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Picture courtesy of Royal Thai Government The Department of Customs, under chief Theerach Atthanavanich, has successfully seized 602,600 illegally imported items. These include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and counterfeit branded products, collectively valued at over 46 million baht. The Ministry of Finance has directed the customs department to crack down on such unlawful imports, aiming to curb counterfeit items and protect public health by targeting harmful products like cigarettes and e-cigarettes. This will help maintain fair market practices and enhance public well-being. To bolster these efforts, customs officers are collaborating more closely with agencies like the Department of Intellectual Property and the Department of Special Investigation, among others, for a more unified crackdown on smuggling. The confiscated items are set for destruction from February 18 to 20 at the Nong Khaem Waste-to-Energy Facility, overseen by C&G Environmental Protection (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Additional disposal will occur at Golden Deep (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Customs officials will monitor to ensure these harmful goods do not re-enter the market. In other related news, Thai police, alongside the FDA, recently uncovered an illicit medical supply operation in Nonthaburi. This operation produced low-quality cotton balls soaked in diluted alcohol, posing a potential health risk. Following a tip-off, authorities raided the factory in the Khlong Khoi subdistrict on February 10, seizing over 9,000 packs of counterfeit medical supplies along with production materials, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-19

Authorities Seize 49.2M Baht in Faulty Steel and Electrical Goods Photo courtesy of The Nation Authorities have seized substandard steel and electrical products worth 49.2 million baht in Bangkok and Chon Buri, ordering a factory shutdown and launching a probe into non-compliant goods. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352293-authorities-seize-492m-baht-in-faulty-steel-and-electrical-goods/

Photo courtesy of The Nation Authorities have seized substandard steel and electrical products worth 49.2 million baht in Bangkok and Chon Buri, ordering a factory shutdown and launching a probe into non-compliant goods. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan reported that a special committee, headed by Thitipat Chotedechachai, carried out this operation alongside the Thai Industrial Standards Institute and local industrial offices. Officials uncovered large quantities of uncertified products, raising alarms about safety and compliance. In Bangkok’s Suan Luang district, a raid on New Star Light Tech (Thailand) Co Ltd, owned by Chinese investor Da Qing Wu, found uncertified LED bulbs, power supplies, adapter cables, and electrical wires valued at 26.3 million baht. Previously, this company was fined for producing substandard electrical accessories worth 11 million baht, with confiscated goods mysteriously disappearing earlier this year. The recently seized items are slated for destruction. Meanwhile, in Chon Buri’s Si Racha district, authorities discovered 1,148 tonnes of steel rods worth 22.9 million baht at a factory owned by Chon Buri Special Steel Group and Teng Feng Steel Co Ltd, failing to meet required standards. The factory must suspend operations and improve its processes within a month or face potential license revocation. The factory had been asked to make enhancements last September but failed to comply by the February 14 deadline. This crackdown demonstrates the government's firm stance on industrial compliance and is part of ongoing efforts to prevent substandard products from entering the market. Further inspections are expected to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-19

Thai Bar Girl Seeks Justice After Alleged Rape Ignored Photo via Channel 8 In a troubling case from Bangkok, a 26-year-old woman known as Ple claims her employer, Suea, raped her and attempted to dodge justice by offering 600 baht. Despite her efforts, police have reportedly been dismissive, permitting the accused to roam free since the incident in November last year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352292-thai-bar-girl-seeks-justice-after-alleged-rape-ignored/

Photo via Channel 8 In a troubling case from Bangkok, a 26-year-old woman known as Ple claims her employer, Suea, raped her and attempted to dodge justice by offering 600 baht. Despite her efforts, police have reportedly been dismissive, permitting the accused to roam free since the incident in November last year. Feeling desperate, Ple turned to social media influencer Thamanat “King” Daengtim for help. Together, they approached the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to push her stalled case forward, initially filed at Chokchai Police Station. Ple, who had worked at a bar in Lat Phrao for just three days, recounted a chilling night on November 18. According to her, Suea, a 28-year-old bar partner, along with two friends, coerced her into drinking with them. Suspecting she was drugged, Ple later woke in unfamiliar clothes, bruised and in pain, with no recollection of the night's events. When confronted, Suea reportedly admitted the assault and tried to bribe Ple with a mere 600 baht before disappearing. His alleged admission and subsequent disappearance prompted Ple to file a police report, though authorities claimed her story lacked clarity. Channel 8 reports that tests did not confirm Suea's involvement through physical evidence, which Ple disputes. She calls on Suea to address the allegations publicly. Meanwhile, Ple continues her pursuit of justice, undeterred by the obstacles she faces, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-19

Ex-Thai Actress Accuses British Husband of Fraud and Infidelity Photo via ThaiRath In a dramatic turn of events, Ladda Khantiphok, once a familiar face on Thai television, has accused her British husband, Ian, of swindling her out of her life savings and committing infidelity. Distraught and seeking justice, Ladda is calling on news agencies to help spread her story and connect her with legal assistance. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352288-ex-thai-actress-accuses-british-husband-of-fraud-and-infidelity/

Photo via ThaiRath In a dramatic turn of events, Ladda Khantiphok, once a familiar face on Thai television, has accused her British husband, Ian, of swindling her out of her life savings and committing infidelity. Distraught and seeking justice, Ladda is calling on news agencies to help spread her story and connect her with legal assistance. The 40-year-old former actress, who rose to fame in a 2005 anti-alcohol campaign by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, claims Ian deceived her into handing over the equivalent of £8,000. Their relationship began through a dating app in 2019, culminating in marriage in 2020, though without a traditional ceremony or dowry. Ian, a musician on a cruise ship, visited Ladda infrequently, only three to four times annually. Financial troubles surfaced in 2022 when Ian requested money, citing delayed wages, initially borrowing 120,000 baht and later an additional 200,000 baht. Suspicion grew when Ian did not visit for two years, and Ladda received a call from another woman claiming to be Ian's wife. Now, Ladda demands a divorce and urges Ian to repay the 320,000 baht. Struggling to make ends meet, Ladda now manages a laundry and sells drinks on the side. Although a popular news Facebook page declined her plea for help, she remains hopeful that a lawyer or officials will take up her case. Ladda insists she no longer wants Ian back but seeks closure and justice for her financial losses, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-19

Controversy in Thai Senate: Prisoner Healthcare Debate Paused Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English A heated debate over equal healthcare rights for prisoners was abruptly halted in Thailand’s Senate yesterday. Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit withdrew her motion, which aimed to address disparities in medical treatment between prisoners and prominent figures, such as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin's six-month stay in a VIP hospital ward, instead of prison, has sparked criticism over perceived justice system double standards. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352284-controversy-in-thai-senate-prisoner-healthcare-debate-paused/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English A heated debate over equal healthcare rights for prisoners was abruptly halted in Thailand’s Senate yesterday. Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit withdrew her motion, which aimed to address disparities in medical treatment between prisoners and prominent figures, such as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin's six-month stay in a VIP hospital ward, instead of prison, has sparked criticism over perceived justice system double standards. Despite paying for his room, Thaksin's treatment stirred public debate over inequality. Angkhana cited insufficient evidence, especially regarding the death of activist Netiporn “Boong” Saneysangkhom, as the reason for her motion's withdrawal. Senator Nantana Nantavaropas critiqued Angkhana's decision, suggesting political pressure might be involved. Despite the setback, Angkhana remains determined to highlight healthcare inequalities with stronger evidence. The Senate voted 138 to 7 to withdraw the debate, with intentions to revisit the discussion once further evidence is collected, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-19

