Category: General

Kanchanaburi, Central Investigation Police arrested 58 foreigners hiding in the jungle in Kanchanaburi. Prepare to travel as an illegal worker.

The Central Investigation Police together with the arresting officers Together they arrested foreign workers at the edge of the forest near the Vajiralongkorn Dam. Thong Pha Phum District Kanchanaburi Province After being informed by a good citizen that a large group of people were found hiding in the forest along the Vajiralongkorn Dam Officers then deployed forces to investigate. They were able to arrest a total of 58 foreign workers along with 4 accompanying persons (children). From the investigation it was found that they were foreign persons of Myanmar nationality. No identification documents

From questioning, accused number 1-58 admitted that There was a broker who arranged travel for accused 1-58 and 4 followers, all of whom fled into the country from Myanmar. Through a natural channel in the area of Ban Bo Japan, Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Provinc
e, on March 20, 2024, by riding a motorcycle from Myanmar and arriving at the edge of the forest beside the road, Sangkhla Buri District, then on the 21st. March 2024 at approximately 12:00 AM, a pickup truck came to pick them up. and delivered to the pier in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province, before all took a boat to the edge of the forest. Tha Phae Village, Village No. 1, Tha Khanun Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District Kanchanaburi Province Until he was discovered and arrested. In addition, the accused also admitted that When entering the territory of Thailand, you will have to pay a fee starting from 10,000-32,000 baht, depending on where you go. Some people have already paid and others will pay when they arrive at their destination.

The arresting officer then informed the accused no. 1-58 that the said act was an offense. “They are aliens who escaped and stayed in the Kingdom of Thailand without permission.” And as for the four followers, they will push forward along with all 58 suspects aft
er the prosecution has been completed.

Source: Thai News Agency

Prachuap Khiri Khan, 22 March – Take a look at the ancient recipe of tofu, almost 40 years old, inherited by the 4th generation, Pranburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

At the ancient tofu making factory in Wang Phong Subdistrict, Pranburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, it is almost 40 years old. It has been passed down to the 4th generation and now Ms. Tacharon Jongthong, who is in charge of the business, said that making tofu requires It takes a lot of effort and patience. Because I have to wake up at 3 a.m., I soak the soybeans in water for about 4 hours, then rinse them with clean water, then grind them, then put them in a shaker to remove the starch, then boil them. Currently, I use a steam system. instead because it won’t smell like smoke. This process takes about half an hour to boil. When finished boiling, add the leavening agent to make it clump like jelly. Leave it for about 5 – 10 minutes to set. Then put it into a mold. and wrapping cloth by hand in the traditional way

The nex
t step is to squeeze out the water until only the dough remains. They use a stick to put them on top of the tofu that is arranged side by side. which is an ancient process Hard to find nowadays Take about 10 minutes and then remove the wrapped cloth. You will get traditional tofu sheets.

40 years ago, it started selling at 1 baht, 50 satang per piece, but now it’s 10 baht per piece because the price of raw materials has become more expensive, including labor, water, electricity, and oil. Customers will pick up the tofu at the factory every day to take it. For resale, such as at the fresh market at Pranburi Intersection. and various flea markets The factory makes new ones every day, without using chemicals, approximately 700 sheets per day. But if it’s a festival such as vegetarianism, it will increase to 2 – 3 thousand sheets. Most customers are attracted to the ancient recipe of tofu. – Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

Ambassador to Australia Lee Jong-sup has met individually with the ministers of foreign affairs, defense and industry since his return home from Canberra the previous day, the foreign ministry said, apparently dismissing growing speculation over his abrupt return and unclear public schedule while he is in town.

Lee returned Thursday, 11 days after he assumed the job, as criticism is growing over Lee’s appointment and departure after revelations that he was banned from leaving the country as he was subject to an investigation for his alleged interference in a military probe into last year’s death of a Marine.

Since the foreign ministry announced Lee will come back to attend a defense cooperation meeting of ambassadors of six countries, including Australia, speculation arose that the meeting could have been organized in haste to give Lee a pretext to return home, because the public sentiment is worsening in the run-up to the parliamentary elections set for April 10.

Lee’s arrival, which came four days ahead
of the planned ambassadors’ meeting, also raised questions about what Lee will be doing until Monday and whether those four days can be legally acknowledged as serving public duty under the regulations pertaining to public servants on overseas missions.

On Friday, the foreign ministry said Lee was having schedules related to the upcoming ambassadors’ meeting.

The ambassador “met separately with the minister of defense on March 21, the ministers of industry and foreign affairs on March 22,” the foreign ministry said in a message to reporters.

Lee plans to have meetings throughout next week with officials of government agencies involved in the defense cooperation and the top envoys of the six countries in Seoul, among other schedules, the ministry said.

A foreign ministry official said the meetings Lee has had since Thursday and onwards are meant to discuss Monday’s meeting in advance, suggesting that Lee’s stay will be recognized as a return trip for official duties.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

The upcoming satirical film “Troll Factory” opens with the story of a reporter who investigates the corruption of the conglomerate Manjeon Group, only to find himself pushed to the brink.

The reporter, Im Sang-jin (Son Suk-ku), embarks on an investigation after receiving a tip from a medium-sized company executive regarding technology theft by the group. Despite Im’s successful persuasion of his boss to publish the allegations, his story takes an unexpected turn as it’s attacked online as fake, leading him to be labeled as a “sensationalist journalist” overnight and suspended as a punitive measure.

Later on, a young man approaches Im, claiming to have evidence of online manipulation. He promises to disclose that a “commenting squad” or troll factory is responsible for discrediting Im’s story through opinion manipulation. The man then confesses that he and his two friends from the so-called Team Aleph engaged in unethical activities for personal gain.

The main narrative revolves around the confrontation be
tween the reporter’s efforts to uncover the truth and the enigmatic troll factory, whose existence has yet to be verified.

Inspired by the 2015 novel by former daily reporter Chang Kang-myoung, the film explores the intriguing yet slippery theme of opinion manipulation. It encourages thought and discussion on the topic by questioning the existence of a troll factory and prompting the audience to contemplate whether it is real or merely an urban legend.

For director and screenwriter Ahn Gooc-jin, known for the 2015 black comedy “Alice In Earnestland,” the lingering mystery of “commenting squads” inspired him to make the film.

“While there appears to be a phenomenon (of opinion manipulation), concrete evidence confirming their existence is elusive,” he said during a press event earlier this month.

Until midway through, the movie effectively grips the audience with its briskly paced narrative, delving into Im’s challenges and the clandestine operations of Team Aleph, such as maximizing the limited impact of
cigarette advertisements, promoting failed movies or turning an ordinary girl into an online sensation.

Employing a daring editing approach accompanied by heart-pounding sounds, the film adeptly blends virtual and real footage to explore the history and shaping of online opinions in South Korea. The compelling chemistry among the cast members enhances the film’s ability to captivate the audience.

As the team grapples with internal conflicts regarding the integrity and ethics of its covert operations, however, the movie appears to lose its momentum.

The film fast-forwards two years within its narrative before concluding rather abruptly, leaving the audience with a lackluster ending that seemingly undercuts the character development and narrative buildup established in the earlier and middle parts of the film.

But its ending appears to mirror reality, where it is difficult to grasp the truth, leaving each individual to decide what to believe or not.

The movie is slated for release Wednesday.

Source: Yonh
ap News Agency

A Democratic Party (DP) candidate withdrew her bid for next month’s parliamentary elections after criticism mounted over her career records as a defense lawyer representing sexual offenders.

Cho Soo-jin made the announcement in a Facebook post just past midnight Thursday, three days after she won the party ticket to the Gangbuk-B district in northern Seoul in a primary against two-term lawmaker Rep. Park Yong-jin.

“As a lawyer, I always did my best for my clients,” she said. “I wanted to do all that I could with the same attitude, for the Gangbuk residents and the people, but I guess my resolve was not enough to meet the expectations of the people.”

Thanking the DP members for giving her the support, Cho asked the party to put all its focus on bringing victory to the party in the elections.

Cho came under scrutiny after records showed that she employed aggressive arguments in her defense during sexual assault trials that critics say were tantamount to committing secondary victimization, or further victi
m-blaming by justice authorities.

A feminist group revealed that Cho wrote in her blog about how a woman in many cases may have wanted to engage in the sexual activity even after she refused, among other advice she gave to clients on how to circumvent or take advantage of the legal system.

The group urged Cho to resign, accusing her of representing the sexual offenders in the wrong way by introducing the false belief about sexual victims from the perpetrator’s point of view.

Cho’s withdrawal leaves the DP having to pick a new candidate by the end of Friday, the deadline for candidate registration.

It deals another blow to the main opposition party that has already been mired in an intense factional strife over candidate nominations for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Cho only became the candidate for the Gangbuk constituency after the DP canceled the nomination of Chung Bong-ju, a former DP lawmaker, for the same district over his past remarks ridiculing South Korean soldiers who were permanently w
ounded following a 2015 bloody land mine explosion.

Both Cho and Chung were considered to be aligned with DP leader Lee Jae-myung, as opposed to Park, who is considered to belong to the non-Lee faction.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Ministry of Finance, The Ministry of Finance pulls government banks to reduce first, ease the burden on the people, prepare 5 projects to present to the Cabinet to issue low-interest loans to help 3 SME groups. emergency loan Focusing on welfare card groups of 10 million people, the Ministry of Finance issues support. BoT cuts interest rates to reduce new investment costs

Mr. Pornchai Teerawet, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office As a spokesman for the Ministry of Finance, it was revealed that the Thai economy is still slowing down. It is expected that it will expand by 2.8 percent in 2024, while the policy interest rate of the Ministry of Defence is 2.5 percent per year. General inflation is low, negative -0.8 percent in February 2024 and has continued to slow down. The fifth month indicates weak domestic purchasing power. When interest rates continue to rise Affecting all groups of people Resulting in an increased monthly installment burden.

The Treasury is therefore preparing to propose The Cabinet wil
l release low-interest products during April. Supports the Prime Minister’s announcement of Thailand Vision “IGNITE THAILAND” by pulling in state banks. Issuing low interest loans Help 3 groups of SMEs to make investments into tourism centers. Medical and health center Regional food hub In addition, the Government Savings Bank issues emergency loans to welfare card holders, with a loan of 50,000 baht per person. while Exim Bank Initial loan for exports, credit limit of 5 million baht, interest rate 5.75 percent in the first year. Capital top-up loan, credit limit of 10 million baht, interest rate of 4.75 percent in the first year, when combined with credit limit. Both old measures and new measures are prepared to present to the Cabinet to help the people up to 400 billion baht.

integration of state banks To help the people By reducing or freezing interest rates along with providing low-interest loans to encourage people to apply for low-interest loans In the past, all government banks have helped to freeze i
nterest rates until the end of 2022 and delay interest rate increases in 2023, even though the policy interest rate has been raised several times in the past two years. Since January 2024, the Government Savings Bank has reduced interest rates. Prime retail customers (MRR) decreased by 0.15 percent per year from 6.995 percent to 6.845 percent. The Government Housing Bank (GH Bank) has the GH Bank Suksabai House Project for existing debtors of GH Bank can apply to change the interest rate to a lower level.

SME Bank The SME Refinance Loan Project has been launched to reduce costs for debtors. In addition, all state banks have helped restructure debt and reduce interest rates for retail debtors and SMEs debtors, including low-interest loan measures for all citizens and entrepreneurs. The group, through the State Bank, will take the old measures and dust them off, adjust the conditions and extend the original project time. Organizing additional promotions To help debtors To send a signal to various financial ins
titutions to turn to helping debtors more. including interest reduction Debt suspension helps improve debt structure. To help reduce the burden on the people Adding more liquidity to the economy, stimulating

‘The Treasury hopes that the MPC meeting on April 10 will consider more comprehensive factors because the Fed and the Bank of England are maintaining interest rates because inflation is still high. Want inflation to return to target. In Thailand, inflation is negative. and is at a low level Therefore there is enough margin to reduce interest. While the market predicts that The MPC will cut interest rates twice this year when the private sector sees signs. will be able to decide on new investment plans. The Ministry of Finance views that reducing interest rates will not help increase household debt. Because various banks have strict lending requirements. Not a decrease in interest Household debt will skyrocket immediately. If the policy interest rate is reduced by 0.25 percent, it will increase consumptio
n by 0.15 percent and increase investment by 0.16 percent. It is considered that reducing the policy interest rate will greatly help revive the economy,’ said a spokesman for the Ministry of Finance.

Source: Thai News Agency

Chumphon, Narcotics Control Board Region 8 arrested illegal sales of electronic cigarettes near a school in Na Pho Subdistrict, Sawi District, in front of a bubble tea shop. Seized items such as disposable electronic cigarettes and dried marijuana. Initially, officers detained the suspect along with the seized items and sent them to investigators at Sawi Police Station for legal action.

Mr. Wisah Poolsirirat, Governor of Chumphon Province, is joining forces with Narcotics Control Board Region 8 officers to investigate the illegal sale of e-cigarettes near schools in Na Pho Subdistrict, Sawi District. which is in front of a bubble tea shop

A large number of confiscated items were seized, such as 100 disposable e-cigarettes and 21 bags of dried marijuana. Initially, officials detained the suspect along with the confiscated items and sent them to investigators at Sawi Police Station for further legal action. If people find any clues, please inform the hotline 1567 immediately.

Source: Thai News Agency

Parliament The House is doing well! 40 hours to pass the 2024 budget. The Prime Minister thanks all parties for their diligent work. Promise to use the money in a cost-effective manner – with transparency – for maximum benefit. To develop the country in every aspect As the Senate prepares to take up the matter, it will meet immediately on March 26.

Reporters reported that At the meeting of the House of Representatives with Mr. Pichet Muang Phan The 2nd Vice President of the House of Representatives acted as chairman of the meeting. To consider the draft Act (Act), budget expenditures for fiscal year 2024, amount of 3.48 trillion baht, Agenda 2, sorted by section, totaling 41 sections, which the Special Committee (Committee) considered the draft Act. The fiscal year 2024 budget has been considered. It’s the last day.

Reporters reported that The evening’s discussion was quick and neat. This is in accordance with the amendments by the Committee since Section 32. The budget expenditures of the agencies of inde
pendent organizations and prosecutors’ organizations that the Committee has reduced are reduced. 8,848,475,400 baht from the original offer 8,473,099,000 baht Section 33 Budget expenditures of local government organizations The committee was reduced to 100,655,847,900 baht from the original offer 101,003,850,900 baht. Section 34. Budget expenditures of other government agencies in the amount of 282,029,100 baht, which no one has proposed to reduce. Section 35. Budget expenditures of the Thai Red Cross Society, amount of 8,867,485,700 baht, which no one has proposed to reduce. Section 36. Budget expenditures of His Majesty’s government agencies, in the amount of 8,478,383,000 baht, which no one has proposed. Who is proposing to reduce Section 37 of the budget expenditures for the integration plan that the Committee has reduced? 213,106,725,100 baht from the original offer 214,601,711,500 baht

Section 38 Budget expenditures for government personnel plans that the committee has reduced to 785,795,806,000 baht f
rom the proposed 785,957,643,800 baht Section 40 Budget expenditures for the government debt management plan. Set as the expenditure budget of the budget receiving unit in the amount of 346,380,068,300 baht, which is not proposed to be reduced. Section 41 Expenditure budget to compensate the treasury. Set it to a number. 118,361,130,500 baht, with no reduction proposed

Later at 5:45 p.m., after the consideration of the sorting of Agenda 2 was completed, the House of Representatives meeting voted on Agenda 3 with a vote of 298 to 166 approval, 1 abstention, 1 abstention, and approval of the observations. Special committee considers draft Budget Expenditure Act for Fiscal Year 2024

After the meeting approved the draft Budget Act 2024, Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance He thanked the members that Himself as a representative of the government Thank you to the President and all MPs who considered and approved the draft Budget Act, Year 67, which is considered a tool that will be used to
drive government policy. national strategy and various development plans To make the country stable People are happy Create fairness and reduce inequality Drive sustainable economic growth and develop a government management system that responds to the needs of citizens in all dimensions.

The Prime Minister further said that for the comments Including suggestions, proposals, and concerns expressed by members throughout the meeting. The government receives this with gratitude. and will be taken into consideration by the budget receiving unit. So that the people can benefit from the budget as much as possible. In addition, thank you to the committee. Everyone who gives importance, sacrifices their time, and cooperates in fully developing this draft of the Budget Act for the year 2024. Until it was successfully completed By the observation of the committee which is beneficial to government administration. The government will take it into consideration to improve operations. To make resource allocation worthwhil
e To get the most benefit

‘I would like to assure you that Policies, measures and budgets that have been approved for use this time. It will be used according to the specified objectives and plans. The government will supervise and monitor the spending of the said budget to ensure transparency. and achieve results according to the established policy To support the drive and raise the level of driving development of the economy, society, and quality of life of the people. along with preserving the environment In order for the country to move forward The people are living well. and have increased income To achieve the highest goals according to the government’s aspirations and All MPs will continue,” the Prime Minister said.

