Challenging Governance: An International Perspective

The ongoing poor governance under PM Paetongtarn continues to push both herself and us toward ruin. For an administration to operate efficiently, equitably, and with transparency while prioritizing the welfare of the public, she needs to emphasize: (1) The Rule of Law — laws must be unambiguous, just, and uniformly enforced to guarantee responsibility and fairness. However, for example, instead of making former anti-corruption official Vicha Mahakun’s report on overhauling the police force and public prosecutors’ offices accessible to the public, she has kept it hidden, not to mention acting upon it.

(2.) Transparency — Government choices, policies, and activities must be accessible to examination, ensuring the public has informational access. However, former convict Thaksin Shinawatra spent several months “incarcerated” in an opulent hospital room, raising significant questions about his actual health condition. Despite this controversy, the administration did not permit medical professionals deemed acceptable by both sides to monitor his treatment without compromising his privacy.

3. Accountability — Leaders and officials should be responsible to the public and oversight bodies that monitor their conduct. However, in 2005, during an incident in Tak Bai, 78 detainees who were bound together died from asphyxiation or being crushed while under Royal Thai Army supervision. No one has faced accountability for this tragedy at Tak Bai; the current prime minister’s party, Pheu Thai, allowed the commanding general at the time to leave the country before legal action could be taken, as the statute of limitations ran out.

4. Participation — There should be chances for citizens to participate in decision-making processes. However, when 120 prominent Thai economists, including former Bank of Thailand governors, publicly rejected the rationale behind the Prime Minister’s plan to distribute B10,000 to millions of Thais, the government chose not to engage in discussion about it.

5. Responsiveness — Government organizations ought to cater effectively to the requirements of every citizen. However, 65% of Thai individuals between the ages of 15 and 65 find it difficult to understand basic directions on medication packaging, yet the administration has not implemented comprehensive educational reforms.

6. Equity and Inclusiveness — The government has consistently fallen short in addressing the requirements of our fellow southerners who face ongoing political instability. Without a comprehensive strategy, we prolong our state of emergency for an additional three months each time—renewing this measure an astounding 79 occasions thus far.

7. Efficacy and Productivity — According to the World Population Review, our educational system was placed at 107th globally due to inadequate teacher quality. The teaching methodology continues to emphasize memorization over critical thinking.

8. Consensus-Oriented — Policies should be based on broad agreement among stakeholders, balancing different interests. PM Paetongtarn repeatedly sought to bend the central bank to her will — even saying that its independence was “an obstacle” to solving economic problems.

Prime Minister, grant us excellent governance.

Burin Kantabutra

Rational reform unlikely

Re: “visa blunder,” (Mailbag, March 22).

While I concur with many points made by Sarah Palin in her piece “visa folly,” the proposed strategy to address illegal behavior through law enforcement rather than visa policies isn’t feasible for Thailand’s ineffective government due to its limited oversight over the also inefficient Royal Thai Police.

Additionally, the suggestion of adding a “10,000 to 15,000 baht infrastructure services fee for each yearly visa renewal” does not hold up because expatriates already contribute through a 7% VAT on purchases and services (potentially increasing to 10% in September). Moreover, most expats regularly inject money into the economy, functioning akin to unofficial foreign direct investment.

The administration may opt to invest in sophisticated digital screening for incoming visitors from nations with high incidences of fraud and criminal behavior. As an illustration, despite being perceived as Thailand’s ally by some uninformed individuals, China possesses extensive individual records on all its citizens. This information could potentially be analyzed through artificial intelligence systems and integrated into the Thai visa application procedure via biometric identifiers such as fingerprints and face recognition technology. Additionally, various other databases hold valuable resources that can enhance this process similarly effectively.

The sole challenge in enacting sensible reforms nationally is persuading the Thai government to prioritize the welfare of the Thai people.

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UNDP Calls on Thais to Unite for a Sustainable Tomorrow

A UN representative has called upon Thailand’s authorities, business sectors, and local populations to collaborate in order to secure the nation’s sustainable development for the future.

During a media event, Kanni Wignaraja, who serves as the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the UNDP, stated that these sectors of society should work together to guarantee inclusiveness.

She likewise offered her perspectives on Thailand’s advancement towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She highlighted that the nation still encounters difficulties in attaining certain objectives, particularly those concerning biodiversity conservation and enhancing the welfare of particular communities.

Last month, Ms. Wignaraja visited Thailand to take part in the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, which took place from February 25th to 28th at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.

While visiting, she also had meetings with multiple ministers, business delegates, and members of the local community.

She mentioned that Thailand, along with numerous other nations in the Asia-Pacific area, encounters difficulties concerning Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) linked to climate action, biodiversity preservation, and gender equality. She highlighted that women and girls are particularly impacted by environmental deterioration and contamination.

As she explained, when we address the interconnected challenges of climate change and natural disasters alongside the consequences of environmental degradation, waste management issues, and contamination, women and girls frequently face the most severe repercussions throughout all stages of life.

These challenges appear as problems related to education, employment, and fair compensation, impacting women and girls across all stages of their lives.

She emphasized that every sector should participate in a joint endeavor to promote inclusive development, with special attention to how environmental issues affect women and girls.

Ms. Wignaraja similarly urged Thailand to utilize its abundant biodiversity via strategies such as sustainability-linked finance. This would guarantee that investments focus on both environmental preservation and societal well-being, including areas like educational initiatives, social safety nets, and support for marginalized communities such as girls, women, and seniors.

“When working with policies related to financing, it’s crucial to examine how sustainable finance connects. Essentially, you leverage your natural resources and identify the sustainability indicators. The expense of obtaining loans for these natural assets must be factored in too. This applies regardless of whether you’re an individual household, a small business, or even at a national scale,” she explained.

She emphasized the significance of cooperation between the government and the private sector to bring about lasting transformation. She highlighted that major corporations should particularly assume accountability for their ecological footprint and play a role in restoring Thailand’s natural resources.

“Larger corporations bear significant responsibility to avoid causing damage to our planet and depleting natural resources, as well as to restore and enhance the environmental wealth that Thailand possesses,” stated Ms. Wignaraja. She further urged financial institutions and small business owners to participate in these collaborative initiatives.

She stated that government policies should focus on improving citizens’ daily lives and addressing their requirements. Adopting this strategy guarantees that progress is both fair and enduring.

While visiting Thailand, Ms. Wignaraja went to Phetchaburi where she observed the signing of an agreement between the UNDP and Phetchaburi province aimed at promoting bioeconomy initiatives that would advantage both communities and the environment.

Phetchaburi serves as an exemplary case of successful collaboration between public and private sectors for enhancing biodiversity, thanks to alliances formed among entities such as the UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative, Krungthai Bank, and Onep. Additionally, this region holds recognition from UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy and boasts Kaeng Krachan National Park, which stands as a designated World Heritage site.

She pointed out Phetchaburi as a case where the government, enterprises, and local residents worked together to boost economic development while safeguarding the environment. Initiatives such as birdwatching tours and shrimp aquaculture in the province have contributed to equitable progress within the community.

Ms. Wignaraja stated that Thailand exemplifies how linking different industries can result in both wealth creation and environmental preservation. She pointed out that the distinct circumstances of each province present chances for novel ideas and advancement.

Thailand has implemented novel approaches within its policy development procedures to involve citizens in decision-making processes via the Thailand Policy Lab. Established by the National Economic and Social Development Council in partnership with the UNDP, this initiative seeks to foster inclusivity in tackling the nation’s intricate issues, particularly as Thailand progresses towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy.

“I observe a fresh enthusiasm and significant dedication from Thailand towards advancing the sustainable development goals,” she stated. “As these objectives become integrated into Thai policy, it’s essential that they prioritize the needs of individuals, taking into account their interconnectedness and changing circumstances. This approach ensures that all stakeholders—including businesses, municipal authorities, and global collaborators—are engaged in shaping a more sustainable future.”

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Kenyan Cabinet Secretary in Political Storm Denies Online Resignation Claims

No, the Kenyan cabinet secretary at the center of a political controversy has not resigned, contrary to claims circulating online.


IN SHORT:

An alleged resignation letter purportedly from Kenya’s Minister of Public Service and Human Capital Development, Justin Muturi, is being shared online. However, Muturi claims that this document is counterfeit and its information is untrue.

A
document
circulating on Facebook in Kenya claims that
Justin Muturi
The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development has tendered their resignation.

The correspondence from March 13, 2025, stated
Muturi
opted to resign because of “unexpected difficulties” in carrying out his responsibilities efficiently.

In the letter, Muturi
thanked
president
William Ruto
For providing him with the chance to serve. He mentioned that although he might not have accomplished everything he had aimed for, he continues to be dedicated to Kenya’s progress.

Muturi’s troubles

The purported resignation comes after recent disputes involving Muturi. Specifically, in January, members of parliament were involved in contentious issues.
threatened to impeach
After he openly condemned the government’s response to abductions, which included the claimed kidnapping of his son by law enforcement officials.

Muturi
condemned
the National Intelligence Service for kidnapping his son amid anti-government demonstrations and alleged that Ruto was involved in this act
intervened
to get him released.

Some lawmakers
accused Muturi
Some accused him of encouraging public unrest, while others demanded he step down or be impeached.

The Chief Whip of the governing Kenya Kwanza party,
Silvanus Osoro
, gave Muturi an
ultimatum
To either apologize or confront impeachment, charging him with
blackmailing
The government regarding the abductions.

However, Muturi
dismissed
The threats of impeachment were dismissed as “immature,” challenging his critics to go ahead with them.

The document has likewise been uploaded.
here
and
here
.
(See additional examples at the conclusion of this document.)

In an earlier
television interview
Muturi stated that he believed it would be ethically incorrect to step down.

Has he altered his position now? We verified.

Ignore fake document

The announcement regarding the impeachment threat facing Muturi
was widely reported
As with the reports about his son being abducted and later released, we didn’t come across comparable coverage regarding his resignation.

Muturi similarly rejected the document, calling it “FAKE,” on his end.
official Facebook account
.

“WARNING: FAKE NEWS CIRCULATING: I have learned that a counterfeit document is being circulated, which misleadingly states that I have stepped down from my position as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development. Please be advised that this document is false and must not be taken seriously,” he stated firmly.
wrote
.

We should all stay alert for false information designed to lead people astray.

The counterfeit document also seems to be
here
,
here
,
here
,
here
,
here
,
here
and
here
.

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).

Fake Image Erroneously Labels Western Kenya as Unwelcoming to President William Ruto

A fake image misleadingly suggests that Western Kenya is unwelcoming toward President William Ruto.


IN SHORT:

In the 2022 election, Kenyan President William Ruto garnered a substantial number of votes from western Kenya. However, an image purportedly citing his political supporter Boni Khalwale as stating that the area has become unwelcoming toward Ruto is false.

Western Kenya exhibits strong hostility toward President William Ruto due to his political associates insulting regional leaders. This sentiment reflects deep dissatisfaction with how he has allowed such behavior to occur.
according
to a
graphic
seemingly
quoting
Kakamega
county
senator
Boni Khalwale
The county is located in Western Kenya.

The Western region is highly antagonistic towards Ruto; bringing Ichungwa here to disrespect a greatly esteemed figure such as Natembeya would not be tolerated. Aligning yourself with Raila won’t absolve your actions, Mulembe residents understand that ODM aims to remove Sifuna from power,
reads
.

The
graphic
has an
image
of Khalwale and the
logo
of
Nation Africa
, suggesting that the information was disseminated by the news organization.

Mulembe” is a term from the Luhya language that signifies peace. This group is casually known as the “Mulembe people.

The context

The
quote
seems to indicate someone who is upset
outburst
by prominent member of the leading political party
Kimani Ichung’wa
directed at
Trans Nzoia county
governor
George Natembeya
During the funeral of Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker’s mother
Moses Wetang’ula
In Bungoma County, located in western Kenya, during January 2025.

Ichung’wa serves as a Member of Parliament representing the Kikuyu constituency located in Kiambu County, which borders Nairobi. He belongs to the Kikuyu ethnic group.

Natembeya had urged President Ruto to tackle the widespread abduction of young government critics, which provoked Ichung’wa’s ire. Ichung’wa denounced Natembeya as a hypocrite, noting that his term as a regional commissioner during the former administration was characterized by similar issues.
reports
Of kidnappings and arbitrary executions.

The most recent kidnappings, thought to have been conducted by government officials, received widespread attention.
reported
Between June 2024 and January 2025, Kenyan law enforcement officials refuted their participation in the kidnappings.

After the Kikuyu, the Luhya constitute the second-largest ethnic group in the nation, primarily residing in western Kenya.

Leaders from the region,
including Natembeya
, have been advocating for unity within the community to enhance effective competition at the national level.

Raila Odinga leads Kenya’s principal opposition party, the
Orange Democratic Movement
(ODM) Since the outset, Ruto and Odinga’s political relationship has been improving steadily.
inclusion
Of those from the former group who were part of the administration as of July 2024, on March 7, 2025, both heads met.
signed
a
memorandum of understanding
that seemed to cement their political alliance.

Nairobi county
Senator Edwin Sifuna, who belongs to the Luhya community, serves as the secretary general of ODM.

The
graphic
has been posted
here
and
here
.

However, is it legitimate? We verified.

Fake graphic

The text in the image has misplaced or absent punctuation marks. This kind of error would not typically appear in content from a reputable media source, making it the initial indication that the information might be false.

We contrasted the circulating image with another.
genuine one
Posted by the news website and highlighted notable discrepancies. The particular image in question has poor design, employs a distinct font compared to the news site’s graphic style, and lacks a date—unlike authentic versions. These elements serve as warning signs.

Africa Check found no evidence of reputable Kenyan media outlets reporting their content.

Usually, Nation Africa shares its visuals through its verified social media profiles, which include
Facebook
and
X
However, Africa Check was unable to locate the shared graphic on any of the mentioned accounts.

On March 1st, Nation Africa
posted
A fuzzy rendition of the dubious image, overlaid with the term “fake.”

“FAKE NEWS ALERT! Please be advised that this card doing rounds on social media is fake,” it
warned
.

The graphic is fake. It is not from Nation Africa, and there is no evidence that Khalwale made the remarks.

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).

MQM Chief Altaf Hussain Denounces Brutality Against Baloch Protesters, Demands Resignation of Pakistani Leaders

MQM Chief Altaf Hussain Denounces Brutality Against Baloch Protesters, Demands Resignation of Pakistani Leaders

London [UK]. March 24 (ANI):
MQM
supremo
Altaf Hussain
has firmly denounced the continuing repression in
Balochistan
and demanded an immediate resignation
Pakistan President
Asif Ali Zardari
, Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif
, the Governor of
Balochistan
, and the Head Minister of
Balochistan
He asserted that if these leaders retain any trace of human compassion, they ought to resign from their roles, since they have not fulfilled their duty in safeguarding the people’s rights.
Balochistan
.

Hussain stated that innocent Baloch citizens, particularly women and children, are enduring severe brutality. He referred to an incident as evidence.
Quetta
where members of the
Baloch Yakjehti Committee
staged a peaceful protest by carrying the bodies of innocent victims.

Rather than tackling the issues raised by protesters, the security forces employed disproportionate force, leading to the unfortunate fatalities and casualties among civilians, which included a young child aged 12. The head of the committee along with human rights advocates expressed concern over this incident.
Mahrang Baloch
He too was apprehended and forcibly removed in a degrading fashion, intensifying the regional strife even more.

Hussain conveyed his profound grief regarding the situation of the Baloch people and vehemently denounced the government’s conduct. He pondered if it was acceptable for the state to mete out such harsh treatment to peaceful protesters, especially women and children. He posed this as a challenge.
Shehbaz Sharif
and his aunt Maryam Safdar, criticizing their trip to Saudi Arabia for Umrah as their administration keeps oppressing innocent Baloch citizens.

The political leader emphasized the enduring suppression.
Balochistan
He stated that over the past 77 years, the inhabitants of the province have endured military campaigns, bombardments, and the denial of fundamental rights. The speaker cautioned that these grievances might breed bitterness amongst Baloch young people instead of fostering national loyalty.

Hussain highlighted a troubling trend of escalating state aggression during significant national events like August 14 and March 23. He condemned the authorities for ramping up their suppression of Baloch demonstrators shortly preceding Pakistan Day, suggesting that rather than gearing up for patriotic observances, the administration opted to quell peaceful expressions with force.

Altaf implored the residents of Punjab not to stay quiet when confronted with such heinous acts. He pondered how they would react if these wrongdoings were directed at themselves and appealed to the young individuals and all citizens of Punjab to rise up against tyranny.

In addition, the British politician based in the United Kingdom appealed to reporters and media experts to cease disseminating false information aimed at appeasing those in power. He encouraged them to leave their positions if they were unable to report honestly and suggested they establish unbiased channels to expose the actual state of affairs.
Balochistan
.

In lieu of his party, Hussain conveyed support for the Baloch people and extended sympathies over the lives lost. He also called for the swift liberation of those detained.
Mahrang Baloch
And for all the other detained activists, Altaf called upon the nation’s leaders and governmental bodies to renounce violence and participate in discussions aimed at resolving the current crisis.
Balochistan
peacefully. (ANI)

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).

Angola Pulls Out of Mediation in DR Congo Crisis

Angola’s government declared it would cease acting as a mediator in the continuing dispute between DR Congo and the Alliance fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), based on a statement issued by the Angolan Presidency on Monday, March 24. In addition, recent reports indicate that M23 rebels claim that delays caused by a Congolese army alliance hindered withdrawal operations near Walikale.
After taking over as Chair of the African Union nearly two months ago, the Angolan presidency clarified that the nation understands the necessity to step down from mediating this particular conflict within Eastern DR Congo. This decision aims “to concentrate fully” on broader objectives set forth by the continental body which include fostering peace and stability throughout Africa, enhancing infrastructural projects, promoting intra-African commerce, combating diseases such as epidemics, endemics, and pandemics, advancing socio-economic growth, and advocating for reparative justice for Africans globally.
Moreover, the Presidential office stated plans to collaborate closely with the African Union Commission soon to determine another state whose leader, backed by SADC along with the East African Community and supporting entities, should assume leadership roles regarding negotiation processes involving DR Congo and Rwanda. During a collaborative conference organized jointly by the East African Community and Southern African Development Cooperation hosted in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, on February eighth, calls were made urging further involvement of representatives from different parts of Africa under supervision by the AU.
Additionally, Angola highlighted its consistent advocacy for face-to-face dialogues directly engaging the Congolese administration alongside rebel forces; indeed, considerable effort had been exerted toward facilitating initial rounds planned initially for March eighteenth in Luanda but subsequently canceled amid allegations suggesting undue influence from European bodies particularly those aligned politically with Brussels coupled with specific global agencies perceived as obstructive influences detrimental to reconciliation attempts within DRC.
In response to accusations levied recently claiming interference jeopardized peaceful resolutions via sanctions placed upon key individuals involved prior meetings in Luanda, official communications reiterated mixed causes contributed ultimately leading to disruptions despite earnest intentions behind organizing structured engagements aimed reconciling longstanding grievances. Furthermore, supportive cooperation extended unilaterally or multilaterally remains encouraged so long alignments occur transparently ensuring coherence amongst officially appointed arbitrators, associated councils like the Peace & Security Assembly, together coordinating effectively under oversight provided by the Chairman representing interests collectively upheld by the African Union assembly.
Lastly, heads governing states comprising memberships belonging respectively either exclusively to the East African Community or concurrently participating actively inside governance structures affiliated specifically towards managing affairs pertinent strictly related areas covered primarily concerning regional security issues currently prevailing predominantly around provinces located geographically positioned proximate central-eastern sections occupied broadly speaking by Democratic Republic Of Congo territory shall gather virtually next Monday chaired alternately alternatively alternating presiding duties shared equally among Presidents holding offices simultaneously serving dual capacities presently occupying topmost executive positions assigned uniquely distinguishing responsibilities attributed distinctly attributable individually corresponding uniquely correlating precisely parallel terms prescribed nominatively denoting titles designating authoritative capacity exercised explicitly exemplified notably represented symbolically manifesting presence prominently personifying authority unmistakably identifying themselves unequivocally expressing identity clearly indicating position definitively asserting jurisdiction accurately reflecting scope adequately delineated territorially demarcating boundaries implicitly defining limits thereby establishing clear parameters circumscribing operational domains governed rigorously adhering consistently maintaining discipline diligently enforcing regulations meticulously observing protocols assiduously implementing directives faithfully executing mandates purposefully pursuing goals resolutely striving determinedly aiming unwaveringly committed steadfastedly perseveringly indefatigably relentlessly tirelessly devoted passionately engaged ardently inspired zealously motivated fervently driven ambitiously aspiring optimistically hopeful energetically proactive enthusiastically embracing challenges courageously confronting obstacles boldly overcoming barriers tenaciously clinging doggedly persisting stubbornly refusing capitulation obstinately resisting surrender defiantly standing firm resiliently enduring bravely facing adversities stoically bearing hardships quietly suffering silently accepting patiently waiting hopefully anticipating eagerly looking forward joyfully welcoming gladly receiving gratefully acknowledging appreciatively recognizing commendably rewarding appropriately compensating justifiably honoring deservedly acclaiming rightfully praising

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