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A Laotian businessman demanded that a foreigner in the Isaan province of Udon Thani take responsibility for smashing his car window and attempting to punch him in the face. Mueang Udon Thani Police Station was alerted to investigate a damaged car at Nong Bua Market Intersection at 4pm yesterday, July 9. Upon arrival, officers met the car’s owner, a 68 year old Laotian man named Somchai, and his wife. Both were still shaken and frightened. Somchai told police that he was driving to a hospital on Nittayo Road. When approaching the intersection, he signalled to other motorists that he would make a left turn. He was about to turn when the foreign suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, approached him. The foreign man parked his motorcycle in the middle of the road, leaving his child sitting there. He accused Somchai of cutting him off and complained loudly. Somchai said he apologised to the foreign man even though he was confident he had done nothing wrong. However, the foreigner did not accept his apology and continued to shout at Somchai and his wife. Unexpectedly, the foreign man smashed his fist into the left-side car window, shattering it. He also tried to punch Somchai but the victim managed to avoid the assault. The man then returned to his motorcycle and left the scene. The Laotian man told Channel 3 that he visited Thailand quite often but never experienced anything like this. He wanted the foreigner to take responsibility and compensate him for the damage. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 3 Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Oil smuggling fugitive escapes with politician’s help Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers are seeking warrants for the arrests of six individuals allegedly involved in the brazen hijacking of three oil smuggling vessels from the Marine Police Division’s pier in Sattahip on June 11. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332132-oil-smuggling-fugitive-escapes-with-politician’s-help/

Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers are seeking warrants for the arrests of six individuals allegedly involved in the brazen hijacking of three oil smuggling vessels from the Marine Police Division’s pier in Sattahip on June 11. Police Colonel Anek Taosuparb, CSD Deputy Commander, revealed to the media today, July 10, that two of the six suspects, including the ringleader known only as Sahachai, have fled Thailand. “Sahachai’s escape was reportedly facilitated by a foreign politician.” The fugitive is believed to be hiding in a neighbouring country. Once sufficient evidence is gathered, Anek plans to collaborate with his foreign counterparts to secure the arrest. Fifteen crew members from the three oil-smuggling vessels were implicated in the theft at the Sattahip pier. The stolen boats were later recovered in Malaysian waters, though the 330,000 litres of diesel fuel they were carrying had vanished. The vessels were brought back to the Marine Police Division’s pier in Songkhla province. In the wake of this scandal, the commander of the Marine Police Division has been reassigned to the Central Investigation Bureau’s operations centre, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation, reported Thai PBS World. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police arrest Russian gang leader for sale of counterfeit passports Image courtesy of KhaoSod Thai immigration officials apprehended the leader of a Russian gang involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit passports. The operation, which caused damages exceeding 30 million baht, had its manufacturing hub in the Dominican Republic before smuggling the fake documents into Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332131-police-arrest-russian-gang-leader-for-sale-of-counterfeit-passports/

