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The Thai Pilots Association vehemently opposed a controversial government proposal to ease restrictions on foreign pilots flying with Thai carriers temporarily. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently pinpointed the slow resumption of flights as a significant hurdle for Thailand’s tourism sector. Post-pandemic personnel shortages are a global issue, but the prime minister believes Thailand needs a quick fix. During a visit to Agoda’s Thai offices, Srettha urged airlines to ramp up their operations to help revive tourism. “We will discuss this issue with the Ministry of Labour to seek a possible solution, including lifting this restriction temporarily.” However, the Thai Pilots Association isn’t having it. Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, president of the association, firmly rejected the idea. He explained that the pandemic forced airlines to furlough numerous Thai pilots and halt hiring new graduates. “Thailand has around 1,200 student pilots who still cannot find a job.” According to Teerawat, experienced pilots laid off during the pandemic haven’t returned to the cockpit because airlines haven’t fully recovered their fleets. He warned that allowing foreign pilots might save time, but it would cost Thai pilots their jobs. Pre-pandemic, airlines sponsored pilots for nine-month training programmes to obtain specific aircraft licences, bearing all related costs. However, the post-pandemic landscape has shifted, with some airlines adopting a pay-to-fly scheme. This scheme, popular among European carriers, requires new graduates to pay between 1.7 million to 3.5 million baht for training in exchange for jobs. Teerawat slammed this scheme as unfair, burdening new graduates with huge financial costs. He emphasised that the Thai Aviation Academy produces highly trained pilots ready for commercial flights, arguing that expanding fleets will eventually allow time to train new pilots, reported Bangkok Post. “We should prioritise our student pilots. There is no need to open this job to foreigners.” By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai leaders dodge meeting with UN human rights commissioner Photo courtesy of Watcharawit Phudork via AP Photo Thailand’s leaders, including the prime minister and foreign minister, sidestepped a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, during his Bangkok visit on June 5 and 6. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329214-thai-leaders-dodge-meeting-with-un-human-rights-commissioner/

Thailand’s leaders, including the prime minister and foreign minister, sidestepped a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, during his Bangkok visit on June 5 and 6. Instead of rolling out the red carpet, Thailand’s leaders turned a blind eye, reducing Türk’s visit to a mere stopover, unlike his official engagements in Malaysia where he met with government officials and spoke openly about human rights. But Thailand’s attempt to sideline Türk won’t erase its mounting human rights issues. Ignoring the UN’s concerns, especially highlighted during Thailand’s recent Universal Periodic Review, won’t pacify the international community’s unease over ongoing rights abuses. Since the pro-democracy protests erupted in July 2020, Thai courts have prosecuted at least 1,954 individuals, including 286 minors, for exercising their rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. The death of Netiporn Sanesangkhom, an anti-monarchy activist who succumbed after a hunger strike in pretrial detention on lèse-majesté charges, has cast a harsh spotlight on Thailand’s stringent enforcement of laws punishing insults to the monarchy with up to 15 years in prison. Over 270 people face lèse-majesté charges linked to protests or social media posts, with some also charged under ambiguous computer and sedition laws. Even former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra hasn’t escaped, facing lèse-majesté charges for comments made in 2015. Despite growing international criticism, Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party and its allies staunchly oppose amending the lèse-majesté law or offering amnesty to those charged. Adding fuel to the fire, the Constitutional Court recently deemed the Move Forward Party’s bid to amend the law as treasonous, potentially leading to the party’s dissolution and political bans for its leaders, reported Human Rights Watch. As Thailand campaigns for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2025 to 2027, it must realise that membership comes with the responsibility to uphold the highest human rights standards and cooperate fully with the Council. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Watcharawit Phudork via AP Photo Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s steel sales slump 11 to 12% due to weak car market Image courtesy of Honda Maliwan / Facebook Thailand’s sluggish car sales prompted an 11 to 12% decline in premium-grade steel sales during the first four months of 2024, raising concerns about reduced steel consumption this year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329212-thailand’s-steel-sales-slump-11-to-12-due-to-weak-car-market/

