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A joint operation between police, military, and administrative officials in Narathiwat province has led to the arrest of three individuals suspected of orchestrating a bomb attack in front of a convenience store in the district of Chanae, southern Thailand. The suspects confessed to the crime, paving the way for a manhunt for a fourth accomplice. In the early hours of yesterday, law enforcement in Narathiwat province launched a coordinated search across three targeted locations. This decisive action followed intelligence from local sources indicating the presence of a four-person group suspected of a recent bombing near an electrical pole and a Krungthai Bank ATM in front of a Mini Big C store in Chanae district. The incident, which occurred on April 4, was part of a larger pattern of property theft and suspected bomb attacks by the group. Two of the targets were located in the Sri Sakhon district, while the third was in Chanae, where the explosive device was planted. The search led to the home of 21 year old Annop Puteh, where authorities uncovered a 9mm Smith & Wesson MP9c handgun with a magazine containing nine rounds. The second location was the residence of 20 year old Asree Jeha, and the third was the home of 21 year old Salahudeen Jehena. After the search, the individuals were taken for questioning to specialised military interrogation centres, with Annop being interrogated at Task Force 41’s centre and Asree and Salahudeen at Task Force 46’s site. Salahudeen admitted his involvement in the attack, revealing that he rode a blue Honda Wave motorcycle with Annop as a passenger, placing the bomb at the ATM location. Asree was identified as the driver of a Honda Scoopy motorcycle, with a man named Mang as a passenger, who placed the bomb near the electrical pole in the parking area, reported KhaoSod. With the confession from Salahudeen, authorities are now intensifying efforts to capture the fugitive Mang, ensuring that he too faces the legal process for his involvement in the bombing. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Minister warns against fake Labubu doll scam by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Reports of a sinister scam preying on Labubu doll enthusiasts have flooded in, warned Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325780-minister-warns-against-fake-labubu-doll-scam/

Reports of a sinister scam preying on Labubu doll enthusiasts have flooded in, warned Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad. Puangpet delivered a stern warning to the public, her handbag adorned with a green Labubu doll and a pink one grasped firmly in her hand. “Prices of these coveted dolls, often reaching thousands of baht, have soared since Thai K-pop sensation Lisa from Blackpink flaunted her own Labubu on social media. “I implore consumers to exercise caution and thoroughly vet their suppliers. The packaging may seem authentic, but inside could lurk a counterfeit.” As complaints flood into the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, fears escalate over fraudulent doll deals. Labubu, with its trademark pointed ears and toothy grin, skyrocketed to fame after a single Instagram post from Lisa. Standing at a petite 18 centimetres, these dolls, created by Kasing Lung and produced by How2Work and Pop Mart, have become the ultimate collector’s item, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, Buriram celebrated BLACKPINK Lisa’s 27th birthday with a feast of meatball consumption and the unveiling of themed pants. Lisa, born in the Buriram district of Satuk, has been credited with popularising the local delicacy of standing meatball consumption, which has significantly increased sales for the vendors behind Buriram’s train station. In other news, Thai authorities have swooped on five e-cigarette outlets in the vicinity of Bangkok’s universities and residential properties, confiscating 10,000 e-cigarette products valued at 3 million baht. The operation was headed by Puangpet last Friday, April 19 in collaboration with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and officers of Lat Phrao Police Station. Among the seized items were 10,000 e-cigarettes of varying types, including standard-shaped e-cigarettes and toy pods, which are nicotine vaping devices fashioned to resemble cartoon characters. The total value of these items was estimated at 3 million baht. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport joins customer experience elite by Top Photo courtesy of Travel and Tour World Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) clinched the coveted spot as the 100th accredited airport in ACI World’s Customer Experience Accreditation Programme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325778-mae-fah-luang-chiang-rai-airport-joins-customer-experience-elite/

Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) clinched the coveted spot as the 100th accredited airport in ACI World’s Customer Experience Accreditation Programme. In a groundbreaking collaboration with Amadeus, ACI World’s Customer Experience Accreditation Programme is revolutionising the way airports worldwide approach passenger satisfaction. By equipping them with cutting-edge tools and strategies, this initiative is propelling airports towards new heights of customer service excellence. With global passenger traffic projected to skyrocket to 9.7 billion by the end of this year, and double by 2042, the need for exceptional customer experiences has never been more pressing. ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira hails this milestone as a testament to airports’ commitment to a focus on passenger experience. Amidst the celebration, Dr Kijmanawat Kerati, President of Airports of Thailand, expressed profound pride in Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport’s dedication to elevating service standards and prioritising passenger needs. The festivities kick off the ACI World #AirportCX Celebration Week from April 22 to 28, promising a week-long extravaganza dedicated to enhancing global travel experiences, reported Travel and Tour World. ACI World is gearing up to host its annual Customer Experience Summit and Exhibition from September 23 to 26 in Atlanta, US, where industry leaders will converge to explore the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of airport customer experiences. In related news, Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok secured a top ten spot in the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Terminals ranking, as announced by Skytrax. Suvarnabhumi International Airport also improved, climbing ten places to secure 58th position in the World’s Best Airport ranking. Skytrax, a renowned website for reviewing and ranking airports and airlines worldwide, conducted the rankings based on surveys and user reviews. Participants in the survey rated airports based on factors such as public transport availability, cleanliness, design, staff service, facilities, and overall experience. In other news, Thai Airways (THAI) boasts an enviable array of long-range jets, but behind the glamour lies a tale of surprises for passengers. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe image.jpeg by Top Photo courtesy of Travel and Tour World

French national arrested for selling drugs to Koh Phangan tourists Mr. Ilan, a French national, apprehended at a hotel bar in Koh Phangan District. Photo courtesy of Khaosod Surat Thani police officers arrested Mr. Ilan, a 41-year-old French national, at a hotel bar in Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province, on April 23, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325776-french-national-arrested-for-selling-drugs-to-koh-phangan-tourists/

Mr. Ilan, a French national, apprehended at a hotel bar in Koh Phangan District. Photo courtesy of Khaosod Surat Thani police officers arrested Mr. Ilan, a 41-year-old French national, at a hotel bar in Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province, on April 23, 2024. Evidence used in the arrest included 19.7 grams of cocaine, 23 ecstasy pills, a digital scale, 6,000 baht in cash, and a waist bag. Some of these items were recovered from the suspect’s leased house in Village No. 1, Subdistrict Ban Tai, Koh Phangan. Police charged Mr. Ilan with distributing Class 1 narcotic drugs (ecstasy) without permission and selling Category 2 narcotics (cocaine) without authorization. According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Sermphan Sirikong, commander of Surat Thani Provincial Police, these actions constitute trade that spreads among the people. Under the Narcotics Code, individuals who produce, import, export, distribute, or possess Category 1 narcotics without permission face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of 1,500,000 baht. Similarly, those involved with Category 2 narcotics without permission may be imprisoned for one to fifteen years and fined between 100,000 to 1,500,000 baht. Additionally, Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranyu Chamnanrat, deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 8, has instructed the establishment of a rapid mobile team, the “Pa Cha Da Special Operation Unit,” to conduct inspections at entertainment venues, hotels, service establishments, as well as risky and precarious spots to prevent and suppress crimes affecting the population. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 24 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325775-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-24-april-2024/

Thailand’s Cabinet yesterday approved a plan to select senators who will no longer be allowed to vote on who becomes prime minister, An appointed Senate was introduced following the 2014 coup and was criticized for thwarting the hugely popular Move Forward party, which won last years election. 200 new senators will now be selected via a process that involves groups of professionals from different sectors,they will have no say in deciding who forms a government. Deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn has withdrawn a complaint against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for suspending him, Hakparn was suspected of involvement in money-laundering connected with a gambling network. His complaint suggested the premier’s decision to suspend him had adversely affected his chances of becoming the next national police chief. A government committee set up to oversee the situation along the Myanmar border met for the first time yesterday, the group laid down a framework for handling refugees and security responses, fierce fighting just across the border in Maya waddy earlier prompted over 3,000 residents to flee into Thailand, Around 2,000 have since returned. Chinese EV maker Cherry will establish production facilities in Thailand supported by the BOI board of investment. The center will be located in Rayong and aims to be operational by the end of 2025. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin participated in a forum for the future of asean yesterday, saying a united and resilient Asean remains crucial for the region in navigating geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties and tackling regional and global challenges. He added that Thailand is committed to realising an inclusive Asean community A huge forest fire is raging in the golden triangle near chaingrai, the fire started 2 days ago and was thought to have been extinguished but has now spread to cover hundreds of rai of land, More than 20 fire vehicles, were dispatched to try and prevent the fire from spreading to residents' homes. Around the region North Korea Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said the country will continue to build overwhelming and the strongest military power to protect its sovereignty and regional peace, meanwhile a delegation visited Iran yesterday in a rare public report of an exchange between the two countries WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, partly cloudy 40 C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 37C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy, 35C Phuket and the south: Sunny, also cloudy with showers 33C Hua Hin: Sunny becoming cloudy this afternoon 35 - 36C AQI Orange High Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-04-24 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Drunk driver strikes police officer in early morning Patong collision by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Patong Police A drunk driver in Patong, Phuket, collided with a police officer on patrol early this morning. The incident occurred near Patong Hospital at the intersection of Phra Mettha Road and Sai Nam Yen Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325774-drunk-driver-strikes-police-officer-in-early-morning-patong-collision/

A drunk driver in Patong, Phuket, collided with a police officer on patrol early this morning. The incident occurred near Patong Hospital at the intersection of Phra Mettha Road and Sai Nam Yen Road. The drunk driver was identified as 21 year old Amornlak Bunsiri from Satun, who sustained minor injuries from the collision. The police officer, a Phuket native Police sergeant Major Teerayut Samran, suffered a minor injury to his right ankle. Rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Foundation provided first aid to Pol. Sgt. Maj. Teerayut before assisting him into the hospital. Amornlak had been operating her Honda Wave 125 motorcycle northbound along Phra Mettha Road when she ran a red light to turn onto Sai Nam Yen Road. At the same time, Pol. Sgt. Maj. Teerayut was leaving Patong Police Station on his Yamaha NMAX police motorbike to start his patrol, leading to the collision. Amornlak was taken to Patong Police Station, where an alcohol test returned a positive result with a reading of 114mg per decilitre (a BAC of 0.114). She has since been charged with drunk driving causing injury to others. In a separate incident earlier, a French national, 21 year old Mehdi Ghandi, was arrested for drunk driving on Phra Mettha Road. He was stopped and tested for alcohol between 12.30am and 2.30am, yielding a positive result with a reading of 63 milligrammes per decilitre (a BAC of 0.063). Ghandi has also been charged with driving while intoxicated. These incidents serve to highlight the persistent issue of drink driving in the region, with authorities continuing their efforts to address and mitigate the problem to the best of their abilities. Local law enforcement agencies are urging drivers to adhere to traffic rules and avoid driving under the influence to ensure safety on the roads. by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Patong Police Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chicken factory extortion scandal rocks Thai police force by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post A scandal erupted in Nakhon Pathom as eight officers from Samkwaipuak Police Station face suspension over allegations of extortion totalling 200,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325773-chicken-factory-extortion-scandal-rocks-thai-police-force/

A scandal erupted in Nakhon Pathom as eight officers from Samkwaipuak Police Station face suspension over allegations of extortion totalling 200,000 baht. Eight police officers in Nakhon Pathom have been suspended from the force following accusations of attempting to extort 200,000 baht from the owner of a chicken processing factory. The scandalous affair unfolded when the factory owner, enraged by the officers’ demands, aired her grievances on social media and filed a complaint with provincial authorities. Police Major General Suwan Chiewnawinthawat, head of Nakhon Pathom police, swiftly took action, signing an order yesterday to suspend the implicated officers pending a thorough investigation. The factory owner, who documented her ordeal on the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page and with local police, recounted a troubling encounter with the law enforcers. On March 29, the officers descended upon her factory, alleging the presence of illegal migrant workers. Despite presenting what she believed to be all necessary documentation, the officers persisted in their accusations, even threatening legal reprisals. According to her testimony, matters escalated when the officers demanded a staggering 200,000 baht as a form of donation. Refusing to succumb to their pressure, she rebuffed their demands, which were later purportedly slashed to 15,000 baht. The controversy took a dramatic turn when a widely circulated video emerged, capturing the moment the factory owner handed over the alleged bribe to one of the accused officers at Samkwaipuak Police Station. The footage, shared on social media platforms, sparked outrage and intensified scrutiny of police conduct. Further revelations surfaced as the factory owner accused the officers of habitual extortion under the guise of merit-making fundraisers, reported Bangkok Post. Allegedly coerced into frequent contributions, she claimed to have relented to smaller sums in recent times, enraging the officers and inciting the subsequent raid on her premises. In related news, extortion practices by a special task force from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives were put in the spotlight as Senator Poldej Pinprateep levelled serious accusations against the group during a Senate debate. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Former officials to face charges for 2004 Tak Bai massacre Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Nine former officials linked to the 2004 Tak Bai massacre will face criminal charges as the case approaches its 20-year statute of limitations. Lawyers for the victims' families are spearheading the legal action, intending to file charges including unlawful detention, murder, and malfeasance at the Narathiwat Provincial Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325772-former-officials-to-face-charges-for-2004-tak-bai-massacre/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Nine former officials linked to the 2004 Tak Bai massacre will face criminal charges as the case approaches its 20-year statute of limitations. Lawyers for the victims' families are spearheading the legal action, intending to file charges including unlawful detention, murder, and malfeasance at the Narathiwat Provincial Court. Adilan Ali-Ishoh of the Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation disclosed that all victims' families have authorized the foundation to represent them. The accused include top southern army officers and key police and Interior Ministry officials. The Tak Bai tragedy unfolded during a protest in Narathiwat on October 25, 2004, resulting in seven deaths at the site and 78 fatalities during transportation to a military camp in Pattani province. It is seen as a trigger for increased violence in southern Muslim-majority provinces during Thaksin Shinawatra's premiership. Ali-Ishoh acknowledged the challenges ahead but pledged to fight for justice, thanking those who contributed to gathering evidence, including an independent investigation led by former ombudsman Pichet Sunthornpipit. Despite some victims receiving government compensation, human rights groups, including Amnesty International, criticized the lack of comprehensive reparations and access to justice, urging for accountability beyond financial settlements. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Horrific accident claims 4 lives, injures 6 A collision involving trucks has resulted in 4 deaths and 6 injuries. The incident occurred when a pickup truck crossed lanes and collided with several vehicles, causing the fatalities and injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325769-horrific-accident-claims-4-lives-injures-6/

A collision involving trucks has resulted in 4 deaths and 6 injuries. The incident occurred when a pickup truck crossed lanes and collided with several vehicles, causing the fatalities and injuries. Investigation suggest that the pickup truck driver may have fallen asleep, leading to the vehicle drifting across lanes and causing the accident, reported Thai Rath. Two young men on a motorcycle and passengers in the pickup truck were among the victims. Additionally, a further 6 individuals were injured. The accident took place on the Pho Thong-Chaiyo road near Wat Pa Munee, Ang Thong Province, Thailand. Authorities are coordinating with medical teams and rescue personnel to assess the situation. The pickup truck driver, still in critical condition, must recover before further investigation. Picture: Thai Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Picture: Thai Rath

Phuket immigration arrest Syrian fugitive with fake passports Picture: Daily News Phuket Immigration Police apprehended Mr. Mohannad Almazi, a 52-year-old Syrian national, who attempted to flee the war using fake passports. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325767-phuket-immigration-arrest-syrian-fugitive-with-fake-passports/

Phuket Immigration Police apprehended Mr. Mohannad Almazi, a 52-year-old Syrian national, who attempted to flee the war using fake passports. He was caught at the departure area with passports from Syria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reported Daily News. Inspection revealed discrepancies in the passport details, prompting further investigation. Almazi admitted to obtaining the fake passports via Facebook, intending to travel to the UAE due to its visa flexibility and escape Syria's conflict. He faces charges for possessing and intending to use fake passports. The suspect was detained and handed over for legal proceedings. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Oldest person found at 114 years old, living in Krabi Picture: Daily News On April 23, 2024, officials from Krabi conducted health check-ups for two elderly people over 100 years old: Mrs. Sa Bohna, 104, and Mrs. Li Faon, 103. Both require close care due to their age. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325764-oldest-person-found-at-114-years-old-living-in-krabi/

On April 23, 2024, officials from Krabi conducted health check-ups for two elderly people over 100 years old: Mrs. Sa Bohna, 104, and Mrs. Li Faon, 103. Both require close care due to their age. Mr. Kirit Sakakorn, Deputy Chairman of Krabi Education Council, stated they annually visit elderly people over 100 years old, starting in 2022, providing essential items and 5,000 baht eachm reported Daily News. Initially, in 2022, they found over 60 elderly people over 100, but more than 10 have passed away. In 2024, they found 53, with one person, Mrs. Paeng Chankul, aged 114, still able to walk. Additionally, in Nuea Khlong District, nine elderly people over 100 were found, some still able to read and do small tasks. Picture: Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Deposed Deputy Police Chief Retreats From Legal Battle Against PM By Thai Newsroom Reporters Former deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, left, and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, right. IN WHAT WAS SEEN as a surprise withdrawal, former deputy police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn has changed his mind to no longer wage a legal battle against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pol. Gen. Surachate yesterday (Apr. 23) withdrew his complaint which he had filed yesterday with the National Anti-Corruption Commission to accuse the Pheu Thai-backed prime minister of perpetrating power abuse by having earlier named Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimon as police chief and by deposing him from the post of deputy police chief in the face of money laundering charges allegedly involving kickbacks from illegal online gambling operators. Pol. Gen. Surachate was only quoted as saying he had decidedly had “no doubts” about the prime minister’s acts which may be evidently affecting him and finally had his lawyer withdraw his complaint. Nevertheless, the NACC is yet obliged to investigate allegations of power abuse committed by the prime minister following a petition earlier lodged by former police chief Seripisut Temiyavej, said NACC secretary-general Niwatichai Kasemmongkol. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Video Shows Taxi Striking Pedestrian at Bangkok Crosswalk: Public Outcry Ignites Debate on Road Safety Laws By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok—On April 23rd, 2024, Thai social media users posted a video of a pedestrian being hit by a taxi while legally crossing the road at a crosswalk in front of Asiatique The Riverfront, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325760-video-shows-taxi-striking-pedestrian-at-bangkok-crosswalk-public-outcry-ignites-debate/

Bangkok—On April 23rd, 2024, Thai social media users posted a video of a pedestrian being hit by a taxi while legally crossing the road at a crosswalk in front of Asiatique The Riverfront, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok. In response to the viral video of the accident, Wat Phraya Krai police officers publicly revealed the case details that the officers received via an accident report at 1:36 PM, on April 20th. The video shows a dozen pedestrians waiting to cross the road. The emergency services and police officers were dispatched to the accident scene and found a taxi driver, publicly identified only as Mr. Patsathi, 58, and a victim, publicly identified only as Mr. Thanat, 44. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe