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Due to the civil war in Myanmar, goods are now being shipped via maritime routes, which has increased activity at Ranong Port in Thailand. This could be a significant benefit to the government's Land Bridge project. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri explained that conflict in Myanmar has disrupted overland trade, pushing business owners to ship their goods from Ranong Port instead of land routes through Tak’s Mae Sot district. Manaporn directed the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) to make sure that Ranong Port’s infrastructure and staff were well-equipped for receiving the influx of goods from Myanmar. He said that the current situation presents an opportunity to revive maritime trade routes. “This is a chance to revitalize overland trade routes via Thailand’s southern seas… This will also boost the government’s Land Bridge Project which involves constructing a bridge linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea." The aim of this project is to enhance the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC), linking it with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), to generate extra economic value for Thailand. The Deputy Transport Minister emphasized that the Land Bridge project would bolster the region's farming, cash crops, livestock, and local markets. This could potentially increase the region’s GDP from 2% to 10% by drawing in private investment. He also suggested that the project could lead to significant economic growth in the region through the creation of factories and industrial estates, increasing local employment opportunities. Manaporn expressed hope that Thailand could become a global center for sea logistics and cargo distribution. The PAT’s Director-General, Kriangkrai Chaisiriwongsuk, revealed that Ranong Port recently welcomed its first cargo ships from Myanmar on July 5 and 8, originating from Yangon. The first ship carried 39 containers of imported goods and went back with 56 containers of Thai exports. The second ship arrived with 56 containers and left with 35. Kriangkrai stated that the goods imported to Thailand from these shipments included agricultural produce. The ships returned with electrical equipment and construction materials. These changes indicate a considerable shift in the region's trade, with Ranong Port becoming a significant facilitator in the new maritime trade path between Thailand and Myanmar. The increase in port activity both supports the Thai government's wider economic objectives and underscores the strategic significance of maritime infrastructure in regional trade and economic development. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

13-Year-Old Boy Rescued After Repeated Sexual Assaults by Temple Head File photo for reference only A 13-year-old Thai boy alerted his family after enduring repeated sexual assaults from the head of a temple in Nakhon Phanom, in the Isaan province. The child kept the incidents a secret as he wished to continue his education at the temple. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333177-13-year-old-boy-rescued-after-repeated-sexual-assaults-by-temple-head/

A 13-year-old Thai boy alerted his family after enduring repeated sexual assaults from the head of a temple in Nakhon Phanom, in the Isaan province. The child kept the incidents a secret as he wished to continue his education at the temple. The child's mother, 40-year-old Lawan, reported the alleged perpetrator, a head monk named Boonsong, to the Tart Phanom Police Station on July 16. She also provided a medical certificate as proof of the sexual assault. The victim told authorities that due to the family's financial constraints, he was sent to the temple to pursue his studies. However, during his two-month stay, he was repeatedly violated by Boonsong, despite wanting to continue his studies. According to the victim, Boonsong forced him to give massages in his private quarters, coerced him into performing sexual acts, and later sexually assaulted him. After these incidents became increasingly frequent, the boy confided in his mother. Lawan expressed her shock, as the family held Boonsong in high regard. Having lived at the temple for over five years, there had been no previous allegations of sexual misconduct on his part. Despite the emotional toll the incident had taken, Lawan expressed her hope that her son could still pursue his studies at the temple. Uthit Aoonchai, a community leader, confirmed to Channel 7 that Boonsong admitted to his actions and proposed to compensate the victim's family and remain a monk. However, the monks' committee denied this request due to his severe misconduct. Boonsong stated his actions sprang from love and impulse, confessing to multiple instances of sexual assault on the boy during his stay. Having been expelled from the monkhood due to his atrocities, Boonsong was transported to a local police station for further investigation. He faces charges of sexual assault and rape of a person under the age of 15, with a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Siblings Sentenced for Extorting Monk Over Intimate Photos File photo for reference only A woman and her brother were sentenced today in the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court due to their extortion and coercion of a famous monk, extracting over 300,000 baht from him. Despite their remorse, the court ordered prison sentences for the siblings. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333175-siblings-sentenced-for-extorting-monk-over-intimate-photos/

