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Thai Boxing Star Nabbed for Gambling Promotion on Facebook File photo for reference only In a dramatic crackdown yesterday, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) collared famed Thai boxer, Sutthiwat, for promoting gambling websites. Sutthiwat, who boasts a whopping 440,000 followers on Facebook, has been advertising gambling site links for 1,500 baht per post. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338521-thai-boxing-star-nabbed-for-gambling-promotion-on-facebook/

In a dramatic crackdown yesterday, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) collared famed Thai boxer, Sutthiwat, for promoting gambling websites. Sutthiwat, who boasts a whopping 440,000 followers on Facebook, has been advertising gambling site links for 1,500 baht per post. The raid, orchestrated by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphob Bhuridej and Police Major General Athip Pongsiwapai, followed a thorough investigation into the 30-year-old boxer's online activities. Sutthiwat confessed, "I am the owner of the Facebook page and was paid by the gambling website owner to post advertisements in my stories." This act violates Section 12 of the Gambling Act of 1935, which prohibits unauthorized gambling adverts. The TCSD is currently compiling evidence to press charges formally against Sutthiwat. The investigation began as part of a nationwide campaign to eliminate illegal gambling promotions online. TCSD officers, through meticulous forensic work, identified Sutthiwat's involvement and summoned him for questioning, where he admitted his wrongdoing. "We have been vigilant in monitoring online activities and were able to identify this case through our ongoing efforts," said a TCSD officer, highlighting the department’s commitment to eradicating digital crimes. The authorities send a clear message: promoting gambling is a serious offence. This clampdown is part of a larger effort to cleanse Thailand of illegal gambling. The public is urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help maintain social order and legality. The investigation is ongoing, and the police reassure the public of their dedication to upholding the law and curtailing such illicit operations. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-18

Thailand Tightens Waste Paper Imports to Safeguard Health and Environment File photo for reference only Thailand's Foreign Trade Department is cracking down on dirty deals—literally. Stricter import controls on waste paper are in the works to safeguard public health and protect the environment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338518-thailand-tightens-waste-paper-imports-to-safeguard-health-and-environment/

Thailand's Foreign Trade Department is cracking down on dirty deals—literally. Stricter import controls on waste paper are in the works to safeguard public health and protect the environment. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, the Foreign Trade Department's Director-General, revealed that the Commerce Ministry has been swamped with reports from concerned entrepreneurs all year. These tip-offs exposed that imported waste paper is ending up in factories, getting transformed into rolled paper and packaging—often tainted with hazardous materials. A recent ministry inspection uncovered the alarming truth: waste paper shipments were mixed with plastic bottles, foam, plastic bags, aerosol cans, sanitary napkins, masks, medical bags, and hoses. According to Ronnarong, these contaminated imports are flouting new hygiene standards and country-of-origin rules. “These contaminated imports flout new hygiene standards and country-of-origin rules,” said Ronnarong. He warned that things are about to get stricter. Products tainted with waste are classified as municipal waste, banned from import under the Commerce Ministry’s 2019 decree. Importing such toxic mixtures is illegal and poses dual threats to both environmental and public health. Ronnarong hinted at drastic measures, such as bans and stringent import permits, if these violations continue. “Importers, beware! Choose your distributors wisely or risk bringing in banned goods that endanger Thailand’s environment and public health." The department is not taking any chances. Collaborating with various agencies, they are ramping up the scrutiny of imports to ensure Thailand stays clean and green. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-18

Phuket drug suspect nabbed in mangrove forest hideout Photo courtesy of Phuket News A Thai man wanted on serious drug charges was finally captured today after being tracked down to a remote mangrove forest in Pa Khlok subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338516-phuket-drug-suspect-nabbed-in-mangrove-forest-hideout/

A Thai man wanted on serious drug charges was finally captured today after being tracked down to a remote mangrove forest in Pa Khlok subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket. A police investigation team from Thalang Police, supported by local patrol officers, swooped in on the suspect’s hideout. The high-stakes raid, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha, Inspector of Investigation at Thalang Police, involved no fewer than six senior officers. The officers were looking for Rachen Sason, a 45 year old man from Sakon Nakhon province, who had been on the run for his involvement in drug trafficking. Rachen, cornered in the Khlong Tha Sak area, was found with a haul of 189 methamphetamine (meth) pills, known locally as Yaba. The drugs, hidden among the dense mangroves, were promptly seized by officers. Following the arrest, Rachen was charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics (meth pills) for sale without permission. Thalang Police have vowed to intensify their efforts to stamp out drug-related activities in the region, reported Phuket News. “This is just the beginning,” police warned, signalling further crackdowns in the fight against illegal narcotics. In related news, two Thai nationals face execution for drug trafficking charges in Indonesia. Rachanon Jongseeha and his girlfriend Woranawan Wongsuwan were among six people arrested in Bali last week on drug charges by Indonesian police. Four could face execution under the country’s strict drug laws. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Phuket News Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Thai police shut down 21 villas on Koh Samui, foreigners evicted Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Police on the picturesque island of Koh Samui swooped and shut down 21 luxury villas that were built illegally on the pristine Khao Ma Ngaen mountain, leaving foreign tenants scrambling to pack their bags. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338515-thai-police-shut-down-21-villas-on-koh-samui-foreigners-evicted/

Police on the picturesque island of Koh Samui swooped and shut down 21 luxury villas that were built illegally on the pristine Khao Ma Ngaen mountain, leaving foreign tenants scrambling to pack their bags. Municipal, military, and ombudsman officials yesterday, September 17, slapped closure notices on the villas, which were among 46 properties constructed without permits. These villas had brazenly encroached on the mountainside in the Bo Phut subdistrict, a popular tourist hub. Three of the 21 villas were occupied by foreign tenants, who were left no choice but to vacate. One of them, a Frenchman running a local cleaning business, had signed a one-year lease and was paying 20,000 baht a month for his slice of paradise. “I had no idea this place was illegal,” he said as he packed his belongings. All tenants cooperated and swiftly vacated the premises. The remaining villas, though empty, were still being advertised as available for lease, luring potential tenants into the same legal mess. Colonel Dusit Kesornkaeo, head of environmental protection at the Internal Security Operations Command, confirmed the crackdown, stating that the villas were ordered closed after no appeals were filed against the original ruling. “These properties had no right to be here.” The 46 villas, including the 21 already closed, were part of a wider illegal development scheme run by three companies, all of which failed to obtain proper building permits, reported Bangkok Post. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Krabi Land Officer Arrested for Issuing 33 Illegal Land Titles File photo for reference only In a significant anti-corruption crackdown, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has apprehended Thawatchai Thabtimthong, a specialised land officer from Krabi, for the illegal issuance of 33 land titles within a permanent forest area. This arrest marks a serious move against corruption in Thailand’s land rights administration. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338511-krabi-land-officer-arrested-for-issuing-33-illegal-land-titles/

In a significant anti-corruption crackdown, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has apprehended Thawatchai Thabtimthong, a specialised land officer from Krabi, for the illegal issuance of 33 land titles within a permanent forest area. This arrest marks a serious move against corruption in Thailand’s land rights administration. Thawatchai was arrested under a warrant from the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases of Region 8, following accusations of using his official position for personal gain and causing damage to state land. The charges are in violation of Sections 151 and 157 of the Criminal Code. As a land officer since 2005, Thawatchai was responsible for verifying land rights, boundaries, and ownership under the Department of Lands’ regulations. However, despite knowing that the 33 land titles fell within a protected forest area, he falsely reported they met legal criteria and submitted fraudulent documents to his superiors. The investigation, led by Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, Secretary-General of the NACC, and Suchart Kluykitanon, Assistant Secretary-General of NACC Region 8, revealed Thawatchai's deliberate intent to damage state land and unlawfully transfer it to other individuals. Thawatchai was found residing in Chulabhorn district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, tracked down, and handed over to prosecutors at the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Region 8. He now faces prosecution at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to uphold integrity and protect state resources from corruption. The NACC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring public officials adhere to the law. Photo: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Thailand Unveils Major Stimulus: 10,000 Baht for Vulnerable Groups File photo for reference only Thailand’s government has launched a substantial economic stimulus package, focusing on vulnerable groups such as individuals with disabilities and state welfare cardholders. Starting Wednesday, September 25, 10,000 baht per person will be allocated via the PromptPay system, encompassing 14.55 million recipients. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338510-thailand-unveils-major-stimulus-10000-baht-for-vulnerable-groups/