Thailand’s sluggish car sales prompted an 11 to 12% decline in premium-grade steel sales during the first four months of 2024, raising concerns about reduced steel consumption this year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). FTI Iron and Steel Industry Club Vice-Chairman Nava Chantanasurakon stated that local steel manufacturers are bracing for a tough period, with expectations of a drop in steel demand across all industrial sectors. “The premium-grade steel supplied to the automotive industry decreased because car production decreased and domestic car sales dropped amid weak consumer purchasing power and debt issues.” High household debt levels have led banks to become more cautious, imposing stricter criteria for car loans to avoid non-performing loans. In the fourth quarter of 2023, household debt reached 16.3 trillion baht (US$448 billion), representing 91.3% of the GDP, as reported by the National Economic and Social Development Council. The FTI’s Automotive Industry Club reported a 17% year-on-year decrease in car manufacturing from January to April, totalling 518,790 units. During the same period, domestic car sales fell by 23.9% year-on-year, amounting to 210,494 units. Naved noted that lower demand for products used in house improvement and delayed state budget spending on new construction projects have also contributed to the below-average steel sales. Thailand’s annual steel consumption is approximately 16 million tonnes, with current capacity utilisation at a record low of 28%. Nava anticipates a further reduction in steel consumption during the latter half of 2024 due to the rainy season, which aligns with the off-peak period for the steel market. The impact of cheap steel imports from China remains a significant concern. Tata Steel (Thailand) Plc, a subsidiary of India’s largest steelmaker, expressed worries as China continues to flood Southeast Asia with inexpensive steel products amid its slowing economy. Nava also voiced apprehension over Chinese steelmaker Xin Ke Yuan Steel’s plan to establish a hot-rolled steel factory in Rayong with a production capacity of 6 million tonnes, which could intensify market competition. “The Board of Investment is considering approving its investment plan. Approval of the plan would affect local steel manufacturers.” As the market conditions evolve, the Thai steel industry faces multiple challenges, from domestic consumption drops to the pressures of international competition, necessitating strategic adjustments to navigate this complex landscape, reported Bangkok Post. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Honda Maliwan / Facebook Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pathum Thani: Severed hands of teen girl found in plastic bag Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post In a gruesome discovery, police yesterday found what they believe to be the severed hands of an 18 year old girl, allegedly murdered by her boyfriend earlier this week. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329032-young-womans-body-discovered-under-the-expressway/?do=findComment&comment=18974471

Pathum Thani: Severed hands of teen girl found in plastic bag In a gruesome discovery, police yesterday found what they believe to be the severed hands of an 18 year old girl, allegedly murdered by her boyfriend earlier this week. The chilling case began to unfold on Wednesday when Ranya Saensuriwong’s body was discovered beneath an elevated expressway in the Mueang district of Pathum Thani. Wrapped in a bedsheet and bound with black belts, the body bore slash wounds to the neck, and both hands had been severed at the wrists. The investigation took a grim turn when police found a black plastic bag near the Chiang Rak canal, about 4 kilometres from where the body was found. Inside the bag were the severed hands, a lock of long hair, women’s clothes, towels, snacks, and baby wipes. These items have been sent for further inspection. The victim’s boyfriend, 18 year old Thanakorn Eiamlaor, who is believed to be the prime suspect, was detained shortly after the discovery of Ranya’s body. Initially uncooperative, Thanakorn eventually confessed to discarding the hands, leading police and rescue workers to the canal. Security camera footage played a crucial role in the investigation. A source close to the case revealed that Thanakorn was caught on tape riding a motorcycle to the canal, where he was seen disposing of a black plastic bag. Thanakorn’s father informed the police that his son had been taking prescribed medication for a mental illness diagnosed two years ago, reported Bangkok Post. The suspect was apprehended at a housing estate while attempting to overdose on pills, adding another layer of complexity to this tragic case. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Deadly Debt Argument Results in Burmese Man Being Shot at Khon Kaen Hospital File photo for reference only A man from Burma was shot and killed at Khon Kaen Hospital in Isaan, Thailand, while he was awaiting surgery. The incident happened last night, and the motive behind the killing is suspected to be a debt dispute. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329206-deadly-debt-argument-results-in-burmese-man-being-shot-at-khon-kaen-hospital/