Thai immigration officials apprehended the leader of a Russian gang involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit passports. The operation, which caused damages exceeding 30 million baht, had its manufacturing hub in the Dominican Republic before smuggling the fake documents into Thailand. Today, July 10, the Immigration Bureau held a press conference to announce the arrest of 44 year old Artem, a Russian national. He was detained under an arrest warrant issued by the Bangkok South Criminal Court for making, importing, and selling counterfeit passports. The investigation revealed that the gang was part of a larger transnational criminal organisation. The investigation began when officers from the Immigration Division 4, working with the Transnational Crime Investigation Division, received photographs of counterfeit US passports. The anomalies in the passport images raised suspicions, prompting officials to contact the Overseas Criminal Investigations Unit (OCI) of the United States in Thailand. The OCI confirmed that the passports were indeed fake. Further inquiries revealed that the gang advertised their services on platforms like VK, Telegram, WhatsApp, and their website, claiming they could produce passports from 15 countries through legitimate means. Payments were made via digital currency accounts, and a company was established in Thailand to add credibility to their operations. Many victims, deceived by these claims, either never received their passports or received counterfeit ones. The fake passports were shipped from the Dominican Republic through the courier company FedEx. The investigation identified Artem as the leader of the operation in Thailand. Armed with evidence, police and immigration officers sought and obtained a warrant from the Bangkok South Criminal Court to conduct a search and arrest the gang leader. Artem was apprehended at his condominium in Bang Rak, Bangkok. Seized during the arrest were mobile phones, a laptop, bank books, and foreign credit cards. The investigation uncovered a well-organised operation with distinct roles, with associates in the Dominican Republic producing counterfeit passports, while Artem handled advertising, victim communication, and financial transactions, reported KhaoSod. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM Srettha highlights key achievements in first year of office Image courtesy of The Nation Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin asserted yesterday that his administration has made significant progress in its first year, countering criticisms from opposition parties and some dissatisfied members of the Pheu Thai Party. The Thai premier yesterday, July 9, emphasised that more accomplishments will become evident over time. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332130-pm-srettha-highlights-key-achievements-in-first-year-of-office/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin asserted yesterday that his administration has made significant progress in its first year, countering criticisms from opposition parties and some dissatisfied members of the Pheu Thai Party. The Thai premier yesterday, July 9, emphasised that more accomplishments will become evident over time. Addressing claims that the government had yet to deliver tangible results, the Bangkok-born PM stated his readiness to outline the administration’s achievements during a Pheu Thai Party meeting held at 3pm yesterday. Acknowledging communication issues, PM Srettha noted that public awareness of the government’s progress might be lacking due to insufficient dissemination of information. “We have done a lot and many ministerial projects, made with much hard work, are being implemented.” The Bangkok-born prime minister highlighted several key achievements, including an increase in foreign direct investment, improved prices for agricultural produce, a moratorium on farmers’ debts, an enhanced education quality for youth, an increase in the daily minimum wage, the enactment of a law allowing same-sex marriage, upgrades to the 30-baht universal healthcare services, intensified drug suppression efforts. The 62 year old PM also stressed the ongoing nature of the government’s initiatives, stressing that results will gradually become apparent to the public in due time, reported The Nation. “We are implementing several other projects… the results will gradually become apparent, such as foreign investments and free-trade agreements.” By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

South Korea and Thailand Begin Discussions on Trade Agreement File photo for reference only South Korea's Trade Ministry announced yesterday that it has begun talks with Thailand to set up an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This move aims to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The South Korean team, led by Deputy Minister for FTA Negotiations, Roh Keon-ki, will be in discussions with his Thai equivalent, Chotima Iemsawasdikul, in Bangkok until tomorrow, according to a ministry spokesperson. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332127-south-korea-and-thailand-begin-discussions-on-trade-agreement/

South Korea's Trade Ministry announced yesterday that it has begun talks with Thailand to set up an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This move aims to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The South Korean team, led by Deputy Minister for FTA Negotiations, Roh Keon-ki, will be in discussions with his Thai equivalent, Chotima Iemsawasdikul, in Bangkok until tomorrow, according to a ministry spokesperson. EPAs are designed to promote mutually beneficial trade beyond just market access. However, they typically have a narrower scope than traditional free trade agreements. Both Seoul and Bangkok first announced these negotiations back in March. Despite South Korea already having trade agreements with Thailand through the South Korea-ASEAN FTA and the RCEP, Roh believes there is still room for improving trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. He noted the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECP), which is among the world's largest free trade agreements that includes 15 nations and contributes to around 30% of the global GDP. Roh suggested that a South Korea-Thai EPA, designed particularly for these two nations, will set up policies to lift economic cooperation to new heights. The talks will focus on various sectors such as goods, services, investment, digital, and government procurement. The goal, according to the Korean Deputy Minister, is to boost the competitiveness of South Korean products through increased collaboration with Thailand, leveraging its strong manufacturing sector. Roh pointed out that Thailand is Southeast Asia's second largest economy and a manufacturing power in the region. An EPA between South Korea and Thailand, he said, would boost the competitiveness of South Korean exports compared to rivals like Japan and China. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai government supports Buriram graduates amidst cheating allegations File photo for reference only The Thai government has strongly defended 40 graduates of Buriram Rajabhat University. These students are facing allegations of cheating in their exams for assistant teaching roles. Speculations have been fueled by the fact that the Education Minister, Permpoon Chidchob, hails from Buriram province, where the university is located. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332126-thai-government-supports-buriram-graduates-amidst-cheating-allegations/

The Thai government has strongly defended 40 graduates of Buriram Rajabhat University. These students are facing allegations of cheating in their exams for assistant teaching roles. Speculations have been fueled by the fact that the Education Minister, Permpoon Chidchob, hails from Buriram province, where the university is located. Karom Phonphonklang, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, addressed the allegations. He criticized the accusers, stating that there should be no accusations without any substantial evidence. He reminded everyone that no law supports unfounded allegations and that every person deserves equality. Karom also labeled those making accusations as immature, irresponsible, and lacking empathy. He noted that many of the accused students come from underprivileged backgrounds, with their families making big sacrifices for their education. In the face of these accusations, Karom praised the graduates' hard work and commitment to their five-year study at Buriram Rajabhat University. He also condemned those who level criticism without proper proof. Karom then emphasized that each province, not just Buriram, produces talented individuals. He stated such groundless criticism only serves to stir up divisions. He urged people to think about the real effects of their words and actions, and to desist from making groundless accusations. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Japanese man apprehended for attacking and holding captive his Thai ex-girlfriend File photo for reference only A Japanese man, identified as Ichiro, was arrested by Immigration Bureau officers in Thailand. He is accused of physically abusing and holding his Thai ex-girlfriend captive. Additionally, he overstayed his visa while evading arrest for a kidnapping case in Japan. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332125-japanese-man-apprehended-for-attacking-and-holding-captive-his-thai-ex-girlfriend/

A Japanese man, identified as Ichiro, was arrested by Immigration Bureau officers in Thailand. He is accused of physically abusing and holding his Thai ex-girlfriend captive. Additionally, he overstayed his visa while evading arrest for a kidnapping case in Japan. The victim, known only as Bee, lodged a police complaint against her former boyfriend. She reported that Ichiro engaged in violent behavior, detained her during their relationship, and threatened to kill her on several occasions. Bee also presented proof of Ichiro's threatening behavior, giving the police a screenshot of a conversation where Ichiro sent her a picture of a gun, bullets, and other weaponry. He also sent her videos that revealed he had been stalking her. Further police complaints were lodged by Bee’s family members. They alleged that Ichiro, in a noticeably drunk state, would often hang around their home and show violent behavior from midnight until morning. In the interest of their safety, the police provided protection to Bee and her family. They kept a close watch on Ichiro. Their attention was attracted by a suspicious Toyota Alphard car spotted near Bee’s residence multiple times daily. The suspicious vehicle was pulled over at a gas station close to Bee's home, and Ichiro was found inside. He was taken into custody for questioning. The police discovered in their examination of Ichiro's past that he is a member of a prominent criminal gang in Japan. Ichiro, along with five other members, had recently been involved in a kidnapping where they assaulted and detained the victim in Tokyo. Ichiro fled from Japan to Thailand after the incident and overstayed his visa while hiding. While it is known that Ichiro was arrested, the specific legal punishment he will face is yet to be revealed. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand's Oldest Oilfield to Undergo Redevelopment Worth 300 Million Baht File photo for reference only The Northern Petroleum Development Centre (NPDC) of Thailand's Defence Energy Department has announced a 300 million baht revamp for the country's oldest oilfield. The Fang Oilfield in Chiang Mai will be upgraded to meet Euro5 standards, which will allow it to produce a type of diesel with less sulphur that's safe for car engines. The current refinery produces high-sulphur diesel and fuel oil at a rate of 600 barrels per day, a rate insufficient for securing private sector investments. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332124-thailands-oldest-oilfield-to-undergo-redevelopment-worth-300-million-baht/

The Northern Petroleum Development Centre (NPDC) of Thailand's Defence Energy Department has announced a 300 million baht revamp for the country's oldest oilfield. The Fang Oilfield in Chiang Mai will be upgraded to meet Euro5 standards, which will allow it to produce a type of diesel with less sulphur that's safe for car engines. The current refinery produces high-sulphur diesel and fuel oil at a rate of 600 barrels per day, a rate insufficient for securing private sector investments. Director of the NPDC, Montri Jeennakorn, stated that effective management could extend the oilfield's productivity for another 50 years. He emphasized the strategic importance of the oil produced, asserting its significance during war periods when oil tanker access could be cut off. He also raised concerns over the adequacy and legality of privately-produced oil. The Move Forward Party has recently suggested that the army should hand over the oilfield to the government, arguing that oil production is not within the military's purview. While open to the idea, the Ministry of Defence stressed the need for efficient management of the oilfield post-transfer. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man Found Hanging from Electricity Pole in Nakhon Ratchasima File photo for reference only A well-dressed man was discovered dead, hanging from a high-voltage electricity pole, much to the shock of a local vendor who witnessed the disturbing scene. The vendor described the man as looking sad while drinking soda by himself. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332123-man-found-hanging-from-electricity-pole-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

A well-dressed man was discovered dead, hanging from a high-voltage electricity pole, much to the shock of a local vendor who witnessed the disturbing scene. The vendor described the man as looking sad while drinking soda by himself. This morning at 8 AM, on July 10, Aditep Tangkrothok, the Deputy Inspector of Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station, was alerted about a suicide near a store in the city center. Upon reaching the area on Suebsiri Road, the police found a man, dressed in a purple shirt and shorts, hanging about 8 meters off the ground using a telephone wire. Assistance to retrieve the body was given by officials from Nakhon Ratchasima's Provincial Electricity Authority and the Sawang Metta Korat rescue team. There was no evidence hinting towards any criminal activity and the man, who was roughly 35 to 40 years old, was confirmed to have been deceased for a minimum of two hours. The man had 309 baht (around $8.5 US) and an amulet in his pocket, but no form of identification. The body was later sent to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for examination to further the investigation into this unusual death. A local drink vendor, Aey, recalled seeing the man the previous day. She described him as handsome and seemingly depressed. Early this morning, she noticed him drinking a soda alone before he ended his life by climbing the pole. The police aim to identify and notify the man's relatives and are diligently working to understand the reason behind this unfortunate event. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Burmeses woman admits to abandoning her newborn twins in Bangkok File photo for reference only Police have identified an 18-year-old woman from Burma as the mother of two newborn twin boys, whose bodies were discovered in a garbage bin in Soi Phahonyothin 13, Bangkok, on July 3. A garbage collector initially found the twin's bodies at the back of his truck. The bodies, believed to be at about four to five months of gestation, were inside plastic bags among other trash. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332122-burmeses-woman-admits-to-abandoning-her-newborn-twins-in-bangkok/

Police have identified an 18-year-old woman from Burma as the mother of two newborn twin boys, whose bodies were discovered in a garbage bin in Soi Phahonyothin 13, Bangkok, on July 3. A garbage collector initially found the twin's bodies at the back of his truck. The bodies, believed to be at about four to five months of gestation, were inside plastic bags among other trash. While investigating rented properties and neighboring areas, officers from Bang Sue Police Station identified the Burmese teenager as a notable subject. The teen had reportedly vanished from her room on July 4, but returned when the chatter about the deceased infants waned. Police questioned the woman on July 9. The woman confessed that she was the mother of the twins, and had taken a specific drug to enforce premature delivery. On discovering their death after delivery, she admitted to placing them into the plastic bags and discarding them in the bin. Furthermore, she confessed to living in Thailand illegally. The Burmese woman now faces two charges: Section 301 of the Criminal Law for intentionally causing a miscarriage while the pregnancy is over 12 weeks. This carries a penalty of up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both. The other charge is under Section 81 of the Immigration Act for residing in Thailand without or an expired permit. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man arrested for theft of hundred-year-old royal photographs during a house fire File photo for reference only Yesterday, July 9, police in Bangkok arrested Nava Hongsakul, the 36-year-old driver for the CEO of Belink Media, Krisana Thanomsab. His arrest is in connection to the theft of four antique royal photos during a house fire at his employer's mansion in May. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332121-man-arrested-for-theft-of-hundred-year-old-royal-photographs-during-a-house-fire/

Yesterday, July 9, police in Bangkok arrested Nava Hongsakul, the 36-year-old driver for the CEO of Belink Media, Krisana Thanomsab. His arrest is in connection to the theft of four antique royal photos during a house fire at his employer's mansion in May. Hongsakul was caught while driving a luxury van in front of the Royal Thai Police headquarters in the city's Pathumwan district at 2pm. He had begun working as a driver for Krisana in 2022. Within a year, the native of Samut Prakan had easy access to every area of his boss's Udomsuk Road mansion. On May 4, a fire started in the mansion's electrical power control room, leading to the shutdown of the security cameras. Amid the chaos, Hongsakul secretly re-entered the evacuated property and stole four 120-year-old royal pictures, all bearing King Rama V's images. He then acted as though everything was normal and carried out his regular duties. When the fire was put out, Krisana realized the precious photos, marked with royal signatures and considered a family heirloom, were missing. He quickly reported them missing to the police. Investigations led the police to find out that the photos had been bought by collectors from different provinces including Chon Buri, Nakhon Pathom, and Nonthaburi for a total of 100,000 baht. Detective reports later confirmed that Hongsakul had sold the photos online. "The accused confessed to selling the priceless photos online," Police Major General Theeradet Thumsuthee of the Metropolitan Police Bureau confirmed. The police also learned of Hongsakul’s previous criminal record related to facilitating gambling activities. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Small earthquake causes tremors in Koh Samui, felt by local residents File photo for reference only A mild earthquake of 2.0 magnitude rattled Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination in Surat Thani, Thailand, late at night. According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), the quake occurred at 12:14 am on July 10 at a shallow depth of 1 kilometer. The tremor was distinctly felt by locals in several regions including Bo Phut, Soi Talad Kao, Lamai, Maret, and Koh Samui. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332118-small-earthquake-causes-tremors-in-koh-samui-felt-by-local-residents/

A mild earthquake of 2.0 magnitude rattled Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination in Surat Thani, Thailand, late at night. According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), the quake occurred at 12:14 am on July 10 at a shallow depth of 1 kilometer. The tremor was distinctly felt by locals in several regions including Bo Phut, Soi Talad Kao, Lamai, Maret, and Koh Samui. People reported hearing a sound similar to thunder before experiencing the ground shake. This comes after another quake of slightly higher magnitude, 2.2, struck Sri Dong Yen in Chiang Mai at a depth of 2 kilometers around 6:20 pm the previous day. The TMD is vigilantly tracking these seismic events to promptly inform the public about any potential threats. Despite the unusual occurrence, there were no immediate reports of damage or injury from the quake in Koh Samui, a region famed for its beaches. The local news source, KhaoSod, confirmed this. A local resident expressed surprise at the event, stating that it was "quite surprising" and "a bit alarming" since earthquakes aren't common in the area. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand postpones legal consultation on funding for digital wallets File photo for reference only The Thai government has not yet requested legal guidance from the Council of State about using money from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to partially fund a digital wallet program. This was confirmed by the Secretary-General of the Council, Pakorn Nilprapunt. Pakorn explained that the government does not need approval from the council to use the national budget for the program as it has the freedom to manage its budget. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332117-thailand-postpones-legal-consultation-on-funding-for-digital-wallets/

The Thai government has not yet requested legal guidance from the Council of State about using money from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to partially fund a digital wallet program. This was confirmed by the Secretary-General of the Council, Pakorn Nilprapunt. Pakorn explained that the government does not need approval from the council to use the national budget for the program as it has the freedom to manage its budget. He also pointed out that the Budget Bureau checks the potential use of the national budget's central fund, which is reserved for emergencies. The bureau will assess if the request to use this aligns with its guidelines. The government planned to use 172 billion baht from the BAAC as a primary funding source for the digital wallet plan. However, this faces legal issues as the BAAC is legally limited to providing financial support to farmers only, not for wider economic stimulus. On May 28, the Cabinet approved a 3.75 trillion baht budget for the fiscal year 2025, which starts on October 1 and ends on September 30 the following year. Out of this, 152.7 billion baht from the central fund will partially fund the handout scheme. Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri, Deputy Government Spokesperson, disclosed that the government additionally approved a bill on July 9 to assign 122 billion baht from the 2024 fiscal budget to the same scheme. The bill is set to be presented in Parliament next week for its initial reading. Out of the 122 billion baht, 111 billion baht will come from a budget deficit, with the rest of the money diverted from other parts of the 2024 spending, as explained by the Budget Bureau. According to Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary for finance, the government has to wait for the budget bill for fiscal year 2025 to pass through Parliament before asking for advice from the Council of State on the handout scheme. The 3.75-trillion-baht budget bill for fiscal year 2025 successfully passed its first reading in the House of Representatives on June 21 and is currently being reviewed by the vetting committee. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe