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Police Arrest Ride-Sharing Driver for Shooting at Jomtien Beach Creative Commons License via Google Yesterday, a ride-sharing driver in Pattaya was arrested by the police after he fired a gun into the sea, causing panic among tourists at Jomtien Beach. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325982-police-arrest-ride-sharing-driver-for-shooting-at-jomtien-beach/

Yesterday, a ride-sharing driver in Pattaya was arrested by the police after he fired a gun into the sea, causing panic among tourists at Jomtien Beach. At approximately 2:36am, near Soi 16, the sound of gunshots disrupted the peaceful beach atmosphere. Phonchai Sang-iad, Secretary of Bang Lamung District, who was nearby and out of uniform, responded immediately to the situation. He was in the area to investigate recent complaints about noise and crime at the beach when the gunshots caught his attention. Phonchai, along with other officials, rushed to the scene, where they encountered Thotchaphon Aunwong, a 29-year-old driver for a ride-sharing app. After a search, they found an HS-9 pistol, a holster, and 21 bullets on him. Thotchaphon did not dispute the allegations against him. He confessed to shooting the gun into the sea for fun and stress relief. Thotchaphon also mentioned that he had more firearms at his house, but had only brought one to the beach that night. Thotchaphon was taken into police custody in Pattaya for a full investigation and is likely to face multiple charges relating to his reckless use of firearms, according to Pattaya News. Phonchai and his team stressed that Thotchaphon's actions caused considerable anxiety among the beachgoers. In a related incident, a 60-year-old man in Bangkok was apprehended after reportedly waving a gun around while drunk in a rented room. The arrest was executed by senior law enforcement officers, including Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Metropolitan Police Chief, and his deputies, together with investigators from the fourth division. Photo: Creative Commons License via Google -- 2024-04-26 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Underpass at Phuket Airport plunged into darkness due to cable theft Creative Common License via Google A bold cable robbery at Phuket International Airport's underpass has caused darkness in the area, raising safety concerns and causing system failures. This has made commuting difficult for both residents and tourists at the bustling junction at Phuket Airport on Thepkrasattri Road, where the underpass is. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325914-underpass-at-phuket-airport-plunged-into-darkness-due-to-cable-theft/

A bold cable robbery at Phuket International Airport's underpass has caused darkness in the area, raising safety concerns and causing system failures. This has made commuting difficult for both residents and tourists at the bustling junction at Phuket Airport on Thepkrasattri Road, where the underpass is. The theft has led to significant disruption, leaving the underpass's lighting system useless. Consequently, this has severely reduced driver visibility and increased the possibility of car accidents. This issue has resulted in an official statement emphasizing the immediate need to repair the extensive electricity infrastructure damage caused by the theft. The Phuket Highways Office quickly announced repair plans in response to this situation, scheduled to begin over the following weekend. The estimated repair time is four to five days, which will require the underpass to be temporarily closed. This is likely to worsen the already tricky traffic situation. However, The Phuket News reported that this is crucial to restore the underpass's safety and functionality. Local authorities, in an effort to catch the bold thieves, ask for the public's help. They encourage anyone with information about the theft or the suspects to step forward. They have also requested that any unusual activity be reported immediately, either through the Department of Highways hotline 1586 or directly to the Phuket Highways Office, at 076-212179. In other news, two robbers were caught red-handed by watchful locals while stealing power cables. One of them admitted that the crime was committed to raise money for his birthday party and drug habits. The incident took place on April 23, in the early morning, near Soi Khao Makok 10, close to the Huai Chak Nok reservoir. Locals and construction workers, who had been dealing with regular power cut-offs due to constant cable theft, decided to take the matter into their own hands. Caption: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man accused of sexually abusing child in mall restroom Creative Common License via Google A 12-year-old Thai boy, Thirayu Chaichana, used social media to raise an alarm about a pedophile who had sexually assaulted him in a shopping mall bathroom. The incident happened in a men's restroom at the Central Khon Kaen shopping mall in Khon Kaen, a province in Isaan, Thailand on Tuesday, April 23. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325913-thai-man-accused-of-sexually-abusing-child-in-mall-restroom/

A 12-year-old Thai boy, Thirayu Chaichana, used social media to raise an alarm about a pedophile who had sexually assaulted him in a shopping mall bathroom. The incident happened in a men's restroom at the Central Khon Kaen shopping mall in Khon Kaen, a province in Isaan, Thailand on Tuesday, April 23. Thirayu narrated that the man had begun staring at him once he went into the bathroom. Being alone, he was afraid and decided to secretly film the incident for his own safety. The man approached him, grabbed his privates, and kissed him. He attempted to forcefully take Thirayu into a toilet but Thirayu acted like he agreed and used the chance to escape. Afterwards, he reported the incident to a security guard and waited for the police to show up. However, the perpetrator defended himself by claiming he only wanted to get Thirayu's contact information. Thirayu was urged by the police to either accept compensation from the man or file a complaint at the police station. Since he was in a rush, he accepted 3,000 baht from the man as compensation. Thirayu also shared a video of the ordeal, which showed that the man was carrying condoms, indicating his intent to rape him. Thirayu then discovered that multiple other netizens online had also encountered the same man. Some also reported having had similar experiences, yet the man had never faced any legal consequences and continued his predatory behavior. Furthermore, there were additional reports of other nefarious activities occurring at the mall, such as a different man filming underneath women’s skirts. A security guard failed to take action when informed about the latter incident. Thirayu and his mother are currently contemplating filing legal charges against the perpetrator. Caption: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pathum Thani Police Confiscate 5.3 Million Yaba Tablets in a Major Drug Operation Creative Common License via Google In a recent police operation in Pathum Thani province, a massive 5.3 million methamphetamine pills, known as Yaba, were confiscated. The seizure took place on April 25 at a house in the Nong Suea district. Both police and military intelligence units contributed to this significant operation against the region's drug trade. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325912-pathum-thani-police-confiscate-53-million-yaba-tablets-in-a-major-drug-operation/

In a recent police operation in Pathum Thani province, a massive 5.3 million methamphetamine pills, known as Yaba, were confiscated. The seizure took place on April 25 at a house in the Nong Suea district. Both police and military intelligence units contributed to this significant operation against the region's drug trade. In a white Toyota Yaris parked nearby, the officials found 13 bags containing 2.5 million Yaba pills. This drug bust led to the capture of a 30-year-old Cambodian woman, Zairtus Ann. The drugs were cleverly hidden in the car, suggesting advanced drug trafficking techniques. The policemen got more than they initially anticipated. They discovered an additional 2.8 million Yaba pills at another unregistered house in the same district. This discovery brought the total count of seized pills to approximately 5.3 million. Besides, 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition and a gun were also found, pointing at the possible existence of a dangerous criminal gang. This operation is the result of a series of arrests involving significant drug trafficking figures. Intelligence identified Sarayut, and an accomplice known as Veerayut, who had been hiding in a neighboring country since January 10, 2020. The two communicated via the LINE app, and in December, Veerayut and his girlfriend moved their drug storage from Saraburi province to Pathum Thani. On April 24, the police saw them transporting drugs. In the evening, their car, loaded with black bags, left their residence but managed to evade the police. They were later observed making what appeared to be a drug delivery. However, when Veerayut realized he was being followed, he abandoned his car and successfully escaped by jumping into a canal. Thorough investigation of their house led to the discovery of the extra 2.8 million pills and the arrest of Zairtus. Zairtus admitted they had received over 7.6 million pills total, with 2.3 million already sold, leaving the 5.3 million confiscated by the police. Caption: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Woman Files Lawsuit Against Police for Invasive Drug Search Creative Common License via Google A 61-year-old Thai woman, known as Pook, has accused police officers in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, of unethical conduct during a drugs search. She alleges that without presenting any evidence, the officers implicated her in a drug case and physically harmed her during their search. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325911-thai-woman-files-lawsuit-against-police-for-invasive-drug-search/

A 61-year-old Thai woman, known as Pook, has accused police officers in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, of unethical conduct during a drugs search. She alleges that without presenting any evidence, the officers implicated her in a drug case and physically harmed her during their search. Pook, along with her 35-year-old son, Siraphat, enlisted the help of lawyer Kiattikhun Tonyang to file a lawsuit against 15 police officers, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel R. She reported that the officers arrived at her home on April 20, claiming to be from the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and demanding to search her for drugs. Reacting to a request for a search warrant, Police Lieutenant Colonel R insisted it was not necessary as they were searching Pook, not her property. When Siraphat asked to see their ONCB identification, Colonel R’s card showed he was from Provincial Police Region 1, not the ONCB. Despite proving her innocence through a body and bag search, Pook was ordered to undress by a female officer who then conducted an intimate search without gloves. No illicit items were found, and the police left. Siraphat confessed his fears to their lawyer, suspecting that a previous visit his mother made to a neighbor, whose son is a drug dealer, could have sparked suspicion. While he recognized the potential dubiousness of the encounter, he felt that the police should have conducted a thorough investigation before feeling justified to carry out such a search. Pook was left humiliated by the ordeal, experiencing physical discomfort as a result of the invasive search. Their lawyer agreed, arguing that the police had not followed correct procedures. He plans to charge the team for illegally performing their duties and trespassing. Police Lieutenant Colonel R defended his team, claiming they received information about local drug sales which led them to conduct searches on suspicious individuals. Though he admitted that they pursued Pook into her house when she ran away, he maintains they never had intentions of entering her property. He also rejected the claim that he was not a member of the ONCB, presenting his police card to the media as evidence and contending that the search was lawfully conducted. Caption: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai police shut down online gambling operation worth 700 million baht Creative Common License via Microsoft Bing Thai police have shut down a large online gambling operation, revealing that the network had been active for seven years, conducting financial transactions worth more than 700 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325910-thai-police-shut-down-online-gambling-operation-worth-700-million-baht/

Thai police have shut down a large online gambling operation, revealing that the network had been active for seven years, conducting financial transactions worth more than 700 million baht. On April 25, senior police officers led by Police Lieutenant General Worrawut Watanakunbancha, Head of the Special Investigation Unit, conducted a raid on two homes in the Bo Haeo district of Lampang province. During the raid, two individuals, 41-year-old Punika and 28-year-old Kotchakorn, were arrested. The police seized various pieces of property, including four cars, three houses, and four motorbikes, in addition to around 200,000 baht (US$5,400) in cash. Luxury items such as jewelry and designer bags were also found, adding up to a total worth of over 20 million baht (US$540,000). The arrested individuals confessed during questioning, revealing that prior to running the illegal website, they worked in public relations at a casino in Poipet, Cambodia. Upon returning to Thailand, they were persuaded by a family member to operate an online gambling business in partnership with the owners of the Cambodian casino. It emerged that the pair earned a commission of 10 to 20% from the website's revenue, with the site boasting over 5,000 users, including people from Thailand and Cambodia. The operation reportedly had a turnover of over 700 million baht (US$19 million). Three other individuals were employed as administrators for the operation, earning between 8,000 and 14,000 baht (US$215 to 380). A fourth suspect, 39-year-old Pratthana, is currently being pursued in relation to the operation. In a simultaneous operation, police officers also searched two companies, located in Lampang and Chiang Mai, suspected of sending SMS messages advertising illegal gambling websites. The first company sent around one billion SMS messages per year, generating an income of 100 million baht (US$2.7 million). The second company sent roughly 40 million messages annually, earning about 4 million baht (US$108,000). The police have committed to continuing their efforts in breaking down online gambling operations, as well as focusing on illegitimate SMS marketing companies in line with national online crime prevention initiatives, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy National Police Chief Worrawut. Caption: Creative Common License via Microsoft Bing -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Children saved after father makes them exchange sexual favors for his drugs Yesterday, a seven-year-old boy and nine-year-old girl were rescued from a drug dealer on Koh Samui, an island in Surat Thani, by the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women. The kids' father, who confessed to being a drug addict, revealed he had traded his children as sex slaves to the dealer for free drugs. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325909-children-saved-after-father-makes-them-exchange-sexual-favors-for-his-drugs/

Yesterday, a seven-year-old boy and nine-year-old girl were rescued from a drug dealer on Koh Samui, an island in Surat Thani, by the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women. The kids' father, who confessed to being a drug addict, revealed he had traded his children as sex slaves to the dealer for free drugs. The foundation was alerted to this by a local who had noticed the two children being held by a 50-year-old drug dealer named Jee for over a month. The local said the children's father had given them to Jee to satisfy his drug addiction. Remarkably, the nine-year-old girl managed to escape from Jee's house and informed locals about her and her younger brother's ordeal, leading to their rescue. When the children's grandmother asked for her grandson to be returned and was refused, the local requested assistance from the Pavena Foundation. In cooperation with Bor Phud Police Station, the foundation raided Jee's house on April 24. They found Jee in bed with the boy and immediately took him to safety. During the raid, they also found 150 tablets of methamphetamine, otherwise known as Yaba, and 0.27 grams of crystal meth. Locals confirmed that Jee sold drugs openly. The children's father was found with drugs in his system. During his police interrogation, he confessed trading his kids to Jee for drugs. Police plan to send him for rehabilitation after further questioning. Initially, Jee was charged with possession of drugs for sale. Now, pending results from medical examinations on the children and further analysis of their interview with a child welfare specialist, police are looking into adding sexual assault charges. -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Officials Concerned Over Potential Overcrowding in Pattaya and Phuket Creative Common License via Google The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations has issued a warning to the Thai government alerting that the level of tourism has reached a critical point. According to forecasts, the number of foreign visitors in 2024 will be about 40 million, similar to the last pre-COVID year, 2019. This could strain both local environments and tourist experience. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325908-officials-concerned-over-potential-overcrowding-in-pattaya-and-phuket/

The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations has issued a warning to the Thai government alerting that the level of tourism has reached a critical point. According to forecasts, the number of foreign visitors in 2024 will be about 40 million, similar to the last pre-COVID year, 2019. This could strain both local environments and tourist experience. Phuket and Pattaya are the cities most affected, with 118 and 99 foreign visitors for every local resident respectively, as per a study by MoneyTransfers. But this data is already several months old and the actual ratios could be even higher. Chris Flynn, CEO of the World Tourism Association, suggested that Thai officials appear to have not foreseen the toll the influx could take. Signs of excessive tourism in Pattaya include heavy traffic, worsened by tour buses jamming insufficient roads, and ongoing road repairs in and around the city center. As British tourist John Leeman described, "After dark, it takes me at least an hour to travel from Jomtien to central Pattaya, double the time it took last year, and finding a parking spot when you arrive is nearly impossible." The already dire situation could intensify due to potential water shortages brought on by inadequate rainfall and the possible increase in passengers at U-tapao airport near Pattaya. Some airlines currently do not use the airport due to the lack of regular bus transportation into Pattaya. But, if this changes, daily arrivals at U-tapao may significantly increase. Recently, the number of tourists in Thailand has risen, in part because the country has waived holiday visas for large markets like Russia, China, and India. In response, Thai authorities are attempting to divert tourists to less popular provinces to relieve pressure on traditional resorts. The Thai Tourism Council is also urging the government to charge a 300 baht entry fee to fund development and improvements. However, travel experts question whether such measures can effectively control over-tourism. Tourism control is not just a Thai issue. For instance, Greece now requires advance booking and pre-payment for visits to the Acropolis. The Netherlands has strengthened drug laws and stopped the construction of new hotels to curb unruly behavior among tourists. Some believe Thailand's recent crackdown on foreign crime and the potential ban on recreational cannabis suggest it also aims to deter certain types of tourists. In the words of a Thai Cabinet minister, "We want quality tourists from now on." Caption: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

New Zealand brothers still under Phuket custody, waiting for a trial date Creative Common License via Google Two brothers from New Zealand, Hamish and Oscar Day, aged 34 and 36 respectively, remain in custody in Phuket, following a conflict with a local police officer in March. Their charges include robbery, assault of an officer, attempted bribery, and unlicensed motorbike riding. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325905-new-zealand-brothers-still-under-phuket-custody-waiting-for-a-trial-date/

Two brothers from New Zealand, Hamish and Oscar Day, aged 34 and 36 respectively, remain in custody in Phuket, following a conflict with a local police officer in March. Their charges include robbery, assault of an officer, attempted bribery, and unlicensed motorbike riding. The brother is said to have ignored the police officer's order to stop while they were riding past the Chalong Police Station on rented motorbikes. The officer, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak Noo-iad, chased them and eventually caught up. It is reported that the brothers attacked the officer after he attempted to video the incident using his mobile phone. During the struggle, one of the brothers took the officer's holstered gun, which fired twice; no one was injured by the bullets. Additional police officers attending the scene then arrested the brothers. Following their arrest, Hamish and Oscar appeared in the Phuket Provincial Court the subsequent Monday and have been held in custody since. At the time, Thai media reported that three witnesses were present during the incident. A representative from the New Zealand government is scheduled to visit the brothers in prison. Their trial date remains undecided. Contrary to rumors, there has been no deal negotiated by the brothers' wealthy parents to secure their release. The incident received significant attention from Thai media and social media under the theme "Foreigners Behaving Badly". Caption: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

SRT Moves Forward with Second Phase of Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail Project Creative Common License via Google The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project, which extends from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai. This new part of the project will cover a distance of 357.12 kilometers, and the train route will include both elevated and ground-level sections. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325903-srt-moves-forward-with-second-phase-of-thai-chinese-high-speed-rail-project/

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project, which extends from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai. This new part of the project will cover a distance of 357.12 kilometers, and the train route will include both elevated and ground-level sections. The project's progress was discussed at a recent meeting led by Chirute Visalachitra, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Land Transport. This phase involves the construction of five new stations at Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. The project details will now be sent to the Transport Ministry for further review. The planned construction timeline is four years for the civil engineering work, followed by an additional five and a half years for establishing the electric rail system. The aim is to have the project operational by 2031. The plans for the project's environmental and structural preparedness have also been made, with the environmental impact assessment approved on February 16. In addition to the development of the railway, the SRT board has also supported a plan to build a cross-docking station in Nong Khai province, which will play a crucial part in the project’s expansion in the region. Caption: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ex-Deputy House Speaker Blamed by NACC for Serious Breach of Ethics Creative Common License via Google The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has incriminated former Deputy Agriculture Minister, Supachai Phosu, for serious breaches of ethical political behavior. He had unlawfully possessed 35.2 hectares of land in the Tha Uthen district within the Nakhon Phanom province in north-eastern Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325901-ex-deputy-house-speaker-blamed-by-nacc-for-serious-breach-of-ethics/

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has incriminated former Deputy Agriculture Minister, Supachai Phosu, for serious breaches of ethical political behavior. He had unlawfully possessed 35.2 hectares of land in the Tha Uthen district within the Nakhon Phanom province in north-eastern Thailand. As shared by NACC's Secretary-General, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, Mr. Supachai had earlier declared his assets, which included 40 plots covering the 35.2 hectares in the Dong Pathai forest. He disclosed these assets following his election as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Nakhon Phanom in 2007, his stature as deputy agriculture minister in 2008, and his subsequent election as an MP in 2019. The NACC's investigation disclosed that Mr. Supachai wasn't legally eligible to own land through the land allocation program. Instead, he purchased the land from those who were legally entitled and given Nor Sor land ownership certificates. Later, Mr. Supachai transformed this land into rubber plantations. Niwatchai explained that transfer or sale of such land is not permitted, but it can be inherited. Even after Mr. Supachai decided to give up the disputed land in July last year, the NACC Secretary-General asserted that such a delayed move doesn't absolve him of his past wrongdoings. This, Niwatchai added, has denied landless or small-scale landowners from utilizing the disputed land. In a separate case, the NACC similarly found Nakhon Ratchasima MP Suchart Pinyo at fault for serious breaches of ethical political conduct due to owning and utilizing about 40 hectares of land under a land reform program in Wang Nam Khiao forest, located in Wang Nam Khiao district. Both cases are expected to be handed over to the Criminal Division of the Supreme Court for Political Position Holders for further evaluation. Caption: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Landfill fire in Prachin Buri believed to have been caused by extremely hot weather Creative Common License via Google Yesterday afternoon, a fire ignited at a landfill in Si Maha Phot district, Prachin Buri, believed to be caused by the extreme heat of approximately 40 degrees Celsius. The fire led to thick black smoke filling the sky and an unpleasant smell spreading across. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325900-landfill-fire-in-prachin-buri-believed-to-have-been-caused-by-extremely-hot-weather/

Yesterday afternoon, a fire ignited at a landfill in Si Maha Phot district, Prachin Buri, believed to be caused by the extreme heat of approximately 40 degrees Celsius. The fire led to thick black smoke filling the sky and an unpleasant smell spreading across. Four fire trucks immediately rushed to the landfill, which spans roughly 2.7 hectares in the Nong Prong sub-district, to prevent the fire from spreading. An emergency response also included two backhoes used to clear garbage away from the site. According to the provincial public disaster prevention and mitigation office, the fire was still burning five hours after it ignited around 4pm. A local official speculated that gases from the large heap of garbage possibly triggered the fire because of the exceptionally high temperatures that day. Meanwhile, a different fire incident occurred at a chemical factory in Bangkok's Chom Thong district on Rama 2 Road. The report came in around 2am this morning, and it resulted in chemical fumes leaking into the surrounding environment. Local fire trucks, supported by a chemicals team from the district’s environment office, were deployed to the factory located in Soi 20 off Rama 2 Road to manage the leak. Emergency teams removed 12 containment drums filled with chemicals from the factory premises. By approximately 3am, officials successfully halted the leak of chemical-laden smoke. Today, environment officials plan to visit the plant to investigate the fire's origin. Caption: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Discussions Ongoing to Reduce Toll on Ngamwongwan-Rama 9 Expressway Creative Common License via Bing The Expressway Authority of Thailand (ETA) and the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy Planning are currently in talks with Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM) to lower the maximum tariff on the Ngamwongwan-Rama 9 double-deck expressway from 90 baht to 50 baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325899-discussions-ongoing-to-reduce-toll-on-ngamwongwan-rama-9-expressway/