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IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand
- Thread starter Leongsam
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2021
- Messages
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- Points
- 43
Saw it in the Bangkok Post, the young police colonel can own so many sport cars as well. Unless he comes from super rich family, otherwise how he comes about being so wealthy must also be investigated.
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2008
- Messages
- 28,843
- Points
- 113
https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Tha...1&pub_date=20210825190000&seq_num=17&si=44594
Thailand's slow tourism recovery keeps unemployment rate elevated
Pattaya, Chiangmai to postpone September reopening due to insufficient vaccines
A couple pass a closed bar in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, on April 3. The reopening of the popular beach town will be delayed due to a low vaccination rate. © Reuters
MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writerAugust 25, 2021 15:16 JST
BANGKOK -- A slow recovery in tourism is expected to leave many Thais jobless, and Pattaya and Chiangmai look to postpone reopening to international visitors by a month to October due to insufficient vaccines.
Thailand's unemployment rate during the second quarter was 1.89%, the Office of National Economic and Social Development Council announced on Wednesday. That was a slight recovery from 1.96% in the first quarter but remained elevated compared to pre-COVID times, when the rate was below 1%.
The recovery was a surprise to labor market watchers. Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the economic planning agency, said in May that the rate was "expected to rise again." Tanit Sorat, vice chairman of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry, predicted that the jobless rate might reach 2.5% in the second quarter.
Thailand is struggling from ongoing outbreaks of the delta strain, which spread in early July. Affected provinces have been put under business lockdowns and a nighttime curfew since mid-July, pushing more companies, especially small- and medium-size enterprises, to consider slashing workforces and job offers. The second-quarter data did not include the impact of the delta epidemic.
Traditionally, going back to rural areas was a safety valve when people lost jobs in Bangkok and other cities. People were able to easily enter the agricultural sector and other forms of self-employment. But the elevated unemployment rate suggests that the number leaving urban areas has been too large to handle.
Tourism and related businesses, which used to account for 20% of the nation's gross domestic product in pre-COVID times, had been the hardest-hit sector since the dawn of the pandemic because of travel restrictions.
In June, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha launched a plan to fully reopen the country in 120 days for inoculated travelers, in hopes of lifting the economy and employment through reviving tourism. But the delta outbreaks and slow vaccine rollout have clouded the country's road map to reopening.
Two major tourist destinations look to postpone their reopening. Chiangmai, the largest city in northern Thailand, is expected to delay it by a month to Oct. 1. The city aims to fully inoculate 70% of its population to minimize the risk of outbreaks caused by tourists as new variants emerge globally. But the vaccination rate had not been reached as of Aug. 19, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Gov. Thanet Phetsuwan.
The reopening of Pattaya, a beach town on the Gulf of Thailand, will be delayed for the same reason. Bun-anan Phatthanasin, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, admitted to local media that a plan to achieve herd immunity before September appeared unlikely to be accomplished. He said he had no idea when the plan would be completed.
The road map began in July, with Phuket launching a "sandbox experiment." The country took a calculated risk to welcome vaccinated visitors without any quarantine period in a closed environment where the government could halt the test if epidemics evolved on the island.
The island of Koh Samui followed Phuket in mid-July. The island of Krabi was to accept tourists from the beginning of August, but that was delayed, and the reopening started in a different fashion from what the government originally anticipated. From Aug. 17, Krabi began welcoming tourists who had already spent over seven days in Phuket.
The September reopening of Chiangmai and Pattaya, along with other tourist destinations such as Buriram, was going to be an important opportunity for Thailand to assess the pros and cons of inviting tourists to the mainland for the first time in the pandemic. The delay clouds the country's path ahead, as it will have less data to use in weighing a full reopening.
Chiangmai, the largest city in northern Thailand, is expected to delay its reopening to tourists from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1. © AP
The government, however, has indicated optimism. "Based on the figures currently available, it has been agreed that the outbreak situation has reached its peak and will slow down," said Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control.
The outbreak situation slightly eased this week. In the past few weeks, daily cases had been at roughly 20,000, but daily confirmed cases on Monday and Tuesday were both under 18,000, and 18,417 cases were reported on Wednesday.
Opas said the assessment on reopening will be made after the lockdown measures are lifted. The current restrictions are scheduled to expire by the end of this month.
The government also has expressed confidence on securing vaccines. As of Aug. 19, 8.2% of Thais were fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, while 19.9% were partially vaccinated, according to Our World in Data. Raising those proportions is vital to the safe and full reopening of the country.
AstraZeneca, which has been locally producing its vaccine since June, was contracted to deliver 61 million doses before next May, but Prayuth's government has been pushing the pharmaceutical company to advance delivery to the end of this year. On Monday, AstraZeneca confirmed that it will step up vaccine deliveries and aim to deliver the remaining doses by the year's end, according to a government spokesperson.
The country also received 150,000 AstraZeneca doses from Bhutan in order to contain the outbreaks of the delta strain. The government said that they were borrowed, not donated, from Bhutan and that it intends to return an equal number of doses or more in the future.
Thailand's slow tourism recovery keeps unemployment rate elevated
Pattaya, Chiangmai to postpone September reopening due to insufficient vaccines
A couple pass a closed bar in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, on April 3. The reopening of the popular beach town will be delayed due to a low vaccination rate. © Reuters
MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writerAugust 25, 2021 15:16 JST
BANGKOK -- A slow recovery in tourism is expected to leave many Thais jobless, and Pattaya and Chiangmai look to postpone reopening to international visitors by a month to October due to insufficient vaccines.
Thailand's unemployment rate during the second quarter was 1.89%, the Office of National Economic and Social Development Council announced on Wednesday. That was a slight recovery from 1.96% in the first quarter but remained elevated compared to pre-COVID times, when the rate was below 1%.
The recovery was a surprise to labor market watchers. Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the economic planning agency, said in May that the rate was "expected to rise again." Tanit Sorat, vice chairman of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry, predicted that the jobless rate might reach 2.5% in the second quarter.
Thailand is struggling from ongoing outbreaks of the delta strain, which spread in early July. Affected provinces have been put under business lockdowns and a nighttime curfew since mid-July, pushing more companies, especially small- and medium-size enterprises, to consider slashing workforces and job offers. The second-quarter data did not include the impact of the delta epidemic.
Traditionally, going back to rural areas was a safety valve when people lost jobs in Bangkok and other cities. People were able to easily enter the agricultural sector and other forms of self-employment. But the elevated unemployment rate suggests that the number leaving urban areas has been too large to handle.
Tourism and related businesses, which used to account for 20% of the nation's gross domestic product in pre-COVID times, had been the hardest-hit sector since the dawn of the pandemic because of travel restrictions.
In June, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha launched a plan to fully reopen the country in 120 days for inoculated travelers, in hopes of lifting the economy and employment through reviving tourism. But the delta outbreaks and slow vaccine rollout have clouded the country's road map to reopening.
Two major tourist destinations look to postpone their reopening. Chiangmai, the largest city in northern Thailand, is expected to delay it by a month to Oct. 1. The city aims to fully inoculate 70% of its population to minimize the risk of outbreaks caused by tourists as new variants emerge globally. But the vaccination rate had not been reached as of Aug. 19, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Gov. Thanet Phetsuwan.
The reopening of Pattaya, a beach town on the Gulf of Thailand, will be delayed for the same reason. Bun-anan Phatthanasin, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, admitted to local media that a plan to achieve herd immunity before September appeared unlikely to be accomplished. He said he had no idea when the plan would be completed.
The road map began in July, with Phuket launching a "sandbox experiment." The country took a calculated risk to welcome vaccinated visitors without any quarantine period in a closed environment where the government could halt the test if epidemics evolved on the island.
The island of Koh Samui followed Phuket in mid-July. The island of Krabi was to accept tourists from the beginning of August, but that was delayed, and the reopening started in a different fashion from what the government originally anticipated. From Aug. 17, Krabi began welcoming tourists who had already spent over seven days in Phuket.
The September reopening of Chiangmai and Pattaya, along with other tourist destinations such as Buriram, was going to be an important opportunity for Thailand to assess the pros and cons of inviting tourists to the mainland for the first time in the pandemic. The delay clouds the country's path ahead, as it will have less data to use in weighing a full reopening.
Chiangmai, the largest city in northern Thailand, is expected to delay its reopening to tourists from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1. © AP
The government, however, has indicated optimism. "Based on the figures currently available, it has been agreed that the outbreak situation has reached its peak and will slow down," said Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control.
The outbreak situation slightly eased this week. In the past few weeks, daily cases had been at roughly 20,000, but daily confirmed cases on Monday and Tuesday were both under 18,000, and 18,417 cases were reported on Wednesday.
Opas said the assessment on reopening will be made after the lockdown measures are lifted. The current restrictions are scheduled to expire by the end of this month.
The government also has expressed confidence on securing vaccines. As of Aug. 19, 8.2% of Thais were fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, while 19.9% were partially vaccinated, according to Our World in Data. Raising those proportions is vital to the safe and full reopening of the country.
AstraZeneca, which has been locally producing its vaccine since June, was contracted to deliver 61 million doses before next May, but Prayuth's government has been pushing the pharmaceutical company to advance delivery to the end of this year. On Monday, AstraZeneca confirmed that it will step up vaccine deliveries and aim to deliver the remaining doses by the year's end, according to a government spokesperson.
The country also received 150,000 AstraZeneca doses from Bhutan in order to contain the outbreaks of the delta strain. The government said that they were borrowed, not donated, from Bhutan and that it intends to return an equal number of doses or more in the future.
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2008
- Messages
- 28,843
- Points
- 113
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/C...1&pub_date=20210827190000&seq_num=29&si=44594
Thailand pro-Thaksin group resurfaces as COVID worsens
Returning Red Shirts and student protesters make strange new bedfellows
Protesters have been using firecrackers in regular recent clashes with riot police in Bangkok's Din Daeng area with its major road junctions. © Getty Images
TORU TAKAHASHI, Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Headquarters for AsiaAugust 27, 2021 14:01 JST
BANGKOK -- In recent weeks, hard-core protesters have been clashing with riot police on an almost daily basis under an overpass at Din Daeng, a major intersection area 10 minutes north of central Bangkok.
The clashes erupted after police erected roadblocks to prevent protesters from reaching an army compound that contains Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's residence.
Political agitation resumed in June, and the violence has mounted steadily with fireworks and other small explosive devices being thrown at police lines. The police have responded with water cannons and tear gas, and the disorder appears to be deepening.
Mostly young people took to the streets after the Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of the Future Forward Party, an opposition party with strong youth support, in February 2020. The student-led protests condemned the government, the military, the often compliant judiciary, the military-drafted constitution and the monarchy for undermining democracy.
In addition to demanding Prayuth's resignation and constitutional reform, the protesters shattered the old taboo against criticism of the royal family.
The government reinstated use of the law of lese-majeste late last year, and multiple charges were brought against key student leaders, whose bail applications were denied for months. The detentions combined with anti-COVID-19 measures took the wind out of the protests for some months around the New Year.
But this year's lockdowns have failed to contain the spread of infections, and public distrust in the government has mounted because of its failure to secure sufficient vaccines. The increase in infections has fueled protests and changed the demographics with the involvement of more radical and violent elements.
One of the most significant changes is the reemergence of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), a civilian group that backs Thaksin Shinawatra, the prime minister deposed in a coup in 2006. Thaksin's supporters, collectively known as Red Shirts, have historically pitted themselves against the Yellow Shirts, which support the traditional establishment, especially the monarchy.
Particular attention has been given to the resurfacing of Nattawut Saikua, 46, the UDD's secretary general. After three years of seclusion, he has announced a campaign to oust Prayuth. In the beginning and middle of August, he and other UDD leaders led fleets of cars and motorcycles blaring horns through Bangkok in protest against the government.
Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikua, secretary general of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, addressed anti-government protesters at a 'car mob' rally in Bangkok on Aug. 1. © Getty Images
The UDD was formed after Thaksin's overthrow in 2006. One of its early acts of defiance was a march on the home of Prem Tinsulanonda, a former prime minister. The UDD believed that as president of the Privy Council, Prem had masterminded the coup against Thaksin. Prem, also a former army chief who wielded enormous influence in military circles, died in 2019.
Thaksin's disbanded Thai Rak Thai party was reconstituted as the People's Power Party, which won the 2007 general election under a new constitution. Thaksin's proxy prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, and his successor, Somchai Wongsawat (a brother in law of Thaksin), were both removed after short terms by court orders. After various judicial and military interventions, they were replaced in December 2008 by Abhisit Vejjajiva, who headed a coalition led by his Democrat Party until August 2011.
The UDD claimed the Abhisit government stole power "undemocratically," and became increasingly militant. The Red Shirts, some of them armed, occupied much of central Bangkok, reprising Yellow Shirt occupations of Government House, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and other parts of the capital on Samak's and Somchai's watches in 2008 by the People's Alliance for Democracy, led by Sondhi Limthongkul.
Portraits of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have been seen at recent protests in Bangkok as supporters raise his profile. © Getty Images
In May 2010, troops were sent in to end the Red Shirt occupation of major parts the capital, and over 90 people were killed in the violence. Nattawut had spearheaded the pro-Thaksin movement, both on the streets with the UDD and in parliament as a member of the lower house, but as chaos descended at the end he called for the abandonment of the demonstration on May 19.
When Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's younger sister, formed her cabinet after a general election in 2011, Nattawut served as deputy minister for agriculture and cooperatives and deputy minister for commerce.
UDD activities wound down after the 2014 coup that ousted what remained of Yingluck's caretaker government, and Nattawut was imprisoned for alleged offenses committed outside Prem's home in 2007. He was pardoned and released from prison at the end of 2020.
Nattawut has returned to political life citing the Prayuth government's failure to contain COVID-19 as a reason. His reappearance locks step with Thaksin's recent moves -- although Nattawut denies it. The former prime minister, who remains in exile because of corruption convictions in absentia against him, has recently stepped up his social media activities. In mid-July, he caught major attention after pledging on the Clubhouse social audio app to return to Thailand at any cost.
Anti-government protests have been led by students in recent years. Will the protests gather steam if experienced members of the UDD join them? It is fair to say that students and UDD members are "strange fellows in the same bed."
Nattawut has been tested by fire, and would never be naive enough to imagine Prayuth and his government could be unseated by honking motor horns. The road demonstrations may in fact be more of a signal relating to the next general election, which will be held in March 2023 at the latest -- only 19 months away.
Thaksin supporters want to lure votes to the Pheu Thai Party, building on the former premier's popularity and financial expertise, and mobilizing the UDD's organizational skills. Nattawut will himself be unable to run due to his ban from politics, but he can still mobilize public attention and amplify Thaksin's words and deeds to use the UDD as a vote generator for Pheu Thai.
There is much to ponder. How are pro-Thaksin parliamentarians likely to proceed? Will Pheu Thai, which cooperated with the Future Forward in the March 2019 election, work with the Move Forward Party that replaced Future Forward after it was disbanded by court order?
Future Forward, the party led by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, was disbanded by court order in early 2020, and replaced by the Move Forward Party. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Thai politics can breed strange alliances in which "oil and water" mix. There is even a possibility that Pheu Thai might link up with the Palang Pracharath Party, the main party in Prayuth's coalition, according to Satithon Thananithichot, director of the Innovation for Democracy Office at the King Prajadhipok Institute. "If many more people become infected and die from COVID-19, it could force the prime minister to resign," Satithon said. "Then Palang Pracharath could team up with Pheu Thai to set up a new government."
At present, reform of the election system is being deliberated in parliament. If the two largest parties agreed to reduce the number of seats allocated to politicians on party lists by proportional representation, and to increase the number of single seat constituencies contested, the change would be a blow to Move Forward. It is the only major party to have more seats allocated by proportional representation than by constituencies.
A no-confidence motion submitted by opposition parties on Aug. 16 does not apply to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, the head of Palang Pracharath, and Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Thamanat Prompow, the party's controversial secretary general.
Move Forward demanded the pair's inclusion but Pheu Thai rejected the call, according to local media. Some interpreted that as a possible sign of collaboration between Pheu Thai and Palang Pracharath.
But what would Pheu Thai gain from dumping Move Forward and linking up with Palang Pracharath, its adversary? A much better chance of getting close to power would be one obvious answer.
Under the existing constitution, Thailand's prime minister is chosen by a majority of the 500 elected members of the House of Representatives combined with 250 military-appointed members of the Senate. Assuming no support from the Senate, the pro-Thaksin group would need to secure over 75% of the lower house to install a prime minister from its own ranks -- a virtual impossibility.
In order to enter the cabinet, Pheu Thai would have to set aside its resentment toward Palang Pracharath to form a ruling coalition, secure ministries and perhaps achieve a degree of political stability.
Why might Palang Pracharath involve itself in such a counterintuitive maneuver? The main government party has been struggling with the current fractious and unwieldy 20-party coalition, so a grand coalition between the Pheu Thai and Palang Pracharath might fly under a "national unity" banner for post-pandemic economic rehabilitation.
The monarchy could also be a factor. While not uncritical of the institution, Pheu Thai has been silent on the question of actual reform. When asked about youth demands for reform of the monarchy under the constitution, Nattawut has so far played coy, merely saying that society should listen to the opinions of young people.
A pardon from King Maha Vajiralongkorn wipes away lese-majeste charges and facilitate releases from prison. An unconditional pardon would also provide a route home for Thaksin. There is no upside for Pheu Thai -- which is overall the largest party in parliament -- to endorse street protests by being openly critical of the monarchy -- nor to being stuck ineffectually in the opposition with Move Forward, which has backed them.
It would be a major reversal of history if the gap between pro- and anti-Thaksin forces that has endured 15 years suddenly closed because of youth calls for reform of the monarchy, but such a development would shine a light on the unprincipled, transactional nature of Thai politics.
Many young people would react badly to such a marriage of convenience, but their idealistic demands on the streets have failed to dent the parliamentary gridlock the military has created. Post-pandemic, Thai society will fall into an even deeper abyss if it cannot unlock its generational and ideological differences peacefully.
Thailand pro-Thaksin group resurfaces as COVID worsens
Returning Red Shirts and student protesters make strange new bedfellows
Protesters have been using firecrackers in regular recent clashes with riot police in Bangkok's Din Daeng area with its major road junctions. © Getty Images
TORU TAKAHASHI, Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Headquarters for AsiaAugust 27, 2021 14:01 JST
BANGKOK -- In recent weeks, hard-core protesters have been clashing with riot police on an almost daily basis under an overpass at Din Daeng, a major intersection area 10 minutes north of central Bangkok.
The clashes erupted after police erected roadblocks to prevent protesters from reaching an army compound that contains Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's residence.
Political agitation resumed in June, and the violence has mounted steadily with fireworks and other small explosive devices being thrown at police lines. The police have responded with water cannons and tear gas, and the disorder appears to be deepening.
Mostly young people took to the streets after the Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of the Future Forward Party, an opposition party with strong youth support, in February 2020. The student-led protests condemned the government, the military, the often compliant judiciary, the military-drafted constitution and the monarchy for undermining democracy.
In addition to demanding Prayuth's resignation and constitutional reform, the protesters shattered the old taboo against criticism of the royal family.
The government reinstated use of the law of lese-majeste late last year, and multiple charges were brought against key student leaders, whose bail applications were denied for months. The detentions combined with anti-COVID-19 measures took the wind out of the protests for some months around the New Year.
But this year's lockdowns have failed to contain the spread of infections, and public distrust in the government has mounted because of its failure to secure sufficient vaccines. The increase in infections has fueled protests and changed the demographics with the involvement of more radical and violent elements.
One of the most significant changes is the reemergence of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), a civilian group that backs Thaksin Shinawatra, the prime minister deposed in a coup in 2006. Thaksin's supporters, collectively known as Red Shirts, have historically pitted themselves against the Yellow Shirts, which support the traditional establishment, especially the monarchy.
Particular attention has been given to the resurfacing of Nattawut Saikua, 46, the UDD's secretary general. After three years of seclusion, he has announced a campaign to oust Prayuth. In the beginning and middle of August, he and other UDD leaders led fleets of cars and motorcycles blaring horns through Bangkok in protest against the government.
Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikua, secretary general of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, addressed anti-government protesters at a 'car mob' rally in Bangkok on Aug. 1. © Getty Images
The UDD was formed after Thaksin's overthrow in 2006. One of its early acts of defiance was a march on the home of Prem Tinsulanonda, a former prime minister. The UDD believed that as president of the Privy Council, Prem had masterminded the coup against Thaksin. Prem, also a former army chief who wielded enormous influence in military circles, died in 2019.
Thaksin's disbanded Thai Rak Thai party was reconstituted as the People's Power Party, which won the 2007 general election under a new constitution. Thaksin's proxy prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, and his successor, Somchai Wongsawat (a brother in law of Thaksin), were both removed after short terms by court orders. After various judicial and military interventions, they were replaced in December 2008 by Abhisit Vejjajiva, who headed a coalition led by his Democrat Party until August 2011.
The UDD claimed the Abhisit government stole power "undemocratically," and became increasingly militant. The Red Shirts, some of them armed, occupied much of central Bangkok, reprising Yellow Shirt occupations of Government House, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and other parts of the capital on Samak's and Somchai's watches in 2008 by the People's Alliance for Democracy, led by Sondhi Limthongkul.
Portraits of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have been seen at recent protests in Bangkok as supporters raise his profile. © Getty Images
In May 2010, troops were sent in to end the Red Shirt occupation of major parts the capital, and over 90 people were killed in the violence. Nattawut had spearheaded the pro-Thaksin movement, both on the streets with the UDD and in parliament as a member of the lower house, but as chaos descended at the end he called for the abandonment of the demonstration on May 19.
When Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's younger sister, formed her cabinet after a general election in 2011, Nattawut served as deputy minister for agriculture and cooperatives and deputy minister for commerce.
UDD activities wound down after the 2014 coup that ousted what remained of Yingluck's caretaker government, and Nattawut was imprisoned for alleged offenses committed outside Prem's home in 2007. He was pardoned and released from prison at the end of 2020.
Nattawut has returned to political life citing the Prayuth government's failure to contain COVID-19 as a reason. His reappearance locks step with Thaksin's recent moves -- although Nattawut denies it. The former prime minister, who remains in exile because of corruption convictions in absentia against him, has recently stepped up his social media activities. In mid-July, he caught major attention after pledging on the Clubhouse social audio app to return to Thailand at any cost.
Anti-government protests have been led by students in recent years. Will the protests gather steam if experienced members of the UDD join them? It is fair to say that students and UDD members are "strange fellows in the same bed."
Nattawut has been tested by fire, and would never be naive enough to imagine Prayuth and his government could be unseated by honking motor horns. The road demonstrations may in fact be more of a signal relating to the next general election, which will be held in March 2023 at the latest -- only 19 months away.
Thaksin supporters want to lure votes to the Pheu Thai Party, building on the former premier's popularity and financial expertise, and mobilizing the UDD's organizational skills. Nattawut will himself be unable to run due to his ban from politics, but he can still mobilize public attention and amplify Thaksin's words and deeds to use the UDD as a vote generator for Pheu Thai.
There is much to ponder. How are pro-Thaksin parliamentarians likely to proceed? Will Pheu Thai, which cooperated with the Future Forward in the March 2019 election, work with the Move Forward Party that replaced Future Forward after it was disbanded by court order?
Future Forward, the party led by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, was disbanded by court order in early 2020, and replaced by the Move Forward Party. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Thai politics can breed strange alliances in which "oil and water" mix. There is even a possibility that Pheu Thai might link up with the Palang Pracharath Party, the main party in Prayuth's coalition, according to Satithon Thananithichot, director of the Innovation for Democracy Office at the King Prajadhipok Institute. "If many more people become infected and die from COVID-19, it could force the prime minister to resign," Satithon said. "Then Palang Pracharath could team up with Pheu Thai to set up a new government."
At present, reform of the election system is being deliberated in parliament. If the two largest parties agreed to reduce the number of seats allocated to politicians on party lists by proportional representation, and to increase the number of single seat constituencies contested, the change would be a blow to Move Forward. It is the only major party to have more seats allocated by proportional representation than by constituencies.
A no-confidence motion submitted by opposition parties on Aug. 16 does not apply to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, the head of Palang Pracharath, and Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Thamanat Prompow, the party's controversial secretary general.
Move Forward demanded the pair's inclusion but Pheu Thai rejected the call, according to local media. Some interpreted that as a possible sign of collaboration between Pheu Thai and Palang Pracharath.
But what would Pheu Thai gain from dumping Move Forward and linking up with Palang Pracharath, its adversary? A much better chance of getting close to power would be one obvious answer.
Under the existing constitution, Thailand's prime minister is chosen by a majority of the 500 elected members of the House of Representatives combined with 250 military-appointed members of the Senate. Assuming no support from the Senate, the pro-Thaksin group would need to secure over 75% of the lower house to install a prime minister from its own ranks -- a virtual impossibility.
In order to enter the cabinet, Pheu Thai would have to set aside its resentment toward Palang Pracharath to form a ruling coalition, secure ministries and perhaps achieve a degree of political stability.
Why might Palang Pracharath involve itself in such a counterintuitive maneuver? The main government party has been struggling with the current fractious and unwieldy 20-party coalition, so a grand coalition between the Pheu Thai and Palang Pracharath might fly under a "national unity" banner for post-pandemic economic rehabilitation.
The monarchy could also be a factor. While not uncritical of the institution, Pheu Thai has been silent on the question of actual reform. When asked about youth demands for reform of the monarchy under the constitution, Nattawut has so far played coy, merely saying that society should listen to the opinions of young people.
A pardon from King Maha Vajiralongkorn wipes away lese-majeste charges and facilitate releases from prison. An unconditional pardon would also provide a route home for Thaksin. There is no upside for Pheu Thai -- which is overall the largest party in parliament -- to endorse street protests by being openly critical of the monarchy -- nor to being stuck ineffectually in the opposition with Move Forward, which has backed them.
It would be a major reversal of history if the gap between pro- and anti-Thaksin forces that has endured 15 years suddenly closed because of youth calls for reform of the monarchy, but such a development would shine a light on the unprincipled, transactional nature of Thai politics.
Many young people would react badly to such a marriage of convenience, but their idealistic demands on the streets have failed to dent the parliamentary gridlock the military has created. Post-pandemic, Thai society will fall into an even deeper abyss if it cannot unlock its generational and ideological differences peacefully.
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2008
- Messages
- 28,843
- Points
- 113
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2172391/govt-lifts-some-bug-controls
Govt lifts some bug controls
Indoor dining to be allowed with limits
published : 28 Aug 2021 at 06:00
The Mall Bang Kapi shopping centre is one of the malls in Bangkok and other red-zone provinces ordered to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
The government has eased Covid-19 restrictions on certain businesses and activities, including restaurants, shopping malls, beauty salons, massage shops and parks, starting Wednesday.
However, the government will adopt a "Covid-free setting" approach to ensure safety during the process.
Under this approach, businesses will be required to ensure strict social distancing, proper air ventilation, good hygiene, weekly Covid-19 screenings for staff members and full vaccination for employees as soon as possible.
According to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), customers who have been fully vaccinated are classified as "green cards", referring to people who are allowed to receive services.
Indoor air-conditioned restaurants will be allowed to resume dine-in services at 50% capacity, while those without air conditioning can resume dine-in services at 75% capacity, according to Apisamai Srirangson, assistant spokeswoman for the CCSA on Friday.
She was speaking after a CCSA meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the director of the CCSA.
"Eateries ready to resume dine-in services will still be required to close at 8pm every day and prohibit the serving and selling of alcoholic beverages, similarly to shopping malls and convenience stores, which also have to close at 8pm," she said.
"As for customers, they will be checked to see if they have been [fully] vaccinated or tested for Covid-19 with a rapid antigen test kit before receiving these services," she said.
Dr Kiattiphum Wongworajit, permanent secretary at the Public Health Ministry, earlier said customers who will sit in restaurants must be free from Covid-19.
They have to show vaccination certificates, while those who had been infected must have tested negative for at least one month and not more than three or else they would need to undergo an antigen rapid test before being eligible to be served.
As for beauty salons and barbers, Dr Apisamai said operators will only be allowed to offer haircuts and spend no more than one hour on each customer.
"Travelling from one province to another is still not recommended unless necessary, while public transport [vehicles], such as buses and vans, will be required to [cap the number] of passengers at no more than 75% of all seats."
She said since the outbreak situation has yet to improve significantly, work-from-home measures and the 9pm-4am curfew will remain in effect for at least two weeks.
"The easing of these Covid-19 restrictions on businesses 29 dark-red provinces will come as an effort to adjust Covid-19 control measures to improve the balance between public health safety and economic rehabilitation," she said.
The Public Health Ministry meanwhile expects the first batch of its 8.5 million Covid-19 antigen test kits (ATKs) from China to arrive in the next two weeks. It is believed the mass ATK import will make them more affordable.
Govt lifts some bug controls
Indoor dining to be allowed with limits
published : 28 Aug 2021 at 06:00
The Mall Bang Kapi shopping centre is one of the malls in Bangkok and other red-zone provinces ordered to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
The government has eased Covid-19 restrictions on certain businesses and activities, including restaurants, shopping malls, beauty salons, massage shops and parks, starting Wednesday.
However, the government will adopt a "Covid-free setting" approach to ensure safety during the process.
Under this approach, businesses will be required to ensure strict social distancing, proper air ventilation, good hygiene, weekly Covid-19 screenings for staff members and full vaccination for employees as soon as possible.
According to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), customers who have been fully vaccinated are classified as "green cards", referring to people who are allowed to receive services.
Indoor air-conditioned restaurants will be allowed to resume dine-in services at 50% capacity, while those without air conditioning can resume dine-in services at 75% capacity, according to Apisamai Srirangson, assistant spokeswoman for the CCSA on Friday.
She was speaking after a CCSA meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the director of the CCSA.
"Eateries ready to resume dine-in services will still be required to close at 8pm every day and prohibit the serving and selling of alcoholic beverages, similarly to shopping malls and convenience stores, which also have to close at 8pm," she said.
"As for customers, they will be checked to see if they have been [fully] vaccinated or tested for Covid-19 with a rapid antigen test kit before receiving these services," she said.
Dr Kiattiphum Wongworajit, permanent secretary at the Public Health Ministry, earlier said customers who will sit in restaurants must be free from Covid-19.
They have to show vaccination certificates, while those who had been infected must have tested negative for at least one month and not more than three or else they would need to undergo an antigen rapid test before being eligible to be served.
As for beauty salons and barbers, Dr Apisamai said operators will only be allowed to offer haircuts and spend no more than one hour on each customer.
"Travelling from one province to another is still not recommended unless necessary, while public transport [vehicles], such as buses and vans, will be required to [cap the number] of passengers at no more than 75% of all seats."
She said since the outbreak situation has yet to improve significantly, work-from-home measures and the 9pm-4am curfew will remain in effect for at least two weeks.
"The easing of these Covid-19 restrictions on businesses 29 dark-red provinces will come as an effort to adjust Covid-19 control measures to improve the balance between public health safety and economic rehabilitation," she said.
The Public Health Ministry meanwhile expects the first batch of its 8.5 million Covid-19 antigen test kits (ATKs) from China to arrive in the next two weeks. It is believed the mass ATK import will make them more affordable.
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https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2172463/restaurateurs-fume-at-new-rules
Restaurateurs fume at new rules
Staff, customers must have 2 jabs and antigen tests weekly
published : 28 Aug 2021 at 06:44
People walk in the quiet Siam Paragon shopping centre as the government orders all malls in Bangkok and other provinces hit hardest by Covid-19 to close. (Photo: Arnun Chonmhatrakoo)
Restaurant and retail operators have vented their deep disappointment over the government's new directives, saying such requirements are impractical and unrealistic.
Leading restaurant chains such as Minor Food, the Mall Group, Zen Plc and Mae Sri Ruen restaurant all predict it is unlikely they can revive their business with the new guidelines issued by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday.
The CCSA lifted most restrictions on retail and dining from next month. Restaurants are allowed to resume dine-in services, with 75% capacity allowed for outdoor dining spaces and 50% for air-conditioned locations.
But all service staff at restaurants must have two doses of vaccine and be tested with antigen test kits every 5-7 days. The new guidelines also require customers to show proof of vaccination and have negative tests before entering restaurants.
"This means only a small number of customers will be allowed to dine in restaurants. We plan to only open restaurants where we already provide delivery," said Prapat Siangjan, chief operating officer of Minor Food Group.
Riverside Plaza Bangkok on Charoen Nakhon Road temporarily closes as diners queue for deliveries and takeaways.
"The new directive does not help restaurant operators as much as we hoped, so it is better to keep our 280 restaurants shuttered until more practical guidelines are provided. We will only open some branches when we are confident it will not lead to a loss."
Mr Prapat called on the government to relax the measure by reducing the staff requirement to one jab.
Chan Ruengrung, executive vice-president of Mae Sri Ruen restaurant chain, said that it is very difficult for both restaurant operators and customers to follow the new restaurant's guidelines.
"Thais love freedom. They will not be happy to take an antigen test every time they want to eat at a restaurant," he said. "This requirement is not practical because restaurants are never as crowded as supermarkets or convenience stores.
Mr Chan said roughly 50% of his restaurant staff received a first jab and none have a second shot.
"We believe many restaurateurs are in the same situation. If the government really wants to help us, it should prioritise restaurant employees for vaccine allocation, he said.
Mae Sri Ruen has closed three restaurants permanently in the first half this year and plans to shutter two more restaurants soon.
Voralak Tulaphorn, chief marketing officer of the Mall Group Co, said it is quite difficult to ask all of the Mall's tenants to have two jabs.
"Could the CCSA ease the requirement to only one jab and one antigen test a month?" asked Ms Voralak.
Boonyong Tansakul, chief executive at Zen Corporation Plc, the operator of Zen, AKA, On the Table and Tummour chains, called for flexibility on the condition of two jabs.
Restaurateurs fume at new rules
Staff, customers must have 2 jabs and antigen tests weekly
published : 28 Aug 2021 at 06:44
People walk in the quiet Siam Paragon shopping centre as the government orders all malls in Bangkok and other provinces hit hardest by Covid-19 to close. (Photo: Arnun Chonmhatrakoo)
Restaurant and retail operators have vented their deep disappointment over the government's new directives, saying such requirements are impractical and unrealistic.
Leading restaurant chains such as Minor Food, the Mall Group, Zen Plc and Mae Sri Ruen restaurant all predict it is unlikely they can revive their business with the new guidelines issued by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday.
The CCSA lifted most restrictions on retail and dining from next month. Restaurants are allowed to resume dine-in services, with 75% capacity allowed for outdoor dining spaces and 50% for air-conditioned locations.
But all service staff at restaurants must have two doses of vaccine and be tested with antigen test kits every 5-7 days. The new guidelines also require customers to show proof of vaccination and have negative tests before entering restaurants.
"This means only a small number of customers will be allowed to dine in restaurants. We plan to only open restaurants where we already provide delivery," said Prapat Siangjan, chief operating officer of Minor Food Group.
Riverside Plaza Bangkok on Charoen Nakhon Road temporarily closes as diners queue for deliveries and takeaways.
"The new directive does not help restaurant operators as much as we hoped, so it is better to keep our 280 restaurants shuttered until more practical guidelines are provided. We will only open some branches when we are confident it will not lead to a loss."
Mr Prapat called on the government to relax the measure by reducing the staff requirement to one jab.
Chan Ruengrung, executive vice-president of Mae Sri Ruen restaurant chain, said that it is very difficult for both restaurant operators and customers to follow the new restaurant's guidelines.
"Thais love freedom. They will not be happy to take an antigen test every time they want to eat at a restaurant," he said. "This requirement is not practical because restaurants are never as crowded as supermarkets or convenience stores.
Mr Chan said roughly 50% of his restaurant staff received a first jab and none have a second shot.
"We believe many restaurateurs are in the same situation. If the government really wants to help us, it should prioritise restaurant employees for vaccine allocation, he said.
Mae Sri Ruen has closed three restaurants permanently in the first half this year and plans to shutter two more restaurants soon.
Voralak Tulaphorn, chief marketing officer of the Mall Group Co, said it is quite difficult to ask all of the Mall's tenants to have two jabs.
"Could the CCSA ease the requirement to only one jab and one antigen test a month?" asked Ms Voralak.
Boonyong Tansakul, chief executive at Zen Corporation Plc, the operator of Zen, AKA, On the Table and Tummour chains, called for flexibility on the condition of two jabs.
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- Aug 8, 2008
- Messages
- 28,843
- Points
- 113
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/s...with-tales-of-police-brutality-and-corruption
Drug suspect's death grips Thailand with tales of police brutality and corruption
The central figure in the case, besides the victim, is Police Colonel Thitisan Utthanaphon (left).PHOTO: EPA-EFE/ROYAL THAI POLICE
Published Aug 28, 2021, 8:09 pm SGT
BANGKOK - The death of a drug suspect who allegedly suffocated after police wrapped layers of plastic bags around his head during questioning has gripped Thailand, with reports emerging of police corruption, fast cars and unusual wealth.
The central figure in the case, besides the victim, is a senior police officer, Police Colonel Thitisan Utthanaphon, 39 - nicknamed "Joe Ferrari" for his penchant for sports cars.
The former Muang police station chief, who led the fatal interrogation, is now in custody after a two-day manhunt and has been sacked.
The case, which has triggered an uproar nationwide and intensified calls for overdue police reforms, arose because of a leaked video of the incident, which took place earlier this month at a Nakhon Sawan police station.
During a media conference on Thursday (Aug 26), National Police chief Suwat Jangyodsuk said the police would not protect wrongdoers even if they were members of the force.
"Everyone will be treated the same under the legal system. The police organisation must exist with people's trust," he said.
In an unprecedented move during the media conference, Col Thitisan was allowed to phone in and respond to questions from journalists for 15 minutes.
He admitted to mistreating the suspect but denied allegations of corruption. He said he had given orders for the interrogation tactics used on 24-year-old Jeerapong Thanapat, but said he "did not mean to kill" him.
"My intention was to get the information so I could destroy a drug business and protect the people of Nakhon Sawan. I made a mistake... I take sole responsibility," he said during the conference, comments which elicited more anger than sympathy online.
The leaked video, which was dated Aug 5, was reportedly filmed by a junior officer, and shows a group of officers wrapping plastic bags around the head of the suspect, who was arrested after he was found with 100,000 methamphetamine pills. It also shows the officers holding him down and beating him. They try to revive him when he becomes unresponsive.
Besides Col Thitisan, six other officers were arrested in relation to the death.
Local media alleged that Col Thitisan told his subordinates at the Nakhon Sawan police station to list the suspect's cause of death as a drug overdose.
The Bangkok Post, citing a whistleblower's complaint, said the suspect was also told to pay two million baht (S$83,000) for his release.
"As for (the alleged attempt to extort money), I swear by the amulet around my neck that I have never been involved in corruption," said Col Thitisan during Thursday's media conference.
But he went on the run in a Mini Cooper shortly after the video was released, said the Thai Enquirer. The former police chief turned himself in on Thursday in Chon Buri province, hundreds of kilometres from his station.
Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is now probing the former officer for abuse of authority and is looking into his lavish assets - which include a 60 million baht home as well as a collection of super cars. His salary was just 43,000 baht a month
On Wednesday, police raided his 86,000 sq ft house in the Klong Sam Wa district of Bangkok, and found 13 luxury cars. Local media reported that he owned dozens more, including a limited-edition Lamborghini Aventador valued at 47 million baht.
A source told the Bangkok Post that part of the former policeman's wealth came from trading edible bird's nest, a business he got into after meeting industry contacts in the course of drug suppression operations.
The video showed a man with a bag placed over his head while he was pinned down by four men. PHOTOS: SCREENGRAB FROM SITTRA/FACEBOOK
He also purportedly benefited from a Customs Department programme that rewards officers who assist in recovering illegally smuggled luxury cars with 40 per cent of the proceeds earned from the sale of each car, reported The Nation.
He helped in the confiscation of more than 300 illegal cars in the last 10 years, and could have earned up to 400 million baht in rewards.
The saga involving Col Thitisan has generated a storm, particularly among netizens and civil society, and the hashtag "Stop lying Joe" started trending the day after Thursday's media conference.
Some netizens drew comparisons with the death of Mr George Floyd, the African-American man who was murdered while in police custody in the United States. Mr Floyd's death sparked protests over racial injustice and police brutality in the United States.
Referring to the case in Thailand, Asia director at Human Rights Watch Brad Adams said that a prosecution fully independent of the Thai police was needed for "any hope of justice" for Mr Jeerapong.
"Successive Thai governments have a long history of failing to ensure accountability for even the most ghastly police abuses against people in custody," he said.
Public trust in the Thai justice system has also taken a hit over the years, especially after a long-drawn case involving the scion of the Red Bull energy drink empire who has yet to face up to fatal hit-and-run charges.
An investigation into the case showed that there was a conspiracy to shield Vorayuth Yoovidhya, also known by his nickname "Boss", from prosecution. An inquiry into the senior police officers, prosecutors, and investigators involved in the case is ongoing.
In the 2012 case, Vorayuth was accused of crashing his Ferrari into policeman Wichien Klanprasert and dragging the body of the victim for a distance before fleeing. Traces of alcohol and cocaine were found in Vorayuth's bloodstream, according to police.
An arrest warrant was eventually issued for him in April 2017, but by then he had fled abroad. The warrant was dropped in 2020, but following a public outcry, a new warrant was issued a month later.
Vorayuth is still on the run.
Drug suspect's death grips Thailand with tales of police brutality and corruption
The central figure in the case, besides the victim, is Police Colonel Thitisan Utthanaphon (left).PHOTO: EPA-EFE/ROYAL THAI POLICE
Published Aug 28, 2021, 8:09 pm SGT
BANGKOK - The death of a drug suspect who allegedly suffocated after police wrapped layers of plastic bags around his head during questioning has gripped Thailand, with reports emerging of police corruption, fast cars and unusual wealth.
The central figure in the case, besides the victim, is a senior police officer, Police Colonel Thitisan Utthanaphon, 39 - nicknamed "Joe Ferrari" for his penchant for sports cars.
The former Muang police station chief, who led the fatal interrogation, is now in custody after a two-day manhunt and has been sacked.
The case, which has triggered an uproar nationwide and intensified calls for overdue police reforms, arose because of a leaked video of the incident, which took place earlier this month at a Nakhon Sawan police station.
During a media conference on Thursday (Aug 26), National Police chief Suwat Jangyodsuk said the police would not protect wrongdoers even if they were members of the force.
"Everyone will be treated the same under the legal system. The police organisation must exist with people's trust," he said.
In an unprecedented move during the media conference, Col Thitisan was allowed to phone in and respond to questions from journalists for 15 minutes.
He admitted to mistreating the suspect but denied allegations of corruption. He said he had given orders for the interrogation tactics used on 24-year-old Jeerapong Thanapat, but said he "did not mean to kill" him.
"My intention was to get the information so I could destroy a drug business and protect the people of Nakhon Sawan. I made a mistake... I take sole responsibility," he said during the conference, comments which elicited more anger than sympathy online.
The leaked video, which was dated Aug 5, was reportedly filmed by a junior officer, and shows a group of officers wrapping plastic bags around the head of the suspect, who was arrested after he was found with 100,000 methamphetamine pills. It also shows the officers holding him down and beating him. They try to revive him when he becomes unresponsive.
Besides Col Thitisan, six other officers were arrested in relation to the death.
Local media alleged that Col Thitisan told his subordinates at the Nakhon Sawan police station to list the suspect's cause of death as a drug overdose.
The Bangkok Post, citing a whistleblower's complaint, said the suspect was also told to pay two million baht (S$83,000) for his release.
"As for (the alleged attempt to extort money), I swear by the amulet around my neck that I have never been involved in corruption," said Col Thitisan during Thursday's media conference.
But he went on the run in a Mini Cooper shortly after the video was released, said the Thai Enquirer. The former police chief turned himself in on Thursday in Chon Buri province, hundreds of kilometres from his station.
Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is now probing the former officer for abuse of authority and is looking into his lavish assets - which include a 60 million baht home as well as a collection of super cars. His salary was just 43,000 baht a month
On Wednesday, police raided his 86,000 sq ft house in the Klong Sam Wa district of Bangkok, and found 13 luxury cars. Local media reported that he owned dozens more, including a limited-edition Lamborghini Aventador valued at 47 million baht.
A source told the Bangkok Post that part of the former policeman's wealth came from trading edible bird's nest, a business he got into after meeting industry contacts in the course of drug suppression operations.
The video showed a man with a bag placed over his head while he was pinned down by four men. PHOTOS: SCREENGRAB FROM SITTRA/FACEBOOK
He also purportedly benefited from a Customs Department programme that rewards officers who assist in recovering illegally smuggled luxury cars with 40 per cent of the proceeds earned from the sale of each car, reported The Nation.
He helped in the confiscation of more than 300 illegal cars in the last 10 years, and could have earned up to 400 million baht in rewards.
The saga involving Col Thitisan has generated a storm, particularly among netizens and civil society, and the hashtag "Stop lying Joe" started trending the day after Thursday's media conference.
Some netizens drew comparisons with the death of Mr George Floyd, the African-American man who was murdered while in police custody in the United States. Mr Floyd's death sparked protests over racial injustice and police brutality in the United States.
Referring to the case in Thailand, Asia director at Human Rights Watch Brad Adams said that a prosecution fully independent of the Thai police was needed for "any hope of justice" for Mr Jeerapong.
"Successive Thai governments have a long history of failing to ensure accountability for even the most ghastly police abuses against people in custody," he said.
Public trust in the Thai justice system has also taken a hit over the years, especially after a long-drawn case involving the scion of the Red Bull energy drink empire who has yet to face up to fatal hit-and-run charges.
An investigation into the case showed that there was a conspiracy to shield Vorayuth Yoovidhya, also known by his nickname "Boss", from prosecution. An inquiry into the senior police officers, prosecutors, and investigators involved in the case is ongoing.
In the 2012 case, Vorayuth was accused of crashing his Ferrari into policeman Wichien Klanprasert and dragging the body of the victim for a distance before fleeing. Traces of alcohol and cocaine were found in Vorayuth's bloodstream, according to police.
An arrest warrant was eventually issued for him in April 2017, but by then he had fled abroad. The warrant was dropped in 2020, but following a public outcry, a new warrant was issued a month later.
Vorayuth is still on the run.
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https://thethaiger.com/news/nationa...f-covid-patients-doing-drugs-having-group-sex
Published on Friday, August 27, 2021 17:29 By narisasethi
Police raided a field hospital in central Thailand after reports that the Covid-19 patients were doing drugs and having orgies. A staff member at the field hospital in Samut Prakan, just southwest of Bangkok, told police the patients engaging in group sex and getting into fights where some patients were injured.
Officers from the Internal Security Operations Command dressed in personal protective gear raided the Samut Pra Ruamjai 5 where around 1,000 patients infected with Covid-19 are being treated. No illegal drugs were found, but officers did find 23 cartons of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, which they say, were smuggled into the facility.
Officials reviewed surveillance camera footage. Male and female patients are seen going to each other’s wards. It also appeared that some were doing drugs, but the footage is not clear and the patients could not be identified.
Field hospital raided after reports of Covid patients doing drugs, having group sex
Published on Friday, August 27, 2021 17:29 By narisasethi
Police raided a field hospital in central Thailand after reports that the Covid-19 patients were doing drugs and having orgies. A staff member at the field hospital in Samut Prakan, just southwest of Bangkok, told police the patients engaging in group sex and getting into fights where some patients were injured.
Officers from the Internal Security Operations Command dressed in personal protective gear raided the Samut Pra Ruamjai 5 where around 1,000 patients infected with Covid-19 are being treated. No illegal drugs were found, but officers did find 23 cartons of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, which they say, were smuggled into the facility.
Officials reviewed surveillance camera footage. Male and female patients are seen going to each other’s wards. It also appeared that some were doing drugs, but the footage is not clear and the patients could not be identified.
Have you done any char kuey teow youtube?
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I don't think so. Perhaps one day. Thank you for your support.
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