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Sketchy business: Cops arrest last suspect in decade-old human trafficking case Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Police officers from the Anti Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) triumphantly captured the last suspect in a gruesome decade-old human trafficking case, ending an exhaustive month-long chase. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338895-sketchy-business-cops-arrest-last-suspect-in-decade-old-human-trafficking-case/

Police officers from the Anti Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) triumphantly captured the last suspect in a gruesome decade-old human trafficking case, ending an exhaustive month-long chase. Their breakthrough? A single clue: a sketch of an unidentified woman, said Police Major General Sarut Kwaengsopha, the ATPD commander after the suspect was arrested in Samut Prakan yesterday, September 22. “It’s a tough job, but if we didn’t do it, who would?” The climax came on September 16 when Pol. Maj. Gen. Sarut green-lit Pol. Col. Korkiat Wuthijumnong, Superintendent of Sub-Division 1, to nab Sompong Soithong, with a Criminal Court arrest warrant dating back to December 19, 2014. Pol. Lt. Col. Burin Kapittha executed the dramatic arrest under Pol. Col. Korkiat’s orders. The 62 year old woman faces a bleak list of charges, including colluding to traffic humans for forced labour, enslavement, and facilitating illegal entry and exit from the kingdom. The probe kicked off when Pol. Maj. Gen. Sarut directed his team to dive back into old arrest warrants, specifically targeting labour trafficking cases infamous for their extreme brutality. “Cases of labour trafficking that dehumanise victims must be eradicated. We must round up everyone involved in these old horrors.” Etch-A-sketch Leading the charge, Pol. Col. Korkiat tasked Pol. Lt. Col. Burin with pinpointing warrants linked to violent misdeeds. Their diligence paid off when they stumbled upon a challenging case involving a middle-aged woman, identified only through a sketch drawn from a victim’s harrowing testimony. Back in 2012, the ATPD was tipped off by the Department of Social Development and Welfare about victims duped by rogue labour brokers. Instead of promised well-paying jobs, they were imprisoned in a karaoke bar in Pak Nam Samut Prakan, forced to sign slavery-like contracts, and shipped off to gruelling fishing work in Malaysia. One victim’s tale of survival is particularly shocking: nearly beaten to death and cast into the sea, he drifted for three days before being rescued by a Vietnamese cargo ship and ultimately landing in India. After months, he finally returned to Thailand. The Crime Suppression Division 1 meticulously compiled evidence and rounded up four out of five wanted suspects. The elusive fifth suspect was finally identified through the sketch and meticulous detective work linking her name to the crimes, Pol. Col. Korkiat said. “We tracked down the 62-year-old woman and found two individuals with matching names and ages. Finding the true offender between them was our crucial challenge.” Verification came when the victim who gave the original statement identified Sompong, despite being embroiled in his own legal woes with over ten warrants, including drug trafficking. Grocery seller In a bold move, the team interviewed the convicted individuals linked to the case. They confirmed Sompong’s involvement, identifying her as the woman in the sketch. Sompong, masquerading as a humble grocery seller in Samut Prakan, initially denied the charges but eventually cracked under pressure. She confessed to luring countless victims to a karaoke bar for cash, though she claimed ignorance of their grim final destinations, Bangkok Post reported. She also revealed a previous three-year stint in prison for another trafficking case. said Pol. Col. Korkiat. “This case exemplifies how relentless effort and even a simple sketch can bring a culprit to justice.” Pol. Lt. Col. Burin emphasised the need to focus on sketches in pending cases, noting their potential to unearth additional suspects still free. “The investigation can expand based on sketches to rope in more culprits still at large.” By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-23

Road-blocking complaint leads to Thai taxi driver arrest for drug use Photo via Facebook/ งานจราจร สน.บางซื่อ A complaint by a homeowner in Bangkok about road blocking led to the arrest of a Thai taxi driver using drugs in his vehicle. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338894-road-blocking-complaint-leads-to-thai-taxi-driver-arrest-for-drug-use/

