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Thailand Supports Digital IDs for Smoother Airport Check-Ins File photo for reference only Thai nationals travelling by air can now enjoy faster check-ins with the introduction of the ThaID app, which allows them to use digital identification cards. This innovation aims to ease travel during the busy new year holiday season. As Jirayu Houngsub from the Prime Minister’s Office highlights, airports like Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi will especially see smoother check-in processes when combined with airline online services. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346989-thailand-supports-digital-ids-for-smoother-airport-check-ins/

File photo for reference only Thai nationals travelling by air can now enjoy faster check-ins with the introduction of the ThaID app, which allows them to use digital identification cards. This innovation aims to ease travel during the busy new year holiday season. As Jirayu Houngsub from the Prime Minister’s Office highlights, airports like Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi will especially see smoother check-in processes when combined with airline online services. The app adds convenience by integrating with a new biometric identification system at airports, making boarding pass verification swifter and reducing queuing time. Passengers who check-in online through the Airports of Thailand platform can skip directly to the boarding gates with an electronic boarding pass. This move is part of the government's broader strategy to roll out digital IDs across state services. Additionally, the ThaID app provides a handy backup for travellers who forget their physical IDs and streamlines other bureaucratic processes. It allows users to update government agencies on changes like residence address without needing to visit government offices, thus simplifying administrative tasks for Thai citizens. -- 2024-12-23

Crackdown in Jomtien, Pattaya, nabs over 50 for drug offences By Ryan Turner Photo via KhaoSod A major crackdown operation dubbed Purge the Parasites Part 2 was conducted in Jomtien, Pattaya, targeting crime and drug-related offences. Over 50 individuals involved in drug possession and consumption were apprehended during the raid, which took place yesterday, December 22. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346988-crackdown-in-jomtien-pattaya-nabs-over-50-for-drug-offences/

Photo via KhaoSod By Ryan Turner A major crackdown operation dubbed Purge the Parasites Part 2 was conducted in Jomtien, Pattaya, targeting crime and drug-related offences. Over 50 individuals involved in drug possession and consumption were apprehended during the raid, which took place yesterday, December 22. The operation was spearheaded by Tawatchai Jindakawornsanong, the Chon Buri Provincial Police Commander. The operation involved a massive deployment of over 900 officers from several agencies, including the Provincial Police Region 2, Chon Buri Provincial Investigation Division, Immigration Bureau, and the Royal Thai Navy, among others. The operation aimed at eradicating crime in all its forms, particularly focusing on drug-related offences within the Jomtien community, specifically in Soi 2, 3, and 4 of Moo 12, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. KhaoSod noted that Jomtien has previously been in the spotlight for rampant drug trafficking, with dealers operating openly. Despite previous efforts to clamp down on illegal activities, the area remained a hub for drug-related crimes. The targetted community consists primarily of five-and-a-half-storey shophouses, with the ground floors serving various businesses like beer bars, restaurants, laundries, and massage parlours. The upper floors have been converted into accommodation, while the rear of the community features makeshift shelters constructed from wood and corrugated metal roofing. During the operation, police cut internet and communication signals and disconnected water and electricity in certain areas before conducting a thorough search of the premises. Officers were deployed to inspect different locations within the residential buildings, searching for illegal items, including firearms and drug paraphernalia. Residents were also subjected to urine tests for narcotics. The sudden nature of the raid caught many off guard, with some rooms discovered to have individuals actively consuming methamphetamine and exhibiting signs of hallucination, while others were found with crystal meth in their possession Those who admitted to recent drug use were taken for drug testing, with users being directed to rehabilitation, while those found with drugs were prosecuted according to the law. More than 50 people were arrested for drug possession and consumption during the operation. Tawatchai further explained that this initiative is part of a comprehensive plan dubbed the Jomtien Soi 3 Model, which involves thoroughly rooting out both drug dealers and users. The strategy includes exhaustive searches and plans for future prevention measures to ensure that similar incidents do not recur in the area. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-23

