Call centre gangs exploit vulnerable victimsCloser look: Police officers examine items seized from a call centre scam gang after a raid in Bangkok in August. The items, marked as evidence, include mobile phones and cash worth altogether more than 10 million baht. But it was too late: within 30 minutes, she had lost 1.5 million baht in life savings. On Dec 1, the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women brought 16 victims of a call centre gang in Cambodia to report to police. As for victims who lost their money to call centre gangs, they tend to never get it back.

Red hot lava flowed from Italy's Mount Etna and lit up the sky on Friday night (December 1). The lava flow was originating from a south-east crater of Europe's tallest and most active volcano.

A record-breaking drought has sapped the Amazon River and four of its biggest tributaries to their lowest levels in at least half a century, as scientists anticipate the next year could bring an even more intense drought.

The term clean molecules was coined by energy experts to focus on a group of clean fuels, including biofuel for cars and aircraft, and e-fuels. We need clean molecules to help us attain net-zero goals," said Mr Chaiwat. A visual note outlining the global energy situation and a path toward the net-zero goal through the use of clean molecules. The remainder comprises gaseous and liquid fuels, some of which could be generated by clean molecules. During the forum, Mr Chaiwat also mentioned electrofuels, also known as e-fuels, which are also a promising source of clean molecules.

Curfew partially lifted in SLeone capital after clashes killed 13 soldiersSecurity forces clashed with unknown assailants for several hours in Freetown on SundayFREETOWN - Clashes that shook Sierra Leone's capital Freetown on Sunday left 13 dead in the ranks of the army loyal to the government, and were orchestrated by active and retired soldiers, the army spokesperson said Monday. Daily life began to resume amid a heavy security presence in Freetown on Monday, as the government partially lifted a curfew imposed after the clashes erupted in the city. Bangura told AFP eight more soldiers had been seriously injured in the clashes as they defended their barracks. "Certain members of the military are not loyal towards the government or the president, despite taking the oath," said Bangura. A curfew will be imposed from 9:00 pm (2100 GMT) to 6:00 am until further notice, the Information ministry announced, lifting a daytime curfew previously imposed.

Indian army digs by hand to free 41 trapped tunnel workersThe Silkyara road tunnel in northern India, which partially collapsed on November 12. SILKYARA TUNNEL (INDIA) - Indian military engineers were preparing to dig by hand Monday to reach 41 workers trapped in a collapsed road tunnel for 16 days, a rescue operation hit by repeated setbacks. The 41 construction workers have been trapped in the Silkyara road tunnel since November 12. For the distraught relatives of the trapped men, it has been an ordeal without an imminent end in sight. Though trapped, they have plenty of space in the tunnel, with the area inside 8.5 metres high and stretching about two kilometres in length.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is asking the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to study and consider whether to review the use of trading programs, including high-frequency trading (HFT), to determine the current trading volume and whether they are appropriate for the Thai bourse. The SEC asked the SET to submit the results of a study on trading programs, which account for 35-36% of the total trading value, while HFT accounts for 10%-15% of the trading value. The volume generated via trading programs on the SET has greatly increased from previous years, though it is lower than in other regional exchanges and developed markets in the West, said Ms Pornanong. "We have to find out what is the most appropriate rate for the Thai stock market." Most market makers tend to use DW risk management by using trading programs or conducting arbitrage using HFT.

Tours to Tham Luang cave rescue chamber to beginNavy Seals dive into the flooded Tham Luang cave during their exploration of ‘Chamber 3’ to try to locate the 13 missing team members in June 2018. (Photo: Thai Navy Seals' Facebook account)The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will on Dec 15 start bringing tour groups to Chamber 3 in Chiang Rai province's Tham Luang cave, the operations base for the rescue of the young "Wild Boars" footballers five years ago. The 13 were trapped by floodwater in the cave in Mae Sai district for 18 days in June and July 2018. Visitors will see first-hand how difficult the rescue was, including the installation of equipment and the transport of the victims out of the cave. Until now Chamber 3, which is about two kilometres deep from the entrance of the cave, was open only to researchers and experts.

The changes being pushed include lowering the minimum votes required for passing a referendum. "We are also focusing on whether there will be a referendum and if so when it can be held. He said, however, the EC will need more money than in the previous referendum to finance a fresh round. A referendum is estimated to cost at least 3 billion baht, up from 2.7 billion baht spent on the previous referendum in which the majority of voters approving the current charter. Last week, Nikorn Chamnong, head of the hearing sub-panel, admitted he was concerned the Referendum Act might complicate the charter amendment process.

AoT to raise passenger service taxPassengers arrive at the new satellite terminal, dubbed SAT-1, at Suvarnabhumi airport on Sept 28. The Airports of Thailand (AoT) will increase passenger service charges at six international airports by 30 baht from April 1 next year to cover the operating costs of Common Use Passenger Processing Systems. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)Airports of Thailand (AoT) will increase passenger service charges at six international airports by 30 baht from April 1 next year to cover the operating costs of Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (Cupps). The systems, hence, have a higher operating cost, leading the AoT to introduce the new passenger service charge. Also, Cupps is calculated under the service charge, according to the Air Navigation Act's Section 56 (1), which allows aviation authorities to collect the charge for airport improvement and passenger facilities.

The economic outlook in a year of uncertaintyNext year will be an uncertain one for both the global and Thai economies, especially concerning three areas: economic recession, geopolitical problems and government economic measures. Global economic risks will increase from wars and elections. China's credit intensity (the growth rate of credit compared with economic growth) expanded at the same level as in 2020, during the pandemic. THAI FORECASTFor the Thai economic outlook in 2024, we divided our economic projection into two scenarios related to the digital wallet scheme. FACTORS TO WATCHIn 2024, we are keeping an eye on six economic factors that will be key for the Thai economy.

Dublin violence motivated by hate: Irish PMFlames rise from a car and a bus set alightDUBLIN: Rioters who torched vehicles and looted shops in Dublin following a knife attack outside a school brought "shame" on Ireland, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Friday, condemning the worst violence in decades which authorities blamed on right-wing groups. "Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves," a visibly angry Varadkar told reporters, describing the rioters as "criminals". They love violence. We need to take it away from the cowards who hide behind masks and tried to terrify us with their violence," Varadkar said. A police cordon was set up around the Irish parliament building, Leinster House, late on Thursday night, amid concerns that the violence could spread.

Eastern corridor investment plan confirmedA sign for U-tapao airport in Ban Chang district, Rayong province, near the Eastern Economic Corridor. (Bangkok Post file photo)The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee on Friday endorsed a draft 5-year EEC development plan for the period 2023 to 2027, with the aim of attracting a total of 500 billion baht worth of investments to the area, representing an average of 100 billion baht per year. The committee also approved the offering of 10-year visas to investors in targeted businesses in the EEC to attract foreign investment, starting next year. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who chaired Friday's committee meeting, the new 5-year development plan will outline five development strategies. This includes specialists under EEC visa "S", executives under EEC visa "E", professionals under EEC visa "P", as well as spouses and dependents under the "other" category, pertaining to EEC visa "O".

Sutin backs cooperation with AseanPhetchaburi: The Defence Ministry remains committed to promoting cooperation among the armies of Asean members while also focusing on neutrality in a time of external pressures. The 31st Asean Armies Rifle Meet (Aarm), the region's annual rifle, pistol, and machine gun competition, was also held on this occasion. Cooperation among Asean member states' armed forces has been exhibited particularly during times of crises, but also during normal situations. When asked if Asean should remain neutral in regional conflicts, he said: "Certainly." Asean should remain neutral despite pressures from big power players.

Regulator to ban Thais from trading NVDRsThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) building on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. The SEC is preparing to ban Thai investors from trading non-voting depository receipts (NVDRs), aiming to close an avenue for fraud in the capital market following the More Return Plc (MORE) case. NVDR, a trading instrument initiated by the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), allows foreign investors to invest beyond the foreign ownership limit. The regulator will order this channel to be closed to Thai investors, allowing only foreign investors to trade using this instrument, said Ms Pornanong. Although NVDRs have the objective of facilitating foreign investment, they previously did not prohibit Thai investors from using this channel.