A woman and her brother were sentenced today in the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court due to their extortion and coercion of a famous monk, extracting over 300,000 baht from him. Despite their remorse, the court ordered prison sentences for the siblings. The case stemmed from incidents that happened between April 5 and 21 last year. During this time, the woman, Weerinchita, is said to have bullied the well-known preacher, Phongsakorn, resulting in him giving her 180,600 baht in cash. She threatened to expose private conversations and photos which could ruin his reputation and prompt him to leave his religious vocation. Her brother, Satit, used this confidential information to intimidate Phongsakorn into giving up an extra 300,000 baht. This happened in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pathum Thani. Satit promised to keep Weerinchita quiet and not disclose any information to the press to protect the monk's reputation. The prosecution insisted that the siblings should be held responsible for their extortion and return the 300,000 baht to Phongsakorn. Initially, both Weerinchita and Satit rejected these claims. However, they later confessed, resulting in a settlement where they agreed to repay Phongsakorn 30,000 baht—20,000 baht from Weerinchita and 10,000 baht from Satit. As a result, Phongsakorn did not press further legal charges. On the day of the ruling, Weerinchita and Satit arrived in court as expected. Weerinchita was found guilty of multiple charges resulting in her receiving a two-year prison sentence for extortion and a three-year sentence for coercion. In addition, she was fined a total of 60,000 baht. Similarly, Satit was sentenced to two years in prison and slapped with a 20,000 baht fine for coercion. However, due to their forthrightness and the victim's desire for peace, their sentences were halved. Eventually, Weerinchita was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and a fine of 30,000 baht, while Satit received a one-year sentence and a 10,000 baht fine. The court established that neither had previous criminal records and showed genuine remorse. Given the circumstances and the reparations to the victim, the court suspended their sentences for two years. They have been ordered to report to probation officers four times within a year and perform 24 hours of community service. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Alleged Rape by Thai Tattoo Artist Leads to Client's Suicide Attempt File photo for reference only A mother in Thailand is seeking justice for her 20-year-old daughter, who attempted to take her own life after being sexually assaulted by a tattoo artist in Bangkok. Her daughter is currently in critical condition and the accused has not been arrested. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333174-alleged-rape-by-thai-tattoo-artist-leads-to-clients-suicide-attempt/

A mother in Thailand is seeking justice for her 20-year-old daughter, who attempted to take her own life after being sexually assaulted by a tattoo artist in Bangkok. Her daughter is currently in critical condition and the accused has not been arrested. The mother disclosed to Channel 7 that her daughter sent her a message saying, “Mother, I love you” on July 12. After her daughter failed to reply to messages later that day, the mother became worried and asked her husband, the girl's stepfather, to check on her at their home in Bangkok. Upon his arrival, he found his stepdaughter unconscious, hanging from the ceiling. He quickly removed her and rushed her to the hospital. Despite their efforts, she remains unconscious due to severe lack of oxygen to her brain. To find out why her daughter tried to kill herself, the mother checked her daughter's cellphone. There, she found a conversation revealing that a tattoo artist known only as Gap had allegedly assaulted her. The mother said her daughter previously asked for permission to get a tattoo. However, due to the size of the tattoo her daughter wanted, she didn't give her permission, advising her to get a smaller design and not to visit the tattoo studio alone. Despite her mother's advice, the young woman visited the tattoo studio on the day of the assault with two male friends. One of these friends was an older acquaintance who escorted her to the studio, but the identity of the other friend remains undisclosed. When the mother tried to lodge a complaint against the tattoo artist at Bangna Police Station, the officers reportedly refused to take her statement, saying she needed to wait until her daughter regained consciousness. Heartbreakingly, doctors presume her daughter might never recover. Coming to terms with this, the mother decided to take the story to the media. In light of the media coverage, officers at Bangna Police Station have started to examine the case. They explained their initial refusal to accept the complaint was because they believed the victim was the most crucial source of information. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

BEM Secures Project for Orange Line Western Route Worth 140 Billion Baht File photo for reference only The Thai government has given the green light to Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to start working on the western route project of the Orange Line transit system. This was announced by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333172-bem-secures-project-for-orange-line-western-route-worth-140-billion-baht/

