snoop1130

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post By Bob Scott 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. As the Land of Smiles seeks to revive its tourism industry post-Covid-19, China stands as a vital partner. Yet, new threats have emerged, with reports indicating that Chinese tourists are being abducted and forced into scam operations in neighbouring Myanmar. During a tête-à-tête with the Thai premier in Beijing, President Xi expressed his gratitude for Thailand’s crackdown on online gambling and scams, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. He stressed the necessity of ongoing collaboration in security, law enforcement, and judicial affairs to protect lives and property. In a bold move only yesterday, Thai officials cut off electricity supplies in five suspected scam hotbeds in Myanmar. These sinister centres, deemed national security threats, are orchestrated by criminal gangs who exploit trafficked foreigners to swindle victims in a fraud industry worth billions, analysts say. Earlier in the year, headlines exploded when Chinese actor Wang Xing was allegedly rescued from a cyber fraud centre in Myanmar. His dramatic ordeal seemingly spooked Chinese travellers, leading to a noticeable dip in tourists flocking to Thailand during the Lunar New Year celebrations compared to times past. Jirayu Houngsub, a government spokesperson, revealed that during her meeting with Xi, the Thai PM received China’s endorsement of Thailand’s pivotal role in regional cooperation. This includes joint endeavours in high-speed train development, the blossoming digital economy, and the Eastern Economic Corridor. To further fortify these ties, China is set to host the China International Import Expo this year to spotlight regional goods and services. The 38 year old Thai prime minister highlighted the strides made in the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, given the green light by the Cabinet on February 4. The next leg of this ambitious venture carries a price tag of around 340 billion baht and promises to link Bangkok to Yunnan, China, through Laos, where a high-speed line already zips across the landscape. Ensuring the safety of foreign tourists remains a top priority, PM Paetongtarn assured President Xi, pledging ongoing cooperation to dismantle crime rings using Thailand as a trafficking transit route. The prime minister extended a warm invitation for collaboration in human resources and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Yesterday, the Thai PM rubbed shoulders with Chinese business moguls to strengthen commercial partnerships. She met Jia Shao Qian, helm of Hisense Group, a key player in home appliances and electronics, expressing Thailand’s readiness to back the company’s expansion via the Board of Investment. Her busy schedule also included discussions with Alain Lam, CFO and VP of Xiaomi Corporation, urging the tech giant to consider Thailand as a secondary manufacturing hub. PM Paetongtarn is also poised to attend the glitzy opening of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang, marking the launch of the Golden Jubilee year for Thailand-China Friendship—a tribute to 50 years of diplomatic amity. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Call centre scam victims rescued from Myanmar’s clutches By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Sixty-one hapless victims, duped by call centre scammers and whisked away to Myanmar, yesterday made a triumphant return to Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351129-call-centre-scam-victims-rescued-from-myanmar’s-clutches/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bob Scott Sixty-one hapless victims, duped by call centre scammers and whisked away to Myanmar, yesterday made a triumphant return to Thailand. Courtesy of the Myanmar Border Guard Force, the rescued victims were handed over to Thai officials at the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Bridge in the Mae Sot district of Tak province. The rescue mission was graced by none other than Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who made the border crossing himself to welcome the returnees before they faced the customary immigration screening. The diverse group hails from the Shwe Kokko complex in Myawaddy and includes 39 Chinese nationals, 13 Indians, one Kazakh, five Indonesians, one Ethiopian, one Pakistani, and one Malaysian. Amidst his inspection of the border, Phumtham revealed that the government is scrutinising the fallout from cutting electricity supplies to three notorious Myanmar regions, all criminal hotbeds, located just across the border from Tak, Kanchanaburi, and Chiang Rai provinces. This bold power shutdown started on Wednesday, February 5, and while it’s early days, its full ramifications remain under wraps. Phumtham continued on to Mae Sot to review the hardline measures targeting drug and human trafficking along this restless border. As dual-hatted as a deputy prime minister, Phumtham conveyed that early reviews suggest minimal impact on Thai border communities from the power cut. Meanwhile, on the Myanmar side, outcomes are still under tight assessment. Whisperings from Myanmar hint at a different story: while households and small businesses are reeling, large crime syndicates, allegedly led by Chinese nationals, are smugly operating on their own generators. The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) confessed that the power cut will gobble up approximately 600 million baht annually, a mere drop in the ocean, just 0.1% of its total income. Despite looming economic losses, the deputy prime minister was resolute: national security reigns supreme. Phumtham triumphantly noted that following the debut of the power cut, shady dealings like call-centre scams in Shwe Kokko have allegedly nosedived by about 40%. On the topic of Myanmar possibly eyeing electricity purchases from Laos, Phumtham simply stated that they hold every right to do so. However, he double-downed on Thailand’s top priority: fortifying its borders and obliterating criminal operations lurking in the shadows. Back home, these call-centre scams have wreaked havoc, spawning a staggering 557,500 criminal cases and sucking over 86 billion baht from pockets, amounting to a chilling 80 million baht daily in losses, according to exasperated Thai officials. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Thai constitutional rewrite may require multiple referendums By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Royal Thai Government Chousak Sirinil, deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, proposed yesterday that the government, opposition, and Senate whips collectively request a Constitutional Court decision regarding the number of referendums necessary for a constitutional rewrite. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351128-thai-constitutional-rewrite-may-require-multiple-referendums/

