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Father Arrested After Alleged Assault on Son Following Drug Use Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a troubling incident in Sri Bunrueng district, Nong Bua Lamphu province, a 25-year-old father has been accused of assaulting his own seven-year-old son after reportedly consuming drugs. The attack occurred on February 9 and involved a wooden pestle, leaving the child with serious injuries, including bleeding from the ears. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351369-father-arrested-after-alleged-assault-on-son-following-drug-use/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a troubling incident in Sri Bunrueng district, Nong Bua Lamphu province, a 25-year-old father has been accused of assaulting his own seven-year-old son after reportedly consuming drugs. The attack occurred on February 9 and involved a wooden pestle, leaving the child with serious injuries, including bleeding from the ears. Dr. Napasdon Saengklang, the leader of the rescue team, arrived at the scene around 7 p.m., where the young boy, referred to as "A," was found in distress and bleeding from his head. Emergency services quickly responded to help. The father, identified as Panudet, was restrained by relatives and neighbors before being taken to Sri Bunrueng Hospital. He suffered minor head injuries. However, his son’s condition was severe, with internal bleeding in the brain, prompting his transfer to Nong Bua Lamphu Hospital for further treatment. Following treatment for his injuries, Panudet was placed under police custody. He admitted to taking two drug pills before the assault. His father, Narin, revealed Panudet’s ongoing battle with drug addiction, noting his previous imprisonment for assault. According to Narin, earlier in the day, Panudet had asked his mother for money, receiving 250 baht (US$7), and later requesting an additional 40 baht (US$1.2). After being refused, he became agitated, claiming A was not his son, despite being the child’s biological father. This led to the violent incident. Narin also recounted stepping in to protect his grandson as neighbors helped subdue Panudet. He mentioned that since taking custody of A three years ago, there had been no prior incidents of violence towards him, although Panudet had shown aggression against Narin himself, resulting in a one-year prison sentence. The child remains under medical care as doctors monitor his condition closely and plan further assessments. -- 2025-02-10

Thailand Debates Costly Move to Relocate Capital from Bangkok Flooding in Bangkok | Photo via Bangkok Post/Somchai Poomlard A proposal to move Thailand's capital from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima has sparked debate, as a government study highlights the high costs and complexity of such a project. The Interior Ministry reported that relocating the capital would require a significant budget and a public referendum. This suggestion came from Patchara Jantararuangtong, a member of the Pheu Thai Party, during a parliamentary session on October 12, 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351366-thailand-debates-costly-move-to-relocate-capital-from-bangkok/

Flooding in Bangkok | Photo via Bangkok Post/Somchai Poomlard A proposal to move Thailand's capital from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima has sparked debate, as a government study highlights the high costs and complexity of such a project. The Interior Ministry reported that relocating the capital would require a significant budget and a public referendum. This suggestion came from Patchara Jantararuangtong, a member of the Pheu Thai Party, during a parliamentary session on October 12, 2023. Opposition to the move points at strengthening infrastructure in Bangkok and nearby areas, which are at risk of sinking. On November 28, 2023, the Cabinet tasked the Interior Ministry with exploring two options: moving the capital or building a barrier to protect Bangkok. The Cabinet reviewed these findings on February 4, 2024. Experts agree that any decision would need a comprehensive impact assessment, considering how businesses, jobs, and daily life might be affected. The study recommends building a sea barrier or setting up regional centers to reduce the pressure on Bangkok's central agencies. It also evaluated infrastructure in Nakhon Ratchasima, focusing on its roads and high-speed rail links to other regions. Further research on water resources is crucial for sustainable and eco-friendly development. The study also suggests examining capital relocations in other countries for more insights. State officials are seeking funding to assess the impact of sea level rise on the Chao Phraya River and explore long-term solutions. -- 2025-02-10

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal The daughter of a deputy mayor in Nakhon Si Thammarat was recently arrested in Samut Sakhon for her involvement in a call centre scam. The arrest followed a comprehensive investigation by cyber police into the large-scale call centre fraud targeting Thai, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese nationals. Cyber police, under the directive of Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiuphan, coordinated a search operation across four locations in Nakhon Si Thammarat. As a result of this operation, evidence linking Artitaya to the call centre was uncovered. An arrest warrant issued by the Thung Song Provincial Court on May 8 last year, led to her capture in front of a house in Phanthai Norasing subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Sakhon province. This investigation traced back to March 29, when cyber police, in collaboration with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Immigration Police, and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), raided four key locations in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The operation dismantled a major Chinese-led call centre syndicate, leading to the arrest of 90 individuals, including both Thai and foreign nationals. Officers seized 192 computers, 854 mobile phones and SIM cards, 22 routers, and 342 bank account books in the crackdown. Further investigation revealed that the 51 year old deputy mayor, Rewadi, had provided premises for the call centre operations and benefited financially. Artitaya and her Chinese husband had fled from the Chandi subdistrict in Nakhon Si Thammarat to Samut Sakhon, where they rented a commercial building to sell online products imported from China, along with some Thai employees. Police surveillance confirmed Artitaya’s presence at a house where her arrest was made. Her mobile phone indicated communication with Rewadi via the LINE app, although no direct phone contact was found. Rewadi and her husband, Lin, are also wanted in connection with the scam. The charges against Artitaya include public fraud, impersonation, and introducing misleading data into a computer system. Additionally, she faces charges related to organised crime, including involvement in a secret society and a transnational criminal organisation. Artitaya has been handed over to investigators at Division 3, Subdivision 5 of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau for further legal action. The police continue to track down other fugitives involved in the case, urging them to surrender to the cyber police to face the charges, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Bomb Blast in Pattani Injures Four Officers, EOD Investigates Photo: The Thaiger A bomb exploded near a village security post in Pattani's Nong Chik district, injuring four police officers. The incident happened at 8 a.m. on February 7 along the Don Yang-Hat Yai road. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351142-bomb-blast-in-pattani-injures-four-officers-eod-investigates/

Photo: The Thaiger A bomb exploded near a village security post in Pattani's Nong Chik district, injuring four police officers. The incident happened at 8 a.m. on February 7 along the Don Yang-Hat Yai road. The wounded officers include 33-year-old Sgt. Napop Raksapram and 29-year-old Lance Cpl. Anucha Kwanthongon, who are in serious condition. Also injured are 34-year-old Sgt. Chatmongkol Nuchsri and 30-year-old Lt. Cpl. Kiwrat Thongma. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team is actively investigating the scene to uncover more details about the attack. More updates will follow as the situation unfolds. -- 2025-02-07

Man Found Dead in Bangkok Room Beside Wedding Gown and Note Photo: The Thaiger In Bangkok's Khlong Sam Prawet district, a 31-year-old man was found dead in a rented room on February 6. Next to him lay a wedding gown and a farewell note. The tragic discovery was made after volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation were alerted. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351141-man-found-dead-in-bangkok-room-beside-wedding-gown-and-note/

Photo: The Thaiger In Bangkok's Khlong Sam Prawet district, a 31-year-old man was found dead in a rented room on February 6. Next to him lay a wedding gown and a farewell note. The tragic discovery was made after volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation were alerted. The man, hailing from Chachoengsao province, worked as a fried chicken vendor near the Lat Krabang industrial area. He was found wearing a Muslim wedding outfit, leaving his family shocked and heartbroken at the scene. The man had separated from his wife about two months ago. Recently, he shared a social media story featuring a wedding dress and a sad song, which friends and family did not take as a sign of distress at the time. His father arrived later, devastated and searching for answers. The owner of the rental room, who reported that the man had recently re-rented the space a month ago and was due to pay rent that day, was equally shocked. Preliminary autopsy results indicate that the man had been dead for over 10 hours. His family is preparing to hold religious funeral rites in his memory. -- 2025-02-07

Thailand Halts Durian Exports to China Over Chemical Scare File photo for reference only The Department of Agriculture has stopped the export operations of 26 durian packing facilities after China rejected over 64 tonnes of durians found contaminated with Basic Yellow 2 (BY2). The shipment, worth over 12 million baht, was returned on February 7 following China's implementation of tougher inspection measures. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351140-thailand-halts-durian-exports-to-china-over-chemical-scare/

File photo for reference only The Department of Agriculture has stopped the export operations of 26 durian packing facilities after China rejected over 64 tonnes of durians found contaminated with Basic Yellow 2 (BY2). The shipment, worth over 12 million baht, was returned on February 7 following China's implementation of tougher inspection measures. Raphiphat Chandrasriwong, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, disclosed that the Minister of Agriculture, Narumon Pinyosinwat, has put in place strict new measures to eliminate chemical contamination in Thai produce. These efforts aim to boost quality and safety standards, offering greater assurance to export markets. Chaisak Rinkluan, head of the Plant and Agricultural Materials Control Division, confirmed that officials have buried the tainted durians under supervision at the Laem Chabang and Aranyaprathet inspection stations. The 64.67 tonnes of fruit were sent back by China, which began its BY2 check on January 10. In response, the department has ordered full physical inspections on all durian exports to China to ensure quality and restore trust among consumers both locally and abroad. Durian samples are being retested in labs to verify contamination, and any contaminated fruit is destroyed. Currently, the department has paused exports from 26 questionable packing houses while investigating the contamination source. They are revising the Exporting Quality Durians guide to strengthen inspection and control procedures. This aligns with the Ministry's "four no’s" policy: no immature durians, no pests, no unauthorised use, and no prohibited chemicals. These efforts are intended to strengthen confidence in Thailand's agriculture inspection systems among Chinese customs and consumers. -- 2025-02-07

