The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
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established 2000
Friday 9 June 2023
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 senior 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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Wife of ousted Malaysia PM says missing jewelery seized by Police
Rosmah Mansor, 70, wife of ousted former prime minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Thursday May 12, 2022
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, June 9: Rosmah Mansor, 70, wife of ousted former prime minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, both convicted of bribery and are on bail pending appeals, denied possession of 43 pieces of jewellery that are missing from 44 pieces of jewelery that were seized by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), report the Star.
Rosmah Mansor said that jewelery claimed to be in her possession by Lebanese company, Global Royalty Trading, was seized by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) in a raid on the home of ousted Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak and Rosmah Mansor in 2018.
"The police have one of the 44 pieces of jewellery claimed to be missing by Global Royalty Trading in their possession," she said.
An affidavit signed by Police Superintendent G/15177 Foo Wei Min was filed on August 28, 2019 saying "one of the 44 pieces of jewellery was with the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP)"
Rosmah Mansor told the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Tuesday that all 44 pieces of the jewellery owned by Global Royalty Trading were kept in the same place, saying "all 44 pieces of jewellery was seized by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP).
"It is common knowledge that all the valuable property that belonged to me and my family was seized by the police," she said.
Rosmah Mansor, denied that she had requested the jewellery, as alleged by the Lebanese company, Global Royalty Trading, saying "the jewellery was offered for the benefit and profit of Global Royalty Trading to attract publicity and credibility."
On June 26, 2018, Lebanese company, Global Royalty Trading filed a civil suit against Rosmah Mansor demanding payment of US$14.79 million (S$20 million) for 44 pieces of jewellery following the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) raid on her home.
In May 2018 lawyers for Dubai jewellers, Adi Hasan AlFardan Jewellery, called on the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) to return jewellery valued at US$5 million, that was seized in the raid on the home of ousted Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak and Rosmah Mansor saying that jewelery seized included a 56 heart-shaped "fancy yellow diamond" necklace with diamond weighing 10.7 carats each.
"Rosmah Mansor had requested alterations to the "fancy yellow diamond" that cost US$2.248 million," he said.
Police also seized a yellow diamond necklace and earring set with a string of diamonds weighing 112.94 carats and earrings weighing 17.84 carats worth US$3 million.
The lawyer said then that his client Dubai jewellers, Adi Hasan AlFardan Jewellery wants confirmation that the diamond necklaces and earrings are in the possession of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), saying that his client would consider legal action against Rosmah Mansor if police are not in possession of the jewellery.
He said that Dubai jewellers, Adi Hasan AlFardan Jewellery, are prepared to cooperate with police to recover the jewellery, saying that "Rosmah Mansor has not paid for the jewellery nor does she have title of ownership".
The Southeast Asian Times
Move Forward Party to amend Marriage Equality Act in first 100 days in office
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, left, and LGBTQIA+ community member, right, at the Bangkok Pride 2023 parade in Bangkok Sunday June 4, 2023 that attracted more than 50,000, double that attended in 2022
From News Reports:
Bangkok, June 8: The eight-party coalition led by the Move Forward Party (MFP) has vowed to legalise same-sex marriage and gender equality, with Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, saying "once we form government, we will push for amendements to the Marriage Equality Act in the first 100 days," reports the Bangkok Post.
"The Marriage Equality Act is included in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by members of the coalition," he said.
The eight-party coalition led by the Move Forward Party (MFP) that includes the Pheu Thai Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Prachachart Party, Seree Ruam Thai Party, Pheu Thai Ruam Palang Party, Fair Party, and Plung Sungkom Mai Party signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 23 missions after the Move Forward Party won the general elections on May 14, 2023.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached agreement on 23 missions with the restoration of democracy at the top of the list followed by the mission to "Affirm and pass the Marriage Equality Act to ensure equal rights for all couples, regardless of gender, without infringing upon the religious principles each individual adheres to."
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, said that there are other policies that the Forward Party will push towards legislation, saying "as members of the legislative branch in the House of Representatives the Move Forward Party will push to promote gender equality in Thai society."
"Every person has human dignity and is equal before the law," he said.
He said that every person must have equal access to public services without discrimination because of their gender, race, belief, education, age, and disabilities.
Move Forward Party (MFP) list-Members of Parliament elect, Parit Wacharasindhu, said that amendements to the Marriage Equality Act would not only promote gender equality but also open a host of financial, tax and inheritance benefits for members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
He said that the Marriage Equality Act aims to amend Section 1448 of the Civil and Commercial Code, saying "Section 1448 of the Civil and Commercial Code limits the definition of marriage to a man and a woman.
"Amendements to the Marriage Equality Act would make the marriage law applicable to any couple, regardless of gender," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's defence plan blurs line between military and civilian roles
Indonesia's Ninister of Defence, Prabowo Subianto, called for a demilitarised zone in Ukraine at the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue security summit 2-4 June 2023 in Singapore
From News Reports:
Jakarta, June 7: The Indonesia Ministry of Defence plan to establish Regional Military Commands (Kodam) throughout Indonesia including in Papua and to active Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) officers to positions in state ministries and institutions was rejected by Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace in Jakarta, saying "the plan would blur the line between military and civilian roles," reports Rueters.
Setara Institute researcher, Ikhsan Yosarie, said the plan would blur the line between military and civilian roles and reverse progress made by the reform movement that ousted President Suharto.
"The idea of adding regional commands and revising the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) law reeks of expanding the military’s role in the civilian spheres," he said
“Reform should push the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to focus on defense capabilities, not regress to the New Order era," he said.
Indonesia Minister of Defence, Prabowo Subianto, a former General in President Suharto's New Order regime, proposed a plan to establish a Regional Military Command (Kodam) that includes the Army (TNI-AD), Navy (TNI-AL), and Air Force (TNI-AU) throughout Indonesia including in the newly established Papua provinces, saying "there are parts of Indonesia that do not have an Indonesian National Military (TNI) command."
"As Minister of Defence I plan to establish a Regional Military Commands (Kodam) in every province, a District Military Command (Kodim) unit in each district and a Sub-District Military Command (Koramil) in each sub-district," he said.
He said that the Ministery of Defence would equip all supervisory officers (babinsa) of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in each region with a new motorcycle and communication devices to support their operational duties, saying "every represenative of the Indonesian National Armed Forces can communicate with the District Military Commander, the Sub-Districy Military Commander and the Regional Military Commander up to Jakarta."
"Even the president will be able to speak directly with a babinsa." he said.
The Indonesia Ministry of Defence plan to expand the military involvement in state ministries and institutions was rejected by the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) chairperson, Muhammad Isnur, who said the call for active Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) officers to positions in state ministries and institutions "is in line with government policy moves that show signs of the revival of the New Order regime of former President Suharto."
He said that there are many policies under current President Joko Widodo administration that show signs of the revival of the authoritarianism of the New Order regime, saying "efforts to militarise civilians through the Reserve Component (Komcad) system for state civil servants (ASN) is one example."
He said that the proposal by the founder of the Special Detachment 88 anti-terror squad, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan to revise Law Number 34/2004 on the National Armed Forces (TNI) is in line with growing signs of authoritarianism.
"This proposal poses a serious threat to democracy as a fruit of reformasi the political reform process that began in 1998," he said.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who proposed revision to the
National Armed Forces (TNI) law that would allow active National Armed Forces (TNI) officers to hold positions in government ministries and institutions, said that revision was necessary.
"Active National Armed Forces (TNI) officers should be assigned to government ministries and institutions at the request of the institutions and with the agreement of President Joko Widodo.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia PM announces Australia-Vietnam Trade Ministers' Dialogue in Hanoi
Australian Labor Party (ALP) leader and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, left, Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi on Sunday June 4, 2023
From News Reports:
Hanoi, June 6: Australian Labor Party (ALP) leader, Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi on Sunday with the General Secretary saying "Australia and Vietnam were located in the Indo-Pacific and share many similarities," and Australia's Prime Minister announcing the inaugural Australia-Vietnam Trade Ministers’ Dialogue, reports the Vietnam News Agency.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), Nguyen Phu Trong said "Vietnam and Australia have enjoyed thriving relations over the last 50 years," saying the relationship has expanded and become substantive in politics, the economy, science, technology, education-training, and defence-security."
"People-to-people links are close with more than 300,000 Vietnamese, including tens of thousands of students, in Australia," he said.
He said the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) highly values the outcome of the visit of the Australia Prime Minister of Austraia to Vietnam, saying "especially the important agreements reached during the Australian Prime Minister's two day visit to Hanoi."
"The Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) supports the promotion and implementation of the agreements for peace, cooperation and development in the Indo-Pacific," he said.
Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, announced the inauguration of the Australia-Vietnam Trade Ministers’ Dialogue on Sunday, with the exchange of four cooperation documents between Australia and Vietnam.
He said Australia and Vietnam are committed to working together to meet the challenges of the future, including the climate crisis, saying "Australia is committed to becoming a renewable energy superpower and supporting our regional partners as they transition to net zero."
On Sunday Australia and Vietnam agreed to cooperation in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the establishment of the ministerial-level Australia-Vietnam Trade Ministers’ Dialogue mechanism on trade.
The MoU's also included the implementation of the second phase of the 2017 Aus4Innovation Programme between Vietnam and Australia on the exchange of financial intellegence information in money laundering and terrorism sponsorship.
An Mou on scholarships for Vietnamese students and students in the region between the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and the Western Sydney University was also included.
Australia and Vietnam also agreed to new direct air routes for Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet’s to Australia.
In October 2022 Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on Vietnam "to speed up the implementation of the Australia Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy (EEES), saying "trade and economic relations with Vietnam Nam will provide opportunities for investment and trade."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy (EEES) is a roadmap to promote trade and investment ties between Australia and Vietnam.
Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính called on Australia to continue to provide technical support in education and training, to implement the agricultural visa programe, and to open new direct air routes between Vietnam and Australia.
Vietnam Prime Minister Ph?m Minh Chính also called on Australia's Anti-Dumping Commission to discontinue the investigation into Vietnamese products including an investigation into Vinacom-Mining Chemical Industry Holding Corporation Ltd. (MICCO), Vietnamese Exporter of Ammonium Nitrate.
"Stop anti-dumping investigations for a number of Vietnamese products and speed up quarantine and custom clearance activities," he said.
Vietnam joined 12 Indo-Pacific countries in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) trade pact that was launched in Japan by United States on May 23, 2022 with Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, pledging to work with ASEAN members and United States partners to bring about an economic agenda that is conducive for each country in the ASEAN region.
"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) trade pact will be best harnessed when it complements existing economic connectivity initiatives," he said.
"Vietnam is committed to pursuing and is making all efforts towards an independent, self-reliant economy hand-in-hand with extensive and substantive international integration," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia's PM to meet General Secretary of Communist Party of Vietnam in Hanoi
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi Sunday June 4, 2023
From News Reports:
Hanoi, June 5: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Hanoi on Saturday at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, with Vietnam's Ambassador to Australia saying "the Australian Prime Minister is scheduled to meet the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, reports the Vietnam News Agency.
Vietnam's Ambassador to Australia Nguyen Tat Thanh, said ahead of Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, two day visit to Vietnam that "the leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) is scheduled to meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), Nguyen Phu Trong."
"Their meeting is expected to consolidate strategic confidence and lay a ground for the bilateral relations in the coming decades ," he said.
He said that with efforts from both Vietnam and Australia the visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Vietnam will create a foundation for bilateral ties to grow, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is to meet the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, the President of Vietnam, Vo Van Thuong, and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue during the two day official visit to Hanoi.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ahead of thel visit to Hanoi "my first official visit to Vietnam is an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relation and to agree on new areas of economic, trade, and other cooperation to deliver a stronger relationship into the future."
The Southeast Asian Times
 
Singapore welcomes Australia's efforts to engage with Southeast Asia
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to support open and inclusive, rules-based multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and to maintain ASEAN centrality at the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Friday 2, June 2023
From News Reports:
Singapore, June 4: Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong welcomed Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue security summit attended by 600 security delegates from 40 countries including 48 ministers and 35 senior defence officials, saying "I welcome the Prime Minister and his government's efforts to deepen Australia's engagement with Southeast Asia," reports Reuters.
Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that Singapore and Australia share similar perspectives in regional and international strategic issues, saying "that includes an open and inclusive, rules-based multilateral order in the Indo-Pacific that supports ASEAN centrality."
"So, I welcome the Prime Minister and his government's efforts to deepen Australia's engagement with Southeast Asia through the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040."
Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 is considering how emerging regional trends will transform Southeast Asian economies over the next two decades and where Australia is best placed to respond to the emerging economic opportunities.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to support open and inclusive, rules-based multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and to maintain ASEAN centrality, saying "the stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region can only be secured through the collective responsibility of all countries."
He said that peace, stability and security could not be taken for granted, saying "no nation must think it was above multilateral rules.
"To be collectively responsible, all countries must always engage, maintain open dialogue and diplomacy, establishing guard rails for all countries to follow the agreed-upon multilateral rules," he said.
"When any country thinks it is above those rules, then stability would break down," he said.
He said the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is important to the region.
"Australia’s goal is not to prepare for war, but to prevent it through deterrence and reassurance and building resilience in the region, doing our part to fulfil the shared responsibility all of us have to preserve peace and security,” he said.
In May 2023 Australia and Singapore affirmed their partnership at the 13th meeting of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC) in Canberra on May 1, 2023 agreeing to cooperate to promote regional stability with Singapore saying "Australia adds to regional security in Asean,"
Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said then that Singapore supports the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS), strategic Indo-Pacific alliance, saying that "Australia can play a stabilising role in the region by leveraging its economic and strategic influence."
He said Australia can play a bigger role in our region amid the complexities of the current environment, saying "Australia was not just an Indo-Pacific country, but an Asian country."
He said that Singapore would welcome Australian submarines to call on Singapore ports, saying "we believe that Australia adds to regional security in Asean and beyond."
In November 2022 Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, committed to development funding in the Indo-Pacific at the ASEAN-Australia summit included in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) 40th and 41st summits in Phnom Penh, saying "Australia would advance economic growth in the Indo-Pacific.
"Australia would advance economic growth under the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative (Aus4 ASEAN Futures Initiative) in the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) initiative," he said.
He said that Australia has committed AUS$470 million in development funding to support the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) initiative that would enable support for three ASEAN Community councils, the ASEAN Political- Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
The Southeast Asian Times

Hong Kong pro-democracy Civic Party disbands saying "the writing was on the wall"
Hong Kong pro-democracy Civic Party members, Cheng Tat-hung, Dennis Kwok, Alan Leong, Alvin Yeung and Jeremy Tam at a news conference after they were disqualified from standing in elections under the new law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) that was passed into legislature in Beijing on June 30, 2020
From News Reports:
Hong Kong, June 3: The Hong Kong pro-democracy Civic Party, whose members include academics, lawyers and doctors, who refused to pledge allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) that upholds the ruling that allows only candidates deemed patriots by Beijing to stand for election, have disbanded the Civic Party saying "the writing was on the wall," reports Associated Press.
Pro-democracy Civic Party chairman Alan Leong said "the writing was on the wall," for the dissolution of the party, saying "there was no one to take over."
"None of its members filed nominations for executive positions at the extraordinary general meeting," he said.
He said that thirty of the 31 members voted to disband with one person abstaining.
In July 2021 more than 150 pro-democracy Hong Kong district councillors of the about 390 pro-democracy Hong Kong district councillors who secured seats in the November 24, 2019 elections resigned ahead of the oath-taking ceremony on September 10, 2021 that required councillors to pledge allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) that allows only candidates deemed patriots by Bejing to stand for election in Hong Kong.
A further 230 district councillors who were involved in pro-democracy mass protests against China rule over Hong Kong and who displayed banned protest slogans in their electoral offices were disqualified from standing for the Legislative Council elections scheduled for December 19, 2021.
In January 2021 Hong Kong Police arrested 53 pro-democracy activists for subversion against China under the new law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) that was passed into legislature in Beijing on June 30, 2020, for their involvement in the September 6, 2020 cancellation of District Council elections that attempted to include candidates chosen by Beijing.
The Hong Kong pro-democracty activists were arrested in dawn raids under the new law on Safeguarding National Security that gave the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) the power of arrest without a warant, for their invovlvement in the campaign to win a majority in Hong Kong’s 70-seat Legislative Council, with Hong Kong Secretary for Security Security Bureau of Hong Kong, John Lee Ka-chiu, saying " the pro-democracy activists attempted to block central government proposals.
The Southeast Asian Times

Third Filipino radio broadcaster killed under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr
Radio broadcaster, Cresenciano 'Cris' Aldovino Bundoquin, 50, killed on Wednesday May 31, 2023
From News Reports:
Manila, June 2: Radio broadcaster, Cresenciano ‘Cris’ Aldovino Bundoquin, 50, became the third Filipino journalist killed under the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration on Wednesday, with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) saying "those who attack journalists remain undeterred under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr one-year government," reports Manila Times.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Southeast Asia representatve, Shawn Crispin, said "the senseless killing of radio reporter Cresenciano ‘Cris’ Aldovino Bundoquin shows that those who attack journalists remain undeterred under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s one-year-old government."
"Until the Philippine government shows it is serious about ending impunity in media murders, such killings will likely continue," he said.
National Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that Cresenciano ‘Cris’ Aldovino Bundoquinad, 50, was shot dead by two gunmen on C5 Road in Barangay Santa Isabel in Calapan.
Cresenciano ‘Cris’ Aldovino Bundoquinad, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Oriental Mindoro Province in Luzon about 140 kilometres southwest of Manila about 4.am on Wednesday May 31, 2023.
"Radio reporter Cresenciano ‘Cris’Aldovino Bundoquin was killed by two gunmen in a drive-by attack on C5 Road ," he said.
National Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that one of the attackers was killed was shot dead by responding police officers, saying "the remaining suspect escaped."
"Police have established a special taskforce to handle the investigation and were trying to determine a motive for the attack," he said.
The killing of Radio broadcaster, Cresenciano ‘Cris’ Bundoquin, 50, who co-hosted the radio program "Balita at Talakayan" on DWXR 101.7 FM and on radio MUX follows the killing of radio broadcaster, Percy 'Lapid' Mabasa, 59, in a drive-by shooting in Manila in September 2022.
Radio broadcaster, Percy 'Lapid' Mabasa, 59, hosted the commentary program, "Lapid Fire", that aired on DWBL 1242 radio where he delivered criticisms of alleged government abuses and irregularities.
Radio broadcaster Percy 'Lapid' Mabasa 59, was the second journalist to die under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., after the stabbing of radio broadcaster Rey 'Bullseye' Blanco in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on Sunday September 18, 2022.
Radio broadcaster Rey 'Bullseye' Blanco" anchor of "Rakrakan sa Hapon Bulls Eye" on 102.1 DYRY RFM Mabinay Radio Station, was stabbed in an altercation and declared dead on arrival at the town’s Mabinay Community Hospital.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an American independent non-profit, non-governmental organization, based in New York City, New York, said in 2022 that there have been 87 media practitioners killed in the line of duty in the Philippines since 1992, when it first started collecting data worldwide.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnamese sent to prison for mocking Communist Party officials for dining on $1000 steaks in London
Bui Tuan Lam at Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review Working Group eighteenth session in Geneva from 27 January to 7 February 2014
From News Reports:
Hanoi, June 1: The Da Nang People's court in central Vietnam sentenced Bui Tuan Lam, 39, to five years and six months in prison with four years probation for propaganda against the state on a facebook posting that parodies Turkish celebrity chef, Salt Bae or Nusret Gökçe serving officials of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) a 'Gold leaf steak' at the Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Knightsbridge, London, after the officials had attended the United Nations Climate Change conference (COP26) in Glasgow, reports Reuters.
Bui Tuan Lam, 39, was arrested on September 7, 2022 for propaganda against the state under Article 117(1) of the Criminal Code for a Facebok posting showing himself parodying chef Salt Bae by serving "Green onion noodle soup" at a street noodle stand in Da Nang.
Turkish celebrity chef Salt Bae had posted the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) officials including the Minister of Public Security of Vietnam, General To Lam and spokesman, To An XO, dining on 'Gold leaf steak' at the Nusr-Et Steakhouse on Facebook on November 4, 2021, but it was deleted.
The 'Gold leaf steak' that was encrusted with edible 24 carat gold was priced at between $1,140 to $2,015 a serve.
Bui Tuan Lam, 39, was arrested for propaganda against the state under article 117(1) of the Criminal Code that prohibits creating, storing, and disseminating materials and items against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for a Facebook posting of himself parodying Turkish celebrity chef, Salt Bae serving Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) officials 'Gold leaf steak'.
The Da Nang People’s Procuracy accused Bui Tuan Lam, 39, of publishing 19 posts on Facebook between April 17, 2020, and July 29, 2021, and 25 videos on YouTube between December 4, 2021, and September 7, 2022, that "affect the confidence of the people about the state’s leadership."
The Da Nang People’s Procuracy said that Bui Tuan Lam, 39, has posted articles, videos and livestreem since 2013 with content that distort the guidelines and policies of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the State, and that supports activities that oppose the Party and the State.
"Bui Tuan Lam published and shared articles that insult leaders, and the honor and reputation of law enforcement individuals and organizations, with the desire and purpose of changing the regime of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, sowing confusion and anger among the people,” said the the Da Nang People’s Procuracy.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia rejects NGO's involvement in release of NZ Susi Air pilot held hostage in West Papua
Susi Air pilot, New Zealander, Max Mehrtens, held hostage by West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) in Nduga Regency in West Papua since Tuesday February 7, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, May 31: Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs has rejected international Non-Governmental Organization's (NGO's) involvement in the release of Susi Air pilot, New Zealander, Max Mehrtens, held hostage by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), saying "whatever the stakes, international Non-Governmental Organization's (NGO's) cannot intervene," reports Antara.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, said the involvement of international Non-Governmental Organization's (NGO's) to free Max Mehrtens, held captive by the Papuan armed criminal group, kelompok kriminal bersenjata (KKB) in Nduga Regency in West Papua since February 7, 2023, is not wanted.
He said Indonesia did not want the international Non-Governmental Organization's (NGO's) involved in the release of the Susi Air pilot in West Papua, saying "the involvement of international agencies in the release of New Zealand pilot Max Mehrtens would set a precedent for the intervention of Non-Governmental Organization's (NGO') in Indonesia's domestic affairs."
"Indonesia rejects any attempts at international interference offered by the international Non-Governmental Organization's (NGO's)," he said.
On Friday, May 27, TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom sent a video showing Susi Air pilot, New Zealander, Max Mehrtens, surrounded by Egianus Kogoya and the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), named Papuan armed criminal group (KKB) by the Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, with Egianus Kogoya threatening to shoot the Susi Air pilot if Indonesia does not recognise Papua independence within two months.
In April 2023 Indonesia's Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) research and documentation division head, Rozy Brilian, said "the Joko Widodo government refused to hold peace talks with Papuan armed criminal groups (KKB)" at a public discussion titled "Failing to Address the Roots of the Conflict and the Window Dressing of a Development Illusion" that was held on Friday April 14.
"The government always refuses to hold a dialogue with armed groups that the government refers to as Papuan armed criminal group (KKB) although the push for dialogue has often been encouraged by different parties," he said.
"The Indonesian government has classified all kelompok kriminal bersenjata (KKB), armed criminal groups in Papua including the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB), the armed wing of the Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM), Free Papua Movement, terroritsts," he said.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of Indonesia, Mahfud MD, said that "those affiliated with the Papua groups under whatever name are classified as committing an act of terror."
KontraS research and documentation division head, Rozy BrilianRozy Brilian, said that the Joko Widodo government should learn from earlier experiences of holding dialogue with armed groups, saying "dialogue with an armed group has succesfully been pursued by a previous Indonesian government."
"peace talks were conducted during the era of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono."
"This dialogue then concluded in negotiations that produced a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) or agreement between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Helsinki," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times
Cambodia's coalition of farmers plead guilty to a farmers revolution
Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community (CCFC) director Theng Savoeun, centre, pleads guilty to plotting and incitement under articles 453 plotting, 494, and 495 incitement to commit a felony of the Cambodian criminal code at the Ratanakkiri Provincial Court on Saturday May 27, 2023
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, May 30: Cambodia's Ratanakkiri Provincial Court is considering various legal avenues against the director of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community (CCFC), Theng Savoeun, who pleaded guilty to starting a farmers revoution, causing unrest and undermining public order on Saturday, with Ratanakkiri Provincial Court spokesman saying "the court is exploring various legal avenues in light of the confession," reports the Phnom Penh Post.
Ratanakkiri Provincial Court spokeman, Keo Pisoth, said that the court is considering various legal avenues against the director of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community (CCFC), Theng Savoeun, who was one of three official arrested on May 17 for starting a farmers revolution, saying "he has admitted to wrongdoing including causing unrest and undermining public order.
"The court is exploring various legal avenues in light of his confession," he said.
He said the court is considering various legal avenues that differ from previous cases where individuals deny responsibility or refuse to acknowledge their misdeeds, saying "the court aims to ensure a fair and just process."
Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community (CCFC) director Theng Savoeun pleaded guilty to the influence of foreign actors and opposition politicians, organising activities aimed at causing unrest and undermining public order with the unintended consequence of destabilising the government in a statement dated May 27, 2023.
He also promised not to engage in any further unlawful actvities and his willingness to abide by the Ministry of Interior’s statutes, the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisation (LANGO) and other relevant legal provisions.
On May 17 the Ministry of Interior (MoI) spokesman, Khieu Sopheak, accused three officials of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC), including director Theng Savoeun of starting a revolution.
He claimed that the three Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC) officials, who were among 18 detained en route from Ratanakiri to Phnom Penh after holding an internal team building and training workshop in Ratanakiri province, were involved in revolutionary activities.
"The three Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC) officials were involved in revolutionary activities similar to those that caused the deaths of millions of Cambodians under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, he said.
Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC) President, Theng Savoeun, Senior Officer Nhel Pheap, Project officer Than Hach and Royal Academy of Cambodia Researcher, Chan Vibol, with a PhD in political science, who has produced reports on Cambodia's Non-government organisations (NGO) operations and provided recommendations for improving civil society work in Cambodia, were charged with plotting and incitement under articles 453 plotting), 494, and 495 incitement to commit a felony of the Cambodian criminal code.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesian Muslim organisation wants Thai LGBT rights tour banned
Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) has called on the Indonesian government to ban Thai musicians and actors, Putthipong Assaratanakul, 24, and Krit Amnuaydechkorn, 24, "Billkin and PP Krit" from their planned tour of Indonesia on Saturday June 10, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, May 29: The Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), that incorporates all Indonesian Muslim organisations, has called on the Indonesia President, Joko Widodo, to ban the planned tour of Indonesia by Thai musicians and actors, Putthipong Assaratanakul, 24, and Krit Amnuaydechkorn, 24,
'Billkin and PP Krit' on June 10, saying "the Thai musicians and actors represent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights, reports Jakarta Post.
Indonesia Ulama Council (MUI) deputy chairman, Anwar Abbas, said that "the Indonesian government should prohibit the Thai musicians and actors from holding fan meetings or public meetings with Indonesian citizens, saying "allowing such meetings would mean that the Joko Widodo government tolerates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) practices."
"This is completely against Article 29 parapgraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution that says that the state is based on the Belief in One Almighty God," he said.
"Out of the six religions that are acknowledged in Indonesia, Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism, not one tolerates LGBT practices", he said.
He said that LGBT practices are anti-human, saying "humanity would become extinct if the practice is allowed to perpetuate."
"LGBT acts have no place in this country because this matter is clearly not in line with humanitarian values and justice", he said.
The Mayor of Medan in Indonesia's North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, who is the son-in-law of President Joko Widodo, said that he rejects Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights, saying "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights are in conflict with Muslim religious teachings,"
"Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights represent foreign culture," he said.
Makassar Municipal Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Commission D, Andi Hadi Ibrahim Baso, said that several regions in Indonesia have regulations that would no allow Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights groups to campaign in public, saying "there are also national regulations that can be used to disallow LGBT rights groups to campaign."
In December 2022 The United States special envoy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex+persons (LGBTQI+ persons), Jessica Stern, planned visit to Indonesia was cancelled after the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) deputy chairman, Anwar Abbas said "the visit would harm Indonesia's religious and cultural values."
"The visit was intended to undermine Indonesia's cultural and religious rights," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar military orders close watch on Thai-Myanmar border after Thailand elections
Thailand's Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, centre, committs to the implementation of the ASEAN Five Point Consensus (5PCs) in Myanmar on day after the Thailand general electiona Sunday May 14, 2023
From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, May 28: The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, that seized the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February 2021, was ordered to "keep a closer watch on the Thai-Myanmar border" after the Move Forward Party (MFP) won the general election in Thailand last week, reports the Irrawaddy.
State Administration Council (SAC) Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General, Soe Win of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar issued a directive to Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, to "keep a closer watch on the Thai-Myanmar border" after Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat committed the eight party coalition to the implementation of the ASEAN Five Point Consensus (5PCs) peace plan in Myanmar after the Thailand elections on May 14.
The Five Point Consensus plan that includes a commitment from Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who attended the ASEAN Leaders Meeting (ALM) in Jakarta on 24 April 2021, to ASEAN's provision of humanitarian assistance and a special ASEAN envoy to meet with all parties including the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).
"We want to push ahead to make sure the Five Point Consensus is really achieved," he said.
State Administration Council (SAC) Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General, Soe Win, said "the Move Forward Party is pro-West and they will assist terrorists," saying "we have to watch the border and get information about them, their movements and their activities."
Thailand's eight-party coalition led by the Move Forward (MFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that includes the restoration of Thailand's leadership role in ASEAN, saying "Thailand's leadership role in ASEAN would be the basis for forming a coalition government and cooperation between the coalition parties."
Move Forward (MFP) Pita Limjaroenrat, said after Thailand's general election that "we would start a humanitarian journey with the Burma Act that was passed in the US Congress in 2021."
The Burma Act of 2021 that was passed in the 117th US Congress 2021-2022 authorizes the Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development activities in Burma and the surrounding region to support democracy activists, humanitarian assistance, and reconciliation efforts.
The Southeast Asian Times
Vietnam war veteran sentenced to prison for anti-state propaganda, despite freedom of speech law
Vietnam war veteran Tran Van Bang, 62, at Ho Chi Minh City People's Court on Friday May 12, 2023
From News Reports:
Hanoi, May 27: Ho Chi Minh City's People's Court sentenced Vietnam war veteran, Tran Van Bang, 62, to eight years in prison and three years probabtion for publishing Facebook posts, deemed anti-state propaganda by the People's Public Security Forces (PPSF), with defence lawyer saying "freedom of speech is guaranteed in Vietnam's Constitution, reports VietNamNet.
War veteran, Tran Van Bang, who had fought in the 1979 Sino-Vietnam border War and participated in demonstartions held throughout Vietnam against proposed land leases to China, was arrested in 2022 for anti-state propaganda.
Tran Van Bang was arrested for violation of Article 117 of the revised 2018 Criminal Code that criminalises ' making, storing, distributing or disseminating information, documents and items against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam'.
He was arrested in March 2022 for publishing Facebook posts between March 2016 and August 2021 that were deemed anti-state propaganda.
He was charged with publishing 39 Facebook posts over three Facebook accounts after an investigation by the Viet Nam People's Police Force (PPF) of the People's Public Security Forces (PPSF) that deemed the Facebook posts anti-state propaganda in violation of Article 117 of the Criminal Code.
Defence lawyer, Tran Dinh Dung, said that freedom of speech is guaranteed in Article 25 of Vietnam’s Constitution, saying "Article 117 does not explain anti-state propaganda."
"Article 25 of Vietnam’s Constitution fails to clarify what freedom of speech is and what anti-state propaganda is," he said.
He said that some assessments of the Facebook postings that were the grounds for accusation of anti-state propaganda were wrong.
He said that the grounds for the accusation that the Facebook postings were deemed anti-state propaganda were the opinion of the People's Police Force (PPF) of the People's Public Security Forces (PPSF) investigators, saying "another opinion may have found Tran Van Bang innocent."
"My client will appeal the verdict," he said.
Tran Van Bang participated in protests that took place throughout Vietnam against the Vietnam National Assembly draft law
on Special Administrative and Economic Units that included the approval of a 99-year land lease to China.
The National Assembly reportedly delayed the approval of the draft law that would allow China a 99-year land lease in economic zones in Vietnam's northern Quang Ninh province, Khanh Hoa province and southern Kien Giang province, saying that "the government agreed with the National Assembly Standing Committee to re-consider and postpone the adoption of the draft law until the next session.
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia's Ministry of Interior accuses farmers organisantion of starting peasant revolution
Cambodia's farmers protest arrest of officials of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC) in Phnom Penh Monday, May 22 2023
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh Post, May 26: Cambodia's Ratanakiri Municipal Court has charged three officials of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC), and Univiersity of Cambodia researcher with plotting and incitement, with Cambodia's Ministry of Interior (MoI) accusing the Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC) of starting a peasant revolution, reports the Khmer Times.
Ministry of Interior (MoI) spokesman, Khieu Sopheak, accused three officials of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC), who were among 18 detained en route from Ratanakiri to Phnom Penh on May 17, of starting a peasant revolution.
He claims that the three officials of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC), who were detained after holding an internal team building and training workshop in Ratanakiri province, were involved in revolutionary activities similar to those that caused the deaths of millions of Cambodians under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s.
Ratanakkiri deputy provincial police chief, Oem Phany, said that on May 17 the Ratanakiri police requested that police in Kratie province arrest the 17 official of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC) who were in Kratie province en route to Phnom Penh.
He said the arrests were made because the 18 members of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC) had organised a workshop at a hotel in Banlung town, saying "they had attempted to indoctrinate farmers into spearheading a farmers’ revolution."
"Officers examined the comments they made on the last day of the conference, along with several documents, and determined that the suspects had tried to incite the farmers to oppose government officials," he said.
He said that 14 of the 18 officials of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC) were released on the morning of May 18, saying "they had their electronic devices returned to them."
Land rights group, Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC) President, Theng Savoeun, Senior Officer Nhel Pheap,
Project officer Than Hach and Royal Academy of Cambodia Researcher, Chan Vibol, with a PhD in political science, who has produced reports on Cambodia's Non-government organisations (NGO) operations and provided recommendations for improving civil society work in Cambodia, were charged with plotting and incitement under articles 453 plotting), 494, and 495 incitement to commit a felony of the Cambodian criminal code.
The Southeast Asian Times

Sikh's in Sydney call on India's PM for independent state

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, at the Sydney Olympic Park on Tuesday May 23, 2023
From News Reports:
Sydney, Thursday 25: More than 20,000 members of the Indian diaspora in Australia welcomed Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the Sydney Olympic Park on Tuesday, with Sikhs For Justice in Sydney calling on the Prime Minister for an independent state in India for Sikh's, reports Reuters.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, leader of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is accused of discrimination against India’s minority Sikh's by the Sikhs For Justice in Sydney,
Sikhs For Justice in Sydney attempt to establish an independent ethno-religious state for Sikhs in India with a referendum in the Sydney suburb of Blacktown was not successful.
Blacktown City Council cancelled the Sikhs For Justice in Sydney reservation at the Leisure Centre Stanhope Gardens after a complaint from the Australian Hindu Association.
The reservation was cancelled by the Blacktown City Council on May 12 saying "Council’s decision is in no way an endorsement of, or criticism of, any political position relating to the internal affairs of India or Pakistan and must not be represented as support for any particular political position."
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand's new coalition government agrees to maintain constitutional monarchy

Eight-party coalition led by Move Forward Part (MFP) Pita Limjaroenrat, left, sign memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday May 22, 2023
From News Reports:
Bangkok, May 24: The eight-party coalition led by the Move Forward Party (MFP) that won Thailands general elections last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday reaching agreement on 23 missions, with the restoration of democracy at the top of the list and with Move Forward (MFP) leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, giving assurances that "the coalition government policies will maintain Thailand's constitutional monarchy," reports the Nation.
He said that moves to amend the Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code of the Constiutuion will continue, saying "but the Move Forward Party (MFP) will be alone in the task."
Move Forward (MFP) Pita Limjaroenrat said the MoU that includes the restoration of Thailand's leadership role in ASEAN would be the basis for forming a coalition government and cooperation between the parties.
He said that all parties agreed that no mission of the government should affect Thailand's status as a unitary state, saying "no mission should affect Thailand as a democracy under a constitutional monarchy framework."
"No mission of the government should affect the inviolable status of the monarchy." he said.
He said that each of the eight-party coalition has the right to advocate additional policies, saying "the parties had the right to additional policies if the parties did not contradict the policies outlined in the agreement in the 23 missions of the memorandum of understanding (MoU)."
The eight-party coalition led by Move Forward, including the Pheu Thai Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Prachachart Party, Seree Ruam Thai Party, Pheu Thai Ruam Palang Party, Fair Party, and Plung Sungkom Mai Party signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday on the 9th anniversary of the appointment of Prayuth Chan-ocha as commander of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) by then Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej following the declaration of Martial law on May 22, 2014 under the 1914 Martial Law Act at Bangkok military headquarters.
In August 2021 a 10 point manifesto was submiited to the Thailand Parliament by student organisations, United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, and the Free Youth Movement, calling for reform of the monarchy under the Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code of the Constiutuion, but stating that demand for amendements to the Constitution did not include a proposal to abolish the monarchy but a proposal for the monarchy to continue in a democracy.
The 10 point manifesto called for repeal of the criminalisation of criticism of the Thai King under the Lese Majeste law, repeal of the order that transferred army units to new King Maha Vajiralongkorn personal command, repeal of the law that gave the new King full control of the crown's reportedly extensive property holdings and repeal of the monarchy empowerment to endorse a military coup.
The Southeast Asian Times

PM assures Papua New Guinea that US Defence Cooperation Agreement does not undermine constitution
Students at the University of Goroka in the Eastern Highlands Privince of Papua New Guinea protest against the signing of a PNG-US Bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement early Monday morning May 22, 2023
From News Reports:
Port Moresby, May 23: Papua News Guinea and the United States of America have signed a U.S.-Papua New Guinea Bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement to enhance security cooperation, strengthen bilateral relationship, improve the capacity of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), and increase stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea saying "the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed with the United States will not undermine our Constitution."
Papua News Guinea Prime Minister James Marape assured Papua New Guinea that no laws of the country were broken or will there be amendments to the Constitution as a result of the Defence Cooperation Agreement with the United States of America.
"The U.S.-Papua New Guinea Bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement will not violate the country’s laws, its sovereignty nor was it against the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)," he said.
He said that Papua New Guinea stood by its motto of "friends to all and enemies to none" after former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill accused him of placing Papua New Guinea "at the epicentre of a military storm between China and the United States."
Former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said that Papua New Guinea was a member of the Non- Aligned Movement (NAM) saying "NAM opposes military alliances."
"Having a Defence Cooperation Agreement gives the United States military forces assess to our seaports and airports," he said.
Papua News Guinea Prime Minister James Marape assured former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill that the U.S.-Papua New Guinea Bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement is within the ambit of the Papua New Guinea Visiting Force Act 1975.
"The Visiting Force Act 1975 does not allow Papua New Guinea to have specific agreements with military forces," he said.
He said the United States has been operating in Papua New Guinea under the Status of Force Agreement (SOFA), saying "now we are elevating to the Defence Cooperation Agreement."
Prime Minister James Marape also said that the U.S.-Papua New Guinea Bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement does not stop
Papua New Guinea from having other agreements with other nations saying "Papua New Guinea stood by its motto of "friends to all and enemies to none."
In June 2022 China and Papua New Guinea agreed to cooperation in law enforcement, strengthen cooperation in agiculture, forestry and fisheries processing industries at talks in Port Moresby with China State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying "Papua New Guinea is China's key strategic cooperation partner in the South Pacific region."
He said that China is willing to work with Papua New Guinea to build China-Papua New Guinea relations in order to advance China's ties with Pacific Island countries.
Papua New Guinea Minister of Foreign Affairs and International trade of Papua New Guinea, Soroi Eoe, said that Papua New Guinea would continue to adhere to the One China policy that includes Taiwan and Hong Kong, saying "the One China Policy is the foundation of bilateral relations and Papua New Guinea's unswerving support for China's position."
"Papua New Guinea is willing to enhance pragmatic cooperation with China in various fields." he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

The QUAD calls for an Indo-Pacific
free from China coersion

U.S. President Joe Biden, Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the third Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) summit in Hiroshima, Japan on Saturday May 20, 2023
From News Reports:
Tokyo, May 22: Australia, India, Japan and United States called for the maintainance of an Indo-Pacific free from coercion at the third Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) summit on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima on Saturday after the cancellation of the QUAD summit in Sydney, with China reaffirming criticism of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) "as a tool to contain and encircle China and preserve America's hegemony," reports Reuters.
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated at the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) summit "we seek a region where no country dominates and no country is dominated."
"We strongly oppose destabilising or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," said the QUAD statement.
The statement said the QUAD remains fully resolved to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain, saying "we strongly oppose destabilising or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion."
"We express serious concern at the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coastguard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities," said the QUAD statement.
The QUAD affirmed strong support for ASEAN unity and centrality in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), with Australia India, Japan and United States pledging cooperation in a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that includes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 11 member countries, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam and Timore Leste.
In March 2022 China reaffirmed its criticim of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) "as a tool to contain and circle China, and preserve America's hegemony," with China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, saying "China has stated our position on QUAD on multiple occasions."
"We believe that state-to-state cooperation needs to be consistent with the trend of peace and development, rather than be about putting up exclusionary blocs," she said.
She said that state-to-state interactions should pursue peace and development and contribute to mutual trust and regional stability rather than exclusivity.
In February 2022 China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) Foreign Ministers meeting in Australia "the so-called Quad mechanism is in nature a tool to contain and encircle China and preserve America's hegemony,"
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia's election commission disqualifies second opposition party from July Assembly elections
Cambodia's National Election Committee (NEC) chairman, Prach Chan, disqualified the Khmer National Unity Party from the July 7th National Assembly elections on Friday May 19, 2023
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, May 21: Cambodia's National Election Committee (NEC) has disqualified the second opposition political party, the Khmer National Unity Party after the opposition Candlelight Party (CP) from the 7th National Assembly elections in July, with both opposition parties to appeal the decision to the Constitutional Council, reports the Khmer Times.
The opposition Khmer National Unity Party is one of five opposition party's including the Candlelight Party (CP), Khmer Anti-Poverty Party, the Khmer Economic Development Party the Women’s Party for Women and the Khmer National Unity Party that were required to submit a verified copy of its original party registration document with the Ministry of Interior to qualify for registration for the National Assembly elections in July.
Cambodia's National Election Committee (NEC) chairman Prach Chan said that "the Candlelight Party (CP) and the Khmer National Unity Party were disqualified because the parties failed to submit a verified copy of its original party registration document with the Ministry of Interior."
"Party registration is certified by the capital, the province, the district and administration at the One Window Service Offices (OWSO) in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 27 of the Law on the Election of Members of the National Assembly," he said.
He said the National Election Committe (NEC) received 20 applications for registration of political parties on May 8, 2023 saying that the National Election Committee (NEC) has approved 15 political party applications for the National Assembly elections including the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the royalist FUNCINPEC Party.
In October 2022 ruling Cambodia's People's Party (CPP) Prime Minister Hun Sen warned opposition political parties ahead of the 7th National Assembly elections in June 23, 2023, of associating with founder of the opposition Candlelight Party (CP), Sam Rainsy, the former president of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), saying he would dissolve political party's that associated with Sam Rainsy.
The Candlelight Party (CP), formerly known as the Sam Rainsy Party and the Khmer National Party, was founded in 1995 and merged with other opposition forces to form the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in 2012 but was dissolved in a Supreme court ruling in 2017.
Sam Rainsy, went into exile in Paris in 2015 fearing arrest after parliamentary immunity was removed and he faced multiple criminal defamation charges in his accusation of corruption against the Hun Sen Cambodia's People's Party (CPP).
In September 2013 the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) boycotted parliament in September 2013 following the July general elections which saw the fourth consecutive victory of the Cambodian People's Party gain 68 seats of the National Assembly and the opposition occupying the remaining 55 seats.
The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) claimed that up to 1.25 million Cambodians who were eligible to vote were not on the electoral role and accused the ruling party of poll fraud.
The Southeast Asian Times

Move Forward Party declares eight-party coalition a democratic government of the people
Leader of Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat, center, announces 8-party coalition in Bangkok on Thursday May 18, 2023
From News Reports:
Bangkok May 20: The Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat announced an eight-party coalition with 313 seats in the House of Representatives, declaring the coalition "a democratic government of the people" with details of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be revealed on Monday, reports the Bangkok Post.
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, announced that the Pheu Thai Party, Prachachart Party, Thai Sang Thai Party party, Seri Ruam Thai party, Fair party, Palang Sangkhom Mai party and Pheu Thai Ruam Palang Party had formed a coalition on Thursday saying "we're not focusing on ministerial posts."
We're focusing on the formation of policy platforms of each party and goals," he said.
He said the eight-party coalition will work out an Memorandum of Uniderstanding (MoU), saying "the MoU will map out guidelins for collaboration and address national, political, economical and social issues."
He said the eight-party coalition will establish working groups to facilitate the transition from the caretaker government to the new administration, saying "the allocation of cabinet seats is not up for discussion at this stage."
He said the Lese Majeste Law would be discussed by coalition partners, saying "whether the Lese Majeste Law would be addressed in the MoU depends on the talks."
Pheu Thai Party (PTP) leader Cholnan Srikaew that came second in the general elections on Sunday with 141 seats said the coalition partners would review the Memorandum of Uniderstanding (MoU) prepared by the Move Forward Party (MFP) and make suggestions, saying "the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) would make suggestions on the Lese Majeste Law."
"If the MoU is signed, it means we have reached an agreement."
Thai Sang Thai leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan that won seven seats in the elections on Sunday said there are uncertainties ahead, saying "Thai Sang Thai party is honouring its promise to support the election winner in forming the government."
"The party's stance is to protect the monarchy but ithe law must not be used as a political tool to harm others," she said.
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, said details of the MoU will be revealed on Monday May 22, 2023, the ninth anniversary of the military coup May 22, 2014," he said.
On May 22, 2014 Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, was officially appointed commander of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) by then Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej following the declaration of Martial law under the 1914 Martial Law Act at Bangkok military headquarters.
Martial law was declared in 2014 after a meeting that failed to find a solution to the political deadlock that was mediated by Military commander Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha and attended by representatives of the red-shirt movement, the government, the Pheu Thai party (PTP), the Democratic party, the Peoples Democratic Reform Committe, the senate and the Election Commission.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand's Move Forward Party to amend or enact 45 bills in first 100 days in government
Move Forward Party (MFP) party-list Member of Parliament, Bencha Saengchantra, claims the party will amend or enact new laws on reopening of parliament
From News Reports:
Bangkok, May 19: Thailand's Move Forward Party (MFP) that won the general election on Sunday claims that the party will amend or enact new laws on the reopening of parliament, with Move Forward Party (MFP) party-list Member of Parliament saying, "the Move Forward Party (MFP) aims to amend or enact 45 bills in first 100 days," reports the Nation.
Move Forward Party (MFP) party-list Member of Parliament, Bencha Saengchantra, said that 45 bills have been divided into groups, with 11 amendments or enactment to political laws, 8 to laws on rights and liberties, 8 on land reform, 6 to laws on bureaucratic reform, 4 on laws on the public service, 2 on labour laws, 4 on laws on the economy and 2 on the environment law.
She said that amendments or enactment to the political laws include the establishment of a new people centric charter-drafting assembly, saying "the party will amend the Military Service Act to end conscription and will push for political amnesty for those who have been in in prison over political conflicts since 2006."
She said that the laws on rights and liberty are the core of the Move Forward Party (MFP) manifesto and the party will push for amendments to the Lese Majeste Law in Articles 112 and 116 of the Criminial Code and Computor Crimes within the first 100 days.
"Bureaucratic reform will include a new law that requires government agencies to make all information public and establish an effective system to prevent corruption," she said.
She said that the party would push for amendements to the land laws in order to solve land disputes and would give farmers the right to farm on their land.
"Amendments to the public service aims to improve public services including water and transportation," she said.
She said that labour laws would be amended to improve workers rights.
"Laws on the economy would inlcude a bill to collect taxes on large plots of land, a bill to collect tax from the wealthy
and amendments to the Fishery Act in order for local fisher to earn a livelihood," she said.
She said that under the environmenta law the party would push for the enactment of a climate change bill to set a limit on carbon emissions in order for Thailand to reach a net zero goal by 2050 .
In April 2021 the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) that was founded by Thaksin Shinawatra, called on parliament to amend the 2017 Constitution, drafted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) and signed into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn..
Pheu Thai Party (PTP) deputy, Yuttapong Charasathien, said then the party was seeking to amend section 272 of the 2017 Constitution that rules that the Senate of 250 Senators, that are appointed by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF), nominate the Prime Minister of Thailand.
"Amendment to Section 272 that deals with the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) appointed Senate requires the support of at least a third of the Senate or 84 senators to nominate a prime minister.
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia's National Election Committee disqualifies opposition Candlelight Party from July elections
Candlelight Party (CP) members at press conference on Tuesday May 16, 2023 after Cambodia National Election Committte (NEC) disqulaifies the party from the 7th National Assembly elections
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, May 18: Cambodia's National Election Committee (NEC) disqualified the opposition Candlelight Party (CP) from the 125-seat 7th National Assembly elections on July 23, 2023, saying "the Candlelight Party (CP) has failed to submit a verified copy of its original party registration document with the Ministry of Interior," reports the Khmer Times.
Cambodia's National Election Committee (NEC) chairman Prach Chan said "the Candlelight Party (CP) was disqualified from the upcoming election because the party had failed to submit a verified copy of its original party registration document with the Ministry of Interior,"
"The National Election Committe (NEC) received 20 applications for registration of political parties on May 8, 2023," he said.
He said that the National Election Committe (NEC) has 7 days to review 10 documents in accordance with Article 27 of the Law on the National Assembly election."
"All political parties have 5 days to submit the required documents ," he said.
He said that the National Election Committee (NEC) has approved 15 political party applications for the National Assembly elections including the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the royalist FUNCINPEC Party.
He said the National Election Committee has disqualified five political parties from the national election including the Candlelight Party (CP).
In October 2022 ruling Cambodia's People's Party (CPP) Prime Minister Hun Sen warned opposition political parties ahead of the 7th National Assembly elections in June 23, 2023, of associating with founder of the opposition Candlelight Party (CP), in exile Sam Rainsy, the former president of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), saying he would dissolve political party's that associated with Sam Rainsy.
The Candlelight Party (CP), formerly known as the Sam Rainsy Party and the Khmer Nation Party, was founded in 1995 and merged with other opposition forces to form the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in 2012 but was dissolved in a Supreme court ruling in 2017.
In June 2022 the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won the Commune elections on June 5, 2022 with 80 percent of the 11,622 commune councillor positions.
Opposition Candlelight Party (CP) won 18 percent of the commune councillor positions dispite the National Election Committee (NEC) disqualification of Candlelight Party (CP) candidates in 11 communes.
The Southeast Asian Times

Pheu Thai Party joins Move Forward Party six party pro-democracy coalition

Pheu Thai Party (PTP) prime ministerial candidates Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok after election results on Monday May 15, 2023
From News Reports:
Bangkok, May 17: Move Forward Party (MFP) that won the Thailand general elections, with 152 of the 500 House of Representatives, seats is forming a six-part coalition government including with the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) that came second with 141, with the Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat saying "the six-party coalition will command a combined 309 seats in the House of Representatives, reports the Bangkok Post.
Move Forward Party (MFP) Pita Limjaroenrat said he wants to form a coalition as soon as possible, saying he wants to avoid a political vacuum and to prevent a possible counter-move by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) parties, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and the United Thai Nation (UTN).
He said that he has called on the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), Prachachat, Seri Ruam Thai, Thai Sang Thai and the Pentham party to join the Move Forward Party (MFP) in a coalition, saying "we are confident that we will secure a majority for the coalition to move forward."
Move Forward Party (MFP) Pita Limjaroenrat, who ran the election campaign on the three Ds ," Demilitarize, demonopolize and decentralize, said "I hope that the will of the majority of the people will be respected."
Pheu Thai Party (PTP) said it would not form a coalition in competition with the Move Forward Party (MFP), with party leader Cholnan Srikaew, and prime ministerial candidates Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Srettha Thavisin, saying "the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) accepts the Move Forward party’s offer to join in the formation of a new government."
"Thai Party (PTP) accepts the Move Forward Party (MFP) invitation to parties of the democracy bloc to join the coalition," said Thai Party (PTP) leader Cholnan Srikaew.
In April 2021 the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), that was founded by former prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, called on parliament to amend the 2017 Constitution, drafted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) and signed into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Pheu Thai Party (PTP) deputy, Yuttapong Charasathien, said then the party was seeking to amend section 272 of the 2017 Constitution that states that the Senate of 250 Senators, that are appointed by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF), nominate the Prime Minister of Thailand.
"Amendment to Section 272 that deals with the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) appointed Senaterequires the support of at least a third of the Senate or 84 senators to nominate a prime minister.
The Southeast Asian Times

Rule by Royal Thai Armed Forces ends: Move Forward Party wins election

Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, ran the election campaign on the three Ds," Demilitarize, demonopolize and decentralize, winning 151 of the 500 seats in the Members of the House of Representatives on Sunday May 14, 2023
From News Reports:
Bangkok, May 16: The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand announced the results of the general election of 500 Members of the House of Representatives on Sunday after 100 percent of the votes were counted, with the Move Forward Party (MFP), led by Pita Limjaroenrat, winning 150 seats, ending rule of the Royal Thai Armed Forces party sponsored Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), reports the Bangkok Post.
The Move Forward Party (MFP), led by Pita Limjaroenrat, ran the election campaign on the three Ds," Demilitarize, demonopolize and decentralize, saying "that's how you democratise Thailand. That's the end game."
"Take military out of politics so that we don't have a military coup every seven years on average," he said.
The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand announced that the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) that registered Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as a presidential candidates, won 141 seats.
Pheu Thai Party (PTP) presidential candidate, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, said "we are ready to talk to the Move Forward Party."
"We can work together," she said.
Pheu Thai Party (PTP) ministerial candidates, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Srettha Thavisin and Chaikasem Nitisiri pledged under the "One Team for all Thais" election campaign to provide a better future for Thais by lifting income, reforming the justice system and unpgrading infrastructure.
In April 2021 the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) that was founded by Thaksin Shinawatra, called on parliament to amend the 2017 Constitution, drafted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and signed into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, saying that the party is seeking to amend the section of the Constitution that stipulates that the Royal Thai Armed Forces appointed Senate nominates and elects a prime minister.
The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand announced that the Royal Thai Armed Forces party, that sponsors the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), formally led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, won 40 seats and the United Thai National (UTN) party that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, now leeds, won 36 seats, saying "I hope the country will be peaceful and prosperous."
"I respect democracy and the election. Thank you," he said.
In December 2021 the Prayut Chan-o-cha government instructed the Election Commission (EC) to petition the Constitional Court
to dissolve political parties that provide financial support to anti-monarchy movements that attempt to overthrow the institution with the King as head of state, accusing fugitive former ousted Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, founder of the Pheu Thai party (PTP) of funding anti-monarchy movements from exile in Dubai.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, was officially appointed commander of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in May 2014 by then Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej following the declaration of Martial law under the 1914 Martial Law Act at Bangkok military headquarters.
Martial law was declared in 2014 after a meeting that failed to find a solution to the political deadlock that was mediated by Military commander Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha and attended by representatives of the red-shirt movement, the government, The Pheu Thai party (PTP), the Democratic party, the Peoples Democratic Reform Committe, the senate and the Election Commission.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand's general election results will indicate what Thai's wants
United Thai Nation (UTN) Party's prime ministerial candidate and acting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at a voting station in Phaya Thai district, Bangkok, on Sunday, May 14, 2023
From News Reports:
Bangkok, May 15: Burapha University’s Faculty of Political Science and Law academic, Olarn Thinbangtieo, says the outcome of Sunday’s vote will indicate what Thai society in general wants, saying "if liberal parties win it would show that Thai's believe it's time for Thailand to catch up with the developed world," reports ThaiPBSWorld.
Academic Olarn Thinbangtieo divides the electorate into two main groups with those who will vote out of fear of change and those who will vote in hope of change.
He said a win for conservative parties represented by prime ministerial candidate and acting Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party and the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) party would signal that most Thais are not ready for change.
"A win for the conservative parties would signal that most Thai's are happy to stay with Thailand's existing social, economic and political order, " he said.
"But if liberal parties win, it would show most Thai's are not satisfied with Thailand's existing structures," he said.
He said if liberal parties, Move Forward Party (MFP) and Pheu Thai Party (PTP) win it would show that Thai's believe it's time for Thailand to catch up with the developed world."
United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, represented by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, released an election campaigne video that paints a gloomy future for Thailand if changes are made.
The video shows retired civil servants as beggars due to large cuts to their pensions,
Public property is shown defaced due to excessive freedoms and borders are shown as unprotected due to the abolition of conscription.
Pheu Thai Party (PTP) that registering three prime miniterial candidates including Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, pledged immediate changes for Thailand in the election campaign, if the party wins in the election.
Move Forward Party (MFP) represented by Pita Limjaroenrat, whose campaigned motto is "vote for Move Forward and Thailand will not be the same again" called for legislative change for the equal treatment of all people and respect for human dignity, saying "we have to admit that in Thai society there are still people being discriminated against because of their place of birth, gender or physical appearance."
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia, ASEAN chair 2023, calls on ASEAN to continue engagement with Myanmar military

ndonesia President Joko Widodo, centre, at the conclusion of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in East Nusa Tenggara province in Indonesia on Thursday May 11, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, May 14: Indonesia, ASEAN chair 2023 called on the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to continue engagement with Myanmar at the conclusion of the 42nd ASEAN Summit at Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Thursday, with Indonesia President Joko Widodo saying "engagement with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar does not mean recognition," reports Tempo.
Indonesia President Joko Widodo said on the last day of the 42nd ASEAN Summit that "it's important to underline that engagement with the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar does not mean recognition, saying "taking an approach does not mean giving recognition."
He called on ASEAN to commit to continued engagement with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar and all stakeholders "for the sake of humanity,"
He said that Indonesia as ASEAN chair 2023 is ready to talk to the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar and all stakeholders in Myanmar, saying "ASEAN unity is required to decide on the next step."
"There has not been significant progress on the implementation of the ASEAN five-point consensus (5PC) peace plan," he said.
In October 2022 the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (SAFMM) was held at the ASEAN Secretriat in Jakarta with Thailand ASEAN chair for 2022 calling on ASEAN to deliberate ways to better implement the ASEAN five-point consensus (5PC) peace plan in Myamar and with a warning from the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar State Administrative Council (SAC) chairman, Commander-in-chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said warned that "any pressure from its Southeast Asian Neighbours to put a time frame on a peace plan would create negative implications."
"The Myanmar State Administrative Council would not be bound by the outcome of meetings by the Associayion of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN," he said.
The Myanmar State Administrative Council (SAC) said in a statement that armed resistance movements in Myanmar were responsible for the violence , saying "pressure to set a time frame for peace would create more negative implications than positive implications."
The Southeast Asian Times  
 

Protector of Royal Thai Armed Forces drafted Constitution attacked at Bangkok Election Commission

Srisuwan Janya, Secretary-General of the Association to Protect the Thai Constitution (APTC), attacked at Election Cimmission in Bangkok on Thursday, May 11, 2023
From News Reports:
Bangkok, May 13: Srisuwan Janya, who is the Secretary-General of the Association to Protect the Thai Constitution (APTC), was attacked at the Election Commission (EC) office in Bangkok on Thursday by a retired university lecturer for filing a complaint against the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), the largest opposition party in Thailand, reports the Bangkok Post.
Secretary-General of the Association to Protect the Thai Constitution (APTC), Srisuwan Janya, 56, was reportedly punched in the mouth after giving a statement to the Election Commission to support his complaint againt the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), that has nominated the daughter of refugee former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as a Prime Ministerial candidate.
Srisuwan Janya had submitted a complaint against the Pheu Thai Party for pledging 10,000 digital baht to voters in the general election on Sunday.
The attacker, Thotsaphon Thananonsophonkul, 67, a retired university lecturer shouted "you're filing too many complaints."
"It's nonsense", he shouted.
"Why did you file complaints against the Pheu Thai and Move Forward parties?, " he shouted
Why are you filing a complaint against Pita Limjaroenrat the leader of the Move Forward Party?
"Is it because the general election is approaching?, " he asked.
Secretary-General of the Association to Protect the Thai Constitution (APTC), Srisuwan Janya, said that the Pheu Thai Party pledge of 10,000 baht to voters could violate Section 73 of the election law.
He said the election law prohibits candidates from promising to give voters assets, money or benefits, saying "the election law also prohibits candidates from providing misleading information about policies."
He said the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) failed to inform voters that the 10,000 baht digital pledge would be subject to a tax of 15 percent or 1,500 baht, saying "voterswould recieve only 8,500 baht after tax."
In October 2022 Srisuwan Janya, Secretary-General of the Association to Protect the Thai Constitution (APTC), alleged in the petition to the Election Commission (EC) office in Bangkok that fugitive ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had spoken in defence of the proposed wage increase in a live session with Creative Action Revival Empowerment (CARE) on social media.
"The former premier endorsed the merits of a wage increase in a way that may be construed as casting influence over or dominating the affairs or policies of a political party," he said.
He said it is against the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates for a party to allow a non-member to exert influence or domination over or dictate irs affairs, saying "the violation is punishable by the disollution of the party."
In October 2022 the Association to Protect the Thai Constitution (APTC) Secretary-General, Srisuwan Janya, petitioned the Office of the Election Commission (EC) to disband the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) for accepting a donation from a Chinese businessman, saying "the law prohibits parties from receiving donations from foreigners or foreign juristic entities.
"If any political party violated that provision, the Election Commission (EC) could ask the Constitutional Court to disband it," he said.
He petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to disband the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) for accepting a 3-million-baht donation from a Chinese businessman, Chaiyanat Kornchayanan, in 2021, saying Chaiyanat Kornchayanan became a Thai citizen after the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) accepted the donation."
"Political parties and their executives were not allowed to receive money or benefits that were or might be illegally acquired," he said.
In April 2021 the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) called on the parliament to amend the 2017 Constitution, drafted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and signed into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The 2017 Constitution states that "changing the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State or changing the form of the State shall be prohibited" and that "the Prime Minister may not present such a draft Constitution Amendment to the King for signature."
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia calls on ASEAN to expedite ASEAN Extradition Treaty

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, at the 26th Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC) at Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Tuesday, May 9, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, May 12: Indonesia, ASEAN chair for 2023, declaired a joint commitment to the eradication of human trafficking in ASEAN at the 26th Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC) included in the 42nd ASEAN Summit held at Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Tuesday, calling for efforts to expedite negotiation on the ASEAN Extradition Treaty, reports Antara.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, said that Indonesia is committed to the plan to adopt the Declaration on Eradication of Human Trafficking Due to Technology Abuse, saying "ASEAN should give special attention to transnational crimes."
"ASEAN should give attention to transnational crime in terrorism, narcotics, money laundering, and human trafficking," he said.
He said that attention to transnational crime should be supported through efforts to expedite negotiation on the ASEAN Extradition Treaty.
He said that the ASEAN Extradition Treaty will prevent our region from becoming a haven for criminals, saying "the ASEAN Extradition Agreement would strengthen ASEAN's status as a law-based society."
In March 2023 the Indonesian Law and Human Rights Ministry, Director General of Legal Administrative Affairs, and chairman of the ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM), Cahyo R, said the ASEAN Extradition Treaty will demonstrate ASEAN's strong commitment to working together with the international community in tackling and eradicating transnational crime."
"The eradication of transnational crime is vital in supporting the realization of a safe, stable, and prosperous ASEAN region," he said.
He said that efforts for a binding ASEAN Extradition Treaty align with ASEAN leaders' commitment contained in the 1976 ASEAN Concord Declaration in Bali that includes the "Study on how to develop judicial cooperation including the possibility of an ASEAN Extradition Treaty."
The Southeast Asian Times 

Shots fired at ASEAN convoy in Myanmar's Shan State

A convoy carrying ASEAN officials, Singapore and Indonesia embassy diplomats and Pa-O National Liberation Organisation (PNLO) officers was attacked in Hsi Hseng Township in Taunggyi district in the Shan State of Mynamar on Sunday May 7, 2023

From News Reports:
Irrawaddy, May 11: A convoy carrying ASEAN officials, Singapore and Indonesia embassy diplomats and Pa-O National Liberation Organisation (PNLO) officers was attacked by an unknown armed group in Hsi Hseng Township in Taunggyi district in the Shan State of Mynamar on Sunday, with PNLO chairmnn colonel Khun Okkar saying "no one was injured," reports Irrawaddy.
ASEAN officials from the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, were on their way to a displacement camp in Hsi Hseng to provide humanitarian aid to displaced families when the convoy was attacked on Wednesday morning with PNLO chairman Colonel Khun Okkar, saying "an unknown group fired around five to 10 shots at the convoy."
"I think the attack was intended to discourage diplomats from visiting the displacement camp," he said.
He said the convoy left Taunggyi district at 7.30 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Hsi Hseng at 10 a.m., saying "the convoy was attacked 6.5 km from Hsi Hseng."
“No one was injured," he said.
He said a back door of the last vehicle in the convoy was hit, saying "the seat was hit,"
"But no one was hit," he said.
PNLO chairman colonel Khun Okkar said that the ASEAN officials and Singapore and Indonesian diplomats cancelled the trip after the shooting, saying that he met the displaced families in Hsi Hseng and handed over relief supplies on behalf of the ASEAN officials.
Myanmar's ten ethnic groups that includes Pa-O National Liberation Organisation (PNLO) in Shan State agreed to continue political negotiations with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar towards a federal republic and full autonomy for ethinc groups under the principles of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in the Union Peace Accord 111 signed in August 2020.
The five agreements signed in the Union Peace Accord 111 at the Fourth Meeting of the 21st Century Panglong Union Peace Conference aimed to bring an end to seven decades of civil war in Myanmar.
The Union Peace Accord 111 included agreement on military deployments and movements, demarcation of territories, procedures on dealing with skirmishes between the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military and the 10 Ethnic Armed Organizations but failed to reach agreement on allowing the ethnic groups to draft their own constitutions
The Union Peace Accord 111 was to pave the way towards democratic reform, federalism and national reconciliation and for continued negotiation on amendments to the the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military-drafted constitution.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai voters call for resignation of Election Commissioners over advanced voting irregularities

Election Commission (EC) secretary general, Sawang Boonmee, centre, said "errors were found after about 100 voters had cast their votes in Nonthaburi province on Sunday May 7, 2023

From News Reports:
Bangkok, May 10: Over a million Thai's have signed an online campaigne demanding the resignation of all seven Election Commission (EC) commissioners over voting irregularities allegedly committed by election officials in advanced voting on Sunday, with the Election Commission (EC) secretary-general saying, "an investigation will determine if these were honest mistakes," reports Bangkok Post.
Signatures demanding the resignation of the Election Commission (EC) reached 1,054.236 after advanced voting on Saturday, with voters asking "what was the point of having the Election Commission (EC)" and calling for the imprisonment of all seven election commissioners.
Thai's revealed the names of the Election Commission (EC) seven commissioners including the names of those who elected the seven commissioners, saying that the Election Commission (EC) is an acronym for "Election Cheating."
The Election Commission (EC) in Bangkok has received 592 complaints with 100 recorded in Bangkok over advanced voting on Saturday that includes voting irregularities allegedly committed by election officials.
Election Commission (EC) officials have reportedly placed incorrect constituencies on 148 envelopes containing marked ballot in Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi province, northwest of Bangkok.
In Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani provinces Election Commission (EC) officials provided free transport to take elderly voters to polling stations.
At a temple in Khlong 6 in Pathum Thani province an Election Commission (EC) official marked a ballot sheet on behalf of a blind voter.
The Election Commission (EC) secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee said election officials had written incorrect constituencies on the envelopes containing the marked ballots, saying "the errors were found after about 100 voters had cast their votes in Nonthaburi province."
"I confirm that the marked ballots will be sent to the correct constituencies," he said.
He said that the incorrect constituencies on the envelopes containing the marked ballots was the fault of the election officials, saying "the discrepancy between the ballot paper number and the constituency number can be traced and corrected."
In April 2019 Thai's demanded an investigation into voter irregularities by the lection Commission (EC) after the March 23, 2019 general elections that resulted in the election of the ruling pro-Royal Thai Armed Forces party, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), that won the popular vote with 8.4 million.
The Pheu Thai Party (PTP) aligned with ousted fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with 7.9 million from a voter turnout of 75 percent.
Fugitive former prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in 2006, said from Hong Kong after the elections on 24 March 2019 that "the election was plagued with irregularities"
He said that there were more ballot cast than voter turnout, saying that "in many constituencies the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) vote jumped suddenly from third place to first place."
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai PM calls on voters not to support efforts to abolish the King as Head of State

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Ministerial candidate for the United Thai Nation (UTN) party, campaigning for the elections in the Muang district of Krabi province in southern Thailand on Sunday May 7, 2023

From News Reports:
Bangkok, May 9: Prime Ministerial candidate for the United Thai Nation (UTN) party, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, called on voters not to support efforts to abolish the King as Head of State or the Lese Majeste Law that does not allow criticim of the King, during the election campaign in Krabi province, southern Thailand on Sunday, saying "the law is the law, so don't meddle with it," reports the Bangkok Post
The call by the Prime Ministerial candidate for the United Thai Nation (UTN) party, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, formally leader of the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), not to support efforts to abolish the regime of government with the King as Head of State or the Lese Majeste Law of Section 112 of the Criminal Code was met with cheers from the crowd in the Muang district of Krabi province.
"The United Thai Nation (UTN) party supports the amendment or abolishment of other laws that stand in the way of solving the plight of those on low-incomes, saying "those on low incomes are the foundation of Thailand."
"We can rebuild the house, but we shouldn't destroy the foundation," he said.
In November 2021 Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who was then leader of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), would not support any moves to amend the 2017 Constitution that would change the regime of government with the King as Head of State, saying "the royal institution must continue and be protected."
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, said then the government would oppose any proposed amendements to the 2017 Constitution, that was drafted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and signed into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, saying "Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) remains opposed to any changes to the law that would change the regime of government with the King as Head of State."
"All Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) coalition parties must work together to prevent the moves to amend the 2017 Constitution, " he said.
In August 2021 a 10 point manifesto was submiited to the Thai Parliament by student organisation, United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, and the Free Youth Movement, calling for reform of the monarchy under the Majeste Law of Section 112 of the Criminal Code of the Constiutuion, but stating that demand for amendements to the Constitution did not include a proposal to abolish the monarchy but a proposal for the monarchy to continue in a democracy.
The 10 point manifesto called for repeal of the criminalisation of criticism of the Thai King under the Lese Majeste law, repeal of the order that transferred army units to new King Maha Vajiralongkorn personal command, repeal of the law that gave the new King full control of the crown's reportedly extensive property holdings and repeal of the monarchy empowerment to endorse a military coup.
In April 2021 the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), that was founded by Thaksin Shinawatra, and that has nominated his daughter,
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ministerial candidate for the May 2023 elections, called on parliament to amend the 2017 Constitution, drafted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and signed into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The Pheu Thai Party (PTP) said the party is seeking to amend the section of the Constitution that deals with the Royal Thai Armed Forces appointed Senate that nominates and elects a prime minister.
The 2017 Constitution states that "changing the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State or changing the form of the State shall be prohibited" and that "the Prime Minister may not present such a draft Constitution Amendment to the King for signature."
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand National Anti-Corruption Commission ordered to disclose documents in assets declaration

Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon, centre, wearing a platinum Richard Mille RM 029 watch valued at 2.5 million baht and a diamond ring at Government House on Monday December 4, 2017

From News Reports:
Bangkok, May 8: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) agreed to disclose documents to the Anti-Corruption People's Network on the investigation into declared assets for acting Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon, accused of non declaration of luxury gold watches and jewelery worn at Government House while Deputy Prime Minister, reports the Bangkok Post
The Supreme Administrative Court, on April 15, 2023, ordered the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to disclose two of three sets of documents to Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid within 15 days.
Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid claims that acting Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon had omitted to declare
the ownership of 22 luxury gold watches and rings on the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) assets declaration list in 2017.
Acting Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon claimed that he had "borrowed the gold watches from a long-time collector friend.
Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid filed a petition at the Supreme Administrative Court demanding disclosure of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigation into the undisclosed assets following the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) dismissal of accusations that General Prawit Wongsuwon had falsely declared his wealth in the declaration of assets.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruled in 2018 that there were no grounds to accuse General Prawit Wongsuwon of falsely declaring his wealth in the 2017 declaration of assets.
Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid, said that he intends to organise a campaigne to collect at least 20,000 signatures to initiate impeachment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) commissioners for "disregarding the very law they are meant to uphold."
In September 2022 Opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) Member of Parliament, Theeratchai Panthumas, called on the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to reopen the investigation into the ownership of luxury gold watches that were worn by the acting Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, while he was Deputy Prime Minister, saying "new information has emerged"
"One of the timepieces that was seen worn by the Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon was never declared in the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) assett declarartion " he said.
He said that the timepiece seen worn by the Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon was not part of the inheritance of close friend and long-time collector, Pattawat Suksriwong, as the Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon had claimed.
"The wristwatch in question was seen on the then Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon wrist during a group photo session for newly sworn-in cabinet ministers at Government House," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

NATO to open first Indo-Pacific office in Japan

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, left, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, right, pledge to strengthen ties in Tokyo on Tuesday January 31, 2023

From News Reports:
Tokyo, May 7: Japan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) claim that the opening of the first NATO office in the Indo Pacific in Tokyo next year "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," reports Rueters.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the planned opening of a NATO office in Tokyo next year "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 that Tokyo welcomes the increased involvement of NATO member states in the Indo-Pacific region, saying "China has become increasingly assertive militarily."
Foreign Minister Hayashi,Yoshimasa Hayashi, pledged to boost Japan's cooperation with NATO at the two day NATO foreign ministerial meeting in Brussels last month, saying "Japan cannot achieve its goal of realising a free and open Indo-Pacific on its own."
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.
In May 2022 Japan Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, affirmed predecessor Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's support of Indonesia's adoption of the 'ASEAN Outlook on Indopacific' (AOIP) initiative at the Commemorative Symposium for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation held in Jakarta, saying "maintaining and strengthening the rules-based, free and open Indo-Pacific international order has become more important."
"We are facing many challenges, including the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the South China Sea territorial disputes including Vietnam's East Sea and nuclear arsenal in North Korea," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

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


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


What they're saying 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



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



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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



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Published by Pas Loizou Press Darwin Northern Territory
Australia
PASLOIZOUPRESSDARWIN@bigpond.com

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Oz $ buys
Updated daily.
Prices indicative only

US...0.7582
Brunei...1.0310
Cambodia...3,115.36
China..Yuan..5,0710
East Timor...0.7582
Euro..0.6794
HongsKong...5.8808
Indonesia Rupiah.9,997.47
Japan..78.8528
Laos..6,140.58
Malaysia Ringgit.....3.0900
Myanmar..923.19
Viet Nam Dong..16,849.44

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