Rescue operations continue for missing children in flooded Chiang Rai cave
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on June 26, 2018
The search for 13 children and their football coach that are trapped in a flooded cave in Chiang Rai province enters the forth day as rescue operations have been hampered by rainfall. Here's my live cross with the latest updates
Thai military government hints yet another election delay at meeting with political parties
Originally aired at Channel NewsAsia on June 25, 2018
Democratic elections are possibly going to be delayed yet again, as the military government discusses with political party the way forward.
TRANSCRIPT
It is somewhat an ironic choice of location here at the Army Club in Bangkok, the very same place where Thailand’s military launched the coup of 2014 and practically suspended electoral democracy ever since.
Four years later, the very same military government has invited all political parties that have been sidelined since the coup to this place in order to discuss about the future of democracy in Thailand.
And there’s a lot to discuss, the political parties have a long list of complaints to the military government about the restrictions they are under: there’s the ban of public assemblies of more than 5, there’s the fact that they can’t campaign and openly talk about their policies
73 parties have attended the meeting, but notably absent are the Pheu Thai Party, whose government have been toppled at this very venue here.
The hope by the parties is that the government will say at least when these restrictions will be relaxed to what extend. However, there’s no indication that there’ll be a complete lift of these bans:
WISSANU KRUEA-NGAM; Thai Deputy Prime Ministe:
“Only a few things that we can’t comply with like public assemblies of more than 5. What we can is [to allow political parties] to hold general assemblies - for which they don’t need a permission - in order to 1) draft their rules and policies, 2) gather members, 3) give feedback to the Election Commission’s drawing of the election districts and 4) prepare for the primaries.”
Those bans are expected to be lifted for September to December this year.
Now, what happens with the election date that has been tentative set for February next year?
Well, because of many steps that need to taken and the many legal technicalities the military government said the exact election date is expect to be held Feb 24 and May 5, which could indicate yet another delay of elections, which wouldn’t be the first time under this Thai military government.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
Thai PM on Charm Offensive in Euro Trip
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on June 20, 2018
Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha is on his way for his first state visits to Europe, where he's scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Theresa May and later this week French President Emmanuel Macron. While economic issues will be high on the agenda, the trip also has political implications.
TRANSCRIPT
These are the first high-level bilateral talks for the Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha and his counterparts in Europe, beginning with British Prime Minister Theresa May in London and later this week in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron.
This comes after the change in approach by the European Union, relaxing its stance against the military government late last year, compared to the cold shoulder the EU has given to Thailand in the aftermath of the 2014 military coup.
The main objective for the Thai government on this Eurotrip is of economical nature: they are trying to lure in as many big foreign investors to Thailand as they can, especially to its industrial pet project: the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Furthermore, Thailand hopes that it can resume talks about a Free Trade Agreement with the EU, which has suspended these talks after the coup.
Of course, the European countries also have some vested interest to re-engage with Thailand and the region as a whole.
The European Union as a whole is the third largest trading partner to Thailand, with bilateral trade worth almost 40 million US Dollars - and the UK itself is looking for new trading partners for the time after they have left the European Union.
Pavin Chachavalpongpun; Associate Professor, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University:
"So if you look at regional interests, of course the EU would always want to come back to this part of the world anyways. The EU has always been seen as a distant region and this time the competition [from other regions] is so high. There’s a lot of uncertainties within the European Union itself. So, in coming back to Southeast Asia, this is a part of them trying to reassure their position and also once again maintain their interest."
But this trip also has a political dimension.
Over the course of the past four years since the military coup, we have seen the slow transformation of General Prayuth, the coup leader, to Mister Prayuth, the politician, who is seemingly being recognized internationally by world leaders. And that is fueling speculations that he might be looking for ways to stay on as prime minister even in a post-election scenario.
Nevertheless, it is expected that both Prime Minister May and President Macron will remind Gen. Prayuth about the democratic elections his military government has repeatedly delayed.
They are now scheduled for February 2019. However, shortly before he left for Europe, Prayuth said that these elections will take place "after the royal coronation of King Rama X" - which doesn’t have a date yet and has raised questions if elections will still actually take place in February 2019?