Thailand’s government has launched a substantial economic stimulus package, focusing on vulnerable groups such as individuals with disabilities and state welfare cardholders. Starting Wednesday, September 25, 10,000 baht per person will be allocated via the PromptPay system, encompassing 14.55 million recipients. The initiative, part of the 2024 economic stimulus plan approved by the Cabinet, aims to bolster support for those most in need. The Comptroller General’s Department will manage the distribution, which will be staggered over several days by national ID number. **Payment Schedule:** - **September 25:** IDs ending in 0. - **September 26:** IDs ending in 1, 2, 3. - **September 27:** IDs ending in 4, 5, 6, 7. - **September 30:** IDs ending in 8, 9. If the initial payment fails, three retry attempts are scheduled for October 22, November 22, and December 22. If unsuccessful after the third attempt, the recipient will be considered to have opted out. To participate, recipients must have their national ID numbers registered with PromptPay, which can be done at any bank branch, mobile banking app, or ATM. The linked account can be verified via the bank’s mobile application. Additionally, disability benefits will be distributed from September 25 to 30 through local administrative bodies, including Bangkok and Pattaya City. This stimulus package is vital for providing immediate financial support amid economic struggles, aiming to offer relief and stimulate economic activity within affected communities. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-18

Former Pathum Thani PAO Official Faces Arrest Warrant Over No-Show File photo for reference only In a significant development yesterday, the Saraburi Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct issued an arrest warrant following the unexpected absence of Decha Puangngam, a former Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) official. Decha failed to attend a pivotal court session regarding a high-profile corruption case, prompting the judge to take firm action. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338509-former-pathum-thani-pao-official-faces-arrest-warrant-over-no-show/

In a significant development yesterday, the Saraburi Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct issued an arrest warrant following the unexpected absence of Decha Puangngam, a former Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) official. Decha failed to attend a pivotal court session regarding a high-profile corruption case, prompting the judge to take firm action. The court was set to deliver a verdict on a corruption case involving Charn Puangpet, the former president of the Pathum Thani PAO, and six other defendants. The charges, brought by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), centre on alleged fraudulent procurement of relief bags during the 2011 flood crisis, amounting to several million baht. Though all defendants but one appeared in court, Decha Puangngam, the third defendant, submitted a last-minute request to defer his attendance, citing health concerns. However, the court assessed that Decha’s illness did not justify his absence, interpreting the move as an intentional evasion. As a result, the judge issued an arrest warrant for him, alongside imposing the full penalty on his bail guarantor. With Decha absent, the court session could not proceed as planned. Consequently, the hearing has now been rescheduled for October 24 at 9am, where the long-awaited verdict is expected to be delivered. This case underscores the court's stringent stance on accountability within corruption proceedings. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-18

Thailand Ex-Deputy PM Faces New Money Laundering Allegations File photo for reference only Prompong Nopparit has lodged a fresh anti-money laundering complaint against Thailand's former Deputy Prime Minister, Prawit Wongsuwon. The complaint follows the release of a controversial audio recording by Inside Thailand TV, suggesting a money repayment demand linked to Prawit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338508-thailand-ex-deputy-pm-faces-new-money-laundering-allegations/

Prompong Nopparit has lodged a fresh anti-money laundering complaint against Thailand's former Deputy Prime Minister, Prawit Wongsuwon. The complaint follows the release of a controversial audio recording by Inside Thailand TV, suggesting a money repayment demand linked to Prawit. The recording, which aired on September 11, features a voice resembling Prawit's, asking about overdue money. Although the recording lacks specific details about the money's origin, Prompong believes it raises potential grounds for prosecution under anti-money laundering laws. He has urged the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) to investigate Prawit and individuals named in the clip. In response, Prawit's party, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), is threatening legal action against the TV show's host and broadcaster, accusing them of illegal wiretapping. PPRP insists the anti-bugging law remains enforceable, equating it to a Supreme Court ruling. Prompong has also requested an ethics investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), further intensifying scrutiny on Prawit amid suspicions of illegal activity. This development marks another chapter in the ongoing political drama surrounding the former Thai Deputy PM. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-18

Headless corpse found in flood shelter in Nong Khai Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A woman intending to open her home for flood victims discovered the headless corpse of a man in a state of advanced decomposition submerged in water. Police have not yet identified the deceased, and no missing person reports have been filed in the area. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338507-headless-corpse-found-in-flood-shelter-in-nong-khai/

