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Thailand Gears Up for Tourist Boom: 12.2 Million Expected by Year-End File photo for reference only Thailand is on track to witness a dramatic uptick in foreign arrivals, targeting an impressive 12.2 million visitors in the final four months of 2024. This expected influx aims to push the annual total to nearly 36 million tourists, generating an anticipated 1.8 trillion baht in revenue, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337094-thailand-gears-up-for-tourist-boom-122-million-expected-by-year-end/

Thailand is on track to witness a dramatic uptick in foreign arrivals, targeting an impressive 12.2 million visitors in the final four months of 2024. This expected influx aims to push the annual total to nearly 36 million tourists, generating an anticipated 1.8 trillion baht in revenue, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, attributes this optimistic forecast to several key factors. The visa-free scheme, an array of festive events, and the resumption of international flights, now at 82% of their 2019 level, are all set to give tourism a significant boost. As of September 1, foreign arrivals have already reached 23 million, with substantial numbers coming from East Asia—particularly China—followed by Europe and South Asia. However, the road ahead isn't without its hurdles. Thapanee noted that fierce competition from other Asian destinations, global economic unpredictability, and geopolitical conflicts pose significant risks. Despite these challenges, the domestic tourism landscape looks promising, with TAT projecting 72.5 million local trips and a revenue injection of 335 billion baht over the next four months. In a strategic move to capture the Chinese market, TAT recently signed a letter of intent with Nanjing Tuniu International Travel Service on August 30. This partnership aims to attract Chinese tourists, especially independent travellers, through data sharing and joint participation in travel events. Nonglux Yooyendee, Director of TAT’s Shanghai office, highlighted ongoing collaborations with Tuniu, citing summer camp trips for Chinese students as an example. The focus is on high-spending Chinese tourists to mitigate the impact of China's slower economy. Tourists booking through Tuniu typically spend around 3,000 yuan, or 14,400 baht, per day in Thailand. Tuniu has seen a 161% year-on-year increase in group tour bookings to Thailand in the first seven months of 2024, which bodes well for reaching TAT’s target of 8 million Chinese visitors by year-end. To achieve this ambitious goal, an additional 3.25 million arrivals from China are needed. Despite challenges like recent flooding, Thapanee reassured that tourism sentiment remains upbeat, with a steady flow of tourists observed in the past week. Thailand's tourism sector looks poised for a vibrant resurgence, promising a robust finale to 2024. File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-02 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya eyes one-way system traffic shake-up to Soi Buakhao Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Local government officials in Pattaya are considering extending their new one-way traffic system, currently operating on Soi 11 (Soi Honey) and Soi 13 (Soi Diana Inn), to Soi Buakhao. The move follows a successful trial and positive feedback from residents. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337093-pattaya-eyes-one-way-system-traffic-shake-up-to-soi-buakhao/

Local government officials in Pattaya are considering extending their new one-way traffic system, currently operating on Soi 11 (Soi Honey) and Soi 13 (Soi Diana Inn), to Soi Buakhao. The move follows a successful trial and positive feedback from residents. Led by Anupong Phutthanavarat, the Pattaya City Council’s Committee on Administration and Public Safety recently visited these streets to evaluate the system’s effectiveness. “The traffic flow has significantly improved in both sois.” During the visit, authorities explained the system’s benefits to locals and surveyed the possibility of expanding it to Soi Buakhao. They also identified key areas for road markings and gathered data to reorganise parking on Soi Lengkee and the part of Soi Buakhao that intersects with Third Road. Officials have also warned against the placement of unauthorised signs or objects in public spaces to reserve or restrict parking, aiming to keep areas clear and accessible. This initiative is part of Pattaya’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic management and ensure a smoother driving experience for both residents and visitors, reported Pattaya News. By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger 2024-09-02 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Stepfather arrested in Nonthaburi for alleged year-long child abuse Image courtesy of KhaoSod Thai police apprehended a stepfather for sexually abusing his eight year old stepdaughter for nearly a year. The suspect, 36 year old Wichan, denies the allegations and challenges the evidence. Police remain sceptical of his claims. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337092-stepfather-arrested-in-nonthaburi-for-alleged-year-long-child-abuse/

