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Thailand disburses 3.48 trillion baht budget to boost economy Picture courtesy of Bangkok post official website An injection of 3.48 trillion baht from the 2024 fiscal budget has finally been disbursed in the second quarter of this year, following delays that began on October 1 last year due to political setbacks after the General Election in May 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332978-thailand-disburses-348-trillion-baht-budget-to-boost-economy/

An injection of 3.48 trillion baht from the 2024 fiscal budget has finally been disbursed in the second quarter of this year, following delays that began on October 1 last year due to political setbacks after the General Election in May 2023. With economic growth stagnating, public expenditure is seen as a crucial factor to revive subdued private spending and consumption. The government’s handling of this fresh fiscal budget, especially its key projects like the digital wallet scheme, has been under scrutiny. There are high expectations for effective stimulus measures given the limited time frame remaining. The Director-General of the Comptroller General’s Department, Patricia Mongkhonvanit, reported that by the end of June, procurement contracts for the 2024 fiscal budget were completed, covering 57.8% of the total investment budget or equivalent to 417 billion baht. Disbursement according to these contracts reached 37% of the total investment expenditure, amounting to 265 billion baht. The total investment budget for the government in the 2024 fiscal year is 723 billion baht. The government aims to disburse at least 70% of this by the end of September to support the economy, said Mongkhonvanit. “The Finance Ministry has implemented measures to expedite the disbursement of the 2024 fiscal budget.” Government agencies must accelerate the delivery of projects to ensure budget disbursement by September for single-year investments. Contracts for multi-year projects or new investments requiring budget carryover must be signed by May 2024. Bidding process To expedite the bidding process, the duration of government procurement processes has been reduced. For amounts exceeding 500,000 baht but no more than 100 million baht, documents must be published for at least three days. For amounts exceeding 100 million baht, the period is at least 20 days. Additionally, clearer details regarding the appeals process for government procurement have been established to reduce delays. Economist Athiphat Muthitacharoen from Chulalongkorn University raised concerns regarding the digital wallet scheme, warning that without strict spending conditions, funds could end up with large-scale businesses or even leak abroad. He proposed setting a maximum daily spending limit, such as 500 baht per day, to distribute spending more effectively among small local businesses. Muthitacharoen added setting a daily spending limit would help reduce potential leakage issues, such as spending on imported goods. A senior economic researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute, Nonarit Bisonyabut, suggested smaller projects worth 20-30 billion baht, like state welfare cards or co-pay projects, instead of large-scale economic stimulus like the digital wallet scheme. He acknowledged the importance of the digital wallet project in supporting the Thai economy, especially as the global economy recovers and monetary policies ease in developed countries. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, expressed scepticism that the disbursement of the 2024 budget would fully boost the tourism industry. He mentioned that tax reduction schemes for individual trips to second-tier cities would not quickly influence travel decisions as tax deductions would only occur during the tax filing period early next year. People don’t have deep pockets for travel, Chaiyapatranun said, suggesting a revival of subsidy programmes focusing on second-tier cities or three-star hotels and below. He noted that many small hotels and homestay properties are not enrolled in the e-tax system, limiting current schemes to a certain number of operators. Government spending The Deputy Managing Director of Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), Nattaporn Triratanasirikul, emphasised the importance of accelerating government spending as a growth engine for the Thai economy in the second half of 2024. Triratanasirikul said that disbursement must be twice the pace of that seen in the past few months during the remaining three months of the current fiscal year. The senior vice president of KGI Securities (Thailand), Rakpong Chaisuparakul, noted that solid public spending could support second-quarter GDP growth of around 2.5% year-on-year, significantly higher than the first-quarter growth of 1.5%. The chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), Sanan Angubolkul, said the government has been expediting state enterprises and local government organisations to accelerate spending. This should lead to clearer signs of economic recovery by September. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), covering parts of Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chachoengsao, is set to become Thailand’s high-tech industrial hub. The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) will spend 620 million baht on developing the Smart Park Industrial Estate in Rayong in fiscal 2024, part of a larger 2.3 billion baht project expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Thai government officials are distributing a new budget to support IEAT projects countrywide, said Veeris Ammarapala, governor of the IEAT, expressing confidence that the economy would not be seriously affected by the budget allocation delay. Renewable power development Sarat Prakobchart from the Energy Policy and Planning Office noted that part of the 2024 budget will support renewable power development. People will begin to see new green power generation facilities in the second half of this year as Sarat stated, highlighting Thailand’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. With these efforts, various sectors are expected to see a boost as the fiscal 2024 budget disbursement progresses, potentially leading to a more robust economic recovery in the coming months, reported Bangkok Post. By Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Bangkok post official website Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Worries Emerge over Video of 4-year-old Playing with Baby Crocodiles File photo for reference only A video has gone viral, showing a mother letting her 4-year-old child play with hundreds of baby crocodiles without fear. The video has raised concerns due to potential health risks, as the child could be exposed to harmful germs and toxins. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332820-worries-emerge-over-video-of-4-year-old-playing-with-baby-crocodiles/

A video has gone viral, showing a mother letting her 4-year-old child play with hundreds of baby crocodiles without fear. The video has raised concerns due to potential health risks, as the child could be exposed to harmful germs and toxins. The video was shot in Tha Takiap district, Chachoengsao province. After the video surfaced, officials went to the crocodile farm where it was filmed to carry out an investigation. They were worried about the child's safety and also about how the farm is run. There were concerns that the crocodiles could pose a risk to the local community if they were to escape as they grow. The farm caretaker, who is also the mother of the girl featured in the video, Ms. Kwanruedee, acknowledged that she let her daughter play with about 200 baby crocodiles to create content for the video. She said she didn't expect the video to go viral or have such a big impact. Ms. Kwanruedee explained that her daughter started playing with the crocodiles two years ago when they separated weak Siamese crocodile hatchlings into a basin. At less than a week old, the baby crocodiles have no teeth and soft bodies. Each is vaccinated against diseases when they turn seven days old. This year, the girl has interacted with the crocodiles on two occasions, always monitored closely by family. District health and security officials have told the mother to stop creating such videos and to get her daughter a medical check-up. They pointed out the health risks associated with chemicals used in the water to raise the crocodiles and possible exposure to crocodile waste. Officials also noted the danger if a crocodile was accidentally taken out of the farm by the child and somehow found its way into the local community. According to the provincial fisheries department, the farm has the necessary permits for crocodile breeding and ownership. Yet, they will further investigate the farm's practices concerning crocodile remains, as they discovered tanned crocodile hides on site. There are fewer than ten licensed crocodile farms in Chachoengsao province, but over 60 farms in the area in total. The farm in question, with 400 breeding crocodiles, has been running for 17 years and produces between 2,000 to 3,000 baby crocodiles each year. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Signs Major Rice Export Agreement with the Philippines File photo for reference only Thailand has entered into nine agreements to export over 130,000 metric tons of rice to the Philippines, which is estimated to be worth more than 2.8 billion baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332818-thailand-signs-major-rice-export-agreement-with-the-philippines/