A woman intending to open her home for flood victims discovered the headless corpse of a man in a state of advanced decomposition submerged in water. Police have not yet identified the deceased, and no missing person reports have been filed in the area. Police Lieutenant Netipong Jamnongnit from Tha Bo Police Station in Nong Khai province was informed of the discovery yesterday, September 17. He reported the incident and proceeded to the scene with a medical examiner from Somdej Phra Yuparat Tha Bo Hospital, along with rescue teams from Tha Bo district and Phon Sa Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation. At the half-brick, half-timber house in Ban Sila Lek, Moo 7, Phon Sa subdistrict, officers found the body of a man wearing a T-shirt and shorts. The corpse was highly decomposed and submerged in water, with the head located under the right foot. No identification documents were found on the body. Upon investigating the scene, police discovered a rope tied to a beam under the house. The rope was collected as evidence. The initial autopsy revealed no signs of physical assault, and it is estimated that the man had been dead for about one month. The homeowner, 61 year old Amornrat Pajjamat stated that this house is her secondary residence and has been unoccupied since 2008. She recently opened it to provide shelter for those affected by flooding. “Today, someone who was about to take shelter informed me of the body inside the house. I immediately came to check and notified the police. I have no idea who the deceased is or where he came from, as the house had been vacant for a long time.” Amornrat added that there had been previous rumours in the community about an old man’s corpse inside the house, which no one believed, thinking the person who mentioned it was not of sound mind. The discovery of the body today confirmed those rumours. Preliminary assumptions by the police suggest that the deceased might have entered the house for shelter and committed suicide by hanging, as evidenced by the rope dangling from the house beam. The head might have detached from the body due to prolonged hanging. Alternatively, the deceased could have fallen ill and died while seeking refuge. The body’s decomposition in water and possible animal interference might have caused the head to detach. The person with mental health issues might have witnessed the body a long time ago and informed the locals, but no one took it seriously. Investigations in Nong Khai province have not revealed any missing person reports. The police will transfer the body to the morgue at Somdej Phra Yuparat Tha Bo Hospital for further legal procedures. Anyone suspecting the deceased might be a relative can contact Tha Bo Police Station during regular business hours with relevant evidence, reported KhaoSod. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Minibus drivers clash on Phahonyothin Road causing major traffic jam Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Two minibus drivers clashed in the middle of Phahonyothin Road, near Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka, causing a severe traffic jam and forcing passengers to flee. This incident occurred yesterday, September 17, around 8am, leading to a disruption in the traffic flow towards Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338506-minibus-drivers-clash-on-phahonyothin-road-causing-major-traffic-jam/

Two minibus drivers clashed in the middle of Phahonyothin Road, near Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka, causing a severe traffic jam and forcing passengers to flee. This incident occurred yesterday, September 17, around 8am, leading to a disruption in the traffic flow towards Bangkok. The altercation involved a white BMTA minibus on the Chatuchak-Thammasat University route and an interprovincial minibus on the Ang Thong-Suphan Buri route. According to a witness, 29 year old Pornchai, the drivers started arguing over passengers, escalating to physical violence. Footage captured by a bystander showed the interprovincial minibus driver, wearing a blue shirt, grabbing the BMTA driver, who wore a light blue shirt, by the neck amidst honking cars trying to alert others of the commotion. Pornchai mentioned that the dispute likely stemmed from both drivers refusing to give way, leading to a minor collision and heated exchange. He was driving past when he witnessed the blue-shirted driver dragging the light blue-shirted one, prompting him to intervene to prevent further escalation. Despite the BMTA driver’s apology, the blue-shirted driver refused to relent, intensifying the situation, said Pornchai. “The blue-shirted driver wouldn’t calm down. He parked his minibus right in the middle of the road during rush hour, causing a significant traffic jam.” Amid the chaos, passengers from both minibuses hurriedly exited, fearing the situation might worsen, reported KhaoSod. Efforts were made by Pornchai and a nearby motorcycle taxi driver to mediate. The motorcycle taxi driver, who was stationed near the bus stop where the incident occurred, confirmed the conflict arose from a minor collision and subsequent refusal to give way. He described how a female passenger pleaded for the other driver to move so she could get to her destination, but he refused, leading to a physical altercation, “Seeing the traffic jam and the argument, I felt uneasy. They should have resolved it more amicably.” The motorcycle taxi driver urged the transportation officials to provide training to prevent such incidents, highlighting concerns for passenger safety. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Whoscares? Scam alert app is here to call out the cons in Thailand Gogolook, the brains behind the wildly popular Whoscall app, have unleashed a game-changer: Scam Alert, and it’s rocking the scene thanks to a team-up with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338505-whoscares-scam-alert-app-is-here-to-call-out-the-cons-in-thailand/