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
Thailand Carries Out First Execution in 9 Years
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on June 19, 2018
Thailand has carried out its first execution in 9 years, giving a 26-year old convicted murderer a lethal injection. It's a surprising move given several public statements pointing towards abolishment in recent years. Here's my live cross explaining the details and the context.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Spend $78m To Fix Its Tarmac
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on June 7, 2018
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport said it has fixed most of its "soft spots" on the tarmac, but a lot more needs to find more *concrete* solutions to its runway problems. Here's my live cross with Avril Hong from earlier today.
Thai Tourism Industry Not Worried About Maya Bay Closure
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on June 1, 2018
Here's our second dispatch from Koh Phi Phi, this time looking on the economic impact of the Maya Bay closure - which won't be that big according to Thai tourism officials. We explain why.
TRANSCRIPT
It’s hard to imagine how thousands of visitors can cram themselves on a tiny beach that’s just 200 meters long.
But this happens every day on Maya Bay, on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh in southern Thailand. In between the masses of people, the water and the boats, there’s not much space to move around.
Many visitors agree.
TOURIST COUPLE:
"Very populated, there’s hella lot of people."
"Yeah, probably too many boats parked around, like, our boats over there…"
TOURIST 1:
"I think the scenery is absolutely stunning and fantastic. The ocean’s clean and there’s plenty of fish to see. But I think this little beach is a little busy."
TOURIST 2:
"It’s a small area with a lot of people. I think if they kept smaller groups from coming here, it’d probably has less of an impact on the environment."
And that’s exactly why Thai authorities are closing it down for the next four months: to let the place rest and recover from the constant tourist invasion.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT; KOH PHI PHI LEH, KRABI PROVINCE:
"I'm here on Krabi province and behind me is Koh Phi Phi Leh island, home to the very famous Maya Bay. Going by an official count, an average 4,000 tourists visit the bay every single day - but Thai tourism officials aren't worried about the economic impact of the shutdown. They say it will be minimal.
One reason is its timing. The shutdown will end before October, before the high tourist season kicks in. Once that happens, there will be no lack of tourists.
In 2017, a record 35 million visited the country; 6 million of them headed to Krabi.
And although Maya Bay is beautiful, officials say it's not the only beach in town.
APICHAI ARANYIG; Director Krabi Province, Tourism Authority of Thailand:
"The policy by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the government is to spread the tourists around from the primary destinations to the secondary destinations. There are more beautiful beaches than on Koh Phi Phi that people might not know. So it’s our task to recommend these places to them, through the tour operators, through the media - tell them that there’s more than just Maya Bay."
But looking beyond the ban, Thailand also has to find a way to manage the rapidly growing number of visitors without hurting the environment.
It is a balance that needs to be found if it wants to preserve its natural treasures for the next generations.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT, Channel NewsAsia, Krabi Province
Maya Bay Closing a Chance for Nature to Recover
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on May 31, 2018
Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh has been a tourist magnet for years. But it has become a little too popular. So much so that authorities are closing it for four months to give its fragile eco system a chance to recover.
TRANSCRIPT
In the South of Thailand, in the Andaman Sea, are the Phi Phi Islands, famous for the crystal clear water that surrounds them and their sandy white beaches.
It’s one of the reasons this boatman, who goes by the nickname "Chang" came here to work.
"CHANG"; Longtail Boat Captain:
"I’m here on my 7th year. I do everything here because I love the Phi Phi islands - to work somewhere that has such beautiful views and such."
The thousands of tourists that flock here day in, day out - feel the same.
Most people are drawn to this place in particular: Maya Bay, a small strip of beach on the smaller island of Koh Phi Phi Leh.
But over the years, it has become a little too popular.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT; KOH PHI PHI LEH, KRABI PROVINCE:
"Maya Bay became very popular after the release of the Hollywood movie 'The Beach' in 2000, showing this place here as a very untouched place of paradise. Ironically, the film crew did some extensive reconstruction and environmentalists say it still hasn’t fully recovered. Nevertheless, countless numbers of visitors come here on a daily basis - so much so that authorities are saying this place needs a break."
The authorities mean business. Starting June, they're closing off Maya Bay - all the way to September - to give nature a chance to breathe and recover.
About 4,000 visitors come here every day. But experts say it’s not the crowds of tourists that are hurting the environment. It's the boats carrying them.
