Arrests will fuel dissent
Arrests will fuel dissentWith the arrests of more activists in connection with their role in the July 18 rally at Democracy Monument, which was organised by the Free Youth group, the country is inching once again toward political strife. Previously, he was released on bail on the condition he would not repeat the same offences that saw him locked up in the first place. The prime minister has also failed to deliver on reforming the police, an agency involved in a series of scandals. The government and the authorities must learn the hard fact that the country's crisis cannot be solved through legal means alone. If they want to achieve reconciliation, they must look to political means, set up a dialogue, and show sincerity in charter amendment, which should be carried out swiftly.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 23:48 UTC
Probe 'points to graft' in THAI A340 aircraft deal
Probe 'points to graft' in THAI A340 aircraft dealA Thai Airways Airbus A340-600 touches down in a landing test in Bangkok in 2005. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)Some employees of Thai Airways International (THAI) became unusually rich from a major plane procurement deal struck in 2003-2004, according to a police-led investigation team set up by the Transport Ministry. Mr Thaworn said he was assigned by Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob to announce the results of the investigation to parliament on Wednesday. Mr Thaworn said the probe team discovered that between 2003 and 2004, THAI had purchased 10 Airbus A340 wide-bodied aircraft. Pol Lt Gen Charnthep also said some THAI employees had pocketed ill gotten gains from managing procurement projects including the A340 deal.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 23:37 UTC
Probe finds corruption in THAI aircraft deal | Bangkok Post: learning
Mr Thaworn said he was assigned by Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob to announce the results of the investigation to parliament on Wednesday. Mr Thaworn said the probe team discovered that between 2003 and 2004, THAI had purchased 10 Airbus A340 aircraft. Mr Thaworn said the Charnthep team's findings will be forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and he would give further details of the probe later this month. Pol Lt Gen Charnthep also said some THAI employees had pocketed ill gotten gains from managing procurement projects including the A340 deal. Some employees of Thai Airways International (THAI) became unusually rich from a major plane procurement deal struck in 2003-2004, according to a police-led investigation team set up by the Transport Ministry.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 23:37 UTC
Biden pledges 'a new path' as he prepares to accept White House nom
"Tonight, we'll discuss our plans to build back better and set this nation on a new path," the 77-year-old former vice president and long-time senator from Delaware said. In a bid to draw attention away from Biden, Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks on Thursday in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, a town near Biden's birthplace of Scranton. In a show of unity, other speakers on the convention's final day include politicians who challenged Biden for the nomination. Harris, the first black woman on a major party's White House ticket, joined former president Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in condemning Trump's leadership. Harris accused Trump of turning "our tragedies into political weapons" and urged Americans to vote for Biden, "a president who will bring all of us together."
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 15:56 UTC
Nine, including 2 rappers, granted bail | Bangkok Post: learning
Dechathorn “Hockhacker” Bamrungmuang, a founder and member of 'Rap Against Dictatorship', shows a three-finger salute as he was taken to the Samran Rat police station on Thursday. He was among the five arrested on Thursday in connection with the July 18 rally. Activist Tanee Sasom was later caught at Soi Rang Nam and taken to Samran Rat police station. Some of them accompanied him in his car to Samran Rat police station. Mr Anon, who was released on bail on multiple charges including sedition in connection with the July 18 rally, faced more charges related to another rally on Aug 3 when he talked about the need for monarchy reforms.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 11:37 UTC
Five, including 2 rappers, held for roles in rally | Bangkok Post: learning
He was among the five arrested on Thursday in connection with the July 18 rally. Activist Tanee Sasom was later caught at Soi Rang Nam and taken to Samran Rat police station. Some of them accompanied him in his car to Samran Rat police station. Mr Anon, who was released on bail on multiple charges including sedition in connection with the July 18 rally, faced more charges related to another rally on Aug 3 when he talked about the need for monarchy reforms. They were arrested separately in Bangkok on Wednesday night on charges of inciting public unrest and other offences related to the July 18 Free Youth rally.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 11:03 UTC
Infected Malaysian's girlfriend cleared of Covid-19 disease
Infected Malaysian's girlfriend cleared of Covid-19 diseaseDr Chatuchai Maneerat, public health chief of Chiang Mai, briefs the media on the case of the Malaysian man and his girlfriend, on Thursday. (Photo: Panumet Tanraksa)CHIANG MAI: The Thai girlfriend of a Malaysian man found infected with Covid-19 on his return to Malaysia has been released from quarantine after she tested negative at the end of the surveillance process. He said Chiang Mai had been free of community Covid-19 infection for 96 days. After his departure, she went to Chiang Mai. The Malaysian man had frequently visited Thailand.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 10:35 UTC
Nine, including Anon and 2 rappers, granted bail
Nine, including Anon and 2 rappers, granted bailDechathorn “Hockhacker” Bamrungmuang, a founder and member of 'Rap Against Dictatorship', shows a three-finger salute as he was taken to the Samran Rat police station on Thursday. He was among the five arrested on Thursday in connection with the July 18 rally. Activist Tanee Sasom was later caught at Soi Rang Nam and taken to Samran Rat police station. Some of them accompanied him in his car to Samran Rat police station. Mr Anon, who was released on bail on multiple charges including sedition in connection with the July 18 rally, faced more charges related to another rally on Aug 3 where he talked about the need for monarchy reforms.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 10:30 UTC
Thursday: 7 new Covid-19 cases | Bangkok Post: learning
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said the cases came from from Egypt, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. The patient from Hong Kong was a male tourist, 33, who had travelled to the Chinese territory in February. Two new cases from Singapore were male workers, both aged 51. Three new cases from the UAE were male workers aged 28, 38 and 46. Brazil ranked second with 3.46 million cases, up by 48,541, and 11,189 deaths, up by 1,170.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 05:03 UTC
Two Thais test positive for Covid after quarantine | Bangkok Post: learning
The DDC on Wednesday allowed the second woman, a 34-year-old from Chaiyaphum province, return home. However, both took a second test this month when they went to Ramathibodi Hospital to get a Covid-19 health certificate to fly overseas. The second test showed she was free of the virus, so she was allowed to go home. It was on Aug 13 that she visited Ramathibodi Hospital to get her health certificate to fly overseas, which at this time returned a positive result. The woman drove to Bangkok on Sunday and visited the hospital at midday to get her Covid-19 health certificate allowing her to work overseas -- but this time her test was positive.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 02:15 UTC
Why do 'non-lethal' weapons maim and kill protesters?
Why do 'non-lethal' weapons maim and kill protesters? Police in riot gear shoot rubber bullets at demonstrators outside the White House on June 1 during a BLM protest. As street protests worldwide have multiplied, rights groups have sounded the alarm about tear gas, rubber bullets, stun guns and other anti-riot weapons causing serious wounds and fatalities. But malicious and excessive use, often but not only in authoritarian states, has long since earned riot control tools the official designation of "less-lethal weapons". Security forces were also beating demonstrators with clubs and "firing rubber bullets and birdshot pellets indiscriminately", it said in a blog posting.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 01:52 UTC
'A total lie': False ads, bad advice puts China's mums off breastfeeding
This is less than half the global average, according to UNICEF's 2019 breastfeeding scorecard, and far below the Chinese government's aim to have 50 percent of mothers nursing by this year. Only 12 percent of babies in China are born in hospitals where staff have lactation knowledge, according to UNICEF. "Infant formula is now advertised as having the same nutrients as breast milk, which is a total lie," Fang adds. It was revised to 85 percent consuming breast milk alongside formula -- but even this could not be reached. Breastfeeding also protects the mother from diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease and postpartum depression, UNICEF said.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 01:41 UTC
Police 'botched Boss report'
(Bangkok Post file photo)The police panel probing the alleged mishandling of the 2012 hit-and-run case wrapped up its investigation on Wednesday. They produced a flawed report which led to public prosecutors deciding not to indict Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya on a reckless driving causing death charge stemming from the case. They were found to have failed to ensure the investigation into the case was strictly implemented and failed to produce a complete report, he said. In addition to a possible disciplinary probe, they may face some criminal charges and a further investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), he said. Some of the 11 police and former police in the first investigation have already faced legal action by the NACC, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 00:31 UTC
Reduced traffic 'smart city' plan takes off
Reduced traffic 'smart city' plan takes offInspired by Barcelona's car-free zones, Thai municipalities are signing up to a "smart city" charter to pilot target areas in their communities for economic and cultural revival. Barcelona's super blocks are neighbourhoods made up of nine blocks linked into an area restricting vehicles, thereby reducing noise and pollution from traffic. Thirteen municipalities and six universities are now joining the smart city charter under the 20-year national strategy. Six municipalities are getting under way: Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Udon City, Khon Kaen, Rayong City, and Patong City. Among these is the Khon Kaen smart city model.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2020 00:22 UTC
No more delay tactics
The deputy interior minister said it would be known by October. It's true that local election laws give the cabinet the power to set election dates, but in reality the government is one of the political players. There are concerns that by the time it gives the nod to local elections, the government may launch populist packages that will enable its candidates to reap ill-gains, politically. More importantly, the interior minister should stop claiming that there is a lack of budget for local elections. It's time the government -- a reincarnation of the military regime -- return power to the people, allowing them to choose their local leaders.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 19, 2020 23:26 UTC