snoop1130

Picture courtesy of Dailynews By Bright Choomanee A stepmother in Udon Thani reached out to a local activist after concerns that her husband was introducing their 12 year old son, A, to drugs. However, when officials investigated, they initially lost contact with the family. Eventually, they found the boy safe in Khon Kaen, preparing to become a novice monk, and he admitted to drug use with his father. Activist Kan Jompalang received a complaint from 46 year old Jib, the stepmother, about her husband, 40 year old Suthiphong, who was the boy’s biological father. Suthiphong, a former rescue worker in Udon Thani, had a history of heavy drug use and allegedly abused his son. Jib, unable to tolerate her husband’s behaviour, sent a video to Kan, showing him encouraging their son to use drugs. Upon receiving the complaint and video evidence, Kan’s team coordinated with several local officials, including Pisitchai Apaipiyakoon, the deputy governor of Udon Thani, and Police Colonel Phatthanaphon Chanphon from the Udon Thani District Police Station. They conducted a search at a rented room on Ring Road, Mak Khaeng subdistrict, Udon Thani province, to find the boy. On arrival, they found the room locked from the outside and empty, with only a motorcycle parked nearby. Unable to contact Jib, the team discovered that the boy’s grandfather lived on Chintakam Road, Udon Thani Municipality. Drug use The deputy governor led a team to the grandfather, who confirmed that the boy was at Wat Sawang Phosri temple in Nong Ruea district, Khon Kaen, preparing for ordination. The team contacted the temple’s abbot, who confirmed the boy’s presence and wellbeing. Speaking with his grandfather, the boy admitted to using drugs with his father as shown in the video. He explained that the drugs were obtained from a person in Ban Na Sai and that he followed his father’s example, who also physically abused him. Later, police reported to Kan’s team that they had located Suthiphong and Jib. Jib explained that she had reconciled with her husband and wished to withdraw the complaint, citing a moment of emotional impulse. Suthiphong admitted to using drugs with his son for about two months, having started first and not opposing his son’s decision to try them. He mentioned obtaining the drugs from a neighbour. Consequently, police detained Suthiphong for legal proceedings and kept Jib as a witness, reported KhaoSod. They also searched the rented room, finding drug paraphernalia and a firearm but no one was present. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-20

Woman accused of visa fraud arrested in Bangkok By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Matichon A woman accused of visa fraud, who had closed her company after receiving 10 arrest warrants and causing damages exceeding 3 million baht, was arrested while working as a dishwasher in Bangkok. The arrest took place on Saturday, January 18 in front of a restaurant in the Chom Thong district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349339-woman-accused-of-visa-fraud-arrested-in-bangkok/

Picture courtesy of Matichon By Bright Choomanee A woman accused of visa fraud, who had closed her company after receiving 10 arrest warrants and causing damages exceeding 3 million baht, was arrested while working as a dishwasher in Bangkok. The arrest took place on Saturday, January 18 in front of a restaurant in the Chom Thong district. Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and Police Colonel Santi Korkasem directed the operation, which was led by Police Lieutenant Chada Sesavesh and her team. They successfully apprehended 43 year old Narapas, whose surname is withheld, at 4pm. She faces charges under 10 different warrants for fraud-related offences issued by various courts in Thailand throughout 2024. The charges against Narapassara include fraud and embezzlement, with warrants issued from courts across the country, such as the Dusit District Court, Phra Nakhon South District Court, and Nakhon Ratchasima District Court, among others. Narapassara had previously operated a company called NJ Extension Visa Co., Ltd., which was based at The Trendy Building on Sukhumvit 13. Her business involved processing visas, booking flights, and arranging accommodation. However, clients reported that after payments were made, the services were not delivered as promised. Narapassara allegedly avoided fulfilling the agreements, citing various issues, and failed to issue refunds to some clients. The fraud affected over 20 clients, resulting in financial damage of more than 3 million baht (US$87,166). Police from the third operations unit of the Child and Women Protection Sub-Division (CWP) investigated and tracked Narapassara to the Bang Mod subdistrict in Chom Thong, where she was working as a dishwasher. Upon her arrest, she confessed to the fraudulent activities, explaining that incomplete documentation from clients prevented her from fulfilling visa requests in a timely manner, reported KhaoSod. Narapassara was subsequently taken to Bang Sue Police Station for legal proceedings. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-20

Thailand battles hazardous PM2.5 pollution levels in 28 provinces By Ryan Turner Air pollution in Bangkoik | Photo via KhaoSod English/X Bangkok and 64 out of 76 provinces in Thailand experienced unsafe levels of PM2.5 dust pollution this morning, January 20, with 28 provinces reaching hazardous red levels. Samut Sakhon reported the most severe air pollution. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349338-thailand-battles-hazardous-pm25-pollution-levels-in-28-provinces/

Air pollution in Bangkoik | Photo via KhaoSod English/X By Ryan Turner Bangkok and 64 out of 76 provinces in Thailand experienced unsafe levels of PM2.5 dust pollution this morning, January 20, with 28 provinces reaching hazardous red levels. Samut Sakhon reported the most severe air pollution. According to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), at 9am, PM2.5 levels reached hazardous levels in 28 provinces, with readings between 75.3 and 133.1 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) over the past 24 hours. The government’s safe threshold is set at 37.5µg/m³. Samut Sakhon recorded the highest PM2.5 level at 133.1µg/m³, followed by Nakhon Pathom with 115.3, Sing Buri at 107.6, Ang Thong at 98.7, Nonthaburi at 98.1, Chai Nat at 97.3, Pathum Thani at 93.8, and Ayutthaya at 93.4. Other provinces experiencing red levels were Lop Buri, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Bangkok, Suphan Buri, Saraburi, Phetchaburi, Loei, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Phichit, Kanchanaburi, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nakhon Sawan, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kamphaeng Phet, and Maha Sarakham. Thirteen provinces maintained safe PM2.5 levels. Yellow (moderate air quality) levels were observed in Ranong, Lampang, Phayao, Phang Nga, Surat Thani, Phatthalung, Chiang Rai, Chumphon, and Chiang Mai. Green (good air quality) levels were seen in Nakhon Si Thammarat (25µg/m³), Mae Hong Son (22.3), Krabi (21.6), and Trang (18.3). Thirty-six other provinces experienced yellow levels. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-20

Thailand’s UNHRC role challenged by human rights shortfalls, says advocate By Ryan Turner Pro-democracy demonstrators display the three-finger resistance symbol in Bangkok, June 24, 2021 | Photo via AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit As a newly elected member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Thailand faces the need to elevate its human rights performance to align with international standards, according to a Thai human rights advocate. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349337-thailand’s-unhrc-role-challenged-by-human-rights-shortfalls-says-advocate/

Pro-democracy demonstrators display the three-finger resistance symbol in Bangkok, June 24, 2021 | Photo via AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit By Ryan Turner As a newly elected member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Thailand faces the need to elevate its human rights performance to align with international standards, according to a Thai human rights advocate. Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW), discussed Thailand’s human rights situation on January 17 at the Foreign Correspondent Club of Thailand, prior to the release of HRW’s annual country report. He expressed concerns that Thailand’s current human rights practices fall short of the standards necessary for its 2025 to 2027 UNHRC term. Countries seeking membership in the council should already possess a strong track record in protecting human rights and have mechanisms in place to safeguard civil, political, and cultural rights. Most critically, their human rights practices should be consistently upheld. Sunai noted that while Thailand campaigned for a UNHRC seat over the past decade, culminating in its October election, it should have concurrently worked on enhancing its human rights standards. Thailand’s term on the council began on January 1. He referenced last year’s dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the lifetime ban imposed on 44 of its MPs for attempting to reform the monarchy. He also mentioned the death of political activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom, who died in prison during a hunger strike demanding bail rights for political detainees. Sunai highlighted the increasing number of individuals convicted of sedition and lèse-majesté, often being denied bail. Civil society has suggested incorporating lèse-majesté charges into an Amnesty Bill. However, support for this proposal is lacking in Parliament, leaving many political prisoners incarcerated. He further stated that Thailand is obligated to adhere to the principle of non-refoulement under international human rights law. Nevertheless, political asylum seekers are frequently returned to their home countries, facing punishment, as seen in the recent cases of UNHCR-recognised Cambodian refugees. He pointed out that Thailand invested significant effort in negotiating and lobbying for its UNHRC seat and is now celebrating its success, yet has not made genuine progress in improving its human rights record. As reported by Bangkok Post, when questioned about how Thailand could enhance its human rights standards to justify its UNHRC membership, Sunai suggested that Thailand should undergo thorough scrutiny through UN mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Being evaluated by other member states could help Thailand identify areas in need of improvement. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-20

Bangkok Tops Chinese New Year Destinations for Global Travellers File photo for reference only Bangkok has been crowned the top destination for Thai and foreign tourists gearing up to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand. The bustling capital has surpassed other popular locales as accommodation searches have surged ahead of the festivities due to start on 29 January, according to digital travel platform Agoda. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349133-bangkok-tops-chinese-new-year-destinations-for-global-travellers/

File photo for reference only Bangkok has been crowned the top destination for Thai and foreign tourists gearing up to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand. The bustling capital has surpassed other popular locales as accommodation searches have surged ahead of the festivities due to start on 29 January, according to digital travel platform Agoda. In recent data shared by Agoda on 15 January, Bangkok headed the list for Thai tourists, with Pattaya and Chiang Mai trailing, showing a 38% and 55% increase in year-over-year search volumes respectively. Emerging destinations like Khon Kaen have shown a remarkable spike in interest, with a 2,964% increase year-over-year in searches, highlighting a trend toward exploring less traditional tourist spots. The appeal of Bangkok extends beyond local visitors. Foreign tourists have shown an increased interest, marked by a 70% rise in accommodation searches. Phuket and Hat Yai also feature prominently, with respective increases of 80% and 30%. Malaysians continue to lead the list of foreign nationals searching for stays in Thailand, followed by visitors from China and South Korea. Agoda spokesperson noted, “For the second consecutive year, Bangkok remains a favourite for local and international travellers during the Chinese New Year. Phuket and Chiang Mai draw continued interest, but new hotspots like Khon Kaen are gaining traction.” Shifts are also noticeable in outbound travel trends among Thai tourists. Tokyo maintains its position as the top international destination, demonstrating a 66% increase in accommodation searches. Seoul has gained ground, rising to second place with a staggering 519% increase, while Osaka secures third with a 42% rise. Contrastingly, Hong Kong, which was a top destination last year, has seen its appeal fade, indicating evolving traveller preferences. -- 2025-01-17

Norway Tops Global Breast Size Rankings, Study Reveals File photo for reference only Norway has emerged as the leader in average breast size per a fresh survey by the World Population Review. The comprehensive report, examining 108 countries, delves into intriguing correlations between body mass index (BMI) and breast size, highlighting that breast size is unique to individuals yet influenced by factors like genetics, diet, and age. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349132-norway-tops-global-breast-size-rankings-study-reveals/

Thailand Faces Record Low Births, Sparking Population Concerns File photo for reference only In a remarkable demographic shift, Thailand has reported fewer than 500,000 births in a single year for the first time in 75 years. In 2024, only 462,240 babies were born, a significant drop from the previous year's 519,000. Mahidol University’s expert, Associate Professor Chalermpol Chamchan, emphasised that this marks the fourth consecutive year where mortalities surpassed births, underscoring a demographic dilemma. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349130-thailand-faces-record-low-births-sparking-population-concerns/

File photo for reference only In a remarkable demographic shift, Thailand has reported fewer than 500,000 births in a single year for the first time in 75 years. In 2024, only 462,240 babies were born, a significant drop from the previous year's 519,000. Mahidol University’s expert, Associate Professor Chalermpol Chamchan, emphasised that this marks the fourth consecutive year where mortalities surpassed births, underscoring a demographic dilemma. The total fertility rate in Thailand has plummeted to a concerning 1.0, below Japan's 1.2, aligning more closely with nations like South Korea and Singapore known for their low birth rates. Projections are grim, forecasting a dramatic population decrease from 66 million to a mere 40 million over the next 50 years. Correspondingly, the workforce could dwindle by 15 million, raising alarms over future labour shortages and economic ramifications. Efforts by the government, such as the campaign 'Have Children for the Nation,' have yet to substantially sway public sentiment. A recent survey revealed that only 35.8% of respondents definitely intend to have children. An additional 29.9% are ambivalent, presenting an opportunity for targeted policies to bolster this number to over 60%, according to Chalermpol. Contributing to this trend are economic hardships, environmental pollution, and deteriorating living conditions, dissuading prospective parents. The Interior Ministry's data corroborate these findings; Thailand's population saw a minor decline of 0.06% by the end of 2023, decreasing by 37,860 individuals. Thailand now ranks among the globe's top three countries grappling with the steepest birth rate declines, boasting an 81% drop over the last 74 years. This significant decrease has even put Thailand ahead of Japan, highlighting a pressing global concern of contracting populations. As the country navigates these challenges, strategic policymaking and societal shifts are imperative to address the burgeoning demographic crisis. -- 2025-01-17

Thai Telecom Titan Merger Hits Roadblock Amid Shareholder Pushback File photo for reference only In a dramatic turn for Thailand's telecommunications landscape, shareholders of telecom giants Advanced Info Service (AIS) and Thaicom have been urged to reject acquisition offers from their controlling companies, Gulf Energy Development and Intouch Holdings. The boards of both telecom firms are recommending a firm no to the merger plans, disrupting the ambitious consolidation strategy announced back in July. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349129-thai-telecom-titan-merger-hits-roadblock-amid-shareholder-pushback/

File photo for reference only In a dramatic turn for Thailand's telecommunications landscape, shareholders of telecom giants Advanced Info Service (AIS) and Thaicom have been urged to reject acquisition offers from their controlling companies, Gulf Energy Development and Intouch Holdings. The boards of both telecom firms are recommending a firm no to the merger plans, disrupting the ambitious consolidation strategy announced back in July. Gulf Energy, the major player behind Thaicom, and Intouch Holdings, which steers AIS, had unveiled plans for a merger they envisioned would transform the sector. The proposal, already blessed by shareholders of Gulf Energy, aims to aggregate a telecom powerhouse worth a staggering 1.037 trillion baht, approximately US$30 billion. Gulf Energy, Intouch, and Thai billionaire Sarath Ratanavadi sought to acquire a 58.9% share in Thaicom at 11 baht per share. Yet, rising stock prices since the merger's whisperings have led Thaicom to advise its shareholders to turn down the offer. As of January 16th, Thaicom's shares showed resilience, trading at a higher 12.3 baht. AIS has similarly seen a bid on its shares, initially valued at 216.30 baht each, then revised downward to 211.43 baht. However, AIS presented an alternative valuation suggesting its worth between 229.55 baht and 285.70 baht per share, with the stock closing positively at 290 baht, reflecting market confidence. This resistance from the telecom firms leaves the future of the merger uncertain. Gulf Energy and Intouch have yet to comment, and the industry watches closely for developments that could reshape Thailand’s telecommunications sphere dramatically. -- 2025-01-17

Study Rings Alarm: Thai Children Face Rising Obesity Crisis File photo for reference only In a troubling revelation, a recent study has highlighted that Thailand ranks as the third worst in the ASEAN region for childhood obesity, trailing only Malaysia and Brunei. A staggering 13.4% of Thai children aged six to 14 are impacted by obesity amid poor dietary habits, with over 84% of them regularly consuming salty snacks. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349126-study-rings-alarm-thai-children-face-rising-obesity-crisis/

File photo for reference only In a troubling revelation, a recent study has highlighted that Thailand ranks as the third worst in the ASEAN region for childhood obesity, trailing only Malaysia and Brunei. A staggering 13.4% of Thai children aged six to 14 are impacted by obesity amid poor dietary habits, with over 84% of them regularly consuming salty snacks. To address this urgent dilemma, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) has joined forces with the Public Health Ministry and other organisations to spearhead a campaign aimed at fostering healthier eating habits. Dubbed "Don’t Let Children Become Obese," this initiative features a high-profile event held at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. This gathering showcased innovative strategies to wean the youth off sweet, fatty, and salty foods, emphasising the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Yanee Ratborirak, acting director of ThaiHealth, outlined the alarming statistics that led to the campaign's urgency. Echoing this concern, Sa-nga Damapong of the Nutrition Association of Thailand praised the initiative, noting its considerable impact over the past five years. He stressed the critical need for media and methods that effectively encourage children to embrace a more balanced lifestyle, integrating both healthy nutrition and increased physical activity. As experts ring alarm bells over childhood obesity, the focus must tilt towards nurturing a cultural shift towards healthier behaviours, involving schools and community stakeholders in this vital endeavour. -- 2025-01-17

Elephant Birth Control Sparks Debate Amid Conservation Concerns File photo for reference only Conservationists have voiced strong opposition to a proposed plan by Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to administer birth control injections to wild elephants. The Soo Phua Chang Network, a leading elephant advocacy group, gathered at the ministry to express their concerns and submit a petition urging for a delay until comprehensive studies validate the contraceptive's effectiveness. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349125-elephant-birth-control-sparks-debate-amid-conservation-concerns/

File photo for reference only Conservationists have voiced strong opposition to a proposed plan by Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to administer birth control injections to wild elephants. The Soo Phua Chang Network, a leading elephant advocacy group, gathered at the ministry to express their concerns and submit a petition urging for a delay until comprehensive studies validate the contraceptive's effectiveness. The proposal tasked the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) with evaluating the impact of the injections on female elephants. This follows earlier research in collaboration with Chiang Mai University's Centre for Elephant and Wildlife Health, suggesting potential contraceptive effects lasting up to seven years. However, Andaman Adana, representing the network, argues that more thorough investigations are needed. Adana stressed the importance of completing trials before rolling out widespread application, citing uncertainties related to monitoring the injections' effectiveness on free-roaming elephants. Thailand's wild elephant population, currently estimated at 4,000, grows annually by 7-8%, a rate misaligned with shrinking forest habitats. Later, Pattharapol Manee-on from the DNP met with concerned protesters to discuss their worries. The debate spotlights the balance authorities seek between sustainable population control and wildlife conservation. A public hearing is set for today at the Royal Forest Department, aiming to gather insights on managing elephant populations across five eastern provinces. Results will guide further collaboration with the Centre for Elephant and Wildlife Health. -- 2025-01-17

CNY rush: Thai airports brace for over 4 million passengers By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of ACI World Insights Thailand’s airports are gearing up for a passenger surge as the Chinese New Year festival approaches, with an expected 4.03 million foreign arrivals between January 24 and February 2. The Transport Ministry has ordered Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure smooth operations and safety during this 10-day travel boom. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349124-cny-rush-thai-airports-brace-for-over-4-million-passengers/

Photo courtesy of ACI World Insights By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Thailand’s airports are gearing up for a passenger surge as the Chinese New Year festival approaches, with an expected 4.03 million foreign arrivals between January 24 and February 2. The Transport Ministry has ordered Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure smooth operations and safety during this 10-day travel boom. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed that Bangkok’s airports would bear the brunt of the influx, with 1.91 million passengers landing at Suvarnabhumi and nearly 1 million at Don Mueang. This marks a significant leap, with Chinese travellers alone accounting for 770,000 arrivals, a 22.6% increase compared to last year, although some platforms dispute this. “I’ve instructed all agencies to prioritise safety and timely service delivery, leveraging modern technology to ensure efficiency.” AoT has been tasked with bolstering manpower, improving baggage claim and check-in services, and deploying multilingual staff to assist passengers. Safety is also a top priority. AoT President Kirati Kijmanawat confirmed that international standards for runway and taxiway inspections would be strictly followed. “We’ve implemented measures to manage increased traffic across our six international airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.” During this period, 24,599 flights, an average of 2,460 daily, are expected. AoT is also ramping up efforts to prevent hazards, such as wildlife interference near airport zones, through regular surveys and proactive management. Cleanliness and emergency preparedness have also been emphasised, ensuring a seamless experience for passengers, reported Bangkok Post. Bangkok has emerged as the top destination for Thai and foreign tourists planning to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand, according to data from the digital travel platform Agoda. The vibrant capital outshone other popular spots, with accommodation searches surging ahead of the festivities starting January 29. In the south, Hat Yai is pulling out all the stops for a dazzling Chinese New Year celebration, promising a week of vibrant festivities from January 28 to February 2. This iconic festival, a highlight for Thailand’s Chinese community, will take over Srinakorn Foundation School with parades, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and breathtaking lantern sculptures. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

Senior police officer threatens junior with gun over alleged affair - video By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว : อีซ้อ A high-ranking police officer in the central province of Lopburi threatened to shoot a subordinate after he allegedly exposed an affair with one of his lovers to another mistress. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349123-senior-police-officer-threatens-junior-with-gun-over-alleged-affair-video/

Photo via Facebook/ อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว : อีซ้อ By Petch Petpailin A high-ranking police officer in the central province of Lopburi threatened to shoot a subordinate after he allegedly exposed an affair with one of his lovers to another mistress. The 24 year old police officer from Khok Salung Police Station, Police Lance Corporal John, sought help from Channel 3 after being threatened at gunpoint by 57 year old Police Captain Peerapong In-na, at a welfare accommodation. John shared CCTV footage of the incident with the media. In the video, Peerapong’s room is seen with the door left open, revealing him talking with a woman named Aum in room number 7. Suddenly, Peerapong is shown leaving the room, retrieving a gun from his car, and then walking towards John’s room, number 2. Peerapong reportedly shouted, “Who’s that?” to which John responded that it was him, coming out of his room to dry his clothes. Peerapong then threatened John. “If there is any movement from you, I will shoot you through your wall.” John explained that Peerapong might have misunderstood, thinking he was secretly taking pictures of him and his lover and sharing them with another woman, Som, who previously lived with Peerapong at the welfare accommodation. Relationship drama John claimed that Peerapong is a womaniser and has been romantically involved with three women at the same time including Aum, Som, and Kae. Kae is Peerapong’s legal wife but she lives in another province. Although they have been in a relationship for over 20 years, Kae rarely visits Peerapong at the welfare residence. Peerapong was reportedly in a relationship with Som for about nine years. Som had been living with him at the accommodation until an argument on December 31 last year. Som discovered that Peerapong had spent New Year’s Eve with another woman, Aum. The argument led to Som moving out the following day, and Aum moved in on January 5. John stated that he filed a complaint against the senior officer but his superintendent at the police station took no action. When John repeatedly raised the issue at meetings, the superintendent eventually summoned both John and Peerapong for a discussion and asked Peerapong to apologise to John. However, John said he did not want an apology but instead wanted Peerapong transferred to another police station. Channel 3 reported that the case remains under investigation. Peerapong has since been transferred to Pattana Nikhom Police Station. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

French mafia chaos: Phuket residents slam tourists’ alley blockade - video By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook via The Phuket News A fiery video posted on the popular Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต has ignited outrage, branding a group of foreign tourists as the “French Mafia” for blocking a public alley with their motorcycles in Phuket. The clip, accompanied by a stinging caption, lambasted the tourists for their arrogant behaviour and questioned the local police’s inaction. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349122-french-mafia-chaos-phuket-residents-slam-tourists’-alley-blockade-video/

Photo courtesy of โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook via The Phuket News By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A fiery video posted on the popular Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต has ignited outrage, branding a group of foreign tourists as the “French Mafia” for blocking a public alley with their motorcycles in Phuket. The clip, accompanied by a stinging caption, lambasted the tourists for their arrogant behaviour and questioned the local police’s inaction. “Admin would like to question #PatongPolice: are they silent, ignorant, or is something blocking their view?” The incident unfolded on January 12 at around 9.30pm on a private road near Kasikorn Bank on Prachanukroh Road, a bustling hub popular with tourists. According to witnesses, one tourist had parked his motorcycle directly in the alley, leaving it impassable for residents. Tensions reached boiling point when a van driver confronted a tourist for reckless driving and noise, leading to a heated argument. The commotion intensified when the tourist struck a parked motorcycle, sparking a brawl involving the tourist’s friends, the van driver, and locals. Patong Police arrived swiftly to defuse the chaos, later posting a report on their official Facebook page confirming the details. “The incident escalated into a physical altercation, causing significant disruption.” The video, just over a minute long, quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation. Netizens criticised both the tourists’ behaviour and the perceived leniency shown to foreign visitors, reported The Phuket News. “It won’t be long before things escalate.” “Set up a team to handle these issues like in Pattaya.” Perceived leniency on tourists has been an ongoing issue in Thailand. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

‘Stay away’ leaflets target PM’s visit in Yala slammed as fake news By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Reports of ominous warning leaflets telling citizens to stay away from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her visit to Thailand’s southern border provinces have been branded misinformation by local officials. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349121-‘stay-away’-leaflets-target-pm’s-visit-in-yala-slammed-as-fake-news/