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Rama II Bridge debris cleared, traffic to resume by Saturday By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The Department of Highways successfully cleared over 70% of the debris from a collapsed bridge in Samut Sakhon, ensuring safety remains a priority. Normal traffic flow is anticipated to resume by this Saturday, December 14, following the diligent efforts of engineers and officials involved in the operation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345937-rama-ii-bridge-debris-cleared-traffic-to-resume-by-saturday/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal The Department of Highways successfully cleared over 70% of the debris from a collapsed bridge in Samut Sakhon, ensuring safety remains a priority. Normal traffic flow is anticipated to resume by this Saturday, December 14, following the diligent efforts of engineers and officials involved in the operation. Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director General of the Department of Highways, accompanied by Narit Niramaivong, the Governor of Samut Sakhon, visited the site to oversee the progress of dismantling the damaged steel structure known as the Launching Gantry (LG) and the concrete bridge segments on Highway 35 (Rama II Road). The site visit aimed to ensure the safety and efficiency of the ongoing work, as well as to assess the current traffic situation on Rama II Road, with particular attention to the heavy traffic flow both into and out of Bangkok. The engineering team has made significant progress, having removed 70% of the damaged structures. The dismantling process is expected to be completed, allowing traffic to return to normal by December 14. On the outbound side of Bangkok, engineers have successfully dismantled the front and rear sections of the LG structure and are currently working on cutting the central structure connected to the segment parts. Meanwhile, on the inbound side, all segments have been removed, and the LG structure has been moved to a safe location, with monitoring equipment installed to track any movement for safety purposes. Apirat expressed confidence in the thorough preparation and safety-focused execution of the engineers. He explained that adjustments to the plan were made as necessary to ensure safety, even if it caused some delays. In terms of traffic management, the Department of Highways, in collaboration with local police, has implemented a plan to manage traffic flow. An additional special lane has been opened to ease outbound traffic from Bangkok, providing convenience to commuters. Coordination with police has been made to facilitate smooth traffic flow, and the public is advised to avoid the route if possible or allow extra travel time. Police Lieutenant Colonel Kla Sombatpiboon from the Nakhon Pathom Highway Police Division reported that as of yesterday morning, December 10, traffic on the outbound side of Bangkok was moving smoothly. After the segments were lifted and the LG structure was safely relocated on the inbound side, an additional special lane was opened, allowing small vehicles to use two special lanes outbound. Larger vehicles continue to be diverted to Ekachai Road. However, adjustments may be made during peak hours if inbound traffic to Bangkok becomes congested. In such cases, one of the special outbound lanes may be converted to accommodate inbound traffic, leaving one lane for outbound traffic. These adjustments will be made in consultation with the highway district and will depend on the traffic situation at the time. The public is encouraged to use alternative routes for the next few days until the work at the incident site is complete, and normal traffic conditions are restored, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-11

Vape escape: Police bust smuggled e-cigarette stash in Bangkok By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Police from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) made a significant breakthrough in Bangkok, seizing a large cache of illicit e-cigarettes smuggled from abroad. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345935-vape-escape-police-bust-smuggled-e-cigarette-stash-in-bangkok/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Police from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) made a significant breakthrough in Bangkok, seizing a large cache of illicit e-cigarettes smuggled from abroad. Officers arrested a 37 year old Chinese national named Lee during a raid in the Bang Bon area, confiscating 6,800 e-cigarette units. The operation was led by Puttidech Boonkapue, the commander of the ECD, who directed Chatchawan Chuchaijaroen and Wanichaya Chaiprong among other officers to apprehend the suspect. Lee was charged with hiding and distributing goods that had not undergone customs procedures, a serious offence under Thai law. Before the raid, law enforcement had been aware of a smuggling operation importing e-cigarettes into Thailand. These were allegedly being distributed to teenagers across the country. After two months of investigation, officers discovered that the group involved frequently changed storage locations to evade detection, complicating efforts to intercept them, said Puttidech. “The investigation took extensive efforts to finally pinpoint the operation’s current base in Bang Bon.” With the new lead, the ECD secured a warrant from the Thonburi Criminal Court, allowing them to search the premises where Lee was eventually caught. The operation is part of a broader crackdown on illegal imports, which has become a growing concern for Thai police. Upon arrest, Lee admitted to owning the e-cigarettes, which were seized as evidence. He and the confiscated items were subsequently handed over to Bang Bon Police Station for further legal proceedings. The police are determined to dismantle the network responsible for this illicit trade. “Our commitment to stopping illegal imports is unwavering, and we will continue to pursue those who attempt to bypass the law.” The smuggling of e-cigarettes into Thailand has been a persistent issue, with operators often exploiting loopholes and international shipping routes to transport these goods. The items are then sold primarily to younger demographics, raising public health concerns, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-11

