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Thailand Pressed to Enhance Regional Airports for Tourism Boost File photo for reference only The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) has appealed to the government to elevate more local airports to international level, with the goal of increasing tourism to Thailand's 55 smaller cities and boosting revenue. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329596-thailand-pressed-to-enhance-regional-airports-for-tourism-boost/

The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) has appealed to the government to elevate more local airports to international level, with the goal of increasing tourism to Thailand's 55 smaller cities and boosting revenue. At the Ignite Tourism Thailand event, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was told by AAT President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth about the necessity of improving local airports to accommodate international flights. This move is expected to draw more tourists to nearby provinces and enrich their tourism potential further. Puttipong suggested that the government should consider including airfare costs to less-developed cities in its recent tax deduction measure to help lower travel costs. He also stressed the importance of visa-free policies due to the trend of tourists making last-minute flight bookings. He underscored that airlines wish for visa-free policies to be announced two to three months in advance for planning and flight booking purposes. Moreover, Puttipong mentioned that many airlines are advocating for the government to boost air service agreements with India, as the current provisions are inadequate to meet the demands of all Thai airlines. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, raised concerns over the increase in foreign tour businesses, particularly from China and Russia, setting up shop in Thailand. He argued that their low-cost strategy is threatening the local tourism industry by depressing market prices and providing substandard services. To address these issues, Sisdivachr proposed intensive sales and marketing campaigns, especially for less popular touristic provinces. These campaigns could assist tour operators in introducing new paths to unexplored markets. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association, advised the government to consider implementing a subsidy exclusively for retirees, similar to the previous We Travel Together program, as they have the budget and leisure to travel during weekdays. During a gathering with 55 provincial governors, the Prime Minister emphasized the necessity for all provinces to upgrade their infrastructure to meet growing tourism demand, including improvements in transport and other tourist facilities. These plans are part of a broader aim to evenly distribute tourism gains throughout Thailand, ensuring that smaller cities also benefit from an influx of tourists. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NHRC appeals for justice over nine missing Thai activists File photo for reference only The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called upon the Ministry of Justice, asking it to act on the cases of nine Thai political activists who disappeared after seeking asylum in nearby countries. NHRC's Sayamol Kaiyoorawong recently presented an investigation report on these disappearances to Somboon Muangklam. Muangklam advises Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and also leads the committee on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329595-nhrc-appeals-for-justice-over-nine-missing-thai-activists/

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called upon the Ministry of Justice, asking it to act on the cases of nine Thai political activists who disappeared after seeking asylum in nearby countries. NHRC's Sayamol Kaiyoorawong recently presented an investigation report on these disappearances to Somboon Muangklam. Muangklam advises Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and also leads the committee on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance. The missing activists include Ittipon Sukpaen, Wuthipong Kochathamakun, Surachai Danwattananusorn, Chucheep Chiwasut, Kritsana Thapthai, Siam Theerawut, and Wanchalearm Satsaksit, who disappeared in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam between 2017 and 2021. The bodies of Chatcharn Buppawan and Kraidej Luelert, two of the activists, were regrettably found in concrete along the Mekong River border with Laos in late 2018. These missing activists faced charges under the Computer Crime Act, the royal defamation law (Section 112 of the Criminal Code), or were accused of threatening political stability. The NHRC criticized the Thai government for failing to investigate these cases thoroughly, hinting that government institutions might be involved due to their negligence. The NHRC found that government agencies did not effectively pair up with neighboring countries to solve these disappearances. It underscored the requirement for these agencies to respect legal procedures, determine why the disappearances happened, and hold anyone answerable for these acts accountable. Also, the NHRC stressed the state's duty to provide financial compensation to the activist’s families. This requirement is dictated by the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the new Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act 2022. The NHRC pointed out a problem in the 2001 act which determines damages for the injured person and compensation. This act lacks criteria for government compensation for enforced disappearances, and it appeared that no other types of compensation had been offered to the families affected. NHRC's investigation found that the disappeared activists all held political opinions different from the government's stance. It has asked the Cabinet to rush the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket man arrested for murder of 21 year old masseuse Picture courtesy of Phetchaburi Provincial Police Phuket police arrested a man in connection with the murder of Benjarat ‘Nong Cream’ Cheychan, a 21 year old masseuse from Phuket who was last seen leaving her house in Rawai on June 3. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329594-phuket-man-arrested-for-murder-of-21-year-old-masseuse/