Thai police apprehended a stepfather for sexually abusing his eight year old stepdaughter for nearly a year. The suspect, 36 year old Wichan, denies the allegations and challenges the evidence. Police remain sceptical of his claims. A joint operation of the Metropolitan Police and criminal investigation trainees led to the arrest at a residence in Bang Si Mueang, Nonthaburi, following an incident reported on December 25, 2022. The young girl, referred to as A, sought refuge with her aunt, revealing that her stepfather had been abusing her since March 2022. A detailed account from the girl disclosed that the abuse started during the school holidays when her mother would leave early for work, leaving her alone with her stepfather. This continued for over ten months until December 2022, when she managed to escape during an assault. She fought back, kicking and slapping her stepfather, and ran to her aunt, leading to the police report and subsequent investigation. Investigators gathered sufficient evidence to obtain an arrest warrant for Wichan from the Nonthaburi Provincial Court. The investigation team tracked down Wichan, who had been hiding in Bang Si Mueang, Nonthaburi. The police successfully captured him on August 31. During questioning, Wichan denied all charges of sexual assault and child abuse, insisting he had never had issues with the victim. He challenged the investigative officers to conduct a medical examination, claiming the accusations stemmed from a conflict with the girl’s biological father. However, Police Lieutenant General Theeradet Thammasuthee remains sceptical about his claims. “We do not fully believe the suspect’s testimony. The girl’s words are pure and there is no reason for her to lie. Additionally, other evidence supports the charges against him.” The case highlights the disturbing reality of abuse occurring within what should be a safe environment for children. Teeradech expressed his hope for the victim’s recovery and urged the public to remain vigilant about children’s safety, encouraging them to report any suspicious behaviour to the police, reported KhaoSod. “I wish the young victim strength to overcome this traumatic experience and grow resilient. Her bravery in speaking out is commendable. I urge the public to monitor their children’s behaviour closely, as they might be enduring similar ordeals.” By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-09-02 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai family accuses government official of six-year harassment Photo via Amarin TV A Thai family in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima accused their government official neighbour of six years of anti-social harassment. The allegations include throwing glass bottles and rubbish at the family and attempting to physically attack a family member. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337091-thai-family-accuses-government-official-of-six-year-harassment/

A Thai family in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima accused their government official neighbour of six years of anti-social harassment. The allegations include throwing glass bottles and rubbish at the family and attempting to physically attack a family member. The 50 year old woman sought help from social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after police officers in Nakhon Ratchasima ignored her complaint, allegedly because the government official’s father is a high-profile policeman. The woman explained that her daughter borrowed a mobile phone from the official, named Korn, because her phone was broken. A few days later, Korn accused the girl of breaking his phone and demanded 1,600 baht for the repair costs. She delayed paying the requested amount, prompting Korn to bring the issue to his father, who was a police officer. This led to an argument on social media between her family and Korn, which resulted in an agreement at a police station where Korn was required to pay her family 30,000 baht in compensation. The woman said that she initially told Korn she would donate part of the compensation money to charity projects and temples but ultimately did not do so. As a result, Korn contacted her and demanded the amount she had intended to donate but she refused to give it to him. According to the woman, Korn then began harassing her and her family by throwing glass bottles and rubbish into their home. Some of their furniture and belongings were damaged in the incidents, and Korn also destroyed her security cameras with laser lights. Legal complaints Korn allegedly attempted to set fire to her home and tried to physically assault her father. However, he did not face any legal charges. Instead, she and her family were charged with multiple offences. She faced nine legal accusations, her father faced three, and her daughter faced two. The woman stated that she filed complaints against Korn and his father but the police did not process the case and did not provide her with justice, prompting her to reach out to Gun. She added that her family moved out and is now living in the central province of Prachinburi for their safety. Gun promised to provide justice to both parties and stated that the best solution was for them to sit down and talk to each other openly. If they could not agree on the matter, legal proceedings would then be pursued. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Amarin TV Source: The Thaiger 2024-09-02 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Labour minister to investigate measures to save social security fund Image: Chanat Katanyu/Bangkok Post Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn vowed to investigate measures to avert a potential collapse of the Social Security Fund (SSF) within the next decade due to funding shortfalls. The SSF, currently holding 2.6 trillion baht, is projected to grow to at least 4 trillion baht by 2034, according to the Thailand Development Research Institute and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337086-labour-minister-to-investigate-measures-to-save-social-security-fund/