Gogolook, the brains behind the wildly popular Whoscall app, have unleashed a game-changer: Scam Alert, and it’s rocking the scene thanks to a team-up with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). A whopping 11 heavy-hitter organisations are on board this powerhouse initiative, including telecom giants, police forces, top banks, the National Cyber Security Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau, and the Thailand Consumer Council. NBTC’s top dog, Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, is buzzing about the mission to crank up scam awareness among Thais. “Cybercrime has become a significant threat affecting not only consumers, but also state agencies and businesses.” In a major push to crack down on cyber crooks, the NBTC has teamed up with law enforcement and private firms to fortify Thailand’s telecom sector. This collaboration has led to standardised safety guidelines aimed at guarding against cybercrime. Introducing Scam Alert, the new brainchild of Gogolook and the NBTC, poised to make Thailand’s digital landscape safer through knowledge-sharing and united efforts between public and private sectors. Gogolook Thailand’s chief honcho, Manwoo Joo, sounded the alarm on the escalating scourge of scams that hit hundreds of thousands of Thais every year. From March 2022 to July 2024, these fraudulent activities have racked up a staggering 70 billion baht in damages! According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) Report 2024, confidence is shaky, with just 55% of Thais feeling capable of spotting scams, while a massive 89% frequently encounter them. Tricksters are upping their game with slick schemes involving unsolicited calls, spam messages, and phoney news articles and websites. In the first half of this year alone, Whoscall intercepted nearly 19 million scam calls. Joo unveiled that Scam Alert is crafted to be the ultimate public resource, delivering real-time updates from law enforcers and free educational content from private partners, available in both free and premium app versions, reported Bangkok Post. Whoscall users who enable notifications will get immediate alerts on menacing scam threats like authority impersonation, ransomware, hefty financial cons, phishing attacks, and identity theft. The Scam Education Content feature pools vital info to raise scam awareness and educate on various frauds plaguing different sectors, said Joo. “Scam prevention begins with access to timely information from verified sources. Through the Whoscall app, users can be protected from online threats via Scam Alert and take advantage of available features in both free and premium versions for enhanced protection.” By Bob Scott Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Thailand banks could be forced to share hacking costs Photo courtesy of The Nation Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong has thrown his weight behind a groundbreaking proposal that could see commercial banks sharing the financial burden when their customers’ accounts are hacked. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338504-thailand-banks-could-be-forced-to-share-hacking-costs/

Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong has thrown his weight behind a groundbreaking proposal that could see commercial banks sharing the financial burden when their customers’ accounts are hacked. Prasert, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, publicly backed opposition MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn’s suggestion during a heated House debate. Wiroj, from the People’s Party, argued that banks should not escape responsibility when call-centre gangs siphon off their clients’ hard-earned cash. “Why should banks get a free pass? It’s time they bear some of the blame.” The proposal calls for Thailand’s central bank to force commercial banks to share the financial losses suffered by victims of online scams. Prasert confirmed he would table this for discussion at the upcoming Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) meeting. The AOC, established last year to combat the surge in online fraud, operates out of National Telecom Plc’s headquarters in Bangkok. Wiroj insisted that since the AOC has failed to halt these rampant scams, National Telecom should also be on the hook for compensation. Prasert, while cautious, said the matter needed careful consideration to determine the most suitable action. Addressing another of Wiroj’s proposals – delaying the transfer of funds to scammers – Prasert revealed that the AOC is working closely with the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to enhance security. He assured that measures to protect bank accounts have already undergone central bank scrutiny, but further improvements are in the pipeline, reported The Nation. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-18

Virtual bank race: Five giants vie for digi-crown in Thailand Picture courtesy of SCB The race is heating up for the new virtual bank licences, with five heavyweight business groups ready to battle it out. Gulf consortium has already thrown its hat into the ring, according to Krungthai Bank (KTB) president Payong Srivanich. This power team includes Gulf Energy Development and PTT Group. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338503-virtual-bank-race-five-giants-vie-for-digi-crown-in-thailand/