Phuket police arrested a man in connection with the murder of Benjarat ‘Nong Cream’ Cheychan, a 21 year old masseuse from Phuket who was last seen leaving her house in Rawai on June 3. Benjarat was seen departing with a man driving a grey Bangkok-registered Toyota pickup truck. She informed friends she was going to address a dispute with a relative about car repayments. Concerned for her safety, her mother reported her missing to Chalong Police the following day. Three days later, Benjarat’s body was discovered beside Petchkasem Road in Moo 1, Tambon Nong Prong, Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi. Police apprehended 22 year old Anuwat Pimmat at an eatery in Tambon Thongchai, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan around 10pm on June 9. He was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Phetchaburi Criminal Court and faces charges of murder and concealing a body. During a re-enactment on June 10, Anuwat explained that he had met Benjarat through a dating app and had developed a serious relationship with her since the Songkran festival in April. He flew from Bangkok to Phuket to meet her, and she picked him up from his hotel. They then travelled to Prachuap Khiri Khan to retrieve a pickup truck they intended to return to her former boyfriend in Bangkok. While passing through Sam Roi Yot District in Prachuap Khiri Khan on June 3, Anuwat received a phone call from his wife. Benjarat, realising he was not single, became angry and slapped him. Anuwat, in a fit of rage, strangled her, reported The Phuket News. “It was a moment of uncontrollable anger,” Anuwat told the police. According to the police, Anuwat then drove around looking for a location to dispose of the body, which he eventually left on the side of the highway in Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Phetchaburi Provincial Police Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya garden trumpets arrival of twin baby elephants Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Tropical Garden celebrated the arrival of twin baby elephants with an elaborate ceremony yesterday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329593-pattaya-garden-trumpets-arrival-of-twin-baby-elephants/

Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Tropical Garden celebrated the arrival of twin baby elephants with an elaborate ceremony yesterday. Kampol Tansajja, President of Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, and his management team led the event. They invited Phra Kru Silasarathikhun, Abbot of Khao Khanthamat Temple, and Phra Kru Kasem Kittisophon, Abbot of Samakkhi Banphot Temple, to oversee the proceedings within the sprawling 200-rai garden. The ceremony began with a vibrant procession featuring graceful dancers and over 30 elephants, warmly welcoming the new calves, Plai Mitthuna and Pang Nong Joon. The abbots adorned the elephants with flowery garlands and marked their foreheads with white powder as part of the religious blessings. Both Plai Mitthuna and Pang Nong Joon were born on the same day in June. They are reported to be in excellent health and are under the diligent care of the sanctuary’s specialised elephant keepers. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is currently home to 77 elephants. Pattaya News states it is the first elephant sanctuary in Thailand to receive certification for good practices from the Thai Department of Livestock and the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok cops arrest blind Cambodian mum and child for begging Picture courtesy of Newsmania Youtube Police apprehended a blind Cambodian mother and her seven year old daughter, who were found begging at a local market, revealing their daily earnings to be surprisingly high. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329592-bangkok-cops-arrest-blind-cambodian-mum-and-child-for-begging/

Police apprehended a blind Cambodian mother and her seven year old daughter, who were found begging at a local market, revealing their daily earnings to be surprisingly high. Police inspector Papon Ek Bunanan, from the Phra Pradaeng Police Station in Samut Prakan, yesterday received a report from residents about a mother and daughter begging at the Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market entrance on Phet Hueng Road, Moo 10, Bang Yo Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the duo consisted of a blind, 46 year old woman named Sok Lee and her seven year old daughter. Both were found without documentation for their stay in Thailand, possessing only Cambodian identification cards. The police then escorted the pair to the Phra Pradaeng Police Station for further questioning. A search of Sok Lee’s brown fabric shoulder bag revealed personal belongings and nearly 4,000 baht (US$110) in cash, including banknotes and coins. An additional 160 baht (US$4) was found in a clear plastic cup used for begging. Market vendors reported that Sok Lee and her daughter had been begging at the market since around 4.30pm. Some locals, moved by their plight, gave them money, unaware of their nationality or whether they were genuinely mother and daughter. Suspicions arose about potential involvement in a begging syndicate, prompting residents to notify the police. Despite their fluent Thai, it was only recently discovered that the pair were Cambodian nationals. Cambodian beggers Sok Lee confirmed that the money in her bag was earned from begging. She explained that they first begged at a market in Samae Dam, Bangkok, before moving to the current location. When the police attempted to take them into custody, the mother and daughter loudly pleaded for release, drawing a crowd of onlookers. This public display was seen as an attempt to garner sympathy and pressure the officers into releasing them. Further investigations revealed that this was not the first instance of such an arrest by the Phra Pradaeng Police. Previous arrests of mother-daughter beggar pairs indicated potential connections to the same syndicate, all residing in the Rat Burana area. Sok Lee was charged with illegal entry into the country and begging without permission under Thai law. Meanwhile, the seven year old girl was taken into temporary care by the Samut Prakan Provincial Child and Family Shelter and the Samut Prakan Provincial Homeless Protection Centre until Sok Lee’s legal proceedings concluded. Both are expected to be deported back to Cambodia. Sok Lee disclosed that she and her daughter had been in Thailand for about two months, staying in Soi Suksawat 38. She resorted to begging due to her blindness and needed her daughter to guide her. Their daily routine involved begging in areas such as Samae Dam, Phra Pradaeng, Rat Burana, and Thung Khru, returning to their room around 9pm, reported Sanook. They earned at least 3,000 baht (US$82) daily until their arrest. Sok Lee also informed the police that approximately 20 to 30 other Cambodian beggars, living in the same area, engaged in similar activities. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Newsmania Youtube Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man shoots former village headman over insult in Kanchanaburi Image courtesy of KhaoSod A man fatally shot a former village headman in Kanchanaburi out of revenge for being insulted in front of his girlfriend. The tragic incident occurred while the victim was helping to repair a roof at his girlfriend’s mother’s house. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329591-man-shoots-former-village-headman-over-insult-in-kanchanaburi/

