Salvage of sunken corvette Sukhothai begins
The US naval supply ship Ocean Valor takes part in a mission to salvage HTMS Sukhothai in the Gulf of Thailand off Prachuap Khiri Khan province on Thursday. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)The Thai and US navies on Thursday started the salvage of the corvette HTMS Sukhothai in the Gulf of Thailand off Prachuap Khiri Khan. Thirty-five Thai naval divers and 14 American naval divers will be diving together to the wreck over the course of a 19-day mission, said Adm Adung Phan-iam Navy, the Royal Thai Navy commander-in-chief. HTMS Sukhothai sank about 35 kilometres off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan on Dec 18, 2022, after being caught in a storm. Last month the US warned the Royal Thai Navy about the reported involvement of a Chinese company in a plan to salvage the vessel, which was built in the US in 1987.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 22, 2024 11:47 UTC
Hun Sen visits Thaksin at his Bangkok home
(Photo: Samdech Hun Sen of Cambodia Facebook)Cambodia's Supreme Privy Council President Hun Sen visited his long-time friend Thaksin Shinawatra at the former prime minister's Bangkok residence on Wednesday morning, amid tight security. Hun Sen arrived at Don Mueang airport on Wednesday morning and then travelled in a Mercedes Benz to see Thaksin at his Ban Chan Song La residence in Bang Phlat district. Hun Sen thanked Thaksin and Ms Paetongtarn for their warm welcome and invited Ms Paetongtarn to visit Cambodia on March 14-15. Thaksin, 74, and Hun Sen, 71, developed a strong friendship during their many years in power. Cambodian strongman reportedly decided to visit Thaksin at his home out of a personal concern for his health.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 22, 2024 05:35 UTC
Malaysian currency at lowest level since 1998 crisis
Central bank says ringgit decline does not reflect improving prospects for economyThe last time the Malaysian ringgit fell below 4.8 to the US dollar was in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis. (Photo: Reuters)The Malaysian ringgit continues to trade near its lowest level since the 1998 Asian financial crisis, prompting the central bank to say it does not reflect the improving outlook for the economy. The currency edged up 0.1% on Wednesdsay morning, after slipping past 4.8 against the US dollar on Tuesday, its weakest level since reaching an all-time low of 4.885 in 1998. Other emerging Asian currencies strengthened marginally, with the Thai baht holding steady around 35.84 to the dollar in offshore trade. The weakness in the ringgit has defied steadiness in oil prices — a Malaysian export — and prospects of a recovery in electronics exports.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 21, 2024 17:18 UTC
PM faces new leadership test
Thaksin has long been seen as the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, now led by his youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Prime Minister Srettha faces challenges due to his newcomer status, having entered the political arena less than six months before assuming premiership. Some analysts anticipate a potential shift in power from Mr Srettha to Thaksin, resulting in a so-called double prime minister phenomenon. If the former prime minister would like to make suggestions, there's no one in the government who wouldn't want to hear it." However, Mr Yutthaporn believes there is no need for a change in leadership and Mr Srettha is likely to remain.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 19, 2024 04:21 UTC
Move Forward questions justice of Thaksin's return home
Move Forward questions justice of Thaksin's return homeThe Move Forward Party (MFP) on Sunday took to social media to say that regarding Thaksin Shinawatra's illness and parole, many people questioned if the law was enforced with fairness and without discrimination. The main opposition party posted the question on Facebook after former prime minister Thaksin was discharged from Police General Hospital early on Sunday morning. The MFP wrote that many people were dubious about whether any special treatment might be evident in the enforcement of Thai law after Thaksin was allowed to stay at the hospital for 180 days without clarification on his illness and was later paroled. Although the government answered questions on Thaksin's health and the criteria for his parole, it could not stop society from posing questions about fair law enforcement and treatment in comparison with the cases of other inmates and political prisoners. Thai society must be free of double standards, the MFP wrote.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 18, 2024 20:56 UTC
Bangkok Post - Mystique fading
Mystique fadingRe: "Has Pakistan's military finally lost its mystique?" Mihir Sharma is correct in his analysis of the Pakistan elections held on Feb 8. Any country where the military and judiciary can oust elected politicians and exile them without due process is bound to deteriorate. Historically, in this region, family dynasties and the elite have exploited their cordial relations with the military for personal gains. The Election Commission, judiciary, military, crony elites, and corrupt politicians have contributed to the current crisis in Pakistan.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 18, 2024 12:07 UTC
After 15 years, Thaksin returns home
After 15 years, Thaksin returns homeThailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra sits next to his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra as they leave Police General Hospital after being granted parole, in Bangkok on Sunday. (REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha)Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra left Police General Hospital and returned to his residence on Charan Sanitwong 69 Road in Bang Phlat district after more than 15 years of absence as he was paroled on Sunday. Thaksin, 74, was discharged from Police General Hospital early Sunday morning. In another case, the Supreme Court found Thaksin had illegally launched a two- and three-digit lottery between 2003 and 2006. In the other case Thaksin was convicted of malfeasance and conflict of interest for illegally holding shares through proxies in the state's phone concessionaires.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 18, 2024 08:36 UTC
