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SSO office in Bangkok | Photo via WorkpointTODAY Thailand's Social Security Office (SSO) is under fire for excessive luxury spending, including first-class flights and costly web applications. Public outrage was sparked when Rukchanok Srinork, a Bangkok MP, revealed extravagant spending details. These included a 2.2 million baht trip for 10 officials and a 100 million baht hotline expense. The trip consisted of first-class tickets costing 160,000 baht each, stays at a five-star hotel in Japan for 16,000 baht per night, and a 35,000 baht allocation for transportation per person. Additionally, the SSO spent approximately 850 million baht on a web-based platform and 450 million baht over eight years, mostly for procurement plans. Online backlash intensified as many questioned the necessity of the expensive trips and calendar production. Some citizens expressed frustration about never receiving the calendars, prompting calls for the removal of top officials. In response, Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the labour permanent secretary, claimed all expenses complied with the law. He explained that the web application development aligns with the Public Procurement and Supplies Management Act. Boonsong attributed the 66% budget increase over four years to system upgrades, aiming to improve services for social security subscribers. The office is transitioning from an old system to an in-house one managed by the SSO, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-21

Global Manhunt Ends: Interpol Nabs Suspected Moroccan Murderer in Turkey Photo courtesy of The Nation Interpol has captured Bilal Chenfinu, a 30-year-old Moroccan, in Turkey. He is accused of murdering his Thai partner, Thitikarn, a beauty surgeon, in Chiang Mai last December. The murder sparked an international manhunt when Chenfinu fled Thailand immediately after the crime. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352403-global-manhunt-ends-interpol-nabs-suspected-moroccan-murderer-in-turkey/

Photo courtesy of The Nation Interpol has captured Bilal Chenfinu, a 30-year-old Moroccan, in Turkey. He is accused of murdering his Thai partner, Thitikarn, a beauty surgeon, in Chiang Mai last December. The murder sparked an international manhunt when Chenfinu fled Thailand immediately after the crime. Mueang Chiang Mai Police Chief, Police Colonel Pratchaya Thisala, confirmed Chenfinu's arrest at a Turkish hotel. Thai police are now collaborating with Turkish authorities to extradite him to face charges in Thailand. The Chiang Mai Court issued an arrest warrant following Thitikarn's murder. Security footage revealed that Chenfinu and Thitikarn entered the building together on December 4. However, Chenfinu was recorded leaving alone in the victim’s car at 2 a.m. the next day, and soon after, flying out from Chiang Mai International Airport. Thitikarn's murder deeply affected the local LGBTQ community, as he was a well-known beauty surgeon in Chiang Mai. Justice may soon be served as Thai officials aim to quickly bring Chenfinu back to Thailand through ongoing international cooperation, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

HBO's 'The White Lotus' Puts Thailand on the Travel Map Photo courtesy of Variety Following the highly anticipated premiere of HBO's hit show The White Lotus, the picturesque Thai island of Koh Samui has become the talk of the globe. Since the premiere, travel platform Agoda has observed a significant 12% uptick in accommodation searches for Koh Samui, with U.S. interest soaring by 65% compared to last month. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352395-hbos-the-white-lotus-puts-thailand-on-the-travel-map/

Photo courtesy of Variety Following the highly anticipated premiere of HBO's hit show The White Lotus, the picturesque Thai island of Koh Samui has become the talk of the globe. Since the premiere, travel platform Agoda has observed a significant 12% uptick in accommodation searches for Koh Samui, with U.S. interest soaring by 65% compared to last month. This newfound American fascination has catapulted the U.S. into the top five inbound search markets for Koh Samui on Agoda, replacing Malaysia. The current top search markets for the island are predominantly Western countries: Israel, Germany, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This surge is reminiscent of the tourism spikes seen in Hawaii and Sicily after the show featured those locales in prior seasons. Recognizing the potential benefits, Thailand's government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) secured agreements for filming in iconic spots like Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Phuket. The third season boasts a star-studded cast, including Patrick Schwarzenegger and Thai-born K-pop sensation Lalisa Manobal, known globally as Blackpink's Lisa, drawing even more attention to Thailand's breathtaking scenery. Pierre Honne, Agoda’s Country Director for Thailand, remarked, "The premiere has been an exhilarating event in Thailand and worldwide, bringing global attention to beloved spots like Bangkok and Koh Samui. The impact on local tourism is clear and hugely promising." Agoda continues to offer a wide array of accommodations across Thailand and access to millions of global properties, hundreds of thousands of flight routes, and activities. As The White Lotus enchants viewers worldwide, Thailand's tourism is set for a boost, with Koh Samui emerging as a must-visit tropical haven, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

Scam Leads Strangers to Thai Woman's Home for Fake Sex Services - video Photo via KhaoSod A 53-year-old Thai woman named Thanida faced months of harassment after a scammer used her address in a sex service fraud. When strangers arrived at her home expecting to meet arrangements set online, Thanida discovered that a 29-year-old scammer had been tricking men into paying for non-existent services and directing them to her house. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352394-scam-leads-strangers-to-thai-womans-home-for-fake-sex-services-video/

Photo via KhaoSod A 53-year-old Thai woman named Thanida faced months of harassment after a scammer used her address in a sex service fraud. When strangers arrived at her home expecting to meet arrangements set online, Thanida discovered that a 29-year-old scammer had been tricking men into paying for non-existent services and directing them to her house. Seeking help, Thanida reached out to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet. Gun and his team met her at Bang Yai Police Station in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, to address the issue. Thanida first encountered the problem late last year when a man appeared at her door inquiring about a service he had allegedly arranged online. As more victims showed up, including men and tomboys—some becoming demanding or aggressive—Thanida grew increasingly distressed. To warn others, she displayed a picture of the scammer and a message outside her home, but the visits did not stop. With Gun's coordination, police managed to suspend the scammer's bank account. They discovered she had a criminal history, having been arrested for drug-related and theft offenses since age 22. Authorities plan to issue a summons for the scammer. If she fails to respond, an arrest warrant will be issued, seeking to finally put an end to Thanida's distressing ordeal, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

Thai Airways Eyes Global Top 10 Ranking with New Strategies File photo for reference only Thai Airways is aiming high, planning to secure a spot among the world's top 10 airlines and increase its passenger count to 15 million in 2024. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352393-thai-airways-eyes-global-top-10-ranking-with-new-strategies/

File photo for reference only Thai Airways is aiming high, planning to secure a spot among the world's top 10 airlines and increase its passenger count to 15 million in 2024. During the Matichon Leadership Forum 2025 held on February 19 at Bangkok's Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Chansin Treenuchagron, a board member and executive planner for Thai Airways International, expressed the airline's ambitions. In his lecture titled "Trust TG: Transforming into the Future," Chansin highlighted the airline's essential role in driving Thailand's tourism economy. Tourism brought in 1.67 trillion baht last year, and the government aims to boost annual arrivals to 40 million people. Currently holding a 15.1% market share, Thai Airways transported over 9 million passengers in 2023. The goal for 2024 is to reach up to 15 million passengers, despite facing stiff competition from more than 30 other major airlines. Chansin cited the airline's successful restructuring as a foundation for growth. Before COVID-19, Thai Airways contributed nearly 200 billion baht to the economy and supported about 1 million jobs. The pandemic, however, forced a pivot to cargo transport as passenger flights were halted. Entering a rehabilitation plan on May 26, 2020, the airline reduced its workforce by 7,000 and slashed costs, which has set a course back to profitability. By the end of 2024, sales had rebounded to 18 billion baht, indicating a renewed strength. Looking forward to 2025, Chansin outlined strategies for restoring customer trust, such as enhancing in-flight services and reintroducing new routes, including direct flights to Milan. Incorporating Thai Smile Airways and improving connectivity are also part of the plan. Having achieved a profit of around 15 billion baht last year, Thai Airways is poised to adapt to a competitive landscape marked by workforce shortages and wage rises. Chansin called for national unity and policy support to solidify Thailand as a global aviation hub. As part of its rehabilitation, Thai Airways must meet several conditions, including capital increases and financial benchmarks, aiming to exit the plan and return to the stock exchange by mid-2025. This would mark a proud milestone as the airline resumes operations as a private company. Chansin concluded by thanking stakeholders—creditors, the government, customers, media, and employees—for their unwavering support in this transformational journey, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

Thailand's Tourism Boom: 5.5 Million Visitors and $8B Revenue Picture courtesy of Erik Karits, Unsplash Thailand is enjoying a tourism resurgence with over 5.5 million international visitors arriving between January 1 and February 16, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports led by Sorawong Thienthong. This boom has generated more than 270 billion baht (about $8 billion), boosting the nation's economic recovery. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352392-thailands-tourism-boom-55-million-visitors-and-8b-revenue/

Picture courtesy of Erik Karits, Unsplash Thailand is enjoying a tourism resurgence with over 5.5 million international visitors arriving between January 1 and February 16, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports led by Sorawong Thienthong. This boom has generated more than 270 billion baht (about $8 billion), boosting the nation's economic recovery. Long-distance travelers have increased by 1.3% in the last week, with Russia, France, and the United States leading the charge. Notably, Russian visitors grew by 7.54% week-on-week. Despite this growth, weekly international arrivals dipped slightly to 784,175, a 6.36% decline from the previous week. Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea, and India rank as Thailand’s top five tourism sources, sustaining strong visitor flows. The ministry projects an increase in visitors soon, driven by upcoming events, improved travel measures, and favorable conditions to attract more tourists to the country, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

Thai Woman Duped into Paying Thousands in Lover's Torture Hoax Nathathai has only three baht left after the scam. | Photo via Amarin TV A troubling tale unfolded as 61-year-old Thai woman Nathathai believed her 58-year-old Filipino boyfriend, Mark, was being tortured by Thai police. She took her concerns to the non-profit Saimai Survive. At first blush, it seemed Mark was caught in a web of police abuse, supposedly coerced to labour in an orchard and threatened with a taser. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352391-thai-woman-duped-into-paying-thousands-in-lovers-torture-hoax/

Nathathai has only three baht left after the scam. | Photo via Amarin TV A troubling tale unfolded as 61-year-old Thai woman Nathathai believed her 58-year-old Filipino boyfriend, Mark, was being tortured by Thai police. She took her concerns to the non-profit Saimai Survive. At first blush, it seemed Mark was caught in a web of police abuse, supposedly coerced to labour in an orchard and threatened with a taser. The pair met on Facebook, sparking a long-distance flame. Mark had promised a lavish package of cash and jewels, but claimed Thai authorities wanted 40,000 baht in fees to release it. Nathathai obliged, further depleting her finances. In a twist, Mark was arrested upon arriving in Thailand, with Nathathai paying more to secure his release. But the fees snowballed. Eventually, desperate and in debt, she ran to Saimai Survive for aid. Founder Ekkaphop Lueangprasert unraveled the scam; Mark had never been detained or abused by police. Initially in disbelief, Nathathai came around, understanding Mark played her heart—and her wallet. Now, Ekkaphop is assisting in freezing bank accounts involved, offering a glimmer of hope for recovering her lost 440,000 baht, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

Cheated in Love: Thai Woman Exposes Corrupt Cop Husband The police officer and his mistress | Photo via Channel 3 In a dramatic turn of events, a Thai woman named Ae has publicly exposed the corrupt activities of her police officer husband after being barred from seeing their children. Ae, 39, took this bold step after her husband not only cheated on her but allowed his mistress to assault her on December 30 last year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352390-cheated-in-love-thai-woman-exposes-corrupt-cop-husband/

The police officer and his mistress | Photo via Channel 3 In a dramatic turn of events, a Thai woman named Ae has publicly exposed the corrupt activities of her police officer husband after being barred from seeing their children. Ae, 39, took this bold step after her husband not only cheated on her but allowed his mistress to assault her on December 30 last year. Married since 2004, Ae lived apart from her husband, who stayed with their three children in Chumphon. Despite forgiving his infidelities in the past, Ae's growing suspicions were confirmed when she found him with their children and his mistress. During a confrontation, Ae claimed that her husband’s mistress attacked her while he stood by. In her account, the altercation escalated, leading Ae to stab her husband in anger. Unable to get justice through official channels, as her complaints were dismissed as a personal matter, Ae decided to go public. She revealed a notebook containing names and bribes paid to her husband, shedding light on his corrupt dealings. Attempts to reach the police officer for comment have been unsuccessful, leaving Ae’s shocking allegations untouched by official investigations, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