The Thai government has given the green light to Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to start working on the western route project of the Orange Line transit system. This was announced by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. The Orange Line transit system plans to connect the Bang Khun Non district with the Min Buri district. It will consist of a network that extends 35.9 kilometers via underground and elevated railway sections. A 13.4-kilometer route from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Center makes up the western route, while a 22.4-kilometer route from the Cultural Center to Suwinthawongse in Min Buri district forms the eastern part. Construction on the eastern stretch has been completed, with the expected operational date set for January 2028. However, the western route's execution has been put off due to a dispute over bidding between the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). On June 12, the Supreme Administrative Court dismissed a lawsuit brought by BTSC against MRTA. The court decision stated that MRTA’s bidding committee operated within legal parameters when they changed the terms of reference. After this ruling, the BEM, which runs the MRT Blue and Purple lines, was given the go-ahead to operate the Orange Line. BEM stood out from its competitor, Italian-Thai Development (ITD), by proposing less reliance on state financial support, as stated by Chai Wacharonke. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirmed that the government is set to sign a contract with BEM worth 140 billion baht (approx. $4 billion). The investment will be under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-Net-Cost investment model. A 30-year duration has been agreed upon for the contract, with the completion of the western section slated for 2030. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok police arrested Thai woman for illegally trafficking underage girls File photo for reference only A 22-year-old Thai woman has been arrested in Bangkok for her alleged involvement in trafficking underage girls for prostitution in a known local hotel. Among the victims was a 14-year-old girl who is currently receiving support from the police. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333170-bangkok-police-arrested-thai-woman-for-illegally-trafficking-underage-girls/

A 22-year-old Thai woman has been arrested in Bangkok for her alleged involvement in trafficking underage girls for prostitution in a known local hotel. Among the victims was a 14-year-old girl who is currently receiving support from the police. The arrest was staged by officers from the Bang Rak Police Station, including Thammasak Saraboon and Tharet Wongwaranurak at a hotel located in the Suriyawong area of Bangkok. The woman, known as Luksana, was apprehended late last night after the police found out about her illegal activities involving minors under the age of 18. The police, after realizing they were dealing with a case of human trafficking, put together an undercover operation. Some officers posed as customers, successfully negotiating to procure the services of four girls. Two of these girls were below 18 years, each being sold for 2,000 baht, while the older girls were available for 1,000 baht each, with an additional travel fee of 1,000 baht. Luksana would collect the payment, and then distribute it to the girls. During her confession, she explained that her usual job was as an entertainer, but she would assist in the illegal trade by linking up interested parties. Two victims, aged 14 and 16, were rescued by the police. Their countries of origin remain uncertain. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) has been asked to provide initial care for the victims. Luksana has been charged with human trafficking, exploiting minors for sexual purposes, and arranging or leading individuals into sexual acts, even if consensual. She is currently in the custody of the Bang Rak police investigators for more legal processes. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand plans to increase exports through soft power in China and Hong Kong File photo for reference only Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is working to increase exports by targeting markets in China and Hong Kong. They plan to promote a variety of Thai products - including food, fashion, and films. Phusit Ratanakul Seriroengrit, the Director-General of DITP, announced this initiative on Monday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333169-thailand-plans-to-increase-exports-through-soft-power-in-china-and-hong-kong/

Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is working to increase exports by targeting markets in China and Hong Kong. They plan to promote a variety of Thai products - including food, fashion, and films. Phusit Ratanakul Seriroengrit, the Director-General of DITP, announced this initiative on Monday. DITP is planning Thai food festivals in China and Hong Kong. This includes foods that have been awarded the Thai SELECT certification - a mark of their quality. These festivals will be held at major events like Qingdao’s Beer Festival and Shanghai’s Summer Festival, and will also be promoted via digital platforms such as Xiaohongshu, Weibo, and Dianping. Similar festivals are also planned in smaller cities, including Dongguan, Wuhan, Liuzhou, Xiamen, Xi’an, and Ningxia. Promotion of Thai fruits has been underway since May in cities like Kunming, Chongqing, Jiangxi, and Guangzhou, and has already brought in 40 million baht in trade. The focus is on the taste, quality, and safety of Thai fruits. Partnerships with Hema Supermarket to promote fruits like durian, mangosteen, coconut, pomelo, and longan are also in the works, and these will be featured in dishes at 11 Thai restaurants in Shanghai. Thai fashion will also be promoted at events in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and Thai film industry is set to benefit too. The popular Thai film How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has been well received in Hong Kong, and DITP's Shanghai office wants to promote it ahead of its China release in September. Trade fairs also form part of DITP's promotion strategy. Thai Brands Kunming 2024, China-ASEAN Expo 2024, and China International Import Expo are all on the agenda. Thai products will also be showcased in shopping malls and convenience stores in China and Hong Kong, for a thorough push into these profitable markets. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand expects 42 billion boost from French tourists post-Olympics Picture courtesy of Olympic Games Paris 2024 The Paris Olympic Games are projected to draw fewer visitors than initially expected, prompting the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to anticipate a resurgence in the French market post-event. The TAT forecasts 42 billion baht in revenue from French tourists in 2024. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333168-thailand-expects-42-billion-boost-from-french-tourists-post-olympics/

The Paris Olympic Games are projected to draw fewer visitors than initially expected, prompting the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to anticipate a resurgence in the French market post-event. The TAT forecasts 42 billion baht in revenue from French tourists in 2024. Soraya Homchuen, TAT Director in Paris, indicated that the French market is experiencing a lull due to two rounds of elections held on June 30 and July 7. The influx of tourists is predicted to remain low throughout the Paris Olympics, running from July 26 to August 11, as many locals will be engaged in organising the event. However, the TAT remains optimistic about a swift recovery in the market after the Olympics. A weaker turnout for this year’s event is attributed to concerns over high expenses and traffic congestion in Paris. Soraya noted that France initially expected 16 million visitors for the Olympics, but high airfares and accommodation costs could result in fewer international attendees. Earlier this month, Air France-KLM addressed worries about a potential drop in arrivals to Paris, Soraya said. French tourists “It appears that while some are required to stay in the country for work during the games, many French people prefer to escape the crowds. Families are avoiding the event, purchasing air tickets in advance, and have been travelling to Thailand since July 6, marking the start of the summer break for their children.” Approximately 600 tour packages have been sold under the Olympic Getaway campaign, launched in collaboration with Carrefour in May. This campaign will continue until August to attract tourists post-Olympics. Additionally, TAT plans to partner with a major online agent to launch a flash sales promotional event during the Olympic Games. In the first half of this year, Thailand welcomed 380,013 French tourists. The target for the entire year is set at 661,000 arrivals, which could generate 42.9 billion baht (US$1.19 billion), matching the revenue from 2019. The number of French tourists in the first six months surpassed the halfway mark of the annual target. The average expenditure of French tourists is forecast at 65,008 baht (US$1,800) per person, higher than the usual 55,000 baht (US$1,530). Soraya highlighted that lower airfares, excluding the Olympic period, are expected to further boost the post-Olympic market. Airfares have been on a downward trend since June. The primary concern remains seat capacity, as direct flights between Thailand and France have only recovered to 70 to 75% of pre-pandemic levels, reported Bangkok Post. Thai Airways International currently offers seven weekly flights to Paris, down from ten before the pandemic, while Air France operates three flights per week, down from seven. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Olympic Games Paris 2024 Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai tourism must shift to supply-driven strategy for 2025, says TAT Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The Thai tourism industry must adopt a supply-driven strategy to enhance its competitiveness, according to the former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT outlined its marketing direction for 2025, aiming to increase revenue by 7.5% from 2024, targeting 39 million foreign arrivals and 205 million domestic trips. This figure is a revision from the 220 million trips projected last week. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333167-thai-tourism-must-shift-to-supply-driven-strategy-for-2025-says-tat/

The Thai tourism industry must adopt a supply-driven strategy to enhance its competitiveness, according to the former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT outlined its marketing direction for 2025, aiming to increase revenue by 7.5% from 2024, targeting 39 million foreign arrivals and 205 million domestic trips. This figure is a revision from the 220 million trips projected last week. Current TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool emphasised the need to rebrand Thai tourism for 2025 towards high value and sustainability, focusing on quality spending and generating income in new destinations. Yuthasak Supasorn, former TAT Governor and now chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), believed the TAT should prioritise developing tourism supply to improve competitiveness as well as the country’s ranking in the tourism development index.” Yuthasak recently addressed the National Institute of Development Administration’s Graduate School of Tourism Management. He reported that foreign arrivals reached 17.5 million in the first half of the year, aligning with the Bank of Thailand’s forecast for a low tourism recovery. Thailand’s position on the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Development Index plummeted to 47th from 36th, highlighting a significant decline in tourism competitiveness. Regionally, Thailand ranked 10th in the Asia-Pacific and fourth in Southeast Asia, trailing Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Neighbouring countries like Indonesia have excelled in areas such as natural resources and travel and tourism demand sustainability, securing top 10 rankings. In comparison, Thailand ranked 106th in travel and tourism socio-economic impact and 102nd in safety and security, the lowest among Southeast Asian countries, underscoring the urgency to enhance tourist safety. Thai tourism “If the tourism industry wants to maintain its competitiveness, all sectors must work together.” Yuthasak also called for improvements in safety, infrastructure upgrades, and the development of sustainable tourism practices aligned with environmental, social, and governance principles. Yuthasak advocated for a stronger supply side to attract high-quality tourists and distribute income fairly among local communities, both in major and secondary cities. He stressed the importance of ensuring safety and ease of travel to enhance the customer experience from the outset of their journey, ensuring fair treatment for both local and international visitors. Yuthasak also recommended that all destinations and businesses prioritise sustainability in their tourism growth strategies, balancing environmental, economic, and social considerations in the present and long term, and updating laws and regulations that impede sustainable growth, reported Bangkok Post. “If these actions were mutually committed, along with a direction to grow the number of quality tourists without focusing too much on volume, I’m confident Thailand’s tourism industry will become more resilient with strength in value and revenue for the whole sector.” By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Finance Ministry pledges market confidence amid scandal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s Finance Ministry vows to restore confidence in the Thai capital market following allegations of fraud involving former executives of Energy Absolute (EA), a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333166-thai-finance-ministry-pledges-market-confidence-amid-scandal/

Thailand’s Finance Ministry vows to restore confidence in the Thai capital market following allegations of fraud involving former executives of Energy Absolute (EA), a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit expressed optimism that actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in collaboration with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), would help rebuild trust in the market. Late last week, the SEC accused EA’s founder and chief executive Somphote Ahunai and Chief Financial Officer Amorn Sapthaweekul of engaging in fraudulent activities related to the company’s purchase of equipment and software for a solar power plant between 2013 and 2015. A third individual, Phornlert Techarattanopas, was also implicated in the fraudulent procurement process, which reportedly involved two subsidiaries and resulted in benefits totalling approximately 3.5 billion baht for the three individuals, according to the SEC. The regulator has referred the case to the DSI and the AMLO for further legal action. “It is time to bring everything hidden under the rug out into the open, regardless of when it was hidden. If we find it, we need to address these issues decisively to build confidence in the [Thai] capital market.” Addressing concerns about the pace of the investigation, Lavaron noted that the speed is contingent on the evidence available but reassured that progress has been faster than expected. The SEC was the entity that uncovered the issue and subsequently filed the complaint, indicating the severity of the accusations and the necessity for clear evidence. Restore market confidence Lavaron emphasised that the SEC has already implemented measures to restore confidence in the SET, including stringent controls on short selling and programme trading. Further measures are expected, though details remain undisclosed due to the sensitivity of the situation. “The key is that law enforcement must be clear, swift and decisive. Each securities-related allegation case has its loopholes. Stark [Corporation] had one, More [Return] had another, and EA had another. These issues often involve large stocks or strange and hefty [initial public offering] prices, which affect confidence. Therefore, restoring confidence requires multiple approaches.” Lavaron also pointed out the necessity for thorough audits by accounting firms, particularly those overseeing listed companies, questioning why major audit firms had failed to detect irregularities in the companies now facing scrutiny. Lavaron mentioned that the Finance Ministry is preparing to introduce new products to the capital market, contingent on restoring confidence. One such product is the Thai ESG Fund, which, if approved by the Cabinet, would increase the tax deduction limit from 100,000 to 300,000 baht per year and reduce the required holding period from eight years to five years. Trading could commence as early as September, potentially bringing an estimated market inflow of 50 to 60 billion baht. Another initiative involves expanding the Vayupak Fund. Currently, the fund has two types of unit holders: Type A for the general public with a value of 150 billion baht, and Type B held by state agencies and the Finance Ministry with a value of approximately 350 billion baht. Vayupak Fund Lavaron explained that expanding the Vayupak Fund would involve Type B, which allows for swift action as it does not require a new filing. Type B serves as a guarantee to ensure returns for public investors holding Type A units, promising a minimum return rate of 3%. Should the return on Type A units fall below 3%, the return from Type B units will supplement it to meet the full 3%. According to Lavaron, the Type B fund, which guarantees a minimum return for public investors purchasing Vayupak Fund units, has seen a significant increase in value recently. Consequently, the government plans to allocate 100 to 150 billion baht from this fund to establish a new fund and sell investment units to the public. Combined with funds from the Thai ESG and Vayupak funds, an estimated 200 billion baht is expected to flow into the market, reported Bangkok Post. “Domestic investors still want to invest in the SET, but they have lacked confidence or perceive unfairness in the market.” By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s industrial sentiment hits two-year low amid political strife Picture courtesy of Evan Krause, Unsplash Thailand’s industrial sentiment index experienced a decline for the third consecutive month in June, reaching its lowest point in two years, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The drop is attributed to a sluggish economy, weak demand, and increasing bad debt problems. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333165-thailand’s-industrial-sentiment-hits-two-year-low-amid-political-strife/

Thailand’s industrial sentiment index experienced a decline for the third consecutive month in June, reaching its lowest point in two years, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The drop is attributed to a sluggish economy, weak demand, and increasing bad debt problems. The FTI reported that the industrial sentiment index fell to 87.2 in June, down from 88.5 in May. The ongoing political uncertainty has also impacted business confidence, with smaller firms particularly affected by liquidity issues as banks tighten their lending policies. Political turmoil continues with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin facing a Constitutional Court case that could lead to his dismissal. The 62 year old Thai premier denies any wrongdoing, and the court is scheduled for its next hearing tomorrow. Despite these challenges, the FTI highlighted that tourism remains a crucial pillar supporting Thailand’s economy. The country welcomed 18.9 million foreign tourists from the beginning of the year to yesterday, marking a 34% increase year-on-year. Among these visitors, approximately 3.7 million were from China, according to government data, reported Bangkok Post. The Thai government projected that the nation’s economy, Southeast Asia’s second-largest, will grow by 2.5% this year. This forecast follows a 1.9% growth rate last year, which lagged behind other regional economies. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Evan Krause, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese influencer murder suspect arrested in Macau Photo courtesy of Channel News Asia A suspect linked to the alleged murder of Chinese influencer Yan Ruimin has been arrested in Macau, ensnared by a pawnshop scam. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332921-decomposed-body-of-woman-found-ties-to-missing-chinese-student/?do=findComment&comment=19072158

Chinese influencer murder suspect arrested in Macau A suspect linked to the alleged murder of Chinese influencer Yan Ruimin has been arrested in Macau, ensnared by a pawnshop scam. Macau police announced the capture of the 34 year old suspect on Monday, July 15, identified only by his surname Ma, who had allegedly tried to defraud a pawnshop with a counterfeit luxury watch. During his detention, local police discovered that Ma, an unemployed Chinese national, was a prime murder suspect sought by mainland police. Just two days earlier, the gruesome discovery of badly decomposed human remains was made at a deserted site in Chachoengsao, roughly 50 kilometres east of Bangkok. The remains are believed to be those of Yan Ruimin, a popular influencer on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, who vanished nearly two weeks prior. Yan, who boasted around 15,300 followers, had documented her travels across Thailand and Singapore, with her last post in May from Macau. Yan last contacted a friend on June 30 while travelling alone. She revealed plans to visit Phuket on July 2 but never arrived. Her friend, alarmed by her sudden silence, filed a police report on July 12 after Yan’s family received a ransom demand of 5 million baht and a warning against involving the police or embassy. Despite the ransom demand, Thailand’s Metropolitan Police Bureau ruled out the involvement of a transnational crime syndicate, suggesting instead that her disappearance was a personal matter. CCTV footage showed Yan entering a white Honda driven by a man on July 1 in Bangkok. The duo was later seen holding hands and eating durian at Khlong Toei market before leaving for Chon Buri. Yan’s phone signal was detected near a public park in Chachoengsao on July 3 but it went silent shortly thereafter. A police search team uncovered decomposed human remains in the province on July 13. Investigations revealed that the car had been rented in Bangkok by Ma Qingyan, who then returned it before flying to Hong Kong from Suvarnabhumi Airport on July 3. He was apprehended in Macau a week later, caught pawning a counterfeit watch, and was later arrested on July 12 while attempting to flee to Hong Kong. Macau police handed Ma over to mainland police on Monday, July 15. Meanwhile, forensic scientists are working to identify the remains, with DNA results expected on Friday, July 19. Supichai Limsiwawong, commander of the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine explained that as the remains were badly decomposed, DNA samples had to be extracted from the bones, reported The Nation. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Channel News Asia Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Murder-suicide: 6 Vietnamese deaths linked to 10 million baht debt Photo via Matichon Following the suspicious deaths of six Vietnamese nationals at a hotel in Bangkok, Thai police discovered that one of the deceased, a Vietnamese-American woman, allegedly poisoned her friends before committing suicide with the toxin over a 10 million baht debt. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333115-six-vietnamese-found-dead-in-bangkok-hotel-room/?do=findComment&comment=19072149

Murder-suicide: 6 Vietnamese deaths linked to 10 million baht debt Following the suspicious deaths of six Vietnamese nationals at a hotel in Bangkok, Thai police discovered that one of the deceased, a Vietnamese-American woman, allegedly poisoned her friends before committing suicide with the toxin over a 10 million baht debt. The Metropolitan Police Bureau of Thailand revealed more details of the case in a press conference, today, July 17, following an investigation into the deaths of the six foreigners, whose bodies were discovered last night. The deceased were identified as American citizens Sherine Chong (56 years old) and Dang Hung Van (55 years old), and Vietnamese nationals Thi Nguyen Phuong Lan (47 years old), Hong Pham Thanh (49 years old), Dinh Tran Phu (37 years old), and Thi Nguyen Phuong (46 years old). Dang Hung Van and Thi Nguyen Phuong were a married couple. Police questioned their children and found that they invested 10 million baht in a hospital project in Japan with Sherine Chong. The project had not progressed, leading to a dispute over the funds. The group, initially planning to meet in Japan to resolve the issue, changed their destination to Thailand due to visa problems. It remains unclear whether the other deceased were also investors in the project. Seven hotel rooms were booked for the group but only six individuals checked in. The seventh person, a sister of one of the deceased, was not involved in the incident. The individuals checked in on different days between July 14 and 15, later gathering in a room booked under Chong’s name. Hotel staff reported serving food and tea to the group for the last time at 1.57pm. According to the deputy police chief, a waiter offered to make tea for the guests but Chong refused this. The waiter recalled that she “spoke very little and was visibly under stress.” The waiter later left the room and no one else is believed to have entered apart from the six inside. Police say there were no signs of a struggle or a robbery. Police suspect Chong used this opportunity to lace the tea with cyanide, serving it to others before consuming it herself. Police believe her motive was an inability to repay the investment money. Cyanide was found in all six teacups, as well as in the blood system of one of the deceased and two stainless tumblers. Searches of their luggage did not uncover any illegal items but a land litigation document dating back to 2022 was found in Chong’s belongings. One of the victims, Dinh Tran Phu, was a well-known makeup artist in Vietnam with over 15,000 followers on his Facebook page, Phú Gia Gia (I’m Makeup Artist). By Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe