Latest from RTHK
RTHK
an hour ago
- Business
- RTHK
Ex-head of China Eastern Airlines under investigation
Ex-head of China Eastern Airlines under investigation Liu Shaoyong, a former chairman of China Eastern Airlines, is under investigation over suspected corruption allegations, mainland authorities said on Saturday. Liu, who also previously served as secretary of the company's leading Party members group, is being investigated by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision, a statement said. It added that he is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law. Liu was credited with turning the carrier around after it posted record losses before he was appointed. China Eastern Airlines under his leadership merged with Shanghai Airlines and joined the SkyTeam airline alliance, strengthening its position in domestic and international markets. Liu also led another one of China's major airlines, China Southern, before taking the reins of China Eastern. (Xinhua/AFP)
RTHK
2 hours ago
- Politics
- RTHK
Thai protesters call for Paetongtarn's resignation
Thai protesters call for Paetongtarn's resignation Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile government coalition together. File photo: Reuters Hundreds of protesters gathered in the Thai capital Bangkok on Saturday demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as her government faces rising anger over a border row with Cambodia. The rally, the largest anti-government protest since her Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, increases pressure on Paetongtarn, 38, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile government coalition together ahead of a potential no confidence vote next month. Protesters waved flags beside Victory Monument, a war memorial at a busy intersection, in a demonstration organised by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of largely nationalist activists who have rallied against other Shinawatra-backed governments over the last two decades. While the past protests did not directly cause the downfall of those governments, they built up pressure that led to judicial interventions and military coups in 2006 and 2014. The political turmoil in Thailand threatens to further damage the country's struggling economic recovery. Paetongtarn said on Saturday that she was not concerned about the protest and had instructed authorities to ensure the gathering was peaceful. "It's within people's rights and I will not retaliate," she said. The prime minister, who now controls a slim majority coalition following the exit of former partner Bhumjaithai Party last week, could face a no confidence vote when parliament reconvenes next week. Bhumjaithai Party last week withdrew its support for the government citing the risk of a loss of Thai sovereignty and integrity after a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's former premier Hun Sen. During the call, Paetongtarn appeared to seek to appease the veteran Cambodian politician and criticised a Thai army commander, a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. She has apologised for her comments. The prime minister also faces judicial scrutiny after a group of senators petitioned the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body with a wide remit to investigate her conduct over the leaked phone call. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal. Hun Sen, a former ally of the Shinawatras, made an unprecedented public attack on Paetongtarn and her family in an hours-long televised speech on Friday, calling for a change in government in Thailand. The Thai foreign ministry described the speech as "extraordinary" while insisting that Thailand prefers to use diplomacy to resolve the escalating bilateral dispute. (Reuters)
RTHK
2 hours ago
- Politics
- RTHK
Thai protesters call for Paetongtarn's resignation
Thai protesters call for Paetongtarn's resignation Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile government coalition together. File photo: Reuters Hundreds of protesters gathered in the Thai capital Bangkok on Saturday demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as her government faces rising anger over a border row with Cambodia. The rally, the largest anti-government protest since her Pheu Thai party came to power in 2023, increases pressure on Paetongtarn, 38, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and keep a fragile government coalition together ahead of a potential no confidence vote next month. Protesters waved flags beside Victory Monument, a war memorial at a busy intersection, in a demonstration organised by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of largely nationalist activists who have rallied against other Shinawatra-backed governments over the last two decades. While the past protests did not directly cause the downfall of those governments, they built up pressure that led to judicial interventions and military coups in 2006 and 2014. The political turmoil in Thailand threatens to further damage the country's struggling economic recovery. Paetongtarn said on Saturday that she was not concerned about the protest and had instructed authorities to ensure the gathering was peaceful. "It's within people's rights and I will not retaliate," she said. The prime minister, who now controls a slim majority coalition following the exit of former partner Bhumjaithai Party last week, could face a no confidence vote when parliament reconvenes next week. Bhumjaithai Party last week withdrew its support for the government citing the risk of a loss of Thai sovereignty and integrity after a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's former premier Hun Sen. During the call, Paetongtarn appeared to seek to appease the veteran Cambodian politician and criticised a Thai army commander, a red line in a country where the military has significant clout. She has apologised for her comments. The prime minister also faces judicial scrutiny after a group of senators petitioned the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body with a wide remit to investigate her conduct over the leaked phone call. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal. Hun Sen, a former ally of the Shinawatras, made an unprecedented public attack on Paetongtarn and her family in an hours-long televised speech on Friday, calling for a change in government in Thailand. The Thai foreign ministry described the speech as "extraordinary" while insisting that Thailand prefers to use diplomacy to resolve the escalating bilateral dispute. (Reuters)
RTHK
4 hours ago
- Business
- RTHK
Disneyland 'optimistic' as it marks 20th anniversary
Disneyland 'optimistic' as it marks 20th anniversary Hong Kong Disneyland is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Photo: RTHK Hong Kong Disneyland bosses have expressed confidence that the park can "continue the momentum" from last year's record-breaking performance as the attraction celebrates its 20th anniversary. Managing director Michael Moriarty on Saturday also said he was optimistic about the theme park's visitor numbers during the summer and it could benefit from the tourism industry's boom. "Last year was a record year for us in so many ways. This year, we have the 20th anniversary to help continue the momentum going forward. We are very optimistic about where we are right now, and also where we are going to be in the future," he said. "I'm very optimistic about what's happening right now. The events at the Kai Tak [Sports Park] complement overall tourism and overnight stays, which is perfect for us." Moriarty said there was growing popularity for Disneyland among tourists from all over the world, particularly from Southeast Asia, adding that the scheme to allow multi-entry visas for Shenzhen residents visiting Hong Kong is helping as well. "We see a very large percentage of our guests from Shenzhen, coming in just for one day, coming in to Hong Kong just to visit Hong Kong Disneyland and go home at night," he said. The park's two major expansions are also on the way, Moriarty said, adding it would offer "unique attractions to Hong Kong". Financial Secretary Paul Chan, for his part, underlined how important Disneyland was to the SAR's reputation. "I'm delighted to note that even more extraordinary adventures are on the horizon, with upcoming additional attractions – Pixar and Marvel. This new experience will continue to delight guests and ensure that the resort remains a must-visit destination for years to come." It is crucial to keep innovating and reinventing to keep up with the expectations of visitors, Chan added.
RTHK
4 hours ago
- Business
- RTHK
Drop in US, UK trade could lead to weaker exports
Drop in US, UK trade could lead to weaker exports Frederick Ma says Hong Kong has to look for new markets due to geopolitical tensions. Photo: RTHK The chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) on Saturday said he expects the SAR's exports for the remaining months of the year will not be as good as the first half. Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Frederick Ma noted that there is a drop in the latest export figures to the UK and US of 52 percent and 18.4 percent respectively. He said the two countries, along with the European Union are the SAR's traditional export markets. But due to the geopolitical tensions brought by the US tariffs, the former commerce minister said the SAR has to look for new markets in places such as Asean. "For sure, what the US government has done is not a good thing to the world. But for Hong Kong, I think crises can bring about opportunities," he told an RTHK programme. "Hong Kong's position is very unique. We are a duty-free port and Under One Country, Two Systems, we are an international financial and international business centre. We can make use of the unique position to look for business opportunities in various areas." He hopes that a forum for Middle East Gulf nations can be staged in Hong Kong next year to invite firms and business figures to visit the region as well as step up cooperation. Separately, Ma said the HKTDC is looking at setting up a new convention and exhibition site, adding that it would take time. Authorities have already decided to redevelop the Wan Chai site, currently occupied by three government buildings, Ma added.