A man from Burma was shot and killed at Khon Kaen Hospital in Isaan, Thailand, while he was awaiting surgery. The incident happened last night, and the motive behind the killing is suspected to be a debt dispute. The shooting happened at around 11 PM on June 6 in a male ward on the hospital's fifth floor. The 29-year-old victim, Kyaw Swar Aong, got shot in the back of his neck. Despite hospital staff's efforts, he couldn't be saved. The victim's Thai girlfriend reported that Aong was in the hospital to receive surgery for a back tumor scheduled for June 7. She was caring for him at the hospital when the shooting happened. While the girlfriend says she doesn't know why Aong was shot, she confirmed that issues like jealousy or extramarital affairs were not involved in their four-year relationship. Furthermore, she added that Aong was not known to have conflicts with friends or colleagues. However, she noted that he owed 12,000 baht to a coworker, suggesting this debt may have been the reason for the murder. The Superintendent of Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station, Yotsawat Karesuebthayanich, reported that the shooter posed as Aong's relative to learn about his whereabouts from the hospital staff before the murder. The police visited Aong's workplace to question the coworker to whom he owed money, but the person was not there. The police are now searching for this person as a possible suspect in the case. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Red Bull magnate sues over fraud allegations for 50 million baht File photo for reference only Chalerm Yoovidhya, the billionaire behind Red Bull energy drink, has launched another lawsuit claiming defamation. This time he is targeting a news outlet and four individuals, demanding damages of 50 million baht related to claims of bribery. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329203-red-bull-magnate-sues-over-fraud-allegations-for-50-million-baht/

Chalerm Yoovidhya, the billionaire behind Red Bull energy drink, has launched another lawsuit claiming defamation. This time he is targeting a news outlet and four individuals, demanding damages of 50 million baht related to claims of bribery. Chalerm disagrees with the bribery allegations made by ex-police officer and currently a columnist for Sueb Jark Khao, Police Colonel Wirut Sirisawatibutr. Wirut suggested that Chalerm had paid a 300 million baht bribe to save his son, Vorayuth Yoovidhya, from legal proceedings following a deadly accident in 2012. The incident involved Vorayuth hitting a police officer on a road near Thong Lor. Chalerm's attorney, Ampol Kaewpan, filed the lawsuit at the Criminal Court, naming Sueb Jark Khao, Police Colonel Wirut, and three board members of the company as defendants. The basis of the lawsuit is content published on April 7 by Sueb Jark Khao. This content featured comments from Wirut which allegedly contained false information about Vorayuth's case. The content suggested the family had paid a 300 million baht bribe to shield Vorayuth from legal proceedings regarding the notorious hit and run case. This content, which was shared on the news outlet's TikTok account, included photos and videos of Vorayuth. Chalerm's attorney considers the claims false. The content, according to Ampol, negatively influenced the family's reputation and circulated through various platforms, like Sueb Jark Khao's website and TikTok account. It gathered over 6.4 million likes. With the news outlet's significant global reach, Ampol believes the allegations have negatively affected the image of Chalerm and his businesses both locally and globally. Beyond the demand for 50 million baht in damages, the lawsuit also calls for an official public apology to be displayed on Sueb Jark Khao's website and social media for a week. The apology should also be featured in four Thai newspapers—ThaiRath, Daily News, Matichon, and Manager—for the same period. Chalerm previously issued a defamation lawsuit for 50 million baht on 28 May against TV host Ubonrat Thaonoi, senator, and former chief of Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Lieutenant General Sanit Mahathavorn over similar allegations. Vorayuth has avoided the authorities since the fatal incident involving his Ferrari in 2012. Many charges against him have been dismissed, but the final charge of reckless driving causing death is due to expire in 2027. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand addresses labour shortage and illegal workers Image courtesy of SEI Thailand’s National Committee on Migrant Workers Management approved three strategic guidelines to address the country’s labour shortage and tackle the issue of illegal workers. A proposal for these new guidelines is expected to be forwarded to the cabinet for approval soon. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329193-thailand-addresses-labour-shortage-and-illegal-workers/

Thailand’s National Committee on Migrant Workers Management approved three strategic guidelines to address the country’s labour shortage and tackle the issue of illegal workers. A proposal for these new guidelines is expected to be forwarded to the cabinet for approval soon. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced after a committee meeting this Wednesday, commenting that the ongoing political conflict in Myanmar between the military junta and ethnic rebel groups has led many people of its people to flee to Thailand in search of employment, and safety. However, many of the people that fled to Thailand, have done so without proper documentation, which poses a threat to national security. Phiphat also noted that some Myanmar workers, whose employment contracts have ended, chose not to return due to the unrest in their home country. Additionally, many migrant workers from various countries failed to renew their documents on time, rendering them illegal. To address these challenges, the committee has agreed to support migrant workers by registering illegal workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The committee is also considering extending the work permits of two million migrant workers whose permits are set to expire on February 13, 2025. These workers would receive a two-year extension through a memorandum of understanding. Furthermore, the committee proposes an amendment to the law on seasonal migrant workers to support local Thai farmers during longer growing seasons, when labour shortages arise. This amendment aims to increase the number of zones where migrant workers can temporarily work, extend the permission period from three months to six, and include shopkeeping in the list of jobs allowed for temporary employment. Chief of the Department of Employment (DoE), Somchai Morakotsriwan stated that the department plans to submit the proposal to the cabinet soon, adding that workers with illegal status would receive deferments following cabinet approval, reported Bangkok Post. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of SEI Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

EC to clarify court ruling impact before Sunday Senate elections Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Election Commission (EC) is set to clarify the implications of a Constitutional Court ruling, which agreed to examine a petition challenging four contentious provisions in the Senate election law. This comes just before district-level voting is scheduled nationwide for Sunday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329192-ec-to-clarify-court-ruling-impact-before-sunday-senate-elections/

The Election Commission (EC) is set to clarify the implications of a Constitutional Court ruling, which agreed to examine a petition challenging four contentious provisions in the Senate election law. This comes just before district-level voting is scheduled nationwide for Sunday. The court declined to issue an injunction, indicating no severe consequences were anticipated if the Senate election proceeded. The controversial provisions in question include Sections 36, 40(3), 41(3), and 42(3) of the Senate election law. Section 36 pertains to candidate introductions, while the others relate to voting procedures across various levels — district, provincial, and national. A decision by the court, with an 8:1 vote, accepted the task of determining whether these provisions contravene Section 107 of the constitution, which governs the Senate selection process. The court has requested state agencies submit their opinions within five days of receiving the order or by next week. Following this decision, the EC’s election management and legal departments are working to address the issue, with an outcome expected to be reviewed by the seven commissioners today, according to EC secretary-general Sawang Boonmee. In a message to all EC executives, Sawang reassured them that a resolution would be reached promptly, ensuring clarity for Sunday’s district-level voting. The legal contention arises from the 2018 organic law on the Senate’s composition, which the EC referenced when formulating regulations for the upcoming Senate election. Sawang expressed confidence in the EC’s position against the alleged constitutional breach. “I strongly believe this problem will eventually be solved.” EC Chairman Itthiporn Boonpracong instructed provincial EC officials in Ang Thong to adhere strictly to the Senate election handbook for Sunday’s voting. Caretaker Senator Somchai Swangkarn, who previously alleged that up to 149 candidates had already been preselected as winners at district and provincial levels, warned those involved in collusion could face up to 10 years in prison. He also cautioned that EC officials failing to properly screen candidates might face dereliction of duty charges, reported Bangkok Post. Another caretaker senator, Direkrit Janekrongtham, expressed concerns that the Senate election results might not be announced on July 2 as planned due to the ongoing issues surrounding the election of 200 new senators. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Teenage killer’s violent rape and Satanic belief uncovered - video Photo via อีจัน A Thai mother revealed that the teenage killer who recently murdered his girlfriend in Pathum Thani had previously assaulted and raped her daughter when she was 13 years old and harboured a bizarre belief in Satan. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329032-young-womans-body-discovered-under-the-expressway/?do=findComment&comment=18974265

Teenage killer’s violent rape and Satanic belief uncovered - video A Thai mother revealed that the teenage killer who recently murdered his girlfriend in Pathum Thani had previously assaulted and raped her daughter when she was 13 years old and harboured a bizarre belief in Satan. The 18 year old murderer, Thanakorn, also known as Sand, was arrested yesterday, June 6, after killing his 18 year old girlfriend, Waranya, also known as Ming Ming, in a house in Pathum Thani province. The murder came to light when the deceased’s body was found under the motorway with no hands. Several news agencies reported that Thanakorn had a history of mental illness and had previously assaulted and raped a young girl in 2022. Following the report, the mother of the 13 year old girl who fell victim to Thanakorn came forward in an interview with Channel 7 yesterday to tell the public about his cruel actions. She also accused the deceased, Waranya, of being involved in the incident. The mother explained that her 13 year old daughter met Thanakorn and Waranya while she was working as a part-time vendor at Chatuchot intersection in Bangkok’s Saimai district. The mother claimed that Thanakorn believed in Satan and even invited her daughter to join his cult but she warned her daughter to stay away. She also saw Thanakorn sharing pictures and videos of himself performing Satanic rituals on his social media account. According to the mother, her daughter’s mobile phone was broken, so Waranya offered to sell her phone to the girl for 800 baht. The girl agreed to buy the phone in instalments and paid Waranya 300 baht initially. Murder victim allegedly involved However, the girl did not have a chance to meet Waranya again because she quit her part-time job. This prompted Waranya to contact the girl online to ask for the remaining 500 baht. The mother said that she found out about the phone problem after the rape. The mother went on to reveal that the incident took place on December 30. Waranya lured her daughter to meet her in a car park near her condominium, saying she had a job for the girl and she could earn money to pay off the phone debt. Security camera footage showed the girl waiting for Waranya in the car park at around 11pm when Thanakorn arrived on his motorbike. He immediately approached the girl, punched her in the face, and pushed her into a public park out of the camera’s range. According to the mother, Thanakorn raped the girl while Waranya watched from nearby. Thanakorn then attempted to take the girl away on his motorcycle to murder her, but she managed to escape and sought help from people nearby. The mother disclosed that she filed a complaint at Kannayao Police Station and sought help from Saimai Survive. Thanakorn was the only person charged while Waranya was considered a witness. The first court hearing took place on May 20, and the second was scheduled for August 28. Victim’s life damaged The mother revealed that she and her daughter experienced mental health issues following the incident. Her daughter couldn’t return to school and has remained at home since. She also blamed herself for the recklessness that led to her daughter’s ordeal. Additionally, the mother mentioned that her daughter developed a fever and experienced panic after seeing news reports about Thanakorn and Waranya on television. In the latest case, Thanakorn was hospitalised after attempting suicide. He was later transferred to Pak Khlong Rangsit last night after his condition was stable. Thanakorn reportedly fainted when he arrived at the police station and police were unable to question him. Thanakorn is now being held at the police station and his family brought him food and necessities today. However, Thanakorn is not touching the food and continues to lie face down in the prison. By Petch Petpailin Photo via อีจัน Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Woman arrested for using deaf people to deliver meth Image courtesy of Khaosod Police arrested a woman for allegedly using deaf individuals to distribute methamphetamine in an attempt to avoid detection. The suspect, 53 year old Prayoon claimed she was forced into this illegal activity and feared losing friends if she spoke about it. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329142-woman-arrested-for-using-deaf-people-to-deliver-meth/

