snoop1130

File photo for reference only Officers at Mueang Narathiwat Police Station in southern Thailand are on the hunt for Fatina Nanta-ariyakun, a 21-year-old woman accused of impersonating a police captain and swindling over 400,000 baht from a Thai man. Fatina, who met the victim via a dating app in late 2023, assumed the identity of Police Captain Phitchayanit Boonyaratkalin and backed her claim with counterfeit documentation. Displaying alleged police credentials on social media, Fatina lured her victim into believing she was pregnant with his child, leading him to send her money for supposed antenatal care. The ruse included forged hospital documents, which eventually unravelled when he investigated further. Fatina, having previously admitted to the deception, has since disappeared, dodging attempts at contact and breaking an agreement to repay the victim. The charges filed against her include defrauding by deceit, misuse of police attire, and forgery. Despite being summoned by police, she remains elusive, with authorities continuing their pursuit. Her mother allegedly supported the scam, while Fatina has reportedly married a soldier unaware of her incriminating past. The investigation presses on, as police aim to bring her to justice. -- 2025-01-08

Thai Woman Accuses Police of Selling Data to Cambodian Scammers File photo for reference only A woman from Thailand, named Mint, has accused a police officer in Chon Buri of selling her personal information to scammers operating in Cambodia. This accusation arose after Mint discovered her and her father's information shared on a Facebook group, used by Thai nationals in Cambodia. The post was made by a Thai call center scammer working illegally in Cambodia, who reportedly holds a grudge against Mint since she works there legally. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348287-thai-woman-accuses-police-of-selling-data-to-cambodian-scammers/

File photo for reference only A woman from Thailand, named Mint, has accused a police officer in Chon Buri of selling her personal information to scammers operating in Cambodia. This accusation arose after Mint discovered her and her father's information shared on a Facebook group, used by Thai nationals in Cambodia. The post was made by a Thai call center scammer working illegally in Cambodia, who reportedly holds a grudge against Mint since she works there legally. An investigation revealed that the officer had accessed this information from the official police database, sparking claims of misconduct. However, the Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station initially declined to investigate Mint's complaint, filed last December. Mint, a tattoo artist, turned to Saimai Survive, a non-profit group, for assistance. The organization's founder, Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, highlighted that this incident threatens national security and called out the involvement of a government official in such fraudulent activities. Ekkaphop has urged the police to commence an investigation, planning to reach out to the Chon Buri Provincial Police Command for further action. -- 2025-01-08

Foreign Ministry Cautions Against Opposition's Myanmar Visit File photo for reference only Concerns have arisen following the potential visit by members of Thailand's opposition People’s Party (PP) to Myanmar, aiming to meet four detained Thai trawler crew members. Vice Minister Russ Jalichandra voiced apprehension yesterday, January 7, explaining that while the ministry cannot prevent Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP and chairman of the House’s Military Affairs Committee, from his intended visit, official permission through diplomatic channels is necessary. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348284-foreign-ministry-cautions-against-oppositions-myanmar-visit/

File photo for reference only Concerns have arisen following the potential visit by members of Thailand's opposition People’s Party (PP) to Myanmar, aiming to meet four detained Thai trawler crew members. Vice Minister Russ Jalichandra voiced apprehension yesterday, January 7, explaining that while the ministry cannot prevent Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP and chairman of the House’s Military Affairs Committee, from his intended visit, official permission through diplomatic channels is necessary. Russ highlighted that such a move might be misinterpreted by Myanmar as coercive, possibly hampering ongoing negotiations for the crew's release. Wiroj plans to seek clearance from House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha for his investigative trip. The crew has been held since a November 30 incident where their boat was fired upon by a Myanmar warship near Ranong. Although initial hopes were pinned on a January 4 release, coinciding with Myanmar's Independence Day, this did not transpire. Negotiations persist, with expectations of their release by mid-January, according to Russ. Meanwhile, Rangsiman Rome, another PP list MP, intends to discuss the situation with the Royal Thai Navy and the Foreign Ministry to expedite the crew's safe return. Rangsiman criticised the government's approach, pointing out the lack of prompt protest and legal aid for the crew, suggesting the issue lacks priority. -- 2025-01-08

Siam University Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Unauthorised Course File photo for reference only Siam University finds itself embroiled in controversy as the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) threatens legal action over an alleged unauthorised volunteer police training programme. This programme, organised by a Chinese executive, used the university's logo without permission, raising concerns under the Private Higher Education Institutions Act BE 2546 (2003). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348283-siam-university-faces-legal-action-over-alleged-unauthorised-course/

File photo for reference only Siam University finds itself embroiled in controversy as the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) threatens legal action over an alleged unauthorised volunteer police training programme. This programme, organised by a Chinese executive, used the university's logo without permission, raising concerns under the Private Higher Education Institutions Act BE 2546 (2003). The programme, which reportedly took place between December 25 and December 27, charged Chinese nationals 38,000 baht (equivalent to US$1,100) each, attracting over 20 participants. Despite its promotion under the university's banner, Siam University has vehemently denied any involvement. President Pornchai Mongkhonvanit has insisted that the institution is merely a victim of misinformation and manipulation. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi has urged the university to act promptly in addressing the issue, stating that further delay is unwarranted. The university has been given one to two days to file a complaint and expedite its internal investigation. A failure to comply could result in the ministry pursuing legal charges. In response, Siam University has launched a fact-finding committee since January 3, uncovering that an external individual, allegedly linked with police officers from Metropolitan Police Bureau 3, had orchestrated the training. Identified as Li Zhang, Assistant to the President for International Activities, the organiser executed the programme without university consent. The incident has sparked concerns around procedural oversight, as Li Zhang purportedly signed a letter under university pretenses. The authenticity of this document, which was to bear the president’s signature or an authorised proxy, remains questionable. Nonetheless, no financial gain was realised by the institution from this event. As the situation unfolds, the university's potential response will determine whether legal actions will proceed, underscoring the importance of adherence to regulatory compliance in collegiate settings. -- 2025-01-08

Mahout charged for elephant goring Spanish woman in Thailand By Bob Scott Blanca Ojanguren García picture courtesy of Pinoalbar Development School and Sky News Police in Thailand have charged the mahout responsible for the elephant that gored a Spanish woman to death last week in Koh Yao. The deadly incident has since ramped up intense scrutiny of Thailand’s elephant tourism industry. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348285-mahout-charged-for-elephant-goring-spanish-woman-in-thailand/

Mahout charged for elephant goring Spanish woman in Thailand By Bob Scott Blanca Ojanguren García picture courtesy of Pinoalbar Development School and Sky News Police in Thailand have charged the mahout responsible for the elephant that gored a Spanish woman to death last week in Koh Yao. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348285-mahout-charged-for-elephant-goring-spanish-woman-in-thailand/

Kazakh man reports Phuket investment scam run by Ukrainian and Thai men By Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online A Kazakh businessman filed a complaint with the Phuket Governor after being tricked by Ukrainian and Thai men into investing in a real estate project in the province. However, he has not received any profits from the investment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348281-kazakh-man-reports-phuket-investment-scam-run-by-ukrainian-and-thai-men/

Photo via MGR Online By Petch Petpailin A Kazakh businessman filed a complaint with the Phuket Governor after being tricked by Ukrainian and Thai men into investing in a real estate project in the province. However, he has not received any profits from the investment. The Kazakh victim, Takhir, initially reported the investment scam to Choeng Thale Police Station. He and his legal team subsequently met with the Phuket Governor, Sophon Suwannarat, today, January 7, to seek assistance from the authorities. During the discussion, Takhir explained that he visited Phuket frequently until he met a Ukrainian real estate agent in the province. The agent offered him a condominium in the Choeng Thale sub-district and later invited him to invest in a new real estate project alongside him and his Thai associate. The project involved the construction of an apartment complex named Layan Green Park, which required an investment of 300 million baht. The project began in 2019, before the pandemic, and the first phase was already completed. The Ukrainian man and his Thai business partner proceeded with the second phase of the project, which is a hotel. The hotel is currently under construction. However, Takhir, who was one of the project’s partners, has never participated in any decision-making processes, meetings, or actions related to the project. Moreover, he has not received the financial returns he expected, despite the project’s progress. Takhir revealed that two of his friends were also victims of the scheme. They intend to pursue legal action against the suspects to prevent similar incidents from happening to others. MGR Online reported that Phuket Provincial Police already summoned the two accused suspects for questioning but require further evidence. Takhir and the other victims will also be questioned before additional legal proceedings are taken against the two businessmen. Governor Sophon promised to ensure justice for all parties and issued a warning to foreign investors to avoid making decisions without consulting the relevant authorities. He urged foreigners to contact official organisations, such as the Board of Trade of Thailand or the Federation of Thai Industries, for advice before making investments. According to the report on MGR Online, the accused Ukrainian and Thai businessmen could face up to three years in prison and a fine of 60,000 baht under Section 352 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to embezzlement. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-08

Krabi snake catcher bitten by king cobra draws public support By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The well-known snake catcher in Krabi is receiving support from the public after getting bitten by a giant king cobra. The incident left Sutee “Bung Cha” Naewhat in a serious condition and at risk of losing his arm. The story has gained a lot of attention given his dedication to helping others over the past 17 years. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348279-krabi-snake-catcher-bitten-by-king-cobra-draws-public-support/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal The well-known snake catcher in Krabi is receiving support from the public after getting bitten by a giant king cobra. The incident left Sutee “Bung Cha” Naewhat in a serious condition and at risk of losing his arm. The story has gained a lot of attention given his dedication to helping others over the past 17 years. The news emerged following a social media post showing the 40 year old volunteer, associated with the Ao Nang Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, undergoing treatment for a snake bite on his arm. Sutee’s girlfriend recounted the incident that took place on December 24 last year. Sutee was called to a relative’s home in Khao Thong, Mueang district, Krabi province, to deal with a large snake found inside. While attempting to capture the snake with his equipment, Sutee was bitten on the arm. He was quickly taken to the hospital, where he remained for several days. Doctors noted that Sutee’s calmness during the bite prevented excessive venom from entering his bloodstream. However, his arm required surgery to remove damaged tissue and prevent further complications. Supporters have rallied around Sutee, recognising his longstanding commitment to helping others and his expertise in handling venomous snakes. His girlfriend mentioned that Sutee, who has over 300,000 followers supporting him, loves to assist people and has been catching snakes for more than 17 years. The news team also extends its hopes for Sutee’s full recovery and safety during this challenging time, reported KhaoSod. According to data from the Thai Ministry of Public Health, on average, 30–40 people die from snake bites in Thailand each year. However, the number of reported snake bites is much higher, with thousands of cases annually. The relatively low fatality rate is due to widespread access to medical treatment, including antivenom, and increased public awareness about how to respond to snake bites. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-08

Mother seeks justice after landlord evicts children in Pathum Thani By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A mother sought police help after a landlord forcibly entered her rented room and evicted her 14 year old daughter and three year old son. The incident occurred yesterday, January 7 at 8.30pm, when the Saimai Must Survive Facebook page assisted the mother in filing a complaint with Police Captain Sura Lertthaisong at Khu Khot Police Station, Pathum Thani province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348278-mother-seeks-justice-after-landlord-evicts-children-in-pathum-thani/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee A mother sought police help after a landlord forcibly entered her rented room and evicted her 14 year old daughter and three year old son. The incident occurred yesterday, January 7 at 8.30pm, when the Saimai Must Survive Facebook page assisted the mother in filing a complaint with Police Captain Sura Lertthaisong at Khu Khot Police Station, Pathum Thani province. The landlord allegedly attacked the children because of delayed rent payment, despite a deposit being in place. Anna, the 14 year old daughter, recounted hearing loud shouting outside the door while she was alone with her younger brother. Fearing for their safety, she didn’t open the door. Eventually, the landlord forcibly entered the room, appearing angry and hurling insults. Anna tried to prevent the landlord from entering the bedroom where she and her brother were but was overpowered and pushed by the landlord’s husband, who then slapped her twice. During the chaos, Anna heard her brother crying loudly, accompanied by further insults and threats from the landlord. Nan, the 30 year old mother, explained that she rented the room in October 2024, agreeing to pay a 6,000 baht (US$173) deposit and a monthly rent of 2,500 baht (US$72). Due to her job’s late salary disbursement, she had informed the landlord of potential delays, promising payment by the fifth of each month. Nan noted that she had consistently paid rent, except in December 2024, when she was three days late. Despite requesting an extension to find a new place, the landlord refused and demanded immediate eviction, even though the deposit had not been refunded. Landlord assault Nan received a call from her daughter on January 3, reporting the eviction and assault. She expressed her distress over the situation, emphasising that her children are only 14 and three years old. She sought help from Saimai Must Survive and plans to press charges against the landlord. The landlord, 47 year old Phisan and 45 year old Nararat, claimed that Nan consistently paid rent late and avoided finalising the lease agreement. They stated that they had no choice but to take action due to unresolved payment issues. Phisan explained that on January 3, they tried to contact Nan, who did not respond or make the rent payment. Out of frustration, they forcibly entered the room, where they found Anna. They claimed that they only pushed the child aside, causing her to stumble but denied any further harm. They suggested a medical examination to verify their claims and allowed Nan two more days to vacate the room. Ekkapop Luangprasert, founder of Saimai Must Survive, mediated the situation at Khu Khot Police Station. He noted that no formal rental agreement had been signed, although a 6,000 baht deposit had been made, reported KhaoSod. Ekkapop highlighted the need for prior notice before eviction, considering the advance payment made. The investigation resulted in charges against the landlord couple, including trespassing, assault, and property damage. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-08

Chon Buri: Woman and cat found dead in car in suspected suicide By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A 34 year old woman and her pet cat were found dead in a car near a village in Chon Buri after going missing for four days. The discovery was made yesterday, January 7, when a deputy inspector from Bo Win District Police Station was notified of a death in a black Toyota car parked in a secluded area. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348277-chon-buri-woman-and-cat-found-dead-in-car-in-suspected-suicide/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A 34 year old woman and her pet cat were found dead in a car near a village in Chon Buri after going missing for four days. The discovery was made yesterday, January 7, when a deputy inspector from Bo Win District Police Station was notified of a death in a black Toyota car parked in a secluded area. The car’s doors were locked, and inside lay the body of the woman wrapped in a blanket, with a charcoal stove beside her and the body of a black cat in a basket. Police coordinated with a locksmith to open the vehicle. Relatives identified the deceased as 34 year old Preechaya, who had been missing since the morning of January 4. Her 26 year old nephew found a note in her home, indicating her final wishes. “No explanations. This is my choice. Cremate without a ceremony at Wat Noen Krabok. Thank you. Feel free to take anything for debts. Let the car be repossessed.” The family reported Preechaya missing to Bo Win District Police Station and circulated a photo of the car online, leading to its discovery. Forensic specialists examined the scene and found no signs of foul play. Initial investigations revealed that Preechaya suffered from depression and was deeply affected by the death of her pet dog, which she had cared for over eight to nine years, on January 1. This prompted her to leave home on January 4. The police have tasked Si Racha rescue services with transporting the body to the forensic institute at the Police General Hospital for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, reported KhaoSod. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-08

Blackpink’s Lisa brings the Thai par-TEA to the US By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Lalisa Manoban IG via PPTV Pop sensation Lalisa Manoban, better known as Lisa from Blackpink has done it again, proving she’s the ultimate soft power queen by taking Thai tea globally. From promoting Thailand’s iconic meatballs to elevating fried egg rice, Lisa is now bringing the nation’s beloved iced tea to the world stage in a way no one saw coming. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348276-blackpink’s-lisa-brings-the-thai-par-tea-to-the-us/

Photo courtesy of Lalisa Manoban IG via PPTV By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Pop sensation Lalisa Manoban, better known as Lisa from Blackpink has done it again, proving she’s the ultimate soft power queen by taking Thai tea globally. From promoting Thailand’s iconic meatballs to elevating fried egg rice, Lisa is now bringing the nation’s beloved iced tea to the world stage in a way no one saw coming. Lisa unveiled her latest venture with luxury health brand Erewhon, famed for collaborating with A-list celebrities. Together, they’ve crafted a premium twist on Thai tea called Thai Up the World. Erewhon shared a video of Lisa herself whipping up the drink, describing it as a reinvention of the classic Thai iced tea with a health-conscious twist. “Lisa challenged us to reimagine this beloved drink. We created an iced tea with ingredients you can trust: a bold black tea base, creamy colostrum from grass-fed cows, and organic, grass-fed dairy sourced from Northern California.” Here’s the exclusive recipe: Unsweetened black tea— just iced tea original Colostrum: ARMRA Colostrum Organic heavy cream: Clover Sonoma Natural sweeteners: Organic maple syrup and vanilla powder This reinvented tea maintains the rich, aromatic essence of traditional Thai tea while delivering health benefits from its premium, organic ingredients. Even better, proceeds from Thai Up the World will support Best Friends Animal Society, a charity working to end pet euthanasia and find loving homes for abandoned animals, reported PPTV. Fans eager to try Lisa’s creation can find it at Erewhon stores in California for US$11 (around 380 baht). With Lisa’s golden touch, Thai tea might just become the next global drink sensation. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-08

Policy scam-dal: Broker swindles 1 million baht from Alzheimer’s victim By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 8 A female insurance broker allegedly swindled 1 million baht from her client, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, leaving the victim in a critical condition. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348274-policy-scam-dal-broker-swindles-1-million-baht-from-alzheimer’s-victim/

Photo via Channel 8 By Petch Petpailin A female insurance broker allegedly swindled 1 million baht from her client, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, leaving the victim in a critical condition. Relatives of the victim, 62 year old Marasri, sought assistance from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after discovering the loss. The family reported that 1 million baht was stolen, and the suspect, Waewta, only returned 300,000 baht to Marasri. According to the victim’s family, Marasri and other relatives bought insurance policies from Waewta for over 10 years. Marasri, who had recently retired, was visited by Waewta at her home on November 8 last year to discuss an insurance promotion tailored for retirees. During the visit, Waewta allegedly committed the crime by transferring 1 million baht from her Alzheimer’s client’s bank account into her own. She reportedly forced the victim, who was unwell, to confirm the transaction using a facial recognition scan. Neither Marasri nor her family members realised the money was missing until November 24, when they attempted to withdraw funds to pay off debts. Upon reviewing the account transactions, they discovered that the money had been transferred to Waewta. The family repeatedly tried to contact Waewta to recover the stolen money. However, Waewta claimed she was too unwell to speak, stating she was in a hospital and had lost her phone. The stress of the ordeal caused Marasri’s health to deteriorate. She suffered from a state of shock and kidney failure on December 2 and remains in the intensive care unit to this day. Waewta reportedly admitted to stealing Marasri’s money and attempting to profit by lending it to others. She returned only 300,000 baht to Marasri’s account before cutting off all contact with the family. Despite the allegations, Waewta continues to work as an insurance broker for her company. Furthermore, she has been actively sharing updates about her lifestyle on social media, ignoring all attempts by Marasri’s family to reach her. In her latest post, Waewta shared a photo of herself donating blood captioned… “Donating blood today to offer merit to everyone involved in my past deeds. Wishing myself happiness and freedom from all suffering.” Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, the founder of Saimai Survive, has pledged to follow up on the case with the Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station, which is overseeing the investigation. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-08

Thailand’s N3 lottery might be scrapped due to poor sales By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Finance Ministry is evaluating the future of the N3 lottery due to its lacklustre public response since its introduction last November. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348273-thailand’s-n3-lottery-might-be-scrapped-due-to-poor-sales/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post By Puntid Tantivangphaisal The Finance Ministry is evaluating the future of the N3 lottery due to its lacklustre public response since its introduction last November. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced yesterday, January 7, that the three-digit lottery (N3), designed to rival illegal lotteries and expensive six-digit tickets (L6), has not met expectations during its trial phase. Introduced on November 1 as part of a six-month sandbox programme, the N3 lottery offers tickets priced at 20 baht through 800 authorised sellers across the country. The programme aimed to provide a legal alternative and reduce underground lottery sales by 10 to 20% each year. Despite these efforts, sales have significantly underperformed, with only 1.17 million tickets sold last month out of the 5 million available per draw. Critics have pointed out that the N3 lottery does not adequately tackle issues such as the dominance of middlemen in the L6 market and systemic inefficiencies in the distribution system. Julapun stated that a comprehensive evaluation of the N3 lottery’s impact will be conducted after the sandbox phase concludes in April. If performance continues to fall short of expectations, the government may consider cancelling the initiative, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-08

Thailand tourism China-ing bright with visitor boom By Bob Scott Picture of Chinese tourists courtesy of South China Morning Post Hold onto your tuk tuks, folks, Thailand’s tourism scene is making a triumphant comeback, with Chinese travellers leading the charge of foreign visitors. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348272-thailand-tourism-china-ing-bright-with-visitor-boom/