Photo courtesy of Royal Thai Government By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Chousak Sirinil, deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, proposed yesterday that the government, opposition, and Senate whips collectively request a Constitutional Court decision regarding the number of referendums necessary for a constitutional rewrite. This proposal precedes Parliament’s first reading of multiple charter amendment bills, scheduled for February 13 to 14. Yesterday, the government, opposition, and Senate whips convened to prepare for the debate. While most bills propose section-specific amendments, two seek comprehensive charter changes necessitating a referendum, sponsored by the ruling party and the main opposition People’s Party. The primary question is how many referendums are required for these extensive amendments to be legally valid. This issue is to be resolved by the Constitutional Court. Chousak highlighted that a Constitutional Court decision can be requested under Section 210 of the constitution, with a petition for judicial review submitted by MPs or senators. It is irrelevant whether the petition is lodged before or after the scheduled meeting, as the charter amendment bills have been placed on the parliamentary agenda by President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. The bills advocating for comprehensive changes require a referendum due to a 2021 Constitutional Court ruling concerning the charter rewrite process. The court determined that the public, as the constitution’s ultimate authority, must first decide via referendum if they desire a new charter. Following this ruling, a bill proposing the establishment of a charter drafting assembly was rejected in its third and final reading due to insufficient support from both the House and the Senate. However, the 2021 ruling did not specify the number of referendums required. Some argue that two rounds are sufficient, while others suggest three for certainty. The two-round referendum proposal involves initially asking the public if they wish to amend the charter. If approved, a second referendum would follow to decide on the new version. The three-round suggestion proposes an initial vote on agreeing to a charter rewrite, a second on amending Section 256 of the constitution to allow for a charter drafting assembly and a third on adopting the new charter based on voter support. Chousak stressed that a Constitutional Court ruling would resolve ongoing uncertainties. It would also address concerns among MPs and senators who might refrain from engaging in charter amendment activities due to potential legal violations if referendum doubts persist. Chousak noted that it is premature to determine which draft, between the party’s and the People’s Party’s proposals, will be adopted as the primary draft, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Foreign man steals iPhone worth nearly 60,000 baht from Phuket shop - video By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ มิสเตอร์ เคโมบาย A foreign man remains at large after stealing an iPhone worth nearly 60,000 baht from a local shop near Chalong Intersection in Phuket. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351127-foreign-man-steals-iphone-worth-nearly-60000-baht-from-phuket-shop-video/

Photo via Facebook/ มิสเตอร์ เคโมบาย By Petch Petpailin A foreign man remains at large after stealing an iPhone worth nearly 60,000 baht from a local shop near Chalong Intersection in Phuket. A Thai man took to social media in an attempt to track down the foreign thief who stole from his younger sister’s mobile phone shop near Chalong Intersection on Wednesday, February 5. He shared CCTV footage of the theft along with details of the phone, in case the foreign man attempted to sell it elsewhere for money. In the caption, he stated… “Warning! A foreigner stole an iPhone 15 Pro Max 1TB (terabyte) from a showcase at the front of the store in broad daylight.” The man explained that the foreigner, who was wearing a neon pink shirt, took advantage of a moment when his sister’s employee had his back turned. He leaned over the showcase and easily grabbed the phone, as the sliding door was left open. The foreigner did not attempt to hide the phone in his bag or pocket but carried the stolen item openly, pretending it was his. He did not leave the shop immediately but stood outside for a few minutes before walking away. CCTV footage showed that three Thai men entered the store at the same time the foreign thief left and looked at the mobile phones on display. They initially became the main suspects but the footage helped to prove their innocence. An iPhone 15 Pro Max with 1 terabyte of storage costs between 56,000 and 60,000 baht, depending on the distributor. The IMEI of the stolen phone and other details were shared in the post in case the foreigner attempted to sell it for cash. The shop owner reported the case to Chalong Police Station. As of now, the foreign thief remains at large, and the stolen phone has not yet been sold to any mobile phone shops in the province. In a separate incident reported in Phuket today, February 7, officers from Cherng Talay Police Station arrested a Russian national for breaking into a local’s home and stealing a scout uniform. It remains unclear whether the Russian woman acted under the influence of alcohol or due to mental illness. Additionally, two other foreign men were caught on CCTV on January 17 stealing cannabis from a shop in Krabi province. The shop owner has offered a 2,000-baht reward for anyone with useful information on their whereabouts, but they also remain at large. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Toddler mauled by vicious dog in Ranong, mother demands justice By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Eakkapop Thongtub via The Phuket News A devastated mother is demanding justice after her three year old son was viciously attacked by a Bangkaew dog in the Kapoe district of Ranong, leaving him with a severe head injury. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351125-toddler-mauled-by-vicious-dog-in-ranong-mother-demands-justice/

Photo courtesy of Eakkapop Thongtub via The Phuket News By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A devastated mother is demanding justice after her three year old son was viciously attacked by a Bangkaew dog in the Kapoe district of Ranong, leaving him with a severe head injury. The shocking incident occurred on February 1 while little Thanawat Makmun was playing outside his home. Without warning, the dog, owned by local Pramote Sae-lo, lunged at the child, biting his head and ear before fleeing. His mother, Rungthiva Rueang-on, rushed him to Kapoe Hospital, where he received urgent treatment. The next day, she filed a police complaint, calling for legal action against the dog’s owner. “About nine children were playing outside when the dog ran up and bit my son from behind. I immediately rushed him to the hospital but the dog owner did nothing to help.” After confronting the owner’s family, they initially agreed to cover medical costs, offering 10,000 baht. However, Rungthiva demanded 50,000 baht, citing the severity of her son’s injuries, but the family refused. “My child suffered a serious injury. He had to get stitches, and now he is terrified at night.” With no resolution reached, she has now turned to a lawyer for further legal action. Phuket-based lawyer Yarak Phethin, assisting the family, stressed that dog owners can face up to two years in prison under the Criminal Code if their pet causes harm due to negligence, reported The Phuket News. As police continue their investigation, Rungthiva is urging dog owners to secure their pets properly. “My son was badly hurt but what if it’s worse next time?” Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

4 Israeli men arrested and deported after chaos at Pai Hospital By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ หมอบ่น AggressiveDoctor Immigration Bureau officers arrested and deported four Israeli men who caused chaos at Pai Hospital and within the community in the northern province of Mae Hong Son. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351023-4-israeli-men-fined-for-causing-chaos-at-hospital-in-mae-hong-son/page/6/#findComment-19570658

4 Israeli men arrested and deported after chaos at Pai Hospital Photo via Facebook/ หมอบ่น AggressiveDoctor By Petch Petpailin Immigration Bureau officers arrested and deported four Israeli men who caused chaos at Pai Hospital and within the community in the northern province of Mae Hong Son. The disruption at the hospital and in Pai district came to light after a medical team shared details of the incident on the Facebook page AggressiveDoctor. A doctor reported feeling exhausted and unsafe, fearing that the Israeli nationals might approach or attack them outside the hospital. According to the doctor, these foreigners raised their middle fingers at the medical team, belittled their skills, smoked cigarettes inside the hospital, evaded treatment costs, stole from the hospital, and attempted to damage the emergency room door. She stated that she had reported the incident to the district office but was subsequently condemned for damaging the image of Thai tourism. The doctor added that she did not know where to seek help and was considering resigning from the hospital to protect her physical and mental health. On February 6, Channel 7 shared CCTV footage showing some of the chaos caused by the Israeli nationals. One video captured the group attempting to break into the emergency room to witness the treatment of their friend, who had been injured in a motorcycle accident. After being removed by the medical team, they became angry and caused a disturbance, disrupting both medical professionals and other patients. Another video showed an Israeli man allegedly smoking cannabis inside the hospital despite being warned by medical staff. Locals also condemned the Israeli nationals for working illegally and riding motorcycles at high speeds without a licence. The Immigration Bureau eventually took action, arresting four Israeli men identified as Daniel Gagaev, Aviv Rom, Or Emanoel Ashton, and Dan Niski Niskovaskith. They were charged with conspiring to bully, intimidate, threaten, and cause a nuisance to others. The punishment is a fine of up to 5,000 baht. In addition to the charge, their visas were revoked, and they are set to be deported from the country soon. Aside from this doctor, another Thai doctor working at a border hospital also urged the relevant officials to find a solution to the issue of overcrowded hospitals due to the high number of refugee patients. The doctor said the medical team was exhausted and that Thai citizens were experiencing delays in receiving medical treatment as a result. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Scouting trouble: Russian woman nabbed after uniform theft in Phuket By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เกษม สำราญ Police arrested a Russian woman in Phuket after breaking into a local’s house and stealing a scout uniform before leaving. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351120-scouting-trouble-russian-woman-nabbed-after-uniform-theft-in-phuket/

Photo via Facebook/ เกษม สำราญ By Petch Petpailin Police arrested a Russian woman in Phuket after breaking into a local’s house and stealing a scout uniform before leaving. The homeowner took to social media to share details of the unusual theft with his followers. He posted a picture of a leopard-print shirt along with a caption that read… “Beware of a Russian woman walking around in a scout uniform, as she is believed to be high on drugs. She broke into my house, searched my wardrobe, and left with the uniform. I think she is heading towards the Bang Tao area. She left her leopard-print shirt at my house. #ScoutUniform. The name on the uniform read Haris Modemai.” The Phuket Times reported the story today, February 7. In the images shared by the media, the Russian woman has been arrested and taken to Cherng Talay Police Station for questioning. Police were seen putting handcuffs on her while standing outside the station. No further details on the case were disclosed, and it was not confirmed whether the Russian woman was under the influence of drugs. Thai netizens flooded the comments section with humorous remarks. “She wanted to go to camp but ended up in jail.” “I just read about a foreign motorcyclist exposing himself while riding, and now this…” “Funny news reported every day.” “I can’t imagine what foreigners in Phuket will do next.” The legal consequences faced by the woman were not specified in the report. However, she may have been charged under Section 334 of the Criminal Law for theft, which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 60,000 baht. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Chinese man arrested for spray-painting pharmacy in Chiang Mai By Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Police yesterday arrested a Chinese man for spray-painting on the roller shutter doors of two pharmacies in the northern province of Chiang Mai. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351119-chinese-man-arrested-for-spray-painting-pharmacy-in-chiang-mai/

Photo via MGR Online By Petch Petpailin Police yesterday arrested a Chinese man for spray-painting on the roller shutter doors of two pharmacies in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The pharmacist, who owns a shop on Bamrung Buri Road in Chiang Mai, caught the 33 year old Chinese man, He Ma, red-handed yesterday, February 6, while he was spray-painting the store’s roller shutter door. The pharmacist intervened and recorded a video of the act before calling officers from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station to the scene. In the CCTV footage, the Chinese man can be seen pulling a spray paint bottle from his trouser pocket before spraying messages in Chinese and drawing a cartoon character of his own design. The messages in Chinese translated to… “Come back here tomorrow. See you again.” Ma also took a picture of his work but was unable to leave before the pharmacist arrived. Police immediately arrested him, seized three bottles of spray paint, and took him to the police station for questioning. Ma claimed that he was an artist visiting Chiang Mai on holiday. He said he saw spray-painted graffiti on various doors and walls around the city centre and assumed his actions were not illegal. He admitted to painting on the roller shutter doors of two pharmacies in the province, one on Bamrung Buri Road and another on Rat Chiang Saen Road. Ma was charged under Section 358 of the Criminal Law for damaging another person’s property. The penalty is up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Icelandic man gets his face busted after falling into Pattaya drain By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English An Icelandic tourist suffered painful facial injuries after tumbling into an uncovered drainage hole on a hazardous Pattaya footpath—yet another grim reminder of the city’s crumbling infrastructure. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351118-icelandic-man-gets-his-face-busted-after-falling-into-pattaya-drain/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English By Puntid Tantivangphaisal An Icelandic tourist suffered painful facial injuries after tumbling into an uncovered drainage hole on a hazardous Pattaya footpath—yet another grim reminder of the city’s crumbling infrastructure. The accident occurred around 1am yesterday, February 6 along Pattaya Second Road. The tourist, left bleeding from facial wounds, was treated at the scene by Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation before being rushed to a local hospital, said a spokesperson. “The hole was concealed by garbage, rocks, and leaves.” The tourist added that the 1.5-metre-wide pit had a raised edge that sent him sprawling. According to locals, the hazard has been a lurking danger for years. “We’ve seen numerous tourists injured here,” one resident said, frustrated by the lack of action. The dangers don’t stop there. Residents pointed out additional risks along the same walkway, including exposed metal studs from removed light poles and narrow paths often blocked by parked vehicles, forcing pedestrians into traffic. Despite officials from the Pattaya Mayor’s office inspecting the site later that morning, no immediate repairs were made. The lack of accountability has sparked outrage. “These conditions are ruining Pattaya’s reputation as a tourist hotspot,” a local shopkeeper warned. City officials have promised to escalate the matter but with no clear timeline for repairs, both tourists and locals remain at risk, reported KhaoSod English. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07

Mummified infant bodies found in chilling Chiang Mai delivery By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation A routine package check at a Sa Kaeo logistics shop turned into a horrifying discovery when staff found two dried infant bodies inside a parcel bound for Chiang Mai. Police are now investigating a self-proclaimed medium, who allegedly bought the bodies for 10,000 baht and planned to resell them to Chinese tourists. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351043-mummified-infant-bodies-found-in-chilling-chiang-mai-delivery/

Photo courtesy of The Nation By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A routine package check at a Sa Kaeo logistics shop turned into a horrifying discovery when staff found two dried infant bodies inside a parcel bound for Chiang Mai. Police are now investigating a self-proclaimed medium, who allegedly bought the bodies for 10,000 baht and planned to resell them to Chinese tourists. Sa Kaeo police were alerted this afternoon, February 6, when a man attempted to send the grisly package via a private logistics service in Aranyaprathet district. Staff grew suspicious and insisted on inspecting the parcel, revealing two small, blackened corpses inside. Shocked by their find, they immediately called the police. Deputy Police Chief Police Colonel Jaturaphat Singhatsathit rushed to the scene and identified the sender as 47 year old Chai who claimed he was acting on behalf of a 39 year old man named Pol, a local self-proclaimed black magician. Officers raided Pol’s shop in Pa Rai subdistrict, where he admitted to purchasing the infant bodies from Samut Prakan for 10,000 baht. He claimed that a group of Chinese tourists visited his shop in December with a Thai woman acting as a guide. They returned on January 22 and expressed interest in the bodies, offering to buy them for 30,000 baht. Pol was allegedly sending the package as part of this transaction. Police are now determining what charges Pol will face as they investigate the origins of the infant corpses and whether any laws regarding human remains trafficking have been violated. Officers have yet to confirm how Pol acquired the bodies and if others were involved in the grisly trade, reported The Nation. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-06

Ex-Thai artist finds fame washing himself in the middle of the road - video By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A viral video showing a Thai man washing himself in the middle of a road in the Phra Khanong area of Bangkok has captivated onlookers, dubbing him as the “Phra Khanong sensation.” Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351042-ex-thai-artist-finds-fame-washing-himself-in-the-middle-of-the-road-video/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A viral video showing a Thai man washing himself in the middle of a road in the Phra Khanong area of Bangkok has captivated onlookers, dubbing him as the “Phra Khanong sensation.” The man, identified as 43 year old Samphan, originally from the area, shared insights into his life and past experiences. Previously, he earned between 1,000 and 5,000 baht daily as a freelance artist in Bang Saen. However, his income has dwindled recently, compounded by heartbreak from a recent relationship. Towards the end of last year, he relocated to Bangkok, staying briefly with his younger sister. His drinking habits, however, led to disagreements, and he now finds himself living on the streets. By day, he seeks refuge from the sun near a convenience store, while at night, he sells his artwork, often at bars on Sukhumvit 22, primarily to foreigners. Samphan acknowledges that his current income from drawing is inconsistent and largely dependent on customers’ generosity. Reflecting on his past, he admits to heavy drinking, which he is now trying to curb. He reminisces about having 17 wives in the past, though he is currently single. Samphan expressed his apologies to the local community for any inconvenience he may have caused and extended gratitude to those who follow his story. He invites anyone interested in having a portrait drawn to find him at Sukhumvit 22, reported KhaoSod. Homelessness in Thailand is a multifaceted issue influenced by economic disparities, mental health challenges, and social factors. As of 2023, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation reported approximately 2,499 homeless individuals nationwide, with 1,217 residing in Bangkok. Notably, a significant portion of the homeless population comprises psychiatric patients, underscoring the intersection between mental health and homelessness, according to Bangkok Post. In urban centres like Bangkok, the visibility of homelessness is pronounced, with individuals often seen near public transportation hubs and commercial areas. The government has implemented measures to address the issue, including policies to prevent street sleeping in certain districts. However, these actions have faced criticism for potentially displacing vulnerable individuals without providing adequate alternatives. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-06

Snake scare: 3-metre snake found in Samut Songkhram toilet By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A large, 3-metre-long snake was discovered in a toilet at a residence in Samut Songkhram, prompting emergency services to intervene. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351041-snake-scare-3-metre-snake-found-in-samut-songkhram-toilet/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A large, 3-metre-long snake was discovered in a toilet at a residence in Samut Songkhram, prompting emergency services to intervene. The snake, identified as a large fish-eating snake, was stuck in the toilet due to its size. Fire department personnel from Samut Songkhram Municipality were alerted to the situation at house number 11/1, Village 6, and took prompt action. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the snake’s head emerging from the toilet. Attempts to pull the snake out were initially unsuccessful as its body was too large to fit through the toilet, necessitating permission from the homeowner to break the toilet for removal. Once extracted, the snake was released back into its natural habitat. The homeowner expressed an intention to use the house number, 11/1, to try their luck in an upcoming lottery. Panuwat Kaewpaihan, a firefighter from the municipal fire department, advised residents to exercise caution and flush toilets before use to prevent such incidents. He warned that unexpected encounters with snakes in toilets could result in serious injuries, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-06

Thai woman admits to faking pregnancy and child loss By Petch Petpailin Photo via KomChadLuek A Thai woman today confessed to faking her pregnancy, child loss, and accusation against a hospital in Pathum Thani province but refused to reveal her motive. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351040-thai-woman-admits-to-faking-pregnancy-and-child-loss/

Photo via KomChadLuek By Petch Petpailin A Thai woman today confessed to faking her pregnancy, child loss, and accusation against a hospital in Pathum Thani province but refused to reveal her motive. The 38 year old Thai woman Rungarun and her 42 year old husband Wicharn sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to obtain an explanation from Pathum Thani Hospital as to why one of their unborn children had gone missing from Rungarun’s womb and the hospital’s database. Rungarun stated that a doctor informed her she had another baby in her womb when she was seven months pregnant. However, when she was about to deliver her first baby, the baby had vanished from her womb. Moreover, the hospital stated that they had no record of this baby. Rungarun claimed the hospital told her she had only one child left in her womb, and she is now approximately three months pregnant. Public opinion on the matter was divided. Some expressed sympathy for her and her husband but some suspected Rungarun of fabricating the story to seek compensation from the hospital. The others speculated that Rungarun had lied about the pregnancy to prevent her husband from leaving her and then fabricated the child loss when the delivery date approached. Motive remains secret Wicharn told the media that he believed his wife’s account and felt his child’s movement when speaking to the unborn baby after returning home from work. He revealed that he had not had sex with Rungarun for more than six months before learning of her pregnancy but remained confident that both babies were his. This prompted the Ministry of Public Health to intervene and arrange a meeting with the couple and representatives from the hospital today, February 6. During the meeting, Rungarun insisted that her pregnancy and child loss were real. The Assistant to the Minister of Public Health, Thanakrit Jit-areerat, then requested a private discussion with Rungarun. During their conversation, Rungarun eventually broke down in tears and admitted to fabricating the entire story, including her accusation against the hospital. Nevertheless, her three-month pregnancy was genuine with medical records as evidence. When asked about her reason for fabricating the story, Rungarun refused to disclose it, insisting it was a personal matter. Wicharn gave a brief interview to the media after the truth emerged. He stated that he had genuinely believed his wife and was deeply saddened to learn of her deception. However, he added that at least his wife is now truly pregnant. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-06