Couple arrested for fake temple donation scam in Tak By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Royal Thai Police apprehended a couple suspected of creating fake temple pages to solicit donations during the Kathin festival, deceiving the public and causing losses worth millions. The incident left relatives expressing anger about the moral implications of defrauding charitable contributions. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345934-couple-arrested-for-fake-temple-donation-scam-in-tak/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Royal Thai Police apprehended a couple suspected of creating fake temple pages to solicit donations during the Kathin festival, deceiving the public and causing losses worth millions. The incident left relatives expressing anger about the moral implications of defrauding charitable contributions. Officers, led by Trirong Phiwan, arrested Tawan and Worawan, both 31 years old, at a resort in Tak province. This arrest follows an investigation that began in October during the Kathin festival, a significant period for donations across Thailand. The suspects allegedly exploited the public’s faith by setting up Facebook pages, Dhamma Rai Chuen Tawan and We Love Making Merit, to post images and solicit funds for a non-existent temple in Phop Phra district. Both pages featured identical content urging donations, with many users expressing interest. However, some comments flagged the posts as fraudulent, saying, “Don’t trust this, it’s deceiving people.” Police investigations revealed additional posts requesting donations for a supposedly injured monk, accompanied by a hospital bed image, further enticing donations. Each donation was directed to accounts under the same name but from different banks, accumulating over 1 million baht over four to five months. Upon further inquiry, police confirmed the temple did not exist. This prompted them to gather evidence to arrest the suspects. During questioning, Tawan admitted to the fraud, initially intending to use the funds for charity but succumbing to temptation due to personal financial pressure, including multiple car loans and online gambling debts. He confessed to spending all the funds on gambling, leading to his current situation of hiding in a resort after family disputes over his actions. “I thought I would truly donate at first, but the large sums coming in were irresistible due to my many financial burdens. I ended up squandering all the money on gambling and now live in hiding because of family disputes.” The scheme itself was relatively straightforward. Tawan copied images of an ill monk and Kathin festival posters, leveraging the cultural inclination towards charity and sympathy among Thai people. Conversely, Worawan denied involvement, claiming ignorance of the fraudulent activities, focusing solely on childcare. She acknowledged that her husband’s transferred funds were used for family expenses. “I did not know about the scam. I was only taking care of the children but we did use the money my husband transferred for family expenses.” The couple eventually faced the consequences of their actions. Police charged them with public fraud and introducing false information into a computer system. They are now under the custody of investigators from Division 2, Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 4, to proceed with legal action, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-11

Myanmar National Arrested in Thailand for Fake Visa Stamp File photo for reference only A 23-year-old Myanmar national, Min Thu Ko, has been apprehended by immigration police in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya for presenting a passport with a counterfeit visa stamp. This incident underscores the persistent challenges of managing immigration and the prevalence of fake documentation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345933-myanmar-national-arrested-in-thailand-for-fake-visa-stamp/