Police arrested a woman for allegedly using deaf individuals to distribute methamphetamine in an attempt to avoid detection. The suspect, 53 year old Prayoon claimed she was forced into this illegal activity and feared losing friends if she spoke about it. Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang today ordered Police Major General Teeradej Thammasuthee, alongside his team to apprehend Prayoon. The arrest warrant, issued by the Criminal Court on May 24, charged Prayoon with conspiring to commit a serious drug-related offence and distributing methamphetamine for commercial purposes, thereby facilitating its spread among the public. Authorities received a tip-off about the use of deaf individuals to deliver drugs without implicating the sellers, a tactic reportedly employed by a drug trafficking gang in the Rama IX area. On May 10, undercover officers arranged a sting operation by contacting a dealer via the LINE application. They set up a meeting point in the Silent Community in Bangkapi, Bangkok. After an hour of surveillance, a Thai male arrived on a motorcycle and handed over a bag of crystal meth to the undercover agent. The police immediately arrested the man, who was later identified as Pattarasit. Initially, he could not verbally respond to police inquiries, only making gestures. Officers provided him with paper to write on, which confirmed his identity. The investigation team faced significant challenges in expanding the probe due to Pattarasit’s inability to communicate verbally. Recognising the unusual tactic of using deaf individuals to deliver drugs, the team spent over two weeks gathering additional evidence. After tracking Prayoon for a considerable period, authorities apprehended her while she was with her deaf boyfriend on charges of conspiracy. The couple had just returned from a gathering in the Silent Community in the Rama IX area. Upon arrest, officers discovered photos on Prayoon’s phone depicting drug use in the community and messages indicating regular drug sales. During interrogation, the hearing-impaired Prayoon admitted to all charges and confessed to selling methamphetamine but denied selling crystal meth, claiming she was coerced into selling drugs. She insisted that she did not deceive other deaf individuals into distributing drugs, suggesting their participation was voluntary. Prayoon gave up the names of two prominent distributors in the drug trade but refused to provide additional details out of fear of losing friends, reported Khaosod. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Khaosod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai couple claim American tenant damaged rented house - video Photo via ThaiRath A Thai couple accused an American man of breaking his tenancy contract on their rented house in the northern province of Phitsanulok and trashing the house. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329141-thai-couple-claim-american-tenant-damaged-rented-house-video/

A Thai couple accused an American man of breaking his tenancy contract on their rented house in the northern province of Phitsanulok and trashing the house. The couple lodged a complaint with the police against the American for vandalising their residence but he has not yet been summoned for questioning or charged. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the couple urged ThaiRath to share their story in the hope of expediting the case. The Thai man, identified only as Em, told ThaiRath that a Thai woman had contacted him and his wife on behalf of the American, who wished to rent their house for a year. Em charged the foreigner 8,000 baht a month and required him to pay a tenancy deposit of 16,000 baht before moving in. Everything went well until the contract nearly ended. The couple asked to check inside the house to see if anything was damaged before returning the tenancy deposit. According to Em, the American man did not allow him and his wife to enter the house and became angry for no reason. Em and the foreigner engaged in a heated argument outside the house, daring each other to fight. Em stated they eventually separated without resorting to any violence and he terminated the rental contract. Anger venting After the American man moved out, the couple checked inside the house and found part of the roof damaged. The wall was covered in colour splashes and vulgarities were written almost everywhere. They also found that the foreigner was growing cannabis without a license. Em stated that the foreign man not only made a mess of the house but also avoided paying an electricity bill costing over 17,000 baht. Em attempted to contact the Thai woman to ask about the foreign man but received no response. ThaiRath shared videos of Em and the American man arguing and of the couple checking the house on its Facebook page yesterday, June 5. In the comment section, a foreign man using the Facebook account Daniel A Martin defended the American man. “Actually, the Thai man started the fight, called him over to fight him, threw stones, shouted insults. This is called defamation. They kicked him out early, kept all the deposits, and harassed him. They demanded money early, threatened him, and threatened a Thai employee. The foreigner had to get a restraining order against him. Get your facts right!” As of now, there is no update on the conclusion of the story. Police have not yet investigated the matter. By Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai reggae band member loses 8 million baht to contractor scam Image courtesy of Khaosod A prominent member of the popular Thai reggae band Magenta reported being defrauded by a contractor during the construction of his house, resulting in financial losses of nearly 8 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329140-thai-reggae-band-member-loses-8-million-baht-to-contractor-scam/

