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Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Thai military prepared for ‘high-level operation' if Cambodia border row escalates
Deadly clashes between Cambodia and Thailand last erupted in 2011 over the Preah Vihear, a 900-year-old temple at the heart of a decades-long row. PHOTO: REUTERS BANGKOK - Thailand's military said it is ready to launch a "high-level operation" to counter any violation of its sovereignty, in the strongest words yet in a simmering border dispute with Cambodia that re-erupted with a deadly clash last week. The army said in a statement late on June 5 that its intelligence gathering indicated Cambodia had stepped up its military readiness at their border while diplomatic efforts were ongoing, describing that as "worrisome". The statement was in sharp contrast with one from the government just hours earlier, when it urged Cambodia to positively engage in dialogue via an existing mechanism between them. "The army is now ready for a high-level military operation in case it is necessary to retaliate against the violation of sovereignty," it said, ahead of a meeting of its armed forces top brass scheduled for June 6. "Operations of units at the border have been conducted carefully, calmly and based on an understanding of the situation to prevent losses on all sides, but at the same time, are ready to defend the country's sovereignty to the fullest extent if the situation is called for." Cambodia's government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Thai military statement on June 6. The governments of the two countries had for days exchanged carefully worded statements committing to dialogue after a brief skirmish in an undemarcated border area on May 28 in which a Cambodian soldier was killed. Although the two countries have a historic rivalry, their governments enjoy friendly ties, partly due to the close relationship between their influential former leaders, Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodia's Hun Sen, whose daughter and son respectively are now the prime ministers in their countries. The issue comes at a tricky time for the Pheu Thai Party-led administration in Thailand as it battles to revive a flagging economy that could be hit by steep US tariffs, while facing a challenge to its popularity having paused a signature cash handout to tens of millions of people. The party of the billionaire Shinawatra family has a troubled history with the Thai military, which twice toppled its governments in 2006 and 2014 coups. Deadly clashes between Cambodia and Thailand last erupted in 2011 over the Preah Vihear, a 900-year-old temple at the heart of a decades-long row that has stirred nationalist sentiment on both sides. The International Court of Justice in 2013 ruled in favour of Cambodia in clarifying a 1962 decision to award it jurisdiction over the temple, saying part of the land around it was Cambodia's and Thai troops must withdraw from the area. Cambodia said this week it is committed to peace and plans to resolve the issue by referring disputes over four parts of their border to the ICJ and has asked Thailand to cooperate. Thailand says it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Times
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Times
China's EV manufacturers face their ‘Evergrande moment'
YOU know that things have reached an inflection point when China's People's Daily newspaper warns against 'involution' in an industry, noting that firms and factories have been racing to produce the same products and barely making a profit. In this case, the warning was aimed at the 100 or so electric vehicle (EV) makers. That number is, by any measure, way more that any car market, even one as big as China's, can sustain. Evidence that the nation's car market remains oversupplied has been mounting in recent years. As recently as five years ago, there were about 500 firms producing EVs. That their numbers have declined so dramatically provides a useful metric about brutal market conditions. Indeed, one industry executive spoke of an industrial 'elimination round' taking place over the next two years. A few days later, the chairman of Great Wall Motor, Wei Jianjun, was quoted as saying that China's EV industry is experiencing its own 'Evergrande moment', referencing the collapse of the country's most indebted property developer last year. The fear among carmakers (and economists) is that, as it was with the crash of China's property giants, cascading bankruptcies in the EV industry will spread misery not just throughout the automotive sector as suppliers and dealers go under, but, eventually, the wider economy will feel the chill. However, from a macroeconomic perspective, everything is going well. Cut-throat competition is driving efficiency and innovation. For instance, BYD, one of the three car firms actually making some profit, is furiously trying for a breakthrough in autonomous driving with its so-called God's Eye technology. Tesla, which has a big presence in China, says it will unveil its self-driving robotaxis on Jun 12. These vehicles are reported to be undergoing trials in Austin, Texas. Then again, robotaxis were first promised in 2016. It should be noted at this juncture that the consolidation in China's automotive sector hews to a familiar script. That is the way Beijing's industrial policies play out. Subsidies and policy support are bestowed on favoured industry players until they reach a certain size, and when they are deemed ready to compete with anyone in the world. Beijing then stands back and allows the market to sort out the winners from the losers. We have seen how this approach worked with solar panel manufacturers. It is harsh and unforgiving, but it is certainly far better than the system of continual state support for ailing zombie firms, which has now become almost routine in the West. That said, it should be noted that there are some 3.5 million EVs piling up as unsold stock in China, despite incentives Beijing has offered to encourage owners of combustion-engine vehicles to trade them in for EVs. Prices are being cut. One BYD sedan is selling for as little as 69,800 yuan (S$12,487). More significantly, China's top carmakers are still only operating at half capacity. Expect a push to export the surplus. In Asean, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia have their own automotive industries. How will they react if a tsunami of cheap, but technically superior, cars swept into their markets? The instinct may be to erect tariffs walls and subsidies, to protect the local industrial base and the supply chains and, above all, jobs. The better option might be to invite the best of China's car producers to set up factories locally and let the market decide the winners.
Fashion Network
29-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Etro makes Southeast Asia real estate debut with new Phuket residences
Etro has announced plans for its Southeast Asian real estate debut with "Etro Residences Phuket', a new development that marries luxury design with an integrated brand experience by the Italian luxury fashion house. Designed in partnership with Amal Development and The One Atelier, the Etro Residences Phuket is comprised of luxury dwellings ranging from three-bedroom apartments to duplexes - crafted to reflect Etro's heritage, craftsmanship, and aesthetic. Inside, the interiors showcase the brand's bold patterns, rich textures, and color palette, designed to flow with the Thail city's natural beauty. Each dwelling features special pieces from the Etro Home Interiors collection, made in collaboration with Oniro Group, the brand's distributor since 2017. Residents will also have access to tailored services and amenities, including private wellness retreats, spa experiences and holistic wellbeing programmes as well as fitness facilities and a personalised concierge service. Lastly, the residence will host immersive brand activations will provide residents access inside Etro's "exclusive network of art, culture, and fashion," according to a press release. 'Etro Residences Phuket represents a window into the future of luxury living. Branded real estate is about more than aesthetics; it is about creating a seamless blend of hospitality, wellness, and exclusivity that reflects the lifestyles of the world's most discerning buyers," said Michele Galli, CEO of The One Atelier. "At The One Atelier, we specialise in crafting spaces that go beyond the expected to offer something deeply personal, immersive, and transformative. With Etro Residences Phuket, we have designed an environment where every detail, from the architectural vision to the smallest interior elements, align with the brand's DNA to deliver a project unlike any other.' The Etro Residences Phuket will be completed in 2027. The project follows the recent opening of Etro Residences Istanbul, an Etro-branded residence in Turkey. 'Following the success of Etro Residences Istanbul, Etro Residences Phuket represents the brand's continued growth into the luxury real estate, further reinforcing its identity as a lifestyle brand," said Etro CEO, Fabrizio Cardinali. "This ambitious project is poised to set a new standard in Southeast Asia's rapidly expanding luxury property market, while further enhancing the brand's remarkable heritage and reinforcing its commitment to innovation and timeless design.'
Fashion Network
28-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Etro makes Southeast Asia real estate debut with new Phuket residences
Etro has announced plans for its Southeast Asian real estate debut with "Etro Residences Phuket', a new development that marries luxury design with an integrated brand experience by the Italian luxury fashion house. Designed in partnership with Amal Development and The One Atelier, the Etro Residences Phuket is comprised of luxury dwellings ranging from three-bedroom apartments to duplexes - crafted to reflect Etro's heritage, craftsmanship, and aesthetic. Inside, the interiors showcase the brand's bold patterns, rich textures, and color palette, designed to flow with the Thail cities natural beauty. Each dwelling features special pieces from the Etro Home Interiors collection, made in collaboration with Oniro Group, the brand's distributor since 2017. Residents will also have access to tailored services and amenities, including private wellness retreats, spa experiences and holistic wellbeing programmes as well as fitness facilities and a personalised concierge service. Lastly, the residence will host immersive brand activations will provide residents access inside Etro's "exclusive network of art, culture, and fashion," according to a press release. 'Etro Residences Phuket represents a window into the future of luxury living. Branded real estate is about more than aesthetics; it is about creating a seamless blend of hospitality, wellness, and exclusivity that reflects the lifestyles of the world's most discerning buyers," said Michele Galli, CEO of The One Atelier. "At The One Atelier, we specialise in crafting spaces that go beyond the expected to offer something deeply personal, immersive, and transformative. With Etro Residences Phuket, we have designed an environment where every detail, from the architectural vision to the smallest interior elements, align with the brand's DNA to deliver a project unlike any other.' The Etro Residences Phuket will be completed in 2027. The project follows the recent opening of Etro Residences Istanbul, an Etro-branded residence in Turkey. 'Following the success of Etro Residences Istanbul, Etro Residences Phuket represents the brand's continued growth into the luxury real estate, further reinforcing its identity as a lifestyle brand," said Etro CEO, Fabrizio Cardinali. "This ambitious project is poised to set a new standard in Southeast Asia's rapidly expanding luxury property market, while further enhancing the brand's remarkable heritage and reinforcing its commitment to innovation and timeless design.'
Sky News
28-03-2025
- General
- Sky News
Myanmar earthquake latest: At least 144 dead in Myanmar after earthquake; dozens trapped in Bangkok
At least nine dead in Bangkok, Thai official says We're also getting the latest numbers in from the aftermath of the earthquakes in Bangkok. Bangkok's deputy governor Tavida Kamolvej tells the Reuters news agency that at least nine people have died as a result of the tremors. Of that number, eight died when a building under construction collapsed, and another died in a different location. That brings the total dead across Myanmar and Thailand to at least 153. 144 dead and 732 injured in Myanmar, state broadcaster says At least 144 people have died in Myanmar, the country's state television network said on Telegram. It also says that 732 people have been injured by the earthquake and aftershocks this morning. It's the first official figure from Myanmar's military junta, as the country's military chief Min Aung Hlaing adds there will be more deaths and casualties. He says: "I have declared a state of emergency and requested international assistance. "I have approved a request from the AHA Centre [ASEAN's humanitarian office], which will be sending aid tomorrow, and India will also be sending assistance. "I would like to extend an open invitation to any organisations and nations willing to come and help the people in need within our country." As it stands, the figure does not appear to include anything from the Mandalay region, one of the worst affected by the earthquake this morning. 'Hard to imagine' situation in Bangkok has improved, journalist says After the Thai PM said the situation in Bangkok had improved, a journalist in the city tells Sky News it was a "little bit hard to imagine". Tara Abhasakun, who was on the 14th floor of her condominium when the earthquake struck, says "when I went outside and when I went to the street, I saw that there was a lot of traffic - traffic was very backed up". She adds that "in terms of 'if things can go back to normal', that's just a bit hard to imagine because there are still people missing". "I just don't think that things can go back to normal tomorrow," she said. Police dogs helping with search and rescue As the search for people trapped in rubble continues, police in Bangkok are using dogs to help their efforts. This video from Royal Thai Police shows one of the canines on the scene in the capital. Reports of earthquake damage in China Reports of damage from the earthquake are also coming in from China now. The tremor was also felt in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces - to the northeast of Myanmar. Damage to houses and injuries were also reported in the city of Ruili on the border, according to Chinese media. One local news outlet said it received a video from Ruili showing building debris littering a street and a person being wheeled in a stretcher toward an ambulance. A resident also told The Paper, an online publication, that the shaking in Mangshi was so strong that people could not stand. In pictures: Cracked roads and toppled buildings across countries Pictures are coming in from across areas of Thailand and Myanmar damaged by the earthquakes. In Naypyitaw, Myanmar's capital, severe damage can be seen on the roads. In Mandalay, one of the cities suffering the heaviest impact, buildings have completely collapsed, leaving heaps of rubble on the roadside. And the tremors could be felt in Bangkok, Thailand's capital, as we've been reporting - where emergency services have been working to rescue people trapped. Thai popstar tells Sky News earthquake damage 'looked like 9/11' Thai pop star and actor Krissada Sukosol Clapp told Sky News earlier about the moment he had to evacuate from the earthquake in Bangkok. "I was just next door, in another building just about two metres away," he said. "I ran down the building, there was smoke." He added the sound was "almost like thunder, and I saw smoke just flying out," and that the damage "looked like 9/11 to me". Earthquake 'could not come at a worse time for Myanmar,' charity researcher says Reacting to reports of the earthquake, Amnesty International's Joe Freeman says it "could not come at a worse time for Myanmar". He notes that more than three million people are still internally displaced after the 2021 military coup, and says more than a third of the population will need humanitarian assistance this year. "That there appear to be more images and information coming out of Thailand than the epicentre in Myanmar is a startling reminder of the military's crushing of press freedom," he added. Freeman also said the cuts to USAID under President Donald Trump "are just starting to bite". For context: In early 2021, Myanmar's military seized power from the government, and detained de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint. The military said at the time it was seizing power and declaring a state of emergency over concerns of widespread electoral fraud in the 2020 vote. Read more on our coverage of the coup below.... Situation has improved after earthquake, Thai PM says The Thai prime minister has said the situation has improved after the earthquake this morning. A statement from Paetongtarn Shinawatra's press office says people can now return to their homes and tall buildings that were not damaged, and that public parks have been opened for people to stay in. It adds that she has ordered the gradual evacuation of people from collapsed buildings before going to the affected areas. Those concerned about the safety of their homes were told they could request an inspection from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Sick, weird and dizzy: How a witness felt after their first noticeable Bangkok earthquake "I feel sick. It's like a dizzy feeling." Creamlie Sripputthakun, who lives in Bangkok, was riding a motorbike back home when the earthquake hit. The 20-year-old tells us: "It's the first time for me. "I feel so weird and strange like I was dizzy." "Everyone felt the same because it was the first earthquake in Thailand that was strong enough for people to notice." She adds: "I was going back home by motorcycle and I see the buildings moving. "I just know to stay home with my family." Reporting by Freya Taylor.
