Latest news with #Pita
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Signs and symptoms of Thai stagnation
That Thailand is faring poorly in the world is no longer in dispute. Not so long ago, many were in denial and adamant that Thailand could still bring a good game to engage abroad, that "Teflon" Thailand could bounce back. Now, just about all indicators are pointing south. The causes of this country's decline and stagnation are not singular but multifaceted over a two-decade period. As Thailand's situation is likely to worsen before hopes for a better future can arise, it is instructive to start counting the costs. To be sure, not all Thais are keen and happy to speak bleakly about their country's status and prospects. But doing so in a frank and forthright manner could serve as a reminder that we need to improve our approach. If we are stuck and sclerotic like this, there will be no good future for later generations. Let's start with politics. It is an understatement to say that Thai politics is unstable and unwieldy. No fewer than six prime ministers have been suspended from office in the past 20 years, and most have been removed from office. While the Constitutional Court deliberates whether the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra should lead to her political demise, the only one to have survived is the army general who led the military coup in May 2014. True, the others are all connected to Thaksin Shinawatra either as nominees or direct family members, including his sister Yingluck Shinawatra and daughter, Ms Paetongtarn. But what's happened in Thai politics is more than meets the eye. The essence of Thai politics, as was my main point two weeks ago in this space, is not about the Shinawatra clan but about keeping establishment ways and means on top while nipping all potential threats in the bud by keeping Thailand's democratic development fractious and pathetic with legal and constitutional leashes as well as military interventions when necessary. If we revisit the establishment's virulence against the Future Forward Party and its leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, in 2019-20 and the Future Forward's successor, the Move Forward Party and its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, in 2023-24, we can clearly see a pattern of systematically putting down challenges and attempts to reform established centres of power. One by one, almost methodically, Future Forward and Move Forward were dissolved, and Mr Thanathorn and Mr Pita were banned from running for office for ten years. In the latter case, it could lead to a lifelong ban as Mr Pita is among the 44 Move Forward leaders, now grouped under the People's Party, charged with being constitutionally unethical in proposing to reform the royal defamation law in the run-up to the May 2023 poll. Who wants to do business in and with Thailand when it is uncertain who will be the prime minister next month? Such an instability by design has incurred massive damages not confined to the economy. Thai diplomats abroad have constantly faced questions over the years about street protests, military coups, judicial interventions, and abrupt leadership changes. Changing prime ministers at short notice without predictability is bad for business and Thailand's international standing. When we turn to the economy, the costs have stacked up markedly. If Thailand's political crisis lasted for a year or two and is then reset, then it could be overlooked and shrugged off. But when it goes on and on, again and again, for 20 years, the consequences can really be felt, especially when regional competition stiffens. The trajectory of Thai economic growth has fallen to 1-2%, whereas Vietnam is concurrently clocking 6-8%. Vietnam's economic size is on course to surpass Thailand's in five years. Except for Myanmar, Thailand is now the economic laggard of Southeast Asia. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and even Singapore, as a developed country, are also registering faster growth than Thailand. Unsurprisingly, the Thai stock market has been the world's worst performer so far this year. No wonder this has happened when corporate governance standards are low and structural collusion and graft are high. The list of shoddy listed companies is so long that it's hard to start pinpointing. The earlier True-Dtac merger with undue monopolistic market power has been eclipsed by the ongoing saga between Airports of Thailand (AoT) and its sole duty-free concessionaire, King Power. AoT has done little despite missed payments from its concessionaire. In fact, a former AoT chief executive has just been appointed as the head of King Power. A closer read of the facts available on the internet about AoT and King Power will tell you what is wrong with the Thai stock market as a broader indictment of what is wrong with the Thai economy. There are myriad other companies that have underperformed, such as Thai Airways, the national carrier. Despite having emerged from bankruptcy proceedings, in terms of competition with other airlines, THAI has conspicuously slid down airline popularity rankings. Growth prospects in the medium term will also be dimmed by United States President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs. We have been misled by the Thai negotiating team that the US tariffs situation is under control. The Thai team has come across as complacent and nonchalant. They initially faulted Vietnam for giving it too much and getting nothing in return. But Vietnam now has a tariff deal with the US, which will attract foreign investments away from Thailand. It seems wherever we look, there's ineptitude and incompetence that show how Thailand has lost its mojo. With politics so stuck and the economy in the prolonged doldrums, it is no wonder that young Thais who get opportunities to study and work abroad will grab them with no hesitation and no intention of coming back indefinitely. Decline has become an everyday feeling in Thailand, which is felt most acutely when abroad. Being outside Thailand looking in, especially when in countries like Vietnam, gives an unmistakable sense of having fallen backwards and behind, where traditionalism trumps modernism. While it is not all doom and gloom, the reality is that the going will be tough and that by the time reform and change could emerge, there may not be much left to build back. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, PhD, is professor at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science and a senior fellow at its Institute of Security and International Studies in Bangkok.
