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Photo courtesy of The Nation By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Chiang Mai police issued a stern warning to teenagers playing the Jagat Coin treasure-hunting game after reports of property damage and safety risks surfaced. The popular app, developed in Indonesia, has caused disturbances in the northern province, prompting law enforcement to caution players against trespassing on private property. The warning was posted on the Chiang Mai Police Facebook page after teens were caught entering a private residence on Soi 9, Mool Muang Road, in Sriphum subdistrict, Mueang district. According to Chiang Mai News, the treasure hunters caused significant damage, trampling plants, digging up soil, climbing fences, and breaking into a locked fire extinguisher cabinet. A police red checkpoint box was also vandalised in their quest for the game’s virtual coins. The game, launched in Thailand on January 15, involves players using an app to hunt for Jagat coins in public locations. These virtual treasures can be redeemed for substantial cash prizes: gold coins for 200,000 baht, silver coins for 20,000 baht, and bronze coins for 500 to 2,000 baht each. However, the chaos led Jing Jai Market, a local project, to ban players from its premises and distance itself from the game. Police emphasised that the app lacks Thai partners, complicating efforts to address issues with its developers. They also warned users about hidden subscription fees within the app and the dangers of sharing their location, which could make them targets for robbery or other crimes, reported The Nation. “Players must understand the risks and legal implications. This is not just a harmless game—it can lead to real-world consequences.” The gaming industry contributes significantly to Thailand’s economy, supported by local developers and foreign investments. Games offering real-world rewards, such as Jagat Coin, are appealing to users seeking financial incentives. Concerns over data privacy, subscription scams, and the misuse of location-sharing features expose players to potential crimes like fraud and robbery. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-21

Factory worker assaulted by ex-colleague in Rayong street attack By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Sanook A 29 year old factory worker filed a complaint with Pluak Daeng Police Station in Rayong province yesterday, January 20 at 5pm, after being assaulted by a former colleague on a street. The ex-colleague was previously dismissed from their workplace. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349484-factory-worker-assaulted-by-ex-colleague-in-rayong-street-attack/

Photo courtesy of Sanook By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A 29 year old factory worker filed a complaint with Pluak Daeng Police Station in Rayong province yesterday, January 20 at 5pm, after being assaulted by a former colleague on a street. The ex-colleague was previously dismissed from their workplace. The incident occurred on a road in Soi Mae Nam Khu 5, Mae Nam Khu subdistrict, Pluak Daeng district, Rayong, where the victim, May, showed reporters the location of the assault. She sustained injuries to her face from the attack. May recounted that while riding her motorcycle back to her accommodation, a car followed her. Upon reaching the location, the car overtook her, and a man accompanied by a woman alighted, kicking her motorcycle over. The man then punched her in the face. May fled to seek help from locals, and after the assault, the attacker threw her motorcycle key into the roadside, making it difficult to retrieve. May identified her assailant as 39 year old Pai, who was terminated from their mutual workplace for sleeping on the job. She speculated that he might hold a grudge against her, believing she was the cause of his dismissal. However, she insisted that his termination was solely due to his misconduct and that she was not involved. Multiple witnesses can attest to his behaviour at work. Rung, a 47 year old local who assisted May, described initially seeing a car following May’s motorcycle. When the male driver exited the car and began attacking May, Rung initially hesitated, thinking it was a domestic dispute. However, when May ran to him for help, he intervened, causing the car’s occupants to flee, reported Sanook. Following the incident, Pluak Daeng police have registered the complaint and will investigate further, collecting evidence to proceed with legal action. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-21

Cyber police arrest Suphan Buri woman for call centre scam By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Cyber police arrested a 32 year old woman from Suphan Buri for her involvement with a call centre scam that targeted a grandmother and her grandson. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349482-cyber-police-arrest-suphan-buri-woman-for-call-centre-scam/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee Cyber police arrested a 32 year old woman from Suphan Buri for her involvement with a call centre scam that targeted a grandmother and her grandson. The scam involved luring victims across the border to Poipet for facial scans, with around 30 people being deceived each month. Yesterday, January 20, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwpan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, alongside Police Major General Wiwat Kamchamnarn, Deputy Commissioner, directed Police Major General Chatchapandakan Klaiklueng, Acting Commander of Division 3, and Police Colonel Apirak Champarsi, Superintendent of Division 1, to arrest Pimphan. The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on January 17. Pimphan faces multiple charges, including fraud by impersonation, intimidation, fraudulent computer data entry, and involvement in money laundering schemes. According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong, the case began in early December last year when the victims, a grandmother and her grandson from Udon Thani, were contacted by a gang posing as Department of Special Investigation officers. They were falsely accused of money laundering and coerced into transferring over 3.4 million baht (US$99,910) from their bank account. After reporting the incident to investigators from Division 3, the investigation led to Pimphan, who acted as an agent recruiting people to open mule accounts. She coordinated with a senior gang leader to transport these individuals across the border for facial scans in a neighbouring country. Pimphan admitted to recruiting mule account holders and arranging their transportation to the immigration checkpoint at Khlong Luek. Since November, she had been involved in sending 20 to 30 people each month across the border to withdraw money through facial scanning, reported KhaoSod. She received a fee of 1,000 baht (US$30) per account from the agent. So far, cyber police have issued arrest warrants for 11 individuals involved in this case, with three already apprehended, while efforts continue to locate the others. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-21

Toxic air crisis: 70 provinces choked by dangerous dust levels By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand woke up to alarming air quality today, with ultrafine dust particles (PM2.5) reaching hazardous levels in 70 of 77 provinces, and Greater Bangkok bearing the brunt of the toxic haze. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349481-toxic-air-crisis-70-provinces-choked-by-dangerous-dust-levels/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Thailand woke up to alarming air quality today, with ultrafine dust particles (PM2.5) reaching hazardous levels in 70 of 77 provinces, and Greater Bangkok bearing the brunt of the toxic haze. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) revealed that PM2.5 levels surged into the red, or hazardous-to-health, zone in 27 provinces, primarily in central Thailand. At 7am, Samut Sakhon recorded the worst air pollution, with a staggering 144.8 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) of air – nearly four times the government-set safe threshold of 37.5µg/m³. Bangkok wasn’t far behind, with a PM2.5 reading of 125.1µg/m³, followed by dangerously high levels in nearby provinces: Nakhon Pathom (119.3), Nonthaburi (116.3), and Samut Prakan (115.3). Other areas in the danger zone included Ratchaburi, Ayutthaya, and Sing Buri, all exceeding 100µg/m³. “Prolonged exposure to such pollution can pose severe health risks.” Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities and to wear masks. Meanwhile, 43 provinces experienced orange-level air quality, classified as harmful to sensitive groups, with readings between 37.7 and 75µg/m³. These included Lopburi, Chon Buri, and Rayong. In contrast, only seven provinces reported air deemed safe. Coastal provinces Phang Nga, Surat Thani, and Chumphon recorded moderate air quality, while Krabi, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son enjoyed good air conditions, with PM2.5 levels as low as 12.4µg/m³ in Mae Hong Son, reported Bangkok Post. With the smog showing no signs of abating, government officials are under mounting pressure to implement measures to curb pollution and protect public health. For now, much of Thailand remains under a choking cloud of toxic air. Agricultural burning, particularly during the dry season, contributes significantly to haze and particulate matter. Vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction add to pollution in cities like Bangkok. Government efforts include monitoring air quality, promoting cleaner fuels, and discouraging agricultural burning. However, critics argue that enforcement and proactive policies remain insufficient to tackle the root causes. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-21

Thai thief poses as jogger to steal over 1 million baht from luxury home By Petch Petpailin Photo via DailyNews A thief posed as a resident of a luxury village in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok and pretended to jog around the community before breaking into a home and stealing over 1 million baht in cash and valuables. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349477-thai-thief-poses-as-jogger-to-steal-over-1-million-baht-from-luxury-home/

Photo via DailyNews By Petch Petpailin A thief posed as a resident of a luxury village in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok and pretended to jog around the community before breaking into a home and stealing over 1 million baht in cash and valuables. The 30 year old homeowner, Kanin Kosonwittayanan, contacted officers from Rattanathibet Police Station to investigate the theft at his home on the afternoon of Friday, January 17. Kanin reported that he returned home from work and was shocked to find both a window and the front door damaged. Kanin stated that the total loss amounted to over 1 million baht. Among the stolen items were designer brand bags, gold accessories, diamond jewellery, cash, and valuable amulets. According to Kanin, the bedrooms of both his parents and himself and his wife were searched, with their belongings scattered across the floor. Unfortunately, Kanin’s home did not have any security cameras installed. The victim was forced to retrieve CCTV footage from a neighbour. The footage captured a suspicious man wearing dark blue sportswear and carrying a small backpack. Kanin suspected the man posed as a jogger, running around to identify empty homes. Kanin explained that no one was at home during the theft. He had gone to work, while his wife and parents were also out. He was the first to return home and discover the break-in. Despite the luxurious nature of the residences and the financial status of the residents, DailyNews reported that the village did not have security guards or a functioning juristic body, which enabled the thief to commit the crime easily. Kanin later learned from a neighbour that he was not the thief’s first victim. Another neighbour also lost valuables in a similar theft. Both neighbours believed the same suspect was responsible for both incidents. As of now, Rattanathibet Police Station has been unable to identify the thief and has not provided any updates to the victim or the media. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-21

Thai man loses 70,000 baht after scammers use fake ID to access his credit card By Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR online A Thai man lost nearly 70,000 baht from his credit card balance after a scammer created a fake ID card, gained access to his mobile phone number, and accessed his credit card. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349473-thai-man-loses-70000-baht-after-scammers-use-fake-id-to-access-his-credit-card/

Photo via MGR online By Petch Petpailin A Thai man lost nearly 70,000 baht from his credit card balance after a scammer created a fake ID card, gained access to his mobile phone number, and accessed his credit card. The 37 year old oil exploration worker in Bangkok, Kittinat, gathered evidence and sought assistance from the Foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice after suffering the 70,000-baht loss. Kittinat revealed that he became aware of the scam on January 12 when he experienced a loss of phone signal. Kittinat explained that he was unable to use his phone and contacted his service provider to inquire about the issue. The service provider insisted that his phone signal was functioning normally but assured him that a further check would be conducted. Three minutes after his discussion with the mobile service provider, Kittinat received notifications that his credit card was used three times for amounts of 46,964 baht, 10,000 baht, and 10,000 baht. Suspecting foul play, Kittinat contacted the phone service provider again and discovered that his ID card was used to issue a new SIM card with his phone number in the southern province of Krabi. He requested the provider to suspend the signal of the new SIM card temporarily and reported the matter to Bang Khen Police Station. Credit card accessed with OTP The victim continued investigating the matter himself until he obtained a picture of the suspicious couple who requested the new SIM card of his phone number. The couple reportedly claimed that they lost the SIM card. The ID card they used contained all of Kittinat’s information, except the picture, which was of the scammers. The mobile phone service provider’s employee admitted that the suspects did not present a physical ID card but only showed a photograph of the card. Using the SIM card registered with Kittinat’s phone number, the suspects managed to access his credit card by obtaining the one-time password (OTP) sent to the number. Kittinat added that the scammers also attempted to access another credit card but he was able to suspend both his mobile phone number and his credit card in time. Kittinat stated that he could not fathom how his personal information ended up in the hands of the scammer, as he had never lost his ID card or credit card before. As of now, neither the police nor the mobile phone service provider has provided any updates or clarification regarding his case. Consequently, Kittinat approached the foundation and news agencies in the hope that his case would garner more attention from the officials. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-21

Inmate escapes Chumphon prison, manhunt underway By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod An inmate serving a prison term for a drug-related offence has escaped from Huai Klung temporary prison in Wang Tako subdistrict, Lang Suan district, Chumphon province, sparking a search operation. The escape occurred around 3pm, yesterday, January 20, and seven hours later, the fugitive remains at large. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349472-inmate-escapes-chumphon-prison-manhunt-underway/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal An inmate serving a prison term for a drug-related offence has escaped from Huai Klung temporary prison in Wang Tako subdistrict, Lang Suan district, Chumphon province, sparking a search operation. The escape occurred around 3pm, yesterday, January 20, and seven hours later, the fugitive remains at large. Prison officials, alongside police from the Lang Suan Police Station, have mobilised to locate the escapee but have yet to make any progress. Concurrently, Police Colonel Suphanat Rattanapirom, detective inspector of the Chumphon police, has led an investigative team to map out potential escape routes and monitor the homes of the inmate’s relatives. Despite efforts to gather more information, prison management has declined to comment on the specifics of the escape. However, it has been revealed to reporters that the escapee is a male inmate named Chaowapat. Further details on the escape and the ongoing manhunt will be reported as they become available, reported KhaoSod. A high-profile prison escape case is that of Chaowalit Thongduang who escaped while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The Department of Corrections initially offered a 100,000 baht reward for information leading to his capture, later increasing it to 1 million baht. Chaowalit was eventually arrested in Indonesia in May last year. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-21

Two arrested for illegal loans after vendor’s tragic suicide By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police Region 4 apprehended two men for providing illegal loans with exorbitant interest rates, following the suicide of a fish vendor overwhelmed by debt. The suspects confessed to charging interest rates of 60% monthly. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349471-two-arrested-for-illegal-loans-after-vendor’s-tragic-suicide/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee Police Region 4 apprehended two men for providing illegal loans with exorbitant interest rates, following the suicide of a fish vendor overwhelmed by debt. The suspects confessed to charging interest rates of 60% monthly. Yesterday, January 20, Police Lieutenant General Chatchai Surachetphong, commanded Police Major General Poomiphat Patrasriwongchai, Police Colonel Kraithong Chaising, and their investigation teams to arrest 24 year old Sumet and 22 year old Ratthichai at Waeng Nang Municipal Market in Mueang district, Maha Sarakham province. The arrest followed information from hotel manager Jitpimon, who reported hearing a gunshot from a room. Upon investigation, the deceased, 33 year old fish vendor, Jakkrit, was found, having taken his own life due to financial stress from illegal loan debts. Further investigation by the police revealed that Jakkrit had borrowed from multiple unregulated lenders. These creditors regularly collected repayments from other borrowers at the market during the evenings. Surveillance led police to Sumet and Ratthichai, who were collecting payments in the area. Police found 500 baht (US$15) in cash and a debtor’s record book in Sumet’s possession. No illegal items were found on Ratthichai. During questioning, both suspects admitted to collecting repayments with an interest rate of 20% per day, amounting to 60% monthly. Jakkrit had borrowed 4,000 baht (US$118), partially repaying the principal and interest, leaving a balance of 1,600 baht (US$47). The suspects operated an illegal loan business in Maha Sarakham and nearby areas, targeting vendors and interested individuals with floating interest rates of 2% per day or 60% monthly. Police charged the duo with exceeding legal interest rates and conducting an unauthorised lending business, reported KhaoSod. They were handed over to Mueang Maha Sarakham Police Station for legal proceedings. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-21

Arrest warrant for Thanasun Nilprasert after fatal teacher shooting By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod An arrest warrant has been issued for Thanasun Nilprasert, also known as Tee Bangluang, following the fatal shooting of a 60 year old former teacher, Nak Anantarangsi, in Nonthaburi. The incident took place on January 18, along Highway 3011 in Bang Pa-in district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349382-teacher-suspected-of-murdering-husband-as-he-slept-after-missing-mental-health-medication/#findComment-19529146

Fake hug scam strikes again: Indian man loses gold necklace to 3 ladyboys By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ TMN Cable TV Pattaya Three Thai ladyboys offered an Indian man a seemingly friendly hug before stealing his gold necklace, worth about 132,000 baht, from him on Pattaya Beach in the early hours of today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349357-fake-hug-scam-strikes-again-indian-man-loses-gold-necklace-to-3-ladyboys/

Photo via Facebook/ TMN Cable TV Pattaya By Petch Petpailin Three Thai ladyboys offered an Indian man a seemingly friendly hug before stealing his gold necklace, worth about 132,000 baht, from him on Pattaya Beach in the early hours of today. The 42 year old Indian businessman, Pravin Manik Tavada, filed a theft complaint with officers at Mueang Pattaya Police Station at around 12.20am, today, January 20. Tavada reported that he had lost a 40-gramme gold necklace while enjoying the atmosphere on Pattaya Beach. Tavada, who operates a hotel in India, explained that he was spending his holiday in Pattaya with friends. While they were walking along Pattaya Beach, three transwomen approached them outside the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya. According to Tavada, the ladyboys offered sexual services to him and his friends. During the encounter, they hugged and touched the group while making their offer. After the group declined their proposition, the transwomen quickly left the scene. It was only later that Tavada realised his gold necklace was missing. He initially thought the physical contact was an attempt to persuade them to agree to the services. However, he later concluded that the suspects used the hugs and touching as a distraction to search for and steal valuables. Police assured Tavada they will bring the suspects to justice and are currently reviewing security camera footage in the area to identify the culprits. This incident highlights the dangers of random hugging in Thailand, particularly in tourist hotspots such as Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. This is not the first time such crimes have made headlines. In December last year, a Thai ladyboy and a woman reportedly greeted a Belgian man with a hug before stealing 600 euros (around 21,000 baht) from him while he was walking in the Patong area of Phuket. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-20

Thai Bride's Dowry Lost in Temple Mishap: 100k Baht Gone File photo for reference only In an unfortunate event yesterday, a Thai bride-to-be, identified as Prapassorn, lost a significant portion of her wedding dowry — around 100,000 baht in gold and cash — at Sa Prasan Sook Temple in the province of Ubon Ratchathani. The incident occurred when she momentarily left her bag unattended in the temple's bathroom, a decision that led to the theft. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349354-thai-brides-dowry-lost-in-temple-mishap-100k-baht-gone/

File photo for reference only In an unfortunate event yesterday, a Thai bride-to-be, identified as Prapassorn, lost a significant portion of her wedding dowry — around 100,000 baht in gold and cash — at Sa Prasan Sook Temple in the province of Ubon Ratchathani. The incident occurred when she momentarily left her bag unattended in the temple's bathroom, a decision that led to the theft. The mishap unfolded as Prapassorn, amidst preparations for her wedding set for today, opted to visit the temple. During her visit, she used the unisex bathroom, leaving her bag on the floor. It wasn’t until she had departed only to meet her mother, about 20 minutes later, that she realised her oversight and returned to the temple. Despite finding her bag still in place, the valuables had disappeared. Prapassorn immediately alerted the Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police, who quickly arrived at the scene. Due to the temple's heavy foot traffic — spurred by the presence of the renowned late monk Luang Pu Boonme Chotipaolo's ashes — identifying potential suspects has posed a challenge. Authorities are currently examining CCTV footage from the vicinity in hopes of discerning any clues leading to the perpetrator. The theft casts a shadow over what was meant to be a joyful celebration, with no word yet on whether the wedding will proceed in light of the financial setback. Local news outlets report that the victim remains hopeful and is cooperating fully with the police as investigations continue. -- 2025-01-20

Chiang Mai Tackles PM2.5 Pollution with Ambitious Five-Year Strategy File photo for reference only Chiang Mai is taking bold steps to tackle the persistent PM2.5 pollution, with a comprehensive five-year strategy launched at a recent workshop on January 13 and 14. Organised by the Office of the Science Promotion Commission alongside Chiang Mai authorities, the gathering emphasised the urgent need for research and innovation to combat hazardous air quality. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349353-chiang-mai-tackles-pm25-pollution-with-ambitious-five-year-strategy/

File photo for reference only Chiang Mai is taking bold steps to tackle the persistent PM2.5 pollution, with a comprehensive five-year strategy launched at a recent workshop on January 13 and 14. Organised by the Office of the Science Promotion Commission alongside Chiang Mai authorities, the gathering emphasised the urgent need for research and innovation to combat hazardous air quality. Governor Nirat Phongsitthaworn underscored the significance of research in devising effective tools to address this pressing issue. He called for cooperative efforts, leveraging data systems and innovative strategies, to mitigate the pollution affecting every resident in the region. An eight-goal strategy, spearheaded by Professor Doctor Sirirerk Songsiwilai, was proposed to make northern Thailand safer by 2026, particularly targeting the elimination of PM2.5 pollution in the upper north. Around 130 million baht will be invested in mitigating Chiang Mai's pollution for fiscal years 2023 and 2024, with a considerable increase to 450 million baht planned by 2025, extending successful measures across the region. The plan outlines objectives such as capping PM2.5-affected days to just 50 annually, reducing initial COPD admissions due to dust below 1,000 each year, and cutting down unauthorised hotspots to 4,000 annually. Dr. Banthoon Setthasirote emphasised research-driven legal frameworks, highlighting structural roots rather than legislative dependencies alone. A pivotal Clean Air Management Act is in the pipeline, focusing on decentralisation and shared management responsibilities, supported by economic measures and research. Former Chiang Mai deputy governor, Thosapon Phueng-udom, called for precise strategies and innovations to ensure the plan's efficacy and budgetary alignment. The province has already achieved a significant 34% reduction in hotspots in 2023, with a 47% decrease in burnt areas, a 24% reduction in days exceeding air quality standards, and a 74% fall in first-time COPD admissions. Notably, research uncovered that 40% of the dust crisis stems from cross-border pollution, underscoring the necessity for regional cooperation. Chiang Mai’s ambitious path forward demonstrates a commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities through vigilant research, strategic funding, and collaborative innovation. -- 2025-01-20

Half of Thailand's Debt Relief Applicants Fail to Meet Criteria File photo for reference only Amidst Thailand's mounting household debt crisis, the freshly launched 'You Fight, We Help' debt relief programme is witnessing an unexpected hiccup. Despite a rush of applications, many hopeful borrowers are ineligible for support. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349352-half-of-thailands-debt-relief-applicants-fail-to-meet-criteria/

File photo for reference only Amidst Thailand's mounting household debt crisis, the freshly launched 'You Fight, We Help' debt relief programme is witnessing an unexpected hiccup. Despite a rush of applications, many hopeful borrowers are ineligible for support. Introduced by the Bank of Thailand, this scheme allows eligible borrowers to pause interest payments for three years and adopt a more manageable debt repayment plan. Yet, merely a month post-launch, it appears clarity surrounding the programme's criteria has become a significant hurdle. Kris Chantanotoke, CEO of Siam Commercial Bank, revealed that several applicants do not fulfil the basic eligibility requirements, sparking a review of the bank's communication strategies. Mr Chantanotoke emphasised the bank's commitment to genuine support while acknowledging the steep learning curve during the programme's nascent stage. Statistics from the central bank show that out of 461,029 applications, only half gained approval. This disparity highlights a widespread misunderstanding in the applicant pool concerning eligibility, specifically regarding debt default periods. The debt initiative offers temporary relief to those with various loans, aiming to curb Thailand's soaring household debt-to-GDP ratio, which approached 90% last year. Loans considered under the scheme include mortgages, car loans, and small business loans, provided borrowers defaulted on repayments for fewer than 356 days. Financial leaders like Sakchai Peechapat of Tisco Financial Group report high rejection rates, as only 30% of their applicants qualify. Meanwhile, Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group's CEO, Aphinant Klewpatinond, mentions that half of their applicants faced eligibility issues, primarily due to misunderstandings of the scheme's terms. The banks are now making efforts to clarify the conditions and plan to maintain standard debt collection proceedings for non-qualifying applicants. How this corrective approach will affect future applications remains to be seen, but the programme's success hinges on clear communication and defined processes. -- 2025-01-20