Category: General

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reprimanded officials over “shortcomings” in regional factories, state media said Thursday, during a visit that came as part of his push on developing the economy in the North’s backward provinces.

Kim made the remarks as he gave a “field guidance” to factories that produce foodstuffs, daily necessities and paper in Kimwha County in the North’s Kangwon Province on Wednesday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

While noting that the factories are contributing to improving the people’s lives by providing products of high quality, Kim pointed out that there are “shortcomings in the design and layout of the production process,” the KCNA said.

Kim went on to rebuke officials for failing to spot and fix such problems and pointed out that “to mechanically copy the regional industrial factories in Kimhwa County” shows the “wrong attitude” of officials in carrying out the party’s regional development policy.

His remarks were seen as warning officials in charge of eco
nomic affairs to refrain from simply following the industrial factories in Kimwha County, which has often been praised as a model case of modernizing industrial factories outside of Pyongyang.

North Korea has been stressing the importance of developing the economy in backward provinces by building modernized factories in 20 counties over the next decade to raise the “basic material and cultural living standards of the people.”

During a meeting of the political bureau of the Workers’ Party in January, Kim said the overall regional economy is in a “terrible situation” and defined the insufficient provision of basic living necessities in provincial areas as a “serious political issue.”

Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of the North Korean leader, and Jo Yong-won, secretary for organizational affairs in the ruling Workers’ Party who was recently tapped to lead a committee on regional economic development, were among the officials that accompanied Kim, according to the KCNA.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

President Yoon Suk Yeol said Wednesday that first lady Kim Keon Hee failed to “cold-heartedly reject” a visitor armed with a hidden camera, addressing allegations of her acceptance of a luxury handbag for the first time.

Yoon said in an interview with KBS that the bag was given to her as a “political maneuver” as it was filmed with a camera hidden inside a watch and the footage was only released last year ahead of an election year.

“The fact that she was unable to cold-heartedly reject him was the problem, if one can call it a problem, and it is a little regrettable,” he said. The interview was filmed on Sunday and aired Wednesday night.

“What’s important is not that it was a political maneuver but that we conduct ourselves by more clearly drawing the line so that such things don’t happen again.”

Yoon had come under growing pressure to address the allegations surrounding the first lady, even as his office maintained the Christian Dior bag, valued at around 3 million won (US$2,200), was given to her by a K
orean American pastor in September 2022 as part of a premeditated hidden camera trap.

The issue was seen as a liability for the ruling party ahead of the April 10 parliamentary elections.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Teacher Preecha’s lottery case that has dragged on for many years. Recently, today the court scheduled a hearing for 3 cases, but in the end it was postponed again. Because the two sides still cannot come to an agreement.

Lottery case of 30 million in which Teacher Preecha and Mr. Worayuth, private lawyers, are the plaintiffs filing a lawsuit against Lieutenant Charoon. Civil and criminal cases, charges of “embezzlement and receiving stolen property” for which Lieutenant Charoon appointed Attorney Tum. Be a private lawyer Been fighting the case for a long time And on June 4, 2019, the court ruled to dismiss the case against Charoon. But in this matter there are still smaller cases where both sides are suing each other. For example, on October 31, 2019, Lieutenant Charoon filed a lawsuit against Teacher Preecha and his personal lawyer for “joining together to falsely sue others to the court for committing a criminal offense,” which the Kanchanaburi Provincial Court accepted the lawsuit and scheduled a hearing
on October 30. March 2020

Today (8 February 2024) Kanchanaburi Provincial Court The parties made an appointment to hear the judgment of the Court of First Instance, a total of 3 cases. The first case was to hear the judgment. The case at Lieutenant Charoon File a lawsuit against Teacher Preecha, Jay Patch and Jay Ba Bin. Lottery sellers charged with “jointly perjuring” because all 3 people had previously testified at the emergency hearing in a civil case requesting to withhold the first prize of the government lottery, the draw dated 1 Nov. 2017, which Lt. Charoon brought 1 set of 5 lottery tickets as 30 million baht went to cash the prize at the Government Lottery Office.

The second case, in which Lieutenant Charoon was the plaintiff, filed a lawsuit against Teacher Preecha and 10 people, alleging offenses against officials in the administration of justice.

and the third case in which Lieutenant Charoon is the plaintiff who filed a lawsuit against Mr. Preecha. and a private lawyer charged with “joining to
gether to falsely accuse others in court of committing a criminal offense.”

The court has postponed the judgment to March 20, 2024 because of Teacher Preecha. Pleaded guilty to informing the court falsely. As for the mediation, damages will be awarded in the amount of 2.5 million baht to Jae Patch and Jae Ba Bin. They said they were not involved. While Mr. Worayut Teacher Preecha’s lawyer revealed that the parties could not come to an agreement. The court then sent the matter back to the Judgment Examination Section. And the sticking point is probably money. It is expected that if money comes Lieutenant Charoon might be able to accept it. Initially agreed upon at 2.5 million baht and today Teacher Preecha Unable to bring money Uncle Charoon therefore did not wish to negotiate. As for their own impact, it is the profession of lawyers who will be sued. It must be said according to the law.

Lawyer Tum said that Uncle Charoon’s case is against Teacher Preecha and Lawyer Worayut for jointly filing false charges.
The court sent it back to the Director-General for examination first. As for Uncle Charoon’s case, charges against three defendants for jointly giving false testimony. Teacher Preecha changed his words to confess. and will come to ask to refuse again The court therefore concluded that It was to delay the case, so Teacher Preecha was asked to confess, but still stuck at number 2. Jae still denies it. The court therefore postponed the reading of the judgment. As for Uncle Charoon’s case Approximately 10 witnesses have been sued. The court has scheduled a hearing for April 1, 2024, which Uncle Charoon said will prosecute the case to the end.

As for Lieutenant Charoon, he said that today we were unable to talk. The next day it would be better to stop talking. We’ve talked many times, not just this. From now on, it’s likely that someone will go to jail. Given the opportunity and still not realizing it, it can’t help you. Someone must be responsible for this case. The court has already informed that on March 20, t
here will be no further postponement of the case. Ready to emphasize that the word truth is the truth that I want Teacher Preecha to say often. Do you know if he still confirms the same words or not?

Source: Thai News Agency

Maha Sarakham, Surrendered! A crazy man holding a gun invades a school. Take your wife hostage Police commander praises police Phayakkhaphum Phisai Police Station Successfully negotiated and persuaded the perpetrator. and everyone is safe

Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayon Kraithong, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, revealed that from today’s case (8 February 2024), at approximately 11.50 a.m., police officers Phayakkhaphum Phisai Police Station, Maha Sarakham Province, was informed by Radio Center 191 that a 36-year-old man shot a gun inside a school and his 32-year-old wife was taken hostage. The incident occurred at one of the dry schools in Phayakkhaphum Phisai District, Maha Sarakham Province, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phonchai Chaloadet, Commander of Maha Sarakham Provincial Police, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Lek Amat, Deputy Superintendent of the Provincial Crime Suppression Division. Phayakkhaphum Phisai Police Station Sent forces to investigate the scene. Found the perpetrator holding a gun walking into the school and ar
guing with his wife. and took his wife hostage and confined him in the school building Later, the perpetrator released his wife. Including all students and teachers being safe. But the perpetrator was still in the school building. Police officers, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Lek Amat, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Phayakkhaphum Phisai Police Station Negotiated and persuaded the perpetrator to surrender. Recently, the perpetrator of the incident has surrendered himself to the police, initially the commander of the Maha Sarakham Provincial Police Station and the deputy police chief of the Phayakkhaphum Phisai Police Station. The perpetrator was detained for a medical examination at Phayakkhaphum Phisai Hospital.

Police General Torsak Sukwimon, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police There is concern in such situations. We have been regulating and supervising the incident since receiving the incident report. At the same time, he praised the Provincial Police Commander of Maha Sarakham Province, Depu
ty Superintendent of Police, Police Station, Phayakkhaphum Phisai Police Station. and all officers who rushed to help students, teachers, and rescue hostages Get everyone to a safe place. They were able to successfully negotiate and persuade the perpetrator to surrender. and all parties are safe This operation was in accordance with the strategy that the Royal Thai Police Commander had ordered all units to practice emergency response plans at all times.

Source: Thai News Agency

February 8, 2024, Thai-Chinese people come out to shop, buy duck, pork, chicken, along with sweet and savory auspicious food. Fruit offerings during the 2024 Chinese New Year Festival, which this year is quite lively since the morning. There are Thai-Chinese people continuously coming out to buy offerings.

This year’s offering prices include boiled chicken, 350 baht each for broiler chicken, 600 baht for local chicken, 500 to 550 baht for stewed duck, 250-350 baht for boiled pork, 350-400 baht for steamed fish, and candles. 9-10 baht per child, 30-35 baht per pair of khanom kheng.

By the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting Survey of consumer spending behavior during Chinese New Year 2024 found that this year will be bustling, with expected spending of more than 49,000 million baht, an increase of 10 percent compared to last year’s Chinese New Year. It is considered the highest in 11 years after the COVID-19 situation resolved and tourism recovered.

Source: Thai News Agency

Ubon Ratchathani, Magnificent gold dragon necklace 50 baht worth nearly 2 million, Ubon Ratchathani gold shop. Specially made to welcome the Chinese New Year in the Year of the Golden Dragon. As for the indigenous people of Chiang Mai, they work together to create the 9 Auspicious Dragon Basketry Artwork.

Mr. Sorawit Pachiyanukul, owner of the Warin Yaowarat gold shop, said that this necklace Made to order from Yaowarat Gold Shop in Bangkok, weight 50 baht, price 1.7 million baht, 96.5 percent gold, 8 rows pattern, dragon’s head, Russian diamond side and red eyes embedded. The hook alone weighs up to 5 baht and was made to order to welcome the Chinese New Year in the Year of the Golden Dragon. so that customers will buy it and wear it themselves Leave it to someone you love. It increases auspiciousness, luck and popularity. Money has flowed in all year. Mr. Sorawit also said that this year’s Chinese New Year, there were customers who came to buy necklaces. Gold rings are exciting. This year’s Chinese New Yea
r sales were more than 80 percent higher than last year’s. The best-selling gold jewelry are half-salung and one-salung rings. which the business operator purchases for employees who have worked together all year

9 auspicious basketry dragons from the wisdom of the Lanna people

Another splendor of this year’s Chinese New Year. It is the work of more than 100 local Chiang Mai artisans or craftsmen in 4 districts working together to create art. By weaving bamboo into hundreds of thousands of thin strands. Compiled into handicrafts, sculptures, 9 auspicious basketry dragons by the new generation of Hong Hian’s Sala group, continuing Lanna wisdom. Designed and decorated 9 auspicious items from Lanna culture. Until it became a giant dragon, 3 meters high and 6 meters long, that was beautiful and filled with auspiciousness to celebrate this year’s Chinese New Year.

Mr. Prasong Saeng-ngam, the designer of this dragon, said that it took nearly a month to create by combining 9 auspicious objects of the Lanna people
, hammered woven bamboo, silver and goldware, Sompoi pods, Ta Laew, Sai Sin, Khao Tok, Tung Chai, lanterns, and woven flowers. Chinese dragon pattern Exhibited at Central Chiang Mai Airport Shopping Center So that Chiang Mai residents and tourists can come and experience the auspiciousness of Lanna during the festival.

Great value for Chinese New Year The rooms are fully booked in Songkhla Province.

As for the atmosphere in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, it is now becoming more lively. There are Malaysian tourists. Gradually starting to travel in Hat Yai central commercial area Sanaehanusorn Road which the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization Together with the Songkhla Provincial Tourism Business Confederation Association Jointly organize the Hat Yai Chinese New Year Festival 2024 from today until February 12 by security agencies. Forces both in uniform and out of uniform have been deployed to maintain peace and order. Building confidence for citizens and tourists While the number of hotel
room reservations in Hat Yai District There are many tourists who reserve hotel rooms. It is expected that during the Chinese New Year, more than 12,000 hotel rooms will be full.

Farmers who grow radishes welcome Chinese New Year in Lopburi Province.

This Chinese New Year Festival It also has a beneficial effect on farmers in Lopburi Province. That gathers together to grow radishes to sell to the market, which Chinese people consider radishes to be another auspicious vegetable. Welcome Chinese New Year because of “radish” which is an auspicious vegetable that reminds us of goodness and greatness. When you are good at it, don’t forget yourself. By a large group of farmers who grow “radishes” from more than 10 villages in Khok Tum Subdistrict, they spend their free time from harvesting field crops. and free time from corn farming to grow “radish” which is a short-term crop It takes only 48-50 days for the cultivation to bring the produce to the market. The produce will be sent to the 4 Mum Muang market and th
e Thai market. Each day there will be radishes released to the market, averaging 50-70 tons per day, compared to only 20-30 tons per day during normal times.

Source: Thai News Agency

SURAT THANI, Tourists were amazed to spot several Bryde’s whales in the Mo Koh Ang Thong national marine park. National Park rangers captured photos to verify their identity.

Two Bryde’s whales were spotted feeding near Nai Phut Island, and another four were found near the Wao Island group, which is part of the preparation area for integration into the Ang Thong National Park in Koh Samui District.

National Park rangers took photos of Bryde’s whales to conduct identification (Photo-ID) and evaluate the status and behavior according to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources database.

The head of this national marine park stated that they have informed tour boat operators in the area to exercise caution when navigating and to follow guidelines for observing Bryde’s whales to avoid disrupting their way of life and feeding behavior, as well as those of other endangered marine animals.

Video clips taken by tour guides showcase five Bryde’s whales swimming together in a circular motion to herd anchovies
, creating a remarkable sight for tourists.

Bryde’s whales typically feed on swarms of small fish. Visitors are encouraged to explore the stunning natural beauty of Ang Thong Archipelago National Park throughout the year.

Source: Thai News Agency

Lotte Shopping Co. on Thursday reported its fourth-quarter net loss of 56.4 billion won (US$42.5 million), remaining in the red compared with a year ago.

Operating profit for the October-December period was 202.4 billion won, up 117.4 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing. Sales fell 4.1 percent to 3.63 trillion won.

(END)

Source: Yonhap News Agency

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has lashed out at President Yoon Suk Yeol’s response to allegations surrounding the first lady, saying that his attitude was shameless and lacked an apology.

During a highly anticipated interview with broadcaster KBS on Wednesday, Yoon addressed accusations regarding first lady Kim Keon Hee’s alleged acceptance of a luxury handbag in 2022, saying that she failed to “coldheartedly reject” the gift giver.

Yoon said she could have handled the situation better, but he stopped short of offering an apology.

“The president did not offer an apology in the end,” said Rep. Kwon Chil-seung, the DP’s chief spokesperson, in a written press briefing Wednesday, accusing Yoon of betraying the public’s expectations for a sincere apology.

Yoon suggested that the Christian Dior bag was offered as a “political maneuver,” as it was rigged with a hidden camera, with the footage only surfacing last year ahead of an election year.

“The president’s shameless attitude is hopeless,” Kwon s
aid.

Newly created parties also heaped criticism.

“Who was the interview for? We have witnessed the tragedy of a public broadcaster turning into a PR agency for the presidential family to explain themselves,” the New Future Party led by former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon said in a statement.

Yoon faced mounting pressure to address Kim’s allegations, which were largely viewed as a liability for the ruling party leading up to the April 10 parliamentary elections. The incident occurred after Yoon took office as president in May 2022.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

KT Corp., South Korea’s major mobile carrier, said Thursday it shifted to a net loss in the fourth quarter from a profit a year earlier due to an increase in operating costs.

The company said in a regulatory filing it logged a net loss of 41.7 billion won (US$31.4 million) in the last three months of 2023 on a consolidated basis, swinging from a profit of 242.7 billion won a year earlier.

Operating income for the October-December period rose 75.4 percent on-year to 265.6 billion won, and sales increased 1.8 percent to 6.69 trillion won.

For the whole of 2023, KT reported a net profit of 988.7 billion won, down 28.8 percent from the previous year.

The yearly operating profit declined 2.4 percent on-year to 1.65 trillion won, despite record annual sales of 26.4 trillion won.

The company said it turned to red in the fourth quarter as its operating costs increased on content buying and a loss from its broadcasting subsidiary KT Skylife Co.

But KT said it hit an all-time high in sales last year thanks to an
overall improvement in their business-to-customer and business-to-business units.

Annual sales from KT’s mainstay mobile business rose 2.3 percent on-year to 6.87 trillion won on an increase in fifth-generation network service users and stronger demand for roaming services.

Cable sales inched up 1 percent on-year to 5.27 trillion won on increased GiGA internet and IPTV subscribers.

Sales from corporate services also gained 2 percent to 3.46 trillion won on the growth of its artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things businesses, and higher sales from its data business on the back of the digital transformation trend.

KT said it is working to expand its AI business by targeting the private large language model market with its large AI model Mi:dm released last year and investing 33 billion won in AI chip startup Rebellions.

The company said its real estate and cloud service arms also showed robust growth last year.

KT estate Inc. raised 594.5 billion won in sales, up 21.8 percent on-year, and KT c
loud Co. saw its sales jump 57 percent on-year to 678.3 billion won.

The mobile carrier said it plans to buy back 27.1 billion won worth of its shares to hand out cash dividends worth 1,960 won per share to its stockholders.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Phuket, Phuket Tourist Police Dismantling the romantic chat scam gang that tricks Thai people He boldly set himself up as a cocaine dealer for foreign tourists. There was a Thai girl who withdrew the money and forwarded it to the boss in Nigeria.

At 7:00 p.m. today (8 February 2024) under the direction of Pol. Col. Phisit Sawaddithaworn, Superintendent of 2nd Battalion, TAT Headquarters, Pol. Lt. Col. Ekachai Siri, Superintendent of the TAT 1st Battalion, 2nd Battalion, TAT 3rd Battalion (Phuket Tourist Police), Pol. Lt. Col. Pittaya Thepmuang, Police Station 2, Royal Thai Army 3, along with others, were coordinated by Bang Phli Police Station to search for people according to the Samut Prakan Provincial Court’s arrest warrant No. 32/2567 to arrest Ms. Kan. Yathanat, Thai nationality, age 32 years, charged with conspiracy to commit fraud or posing as someone else. by corruption or deception introduced into a distorted computer system

Then the investigative team went to the area and carried a search warrant
of the Phuket Provincial Court No. 32/2567 to search a house in the village, Thepkasattri Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province. Results of the operation Three suspects were arrested: 1. Ms. Kanyathanat, Thai nationality, age 32 years; 2. Foreigner. Nigerian national, overstayed or overstayed for 1,401 days, along with 8 grams of cocaine, wrapped with black tape. It is a round ball with a size of approximately 0.5 cm., complete with a digital scale and 50 envelopes. 3.Foreigners Nigerian nationals who overstayed or overstayed 1,728 days

Pol. Lt. Col. Pittaya Thepmuang, Police Station 2, TAT 3, revealed that from the investigation, it was found that Phuket has foreigners coming from countries in the South African zone. Illegally commit a crime in the nature of a romance scam or using a Facebook page to impersonate your real identity and deceive others into transferring money Citing reasons that make those who fall for it and transfer money to in every area in Thailand And there is a network of differ
ent perpetrators, such as black people, who serve to trick people into believing As for using Thai people to open a bank account. and open the online banking application to transfer money in, and there was a Thai person (Ms. Kanyathanat) in charge of withdrawing cash and transferring it to other accounts, such as into the accounts of black people. who is the leader of the gang in Nigeria In the past, many people were fooled and lost a lot of money. Therefore, there was a strict arrest.

The accused confessed to being part of the romance scam gang. and established himself as a drug dealer Secretly selling drugs such as cocaine for foreign tourists in Phuket as an additional occupation as well The officials then detained all the suspects along with the seized items and sent them to prosecute according to law.

Source: Thai News Agency