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A Thai commando police officer dragged a taxi driver to Huay Kwang Police Station in Bangkok after the driver attempted to overcharge him using a modified meter. The driver claimed he needed the money to feed stray dogs and cats. Police Lance Corporal Phubate Rattanaphong told Channel 3 that the incident took place on the morning of June 9 during his trip from Mor Chit Bus Terminal to his home in Soi Pracha Uthit 28 in the Huay Kwang district of Bangkok. The taxi driver, a man estimated to be between 60 and 70 years old, greeted Phubate warmly and engaged him in conversation during the ride. He told Phubate he was a retired teacher, while Phubate revealed he was an officer from the Commando Police, also known as the Special Service Division (SSD). Halfway through the trip, Phubate noticed the fare on the meter was already 130 baht, even though he had paid only 100 baht on previous rides. Upon closer inspection, he realized the fare increased every time the driver pressed a small button on the turn signal switch. Phubate directly confronted the driver about the fraud. “Are you being honest with me? I am not going to ask you again. Are you cheating me?” The driver responded that his car was larger than other taxis, so the fare was higher. The police officer was not convinced by this claim and informed the driver that the taxi fare depended on the distance, not the size of the car. The driver eventually confessed to using a modified system to control the meter. He claimed he had only done this a few times before because he wanted to earn extra money to buy food for stray cats and dogs. Phubate didn’t sympathise with him, deeming his claim unreasonable. He suspected the driver had been overcharging many passengers before, so he instructed the driver to drive to Huay Kwang Police Station instead of his intended destination. The driver pleaded with the police officer for forgiveness and promised never to overcharge passengers again but Phubate remained unconvinced. Officers at Huay Kwang Police Station charged the taxi driver with attempted fraud. The penalty was a fine, the amount of which has not been disclosed. The taxi will be handed over to the Land Transport Department for an investigation into the modified meter and possible additional charges. By Petch Petpailin Photo via TikTok/ @poubet1998 Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Concerns Over Animal Welfare Emerge After Fire Breaks Out at Pet Market File photo for reference only An early morning fire at the Srisomrat Pet Market in Bangkok, on Tuesday, forced firefighters to cut through padlocks to save a single chicken, the only survivor among dozens. The chicken was treated with oxygen in a mobile emergency vehicle provided by the Department of Livestock Development. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329608-concerns-over-animal-welfare-emerge-after-fire-breaks-out-at-pet-market/

An early morning fire at the Srisomrat Pet Market in Bangkok, on Tuesday, forced firefighters to cut through padlocks to save a single chicken, the only survivor among dozens. The chicken was treated with oxygen in a mobile emergency vehicle provided by the Department of Livestock Development. A betta fish shop, known for selling high-grade betta fish for competitions and export for the past decade, was devastated by the fire. The shop owner reported a sudden loss of hundreds of betta fish and equipment valued around 100,000 baht. Suwannanee Sangdee, 49, the shocked owner of the fish shop, said her shop was in the worst-hit area and nothing remained. Exotic pets, including a number of beautiful snakes, were also victims of the inferno. At least 10 snakes died in a shop with rescue workers finding their charred bodies in their enclosures. Another exotic pet shop sustained losses estimated at 500,000 baht, though their 200 snakes survived, suffering from smoke inhalation. Pornchanok Veerawongwiwat, owner of The Ball Club, said that she received a call from a PETA staff member at 6 a.m. informing her about the fire. Despite her initial shock, the caller assured her some snakes had been saved. SOS Animal Thailand, an animal welfare organization, deployed representatives to evaluate the situation. Dayin Petcharat from SOS Animal Thailand stressed the pressing need to address animal wellbeing in the markets. A pushing for better animal welfare at pet markets should include reducing crowds, ensuring suitable care and living conditions, availing vaccinations, and enforcing licensing regulations, Petcharat explained. Forensic officials are still investigating the cause of the fire. CCTV footage showed a bright orange flash around 3 a.m., after which two security guards called for help. In spite of their best efforts, the fire spread rapidly, with some explosions heard. It took more than an hour and over ten fire trucks to douse the flames. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has asked the State Railway of Thailand for temporary shelter for the remaining animals and to restore power to the pet shops. Traders are being invited to claim compensation of around 11,400 baht each for their lost equipment. The fire's cause, rumored to be a fan left running for ventilation, is still under inquiry. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mercedes-Benz and Thonburi Agree on a 10-Year Electric Vehicle Deal File photo for reference only Mercedes-Benz has entered into a decade-long contract with Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co., Ltd. to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand. This partnership aligns with the country's goal to become a top player for mobility in the region, in accordance with their “Ignite Thailand” project, aimed at accelerating economic and technological growth. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329607-mercedes-benz-and-thonburi-agree-on-a-10-year-electric-vehicle-deal/

Mercedes-Benz has entered into a decade-long contract with Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co., Ltd. to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand. This partnership aligns with the country's goal to become a top player for mobility in the region, in accordance with their “Ignite Thailand” project, aimed at accelerating economic and technological growth. As part of this project, Mercedes-Benz is giving a large lithium-ion battery cell unit to Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) for research. This high-voltage battery cell unit, which has been used in the company's previous experiments, is set to be delivered to the NSTDA by next month. Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has voiced his approval for this agreement, viewing it as a significant move that can boost the country’s status in the global automotive and technology industries. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Deputy Minister of Interior affirms his nephew's arrest was justified File photo for reference only Today, Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised criticized his nephew, Noraset Thaised, who was arrested for allegedly possessing methamphetamines and firearms. Chada made it clear that he believes his nephew deserved the arrest. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329606-deputy-minister-of-interior-affirms-his-nephews-arrest-was-justified/

Today, Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised criticized his nephew, Noraset Thaised, who was arrested for allegedly possessing methamphetamines and firearms. Chada made it clear that he believes his nephew deserved the arrest. Chada confirmed that Noraset is his cousin's son and endorsed the police's right to press charges against him, regardless of their familial ties. He expressed these views during a phone interview from Saudi Arabia where he is on a Haj pilgrimage. Chada admitted that he had cautioned Noraset several times about his behavior to no avail. "He's been consistently misbehaving, so much so that I don't even let him into my home," he said. The arrest happened at a Bangkok hotel where Noraset and his friends were found in possession of six packs of methamphetamines, as well as an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Dispute over rain gutter in Yala neighborhood leads to fatal shooting File photo for reference only A local disagreement over a faulty gutter turned fatal yesterday in the Yala province of Sateng, Mueang Yala District, where a police officer was fatally shot. The officer, Anuchart, was from the Yala immigration police. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329600-dispute-over-rain-gutter-in-yala-neighborhood-leads-to-fatal-shooting/

A local disagreement over a faulty gutter turned fatal yesterday in the Yala province of Sateng, Mueang Yala District, where a police officer was fatally shot. The officer, Anuchart, was from the Yala immigration police. The argument, which occurred around 4pm, resulted in not just the death of Anuchart, but also injuries to the gunman, Thawatchai, a 38-year-old neighbor. Thawatchai suffered gunshot wounds on his left leg and hip and is currently under police custody in Yala Hospital. Upon arrival, authorities found Anuchart’s body; he had been shot multiple times by Thawatchai. Reports indicate that the dispute between the two neighbors stemmed from a repeatedly malfunctioning rain gutter. This faulty gutter caused water to spill into Thawatchai’s house, resulting in habitual disagreements. The two had attempted to resolve the problem several times, but on this unfortunate day, the argument became heated. In the heat of the moment, Thawatchai retrieved a gun and shot Anuchart, leading to his death. In a turn of events, Anuchart's wife fired back at Thawatchai, wounding him. Witnessing her husband's brutal murder killed over a minor disagreement was indeed tragic. Meanwhile, police and forensic teams sifted through the crime scene, gathering evidence and conducting witness interviews. While Anuchart’s body is undergoing autopsy, Thawatchai is under round-the-clock police watch at the hospital. Further investigations are pending. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Community comes together following abandonment of a baby boy in Buriram File photo for reference only A newly born baby boy was discovered deserted behind a house in Kan Dong, Buriram province. This incident prompted a search for the reasons behind this unjustifiable act. The baby was found yesterday after locals alerted the cops upon hearing his cries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329599-community-comes-together-following-abandonment-of-a-baby-boy-in-buriram/

A newly born baby boy was discovered deserted behind a house in Kan Dong, Buriram province. This incident prompted a search for the reasons behind this unjustifiable act. The baby was found yesterday after locals alerted the cops upon hearing his cries. Police Lieutenant Parinya Yingngam of Kan Dong Police Station reported that the baby was found behind a house in the community. The house, situated along the Satuek-Kan Dong road, was a single-storey concrete building located in Dong Phlong Subdistrict. The abandoned infant was hidden among tall grasses in a plastic bag originally meant for fabric softener. Located near a septic tank, the baby still had his umbilical cord attached. The baby's loud crying had alerted the nearby residents. Thankfully, an initial assessment revealed the baby to be healthy. Medical attention was then provided by first responders before the baby was rushed to Kan Dong Hospital for further medical assistance. 68-year-old Banhan Sudto, who owned the house, narrated his account. He had just returned from work and was resting when he heard a sound resembling his pet cats' meows. But there was something unusual about it. Upon closer investigation, he found the baby and immediately alerted the local police. Another resident, 62-years-old Saman Srimueang, who also found the baby, shared her shocking observations. She noticed marks on the toilet lid, implying someone had tried to open it. She speculated that the baby's mother attempted to dispose the baby via the toilet but failed, and thus left him near the septic tank. The baby was found to belong to an eighth-grade student from a neighboring village according to the police. Preliminary reports suggest that the young mother didn't realize she was pregnant and feared her grandma's reaction. Thus, gave birth in secret and abandoned her new-born to avoid exposure. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Deceived Thai Couple Left with Debt of 500,000 Baht File photo for reference only A Thai couple from Nong Khai province, Sarinya Worrarat and Boontee Siyotha, have accused a retired school principal of deceiving them into an immoral multiple-partner relationship that has left them with a debt of 500,000 baht (approx. $15,000). Following the debacle, the couple have found themselves homeless and bankrupt, requiring them to take shelter in a temple for the past year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329598-deceived-thai-couple-left-with-debt-of-500000-baht/

A Thai couple from Nong Khai province, Sarinya Worrarat and Boontee Siyotha, have accused a retired school principal of deceiving them into an immoral multiple-partner relationship that has left them with a debt of 500,000 baht (approx. $15,000). Following the debacle, the couple have found themselves homeless and bankrupt, requiring them to take shelter in a temple for the past year. The couple alleges that Somsak, an 82-year-old former school director, sued them over a debt they knew nothing about. Moreover, Sarinya sincerely denies ever borrowing money from Somsak. The relationship began when Somsak, well aware of Sarinya's marital status, hired the couple for gardening services in 2021. He made romantic moves toward Sarinya while promising that her husband could still reside with them. He even proposed to her with a dowry amounting to over 400,000 baht, consisting of cash and gold. Despite not receiving the proposed dowry, Sarinya agreed to be in a relationship with him. She explained that their unconventional relationship involved frequent group sexual meetings in a hotel, for which they received a payment of 500 to 1,000 baht each time. Sarinya also narrated an instance when Somsak tricked her into signing a fraudulent document in the guise of a noble act at a temple for her deceased son's merit making. Unsurprisingly, the document turned out to be a promissory note for the debt amount that has impoverished the couple. Sarinya made a decision to break off the relationship when one of Somsak's children suggested it in 2022. Upon ending the relationship, she received a court summons for the defaulted sum, which eventually led to the distress sale of their house for 60,000 baht. Boontee, in an interview with Channel 7, expressed his disappointment and regret over the failed relationship. He said that he thought the relationship would bring financial stability to their lives, especially given Somsak's dowry promise. In a plea for help, he requested the relevant authorities to intervene and assist them regarding the debt caused by Somsak's fraud. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Protesters Call on Military to Refuse Thaksin's Bail Plea File photo for reference only Protesters have urged the Royal Thai Army to deny a possible bail plea by ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin is due to meet with prosecutors next week to respond to charges of lese majeste and computer crime. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329597-protesters-call-on-military-to-refuse-thaksins-bail-plea/

Protesters have urged the Royal Thai Army to deny a possible bail plea by ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin is due to meet with prosecutors next week to respond to charges of lese majeste and computer crime. Protest group members belonging to the Network of Students and People Reforming Thailand and Thai People Protecting the Monarchy handed in a formal petition at the army headquarters yesterday. The protesters believe Thaksin will ask for bail when facing up to charges under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law, on June 18. The charges arise from an interview Thaksin conducted with a South Korean newspaper in 2015 about the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) coup. It is believed his comments were critical and insulting towards the monarchy. The coup brought down the Yingluck Shinawatra administration on May 22, 2014. Thaksin has disputed the allegations claiming his words were twisted to incriminate him. A leader of the protests, Pichit Chaimongkol, voiced fears that if granted bail, Thaksin might tamper with the evidence. He reminded people that Thaksin fled Thailand in 2008 just before the Supreme Court found him guilty of aiding his then-wife, Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra, to buy prime land cheaply while he was prime minister. Talking about the petition, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said the case doesn’t involve the army as it’s not the official investigator in the matter. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang echoed Sodsong adding that the army has no role in the lese majeste case filed by the NCPO, despite its legal mechanisms being used in the proceedings. The legal case against Thaksin was initiated on May 29, after the attorney-general charged him with lese majeste and computer crime over his comments made in 2015. The computer crime relates to an allegation where Thaksin imported threatening information into a computer system, impacting national security, according to Prayut Phetcharakhun, a spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General. However, charges couldn't be pressed against Thaksin on May 29 as they were supposed to be because he allegedly had Covid-19. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

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