Loei Hit Hard by First Seasonal Rain, Numerous Accidents Reported Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Loei province was thrown into chaos as its first seasonal heavy rain triggered numerous car accidents, totalling over 50 in just one hour. The sudden rain transformed the roads across several districts into treacherous pathways. This seasonal downpour is infamous for reactivating layers of rubber residue from previous truck spills, which invisibly coats the roads but becomes dangerously slick upon mixing with water. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352283-loei-hit-hard-by-first-seasonal-rain-numerous-accidents-reported/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Loei province was thrown into chaos as its first seasonal heavy rain triggered numerous car accidents, totalling over 50 in just one hour. The sudden rain transformed the roads across several districts into treacherous pathways. This seasonal downpour is infamous for reactivating layers of rubber residue from previous truck spills, which invisibly coats the roads but becomes dangerously slick upon mixing with water. Yesterday, clashes were reported in districts such as Phu Luang, Dan Sai, and Mueang Loei among others. Police and rescue teams were quickly overwhelmed with emergency calls as drivers found themselves losing control on the suddenly hazardous surfaces. Though over 50 cars were damaged, miraculous co-ordination between rescue workers and emergency services ensured no lives were lost, although multiple injuries necessitated medical attention. Officials are urging local drivers to proceed with caution during the early days of the rainy season. Recommendations involve decreasing speed, maintaining greater distances between vehicles, and ensuring full alertness while driving in Loei. Meanwhile, long-term preventive strategies such as regular road cleanings and public safety campaigns are being considered by local authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future. The urgency for implementing these measures grows as yearly rainfall patterns continue to result in numerous accidents, reminding residents that a bit of vigilance can avert disaster, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-19

Bangkok's Chatuchak Market Revamp: 529 Stalls Face Relocation Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market is set for a facelift, resulting in the relocation of 529 stallholders around the popular clock tower area by April 30. The directive, issued by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), is part of a redevelopment initiative planned by the market office. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352282-bangkoks-chatuchak-market-revamp-529-stalls-face-relocation/

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market is set for a facelift, resulting in the relocation of 529 stallholders around the popular clock tower area by April 30. The directive, issued by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), is part of a redevelopment initiative planned by the market office. The announcement was made by the market office chairman, Suksan Kittisupakorn, at BMA's head office, addressing issues of transparency regarding the market’s management and the decision not to renew stall contracts. Concerns about the remittance of rent collected from vendors between 2019 and 2023 were also tackled, with Suksan denying any irregularities and explaining that all collected fees were appropriately processed. With the BMA as its operator, Chatuchak Market's underlying land is owned by the State Railway of Thailand, to which a significant annual fee is paid. The market has faced revenue dips due to reduced fees amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this, the market office insists on its right to adjust and manage vendor agreements. The decision has sparked some discontent among vendors, leading them to petition for investigation. However, Mr. Suksan argues the relocation is necessary for enhancing accessibility and aesthetics, as the current setup has raised concerns over reduced space and ventilation. Stallholders have been given the option to relocate to alternative areas within the market without the usual fees. Although only a few vendors have taken up the offer, it remains available until the April deadline. Meanwhile, legal action is being prepared against those who defaulted on their rent. The redevelopment aims to transform the clock tower zone into a new tourist magnet, potentially revitalising the market's allure. The clock ticks as vendors prepare for the upcoming changes, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-19

Russian Tourist's Pattaya Adventure Sours with Luggage Theft Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News A Russian tourist's dream escape to Pattaya unravelled as a thief brazenly sliced open his suitcase, making off with over 100,000 baht in cash and valuables. Vladimir Tulayev, the victim of this daring heist, is left both frustrated and vulnerable after security cameras missed capturing the suspect. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352281-russian-tourists-pattaya-adventure-sours-with-luggage-theft/

Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News A Russian tourist's dream escape to Pattaya unravelled as a thief brazenly sliced open his suitcase, making off with over 100,000 baht in cash and valuables. Vladimir Tulayev, the victim of this daring heist, is left both frustrated and vulnerable after security cameras missed capturing the suspect. Tulayev, staying at a South Pattaya hotel, reported the robbery occurred on February 12 while he was in his room. The suspect, a Thai male, used a sharp object to infiltrate his luggage, stealing 40,800 baht, 26,000 rubles (about 9,600 baht), and US$1,500 (approximately 50,000 baht). The thief also took off with Tulayev's car and room keys, further compounding his predicament. Eager to resolve the issue, Tulayev lodged a complaint with Pattaya City Police on February 13. Yet, despite his proactive stance, the investigation has seen limited progress, leaving Tulayev increasingly anxious. His follow-up visit to the police on February 17 revealed a lack of crucial CCTV evidence, deepening his concerns for justice. Police are sifting through footage from nearby areas to identify the thief, while appealing for public assistance to crack the case. In the meantime, authorities are urging caution among tourists, advising the safeguarding of valuables to avoid similar mishaps. The incident serves as a stark reminder for visitors to take extra precautions, ensuring their holiday memories are filled with joy, not frustration, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-19

Pathum Thani Police Uncover Illegal Bitcoin Mining Setup Picture courtesy of MGR Online In an unexpected swoop, police in Pathum Thani have dismantled an illegal bitcoin mining operation nestled within a housing project. The raid, carried out by local officials and police, came after a tip-off from the Provincial Electricity Authority, which noted suspicious electricity use. The raid at a residence in the Bueang Ba subdistrict revealed 18 bitcoin mining devices and a laptop, all linked into an illicit setup. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352280-pathum-thani-police-uncover-illegal-bitcoin-mining-setup/

Picture courtesy of MGR Online In an unexpected swoop, police in Pathum Thani have dismantled an illegal bitcoin mining operation nestled within a housing project. The raid, carried out by local officials and police, came after a tip-off from the Provincial Electricity Authority, which noted suspicious electricity use. The raid at a residence in the Bueang Ba subdistrict revealed 18 bitcoin mining devices and a laptop, all linked into an illicit setup. Authorities noted that the electricity meter bore signs of tampering, indicating unauthorised consumption. The operation's annual electricity costs were staggering, surpassing 3 million baht, roughly equating to US$92,620. District officials, with Police Colonel Teerayut Sereinonchai, led the crackdown and found the equipment but no individuals at the scene. Sutthiporn Siwawetphikun, the district chief, confirmed that the clandestine mining had been quietly siphoning power for quite some time. The electricity authority is set to pursue legal action, ensuring the culprits face prosecution for their costly misconduct. This shutdown underscores the growing vigilance against illicit activities linked to cryptocurrency mining, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in utility oversight, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-19

Illegal Public Act in Bangkok Caught on Dashcam Goes Viral Photo via Facebook/ พชรดนัย ฯ. A Bolt motorcycle rider in Bangkok, Thailand recorded an explicit incident involving two men on a footpath in the city's Bang Khen district. The video was posted on February 18 to a Bolt Drivers Thailand Facebook group by the account พชรดนัย ฯ., and has drawn widespread criticism. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352278-illegal-public-act-in-bangkok-caught-on-dashcam-goes-viral/

Photo via Facebook/ พชรดนัย ฯ. A Bolt motorcycle rider in Bangkok, Thailand recorded an explicit incident involving two men on a footpath in the city's Bang Khen district. The video was posted on February 18 to a Bolt Drivers Thailand Facebook group by the account พชรดนัย ฯ., and has drawn widespread criticism. The dashcam footage shows the rider turning into an alley and spotting two men engaged in sexual activity. One of the men wore only a black T-shirt, while the other was entirely naked. Upon noticing the rider, the men began to move apart. The incident occurred near an empty motorcycle taxi shelter, under the light of street lamps, making it visible to anyone passing by. The Facebook post quickly attracted numerous comments, ranging from humor to calls for police intervention. Speculation arose that the men might have been filming content for online distribution. Under Thai law, public indecency is prohibited by Section 388 of the Criminal Code, carrying a fine of up to 5,000 baht. If the men were creating online content, they could face further charges under Section 14(4) of the Computer Crimes Act, with harsher penalties of up to five years in prison, fines reaching 100,000 baht, or both. Additionally, the Bolt rider who shared this video publicly could be subject to charges under the Computer Crimes Act for distributing explicit material. Thai police emphasize that such content should be reported directly to them instead of being shared online, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-19

Phuket's Bold Move: Massive Crackdown on Foreign Crimes Photo courtesy of The Phuket News Phuket is making headlines after police arrested over 100 foreign lawbreakers and issued 1,625 traffic fines in just one week. This decisive action, led by Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, took place from February 10 to 16 and targeted a range of crimes including illegal businesses, visa violations, drug offenses, and reckless driving. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352275-phukets-bold-move-massive-crackdown-on-foreign-crimes/

Photo courtesy of The Phuket News Phuket is making headlines after police arrested over 100 foreign lawbreakers and issued 1,625 traffic fines in just one week. This decisive action, led by Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, took place from February 10 to 16 and targeted a range of crimes including illegal businesses, visa violations, drug offenses, and reckless driving. In a coordinated operation involving Phuket Immigration and Tourist Police, authorities clamped down on illegal activities that jeopardize the safety of both residents and tourists. The crackdown forms part of a wider national campaign against transnational crime and unlawful foreign activities. Officers recorded 103 criminal offenses including: - 30 immigration law violations - 9 illegal tour operations - 8 unauthorized businesses - 8 drug-related offenses - 10 instances of drunk driving - 18 arrests on outstanding warrants - 20 various infractions - 1,625 traffic violations Since the start of 2024, Phuket police have arrested 2,422 foreigners and issued over 32,000 traffic citations, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-19 “Phuket police reaffirm our commitment to maintaining peace, order, and safety, ensuring the province remains a top travel destination,” Major General Sukhum emphasized. Tourists are being urged to comply with local laws, while residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities involving foreigners to the nearest police station or via the 191 emergency hotline.

High-Profile Lawyer Gets Jail Time for Defaming Former Thai Official File photo for reference only High-profile lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd and businesswoman Chorchat Tochuwong have been sentenced to one year and four months in prison each. They were found guilty today of defaming Suphachai Phosu, a former deputy House Speaker, and two others. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352188-high-profile-lawyer-gets-jail-time-for-defaming-former-thai-official/

File photo for reference only High-profile lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd and businesswoman Chorchat Tochuwong have been sentenced to one year and four months in prison each. They were found guilty today of defaming Suphachai Phosu, a former deputy House Speaker, and two others. Sittra and Chorchat must also pay 1.1 million baht in damages to Suphachai, Suphanee Phosu, and Thanaboworn Sirikunakornkul. The court found the two held a press conference where they made false statements, harming the reputations of the three plaintiffs, reported Thai PBS World. -- 2025-02-18

Cambodia-Thai Temple Clash Over Singing Sparks Tensions Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A heated incident unfolded at the Ta Muen Thom temple on the Thai-Cambodian border when a Cambodian general and his group were stopped by Thai soldiers for singing Cambodia’s national anthem and patriotic songs. The standoff occurred at the southern terrace of the temple, located in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352187-cambodia-thai-temple-clash-over-singing-sparks-tensions/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A heated incident unfolded at the Ta Muen Thom temple on the Thai-Cambodian border when a Cambodian general and his group were stopped by Thai soldiers for singing Cambodia’s national anthem and patriotic songs. The standoff occurred at the southern terrace of the temple, located in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province. Captured in a video, which went viral online, the disagreement saw a Cambodian lawyer engaging in a spirited exchange with the Thai military. The situation intensified as the Cambodian general, dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt, communicated with the Thai troops in both Thai and Khmer, expressing his displeasure and attempting to intimidate them. The general, identified as the commander of Cambodia’s 42nd Brigade, had led a group of 25, primarily housewives, for the temple visit on February 18. Displeased by the Thai military's intervention during their song session, the major general criticized the soldiers but was told they were following orders from superiors. In response, the general directed his unit stationed near the temple to adopt similar restrictions, prohibiting such activities like singing at the site’s southern staircase. This decision was made before the group returned to Cambodian territory. The confrontation almost escalated into a greater conflict, prompting a formal protest from the commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region. As of now, tensions remain high between the neighboring forces over this cultural clash at the historical site, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-18