Category: General

SEOUL, The Asan Institute for Policy Studies, an independent South Korean think tank, said Tuesday that it will host its annual security forum next week to discuss issues, such as how Asia can maintain peace amid persistent threats from North Korea.

The Asan Plenum 2024, scheduled to be held at a Seoul hotel on May 14, will bring together around 50 high-profile government officials and security and diplomatic experts from both home and abroad, according to the organizer.

Among those delivering keynote speeches are U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, who will address the audience virtually; Paul Wolfowitz, former U.S deputy secretary of defense; and South Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun.

Yoon Young-kwan, chairman of the think tank and a former South Korean foreign minister, said that this year’s forum holds added significance ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, with much scrutiny on how Asia can sustain prosperity amid the rapidly evolving global security landscape
.

“This plenum will be particularly interesting given the election, with numerous uncertainties,” Yoon told reporters.

Moreover, Yoon underscored the diverse perspectives on Asia that will be explored during the sessions, with notably substantial participation from China and Japan.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

BANGKOK, The Cabinet has approved the extension of the visa exemption for tourists from India and Taiwan for another six months.

Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Kenikar Unjit stated that the Cabinet meeting approved the extension in principle as proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Those entering the Kingdom for tourism purposes are allowed to stay for no more than 30 days.

This will be effective from May 11 to November 11, 2024 after the visa exemption is set to expire on May 10 to facilitate the travel of Indian and Taiwanese tourists who plan to visit Thailand during that period. This move aimed to boost revenue in the tourism industry and key economic factors stimulating Thailand’s economy overall.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported estimated revenue losses, totaling approximately 2.158 billion baht.

Source: Thai News Agency

Crime Suppression Division, “Big Joke” and his associates have not yet accepted serious disciplinary charges in the case involving a gambling website involving Pol. Gen. Sarawut Karpanich, deputy police commander. Presiding over the investigation and have not yet been contacted about whether to meet or request a postponement or not.

From the case of the committee investigating police officers who have Police General Sarawut Karpanich, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police As chairman of the Serious Discipline Investigation Committee with an appointment called Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakphan, or “Big Joke”, was previously ordered to leave government service and a group of five officers were admitted to face serious disciplinary charges. at the Crime Suppression Division today (7 May), which Pol. Gen. Surachet 9 out of 14 people petitioned against this committee, claiming that they were in conflict with themselves. I’m afraid I won’t receive that justice.

Reporters reported the atmosphere with many media a
gencies coming to keep an eye on the Crime Suppression Division since morning. But still haven’t found it. Police General Surachet Traveling in according to any appointment Today is the due date for the disciplinary examination committee. Pol. Gen. Sarawut Karnpanich, deputy police commander, presided over the summoning of Pol. Gen. Surachet and five people to come in to acknowledge the serious disciplinary charges. In the case of a case involving a gambling website The appointment is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

As for the atmosphere at the Crime Suppression Division This morning there was a committee to investigate the police officers who had Pol. Gen. Sarawut Karpanich, Deputy Police Commander, presided over the meeting. Gradually traveling in After it was reported that there was an appointment Pol. Gen. Surachet and his group include Pol. Col. Kittichai Sangkhathaworn, deputy commander of the Songkhla Provincial Police, Pol. Lt. Col. Krit Pariyaket, deputy superintendent of crime prevention and suppression.
Phra Samut Chedi Police Station, Pol.Sgt. Natthawut Wadwaew, Squad Commander, Supervision Division 6, Traffic Police Division, and Pol.Sgt. Natthanan Chujak, Squad Commander, Supervision Division 1. Traffic Police Division, a total of 5 officers, came to acknowledge allegations of serious discipline. In the case where there is a case involving a gambling website

However, after the media followed in the morning Currently it has not been found. Pol. Gen. Surachet and others arrived at the Crime Suppression Division according to an appointment. At the same time, reporters telephoned to inquire. Pol. Gen. Sarawut Karpanich, as chairman of the examination committee, stated only briefly that he is currently busy. before cutting the call

There is a report from the Serious Disciplinary Committee that it has not been contacted by Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal and the group of 5 officers whether they will meet or not and there has been no request for an postponement at all. However, the committee will consider it accordi
ng to normal procedures. As for the details, it must be given to Pol. Gen. Sarawut. Be the one to explain.

