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Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Authorities in Phuket conducted a sting operation at a local karaoke establishment after uncovering evidence of minors being exploited for prostitution. A 13 year old was found among those being offered for sexual services. The operation, spearheaded by high-ranking police officials, led to the arrest of the 39 year old owner, who confessed to knowingly profiting from the illicit trade. Under the directive of Sarawut Keawsopa, the commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, an investigation team descended upon a karaoke bar in the Ratsada district of Phuket. Intelligence had suggested that girls under 18 were employed at the establishment and forced into sex work. The venue, a single-story building equipped with coin-operated karaoke machines, was operated by Saphawal aka Peun. She had hired underage female staff to drink with customers, a front for the darker business of prostitution. Two girls, referred to as A and B, aged 14 and 13 respectively, were discovered during the operation. The officers devised a plan to pose as customers, negotiating the purchase of sexual services from the 13 year old girl. They agreed to pay 3,000 baht for the girl’s services, plus an additional 400 baht as a commission to the establishment, with Saphawal directly handling the transaction. Following the exchange, the authorities revealed their identities and proceeded to detain the karaoke bar owner for questioning. Saphawal admitted that she had only recently taken over the business from its previous owner earlier in the year. She acknowledged her awareness of the sex trade occurring within her premises and confirmed her share in the profits, receiving 400 baht for each transaction, reported KhaoSod. Following her admission, Saphawal was taken into custody by the Anti-Human Trafficking Division for further investigation and legal proceedings. In related news, a fourth Russian woman has been arrested in Wichit, Phuket for providing illicit sexual services. The suspect, a 22 year old Russian national, was nabbed on Monday, March 18, during a clandestine operation at a local hotel. -- The Thaiger 2024-03-30

The House of Representatives voted in favour of legalising gambling while boosting the nation’s economy. The special commission championing the creation of integrated entertainment complexes unveiled its plan, urging the government to join hands with the private sector. The commission stressed that public involvement is key, advocating for the legalisation of specific gambling forms like Thai boxing to drive this initiative forward. The commission’s exhaustive study revealed promising prospects: these complexes could smash unemployment rates and deal a knockout blow to illegal gambling. But beware, it cautioned, as such ventures could also unleash a plethora of addiction and crime, potentially ruffling the feathers of religious sensibilities. As the debate raged on at the House of Representatives, opinions clashed. Supporters hailed the plan as a sure-fire way to clean up the streets and bolster the nation’s coffers. Yet, sceptics remained unconvinced, doubting its efficacy in stamping out the scourge of illegal gambling once and for all. ORIGINAL STORY: Thailand mulls over legalising casinos to boost economy Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin advocated for the establishment of entertainment complexes housing casinos in the country. The 62 year old prime minister stated his belief yesterday, March 28, that legalising casinos could potentially extinguish illegal gambling dens and divert gamblers’ money towards the state. The Thai PM further added that these complexes would operate under proper regulations, leading to efficient tax collection. This statement was given as the House of Representatives gave their approval to a report prepared by the House committee, which was specifically set up to study the feasibility of such complexes. Prime Minister Srettha addressed the concerns about the potential negative social implications of opening casinos, stating that these complexes would be lawfully regulated with security agencies and local officials overseeing them. Julapun Amornvivat, Deputy Finance Minister and chair of the House committee, stated yesterday that the study found considerable economic benefits in these entertainment complexes, although negative impacts were also foreseeable. “Such complexes would create jobs, boost tourism, and curb illegal gambling.” The study advised that a bill should be enacted, providing a legal basis for the operation of these complexes. It also suggested that local individuals would be employed in these complexes, ensuring local communities benefit through job opportunities and new forms of tax, such as gaming and gambling tax from the complexes. Entertainment complex Julapun explained that these complexes would not only house casinos but also feature hotels, shopping malls, and amusement parks, and would require a minimum investment of 100 billion baht. The study proposed that the inaugural entertainment complex should be launched near the Eastern Economic Corridor. If successful, similar complexes would be introduced in other regions. The House committee also looked into successful regulation measures based on models from Singapore and the US to prevent potential problems in these complexes. A portion of the revenue from these complexes would be allocated to a fund designed to support measures to assist those affected and prevent excessive gambling. Julapun added that the study would be submitted to the cabinet for consideration following its approval by the House. The Cabinet might seek additional feedback from all sectors before deciding on the study’s recommendations. “If a bill regarding the opening of the complexes is tabled to parliament, details will be discussed again.” Chakkrapol Tangsutthitham, the deputy chairman of the House committee, anticipates the bill regarding the opening of the complexes to be enacted by the end of the year. However, representatives from civil networks across 16 provinces expressed their concerns by submitting a letter of protest against the entertainment complexes to the House committee. They highlighted potential issues that may arise, such as family problems, debts, and gambling addiction. -- The Thaiger 2024-03-30

PHUKET, Thailand – A tragic motorcycle accident on the island of Phuket has claimed the lives of three people, including two foreign nationals. The collision occurred in the early hours on a road leading to Rawai beach. Police identified the deceased as Joseph Kristofer (36), Magnus Stefan Anderson (52), and Kanokkarn Taphao (44). The nationalities of the foreign victims were not immediately released. A fourth individual, Pattarawarin Pholtham (18), sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-29

Thai authorities conducted a raid on a suspected Chinese-led scam gang operating in southern Thailand, resulting in the arrest of approximately 90 individuals. The raid, which reportedly took place in Nakhon Si Thammarat, also led to the seizure of more than 2,000 pieces of evidence. According to reports, the apprehended group is believed to have been involved in a variety of fraudulent activities. These activities allegedly included stock market scams, creating fake hotel reservations, and facilitating illegal money transfers. The raid signifies a significant development in Thailand's fight against transnational criminal activity. The large number of arrests and the volume of evidence seized suggest a potentially extensive operation. It is expected that further investigations will reveal more details about the scope of the scam, including the methods used and the reach of the international network involved. The raid has also sparked concerns about the potential involvement of Chinese nationals in criminal activity within Thailand. While the details of the arrested individuals' nationalities are not yet confirmed, reports suggest a Chinese connection. This raises questions about the possible existence of wider Chinese-led criminal networks operating in Thailand and the measures that Thai authorities are taking to address this issue. Overall, the raid on the alleged Chinese-led scam gang highlights Thailand's ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime. The large scale of the operation and the focus on financial scams suggest that Thai authorities are prioritizing the disruption of these lucrative criminal activities. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-29

Rayong: -- At least six construction workers were killed and several others injured after a crane collapsed at a construction site on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred at a Chinese-run steel factory in Rayong, Thailand. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. Migrant workers employed at the site staged a protest demanding compensation from the owner, temporarily delaying rescue efforts. This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by construction workers and the need for stricter safety regulations on worksites. It also underscores the often-precarious situation of migrant workers, who may lack adequate protection and support systems. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the crane, according to Bangkok Post -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-29 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email marketing[at]aseannow.com for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

In a bizarre turn of events, a woman in America took to Reddit to share a story of post-breakup revenge that has captured the attention of social media users worldwide. After ending her relationship, her ex-boyfriend, a licensed plumber, retaliated by removing the toilet from her bathroom, leaving her in a rather inconvenient predicament. The woman expressed her frustration, stating that since the toilet was stolen, she had to resort to using restrooms in nearby restaurants to address her needs. The unexpected act of removing a toilet as a form of revenge has sparked a mixture of amusement and disbelief among Reddit users, with comments ranging from humorous to critical. The woman described the breakup, indicating that her ex-boyfriend’s frugality was a contributing factor to their split. She claimed he was stingy to the point of refusing to tip waiters and even sharing in the payment of electricity bills during their time living together. As the story unfolded online, the social media community was abuzz with reactions. One commenter found the situation hilarious, saying she should be upset about the breakup and missing toilet, yet she seemed to be taking it all in stride. Another remarked on the ex-boyfriend’s thoroughness in removing the toilet cleanly. A third comment called the act childish, suggesting that he should have left like an adult. Someone else bluntly referred to the ex as trash. Amidst the comments, there were also warnings about the potential dangers of exposed sewer gas, advising the woman to seal the open drain as quickly as possible to prevent any risk of flammable vapours. Fortunately, the woman’s ordeal came to an end when she managed to get in touch with another plumber, who installed a new toilet for her. It’s a reminder that the end of a relationship can sometimes give rise to unexpected and even outlandish consequences, reported Sanook. -- The Thaiger 2024-03-29

A fugitive involved in a fatal shooting at a restaurant in Surat Thani who fled to Chiang Rai has been arrested at his son’s ordination ceremony. Police Major General Mantri Teskhan, Chief of Provincial Police, ordered Police Colonel Patthanasak Buppasuwannakorn, along with his deputies, to capture 49 year old Charan (surname withheld) under a warrant issued by the Wiang Sa District Court on March 21 for premeditated murder. The arrest was made in the parking lot of a temple in Rim Khong, Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai province. The case dates back to August 22, 2006, when Charan shot the victim, 54 year old Wichai (surname withheld) over a land dispute. Wichai, who had a history of conflicts with Charan, was shot dead while shopping at a local food store in his village in Wiang Sa district, Surat Thani province. Charan approached on a motorcycle, dismounted, and fired at Wichai from behind, causing immediate death, before fleeing the scene. The search for the suspect continued until police received a tip that Charan was hiding in Chiang Khong, working in a rubber plantation. It was also learned that he would attend his son’s ordination ceremony at a certain temple, which led to his capture, reported KhaoSod. Despite his arrest, Charan has denied all charges during interrogation. He is now in the custody of Wiang Sa Police Station, where legal proceedings will follow. In related news, the Phuket authorities apprehended a 17 year old boy on Wednesday after he allegedly shot a 16 year old boy near the Phuket Mining Museum. The incident was reported to the police around 1.35am when the young victim was targeted whilst riding his motorcycle. An unidentified man in a white pickup truck approached him and fired a shot, hitting the teenager in his left arm. In other news, a 15 year old boy was savagely beaten and murdered by a group of five teenagers, who then concealed his body by throwing it into a reservoir in Chiang Mai. -- The Thaiger 2024-03-29

A grisly murder case has unfolded with the discovery of a body believed to be that of a 56 year old cockfighting arena owner who had been missing since February 1. The body was found near a palm plantation, approximately four kilometres from the main road, tied up and with evidence suggesting acid had been poured over it. The body was discovered on March 26 and subsequently sent for a thorough forensic examination to confirm its identity. The following day, the news team travelled to the deceased’s sister’s home in Chumphon province, where relatives confirmed the body was indeed that of a cockfighting arena owner named Khanop. The victim’s niece, Jaruwan, acknowledged the resemblance in the photographs and praised the police for their efforts in the search. Amid grieving, Khanop’s wife, referred to as Jae Uan, discussed property distribution among her children, relatives, and Khanop’s children. She expressed a desire to prepare for her husband’s funeral before turning herself in to the police, anticipating her imminent arrest. Jae also cursed her husband’s mistress, Nong Kae, vowing to exclude her from any inheritance and wishing her to face the consequences of her actions. On the other side, Khanop’s second wife, Nong, expressed her grief and the hope that he was still alive before the body was found. She had been searching for him daily for 55 days and insisted she wanted no part in his estate. Nong also revealed that Khanop’s relatives invited her to the funeral, but she was concerned for her safety. As of today, police have taken Jae into custody for further questioning regarding the murder. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, as the investigation continues to unravel the motives and circumstances behind this harrowing crime, reported Sanook. In related news, a son murdered his father in family dispute. The deceased, Songsakran, was known by locals for his drastic change of behaviour when under the influence of alcohol. According to his 81year old father, Chingchai, Songsakran was a good person when sober but became aggressive and quarrelsome after drinking. -- The Thaiger 2024-03-29

A 15 year old boy was savagely beaten and murdered by a group of five teenagers, who then concealed his body by throwing it into a reservoir in Chiang Mai. The assailants, aged between 15 and 17, admitted to the crime, citing a dislike for the victim’s character as the motive. Law enforcement officials apprehended five youths responsible for the brutal murder of a teenage boy in Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai. The victim, known only as A, was discovered yesterday in a water drainage pipe at the San Nong reservoir, following a search that began after he went missing on Tuesday night. Initially believed to have drowned while fleeing from an altercation, the subsequent investigation revealed a more sinister cause of death. An autopsy conducted by the local police and a hospital medical examiner found that the boy had sustained severe head injuries inflicted by a blunt object. This evidence, alongside witness statements, led to the conclusion that the boy’s death was a case of murder rather than an accident. The young victim’s body had been intentionally concealed in the water to cover up the crime. The investigative team from the Mae Chaem Police Station swiftly traced and detained all five suspects involved in the attack. During interrogation, the teenagers, whose ages range from 15 to 17, confessed to the crime. They expressed animosity towards the deceased, alleging that he had a disagreeable personality and had been a school dropout, which might have fueled their contempt. According to the suspects’ confessions, the group confronted the victim, which led to the boy fleeing in panic. The chase ended with the victim being caught and viciously attacked, and his body was carried and discarded into the water, reported KhaoSod. The police have since conducted a reenactment with the accused at the crime scene. In related news, two suspects were apprehended in connection with the fatal shooting of a village headman who was killed outside his home in Surat Thani province. -- The Thaiger 2024-03-29

A Thai man exposed his father for stealing electricity to run an ice manufacturing plant in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. He also accused officers from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of conspiring with his father. The 39 year old man, identified only as L, revealed to Channel 3 that he is his father’s eldest son and used to be a manager of the ice factory. He decided to quit his family business in May last year after learning that his father stole electricity from the government. L explained that he asked his father to end the theft but he denied stealing the electricity. He then searched for evidence until finding that the factory paid about 400,000 baht for electricity in the past but now only pays 200,000 baht. After leaving both the company and the family, L requested his father to remove his name from the management board. He did so because he wished to avoid further charges and imprisonment stemming from his involvement in the electricity theft. L isn’t certain whether his father adhered to his request or not, hence he altered his surname to distinguish it from his father’s. L went on to explain that he decided to share this story with the media because there had been no development on the case. He reported the electricity theft to the PEA hoping that an investigation into the matter would be conducted. However, certain authorities informed his father about his complaint and assisted him in concealing the theft. Furthermore, the case has been disregarded and has not progressed since last year. L stated his readiness to face the consequences of his actions. He relinquished all inheritance he was due to receive and was prepared to fend for himself. Despite not holding as prominent a position as before, his work was lawful. -- The Thaiger 2024-03-29

A Thai man warned locals about a ladyboy he encountered while fishing at the Kok River in the northern province of Chiang Rai. The transwoman appeared naked, offered sex, and masturbated in front of him. The 35 year old Thai man shared pictures of the naked ladyboy on a Facebook group of local fishers in Chiang Rai. “Losing another fishing spot. I encountered a naked ladyboy. She called me over to her and even approached me. No time to waste. I immediately ran away!” The man later recounted the encounter with the ladyboy to MGR Online, stating that he went to the Kok River bank near the Chiang Rai Provincial Hall on March 26 for a spot of fishing. While he was fishing, a grey SUV arrived at the scene and parked about 20 to 30 meters away from him. The ladyboy exited the car and stared at him. He initially thought the transwoman was a fisher and decided to pack his things to move to another spot because more people scare away the fish. Unexpectedly, the ladyboy gradually removed her clothes until she was naked and then walked toward him. He initially thought she was a woman but realised she was a ladyboy when she came closer. According to the man, the ladyboy was masturbating while walking towards him. She beckoned him to come to her and made a heart sign with her finger to him. The man stated he was frightened and rushed into his car before secretly taking photos of the ladyboy. The man disclosed that he had frequented the fishing spot on numerous occasions in the past and had occasionally noticed a group of transwomen assembling there. Nevertheless, he had never witnessed them engaging in any inappropriate or explicit behaviour like this before. His post garnered attention from the Facebook group members and also several Thai news agencies. Netizens flooded the comment section with humorous reactions, while others expressed fear. Photo by นายปาเกียว’ พเนจร via Facebook group/ กลุ่มคนชอบตกปลาช่อน(ข้างทาง) -- The Thaiger 2024-03-29

A Kick streamer found himself in hot water during a night out in Thailand on Monday, as he broadcasted his escapades to his online audience. What started as a boastful declaration of wanting to engage in a brawl quickly turned into a confrontation with enraged locals. As the American national, known as Jino, strutted down a bustling street, his stream captured him expressing his desire for a physical altercation. “I don’t care if I gotta fight 3 v 1, I just wanna hit a motherf*cker right now. I wanna kill a *** right now. I just wanna gut a **** live, bro.” The situation escalated when the Kick streamer seemed to threaten a bystander off-camera, causing uproar among the onlookers. A group of furious locals confronted Jino, prompting him to backtrack frantically. The situation escalated when the Kick streamer seemed to threaten a bystander off-camera, causing uproar among the onlookers. A group of furious locals confronted Jino, prompting him to backtrack frantically. Notably, Johnny Somali faced international backlash for his antics in Japan last year, resulting in his arrest and a hefty fine. In related news, a violent clash erupted among employees of the same company in Patong, Phuket, after work hours, drawing attention and concern toward the tourist city’s image. The brawl, which took place in the middle of a busy roundabout, was captured in a 1-minute 28-second video and shared on social media, sparking a mix of comments ranging from calls for calm to nostalgia for the quieter days of the Covid-19 pandemic. -- The Thaiger 2024-03-29

Bangkok’s MRT Yellow Line resumes limited service after disruption The Metropolitan Rapid Transit’s (MRT) Yellow Line in Bangkok recommenced limited operations following a disruption caused by loose parts falling from the track. From today, March 29, the service will operate with a temporary 20% fare discount until full service resumes. The incident yesterday prompted a collaborative investigation involving representatives from the Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co. Ltd. (EBM), the Transport Ministry, the Department of Rail Transport, and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA). The Yellow Line, managed by EBM, operates between Lat Phrao and Samrong. Preliminary findings indicate that a finger plate on the rail’s expansion joint was displaced as a passing train caused it and other debris to fall. This led to a disruption in the electrical systems of the rail between Kalatan (YL12) and Si Udom (YL16) stations, resulting in the service suspension on the 30.4km line. In a statement today, EBM announced the service resumption with a revised train frequency to enable technicians to replace the damaged rail and equipment. While this work is ongoing, passengers will benefit from a 20% fare discount. -- The Thaiger 2024-03-29

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