Boat captain missing after collision off Krabi
A search is under way for the captain of a longtail tour boat, Apichart Kobtaisong, who fell into the water off the coast of Krabi on Friday night. (Screen capture)A search has been launched after the captain of a longtail tour boat went overboard off the coast of Krabi on Friday night. He was knocked off his boat after it collided with another vessel in the vicinity of Koh Kai. Apichart’s boat was leading the second vessel owned by Guitar Roong Tawan 08 Company before the incident occurred. Yuthapong Damsrisuk, the national park chief, acknowledged the possibility that the boat captain could have perished and been washed out of the initial search zone.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 17, 2024 10:27 UTC
Bangkok Post - Polls no panacea
Polls no panaceaRe: "The perils of too much democracy", (Editorial, Feb 10). Regular elections are not the panacea, as demonstrated by many Asian countries, including Thailand. In Pakistan's elections, the strategic use of social media and AI-generated gatherings gave the imprisoned Imran Khan significant advantages. Similarly, the MFP in Thailand exploited social media to win the elections by a landslide. Too much of anything is bad for any society, whether it be religion, blind faith, freedom, authoritarianism, communism, social media, or democracy.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 17, 2024 09:16 UTC
Police: No special measures planned for Thaksin's release
Only local police officers will be used to maintain peace and order at the site, Pol Gen Surachate said on Saturday. He was commenting on an anticipated demonstration by protesters who have condemned what they see as special treatment given to the convicted former prime minister by justice authorities. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed on Saturday that Thaksin would be released on Sunday but did not specify a time. Mr Pichit’s protest group is reportedly seeking to gather 20,000 signatures to petition parliament to look into Thaksin’s medical treatment and the performance of Police General Hospital administrators. “But I explained earlier that various agencies had investigated the hospital’s medical team and they confirmed the team performed its duties honestly and with transparency.”
Source:Bangkok Post
February 17, 2024 08:12 UTC
THG set to expand Myanmar investment
THG set to expand Myanmar investmentThonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital in Bangkok, operated by THG. The company sees a business opportunity to expand its hospital services in Myanmar. Thonburi Healthcare Group Plc (THG) plans to expand its hospital business in Myanmar following an increase in patients seeking medical treatment. A feasibility study on the new investment is being conducted and its findings are expected soon, said Tanatip Suppradit, chief executive of THG. THG plans to increase hospital beds and offer new treatment services to patients.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 16, 2024 06:18 UTC
Traders predict domestic gold price bump in May
Traders predict domestic gold price bump in MayTraders predict domestic gold prices, which peaked at 34,550 baht per baht-weight during the Chinese New Year, will be an uptrend again in May. Domestic gold prices have eased by 300 baht from the Lunar New Year peak, as global prices edged down to $2,019, said Jitti Tangsitphakdee, president of the Gold Traders Association. The expected cut of the US policy rate by 0.25% in May should clearly drive up domestic gold prices, he said. In the future, Mr Jitti predicts domestic gold prices could reach 40,000 baht per baht-weight, though not during this year. The weak property and equity markets made investors seek other opportunities, with gold benefiting as a result, according to World Gold Council.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 14, 2024 21:20 UTC
THAI confirms order for 45 Boeing jets
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is seen at a Thai Airways hangar in Bangkok. THAI, emerging from a major restructuring, said its order includes an option to purchase more jets. “The long-term aircraft acquisition plan is crucial for replacing gradually expiring leased and ageing aircraft,” it said. The order also came with options for additional aircraft, the airline said, adding that its fleet size would reach 96 jets after the acquisition. The deal adds to a growing order book for Boeing, which has recently locked in deals for 150 Max jets from Akasa Air of India.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 14, 2024 21:11 UTC
Expressions of love on Valentine's Day
Romance fills the dust-filled air of Bangkok on Valentine's Day, as couples find ways to convey their affection, from traditional roses, heart-shaped pillows and big red dolls to the straightforward allure of banknotes and lottery tickets.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 14, 2024 04:05 UTC
Thaksin's parole confirmed, for release this weekend
(File photo)Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be paroled this coming weekend because he is old and seriously ill, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong confirmed on Tuesday. Pol Col Tawee said at Government House that Thaksin was among 930 inmates whose release was approved by a parole committee. Pol Col Tawee said the number of paroled inmates was similar each month, about 930. "I would like to say, this is normal... Parole for serious illness, disability or being aged 70 years or more began in 2003. Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn, leader of the coalition-core Pheu Thai Party, said on Tuesday her father would return to the family home.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 13, 2024 20:09 UTC