Latest news with #SongwitNoonpakdee
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thai defence chief suggests ways to ease border tensions with Cambodia
Chief of Defence Forces Gen Songwit Noonpakdee has urged Cambodia to coordinate border operation hours and withdraw long-range weapons to facilitate cross border trade and ease tensions between the two countries. He has called for a reduction in military presence along the Thai-Cambodian border and proposed the withdrawal of long-range weaponry to levels consistent with those in 2024. He reiterated that Thailand has never closed its border checkpoints, but merely r egulated their operating hours. He further suggested that both countries should synchronise their checkpoint opening times to facilitate cross-border trade and ease the movement of people. Genl Songwit said that last Friday, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region, informed him that military-level dialogue and cooperation had significantly increased. This includes joint border patrols being conducted three times a week, a development that Thailand supports. He said Thailand's position remains steadfast on the following principles: preservation of national sovereignty, which has been consistently upheld in accordance with Thailand's operational maps, and continued bilateral dialogue through established mechanisms including the Regional Border Committee (RBC), the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and the General Border Committee (GBC). The desired outcome of these discussions, General Songwit said, is to de-escalate military confrontations along the border. In particular, he called for a return to pre-existing force levels and the removal of long-range weapons, emphasising that military presence should be proportionate and limited to ensure the safety of civilians in both countries. He also expressed a desire to see greater facilitation of cross-border trade and movement, confirming that Thailand has not closed any checkpoints. He clarified that Thailand currently operates its border crossings from 8am to 4pm, whereas Cambodia has opted to close many of its border points. As such, he proposed that both nations agree to standardised checkpoint operating hours—from 8am to 6pm—to allow smoother traffic and mobility across the border. Scam networks Gen Songwit also addressed the issue of transnational scam networks, saying that a recent tripartite meeting was held in Myanmar, involving representatives from Thailand, China, and Myanmar. The meeting concluded with a consensus to continue operations to dismantle call centre scam syndicates, as significant numbers of individuals remain involved in these criminal enterprises. To date, over 8,000 individuals have been repatriated, yet estimates suggest the original target number may be as high as 50,000. In the area opposite Mae Sot District in Myawaddy, Myanmar, Chinese authorities estimate that approximately 50,000 people are to be processed and returned. Several business operators in Myanmar connected to these scam networks have already been forced to cease operations under local legal orders. Some of these operators also face international arrest warrants. As Myanmar continues to face increased pressure through disruptions to electricity, internet, and fuel supplies, scam operations have started relocating, particularly towards the eastern regions. Thailand's Task Force 88 has consequently intensified its operations in those areas. Arrest warrants have already been issued, and cooperation has been sought from both domestic and international authorities, including neighbouring countries. Thailand plans to establish a multinational special task force this month to directly address the issue of scam syndicates. Task Force 88 will be responsible for providing further operational details.
Bangkok Post
06-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Defence college seeks interns with new model
The National Defence College of Thailand has launched an internship placement programme aiming to enhance opportunities among Thai youth, particularly in the Deep South. At its launch on July 4, the "Future Ready by Future Leader" project is a pioneering model aimed at promoting equal opportunities for youth nationwide. The initiative enables young people to be paired for internships with Thailand's leading companies, with the goal of developing at least 10% of participants into full-time employees. Chief of Defence Forces Gen Songwit Noonpakdee, said security today isn't just about military readiness but it's also about preparing the new generation to face economic uncertainties, environmental challenges, and regional changes. "We are moving away from the world where force is the answer to problems. Now, our best tool of the future is education," he said during his speech. At the event, leading business executives also joined and shared their visions. Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director of Proud Real Estate PLC, emphasised the goal of creating leaders who can navigate Thailand's complex socio-economic and political environment. She said systemic change is necessary, with a focus on on-the-job training and adaptability to fix the growing divide between graduates' skills and job market demands. Jirayut Srupsrisopa, CEO of Bitkub, a cryptocurrency exchange, said the digital economy is expected to account for 15.5% of global GDP in the next five years. He stressed the need for digital literacy and AI proficiency that most interns and new employees are still lacking in. Bitkub has invested and launched policies that support job placement at the end of the internship by offering job training on day one, said Mr Jirayu. Bitkub accepts interns all year round, he said, and the company is encouraging new graduates to reach out even when their education credentials may not match with the positions for which they are applying. Deputy managing director of sugar producer Thai Rung Ruang Group, Nicha Atsadathorn, offered insights on generation gaps in the workplace. With many staff having been with the firm for over 30 years, her company is working to bridge generational differences as the firm transitions from the focus on agricultural products to modern industries. She said that the skills mismatch isn't just a hiring problem but a human connection problem. "Employers need to see potential, not just resumes. Employees themselves also need to see if a job fits their passion and future," she said. The programme's highlight is its focus on graduates in the Deep South. Through hybrid learning models, field trips, and exposure to opportunities, the programme wishes to serve students who may otherwise be left behind in the highly competitive labour market. There are more than 50 leading Thai companies joining the programme and 150 three-month job training internships available for graduates. They are welcome to apply at until July 31.