Thai police removed after video exposes traffic fine misconduct By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Social Hunter 2022 A viral video on Thai social media led to the temporary removal of a traffic officer from the Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, for allegedly collecting traffic fines personally. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346986-thai-police-removed-after-video-exposes-traffic-fine-misconduct/

Photo via Facebook/ Social Hunter 2022 By Petch Petpailin A viral video on Thai social media led to the temporary removal of a traffic officer from the Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, for allegedly collecting traffic fines personally. The Facebook news page Social Hunter 2022 yesterday, December 22, shared the video, which shows a traffic officer from Rattanathibet Police Station collecting an unofficial fine from a motorcycle rider and his wife inside a police booth. The page captioned the post… “What they’re doing in this police booth… Looks suspicious, doesn’t it? #Nonthaburi.” The video, recorded from behind the officer, shows him talking to a couple who violated traffic laws. However, the conversation between them was not audible in the recording. The officer was seen instructing the couple to place cash on the table before handing back their confiscated driving licence. He appeared to act as though he was going to record the fine on an official receipt but failed to do so, letting the couple leave without issuing one. Under the law, motorists must receive a receipt whenever they pay a fine. At the end of the video, the officer noticed he was being filmed and asked the person recording, “What are you doing here?” The recorder responded, “Thank you, sir,” before fleeing the scene. Channel 7 reported that an official announcement had been made regarding the temporary removal of the officer in question during an investigation into his alleged misconduct. Rattanathibet Police Station assured the public that the investigation would be completed within three days. If found guilty, the officer could face a penalty of imprisonment ranging from five to 20 years, life imprisonment, or a fine of 100,000 to 400,000 baht, in accordance with Section 149 of the Criminal Code. This section pertains to the illegal solicitation, receipt, or agreement to receive property or benefits by individuals in official positions. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-23

Thai father allegedly kidnaps 11 year old daughter for begging By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Pawanrat Chirapattanarat A Thai man allegedly kidnapped his young daughter from her aunt’s home in Bangkok for begging. The man is expected to be hiding in Chachoengsao province near Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346985-thai-father-allegedly-kidnaps-11-year-old-daughter-for-begging/

Photo via Facebook/ Pawanrat Chirapattanarat By Petch Petpailin A Thai man allegedly kidnapped his young daughter from her aunt’s home in Bangkok for begging. The man is expected to be hiding in Chachoengsao province near Bangkok. The aunt of the missing girl, Na, filed a complaint at Romklao Police Station yesterday, December 22, that her older brother Phon took her 11 year old niece named C (pseudonym) away from her home in Poonsin Village on December 21. Na revealed to the police that C was scared of her father because Phon physically abused her many times before. She had to take the girl to the hospital for physical and mental treatments. She always panicked at the thought of her father taking her away, but unfortunately, her fears became a reality. Na believed that Phon took the girl because he wanted to meet his wife who is now imprisoned. The wife refused to meet him, so Phon might take C to the jail to meet his wife. However, Na was worried that Phon would have other hidden reasons for taking away the girl because Phon previously took C to beg for money with him. According to Na, Phon was unemployed and made a living by selling drugs, begging, or asking for food from temples. Na said she also shared the missing poster of C on social media, and netizens spotted Phon and C in Chachoengsao province. Some saw them fishing at the river bank, while others met them at a nightclub. Na urged anyone who saw the two or has any useful information to contact her via her phone number 081-510-7589 or contact officers at the nearest police stations. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-23

Teen Pregnancy Sparks Family Feud at Thai Hospital: Legal Battle Looms File photo for reference only A teenage pregnancy has led to a fierce conflict between families in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand. A 15-year-old girl's mother, Phatcharee, clashed with her daughter's boyfriend’s sister, On-anong, at Nakhon Sawan Hospital on December 20th. A viral video captured the fight, which ended when a hospital staff member intervened. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346983-teen-pregnancy-sparks-family-feud-at-thai-hospital-legal-battle-looms/