A complaint by a homeowner in Bangkok about road blocking led to the arrest of a Thai taxi driver using drugs in his vehicle. Officers from Bang Sue Police Station were called to Soi Pradiphat 15 in the Phaya Thai district of Bangkok at 9.10pm on September 20 to remove a taxi that was blocking access to a home. Upon arrival, the officers found the driver, 52 year old Phurithat Phumpuang, asleep in his green-yellow taxi. The police knocked on the door to wake the taxi driver and noticed drug tools through the car window. They then asked the driver to exit the vehicle and searched. Two zip-lock bags containing crystal meth were discovered in a black bag, weighing 0.85 and 1.01 grammes respectively. Phurithat admitted to buying the drugs for 500 baht but no details about the dealer were provided in the report. Phurithat explained that he had taken the drug in his taxi, parked the car at the scene, and then fell asleep. He has been charged with possession and use of a Category 1 drug, which carries a penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. Due to the small quantity of drugs in his possession, Phurithat may be required to undergo drug rehabilitation. Failure to comply could result in the aforementioned penalties. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ งานจราจร สน.บางซื่อ Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-23

Burmese man found tied up and seriously injured in Rayong Photo via KomChadLuek Police are searching for an attacker who brutally assaulted a Burmese man, tied him up, and abandoned him in the eastern province of Rayong. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338893-burmese-man-found-tied-up-and-seriously-injured-in-rayong/

Police are searching for an attacker who brutally assaulted a Burmese man, tied him up, and abandoned him in the eastern province of Rayong. A local in the Pluak Daeng district of Rayong discovered the injured man yesterday, September 22, near Pa Sawai Market and called the Pluak Daeng Rescue Foundation to the scene. Rescuers reported that the man’s arms and legs were bound. He sustained multiple deep cut wounds to his head and legs, and his right arm was broken. The injured man was later identified as Burmese. He could not communicate in Thai, so locals who spoke Burmese assisted the rescuers in communicating with him. He informed the rescue team that he was brutally assaulted in the Nong Yai district of Chon Buri and was later abandoned in Rayong. Rescuers provided first aid before transferring him to Pluak Daeng Hospital. His current condition has not been reported. Officers from Pluak Daeng Police Station are now searching for the assailant. In a related incident, a Burmese man in the central province of Samut Prakan was physically assaulted. The injured Burmese national, 26 year old Miao, sustained serious wounds to the back of his head and right eyebrow. A witness revealed to the media that a female loan shark demanded repayment of 1,500 baht from Miao, but he was unable to repay the amount. He promised to pay on October 5 but the loan shark was unhappy with the delay. Locals in the area believe that the loan shark hired two men, who appeared to be motorcycle taxi riders, to assault Miao. Some witnesses reported seeing the two attackers taking photographs of Miao’s injuries after the attack. They suspect that the photos were sent to the loan shark as proof to claim their payment. Officers from Bang Pu Police Station are investigating the case. The identities of the loan shark and the two attackers are still under investigation. By Petch Petpailin Photo via KomChadLuek Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-23

Thailand explores salary reforms amid rising civil service costs Image courtesy of Bangkok Post The Comptroller-General’s Department, the Budget Bureau, and the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) are actively exploring reforms to salaries and benefits across all government sectors. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338892-thailand-explores-salary-reforms-amid-rising-civil-service-costs/

The Comptroller-General’s Department, the Budget Bureau, and the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) are actively exploring reforms to salaries and benefits across all government sectors. Patricia Mongkhonvanit, Director-General of the Comptroller-General’s Department, highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue due to the substantial budget allocated for these expenses. She noted that the government’s fiscal health and long-term fiscal burden must be scrutinised. “The annual healthcare budget for civil servants alone stands at around 100 billion baht, excluding pensions, and continues to rise with increasing life expectancy.” The emergence of new diseases and escalating costs of medicine further exacerbate the situation, increasing the need for salary reform. Negotiations on prices or capping expenses are among the measures under consideration, according to Patricia. A thorough review of the entire civil service process, from recruitment to salaries and benefits, is necessary. Ongoing discussions between the Comptroller-General’s Department, the Budget Bureau, and the OCSC are focusing on the long-term impacts and the future recruitment of civil servants. While no final decisions have been made, Patricia stated that several options are being explored, including making salaries competitive with the private sector, aligning compensation packages with those of private companies, or maintaining the current salary system. “We are integrating all options before making a final decision on which package to adopt.” In fiscal year 2023, total expenditure on salaries, pension contributions, and compensation for government personnel amounted to 818 billion baht, marking a 0.78% increase from the previous fiscal year. Over the past six years (fiscal 2018 to 2023), there has been no adjustment to the salary base, and the number of civil servants has increased slightly. In fiscal 2022, the number of civil servants stood at 1,513,722, a 0.21% year-on-year increase. Total welfare expenditure for government personnel in fiscal 2023 reached 514 billion baht, a 7.61% year-on-year growth. Healthcare and pension costs are rising as Thailand transitions to an aged society. Public welfare expenditure amounted to 398 billion baht in fiscal 2023, up by 7.42% year-on-year, reported Bangkok Post. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-23