Scoop
09-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Tai Tokerau Leader Pita Tipene Announces Bid For Northland Regional Council - Te Raki Māori Constituency
A Tai Tokerau leader, Pita Tipene, has today confirmed his intention to stand as a candidate for the Te Raki Māori Ward in the upcoming Northland Regional Council elections. Known for his longstanding commitment to whānau, hapū and iwi development across Tai Tokerau, Pita Tipene says the decision to stand reflects a continued desire to bring strategic, Māori-led solutions for environmental, economic and regional issues. Pita has worked within the Northland Regional Council as part of Te Ruarangi - Māori and Council Working party for the past twelve years, most of that as co-chair, so is well acquainted with the workings of Council. 'It's time for bold, committed and unapologetic Māori leadership at the Council table — to protect and enhance our environment, support our Tai Tokerau communities, and hold our institutions accountable,' says Pita. 'Standing for the Te Raki Māori Constituency is a continuation of the work I've dedicated my life to — empowering and building resilient communities, protecting our environment, and ensuring Māori voices are heard where strategic decisions are made.' 'Te Raki Māori Ward offers an opportunity to bring our values and ways of working into the council chamber. It's about partnership, kaitiakitanga, and working together to solve the challenges facing our rohe, from water quality and climate change to public transport and economic opportunity.' This year has already been momentous for Pita having recently received the King's Service Order for services to Māori, as well as being awarded the Tai Tokerau Māori Business Leader Award in recognition of his work across multiple sectors and serving the people and indigenous communities globally. Pita's candidacy is expected to resonate across Tai Tokerau, where he has served in key governance and leadership roles including Chair of the Waitangi National Trust, Chair of Te Pouahi o te Tai Tokerau (Māori Housing), Chair of the Motatau Marae and co-Chair of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Co-operation Arrangement, amongst other key governance roles while serving his people at local, regional, national and global levels. Nominations for the Northland Regional Council elections are open and close on 1st August 2025. Voting packs will be delivered from Tuesday 9th September, with votes closing Saturday 11th October, 12pm. Official results will be announced on Friday 17th October 2025.
1News
18-05-2025
- Business
- 1News
Battle to head off pyramid schemes makes ground
The last three years have not been easy for Pita and Selu Hingano. The retirees in south Auckland lead a humble life and have struggled to make ends meet after losing tens of thousands of dollars in a 2021 pyramid scheme. Pita had seen the Tongi Tupe Nuusila (New Zealand) scheme on numerous Facebook feeds and posts – including live feeds from a business yard in Otara. Every Saturday, Tongans who had invested money in the scheme would line up to collect envelopes of cash from Ofa Siasau who ran the New Zealand arm. 1News exposed the illegal scheme in 2021 when it was at its height. 'Good morning Tongan community come and get some money,' Siasau said in Tongan to an eager social media audience. A promoter of the scheme Tomasi Ofanoa also saying in Tongan, 'get in touch don't wait, look at these people, they are happy to receive their money this morning'. It did the trick. The promise the Hingano's heard was, for every $4500, you wait for three weeks and then get $2500 every week. So Pita put some money in the scheme and as the returns started coming in, he put in more. 'That was my retirement money from my account,' he says. 'I trust her." Between April and July 2021 the amount came to $54,000 – and he got back $27,750 just over half of what he 'invested'. 'My heart is not very happy,' he says. Through Tionly Fatukala, who campaigns against pyramid schemes, they took their case to the Disputes Tribunal. They just recently got the decision – which found in their favour. Ofa Siasau was to pay them the outstanding amount of $26,250 by May 21. However she has since requested a re-hearing and so everything is currently on hold, no money needs to be paid, pending the outcome of the re-hearing request. Ofa Siasau did not attend any of the hearings and she told 1News the Disputes Tribunal 'made the mistake of not advising me by email' about the last hearing date. In its April decision the Disputes Tribunal says Ofa Siasau had wanted an adjournment of a hearing last November saying that the notice of one of the hearings went to her junk mail. The referee says 'I sent her a direction saying in relation to the next hearing she will need to check her email at regular intervals and that I would not be granting an adjournment in relation to the next hearing date if the notice goes to her junk mail and she has not checked it'. The Commerce Commission has recently successfully prosecuted three people for pyramid schemes targeting Pasifika. Joseph Liava'a from the Commerce Commission says there appears to be less of the schemes doing the rounds but the public really needs to be vigilant as 'this type of scam unfortunately never really goes away'. He says, if there is no product or service being sold, it is likely a pyramid scheme. 'We rely on people coming forward, it's embarrassing you know if these things happen to happened to family members of mine and it's difficult for me to talk about but you know I guess that's another thing these scammers really prey upon." Pita Hingano hopes to get his money back but knows it is now a waiting game. 'I'm not fighting for my money. I'm fighting for my right that's the main thing." He hopes that by speaking up it will help others affected by pyramid schemes to get their own justice. For Barbara Dreaver's full report, go to TVNZ+
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Louisiana State Police honored K9 trooper Pita
LOUISIANA (KLFY) — Pita,the retired K9 trooper, was honored for her service by the Louisiana State Police after passing away due to declining health authorities said. Before retiring in February 2024, Pita served for nine years for the Troop D area and its agencies as a member of the Criminal Patrol Unit with her keen sense of smell. 'When she was not locating narcotics, she could often be found visiting schools and searching for as many belly rubs as she could from the kids.' said The Louisiana State Police on a Facebook post. During retirement, Pita enjoyed her final years with her handler, Sgt. Moseley. 'We thank Pita for her loyalty, dedication, and service to the State of Louisiana. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Moseley and the entire State Police family.' The Louisiana State Police said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now St. Martin Sheriff talks safety at Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Louisiana State Police honored K9 trooper Pita The history behind those extravagant Kentucky Derby hats Small retailers say tariffs are affecting business Circle K visit after volunteering ends with Louisiana man winning $2.4 million Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man killed in Talladega County crash
TALLADEGA COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — A Florida man was killed in a Talladega County crash on I-20 Tuesday morning. Jesus Pita, 52, of Homestead, Florida, was fatally injured around 9:45 a.m. when the tractor-trailer he was driving left the roadway and overturned, according to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Pita was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the tractor-trailer was also injured. Man arrested after allegedly carrying fake RPG in Alabama The crash occurred near Mahaffey Road, which is about seven miles west of Oxford. The ALEA investigated the crash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