Source: Thai News Agency

Nakhon Ratchasima, “Chao Sansiri” buffalo can change color. Last year the color was white, this year it was black. The owner said the color had been changed for 3 years. Livestock officials in Khonburi confirmed that he was not sick or had a skin disease. Everything is perfect in the body. Plus I just gave birth.

‘Chao Sansiri’ is a female buffalo, about 5 years old, which is in the buffalo enclosure of the Ban Prong Sanuan Thai Buffalo Conservation and Development Group, Lam Piak Subdistrict, Khon Buri District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, the center for breeding Thai buffaloes of the villagers. Received promotion from the Khonburi District Livestock Office. who bring buffalo from the Buffalo Cattle Bank for Farmers project under the royal initiative Brought to farmers to breed and propagate, create careers, create income, and create stability for families, 40 of them are now changing from an albino color to a strange black color. Khonburi District Livestock Officer Confirm that this buffalo is not sick or
has a skin disease. But everything is in perfect physical condition. And just had 1 calf a few months ago.

This buffalo, in August 2023, the news team came to collect pictures for proof. At that time, the skin of this buffalo on the left side of the body was almost an albino color. The right side is all black. But today, it’s almost all black. Only a small speck remained an albino color. which the buffalo owner Confirmed that it has been changing color like this for 3 years.

Mrs. Wassana Banterngjai, the owner of the buffalo, said that this buffalo was received from the Khonburi District Livestock Office in 2021. At first it was all black. But when raised, the albino pigment began to appear and spread throughout the body. I thought it was a skin disease. Therefore, the officials came to inspect and provide treatment. But no symptoms of skin disease were found. Even though we tried various methods to stop the color from spreading, it was not effective. Until almost the whole body becomes albino in the month
of April. Not long after, it turned all black again. creating a great surprise

Most recently in August. ‘Chao Sansiri’ is still almost albino in color. But today it turned out to be almost all black as seen. It is considered a special buffalo. He and the villagers in this area had never seen him before. But it is thought to be caused by a genetic abnormality. It’s not supernatural.

The livestock department of Khon Buri District said that “Chao Sansiri” when it was given in 2021, was actually black all over. and can change colors as seen which is considered a difficult thing to see But it is possible that it may be caused by a pigmentation disorder that is inherited genetically. causing such a change in color .

Source: Thai News Agency

Ministry of Education,, D-Day, 1 May 2024, the Ministry of Education increases salaries for teachers, personnel, civil servants, and is ready to hire janitors for all schools that lack “Siripong” vowing to reduce the burden on teachers. Create tangible happiness

Mr. Siriphong Angkhasakulkiat Ministry of Education Spokesperson Revealed that from the case of the meeting of the Civil Service Commission for Teachers and Educational Personnel (TSC), chaired by Pol. Gen. Phoempoon Chidchob, Minister of Education (Minister of Education), recently This resolution approved the salary adjustment for teachers and educational personnel. This is in accordance with the resolution of the Cabinet (Cabinet) on 28 November 2023, approving the adjustment of the first salary rate for new employees. Salary adjustment to compensate those affected Temporary adjustment of living allowance and ways to improve the efficiency of the bureaucratic system

Civil servant teachers and educational personnel will receive a new salary rate a
djustment simultaneously on May 1, 2024 and May 1, 2025, divided into 2 groups:

Group 1: The first salary rate adjustment includes all qualifications. It is a group of newly hired civil servant teachers and educational personnel. From 1 May 2024 and 1 May 2025

Group 2: Adjustment of compensation for those affected. It is a group of civil servant teachers and educational personnel who were hired and appointed before the date the new first salary rate came into effect (1 May 2024 and 1 May 25) and received the rate. Salary does not exceed the maximum rate specified to receive compensation for each qualification.