12-Year-Old in Critical Condition After Vaping for Two Years Photo courtesy of The Nation In Buriram, Thailand, a 12-year-old girl is critically ill after vaping for two years, which has led to almost complete lung damage. The distressing news came to light when her school informed her family, highlighting the growing youth vaping crisis in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352389-12-year-old-in-critical-condition-after-vaping-for-two-years/

Photo courtesy of The Nation In Buriram, Thailand, a 12-year-old girl is critically ill after vaping for two years, which has led to almost complete lung damage. The distressing news came to light when her school informed her family, highlighting the growing youth vaping crisis in Thailand. Her grandmother, Ae, was caught off guard when teachers informed her about the girl's severe lung condition. "I didn't know. She used to be diligent but changed after starting Grade 4," Ae explained. The girl became aloof, stopped helping at home, and frequently went out, claiming to study with friends. Now critically ill and on a ventilator at Satuek Hospital, the girl was admitted after suffering severe shortness of breath, vomiting, and weakness. Medical exams confirmed her lungs were nearly completely damaged due to prolonged vaping. Local rescue worker, Paphawarin Simlakorn, first publicized the case on Facebook, warning parents about the dangers of youth vaping. He revealed that three other students in the area were recently hospitalized due to vaping-related chest pain and shortness of breath. This incident follows the death of a 15-year-old from the same area in January, linked to long-term e-cigarette use. Consequently, local police urge parents to remain vigilant as youth vaping increases. Health officials are calling for stricter e-cigarette regulations and awareness campaigns to educate families on vaping dangers. This young girl's plight underscores the severe health risks posed by underage vaping, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

Nakhon Phanom on High Alert After Alleged Abduction Attempt Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, a suspected child abduction ring has alarmed local communities after three men in a pickup truck allegedly tried to lure students with candy. This prompted local schools to issue warnings to parents and teachers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352388-nakhon-phanom-on-high-alert-after-alleged-abduction-attempt/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, a suspected child abduction ring has alarmed local communities after three men in a pickup truck allegedly tried to lure students with candy. This prompted local schools to issue warnings to parents and teachers. A 10-year-old student named Noy shared a frightening experience on February 17. While riding his electric bicycle home for lunch, he was approached by three men in a white pickup truck near his grandmother's rubber plantation. Afraid and alone, Noy hid in his house for 30 minutes. The men waited outside for about 10 minutes before leaving. His grandmother, Jamjan, said she was not at home during the incident. Noy later recounted how the truck followed him, pausing only when it slipped off the road, allowing him to escape and hide at a nearby shop before reaching home. The men allegedly tried to coax him with sweets, but Noy was quick to alert his mother, suspecting they intended to abduct him. Consequently, the Nakhon Phanom Primary Educational Service Area Office issued an urgent alert. Earlier, on February 7, a bronze pickup was seen outside a school with someone offering sweets to students, prompting a teacher to intervene and send the students back to class. To prevent further incidents, schools are urged to team up with community leaders to educate parents and students, ensure staff oversight on student safety, and teach self-defense skills. Parents are also advised to stay alert for potential threats. Any suspicious activities should be reported immediately to the Nakhon Phanom authorities using designated communication channels, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

Nightclub Panic: Jealous Ex Draws Gun on Innocent Waiter Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News A night of dancing and cocktails turned chaotic when a jealous ex-boyfriend mistook a waiter for his ex-wife’s new lover and brandished a gun inside a Pattaya nightclub. The incident, which occurred at 2:06 a.m. today, February 20, at a popular cocktail lounge in LK Metro, led to screams and panic among patrons, ending with the man’s arrest. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352387-nightclub-panic-jealous-ex-draws-gun-on-innocent-waiter/

Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News A night of dancing and cocktails turned chaotic when a jealous ex-boyfriend mistook a waiter for his ex-wife’s new lover and brandished a gun inside a Pattaya nightclub. The incident, which occurred at 2:06 a.m. today, February 20, at a popular cocktail lounge in LK Metro, led to screams and panic among patrons, ending with the man’s arrest. Pattaya police were called to the scene, where they found the nightclub in disarray. The suspect, 33-year-old Surachet, was quickly restrained by security staff. Witnesses included 28-year-old Nok, Surachet’s visibly shaken ex-girlfriend, and a 40-year-old waiter who was mistaken as her new partner. According to the police report, Surachet entered the club, saw Nok talking to the waiter, and assumed he was her new boyfriend. Overcome with jealousy, he began verbally harassing her and soon physically attacked the unsuspecting waiter. Security staff intervened, but the situation escalated when Surachet pulled out a .38 caliber revolver loaded with five rounds, along with a tanto knife, sparking pandemonium inside the club. Surachet later told police he had no intention of hurting anyone and only drew the weapon in self-defense after being restrained. However, he confessed to losing his temper upon witnessing the waiter’s friendly demeanor toward Nok. Currently, police are verifying the legality of the firearm and conducting drug and alcohol tests on Surachet. He is expected to face multiple charges as the investigation unfolds, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

Pattaya Beach Altercation: Rising Tensions Among Tourists Photo courtesy of The Nation Last night, February 19th, a street fight erupted near Pattaya Beach, leaving four people injured. The fight involved two Thai women and two Indian men, with a Thai man who attempted to intervene also getting hurt. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352386-pattaya-beach-altercation-rising-tensions-among-tourists/

Photo courtesy of The Nation Last night, February 19th, a street fight erupted near Pattaya Beach, leaving four people injured. The fight involved two Thai women and two Indian men, with a Thai man who attempted to intervene also getting hurt. The incident began when the Indian men approached the women, reportedly trying to flirt and filming them. Feeling uneasy, one woman demanded the video be deleted, but the man refused, triggering a heated argument that quickly turned violent. The confrontation escalated as one woman grabbed a stick, prompting the men to flee toward Pattaya Walking Street. In their rush, they allegedly damaged a car, scratching it and breaking its side-view mirror. The situation worsened with punches thrown from both sides, resulting in minor injuries for the four involved. A local motorcycle taxi rider trying to mediate was also injured, receiving blows to his knees and eye. Police quickly arrived to disperse the crowd and administered first aid to those hurt. Officers are now examining CCTV footage to determine the initiator of the fight and ensure justice is served. Authorities are considering charges for public disorder, property damage, and assault, depending on the investigation's outcome. The incident has caught social media's attention, highlighting rising tensions between tourists and locals in Pattaya, a popular tourist spot in Thailand, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20

High-Speed Chase in Thailand Nabs 32 Illegal Myanmar Workers Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In a dramatic high-speed chase near Kanchanaburi, Thai police apprehended 32 Myanmar nationals believed to be smuggled across the border illegally. The rogue driver of the pickup truck managed to escape, abandoning the grey Isuzu D-Max with the registration plate บบ 6998 at their tail. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352383-high-speed-chase-in-thailand-nabs-32-illegal-myanmar-workers/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In a dramatic high-speed chase near Kanchanaburi, Thai police apprehended 32 Myanmar nationals believed to be smuggled across the border illegally. The rogue driver of the pickup truck managed to escape, abandoning the grey Isuzu D-Max with the registration plate บบ 6998 at their tail. Major General Khongkrit Lertsitthikul of the Highway Police, along with Colonel Pakhapol Suchon, received a report about the speeding pickup on Highway 323. Officers, including Lieutenant Colonel Amnat Seenual, attempted to halt the truck using loudspeakers, but the driver refused to stop and accelerated instead. The incident prompted a coordinated effort among law enforcement, including the Anti-Human Trafficking Division and Immigration Bureau. The chase ended near Wang Sing Railway Station, where the driver ditched the truck and disappeared into the brush. Inside the vehicle, police found 32 Myanmar nationals. These individuals were reportedly linked under a system of colored strings tied to their wrists, dictating their work destinations. For example, those bound for Koh Samui wore yellow strings. The migrants had entered Thailand via forest paths from Myanmar's Payathonsu area to avoid border checkpoints. They intended to reach several provinces for work, each having paid brokers anywhere from 11,500 to 40,000 baht. The apprehended individuals were taken for questioning at the Sai Yok Highway Police Service Centre. They have since been transferred to the Sai Yok Police Station to face charges for illegal entry under the Immigration Act. This bust highlights ongoing challenges in combating human trafficking and unauthorized migration in the region. Police efforts continue as they search for the driver and any accomplices involved, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-20