A man fatally shot a former village headman in Kanchanaburi out of revenge for being insulted in front of his girlfriend. The tragic incident occurred while the victim was helping to repair a roof at his girlfriend’s mother’s house. Police in Kanchanaburi’s Leaukwan district received a report about the shooting yesterday. The incident took place at a house in Leaukwan subdistrict. The Thai police coordinated with doctors and volunteers from the Pitak Kan Foundation to investigate the scene. The site of the gruesome murder was a single-storey home, where authorities discovered the body of 54 year old former village headman, Boonmee Yueaim hanging head-down from the roof, with his legs entangled in the metal framework. Blood had pooled on the floor below. Boonmee had been shot multiple times, once in the neck, once in the back of the head, and twice in the torso. Another individual, 19 year old Thanaphon was shot in the arm and leg and had been rushed to the hospital by locals before the authorities arrived at the scene. The gunman was identified as Suthat, the boyfriend of the homeowner’s daughter. Following the incident, police apprehended him at a relative’s house nearby and seized the 9mm firearm used in the shooting. The homeowner, 33 year old Chompoonuch, explained that the deceased had come to help her replace roof tiles damaged by a storm. While Boonmee was on the roof, she was hammering nails in front of the house. Innocent bystander Suthat, who was dating her daughter, suddenly opened fire, shooting Boonmee approximately six to seven times in total. Some bullets ricocheted and hit an innocent bystander, Thanaphon, causing serious injuries. Chompoonuch revealed that Suthat immediately fled the scene after the shooting. She added that she had no prior knowledge of what could have triggered the violent act, as there had been no previous altercation between the two. Authorities successfully captured Suthat after he attempted to escape. During questioning, Suthat claimed, with a calm expression, that Boonmee had previously insulted and threatened him in front of his girlfriend, which had caused him to harbour deep resentment. He confessed that he seized this opportunity to exact revenge. Suthat admitted to having served time in prison before and expressed regret over the incident. Police have charged Suthat with murder and violations under the Firearms Act. He faces the death penalty or prison for up to 20 years. He will be held in custody and face further legal proceedings at Kanchanaburi Provincial Court, reported KhaoSod. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Security guard saves resident from knife attack in Bang Phli By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Sanook A security guard saved a resident from an attack with only a baton and some courage, unafraid of being outnumbered. Yesterday, June 11, at 8.30pm, police in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan received a report of an assault outside a housing estate in the area. Upon receiving the alert, police and rescue teams from Por Teck Tueng Foundation were dispatched to the scene. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329590-security-guard-saves-resident-from-knife-attack-in-bang-phli/

A security guard saved a resident from an attack with only a baton and some courage, unafraid of being outnumbered. Yesterday, June 11, at 8.30pm, police in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan received a report of an assault outside a housing estate in the area. Upon receiving the alert, police and rescue teams from Por Teck Tueng Foundation were dispatched to the scene. Arriving at the location near the entrance guard booth of the housing estate, they found 23 year old Kitti with a deep cut on his head from a knife. His 15 year old girlfriend had a wound on her right wrist. Rescue personnel provided first aid before transporting both to Bang Phli Hospital. Nearby, a flattened iron rod with a handle, believed to be the weapon used, was discovered and collected by officers. A pair of shoes, identified as belonging to the assailants, was also found on the road. CCTV footage revealed two motorbikes carrying three individuals, including a young woman and an 11 year old boy. The footage showed that as the first two motorbikes waited to enter the estate, they were followed by another motorbike with two young men. A confrontation ensued, leading one of the young men to draw a knife and strike Kitti on the head. Kitti’s girlfriend tried to shield him, resulting in a cut on her wrist. The 11 year old boy in a blue shirt ran to the guard booth for help. A 24 year old security guard on duty, Panipat Ramphakdee responded by running with his baton to intervene. His actions caused the assailants to flee. Panipat then used his uniform shirt to staunch Kitti’s head wound before calling for emergency help. From her hospital bed, the young woman recounted the incident. She, her boyfriend, and his younger brother were returning home on motorcycles when they encountered the assailants near a local bank. An initial confrontation occurred after a motorcycle cut them off, leading to insults being exchanged. Despite attempts to avoid further conflict, the assailants followed them and attacked near the estate entrance. Knife attack Kitti confirmed he had never met the attackers before and the confrontation started when the other motorcycle cut them off. He did not stop when the assailants demanded, leading to the attack. Panipat, the security guard, was seen in CCTV footage running to aid the victims with his baton. Reflecting on the incident, he explained that he was performing routine duties when he heard the commotion. Recognising the residents in distress, he took immediate action to ensure their safety. He removed his uniform shirt to press against Kitti’s wound until professional help arrived, reported Sanook. The police have documented the scene, taken photographs, and are reviewing CCTV footage as part of their ongoing investigation to apprehend the attackers. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Sanook Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Scam escape: Taiwanese tourist flees call centre conmen Photo via Channel 7 A Taiwanese man sought help from Thai police in the central province of Ang Thong after he escaped from two foreigners who tricked him into working for a call centre scam gang. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329589-scam-escape-taiwanese-tourist-flees-call-centre-conmen/

A Taiwanese man sought help from Thai police in the central province of Ang Thong after he escaped from two foreigners who tricked him into working for a call centre scam gang. The 33 year old Taiwanese man, Lin Kai Lun, filed a complaint at Chaiyo Police Station in the Chaiyo district of Ang Thong after he managed to flee from the call centre scam gang. He revealed that the Thai teacher and monk, whose identities were not disclosed, helped him. Lin informed the police that he was searching for a high-paying job to settle his debt. The criminal gang contacted him through Facebook, offering him a job at a company in Bangkok. Lin accepted the offer and arrived at Don Mueang International Airport at 12:30 pm yesterday, June 11. Two foreigners met him at the airport, claiming they would escort Lin to his workplace. However, instead of heading to his intended destination, the driver altered the route, heading towards northern Thailand. Lin felt more suspicious when seeing the online conversation between the driver and someone he suspected to be a leading member of the scam gang. During the conversation, the leader instructed the driver to take Lin to a neighbouring country of Thailand and promised to pay the driver 70,000 baht. Lin suspected he would be forced to work for the call centre scam, so he devised a plan to escape. Lin requested the driver to stop at a petrol station along the Asian Highway in Ang Thong province, claiming he needed to use the bathroom. Upon stopping, Lin quickly fled from the two foreigners and sought assistance from a monk and a teacher at the petrol station. A security camera at the petrol station showed a bronze SUV parked in front of the bathroom. Lin was seen getting out of the car with his backpack, while the driver also exited the car and followed Lin to the bathroom. Chaiyo Police Station officers told Channel 7 that they were not convinced by Lin’s information because some of it was unclear. Lin also deleted the conversation history between him and his employer on the chatting application, making police suspicious. Lin is in the care of the consulate while a further investigation into the case is conducted. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 7 Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai police raid drug-fuelled party at luxury villa, 34 arrested Image courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Nakhon Pathom dismantled a drug-fueled party at a luxury pool villa yesterday discovering various drugs, including ketamine and meth, 34 individuals were arrested in the drug raid despite attempts to evade capture. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329588-thai-police-raid-drug-fuelled-party-at-luxury-villa-34-arrested/

Police in Nakhon Pathom dismantled a drug-fueled party at a luxury pool villa yesterday discovering various drugs, including ketamine and meth, 34 individuals were arrested in the drug raid despite attempts to evade capture. Officers from multiple divisions, including the Provincial Police Region 7 and Nakhon Pathom Municipal Police, conducted the raid in Wang Taku, Nakhon Pathom, following reports of a gathering involving drug use. Officers surrounded the villa after being alerted to loud music and suspicious activities. Upon entering, they found a group of young men and women engaged in the party. Despite attempts to flee, all 34 individuals were apprehended, comprising 20 men and 14 women, aged between 18 and 30 years old. Inside the villa, authorities discovered various drugs, including ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, and methamphetamine pills, along with paraphernalia scattered throughout the room. The Thai police received a tip-off about the party and took swift action, arresting the party-goers before transferring them to Nakhon Pathom Hospital for drug testing, and the villa owner was also summoned for questioning. The initial charges levied against the detainees involved the possession and consumption of illegal substances. Police are now conducting further investigations to trace the origins of the drugs and identify the organisers of the party, intending to pursue legal action, reported KhaoSod. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to tackle drug-related activities in the region. By addressing these gatherings, law enforcement aims to reduce the availability and consumption of drugs, thereby enhancing community safety. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai couple accuses monk of manipulating them into group sex Photo via PPTV HD A Thai couple are seeking justice from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after a monk in the northern province of Phetchabun allegedly manipulated them into having group sex, leaving them deeply traumatised. The incident has caused such severe distress that both are now receiving treatment in a hospital for mental health issues. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329523-thai-couple-accuses-monk-of-manipulating-them-into-group-sex/

A Thai couple are seeking justice from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after a monk in the northern province of Phetchabun allegedly manipulated them into having group sex, leaving them deeply traumatised. The incident has caused such severe distress that both are now receiving treatment in a hospital for mental health issues. The couple revealed their story to Saimai Survive and Thai news outlets at a press conference today, June 11. The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, explained that she and her husband had been practising Dhamma at a monastery in Phetchabun for more than 10 years. According to the couple, the monk, who is about 40 years old, provided Dhamma teachings, exorcised evil spirits from them and their families, and improved their lives. They genuinely believed in his power and respected him. The couple admitted that some of the monk’s teachings were explicit and related to sex. He also shared explicit pictures, a talisman resembling genitals, and sexual content in a Line app group, but they continued to respect him, believing this was simply his teaching style. In 2021, the monk invited them to the highest level of Dhamma practice by offering their bodies to the monk. The monk claimed that they had to have sex with him to offer energy to his life, reach the highest level of Dhamma and become free from all suffering. The monk added that he was sick and would soon die if he did not have enough energy to live. As the monk improved their lives in many ways, the couple wanted to express their gratitude to the monk and agreed to the monk’s condition. The monk first had sex with the two of them separately. He then ordered them to have group sex with him and several other followers. Blackmail fears The monk closed their eyes during the sex and also asked his followers to record the sex, saying he would show the videos and pictures to a Vajrayana deity as a way of showing respect to the deity. The couple followed the monk’s practices until 2022. They began to feel that what was happening was wrong and not in accordance with the Buddhist religion they had learned. They stopped the practice and broke off contact with the monk. They decided to seek mental health treatment for their confusion before seeking justice through Saimai Survive. They wanted their case to be an example to others. The man said he was also worried that the monk and his followers would blackmail him and his wife by sharing their explicit pictures and videos, so he came forward to seek help. The founder of Saimai Survive, Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, said he would report the matter to the Phetchabun Provincial Buddhism Office and relevant authorities to investigate the case further and raid the monastery. Vajrayana Buddhism involves symbolic and actual sexual practices aimed at spiritual transformation and enlightenment under strict guidance. A writer for the Kom Chad Luek news agency, Traithep Krai-ngu, wrote an article on Vajrayana Buddhism in 2012 and mentioned the Yab-Yum, a statue of Buddha making a sexual gesture with a naked woman sitting on his lap. This is one of the statues known as part of Vajrayana Buddhism. By Petch Petpailin Photo via PPTV HD Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

RTA continues investigation into general in police station altercation Royal Thai Army Lieutenant General Chula Charoenwatnakul was arrested after alleged aggressive behaviour towards woman in Din Daeng Metropolitan Police Station. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is investigating an incident involving a high-ranking officer allegedly behaving aggressively towards a woman and officials at a police station. The incident came to light yesterday when a video clip surfaced on social media showing the confrontation at the Din Daeng Metropolitan Police Station. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329454-military-officer’s-“rank”-behaviour-caught-on-video-sparks-probe/?do=findComment&comment=18983884

RTA continues investigation into general in police station altercation The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is investigating an incident involving a high-ranking officer allegedly behaving aggressively towards a woman and officials at a police station. The incident came to light yesterday when a video clip surfaced on social media showing the confrontation at the Din Daeng Metropolitan Police Station. Colonel Ritcha Suksuwan, RTA deputy spokesperson, confirmed that the individual in the video is Lieutenant General Chula Charoenwatnakul. Currently, Chula is serving on special duty at Phramongkutklao Hospital under the Ministry of Defence. Despite the incident being a personal matter, the RTA is not taking it lightly and is committed to investigating the facts according to military disciplinary regulations. The video clip, which quickly gained traction online, shows Chula in a dispute with the woman recording, and the altercation took place at the Din Daeng Metropolitan Police Station. The video quickly went viral, prompting public outcry and demands for accountability, said Colonel Ritcha. “The Royal Thai Army has verified the information and found that the individual involved is indeed a personnel member under the Ministry of Defence. “We have initiated an investigation to establish the facts and are willing to assist the affected parties and the police in their legal proceedings.” The RTA assured that the investigation would be transparent and they would cooperate with the police. This includes facilitating the police in their inquiry and offering support to the woman involved in the incident. Chula’s actions have sparked discussion online with many calling for strict disciplinary measures. The RTA has emphasised it will adhere to its internal regulations and ensure justice is served. The incident raised questions about the conduct of military personnel and the importance of maintaining discipline and accountability, Colonel Ritcha added. “We are committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct among our personnel. “The Army will not tolerate any behaviour that tarnishes its reputation or undermines public trust.” The investigation is ongoing and the RTA pledged to inform the public of any developments. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professional conduct, particularly for those in positions of authority. The RTA’s handling of this case will be closely observed as a measure of its commitment to justice and integrity. By Nattapong Westwood Royal Thai Army Lieutenant General Chula Charoenwatnakul was arrested after alleged aggressive behaviour towards woman in Din Daeng Metropolitan Police Station. Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tourism industry demands action amid 300-baht fee controversy Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329521-tourism-industry-demands-action-amid-300-baht-fee-controversy/

Thailand’s private sector is urging the government to address the supply side of tourism after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the suspension of a proposed 300-baht fee for foreign tourists. This fee was intended to establish a tourism development fund. Chamnan Srisawat, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) stated that The government’s performance over the past eight months would be rated 10 out of 10 for stimulating tourism demand, mainly attributed to visa policies. “But for more critical problems related to Thai tourism, such as inferior supply development, we’re not able to give them any score as nothing has been done to help resolve the problem.” At the opening of the northern tourism cluster in Chiang Mai, the 62 year old Thai PM said there is currently no plan to implement the tourism fee. Instead, the government aims to attract more tourists and encourage higher spending, believing the benefits from increased spending would surpass those from the fee. Without the tourism tax, there is no dedicated financial resource for tourism development. PM Srettha said the government would allocate a budget to the Tourism and Sports Ministry for project proposals to boost tourism income. However, Chamnan expressed concerns about improving the overall tourist experience and spending without proper plans. “It’s regrettable to hear that the tourism fund won’t be set up due to the postponement of the fee collection. We don’t have any concerns with regard to volume, but poor tourism experiences and a lack of attractiveness are the key points.” Chamnan stressed that without a development fund, Thailand would struggle to enhance its tourism infrastructure or create new attractions, unlike countries such as China and Vietnam, which continually develop new tourism sites. He mentioned that revenue from tourism in the first five months of the year had only reached 830 billion baht, far short of the government’s 3.5 trillion baht target for the end of 2024. Chamnan proposed initiating five major man-made projects across five regions to generate tourism revenue, especially in second-tier provinces. He suggested that tour operators could integrate these new destinations into their packages, attracting more tourists in the future. Federation of Thai Tourism Associations The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) also called for urgent tourism development in a forthcoming white paper. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, highlighted the need for a balanced policy that prioritises supply development and demand stimulation. FETTA urged the government to establish new key performance indicators (KPIs) focusing on supply improvement, including safety standards and environmental impacts. Sisdivachr also recommended a tourism carrier capacity blueprint to guide development. Sisdivachr concluded that once the tourism fee is collected, 100 baht per tourist should be dedicated to sustainable tourism development and crisis management, addressing Thailand’s low score on the Travel & Tourism Development Index compared to other Southeast Asian countries, reported Bangkok Post. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police accused of shooting innocent Thai man and wife - video Photo via Channel 7 Two police officers in the central province of Kanchanaburi allegedly shot an innocent Thai man in the leg after he tried to break up an argument between the officers and a group of teenagers. The man’s wife and another woman were also injured in the incident. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329519-police-accused-of-shooting-innocent-thai-man-and-wife-video/