A prominent member of the popular Thai reggae band Magenta reported being defrauded by a contractor during the construction of his house, resulting in financial losses of nearly 8 million baht. A member of the band, 38 year old Kittipong Watthanarach, and his 30 year old wife, Artitiya Anthrabut, alleged that a well-known contractor in Khon Kaen scammed them. They claimed that the contractor allegedly used a fake engineer to oversee the project, leading to severe structural deficiencies that now require the entire building to be demolished. The contractor was hired to build a car garage worth 2 million baht and a house valued at approximately 20 million baht. However, both structures remain incomplete and unstable, with concerns they might collapse, resulting in a total loss of around 7.9 million baht. The contractor initially accepted the job to build a two-storey house and a car garage in Mueang Khon Kaen District. However, he did not follow the approved plans, reducing the size and quantity of essential materials without informing the homeowners. For example, 12 steel rods required for the building columns were reduced to six, compromising the structural integrity of the buildings. Shady contractor Attempts to contact the contractor for a resolution were met with evasiveness, and the contractor directed the homeowners to communicate with a person claiming to be his lawyer. The couple visited the affected property, accompanied by engineer Phongphat Senee, who observed significant issues, including cracked and leaning columns. The garage, designed to accommodate seven cars using a hydraulic lift system, was also incomplete and failed to meet the specified standards. Artitiya explained that they had purchased the land and started building the house over a year ago. Initially, they hired another contractor but were forced to terminate the contract once funds were misused. They eventually hired a trusted acquaintance, identified as A, a former schoolmate of Kittipong. A initially pointed out flaws in the previous construction and offered to correct them. However, as construction progressed, several discrepancies emerged. A deviated from the approved plans, such as using cement boards instead of the specified composite sheets for the garage. Despite assurances to rectify these issues, the contractor failed to do so after receiving 5.1 million baht for the house and garage construction. Switcheroo Kittipong, upon noticing further irregularities, requested a detailed review of the construction materials and costs. An engineer friend assisting with the project discovered that the contractor had substituted lower-quality materials without informing the homeowners. The investigation revealed that the supervising engineer provided by A was not legally certified. The imposter eventually admitted to not being a qualified engineer. Efforts to resolve the issue with the contractor were unsuccessful, prompting the couple to file a police report. Determined to pursue legal action, the couple aims to hold the contractor accountable for the nearly 8 million baht lost and the incomplete and unsafe structures. They also plan to demolish the house and start anew, fearing the current structure might collapse. The couple strongly urges others to thoroughly research contractors and seek expert advice to avoid similar costly mistakes, reported Khaosod. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Khaosod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Animal Rights Group in Thailand Files Police Complaint Against Siberian Husky Owner File photo for reference only A Siberian Husky owner is in trouble after a video of them abusing the animal emerged online. The video showed the owner pouring hot water on the dog, called Lek, as punishment for eating treats without authorization. Following the circulation of the video, Watchdog Thailand reported the case to the police for animal cruelty. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329080-pregnant-husky-scalded-with-hot-water-by-owner-sparks-outrage/?do=findComment&comment=18972121

Animal Rights Group in Thailand Files Police Complaint Against Siberian Husky Owner A Siberian Husky owner is in trouble after a video of them abusing the animal emerged online. The video showed the owner pouring hot water on the dog, called Lek, as punishment for eating treats without authorization. Following the circulation of the video, Watchdog Thailand reported the case to the police for animal cruelty. Lek, who was expecting puppies at the time of the incident, was noticeably in extreme pain in the video. Fortunately, a new owner, residing in Nakhon Ratchasima province, noticed the dog's burns and rushed her to the vet. Her puppies, the vet confirmed, were uninjured. An accusation has been officially filed against the former owner by Watchdog Thailand’s Rattiya Thiewtrakul. As per the Prevention and Welfare of Animals Act, anyone found guilty of animal cruelty can be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison, in addition to a fine of 40,000 baht. Rattiya explained that well-wishers had provided additional information that confirmed the former owner's identity. She encouraged individuals interested in owning a Siberian Husky to first understand the breed’s strong-willed nature. According to Kitiwat Piyawatnakul, a dog rescuer, a personal dispute allegedly prompted the incident. The former owner poured hot water on Lek while filming, reportedly intending to enrage their boyfriend. Since the intended reaction didn't follow, the video was then sent to a friend. Meanwhile, the former owner has issued an apology, asserting that they were ‘out of their mind’ due to stress during the ill-fated act. They, however, refuted any prior knowledge of Lek’s pregnancy. The case is now being investigated by the police. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe