The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
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established 2000
Wednesday 6 November 2024
GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout
the region.  

Thai senate seeks
referendum on new constitution: Lese Majeste law

From News Reports:
Bangkok, February 12: The Senate is seeking a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution as dictated by the Referendum Act after the House of Representatives voted for an opposition-sponsored motion on November 3, 2022 to seek a referendum, reports the Bangkok Post.
Senators voted 151 for, 26 against, and 15 abstentions to form a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum that would pave the way for a rewrite of the constitution that includes the Lese Majeste law.
The Senate called on the government to hold a referendum on whether a new constitution should be drawn up by a charter drafting assembly made up of elected representatives, saying "the referendum should be arranged on the same day as the next general election that has tentatively been set for May 7 by the Election Commission (EC).
Senators were critical of voting for the formation of a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum, saying "It is a tactic to stall the referendum"
Sen Kittisak Rattanawaraha said he supported a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution, saying he disagreed with organising the referendum on the same day as the general election,
"This could confuse voters," he said.

The Southeast Asian Times

China calls emergency COVID-19 meeting with ASEAN in Laos
From News Reports:
Beijing, February 19: An emergency meeting of foreign ministers from China and the 10 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) that was proposed by China is to be held in Vientiane, Laos on Thursday and Friday to discuss the COVID-19 virus epidemic.
The COVID-19 virus has so far killed 1,869 and infected 73,336 in China and has spread to the 10 ASEAN member states.
The meeting that was proposed by China is reportedly intended to share information and to improve coordination between China and the 10 ASEAN member states in order to combat the COVID-19 virus.
China Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi is reportedly to discuss China's measures in countering the COVID-19 virus epidemic at the meeting in Laos, with focus on strengthening joint prevention and control measures against the virus.
The meeting is also to explore the idea of establishing a long term and effective collaboration mechanism on public health to safeguard the region, with China Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang saying " China and Asean countries have been in close communication since the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.
Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, who will be attending the emergency COVID-19 virus epidemic meeting, said that the meeting will be an opportunity for the foreign ministers to discuss measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
"The meeting will help strengthen cooperation between ASEAN member states in the midst of this global health threat," he said.
His said that Cambodia's participation in the emergency meeting that was proposed by China will demonstrate Cambodia’s support of China and confidence in the measures taken by the China government to address the coronavirus outbreak.
The Southeast Asian Times


Vietnam opens consulate in Macau

From News Reports:
Hanoi, January 9: Vietnam's Hong Kong Consulate General launched a consulate office in the Macau Special Administrative Region of China on Friday, reports the Vietnam News Service.
Consulate General of Hong Kong, Tran Than Huan, said at the launching ceremony that the office aims to better ensure the rights of Vietnamese citizens and tourists in the region.
He said that the consulate office in Macau will provide easier access to information about Vietnam, saying that
it would boost friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and Macau.
The Consulate General said that the office expected to recieve support from local organisations including the Vietnam Fellow Countrymen Friendship Association in Macau.
More than 20,000 Vietnamse are employed as domestic workers, in the service industry at Macau's casino's.
Vietnamese also operate tourist and services companies.
The Southeast Asian Times

US invites Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary to the White House

From News Reports:

Hanoi, July 6, 2015: The General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will visit the United States from July 6 to July 10 at the invitiation of the United States State Department in a "landmark" visit, Rueters reports.
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong will meet United States President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday.
Rueters quotes a se
nior state department official saying that the meeting between the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the President of the United States "would skirt protocol" because the General Secretary is "not part of a government".
"Obama saw the visit as crucial", Rueters reports the senior state department official as saying.
Rueters also quotes the senior state department official saying that "there was a broad agreement that it made sense to treat General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong as the visit of "the top leader of the country".
"It's a pretty big event," Rueters quotes the state department official as saying.
The Southeast Asian Times

France agrees to return Aboriginal remains home to Australia
From News Reports:
Canberra, November 25: French president Francois Hollande and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott have agreed to work together to return Aboriginal remains to Australia during the first official visit by a French head of state to Australia last week, reports Australian Associated Press.
The French head of state and the Australian prime minister said that a joint expert committee is to be established to help identify the origin of the Aboriginal remains held in France.
The head of state and prime minister said in a joint statement that the identification process would respect the sensitivities and values of the two countries and consider the requests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities including the French legal system.
"The French government will examine possible solutions to enable the return of the Aboriginal human remains to their community of origin." the statement said.
Australia believes the remains of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are being held in Museum collections around the world including in Europe and the
United States.
In 2010 a British museum agreed to return 138 sets of Aboriginal skeletal remains to Australia including the severed head of Australian Aboriginal warrior, Yagan, to the Noongar of South West Western Australia after being missing in action for about 177 years. Yagan was shot dead for his resistance to British settlement on the Swan river.
The Southeast Asian Times


"No " to proposal to delete religion from Indonesian national identity card

From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Islamic-based political party politicians oppose the proposal put by the newly selected Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, that national identity cards (KTP) do not include the religion of the car holder.
Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Aboebakar Al Habsy said that not to include the religion of the card holder on national identity cards (KTP)
contradicted the country’s founding philosophy of Pancasila
“If we believe that Pancasila is our state ideology and our national identity, then why should we be ashamed of including our religion on our national identity card," he said
Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo also proposed that the regious beliefs of Indonesian citizens be omitted from official government documents.
He said that the religion of Indonesian citizens on national identity cards (KTP) or in official government documents should not be imposed.
"It's up to the people", he said.
The Souheast Asian Times

The Wolf bridge: An insult to Thai monarchy
From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 31: Thai University students, Patiwat Saraiyaem, 23, and Pornthip Mankong, 26, were charged in the Ratrachada Court on Monday, with defamation of the Thai monarchy in a play titled "The Wolf Bridge" performed at the Thammasat university in October 2013, reports the Bangkok Post.
The students were charged with insulting the Royal Thai family in the fictional depiction of the monarchy in a play performed in commemoration of the 37th and 40th anniversaries of the October 6, 1976 and October 14, 1973 pro-democracy student uprisings at Thammasat University.
The prosecution cites nine passages from the plays's script, a work of fiction that depicts a fictional monarch, that allegedly insults the monarchy and as such is in violation of the lese majeste law.
Patiwat Saraiyaem, actor and Pornthip Mankong, producer of the play, in detention since arrested on 13 August, have been refused bail are scheduled to appear in court to enter pleas on December 29.
The Southeast Asian Times

World including
Asean PM's and Presidents to attend inauguaration of Indonesian president
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 18: World Prime ministers, Presidents and State representatives including US Secretary of State, John Kerry and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will attend the inauguaration of Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as President of Indonesiaon on Monday.
The speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Zulkifli Hasan said that representatives from the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member nations have also been invited to attend the swearing in of the former governor of Jakarta, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as president of Indonesia.
"The Prime Ministers and Presidents of Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and South Korea are also expected to attend", he said.
He said that the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has also invited "domestic VIP's" including former Presidents and Vice-Presidents.
“All chairpersons of political parties have also be invited,” said the speaker.
The Southeast Asian Times


Banned ISIS flag found flying in Aceh

From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 12: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) flag found flying from a coconut tree in Aceh on Sunday has been torn down, reports the Jakarta Post.
The discovery of the banned ISIS flag was reportedly the first in Aceh.
Police chief First Inspecter Azwan said that the flag of the nationally banned movement was discovered by chess players sitting at a food stall near the coconut tree in the Sungai Raya district of East Aceh regency in Aceh.
He said that a bomb disposal team inspected the area before the flag was taken down.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced Indonesia's rejection of the State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and banned the teaching of ISIL ideology in Indonesia last month at his parliamentary state-of-the-nation address and ahead of the 69th anniversary of Indonesias Independence.

The Southeast Asian Times


Singapore passes Trans- boundary Haze Pollution Act

From News Reports:
Singapore, August, 18: The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Act by the Singapore parliament last week will enable Singapore regulators to sue individuals or companies in neighbouring countries for causing severe air pollution in Singapore.
The Act that was first proposed in 2013 would enable Singapore to impose fines of up to S$2 million on companies that cause or contribute to transboundary haze pollution in Singapore.
Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said that under the Act, Singapore will have the legal right under the Objective Territorial Principle to take legal action against air polluters.
"While neighbouring countries have the sovereign right to exploit their natural resources in accordance with their policies they also have a responsibility to ensure that "slash and burn" agricultural practices do not cause damage to Singapore", he said.
The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Act gives Singapore the legal power to serve notices on those that do not have assets or a presence in Singapore.
Indonesia is yet to ratify an Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution that was signed by ASEAN member counries in November 2003 in order to
address haze pollution arising from land and forest fires.
A bill passed in the Indonesian House of Representatives in July 2013 gave the Indonesian goverment the power to seize assetts gained from illegal logging and illegal clearing of forests for palm oil plantations.
The new bill, designed to protect more than 13 million hectres from deforestation, gave the Indonesian government a mandate to establish a task force including police to monitor the prevention and eradication of deforestation.
The Southeast Asian Times

Papua Biak massacre remembered in Sydney
with 136 white carnations
From News Reports:
Sydney, July 5: A ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of the Biak Massacre in West Papua ua on 6 July 1998 will be held at the Waverley Cliffs cemetery in Sydney on Sunday.
The Waverley Cliffs community will throw 136 white carnations from the waverley cliffs into the Pacific Ocean in memory of the Biak massacre.
A citizens tribunal, hosted by the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) at the University of Sydney last year on the 15th anniversary of the Biak massacre found that 136 West Papuan protesters were thrown into the sea by Indonesian security forces.
The tribunal heard eye witness testimony that the West Papuan demand for the right to vote for independence from Indonesia was met with gunfire by Indonesian security forces.
Survivors of the massacre told the international team of jurists that the unarmed West Papuan protesters were surrounded and shot by Indonesian security forces and that survivors were thrown into the sea on 6 July 1998.

The Southeast Asian Times


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New Indonesian Human Rights Ministry seeks Catholic Church support for human rights programs

Indonesia's newly inaugurated Human Rights Minister, Natalius Pigai, and former National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) commissioner says ''there must be a distinction between the Ministry of Human Rights and National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM)'' at East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday November 2, 2024

From News Reports:
Indonesia, November 4, Indonesia's newly inaugurated Human Rights Minister said that newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto seeks Catholic Church support through strategic partnerships to support human rights programs, saying at the ordination of the Bishop of Labuan Bajo, Monsignor Maximilianus Rex, in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai district, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday, ''the Ministry of Human Rights will develop human rights,'' reports Antara.
Indonesia's new Human Rights Minister, Natalius Pigai, who is also the former commissioner of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) said there is no overlap of duties and authorities between his new ministry and the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), saying that his new Human Rights Ministry has different functions and roles than the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).
Newly inugurated Human Rights Minister, Natalius Pigai, said ''support of the Catholic Church is needed so that the implementation of government programs and policies under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and vice-president Gibran Rakabuming Raka can reach the community.''
"It is impossible to reach the people who need help without the church's support," he said.
He said that President Prabowo Subianto has expressed his gratitude to Catholics who always maintain security conduciveness and always respect the government work programs.
West Manggarai acting district head, Ondy Christian Saigian said that he expects the partnership between the government and the Catholic church will continue to run well with the ordination of the first Bishop of Labuan Bajo, Monsignor Maximilianus Rex, in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai district, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday.
"We know that development must be carried out together, both by the government, the community, and religious elements, in this case, the diocese," he said.
He said that the existence of a diocese will maintain tolerance and diversity in Labuan Bajo, saying ''we know that Labuan Bajo is an international and national tourist destination in Indonesia.''
Newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto established the new ministry of Human Rights, inaugurating, Natalius Pigai,
Minister of Human Rights on October 22 with new ministry of Human Rights, Natalius Piga, saying ''the Ministry of Human Rights is tasked with drafting and issuing human rights policies.''
''We aim to build a human rights-based Indonesia, human rights-based policies, and human rights-based developments, hence the creation of the Ministry of Human Rights,'' he said.

The Southeast Asian Times

Home of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew to be assessed for historical significance after calls for demolition

Lee Hsien Yang, youngest son of late former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, submitted applicatiojn for demolition of family home 38 Oxley Road Singapore Friday October 15, 2024

From News Reports:
Singapore, October 5: The Singapore National Heritage Board (NHB) is to assess the historical significance of the former home of Singapore's late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, after the death of his daughter, Dr Lee Wei Ling, who has resided at the family home in Singapore since the death of her father on March 23, 2015.
Daughter of Singapore's late founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, resided at the family home on 38 Oxley Road until her death on October 9, 2024 despite calls by her brother former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, and brother Lee Hsien Yang to demolish the property.
The late Dr Lee Wei Ling alleged that her brother's actions contradicted their father's wishes, a claim she reiterated until she died on October 9, 2024, referring to her elder brother former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as a dishonourable son, arguing that he had failed to honour the late former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s explicit instructions for 38 Oxley Road.
Singapore's late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew had written a letter to the Singapore Cabinet on December 27, 2011
acknowledging that Cabinet members had unanimously agreed that the house on 38 Oxley Road should not be demolished.
"I have reflected on this and decided that if 38 Oxley Road is to be preserved its foundation must be reinforced and the entire building refurbished. It should then be leased out for people to live in, as an empty building will soon deteriorate," he wrote.
In March 2012 L he submitted renovation and redevelopment plans for the property and received approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
The Singapore National Heritage Board (NHB) is to assess the historical significance of the home of Singapore's late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan after a formal application for demolition of the property was submitted by the youngest of his three children, Lee Hsien Yang after the passing of his sister Dr Lee Wei Ling last month.
Lee Hsien Yang reiterated his commitment to his father’s last will a week after the passing of his sister saying that he had a
''legal and moral duty as the sole living executor to carry out Lee Kuan Yew’s wish to demolish the house on 38 Oxley Road once Dr Lee Wei Ling vacated it.''
In July 2017 about 300 family members of the late and former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew,
called for an independent inquiry into the family dispute over plans to block the demolition of the home of their father
who had stated in his will "that the house was to be torn down in order to avoid the building of a personality cult."
The family has accused the then current Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, and son of the late former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew of "capitalising on their father's legacy for his own political agenda including grooming his son as a future leader."
Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew has denied the allegations, saying that he was "deeply saddened" by the claims and called them "completely untrue". He said that he would not sue his siblings.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesian Sea and Coast Guard expell China Coast Guard ship from North Natuna Sea in Riau Islands

Indonesian Sea and Coast Guard unit onboard KN Pulau Dana-323 expell China Coast Guard ship CCG-5402 from the North Natuna Sea in the Riau Islands on Thursday October 24, 2024

From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 4: The Indonesian Sea and Coast Guard unit expelled China Coast Guard ship CCG-5402 from the North Natuna Sea in the Riau Islands, claimed by China to be part of the South China Sea on October 24, with Indonesian Coast Guard
spokesperson, saying ''this is not the first time the CCG-5402 has attempted to enter Indonesian waters,'' reports Antara.
Indonesian Coast Guard spokesperson, Captain Yuhanes Antara, said that Chinese coast guard ship CCG-5402 has made several attempts to enter the North Natuna Sea in October, saying ''the Indonesian Coast Guard will continue to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining security and enforcing the law in Indonesian waters and jurisdiction.''
''The Indonesian Coast Guard is ready to secure the Indonesian sea for the future of the nation," he said.
Indonesian Coast Guard spokesperson, Captain Yuhanes Antara, said ''the Chinese coast guard ship CCG-5402 had not only entered the jurisdiction of Indonesian waters but had also disrupted the Arwana 3D Seismic survey and data processing activities.''
''Indonesian Coast Guard ship (KN) Pulau Dana-323 approached and shadowed the China coast guard ship CCG-5402 that had entered North Natuna Sea on Friday,'' he said
He said that the China coast guard ship CCG-5402 had said during communication with (KN) Pulau Dana-323 that '' China coast guard ship CCG-5402 was patrolling in Chinese jurisdiction.''
''The China coast guard ship CCG-5402 warned the Indonesian vessel not to get to close,'' he said.
He said Indonesian vessel (KN) Pulau Dana-323 ignored the warning, saying ''the (KN) Pulau Dana-323 and Indonesian Navy patrol ship KRI Sutedi Senaputra-378 and KRI Bontang-907 prevented the China coast guard ship CCG-5402 from entering the North Natuna Sea.''
He said the action taken by KN Pulau Dana-323 was appropriate, saying ''the North Natuna Sea in the Riau Islands is not under China's jurisdiction.''
''Indonesia has sovereign rights under UNCLOS 1982 to exploit and explore natural resources in the Norther Natuna Sea without being disturbed by other countries," he said.
In June 2020 Indonesia became the fifth Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member state after the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia, to challenge China's claim of sovereignty over the South China Sea with Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi rejecting China’s historical claim to the North Natuna Sea in he Riau Islands on the grounds that China's fishing fleet has been historically active in the Natuna Sea.
''We urge China to explain the legal basis and provide a clear definition for its claim over the Natuna Sea," said Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Indonesia's rights over the Natuna Sea region have been confirmed under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
China's Foreign Ministery spokesman, Geng Shuang, rejected the Indonesian claim over the North Natuna Sea, saying ''the North Natuna Sea is not under Indonesian sovereignty.''
''The Natuna Sea is a high sea where coastal countries have sovereign rights over natural resources," he said.
"So whether Indonesia accepts it or not, nothing will change the objective fact that China has rights and interests over Natuna waters,” he said.
The Southeast Asian Times


Thailand opposition calls for annulment of 2001 MoU with Cambodia in oil and gas development in Gulf of Thailand

Members of opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) including Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala, third from right, ML Kornkasiwat Kasemsri, second from left, called for annulment of 2001 MoU with Cambodia on joint development of Gulf oil and gas resources in disputed territorial waters in the Gulf of Thailand at a press conference at the Thailand Parliament on Wednesday October 30, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 3: Opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) that lost the May 2023 general election winning only 40 seats of 500 seats in the House of representatives, has called on new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to revoke a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia on joint development of oil and gas resources in a disputed area of the Gulf of Thailand before gas exploration talks with Cambodia, with PPRP executive member, saying ''Revoke the 2001 MoU and do it swiftly,'' reports the Bangkok Post.
The opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) academic committee Member of Parliament, Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala said at a press conference at the Thailand Parliament on Wedneday that ''the 2001 MoU indicated that Thailand and Cambodia acknowledged an area in the Gulf of Thailand for joint development.''
''The MoU also accepted Cambodia's territorial claim made in 1972 to half of Koh Kut island in Trat province,'' he said.
Member of Parliament, Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala, who is also a former finance minister said ''I have no problem with the government’s intention to discuss joint investment with Cambodia.''
''But I will object if the government uses the 2001 MoU as a famework for the discussions,'' he said.
He said that the government use of the 2001 MoU for discussion of joint investment with Cambodia is not only illegal but would also result in territorial loss for Thailand.
The opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) executive member ML Kornkasiwat Kasemsri also called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to revoke the 2001 MoU as soon as possible, saying ''a Cambodian map attached to the 2001 MoU includes the sea off Trat Province and Koh Kut island and Thailand territory.''
''The Cambodian map claims over 26,000 square kilometers that are not legally acknowledged,'' he said.
He said that that the Cambodian map attached to the 2001 MoU shows an unfair division of sea territory off Trat, Koh Kut, and Thailand territory.
''Revoke the 2001 MoU and do it swiftly,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Bangkok Criminal Court dismisses Lese Majeste Law charges: Princess Chulabhorn not an heir to throne

Bangkok Criminal Court dismissed Lese Majeste Law charges against Thidaporn Chaokuwiang on Wednesday October 30, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok November 2: The Bangkok Criminal Court dismissed Lese Majeste Law charges against Thidaporn Chaokuwiang, for defaming Princess Chulabhorn in two video advertising campaigns for Lazada, owned by the China Alibaba Group in May 5, 2022, with the Court ruling that ''Princess Chulabhorn is not an heir to the throne,'' reports the Bangkok Post.
Thidaporn Chaokuwiang was charged under Lese Majeste Law, Articles 112 and 116 of the Criminal Code and Computor Crimes Act for defaming the Thailand monarchy and violation of the Computer Crimes Act with two others involved in the video advertising campaigne for Lazada, owned by the China Alibaba Group.
Thidaporn Chaokuwiang, Aniwat Prathumthin and Kittikhun Thamakitirat were accused of defaming Queen Sirikit and Princess Chulabhorn in two video advertising campaignes for Lazada, owned by China's Alibaba Group tha was released on TikTok on May 5, 2022.
The first video features Thidaporn Chaokuwiang, wearing tradition Thai dress resembling Princess Chulabhorn, sitting in a wheelchair, with Kittikhun Thamakitirat also wearing tradition Thai dress resembling Queen Sirikit, standing next to the wheelchair, as Aniwat Prathumthin gives her a whitening skincare product from Lazada owned by China's Alibaba Group.
The second video features Thidaporn Chaokuwiang, again wearing traditional Thai dress and resembling Princess Chulabhorn and again sitting in a wheelchair, with Aniwat Prathumthin accusing Thidaporn Chaokuwiang of stealing her clothes and recommending that Aniwat Prathumthin purchase clothing from Lazada, owned by China's Alibaba Group during the May 5, 2022 advertising campaign.
The promotional video ends with Thidaporn Chaokuwiang getting up from her wheelchair in shock.
Bangkok Criminal Court dismissed Lese Majeste Law charges against Thidaporn Chaokuwiang, for an advertisement that defamed Princess Chulabhorn on grounds that Princess Chulabhorn is not an heir to the throne, ruling that ''under the Palace Law of Succession an heir must be appointed by King Vajiralongkorn.''
''Princess Chulabhorn is not an heir to the throne and therefore not covered by the Lese Majeste Law,'' the Criminal Court ruled
In December 2023 the Bangkok Criminal Court dismissed Lese Majeste Law charges against Aniwat Prathumthin on grounds that the content of the two videos did not constitute an offence, with the Criminal Court ruling that ''the videos were produced as a marketing campaign and did not contain anti monarchy symbols.
The Bangkok Criminal Court ruled that the two videos use normal speech, saying ''the videos did not contain the coat of arms of a member of the royal family and anyone can wear traditional Thai dress .''
''The two videos were deemed not defamatory against Thailand royalty because those involved only playing a role to promote their products,'' the Criminal Court ruled.
The Bangkok Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Kittikhun Thamakitirat who has fled Thailand and is seeking asylum
abroad.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia gives amnesty to Papua New Guinea protesters contesting Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua


Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, left, and newly inaugurated Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, right,
in Jakarta on Sunday October 20, 2024

From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 1: Indonesia offered amnesty to Papua New Guinea protesters against Indonesia's sovereignty over West Papua with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, saying ''Papua New Guinea will continue to respect Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua, reports the National.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, said that he commended the offer made by Indonesian President
Prabowo Subianto, for amnesty for Papua New Guinea protesters who contested Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua, saying ''this is the first time for me to see openness on West Papua."
Papua New Guinea was among the nations allocated time for a bilateral discussion with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto after the inauguration in Jakarta on October 20.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, said that bilateral discussion on Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua ''were frank and open.''
''This is the first time I have seen openness on West Papua,'' he said.
Prime Minister, James Marape said that Papua New Guinea had no right to debate Indonesia’s internal sovereignty over West Papua, saying his advice to new Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, was to ''give respect to West Papuan land and cultural heritage.''
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, reaffirmed his intention to work with new Indonesian President
Prabowo Subianto, in expanding trade and investment in business-to-business and people-to-people relations with Indonesia.
Indonesia was admitted as a full member to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in Honiara in the Solomon Islands in June 2015, with the admittance of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) that represents independence from Indonesia as an observer.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) that represents independence from Indonesia failed in its bid for full membership to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and was instead granted observer status on condition that the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) only represent West Papuans living outside West Papua.
Indonesia is represented in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) that includes member countries Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) by elected officials of its Melanesian provinces including West Province.
In Septembet 2019 thousands of Papua New Guinea protesters marched on the capital Port Moresby in support of the West Papuan call for a referendum for Independence from Indonesia and in support of the inclusion of West Papua as a full member in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) inter-governmental regional group of Melanesian states under the banner "we are not free when out brothers and sisters are dying"
Indonesia prevented the Melanesian Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) from the accepting West Papua's proposal for full membership in the West Papua in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) from succeeding.
Indonesia's Security Minister, Djoko Suyanto reportedly said in October 2011 that West Papua will remain part of Indonesia with special autonomy its only option for those who want independence.
“Any party proclaiming a new state, a new cabinet, a new president, a new government must be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Kamisan call on new Indonesian President to investigate abduction of pro-democracy activists in 1998

Maria Catarina Sumarsih at he 837th Kamisan (Thursday) at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta urged the government to investigate the 1998 abduction of pro-democracy activists on Thursday October 24, 2024

From News Report:
Jakarta, October 31: National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) activists held the 837th Kamisan (Thursday) against the violation of human rights at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Thursday October 24, with Kamisan (Thursday) Maria Catarina Sumarsih, saying ''the 837th Kamisan (Thursday) is the first held since Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, 73, former commander in the Special Detachment 88 anti-terror squad in the New Order regime of former president Suharto was inaugurated the 8th president of Indonesia on October 21, reports Reuters.
Kamisan, Thursday) Maria Catarina Sumarsih, urged the Indonesian government to investigate all cases of past human rights violations, including the abduction of pro-democracy activists and students in 1998.
''Indonesia is now led by President Prabowo Subianto, the mastermind of the abduction of the '98 activists,'' she said.
She said that President Prabowo Subianto had formed the Rose Team to abduct the pro-democracy activists in 1998 , saying ''the Rose Team was created by the Indonesian Army special forces (Kopassus) that conducted special operation missions for the Indonesian government.''
She said that the Kamisan (Thursday) will not tire of voicing demands so that the perpetrators of past human rights violations are brought to trial, saying ''we'll see what kind of development there are under new President Prabowo Subianto.''
She said that new President Prabowo Subianto formed the new Human Rights Ministry (HAM), saying the formation of the new Human Rights Ministry (HAM) is a waste of state budget, saying ''gross human rights violations can only be resolved through
the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), an independent institution.
"The new Human Rights Ministry (HAM) that was formed by President Prabowo Subianto is not necessary,'' she said.
Kamisan (Thursday) Maria Catarina Sumarsih, called on Indonesia Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, to provide clarification of his statement that the abductions in 1998 were not a gross human rights violation.
The Kamisan (Thursday) called on Indonesia Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra to immediately provide a clarification of his statement in the form of an official statement that is complete, comprehensive and clear.
The Kamisan also called on the Attorney General to form an ad hoc Investigation team into the 1998 events that have been investigated by Komnas HAM as regulated in Article 21 Paragraph (3) of Law Number 26/2000 on Human Rights Courts.
The Southeast Asian Times

Charges against seven involved in
Tak Bai massacre dismissed on expiration 20 year statute of limitations

Tak Bai community members call for justice at the mass grave for victims of the October 25, 2004 Tak Bai massacre in Narathiwat province Thailand, Friday October 25, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 30: The Narathiwat provincial court in Southern Thailand dismissed all charges against seven defendants involved in the Tak Bai massacre on October 25, 2024 after the defendants failed to appear at the court for trial before the expiration of the 20-year statute of limitations on Friday October 25, 2024, reports Reuters.
All charges against the seven defendants including murder, attempted murder and the unlawful detention of Malay-Muslims.
at the Tak Bai Massacre on October 25, 2004 were dismissed after the former Royal Thai Armed Forces, Royal Thai Police and Interior Ministry officials failed to attend the Narathiwat provincial court in Southern Thailand on Friday.
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued a public apology on Thursday on behalf of the government to the victims and their families for their loss.
''The Thailand Constitution did not allow the government to extend the statute of limitations to give the police more time to arrest the accused,'' she said.
Cross Cultural Foundation, co-founder and senior advisor Somchai Homlaor said that the Royal Thai Police claimed that they had done everything possible to find the seven former Royal Thai Armed Forces, Royal Thai Police and Interior Ministry officials, saying ''the failure to find the defendants will add to the impression of racial and religious bias and impunity for the well-connected.''
''That confirms the belief of the people in the south that the criminal justice system in Thailand is still under military influence, especially if the wrongdoers are high-ranking government officials or influential people,” he said.
On October 25, 2004 more than 1,500 Malay-Muslims protested outside the Tak Bai Police Station in Narathiwat Province in southern Thailand demanding the release of six village defence volunteers that police had accused of providing insurgents government-issued shotguns.
About 1,000 members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police surrounded the Tak Bai police station responding to the protesters with water canon, tear gas, batons and with live ammunition that killed seven.
At least 78 of the 85 protesters who died on October 25, 2004 died from suffocation after they were stacked one atop the other in military trucks for about six hours for transportation to the Ingkhayutthaborihan army camp in the Nong Chik district of Pattani province, 140 kilometres away.
The Southeast Asian Times


ASEAN members Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam partnership with BRICS will not effect US relationship

Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit in Kazan, Russia Oct 22 to 24, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 29: Association of South East Asian (ASEAN) members Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam say partnership with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) with Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the The United Arab Emirates (UAE) joining in January should not effect their established United States relations at the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia on Thursday with the foreign minister of Thailand saying ''Thailand hoped to join BRICS in August next year,'' reports Reuters.
Thailand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maris Sangiampongsa, said at the "Brics and the Global South: Building a Better World Together" three day summit that was attended by 36 countries, ''Thailand believed Brics could be a voice for developing and emerging economies.''
''Thailand and Brics could collaborate to revise the global system to work for all nations not just the most powerful,'' he said.
Malaysia Minister for Economics, Rafizi Ramli, said ''we see tremendous synergies between ASEAN and BRICS.''
''Malaysia assumes the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on January 1,'' he said.
He said that barriers to obtaining development finances and a growing global debt as reasons for joining the intergovernmental grouping BRICS, saying ''for Malaysia, BRICS is not just a rejection of these constraints, but it is also a solution.''
''Malaysia’s decision to join BRICS was not meant to reject American currency but instead aimed at reducing the risk of Malaysian ringgit instability,'' he said.
Indonesia Foreign Minister Sugiono said that Indonesia's decision to apply to join BRICS is a manifestation of our free and active foreign policy,”
''It does not mean we align with any specific bloc but rather that we actively participate in all forums,'' he said.
Director General for ASEAN Cooperation, Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro said ASEAN members joining other alliances would not affect or reduce the centrality of ASEAN, saying ''ASEAN members have been free to develop cooperation with other parties.''
He said that ASEAN has never been monopolized by ASEAN alone, saying ''ASEAN has always facilitated various mechanisms operating in the Southeast Asian region.''
He said that ASEAN member countries do not have a common foreign policy, saying ''ASEAN has a regional mechanisms to develop cooperation based on common interests.''
''ASEAN is a regional institution and not a supranational body,'' he said.
Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said ''Vietnam is ready to work with BRICS,'' at the BRICS Summit, saying
Viet Nam stands ready to work with BRICS countries and the international community to realise the idea of working together to build a better world for all.''
Vietnam is one of 30 countries that has express interest in becoming a BRICS partner under the ''BRICS Partner Country Category.''
In September 2023 the United States and Vietnam signed a Comprehensive Stategic Partnership agreement at the headquarters of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee in Hanoi that committed Vietnam to 'four no's'' in Vietnam's National Defence White Paper.
The National Defence White Paper 2019 reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to the "three no's" defence policy that were included in the three previous National Defence White Papers in 1998, 2004, and 2009, and that the National Defence White Paper 2019 includes a fourth commitment to the reaffirmaton of Vietnam's non-participation in military alliances.
The new National Defence White Paper 2019 reaffirms that Vietnam will not join military alliances with another country, will not align with one country against another and will not allow foreign military bases on Vietnamese soil and also the fourth commitment that Vietnam will not use force or threaten to use force in international relations.
The Southeast Asian Times

 

Commonwealth member nations adopt Commonwealth Ocean Declaration in the Pacific

Commonwealth nations adopted the first Commonwealth Ocean Declaration in the Pacific at the closing of the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa on Saturday October 26, 2024

From News Reports:
Samoa, October 28: Commonwealth member nations adopted the first Commonwealth Ocean Declaration in the Pacific at the closing of the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa on Saturday calling on all 56 Commonwealth nations to protect the ocean in he face of severe climate, pollution and over exploitation, with the Prime Minister of Samoa saying ''it was fitting for our first ocean declaration to be adopted in the Blue Pacific,'' report Associated Press.
Samoa Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, said that ''climate change has been recognised as the single greatest threat to the security and well-beling of out people.''
''The Commonwealth Ocean Declaration in the Pacific must become a line in the sand for the world to collectively transform ocean exploitation into protection and sustainable stewardship,'' he said.
The Commonwealth Ocean Declaration recognises maritime boundaries amid the rise in sea-level, the proection of 30 percent of oceans and restoring degraded marine ecosystems by 2030 and the urgent finalization of the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty for the elimination of plastic pollution.
The Commonwealth Ocean Declaration calls for the ratification of the high-seas biodiversity treaty, the development of coastal climate adaption plans and strengthening support for sustainable blue economies.
Outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland said that the Commonwealth was immensely proud of the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, saying the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, sets the standard for forthcoming international meetings.''
''The Commonwealth Ocean Declaration generates momentum for ocean protection as we head towards COP29 in Azerbaijan in November, and next year's UN Ocean Conference,'' she said.
She said that more than half of the 59 Commonwealth's members are small nations, many of them low-lying islands at risk from rising sea levels caused by climate change, saying "what the Ocean Declaration seeks to do and to say is that once your marine boundaries are fixed, they’re fixed in perpetuity."
"This is incredibly important because it will give real hope to many who are frightened and are feeling no one’s watching, no one's listening, no one’s caring – and that’s not true,'' she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

King Charles III falls short of an apology for Britian's role in slavery
at CHOGM in Samoa

Britain's King Charles III at the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM in his new role as Head of the Commonwealth in Apia, Samoa on Friday October 25, 2024

From News Reports:
Samoa, October 27: Britain's King Charles III, said at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa on Friday, in his new role as Head of the Commonwealth, ''I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,'' with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejecting calls for repatriation and an apology for Britain's role in transatlantic slavery, reports Reuters.
King Charles III said at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM attended 56 Commonwealth nations ''none of us can change the past,'' saying ''but we can commit with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure.''
''It is vital, therefore, that we understand our history,'' he said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected calls for repatriation and an apology for Britain's role in transatlantic slavery, at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM on Friday, saying he wanted ''to look forward rather than look backward.''
The British Prime Minister rejected calls for repatriation for Britain's historic role in transatlantic slavery and ruled out an apology, saying at the CHOGM leaders meeting that he was aware that there were some calls for reparations.
''In my view countries should work together to ensure the future was not in the shadow of the past but is illuminated by it,'' he said.
Bahamas, one of 15 member states of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) Foreign Minister, Frederick Mitchell, said on Thursday that a CHOGM draft conclusion has called for a discussion on an apology and on reparations for Britains role in transatlantic slavery.
''The Caribbean Community want the conversation to start,'' he said.
Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) slavery repatriation commission vice chair, Eric Phillips, who is seeking reparations from former colonial powers, Britian, France and Portugal, said that he did not understand the relevance of the Commonwealth if British Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejects calls for repatriation and an apology.
The Southeast Asian Times


CHOGM secretary-general candidate warns against Commonwealth containing China in the Pacific

Patricia Scotland, outgoing Secretary General of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOCM at CHOGM Samoa 2024 in Apia Samoa on Wednesday October 23, 2024

From News Reports:
Samoa, October 26: The 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM Samoa 2024 on the South Pacific Island of Samoa includes the election of a new Commonwealth Secretary-General, with secretary-general candidate, Shirley Botchwey, warning against the Commonwealth attempting to contain China in the Pacific, saying ''the Commonwealth shouldn't be involved in countering China,'' reports Reuters.
Ghana former foreign minister, secretary general candidate, Shirley Botchwey, is one of three contenders vying to replace Patricia Scotland as secretary-general of the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat at CHOGM Samoa 2024 from 21 to 26 October.
Secretary general candidate, Shirley Botchwey, said that some Commonwealth members had decided to engage with China, saying ''and they have very good reason why they do that.''
''I believe the best that the Commonwealth can do is to give the Commonwealth members the tools to be able to negotiate very well,'' she said.
''But apart from that, I do not see how the Commonwealth can influence a country’s relationship with China, because these are sovereign countries,'' she said.
Gambia former foreign minister, secretary-general contender, Mamadou Tangara, said it was for individual countries to choose how they dealt with China, saying ''I don’t think the Commonwealth should be thinking of trying to counter the influence of a country or an organisation.''
''The Commonwealth should make sure that it has more influence before it competes with another country or another organisation.”
Lesotho, former trade minister, secretary-general contender, Joseph Setipa, said that sovereign independent states have the liberty to decide their bilateral relations, saying ''it becomes a Commonwealth issue if those relationships begin to undermine the Commonwealth.''
''As Secretary-General, I would stay away from that, unless it creates a direct challenge to the implementation of the Commonwealth Charter,'' he said.
''Then it becomes a Commonwealth issue,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times


Pastor of Kingdom of Jesus Christ church in Philippines denies sexual abuse at Senate Committee hearing

Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Pastor, Apollo Quiboloy, at Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality hearing in Manila Wednesday October 23, 2024

From News Reports:
Manila, October 25: The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who was arrested on September 8 for money laundering, child sexual abuse and human trafficking, denied sexual abuse accusations made by Teresita Valdehueza, 48, at the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality hearing, saying ''there is no truth to what they are saying,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''Did you sexually abuse the women and minors and did you use religion as a ploy to sexually abuse them?'' asked Senator Risa Hontiveros at the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality hearing on Wednesday.
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy claimed there was no truth in the accusations saying, ''if they have criminal charges against me, they are free to file charges and I will face them in a proper forum just like I’m doing right now.''
Teresita Valdehueza, 48, said at the hearing on Wednesday that she was just 17 when she joined the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), saying ''I revered Apollo Quiboloy.''
''Apollo Quiboloy was considered as God's anointed and his words held absolute authority,'' she said.
''I respected him deeply, viewing him as truly a man of God.'' she said.
''Apollo Quiboloy had explained that God had revealed to him that I was to partake in God’s life by surrendering my body, soul and spirit to him,'' she said.
She said it was out of fear that she obeyed Apollo Quiboloy, saying ''a fear that he might know that I pretended to be extremely grateful that I was allowed to be part of his life.''
Teresita Valdehueza, 48 told the hearing that other girls had surrendered their body, soul and spirit to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for money laundering, child sexual abuse and human trafficking on Sunday, 8 September ending a 16-day siege at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City, Mindanao in the southern Philippines.
He faces charges under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and a non-bailable human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208.
On August 7, 2024 the Philippine Court of Appeals issued a freeze order on bank accounts and assets of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), including 10 bank accounts, seven properties and five vehicles and an aircraft in the name of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The freeze order also includes 47 bank accounts, 16 real properties and 16 motor vehicles in the name of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), 17 bank accounts, five real properties and 28 motor vehicles in the name of Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC), and 23 bank accounts, one property and four motor vehicles in the name of Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. (CJFI)
The freeze order also includes 76 bank accounts in the name of nine Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) patrons.
The Philippine Court of Appeals said that allegations verified by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) with supporting documents give ''reasonable ground to believe that the bank accounts are linked to the crimes under the Philippines and the United States laws.''
The Southeast Asian Times


Opposition MP calls for privatisation of businesses run by the Royal Thai Armed Forces

People's Party Member of Parliament for Chachoengsao, Jirat Thongsuwan, demands reform of business operated by the Royal Thai Armed Forces at a seminar conducted by the Parliamentary Committee on Military Affairs ''In search of Thai military's gigantic treasures'' at the Thammasat University Bangkok on Saturday October 12, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, Thursday 24: Thailand opposition People's Party, formally the Move Forward Party, demands reform of business operated by the Royal Thai Armed Forces, calling for insolvency, privatisation, restructuring and transfer to other agencies, with People's Party Member of Parliament for Chachoengsao, saying ''the Thai military is engaged in a range of businesses from A to Z,'' reports Thai PBS World.
People's Party Member of Parliament for Chachoengsao, Jirat Thongsuwan, said ''the Thai military is engaged in business from toothpicks to warships both known and unknown.''
''The military also operates public transportation services and offers cremation-at-sea services through the Navy at the Sattahip Naval Base,” he said.
A seminar conducted by the Parliamentary Committee on Military Affairs titled ''In search of Thai military's gigantic treasures'' at the Thammasat University on October 12, revealed that the Royal Thai Armed Forces and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Defense Ministry owned 6.5 million rai (2.56 million acres) of land, 200 licenses of radio, television, digital TV transmission, and telecommunication networks, 61 golf courses, more than 20 hotels, and resorts, 371 attractive sites, oil wells and a refinery facility, a pharmaceutical factory, more than 200 retail shops and gas stations, and stakes in the aviation industry and portfolio investment in many sectors including banking and insurance.
People's Party Member of Parliament for Chachoengsao, Jirat Thongsuwan, said that the Royal Thai Armed Forces runs agricultural businesses, ranging from cricket farms and organic rice cultivation to food processing, saying ''numerous other investments fall outside the military’s core responsibilities.''
''Investments outside the military highlight the military's extensive involvement in commercial activities beyond its primary defence role,'' he said.
Bangkok Chulalongkorn University, Associate Professor at the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Political Science, Puangthong R. Pawakapan said ''the main concern was that the Royal Thai Armed Forces operated these businesses without legitimacy, efficiency, transparency and accountability.''
She said that utilising national resources such as land, property, budget, and manpower, the military often claims that these revenues are used to support their personnel, and sometimes they argue that certain operations enable the military to be self-sufficient.
''Yet, we often hear reports that lower-ranking soldiers are heavily exploited. So, where does this income disappear ? she said.
The Southeast Asian Times
 

Senator calls on visiting British monarchs to give indigenous Australians a treaty

Australian Indigenous Senator, Lidia Thorp escorted from the Australian parliament by security guards shouting ''you are not our king'' at visiting British King Charles 111 and Queen Camilla on Monday October 21, 2024

From News Reports:
Canberra, October 22: Australian Indigenous Senator, Lidia Thorp, disrupted a welcome ceremony for British King Charles 111 and Queen Camilla at the Australian Parliament in Canberra on Monday shouting, ''Give us a treaty,'' reports the Associated Press.
'You committed genocide against our people,'' she shouted
''Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us, our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people," Senator Lidia Thorp shouted.
Indigenous Senator, Lidia Thorp, shouted at British King Charles 111 and Queen Camilla in Parliament House after
King Charles III delivered a speech that included his time as a student in Australia and Australia's vulnerability to the climate crisis.
''This is not your country,'' shouted Senator, Lidia Thorp,
''You destroyed our land. Give us a treaty. We want a treaty in this country. You are a genocidalist,'' she shouted.
Indigenous Senator, Lidia Thorp was escorted from the parliament by security guards shouting ''this is not your land. You are not my king. You are not our king.''
''Fuck the colony'' she shouted.
Indigenous Senator, Lidia Thorp, turned her back on a large video screen that showed the British King Charles 111 standing at attention to the playing of the national anthem
Indigenous Senator, Lidia Thorp, released a statement on Monday saying ''Australia should become a republic and establish a treaty with first nations people as part of that process.''
''There was unfinished business that we need to resolve before this country can become a republic,'' she said.
''As First Peoples, we never ceded our sovereignty over this land,'' she said.
Indigenous Senator, Lidia Thorp, said ''the crown invaded this country, has not sought a treaty with First Peoples, and committed a genocide of our people.''
'' King Charles is not the legitimate sovereign of these lands'' she said.
Indigenous Senator, Lidia Thorp said in the statement that ''sovereignty has never been ceded or extinguished, and coexists with the sovereignty of the Crown.''
The Southeast Asian Times


Former commander in Suharto's New Order regime inaugurated 8th president of Indonesia on Sunday

Prabowo Subianto, 73, sworn in as the 8th president of Indonesia for 2024 to 2029 under the Quran with Islamic witnesses on Sunday October 20, 2024

From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 22: Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, 73, a former commander in the Special Detachment 88 anti-terror squad in the New Order regime of former president Suharto, was inaugurated the 8th president of Indonesia, with son of former President Joko Widodo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 37, inaugurated the Vice President of Indonesia on Sunday from 2024 to 2029, reports Reuters.
Prabowo Subianto took the oath under the Quran witnessed by Islamic clerics saying "In the name of Allah, I swear to fulfill the duties of the President of the Republic of Indonesia to the best of my abilities and as justly as possible, uphold the Constitution and execute all laws and regulations with the utmost integrity while serving the Country and the Nation.''
Gibran Rakabuming Raka, whose father former President Joko Widodo a Christian and mother former first lady Iriana Widodo a Muslim, said on taking the oath of office "In the name of Allah, I swear to fulfill the duties of the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia to the best of my abilities and as justly as possible, uphold the Constitution and execute all laws and regulations with the utmost integrity while serving the Country and the Nation.''
President of Indonesia Minister Prabowo Subianto, a former commander in the Special Detachment 88 anti-terror squad in the New Order regime of former president Suharto, revived the authoritarianism of the New Order regime of President Suharto under the former President Joko Widodo administration.
Prabowo Subianto, as a former commander in the Special Detachment 88 anti-terror squad proposed that Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) officers hold positions in state ministries and institutions under the Reserve Component (Komcad) program for state civil servants (ASN).
In December 2023 University of Indonesia (Puskapol UI) Deputy Executive Director Hurriyah of the Center for Political Studies, warned that "the New Order regime of government by President Suharto was "mono-loyalty" in character with the weapon being the mobilisation of the state apparatus," saying "the mobilisation of the state apparatus does not just include the security forces."
Puskapol UI Director, Hurriyah, said that the Reserve Component (Komcad) program for state civil servants (ASN) that was practiced by the New Order regime of former president Suharto includes the mobilisation of village officials for political support in the 2024 presidential elections
"The biggest loss in efforts to mobilise village officials for political support in general elections is the erosion of our democracy," she said.
I October 2023 the Indonesian Constitutional Court panel of nine judges, led by Chief Justice, Anwar Usman, who is the brother-in-law of President Joko Widodo, amended the Election Law that made President Joko Widodo s eldest son eligible to register at the General Elections Commission of Indonesia as a candidate in the legislative and presidential elections in February 2024.
The Constitutional Court panel of nine judges voted five in favour and four against to amend the Law on General Elections that would allow President Joko Widodo s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, who is the Mayor of Surakarta city in Central Java, to register at the General Elections Commission of Indonesia as a candidate in the legislative and presidential elections in the February 2024 elections.
The Constitutional Court amended the the Law on General Elections with Chief Justice, Anwar Usman, saying "Article 169 Letter Q of Law No.7/2017 on General Elections will now read as follows: a minimum age of 40 years or having held an elected position through general elections, including regional leaders."
The Southeast Asian Times


Cambodian political activist apologises to Cambodian PM from exile in Japan

Cambodian dispora in South Korea demand the cancelation of the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) project on Sunday August 11, 2024

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, October 21: Cambodian political activist, Hay Vanna, apologised to Cambodian Senate President, Hun Sen, and Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Manet, via video from exile in Japan on Friday for organising protests involving the Cambodian diaspora in Japan, South Korea, Canada and Australia on August 11, 2024, saying ''I declare that I am parting from Sam Rainsy,'' reports Reuters.
Hay Vann said in his apology from exile in Japan via video that the protests against the Cambodia–Laos–Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) ''were provoked by opposition leader Sam Rainsy in exile in France.''
''I declare that I am parting from Sam Rainsy,'' he said.
''I want to use my knowledge to serve Cambodia and I ask Samdech Hun Sen to forgive me so I can join the Cambodian People's Party (CPP).''
The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) reportedly ordered the arrest of at least 94 Cambodians including environmental, human rights activists for protesting against the Laos-Vietnam development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) over land concessions to foreign interests and agreements that were to benefit the economies, infrastructure, healthcare, education and security of the countries within the triangle.
National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) public servant, Hay Vannith, who is the brother of Cambodian political activist in exile in Japan, Hay Vanna, was among those arrested and charged with plotting and incitement under articles 453 plotting), 494, and 495 incitement to commit a felony of the Cambodian criminal code.
On Friday Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Yi Sokvouch ordered the release Hay Vannith, from the Phnom Penh Sar prison on bail pending his trial.
Cambodian political activist, Hay Vanna, said that his brother Hay Vannith has nothing to do with his political advocacy, saying
''Hay Vannith is a public servant with the National Institute of Public Health.''
In July 2024 Former Prime Minister of Cambodia, President of ruling Cambodia Peoples Party (CPP) and Senate Presidents, Hun Sen, warned that ''an extremist group is in the process of attempting to form an illegal government-in-exile,'' saying ''stern action will be taken to stop the threat.''
Former Prime Minister of Cambodia called on the ruling Cambodia Peoples Party (CPP) led by his son Prime Minister, Hun Manet, ''to amend the law on political parties or other relevant laws to severely punish the extremists who join in the formation of the an illegal government-in-exile.''
In June 2022 the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced 42 former members and supporters of the Court-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) to six years in prison for treason for plotting to overthrow the ruling Hun Sen government.
Former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) president Sam Rainsy was sentenced to eight years in prison in absentia for treason for plotting to overthrow the Hun Sen government, incitement to committ a felony and inciting military disobedience under Articles 453, 471, 494 and 495 of the Criminal Code.
The Southeast Asian Times


No Amnesty Bill for Lese Majeste Law offenders in Parliamentary report

The Special Committee to Study Proposal for Enacting Amnesty Law chairman, Chusak Sirinil, party-list Member of Parliament of the Pheu Thai Party and the Prime Minister's Office Minister says ''the committee's report does not constitute an Amnesty Bill' on Thursday October 17, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 20: The Special Committee to Study Proposal for Enacting Amnesty Law told the House of Represenatives on Thursday ''that an amnesty does not erase wrongdoing and that a wrongful action remains an offence,'' as the House of Representaives began reviewing the report that remains inconclusive on whether offeners of the Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code of the Constitution should be covered by the Amnesty Bill, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Special Committee to Study Proposal for Enacting Amnesty Law chairman, Chusak Sirinil, party-list Member of Parliament of the Pheu Thai Party(PTP) and the Prime Minister's Office Minister, said ''the committee's report does not constitute an Amnesty Bill.''
''The objective is to provide comprehensive input for the House of Representatives to consider.''
He said the report suggests other possible solutions, including seeking a royal pardon for amnesty offenders, delaying prosecution, and dropping charges in cases that are not in the public interest.
Opposition People's Party (PP), formally the Move Forward Party (MFP), support an Amnesty Bill that would give amnesty to all political prisoners, with People's Party (PP) Member of Parliament for Khon Kaen, Weeranan Huadsr, saying ''the lack of conclusion in the report would result in Lese Majeste Law offences being excluded from the Amnesty Bill.''
'Inclusion of Lese Majeste Law offenders in the Amnesty Bill would ensure that Thailand can move forward and achieve national reconciliation,'' he said.
On October 3, 2024 discussion by the Special Committee to Study Proposal for Enacting Amnesty Law in the House of Representative was postponed, with secretary-general, Nikorn Chamnong, saying the report was inconclusive about whether the Amnesty Bill report should include amnesty for offenders of the Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code ,'' he said.
He said that there are three opinions on whether Lese Majeste Law offenders should be covered by the amnesty, saying ''those who want Lese Majeste Law offences excluded from the Amnesty Bill, those who favour the inclusion of the Lese Majeste Law offences and those who want Lese Majeste Law offences to be included under special conditions.''
In October 5, 2023 opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) then led by Pita Limjaroenrat submitted a draft Amnesty Law to the parliament of Thailand that would give amnesty to all political protesters since February 11, 2006 , saying "2006 was the year the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) started its protests against the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) that was then administered by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra."
"The proposed Amnesty Bill would cover thousands of political demonstrators who have faced punishment for violating various laws including the Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code in the Constitution that makes it illegal to defame, insult, or threaten the monarch of Thailand," he said.
He said that the Move Forward Party (MFP) also proposed then that the President of the National Assembly of Thailand, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, form a committee to identify the offences that would qualify for amnesty.
The Southeast Asian Times


Petition lodged with Election Commission against new Thailand PM for trampling on media freedom

A petition was lodged against Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra with the Election Commission ''for trampled on media freedom,'' on Monday October 14, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 19: A petition was lodged at the Election Commission (EC) against new leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party (PTP) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday, with the petitioner saying ''the Prime Minister trampled on media freedom, '' reports the Bangkok Post.
Petitioner, political activist, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a former member of the pro-Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF), Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and former member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party (PTP), lodged a petition against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra with the Election Commission saying ''the Prime Minister has trampled on media freedom, an offence that could lead to her removal from office,''
''I have formally requested the Election Commission to investigate the Prime Minister's reply to a press member during a recent media interview,'' he said.
He said the Prime Minister's response was not in keeping with how a public official holder should treat media practiioners who are
doing their jobs, saying ''the prime minister may have breached Section 184 of the Constitution.''
''If the Prime Minister is found guilty she could lose her job under Section 170 of the Constitution,'' he said.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said, ''I would rather reporters not ask questions on the government's position on Constitutional amendements'' to a reporters question over disagreement with coalition parties over Constitutional amendments.
The reporter claimed the disagreement with coalition parties marked a U-turn on the government's previous position, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra saying ''amendements to the Constitution were not a priority at the time because manpower and resources were being diverted to help flood victims.''
''A robust and united government was good for the people's interest and reporters should not direct questions that may provoke disunity,'' said Prime Minister Shinawatra.
The Southeast Asian Times

Arrest warrants outstanding for Mylah Roque and husband former Philippines presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr in POGO investigation

Arrest warrant for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr, left, issued Friday September 13, 2024 and for his wife Mylah Roque on Friday October 11, 2024

From News Reports:
Manila, October 18: An arrest warrant was ordered by the House of Representatives Quad Committee for Mylah Roque, wife of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., for ignoring the third summons to attend the investigation on crimes related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), reports Philippine Inquirer.
The arrest warrant for Mylah Roque follows the arrest warrant issued by the Philippines House Quad Committee for her husband, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., on Friday September 13, 2024, issued for also ignoring the third summons to attend the investigation on crimes related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., failed to submit subpoenaed documents to the House of Representatives Quad Committee hearing on his involvement in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), with the Department of Justice (DOJ) placing Harry Roque Jr. on the Philippines Bureau of Immigration watch list.
An arrest warrant was ordered for Mylah Roque on Friday October 11, 2024 after she ignored a show cause order for the third time issued by the House of Representatives Quad Committee hearing that compelled her to appear at the hearing and submit subpoenaed Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth requested by the Quad Committee.
The subpoenaed documents include financial records for properties owned by Mylah Roque and Harry Roque in the name of Biancham Holdings and Trading, a subsidiary in Benguet called PH2, and the deed of sale of a 1.8 hectare Paranaque property.
Mylah Roque ignoring three summonses to attend the investigation on crimes related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), that included signing a lease agreement with Chinese nationals associated with the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in the municipality of Bamban, Tarlac Province.
House of Representatives Quad Committee chairman, Surigao del Norte Representative, Robert Ace Barber, said that Harry Roque Jr is tied to the Lucky South 99 Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) hub in the municipality of Porac, in Pampanga province saying ''his signature on documents were found in a police raid on the POGO hub.''
''Harry Roque has repeatedly denied having any ties with the POGO hub,'' he said.
He said that Harry Roque Jr has refused to submit copies of his Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth, saying ''Harry Roque has refused to submit documents related to his family business Biancham Holdings and Trading a subsidiary in Benguet called PH2, and the deed of sale of a 1.8 hectare Paranaque property.''
The Philippine National Police found 295 foreign workers at the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) location in Bamban in Tarlac Province in the raid including computor workstations, instructional guides and scripts used to conduct love scams and crypto schemes, rows of iPhones and Android smartphones and numerous SIM cards, used by the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) to execute fraudulent transactions.
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysia to leverage 2025 ASEAN chair with Gulf Cooperation Council and China after Laos ASEAN Summit

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the 44th ASEAN Summit Plenary Session at Vientiane National Convention Centre in Laos on Wednesday October 8, 2024

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, October 17: The Prime Minister of Malaysia said in Parliament on Tuesday after the handover of the ASEAN chair 2025 to Malaysia by Laos ASEAN chair for 2024 at the ASEAN 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane that ''Malaysia is set to leverage its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship,'' reports the Star.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim said that Malaysia is set to position itself as the region's premier investment destination, in response to a question from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) party in Tampin, Member of Parliament, Isam Mohd Isa.
''How would Malaysia leverage its chairmanship of ASEAN to benefit Malaysia and the region,'' asked the Tampin Member of Parliament.
Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, said in response ''Malaysia's 'ASEAN leadership is as an opportunity to attract greater economic partnerships and to showcase Malaysia to global investors.''
He said the 2025 ASEAN Summit to be held in Malaysia will mark a historic moment as ASEAN engages with key economic partners, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China
''The 2025 ASEAN Summit will be the first time ASEAN will formally engage economically with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),'' he said.
He said that formal economic engagement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait and China ''will help expand ASEAN economic reach and strengthen partnerships moving forward.''
''Malaysia’s plans to involve all states in Malaysia in various ministerial meetings, ensuring that the economic benefits are felt nationwide,'' he said.
He said that private sector-led events in collaboration with international organisations including the World Economic Forum annual meeting in 2025 will further amplify Malaysia’s investment potential without relying on government funding
The Southeast Asian Timesoutheast Asian Times


Malaysia ASEAN chair for 2025 ready to admit Timor Leste to ASEAN

Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, left, hands the ASEAN Chairmanship gavel to Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, right, who will serve as ASEAN Chair in 2025, at the closing ceremony of the ASEAN 44th and 45th ASEAN summits in Vientiane on Friday October 11, 2024

From News Reports:
Vientiane, October 16: Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister, Sonexay Siphandone, handed over the ASEAN rotating chair to Malaysi Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the ASEAN 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits hosted by Laos ASEAN chair for 2024 on Friday, with Malaysia beginning the 2025 ASEAN chairmanship on January 1, 2025 with the
theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,'' reports Reuters.
The ASEAN chair for 2025 hand over ceremony was attended by the leaders and representatives of the 10 ASEAN member states including Timor Leste attending the ASEAN 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits as an observer, with Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declaring his readiness to formalize Timor Leste membership to ASEAN.
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said ''many countries and international agencies have offered their help for Timor Leste to fulfil the requirements set by ASEAN.''
''There are no more excuses to delay the entry of Timor-Leste into ASEAN,'' he said.
In November 2022 the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) granted observer status to Timor Leste in support of Timor Leste application for ASEAN membership at the 40th and 41st ASEAN summits in Phnom Penh saying "ASEAN will grant Timor-Leste observer status and allow Timor-Leste participation at all ASEAN meetings."
The ASEAN statement said that "ASEAN agreed to formalize an objective criteria-based roadmap for Timor-Leste's full membership", saying "the roadmap will be based on the milestones identified in the reports of ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) fact-finding teams."
In October 2021 Cambodia stated support for Timor Leste's application for ASEAN membership at the 30th ASEAN Co-coordinating Council (ACC) meeting chaired by Brunei ASEAN Chair for 2021, with Cambodia's ministry of foreign affairs Prak Sokhonn, saying "Timor Leste membership would benefit Asean."
Cambodia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prak Sokhonn, called on the ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) fact-finding teams to expediate the evaluation, capability and readiness of Timor Leste to join ASEAN in the context of the three pillars of ASEAN, being the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
"The findings of the fact-finding mission would enable Timor Leste to put forward a roadmap and timeline for accession to ASEAN," he said.
In March 2020 the ten Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries reached consensus in support of Timor Leste's application for ASEAN membership, at the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG), with Chair of ASEAN 2020, Vietnam Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Quoc Dung, saying "the major task of the ACCWG was to focus on Timor Leste's application for ASEAN membership."
"Reports from the ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group Meeting (ACCWG) fact finding teams on the capability and readiness of Timor Leste for ASEAN membership would be submitted to the ASEAN Co-ordinating Council (ACC) for approval by the end of the year," he said,
The Southeast Asian Times

Russia and China block ASEAN consensus statement for 19th East Asia Summit in Laos

Russia and China block ASEAN consensus statement for the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits hosted by Laos ASEAN chair 2024 in Vientiane on Friday October 11, 2024

From News Reports:
Vientiane, October 15: Russia and China blocked the ASEAN consensus statement for the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits hosted by Laos ASEAN chair 2024 in Vientiane on Friday with the Russian foreign minister saying ''the final declaration was not adopted because US, Japan, South Korea, Australia and NZ attempted ‘to turn it into a purely political statement,'' reports Rueters.
19h East Asia Summit (EAS) official said that ''a draft proposed consensus statement was arrived at by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) including observer East Timore on Friday'' saying the consensus statement was put to the 18-nation 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) meeting in Laos on Thursday evening.''
''Asean presented a final draft and said that, essentially, this was a take-it-or-leave-it draft,” said the official.
The official said that the United States, Japan, Australia, South Korea and India said they would support it, saying ''the Russians and the Chinese said that they could not and would not proceed with the statement.''
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in Vientiane on Friday that the final declaration had not been adopted because of "persistent attempts by the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand to turn it into a purely political statement."
He said in response to the Prime Minister of Japan's proposal to form an Asian North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for north and South-East Asian countries in Japan to discourage or defend themselves against Chinese aggression.
''Any form of militarisation and any proposals regarding new military blocs come laden with the risk of confrontation.''
''The United States and its allies decided to draw the Asia-Pacific Region into NATO’s sphere of interests by creating all these narrow and exclusive US-led military and political associations,'' he said.
He said that US-led military and political associations includes the troika formed by the United States, Japan and South Korea, ''There is also the United States, Japan and the Philippines trio,'' he said.
He said that for the Indo-Pacific the United States and its allies have created the Quad that includes Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan, saying ''all this does nothing to promote collective efforts.''
''US-led military and political associations are fragmenting this common space by dividing it into friends and foes,'' he said.
China premier, Li Qiang, said that Beijing was committed to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and was striving for conclusion of a Code of Conduct (CoC) for the South China Sea within three years, saying ''China does but does not recognise the July 2016 Arbitration Court in the Hague ruling in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of historic rights over the South China Sea.''
''The Arbitration Court ruling has no basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),'' he said.
China claims that the Arbitration tribunal made an illegal and invalid final verdict on the South China Sea dispute, saying that the dispute was not covered by United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) because it was ultimately a matter of sovereignty not exploitation rights.
''Relevant countries outside the region should respect and support the joint efforts of China and regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and truly play a constructive role for peace and stability in the region,'' said China premier, Li Qiang.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia dismisses Japan's proposal of Asian NATO in Tokyo for defence against China's aggression

Australia PM Anthony Albanese and Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone at 4th ASEAN-Australia Summit hosted by Laos, ASEAN chair for 2024 in Laos, Vientiane Thursday October 10, 2024

From News Reports:
Vientiane, Monday 14: Australia reaffirmed commitment to ASEAN centrality and to building Australia's links with Southeast Asia at the 4th ASEAN-Australia Summit hosted by Laos ASEAN chair for 2024, in Vientiane on Thursday, with Australia's dismissal of Japan's proposal to form an Asian North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), reports Reuters.
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed Japan's proposal to form an Asian North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that would involve more formal military and strategic cooperation between north and South-East Asian countries to discourage or defend themselves against Chinese aggression.
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in response to the proposal for an Asian NATO, ''We have our own arrangements, and it's not a matter of containing China,'' saying ''It's making sure that we have peace and security in the region.''
"Australia has defence relationships, including the Quad of which Japan, India and the United States are our partners.
Japan Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, said that a current deterrence in the region is insufficient, saying that the north and South-East Asian countries lacked obligation for mutual defence.''
''The creation of an Asian Nato is essential to deter China,'' he said.
In May 2023 Japan and (NATO) claimed that the opening of the first NATO office in the Indo Pacific in Tokyo in 2024 "would enable consultations with Japan and partners, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand" with China saying "the planned NATO office in the Indo-Pacific is a dangerous sign,
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said then that the planned opening of a NATO office in Tokyo in 2024 "is a dangerous sign," saying "the violent multilateral organisation will take its first aggressive step in the Indo-Pacific, actively pushed by Japan."
"NATO's continued eastward expansion into the Indo-Pacific and interference in regional affairs and push for bloc confrontation will undermine regional peace and stability " he said.
He said that a military alliance including the US, European countries and Japan could be formed what would target China, saying "Japan joining NATO cannot be ruled out."
Japan Foreign Minister Hayashi ,Yoshimasa Hayashi, said then that Tokyo welcomes the increased involvement of NATO member states in the Indo-Pacific region, saying "China has become increasingly assertive militarily."
NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said that NATO has offices and liaison arrangements with a number of international organisation and partner countries, saying "allies regularly assess those liaison arrangements to ensure that they best serve the needs of both NATO and our partners."
"Practical cooperation between NATO and partners includes cyber defence, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, non-proliferation, science and technology, and human security," she said.
She said that Japan and NATO are seeking to cooperate on cyber threats, disruptive technologies and disinformation, aiming to sign an individually partnership programme ahead of the NATO summit in July, 2023.
The Southeast Asian Times


Thailand offers to host ASEAN consultation for political solution in Myanmar at ASEAN summit in Laos

Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, representative Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Aung Kyaw Moe 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits hosted by Laos ASEAN chair 2024 in Vientiane on Thursday October 10, 2024

From News Reports:
Vientiane, October 13: Thailand offered to host an ASEAN internal consultation to end the crisis in Myanmar that began in February 2021 with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of the elected National League of Democracy (NLD), witsh the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits hosted by Laos , "We want to see a political solution,'' reports the Bangkok Post.
Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, said ''Thailand is ready to coordinate with all other ASEAN member countries for an ASEAN internal consultation in December.''
''A concerted ASEAN effort could lead to peace in Myanmar,'' he said.
''Thailand's initiative would complement existing ASEAN peace efforts by not involving countries beyond the region,'' he said.
''Our proposal is backed by Laos the current Asean chair and Malaysia the incoming chair, so we believe this informal consultation will take place,'' he said.
''Thailand has previously suggested that Myanmar's influential neighbours China and India play a role in the peace effort but the informal consultation planned for December is limited to the ASEAN bloc,'' he said.
He said that any decision on whether the generals of the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar or their opponents would be invited to the informal consultation ''would be up to the ASEAN chair Laos and other ASEAN member states.''
Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, said that there has been no progress on the Myanmar Point Consensus (5PC) introduced after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of the elected government, saying ''or progress on the drive by Indonesia to persuade the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to start dialogue.''
On September 4, 2024 at the 43rd ASEAN Summit leaders meeting held in Jakarta ASEAN secretary general Kao Kim Hourn announced that Myanmar had ceded the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) rotating chair 2026 to ASEAN member Philippines following the ASEAN Leaders review and decision on the implementation of the Myanmar Point Consensus (5PC) plan.
The ASEAN leaders said in a statement "we were gravely concerned by the lack of substantial progress on the implementation by the authority in Myanmar, despite their commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) plan in April 2021."
"We strongly condemned the continued acts of violence in Myanmar," said the ASEAN leaders.
The ASEAN leaders said that they reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to assisting Myanmar in finding a peaceful and durable solution to the ongoing crisis, saying "Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN."
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines calls on China for swift progress on draft Code of Conduct in South China Sea

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders, including East Timore ASEAN member and China foreign minister at 27th ASEAN-China Summit in Laos, Vientiane on Thursday October 10, 2024

From News Reports:
Vientiane, October 12: The 27th ASEAN-China Summit promoted political stability and economic cooperation at the ''ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience'' 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits hosted by Laos, ASEAN chair for 2024, in Vientiane from October 8 to 11, with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member the Philippines calling for ''swift progress in negotiating the ASEAN-China draft Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea,'' reports Reuters
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said ''we’ve seen meaningful progress in ASEAN-China relations,'' saying ''but we must also confront the ongoing challenges in the South China Sea.''
He said that China's incursions in the West Philippine Sea require more than just dialogue, saying ''substantive progress was necessary.''
''There should be more urgency in the pace of the negotiations of the ASEAN-China draft Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea,'' he said.
"It is regretable that the overall situation in the South China Sea remains tense and unchanged,'' he said.
'' We continue to be subjected to harassment and intimidation,'' he said.
China foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said at the 27th ASEAN-China Summit that China was committed to promoting consultations on the ASEAN-China draft Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea, saying ''China has always insisted on handling disputes through dialogue and consultation.
"At the same time, China firmly opposes any infringement and provocation, and firmly safeguards its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," he said.
In September 2023 the Association of South East Asean (ASEAN) member countries and China agreed to complete negotiations on the maritime draft Code of Conduct (CoC) for the South China Sea within three years, with the guidelines on the maritime Code of Conduct (CoC) in the ASEAN Maritime Outlook (AMO) endorced by ASEAN and China at the 26th China-ASEAN Summit at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta.
Indonesia ASEAN Chair for 2023 said at the 26th China-ASEAN Summit in Jakarta that Indonesia had taken the initiative to accelerate the maritime Code of Conduct (CoC) negotiations on the disputed South China Sea,'' saying ''the Code of Conduct (CoC) negotiations were adopted at the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) and ADSOM-Plus held in Jakarta in August 2023.
In July 2016 the Arbitration Court in the Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of historic rights over the South China Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling, saying that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
China reportedly claims that the Arbitration tribunal made an illegal and invalid final verdict on the South China Sea dispute.
China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang said ahead of the ruling in 2016 that the dispute was not covered by U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) because it was ultimately a matter of sovereignty not exploitation rights.
The Southeast Asian Times


Thousands line streets for funeral of vice chair National League for Democracy arrested by Myanmar military in coup

Funeral procession for Dr Zaw Myint Maung, 73, to Taung Inn Myauk cemetery in Mandaly, Myanmar for cremation on Tuesday October 8, 2024

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, October 11: Tens of thousands of Mandalay residents in Myanmar lined the streets on Tuesday for the funeral procession of Dr Zaw Myint Maung, former chief minister of Mandalay Region, vice-chairman of the National League for Democracy (NLD) before the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's military declared martial law in February 2021, arresting former State councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, former President Dr Zaw Myint Maung and former Naypyitaw Mayor U Myo Aung, reports Irrawaddy.
Dr Zaw Myint Maung died at age 73 on Monday at 4.am at the Mandalay General Hospital while receiving treatment for leukemia.
Dr Zaw Myint Maung, who was serving a 29-year prison sentence for charges brought by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's military after the military takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) in February 2021, was granted amnesty under a decree from the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's State Administration Council, (SAC) on October 6, 2024, under letter no. 102(1)/8/Council (2024).
The procession route to the Taung Inn Myauk cemetery where Dr Zaw Myint Maung was cremated was reportedly ''thronged by members of the public paying their final farewell to man affectionately known as Doc Zaw since the mass anti-coup protests in mid-2021.''
''The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's military deployed armed security forces led by lieutenant colonels along the entire funeral route.'' said a National League for Democracy (NLD) supporter.
''Motorbikes and vehicles were barred from entering the cemetery where Dr Zaw Myint Maung was cremated,'' said the supporter..
State councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, President Dr Zaw Myint Maung and Naypyitaw Mayor, U Myo Aung, who were arrested in February 2021 after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government and the declaration of martial law, were sentenced to two years in prison in December 2021 for incitement under Section 505(b) that criminalizes speech deemed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, State Administration Council (SAC) to incite public unrest.
State councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, President Dr Zaw Myint Maung and Naypyitaw Mayor U Myo Aung, were also charged with violating Covid-19 restrictions during the November 8, 2020 election campaign under Section 25 of the state of emergency Natural Disaster Management Law under the command of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, State Administration Council (SAC).
Former State Counciller, Aung San Suu Kyi, who was tried for incitement and corruption by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military court at the Naypyidaw prison, is serving a combined prison term of 33 years for charges brought by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that include a sentence of seven years for corruption relating to the rental of a helicopter to a government minister during her term as State Councillor of the National League for Democracy (NLD).
On February 1, 2021, three months after the elections, the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar declared a state of emergency cancelling the League for Democracy (NLD) dominated session of the parliament, in an address broadcast on the Myanmar military-owned television network based in Yangon and Naypyiday, saying that power had been handed to the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing.
The Southeast Asian Times


Myanmar attends second ASEAN meeting after coup hosted by Laos ASEAN chair 2024

Myanmar Foreign Ministry permanent secretary, Aung Kyaw Moe, left, Philippines Foreign Undersecretary, Theresa Lazaro, centre, Singapore Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Laos on Tuesday October 8, 2024

From News Reports:
Vientiane, October 10: Laos, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair for 2024 is holding the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meeting in Vientiane from October 8 to 11 attended by the 10 ASEAN member states including a representative from the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that seized the elected National League of Democracy (NLD) government of Myanmar in February 2021, reports Reuters.
Myanmar representative from the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Aung Kyaw Moe, is the second representative from Myanmar who has attended an Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit hosted by Laos (ASEAN) chair for 2024 after the attendendance of Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marlar Than Htike, who attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat) also hosted by Laos in January 2024.
The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) prohibited the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, from sending a representaive to ASEAN meetings since the special ASEAN Leaders Meeting (ALM), that introduced the ASEAN Five Point Concensus (5PC), in Jakarta in April 2021 that followed the coup in February 2021.
In April 2021 the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing attended the special ASEAN Leaders Meeting in Jakarta that ended with consensus on a five point plan including cessation of violence.
On January 31, 2024 the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, sent a representative for the first time since the coup to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat) chaired by Laos in Luang Prabang, with the Laos ASEAN chair for 2024 saying "the developments were seen as an encouraging sign,"
''A representative from Myanmar attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat) was seen as an encouraging sign that the engagement with Myanmar could be effective," saying "a resolution to the Myanmar crisis remained a distant prospect."
On September 4, 2024 at the 43rd ASEAN Summit leaders meeting held in Jakarta ASEAN secretary general Kao Kim Hourn announced that Myanmar had ceded the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) rotating chair 2026 to ASEAN member Philippines following the ASEAN Leaders review and decision on the implementation of the Myanmar Point Consensus (5PC) plan.
The ASEAN leaders said in a statement "we were gravely concerned by the lack of substantial progress on the implementation by the Authority in Myanmar, despite their commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) plan in April 2021."
"We strongly condemned the continued acts of violence in Myanmar," said the ASEAN leaders
The ASEAN leaders said that they reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to assisting Myanmar in finding a peaceful and durable solution to the ongoing crisis, saying "Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN."
The Southeast Asian Times

Thammasat University massacre 1976 historical precedence for amnesty for Lese Majeste Law convictions

People's Party (PP) member, Chaithawat Tulathon, at the 48th anniversary of the October 6, 1976 massacre at Thammasat University in Bangkok on Sunday October 6, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 3: Former leader of the disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP), Chaithawat Tulathon, and now member of the replacement People's Party (PP), said at the 48th anniversary of the October 6, 1976 massacre of up to 100 students at the Thammasat University in Bangkok on Sunday after discussion of the Lese Majeste Law was postponed on Thursday at the House of Representative special sub-committee that ''granting amnesty to those convicted under the Lese Majeste Law has historical precedence,'' reports the Bangkok Post.
People's Party (PP) member, Chaithawat Tulathon, said at the Thammasat University that ''a law was passed in 1978 to grant amnesty to lese majeste offenders,'' saying "It goes to show an amnesty for such an offence is nothing new and there's nothing odd about it.''
He said at the Thammasat University that 3,100 students arrested at the Thammasat University massacre in 1978 in the confrontation with the Royal Thai Police (RTP) faced a variety of charges including violation of the Lese Majeste Law of Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
He said that granting amnesty to those convicted under the Lese Majeste Law has historical precedent and should not be a cause for political anxiety, saying ''I am eager to find out when the House of Representative special committee's Amnesty report will be brought up for discussion in parliament.''
People's Party (PP) member, Chaithawat Tulathon, said that the Amnesty report was a House of Representative special sub-committee Amnesty report not an Amnesty Bill, saying discussion by the House of Representative special sub-committee Amnesty report was postponed.
Discussion by the House of Representative special sub-committee on the Amnesty report was postponed on Thursday October 3, with House of Representatives special sub-committee secretary, Nikorn Chamnong, saying 'the special sub-committee Amnesty report was inconclusive about whether the Amnesty report should include amnesty for offenders of Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code ,'' he said.
He said that there are three opinions on the passing of the Amnesty Bill including the Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code in the Constitution, saying ''those who want Lese Majeste Law offences excluded from the Amnesty Bill, those who favour the inclusion of the Lese Majeste Law offences and those who want Majeste Law offences to be included under special conditions.''
''The Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code in the Constitution is a delicate issue that requires more discussion,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times


Thailand approves extradition of Vietnamese human rights activist: UN says Thailand not fit to be elected to UNHRC

Vietnamese Y Quynh Bdap, 32, Montagnard and Ede Indigenous human rights activist speaks on video from Bangkok remand prison to the Bangkok court hearing for overstaying visa on Friday June 7 2024

From News Reports:
Vietnam: October 8: The Bangkok Criminal Court has approved extradition of Vietnamese, Y Quynh Bdap, 32, Montagnard and Ede Indigenous human rights activist, co-founder of the Montagnards Stand for Justice (MSFJ), with the court ruling that there was sufficient grounds to approve the Vietnamese government’s extradition request, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Bangkok Crimninal Court said Thailand will have the final say on the fate of the Vietnamese human rights activist, saying ''Vietnamese, Y Quynh Bdap, 32, said he fears he will be tortured or even killed if sent back to Vietnam.''
''It is up to the Thailand government to execute the extradition in 90 days regardless of the court ruling,'' said the Bangkok Crimninal Court judge.
Y Quynh Bdap, 32, is one of six Montagnards found guilty in absentia by the Dak Lak People’s Court in the Central Highlands of Vietnam on January 20, 2024.
Y Quynh Bdap, 32,and 92 Montagnards were found guilty for their involvment in "terrorism against the government of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), engaging in terrorist activities, illegal immigration, and concealing criminals on 11 June 2023.''
Vietnam Ministry of Public Security spokeman, Lieutenant General To An Xo, said that "a group of motorcyclists with guns and other dangerous weapons attacked spolice stations in the communes of Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur in Cu Kuin district in Dak Lak province on the morning of Sunday 11 June 2023."
Five Vietnamese were sentenced to 20 years in prison, two to 19 years in prison and the remaining 75 including six in absential recieved 9 months to 18 years for involvement in "terrorism against the government of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) , engaging in terrorist activities, illegal immigration, and concealing criminals."
The Dak Lak People’s Court ordered all 92 charged to pay compensation to agencies, organisations and individuals suffering material and psychological damage.
Montagnards Stand for Justice (MSFJ co-founder, Y Quynh Bdap, 32, who claims he has been in Thailand since 2018, was arrested in Bangkok on June 11, 2024 for overstaying his visa.
He denied the charges brought against him by the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security from the Bangkok remand prison by video to the court hearing.
Amnesty International Thailand Researcher, Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong, said ''the Vietnamese authorities have a long history of violent and racist persecution against Montagnard Indigenous peoples.''
''Thailand would be in breach of its non-refoulement obligations if it were to accept the Vietname farcical extradition request,'' he said
He said that Viet Nam’s courts are not independent, saying ''Bdap was tried and found guilty of terrorism charges in absentia in a clear violation of his right to a fair trial.''
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) urged the Thailand government not to deport Y Quynh Bdap, 32, out of fear for his safety, with Human Rights Watch (HRW) also demanding that Thailand not deport the human rights activist, saying ''Thailand is currently bidding for the third time for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.''
''The election for a three-year term for 2025-27 will be held at United Nations headquarters in New York this month,'' said Human Rights Watch (HRW)
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, said '' if Y Quynh Bdap, 32 is deported, Thailand would not be fit to be elected to the UN Human Rights Council.''
The Southeast Asian Times
 

Arrest warrant issued for Thailand MP in Tak Bai massacre despite parliamentary immunity

Arrest warrant for Pheu Thai Party list-Member of Parliament former fourth Army Region Commander Lt Gen Pisan Wattanawongkiri for is involvement in Tak Bai massacre issued on Tuesday October 1, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 7: The Narathiwat provincial court issued an arrest warrant for Pheu Thai Party list-Member of Parliament, former fourth Army Region Commander Lt Gen, Pisan Wattanawongkiri, on Tuesday, one of seven defendants under arrest for involvement in the deaths of 85 Malay-Muslims in the Tak Bai massacre in Narathiwat Province on October 25, 2004, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Narathiwat provincial court issued an arrest warrant for Theu Thai Party list-Member of Parliament Pisan Wattanawongkiri on suspicion that the former fourth Army Region Commander Lt Gen Pisan may attempt to flee Thailand before he is to stand trial on October 15 and before the expiration of the 20-year statute of limitations on October 25.
An arrest warrant for Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri was issued by the Narathiwat provincial court on Tuesday despite the Pheu Thai Party list-Member of Parliament claim of parliamentary immunity with House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha saying ''the 2017 constitution contains a provision which allows the judiciary to prosecute Gen Pisal as long as the legal prosecution does not interfere with the Member of Parliament's parliamentary duties.''
''Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri is to stand trial on October 15, on a day when there will be no parliamentary sitting,'' he said.
He said that if Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri is found he can be detained, saying ''however due to his Member of Parliament status that grants him immunity while parliament is in session he must be allowed to attend parliamentary meetings.''
He urged Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri to engage with the legal system, saying ''accusations do not mean he will automatically be assumed guilty before going through the court process.''
''No one has been able to reach Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri,'' he said.
Arrest warrants were issued for six defendants, Maj Gen Chaloemchai Wirunpetch, a former 5th Infantry Division commander; Pol Gen Wongkot Maneejan, a former director of the operations centre of the Royal Thai Police front office; Pol Lt Gen Manoj Kraiwong, a former chief of Provincial Police Region 9; Pol Maj Gen Saksommai Phutthakul, a former superintendent of the Tak Bai police station; Siwa Saengmanee, a former deputy director of the Southern Border Provinces Peace Centre; and Wichom Thongsong, a former Narathiwat governor after they failed to appear in court on September 12.
On October 25, 2004 more than 1,500 Malay-Muslims protested outside the Tak Bai Police Station in Narathiwat Province in southern Thailand demanding the release of six village defence volunteers that police had accused of providing insurgents government-issued shotguns.
About 1,000 members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police surrounded the Tak Bai police station responding to the protesters with water canon, tear gas, batons and with live ammunition that killed seven.
At least 78 of the 85 protesters who died on October 25, 2004 died from suffocation after they were stacked one atop the other in military trucks for about six hours for transportation to the Ingkhayutthaborihan army camp in the Nong Chik district of Pattani province, 140 kilometres away.
The Southeast Asian Times

Additional gas cylinders illegally installed in school bus engulfed in flames on Tuesday

Department of Land Transport (Thailand) officials inspect gas cylinders installed by Chinnaboot Engineering (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. at the Department of Land Transport after seizing five buses from a garage in Muang district in Nakhon Ratchasima province on Thursday October 3, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 6: Chinnaboot Engineering (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. that installed the gas cylinders in the school bus that was engulfed in flames on Tuesday in Pathum Thani Province leaving 20 students and three teachers dead attempted to conceal the illegal installation of additional gas cylinder in a fleet of 6 buses, reports the Bangkok Post.
Department of Land Transport director-general Jirut Wisanjit said that Chinnaboot Engineering (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. failed to produce the remaining five buses of the fleet of six for inspection as ordered by the Department of Land Transport (Thailand).
He said that officials of the Department of Land Transport found the buses via GPS at a garage in tambon Khok Kruad of Muang district in Nakhon Ratchasima, saying ''Department of Land Transport inspectors seized the buses while Chinnaboot Engineering (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. workers attempted to remove gas cylinders from the buses.''
He said the additional gas cylinders that had been illegally installed on the buses were being removed at the garage, saying ''the removal of the gas cylinders indicates an intention to conceal the wrongdoing of the illegal modification of the vehicles.''
Royal Thai Police (RTP) Forensic Commissioner Lt Gen, Trairong Phewphan, said ''the five buses found at a garage in tambon Khok Kruad of Muang district in Nakhon Ratchasima and the bus that was engulfed in flames had more cylinders than permitted and there was clear evidence of wrongdoing.''
''Investigators found 11 gas cylinders in each bus but only six had been legally installed and certified by the Department of Land and Transport,'' he said.
He said that forensic police have determined that gas had leaked from the gas cylinders before the fire, saying ''forensic police have yet to determine conclusively how the fire was started.''
The school bus that was engulfed in flames in Pathum Thani Province on Tuesday was carrying 38 students from Kindergarten 2 to Mathayom 3 and 6 teachers from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam school in Lan Sak district of Uthai Thani province on a field trip when the bus was engulfed in flames killing 20 students and three teachers.
The surviving 15 students and teachers were rushed to hospitals with three students in critical condition, two students aged 7 and nine were transferred to Thammasat University Hospital, and a student aged 14 is being treated at Rangsit Hospital for serious burns.
The Southeast Asian Times




What they're saying open page here


MEDIA CHECK
Cambodia-China Journalist Association (CCJA) launched in Phnom Penh ...open here


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Darwin reporter John Loizou asks a survivor of the 1965 killings in Bali "why didn't you try to stop them" in "Remembering the slaughter in Paradise"
........open page here



Kang-Fu the Red Kangaroo is relentless in his fight to protect Australia's sovereignity...Open page here



Bombed by the Americans for Christmas in 1972, Ha Noi Bach Mai hospital is still a war zone...Christina Pas reports...Open page here




Indigenous Australians in the northern Queensland town of East Trinity aim for economic independence from eco-cultural tourism, reports Christine Howes in "Australian indigenous eco-cultural tourism venture wins best small project national award " ...open here


Kavi Chongkittavorn talks about the UK application to become an ASEAN dialogue partner in "New dynamics of Aseans external ties," with consensus yet to be reached on admitting a former colonial master of four ASEAN member countries into the Southeast Asian bloc....open


Esther Samboh talks about the choise between thousands dying of Covid-19 or from hunger in densely populated Jakarta in the new normal in "Medics dying, infections soaring - it's still the economy" ...open page here


Australian reporter, Chris Ray, investigates why Australia dropped five spots in the World Press Freedom Index...open


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Read what Son Nguyen has to say about the impact of China's virus on Vietnam's economy in "When the economy gets sick" open here


Has the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra suffered a fatal blow, or will it rise again? asks Australian reporter Chris Ray... Open page here

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Darwin reporter John Loizou asks a survivor of the 1965 killings in Bali "why didn't you try to stop them" in "Remembering the slaughter in Paradise"
........open page here



"Goodbye America" says B.A. Hamzah as he calls for Asians to determine their own political destiny in "Time for Asia to set it's own course, minus the U.S."...open here


Is prescribed burning of grasslands in northern Australia out of control? ......Chris Ray reports ... open page here

"Rockefeller and the Demise of Ibu Pertiwi" by Kerry B. Collison "is undoubtedly fictional but by no means improbable, " says Johannes Nugroho ....open page here

Viet Nam is planning to go nuclear by the year 2020.reports
John Loizou
in "Calculating the costs of nuclear energy in Vietnam" ...open page here


The founder of the Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor (Fretilin), Mari Alkatiri, the now former Prime Minister of Timor Leste, after losing the May 12, 2018 election to the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) party, led by Xanana Gusmao, has accused the opposition of a coup attempt.
Twelve years ago Mari Alkatiri also accused the opposition of a coup attemp claiming then that the crises that led to his resignation was the result of a conspiracy. "I have no doubt about that" he told Darwin reporter John Loizou in an interview in Dili on 6 November 2006
......open page here

 

Cuba's 302 physicians in East Timor work at five hospitals and remote villages throughout the republic...writes Darwin reporter John Loizou ...open page here

 

Indonesia ready for big 'brother' role in ASEAN
By Prashanth Parameswaran
.......open page here

 

Benedict Anderson, a man without a country, dies in Indonesia Jeet Heer reports.....open page here


Thousands of Northern Australia's indigenous rock art sites are under threat from buffalo, fire and feral animals. Tim Lee reports ........open page here

 

Copy of letter 29 May 2012 from Vietnam Womens Union to International Olympic Committee...open here


The Southeast Asian Times wishes its readers a happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year with a special thankyou to its treasured letter writers


The Southeast Asian Times wishes its readers a happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year with a special thankyou to its treasured letter writers


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Published by Pas Loizou Press Darwin Northern Territory
Australia

PASLOIZOUPRESSDARWIN@bigpond.com

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ambodia...3,115.36
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Singapore
properties listed for sale in Myanmar

From News Reports:
Yangon, November 25: Singapore's largest property developer, the Far East Organization, is to partner with Myanmar's
property sales and marketing company, Min Zin Agency, in Yangon to sell condos in Singapore.
Managing director of the Min Zin Agency in Yangon, Ko Kyaw Min Zin, said that Singapore's Far East Organization has expanded its sales and marketing efforts into Myanmar.
“The Far East Organisation has been selling their Singapore properties to Myanmar buyers since 2009,” he said.
The Far East Organisation reportedly have over 750 properties in Singapore’s residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial sectors,
including 45,500 or one in every six private homes in Singapore listed with the Min Zin Agency in Yangon.
The Southeast Asian Times


China to invest in rail and road construction
in Indonesia
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10:
Indonesia's Railway Corporation (PT KAI) and state construction company PT Jasa Marga signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with China Investment Fund (CIF) to develop indonesia's railway services and toll road construction.
Witness to the signing, coordinating Minister for the Economy Sofyan Djalil, said that the MoU will provide the groundwork for further cooperation between China Railway and P KAI and China Investment Fund (CIF).
"The MoU is the first step towards further development of public services between China and Indonesia" he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Xie Feng said that the MoU would spark more cooperations between China and Indonesia and would bring about "real benefits to the public."
The Southeast Asian Times

Penang health department shuts down soya bean factory
From News Reports:
Penang, October 19: Five Penang food factories including a 100 year old soya bean factory at Tanjong Bungah were ordered closed by the state health department for failure to observe health standards.
State health, food safety and quality division, deputy director Ku Nafishah Ku Ariffin said soya bean products were processed in an unclean "rusty and moldy kitchen".
"Our inspectors found that wet products were left to dry on "dirty" bamboo sticks along with bathing towels. The bamboo sticks were also dirty and dusty," she said.
A "sweets" factory in Teluk Kumbar, a noodle factory in Simpang Ampat and a sauce factory in Bukit Metajam were also closed by the state health department
The Southeast Asian Times

Fuel smugglers including military personnel under arrest
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 15: Riau Islands Police have arrested 30 suspects including several Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel and seized 64 cars, two boats and 106 tons of fuel.
Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Arman Depary said in Batam last week that the seized cars had been modified to hold 100 litres of fuel.
"The Military (TNI) personnel are suspected of fuel smuggling and have been handed over to the military base", he said.
TNI Commander Gen. Moeldoko said that the alleged suspected fuel smugglers are honor-based service military personnel.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai coup blammed for fall in tourist arrivals
From News Reports:
Bangkok, August 18: The Thai tourism sector suffered its largest fall in international visitors to Thailand in June, the first month after the establishment of marshal law and the military seizure of the Yingluck Shinawatra government.
Tourism reportedly accounts for 10 percent of the Thai economy.
Data from the Thai Department of Tourism shows that inernational tourist arrival numbers in July fell by 10.9 percent compared to the same time last year.
International arrivals in July totalled 1.91 million compared to 2.15 million in July 2013.
Arrivals from China with a18 percent share of all visitors to thailand and the largest group of visitors to Thailand, fell by 25.3 percent.
Arrivals from the United Kingdom with a 4 percent share of all visitors to Thailand, was one of the few large markets to record a gain, of 6.2 percent
The Southeast Asian Times

US Senate approves sales of nuclear equipment to Vietnam
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 31: The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed legislation approving a 123 agreement on civil nuclear commerce with Vietnam at a business meeting of the committee last week.
The 123 agreement under the US Atomic energy Act of 1954 establishes a civil nuclear commerce agreement that allows the US to export nuclear reactors, research information and equipment to Vietnam.
The civil nuclear commerce agreement between the US and Vietnam is "part of Vietnam's effort to ease its shortage of energy towards meeting over 10 percent of the domestic power demand by 2030", reports the Vietnam News Service
The Southeast Asian Times

Court for construction
Industry
established
in Malaysia
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, May 3: The first two Construction Courts for Malaysia were opened by Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria in Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam last week, reports the Star.
The courts will deal with disputes in the construction industry.
Works Minister Datuk Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof said that the establishment of the courts will transform the way the construction business in the country operates.
"The construction industry stakerholders can now have their disputes resolved by judges with expert knowledge and experience in construction industry disputes', he said.
The proposal by the Construction Industry Board (CIDB) for the establishment of the construction courts was first put to the Judiciary in January 2013.
Britain is the only other country that has a specially designated court that deals with construction industry disputes.

The Southeast Asian Times

Bali communities want larger share of tourism revenue

From News Reports:
Denpasar, April 14: Bali community-based tourism operators have called for amendments to regulations that stipulate that the local community pay the Bali regency administration 60 percent of their total tourism revenue.
Penglipuran tourist village in Bangli, community-based tourism manager, Nengah Moneng, said that he objected to the fact that his community received only 40 percent of the total revenue.
"We want to have 60 percent share of the tourist revenue to pay for operating costs", he said.
The Penglipuran tourism manager said that operating costs for trekking, traditional dance, cultural shows including religious rituals had increased.
The cost of operating lodges and community halls for tourism had also increased.
"An increase in revenue for not only the Bangli community but for tourism based communities across Bali would benefit tourism island-wide" said the tourism manager.
The Southeast Asian Times

Riau forest fires force Chevron to shut down oil wells
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 21: PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI), the Indonesian subsidiary of US-based oil company Chevron has shut down 573 oil wells in the Riau province of Sumatra.
The deteriorating quality of air due to forest fires that have been raging for the last month has forced PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI) to shut down its oil wells and evacuate workers and there families.
Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator, SKK Migas, public relations officer, Handoyo Budi Santoso, said that oil assets in Riau province are important to national crude oil production.
"The biggest production loss came from the shutdown of Rokan block, operated by Chevron Pacific Indonesia, the country's biggest producer of crude oil production", he said
The Jakarta Posts reports that potential losses are estimated at about 12,000 barrels of oil a day.
The Southeast Asian Times


Sabah caters to influx of tourists from China

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 5:
The New Straits Times reports that there was an 86 percent increase in tourist arrivals from China
to Sabah in the last two years.
Data from the Sabah Tourism Board reportedly shows that 193,010 tourist tourists arrived in Sabah from China in 2011 increasing to 360,361 in 2013
Sabah West Coast Coffeeshop Association chairman, Yong Chee Yun, said coffee shop operators were catering to the influx of tourists from China.
"Coffee shops displayed tourist friendly signs in Chinese saying 'how are you?' and menues included China's favourite foods", he said.
Sabah and Labuan Chapter chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels and general manager of the At Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort,
said that staff members are encouraged to learn Mandarin.
"So that they can converse better with guests" he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Pilots strike forces Merpati to cancel
flights

From News Reports:
Jakarta,January 29: A pilots strike forced State-owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines to cancelled all scheduled flights to Surabaya, Merauke and Timika on Saturday, reports The Jakarta Post.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra said that the airline had not paid salaries to pilots and cabin crew for two months.
The Jakarta Post reports that PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines was required to restructure its operations.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra says that Merpati has signed a memorndum of understanding (MoU) with PT Armagedon Indonesia and PT Bentang Persada Gemilang to restructure the company.
The airline has debts of Rp 6.5 trillion (US$533 million) reports the Jakarta Post.
"The management would pay the salaries around March or early April, said the Merpati corporate secretary.
Merpati’s workers union advisory board official, Erry Wardhana, said about 200 Merpati pilots planned to strike again next Saturday for an indefinite period.
"The pilots would strike until 1,600 Merpati employees were paid", he said.
The union advisory board official says that this is the first time that Merpati workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages.
The pilots are owed wages for December and January reports the Jakarta Post.
The Southeast Asian Times