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Foreigners resident in Thailand are beginning to feel a financial strain due to the UK government's pension freeze policy. Three British individuals have experienced this challenge, providing insights about a difficult reality that contrasts sharply with the country's sunny appeal. John Jones, 77, had enjoyed a lively international lifestyle but now, due to the frozen pension policy, his retirement plans are suffering. Residing in rural Thailand, Jones struggles with a heart condition adding to his financial woes. Rising living costs are hitting him particularly hard. According to Jones, market items that were affordable thirteen years ago now seem overly expensive. The budget constraints hinder any saving capacities and he lives quite a simple life. His fellow Briton, Jeffrey Barnes, 77, from Offham, Kent, shares a similar fate. Although receiving a comfortable private pension, the unfairness of the frozen state pension policy aggravates him. Meanwhile, 55-year-old Linz Gelthorpe and his 61-year-old wife, Julie, find their dream relocation to Thailand tarnished by unforeseen financial challenges. The problem lies in the UK Government’s position to freeze state pensions for its nationals living in non-European countries like Thailand. The policy precludes them from receiving the annual increment accessible to those residing in the UK. Reportedly, it affects over 480,000 globally. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), despite mounting criticism, stands by this policy, asserting that it has been in place for over 70 years. However, this isn't much consolation for the British foreigners who are still managing these financial realities. Photo: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-26 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Japanese gang members escape to Laos after a killing in Nonthaburi Creative Common License via Google Authorities in Thailand have named two Japanese individuals in connection with a horrific murder case of a compatriot. The accused, who are also recognized as members of a top yakuza gang in Japan, have fled to Laos. Thai officials are now working with counterparts in Laos to arrange their extradition. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325789-thai-man-arrested-in-connection-with-japanese-mans-murder-in-nonthaburi/?do=findComment&comment=18872343

Japanese gang members escape to Laos after a killing in Nonthaburi Authorities in Thailand have named two Japanese individuals in connection with a horrific murder case of a compatriot. The accused, who are also recognized as members of a top yakuza gang in Japan, have fled to Laos. Thai officials are now working with counterparts in Laos to arrange their extradition. The incident came to light following the discovery of human body parts in a forest in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok, which were identified as those of 47-year-old Japanese man, Kabashima Ryosuke. A local Thai man, 30-year-old Kritsakorn “Game” Jaiphitak, was apprehended by police in connection with the case. Game revealed the identity of the culprits as Japanese nationals, Kato Takuya, aged 50 and 28-year-old Suzuki Hiroto. While Game admitted to aiding in the disposal of the body, he denied any responsibility for the murder. ThaiRath confirmed on April 26, that the Japanese suspects had entered Laos by boat, via the Nakhon Phanom border. Thai authorities suspect the two are currently hiding in the Thakhek District, Khammouane province, Laos. The suspected murderers are allegedly associated with a prominent yakuza gang in Japan and are wanted by Japanese law enforcement agencies. One is reported to be a vice president of the gang, accused of operating illegal businesses in Thailand for a considerable period. The murder victim, Ryosuke, was also believed to be a member of this gang, and his death is suspected to be gang-related. Game, the local Thai suspect, has been denied bail due to the seriousness of the crime and has been moved from Bang Bua Thong Police Station to Nonthaburi Provincial Court for temporary detention. Game's father, in an interview with ThaiRath, shared his son was employed by the Japanese suspects for a good wage of 1,000 baht per day. However, he was unsure about his son's involvement in the murder or the illicit businesses. Photo: Creative Common License via Google -- 2024-04-26 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Agoda reports an increase in Japanese tourists interested in Thai vacations Creative Commons License via Google The travel website Agoda has noted a surge in interest for Thailand among Japanese vacationers. With Japan's Golden Week holiday nearing, Thailand has become the second favorite destination for these tourists, with South Korea being the first. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325991-agoda-reports-an-increase-in-japanese-tourists-interested-in-thai-vacations/

The travel website Agoda has noted a surge in interest for Thailand among Japanese vacationers. With Japan's Golden Week holiday nearing, Thailand has become the second favorite destination for these tourists, with South Korea being the first. This year, the extended Golden Week holiday starts on Monday, April 29, and will last until May 6. According to an article in the Bangkok Post, Agoda users from Japan have increased their searches for Thailand by 60% from January to mid-March, 2024, when compared to the same timeframe last year. Taiwan follows Thailand in popularity, with the US and Vietnam taking the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Popular cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui continue to attract Japanese travelers. However, interest in other places such as Chon Buri and Khao Lak is also growing, according to Pierre Honne, a senior director at Agoda. He stated, "Japanese travelers are exploring more of Thailand, extending trips beyond its traditional hotspots like Bangkok and Pattaya to discover Chon Buri and the coastline of Khao Lak." Photo: Creative Commons License via Google -- 2024-04-26 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Hospital in Bangkok Fined 100,000 Baht for Rejecting Injured Patient Creative Commons License via Google The Vibharam Hospital, a private healthcare facility in Bangkok, was fined 100,000 baht for not treating a critically injured patient who later succumbed to his injuries. The hospital previously rejected another fatally injured individual. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325990-hospital-in-bangkok-fined-100000-baht-for-rejecting-injured-patient/

The Vibharam Hospital, a private healthcare facility in Bangkok, was fined 100,000 baht for not treating a critically injured patient who later succumbed to his injuries. The hospital previously rejected another fatally injured individual. The incident states that the Emergency Medicine Committee (EMC) imposed the penalty on the hospital for failing to provide treatment to a policeman. The police officer was hit by a vehicle not far from the hospital, while on duty. Evidence shared with the EMC, including witness accounts, showed that the hospital twice declined the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) unit's plea to treat the officer. Consequently, the injured officer had to be taken to another hospital where he was eventually declared dead. The EMC stated that the hospital was obliged to provide treatment to the injured person given the critical nature of the emergency. The committee members recognized this incident as the second instance where the hospital declined to treat a severely injured patient. In a similar case from December last year, the hospital refused to treat a Taiwanese tourist who was injured by a car while crossing the road. The tourist had to be taken to a different hospital where he later died from his injuries. Photo: Creative Commons License via Google -- 2024-04-26 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Insurgents in Yala kill a defense volunteer and injure five others A defense volunteer in the Bannang Sata district of Thailand's Yala province was killed today, and five others were injured in an incident involving gunfire and an explosion. The volunteer killed was Mada-oh Waeyeegao who was returning home from a prayer meeting when he was shot by someone on the back of a bike. The tragedy occurred in Bacho sub-district, and Waeyeegao died on the spot. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325989-insurgents-in-yala-kill-a-defense-volunteer-and-injure-five-others/

A defense volunteer in the Bannang Sata district of Thailand's Yala province was killed today, and five others were injured in an incident involving gunfire and an explosion. The volunteer killed was Mada-oh Waeyeegao who was returning home from a prayer meeting when he was shot by someone on the back of a bike. The tragedy occurred in Bacho sub-district, and Waeyeegao died on the spot. Shortly afterwards, an explosion hit a pickup truck carrying five volunteers who were coming to aid Waeyeegao. The blast was set off by rebels hidden in nearby bushes. The explosion injured the five volunteers and damaged their vehicle. Additional help later came to transport the injured people to a local hospital. The area was closed off subsequent to the discovery of another suspicious gadget attached to a utility pole. -- 2024-04-26 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Biomass power stations in Pattani targeted in arsonist attack Creative Commons License via Google Two biomass power plants in Pattani, the southernmost province of Thailand, were targeted in an arson attack early this morning. The incidents happened in the districts of Mae Larn and Sabayoi at the same time. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325988-biomass-power-stations-in-pattani-targeted-in-arsonist-attack/

Two biomass power plants in Pattani, the southernmost province of Thailand, were targeted in an arson attack early this morning. The incidents happened in the districts of Mae Larn and Sabayoi at the same time. In the Mae Larn district, three people, dressed in black and armed, broke into the biomass plant in the Moo 7 region shortly after midnight. The security guards were forced off the site before a second group arrived. This group doused the machinery and stored items in petrol, setting them on fire. A car parked outside the building was also set alight. Buildings and property were damaged, but no injuries were reported. Similarly, in the Sabayoi district, a biomass power plant was set on fire. Police were alerted around 1am of the blaze. CCTV footage revealed a group of four people, armed and dressed in black as in the previous attack, intentionally setting the building on fire. Photo: Creative Commons License via Google -- 2024-04-26 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Could the digital wallet pose a challenge to both Pheu Thai and conservatives? Creative Commons License via Google The Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, appears troubled as continued discussions about the government's flagship policy, digital wallet, are carried on. These discussions are especially significant as previously, many conservatives have shied away from this hot topic. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325986-could-the-digital-wallet-pose-a-challenge-to-both-pheu-thai-and-conservatives/

The Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, appears troubled as continued discussions about the government's flagship policy, digital wallet, are carried on. These discussions are especially significant as previously, many conservatives have shied away from this hot topic. This platform is socio-politically impactful since it links back to Thailand's primary division - disagreement over the corruption of Pheu Thai's leaders and Pheu Thai's populist practices which some argue led to corruption and harmed the state's money management. Various people have criticized the digital wallet proposal for promoting unhealthy populism, and have suspected that it may favor large corporations. Fears of corruption have also been raised. The Srettha government's digital wallet resembles the Yingluck administration's rice pledging scheme. Both these agendas have faced conservative attacks, though less so for the digital wallet. Legally, the issue presents more concerns. The Constitution necessitates that the Cabinet must declare to the Parliament how it plans to fund state policies. Srettha's government only clarified its funding plans recently, which may lead to problems. Furthermore, the political party law states that campaigning parties must clearly outline how they intend to fund their election promises in order to curb unaffordable or risky economic vows. A primary concern is the use of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. The Pheu Thai government attempted to pull out significant amounts from the annual budget for the years 2024 and 2025 in place of its discarded legislative loan plan. This raises questions about whether it's right to divert large amounts of the bank's assets, often a lifeline for struggling farmers, to a politically charged agenda. The fact that taxpayer contributions are required for the digital wallet could be a ticking time bomb. The Central Bank also opposes the digital wallet. It proposed narrowing down the participants to only those who are truly economically vulnerable, an idea the government dismissed. A party named Move Forward seems to have substantially benefited by not forming a government with Pheu Thai. Yet, it has not fully capitalized on the opportunity as it did little during the election campaign and since Pheu Thai assumed power. Most of the criticisms have come from present or past finance technocrats, not politicians. Still, it's fair to say that Move Forward has managed to avoid a potential criticism bullet. Photo: Creative Commons License via Google -- 2024-04-26 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Arrest Made in Pathum Thani Amphetamine Bust, Cambodian National in Custody Creative Commons License via Microsoft Bing A Cambodian woman suspected of being part of a notorious drug syndicate called First Klong Luang was arrested in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani, Thailand. The police seized an unexpected 2.8 million pills of amphetamine from the woman's residence. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325985-arrest-made-in-pathum-thani-amphetamine-bust-cambodian-national-in-custody/

A Cambodian woman suspected of being part of a notorious drug syndicate called First Klong Luang was arrested in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani, Thailand. The police seized an unexpected 2.8 million pills of amphetamine from the woman's residence. The woman, Saraitus On, 30, was revealed to be a major part of a drug trafficking operation, alongside her Thai husband known as Virayuth or First. Their job was to transport large quantities of amphetamines from the northern parts of Thailand to central areas. Virayuth, however, was able to escape capture by hiding in a nearby canal, abandoning his wife who was arrested. The authorities found an additional stash of 2.5 million amphetamine tablets in a nearby car, plus a 9-millimeter pistol. Law enforcement agencies have been tracking Klong Luang since December last year. They initially suspected a man, Sarayuth, believed to be running the operation remotely. Their investigation led them to a house in Nong Khae, Saraburi, rented by Virayuth and Saraitus. This was where the couple stored the drugs before moving them to Nong Suea for sale. However, the couple seemed to have received a tip-off and moved their illegal stash to Nong Suea, where Saraitus was ultimately arrested. Virayuth remains at large. As per reports from Pattaya News, the authorities seized a total of 5.3 million amphetamine pills, with 2.3 million more already distributed. The Deputy Minister of the Interior, Chada Thaiseth, who had urged a tough clampdown on drug dealers, led this successful operation against drug trafficking. This was part of an effort to eliminate illegal drugs from Thai society. Photo: Creative Commons License via Microsoft Bing -- 2024-04-26 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Israeli detained in Phuket for illegally keeping 3 macaques Creative Commons License via Google Following a tip-off, police have arrested an Israeli businessman, Zuri Yozee, in Phuket for unlawfully keeping three pig-tailed macaques. The arrest took place yesterday after the local Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, or "Greencop," got information about a foreign business owner in Phuket's Patong neighborhood keeping these protected monkeys at his home in the Katu district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325983-israeli-detained-in-phuket-for-illegally-keeping-3-macaques/

Following a tip-off, police have arrested an Israeli businessman, Zuri Yozee, in Phuket for unlawfully keeping three pig-tailed macaques. The arrest took place yesterday after the local Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, or "Greencop," got information about a foreign business owner in Phuket's Patong neighborhood keeping these protected monkeys at his home in the Katu district. Reports state that Yozee was spotted riding a motorcycle with a monkey in the Katu district on April 23. His home was pinpointed with the help of locals who heard monkey sounds coming from there. After acquiring a search warrant, police officers raided Yozee's house where they found a large cage with the three monkeys. Yozee, a 61-year-old businessman who has been operating businesses in Phuket for over a decade, admitted that he did not have the necessary permits to keep the monkeys. He also claimed that he did not know that pig-tailed macaques are protected under Thai law. Under the Wild Animal Preservation and Protection Act's Section 17, Yozee is now facing charges for keeping protected wildlife without proper authorization. If convicted, he may face up to five years in jail or a fine of up to 500,000 baht ($16,000). The monkeys, one of them just four months old, were unwell and have been moved to the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary for treatment. They will be relocated to the Phang Nga Wildlife Sanctuary once their health improves. This incident comes after another one in February when a Chinese woman was arrested for displaying a lion cub at a coffee shop in Phuket. She confessed to buying the cub in Bangkok for 250,000 baht ($8,000) without a permit. Her actions may cause her to face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to 50,000 baht ($1600), or both. Photo: Creative Commons License via Google -- 2024-04-26 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

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