Latest news with #KennyTeng
Barnama
4 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Thailand, Cambodia Seek UN Support Amid Escalating Border Conflict
A Cambodian military personnel stands on a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, around 40 km (24 miles) from the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple, after Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery on Friday as their worst fighting in more than a decade stretched for a second day, in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. REUTERS/Soveit Yarn By Kenny Teng & Vijian Paramasivam BANGKOK, July 26 (Bernama) -- As the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia enter their third day, both countries addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday, with Thailand calling for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to dialogue. Cambodia, meanwhile, urged international intervention, warning that continued fighting could destabilise the region. bootstrap slideshow Speaking during the closed-door UNSC meeting in New York, Thailand's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Cherdchai Chaivaivid, reaffirmed Thailand's rejection of force as a means of resolving international disputes. He reaffirmed the kingdom's firm commitment to peaceful settlement in accordance with the UN Charter. 'Thailand urges Cambodia to immediately cease all hostilities and acts of aggression, and resume dialogue in good faith,' he told the council. His remarks were released to media. The UNSC held an emergency session on Friday under the agenda item "Threats to International Peace and Security," focusing on the Thai-Cambodian conflict that erupted following a deadly border clash. Cherdchai said Thailand has actively engaged Cambodia over the past two months through multiple bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), to resolve differences and prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, Cambodia's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Chhea Keo, urged the UN and ASEAN to intervene and help resolve the border dispute with Thailand, warning that failure to act could destabilise regional security.
Barnama
7 days ago
- Climate
- Barnama
Thai Govt Orders 24-hour Vigilance Amid Tropical Storm Wipha
By Kenny Teng BANGKOK, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Thai government has ordered all provincial authorities to maintain round-the-clock vigilance in high-risk areas and ensure swift evacuation of vulnerable groups amid the threat of Tropical Storm Wipha. Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, said that the Ministry of Interior places great importance on disaster monitoring, early warning systems, and assistance for affected communities. bootstrap slideshow With Tropical Storm Wipha already affecting many parts of Thailand, Phumtham expressed concern for residents in high-risk zones and instructed all relevant agencies to coordinate closely and monitor the situation continuously. "This time, all relevant agencies have demonstrated preparedness in disaster surveillance, prevention, and the rapid delivery of assistance to the public. "It is particularly commendable that the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has enhanced its mobile phone alert system (Cell Broadcast) and pre-positioned large-scale disaster relief machinery in high-risk areas," he said in a statement posted by the DDPM on its official X account on Wednesday. Earlier, the minister chaired a meeting of the National Command for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (NCDPM), with Deputy Interior Minister Teerarat Samrejvanich in attendance, along with the Interior Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Anusit Samphantharat, and the DDPM Director-General, Phasakorn Boonyalak. Phumtham further instructed all provincial authorities to be on 24-hour alert for potential disasters. "I sincerely thank all agencies for their alertness and cooperation. If a disaster does occur, this level of preparedness will help minimise damage and ensure the safety of our people," he said.
Barnama
23-07-2025
- Climate
- Barnama
Thailand Braces For Tropical Storm Wipha, School Closures Expected
By Kenny Teng BANGKOK, July 23 (Bernama) -- Thailand is preparing for Tropical Storm Wipha, which is forecast to track along the monsoon trough stretching across northern Thailand in the coming days. Deputy Spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister's Office, Anukool Pruksanusak said the public has been urged to brace for potential disruptions due to the severe weather. This includes the potential immediate closure of schools located in the storm's projected path. bootstrap slideshow "The government would like to emphasise the safety of the public. Please be prepared to handle the situation, pay attention to warnings, and follow the guidance of government agencies to minimise the impact and prevent potential losses," he said in a statement published on the Royal Thai Government's website on Wednesday. He said the Agriculture Ministry has been instructed to minimise the impact on the agricultural sector. Anukool added that the Meteorological Department has issued a warning for Tropical Storm Wipha, which is expected to weaken into a tropical depression and later into a low-pressure system. He stressed that the storm would bring heavy rainfall to many parts of Thailand, particularly the north, upper northeast, western areas of the central region, and the east, with rain forecast to continue until July 24. "The government urges people in the affected areas to be cautious of the risks posed by heavy to very heavy rainfall and the accumulation of rain, which may result in flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in foothill regions, areas near waterways, and low-lying zones," he said. As of Tuesday, it was reported that Tropical Storm Wipha had caused torrential rain and flooding in the Philippines, resulting in five fatalities and the displacement of thousands.
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Thailand Commends Malaysia's Effective ASEAN Chairmanship At 58th AMM
By Kenny Teng BANGKOK, July 16 (Bernama) -- Thailand has commended Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair, for successfully hosting a constructive 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur. The Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Bolbongse Vangphaen, said Malaysia's chairmanship had effectively managed the series of meetings, which focused on highly positive and forward-looking agendas. bootstrap slideshow 'I believe this meeting has essentially fulfilled its objective of promoting constructive and positive engagement among all major powers, while also advancing practical cooperation within the ASEAN region,' he said during a press briefing here on Wednesday. Bolbongse emphasised that the meeting was particularly timely in light of the current global context, marked by significant geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties. He noted that Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism and an international order based on international law, which would contribute to regional peace, stability, and resilience. 'ASEAN, of course, seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy while simultaneously strengthening its external relations,' he added. Bolbongse further explained that one of the key issues raised by nearly all countries at the AMM was the growing threat of cybercrime and online scams. 'This is an issue that affects everyone in the region - it poses both economic and human security threats.
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Thailand Cracks Down On Illegal Cannabis Products
By Kenny Teng BANGKOK, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Thai government is intensifying measures to control the illegal sale of cannabis-infused processed products to protect public health, particularly that of children and young people. Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikan Watthanachan said the Thai government has tasked the Public Health Ministry, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and provincial public health offices, to implement strict inspections and enforcement operations to clamp down on these illegal products. 'Public health officials have been authorised to arrest and fine business operators involved in including cannabis into food, snacks, or beverages that contain cannabis extracts exceeding legal limits. 'Where violations are found, cases must be referred to the police for legal proceedings,' she said in a statement published on the Royal Thai Government's website on Monday. Sasikan said the Ministry has already issued suspension orders for the licences of operators who breached the law, while offences such as adding cannabis to food without permission or failing to provide proper labelling carry penalties of up to 30,000 baht (US$920) in fines, up to three years' imprisonment, or both. The Thai government also reiterated its warning to the public, especially parents and teenagers, about the dangers of consuming 'cannabis gummies', which contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC, a psychoactive substance with addictive properties, can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and enter the brain, causing relaxation, euphoria, stress relief, and elevated mood. Consumption in large quantities – especially by children or first-time users – can cause a rapid heartbeat, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle weakness, hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, paranoia, rapid breathing, and high blood pressure.