DR. THON THAMRONGNAWASAWAT; Marine Biologist, Kasetsart University:
"So, those speed boats and long-tail boats cross the shallow water reef. It makes the sediments - sand, sandy bottoms - go up and then drop down on the coral. Coral is an animal. They cannot breathe if you have any sand on top. So, if there’s a heavy sediment load in Maya Bay, it’s a main factor that kills a lot of corals for many, many years."
These fragile ecosystems used to serve as living spaces for more than 250 species of fish and thousands of other living organisms.
It's now just a tenth of what is used to be. The four-month closure is just one measure to help Maya Bay recover.
When it reopens in October - the beginning of the peak tourist season - there will be restrictions. The number of visitors will be halved and boats won't be allowed to dock inside the bay any longer.
In the meantime, officials will try to repopulate the coral reefs with samplings from nearby nurseries, but Mother Nature still has to do the heavy lifting.
This year's closure should give the bay a fighting chance... but authorities aren't ruling out the possibility of more closures in the future.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT, Channel NewsAsia, Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh, Krabi Province
AS IT UNFOLDS: Pro-Election Protest Marks 4th Anniversary of Thai Coup
It's been a long day, as pro-elections activists attempted to march from Thammasat University on Government House to mark four years after the military coup. But they didn't get very far and in the end got detained and dispersed.
Here's our Channel NewsAsia LIVE coverage today at 7am, 8am, 10am, 2pm and 4pm, respectively.
4 Years After the Thai Coup: Activists Protest Against the Military, But No Critical Mass Yet
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on May 21, 2018
Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the 4th anniversary of the military coup and it has outlawed political protests ever since. But that hasn't stopped some groups from rallying against the military government.
TRANSCRIPT
It’s a Saturday afternoon on the campus of Thammasat University.
People are chatting, sitting on benches, enjoying their weekend.
But one look at the stage and it's clear they're not here for a concert but for a rare political rally against Thailand’s military government.
RANGSIMAN ROME; Activist "Democracy Restoration Group":
"I believe that after these 4 years we should think about the future. If you ask me if we have a future under the mask of General Prayuth Chan-ocha, I believe this country won’t have a future if we don’t fight together."
Rangsiman Rome is a young activist who wants a swift return to democratic elections.
He and his friends are members of the 'Democracy Restoration Group', founded soon after the military seized power in the 2014 coup.
But public displays of discontent with the military government are few and far between, owing to a ban on public gatherings of more than five people.
Thailand’s military government has solidified its rule, four years after it toppled the democratically elected government of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
It is the longest rule by the military since the 1970s - something many political observers did not anticipate.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT, Bangkok, Thailand:
"In the past four years, the military government has often cited the absence of political protest as a sign of the peace and security it has given the Thai people. But analysts say that doesn’t mean that everybody is content with their rule... but that it just hasn’t translated to a widespread opposition, whether out of fear or indifference."
Analysts say current dissatisfaction is unlikely to build up into bigger protests - for now.
THITINAN PONGSUDHIRAK; Director Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University:
"This time [the] middle class Bangkok bought into the coup. So we’re seeing students, younger people, newer faces - they haven’t reached a critical mass, but I think the criticism, the opposition are mounting. And Thai people are also pretty tolerant compared to others, they’re waiting to have their say when the elections comes."
The delay by the military government to hold a general election has fuelled calls for a return to democratic rule.
RANGSIMAN ROME; Activist "Democracy Restoration Group":
"Our stance is that the people will win their freedom back. We may not be in charge today, but we are proposing a solution to solve the problems one step at a time. If we don’t begin with the freedom of the people today, we won’t be able to start anything. so let me start today by saying: elections are the answer."
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has assured the public the election will definitely be held in early 2019...
but he has also said that if pro-democracy protests continue, there is no guarantee that polls will be held peacefully.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
4 Years After the Coup: New Generation of Politicians Waiting for Return of Elections
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on May 20, 2018
We continue our series on four years after the military coup and today we look at the new crop of politicians is slowly gearing up for the campaign (whenever the govt allows and actually holds it). So what do Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (Future Forward Party) and Varawut Silpa-archa (Chartthaipattana Party) think they can do to woo voters and their vision for Thailand’s political future?
TRANSCRIPT
Among the flurry of new parties, is the Future Forward party of billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
It's grabbed the headlines with a progressive and anti-military stance.
The 39-year-old, vice president of his late father’s car parts empire, says that after years of political polarization and military rule, now is the time for change.
THANATHORN JUANGROONGRUANGKIT; Future Forward Party:
"For us, something that is equally important is winning the war; the war of ideas. So the war for seats and the war of ideas are equally important. We have to win the domination of ideas. We have to challenge the conservative ideas that we, the people of Thailand, are not ready for democracy, we have to challenge this idea."
Mr. Thanathorn is offering his party platform as an alternative to those of established parties among them, the Chart Thai Pattana party... A key personality here is Varawut Silpa-archa, also regarded as a new-generation politician.
His late father Banharn was the party's long-time leader, and for a brief time, prime minister. Mr. Varawut believes he can learn from his father's mistakes.
VARAWUT SILPA-ARCHA; Chart Thai Pattana Party:
"After all, he was a former Prime Minister of Thailand. In order to run away from his shadow, I have to cast a bigger shadow than him. If I can’t run away from it, I shall embrace it. I shall embrace the way he ran his political party, utilize on his experiences, learn from the mistakes that he made, the success that he did - then we can move forward."
Mr Varawut and Mr Tharnathon are part of a new generation of politicians who have registered their parties ahead of potential polls next year.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT; Bangkok, Thailand:
"It’s still a long road until any democratically elected candidate can come here to parliament. There's still a lot to be done - never mind that political parties are still not allowed to campaign or talk specific policies without permission by the military government. However, this new group of politicians - the so-called young bloods - have the rare opportunity to tap into a new generation of potential voters."
THITINAN PONGSUDHIRAK; Director Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University:
"We need new ideas. We need new people, younger people. And remember that we haven’t had elections in Thailand since 2011! We’ve had protest, turmoil, polarizations in Thailand since 2005. So there’s been an entire generation who’ve grown up seeing this conflict in Thailand - so they probably wanna have a say."
Analysts say this new generation of politicians is unlikely to dramatically alter Thailand's political landscape, at least not just yet.
The military government's ban on political parties' activity has silenced debate but when the ban is lifted, it may give the new breed of politicians a chance to prove themselves.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
4 Years After the Thai coup: Assessing the Military's Anti-Corruption Fight
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on May 19, 2018
May 22 marks the 4th anniversary of the 2014 military coup. Time for us to reflect on what has happened since then. In part 1 of a 3-part-series, we're assessing the military's anti-corruption fight, something they have pledged to take head on when they took over. Four years later the results are mixed to say the least.
TRANSCRIPT
GEN. PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA; Thai Prime Minister:
"...I hereby swear, that I will conduct myself with honesty, that I will not commit corruption, and I will uphold the values of justice…"
Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's message denouncing corruption was loud and clear. It has always been so.
Mr Prayut used corruption to justify the military’s takeover of power in the 2014 coup.
It said the administration of then Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was corrupt and needed to go.
Several politicians from Ms Yingluck's toppled government were prosecuted following the coup, charged with corruption and in the case of the former prime minister herself, with criminal negligence in a rice pledging scheme.
She fled the country before a court sentenced her to five years in prison.
But corruption continues to be a problem, according to a report this year by Thailand's Court of Justice.
GEN. PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA; Thai Prime Minister:
"The government is aware of the issue and is pushing this issue [of anti-corruption] as a national agenda. We’re already amending laws, and other mechanisms of checks and balances. The next step is how to make these changes into a reality."
Thailand's score in the latest Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International shows little improvement in its anti-corruption performance.
On a score of zero to a hundred, where the higher the score, the cleaner the country... Thailand scored 37 in 2017, compared to 38 in 2014, the year Ms Yingluck's government was overthrown.
ILHAM MOHAMED; Regional Advisor Asia Pacific, Transparency International
"What you do find in Thailand is grand corruption, illicit enrichment and illicit financial flows. This is what needs to be tackled and this is where you need to focus on if you would like to make changes."
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT, Bangkok, Thailand:
"The military is one of those institutions in Thai politics that has always had corruption allegations levelled at it. Things did not get better when it took over power here in 2014. Quite the contrary, a few scandals involving senior army officials have become major headaches for the government."
The Rajabhakti Park near Hua Hin for instance - the army's project to honour the monarchy.
Critics allege the park's giant bronze statues of seven past kings were massively overpriced, raising suspicion of kickbacks for the military officers who commissioned them.
Government investigations later cleared them of any wrongdoing.
And then, the saga of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and the luxury watches he allegedly owns.
The probe by Thailand's National anti-Corruption Commission is still in place but critics fear the case will be buried.
Observers have asked if it's only the small fish that are getting caught.
MANA NIMITMONGKOL; Secretar General, Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand
"But at the moment, those measures have not yielded any results yet. And the public is doubting that, while they they seem to be focusing on local politicians and low-ranking civil servants, whether senior officials in the government or in the bureaucracy will be under the same scrutiny. Which leads to the question about how effective the crackdown was in the last 4 years?"
Prime Minister Prayut has announced that Thailand will hold its election in February next year.
And when it does, the country's anti-corruption track record will once again be closely scrutinised by the people.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
Thai PM visits Buriram to meet local stalwart Newin
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on May 7, 2018
Thai PM Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha visits Buriram today, not only to meet thousands of locals at the Chang Arena, but also with senior members of the Bhumjaithai Party and its ex-leader, Newin Chidchob - also known as the local stalwart of Buriram. Here's my live cross from earlier today.
Pro-democracy activists step up rallies as coup anniversary nears
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on May 5, 2018
The กลุ่มฟื้นฟูประชาธิปไตย Democracy Restoration Group - DRG is holding their first rally in a month as the 4th anniversary of the coup is soon.
TRANSCRIPT
As the forth anniversary of the 2014 military coup is coming closer on the 22nd later this month, so are the anti-government protests by pro-democracy activists.
The so-called “Democracy Restoration Group” are staging a new rally after a month’s break, yet again calling the military government to stage democratic elections immediately.
They say that after four years in power, it’s time for the military to step aside.
RANGSINAM ROME; Activist "Democracy Restoration Group":
"I believe that after these 4 years we should think about the future. If you ask me if we have a future under the mask of General Prayuth Chan-ocha, I believe this country won’t have future if we don’t fighttogether.".”
Furthermore, the group is planning to march to Government House on the 22nd later this month. Not only is it the coup’s anniversary but also the weekly cabinet meeting of coup leader and prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
The military government has repeatedly delayed democracy elections, the latest date is now tentatively scheduled for February next year.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
P-Move protests enter third day
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on May 4, 2018
The P-move, a group representing farmers and the poor, have continued their protests in Bangkok demanding a fairer treatment in land seizures and social disparity.
Thailand’s street food scene in danger of being swept off the sidewalk
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on April 23, 2018
As part of a series this month looking at the street food culture that characterizes so much of ASEAN's diversity, this week we go Thailand’s capital Bangkok, where street food there is popular with locals as well as with tourists from around the world. But is there a threat of street food being wiped off the sidewalks, as announced by authorities last year? And what could this mean for the vendors and their patrons?
TRANSCRIPT
It’s evening in Bangkok and people are leaving work.
That’s when many streets of the Thai capital come alive, with vendors pulling out tables and chairs, and hungry folks waiting for a meal.
Street food in ubiquitous in Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand, and it's hard to imagine the country without it.
"TUK"; Street Food Vendor:
"We Thais eat all the time around the clock, especially little snacks here and there. Personally, when I see a market or somewhere with a lot of shops, I literally run to there because of its diversity [of food] and our way of life that we grew up with."
Over 8 million stalls, carts, stands and hole-in-the-walls serve meals for relatively cheap almost anywhere, at almost any time of the day and night, to everybody -- whether it's an office worker on a lunch break, or a construction worker after a long night shift.
But not everybody likes the sidewalk eateries taking up the pavement day in, day out.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT; Bangkok, Thailand:
"Last year, Bangkok city officials have shocked foodies here in the city and from abroad alike by announcing a ban on all street food vendors. After some considerable public backlash, the officials have backpedalled - OF COURSE it has all been a misunderstanding. They say they wanted to rein in on all this chaos that makes this city so charming in the first place. But what has happened ever since then?"
While the city wants to preserve some spots popular with tourists like in Chinatown and the backpacker district of Khao San Road, vendors in other parts of Bangkok will have to move somewhere else eventually.
And that could have a severe impact on their businesses - and their very livelihoods.
NARUMOL NIRATHORN; Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University:
"And then [the authorities] tell [the vendors] to sell at a new place for them, and the are concerned whether or not they can sell anything there. And we have found such cases during our research last year, where they say that the costs have risen at the new place and thus reduces their earnings."
According to studies, women and older people are especially at risk from forced relocations from the busy main roads to quieter places, as in most cases they would lose their only source of income.
Critics say that the blanket ban by the city officials, fails to take the specific conditions and needs on the ground into account.
NARUMOL NIRATHORN; Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University:
"In order to effectively manage this, you need to do field research, you really need to know who’s selling there, what the community thinks of them - thus each area needs to be handled differently."
Authorities have not set a definite timeline for these relocations.
For now, the street food vendors will continue to sell on the sidewalks as they have done for decades - but it is uncertain whether city planners still have an appetite to include them in Bangkok's future.
Pheu Thai Party holds pre-Songkran meeting
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on April 4, 2018
The Pheu Thai Party is holding its pre-Songkran meeting, calling for all its members to re-register this year in the runup of democratic elections. But while this is the first time political parties can assemble again, they still can't do everything.
TRANSCRIPT
This meeting signals the slow, the very slow thawing of political activity since the military coup of 2014 that has sidelined the political parties.
Before the coup this would have been a usual Thai New Year’s reception by the party, and they did hold a Songkran ceremony blessing their most senior members, like it is tradition in any Thai family or company.
but since the beginning of this month the military government has allowed the existing political parties to re-register their members as preparations for democratic elections are slowly, very slowly underway.
However, any activity beyond that, such as party meetings or even campaigning is still not allowed by the military government. That is something that is hampering all political parties and that is something they want to get changed ASAP.
PHUMTHAM WECHYACHAI; Secretary-General, Pheu Thai Party:
“The most important thing would be if the [restriction] orders are revoked, there’s no reason to keep them. There are many things in [NCPO] order no. 53 that is contradicting itself and that are problematic. They may have fully stated their case and interpretations about that, but the problem still is that there’s no reason to uphold, not to revoke order no. 53”
Earlier this week, Thai PM Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha has indicated that he would adjust some of the restrictions but would still not lift them entirely until further notice.
Democratic elections have been repeatedly delayed since 2014. The latest date is set for no later than February 2019 - and by that time they’d be in power longer than most elected government in recent Thai history.
Thai police shows off 'largest drug haul'
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on April 3, 2018
My latest report Channel NewsAsia: The Thai police shows off what it claims to be the 'largest ever' drug busts with 1.7 million yaba (methamphetamine) pills, 703kg of ice, 1,380kg of cannabis and 671 grams of cocaine. I explain the significance and what it means for Thailand's ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
Subtitles for POL.-GEN. CHAKTHIP CHAIJINDA; Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police:
"If you’re asking me whether or nots our efforts are brining in results, then I tell you we’re doing our fullest. We wouldn’t be able to catch this much if we wouldn’t. But we can’t tell how much is being produced in the neighboring countries and their capabilities."
Largest eSports event takes places in booming Thailand
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on March 31, 2018
eSports is big and Thailand is one of the biggest countries in Southeast Asia riding the wave. So much so that the Sports Authority of Thailand has officially endorsed as a sport. Here's my report about the national scene and what the next steps are in order to grow further.
Thank you to Garena Thailand for the access. Special thanks to my team Kittiphum Earthling and Theerapong Puengsook for their help. Transcript below as usual.
TRANSCRIPT
The stage is set. The competitors are ready. The battlefield is heating up.
What looks like a colorful flurry is a highly strategic bout of Realm of Valor or ROV- a popular Multiplayer Online Battle Arena video game, where teams of five players face off for points and wins, like a high-speed game of chess.
This is one of many games and competitions at the 6th edition of Garena World.
And there's good reason for the organizers to keep coming back to Bangkok.
