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Unidentified Man's Handless Body Discovered in Central Thailand File photo for reference only A man's body, with both hands missing, was discovered on a sugarcane farm in the central province of Nakhon Sawan, Thailand. The identity of the deceased is still unknown as police search for his severed hands initially. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333078-unidentified-mans-handless-body-discovered-in-central-thailand/

A man's body, with both hands missing, was discovered on a sugarcane farm in the central province of Nakhon Sawan, Thailand. The identity of the deceased is still unknown as police search for his severed hands initially. The farm owner, Boonyoung Phothong, 53, found the body during his routine crop inspection. Boonyoung, who believes the deceased was not a local, reported the find to the police at Phayuha Khiri Station. According to the police, the body, wrapped in a red sleeping bag, had no personal belongings nor any identification documents. The only item found was a necklace with a Buddhist amulet. The man's body was sent to the Police General Hospital for a post-mortem. Officers had trouble identifying the deceased as he was believed to have been dead for at least two weeks before being discovered. They are now examining local security camera footage to identify both the victim and the perpetrator. The area's community leader, Malee Phudtaraksa, 50, highlighted that some CCTV cameras are located around five kilometers from where the corpse was found, though it's possible they might not have recorded any related incident. Like Boonyoung, Malee confirms that no one from the local community has been reported missing. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand is dealing with a household debt crisis and a slow economic recovery File photo for reference only The Economic Cabinet has instructed the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand to urgently address rising household debt. This encompasses bad debts related to housing, cars, motorcycles, credit cards, and student loans, as the Thai economy continues to struggle to rebound. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333077-thailand-is-dealing-with-a-household-debt-crisis-and-a-slow-economic-recovery/

The Economic Cabinet has instructed the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand to urgently address rising household debt. This encompasses bad debts related to housing, cars, motorcycles, credit cards, and student loans, as the Thai economy continues to struggle to rebound. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira mentioned after a meeting lead by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, that the PM ordered swift action on economic decline due to the absence of clear recovery signs. The central concern is the growing bad debt in the household sector and among small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), with household debt reaching alarming levels. The amount of household debt has reached 13.6 trillion baht, equal to 90% of the country's GDP. Of this, around 1 trillion baht is bad debt, a figure that is predicted to rise as more debts risk being classified as bad or special mention (SM) loans. Half of these SM loans, which are overdue by 30 to 90 days, are tied to housing and cars, while the rest is associated with credit card debt. To counter bad debts in the housing sector, the Government Housing Bank has been directed to extend home loan repayments for borrowers until they reach 85 years old. This move particularly aims at increasing the mortgage plan duration for civil servants to 85 years, and for other individuals to 80, from the earlier limit of 60 to 70 years. Finance Minister Pichai added that this extension would lower the installment amount helping reduce financial pressures on homebuyers dealing with high living costs. The government also will urge commercial banks to support customers struggling with repayments by increasing the repayment duration and decreasing the principal payment. As for bad debts from repossessed cars and motorcycles, a provision for tackling these will be made and the total debt amount shared at the next meeting. Meanwhile, the outstanding balance on 1.4 million out of a total of 24 million credit cards in the system is expected to rise to between 2 and 3 million cards. The Bank of Thailand will collaborate with credit card companies to decrease the minimum payment from the existing 8% to 5%, with prospects for further adjustments. Minister Pichai assures quick implementation of measures to handle bad debt as the government plans to reduce, manage and extend debt to help the economy gradually recover. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Irish terrorist engaged to Thai bride 50 years his junior Photo courtesy of Sunday World An infamous Irish terrorist revealed his engagement to a Thai bride half a century younger. Gormy McMullan, a prime suspect in the Loughinisland massacre, announced his upcoming nuptials to Thai national Bannapon Nuch Jathasan on social media, igniting a storm of reactions. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333075-irish-terrorist-engaged-to-thai-bride-50-years-his-junior/

An infamous Irish terrorist revealed his engagement to a Thai bride half a century younger. Gormy McMullan, a prime suspect in the Loughinisland massacre, announced his upcoming nuptials to Thai national Bannapon Nuch Jathasan on social media, igniting a storm of reactions. “I have decided she is my main one now.” The 71 year old murder suspect proudly declared in response to a flurry of congratulatory messages. The pair reportedly met 18 months ago during one of McMullan’s many trips to Thailand and Vietnam. A former member of the UVF under the notorious Shankill Butchers’ leader Lenny Murphy, McMullan reportedly has a chilling past. However, when contacted by the Sunday World for comment, McMullan refused to divulge details about his and his Thai bride’s plans or where they intend to settle down. It remains uncertain whether McMullan’s bride Bannapon is prepared to trade the sun-kissed beaches of Thailand for Belfast’s Newtownards Road. Friends of the Irishman insist that he’s been candid about his violent past with his bride-to-be. “Gormy has told Bannapon all about his days in the Red Hand Commando and the UVF. He’s made it clear that his terrorist days are over, and now he’s just involved with the UVF Regimental Band, where he parades in a Guards dress uniform and carries a ceremonial sword.” McMullan’s dark history includes being a suspected getaway driver in the UVF’s brutal attack on the Heights Bar in Loughinisland, Co Down, where six Catholics were murdered in 1994. The award-winning documentary No Stone Unturned implicated McMullan in this atrocity, though he was never charged. Originally from the Clarawood estate in East Belfast, McMullan’s criminal career spans decades, with convictions for bombing a Catholic bar and robbing a meat plant. His associations with the Shankill Butchers and their leader, Lenny Murphy, have only cemented his notorious reputation. Despite his gruesome past, McMullan shockingly defended the Butchers in a BBC interview. “I regarded them as a decent bunch of lads.” McMullan’s controversial statements and violent history continue to haunt him, yet the Irishman seems unfazed as he embarks on a new chapter in his life with Bannapon, reported Sunday World. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Sunday World Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

State officials implicated in bid-rigging scheme for rubber latex firms Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) uncovered the involvement of state officials in bid-rigging for rubber latex companies in 10 provinces, leading to significant financial losses for the country. The investigation has been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further action. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333074-state-officials-implicated-in-bid-rigging-scheme-for-rubber-latex-firms/

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) uncovered the involvement of state officials in bid-rigging for rubber latex companies in 10 provinces, leading to significant financial losses for the country. The investigation has been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further action. Last year, a group of rubber latex traders submitted a letter to the prime minister, requesting an investigation into alleged preferential treatment given to specific individuals or groups in bidding processes for construction projects in the northeastern region. This alleged misconduct, which took place in 2022, has reportedly cost the country over 100 million baht in lost revenue. A source from the DSI’s Bureau of Offenses Related to State Bidding revealed that their investigative team has identified wrongdoing by state officials. Consequently, the investigation documents have been sent to the NACC for consideration and action under the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption of 2018. “The investigation has unearthed serious misconduct, involving collusion between state officials and private companies.” Samut, a businessman, initially submitted a letter on December 19 last year to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin through Thanikrit Jitarareerat, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister at the time. This letter highlighted corruption within the local administrative organisations across 10 provinces: Sisaket, Ratchaburi, Amnat Charoen, Nong Khai, Yasothon, Khon Kaen, Kanchanaburi, Chaiyaphum, Maha Sarakham, and Roi Et. The letter pointed out connections between bid-rigging activities and rubber latex companies. At the time of submitting the letter, Samut raised five key issues that required investigation. These included whether local police could set specific terms and conditions for construction projects, such as requiring bidders to attach a certification from patent holders of rubber latex mixture products. Additionally, the letter questioned the identity of the patent holders for these rubber latex mixtures. “The specifics of the tender requirements seemed tailored to benefit certain companies, which raised suspicion.” The prime minister had ordered an investigation into these claims, promising legal action if corruption was confirmed, reported KhaoSod. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man kills drug-addicted brother after attack on mother Photo via Channel 7 A Thai man stabbed his drug-addicted younger brother to death after he attempted to physically assault his mother at home in the Isaan province of Buriram. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333072-thai-man-kills-drug-addicted-brother-after-attack-on-mother/

A Thai man stabbed his drug-addicted younger brother to death after he attempted to physically assault his mother at home in the Isaan province of Buriram. Chumsaeng Police Station officers arrested the 32 year old suspect, Weera “Khao” Turam, and accompanied him to the police station for questioning. Khao admitted to stabbing to death his drug-addicted brother, 29 year old Danuphon “Tom” Turam, at about 4pm on Sunday, July 14. Khao explained that Tom was seriously addicted to methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, and took eight to ten tablets per day. He was a known alcoholic as well. His mother, 59 year old Chanta Turam, gave him money to buy drugs and alcohol but he always complained it was never enough. On the day of the incident, Tom demanded money from his mother again and attempted to attack her when she could not find any money for him. Khao intervened in the incident to protect his mother, making Tom turn his attention to Khao instead. Khao admitted that he could no longer bear his brother’s behaviour and was furious, so he grabbed a folding knife and stabbed his brother multiple times until he died at the scene. Chanta told Channel 3 that Khao used to work as an engineer for a well-known company but he resigned to take care of her. Chanta said her younger son asked her for at least 200 baht per day. Knife attack According to Chanta, Tom asked for five bottles of alcohol and 13 Yaba tablets but she could not afford it. During a physical altercation, Khao killed Tom in self-defence after his brother attempted to attack him with a kitchen knife. Khao managed to reach a nearby folding knife before Tom. Chanta added that Tom had forced her to borrow money from neighbours to buy alcohol and drugs. She is now uncertain how she will repay these debts, as Khao has been sent to jail. The deputy community leader, 55 year old Pao Saendee, revealed in an interview with Channel 3 that Chanta has two grandchildren, aged seven and 13. Pao expressed concern that Chanta would be unable to afford to care for the two children. Channel 3 reported that Pao spoke in tears, saying that he felt sorry for the family. He previously asked police officers to take Tom to a rehabilitation centre but officers only took him to a hospital for a few days and released him until this tragic incident took place. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 7 Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Udon Thani hotel calls for delay in electricity rate hike Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A prominent hotel in Udon Thani urged the government to delay the planned electricity rate hike, citing concerns about the current purchasing power of consumers. They argue that customers are only spending on necessities, and an increase in electricity costs could further impact the number of patrons using their services. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333071-udon-thani-hotel-calls-for-delay-in-electricity-rate-hike/

A prominent hotel in Udon Thani urged the government to delay the planned electricity rate hike, citing concerns about the current purchasing power of consumers. They argue that customers are only spending on necessities, and an increase in electricity costs could further impact the number of patrons using their services. Apicha Veerachatiyanukul, the managing director of Udon Plaza Co., Ltd., which operates UD Town, the Moko Hotel, and the Montathip International Convention Centre, highlighted that while the booking situation for rooms and event spaces remains vibrant, the potential increase in electricity tariffs poses a significant challenge. The hotel and convention centre continues to attract both private sector clients and government agencies for lodging and conferences, with room bookings extending to August and full bookings on Fridays and Saturdays in September. International tourists are also staying longer, extending their visits from two to three days to about five days, with the majority of these tourists coming from China, Korea, and Europe. However, inside the UD Town shopping centre, consumer spending is more cautious. Customers are taking longer to decide on purchases and are focusing mainly on essential items. The proposed electricity rate hike, set to take effect from September to December, has drawn concern from Apicha. She noted that such an increase would add to the operational costs for businesses, especially those like shopping centres and hotels that consume substantial amounts of electricity. “If the government proceeds with the electricity rate hike, it will be challenging to immediately pass these increased costs to customers, which could lead to a decrease in service usage.” Apicha suggested that if the government must increase electricity rates, it should introduce compensatory measures to help businesses manage their costs. Tax reductions or other forms of financial relief could help mitigate the added burden and ensure that both businesses and consumers are not adversely affected. This appeal to the government is rooted in the reality that while the economic activity within the hotel and convention sectors is robust, any additional cost pressures could disrupt the delicate balance needed to sustain business operations and customer satisfaction, reported KhaoSod. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nakhon Ratchasima man orders toolset, gets water bottles instead Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A man from Nakhon Ratchasima was left disheartened after spending 499 baht on what he believed to be a set of tools but instead received three bottles of water. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333070-nakhon-ratchasima-man-orders-toolset-gets-water-bottles-instead/

A man from Nakhon Ratchasima was left disheartened after spending 499 baht on what he believed to be a set of tools but instead received three bottles of water. Nirat Sukboon, a 46 year old resident of Nai Mueang subdistrict, Phimai district, took his complaint to the Phimai Police Station, presenting the evidence of the water bottles. Nirat shared that he came across a Facebook page advertising a toolset for 499 baht. The price was significantly lower than the market rate, and since he needed new tools, he decided to place an order. Trusting the advertisement, he transferred the money upfront as requested. However, upon receiving his package, he was shocked to find only three bottles of water. Nirat decided to file a police report and warn the public about the potential risks of online shopping. Nirat’s case is now under investigation by the Phimai Police, who will look into the fraudulent Facebook page and work to track down the individuals responsible. The government has been pushing for more stringent regulations and better monitoring of online platforms to curb these kinds of fraudulent activities. Consumers are urged to report any suspicious activities or fraudulent transactions to the police to help combat the issue, reported KhaoSod. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Leaves Out Certain Groups from Digital Wallet Project File photo for reference only The Thailand Government plans to launch a 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative to benefit 50 million residents. However, Deputy Finance Minister, Chulaphan Amornvivat, announced at a Government House meeting that two unidentified groups would be ineligible for the project. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333000-thailand-leaves-out-certain-groups-from-digital-wallet-project/

The Thailand Government plans to launch a 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative to benefit 50 million residents. However, Deputy Finance Minister, Chulaphan Amornvivat, announced at a Government House meeting that two unidentified groups would be ineligible for the project. Based on previous state projects, the government expects a 90% subscription rate, meaning they have earmarked 450 billion baht to cover 45 million participants. Finance Ministry in partnership with the Budget Bureau have reviewed the project’s funding, which will come from the budget allocations for 2024 and 2025. For 2024, an additional budget of 122 billion baht will be proposed to the House of Representatives, along with 43 billion baht from financial and budget management. For the 2025 budget, they will allocate 152 billion baht, plus an additional 132 billion baht for financial management. Deputy Minister Chulaphan mentioned that the exact dates for registration will be confirmed soon, with rollout planned for the fourth quarter. The Bank of Thailand will remain in charge of the system's security. Chulaphan also clarified that the Digital Government Development Agency has been developing the platform, and will then pass the responsibility to the outsourcing team. The initiative is intended to stimulate economic growth by enhancing public spending. A list of prohibited goods and services for the digital wallet has been developed. The Commerce Ministry has the authority to revise this list, subject to subcommittee approval, for example, on items such as firearms. Individuals or businesses previously in violation of state project terms or involved in reimbursement litigation will not be eligible for the scheme. The Cabinet will review the plan next week, with comprehensive details set to be released soon. The Prime Minister of Thailand hinted that the registration for the digital wallet may open on August 1, with detailed guidelines and eligibility criteria to be announced shortly. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Party pooper: Drunk Thai man poops pants as cops make arrest Photo via Channel 8 A drunk Thai man poops pants during an arrest after he sneaked into the home of a Thai woman in the Isaan province of Udon Thani and stripped naked. Police officer’s hands were reportedly soiled with the suspect’s poop. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332999-party-pooper-drunk-thai-man-poops-pants-as-cops-make-arrest/

A drunk Thai man poops pants during an arrest after he sneaked into the home of a Thai woman in the Isaan province of Udon Thani and stripped naked. Police officer’s hands were reportedly soiled with the suspect’s poop. Officers from the Nonghan Police Station rushed to the incident scene, a house in the Nonghan district, after receiving a trespassing report. Officers encountered the homeowner, 54 year old Suntree, a group of locals, and the suspect, 54 year old Mai, whose arms and legs were tied. Suntree explained that she usually lived with her husband and their child but both were away for work on the day of the incident. She was having dinner alone when she heard her pet dog barking aggressively. Upon checking the security camera, she saw Mai climbing over the fence into her property. Suntree watched in shock as Mai began to undress on the security camera footage and screamed for help, causing Mai to hide in a storage room. Her neighbours and the community head soon arrived and apprehended Mai. Despite attempting to flee twice, the locals managed to catch him and tie him up with a rope while waiting for the police to arrive. Suntree added that she recognised Mai once she saw his face. He had worked with a construction team that built her home seven years ago, in 2017. During that time, Mai had never exhibited any inappropriate behaviour or spoken to her improperly. When the police arrived, they asked Mai to dress but he refused and pretended to be unconscious. Officers had to dress him before taking him to the police station. Upon questioning, Mai admitted that he had consumed a bottle of alcohol with a friend before coming to the victim’s house. He claimed that he acted out of drunkenness. He did not know why he entered the victim’s home and why he undressed. While escorting Mai to the police pickup, one police officer found his hand dirty with faeces. The officer later found out that Mai shat himself. Police rushed to wash their hands in the victim’s home before taking Mai to the police station. Mai was charged under Section 365 of the Criminal Law: trespassing at night. The penalty is imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 8 Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai-German man jailed 25 years for abusing daughter, sharing child porn Photo via Nation TV The Criminal Court of Thailand sentenced a half-Thai half-German man to 51 years in prison for sexually abusing his daughter and distributing child porn on a dark website based in Germany. His confession led to the sentence being reduced from 51 years to 25 years and six months. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332998-thai-german-man-jailed-25-years-for-abusing-daughter-sharing-child-porn/

The Criminal Court of Thailand sentenced a half-Thai half-German man to 51 years in prison for sexually abusing his daughter and distributing child porn on a dark website based in Germany. His confession led to the sentence being reduced from 51 years to 25 years and six months. Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office sought help from Thai authorities to arrest the Thai-German man after pornographic videos shared online showed him sexually abusing his daughter, who was seven years old at the time. The suspect was found to have sexually abused other young girls, aged between seven and 10, and shared their explicit videos on the website. Officers from Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) arrested the man at his home in northeastern Thailand in January. Several porn production tools were seized along with more than 10,000 files of explicit videos and images. The Ratchadaphisek Road Criminal Court in Bangkok delivered the verdict in the case today, July 15. The suspect was found to mainly violate the Criminal Law under Sections 277, 285, 280/1 and 287/1, the Child Protection Act under Section 26(9) and the Computer Act under Section 14(4). The court considered and found that the Thai-German man should be sentenced to 51 years imprisonment for several offences he had committed. As he confessed to all his crimes, the court considered reducing his sentence from 51 years to 25 years and six months. There is no report about his daughter and her condition after she was rescued from the repeated sexual assaults. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Nation TV Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya police urged to take action on Kuwaiti street racers - video Photo via Facebook/ เดอะ พัทยานิวส์ The Pattaya News Residents in Soi Yen Sabai, Pattaya, urged police officers to take action against Kuwaiti motorcycle racers following a noise pollution disturbance and a recent physical altercation on Saturday, July 13. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332996-pattaya-police-urged-to-take-action-on-kuwaiti-street-racers-video/

Residents in Soi Yen Sabai, Pattaya, urged police officers to take action against Kuwaiti motorcycle racers following a noise pollution disturbance and a recent physical altercation on Saturday, July 13. A video of the altercation between two groups of Kuwaiti nationals was shared on Thai social media yesterday, July 14, but the incident reportedly took place on Soi Yen Sabai on July 13. The Pattaya News reported that more than 50 Kuwaiti men were involved in the fight. The video showed a motorcycle overturned on the road while two foreign men were arguing. Some joined the altercation while others attempted to stop their friends. The brawling pair appeared to be aged between 16 and 20 years old. The person who recorded the video, and locals in the area, revealed to the media that Kuwaiti street racers ride their motorcycles along the alley all day, blocking other motorists from using the road. Some of them rev their engines late at night, preventing locals from resting. Residents in the area urged news agencies to spread the story to draw the attention of the police and government officials to find a solution to the issue. This is not the first time that foreign racers have caused chaos in Soi Yen Sabai. In July last year, motorcycle racers, reported to be of Arab descent, caused a loud disturbance with their motorcycle engines and horns both day and night. Police officers later arrested them and confiscated 15 motorcycles from the foreign racers. The issue did not end there as another group of Kuwaiti street racers took over Soi Yen Sabai again in August of that year, causing an accident involving a Thai motorist. A Thai man attempted to claim compensation from the Kuwaiti rider but he refused to pay and fled the scene. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เดอะ พัทยานิวส์ The Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Illegal online gambling equipment seized by Thai border patrol File photo for reference only The Thai police recently intercepted a large amount of computer equipment, reportedly bound for an online gambling operation. This is part of their efforts to counter illegal activities in the border areas of Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332995-illegal-online-gambling-equipment-seized-by-thai-border-patrol/

The Thai police recently intercepted a large amount of computer equipment, reportedly bound for an online gambling operation. This is part of their efforts to counter illegal activities in the border areas of Thailand. Authorities, including border patrol soldiers, apprehended the equipment near the Myanmar border in the province of Tak. The shipment was allegedly headed for Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, a place reputed for gambling and fraudulent activities. The army's Ratchamanu Task Force intercepted a truck carrying computers, monitors, power banks, among other items, near Ban Wang Ta Kien Tai in Tha Sai Luat subdistrict of Mae Sot district, according to a spokesperson. Though the shipment was seized and a suspect was briefly held, the person managed to escape shortly after. This event mirrors a previous seizure of similar equipment in the Mae Pa subdistrict, Mae Sot district of Tak. Thai police speculate that the seized equipment comes from the same illegal operation and was also intended for Aranyaprathet. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Army Stops Cattle Smuggling Attempt by Myanmar Nationals File photo for reference only The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has caught five people trying to smuggle 20 cows into the country. The offenders, all from Myanmar, were being paid 250 baht per cow by an anonymous third party. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332992-thai-army-stops-cattle-smuggling-attempt-by-myanmar-nationals/