Category: Affairs

Bangkok, "Uniting Thailand to Build a Nation" reiterates its original position, amending the Constitution must not touch Section 1, Section 2. The monarchy insists that holding 3 referendums will cost a lot of money, but it is unavoidable. Must follow the decision of the Constitutional Court. Mr. Akaradej Wongpitakroj, Ratchaburi MP, as spokesman for the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party (RTA), gave an interview that In the case where the Cabinet (Cabinet) agrees in principle To consider and study guidelines for holding a referendum. In order to resolve differences of opinion on the constitution and agree that there should be 3 referendums and that there should be additional amendments to the Referendum Act 2021, the Ruam Thai Party Build a nation Agree with all Cabinet guidelines. Voting in referendum 3 times, despite criticism that It will use a large budget. But it is necessary to follow. Since the first round of the referendum has already been decided by the Constitutional Court, it must be done according to w hat has been submitted to the Constitutional Court for decision. The disciplinary orders of the Constitutional Court are binding on all organizations. The second and third times were referendums as specified by the Constitution. Therefore, doing it three times is in compliance with the decisions of the Constitutional Court and the Constitution. 'The Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party would like to reiterate the same firm stance it has made since joining the government. If the constitution is amended Absolutely must not touch Section 1, Section 2 regarding the monarchy. The Party has always stood by this position and will continue to stand by it. As for other content, whatever changes will have to be in accordance with the constitution as well,' said Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party spokesman. Source: Thai News Agency

Parliament, "Chaithawat" reveals that the legislative team has submitted a request to the Constitutional Court to extend the time to explain the matter of party dissolution for another 30 days, after the first round of extensions were extended by 15 days, indicating that important matters require additional information to be sought. Emphasize party members not to create an atmosphere of distrust. causing a witch hunt Mr. Chaithawat Tulathon, leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives and leader of the Kao Kao Party, revealed that yesterday (23 April) he had assigned the legal team of the Kao Kao Party to submit a request to the Constitutional Court to consider extending the time frame for submitting a clarification. Alleging that the second round of party dissolution cases will take another 30 days, after the Constitutional Court previously approved an extension of time for clarification to 15 days or to be submitted by May 3, arguing that such time period is not enough to collect documents an d evidence in Making an explanation to resolve the allegation Therefore, it is necessary to seek evidence to present to the court to open an investigation to the utmost. The weight of the punishment is different from the last time there was a decision under Section 49 of the Constitution. 'This matter has a serious impact on the party. Writing an explanation to answer the allegation must be thorough. It is necessary to seek as many perspectives and facts as possible to argue with. The Constitutional Court should provide the opportunity to the respondent In particular, the case against us is so serious that it disbands the party and strips the political rights of the party's executive committee. The respondent should be given the opportunity to fully fight in the judicial process,' said the leader of the Kao Klai Party. Mr. Chaithawat said that from the decision of the Constitutional Court to stop the action regarding the amendment of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, it should not be a sufficient fact to al lege in order to request the dissolution of a political party. At the same time, witnesses who will be presented to the court for questioning must take time to talk with the witnesses. In the past, it was during the Songkran festival. Therefore, I think the court should provide additional opportunities. As for what was noted or decided, the dissolution of the Kaew Klai Party will cause about 30 MPs to move to different parties. The leader of the Progressive Party said that representatives of this generation of the Progressive Party The situation is not as bad as when the Future Forward Party was dissolved. I believe that everyone understands the expectations of the people. and the voice of trust that has been overwhelmingly received Working with mutual respect By informing MPs in the party not to create an atmosphere that will create distrust or witch hunts. 'The important issue now is to discuss the direction of the party's work. and clear goals after this To make the party develop and work in response to the people Importantly, past general meetings and seminars of the Kao Kao Party have discussed ways to fight the case and the political possibility of not dissolving the party,' Mr. Chaithawat said. Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, "Somkid" is confident that there will be no ripples in Pheu Thai after the Cabinet reshuffle. He reiterates that he is not amending the constitution for anyone, urging opposition parties to speak clearly. Want to fix it? Mr. Somkid Chuekong, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, revealed the case of opposition parties attacking the move to amend the 2017 Constitution, saying that at this time the opposition parties should think carefully about whether the 2017 Constitution should be amended or not. If you think it's appropriate to fix it, you have to fix it. Other issues It's a secondary issue. The part that comes out to attack is to fix it for this person. Confirm that amending the Constitution is not for any one person at all. But it is a solution to move the country forward. Not trapped by the Constitution Mr. Somkid further said that he would like to ask the opposition parties that if they do not make changes, the Constitution will remain 60. Is it like that? If the opposition party doesn't let them fix it, they won't fix it even though it's during the election campaign. Every political party raises the issue of amending the constitution in their campaigns. Therefore, moving forward with amending the constitution is what every political party has campaigned for. As for how many times the referendum will be held, it must be decided by the Constitutional Court. According to the court's decision All parties should come together to amend the constitution this time. Mr. Somkid also mentioned the trend of the Cabinet (Cabinet) reshuffle that will occur. It is believed that on the part of the Pheu Thai Party there is no ripple effect. There is definitely no undercurrent. Because the Pheu Thai Party has undergone many Cabinet reshuffles. and there was a cabinet reshuffle in every government. This adjustment makes people suitable for the job. It is the power of the Prime Minister, so we are confident that all MPs in the party are definitely ready to help the government solve problems for the people. Source: Thai News Agency

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals the Myanmar border situation has improved. There hasn't been a shooting in 48 hours. Those who fled the area are gradually returning. Emphasize that you still need to watch closely. Confirms that Thailand is ready to act as a mediator in negotiations. Mr. Nikorndej Plankun, Director-General of the Department of Information and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announcing the results of the meeting of the ad hoc committee for managing the situation due to the unrest in Myanmar, it was said that the committee had followed up on the security, social and economic situation. The meeting acknowledged that the situation was highly uncertain, volatile, and expanding the area of ??hostilities. Between the opposition and the Myanmar army The Thai border and Myawaddy are strategic areas for the opposition. and the Myanmar army wants to seize 'By the trend of the past 48 hours. Everything is better People in the area did not hear the sound of the clash. National Security Council Together with the news unit, we have assessed many situations. Including the situation where there will be more people fleeing the unrest to enter Thailand. and reiterated the Thai attitude that 1. Thailand is committed to preserving the sovereignty of the Thai people. Including taking care of the safety and security of our Thai brothers and sisters. 2. Thailand does not allow its territory to be used to carry out activities against foreign governments, regardless of which side. 3. Adhere to the principles of humanity for all parties without discrimination,' Mr. Nikorndet said. Mr. Nikorndej said that the committee has assigned the work to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Responsible for communication to the Thai public. and abroad As for the Tak Province Border Command Center It will be the main agency for providing news in the area. Ready for the meeting to evaluate the situation regularly, with the National Security Council being the main security and intelligence a gency. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the main agency. in diplomatic coordination Now Thailand has coordinated the ASEAN Troika meeting. and the ASEAN Troika Plus framework Through the Chairman of ASEAN, Laos Mr. Nikorndej emphasized that the current situation is not a conflict between Thailand and Myanmar. and Thailand is not a belligerent. Everything that happened is an internal problem in Myanmar. Thailand has clear guidelines that we will provide humanitarian assistance to groups entering Thailand. both civilian groups Soldiers seeking refuge which we have international principles in providing assistance both disarmament and changing the uniform to a civilian uniform Sent to the country when the situation is calm through the principle of not sending refugees back to danger. The operation will be based on balance, stability, and international relations. and human rights principles Mr. Nikorndej said that Thailand is ready to provide humanitarian assistance. Including providing public health assistanc e Providing shelter to refugees In the past, Myanmar citizens who came to Thailand have returned in quite high numbers. It reflects that the situation has not become more serious. The situation should calm down to the extent that refugees on the Thai side are relieved of their worries and request to return. As for the impact on Thailand, it is still at a mild level. There is an impact on border trade. which is a temporary effect The committee therefore considered guidelines for managing refugees fleeing the unrest in Myanmar. Which will always be adjusted to the current situation by preparing 4 parts, consisting of 1. Normal conditions 2. Actions in the event that refugees have entered Thailand. 3.Requesting overall support from international organizations 4. Public relations to the public In addition, the committee has guidelines for setting up a subcommittee to consider details. It will consist of a main coordinator. and various agencies. The NSC will be responsible for appointing this subcommittee. Mr. Nikorndej also mentioned visiting the area along the border at Rim Moei Market. The 1st Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, Mae Sot District, Tak Province, of Panpree Phitthanukorn, Deputy Prime Minister. and Minister of Foreign Affairs along with Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Suthin Khlangsaeng, Minister of Defense, said that according to the report received, Since April 21, there has been no fighting in the 2nd Friendship Bridge area. The highest number of people fleeing the unrest on the Thai side is more than 3,000, but so far most have returned. The number of people still in Thailand right now is approximately 650, and it is expected that there is a tendency for more and more refugees to return. Mr. Nikorndej further said that the Naresuan Army By the special unit Rajamnu which are stationed in the area are ready at all times If necessary, he is ready to increase his strength. We would like to emphasize that the operation of caring for those fleeing the unrest is ba sed on humanitarian principles. When people come in, there will be a reception area. To distinguish which group of people to collect data and take those people to a temporary safe area before going to the waiting area Currently, the Thai authorities have more than 50 waiting areas and the Red Cross has set up a center to receive donations from the private sector. and civil society organizations Including other organizations as well as Thai people in the area As for border trade, Mr. Nikorndet stated that it has been moderately affected. From January to March, it was found that the volume of border trade decreased by no more than 20%. But what is very important that Mr. Panpree Has visited the area is About the morale of the people which wants people along the border to have peace of mind and have confidence in the measures that the government has begun to implement Mr. Nikorndej went on to say that the morale and encouragement of the people along the border is still high. which people in the area know well that they can request to be moved to a secure area If necessary Including the Naresuan Army, there is also a set of soldiers who travel to give knowledge. and give confidence to the public to assess whether there is a risk or not in the area. This can greatly reduce the concern of the people. Mr. Nikorndej emphasized that the current situation as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs found that The situation has improved quite a lot. However, The Thai side continues to monitor the situation. And we are still evaluating that. The situation is highly uncertain. which may change at any time 'Various agencies Thailand has a plan to handle the situation. May the people in the area be at ease. and trust that Relevant government agencies will take care of public safety as their first priority,' Nikorndet said. When asked whether there had been an evaluation at the meeting or not. As for when the Mae Sot border checkpoint will be open, Mr. Nikorndet said that it now depends on the Myanmar side. Where did the negotiations go? He knew that all parties in Myanmar recognize the importance of opening travel channels because the 2nd Friendship Bridge is one of the most important border trade channels. Therefore, it is closed because of risks. and officials on the Myanmar side were unable to perform their duties. He believes that the bridge should be opened soon. Yesterday, Mr. Panpree also discussed with the Chamber of Commerce and the private sector All parties share the same wish for border trade to return to normal as soon as possible. When asked if the Thai Government will act as a mediator in coordinating as Mr. Panpree gave an interview. What steps has the Ministry taken and what will the time frame and location be like? Mr. Nikorndej said that Thailand as a neighboring country of Myanmar and members of ASEAN Including being a country that is close to Laos. who is the chairman of ASEAN We have supported every initiative. which Thailand has proposed to hold an ASEAN TOGA meeting and ASEAN Toika Plus To find peace in Myanmar It has been sent to every country, especially Laos, which is the chairman of ASEAN. As for where it happened, there is no conclusion yet. But there is a possibility that it might happen in Thailand. If there is an appointment, we will notify you immediately. along with emphasizing that Thailand is ready to be one of those who will cause talks in Myanmar. Initially, we have not received any contact from both the Myanmar government and opposition groups. Mr. Nikorndej emphasized that the unrest occurring in Myanmar affects everyone. especially Thailand As neighboring countries with adjacent borders 'It is not only about Myanmar, but Thailand is an Advocate for Peace, so it is very normal. When the matter happened near the border of our neighbor We emphasize our position of being an active promoter of peace, being a country that wants to bring peace to conflict. It is reflected in Thailand showing its readiness as everyone knows. I am one of the people who go to help create talks between various par ties in Myanmar. If the Myanmar side sees that we are ready, they will help,' Mr. Nikorndet said. As for the case where Myanmar soldiers are carrying out an operation to retake areas in Myawaddy Province, Mr. Nikorndet said that Thai authorities are always following the news. It's not just the border area and Bangkok. We have embassies and communities, so we are constantly following information on what's going on. The situation is quite changing all the time. 'I always emphasize that we follow hourly, daily the movements of the Myanmar military. At the same time, there was also movement in the opposition. Therefore, I cannot give clear information because I myself receive reports that are constantly changing,' Mr. Nikorndet said. Mr. Nikorndej concluded by saying that As for the Thai side Haven't been contacted to act as an intermediary yet. But negotiations will begin within the Myanmar group. Source: Thai News Agency

Government House, "Anutin" reveals that the Prime Minister called him to order 2-3 government matters, waiting for them to be completed before telling him. Didn't talk about cabinet adjustments. I didn't ask when or how the adjustment would be done, which was rude, but I said that the Government Department had not changed. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Interior and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party Said after meeting with the Prime Minister at Government House that the Prime Minister called to order only 2-3 government matters. Can't reveal it yet. Must be accomplished first Ready to cut the reporter off saying Didn't talk about changing the Cabinet (Cabinet). 'Yesterday (April 23) I paid my respects to the Prime Minister. that the Bhumjaithai Party has asked for permission to keep the position as before The Prime Minister has not given any signal. We have informed you of our ways. So it is up to you to consider,' said the Bhumjaithai Party leader. Mr. Anutin said that the collaboration between Deput y Ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party and the Pheu Thai Party in the Ministry of Interior was going well. Both Mr. Chada Thaiseth and Mr. Songsak Thongsri were already familiar with each other. While Mr. Kriang Kaltinan from the Pheu Thai Party has become more and more familiar with each other, he has been assigned the task of taking care of disaster management regarding travel during Songkran. which serves well and has been assigned to supervise the Community Development Department which is an agency that must help people make a living Now we work together as a team and we get along well. 'As a government, we want to stay and work together for as long as possible. Now half a year has passed and all the relationships have come calling. The Prime Minister called me to listen to orders, and I came immediately. The Prime Minister has not yet discussed cabinet adjustments with the coalition parties. I did not ask and informed the Prime Minister that the Bhumjaithai Party had not changed. I wish everyone to cont inue working in their original duties. He acknowledged it and didn't ask anything. We do not have the right to ask how to adjust. It is considered very bad manners. Because it's not our business. This matter cannot be discussed together. Because each party Have your own responsibilities and duties,' said the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. Said. Source: Thai News Agency

Parliament, "Deputy Ong" stated that the Secretary of the House of Representatives will decide on the issue of inspecting the delivery of the Parliament building. Confident that the case in the hands of the NACC will not have any results. As for the former Democrat Party MP who revealed his suspicions about building a dam that was against specifications, he will refer it to the CSO to investigate. Mr. Padipat Santipada, 1st Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, discussed the progress in inspecting the Parliament building, saying that the final opinion of the majority and minority committee members During the transition between the two Secretaries-General of the Council, the current Secretary-General has opinions. to submit comments to the Attorney General's Office and gave the opinion that the council could amend the contract in the final round. Therefore, it is the discretion of the current Secretary-General of the Council. Within the scope of authority to inspect and receive Because in the end T his will be the responsibility of the Council Secretariat. Mr. Padipat said that he now understands that he is in the process of the most thorough consideration. Because whether to receive or not receive There are all consequences. Of course, there are matters under the supervision of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. (NACC) a large number But it cannot cause every case in the NACC to be withdrawn so that a decision can be made. This round of decision will not be bound by the results of the NACC, therefore investigating cases and complaints Will still be able to move forward. When asked about past cases Democrat Party MPs revealed that they found suspicious construction of a council dam that was not according to specifications. Therefore resulting in the loss of a huge amount of money. Do you know this yet? Mr. Padipat said that this is not in the last 6 points because the parliament building has been in use for many years. If there are errors in various parts You can make a complaint. And we have to check that. that mistake arises from the model from work control or from use 'I only heard about this on the news. But I have to admit that Not everyone has a blueprint on hand. Not everyone can read like that, so when something is heard, it must go into the hands of the judges. and must be examined as straightforwardly as possible,' Mr. Padipat said. Source: Thai News Agency

Government House, "Somsak" announces organizing a Betong trail running event on May 3-5, hoping to stimulate tourism. It is revealed that there are 3,480 Thai and foreign tourists participating in the run, expected to generate 300 million baht in revenue. Baht is delighted that foreigners recognize "Betong" as a diamond on the southern border. Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Deputy Prime Minister As Chairman of the Strategic Committee for Development of Southern Border Provinces Together with Mr. Kitti Chao Dee, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Chanthan Saengphum, Deputy Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, and Mrs. Sabrina De Nadai UTMB Asia Director jointly held a press conference on the Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB trail running competition. 2024 at Government House Mr. Somsak said that organizing the Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB 2024 trail running competition is considered a world-class running event. Because it has been certified by UTMB: Ultra Tra il du Mont Blanc, which is the largest trail running organizer in the world. By organizing this event The main responsible agency is the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) together with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT). This event is the second time, the first time. Organized in 2023, which was considered a great success. At that time There are 2,539 trail runners participating in the project from 48 countries around the world. Can stimulate the economy up to 243 million baht Mr. Somsak said that the trail running competition in 2024 will be held in Betong District, Yala Province, with applications open from 2 December 2023 - 29 February 2024 and the competition on 3 - 5 May 2024, which has A total of 3,480 people participated in the competition from 48 countries around the world, divided into 28% foreigners, such as Malaysians 15%, Chinese 4%, Japanese 1%, and 72% Thais, such as Yala 61%, Bangkok 12%, Songkhla 5%. It is expected that It will stimulate the economy by more than 300 million baht. By organizing this running event, the launch point is the Betong Mongkhonrit Tunnel. In the middle of Betong city It will run through important places such as the Sankalakiri mountain range. Jarakanga sea of ??mist view point View point of the sea of ??mist at Kunung Silipat and Piyamit Tunnels, etc. Mr. Somsak said that the trail running competition has 6 race distances, including 3.5 km., 16 km., 26 km., 54 km., 103 km., and 145 km., with competition prizes as follows: 145 km. distance, 03 km. and 54 km. 1st place, male and female, prize money 600 euros (approximately 23,000 baht). 2nd place, male and female, prize money 450 euros (approximately 18,000 baht). 3rd place, male and female, prize money 300 euros (approximately 11,500 baht). baht) for the distances of 26 km. and 16 km. will receive trophies. For the 1st-5th place, male and female, by the benefits of this event Contestants will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, lifestyle, culture, food, and tourist attraction s in the southern border provinces. 'Foreigners regard Betong District as a hidden gem in the South. Therefore it is considered a welcome thing. where foreign tourists admire the beauty of Betong city Ready to raise the level of competition to be even more quality. Make the competition participants and followers confident and impressed in traveling to compete. and attracts trail runners around the world Come back to visit every year. This will help create a good image of tourism. Especially the sports tourism dimension. in the southern border provinces to the eyes of the world,' Deputy Prime Minister Said. Source: Thai News Agency

Parliament, The Speaker of the House of Representatives points out that the government can use the existing referendum law. But if you want to fix it, you can propose it during the special opening period. It is believed that more than half of the people came out to exercise their rights. Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House of Representatives Referring to the case where there were calls to amend some sections of the Referendum Act, he said that there is now a referendum law already in place. If the government were to use existing laws to hold a referendum, they could do so. Unless the government sees that it wants to amend some sections first. It can be proposed to be revised during the extraordinary meeting. I don't know if it will be offered or not. But the existing law allows for a referendum because it only asks people whether they agree or disagree with the constitutional amendment. If you want to amend it, vote "Modify". If you don't want to amend it, "Vote No." 'I believe that more than half of the people will come out and exercise their rights. Because if everyone All parties helped to campaign, including the government, the media, and the public. When the campaign was completed, I did not think that less than half of the people would come out and exercise their rights. But if less than half of the people come out to exercise their rights, it shows that the people do not want to amend the constitution. must act accordingly,' said the Speaker of the House of Representatives. When asked if the first referendum had less than half of the people come out to exercise their rights, would the budget of over 3,000 million baht be wasted? Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor said that the law is like that. But he is still confident that More than half of the people will come out. Because at election time, whether at the local level or at any level More than half of the people came out to exercise their rights. Most are about 70-80 percent and have been campaigning a lot lately. People came out to exercise their ri ghts more than 80 percent. Source: Thai News Agency