#ThamLuang: Navy SEALs video shows boys in good spirit as options are being weighed
We're on the ground in front of the #ThamLuang cave as the options on how to get the 13 boys of out there are still being weighed. Meanwhile, the boys themselves are seemingly in good spirits and are being looked after.
#ThamLuang: 13 missing found alive in cave given food, medicine
The Chiang Rai govenor did not confirm whether the 13 boys found alive in a cave last night will be extracted today, but they are given food and medicine as rescue workers are assessing the next steps. Here's my update on #AsiaBusinessFirst on Channel NewsAsia.
#ThamLuang: Multinational operation crucial in discovery of 13 missing in Chiang Rai cave
Thais are waking finally up to some good news that the 13 missing in the #ThamLuang cave in Chiang Rai provice have been found alive and well. This has been the result of a huge multi-national rescue operation involing about 1,000 workers, inclduing specialists from Myanmar, Laos, China, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Here's my update on #FirstLookAsia on Channel NewsAsia.
#ThamLuang: Relatives relived after 13 missing in Chiang Rai cave found alive
"Today is the best day," says one of the mothers who has been waiting almost 10 days for her son and 12 others to be found alive in the #ThamLuang cave in Chiang Rai province. Here's another update by me Channel NewsAsia.
#ThamLuang: Video shows dramatic rescue of 13 missing found in Chiang Rai cave
The Thai Navy SEALs have published a video showing the rescue of 13 missing in the #ThamLuang cave in Chaing Rai province. But there's still a lot to be done to get the boys out the cave, as I explain on Channel NewsAsia.
AS IT HAPPENED: All 13 missing in #ThamLuang cave found alive and well
#BREAKING: After 10 days missing the #ThamLuang cave in Chiang Rai province, 12 children and their football coach have been found alive, according to the Chiang Rai governor.
Thai PM visits Chiang Rai cave rescue operations to give moral support
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on June 29, 2018
Here's my latest update on Channel NewsAsia on the ongoing rescue operations at #ถ้ำหลวง cave in Chiang Rai province as we are now on day 7 since 13 person have gone missing in there.
Foreign experts arrive to assist rescue operations of 13 missing in Chiang Rai cave
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on June 28, 2018
All kinds of help is welcomed now in the search and rescue operation of 13 missing people in the #ถ้ำหลวง cave. Here's my latest update on #PrimeTimeAsia with Dawn Karen Tan and Steve Lai CNA.
Rescue efforts for 13 missing in Chiang Rai cave forced to suspend operations due to heavy rain
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on June 28, 2018
It's day 6 in the rescue efforts for the 13 missing in the #ถ้ำหลวง cave in Chaing Rai province and even more heavy rain last night has forced rescue workers to suspend their operations as too much water has gone into the caves. Here's my latest update.
Rescuers fight against high water in search for children missing in Chiang Rai cave
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on June 27, 2018
It's a race against time and the elements, as more pumps are being brought in to prevent more water flooding the #ถ้ำหลง caves in Chiang Rai where 12 children and their football coach are missing since Saturday. Here's the latest update on #PrimeTimeAsia with Glenda Chong and Steve Lai CNA.
Heavy rain hampers rescue operations for 13 missing in Chiang Rai cave
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on June 27, 2018
The latest updates at Channel NewsAsia on the ongoing rescue operation for 13 missing persons trapped in the #ถ้ำหลวง cave in Chiang Rai.
Thai authorities ramp up rescue efforts to find children trapped in Chiang Rai cave
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on June 26, 2018
Rescue efforts are being ramped up in the search for 12 children and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Chiang Rai province. A small hole in the ceiling offers a small glimmer of hope. Here's me on #PrimeTimeAsia with Glenda Chong and Steve Lai CNA with the latest details.
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.