Latest news with #RoyalPloughingCeremony
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Bella Culley's dad makes an incredible pledge for her freedom amid cartel fears
The father of 18-year-old Bella Culley, the British teen arrested in Georgia with 14kg of cannabis and hashish, has pledged to remain in the country "as long as it takes" to help his daughter — as organised crime experts warn UK backpackers may be in the sights of Thai drug gangs. Niel Culley, 49, an offshore oil rig technician living in Vietnam, flew to the Black Sea nation as soon as news of Bella's arrest broke last Tuesday night. But heartbreakingly, he has not yet been allowed to visit his daughter, who is being held in a notorious Georgian prison, reports MailOnline. "I can't say anything but I will be here for as long as it takes," he told the Mail. "I obviously have no experience in dealing with situations like this and it's very difficult." Bella is currently being held at Women's Penitentiary Number 5, just outside the capital Tbilisi, after she was stopped at the city's airport on May 11. Officials found 12kg of cannabis and 2kg of hashish in her luggage following her £550 Air Arabia flight from Bangkok via Sharjah. Her father is being supported in Georgia by his sister, 51-year-old Kerrie Culley, as they face an agonising wait — with red tape reportedly preventing them from seeing Bella until at least Wednesday. She first appeared in court on May 13, and is now remanded in custody until her next scheduled hearing on July 1. The case has raised alarm bells among experts, who warn that British travellers may be being targeted by cartels in Thailand. It follows a second arrest of a British national accused of smuggling cannabis out of the country. Charlotte May Lee, 21, a flight attendant, was arrested in Sri Lanka just hours after Bella's flight. Authorities in Colombo claim she was carrying £1.15million worth of kush, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis. Investigators are probing whether the two cases are connected. Former Georgian police general and narcotics expert Jemal Janashia told the Mail: "The fact that two young British women have taken off with large quantities of drugs from the same airport will interest investigators. "They will be concerned about the possibility of a link and that Thai gangs may be attempting to recruit vulnerable British travellers." Both women left Thailand during the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, one of the busiest weekends of the year for Thai airports — a prime opportunity, say officials, for traffickers to exploit chaos and sneak contraband out. It follows a major crackdown on cannabis being posted from Thailand to the UK, with authorities in both countries working together to stop drugs from reaching British shores. Since last year, the number of mail shipments containing cannabis has dropped by 90 per cent — from 15 tonnes intercepted in late 2024 to 1.5 tonnes in the first three months of 2025. Mr Janashia said: "After the crackdown on postal drug deliveries, the Thai cartel are seeking new routes. "Georgia does look like an attractive middle transit point: It is relatively close and easy to reach Europe from." With over 800 people — including 50 British nationals — arrested for smuggling since July 2024 and more than nine tonnes of cannabis seized, fears are growing that gangs are turning to drug mules instead. Mr Janashia, who is advising the family, told the Mail she should cooperate fully with authorities and may be able to secure a plea bargain. He said: "First of all, I would advise her to cooperate, together with the lawyer, with the investigation, indicate who were the youths that she was in touch with in Thailand. "And also indicate whether there was a contact person in Georgia as well. "The court, first of all will clarify and find out whether she has sold drugs before or trafficked them before, what kind of profile she has. And if it's the first time, it's mitigating circumstances." When asked if his advice to Bella would be to tell the police everything, Mr Janashia replied: "Of course."
The Star
17-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Ancient ploughing ceremony adds festivity to South-East Asian rice farming
YANGON/PHNOM PENH (Bernama): Farmers throughout South-East Asia continue to honour a centuries-old ploughing ceremony that ushers in rainfall and a new rice planting season. Many agrarian nations such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam mark the ploughing ceremony in a festivity that usually takes place in May. In Cambodia, the date is May 15. Traditionally known as Pithi Chrat Pheah Neang Korl, this royal ceremony is celebrated as a national public holiday. Cambodian Farmer Federation Association of Agricultural Producers (CFAP) CEO Sok Sotha said that farmers and rural communities have respected traditional beliefs for generations, including the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. "There is still a close relationship amongst the people, traditional beliefs and nature,' Sotha told Bernama. He said the day honours the contributions of the farming community to the economy. "The Royal Ploughing Ceremony remains a symbol of the relationship among the Royal Palace, the Royal Government of Cambodia, farmers and the farming communities and people in general,'he said. Age Old Tradition As tradition goes, at the celebration venue, the royal oxen decorated with colourful ornaments will be set free to eat plates of rice, grass, sesame, corn, and peas, and to drink water and wine. Using the consumption patterns of animals, clergymen predict rainfall, pest issues, and agricultural yields for the season. "Farmers believe in forecasting results, and they observe the weather conditions as well. Now they are ready for the rainy season to come to start planting crops,' said Sotha. This year's Royal Ploughing ceremony was held at the Royal Field at Kampong Chhnang Stadium, Kampong Chhnang province. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni presided over the ceremony. During this morning's ceremony, the royal oxen consumed 95 per cent of the rice, 95 per cent of the corn, and 80 per cent of the beans. The clergyman predicted that the upcoming harvest of rice, corn, and beans would be plentiful this season based on the oxen's consumption, reported Fresh News. Of Cultural and Economic Significance Rice as a symbol of life and fertility is deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural practices of many Asian societies. It is revered and celebrated during planting and harvesting. Additionally, rice is a key commercial export for many nations, generating jobs and revenue, and feeding millions in Southeast Asian economies. In Thailand, where agriculture is the pillar of the economy, the auspicious Royal Ploughing Ceremony called "Raek Na Khwan' was held on May 9. The Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve's General Manager Dr Choomjet Karnjanakesorn told Bernama that the ceremony embeds a strong cultural element in Thai society. "Thai farmers want to have the rice seeds from the ceremony to grow in their rice fields (few grains). The farmers believe that rice grain from the ceremony could provide a good yield for cultivation throughout the season,' said Choomjet. The planting season and the timing of the rainfall are crucial for millions of farmers in mainland South-East Asia, a major rice-producing region for the world market. Thailand and Vietnam are top rice-exporting nations with nearly eight million metric tonnes annually, while Cambodian long-grain fragrant rice is much sought-after in the international market. - Bernama
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 16, 2025
Cambodia and the United States held their first round of negotiations on reciprocal trade tariffs in Washington, D.C. Both parties had a frank and constructive discussion to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. The second round of talks is scheduled for June. Clergyman at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony yesterday predicted that harvests of rice, corn and beans will be bountiful this year. Based on tradition, the Royal Oxen were served with seven different foods to predict the season at the colourful event. REINFORCES 3-SIM LIMIT AMID GROWING SPAM CALL COMPLAINTS -- JAKARTA GLOBE Indonesia will reimpose a cap on the number of SIM cards registered per user in response to the growing problem of spam calls, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid announced on Thursday. 2.'PERSONAL TOUCH' ON DISPLAY FOR RETURN VISIT OF ALBANESE -- THE JAKARTA POST President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday threw a festive reception to welcome Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese back to the State Palace in Jakarta, marking their first official meeting following the latter's second-term inauguration just two days prior. LAOS CUSTOMS TRAINING CENTRE TO CURB CRIMES -- VIENTIANE TIMES The RM34 million (US$8 million) US-funded customs training centre to assist Laos tackle illegal cross-border crimes has begun. The centre will help to combat transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, wildlife smuggling and illegal cash movement. KOREA DEEPEN GREEN GROWTH PLEDGE -- VIENTIANE TIMES South Korea and Laos are partnering to advance green growth and sustainable investment through enhanced bilateral cooperation. Both governments pledged their commitment at the 2025 Korea – Laos Net-Zero Partnership Forum held in Vientiane on May 13. MYANMAR SUPPORT TO PROTECT MIGRATORY BIRDS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association is engaging with local communities to identify and conserve critical migratory bird species in wetlands. The association has been trying to identify, document and conserve endangered species and their habitats in Myanmar since 2002. 2. MYANMAR SEEKS OCA'S HELP TO DEVELOP SPORTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar discussed its sports development with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). During the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia held in Kuwait, discussions centre around Myanmar's participation in international competitions and training courses for referees and coaches. SINGAPORE KEY EXPORTS SURGE 12.4 PCT IN APRIL, MUCH MORE THAN EXPECTED -- THE STRAITS TIMES Singapore's key exports grew at a faster-than-expected pace in April, boosted by stronger shipments of both electronics and non-electronics. 2.'RISK BEING SIDELINED': US-CHINA TRADE TRUCE RAISES STAKES FOR ASEAN MEMBERS SEEKING LOWER TRUMP TARIFFS -- CNA A temporary deal struck between the United States and China on Monday (May 12) that put the brakes on an escalating trade war has raised the stakes for Southeast Asian countries trying to negotiate tariff reductions with Washington, analysts say. THAILAND 1. RESTAURANT INDUSTRY FACES CRISIS AS DOMESTIC SPENDING DROPS, CHINESE TOURISTS VANISH -- THE NATION Reports from the Department of Business Development show that over 60 per cent of new restaurants fail within the first year, a sharp rise from 40 per cent just a few years ago. 2. SENATE PANEL DEMANDS REFERENDUM ON CASINO BILL -- BANGKOK POST A Senate special committee examining the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill has called for a referendum on the controversial project, warning the draft bill may contravene the constitution if passed into law. VIETNAM 1. VIETNAM-THAI LEADERS ENJOY SOFT DIPLOMACY -- VIETNAM NEWS Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his visiting Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra experienced traditional Vietnamese handicraft products and visited a photo exhibition featuring both nations' lengthy relations. The two countries took 49 years to develop a solid bilateral foundation. MEDIA GROUPS TRADING WILDLIFE BANNED -- VIETNAM NEWS Vietnam has permanently removed 10 private social media groups involved in the illegal internet sale of wildlife from online platforms. This is part of a campaign launched by Education for Nature Vietnam to curb illegal wildlife trading. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
15-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
Ancient Ploughing Ceremony Adds Festivity To Southeast Asian Rice Farming
Many agrarian nations such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam mark the ploughing ceremony in a festivity that usually takes place in May. PHNOM PENH, May 15 (Bernama) -- Farmers throughout Southeast Asia continue to honour a centuries-old ploughing ceremony that ushers in rainfall and a new rice planting season. 'There is still a close relationship amongst the people, traditional beliefs and nature,' Sotha told Bernama. Cambodian Farmer Federation Association of Agricultural Producers (CFAP) CEO Sok Sotha said that farmers and rural communities have respected traditional beliefs for generations, including the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. In Cambodia, the date is May 15. Traditionally known as Pithi Chrat Pheah Neang Korl, this royal ceremony is celebrated as a national public holiday. 'The Royal Ploughing Ceremony remains a symbol of the relationship among the Royal Palace, the Royal Government of Cambodia, farmers and the farming communities and people in general,'he said. He said the day honours the contributions of the farming community to the economy. Age Old Tradition As tradition goes, at the celebration venue, the royal oxen decorated with colourful ornaments will be set free to eat plates of rice, grass, sesame, corn, and peas, and to drink water and wine. Using the consumption patterns of animals, clergymen predict rainfall, pest issues, and agricultural yields for the season. 'Farmers believe in forecasting results, and they observe the weather conditions as well. Now they are ready for the rainy season to come to start planting crops,' said Sotha. This year's Royal Ploughing ceremony was held at the Royal Field at Kampong Chhnang Stadium, Kampong Chhnang province. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni presided over the ceremony. During this morning's ceremony, the royal oxen consumed 95 per cent of the rice, 95 per cent of the corn, and 80 per cent of the beans. The clergyman predicted that the upcoming harvest of rice, corn, and beans would be plentiful this season based on the oxen's consumption, reported Fresh News. Of Cultural and Economic Significance Rice as a symbol of life and fertility is deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural practices of many Asian societies. It is revered and celebrated during planting and harvesting. Additionally, rice is a key commercial export for many nations, generating jobs and revenue, and feeding millions in Southeast Asian economies. In Thailand, where agriculture is the pillar of the economy, the auspicious Royal Ploughing Ceremony called 'Raek Na Khwan' was held on May 9. The ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve's General Manager Dr Choomjet Karnjanakesorn told Bernama that the ceremony embeds a strong cultural element in Thai society. 'Thai farmers want to have the rice seeds from the ceremony to grow in their rice fields (few grains). The farmers believe that rice grain from the ceremony could provide a good yield for cultivation throughout the season,' said Choomjet. The planting season and the timing of the rainfall are crucial for millions of farmers in mainland Southeast Asia, a major rice-producing region for the world market. Thailand and Vietnam are top rice-exporting nations with nearly eight million metric tonnes annually, while Cambodian long-grain fragrant rice is much sought-after in the international market. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, & Vietnam : May 13, 2025
Two Chinese naval vessels docked at the Ream Naval Base for the 2025 Golden Dragon joint military exercise. The seventh China and Cambodia exercise will be held in Kampong Chhnang and Preah Sihanouk provinces from May 14 to 28. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni will preside over the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Kampong Chhnang province on May 15. The annual ceremony will be held at the Royal Field in Kampong Chhnang Stadium located in Klang Prak Village. PM ALBANESE TO MEET PRESIDENT PRABOWO FOR KEY BILATERAL TALKS -- JAKARTA GLOBE Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make a state visit to Indonesia this week, marking his first official trip since securing a second term. The visit, scheduled for May 14-15, is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy, security, and regional cooperation. SECURITY PROTECTION FOR AGO DRAWS FLAK -- THE JAKARTA POST The Indonesian Military's (TNI) expanded deployment of personnel to provide security protection for prosecutors nationwide has once again landed the institution in hot water for stoking fears of military intervention in the judicial realm. LAOS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PROJECT FOR RURAL PEOPLE -- VIENTIANE TIMES Australia's RM8 million 'Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights Promotion with New Mechanisms' project will benefit over 500,000 people, including ethnic communities, in remote Bokeo and Luang Namtha provinces. They will benefit from improved access to reproductive health and sexual rights services. DRY PORT NEAR LAO-THAI MEKONG FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE -- VIENTIANE TIMES The government agreed to construct a dry port on the Lao side at the 5th Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge linking Bolikhamxay with Thailand's Beungkan province. The new dry port and the customs warehouse will enhance logistics and trade between the countries. MYANMAR HOTELS DESTROYED BY EARTHQUAKE IN MANDALAY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Mandalay Region Hotel Entrepreneurs' Association said 16 hotels were destroyed by the deadly earthquake on March 28 in the region. Officials are still assessing the damage to the hotels. IS NOW PROTECTED FOREST -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation designated 325 acres within Tangyan Township in Shan State as the 'Nampon Protected Public Forest'. The move will help to protect teak trees and wildlife habitat in the area. SINGAPORE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BRIGHTENS ON US-CHINA DE-ESCALATION, BUT TARIFF UNCERTAINTY REMAINS -- THE STRAITS TIMES The outlook for Singapore's export-driven economy has brightened as the world's two largest economies stepped back from a tariff war that could collapse trade between them and trigger a global recession, analysts said. STOCKS RALLY AFTER US AND CHINA PAUSE TARIFF WAR, BUT UNCERTAINTY REMAINS -- CNA/REUTERS Global stock markets surged on Monday (May 12) after the US and China agreed to slash steep tariffs for at least 90 days, tapping the brakes on a trade war between the world's two biggest economies that had fed fears of a global recession. THAILAND 1. FLOOD WARNING ISSUED FOR THALANG DISTRICT, PHUKET DUE TO HEAVY RAINS -- THE NATION Residents in Thalang district, Phuket, have been advised to remain vigilant for potential flooding due to continuous heavy rainfall on Monday. 2. BOT WARNS OF LONG PATH TO RECOVERY -- BANGKOK POST Structural problems are a key concern undermining Thailand's future growth potential, Bank of Thailand governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput has warned in a harrowing forecast of the country's economic future. VIETNAM HONDA VIETNAM SALES IN APRIL -- VIETNAMPLUS Honda Vietnam said its sales of motorcycle and automobile segments in April saw year-on-year increases of 6.9 per cent and 18.9 per cent respectively. The company sold 170,986 motorcycles and exported 17,953 units to various international markets last month. AIRLINES AND RUSSIAN BANK PROMOTE TIES -- VIETNAM NEWS Vietnam Airlines and Russia's state-owned VTB Bank signed a memorandum of understanding in Moscow on May 10 to enhance co-operation. Both aim to promote cultural exchanges and enhance tourism between the nations. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