Thailand has entered into nine agreements to export over 130,000 metric tons of rice to the Philippines, which is estimated to be worth more than 2.8 billion baht. The Department of Foreign Trade’s Director-General, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, led the team of Thai rice exporters. This move is anticipated to raise Thailand's proportion of the rice market in the Philippines. Ronnarong stressed that the Philippines is expected to import around 4.1 million tons of rice in 2024. The Thai team, which included Jaroen Laothamatas, the Thai Rice Exporters Association's president, visited the Philippines from July 3-5, 2024. They were there to reinforce trade ties and finalize agreements with Filipino rice importers. Aside from these agreements, the Department of Foreign Trade, with help from the Thai Trade Office in Manila, hosted a promotional event at Mango Tree Manila, a Thai SELECT certified restaurant. The event, titled “Premium Thai Rice with Authentic Thai Food”, had over 70 attendees, including importers, retailers, government officials, and influencers. The occasion featured cooking demos of Thai meals using Thai rice, showcasing the distinct taste and high quality of Thai varieties like Jasmine and Riceberry. The Department of Foreign Trade also discussed with the National Food Authority (NFA) in the Philippines the current market conditions and the potential decrease of rice import duties from 35% down to 15%. This would be in effect from mid-July 2024 until the end of 2028. Talks also covered legislative changes to allow the NFA to import rice during emergencies, demonstrating Thailand's willingness to assist with the Philippines' food security. The visit was declared a great success, showing the strong reputation of Thai rice for its quality and variety. In the first half of 2024, Thailand exported approximately 300,000 tons of rice to the Philippines. This represents a 381.66% increase from the same period the prior year, valued at roughly 5.97 billion baht, marking a rise of 558.97% in value. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Woman Recovers her Bag from Thief in Cambodia File photo for reference only A Thai woman in Poipet, Cambodia foiled a bag-snatching attempt and recovered her possessions. This comes after nine similar thefts involving Thai citizens were reported to local police, with no successful arrests so far. Both Thai and Cambodian individuals working in Poipet have been theft victims recently. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332817-thai-woman-recovers-her-bag-from-thief-in-cambodia/

A Thai woman in Poipet, Cambodia foiled a bag-snatching attempt and recovered her possessions. This comes after nine similar thefts involving Thai citizens were reported to local police, with no successful arrests so far. Both Thai and Cambodian individuals working in Poipet have been theft victims recently. This led to a meeting on July 10 between officials from both countries to discuss crime prevention strategies. Unfortunately, these measures weren't implemented on time, leading to another bag-snatching incident on July 11 involving a Thai woman. The woman claimed that while in a car with coworkers, a Cambodian thief tried to steal her handbag. She resisted, and although her bag tore during the struggle, the thief eventually gave up and fled the scene on his motorcycle. The thief's face was revealed throughout the incident, and the victim asserts that she and her coworkers can identify him. A Thai man was also robbed on July 10. He shared his experience on social media, claiming a loss of approximately 140,000 baht (around $4185) in cash and three mobile phones. Additionally, he sustained injuries including bruises on his arms and legs. Another Thai couple reported being attacked by the same gang on July 7. According to their account, the couple was knocked off their motorcycle by the thieves who then stole their belongings and fled. The couple did not disclose what was stolen but shared pictures of the injuries they sustained during the attack on social media. Despite the victim reports and complaints filed with local law enforcement, the gang remains at large. Due to continued thefts, the local Thai community in Cambodia has lost faith in the local police's ability to arrest and stop the criminals. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

90,000 Asian Seabass to be Introduced to Curb Invasive Fish in Samut Sakhon File photo for reference only In an attempt to tackle the problem of invasive blackchin tilapia in local waterways, officials in Samut Sakhon are planning to release 90,000 barramundis, also known as Asian seabass. The process is set to begin on July 12, with large-sized barramundis being the primary focus. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332816-90000-asian-seabass-to-be-introduced-to-curb-invasive-fish-in-samut-sakhon/

In an attempt to tackle the problem of invasive blackchin tilapia in local waterways, officials in Samut Sakhon are planning to release 90,000 barramundis, also known as Asian seabass. The process is set to begin on July 12, with large-sized barramundis being the primary focus. Niran Promkruan, a senior fisheries officer in Samut Sakhon, announced the operation which hopes to stem the growth of the blackchin tilapia population by introducing their natural predator, the barramundi. The first phase aims to release 90,000 barramundis during this month, kicking off at 11am on July 13. Samut Sakhon's Governor, Phol Dhamatham, will launch the operation, overseeing the release of the first 30,000 barramundis into the Tha Chin River in Mueang district, near Wat Kamphra in the Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict. Several further releases are scheduled throughout the remainder of the month. On July 23, an additional 20,000 barramundis will be introduced to the Tha Raeng Canal at Wat Yok Krabat in Ban Phaeo District. The next day, another batch of 20,000 will be added to the Damnoen Saduak Canal, again in Ban Phaeo district. The final release is slated for July 26, with the last 20,000 barramundis being added to the Phitthayalongkorn Canal near the Ban Khun Thian district boundary in Bangkok, as reported by KhaoSod. Officials hope that by introducing a substantial number of Asian seabass, the overwhelming population of blackchin tilapia will decrease naturally, leading to healthier waterways. The operation is part of a broader effort to enhance aquatic life in Samut Sakhon and nearby areas. The plan employs a biological solution to tackle the invasive species, which has been a consistent issue impacting local fisheries and biodiversity. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Viral Phuket motorcycle breast groper arrested Image courtesy of Chalong Police Chalong Police in Phuket apprehended a drive-by breast groper after his attack and the chase of a woman in Rawai earlier this month garnered significant public attention. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332814-viral-phuket-motorcycle-breast-groper-arrested/

Chalong Police in Phuket apprehended a drive-by breast groper after his attack and the chase of a woman in Rawai earlier this month garnered significant public attention. Chalong Police Chief, Police Colonel Ekarat Plaiduang, announced the arrest today, July 12, confirming that officers detained a 23 year old Myanmar national Aung Ko Phyo yesterday. The arrest followed a thorough investigation. As part of the arrest, police confiscated a black Honda motorcycle used during the offence, as well as the yellow T-shirt and green shorts worn by Aung at the time of the assault. He was subsequently taken to Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings. The incident became widely known after a series of social media posts urged the public to provide any information that could lead to the perpetrator’s capture, reported Phuket News. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Chalong Police Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s DDC issues health alert on rising eye infections due to contaminated tap water An image of an Acanthamoeba | Photo by CDC/ Dr. George Healy taken from Wikipedia The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a public health alert following the discovery of a conjunctivitis outbreak affecting 200 residents in a condominium complex in the Lardphrao area in Bangkok. Investigations have revealed the presence of the parasite Acanthamoeba in the tap water supply within the condominium units. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332813-thailand’s-ddc-issues-health-alert-on-rising-eye-infections-due-to-contaminated-tap-water/

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a public health alert following the discovery of a conjunctivitis outbreak affecting 200 residents in a condominium complex in the Lardphrao area in Bangkok. Investigations have revealed the presence of the parasite Acanthamoeba in the tap water supply within the condominium units. Thai Health officials are currently conducting an in-depth disease investigation and working to ensure the water supply meets safety standards. Dr Apichat Wachiraparn, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, expressed his concern about the situation. He explained that Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in various environmental sources such as water, soil, and dust. Although infections are rare, they can affect anyone. When present in the eye, Acanthamoeba strains can cause acanthamoebic keratitis, which may lead to corneal ulcers or even blindness. This condition occurs most often among contact lens wearers who do not properly disinfect their lenses, exacerbated by a failure to wash hands prior to handling the lenses. Multipurpose contact lens solutions are largely ineffective against Acanthamoeba, whereas hydrogen peroxide-based solutions have good disinfection characteristics. Using tap water to clean lenses, or wearing lenses while swimming or bathing can also increase the risk for infection. Symptoms typically include eye pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Preventative measures While serious infections, such as those affecting the brain like encephalitis or spreading throughout the body, are extremely rare, Acanthamoeba poses a higher risk to individuals with weakened immune systems. Acanthamoeba can enter the body through several routes, including the eyes (particularly in contact lens users), skin wounds, or inhalation into the lungs. Preventative measures for keratitis include regular hand washing, avoiding eye rubbing, using clean water for daily use, and avoiding poorly maintained swimming pools. Additionally, individuals should avoid sharing personal items with those suffering from conjunctivitis. In the event of an infection, timely medical evaluation and appropriate antibiotic treatment are essential. Dr Apichat highlighted that the rainy season often sees an increase in conjunctivitis cases, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. However, the following steps can help prevent the spread of the disease: Regular hand washing with soap and water. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals and not sharing personal items. Immediately rinse the eyes with clean water if exposed to dust or dirty water and refrain from rubbing the eyes. Maintaining personal and household hygiene, including regularly cleaning items such as handkerchiefs, bed linens, pillowcases, and clothing. Ensuring proper contact lens care and hygiene. Regularly cleaning water tanks and swimming pools. Infected individuals should avoid eye rubbing and use clean tissues or cloths to wipe tears or discharge, following medical advice. Following the public health alert, The DDC is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, residents are urged to follow the recommended preventative measures to minimise the risk of infection. For further information or concerns, the public can contact the DDC hotline at 1422. By Dr. Nikhil Prasad An image of an Acanthamoeba | Photo by CDC/ Dr. George Healy taken from Wikipedia Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Elderly woman with Alzheimer’s abused by caregiver A bedridden elderly woman with Alzheimer’s has allegedly been abused by her caregiver, resulting in broken teeth and bruises. The caregiver resigned to evade responsibility but continued to seek similar jobs on Facebook. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332812-elderly-woman-with-alzheimer’s-abused-by-caregiver/

A bedridden elderly woman with Alzheimer’s has allegedly been abused by her caregiver, resulting in broken teeth and bruises. The caregiver resigned to evade responsibility but continued to seek similar jobs on Facebook. At 11am yesterday, July 12, at Min Buri Police Station, Ekkapop Luangprasert, advisor to the Interior Minister and founder of a prominent Facebook social activist page, arrived with an 86 year old woman and her relatives to file a complaint against a physically abusive caregiver. The elderly woman, who had to be transported in a wheelchair, bore visible bruises, a swollen mouth, and broken teeth from the abuse. When asked if she was in pain, she confirmed her discomfort and expressed fear. She also mentioned being hungry and having a headache, holding her head as she spoke. Ekkapop explained that the relatives had initially contacted the Facebook page three weeks ago after posting a job advertisement on Facebook, offering 500 baht for a caregiver to feed and change the diapers of the bedridden woman who has Alzheimer’s and is paralysed on her left side. Relatives first noticed bruises on the elderly woman and checked the CCTV footage, revealing that the caregiver had forcefully hit her teeth with a spoon while feeding her, causing them to break. The caregiver also pinched the woman, leaving marks on her body. When questioned, the caregiver claimed the woman was uncooperative. She admitted to the abuse occurring 20 to 30 times. The caregiver has since resigned, but there are concerns she might abuse others if left unchecked. Dangerous choice The elderly woman’s son-in-law, Manop Tinsirisu recounted that on June 10, the previous caregiver resigned. Both he and his wife needed to work, so they searched for a replacement through Facebook. Many responded, including some scammers, but they eventually chose 49 year old Napasorn, from Pathum Thani. Napasorn claimed to have experience caring for the elderly in 10 to 20 cases. Manop his mother-in-law’s Alzheimer’s condition to Napasorn, who seemed understanding and respectful, leading them to hire her on June 11. She stayed with them until July 5, for which they paid her over 15,000 baht. About a week later, Manop and his wife noticed shocking changes in their mother’s behaviour as she appeared unusually lethargic. Her mouth was dry, suggesting Napasorn did not give her enough water. On July 1, they discovered bruises on their mother’s mouth, accompanied by a broken tooth. Napasorn claimed she was doing laundry outside when the tooth broke, but there was no evidence of washed clothes. On July 2, Manop reviewed the CCTV footage and saw evidence of the abuse. Both he and his wife were heartbroken and couldn’t believe such cruelty had occurred in their own home. By July 5, Manop confronted Napasorn, who initially denied the allegations but eventually admitted to the abuse, brazenly suggesting they report her to any police station. She claimed the abuse was due to uncooperative behaviour, likely exacerbated by her Alzheimer’s condition. Manop had been wary from the first day Napasorn requested her wages in cash, citing she didn’t have a bank account, raising suspicions. Currently, a new caregiver, 56 years old, has been hired, with hopes she will be kinder. However, Napasorn continues to seek caregiving jobs on Facebook. Deputy Metropolitan Police Commander Chana Warasin disclosed that the elderly woman will undergo a medical examination to obtain a certificate for legal proceedings. The police will summon Napasorn for questioning and consider charges of intentional bodily harm, reported KhaoSod. By Ryan Turner Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chumphon’s rosewood row: Locals prickled by illegal tree cutting File photo for reference only Residents of Chumphon raised concerns over the unauthorised cutting of five large rosewood trees, aged 20 years, by a local community leader. The trees were sold to a private investor for a substantial sum without government approval. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332811-chumphon’s-rosewood-row-locals-prickled-by-illegal-tree-cutting/

Residents of Chumphon raised concerns over the unauthorised cutting of five large rosewood trees, aged 20 years, by a local community leader. The trees were sold to a private investor for a substantial sum without government approval. The community leader, alongside locals, allegedly used chainsaws to fell the rosewood trees located in the Tha Sae district, selling them to a private investor without seeking permission from relevant state agencies. The location revealed two large tree stumps, with the trunks estimated to have been over 10 metres tall. Approximately 100 metres away, three more large stumps were discovered, with scattered branches and litter, such as food containers and drink bottles, around the area. Residents reported that the community leader and some villagers used machinery to cut down the rosewood trees to sell them, with the proceeds intended for the village fund. A private investor purchased the wood, using a six-wheel truck and a crane to transport the timber. Locals expressed suspicion over the legality of the act, as the rosewood trees are protected species, known to be over 20 years old and highly valuable. The total worth of the five trees was estimated at more than 2 million baht. Believing this action to be illegal, as the trees were located on public land, residents contacted forestry officials to investigate. However, when the officials arrived, they took no further action, prompting the residents to reach out to the media. Collective decision Village headman Prajak Taothong explained that the decision to cut the trees was made collectively by the community during a village meeting. The consensus was to remove the trees for safety reasons and to sell the rosewood to raise funds for the village. Prajak claimed to have only chaired the meeting and was not directly involved in the cutting or selling of the trees. The trees were sold for 100,000 baht, and the buyer, Uthai Udomrak, transferred the money to the village account. Chumphon Provincial Forestry Officer, Pinai Naklek stated that he was not fully aware of the details and had only recently learned about the incident. He emphasised that rosewood trees on public land are protected and cannot be cut down based on a village consensus. Such actions are illegal and require a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances. Pinai mentioned that while he knew which forestry officials visited the site, he had not yet received a report on their actions. He requested time to verify the facts before making any conclusions. Responding to villagers’ suspicions about possible collusion between the forestry officials and the community leader, Pinai acknowledged that the officials should have acted according to their responsibilities, despite seeming to support the community’s decision by contributing to the village fund, raising further questions about their conduct, reported KhaoSod. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Man Arrested for Pimping Teen to Online Child Porn Creator File photo for reference only A man in Prachin Buri, a central province in Thailand, was arrested by the police on accusations of facilitating the prostitution of a 16-year-old boy. The youngster was allegedly exploited by a creator of obscene content, who sold child pornography on social media platform, Twitter. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332810-thai-man-arrested-for-pimping-teen-to-online-child-porn-creator/

A man in Prachin Buri, a central province in Thailand, was arrested by the police on accusations of facilitating the prostitution of a 16-year-old boy. The youngster was allegedly exploited by a creator of obscene content, who sold child pornography on social media platform, Twitter. The 24-year-old suspect named Weerayut, who also goes by the name Toey, was taken into custody from his Nadee district residence. He was well-known in the local community as a hunter. The arrest of Weerayut followed that of a 19-year-old individual named Natpakan Somsuk, on April 19. Somsuk had been found marketing pornographic content that featured himself and various men, including the minor, on Twitter. Offering access to over 40 explicit contents for a membership fee of 199 baht, Somsuk confessed to running this operation for a year and making around 30,000 baht per month. Weerayut's connection to the case emerged when deeper investigations led the police from Somsuk to him. While the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) who made the arrest did not disclose official charges against Weerayut, past instances of similar cases provide possibilities. He may face three specific charges, as per the Criminal Law. The charges include enticing or procuring an individual for the desires of others, removing children under 15 from their parents' custody and inducing or permitting minors to partake in inappropriate acts or perform indecent activities. These offenses carry imprisonment and fines of varying degrees. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Prime Minister Encourages Growth of Halal Food Industry to Strengthen Economy File photo for reference only The National Halal Industry Committee (NHIC) had its first meeting for 2024 to boost Thailand's economy by opening up global markets for halal food products. The plan is to extend the international reach of these products, especially those from Thailand's southern border provinces. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332809-prime-minister-encourages-growth-of-halal-food-industry-to-strengthen-economy/

The National Halal Industry Committee (NHIC) had its first meeting for 2024 to boost Thailand's economy by opening up global markets for halal food products. The plan is to extend the international reach of these products, especially those from Thailand's southern border provinces. Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister, chaired the meeting and highlighted the significance of this initiative. He mentioned Thailand's strong and stable food sector, with a secure supply chain, appropriate climate, dependable labor, and efficient transportation. The NHIC's establishment is viewed as a key move in finding new outlets for Thai goods. This move came after Industry Minister Pimpatra Wichaikul's meetings with leaders from Muslim-majority nations, such as Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Sultan of Brunei. Prime Minister Srettha encouraged the concerned departments to advertise halal food products globally and back innovation and technology for manufacturers. He urged for transparent budgeting within the Ministry of Industry to boost Halal Industry Centre's work. This venture aims to uplift the lifestyle in the southern border provinces by generating employment and raising income, capitalizing on the region's high prospects. Additionally, the Prime Minister visited several halal product stalls to promote an assortment of products designed to elevate the potential of the halal industry. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Former Justice Minister leads investigation into Stark share scandal File photo for reference only The government has named former Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanjana as the new leader of the working group researching the Stark share fraud case worth several billion baht. He replaces Pichai Nilthongkham who stepped down, according to Justice Ministry. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332808-former-justice-minister-leads-investigation-into-stark-share-scandal/

The government has named former Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanjana as the new leader of the working group researching the Stark share fraud case worth several billion baht. He replaces Pichai Nilthongkham who stepped down, according to Justice Ministry. Pongthep's appointment comes alongside the inclusion of the Secretary General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the head of the Thailand Federation of Accounting Professions (TFAC), and the chief of the Thai Investors Association (TIA). The decision was made official by Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, as reported by Somboon Muangklam, his adviser. The duty of the working group is to study the high-profile fraud case related to Stark Corp shares. Police Colonel Yutthana Praedam, who is leading the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), gave updates on the investigation. He said that approximately 380 million baht was moved in several transactions from Stark to seven different parties, suspected to be acts of money laundering. Two of those involved are among the 11 suspects previously arrested and now in custody, awaiting trial. The first hearing is due to take place on January 14 next year. The suspects in jail include Chanin Yensudchai, former Stark CEO, who was recently caught in Dubai and brought back to Thailand at the specific request of the Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to the UAE. The other five parties who received money between 50 and 100 million baht each will also be summoned to face charges soon. The Stark shares scandal has led to at least 14.77 billion baht in losses for shareholders and stock investors. This consists of 9.19 billion baht in company bonds and a rights issue worth 5.58 billion baht, as explained by Police Colonel Yutthana. Assets worth around 3 billion baht connected to the scandal have been taken, with the SEC still working to seize more. Witthaya Nititham, a spokesperson for the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), stated that 4,724 affected parties are trying to recover their funds, estimated at 3.24 billion baht. However, the money can't be returned until a court order is given. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chulalongkorn University unveils 3D solution for treating dog eye conditions File photo for reference only Is your dog suffering from symptoms like cloudy eyes, frequent squinting, or unusual teary eyes? It could be a sign of a corneal ulcer, a potentially sight-threatening condition. However, there's hope, thanks to scientists from Chulalongkorn University who have created a groundbreaking three-dimensional (3D) artificial cornea using stem cells. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332806-chulalongkorn-university-unveils-3d-solution-for-treating-dog-eye-conditions/