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Thailand is catching up with Singapore as a preferred work destination for expats: Experts

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The Thai office and co-working space industry, which had been hit hard due to a drop in local demand amid the pandemic, is now seeing a surge in occupancy rates attributed to expatriates working for multinational firms. This is according to IWG Plc, a UK-based office services company operating numerous brands.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326507-thailand-is-catching-up-with-singapore-as-a-preferred-work-destination-for-expats-experts/

Parents File Lawsuit Against Monk After Children Get Injured During Amulet Test

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

Five parents have sued a monk from Khao Rae Temple in Sukhothai, northern Thailand, alleging that he injured their children during a test of his 'magical amulets'.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326506-parents-file-lawsuit-against-monk-after-children-get-injured-during-amulet-test/

Five parents have sued a monk from Khao Rae Temple in Sukhothai, northern Thailand, alleging that he injured their children during a test of his 'magical amulets'.

Using Facebook, the father of one boy shared his 13-year-old's encounter, prompting 70-year-old monk Boonsong to admit his deeds. The father reported his son's burns to the police, pinning blame on the monk's amulet testing.

In a Channel 3 interview, the father said his son disclosed the origin of a burn wound on his hand - through a monk's amulet testing exercise at the temple.

Pong, a victim aged 13, explained to reporters that he and his friends had been given 200 baht each by the monk to participate in testing the 'Miracle Buddhas' amulets. The boys, desiring the money, followed the monk's instructions.

Pong stated that the monk claimed the amulets had healing abilities and would defend them from harm. The boys held the amulets as the monk poured acidic liquid onto their hands to prove the amulets' power. However, the acid ended up causing burns to the boys, indicating that the amulets had no magical strength.

When the parents confronted the monk at the temple, he refused to see them. Although a temple representative pledged to cover the medical bills, the parents remained unsatisfied, making a police report at Tung Saliam Police Station to get the monk to admit his guilt.

Boonsong met with the police on May 2 to discuss the incident. The police stated that gathering evidence and assembling a special investigation team would make the legal process lengthy.

Meanwhile, certain locals are angry at the parents for causing harm to the temple's reputation through social media. One believer in the amulets, Chai, insisted on their power based on his own successful test, remarking that he had not been harmed and continues to hold reverence for the amulet till date.

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

-- 2024-05-03

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Man dies in Bangkok after utility shaft lid breaks, causing a fatal fall

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

A sad incident took place today in downtown Bangkok. A man, aged between 55 and 60, lost his life after falling into a deep utility shaft located at the entrance of Soi Lat Phrao 49. His body was recovered from the 20-meter deep shaft, leading the authorities to launch an urgent investigation.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326505-man-dies-in-bangkok-after-utility-shaft-lid-breaks-causing-a-fatal-fall/

A sad incident took place today in downtown Bangkok. A man, aged between 55 and 60, lost his life after falling into a deep utility shaft located at the entrance of Soi Lat Phrao 49. His body was recovered from the 20-meter deep shaft, leading the authorities to launch an urgent investigation.

He was just crossing the road when the accident happened. He fell into a duct meant for electric wires. The shaft, filled with water, was covered with a decayed wood lid, which broke under his weight.

Despite quick action by the emergency team, the man died at the spot.

The emergency crews were able to get the man's body out of the deep shaft by noon. It took them more than an hour using pulley systems.

The investigators are trying to find out how this incident happened. They are looking into the condition of the manhole cover and the maintenance of the utility shaft. They found out that the wooden lid of the shaft was rotted, possibly from constant watering of the nearby plants, which might have caused the wood to decay.

Initial reports say that local enforcement officers, who were there when the man fell, tried but failed to save him.

They had warned people repeatedly not to cross the road at that spot and suggested using a nearby pedestrian bridge instead.

The chief of the Chokchai Police Station said that contractors would be questioned as part of the investigation. They need to find out if there was any negligence involved in this tragic event, as the shaft is part of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority's infrastructure.

The deceased man is believed to be a local resident. The police are working quickly to find out more about the circumstances surrounding this sad incident.

This accident has raised questions about the safety of the city's street infrastructure, especially considering the ongoing expansion of the electric train network in Bangkok.

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

-- 2024-05-03

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Authorities in Thailand have arrested a man for the production and distribution of fake shampoo. The counterfeit products were filled into old bottles and sold at low prices.

The perpetrator learned his trade from YouTube videos, sparking an investigation by the Central Investigation Police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Concerns were raised about potential risks to consumer eye health posed by counterfeit products.

In a joint statement, the police and FDA revealed how they took down a fake production operation dealing in counterfeit shampoo, hair conditioner, and shower cream from well-known brands. A total of 779 items across 56 product lines, worth over 100,000 baht, were confiscated.

The operation was traced back to a tip-off about a house in Bua Thong village in Nonthaburi province that was illegally manufacturing shampoo brands. The discovery led to a search of the premises and the seizure of forged items.

The man heading the operation was identified as 31-year-old Damrongdet. Authorities found a variety of products ready for sale, raw materials for production, and recycled packaging bottles. Seven well-known brands which had over 159 formulas, were uncovered in the counterfeit operation.

Damrongdet, who has only a primary school education, admitted learning to make shampoo, conditioner, and shower cream from YouTube videos. His counterfeit products, which resembled genuine versions, received positive feedback from customers.

He sourced used bottles from a recycling shop in Sai Mai and raw ingredients from various chemical stores around Bangkok and the Bang Bua Thong market.

The counterfeit production process involved mixing active ingredients in a tank, adding thickening agents and tap water. These mixtures, resembling real brands in texture, color, and scent, were then bottled for sale.

Despite their low cost, these fake products pose serious health risks. The unclear writing on bottles due to cleaning also led to the application of a fresh plastic seal to mimic a new product, which is an offence under the Cosmetics Act of 2015.

Customers were warned of the potential health risks of allergic reactions, hair loss, and skin rashes by the FDA’s deputy secretary-general.

Shoppers were urged to buy health products from trusted sources and remember that medications can only be purchased at pharmacies or prescribed by medical facilities. Multiple hotlines and the FDA's website were provided for reporting suspicious products.

Officials stressed that consumers should be vigilant and avoid buying products solely because they are cheap. This operation aimed not only to safeguard public health but also to remind online sellers about the legal consequences of selling illegal goods. The public is encouraged to report any illegal activities to the Consumer Protection Police Division.

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing

-- 2024-05-03

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Saudi Arabian man reconnects with his Thai nanny after two decades - Video

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A Saudi man, Ali Bokhari, aged 33, met his old Thai babysitter after 20 years of search to express his gratitude for her care during his childhood. Their emotional reunion was at the home of the 77-year-old babysitter, Banyen Thongchaitanawut, in Nakhon Ratchasima, located in the Isaan province of Thailand.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326503-saudi-arabian-man-reconnects-with-his-thai-nanny-after-two-decades-video/

Jealousy Leads to Shooting of a Lawyer in Rayong

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In a shocking incident in Thailand's Rayong province, a lawyer was killed in what police believe was a family dispute fueled by jealousy. The incident occurred at around 6 PM yesterday.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326498-jealousy-leads-to-shooting-of-a-lawyer-in-rayong/

In a shocking incident in Thailand's Rayong province, a lawyer was killed in what police believe was a family dispute fueled by jealousy. The incident occurred at around 6 PM yesterday.

The victim, a 64-year-old lawyer named Manop, was found dead outside his family home in Khaomao district. He had been shot twice and had a likely stab wound under his right rib.

Upon arriving at the scene, the police found a .38 caliber handgun and a knife, which they gathered as evidence. Manop's body, which was lying next to his Toyota sedan, bore testimony to the tragic event.

The victim's relatives have claimed that Manop’s 42-year-old younger brother was responsible for the crime. They believe that the murder was triggered by the brother's suspicions about an affair between his wife and Manop. They mentioned that this was not the first time there had been conflicts between the two brothers.

Manop, who lived in Chachoengsao Province, had been visiting their 88-year-old mother for seven days and was planning to leave when the incident occurred. The suspect escaped from the scene post the event.

Following the fatal shooting, the police, forensic teams, and rescue units hurried to the place after an alert by Deputy Inspector Suchet Thepchali of the Khaomao Police Station. Currently, police are conducting an extensive investigation into the case. Their focus includes locating and arresting the younger brother, who currently has a court-issued warrant out for his arrest.

Meanwhile, Manop's body has been sent to Khaomao Hospital for autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation. The community is still reeling from the shocking event that has highlighted the disturbing and potentially fatal consequences of family conflicts arising from suspicion and jealousy.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to step forward, assuring full pursuit of all potential leads that could help apprehend the suspect.

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

-- 2024-05-03

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Well-Known Thai Businessman Discovered Dead in his Luxury Vehicle

Matichon Online / Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

The well-known businessman, Sa-gna, was found dead in his luxury car around 9.30pm yesterday in the Suan Luang district of Bangkok, in Soi Pattanakarn 54. Police and forensic experts were quickly on the scene.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326496-well-known-thai-businessman-discovered-dead-in-his-luxury-vehicle/

The well-known businessman, Sa-gna, was found dead in his luxury car around 9.30pm yesterday in the Suan Luang district of Bangkok, in Soi Pattanakarn 54. Police and forensic experts were quickly on the scene.

Sa-gna's black Lexus SUV was found with the engine still running. The 47-year-old businessman had apparently committed suicide by shooting himself. Police found a fired revolver in the car.

His wife mentioned that Sa-gna had driven off in his car the previous day, something he hadn't done in years. He never returned home and she hadn't been able to reach him since he left.

His worried wife tried reaching out to close relatives but when they couldn't locate him either, she traced his mobile phone. This led her to his location and she sent her employees to check the area.

In the days leading to his death, Sa-gna had often voiced his frustration about his chronic disease, which seemed to have caused him a lot of stress.

At the scene, forensic experts collected evidence, took photographs and recorded statements from relatives as part of their preliminary investigation. Subsequently, his body was taken to Chulalongkorn Hospital for further forensic analysis as part of standard procedures.

Sa-gna was a respected member of the investment community, serving as an independent director and chairperson for good governance. He was also a board member responsible for executive pay and hiring at a national team sportswear manufacturing company.

Khaosod reported that he was a key figure not only in financial services but also in the insurance sectors.

His death has deeply shocked the business and financial sectors, where his expertise was greatly valued.

The police are investigating the exact circumstances leading up to his death, which remains under scrutiny. The sad event has raised concerns about mental health and the strain faced by individuals in high-stress jobs.

Matichon Online / Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

-- 2024-05-03

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Clever diamond thief caught after stealing gem worth 2.2 million baht

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A clever thief in Bangkok who tricked a seller out of a 3-carat diamond valued at 2.2 million baht by replacing it with a fake, has been arrested. The 57-year-old man, known only as Sunchan, pretended to be a jewelry broker to carry out his crime.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326494-clever-diamond-thief-caught-after-stealing-gem-worth-22-million-baht/

A clever thief in Bangkok who tricked a seller out of a 3-carat diamond valued at 2.2 million baht by replacing it with a fake, has been arrested. The 57-year-old man, known only as Sunchan, pretended to be a jewelry broker to carry out his crime.

The Royal Thai Police caught Sunchan in the Rayong Province, after a careful investigation led them to him. He was taken into custody on a busy street in the Mueang Rayong district, thereby ending his criminal streak.

Before his arrest, Sunchan had conned a seller who wanted to sell a 3-carat diamond. Posing as a middleman in the jewelry business, he gained the seller's trust, arranged to inspect the diamond, and replaced it with a fake when the seller was not looking.

The seller only realized the diamond was fake after Sunchan had disappeared and reported the incident to the Yan Nawa Police Station. A warrant was issued for Sunchan's arrest on March 25, 2024.

The police team, led by Police Major General Manote Teskhan and including Police Colonel Manoon Kaewkam and Police Lieutenant Colonel Tanabodee Duangjit, were able to find Sunchan.

After he was arrested, Sunchan admitted to the crime and revealed that he had sold the stolen diamond and spent the money on a luxurious lifestyle. A background check showed that he had committed similar crimes in Bangkok and the Phichit province before.

Now, Sunchan is facing charges for his recent theft and the case has been sent back to the Yan Nawa Police Station for more legal action, according to a report by KhaoSod.

The incident is a reminder of the need for carefulness when involved in expensive transactions, especially in the gem trading business which attracts sophisticated criminals. The quick actions of the Thai police have brought a level of justice.

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

-- 2024-05-03

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Heatwave in Thailand greatly affects outdoor tourism

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Extreme heat in Thailand is discouraging tourists from engaging in outdoor activities, leading the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to focus on promoting early morning and evening tourism.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326493-heatwave-in-thailand-greatly-affects-outdoor-tourism/

Extreme heat in Thailand is discouraging tourists from engaging in outdoor activities, leading the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to focus on promoting early morning and evening tourism.

The sweltering temperature caused a 5-10% drop in visitors at Siam Amazing Park, a popular water park run by the Siam Park City Group, according to CEO Wuthichai Luangamornlert. This led to a 10% fall in customer spending, a trend Wuthichai ties to increased living costs, including electricity bills, along with lower economic confidence.

"Following the Chinese New Year holiday, we noticed a weaker market coinciding with rapidly rising average temperatures. During the Songkran festival, guest traffic fell 10% compared to the previous year," Wuthichai said.

He also reported a shift in local tourist habits. Many chose to visit air-conditioned shopping centers on weekends, avoiding the water park due to the intense heat.

The tourism industry's costs have jumped by 10-20% since the year began, mainly due to energy and labor expenses. In response, Siam Amazing Park began using solar power.

Wuthichai, also the chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, warned that not all businesses have sufficient funding to survive this market downturn and many are unable to secure bank loans.

In answer to the ongoing heatwave, TAT's Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, Somradee Chitchong, said the agency is shifting its promotional efforts to early morning and nighttime tourism. Somradee noted that the harsh weather is causing Thai citizens, particularly the elderly, to abandon travel. Many are choosing indoor activities or cooler locations like waterfalls. Others are staying inside their hotels, choosing indoor activities over outdoor ones in hot weather.

TAT will seek to boost income for local businesses hit by weather-related losses by promoting morning, evening, and nighttime activities such as running, boat paddling, and stargazing, according to Somradee. She also said TAT has plans to revitalize the tourist market in Northern and North-Eastern Thailand during the rainy season to make up for losses due to lingering PM2.5 toxic haze.

File Photo

-- 2024-05-03

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Expressways to be toll-free in Thailand on Coronation Day

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The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has declared that there will be no toll charges on three major expressways on Coronation Day, May 4. This is to ease travel for the public holiday and help save money for citizens. No fees will be charged at about 60 toll booths on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon, Si Rat, and Udon Ratthaya expressways, for the entire day.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326492-expressways-to-be-toll-free-in-thailand-on-coronation-day/

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has declared that there will be no toll charges on three major expressways on Coronation Day, May 4. This is to ease travel for the public holiday and help save money for citizens. No fees will be charged at about 60 toll booths on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon, Si Rat, and Udon Ratthaya expressways, for the entire day.

The no-toll day is in line with the annual Coronation Day, a national holiday declared by royal decree. It will start at one minute past midnight and end at midnight on May 4. This aligns with the government's and Transport Ministry's commitment, as stated in the updated agreement with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) and Bangkok North Expressway Company Limited (NECL). The aim is to minimize traffic jams around toll booths and save costs for the public during the holiday.

People can get assistance and information about travel routes and traffic conditions from the EXAT Call Center at 1543, which is open 24/7.

This free toll includes 19 booths on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, 31 on Si Rat Expressway, and 10 on Udon Ratthaya Expressway. The decision is seen as the government's response to people's needs, making holiday travel easier and less costly.

The news is expected to be well received by the public. It is more than just a financial relief. It is also meant to smoothen traffic flow and limit traffic jams at toll plazas. Though a one-day event, it highlights the government's wider efforts to improve transport infrastructure and the travelling experience in Thailand.

This toll-free day is part of several similar actions in the transport sector to benefit the public during special occasions. It stresses the role of transport strategy in improving people's quality of life and ensuring effective mobility across the capital.

With the approach of Coronation Day, the removal of tolls is likely to create a more festive mood. It lets citizens travel to various events and activities with no worries about toll fees. This gesture reflects the government's commitment to serving the public and its continuous efforts to facilitate national celebrations.

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

-- 2024-05-03

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The Move Forward Party in Thailand is at risk of dissolution

Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP / Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

The Move Forward Party (MFP), an opposition party in Thailand, is presently fighting a case in court to prevent the party from being dissolved. The Election Commission (EC) instigated the case, claiming the party was advocating for changes to Thailand's lese majeste law (Section 112 of the Criminal Code). According to the Political Parties Act (Section 92), the EC can propose that a political party be dissolved if it appears to threaten the democratic system headed by the King.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326488-the-move-forward-party-in-thailand-is-at-risk-of-dissolution/

The Move Forward Party (MFP), an opposition party in Thailand, is presently fighting a case in court to prevent the party from being dissolved. The Election Commission (EC) instigated the case, claiming the party was advocating for changes to Thailand's lese majeste law (Section 112 of the Criminal Code). According to the Political Parties Act (Section 92), the EC can propose that a political party be dissolved if it appears to threaten the democratic system headed by the King.

The court allowed the MFP until May 3 to prepare its defense, following the acceptance of the EC's proposal on April 3. However, the MFP asked for another 15-day extension on April 24.

Earlier this year, on January 31, the Constitutional Court judged that the MFP was undermining the constitutional monarchy by seeking to change the lese majeste law. As a result of the ruling, the MFP was ordered to stop all efforts to alter Section 112 via non-legislative means. The court determined the party's advocacy to be an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy, drawing from the party's previous activities, including efforts to secure bail for lese majeste suspects. The court cited that 44 MFP MPs submitted a bill proposing the amendment of the Section 112 on March 25, 2021.

Deputy Party Leader, Police Major General Supisarn Bhakdinarinath, has stated that the MFP did not intend to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. He stressed that the party was carrying out its legislative duties as MPs while proposing the amendment. Despite halting attempts to change Section 112 as per the court order, Bhakdinarinath acknowledged the party's potential dissolution if the court continues its current course.

Supisarn Bhakdinarinath also expressed optimism towards the future of the party, predicting an increase in party MPs from 150 to 250 in the next elections.

Pattana Reonchaidee, a law lecturer at Ramkhamhaeng University, suggested that a swift ruling is likely, which might not bode well for the MFP. The same judges who ruled on the MFP's January case are expected to decide on the current one.

The MFP won 14.4 million votes and 151 seats in the House during the May 14 elections, reaching the highest vote count. Reonchaidee proposed that a dissolution of the party might garner sympathy and potentially lead to more votes for the MFP in the future. However, if the party is dissolved, its MPs must join new parties within 60 days, or they will lose their MP status.

Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP / Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

-- 2024-05-03

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Thai scientists discover fossil fuel pollution in Antarctica's soil

Technology Chaoban / Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

Scientists from Thailand have found signs of fossil fuel pollution in Antarctica's soil. The discovery, made at the Thai Synchrotron National Lab, used state-of-the-art technology to examine soil samples from five areas across King George Island. Siwatt Pongpiachan, the head of the research team, explained their technique could differentiate between organic and non-organic substances in the soil.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326487-thai-scientists-discover-fossil-fuel-pollution-in-antarcticas-soil/

Scientists from Thailand have found signs of fossil fuel pollution in Antarctica's soil. The discovery, made at the Thai Synchrotron National Lab, used state-of-the-art technology to examine soil samples from five areas across King George Island. Siwatt Pongpiachan, the head of the research team, explained their technique could differentiate between organic and non-organic substances in the soil.

According to their findings, up to 44% of the soil is made up of organic compounds from fossil fuels, alongside minor traces of machinery smoke. In contrast, only around a quarter of the soil is made up of compounds from penguin waste and decomposed plants like lichen, ferns, and moss.

The scientists also found the highest pollution levels in human-populated areas such as research centres and airports. Siwatt hopes that these discoveries will stress the importance of measures to limit fossil-fuel activities to keep the island's environment free from pollution.

Siwatt's team is part of a group conducting annual scientific studies of Antarctica under the Chinese National Antarctic Research Expeditions (CHINARE). Siwatt was also involved in CHINARE's 2016 expedition examining the impacts of climate change on Antarctica.

Antarctica, the world's fifth largest continent, is considered a global treasure. The international community has committed to keeping its environment untouched, limiting human activities to research only.

Technology Chaoban / Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

-- 2024-05-03

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Online Scams in Thailand Reduced to 110 Million Baht per Day in April

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During April, daily losses from online fraud averaged 110 million baht, a decline of 26% from the 149 million baht figure recorded in March. The reduction is tied to the authorities' escalated fight against online fraud.

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326485-online-scams-in-thailand-reduced-to-110-million-baht-per-day-in-april/