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The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
U-turns, bans await motorists who jump the queue at Singapore land checkpoints
SINGAPORE: Drivers might think they are saving precious minutes when jumping queues at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. But when they get stopped by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, they will face having to make a U-turn and rejoin the queue. They could also be blacklisted and face further disciplinary action from the authorities. The June school holidays have begun and traffic is expected to be heavy at both land checkpoints. To ensure a smooth travelling experience, ICA has reminded motorists about proper road etiquette. Speaking to reporters via a virtual interview on May 28, Inspector Mardiana Masdar, 43, team leader at the Integrated Operations Centre at Woodlands Checkpoint, said queue-jumping increases during peak hours when the traffic tailback is very bad. It is an issue ICA officers take very seriously, she added. Insp Mardiana said ground officers who spot vehicles jumping queues will alert the team at the operations centre, who will relay this information to traffic controllers near the checkpoint to direct them to make a U-turn to rejoin the queue. She said: 'If they are non-compliant, we will refer them to our Secondary Office, where we are able to show them CCTV footage of them cutting queues.' Non-compliant culprits can face bans from entering the checkpoints using their vehicles and can only do so by other means. In June 2023, a Malaysian driver – who was travelling from Singapore to Malaysia via the Woodlands Checkpoint – had refused to make a U-turn, and even drove off after being caught by ICA for trying to jump the queue. Because of his non-compliance and dangerous driving, the driver and car were banned from entering Singapore. In a statement on May 23, ICA said traffic is expected to be very heavy at both land checkpoints during the June school holidays, particularly during the Hari Raya Haji weekend between June 6 and June 9. ICA noted that during the Vesak Day long weekend between May 8 and May 13, more than three million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on May 9, with more than 546,000 travellers clearing immigration at both checkpoints in one day. Earlier, there were traffic jams lasting as long as five hours at the two checkpoints on Polling Day on May 3. May 1 was a Labour Day public holiday while May 5 was a school holiday. On Dec 20, 2024, a record number of more than 562,000 travellers crossed the land checkpoints within a day. Inspector Eileen Neo Hui Xin, 26, an assessment and investigation officer at Woodlands Checkpoint, said motorists can get more frustrated during busy periods due to long waits that can last several hours. She said ICA officers will usually ignore motorists who take out their frustrations on them. But when motorists become abusive, the culprits will be directed to the Secondary Office for further interviews and investigations. Insp Neo said traffic congestion can also happen when it rains. Motorcyclists who enter through automated lanes may face issues getting the system to detect their wet fingerprints. They would then have to be manually cleared, causing a jam. Impatient motorists honking their horns add to the chaos. With operations very fast-paced and demanding during peak hours, Insp Neo said it takes a lot of coordination, quick decision-making and a constant awareness to keep operations running smoothly. She said: 'Balancing efficiency with security standards is tough, but it also makes the work fulfilling. Everyone wants to travel smoothly. And during peak periods, it is very difficult to manage people's expectations and to manage the ground properly. 'We have to balance both to protect our border security and also meet (travellers') expectations.' To ensure a smoother journey, ICA advised travellers not to bring prohibited or controlled items. Checkpoint Inspector (1) Kendri Parwira Suhairi, 38, a first response team officer, said all ICA officers at the checkpoints are trained to identify dubious travellers based on indicators like their behaviour. He remembered a Singaporean couple who arrived several months ago with batons they tried to pass off as tapping rods for defect checks in new homes. 'At one glance, I knew that was not the case,' he said. They were referred to the police and the items were deemed to be controlled items. CI (1) Kendri noted that during peak periods, the volume of people does not make security operations at the checkpoints any easier. But, he added, 'we remain vigilant 24/7. At the end of the day, we are the first line of defence at the border'. - The Straits Times/ANN
New Paper
3 days ago
- New Paper
U-turns, bans await motorists who jump queue at land checkpoints
Drivers might think they are saving precious minutes when jumping queues at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. But when they get stopped by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, they will face having to make a U-turn and rejoin the queue. They could also be blacklisted and face further disciplinary action from the authorities. The June school holidays have begun and traffic is expected to be heavy at both land checkpoints. To ensure a smooth travelling experience, ICA has reminded motorists about proper road etiquette. Speaking to reporters via a virtual interview on May 28, Inspector Mardiana Masdar, 43, team leader at the Integrated Operations Centre at Woodlands Checkpoint, said queue-jumping increases during peak hours when the traffic tailback is very bad. It is an issue ICA officers take very seriously, she added. Insp Mardiana said ground officers who spot vehicles jumping queues will alert the team at the operations centre, who will relay this information to traffic controllers near the checkpoint to direct them to make a U-turn to rejoin the queue. She said: "If they are non-compliant, we will refer them to our Secondary Office, where we are able to show them CCTV footage of them cutting queues." Non-compliant culprits can face bans from entering the checkpoints using their vehicles and can only do so by other means. In June 2023, a Malaysian driver - who was travelling from Singapore to Malaysia via the Woodlands Checkpoint - had refused to make a U-turn, and even drove off after being caught by ICA for trying to jump the queue. Because of his non-compliance and dangerous driving, the driver and car were banned from entering Singapore. In a statement on May 23, ICA said traffic is expected to be very heavy at both land checkpoints during the June school holidays, particularly during the Hari Raya Haji weekend between June 6 and June 9. ICA noted that during the Vesak Day long weekend between May 8 and May 13, more than three million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on May 9, with more than 546,000 travellers clearing immigration at both checkpoints in one day. Earlier, there were traffic jams lasting as long as five hours at the two checkpoints on Polling Day on May 3. May 1 was a Labour Day public holiday while May 5 was a school holiday. On Dec 20, 2024, a record number of more than 562,000 travellers crossed the land checkpoints within a day. Inspector Eileen Neo Hui Xin, 26, an assessment and investigation officer at Woodlands Checkpoint, said motorists can get more frustrated during busy periods due to long waits that can last several hours. She said ICA officers will usually ignore motorists who take out their frustrations on them. But when motorists become abusive, the culprits will be directed to the Secondary Office for further interviews and investigations. Insp Neo said traffic congestion can also happen when it rains. Motorcyclists who enter through automated lanes may face issues getting the system to detect their wet fingerprints. They would then have to be manually cleared, causing a jam. Impatient motorists honking their horns add to the chaos. With operations very fast-paced and demanding during peak hours, Insp Neo said it takes a lot of coordination, quick decision-making and a constant awareness to keep operations running smoothly. She said: "Balancing efficiency with security standards is tough, but it also makes the work fulfilling. Everyone wants to travel smoothly. And during peak periods, it is very difficult to manage people's expectations and to manage the ground properly. "We have to balance both to protect our border security and also meet (travellers') expectations." To ensure a smoother journey, ICA advised travellers not to bring prohibited or controlled items. Checkpoint Inspector (1) Kendri Parwira Suhairi, 38, a first response team officer, said all ICA officers at the checkpoints are trained to identify dubious travellers based on indicators like their behaviour. He remembered a Singaporean couple who arrived several months ago with batons they tried to pass off as tapping rods for defect checks in new homes. "At one glance, I knew that was not the case," he said. They were referred to the police and the items were deemed to be controlled items. CI (1) Kendri noted that during peak periods, the volume of people does not make security operations at the checkpoints any easier. But, he added, "we remain vigilant 24/7. At the end of the day, we are the first line of defence at the border".
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
U-turns, bans await motorists who jump the queue at land checkpoints: ICA
The June school holidays have begun and traffic is expected to be heavy at both of Singapore's land checkpoints. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY SINGAPORE – Drivers might think they are saving precious minutes when jumping queues at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. But when they get stopped by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, they will face having to make a U-turn and rejoin the queue. They could also be blacklisted and face further disciplinary action from the authorities. The June school holidays have begun and traffic is expected to be heavy at both land checkpoints. To ensure a smooth travelling experience, ICA has reminded motorists about proper road etiquette. Speaking to reporters via a virtual interview on May 28, Inspector Mardiana Masdar, 43, team leader at the Integrated Operations Centre at Woodlands Checkpoint, said queue-jumping increases during peak hours when the traffic tailback is very bad. It is an issue ICA officers take very seriously, she added. Insp Mardiana said ground officers who spot vehicles jumping queues will alert the team at the operations centre, who will relay this information to traffic controllers near the checkpoint to direct them to make a U-turn to rejoin the queue. She said: 'If they are non-compliant, we will refer them to our Secondary Office, where we are able to show them CCTV footage of them cutting queues.' Non-compliant culprits can face bans from entering the checkpoints using their vehicles and can only do so by other means . In June 2023, a Malaysian driver – who was travelling from Singapore to Malaysia via the Woodlands Checkpoint – had refused to make a U-turn, and even drove off after being caught by ICA for trying to jump the queue. Because of his non-compliance and dangerous driving, the driver and car were banned from entering Singapore. In a statement on May 23, ICA said traffic is expected to be very heavy at both land checkpoints during the June school holidays, particularly during the Hari Raya Haji weekend between June 6 and June 9. ICA noted that during the Vesak Day long weekend between May 8 and May 13, more than three million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on May 9, with more than 546,000 travellers clearing immigration at both checkpoints in one day. Earlier, there were traffic jams lasting as long as five hours at the two checkpoints on Polling Day on May 3. May 1 was a Labour Day public holiday while May 5 was a school holiday. On Dec 20, 2024, a record number of more than 562,000 travellers crossed the land checkpoints within a day. Inspector Eileen Neo Hui Xin, 26, an assessment and investigation officer at Woodlands Checkpoint, said motorists can get more frustrated during busy periods due to long waits that can last several hours. She said ICA officers will usually ignore motorists who take out their frustrations on them. But when motorists become abusive, the culprits will be directed to the Secondary Office for further interviews and investigations. Insp Neo said traffic congestion can also happen when it rains. Motorcyclists who enter through automated lanes may face issues getting the system to detect their wet fingerprints. They would then have to be manually cleared, causing a jam. Impatient motorists honking their horns add to the chaos. With operations very fast-paced and demanding during peak hours, Insp Neo said it takes a lot of coordination, quick decision-making and a constant awareness to keep operations running smoothly. She said: 'Balancing efficiency with security standards is tough, but it also makes the work fulfilling. Everyone wants to travel smoothly. And during peak periods, it is very difficult to manage people's expectations and to manage the ground properly. 'We have to balance both to protect our border security and also meet (travellers') expectations.' To ensure a smoother journey, ICA advised travellers not to bring prohibited or controlled items. Checkpoint Inspector (1) Kendri Parwira Suhairi, 38, a first response team officer, said all ICA officers at the checkpoints are trained to identify dubious travellers based on indicators like their behaviour. He remembered a Singaporean couple who arrived several months ago with batons they tried to pass off as tapping rods for defect checks in new homes. 'At one glance, I knew that was not the case,' he said. They were referred to the police and the items were deemed to be controlled items. CI (1) Kendri noted that during peak periods, the volume of people does not make security operations at the checkpoints any easier. But, he added, 'we remain vigilant 24/7. At the end of the day, we are the first line of defence at the border'. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
News18
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
As Estranged Son Of Thailand King Becomes Buddhist Monk, Succession Debate Continues
Last Updated: Vacharaesorn, who was exiled in 1996, returned to Thailand in 2023. Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, the estranged son of Thailand's King Rama X, has posted a series of images on Instagram, showing his recent ordination as a Buddhist monk. The ceremony, which took place in Bangkok on Vesak Day — one of the most sacred days in Buddhism — was highly visible and far from discreet. The 43-year-old's decision to take monastic vows has led to growing speculation about Thailand's unresolved royal succession. Many observers believe his actions may signal an attempt to reconnect with the royal establishment or position himself differently in the public eye. Vivacharawongse's ordination has reignited public discussion and speculation over the question of Thailand's royal succession and who may eventually ascend to the throne. Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse: Who is he? Vacharaesorn, born in 1981, is the second son of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and his former wife, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, a former actress previously known as Yuvadhida Polpraserth. In 1996, following a royal fallout, Vacharaesorn, his mother, and three brothers were exiled and subsequently raised in the United States. Although Vacharaesorn spent much of his life overseas and lived outside royal circles, he has maintained strong ties with the Thai community. Since his unexpected return to Thailand in 2023, he has made several public appearances, sparking renewed public interest. His recent ordination as a Buddhist monk has further intensified speculation that he may be paving the way for a possible return to royal life. According to a report by Vanitatis, his presence in Bangkok could be a strategic move to win back the favour of his father, King Rama X. With four marriages and the rare practice of officially having both a queen and a royal consort, he has revived some of the monarchy's traditional customs. However, concerns around his age, health, and complex family situation have cast uncertainty over who will eventually succeed him. Thailand's succession laws prioritise male heirs, but King Rama X's only officially recognised son, Prince Dipangkorn, is reported to have a developmental condition that could affect his capacity to rule. Meanwhile, the majority of Rama X's other sons—including Vacharaesorn—were stripped of their royal titles back in 1996, further complicating the line of succession.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Thailand King's disowned son makes surprising return as Buddhist monk, sparking speculation about royal comeback
Source: Instagram Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, one of the disowned sons of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), has been ordained as a Buddhist monk in Bangkok, marking a significant and symbolic return to public life. His ordination took place on Vesak Day — a major Buddhist holiday celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. The event was widely shared on his official Instagram, drawing public attention and sparking speculation about his potential reintegration into royal circles. Though once stripped of royal status, Vacharaesorn's visible spiritual gesture has led many to question whether this could signal a path back to royal favour. Who is Thailand King's disowned son Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse Vacharaesorn, whose Thai nickname is "Than Oun," is the second son of King Rama X and former mistress Sujarinee Vivacharawongse (formerly actress Yuvadhida Polpraserth). Vacharaesorn was born in 1981 and was banished together with his mother and siblings in 1996 after a public rift with the royal family. Since then, he has resided as a private citizen of the United States, practicing law and living a relatively low-key existence. In recent years, though — especially after his unexpected return to Thailand in 2023 — he has become increasingly visible on the public and cultural scene, frequently mingling with the Thai community in Bangkok and elsewhere. His ordination, thus, is not merely a private religious landmark. It is generally seen as a potential move towards re-establishing him in royal ranks. Thai tradition and spiritual significance In Thai tradition, male members of the royal family traditionally retreat to monastic life, especially prior to taking on public or political roles. This is based on Buddhist principles of humility, self-control, and religious merit — virtues demanded of future leaders. Vacharaesorn's ordination on Vesak Day, a day to mark the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, has such strong cultural and spiritual significance. That his ordination has taken place in public — disseminated through social media — has not escaped attention. Analysts consider it could be a calculated indication he is being surreptitiously brought back into royal business. As per Spanish publication Vanitatis, the return to religious life can be an effort to restore King Rama X's favor and potentially place him in the middle of Thailand's disputed royal succession. King Rama X's family and reign King Maha Vajiralongkorn, or Rama X, took the throne in 2016 after his father, the highly respected King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died. Rama X, now 72 years of age, has had a reign characterized by drama and personal intrigue, frequently doing royal work out of Germany, where he spends most of the year. He has been married four times, kept a queen and a royal consort, and has children with more than one partner — all of which are currently causing the line of succession to be unclear. Rama X's children cross several relationships: Princess Soamsawali (his cousin): One daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha Sujarinee Vivacharawongse: Four sons, including Vacharaesorn, and one daughter, Princess Sirivannavari. The sons were disowned in 1996. Srirasmi Suwadee: One son, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Queen Suthida: No children He also has a royal consort, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, whose royal title was briefly stripped and then restored. Why is Thailand's royal succession in question The succession crisis is both legal and psychological. Thai law favours male succession, but the king's only officially sanctioned son, Prince Dipangkorn, is said to be afflicted with a developmental disorder, which poses questions about his ability to effectively govern. In the meantime, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, a possible heir, has been in coma since 2022, after a sudden medical emergency. Her condition is still uncertain, with no significant public report on her status. While Princess Sirivannavari performs royal functions and has official rank, she is not in the line of succession under existing law — unless female succession becomes allowed under the rules, which the monarch has not sought. That puts the future of the throne in limbo, with Vacharaesorn's return and ordination into the clergy now potentially a strategic move. Vacharaesorn's gradual return to the royal family Even formally deposed of his royal rank some twenty-nine years ago, Vacharaesorn's recent behaviour and growing prominence imply an unofficial rehabilitation process under way. His public show of deference to his father, involvement in national and cultural affairs, and now ordination, all indicate a slow process of reintegration. Thai commentators point out that within royal tradition, returning from exile by deeds of religious devotion has precedents in the past. If Prince Dipangkorn, in the end, is found to be unsuitable to reign, and no female succession is provided for through constitutional amendment, Vacharaesorn — although illegitimate — might find himself as a reasonable candidate for succession, particularly if backed by royal mandate. Vacharaesorn's role amid monarchy's challenges The symbolism and timing of Vacharaesorn's return is also important. At a time when the Thai monarchy is beset by internal instability and international criticism, the return of a discarded royal son to a visible and culturally symbolic role implies there is some deeper strategic rationale at play. Whether formally reinstated or not, Vacharaesorn's ordination serves as a reminder that the Thai royal succession is still an open issue — one determined not just by blood, but by public perception, cultural orthodoxy, and political determination. Also Read | Annabelle doll missing! Rumors of haunted disappearance spark internet frenzy and local panic in Louisiana; 'Where is it now?'