File photo for reference only A teenage pregnancy has led to a fierce conflict between families in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand. A 15-year-old girl's mother, Phatcharee, clashed with her daughter's boyfriend’s sister, On-anong, at Nakhon Sawan Hospital on December 20th. A viral video captured the fight, which ended when a hospital staff member intervened. Phatcharee explained that she was visiting her daughter, who had just given birth. She demanded a wedding with her daughter's 18-year-old boyfriend, but his family cited financial difficulties. Despite this, On-anong attempted to take sole custody of the baby, intensifying tensions. On-anong claimed her family couldn't afford the requested dowry of 100,000 baht in cash and 86,000 baht in gold. She acknowledged wanting the baby to stay with her for better care but denied seeking sole custody. Tensions worsened when On-anong expelled Phatcharee and her family from their home, accusing them of not contributing to household chores. The animosity grew further as Phatcharee allegedly cursed On-anong’s ill son. Legal actions followed the conflict. Phatcharee filed complaints at Meuang Nakhon Sawan Police Station and against the boyfriend for sexual assault. According to Thai law, sexual assault of a minor under 18 can result in a prison sentence of two to ten years and a fine between 4,000 and 20,000 baht. -- 2024-12-23

Thailand to Train 7,000 Massage Therapists Amid Industry Shortage File photo for reference only Thailand's Public Health Ministry plans to train 7,000 new massage therapists to fill a workforce gap in its 200 billion baht massage industry. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced on December 22 that this initiative aims to make Thai traditional massage a complementary treatment alongside conventional medicine. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346981-thailand-to-train-7000-massage-therapists-amid-industry-shortage/

File photo for reference only Thailand's Public Health Ministry plans to train 7,000 new massage therapists to fill a workforce gap in its 200 billion baht massage industry. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced on December 22 that this initiative aims to make Thai traditional massage a complementary treatment alongside conventional medicine. The training program will focus on treating seven chronic conditions: office syndrome, shoulder issues, locked-finger disease, hip muscle impingement, herniated discs, paralysis, and reproductive system disorders. Ministry Advisor Kosit Suvinitjit noted a shortage of 70,000 practitioners, including 50,000 masseurs and 20,000 therapists. With professional masseurs earning around 20,000 baht monthly, filling this gap could add 12 billion baht annually to the industry. The impact in therapy services is projected to be higher, with therapists earning about 176,000 baht monthly potentially contributing an extra 42.24 billion baht each year. The initiative will also benefit related businesses such as massage parlors and herbal product manufacturers. Somsak emphasized the massage industry's vital role in making Thailand a global health hub, stating the expansion of specialized skills will boost the health economy and trust in Thai massage as a complementary treatment. -- 2024-12-23

UK & Thai Police Partner to Enhance Custody Conditions in Thailand Photo: The Thaiger In a significant step towards modernising detainee treatment, the Royal Thai Police have teamed up with the UK to revolutionise police custody conditions across Thailand. This collaboration focuses on adopting UK models to raise the quality of life and safety for those held in detention. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346980-uk-thai-police-partner-to-enhance-custody-conditions-in-thailand/

Photo: The Thaiger In a significant step towards modernising detainee treatment, the Royal Thai Police have teamed up with the UK to revolutionise police custody conditions across Thailand. This collaboration focuses on adopting UK models to raise the quality of life and safety for those held in detention. Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot of the RTP, alongside UK counterparts including British Charge d’Affaires David Thomas and representatives from Northumbria Police, convened recently to evaluate the initiative's progress. Two police stations, Pathumwan and Mueang Chanthaburi, have been selected as pilot sites for the project. Since July, Thai and UK police forces have shared insights and conducted joint studies to realise this vision. Key measures include upgrading detention facilities, implementing rigorous risk assessments, maintaining detailed records for transparency, and boosting security with CCTV systems. The project aims to align detention procedures with human rights standards, focusing on creating safer, more humane environments. Planned improvements consist of specialised zones for searches, interrogations, and first aid, alongside introducing body cameras and a digital data management system. By fostering accountability and transparency, these reforms seek to prevent misconduct, while enhancing public trust in police operations. An electronic management system for documenting detainee processes is also in development to further bolster these efforts. This Thailand-UK partnership marks a progressive leap towards ethical policing practices. -- 2024-12-23

Thai mother tries to assault Grab driver, mistaking him for daughter’s boyfriend - video By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook group/ Grab Car Driver Club Thailand A Grab car driver shared dashcam footage showing his passenger’s mother mistaking him for her daughter’s boyfriend and attempting to assault him. He posted the video as a warning to other app-based drivers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346979-thai-mother-tries-to-assault-grab-driver-mistaking-him-for-daughter’s-boyfriend-video/

Photo via Facebook group/ Grab Car Driver Club Thailand By Petch Petpailin A Grab car driver shared dashcam footage showing his passenger’s mother mistaking him for her daughter’s boyfriend and attempting to assault him. He posted the video as a warning to other app-based drivers. The driver, Tanapon “Benz” Chumwong, shared the footage on the Facebook group Grab Car Driver Club Thailand yesterday, December 22. Benz captioned the video… “Warning for Grab car drivers. What happened was I dropped off a female passenger at her destination and then made a U-turn to leave the area using the same route. The passenger’s mother was waiting for me, and what you see in the video happened. Some people outside Bangkok don’t know what Grab is. Fortunately, the situation did not escalate further.” In the video, the passenger’s mother is heard shouting at Benz… “What are you to my daughter? Who are you? Who the f*ck are you?” She seemed to be confident that the driver was her daughter’s boyfriend. She then walked to the front of the car to take a photo of his registration plate before returning and attempting to physically assault him by reaching into the vehicle. Benz remained calm throughout and explained to the woman that he was a Grab driver who simply dropped off her daughter. He called the passenger to intervene, but the mother ignored both him and her daughter. Eventually, Benz politely excused himself and drove away, leaving the woman to continue shouting behind him. Members of the Facebook group praised Benz for his composure and urged him to take legal action against the woman. Comments included… “File a complaint against her so she’ll finally understand what Grab is.” “A little bit rural behaviour, but I’m sure she’s educated now.” “Don’t let her off so easily. She must know not to do this to anyone else.” “She shouldn’t be anyone’s mother.” “Seek compensation from her.” Benz has not yet provided an update on whether he reported the incident to the police. Based on his kind and composed response, it seems unlikely that he will pursue legal action as suggested by netizens. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-23

Thai woman arrested for fatally shooting girlfriend, ending 12-year relationship By Petch Petpailin Photo via Amarin TV Police arrested a Thai woman for fatally shooting her girlfriend at a house in the central province of Pathum Thani on Saturday, December 21, marking the tragic end of their 12-year relationship. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346977-thai-woman-arrested-for-fatally-shooting-girlfriend-ending-12-year-relationship/

Photo via Amarin TV By Petch Petpailin Police arrested a Thai woman for fatally shooting her girlfriend at a house in the central province of Pathum Thani on Saturday, December 21, marking the tragic end of their 12-year relationship. The fatal shooting occurred at the victim’s home in the Pruksa D Village in Pathum Thani at approximately 7.50am on Saturday. The ground floor of the property was being operated as a grocery store. The body of 44 year old tomboy Kwandao “Dao” Nawong was discovered outside the store. Dao sustained four gunshot wounds to her chest, one to her left hand, and another to her back. The suspect, Dao’s girlfriend, 33 year old Janyawan “Yo” Palosan, fled the scene on her motorcycle. A grocery store employee, 24 year old Pidsana Chaipha, told ThaiRath that the couple had been in a relationship for over 12 years. Pidsana reported hearing the couple engaged in a heated argument on the second floor of the house as Dao packed her belongings, seemingly preparing to leave. Pidsana said that a fire broke out on the second floor during the altercation. She heard multiple gunshots and rushed upstairs to find Dao gravely injured. Pidsana sought help from neighbours to carry Dao outside the house and called an ambulance. Tragically, Dao succumbed to her injuries. Pidsana revealed that Yo locked herself in the bedroom after the shooting but escaped by climbing out of a window before Khlong Luang Police Station officers arrived. Yo’s motorcycle was later found abandoned not far from the scene. Depression and jealousy A neighbour, 59 year old Damrong Chumphon, disclosed that Dao confided in him about wanting to end the relationship due to frequent arguments. Dao also mentioned that she previously shared assets worth between 600,000 and 700,000 baht with Yo. Despite their issues, Dao reportedly tried to be understanding of Yo, who was suffering from depression and required medication. However, Yo often refused to take her prescribed medicine. The couple had not spoken to each other for several days before the murder. Police apprehended Yo in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen on Sunday, December 22. Yo claimed that she attempted to commit suicide by jumping into a river in Nonthaburi but was too afraid to follow through. Yo told police that her motive for the murder was jealousy. A month earlier, Dao confessed to having an affair with another woman. When Dao packed her belongings, Yo suspected she was planning to move in with her lover. Yo claimed that she tried to resolve the issue with Dao, but their discussion escalated into a physical altercation. Dao allegedly punched her, which led Yo to retrieve a gun from the bedroom and shoot her in a fit of rage. Dao’s family has expressed their refusal to forgive Yo for her actions and banned her from attending Dao’s funeral. Police have not yet disclosed the official charges against Yo. Following a previous similar report from a similar incident, Yo could be charged under Section 288 of the Criminal Law for intentional murder, which carries a potential death sentence, life imprisonment, or a prison sentence of 15 to 20 years. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-23

Supermodel recalls surviving 2004 tsunami after 20 years By Ryan Turner Photo via Daily Mail Twenty years after surviving the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, supermodel Petra Nemcova revisited her harrowing experience in a recent Good Morning America interview with Diane Sawyer. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346973-supermodel-recalls-surviving-2004-tsunami-after-20-years/

Photo via Daily Mail By Ryan Turner Twenty years after surviving the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, supermodel Petra Nemcova revisited her harrowing experience in a recent Good Morning America interview with Diane Sawyer. Nemcova, now 45 years old, was vacationing at Thailand’s Khao Lak resort with her boyfriend, photographer Simon Atlee, when the tsunami struck on December 26, 2004. The massive waves, triggered by an undersea earthquake, demolished their bungalow and swept them both away. Despite suffering a crushed pelvis, Nemcova managed to survive by holding onto a tree as the waters raged around her. The Czech-born model reflected during the interview, which included footage from her initial 2005 conversation with Sawyer, reported Daily Mail. “It’s always difficult to go back [to] that moment when my life changed.” The catastrophic tsunami claimed over 5,000 lives in Thailand alone and resulted in nearly 230,000 deaths across South Asia, reported Daily Mail. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-23

Dutch tourist allegedly escapes bills and steals from many Phuket hotels By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ A Dutch tourist reportedly evaded paying bills and stole room keys, along with other items, from several hotels in Phuket but remains at large. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346970-dutch-tourist-allegedly-escapes-bills-and-steals-from-many-phuket-hotels/

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ By Petch Petpailin A Dutch tourist reportedly evaded paying bills and stole room keys, along with other items, from several hotels in Phuket but remains at large. The Facebook page Phuket Times reported on Saturday, December 21, issuing a warning to hotels in Phuket… “Naughty tourist! He stayed at multiple hotels in Phuket and left without paying. He even stole the room key from each hotel.” The page added in the comments section that the man in question was a Dutch national who was also accused of stealing hotel belongings and other items. Many Thai netizens shared their opinions on the post, with some recounting their own experiences of being victimised by foreign tourists in Phuket. Comments included… “Some stay until their last day and then start complaining about the accommodation to claim their money back. They just want free stuff.” “He might think that security cameras in Thailand are often broken, so he dares to commit crimes.” “I run an Airbnb, and I’ve had guests stay until the last day of their booking, complain to me, and report my property to the platform until I was forced to issue a refund.” “Foreign tourists know that Thais often indulge foreigners, so they think they can get away with anything.” Other netizens criticised hotel owners for being reckless and failing to collect payment from guests in advance. As of now, the Dutchman remains at large. There has been no confirmation on whether if local police have taken any action in regard to the incident. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-23

Japan dethrones Thailand as top tourist spot By Ryan Turner People walk through the annual year-end illumination in Roppongi district | Photo via AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko Japan’s rise as a favoured tourist destination over Thailand is attributed to a weaker currency and its preparedness to welcome independent travellers. In response, tourism operators in Thailand are urging the government to enhance attractions and improve service quality to achieve the target of 40 million visitors. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346969-japan-dethrones-thailand-as-top-tourist-spot/

People walk through the annual year-end illumination in Roppongi district | Photo via AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko By Ryan Turner Japan’s rise as a favoured tourist destination over Thailand is attributed to a weaker currency and its preparedness to welcome independent travellers. In response, tourism operators in Thailand are urging the government to enhance attractions and improve service quality to achieve the target of 40 million visitors. For the first eleven months of this year, Japan received over 33.3 million foreign visitors, surpassing its previous record of 31.8 million in 2019, despite implementing measures against overtourism. Meanwhile, Thailand welcomed 32 million tourists during the same timeframe. Japan anticipates closing this year with 35 million visitors, matching Thailand’s figures, although, in 2019, Thailand attracted nearly 10 million more tourists than Japan’s projected figures. Adith Chairattananon, the honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, highlighted that Japan’s cities, both major and secondary, offer better facilities for independent tourists. These include excellent rail connectivity, safety, cleanliness, and an array of attractions. Adith noted that the number of Thai tourists travelling to Japan surged to 1.3 million in 2019, up from around 400,000 when the visa requirement for Thais was lifted. There’s potential to reach 2 million in the coming years. Japan continues to be a popular choice for Chinese tourists, despite the need for a visa. Should the visa requirement be removed, it could challenge Thailand’s status as a leading destination for Chinese tourists, alongside Macau and Hong Kong. Cohesive tourism marketing Adith pointed out that Japan’s tourism marketing is cohesive, with efforts aligned from the national government down to local agencies. Provincial tourism bodies actively participate in international travel fairs, such as the Thai International Travel Fair organised by the Thai Travel Agents Association. Despite Thailand’s appeal with its natural attractions, warm hospitality, and rich culture, foreign tour operators observe a lack of new selling points. Adith sees potential for Thailand to develop new attractions and improve transportation to meet international standards, as well as employing creative strategies to attract tourists. He referenced the Black Myth: Wukong online game’s success in China, which spurred domestic tourism to locations featured in the game. Visitors sought to collect in-game items, illustrating the power of creative marketing. La-iad Bungsrithong, a board advisor for the Thai Hotels Association, commented on the growing competition and noted that Chiang Mai and Thailand are no longer top priorities for foreign tourists, highlighting the need for innovative development to add value. Currently, tourism operators in Chiang Mai are concentrating on enhancing key events like the Flower Festival in February and Loy Krathong in November, alongside improvements to facilities, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-23

Phuket to Host Thailand's First Legal Same-Sex Weddings in January File photo for reference only Phuket is set to make history on January 22, 2025, by hosting an event to celebrate the first legal same-sex marriages in Thailand. This landmark occasion will take place at the Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong, symbolizing equality and love across the country. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346776-phuket-to-host-thailands-first-legal-same-sex-weddings-in-january/