Then Mr. Pichet, chairman of the meeting The meeting was adjourned at 5:53 p.m., total consideration time spanning 3 days took nearly 40 hours.

Then at 5:53 p.m., the Prime Minister departed from Parliament. to preside over the opening ceremony of Holi Festival Bangkok 2024, saying simpl
y, “Good, all right, smooth.”

Reporters reported that After the chairman of the meeting called for MPs to present themselves at the meeting To vote on Agenda 3, Mr. Chada Thaiset, Uthai Thani MP, Bhumjaithai Party As Deputy Minister of Interior got up and said, I would like to admire Mr. Pichet. He acted as chairman from morning until evening, all day long, alone. He said that he must be praised because the break was only 15 minutes. If he could applaud, he would like to applaud. But it may be against the rules.

The meeting then applauded loudly. Mr. Pichet then thanked Mr. Chada and said, “I forgot,” before turning to the Council Secretariat to ask what step was at this point. before continuing with the meeting Make the meeting laugh.

Reporters reported that For the steps from now on The House of Representatives will submit a draft. The Budget Expenditure Act for fiscal year 2024 has been approved by the House of Representatives. Send it to the Senate for further consideration. The Senate will consider th
e draft immediately on March 26 at 9:00 a.m. -312,316.

Source: Thai News Agency

Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said Friday there is no room for compromise on the allocation of an additional 2,000 medical school admission seats, although the government has continued to seek talks with the medical community.

About 90 percent of 13,000 interns and resident doctors have remained off the job since Feb. 20 in protest of the plan to hike the number of medical students, forcing surgeries and other public health services to be canceled or delayed at major hospitals.

Despite the labor action by junior doctors, the government allocated the additional 2,000 admission seats to universities this week.

“It is beyond question,” Cho told an SBS radio when asked about the allocation of more admission seats.

Cho defended the allocation, saying it was not unilaterally done by the government, as universities have also wanted to increase medical admission seats.

To help universities cope with a rise in the number of medical students, the government will spend budget, Cho said.

“The number of national un
iversity professors will be increased by more than 1,000, and relevant ministries will consult to provide additional support if necessary,” Cho said.

While the government has shown little signs of backing down from the plan, Cho said the government has been seeking dialogue with the medical community via an “unofficial channel.”

Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo repeated an appeal for defiant trainee doctors to return to work as the ministry said it will begin suspending their licenses from next week.

“While the punishment for violations of the return-to-work order will start next week, the government will actively consider individuals who return or express their intention to return before the enforcement,” Park told reporters.

Park also suggested “unconditional” talks with medical professors as they vowed to reduce their weekly work hours to 52 hours starting next Monday.

“We are willing to engage in talks at any time and place. We urge the professors to cease exhausting arguments and join us at
the negotiation table unconditionally,” Park added.

With the government taking final steps to suspend licenses of trainee doctors, the Korean Medical Association, a major lobby group of senior doctors, also vowed to dig in its heels.

“We refuse to acknowledge the current government as a legitimate regime,” the association said. “We are determined to continue fighting until a normal administration is established.”

Meanwhile, health authorities have designated 100 partner hospitals to transfer patients with mild symptoms from larger general hospitals, in order to address the ongoing medical shortage.

The health ministry plans to provide 90,000 won (US$67) to both institutions when a patient is transferred from one institution to another.

The government has been pushing to sharply raise the number of medical students to brace for the country’s fast-aging population, and a shortage of physicians in rural areas and essential areas, such as pediatrics and emergency departments.

Doctors, on the other hand, say
the quota hikes will undermine the quality of medical education and result in higher medical costs for patients. They have called for measures to first address the underpaid specialists and improve legal protection against excessive medical malpractice lawsuits.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

President Yoon Suk Yeol said Friday North Korea will be made to pay a “larger price” in the event it carries out a reckless provocation.

Yoon issued the warning as the nation marked West Sea Defense Day, which commemorates the 55 service members who died in action while defending the Northern Limit Line, the de facto maritime border between South and North Korea, between 2002 and 2010.

“Our military will maintain an ironclad readiness posture and firmly defend the Republic of Korea’s freedom and the people’s safety by responding immediately and overwhelmingly to any provocation,” Yoon said during a memorial ceremony at the Navy’s 2nd Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometers south of Seoul.

“Should North Korea carry out a reckless provocation, it will pay a larger price for sure.”

Source: Yonhap News Agency