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Three Orangutans Seized in Thailand's Wildlife Smuggling Bust File photo for reference only In a dramatic wildlife trafficking bust, three endangered orangutans were intercepted in Chumphon’s Mueang district, Thailand, on their covert journey to Bangkok. The animals, housed in large baskets, were discovered in a pickup truck during a police checkpoint inspection, with assistance from the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349703-three-orangutans-seized-in-thailands-wildlife-smuggling-bust/

File photo for reference only In a dramatic wildlife trafficking bust, three endangered orangutans were intercepted in Chumphon’s Mueang district, Thailand, on their covert journey to Bangkok. The animals, housed in large baskets, were discovered in a pickup truck during a police checkpoint inspection, with assistance from the US Fish & Wildlife Service. The truck was driven by Winai, 63, accompanied by 45-year-old Kalaya. Alongside the orangutans, authorities found suspected wild monkeys and a goral, hinting at a broader smuggling operation. The suspected traffickers claimed they collected the animals in Songkhla for a Bangkok customer. These orangutans, crucially protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), highlight a serious breach of international regulations. Police suspect an international wildlife trafficking network's involvement and are verifying if any licences or permissions were granted for animal possession. Following the initial operation, authorities raided a related house in Bangkok’s Ratchapruek area, uncovering additional exotic animals, including seven cotton-top tamarins and two red pandas. This incident reflects on the ongoing wildlife trafficking challenges in Thailand. This follows December's repatriation of trafficked orangutans to Indonesia, underscoring efforts to combat such networks. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is thoroughly investigating the animals' origins, aiming to dismantle the illicit network responsible. -- 2025-01-23

Man Arrested in Major Fake ID Operation in Pathum Thani Photo: The Thaiger In a significant sting operation, police have apprehended a 36-year-old man in Pathum Thani for creating counterfeit identification cards, vehicle registration plates, and tax stickers. Phumipak Dokbua, operating from a rented house in the Golden Town housing estate, reportedly sold fake ID cards for 8,000 baht each, with counterfeit plates and tax stickers also part of his illegal repertoire. Phumipak admitted to using online resources to mimic official stamps and supplying these falsified items to customers across different areas for over a year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349702-man-arrested-in-major-fake-id-operation-in-pathum-thani/

Photo: The Thaiger In a significant sting operation, police have apprehended a 36-year-old man in Pathum Thani for creating counterfeit identification cards, vehicle registration plates, and tax stickers. Phumipak Dokbua, operating from a rented house in the Golden Town housing estate, reportedly sold fake ID cards for 8,000 baht each, with counterfeit plates and tax stickers also part of his illegal repertoire. Phumipak admitted to using online resources to mimic official stamps and supplying these falsified items to customers across different areas for over a year. Clients seeking his services would typically offer photos and personal details for up to four IDs at a time, which he tailored as requested, taking just a few days for each card. Phumipak never queried the intended use of the IDs, indicative of a larger network working discreetly across online platforms that the police have been monitoring closely. The operation was part of a broader investigation into online vendors offering fake IDs, some of whom tricked customers with deposits before vanishing, while others, like Phumipak, successfully fulfilled orders. The police, armed with a search warrant from Thanyaburi Provincial Court, found an array of completed and in-progress documents, including counterfeit tax stickers and officer rubber stamps. Phumipak’s arrest has initiated further probes into identifying both buyers of these counterfeit documents and possible accomplices. Interestingly, Phumipak’s own ID was discovered to be fraudulent, combining his photo with another person’s details. His past includes drug-related offences, and following a three-year prison term, he resorted to using a fake ID in place of renewing his legitimate one. Currently, Phumipak faces charges connected to falsifying official documents, and his criminal history might increase the severity of pending legal actions. As investigations proceed, further arrests may follow, offering insights into this pervasive illicit trade. -- 2025-01-23

Myanmar Nationals Detained for Migrant Smuggling in Ayutthaya File photo for reference only In a joint operation on 21 January, Ayutthaya immigration police and highway officers detained two Myanmar nationals, Zaw Zaw Lin and Nae Sein Ma, for allegedly smuggling 10 undocumented migrants. The arrest unfolded along Highway 32 in the Thato subdistrict. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349701-myanmar-nationals-detained-for-migrant-smuggling-in-ayutthaya/

File photo for reference only In a joint operation on 21 January, Ayutthaya immigration police and highway officers detained two Myanmar nationals, Zaw Zaw Lin and Nae Sein Ma, for allegedly smuggling 10 undocumented migrants. The arrest unfolded along Highway 32 in the Thato subdistrict. Following a tip-off regarding illegal activities, the authorities observed a suspiciously overloaded vehicle, a white Isuzu MU-7, speeding towards Ayutthaya. With proper signals and commands, they managed to halt the vehicle and uncovered the migrants, none of whom possessed legal documents, jam-packed inside. Lin admitted to coordinating the pick-up from Chai Nat province after receiving directions from a woman named Saengchan. He reportedly charged each migrant 800 baht for the journey, with payment arrangements involving Sein Ma’s bank account. Lin confessed to carrying out similar operations multiple times. The detained migrants, through an interpreter, confessed to entering Thailand illegally through natural routes in Tak province. They indicated a payment range of 5,000 to 15,000 baht to orchestrate their passage. The accused now face charges related to facilitating illegal residency, while the migrants are being processed for entering and staying illegally. All involved parties were taken to Maharaj Police Station for further legal action. -- 2025-01-23

EC Secretary Faces Legal Action Over Party Dissolution Decision File photo for reference only In a developing legal drama, Election Commission secretary-general Sawang Boonmee faces potential legal action for his decision not to recommend the dissolution of the Bhumjaithai Party over accusations of unlawful donations. This contentious decision has triggered a petition by lawyer Pattharapong Supaksorn, accusing Sawang of dereliction of duty. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349700-ec-secretary-faces-legal-action-over-party-dissolution-decision/

File photo for reference only In a developing legal drama, Election Commission secretary-general Sawang Boonmee faces potential legal action for his decision not to recommend the dissolution of the Bhumjaithai Party over accusations of unlawful donations. This contentious decision has triggered a petition by lawyer Pattharapong Supaksorn, accusing Sawang of dereliction of duty. Last December, the Election Commission decided not to dissolve the Bhumjaithai Party after inadequate evidence in allegations of accepting illicit donations. The claims originated from former parlour tycoon Chuwit Kamolvisit, attempting to leverage sections of laws prohibiting political parties from unlawful funding sources. At the centre of this controversy is Burijarearn Construction, alleged to be controlled by proxies for ex-Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, previously tied to Bhumjaithai Party. Saksayam was removed by the court for hidden stock holdings in the firm, conflicting with legal requirements for ministers. Pattharapong's case particularly highlights Sawang's perceived disregard for the precedent set by the 2020 dissolution of the Future Forward Party, which received illegal financial backing. He believes this oversight calls for Sawang’s prosecution, drawing attention to potential governance inconsistencies within the election body's decision-making processes. -- 2025-01-23

Thailand Aims for Global Stage with WEF Cooperation in Davos File photo for reference only Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab in Davos on January 22. The meeting, held during the 55th WEF under the "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age" theme, focused on enhancing 's global presence as a hub for innovation and soft power. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349697-thailand-aims-for-global-stage-with-wef-cooperation-in-davos/

File photo for reference only Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab in Davos on January 22. The meeting, held during the 55th WEF under the "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age" theme, focused on enhancing Thailand 's global presence as a hub for innovation and soft power. Paetongtarn emphasised Thailand's enduring relationship with the WEF and expressed readiness for expanded cooperation. Schwab commended Thailand's potential in agriculture and food innovation and discussed the possibility of hosting key WEF events in Thailand, including a Special Meeting in 2026 and the Young Global Leaders’ Summit. Beyond events, Schwab accepted an invitation to keynote the Asia Cooperation Dialogue High-level Conference in Phuket this May, reinforcing Thailand's commitment to regional leadership. This marks a continuation of discussions between Paetongtarn and Schwab, highlighting Thailand's strategic aspirations on the world stage. -- 2025-01-23

Thailand and Japan Unite to Modernise Port Operations and Development File photo for reference only On the 10th anniversary of their collaboration, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) and Yokohama City in Japan have announced a formal agreement to enhance port operations and infrastructure. The initiative, emphasised by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, targets improvements in marketing, technology, and sustainability at Bangkok Port while enhancing its environmental and community engagement. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349696-thailand-and-japan-unite-to-modernise-port-operations-and-development/

File photo for reference only On the 10th anniversary of their collaboration, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) and Yokohama City in Japan have announced a formal agreement to enhance port operations and infrastructure. The initiative, emphasised by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, targets improvements in marketing, technology, and sustainability at Bangkok Port while enhancing its environmental and community engagement. Yokohama will lend expertise to Bangkok Port development, focusing on space optimisation and establishing green port practices. This strategic move aims to boost Thailand's standing as a regional logistics hub. The collaboration also promises academic support to decarbonise and digitise operations, reinforcing Bangkok Port's competitive position. As part of the long-standing alliance, PAT's visit to Yokohama not only celebrates the decade-long relationship but also augments future port city projects, including transforming Bangkok Port into a distribution centre. Developments aiming to enhance local community life alongside improved technology for traffic management are also planned. Moreover, PAT envisions a passenger cruise terminal to promote tourism, further capitalising on Bangkok Port's riverside location. With Japan as Thailand's significant trading partner, Bangkok aims to replicate Yokohama's success, whose port facilitates vast container movement and tourism, essential to its economy. This international cooperation marks an optimistic step towards innovative and sustainable growth in Thai-Japanese port relations, promising economic and community benefits around Bangkok Port. -- 2025-01-23

Mammoth madness: Runaway elephant sparks chaos in Phuket By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Cherng Talay Police via The Phuket News Panic swept through Cherng Talay in Phuket this morning as an escaped elephant roamed the village streets, prompting an urgent response from police and handlers. The drama began at around 10am when the elephant bolted from its camp, heading towards Cherng Talay Wittayakom School, with a scaffolding pole tangled around its neck. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349694-mammoth-madness-runaway-elephant-sparks-chaos-in-phuket/

Photo courtesy of Cherng Talay Police via The Phuket News By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Panic swept through Cherng Talay in Phuket this morning as an escaped elephant roamed the village streets, prompting an urgent response from police and handlers. The drama began at around 10am when the elephant bolted from its camp, heading towards Cherng Talay Wittayakom School, with a scaffolding pole tangled around its neck. Witnesses reported minor damage to property, including a car window shattered along the elephant’s path. Police Major Kittipong Nupheng of Cherng Talay Police confirmed the incident, noting that while the damage was minimal, the situation caused significant distress. Tension peaked when the elephant entered the school grounds, sparking further alarm. Officers, led by Police Colonel Wiraphong Rakkhito, quickly coordinated with a veterinarian and the elephant’s mahout to resolve the situation. The elephant, visibly agitated and unapproachable due to its unfamiliar surroundings, eventually waded into a nearby canal, giving the handlers a chance to intervene. Thanks to the combined efforts of the police, locals, and the mahout, the elephant was safely recaptured and returned to its camp, Elephant Care Park, without further incident. Natthaphong Chuphak, the manager of the camp, explained that the elephant had been startled by a car horn, causing it to flee. “We are grateful for the swift response from the police and community.” Cherng Talay Police Station released video footage capturing the elephant’s journey through the streets and the efforts made to bring it back safely. Though the episode caused a brief disruption, the rapid action of all involved ensured a safe and calm conclusion to the unexpected escapade, reported The Phuket News. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-23

Burmese man tries to rape 9 year old Thai boy and, kills him for resisting By Petch Petpailin Photo via Bright TV A Burmese man killed a nine year old Thai boy and abandoned his body in a pond in Samut Prakan province, near Bangkok, after the young victim resisted his rape attempts. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349693-burmese-man-tries-to-rape-9-year-old-thai-boy-and-kills-him-for-resisting/

Photo via Bright TV By Petch Petpailin A Burmese man killed a nine year old Thai boy and abandoned his body in a pond in Samut Prakan province, near Bangkok, after the young victim resisted his rape attempts. The family of the nine year old boy took to social media to search for him after he went missing from their community in the Phra Samut Chedi district of Samut Prakan at around 4.30pm yesterday, January 22. The boy, Tharam, told his grandmother he was going to a nearby convenience store but never returned home. The grandmother revealed that she suspected a Burmese roti vendor who rented a room near their home. The man often took Tharam to a convenience store and would give him small amounts of money, typically 10 baht. When questioned about the boy’s whereabouts, the Burmese man claimed that he accompanied Tharam to the convenience store, gave him 10 baht as usual, and then parted ways with him. However, the grandmother and the boy’s mother were not convinced by his explanation. Officers from Phra Samut Chedi Police Station investigated the case and reviewed CCTV footage from the community. The footage revealed that the Burmese man had been riding his motorcycle with Tharam seated as a passenger. Past crimes The police summoned the Burmese man for questioning. Under interrogation, he eventually confessed to murdering the young boy and led officers to an abandoned plot of land with a pond where he had left the boy’s body. Tharam was found floating face down in the pond, wearing only a T-shirt. The Burmese man admitted to luring Tharam to accompany him to the convenience store before taking him to the abandoned plot of land. There, he removed the boy’s shorts in an attempt to sexually assault him, but Tharam resisted and fought back. In response, the man strangled the boy until he died and abandoned his body in the pond. He then returned to his home and continued operating his roti shop as if nothing had happened. The suspect claimed that he had not raped the victim, but police stated that a thorough autopsy would be conducted to verify his claim. According to the police, the Burmese man was previously arrested on a drug-related charge two years ago and was subsequently deported. He had re-entered Thailand illegally two months ago. The Burmese national now faces three charges including: Section 319 of the Criminal Law: abducting a minor under the age of 15 from her parents or guardians. The penalty for this offence is imprisonment for two to 10 years and a fine ranging from 40,000 to 200,000 baht. Section 277 of the Criminal Law: sexually assaulting a minor under 13 years old, resulting in a death. The punishment is the death penalty. Section 199 of the Criminal Law: secretly burying, concealing, moving, or destroying a corpse or parts of a corpse. The penalty is imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 2,000 baht, or both. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-23

Thai security guard arrested for sexually asaulting 3 year old girl By Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon Police arrested a Thai security guard in the eastern province of Rayong for sexually assaulting a three year old girl in his car in December last year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349691-thai-security-guard-arrested-for-sexually-asaulting-3-year-old-girl/

Photo via Matichon By Petch Petpailin Police arrested a Thai security guard in the eastern province of Rayong for sexually assaulting a three year old girl in his car in December last year. The 36 year old Thai man submitted his three year old daughter’s case to the Paveena Foundation for Children and Women to seek justice. The sexual assault took place on December 5, and the security guard was finally arrested yesterday, January 22. The father revealed that his daughter told him she felt pain in her private parts. He encouraged her to explain what had caused the pain, and she pointed to a security guard’s shelter at the market where he worked. The girl said… “A man dressed like a policeman, with a torch, asked me to go to him. He covered my mouth and took me to his car. He put his finger inside my vagina and anus. I felt pain and screamed, so he let me go.” The father said he went to the shelter to speak to the security guard, who continued to deny the allegations. He reported the matter to Pluak Daeng Police Station and took his daughter for a thorough medical examination. Her private parts showed wounds and bruises, confirming the sexual assault. However, the police initially said they could not press charges against the guard until they had gathered further evidence. Fearing inaction, the father decided to take his daughter’s case to the foundation. The foundation liaised with the superintendent of Pluak Daeng Police Station, and the security guard, later identified as 50 year old Em, was arrested yesterday. Em faces three charges under the Criminal Law: Section 277: Sexually assaulting a minor under 13 years old. The penalty is imprisonment from seven to 20 years and a fine from 140,000 to 400,000 baht, or life imprisonment. Section 317: Abducting a child under 15 years old from their parents. The penalty is imprisonment from three to 15 years and a fine from 6,000 to 30,000 baht. Section 329: Abducting a minor under 15 years old from their parents or guardians for an indecent purpose. The penalty is imprisonment from two to 10 years and a fine from 4,000 to 20,000 baht. Police have refused bail and are keeping the accused security guard in custody until the court hearing. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-23

Pattaya Beach: Drunken vendor launches attack over stolen mat By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail A heated argument over a stolen beach mat erupted into violence on Pattaya Beach in the early hours of yesterday, January 22, leaving a 59 year old vendor injured. The dramatic confrontation has shocked witnesses and raised questions about the fierce competition among vendors on the bustling beach. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349690-pattaya-beach-drunken-vendor-launches-attack-over-stolen-mat/

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A heated argument over a stolen beach mat erupted into violence on Pattaya Beach in the early hours of yesterday, January 22, leaving a 59 year old vendor injured. The dramatic confrontation has shocked witnesses and raised questions about the fierce competition among vendors on the bustling beach. Suphanee, a veteran beach mat vendor, accused a fellow vendor of stealing her mat after spotting it in his possession. The mat, which she had marked for identification, had its markings erased—leading her to confront the man. The accused vendor, visibly intoxicated at the time, reacted with rage, punching her in the face and leaving her with a bruised forehead. “He was drunk and furious when I confronted him.” Witnesses at the scene confirmed the attack, stating that both vendors operate along the same stretch of Pattaya Beach and had clashed before over business disputes. The suspect has admitted to the assault, claiming frustration over being accused of theft as his motive for lashing out. Police are now investigating the incident further, with possible charges of assault and theft looming, reported Pattaya Mail. This altercation shines a spotlight on the high tensions among Pattaya’s beach vendors, who compete fiercely for business in one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. The local police have promised a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victim. Whether this will lead to tighter regulation of vendor disputes along Pattaya Beach remains to be seen. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-23

Details emerge on Nakhon Phanom 12 million baht lottery dispute By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The ongoing saga of a 12 million baht lottery win involving a female food vendor in That Phanom district, Nakhon Phanom province, has taken a new turn. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349687-details-emerge-on-nakhon-phanom-12-million-baht-lottery-dispute/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal The ongoing saga of a 12 million baht lottery win involving a female food vendor in That Phanom district, Nakhon Phanom province, has taken a new turn. The lottery, drawn on January 17, reportedly won 6 million baht for Boomlom, the food vendor, who claimed that Police Lieutenant Thitiphat, a customer she knew, had given her the ticket to settle a 120 baht debt. However, Thitiphat later reported to the police that Boonlom had embezzled the winning ticket, which he had only intended to entrust with her. Suthirak disclosed that Thitiphat was a friendly person. Before winning the lottery, Thitiphat and Suthirak had met at various boxing events, where Thitiphat had pawned amulets and mobile phones and even sold a car at a low price. Occasionally, he borrowed small amounts of money, which he had since repaid. Meanwhile, 30 year old Tuktik, Boomlom’s granddaughter, shared her excitement when the vendor won the lottery, hugging relatives at the restaurant on the morning of January 18. Thitiphat and his friend, Phumaw Yut, visited Boonlom at the restaurant, but unfortunately, there were no surveillance cameras to capture the meeting. Rumours suggested that Thitiphat asked for a 2 million baht share, which some considered excessive. However, Boonlom was free to decide how much to share. The food vendor was absent from her shop since January 18, reportedly due to ongoing disputes and negotiations involving a 2 million baht settlement. Present at the discussions were Yai Samlee, Hea Tun, Boonlom’s son, Phumaw Yut, and Thitiphat. Despite the prolonged conversation, the specifics remained unclear. After being closed for three or four days, the shop was set to reopen, and residents were encouraged to visit. Hea Tui, the vendor’s 30 year old son, clarified that Thitiphat did not come to discuss financial matters at the restaurant on January 18. He drove Boonlom to her home in Ban Khok Sawang that night, after which he lost contact with her. He later learned that one of Boonlom’s daughters, who works at the excise office in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, had picked her up. Rumours also circulated about a police summons for the food vendor, but her son expected she would hear about it soon enough. He confirmed that Thitiphat met with Boonlom on January 18, not to settle any financial disputes, but to discuss his upcoming ordination. Thitiphat mentioned plans to distribute eggs and donate 500,000 baht to a temple’s renovation, asking Boonlom for her support. The food vendor had already planned to contribute 1 million baht for a religious ceremony if she won, and agreed to support Thitiphat’s ordination with 50,000 baht, intending to attend the ceremony as well. Thitiphat was scheduled to collect the money in the evening, but he did not show up. Hea Tui reaffirmed that the discussions did not involve any demands for 2 million baht, as shown in photographs from the day, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-23

Illicit cigarettes seized in Buriram; 42 million baht loss reported By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Buriram have apprehended wholesalers and small retail shops involved in selling illicit cigarettes with counterfeit excise stamps, imported illegally from China, causing a 42 million baht (US$1.2 million) loss to the state. On January 22, officials from the Excise Department’s regional and local branches, alongside the Central Investigation Bureau, conducted operations in Pakham district and Mueang Buriram district to seize contraband cigarettes. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349686-illicit-cigarettes-seized-in-buriram-42-million-baht-loss-reported/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee Police in Buriram have apprehended wholesalers and small retail shops involved in selling illicit cigarettes with counterfeit excise stamps, imported illegally from China, causing a 42 million baht (US$1.2 million) loss to the state. On January 22, officials from the Excise Department’s regional and local branches, alongside the Central Investigation Bureau, conducted operations in Pakham district and Mueang Buriram district to seize contraband cigarettes. Investigations revealed that the seized cigarettes were smuggled from abroad, avoiding excise duty, and sold in retail stores. During a raid, officials uncovered 151 packs of cigarettes concealed within a small shop. This led to further probes into a wholesale supplier in Pakham district, where an additional 51,000 contraband cigarette packs were confiscated, reported KhaoSod. All seized cigarettes have been held as evidence, and the individuals involved have been transferred to investigators for further legal proceedings. Charges include importing goods without proper and complete tax payment under Section 186, possession of untaxed goods under Section 203, and possession for sale of untaxed goods under Section 204. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-23

Thai soldier has 4 mistresses, divorces leukaemia driven wife By Petch Petpailin Some of the soldier’s mistress. | Photo via Channel 8 A Thai woman with leukaemia is seeking justice after her soldier husband sued her in order to file for divorce and live with his four mistresses. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349685-thai-soldier-has-4-mistresses-divorces-leukaemia-driven-wife/