For the first salary adjustment, all qualifications must be included. There will be a gradual increase of 10% per year in 2024 and 2025, and within 2 years, those with a bachelor’s degree will receive a salary of not less than 18,000 baht and other qualifications will be adjusted accordingly. As for the salary rate adjustment, compensation for those who have. affected There will be 2 salary adjustm
ents along with the adjustment of the first salary rate. By adjusting compensation for the salaries of civil servants who entered government service before the date on which the new first salary rate came into effect. and have a base salary lower than the newly determined first salary rate

In addition to the group of civil servant teachers and educational personnel who have had their salaries increased. The Ministry of Education is still implementing the resolution. Cabinet to adjust salaries for target groups of civil servants government employee Also under the jurisdiction Including adjustments to the temporary living allowance, the high salary ceiling that is eligible to receive the temporary living allowance. From the original salary of less than 13,285 baht per month to less than 14,600 baht per month, adjusting the minimum salary ceiling combined with a temporary living allowance. From the original 10,000 baht per month to 11,000 baht per month and adjusting the minimum living allowance for annuity rec
ipients from 10,000 baht to 11,000 baht.

In addition, May 1, 2024 is the date that 13,751 janitors will begin hiring, according to the Ministry of Education’s policy. which aims to reduce the workload that is not related to teaching and learning of teachers By having every school have janitors working. The duties of the janitor include taking care of and cleaning the general areas within the school grounds. In order for the school to be suitable for organizing activities to promote teaching and learning. Take care of the school building and take care of the convenience of using the school area. including other assigned tasks, etc.

The Ministry of Education is confident that in the upcoming academic year 2024, we will be as prepared as possible. Has the potential to organize teaching and learning in every dimension. With the power of everyone on the educational path which will directly benefit the students who will be the future of the nation with the approach of “hold hands and go together”

Source: Thai N
ews Agency

NAKHON SAWAN, Residents in the central province of Nakhon Sawan, enduring both heat and drought this year, have gathered to parade a Doraemon doll to request rain.

The scorching weather and prolonged absence of rain have prompted over 200 villagers in Phayuha Khiri District, Nakhon Sawan to come together for a rain-invoking ceremony based on their local beliefs.

But surprisingly, instead of using real cats like in previous years, this year they’ve opted for a Doraemon doll and a white cat doll borrowed from children in the village. These dolls were placed in cages adorned with marigold garlands, resembling the traditional use of real cats in rain-invoking rituals.

The atmosphere was lively as villagers paraded the Doraemon doll around all three villages, singing and dancing to rain-invoking songs. According to tradition, as the procession passes through each house, residents donate rice husks and water to contribute to the fertility of crops and abundant water supply. Some households even splashed water,
including onto the cats.

The village headman Pongphan Kerdkham mentioned that the tradition of parading a cat figure had been absent for 10 years, but due to the prolonged drought this year, affecting crops such as rice, sugarcane, and cassava, they decided to revive the tradition to boost morale within the community.

Due to the scorching weather conditions, they opted for Doraemon dolls instead of real cats and chose to perform the ceremony in the evening.

However, according to the provincial meteorological department, there’s a forecast of thunderstorms from May 1 to May 4, covering 10-20% of the area, which is expected to alleviate the extreme heat in the province.

Traditionally, the chosen cats for such ceremonies are Korat cats with silver blue fur, although in some areas black cats are used. The reason for selecting silver blue cats is the belief that their fur resembles clouds, which may bring rain.

This observation stems from the belief that cats, being creatures averse to water, symbolize drynes
s. When the cats are sprayed with water, it is believed that dryness will be averted.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bueng Kan, Atmosphere of “Naka ??Cave” last day before closing for restoration. Quite lonely after the hot weather. Resulting in fewer tourists

After there was an announcement from Phu Langka National Park that Naga Cave would be closed to restore nature for 1 month, this morning at the entrance to Naga Cave. On the Bueng Khong Long District side of Bueng Kan Province, tourists are gradually coming to climb the mountain. To see the natural beauty on the top of Phu Langka. and visit Naga Cave and tourist spots Various check-in points on Phu Langka, pay homage to the Chedi Kong Khao Si Bun Nao Including the sacred things on the mountain Continuously, since 8:00 a.m., more than 150 tourists have gone up the mountain. Phu Langka National Park officials said that during this period the weather is hot and it is the dry season. The natural forest on the mountain is quite dry. This causes a large decrease in tourists compared to the winter period. and during the new year

Sellers of souvenir products mountain climb
ing equipment Including various restaurants, they began to clean up and closed their shops for 1 month according to the park’s announcement. Some sellers said that During the time the shop is closed, they will go back to farming. Or go tapping rubber as usual. The closure of the cave was somewhat affected. Because there is a duty to be responsible. But it is only a short-term closure. As for the tour volunteers, they all say the same thing, they will use this free time to do farming, gardening, or rice farming because it is the rice planting season. Some people will take the time to help the renovation staff. Preserve the area around Naga Cave Until it opens in June

Phu Langka National Park Nakhon Phanom Province It has been announced that the Phu Langka National Park will be closed for the year 2024 in order to effectively manage the tourist attractions. nature has revived along with improving and repairing the routes and to promote the economic base of tourism business in Nakhon Phanom and Bueng Kan provin
ces. Therefore, there is a schedule to close Phu Lang Ka National Park in an alternating manner as follows: 1. Tourist attractions, Tham Naka, Tad Wimanthip Waterfall, Tat Kham Waterfall, will be closed during 1-31 May. 2. Tourist attractions, Tham Nakhi, Tad Pho Waterfall. Phu Langka Camping Area, Kinnaree Waterfall, closed from 1 – 30 June. 3. Tourist Attractions Chedi Kong Khao Si Bun Nao Closed from 1 July to 31 August.

Source: Thai News Agency

TAK, The first batch of cadmium tailings from Samut Sakhon and Bangkok has arrived in its original place in Tak Province but there is an order to temporarily halt the transportation process after encountering issues during the transfer.

A convoy of cadmium waste trucks traveling from Samut Sakhon and Bangkok has arrived at the storage facility in Muang District, Tak Province.

Upon arrival this morning, the trucks were weighed, and preparations were made to safely unload and store all the cadmium waste before the burial in the disposal pits.

Officials from various agencies, including the Department of Industrial Works and the Tak Province Department of Natural Resources and Environment, supervised the process.

However, the permanent secretary for industry issued an order to temporarily halt the transportation process after encountering problems.

While unloading the waste from the trucks, the lifting chain has broken, leading to the suspension of the transportation process until the issue is resolved. The
aim is to prevent any disruption to the entire process and ensure safety.

Today, there will be a meeting to devise a new plan for unloading the cadmium waste from the trucks, involving relevant agencies.

Yesterday’s transportation summary includes a total of 179 bags, weighing a combined 254.36 tons. From Samut Sakhon, there were four trucks carrying 80 bags and weighing 112.61 tons. Additionally, there were six trucks from Bangkok carrying 99 bags, weighing 141.75 tons.

Out of an estimated total of 13,000 tons of cadmium waste dug up from a landfill in Tak, approximately 12,420 tons was found at warehouses in recent seizures in Samut Sakhon and Chonburi and Bangkok.

Investigations are ongoing to determine permissions obtained to exhume cadmium tailings from the landfill, owners involved.

It is estimated that the entire process to moving cadmium tailings back to its original place for permanent burial will be completed by June 17.

Source: Thai News Agency

Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai is still not getting better. This morning, the air quality is the second worst in the world. People’s eyes are hurting and breathing is difficult. Must wear a protective mask. PM2.5 dust values ??are as high as 619 micrograms/cubic meter.

Chiang Mai’s air quality is still poor. The sky was covered with wildfire smoke. Visibility has not improved. Unable to see Doi Suthep, people’s eyes hurt and breathing was difficult. Must wear a protective mask Because there is still continued forest burning. Even more, there is a forecast that there will be summer storms and rain during 1-3 May. This morning, as many as 156 forest fires were found, distributed in 19 districts, resulting in pollution values ??or PM2.5 rising again. Climate Change Information Center Chiang Mai University reports hourly PM2.5 values ??at 7:00 a.m., the highest at Ban Mai Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Mueang Kong Subdistrict, Chiang Dao District, levels as high as 619 micrograms per cubic meter, or 16 times as
high, causing the IQ Air website Chiang Mai is also ranked as having the second worst air quality in the world.

