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Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat tomorrow despite recent bombings in the region, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham, who is also with the defence ministry, yesterday, January 14, addressed two bomb incidents: one in Ano Ru subdistrict, Mueang district, Pattani, which injured six paramilitary rangers on Monday morning, January 13, and another in Sri Sakhon district, Narathiwat, which claimed the lives of two police officers. Phumtham mentioned that these incidents were discussed in a National Security Council meeting, noting that “whenever we reduce the enforcement of emergency laws, incidents occur, seemingly aligned with the agenda of certain groups.” He expressed the need to reassess the situation, instructing the council to review within a month whether the measures implemented have led to improvements or setbacks. The deputy PM stated that PM Paetongtarn planned a visit to the southern border provinces tomorrow and confirmed he would accompany her. He stressed that security measures are the responsibility of relevant agencies, which must ensure everything is handled appropriately. This visit will be the 38 year old Thai premier’s first to the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. During this trip, PM Paetongtarn plans to attend a meeting to expedite and monitor development projects in these regions, including constructing a parallel bridge over the Kolok River in Sungai Kolok district and the Hat Yai-Sungai Kolok double-track railway project. This announcement follows the death of an award-winning police officer and his son, who were killed when a road bomb hit their pickup truck yesterday morning, January 14. The officer, 56 year old Police Lieutenant Colonel Suwit Chuaythewarit, and his son, 35 year old Police Senior Sergeant Major Dome Chuaythewarit died in the explosion in Sri Banphot subdistrict, Sri Sakhon district, at 9.50am. Pol. Lt. Col. Suwit was the principal of Tua Ngo Border Patrol Police School in Sri Banphot subdistrict, serving approximately 120 pupils who are not native Thai speakers. A Muslim native of Phatthalung province, he was one of 13 teachers at the school. Suwit received the Princess Maha Chakri Award 10 years ago for his outstanding contribution to education and the development of his students’ lives. His school emphasises teaching morality and sufficiency to local students, reported Bangkok Post. Having attended another border patrol police school in his home province during childhood, Pol. Lt. Col. Suwit was inspired to become a teacher at a border patrol police school. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Thailand to welcome foreign couples for surrogacy under new law By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is amending surrogacy legislation to align with the equal marriage law and to welcome overseas couples for surrogate births in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348899-thailand-to-welcome-foreign-couples-for-surrogacy-under-new-law/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is amending surrogacy legislation to align with the equal marriage law and to welcome overseas couples for surrogate births in Thailand. Director General of the Department of Health Service Support, Dr Panuwat Panket, shared updates yesterday, January 14, regarding the amendments to the Protection for Children Born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies Act. These revisions are being made to synchronise with the equal marriage and surrogacy laws. The revised draft is currently under review by the Minister of Public Health and will be presented to the Cabinet for consideration. Significant updates include replacing “husband” and “wife” with “spouses” as outlined in the Marriage Equality Act, thereby granting same-sex couples access to surrogacy. Concerns about child custody and guardianship responsibilities, particularly in cases of separation, will require detailed examination. Once these amendments are enacted, foreign couples will be permitted to pursue surrogacy in Thailand, including the possibility of bringing foreign surrogates into the country. The current law only allows surrogacy for foreigners married to Thais. The revised legislation will also enable the export of embryos, sperm, or eggs to the foreign couple’s home country, based on criteria set by a special committee under the Surrogacy Act. In response to inquiries about human trafficking and illegal surrogacy, Dr Panuwat mentioned that the amended bill aims to enhance transparency in surrogacy processes, ensuring greater accountability and reducing underground activities. The doctor emphasised that the revised law will restrict surrogacy to relatives of the intended parents. Commercial surrogacy remains prohibited, and advertising for surrogates in a commercial context is banned. Stricter penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines, will be imposed for offences involving human trafficking or illegal surrogacy businesses. Offences committed outside Thailand will be treated as if they occurred within the country. Dr Panuwat indicated that recent studies reveal a rising interest in surrogacy, particularly among single women desiring biological children without undergoing pregnancy, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Second phase of 10,000 baht handout for elderly starts January 27 By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced that the second phase of the government’s 10,000 baht cash handout will start on January 27, two days earlier than initially planned. This phase will target approximately 3.5 to 4 million elderly citizens aged 60 and above, who will receive the funds through the government’s PromptPay app. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348898-second-phase-of-10000-baht-handout-for-elderly-starts-january-27/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced that the second phase of the government’s 10,000 baht cash handout will start on January 27, two days earlier than initially planned. This phase will target approximately 3.5 to 4 million elderly citizens aged 60 and above, who will receive the funds through the government’s PromptPay app. The economic stimulus programme was originally designed to cover all Thai citizens aged 16 and above, with an estimated budget of 500 billion baht. However, due to concerns about excessive spending, eligibility criteria based on income were introduced. Eligible participants must have an annual income not exceeding 840,000 baht and combined bank savings of no more than 500,000 baht. These criteria have reduced the number of eligible recipients to 50 million, with the government anticipating that about 90%, or 45 million, will register. Initially, the plan was a one-time distribution nationwide but was altered to concentrate on vulnerable groups in the first phase. This included state welfare cardholders and individuals with disabilities, amounting to 14.5 million people. Individuals who registered through the government’s Tang Rath app but have not yet received funds will be included in the third phase, expected to be distributed as digital money in April, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Cambodian wanted for contract killing of Cambodian-French MP By Petch Petpailin The Thai gunman, Ekkaluck. | Photo via PPTV HD Thai police issued an arrest warrant for a Cambodian man in connection with the contract killing of a former Cambodian-French opposition Member of Parliament in Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348897-cambodian-wanted-for-contract-killing-of-cambodian-french-mp/

The Thai gunman, Ekkaluck. | Photo via PPTV HD By Petch Petpailin Thai police issued an arrest warrant for a Cambodian man in connection with the contract killing of a former Cambodian-French opposition Member of Parliament in Bangkok. Police arrested the Thai gunman, Ekkaluck “Em” Parenoi, in Cambodia’s Prey Veng province on January 8 and brought him back to Thailand for questioning. Ekkaluck admitted to being hired to kill the former MP, 73 year old Lim Kimya. Recently, Thai police officers arrested 47 year old Chakit Buaplee in the central province of Chanthaburi for driving Ekkaluck from Thailand to Cambodia. He claimed that he did not know what Ekkaluck had done when he agreed to take him to the border area of the two countries. Ekkaluck refused to disclose the identity of the person who hired him, referring to this individual only as his “benefactor.” According to Ekkaluck, he was promised 60,000 baht for the job, with 30,000 baht paid to him in advance. Sam Rainsy, a former leader of the Cambodian opposition party, later took to social media to accuse former army general and current President of the Senate, Hun Sen, of masterminding Lim’s murder. Rainsy also implicated the Cambodian man in Thailand, whom Ekkaluck referred to as his supporter. Police investigations into Ekkaluck’s mobile phone revealed conversations with the Cambodian man, Ly Ratanakraksmey, who also has a Thai alias, Somwang Bamrungkij. Ly operates a business dealing with the importation of labour in Thailand and Malaysia. He reportedly has close connections with Thai officials, including those in the police force and the Ministry of Labour. Efforts by PPTV HD to contact Ly for an interview were unsuccessful, as all his communication channels were inactive. Officers from Chana Songkhram Police Station gathered sufficient evidence to implicate Ly in Lim’s assassination. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued against him for violating several laws, including: Section 84 of the Criminal Law: causing another person to commit an offence through employment, compulsion, threat, hire, favour, or instigation. The punishment is equivalent to that of the person who committed the crime. If convicted, Ly faces the death penalty, as would Ekkaluck according to Section 289 of the Criminal Law: murder committed with premeditation. Section 376 of the Criminal Law: firing a gun in a public place without reasonable cause. Penalties include imprisonment for up to 10 days, a fine of up to 5,000 baht, or both. Section 8 of the Act on Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms: carrying a firearm in a public place without proper permission or necessity. Penalties include imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both. Police are also pursuing another suspect in the assassination, Kimsrin Pich, who remains at large. According to reports from Matichon, Kimsrin is the younger brother of Sros Pich, a politician aligned with the Cambodian government, and also works as a pro-government news reporter. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

China-Tour Cancellations Shake Thailand's Tourism for New Year File photo for reference only Hotels and airlines across Thailand are grappling with a surge of cancellations from Chinese tour groups, just as the country prepared to welcome an influx of tourists for the Chinese New Year holiday in late January. The drop in bookings follows heightened safety concerns, underscored by recent incidents involving job scams in Southeast Asia. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348821-china-tour-cancellations-shake-thailands-tourism-for-new-year/

File photo for reference only Hotels and airlines across Thailand are grappling with a surge of cancellations from Chinese tour groups, just as the country prepared to welcome an influx of tourists for the Chinese New Year holiday in late January. The drop in bookings follows heightened safety concerns, underscored by recent incidents involving job scams in Southeast Asia. Hong Kong singer, Eason Chan, recently cancelled his concert in Thailand, citing these very concerns. In response, the Hong Kong Security Bureau dispatched a team to investigate cases where their citizens were reportedly enticed into job scams under dubious circumstances. While no tourists from Hong Kong were reportedly harmed, participants in these scams found themselves transported to Myanmar. Despite reassurances from Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports, that Thailand is bolstering safety measures, cancellations persist. Hotels in key tourist spots, especially Bangkok, are feeling the brunt, as noted by Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, Chairman of Marketing at the Thai Hotels Association (THA). Tour groups, unlike independent travellers, have the flexibility to back out due to refundable booking policies. This has sparked concern amongst hotel operators who are now pressing the government to act swiftly to restore confidence in visitor safety. Thai Lion Air's Nuntaporn Komonsittivate reported significant cancellations for charter flights to Phuket, though individual bookings, less affected by such dynamics, remain stable. The situation presents a pressing challenge for Thai tourism, a sector heavily reliant on Chinese visitors. As the trade braces for impact, the broader implications on airline and hotel revenues during one of the busiest travel periods loom large. The tourism industry awaits further clarity in the coming days, as businesses come back from the weekend break to reassess and strategise amidst these tensions. -- 2025-01-14

Thai Airways Relocates to Changi's Revamped Terminal 2 File photo for reference only In a significant update for travellers, Thai Airways is set to relocate its Singapore operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Changi Airport on February 18. This shift promises enhanced facilities and lounge access, adding comfort for those on the busy Bangkok-Singapore route. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348820-thai-airways-relocates-to-changis-revamped-terminal-2/

File photo for reference only In a significant update for travellers, Thai Airways is set to relocate its Singapore operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Changi Airport on February 18. This shift promises enhanced facilities and lounge access, adding comfort for those on the busy Bangkok-Singapore route. For decades, Thai Airways has been a fixture at Terminal 1, operating 35 weekly flights, including five daily services to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. The move to Terminal 2 aligns Thai Airways with fellow Star Alliance members such as Lufthansa and ANA, in Changi's largest terminal, which recently underwent extensive renovations to improve passenger services. Passengers will benefit from the refreshed lounge experience at Terminal 2. While the airline's Terminal 1 lounge remained closed post-Covid, T2 offers access to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer Gold Lounge and SilverKris Business Class Lounge. Though not on par with the cutting-edge facilities in Terminal 3, they are accessible through a quick SkyTrain ride. Business Class passengers can unwind in the SilverKris Business Lounge, while Star Alliance Gold members in Economy or Premium Economy can access the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge. Additionally, Priority Pass holders can enjoy unique dining and spa redemption options at T2, including discounts at Asian Street Kitchen. The refurbished Terminal 2 now handles 130 daily flights, serving 28 million passengers annually. With expanded space, new dining choices, and a nature-inspired design, the updated terminal aims to elevate the travel experience, making it a bustling hub within Changi. -- 2025-01-14

Hong Kong Singer Eason Chan Cancels Bangkok Gig Amid Rising Safety Worries File photo for reference only Hong Kong's beloved singer, Eason Chan, has cancelled his Bangkok concert amidst safety concerns for Chinese nationals visiting Thailand. Originally slated for February 22 at Impact Arena, the concert was called off after mainland Chinese actor Wang Xing's dramatic rescue from a notorious scam syndicate along the Thai-Myanmar border. Wang, deceived by a fake casting crew, had gone missing since January 3 before being discovered in a distressed state. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348819-hong-kong-singer-eason-chan-cancels-bangkok-gig-amid-rising-safety-worries/

File photo for reference only Hong Kong's beloved singer, Eason Chan, has cancelled his Bangkok concert amidst safety concerns for Chinese nationals visiting Thailand. Originally slated for February 22 at Impact Arena, the concert was called off after mainland Chinese actor Wang Xing's dramatic rescue from a notorious scam syndicate along the Thai-Myanmar border. Wang, deceived by a fake casting crew, had gone missing since January 3 before being discovered in a distressed state. Sunfan Media Group, responsible for Eason Chan’s Fear and Dreams World Tour, cited Chan's management's decision after discussions with the concert’s Bangkok partners. The cancellation aims to protect Chinese citizens, acknowledging the recent spate of scams targeting them in Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. These scams have involved kidnapping victims to coercively work in fraudulent call centres, damaging Chinese tourists' confidence in Thailand, a nation heavily reliant on tourism. Fans have expressed mixed reactions, balancing disappointment with understanding of the safety issues driving the cancellation. Wang Xing's rescue has underscored the perils facing Chinese tourists, spotlighting the urgent need for heightened safety measures in the region. -- 2025-01-14

Police raid reveals sim box scam in Bangkok apartment By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Region 1 raided an apartment in the Lat Phrao area, uncovering eight sim box devices used for scam calls to defraud victims out of millions. The apartment was rented by a foreign national. Efforts are underway to expand the investigation and make arrests. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348818-police-raid-reveals-sim-box-scam-in-bangkok-apartment/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Police in Region 1 raided an apartment in the Lat Phrao area, uncovering eight sim box devices used for scam calls to defraud victims out of millions. The apartment was rented by a foreign national. Efforts are underway to expand the investigation and make arrests. Police Major General Worachat Saenkham, commander of the Region 1 Investigation Division, along with other high-ranking officers including Police Colonel Prathan Nantakobkul and Police Colonel Chutrakul Yosmadee, conducted a raid yesterday, January 13 at 8am. Their operation was supported by the Analytical News Division and involved a search warrant from the Criminal Court, warrant number K.4/2568, dated January 12. The search of the apartment in the Lat Phrao district was prompted by information from the AOC operations centre. The police were alerted to a criminal using the phone number 082-328xxxx to deceive victims by impersonating officials and threatening involvement in illegal activities, leading victims to transfer money for alleged investigations. One victim transferred 71,000 baht. Further investigation linked this phone number to 12 similar cases, with damages exceeding 1 million baht. During the search, police discovered eight GSM gateway devices, each capable of holding up to 32 SIM cards, two internet modem devices, and one CCTV camera. These items were seized for further investigation. Initial findings indicated that a foreign national rented the apartment on November 26 last year for 4,800 baht per month. The involved parties face charges of illegal use, import, export, or trade of telecommunications equipment without proper licencing, and setting up telecommunications stations without authorisation, reported KhaoSod. The police intend to continue their investigation to prosecute those involved in this scam operation. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Sinful: Ex-nun claims reveal monk-key business at Isaan temple By Petch Petpailin Former nun, Phorn. | Photo via Amarin TV A former Thai nun exposed the inappropriate behaviour of an abbot at Dan Phra In Temple in the Isaan province of Mukdahan, claiming the monk engaged in sexual activities with her for over seven years and gave her large sums of money donated by Buddhists. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348817-sinful-ex-nun-claims-reveal-monk-key-business-at-isaan-temple/

Former nun, Phorn. | Photo via Amarin TV By Petch Petpailin A former Thai nun exposed the inappropriate behaviour of an abbot at Dan Phra In Temple in the Isaan province of Mukdahan, claiming the monk engaged in sexual activities with her for over seven years and gave her large sums of money donated by Buddhists. The former nun, Phorn, urged the news Facebook page เจ๊มอย v+ (J Moi V+) to share her story with the public. The page subsequently posted a brief account of her claims yesterday, January 13. “A Thai woman revealed her secret relationship with an abbot. They first engaged in sexual activity at an outdoor ceremony venue within the temple. The monk also frequently gave her money.” Phorn revealed to the media that the monk, identified only as Phol, told her in 2014 that she had been his wife in their past lives. He urged her to attend a Dhamma retreat at the temple to atone for the karma they had accumulated together in those lives. Phorn said she decided to become a nun and reside at the temple from 2015 onwards. She accused the monk of raping her in 2015 and threatening her to remain silent, saying he would commit suicide if she revealed the matter. The monk also reportedly threatened to take his life if she ended their relationship. According to Phorn, Phol began giving her sums of money ranging from 1,000 to over 10,000 baht at a time. However, Phorn ultimately decided to leave the cloisters and expose Phol, alleging he failed to keep promises made to her. Phorn claimed Phol broke his promise to use a condom during sexual intercourse and was unfaithful to her. Their disputes eventually led to the end of their relationship. Phorn shared screenshots of conversations between her and Phol, in which he expressed love for her and conversed in a manner typical of a romantic couple. She also provided voice recordings, money transfer receipts, and other evidence, which are currently under review by the provincial monk committee. Phol was summoned today, January 14, to appear before the committee for questioning. He denied having any relationship with Phorn, accusing her of fabricating the story to tarnish his reputation. The committee pledged to defrock Phol if the allegations are proven true. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Scrambled spat: Egg row ends with knife attack in Pattaya By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Pattaya police and rescue workers rushed to a chaotic scene on Sunday where a domestic dispute over frying eggs took a violent turn, leaving a man with a knife lodged in his head. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348816-scrambled-spat-egg-row-ends-with-knife-attack-in-pattaya/

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Pattaya police and rescue workers rushed to a chaotic scene on Sunday where a domestic dispute over frying eggs took a violent turn, leaving a man with a knife lodged in his head. Officers arrived at a rental room in Soi Paniadchang 8, Central Pattaya, yesterday, January 12, to find 36 year old Krisada Matcha, bleeding profusely and stumbling down the stairs seeking help. Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation provided emergency first aid before rushing him to Bang Lamung Hospital. Inside the room, police found the alleged attacker, 35 year old Sathaporn Chieaplaem, who is Krisada’s stepson. Sathaporn admitted to stabbing his stepfather after an argument escalated into violence. He, too, had sustained a head injury and claimed the altercation began when Krisada hit him with a soup bowl during a heated exchange. Sathaporn explained that tensions had been simmering for some time, citing dissatisfaction with his stepfather’s presence in his mother’s life. The argument spiralled out of control when the two clashed over how to fry eggs, ending in the brutal stabbing. “I acted in rage after he attacked me first,” Sathaporn told police, as officers took him into custody for further questioning. Krisada remains in hospital under close medical supervision, while Sathaporn faces legal proceedings, reported Pattaya Mail. The shocking incident has drawn attention to domestic violence in Thailand, sparking conversations about the need for conflict resolution in family disputes. Pattaya police have assured the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Baht bus brawl: Phuket driver and foreign man row over fare By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ A physical altercation broke out between a Thai baht bus driver and a foreign man outside a hotel in Phuket after the foreigner refused to pay the agreed transport fare. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348815-baht-bus-brawl-phuket-driver-and-foreign-man-row-over-fare/

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ By Petch Petpailin A physical altercation broke out between a Thai baht bus driver and a foreign man outside a hotel in Phuket after the foreigner refused to pay the agreed transport fare. The Phuket Times shared a video of the altercation today, January 14. However, the page did not specify when or where the incident occurred. The accompanying post read… “Fighting! The foreign tourist refused to pay the transport fare of 400 baht as agreed before the trip and paid only 200 baht upon arriving at his hotel.” The video, posted in the comments section, showed the red baht bus driver initiating the fight by punching the foreign man, who was wearing a white shirt, in the face. The foreigner retaliated by throwing the Thai driver to the ground and kicking him forcefully. A hotel security guard rushed to separate the two but the driver got up and struck the foreigner on the head. Another security guard intervened, eventually succeeding in stopping the fight. Since no details were provided regarding the distance of the journey, it was not possible to determine whether the 400-baht fare was reasonable. Nevertheless, some netizens argued that the foreigner should have paid the agreed amount regardless of its fairness, as the terms had been settled before the ride. There has been no report on whether either party will face legal consequences for their actions. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Thai Village in Shock as 100-Year-Old Tree Crushes Teen Motorcyclist File photo for reference only A 100-year-old sugar palm tree in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham tragically fell, leading to the death of a 15-year-old girl named Ice and critically injuring her friend, Palm. This incident occurred on Saturday, January 11, as the teens were travelling on a rural road through the Kantharawichai district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348810-thai-village-in-shock-as-100-year-old-tree-crushes-teen-motorcyclist/

File photo for reference only A 100-year-old sugar palm tree in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham tragically fell, leading to the death of a 15-year-old girl named Ice and critically injuring her friend, Palm. This incident occurred on Saturday, January 11, as the teens were travelling on a rural road through the Kantharawichai district. The towering tree, over 20 metres tall, had stood in a temple for a century. Its decay, amplified by strong winds on the day, likely contributed to its fall. Community leader, Adisak Rattha, upon rushing to the scene, confirmed Ice was killed immediately. Palm, aged 16, was taken to hospital where surgeons amputated her leg due to severe injuries. In addition to its human toll, the fallen tree also caused significant damage to nearby electricity infrastructure, leading to an urgent community effort to clear the road. According to Adisak, the victims will receive compensation through insurances, ensuring some relief for the affected families. Ice’s mother, Janphen, shared her heartbreak over the tragedy. She recounted how Ice and Palm only intended to shop for a family meal. Janphen also recalled a recent ominous event, where portrait frames at home mysteriously fell, which she viewed as an ill omen. The community mourns Ice’s loss and rallies around Palm in her recovery, marking a sombre reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the bonds of unity in times of distress. -- 2025-01-14

Chinese woman accuses Thai police of 7 million baht extortion By Petch Petpailin A police officer from Prawet Police Station and a Singaporean man. | Photo via Channel 8 A Chinese woman accused Thai police officers in Bangkok of extorting 7 million baht from her. However, several Thai nationals came forward to accuse the Chinese woman of operating an investment scam. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348808-chinese-woman-accuses-thai-police-of-7-million-baht-extortion/

A police officer from Prawet Police Station and a Singaporean man. | Photo via Channel 8 By Petch Petpailin A Chinese woman accused Thai police officers in Bangkok of extorting 7 million baht from her. However, several Thai nationals came forward to accuse the Chinese woman of operating an investment scam. The woman, identified only as Yujin, released a livestream video alleging corruption by officers at Prawet Police Station in Bangkok and urged her followers not to travel to Thailand, claiming the country was dangerous. Yujin later sought help from Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, president of the Help Crime Victim Club, to pursue justice. Atchariya submitted a formal complaint to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Siam Boonsom, yesterday, January 13. In an interview with Amarin TV, Atchariya explained that Yujin arrived in Thailand in December 2023 with four family members and stayed at a hotel in the Bang Rak neighbourhood of Bangkok. During her stay, a Singaporean man approached her in the hotel lobby to discuss a business matter. While they were talking, officers from Prawet Police Station arrived and summoned her to the police station for questioning. Yujin believed that the Singaporean man was also involved in the extortion. At the station, officers allegedly demanded 70 million baht from Yujin, claiming she owed money to a Thai woman named Nichapa. Yujin insisted to Atchariya that she did not know Nichapa and had never met her. She maintained that this was her and her family’s first visit to Thailand. The police reportedly threatened to detain her if she refused to pay. Yujin eventually negotiated the amount down to 7 million baht, which she paid in cryptocurrency. Repeated extortion Yujin returned to her home country as scheduled but refused to abandon her pursuit of justice. She returned to Thailand in August last year to press charges against the officers from Prawet Police Station. She reported the matter to Phayathai Police Station and Bang Rak Police Station. However, she was allegedly extorted again, this time by officers from Bang Rak Police Station, who reportedly demanded 260,000 baht as an operational fee for processing her complaint. Atchariya called on Commissioner Siam to ensure justice for the Chinese woman and urged the Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to address corruption and scams targeting foreign tourists in Thailand. In response, officers from Prawet Police Station claimed that Yujin was accused by Nichapa of defrauding her of 30 million baht through an investment scheme via a mobile application. Nichapa alleged she was unable to withdraw either her investment or the promised returns. Nichapa reported the issue to Prawet Police Station, prompting officers to summon Yujin for questioning. The police claimed that Yujin and Nichapa resolved the matter privately and later informed the officers they had reached an agreement. The police also stated that more victims of Yujin’s alleged investment scam came forward to file complaints against her. As of now, the case remains under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Bureau to determine which party is telling the truth. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14