-3 months, bouncing back to 36 to the greenback by yearend, says...
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The baht is likely to be volatile in the near term, pending clear signs from the US Federal Reserve (Fed) concerning interest rate cuts, with the Thai currency expected to slide to 37.25 baht to the dollar within 1-3 months, bouncing back to 36 to the greenback by yearend, says Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research).
The baht edged down in line with other regional currencies to 36.8 to the dollar Monday morning, compared to Friday’s close of 36.72, as the greenback rebounded slightly ahead of the release in the US of April’s consumer price index and producer price index later in the week, said Kanjana Chockpisansin, head of the research, banking and financial sector at the think-tank.
Inflation expectations released on Friday by the University of Michigan, in which one-year inflation expectations rose to a six-month high of 3.5% in May versus 3.2% last month, while five-year expectations also rose to 3.1% from 3%, supported the market’s forecast of “high for longer” US interest rates, she said.
“We anticipate the Thai economy will stage a rebound from the second quarter but the baht would remain under the influence of the US interest rate trajectory,” she told the Bangkok Post.
As soon as the Fed makes its stance clear on the rate cuts, which is expected no later than the end of the third quarter, that would support the Thai unit’s strength to 36 baht to the dollar by yearend, Ms Kanjana said.
BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions Group, shared a similar view, saying eventual stabilisation of monetary conditions would pave the way for the currency to stablise.
According to BMI, the baht has depreciated by nearly 7% year-to-date, making it one of the worst-performing currencies in the region.
“We are not ruling out any further spikes in volatility of the baht. Much of this will be led by the constant repricing of interest rate expectations in the US. Upside pressures on the dollar should fade once market expectations stabilise and the Fed begins its first cut, which is likely to happen in July,” said the London-based research firm.
The Bank of Thailand is poised to begin easing earlier than the Fed.
“A possible 25-basis-point cut in June would put the [central] bank ahead of the Fed in its loosening cycle, which could induce short-term pressure on the baht. Yet, we think the bank will be mindful of cutting rates too extensively due to elevated household debt and currency stability concerns,” BMI said.
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14 May 14 2024Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=201369 - Indorama Reports $366 Million in Q1 Earnings
Indorama Ventures Plc (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, announced adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $366 million in Q1. This figure represents a 32% increase from the previous quarter yet a 2% dip year-on-year. During this period, sales volume surged by 3% compared to the prior...
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Indorama Ventures Plc (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, announced adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $366 million in Q1. This figure represents a 32% increase from the previous quarter yet a 2% dip year-on-year.
During this period, sales volume surged by 3% compared to the prior quarter, indicating signs of recovery across all sectors, although a US winter freeze partially counteracted this upturn. The positive results were facilitated by reduced utilities costs in Europe, supply chain disruptions around the Red Sea that favored the company’s import parity, and advantageous shale gas economics boosting profitability in the US.
IVL anticipates ongoing volume recovery in 2024, albeit at a gradual pace as inventory rebalances and summer demand picks up.
Despite this progress, the global chemical industry confronts challenges stemming from excess capacity expansions and enduring inflationary pressures alongside high interest rates, which continue to impact industry profitability within the polyester value chain.
Aloke Lohia, the group’s chief executive, highlighted this quarter’s performance as a turning point for the company. The focus is now on the IVL 2.0 plan, symbolizing a significant shift in the business strategy.
Under the 2.0 strategy, Indorama Ventures is optimizing seven sites, including a reevaluation of its PTA/PET operations in the Netherlands. Noteworthy strides have been made in refinancing $1.1 billion of debt by mid-2024 to ensure financial stability.
Capital raising efforts included a diverse range of financing options such as the “Ninja” loan worth $255 million, a 10-billion-baht debenture, a $100 million bilateral loan, and a successful $500 million syndicated loan closed at reduced spreads compared to previous issuances.
To enhance value, Indorama Ventures is preparing its packaging and surfactants divisions for initial public offerings.
Mr. Lohia stressed the management’s commitment to cost control, competitiveness optimization, and maintaining healthy liquidity levels.
IVL’s global reach acts as a competitive edge in the current low-margin landscape, enabling the company to uphold its market standing amidst trade and non-trade obstacles.
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14 May 14 2024Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=201366 - Bridge over the River Kwai
Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi, Thailand Kanchanaburi, nestled along the Myanmar border, boasts the iconic Bridge River Kwai, a relic of World War II history. Constructed by Japan, the meter-gauge railway stretches from Ban Pong, Thailand to Thanbyuzayat, Burma, traversing the scenic Three Pagodas Pass across a 250-mile route,...
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Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Kanchanaburi, nestled along the Myanmar border, boasts the iconic Bridge River Kwai, a relic of World War II history. Constructed by Japan, the meter-gauge railway stretches from Ban Pong, Thailand to Thanbyuzayat, Burma, traversing the scenic Three Pagodas Pass across a 250-mile route, now famously known as the Death Railway.
Originally intended to facilitate daily cargo transport to India in support of Japan’s war efforts, the railway’s construction utilized POWs and Asian forced laborers enduring harsh conditions. Beginning in October 1942, the year-long endeavor claimed thousands of lives due to the challenging terrain, with an estimated casualty for every sleeper laid along the track.
The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, alongside the Chungkai Cemetery, serves as the final resting place for approximately 7,000 and 2,000 POWs, respectively, who sacrificed their lives during the railway’s construction. In 1944, Allied Forces targeted the iron bridge, destroying three sections. Today, the reconstructed Bridge River Kwai, with two central spans rebuilt, stands as a poignant reminder of the past, with original parts showcased in the War Museum.
Immortalized in films and literature, notably David Lean’s portrayal, the Bridge River Kwai has become a global attraction. Converted into a pedestrian walkway with side platforms, visitors can now traverse the bridge on foot, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Annually, the River Kwai Bridge Festival commemorates the Allied bombing on November 28, 1944, featuring a spectacular light and sound show.
For travelers heading to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok, regular buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal, offering a three-hour journey. Train services from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi originate from Bangkok Noi Railway Station, while those with vehicles can use the newly constructed expressway from Pinklao. Special weekend trains depart from Bangkok on Saturdays and Sundays, providing tourists with a unique journey through historical landmarks and scenic landscapes.
To explore Kanchanaburi and its surroundings, hiring a tricycle, motorcycle, or jeep is recommended. However, tourists should verify rates and conditions at the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in Kanchanaburi to ensure a fair deal and an enjoyable stay.
Photos by AX Media Thailand
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13 May 13 2024Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=201353 - Divergent Stance Between Employees and Employers on Wage Increase
Photo credit: Ministry of Labour Representatives from both employees and employers had conflicting views on the proposed minimum wage increase during a meeting with the labor minister on Monday, just before the tripartite committee’s scheduled meeting on Tuesday. The Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation and the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation...
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Photo credit: Ministry of Labour
Representatives from both employees and employers had conflicting views on the proposed minimum wage increase during a meeting with the labor minister on Monday, just before the tripartite committee’s scheduled meeting on Tuesday.
The Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation and the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation voiced their support for the government’s recent decision to raise the daily minimum wage to 400 baht in October at upscale hotels and resorts in 10 provinces. However, employee representatives emphasized the need for a nationwide increase in the minimum wage due to the rising cost of living across the country.
Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn acknowledged the differing perspectives and highlighted that the implementation of the 400-baht minimum wage nationwide might face challenges, but assured that efforts would be made to support it. Additionally, he mentioned the government’s plan to further raise the daily minimum wage to 600 baht by 2027.
On the other hand, representatives from the Federation of Thai Industries, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and small-and medium-sized enterprises met with Minister Pipat to express their opposition to the nationwide wage hike in October. FTI vice president Suchart Chantaranakaracha raised concerns about the feasibility of the 400-baht nationwide rate, particularly citing weak export conditions and potential financial strain on businesses.
The tripartite wage committee, consisting of government, employee, and employer representatives, is set to discuss the minimum wage in their meeting on Tuesday. The agenda will focus on addressing the differing views and reaching a consensus on this important matter.
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13 May 13 2024Bangkok Newshttps://bangkokone.news/?p=201350