Source: Thai News Agency

DSI raids 15 major online gambling websites at once, arresting the principal/network. Found more than 100,000 player accounts. Revolving capital of over 2,000 million baht

Today (April 30) Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana Praedum, Acting Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, Pol. Lt. Col. Phayao Thongsen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Khem. nation Sparkling Hongmanee Director of the Technology and Information Litigation Division Leading officials from the Department of Special Investigation Joining forces with the Department of Provincial Administration and the Institute of Forensic Science, numbering more than 200 officers, served a court warrant to search 15 target areas related to online gambling websites at the same time in the central region consisting of Nonthaburi Province, 5 points, Lopburi Province, 8 points, and Nakhon Sawan Province, 2 points, to arrest suspects according to arrest warrants. Search for evidence Large
amounts of assets seized and frozen

The said case was a search operation in Special Case No. 76/2023 in which a group of offenders had access to a bank account of someone other than their own. Through mobile banking applications and/or internet banking To commit an offense in the form of advertising or persuading others to gamble through electronic media, which allows the general public to have access to online gambling. Found the behavior of organizing gambling together to get property. Providing online or electronic gambling through the website www.sandvip.com www.sand168.com www.gts89.com and www.gtb89.com illegally When receiving money from the general public who goes to gamble The said group works together to take the money that comes out of the circuit system by transferring it to various accounts that are subordinates or close friends. and an account hired to open or purchase an account (horse account) and then transfer money to several other bank accounts to evade inspection by government agencies or
to hide financial routes Then the money was taken out of the system by withdrawing cash with an ATM cash card from a bank account and by the co-accused in this case himself. There is a person who is the owner/capitalist. Person who takes care of the system/members of the website (Admin team) Person who takes care of the finances/owner of the bank account used Earn money in the network of gambling sites www.sandvip.com (Change name to www.gtb89.com) www.sand168.com (Change name to www.gts89.com) and other websites in the network. This group of people is working together to carry out this illegal activity. without fear of the law for many years

From the investigation of the Department of Special Investigation, it was found that the online gambling website in question had a total of 6 affiliated websites and many other websites with more working capital. 2,000,000,000 baht is a large movement. There are more than 100,000 gambling members and dozens of admin teams. And dozens of horse accounts are used to receiv
e money transfers. Including using the deceased’s account to receive money transfers. This is because this online gambling website has financial routes linked to many other accounts. by the Department of Special Investigation Will prepare to expand the results of money laundering cases against those involved. and players continue to gamble

Police Lieutenant Colonel Yutthana revealed that today’s operation was a joint effort with the Provincial Administration Department and the Institute of Forensic Science. Bring a court warrant to search and arrest 38 suspects according to the arrest warrant, which are 9 capitalists and 6 close subordinates who have important duties in operating a large online gambling website and money laundering. It is a common offense. Unlawful access to a computer system that has specific measures to prevent access and that the measures are not intended for. and the offense of conspiring to organize a game Or create a trick to help advertise or invite, directly or indirectly, others to
play or gamble in a game that is not permitted by the official and is an offense of money laundering.

In this operation A group of major online gambling and money laundering operators was able to be arrested. and key stakeholders to break the cycle and the sewage pipe of a large criminal organization, 13 out of 38, while the remaining suspects The Department of Special Investigation will quickly track down and arrest him for further prosecution. As for the assets that were searched and seized in connection with the offense, they included 17 cars (2 Ferraris, 1 motorhome), 5 motorcycles, approximately 25 brand name bags, approximately cash and foreign currency. 3 million baht, gold jewelry totaling more than 1,000 baht, amulets, jewelry, watches (Pate/Frankmiller/Rolex), safes, computer equipment and mobile phone Bank passbook At the same time, the deposit account of Siam Commercial Bank has been frozen. Kasikorn Bank True Money Firearms and Ammunition Total property value over Tens of millions of baht

The D
epartment of Special Investigation Will expedite the investigation and expand the prosecution of related offenders. and strictly seizing and freezing the assets of this movement by the Department of Special Investigation The assets will be sent to the Office of the Anti-Money Laundering (Office of the Anti-Money Laundering Office) so that the assets will become government revenue according to law. And if the investigation finds that the offender has not paid taxes according to the law, the matter will be sent to The Revenue Department continues tax operations.

Source: Thai News Agency