Phuket Prison’s Bold Push to Reform Drug Dealers Kicks Off File photo for reference only In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming drug dealers into model citizens, Phuket has launched the fourth edition of its revamped Prison Scout Volunteers for Social Development programme. The project seeks to reform inmates, cultivate positive mindsets, and offer a pathway out of their criminal past. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338703-phuket-prison’s-bold-push-to-reform-drug-dealers-kicks-off/

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming drug dealers into model citizens, Phuket has launched the fourth edition of its revamped Prison Scout Volunteers for Social Development programme. The project seeks to reform inmates, cultivate positive mindsets, and offer a pathway out of their criminal past. With Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat absent, the relaunch ceremony on September 19 at Phuket Provincial Prison was led by Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham. Attendees included Phuket Prison Director Akom Phusri and representatives from the Provincial Probation Office and the Phuket Promthep Scout Club. The programme, admitting 100 participants each cycle, is part of a broader effort by the Department of Corrections. Their larger plan targets eight key areas of improvement, such as upgrading prison security, modernising inmate treatment systems to international standards, and providing education and vocational training that aligns with real-world job markets. Training, facilitated by the Education and Mental Development Division, takes place from September 19 to 22. Inmates are taught to adhere to the Scout Oath, emphasising values like self-discipline, unity, and respect for the nation, religion, and monarchy. “This is about preparing inmates for life outside prison,” noted a spokesperson. Crucially, the programme invites external agencies to participate, ensuring a robust support system for inmates upon release. With a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration, this initiative aims to transform lives and offer former criminals a fresh start. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-20

Phuket on High Alert: Dengue Fever Advisory Issued Amid Floods File photo for reference only Phuket is on high alert following a dengue fever advisory issued by the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO). The warning comes in the wake of a week of relentless rain, flash floods, and landslides, which have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes across the island. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338701-phuket-on-high-alert-dengue-fever-advisory-issued-amid-floods/

Phuket is on high alert following a dengue fever advisory issued by the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO). The warning comes in the wake of a week of relentless rain, flash floods, and landslides, which have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes across the island. The advisory, released on September 19, highlights the risk without delving into infection statistics. However, flooding has led to stagnant water accumulation, a known breeding ground for mosquitoes. Alarming historical data shows that Phuket had the highest dengue fever infection rate per 100,000 people among seven southern Thailand provinces in the first half of the year, according to Dr Darinda Rosa, Acting Director of the Disease Control Office 11. A staggering 5,853 cases were reported, with children aged 10 to 14 being the most affected, followed by those aged five to nine and teenagers. The situation is dire not just in Phuket but also in other provinces like Surat Thani, Phang Nga, and Krabi. Dengue fever, spread by the Aedes mosquito, results in flu-like symptoms, high fever, and potentially life-threatening complications. Dr Darinda stressed the importance of early detection and urged the public to adhere to the "3 Collects, Prevent 3 Diseases" campaign: 1. Collect garbage to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. 2. Collect water safely by sealing containers with tight lids. 3. Keep homes clean to avoid mosquito-friendly environments. With no cure for dengue fever, vigilance is key. Residents are advised to remain cautious, particularly as the mosquito population typically surges in post-rain conditions. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-20

Laem Bali Hai Pier Gets Overhaul: New Rules Promote Order File photo for reference only Pattaya’s Laem Bali Hai Pier has finally received a much-needed makeover after years of chaotic operations and tourist headaches. In a bid to overhaul the pier’s reputation, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet announced yesterday, September 19, a bold set of regulations to put an end to the disorder. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338699-laem-bali-hai-pier-gets-overhaul-new-rules-promote-order/

Pattaya’s Laem Bali Hai Pier has finally received a much-needed makeover after years of chaotic operations and tourist headaches. In a bid to overhaul the pier’s reputation, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet announced yesterday, September 19, a bold set of regulations to put an end to the disorder. Serving more than 10,000 visitors daily, the pier has long been plagued by fierce disputes over parking, along with pushy vendors aggressively promoting overpriced speedboat rides. The newly introduced system, which quietly went into effect on September 16, aims to bring a sense of calm to South Pattaya’s primary transit hub. “The goal is to promote fairness, reduce conflicts, and enhance the overall experience for tourists,” Mayor Ngampichet stated. Among the key changes, unauthorised individuals will no longer be allowed to direct tourists to parking spots. This comes after complaints of unfair competition and confusion. Instead, a streamlined single service point has been set up, ensuring tourists book their speedboat services in a hassle-free manner. No more constant haggling or being bombarded by vendors. To make sure these new regulations stick, a dedicated task force is now in place, patrolling the pier to maintain order and prevent further disputes. According to city officials, the task force is tasked with guaranteeing smoother operations and boosting the pier’s appeal. The new measures aim to rejuvenate the pier, transforming it into a more welcoming gateway for Pattaya’s many visitors. Whether these changes will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but for now, tourists and locals alike can look forward to a more organised and pleasant experience at Laem Bali Hai Pier. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-20