Thai Airways Upgrades Fleet with Eight New Airbus A321neos File photo for reference only Thai Airways has taken a major step to modernize its fleet by leasing eight new Airbus A321neo aircraft from Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital. Announced on February 5, these state-of-the-art jets will be delivered between 2026 and 2027, marking a significant push in the airline's long-term growth plan. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351139-thai-airways-upgrades-fleet-with-eight-new-airbus-a321neos/

File photo for reference only Thai Airways has taken a major step to modernize its fleet by leasing eight new Airbus A321neo aircraft from Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital. Announced on February 5, these state-of-the-art jets will be delivered between 2026 and 2027, marking a significant push in the airline's long-term growth plan. This move follows Thai Airways' headline-grabbing order of 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners at the Singapore Airshow last February. Additionally, the airline has secured a mix of Boeing and Airbus planes, including 10 more A321neos, through a lease agreement with AerCap. As the company aims to replace its ageing planes and expired leases, this fleet revamp aligns with its sustainability and efficiency targets. Conor Stafford, Head of Airline Marketing at SMBC Aviation Capital, highlighted that the new aircraft will enhance Thai Airways' operational efficiency and customer comfort while promoting sustainable aviation. Thai Airways, which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020, is in the midst of a major restructuring effort to regain financial health. With its current fleet of 79 aircraft, including Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER models, the airline is gearing up for a stronger presence in global aviation. -- 2025-02-07

Inflation Hits 1.32% in January, Fueled by Energy and Food Costs File photo for reference only In January, inflation surged to 1.32%, marking a steady increase for the tenth consecutive month. Rising fuel, food, and beverage prices are major contributors to this trend, as reported by Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, head of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351138-inflation-hits-132-in-january-fueled-by-energy-and-food-costs/

File photo for reference only In January, inflation surged to 1.32%, marking a steady increase for the tenth consecutive month. Rising fuel, food, and beverage prices are major contributors to this trend, as reported by Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, head of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). The consumer price index has climbed by 1.32% compared to January last year, making it the second month in a row that inflation has topped 1%. This rise is largely due to increased fuel prices, which are influenced by a low base comparison from the previous year. Additionally, the costs of fresh fruits, essential cooking items, and non-alcoholic drinks have also surged. Besides food and drinks, other areas saw a 1% price increase year-on-year, primarily driven by fuel costs. Electricity bills, housing rents, and airfare have notably risen, intensifying the financial strain on consumers. Excluding fresh food and energy, core inflation grew by 0.83% year-on-year in January, slightly up from December's 0.79%. Poonpong suggested that February might see similar inflation rates, given domestic diesel prices are still high at 33 baht per litre compared to last year. The rebounding tourism sector has further elevated prices, particularly in air travel. Crop prices, especially for coconuts, remain high as recovery efforts from a prolonged drought continue. "February’s inflation is expected to stay above 1%, with first-quarter inflation projected between 1.1% to 1.2%,” Poonpong noted. However, the government is taking measures to reduce inflation, such as cutting electricity bills and stabilizing liquefied petroleum gas prices. Improved weather is also helping bring down previously high fresh vegetable prices by boosting agricultural yields. To reflect modern consumer habits, TPSO has updated the inflation calculation by expanding the basket from 430 to 464 items, based on 2019 data. The revised list excludes monthly newspaper and magazine subscriptions and now includes salmon, avocado, electrolyte drinks, and tech items like smartwatches and electric chargers. Air purifiers are expected to join the list soon, according to TPSO insiders. -- 2025-02-07

Phuket Races to Solve Waste Crisis with New Sorting Facility File photo for reference only Phuket City is urgently working to build a solid waste sorting facility at the Saphan Hin waste disposal center. Phuket City Municipality aims to tackle its waste crisis by the end of the month. Deputy Mayor Suphachok La-ongphet announced that Pit 4 of the landfill will soon be concreted over, marking a key step in the project. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351137-phuket-races-to-solve-waste-crisis-with-new-sorting-facility/

File photo for reference only Phuket City is urgently working to build a solid waste sorting facility at the Saphan Hin waste disposal center. Phuket City Municipality aims to tackle its waste crisis by the end of the month. Deputy Mayor Suphachok La-ongphet announced that Pit 4 of the landfill will soon be concreted over, marking a key step in the project. The ambitious 40 million baht initiative seeks to revolutionize waste processing by sorting garbage before incineration, thus speeding up the process. "We’re collaborating with the Siam Cement Group (SCG) to pour cement and set up a new waste sorting machine," said Suphachok. However, details on the exact area to be covered are still being finalized by SCG. The funding includes 35 million baht from the central government and an additional 5 million from Phuket City. This covers cement pouring, landfill clearance, and cutting-edge machinery installation. The project aims to create more landfill space while awaiting a new incinerator expected in 2027. Deputy Mayor Suphachok noted the urgency, as 400 tonnes of waste are buried daily, putting a strain on Phuket's waste management. In November, Suphachok warned of the holiday season surge, with daily waste output reaching 1,400 tonnes, while incinerator capacity is limited to 700 tonnes. Phuket's increasing waste is driven by a booming tourism industry and expanding businesses and households. Last year, from January to September, 9 million visitors arrived in Phuket, according to Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Expectations for more tourists this year highlight the need for improved waste management. The new facility promises to reduce incineration time and improve waste disposal efficiency. Will this be a step toward a cleaner Phuket, or just a temporary fix for its growing waste problem? Only time will tell. -- 2025-02-07

8 South Koreans arrested for illegally teaching in Bangkok schools By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Nath Chanyaputhipan Officers from the Immigration Bureau arrested eight South Korean nationals for working illegally as teachers at two language schools in Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351135-8-south-koreans-arrested-for-illegally-teaching-in-bangkok-schools/

Photo via Facebook/ Nath Chanyaputhipan By Petch Petpailin Officers from the Immigration Bureau arrested eight South Korean nationals for working illegally as teachers at two language schools in Bangkok. The officers raided two language schools in the Bang Na and Ratchada areas of Bangkok yesterday, February 6. The schools had multiple separate classrooms, each equipped with students’ tables and teachers’ tools, including whiteboards, student exercises, Korean textbooks, and monitors. Police found eight South Korean nationals teaching students both online and in person at the two schools and requested to inspect their work permits. However, none of the South Korean teachers at either location could provide the required documentation. Among the eight South Korean nationals, six were male and two were female. They entered Thailand legally under the visa-free scheme, and some remained in the country after marrying Thai wives. However, despite their legal entry and stay, they had not obtained work permits to teach at the schools. The schools’ owner, Wipha, reportedly paid the South Korean nationals 200 baht per hour for online teaching and 350 baht per hour for in-person classes. They were compensated both in cash and via bank transfers. The South Korean national who had worked at the school the longest had been teaching there for over a year. All of the illegal foreign employees were charged under Section 8 of the Foreigners’ Working Management Act for working without a permit. The penalty ranges from a fine of 5,000 to 50,000 baht, deportation, and a two-year ban from applying for a work permit in Thailand. Wipha, the Thai employer, was charged under Section 9 of the Foreigners’ Working Management Act for hiring foreign workers without a permit. This offence carries a fine of between 10,000 and 100,000 baht per illegal employee. If Wipha were to commit the same offence again in the future, she would face imprisonment of up to one year and a fine ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 baht per illegal employee. She would also be banned from hiring any foreign workers for three years following the final court judgment. On Wednesday, February 5, another South Korean national was arrested in Chon Buri for working illegally as a tour guide. He was detained while leading a group of tourists on a luxury boat trip. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Thai man accidentally stabs New Zealand son-in-law in Buriram By Petch Petpailin Photo via BanMuang A Thai man accidentally stabbed his New Zealand son-in-law at their shared home in the Isaan province of Buriram yesterday while attempting to attack his drug-addicted nephew. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351134-thai-man-accidentally-stabs-new-zealand-son-in-law-in-buriram/

Photo via BanMuang By Petch Petpailin A Thai man accidentally stabbed his New Zealand son-in-law at their shared home in the Isaan province of Buriram yesterday while attempting to attack his drug-addicted nephew. Officers from Prakhonchai Police Station investigated the stabbing at a house in the Ban Bordin community in Prakhonchai district, Buriram, yesterday afternoon, February 6. They found the 60 year old New Zealand man inside with a serious stab wound to his stomach. He was rushed to Buriram Hospital. The foreign man’s father-in-law, 75 year old Lek, turned himself in at the police station, bringing the 20-centimetre knife used in the incident. Lek informed the police that his daughter and her New Zealand husband had arrived in Thailand only on February 5. They mostly lived abroad and came to Thailand to spend time with Lek and other family members. Before marrying the foreigner, Lek’s daughter had been married to a Thai man and had a son named Thawat, now 32 years old. Thawat was addicted to drugs and frequently assaulted family members. On the day of the incident, Thawat approached his mother to ask for money to buy drugs. She told him to wait as she needed to exchange currency first. This enraged Thawat, who then attacked his mother inside the house. Lek stated that he had witnessed Thawat assaulting family members for a long time and could no longer tolerate it. Being old and with nothing to lose, he later told police that he tried to kill his drug-addicted nephew to end the ongoing problems. Lek waited inside his room, knowing that Thawat would come to him for money at any moment. Holding a knife in his hand, he listened for footsteps approaching. When the door suddenly opened, he immediately stabbed the person standing in front of it, believing it to be Thawat. Tragically, it was not his nephew but his foreign son-in-law. Lek said he was shocked upon realising his mistake and immediately bowed down to apologise before going to the police station. Lek’s other daughter, 40 year old Manit, told Channel 7 that her New Zealand brother-in-law was not angry at Lek but felt sorry for him. He asked his wife to bail his father-in-law out. Although he suffered a serious injury, he is now in a stable condition. According to media reports, Thawat fled the house after the stabbing and has not returned since. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Thai MP with history of sexual assaults accused of raping Taiwanese woman By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ปูอัด ไชยามพวาน สส. เขตจอมทอง-บางขุนเทียน-ท่าข้าม Police issued an arrest warrant for a Thai Progress Party MP for allegedly raping a Taiwanese woman at a hotel in Chiang Mai province on January 9. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351132-thai-mp-with-history-of-sexual-assaults-accused-of-raping-taiwanese-woman/

Photo via Facebook/ ปูอัด ไชยามพวาน สส. เขตจอมทอง-บางขุนเทียน-ท่าข้าม By Petch Petpailin Police issued an arrest warrant for a Thai Progress Party MP for allegedly raping a Taiwanese woman at a hotel in Chiang Mai province on January 9. The Taiwanese woman filed a complaint against MP Chaiyamphawan “Puaut” Munpianjit at Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station following the incident, which took place at 2am on January 9. The alleged assault occurred at a hotel in the Mueang district of the province. According to a report by Matichon, the woman informed police that she had met the MP at a bar in Chiang Mai city centre. He allegedly offered to escort her back to her hotel and subsequently raped her. The victim insisted that she did not consent to sex with Chaiyamphawan. A medical examination also revealed traces of sexual assault. The victim has since returned to her home country after the complaint. Police investigated into the complaint and later issued an arrest warrant for Chaiyamphawan on February 4. He is accused of raping another person through threats, force, or violence. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of between four and 20 years and a fine ranging from 80,000 to 400,000 baht according to Section 276 of the Criminal Law. History of alleged sexual assaults Due to Chaiyamphawan’s position as an MP, officers from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station submitted a request to the House of Representatives for permission to detain him for questioning. Officers must wait for a decision on the matter. Matichon reported that attempts were made to contact Chaiyamphawan following the sexual assault allegation. However, he refused to answer calls. Chaiyamphawan is a former member of the Move Forward Party (MFP), now renamed the People’s Party. He was expelled in 2023 following allegations of sexual assaults made by three victims, including his assistant. The first victim alleged that Chaiyamphawan invited her to an entertainment venue and took her back to his condominium when she was intoxicated. He then raped her and later requested to have sex with her on multiple occasions without her consent. The second and third victims reported that Chaiyamphawan had touched them inappropriately while they were working together. He also invited them on a staycation outside Bangkok, despite it being unrelated to work. Following these allegations, the MFP held a meeting and decided to expel Chaiyamphawan. He subsequently joined the Thai Progress Party and continued his political career until the latest sexual assault allegation emerged. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Thai and mighty: President Xi praises Thai PM for scam crack down By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post In a warm gesture of appreciation, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for Thailand’s tough stance against scammers preying on Chinese nationals across the region. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351131-thai-and-mighty-president-xi-praises-thai-pm-for-scam-crack-down/