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn vowed to investigate measures to avert a potential collapse of the Social Security Fund (SSF) within the next decade due to funding shortfalls. The SSF, currently holding 2.6 trillion baht, is projected to grow to at least 4 trillion baht by 2034, according to the Thailand Development Research Institute and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Despite this growth, the fund’s sustainability remains at risk due to Thailand’s shrinking workforce and ageing population. The minister warned that the SSF could deplete its resources within the next 30 years if no action is taken. To mitigate this risk, Phiphat emphasised the need for relevant agencies to explore ways to bolster the fund’s finances. Among the proposed measures are increasing contributions to the fund, extending the retirement age from 55 to 60 and then to 65, and encouraging healthy elderly individuals to rejoin the workforce as part-time employees. Another approach includes attracting more migrant workers from neighbouring countries to replace the shrinking workforce and encouraging their participation in the social security system. Phiphat also suggested enhancing the fund’s investment returns, aiming for an annual return of 7% to 8% by 2026 or 2027, a significant increase from last year’s 2.5 to 2.6%. Currently, about 75% of the SSF’s investments are in low-risk assets, even though the social security law permits up to 40% to be invested in high-risk assets. Phiphat hinted at a possible move towards investing in more high-risk assets. “The SSF management may need to revise its investment strategy next year to allocate more towards high-risk assets as allowed by law. “This will need to be discussed with the board of the Social Security Office [SSO] to determine if it’s feasible to invest more in high-risk assets to achieve higher returns.” Phiphat also suggested raising investments in high-risk assets to 50%. A brainstorming session was held in May to find solutions to enhance the fund’s sustainability, and another session is scheduled for today and tomorrow, with representatives from Singapore state investor Temasek and the ILO invited to provide insights, said Phiphat. “I prioritise the SSF and we must look ahead to seek ways to prevent future problems. We now understand what the situation will be like in 10 years, and we must act.” The SSF is responsible for various expenditures, including accidents, illness, unemployment, and retirement payments for qualifying members aged 55 and older with at least 15 years of membership, reported Bangkok Post. By Ryan Turner Image: Chanat Katanyu/Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-09-02 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

US officials’ alert leads to arrest of Thai photographer on child porn Photo via PPTV HD Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers arrested a Thai photographer at his home in the central province of Samut Sakhon on Saturday for possession of child pornography. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337085-us-officials’-alert-leads-to-arrest-of-thai-photographer-on-child-porn/

Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers arrested a Thai photographer at his home in the central province of Samut Sakhon on Saturday for possession of child pornography. The National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), based in the US, reached out to the Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children Unit after discovering child pornography on a cloud storage account belonging to the Thai man, later identified as 28 year old Kraisorn. CCIB officers conducted a further investigation into the case and gathered all evidence before issuing an arrest warrant for Kraisorn. His arrest was subsequently made on Saturday, August 30, at his home in the Aom Noi district of Samut Sakhon. Police then seized his mobile phone and an external hard disk where he stored the illegal child pornography. CCIB officers investigated Kraisorn’s mobile phone and found that he was a member of a child pornography group on an application for group communication called Band. More than 4,000 files of child pornography were found on the hard disk. Kraisorn revealed that he was a freelance photographer offering photoshoot services for the cosplay community, not nude photoshoots or child pornography production. Kraisorn admitted that he liked child pornography but insisted he never sold it. He kept the explicit videos only for himself. Kraisorn was charged under Section 287/1 of the Criminal Law: possession of child pornography. The penalty is imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine of up to 140,000 baht, or both. Police will conduct more investigations into Kraisorn’s claims. He will face more charges if he is found to have been selling pornography or tricking any minors into pornography production. By Petch Petpailin Photo via PPTV HD Source: The Thaiger 2024-09-02 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai team wins UN award for Covid-19 detection via wastewater Image courtesy of Chulalongkorn University A research team from Chulalongkorn University clinched a United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA) for Innovation in Public Institutions. This UN award was given for their work titled Academic Insight into Action for Pandemic Response during a recent ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337084-thai-team-wins-un-award-for-covid-19-detection-via-wastewater/

A research team from Chulalongkorn University clinched a United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA) for Innovation in Public Institutions. This UN award was given for their work titled Academic Insight into Action for Pandemic Response during a recent ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. This award-winning study addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goals on health and well-being as well as clean water management. The project, spearheaded by Jatuwat Sangsanont from the Faculty of Science’s Department of Environmental Science, leverages wastewater analysis for the early detection of disease outbreaks. Jatuwat explained that the research was driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, aiming to harness academic knowledge to create innovations that enable faster and more efficient responses to disease outbreaks. The system uses wastewater measurement data to aid decision-making and provide early warnings. Focusing on wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) methods, the team collected samples from the Bangkok Department of Drainage and Sewerage (DSS). Their findings revealed that Covid could be detected in wastewater up to two weeks before an outbreak becomes apparent. Further research extended these findings beyond Bangkok, suggesting that rapid and efficient disease prevention measures could be implemented if authorities were alerted using this data. Jatuwat considers this approach to be more accurate in disease spread monitoring. “Typically, monitoring disease outbreaks relies on hospital admissions. This method has limitations if patients do not seek hospital treatment. The WBE approach enables more accurate disease spread monitoring and faster decision-making to curb outbreaks.” Collaborative effort The research is a collaborative effort involving Chulalongkorn University’s Department of Environmental Science and the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology, as well as the Chulabhorn Research Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Walailak University, and various government agencies. Jatuwat highlighted that the technique could also be applied to other illnesses, such as influenza, gastroenteritis, and monkeypox. This method not only reduces the cost of tracking epidemics but also aids in decision-making and resource allocation within public health agencies. Moreover, the technique can track changes in viral strains and illness outbreaks, aiding vaccine development to prevent further epidemics. It can even detect drugs in wastewater, helping to control the spread of illicit substances. The UNPSA Awards, established by the UN Economic and Social Council, serve as international recognition for excellence in public service. Jatuwat considers this breakthrough to be an innovative approach which could revolutionise how we respond to pandemics and other public health threats. He emphasises the potential impact of their research on future public health strategies. The success of this research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the application of academic insights to real-world problems, offering a promising blueprint for managing public health crises more effectively, reported Bangkok Post. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Chulalongkorn University Source: The Thaiger 2024-09-02 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s Seri Ruam Thai Party dumps Pheu Thai amid feud File photo for reference only Thailand’s Seri Ruam Thai Party has quit the Pheu Thai-led coalition government. The move follows a heated dispute between Seri Ruam Thai’s leader, Police General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, and the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which he accuses of neglect. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336905-thailand’s-seri-ruam-thai-party-dumps-pheu-thai-amid-feud/

Thailand’s Seri Ruam Thai Party has quit the Pheu Thai-led coalition government. The move follows a heated dispute between Seri Ruam Thai’s leader, Police General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, and the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which he accuses of neglect. In a tense briefing at the Seri Ruam Thai headquarters yesterday, Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth revealed that the party executive board had decided by a narrow 7:4 vote to withdraw from the government coalition. “It’s been frustrating to let oneself be walked all over,” Sereepisuth explained the party’s desire to switch to the opposition bench to critique government policies more freely. The friction stemmed from Pheu Thai’s failure to commit to meaningful police reforms, according to the former national police chief. Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth criticised the ruling party for its sole interest in selecting the national police chief, rather than implementing necessary reforms. During his tenure as national police chief, Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth had close ties with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his family. He alleged that Thaksin and his ex-wife, Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra, had previously sought his help in appointing senior police officials, which he complied with. Despite this, he felt snubbed when Thaksin did not offer him a prominent position within the police force. Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth also visited Thaksin on multiple occasions during his 17-year exile and agreed to assist Pheu Thai politicians in sidelining their rivals through legal channels. This, he claims, contributed to Pheu Thai’s electoral success. The rift grew further when Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth visited Thaksin at the Police General Hospital while the former premier was receiving treatment. He revealed that the purpose of the visit was to resolve a corruption complaint he had filed against former prime minister Srettha Thavisin over the appointment of a new police chief. He has since agreed to withdraw the complaint, reported Bangkok Post. Despite speculation, Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth denied that his resignation was due to a lack of a deputy prime minister position in the new Paetongtarn Shinawatra government. “I have severed ties with Thaksin after 51 long years of friendship.” By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Anti-Corruption Probe Uncovers Dodgy Land Deals on Koh Rap File photo for reference only A probe by the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) is scrutinising the issuance of 33 suspect title deeds on Koh Rap, Surat Thani, an island poised to become part of the Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. On-site inspections were conducted to verify the legitimacy of these land ownership documents from local businesses. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336904-anti-corruption-probe-uncovers-dodgy-land-deals-on-koh-rap/

A probe by the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) is scrutinising the issuance of 33 suspect title deeds on Koh Rap, Surat Thani, an island poised to become part of the Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. On-site inspections were conducted to verify the legitimacy of these land ownership documents from local businesses. The investigation, led by Police Colonel Somsak Niamlek, aims to determine the legality of these deeds, some tied to seemingly dodgy lease contracts for temple land. The probe is using a range of documentation, including aerial photos dating back to 1955, to piece together the puzzle. Koh Rap, located off Koh Samui, is about 8 kilometres from Khanom district on the mainland. With the area earmarked for national park inclusion, authorities are keen to ensure only genuine land titles stand. Under investigation since August, the probe has the potential to reclaim improperly deeded land. Permsak Kongkaew, head of the local Conservation Office, emphasised the seriousness of the issue. Any fraudulent deeds will result in land seizures and legal action. Meanwhile, the head of the national park, Wimolmat Nuiphakdee, highlighted the ongoing loss of designated land due to overlapping claims, vowing a tough stance on preserving the remaining park area. This investigation marks a significant battle in the effort to protect Koh Rap’s vulnerable lands from illicit profiteering. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Man’s Highway Photo-Shoot Sparks Legal Controversy in Thailand File photo for reference only Criticism erupted on social media after a Thai man was seen taking photos with his car on a deserted expressway. The incident has ignited debates about the legality of his actions, with many speculating that the road in question might be the Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi route. There's a growing call for officials to investigate the matter thoroughly. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336901-man’s-highway-photo-shoot-sparks-legal-controversy-in-thailand/

Criticism erupted on social media after a Thai man was seen taking photos with his car on a deserted expressway. The incident has ignited debates about the legality of his actions, with many speculating that the road in question might be the Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi route. There's a growing call for officials to investigate the matter thoroughly. A video clip showing the man posing with his vehicle on an empty stretch was shared widely, sparking immediate and intense debate. Concerned social media users quickly questioned whether such behaviour is permissible, pointing out that the road doesn’t appear to be open to the public yet. The expressway involved is suspected to be the Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi Intercity motorway, a new route that was initially opened for free trial use during the New Year period. Since then, the section between Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi toll gates has been made accessible every Friday from 3 pm and closed again on Sundays at 9 pm, starting April 26. This controversy has drawn hundreds of comments from the online community. Many questioned the legality of the man’s actions, wondering how he managed to access a potentially closed route. Reactions ranged from disbelief to frustration, with some users demanding immediate action from authorities. “Is this even legal? How did he get there?” one user asked, while another exclaimed, “I see this happening a lot. Immediate investigation needed!” In response to the public outcry, officials issued a warning, advising people to exercise caution. They highlighted that certain parts of the expressway are still under construction and emphasised that stopping or taking photos on these roads poses significant risks and is strictly prohibited to prevent potential accidents. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Tragic End to Dream Holiday: Brit Found Dead in Thai Waters File photo for reference only A dream holiday in Thailand turned into a heart-wrenching nightmare for an Essex couple when 27-year-old Theo Morgan, a British national from Romford, was tragically found dead in a body of water after a night out. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336900-tragic-end-to-dream-holiday-brit-found-dead-in-thai-waters/

A dream holiday in Thailand turned into a heart-wrenching nightmare for an Essex couple when 27-year-old Theo Morgan, a British national from Romford, was tragically found dead in a body of water after a night out. On a 10-day getaway in Surat Thani, Morgan, a former Metropolitan Police officer, had been relishing the tranquillity of his holiday with his girlfriend. The couple decided to join an organised pub crawl to add some excitement to their trip. However, the fateful night took a disastrous turn when Morgan's girlfriend briefly left him to go to the bathroom. During this short interval, Morgan, known for his tendency to wander off when intoxicated, disappeared. According to Essex Coroner’s Court, the last footage of Morgan was captured on CCTV before he vanished into the night. Coroner Michelle Brown reported that it’s believed Morgan accidentally hit his head, leading to a fatal fall into the water. The post-mortem confirmed that he died from asphyxiation due to drowning while under the influence of alcohol. Morgan’s sudden death has left his family and friends stunned. “Theo’s accidental death has shocked everyone to their core. He was simply enjoying a night out on holiday in Thailand,” said a family spokesperson. Theo Morgan was known for his diverse talents and ambitious spirit. After earning a degree in animation, he pivoted to serve with the Metropolitan Police for four years. More recently, he was working towards a new career as an auditor with RSM, dedicating himself to his studies and future aspirations, according to Essex Live. This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictability of life and the devastating impact of seemingly ordinary decisions. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Officials Arrested in Child Sex Ring in Khon Kaen File photo for reference only The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested seven Thai men for allegedly buying sex from young girls in Khon Kaen, a province in the northeast of Thailand. Among the suspects is a kindergarten director and a teacher, whose identities have not been disclosed by authorities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336899-thai-officials-arrested-in-child-sex-ring-in-khon-kaen/

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested seven Thai men for allegedly buying sex from young girls in Khon Kaen, a province in the northeast of Thailand. Among the suspects is a kindergarten director and a teacher, whose identities have not been disclosed by authorities. The arrests, made on Monday, August 26, stem from an ongoing investigation into a child prostitution ring led by Wantananon, a 26-year-old woman apprehended in February. She confessed to exploiting young girls in her local area after previously working in the sex trade abroad. The seven suspects include Watchara and Chitnarong, both 57, who are accused of sexually assaulting minors under the age of 15, an offence punishable by five to 20 years in prison and fines ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 baht. Sirichai, 52, faces more severe penalties for assaulting a minor under 13, including life imprisonment or a fine up to 400,000 baht. The remaining suspects—Sornphet, Palat, Kwanmueang, and Phichai—are charged with sexually assaulting minors aged 15 to 18, carrying prison sentences of two to ten years and fines between 40,000 to 200,000 baht. This raft of arrests follows the previous capture of two other accomplices, Daorueng and Sittiporn, and the rescue of six young girls earlier in the year. The investigation intensified after three other customers, including a retired teacher and a primary school director, were arrested in February. The CIB's latest breakthrough came when further questioning of the rescued girls identified the seven new suspects, including the previously arrested retired teacher Pichai. While six suspects have confessed, Watchana continues to deny all allegations. Authorities are continuing their investigation, vowing to bring all individuals involved to justice and provide support to the victims. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in combating child exploitation within Thailand. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Bang Lamung Boosts Disaster Preparedness with Volunteer Training File photo for reference only Bang Lamung district experienced a significant leap in disaster readiness yesterday as 150 volunteers concluded their comprehensive training program. Weekit Manarojkit, the district chief, celebrated the conclusion of the 2024 Civil Defence Volunteer (CDV) Training Programme at the Bang Lamung District Community Hall. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336895-bang-lamung-boosts-disaster-preparedness-with-volunteer-training/