South Korean drug suspect caught with heroin syringes Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English A South Korean man, previously deported from Thailand, was caught sneaking back into the country and living in Pattaya for weeks, with heroin syringes found scattered in his apartment. The shocking arrest raised eyebrows, with questions swirling about his alleged involvement in drug trafficking. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338698-south-korean-drug-suspect-caught-with-heroin-syringes/

A South Korean man, previously deported from Thailand, was caught sneaking back into the country and living in Pattaya for weeks, with heroin syringes found scattered in his apartment. The shocking arrest raised eyebrows, with questions swirling about his alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The suspect, 42 year old South Korean national Hun Chon, was deported from Thailand in 2017 for overstaying his visa and using methamphetamine. However, this career criminal wasn’t done yet. Police Lieutenant Colonel Weerachai Thinkamut revealed today, September 20, that Hun had illegally re-entered Thailand, slipping in from Cambodia without an immigration stamp. For the past two weeks, Hun had been living quietly in an apartment in central Pattaya, Bang Lamung district, until Chon Buri Immigration Police raided his room last night. Heroin syringes stashed in plastic bags were discovered. Surprisingly, Hun’s urine test came back negative. He was quick to shift the blame, claiming that the drug paraphernalia belonged to a Thai woman who had visited two days earlier. But this isn’t the only charge hanging over the South Korean’s head. Chon Buri investigators suspect Hun of being a key player in a drug trafficking operation, smuggling drugs from Thailand to South Korea. A recently arrested suspect even pointed Hun out as the supplier behind a drug-smuggling ring. Police arrested Hun for illegal entry and are now coordinating with South Korean authorities to delve deeper into his alleged drug activities. As more evidence unfolds, this could be just the tip of the iceberg in a major international drug scandal, reported KhaoSod English. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-20

iPhone 16 Launch Draws Large Crowds in Thailand File photo for reference only BANGKOK, Sept 20 (TNA) – Apple’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro officially went on sale in Thailand on Friday, with eager customers lining up at stores across the country to be among the first to get their hands on the new devices. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338697-iphone-16-launch-draws-large-crowds-in-thailand/

BANGKOK, Sept 20 (TNA) – Apple’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro officially went on sale in Thailand on Friday, with eager customers lining up at stores across the country to be among the first to get their hands on the new devices. At the Apple Store in IconSiam, a Vietnamese customer was the first in line, having arrived in the early morning hours. The Central World branch saw particularly high enthusiasm. The honor of receiving the first iPhone 16 in Thailand went to a Myanmar national working in the country, who had pre-ordered the device and chose to pick it up at the Central World branch at 8 a.m. Long queues formed at various retail locations, including AIS and True-Dtac stores, as well as authorized resellers like iStudio. The iPhone 16 series, touted as Apple's first smartphone designed specifically for artificial intelligence or “Apple Intelligence,” allows users to generate text and images with ease using AI-powered suggestions. However, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates that pre-orders during the first weekend reached about 37 million units, down 12.7% compared to the iPhone 15 launch. The decline is primarily attributed to lower demand for the Pro models, as Apple Intelligence is currently only available in English, affecting demand in markets like China where competitors offer AI services in the local language. Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 began on Friday, September 13, in over 58 countries, including Thailand. The launch day turnout in Thailand demonstrates continued strong interest in Apple's latest offering. Photo: TNA Source: Thai News Agency -- 2024-09-20

Police probe teacher recruitment mystery Photo: TNA BANGKOK, Sept 20 (TNA) – The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) plans to involve police forensic experts in investigating the case of a female teacher whose name disappeared from a top position in official recruitment results. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338696-police-probe-teacher-recruitment-mystery/

