SEA & World Briefs (9 Feb): Philippines with more military near Taiwan; Thailand to ban recreational cannabis
SEA & World Briefs (9 Feb): Philippines with more military near Taiwan; Thailand to ban recreational cannabis
Welcome to Friday, readers!
Today’s edition focuses more on country-specific news, especially Thailand, First off, the South China Sea continues to remain tense with the Philippines building more military presence in Batanes, close to Taiwan. For social stories, recreational cannabis will most likely be banned, which will get rid of hundreds of cannabis shops around the country. We’ll keep you updated.
Let’s get right into it
Tables of Contents and Summaries
Geopolitics
🛡️ Philippines to Enhance Military Presence Near Taiwan
The Philippines is ramping up its military presence and infrastructure in Batanes, the province closest to Taiwan, as a defensive measure amid rising regional tensions, particularly with Beijing over the South China Sea.
Social/Economics
🍃 Thailand to Ban Recreational Cannabis Use
In a significant policy reversal, Thailand's government is moving to ban recreational cannabis use, aiming to restrict cannabis to medicinal purposes only, following concerns over public health and social order.
🕊️ Thailand and Insurgents Eye Ceasefire
During Ramadan and Songkran Thai authorities and Malay-Muslim insurgentsb are negotiating a ceasefire during the upcoming Ramadan and Songkran festivals, aiming to ease the long-standing conflict in Thailand's southern provinces.
🔊 Thailand Charges Ex-PM Thaksin with Royal Defamation From a Statement Made in 2015
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces charges under Thailand's strict lèse-majesté laws for comments made in 2015, highlighting ongoing political tensions and the country's delicate balance between freedom of speech and royal reverence.
🚀 Thailand Enlists Chinese Influencers to Boost Exports
To counteract a drop in exports to China, Thailand is recruiting Chinese social media influencers to promote Thai products, from traditional attire to local delicacies, to their vast followers, blending commerce with cultural diplomacy.
⚖️ Malaysia's Court Limits Sharia Law Expansion in Kelantan
Malaysia's highest court has restricted the Kelantan state's bid to expand sharia law over criminal matters, reaffirming federal jurisdiction and sparking a debate over the balance between religious laws and federal authority.
Geopolitics
Philippines to Enhance Military Presence Near Taiwan
The Philippines plans to increase its military presence and infrastructure in Batanes, the northernmost province near Taiwan, to bolster defense capabilities amid regional tensions.
Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro emphasized the need for a heightened operational tempo starting in 2024, marking Batanes as the "spearhead" of the country's northern defense line.
The move comes in the backdrop of escalating disputes with Beijing over the South China Sea and concerns over Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.
Military Developments: Recent activities include the initiation of a naval base in Batanes, the resumption of joint patrols with the US, and the inauguration of a naval detachment on Mavulis Island, potentially a site for future US-Philippines military exercises.
Teodoro advocates for stronger cooperation between the military and local governments to safeguard maritime communities and enhance national security.
Social/Economics
Thailand to Ban Recreational Cannabis Use
Thailand's government plans to urgently propose a bill to ban the recreational use of cannabis, reversing the 2022 decriminalization.
The new legislation will amend current laws to permit cannabis exclusively for health and medicinal purposes, according to Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, advocating against recreational cannabis, emphasises the risk of broader narcotic drug issues.
Recent events, including complaints about widespread marijuana smell at a Coldplay concert in Bangkok, have fueled calls for stricter regulations.
Historical Context: Thailand, known for stringent drug laws, had decriminalized cannabis in 2022 under a previous administration, leading to a surge in cannabis shops and a nascent industry around medicinal cannabis.
The decriminalization aimed to capitalize on the global medical marijuana boom, with projections suggesting a significant market potential for Thailand's tourism and economy.
The absence of clear regulations post-decriminalization led to the proliferation of cannabis dispensaries and events, sparking legal and social debates.
Thailand and Insurgents Eye Ceasefire During Ramadan and Songkran
Thai authorities and Malay-Muslim insurgents negotiate for a Ramadan and Songkran ceasefire, aiming to ease a conflict that's lasted nearly two decades in Thailand's south.
Since April 2004, the insurgency by ethnic Malay groups in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla seeks greater autonomy, challenging Thailand's century-old consolidation of control.
The insurgency has claimed over 7,300 lives, predominantly civilians, amidst shootings and bombings in a region striving for economic development.
The proposed ceasefire may lead to further discussions on more permanent peace agreements in the future
Government Efforts: The new civilian government under Srettha Thavisin, transitioning from military rule, retains conservative elements while pushing for peace to boost relations with Malaysia and regional stability.
Recent talks in Kuala Lumpur, led by Thai and insurgent negotiators and facilitated by Malaysia, agreed on a ceasefire during the upcoming religious festivals as a step towards a comprehensive peace deal.
Despite reduced violence post-COVID and past talks, the 'Deep South' remains tense under heavy Thai security. The BRN calls for autonomy within Thailand, marking a potential shift towards peace amid deep-rooted mistrust and cultural-political divides.
Thailand Charges Ex-PM Thaksin with Royal Defamation From a Statement Made in 2015
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces lèse-majesté charges for comments made in 2015, under laws protecting the monarchy with severe penalties.
Thailand's strict royal defamation laws could impose up to a 15-year sentence per charge for insulting the king and his family. The king is constitutionally revered.
Thaksin, ousted in 2006 and living in self-exile, returned in August last year, immediately jailed on prior corruption charges, and is currently hospitalized following surgeries.
Investigation Status: The attorney general's office confirmed the charges, stemming from an interview Thaksin gave in South Korea, with the decision to proceed pending police investigation completion.
Denying the charges, Thaksin seeks fair treatment from the attorney general. The delay in charging him was attributed to his time abroad.
Thaksin's return coincided with the election of an ally as Prime Minister, amid denials of a political deal to facilitate his return. His family-backed government faces opposition from royalists and the military establishment.
The case emerges as political tensions rise, with the Move Forward party's attempt to amend lèse-majesté laws thwarted, highlighting the ongoing clash between populist forces and the royalist-military establishment.
Thailand Enlists Chinese Influencers to Boost Exports
Thailand plans to engage 30-50 Chinese social media influencers to promote Thai products, ranging from "elephant pants" to local sweets, to their followers in China.
Scheduled for May, the initiative aims for influencers to livestream Thai goods, leveraging their substantial reach for marketing.
The Thai government proposes a profit-sharing model to motivate the influencers, ensuring a risk-free strategy for Thailand.
After a 1% drop in exports to China in 2022, Thailand seeks to revitalize trade and regain momentum, targeting to support Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s economic growth goal.
Economic Context: Facing an average growth of just 1.8% over the last decade, Thailand aims to rejuvenate its economy through innovative export strategies, aiming for a 1-2% export growth in 2024.
Alongside influencer partnerships, Thailand is promoting local products and destinations via a "boys love" TV series, engaging popular Thai actors to attract a wide audience in Asia.
A similar strategy will be employed with "girls love" actresses for Pride Month, expected to generate significant economic value.
The government's efforts coincide with progressive moves towards legalizing same-sex marriage, aiming to enhance Thailand's cultural and economic appeal globally.
Malaysia's Court Limits Sharia Law Expansion in Kelantan
Malaysia's highest court ruled against Kelantan state's attempt to extend sharia law over criminal matters, maintaining federal jurisdiction over such acts.
The federal court found most of the state's 2021 sharia law amendments invalid, as they encroached on federal powers, according to Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.
The ruling was a setback for the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), leading Kelantan and advocating for broader sharia law application, including hudud penalties (amputation of hands and feet, flogging, and death).
Constitutional Challenge: The case arose from a 2022 challenge by Kelantan-born lawyer Nik Elin Nik Abdul Rashid and her daughter against the state's sharia amendments.
The decision sparked varied responses, with PAS expressing disappointment and calling for constitutional amendments, while supporters of the challenge viewed it as a victory for Malaysian constitutional law.
Following the ruling, Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar called for calm and pledged to empower sharia courts within constitutional limits.
Political Context: The decision comes amid Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration's efforts to navigate the complexities of Malay-Muslim majority support, with PAS gaining significant parliamentary presence in the 2022 election.
National Implications: The court's ruling underscores the ongoing tension between federal authority and state desires for increased sharia law jurisdiction, reflecting broader debates over religion, governance, and legal jurisdiction in Malaysia.
Other Interesting Reads
SCMP: Singapore builds ChatGPT-alike to better represent Southeast Asian languages, cultures
The New York Times: Google is participating in initiatives to ensure A.I.-generated content can be tracked, aligning with Meta's recent commitment to similar efforts.
The New York Times: For First Time in Two Decades, U.S. Buys More From Mexico Than China