File photo for reference only A 23-year-old Myanmar national, Min Thu Ko, has been apprehended by immigration police in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya for presenting a passport with a counterfeit visa stamp. This incident underscores the persistent challenges of managing immigration and the prevalence of fake documentation. Min was arrested on Monday, 9th December, when he attempted to notify officials about his stay exceeding 90 days in Thailand. On examining his passport, authorities identified a dubious stamp falsely issued by local immigration, prompting immediate action. Investigators revealed that back in January, Min, who was working for a Thai company, acquired his passport through an agent linked by his employer. The transaction cost 19,000 baht, initially paid by the employer with monthly deductions from Min's salary. Unbeknownst to Min, the stamp was fraudulent, leading to charges of using counterfeit government documents and residing unlawfully in Thailand. He is currently in custody, pending legal proceedings. Police are delving into the role of both the employer and the agent, aiming to dismantle any networks producing such fake documents to uphold the immigration system's integrity. The investigation highlights broader issues concerning document forgery, prompting rigorous efforts to prevent similar incidents. -- 2024-12-11

Pet Breach Sparks Stir at Khao Yai, Owner Faces 20,000 Baht Fine File photo for reference only A curious incident at Thailand's Khao Yai National Park over the weekend has caught the public's eye after a visitor allowed his dog to roam freely in the park's protected grounds. The owner of a red sedan might face a hefty fine of up to 20,000 baht due to potential violations of the National Park Act of 2019. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345932-pet-breach-sparks-stir-at-khao-yai-owner-faces-20000-baht-fine/

File photo for reference only A curious incident at Thailand's Khao Yai National Park over the weekend has caught the public's eye after a visitor allowed his dog to roam freely in the park's protected grounds. The owner of a red sedan might face a hefty fine of up to 20,000 baht due to potential violations of the National Park Act of 2019. Park officials, led by Chaiya Huaihongthong, were alerted to the situation after photos of the dog wandering near the Sai Sorn Reservoir surfaced on social media. The swift circulation of these images prompted a cascade of public concern and commentary. In response, officials have begun tracing the vehicle's registration to identify the owner for further questioning. The incident underscores a lasting challenge for park authorities—enforcing regulations to safeguard the park's valuable ecosystems. Under Section 21 of the National Park Act, bringing pets into the park without permission is explicitly forbidden. This rule is part of a broader effort to protect both the park's wildlife and its visitors, which also includes guidelines like 'do not drive fast or make loud noises', 'do not feed the animals', and 'do not litter'. Notably, Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated for its biodiversity, sheltering numerous species, some at risk of extinction. Thus, ensuring respectful visitor behaviour is paramount to preserving its delicate environmental balance. The park's management remains vigilant, employing continuous monitoring and strict enforcement of these regulations. Officials hope to resolve the current issue efficiently and emphasise the crucial role the public plays in aiding conservation efforts through compliance and awareness. -- 2024-12-11

Rehabilitation Takes Centre Stage at Phuket's Annual Exhibition File photo for reference only The 18th Southern 14 Provinces Corrections Products Exhibition commenced yesterday in Saphan Hin, Phuket, showcasing the skills of rehabilitated inmates eager to reintegrate into society. This annual event highlights the importance of offering second chances and empowering individuals through skill development. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345930-rehabilitation-takes-centre-stage-at-phukets-annual-exhibition/

File photo for reference only The 18th Southern 14 Provinces Corrections Products Exhibition commenced yesterday in Saphan Hin, Phuket, showcasing the skills of rehabilitated inmates eager to reintegrate into society. This annual event highlights the importance of offering second chances and empowering individuals through skill development. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officially inaugurated the event in the presence of Pairot Khamintakul, Chief Inspector of the Department of Corrections, and Prinya Srithanyakaew, Commander of Phuket Provincial Prison, along with representatives from various correctional institutions. This gathering underlined a comprehensive support network for inmate rehabilitation efforts. Governor Sophon emphasised that vocational training is pivotal to the rehabilitation process. He stated, "This event reflects our commitment to equipping inmates with skills to reintegrate into society as productive citizens." The event sees collaboration between government and private sectors to help inmates find employment and achieve financial independence post-release. Running until December 16, the exhibition includes participation from 24 prisons, offering various inmate-produced goods like handicrafts, available for exploration and purchase by visitors. Phuket Prison Commander Prinya mentioned the financial merits of the initiative, noting that proceeds will fund future vocational training programmes. "This initiative allows the public and tourists to support inmate rehabilitation while contributing to their journey toward becoming valuable members of society," she said. -- 2024-12-11

Thai Restaurants Eye Festive Boost Amid Tourism Surge and Economic Woes File photo for reference only The Thai restaurant industry is set for a boost this festive season, thanks to an influx of holiday travel and tourism. However, the Thai Restaurant Association has warned of possible declines in overall food and beverage spending due to reduced purchasing power and the concentration of tourist activity in popular areas like Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345929-thai-restaurants-eye-festive-boost-amid-tourism-surge-and-economic-woes/

File photo for reference only The Thai restaurant industry is set for a boost this festive season, thanks to an influx of holiday travel and tourism. However, the Thai Restaurant Association has warned of possible declines in overall food and beverage spending due to reduced purchasing power and the concentration of tourist activity in popular areas like Bangkok. Since early December, a cautious spending trend has been observed amongst locals, suggesting they are saving up for the holidays. This has led to a stagnation in the industry, according to Thaniwan Kulmongkol, President of the Thai Restaurant Association. Despite this, the anticipated holiday travel surge at the end of December is expected to breathe life into restaurants. Yet, the sluggish economy might mean that travellers will cut back on their food expenses, affecting average spend per customer. December is a high point for tourism, and foreign arrivals are expected to further support the restaurant sector. From January to October, over 32 million foreign tourists, primarily from China, Malaysia, and India, visited Thailand, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Daily arrivals could top 100,000, potentially pushing total arrivals to 35 million this year. Despite these promising numbers, there is concern that spending will remain focused in key tourist areas, offering limited benefits to other regions. This is particularly true for Malaysian tourists, who often make brief trips and stay near southern border areas, not venturing further north. Thaniwan advises the promotion of new dining districts to entice both foreigners and locals to explore beyond traditional hubs like Chinatown, Silom Road, and Khao San Road. She suggests that the Tourism Authority of Thailand could significantly aid this effort by using media and influencers to boost the appeal of these lesser-known spots. Establishing dedicated food streets could enhance the appeal of these areas, Thaniwan concluded, providing substantial benefits for both tourism and the restaurant industry overall. -- 2024-12-11

Thailand Launches HPV Vaccine Initiative for Schoolgirls Nationwide File photo for reference only In a significant stride towards women's healthcare, Thailand's Ministry of Public Health is embarking on a widespread Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. Starting tomorrow, schoolgirls in grade five across the nation will receive their first dose of the HPV vaccine as part of an ongoing effort to reduce cervical cancer rates. The initiative, revealed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, is a cornerstone of the government's focus on the health of adolescent and young women. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345927-thailand-launches-hpv-vaccine-initiative-for-schoolgirls-nationwide/

File photo for reference only In a significant stride towards women's healthcare, Thailand's Ministry of Public Health is embarking on a widespread Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. Starting tomorrow, schoolgirls in grade five across the nation will receive their first dose of the HPV vaccine as part of an ongoing effort to reduce cervical cancer rates. The initiative, revealed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, is a cornerstone of the government's focus on the health of adolescent and young women. This proactive measure will see over a million doses distributed, combating nine strains of the virus in 673,500 grade five students and an additional 400,000 young females aged 11 to 20. For those already partially vaccinated, booster doses will address four more HPV strains, enhancing their protective coverage. Initially launching at Wat Kien Ket School in Pathum Thani, the programme aims for a nationwide rollout. Minister Somsak highlighted, “Our ultimate goal is to diminish sickness and fatalities from cervical cancer in Thai women, acknowledging its curability when identified early.” Furthermore, women beyond the programme’s age range can access free home testing kits via state hospitals to determine further treatment needs. Highlighting a broader commitment to immunisation, a December 9th directive from the national disease control committee mandates intensified vaccinations for measles, rubella, and mumps in areas with immunisation rates below 95%. The accompanying Reach Out programme will employ mobile units and enhance outbreak surveillance, ensuring prompt responses to emerging health threats. -- 2024-12-11

Buriram abbot denies misconduct and firearm possession By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Accusations against a revered abbot in Buriram province have emerged, involving inappropriate conduct and possession of a firearm within a temple. The abbot, however, firmly denies all allegations, asserting his innocence and urging Buddhist officials to investigate the claims thoroughly. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345924-buriram-abbot-denies-misconduct-and-firearm-possession/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Accusations against a revered abbot in Buriram province have emerged, involving inappropriate conduct and possession of a firearm within a temple. The abbot, however, firmly denies all allegations, asserting his innocence and urging Buddhist officials to investigate the claims thoroughly. Residents of Chorakhe Mak in Prakhon Chai district expressed concerns about the abbot’s alleged behaviours, which include sending explicit video clips of himself to a woman and possessing a gun within the temple grounds. Residents called for a thorough investigation to preserve the integrity of the Buddhist community. Responding to these allegations, police inspector Somboon Dikasem, along with a team of officers and community leaders, visited the temple to conduct an investigation. Upon arrival, the team met with the abbot, who was seated in his quarters. They were granted permission to search the premises, specifically looking for a firearm as per the complaints. Despite an extensive search, no weapons or any illegal items were discovered, leaving the officials unable to take immediate action. Regarding the claim of sending explicit videos, the search only yielded a brown box resembling the one seen in the alleged video. However, there was no definitive proof tying it to the video in question. Inappropriate videos The abbot categorically denied owning a firearm or sending any inappropriate videos. He expressed confidence that the allegations were fabrications and called upon the monastic council and the National Office of Buddhism to investigate for the sake of fairness. “I am certain these accusations are false. How could a monk have a gun? As for the video, I believe it’s an act of defamation.” As the investigation proceeded, temple visitors vouched for the abbot’s character, describing him as a dedicated monk committed to development projects. They strongly believed the abbot was being targeted by individuals with personal grievances. The abbot himself reiterated that he had been subjected to similar accusations in the past, which were proven false after thorough investigations by Buddhist officials. “This is not the first time I’ve faced such claims. Previously, there were accusations about women, temple funds, and even assault but they were all baseless except for one incident.” The abbot recounted an altercation where he defended himself from a villager who accused him of being involved with his wife. Recurring allegations The matter was resolved without further issues, and prior investigations found no wrongdoing on the abbot’s part. He expressed frustration over the recurring allegations and mentioned contemplating leaving the monastic order. “I’m tired of these baseless accusations. I’ve considered disrobing.” The mysterious brown box, similar to one in the alleged video, had been in the abbot’s quarters for some time. He suggested that someone might have created a fake social media account in his name to further the defamation. He declared his willingness to undergo any investigation to prove his innocence. Ekkanarin, a village deputy chief, noted that the recent allegations were not widely discussed among local villagers but rather originated from neighbouring communities. He confirmed that previous investigations by the monastic council addressed various complaints, including those about women, temple finances, and altercations. However, he had never witnessed or heard of the abbot possessing a firearm. If future complaints arise, Ekkanarin insisted that the monastic council must conduct thorough investigations to uphold the sanctity of Buddhism. Should any wrongdoing be confirmed, appropriate actions would be taken to prevent any tarnishing of the religion’s reputation, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-11

Pattaya entrepreneur gifts exploited children with new bicycles By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya News The Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Centre (ATCC) in Nong Prue, Pattaya, provides a sanctuary for over 30 victims rescued from the clutches of sexual and slave labour exploitation. The centre offers a secure environment where victims can access education and receive support from counsellors and social workers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345923-pattaya-entrepreneur-gifts-exploited-children-with-new-bicycles/

Photo courtesy of Pattaya News By Puntid Tantivangphaisal The Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Centre (ATCC) in Nong Prue, Pattaya, provides a sanctuary for over 30 victims rescued from the clutches of sexual and slave labour exploitation. The centre offers a secure environment where victims can access education and receive support from counsellors and social workers. The ATCC has played a crucial role in identifying and bringing numerous child traffickers and paedophiles to justice. Amicus, a local supporter, contributes by providing scholarships for children sheltered at the centre and offers periodic special donations throughout the year. During a recent visit, a notable figure in Pattaya’s business community, Darin Phanthusak, paid a visit to the children’s home. As Vice President of PTS Holdings Company, which includes Tiffany’s Show, Woodlands Hotel, La Ferme, La Baguette, and the Yamaha Music School, Darin made a memorable impact. The entrepreneur surprised the children with delightful treats from La Baguette and, most notably, gifted them with a fleet of new bicycles, which the children eagerly began to ride. This gesture of kindness brought joy and excitement, illuminating the importance of community support, especially during the holiday season. The ATCC continues to serve as a beacon of hope and recovery, relying heavily on the contributions of both individuals and businesses to sustain its significant work in providing refuge and a fresh start for those who have been exploited, reported Pattaya News. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-11

Thai company accused of 3 billion baht condo scam By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A financial scandal involving a company accused of deceiving people into buying condominiums has left victims in debt amounting to 3 billion baht. Pavena Hongsakul, chairperson of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied 70 victims to submit a formal request for investigation to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday, December 10. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345922-thai-company-accused-of-3-billion-baht-condo-scam/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee A financial scandal involving a company accused of deceiving people into buying condominiums has left victims in debt amounting to 3 billion baht. Pavena Hongsakul, chairperson of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied 70 victims to submit a formal request for investigation to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday, December 10. The victims, representing over 200 affected people, allege that the company promised to help close their existing debts but instead coerced them into buying multiple condominium units, each accumulating debts exceeding 10 million baht (US$296,345). Pavena recounted that the foundation received complaints on December 7, prompting a detailed legal review of the documentation. The contracts were extensive, highlighting the complexity of the debt resolution process. The primary concern was the overwhelming debt burden on each individual, which ranged from 10 to 40 million baht (US$296,345 to 1.18 million). The victims, mostly young working adults with familial responsibilities, feared bankruptcy and the subsequent impact on their lives, including job loss, asset seizure, and damaged credit ratings. Consequently, Pavena led the victims to file a request with DSI Director Yuttana Pradam for intervention. “The victims are facing insurmountable debts, unable to meet instalment payments on multiple condominium units. This situation not only affects their financial stability but also poses a risk to banks and the broader economy.” The victims seek the DSI’s assistance in facilitating negotiations with Thai banks to restructure the debt, such as suspending interest and payment delays. This would provide the victims an opportunity to either sell or lease their condominiums and regain financial footing. Condo scam Furthermore, there is a call for an investigation into the business practices of the company, which continues to advertise similar schemes on social media, potentially leading to further significant financial damage. One victim, referred to as Meen (a pseudonym), shared her ordeal. Earning a monthly salary of over 40,000 baht (US$1,185), she initially had a credit card debt of 900,000 baht (US$26,660). A company representative contacted her, offering to settle her credit card debt on the condition that she refrains from incurring further debts. Meen was unaware how the company learned of her financial situation. Following the settlement, she registered the agreement at the Khu Khot Police Station and was subsequently entangled in a project to finance condominiums. “I thought I was purchasing only one unit but the company submitted documents to multiple banks simultaneously, resulting in loans for four units. I now face a debt of 16 million baht (US$473,940). The company promised to cover the payments for three units but they defaulted, leaving me to face legal action from the banks.” Other victims shared similar stories, with some initially holding credit card debts of 600,000 baht (US$17,772), only to end up indebted for five condominium units totaling 15 million baht (US$444,320). Some cases involve debts as high as 25 to 40 million baht (US$740,620 to 1.18 million) for six units. The victims formed a group chat with over 200 members, all experiencing significant stress and despair, exacerbated by the company’s closure and advice to negotiate independently with banks. In a moment of distress, Meen considered suicide but reached out to the Pavena Foundation for help, reported KhaoSod. DSI Director Yuttana Pradam acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “We have received the complaint and will conduct an initial review. The victims are advised to file reports with the Economic Crime Suppression Division, as the financial damage amounts to 3 billion baht (US$88.8 million). If the case meets certain criteria, it will be designated as a special case.” Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-11

ADB revises Thailand GDP forecast, warns of slower Asia growth By Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of ThaimaaOpas, Unsplash The Asian Development Bank (ADB) revised its economic forecasts today, upgrading Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projection for this year while maintaining next year’s estimate. However, the bank warns that developing Asia is set to experience slower growth than anticipated, with potential challenges looming due to possible changes in US trade policies under President-elect Donald Trump. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345921-adb-revises-thailand-gdp-forecast-warns-of-slower-asia-growth/

Picture courtesy of ThaimaaOpas, Unsplash By Alex Morgan The Asian Development Bank (ADB) revised its economic forecasts today, upgrading Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projection for this year while maintaining next year’s estimate. However, the bank warns that developing Asia is set to experience slower growth than anticipated, with potential challenges looming due to possible changes in US trade policies under President-elect Donald Trump. Developing Asia, encompassing 46 countries from Georgia to Samoa but excluding Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, is expected to grow by 4.9% this year and 4.8% next year. These figures are slightly reduced from the ADB’s earlier forecasts of 5.0% and 4.9%, respectively, released in September. The bank attributes the reduced growth estimates to the lacklustre economic performance in certain regions during the third quarter and a subdued outlook for consumer spending. The ADB’s latest Development Outlook report, released today, December 11, highlights an increase in Thailand’s GDP growth forecast for this year from 2.3% to 2.6%, while the forecast for the next year remains unchanged at 2.7%. Projections for China remain steady at 4.8% growth for 2024 and 4.5% for 2025. However, the ADB has adjusted its growth forecasts for India, lowering them to 6.5% for 2024 from an earlier estimate of 7.0% and to 7.0% for the following year, down from 7.2%. The ADB cautioned that potential modifications to US trade, fiscal, and immigration policies might impede growth and spur inflation in developing Asia, although such impacts are expected to be more pronounced beyond the 2024 to 2025 forecast period. As Donald Trump prepares to assume office on January 20, there are concerns over his proposed economic policies, including imposing tariffs exceeding 60% on US imports of Chinese goods, cracking down on illegal immigration, and broadening tax cuts, reported Bangkok Post. “Downside risks persist and include faster and larger US policy shifts than currently envisioned, a worsening of geopolitical tensions, and an even weaker property market in the People’s Republic of China,” said a bank spokesperson. In response to softening global commodity prices, the ADB has lowered its inflation expectations for 2024 and 2025 to 2.7% and 2.6%, down from previous projections of 2.8% and 2.9%, respectively. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-11

Thai farmers to receive 1,000 baht per rai under new scheme By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Thai agricultural officials have launched a scheme offering farmers 1,000 baht per rai, with strict criteria for eligibility. The Department of Agricultural Extension warns against scams, emphasising that no fees or direct communication via SMS or LINE will be involved. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345920-thai-farmers-to-receive-1000-baht-per-rai-under-new-scheme/