BANGKOK, Sept 20 (TNA) – The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) plans to involve police forensic experts in investigating the case of a female teacher whose name disappeared from a top position in official recruitment results. Tee Pawangkanan, Deputy Secretary-General of OBEC, announced the decision to postpone a scheduled press conference on the investigation’s findings. The delay aims to allow for a more thorough and transparent process. Photo: TNA Full story: Thai News Agency -- 2024-09-20

Southern Industries Oppose 400 Baht Wage Hike, Call for Regional Adjustments File photo for reference only The Southern Industrial Council firmly opposes the proposed increase of Thailand's minimum wage to 400 baht, advocating for a more nuanced, region-specific approach. Adisorn Tanaengchuan, President of the Southern Industrial Council and executive member of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), voiced concerns ahead of the Labour Wage Committee's meeting today, which aims to discuss the third minimum wage adjustment for 2024. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338695-southern-industries-oppose-400-baht-wage-hike-call-for-regional-adjustments/

The Southern Industrial Council firmly opposes the proposed increase of Thailand's minimum wage to 400 baht, advocating for a more nuanced, region-specific approach. Adisorn Tanaengchuan, President of the Southern Industrial Council and executive member of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), voiced concerns ahead of the Labour Wage Committee's meeting today, which aims to discuss the third minimum wage adjustment for 2024. The government’s policy proposes raising the minimum wage to 400 baht from October 1, pending a two-thirds majority vote. Despite resistance from employer representatives, the current administration is pushing forward with the increase. Central to the opposition is the argument that a blanket wage hike would not account for the economic diversity across Thailand's regions. Adisorn highlighted that the industrial sector, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), are already struggling with high electricity and oil costs, not to mention competition from the influx of Chinese products. A universal wage hike to 400 baht could exacerbate these struggles, potentially leading to more factory closures, which have already been on the rise. Adisorn suggested that wage adjustments should consider varying economic conditions and be tailored to different regions and industries. He noted that some sectors, particularly those relying on agricultural outputs with low technology and labour-intensive processes, could accommodate the wage increase more readily than others. The Southern Industrial Council president is urging the government to heed feedback from business representatives, employees, and public agencies. He emphasised that even employees do not uniformly support a nationwide wage increase, advocating instead for region-specific adjustments that better reflect local economic conditions and GDP growth rates. “We want the government to listen to the voices of business representatives, employees, and public agencies. Currently, even employees do not want a blanket 400 baht wage hike across the country,” Adisorn reiterated. In conclusion, the Southern Industrial Council believes that a one-size-fits-all wage policy could lead to unnecessary economic strain and business closures. They call for careful consideration of regional differences and a collaborative approach to ensure the proposed wage adjustments support economic sustainability and growth. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-20

Krabi Shuts Marine Sites Amid Rough Seas: Safety First File photo for reference only Krabi’s Marine National Park has temporarily shut its marine tourist spots for four days, from September 19 to 22, due to strong winds and rough seas. The closure aims to ensure tourist safety amid thunderstorms and waves exceeding 4 metres, making docking impossible. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338694-krabi-shuts-marine-sites-amid-rough-seas-safety-first/

Krabi’s Marine National Park has temporarily shut its marine tourist spots for four days, from September 19 to 22, due to strong winds and rough seas. The closure aims to ensure tourist safety amid thunderstorms and waves exceeding 4 metres, making docking impossible. Key attractions affected include Phi Phi Leh Island, Bamboo Island, Talay Waek, and Poda Island, as well as popular diving areas around Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don Islands. Red flags have been raised to alert visitors across these spots within Had Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Over 200 tour boats, previously serving tourists at Ao Nang Beach and Nopparat Thara Beach, have been relocated to Khlong Son Bay for shelter, ceasing their tourist services temporarily. Ferry routes between Krabi town and Phi Phi Island have also been halted due to the unsafe sea conditions. Officials stress that the temporary closure is necessary to prevent accidents and safeguard both tourists and service providers. Whilst this decision impacts local tour operators and businesses, they support the measure, prioritising visitor safety. As Krabi is known for its beautiful marine attractions, unexpected weather changes, especially during the monsoon season, pose significant risks. The National Park officials will closely monitor conditions and update the public on when the attractions will reopen. Tourists are advised to stay updated and adjust their travel plans accordingly. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-20

Heavy Rains Cause Chaos in Patong, Authorities Urge Vigilance File photo for reference only Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Patong, with landslips and potholes forming on waterlogged roads, culminating in a significant incident yesterday when a large tree fell onto power lines between Patong and Kamala. Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri today urged all residents and drivers to remain extra cautious. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338691-heavy-rains-cause-chaos-in-patong-authorities-urge-vigilance/