FORREST LI; Group CEO Sea:
"Definitely I’d say Thailand is probably leading on the frontline. Here [you have] a very strong gaming culture. So it’s like mainstream. And this is a… Thailand is very good consumer market, so a lot of advertisers really have an eye on it. And they know that from the advertisement that the return of investment is pretty good here."
eSports has seen a rapid growth not only in gamers, but also draws in tens of millions of viewers worldwide, making it an emerging industry with an estimated annual revenue of almost $700 million.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT; Bangkok, Thailand:
"Just like video games themselves have redefined entertainment over the last few decades, esports has done the same for competitive sports. Just look around: the hardware, the huge stages, the prize money, the trophies - it’s all very impressive! But what are the next steps for esports to grow?"
Its rapid development has not gone unnoticed by the governing bodies of traditional sports: it has been a demonstration sport at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games and also later this year the Asian Games in Jakarta.
It will even become a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games.
Just last December, Thailand's national sports authority endorsed it as an official sport.
While there is already a high number of weekly competitions, some say now is the time to raise the professionalism of the sport, in areas such as regulation and standardised rules on conduct, pay, and player welfare.
SANTI LOTHONG; President, Thailand E-Sports Federation:
"Some Thais might think that getting prize money is already the biggest of achievements. But we’re still far from excellence. We have to change their attitude to show that greatness is not what their current state is. Being world class level is much bigger than one imagines and requires a lot of care. That’s what we need to teach them."
And established teams like Mineski Infinity Thailand, an offshoot of one of the most successful teams from the Philippines, can lead the way in that process.
Its co-owner says that unlike traditional sports, the barriers to entry in eSports are lower.
KAMPOL SUDAYUWORN; Project Manager, Mineski Thailand:
"I believe that everyone can become a pro player. Because the good thing about esport is that it doesn’t matter if you’re fat, skinny, black, short or tall - it doesn’t matter. If you’re handicapped you can also play esports. They are no boundaries. It all comes down to your readiness, your passion"
No matter what game is being played or on what platform, there’s no question that eSports is here to stay.
But if it's to have an even brighter future, it needs to raise its game.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
Thai parties anticipate resumption political activities
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on March 28, 2018
As Thai political parties anticipate the very slow and gradual relaxation on the ban on political activities, the Election Commission has briefed them today on the road ahead and the new rules they have to face. Here's my report detailing them and what the parties don't really like about them.
New Progressive Platform Promises New Alternative in Polarized Thai Politics
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on March 15, 2018
The 38-year billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit is entering politics with his new political party "Future Forward" (or "New Future" in Thai), offering a "new progressive alternative" amidst the ongoing political polarization of the past decade.
TRANSCRIPT
Even before its existence, there was some considerate buzz and hype about the new political platform of 38-year old billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
This platform has been revealed as the “New Future” Party, or “Future Forward” to use its English name.
The party presents itself as a new, alternative and progressive political platform with a lot of new young blood.
The 27 founding members are - for Thai standards - a diverse group of young entrepreneurs, social activists and progressive thinkers.
Thanathorn himself, whose family runs a successful car parts business, was a social activist in his earlier life and his uncle Suriya was a cabinet member under prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
But he insists that his new political platform will be above the politics polarization that has plagued Thai politics the past decade.
THANATHORN JUANROONGRUANGKIT; Co-Founder Forward Future Party:
"The Forward Future Party will not be an alternative, but a mainstream party. We will be the main voice that paves the way to fixing democracy in order move society forward. We will not be an alternative, but the main party to fix democracy. Every political party will be a competitor to us. We will fight against in every race, every district - for every vote from every sector of society."
The big question going forward for the “Future Forward” Party is how they will reach out and win over as many people as they can in as many places as they can, especially in those places the established parties have a strong foothold.
Because its one thing to gain a following online, it’s a whole another thing to translate that into votes.
Another hurdle that this and other political parties new and old are facing are the current restrictions by the military government that outlaws any form of campaigning so far - that’s also the reason why they can’t announce any policies at this moment.
However it is very clear that the “New Future” sets itself up as a democratic party and will oppose any non-democratic interference, given the possibility of a prolonged military influence in some shape or form.
However, we’re some time away from a democratic election which have been repeatedly delayed and are now slated for February 2019 - but that’s still not a certainty.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok