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Mumbai Airport: Hydroponic Weed Smuggling from Bangkok Foiled on Christmas Day File photo for reference only Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport witnessed a dramatic anti-drug operation on Christmas Day as customs officials intercepted and arrested five individuals involved in a considerable smuggling attempt. These travellers, arriving from Bangkok, were caught with 26 kilogrammes of hydroponic marijuana, ingeniously concealed within everyday household items. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347322-mumbai-airport-hydroponic-weed-smuggling-from-bangkok-foiled-on-christmas-day/

File photo for reference only Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport witnessed a dramatic anti-drug operation on Christmas Day as customs officials intercepted and arrested five individuals involved in a considerable smuggling attempt. These travellers, arriving from Bangkok, were caught with 26 kilogrammes of hydroponic marijuana, ingeniously concealed within everyday household items. Prompted by a tip-off, the Indian Customs Department acted swiftly to identify and detain the suspects post-flight. The contraband, valued at 26 Indian crores, was hidden inside mundane items such as chip packets, instant noodle packages, washing powder boxes, and even tucked into baby diaper bags—showcasing a creatively clandestine transportation method. Hydroponic marijuana, known for its potency and lucrativeness, poses high risks for public safety. Officials acknowledge the significant street value as indicative of the operation's gravity. The captured passengers now face charges under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985. Authorities are meticulously examining mobile data and interrogating the suspects to trace the internal network and pinpoint the intended distribution in Mumbai. The bust highlights the customs team’s resilience and strategic acumen in safeguarding Mumbai from illegal drug infiltration, ensuring these substances remain off the city streets. -- 2024-12-27

Thailand Raises Child Benefits to 1,000 Baht Monthly by 2025 File photo for reference only Thailand's Social Security Office (SSO) will increase child welfare benefits for insured citizens. Starting January 2025, monthly payments will rise from 800 baht to 1,000 baht per child. This change, approved by the Cabinet on December 17, aims to boost birth rates as the country faces a declining population, which could harm the labor force and economy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347320-thailand-raises-child-benefits-to-1000-baht-monthly-by-2025/

File photo for reference only Thailand's Social Security Office (SSO) will increase child welfare benefits for insured citizens. Starting January 2025, monthly payments will rise from 800 baht to 1,000 baht per child. This change, approved by the Cabinet on December 17, aims to boost birth rates as the country faces a declining population, which could harm the labor force and economy. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, instructed the SSO to enhance child benefits. In response, Boonsong Tapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, swiftly instructed the SSO to devise strategies. Maree Jairangsee, Secretary-General of the SSO, confirmed the approval of this benefit increase. Under the new policy, each insured person can receive 1,000 baht monthly per child, for up to three children. Once the regulation is published in the Royal Gazette, payments will commence in January 2025, transferred through PromptPay at month-end. Additionally, the SSO offers a 15,000 baht lump sum for childbirth costs, with no claim limit, helping ease financial burdens. About 1.2 million children are expected to benefit from the new payments. The SSO remains committed to policies that enhance welfare and support Thailand's changing needs, ensuring immediate family assistance and long-term economic stability. -- 2024-12-27

Thailand Prepares for New Year Tourist Boom: Phuket Leads With 230,000 Visitors File photo for reference only Thailand is gearing up for a huge influx of tourists this New Year, with Phuket expecting over 230,000 visitors from December 28 to January 1. This surge is set to bring nearly 8 billion baht into the local economy. According to Lertchai Wangtrakuldee from the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office, tourists are likely to spend about 35,000 baht each, with daily expenses reaching 9,000 baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347319-thailand-prepares-for-new-year-tourist-boom-phuket-leads-with-230000-visitors/

File photo for reference only Thailand is gearing up for a huge influx of tourists this New Year, with Phuket expecting over 230,000 visitors from December 28 to January 1. This surge is set to bring nearly 8 billion baht into the local economy. According to Lertchai Wangtrakuldee from the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office, tourists are likely to spend about 35,000 baht each, with daily expenses reaching 9,000 baht. Phuket's hotel occupancy is expected to exceed 80%, with events such as countdown parties, fireworks, concerts, and a coffee festival planned to entertain visitors. The Tourism Authority is also encouraging the use of electric public transport to reduce congestion. Phuket is attracting more young tourists by combining traditional spiritual activities with art toys and is seeing a rise in visitors from Australia and Saudi Arabia. In Chiang Mai, the airport is preparing for 33,000 passengers daily, a 22% increase from the previous year. There will be 205 flights each day during the holidays, and airport manager, Wing Commander Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn, recommends travelers arrive early for added security. From the beaches of Phuket to the mountains of Chiang Mai, Thailand is ready to welcome 2024 with a festive tourist boom. -- 2024-12-27

Thai police halt illegal migrant smuggling in dramatic Phetchabun chase By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A dramatic chase unfolded yesterday, December 26, as police pursued a group smuggling illegal migrant workers in Thailand. Two vehicles, packed with a total of 26 individuals, were intercepted in Phetchabun, revealing an illicit operation that charged 1,000 baht per head. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347318-thai-police-halt-illegal-migrant-smuggling-in-dramatic-phetchabun-chase/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee A dramatic chase unfolded yesterday, December 26, as police pursued a group smuggling illegal migrant workers in Thailand. Two vehicles, packed with a total of 26 individuals, were intercepted in Phetchabun, revealing an illicit operation that charged 1,000 baht per head. Police officer Warabodin Lertsupasinstit, leading the Highway Police Division 5, was alerted to a potential smuggling attempt involving migrants from Myanmar. Acting on this tip-off, law enforcement officers from Phetchabun and Division 1 set up a checkpoint on Route 12. Their vigilance paid off when they spotted two suspicious vehicles – a white Fortuner with registration จว-7116 from Chon Buri and a bronze Toyota Vigo with registration บร-3076 from Kamphaeng Phet. Upon approaching the vehicles, drivers attempted to flee, sparking a tense chase. The officers successfully intercepted both vehicles in Khao Kho district, Phetchabun, where they found the vehicles crammed with migrants. In the bronze Toyota Vigo, 10 Myanmar nationals were found packed tightly, while the white Fortuner contained a further 16 individuals, comprising both men and women. During questioning, the drivers, 42 year old Jeuh and 31 year old Chuchat, confessed to their involvement in the smuggling operation. They admitted to being hired to transport the migrants from Myanmar, through Tak province, ultimately destined for Saraburi. They described the route they took, which included Highway 12, and acknowledged receiving a payment of 1,000 baht (US$30) per person for their services. However, their plans were thwarted by the police before they could reach their final destination. The officers acted on a tip-off about a smuggling operation, which enabled them to successfully apprehend the suspects, explained a police spokesperson, reported KhaoSod. The detained individuals, including the drivers, were subsequently taken to the Khao Kho Police Station for further legal proceedings. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-27

4 Pattaya teenagers arrested for brutally attacking and robbing Belgian man By Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Police arrested four Thai teenagers yesterday, for brutally assaulting and robbing an 80 year old Belgian man in Pattaya on Christmas Eve, December 24. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347317-4-pattaya-teenagers-arrested-for-brutally-attacking-and-robbing-belgian-man/

Photo via MGR Online By Petch Petpailin Police arrested four Thai teenagers yesterday, for brutally assaulting and robbing an 80 year old Belgian man in Pattaya on Christmas Eve, December 24. A 38 year old Thai woman, Phonthip, alerted officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station and rescuers to assist the injured Belgian man, identified as 80 year old Richard Ander M. Van Bogaert, at a village in the Banglamung district of Pattaya. Bogaert sustained a deep cut to his head and had 7,000 baht in cash stolen. Officers reviewed security camera footage and identified four suspects arriving at the scene on two motorcycles. The group immediately approached Bogaert, attacked him, and fled with the stolen cash. The suspects were identified as 15 year old Arm, Crepe, and New, and 18 year old Ton. All four were apprehended yesterday at a rented room in the Banglamung district and police confiscated a 22-inch knife, clothing, and two motorcycles which were used in the crime. The teenage suspects confessed to their actions, stating they had no personal conflict with the victim and were only seeking money. They admitted to using the stolen cash to compensate a car owner after Arm damaged the car in a motorcycle accident. The suspects claimed they did not intend to cause serious injury and stated that, after the Belgian national refused to hand over his belongings, Crepe struck him on the head with a knife. They explained that the deep cut occurred accidentally when the knife’s sheath slipped off. After committing the crime, the teenagers reportedly rode their motorcycles to the beach and spent some time there before returning home, where they were later apprehended. Under Thailand’s Criminal Law, suspects aged 20 and above face imprisonment of five to ten years and a fine of 100,000 to 200,000 baht for committing theft through assault and using a vehicle to facilitate the crime. However, since these suspects are under 20 years old, their penalties will differ depending on the court’s consideration. Many Thai citizens called for young offenders to be treated the same as adults, arguing that the violent nature of their actions is comparable to those of adult criminals. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-27

Thai actor DJ Man freed after acquittal in Forex-3D fraud case By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Thai actor Pattanapol Mintakhin aka DJ Man was released from prison after being acquitted in the Forex-3D fraud case. The court’s decision brought relief to his family, who were eagerly waiting outside the Bangkok Remand Prison. DJ Man, who had been in custody, was greeted by his parents and ex-wife, Baitoey, upon his release. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347316-thai-actor-dj-man-freed-after-acquittal-in-forex-3d-fraud-case/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Thai actor Pattanapol Mintakhin aka DJ Man was released from prison after being acquitted in the Forex-3D fraud case. The court’s decision brought relief to his family, who were eagerly waiting outside the Bangkok Remand Prison. DJ Man, who had been in custody, was greeted by his parents and ex-wife, Baitoey, upon his release. Emerging from the prison at 7.55pm yesterday, December 26, DJ Man was dressed in camouflage trousers and a long-sleeved jacket, sporting a shaved head. His family performed a small ritual for good fortune, which involved him kneeling and bowing to his parents’ feet, a gesture symbolising deep respect. His mother blessed him by sprinkling holy water on his head, and the family embraced warmly, marking a touching reunion. After greeting his family, DJ Man reached out to his ex-wife, Baitoey, taking her hand before heading towards a waiting black Alphard van. Despite the media presence, he chose not to comment extensively. “I won’t say much now. I haven’t seen my child in a while, and I miss them dearly because they are unwell.” The actor also shared with his mother during the emotional moment that everything had been overwhelming. When questioned about possibly filing a countersuit, DJ Man remained reserved, advising reporters to consult his lawyer for legal matters. His priority, he stated, was to see his child, who had been unwell, and mentioned the need to readjust to life outside prison. Before departing, he thanked the media for their interest and support, giving a thumbs-up as a gesture of gratitude. As media reporters continued to inquire about his feelings and future plans, DJ Man remained silent, shielding his face with his hands as the van’s door closed. Baitoey, sitting beside him, appeared visibly emotional but refrained from speaking, reported KhaoSod. DJ Man’s mother, before leaving, briefly addressed the gathered media. “Thank you, everyone. Today, I just want to take my son home.” With that, the family left the Bangkok Remand Prison, seeking privacy and comfort after the day’s events. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-27

Bangkok woman arrested for call centre scam impersonating police By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A 63 year old woman was recently arrested in Bangkok for allegedly participating in a call centre scam that impersonated police officers from the Surin City Police Station. The scam involved video calls to victims, convincing them to transfer money for “verification” purposes, resulting in losses exceeding 1 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347310-bangkok-woman-arrested-for-call-centre-scam-impersonating-police/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A 63 year old woman was recently arrested in Bangkok for allegedly participating in a call centre scam that impersonated police officers from the Surin City Police Station. The scam involved video calls to victims, convincing them to transfer money for “verification” purposes, resulting in losses exceeding 1 million baht. The arrest was made yesterday by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, led by senior officers, including Siam Boonsom, Wasan Thechakarnkasem, Noppasilp Poolsawat, and Teeradej Thammasutee. They instructed their team to apprehend the suspect, Porntip, outside her residence in the Ram Inthra area of Bangkok. She was wanted under a warrant issued by the South Bangkok Criminal Court on November 1, for charges of fraud and computer-related crimes. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Porntip had five additional warrants against her. These include charges from the Songkhla Provincial Court on March 4, for issuing cheques without sufficient funds, and from the Maha Sarakham Provincial Court on September 12, for public fraud and forgery. Other warrants were issued by the Songkhla Provincial Court on May 7, and June 12, for cheque-related offences, and by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court on October 2. The scam unfolded when a victim in Chumphon received a phone call claiming they were a suspect in drug and money laundering cases. The caller provided personal details such as the victim’s name, phone number, ID card, and address, and then requested the victim’s LINE app ID. The victim was then contacted by an account named “Surin City Police Station,” which sent a photo of an arrest warrant for drug charges. Believing the caller to be genuine, the victim complied with requests during a video call, which included bank account information. The scammers claimed the victim’s bank account was one of 24 accounts involved in drug-related activities. To prove innocence, the victim was instructed to transfer money to be “verified”. The victim was coerced into transferring a total of 1,056,000 baht from two different banks. The victim was shown a video call where the person, posing as a manager, demanded further verification, claiming the bank app was frozen. Under pressure, the victim transferred one million baht to a CIMB bank account under Porntip’s name. Realising the scam after receiving multiple calls while travelling back to Bangkok, the victim reported the fraud to the Thonglor Police Station. Porntip later confessed to searching for a job on Facebook, where she was introduced to someone named Kit. Kit recruited her for a job at a casino in Poipet, Cambodia, offering good pay, but she had to open five bank accounts, receiving 1,000 baht per account for a total of 5,000 baht. Kit claimed these accounts would be used for business transactions with Poipet entrepreneurs. Porntip was instructed to meet Kit at a van terminal in Mo Chit for the journey to Poipet. Upon arrival, Kit provided her with the promised cash and accompanied her to Aranyaprathet. There, Kit arranged for Porntip to travel with a Thai man who would take her across the border into Cambodia. Once in Cambodia, Porntip was taken by Chinese nationals to a seven-storey building, where she was required to scan her face on a mobile device. For a month, Porntip was kept in a room resembling a cell and was monitored closely by the Chinese group. They eventually allowed her to return to Thailand, but only after confiscating her phone when they discovered she had tried to secretly record them. Porntip was given 2,000 baht for her return journey and was later found by the authorities staying with her brother in the Nawamin area, leading to her arrest by the Metropolitan Police, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-27

From seed to fortune: The Chearavanont family’s billion-dollar rise By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce Facebook What started as a humble seed shop in Bangkok has blossomed into one of the world’s wealthiest empires. The Chearavanont family, with a staggering net worth of US$44.1 billion (approximately 1.5 trillion baht), ranks 19th on Bloomberg’s list of the 25 richest families globally. Here’s how they did it. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347308-from-seed-to-fortune-the-chearavanont-family’s-billion-dollar-rise/

Frenchman loses 6,000 euros to foreign sex worker in Phuket By Petch Petpailin Previous arrest of foreign sex workers in Phuket. | Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Hotnews A Frenchman lost 6,000 euros in cash (approximately 210,000 baht) to a sex worker of colour in Phuket on Christmas night, December 25. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347307-frenchman-loses-6000-euros-to-foreign-sex-worker-in-phuket/

Photo courtesy of Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce Facebook By Puntid Tantivangphaisal What started as a humble seed shop in Bangkok has blossomed into one of the world’s wealthiest empires. The Chearavanont family, with a staggering net worth of US$44.1 billion (approximately 1.5 trillion baht), ranks 19th on Bloomberg’s list of the 25 richest families globally. Here’s how they did it. A century ago, brothers Chia Ek Chor and Chia Siew Whooy opened a small store selling seeds to Thai farmers. Fast-forward to today, and their venture, Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, is a conglomerate powerhouse spanning 14 industries—from agriculture and telecommunications to retail and healthcare—operating in 21 countries with annual revenues of 97.28 billion. Under the visionary leadership of Dhanin Chearavanont, the youngest of Chia’s sons, CP transitioned from a family-run business to a professionally managed corporate giant. “Novices can only take a business so far,” Dhanin reflected in his autobiography, underscoring the importance of expert management. His bold moves, including persuading his brothers to relinquish managerial roles, allowed CP to scale unprecedented heights. But success didn’t come without setbacks. The 1997 Asian financial crisis forced Dhanin to sell assets like a Chinese brewery and motorcycle firm—losses he later recouped with strategic acquisitions, including Ping An Insurance for 9.4 billion in 2012. In recent years, CP’s influence has only grown. From acquiring Tesco’s Southeast Asian operations for 10.6 billion to merging telecom giant True with a rival, CP remains a key player in Thailand’s economy. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the group rose to the occasion, building a face mask factory and supporting relief efforts, reported VN Express. Today, with Dhanin’s sons at the helm, CP continues to honour its legacy while shaping the future. “The story of CP is the story of resilience, vision, and the spirit of Thailand.” Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-27

Previous arrest of foreign sex workers in Phuket. | Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Hotnews By Petch Petpailin A Frenchman lost 6,000 euros in cash (approximately 210,000 baht) to a sex worker of colour in Phuket on Christmas night, December 25. The Facebook news page Phuket Times reported today that the French victim took a foreign sex worker to a hotel after a Christmas party in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket. He was intoxicated and subsequently fell asleep. Yesterday, The Frenchman woke up to discover that all of his cash disappeared and he requested to check the hotel’s CCTV footage and saw the sex worker leaving the room with the cash in hand. From pictures shared on the Facebook page, the woman can be seen counting the cash happily, seemingly unconcerned about the presence of the hotel’s security cameras. There has been no report of whether the Frenchman filed a complaint with the police. The post caught the attention of Thai netizens, many of whom left sarcastic comments criticising the officials’ repeated denials of foreign sex workers operating in Phuket. Others made light of the victim, commenting… “You sleep, you lose.” “Flying from her home country to work in Thailand. Police can’t see them, even though they’re everywhere. I think she’s already gone.” “Foreigners seek discounts for everything, except sex services…” “Foreign sex workers: everybody knows except Thai officials.” “Sex workers of all nationalities can be found in Phuket.” “Imported goods are actually more expensive than the local ones.” “You (French victim) deserve this. Why not hire local workers? You come to Thailand, you should use Thai services.” Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-27

Flood mitigation: 95 billion baht plan proposed for Bangkok By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has proposed a budget of 95 billion baht to the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC) to address flooding in Bangkok by improving the eastern side of the Chao Phraya River. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347239-flood-mitigation-95-billion-baht-plan-proposed-for-bangkok/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post By Puntid Tantivangphaisal The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has proposed a budget of 95 billion baht to the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC) to address flooding in Bangkok by improving the eastern side of the Chao Phraya River. The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Narumon Pinyosinwat, explained that the initiative aims to tackle drought and flooding issues as part of a larger government project. However, financial constraints pose a challenge despite the availability of loans from institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, as the public debt to GDP ratio must not exceed 70%. In light of these constraints, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) plans to construct water supply projects through public-private partnerships (PPP) to support regional development. Discussions are ongoing to finalise the details. Thanand Sutthisan, Deputy Director-General for Construction at the RID, stated that several irrigation projects have been affected due to contractors abandoning their work, impacting water management efforts. This necessitates urgent action to implement effective water management tools, including leveraging private sector investment in water distribution systems. To address drought and flood challenges by 2025, the RID has prepared five projects for submission to the NWRC meeting scheduled for January 6. These projects will then be forwarded to the Cabinet for further consideration. Among the urgent projects proposed, the development of the lower eastern irrigation system of the Chao Phraya River is expected to alleviate flooding in Bangkok. This 95 billion baht project is planned to be executed over six years, from 2026 to 2031, and aims to redirect water away from the capital. In addition to the Chao Phraya River project, four other projects are seeking extensions to their timelines. The first is the Si Song Rak Water Gate project in Loei province, originally planned for six years (2018 to 2023), now extended to 10 years (2018 to 2030) with an approved budget of 5 billion baht. The second project, aimed at flood mitigation in Nakhon Si Thammarat, also extends from six to 10 years within the same budget period, maintaining its original 9.58 billion baht budget. The third project involves the Ban Kor Water Gate and distribution system in Sakon Nakhon, initially scheduled for five years (2019 to 2023), now extended to nine years (2019 to 2030) with a budget of 1.249 billion baht. The Nam Phung Water Gate project, previously planned for five years (2019 to 2023), is also extended to nine years (2019 to 2030) with an approved budget of 2.1 billion baht. These projects, particularly the Chao Phraya River improvement, are crucial in mitigating the risk of floods in Bangkok, ensuring effective water management, and supporting the development of the EEC. The collaboration between the government and private sector through PPP models is seen as a strategic move to achieve these objectives, with the ultimate goal of benefiting the public and the nation, reported KhaoSod. “The projects aim to provide sustainable solutions to water management challenges, ensuring that the public and the nation benefit the most.” Further discussions are needed to refine the terms and conditions for private investment in these crucial infrastructure projects. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-26

Pattaya Mobilises 420 Officers to Safeguard Festive Tourists Photo: The Thaiger In Pattaya, a substantial force comprising over 420 officers and volunteers took action on Christmas Eve to safeguard tourists. Led by Yingyot Thepchamnong, Commander of Police Region 2, the initiative aimed to ensure safety during the festive season. This operation, called "By Your Side, With Care Throughout the Festive Season," kicked off at 6.36pm on 24th December. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347238-pattaya-mobilises-420-officers-to-safeguard-festive-tourists/

Photo: The Thaiger In Pattaya, a substantial force comprising over 420 officers and volunteers took action on Christmas Eve to safeguard tourists. Led by Yingyot Thepchamnong, Commander of Police Region 2, the initiative aimed to ensure safety during the festive season. This operation, called "By Your Side, With Care Throughout the Festive Season," kicked off at 6.36pm on 24th December. The effort involved key figures such as the Chon Buri Deputy Governor, members of the 14th Army District, and Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet. Together, they mobilised resources, including vehicles and motorcycles, to enhance the city’s security measures. Commander Yingyot stressed the Region 2 Police’s dedication to protecting both residents and tourists during the celebrations. He assured, "We are fully prepared to ensure everyone’s safety during the Christmas and new year celebrations." This initiative highlights the efficacy and commitment of local authorities to maintain safety throughout the festive period, providing reassurance to visitors enjoying Pattaya's vibrant holiday atmosphere. -- 2024-12-26

Thai Telecom Giant Rejects Claims of Supplying SIMs to Call Scams File photo True Corporation, a leading telecom provider in Thailand, has vigorously refuted allegations of selling large quantities of SIM cards to call centre syndicates. This denial follows a police operation on December 20th that uncovered a significant stash of illicit technology at a condo in Bangkok's Huay Kwang district. The raid resulted in the seizure of 286 SIM boxes, over 300,000 SIM cards, hundreds of smartphones, and computers, with six Chinese nationals detained in connection with the ring. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347237-thai-telecom-giant-rejects-claims-of-supplying-sims-to-call-scams/

File photo True Corporation, a leading telecom provider in Thailand, has vigorously refuted allegations of selling large quantities of SIM cards to call centre syndicates. This denial follows a police operation on December 20th that uncovered a significant stash of illicit technology at a condo in Bangkok's Huay Kwang district. The raid resulted in the seizure of 286 SIM boxes, over 300,000 SIM cards, hundreds of smartphones, and computers, with six Chinese nationals detained in connection with the ring. In response to the incident, True Corporation clarified that the apprehended SIM cards had not been bought from any of their primary distributors. They further explained that the majority of these SIM cards originated from outside Thailand and those within the country were acquired incrementally through local vendors. Emphasising their commitment to preventing SIM misuse, the company has vowed to identify and sanction the retailers involved by tracking the serial numbers of the SIMs. True stated that the seized cards had not been activated, highlighting their strict measures on SIM registration to deter criminal activity. True Corporation is enhancing its efforts to secure its network by employing artificial intelligence to detect and block suspicious activities, and by severing ties with untrustworthy partners. The telecom firm has also been proactive in aiding police investigations by terminating SIM cards linked to fraudulent operations and by notifying authorities of any irregularities in its systems. As part of its ongoing strategy to safeguard customers, True has introduced a 'CyberSafe' feature aimed at thwarting phishing attacks. With a reinforced approach and advanced security techniques, True Corporation remains resolute in its mission to protect its users and combat cybercrime effectively. -- 2024-12-26

Phayao: Teen loses his life as motorbike slams into power pole By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic accident marked the beginning of the Seven Dangerous Days in the northern province of Phayao, as a 19 year old lost his life after crashing his motorcycle into a roadside power pole. The accident occurred yesterday, December 25 on the first day of the safety campaign, aimed at reducing road accidents during the new year period. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347236-phayao-teen-loses-his-life-as-motorbike-slams-into-power-pole/