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The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has pressed charges against the husband of a former leading actress and owner of a website, accused of distributing adult content online and causing damage worth upwards of 93 million baht. Yesterday, on June 5, Ratchaphruek Chudam, the Deputy Director of the Technology and Information Cases Division, handed in 121 investigation files, amounting to 33,681 pages, and presented the suspect at the Office of Special Cases for further legal action. The DSI Director-General proposed prosecution against a man named Phumipat (last name not disclosed), currently held in custody, who is the spouse of a retired famous actress, along with seven other people. The accused are allegedly involved in unlawfully accessing and modifying others' data during transmission in a computer system. The charges also include illegal activities like causing others' computer systems to shutdown and sharing or distributing pornographic computer data against the regulations of the Computer Crime Act of 2007. Borne out of an inquiry into copyright infringements related to audiovisual materials and foreign movie content online, the illegal activities could be traced back to the website http://www.doo4k.tv and several other sites. The resultant damage is valued at 93,090,000 baht or US$2.5 million. However, the investigation had originally ended with a decision to prosecute 25 individuals on September 11 last year. But, the Intellectual Property and International Trade Cases Division 3 Prosecutor's Office stopped proceedings against the accused under the 1994 Copyright Act after complaint withdrawals. The case files and suspects went back to the special case investigators for additional action. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Teen killed by speeding BMW in Phuket hit-and-run tragedy Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic accident occurred when a 14 year old boy riding a motorcycle was hit and dragged to his death by a speeding BMW. The driver fled the scene but later turned himself in to the police. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329120-teen-killed-by-speeding-bmw-in-phuket-hit-and-run-tragedy/

A tragic accident occurred when a 14 year old boy riding a motorcycle was hit and dragged to his death by a speeding BMW. The driver fled the scene but later turned himself in to the police. At 11.30pm yesterday, Thanom Thongpan, an investigator at Thalang Police Station in Phuket, received a report of the incident on Thepkrasattri Road, outbound at kilometre 27 in Thalang District, Phuket. The accident resulted in a fatality and property damage, prompting an immediate investigation with forensic doctors. The scene on Thepkrasattri Road, outbound from Phuket City on Route 402, revealed the body of 14 year old Pachara lying lifeless near the second and third lanes at the entrance of a petrol station. Nearby, about 50 metres away, a blue BMW with Phang Nga registration was found crashed into a sign and old tyres in front of NTP Motors shop. The driver was not present at the scene. The wreckage of the motorcycle also registered in Phuket, was found about 3 metres in front of the car. Evidence of the collision was found in the second lane near the Krong Cheep U-turn, approximately 100 metres from where the body was discovered. Ekaphong, who was riding another motorcycle with the deceased, recounted the harrowing moments. They were riding two motorcycles inbound on Thepkrasattri Road and intended to make a U-turn at the entrance to Krong Cheep. While making the U-turn, Pachara’s motorcycle stalled in the middle of the road. Ekaphong tried to push the motorcycle to safety but a car coming straight towards them hit Pachara, dragging him along the road. Police documented the scene and took photographs, and the forensic team conducted an autopsy before returning to Thalang Police Station. Later, Saku Police Station reported that the driver of the BMW, identified as 40 year old Phontho had turned himself in. He admitted to being the driver involved in the accident. Police conducted a breathalyser test to measure his blood alcohol content, Ekaphong said. “It was a devastating incident. We were just trying to make a U-turn when suddenly the motorcycle stopped. I couldn’t do anything as the car came towards us.” The investigation continues as police examine all aspects of the accident, including the potential liability of the BMW driver, reported Khaosod. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man with sword alarms residents in Ayutthaya historical park Picture courtesy of Matichon Residents of Ayutthaya were alarmed by a man walking around a historical park with a sword, claiming he borrowed it from a friend and had no intention of harming anyone. The police were alerted to the situation today and responded promptly. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329119-man-with-sword-alarms-residents-in-ayutthaya-historical-park/

Residents of Ayutthaya were alarmed by a man walking around a historical park with a sword, claiming he borrowed it from a friend and had no intention of harming anyone. The police were alerted to the situation today and responded promptly. Police officers from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Station received reports from concerned citizens about a Thai man seen carrying a sword near Wat Phra Si Sanphet within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Fearing potential danger, they swiftly moved to investigate. Upon arrival, officers encountered a shirtless man in shorts, covered in tattoos, walking back and forth with a long sword. They approached him, instructed him to put the sword down, and subsequently detained him, securing the weapon. The man identified himself as 32 year old Chatree and claimed he was merely walking around the park and had borrowed the sword from a friend. He insisted he had no malicious intent, merely carrying the sword as he walked. “I live in the Wat Takrai community and was just walking around the park. I borrowed the sword from a friend but wasn’t planning to do anything with it.” Residents exercising in the park reported seeing Chatree with the sword, causing them to flee in fear, said one local. “I was jogging when I saw him walking towards me with the sword. I stopped and walked away quickly, afraid he might be dangerous.” Observers also noted that Chatree had a shirt wrapped around his hand and appeared to be sniffing something, adding to their concerns. The incident sparked fear among parkgoers and tourists, leading many to leave the area hurriedly. An off-duty police officer jogging in the park observed the unusual behaviour and quickly radioed for backup from the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Station, reported KhaoSod. The responding officers took Chatree into custody and conducted a background check and drug test at the station. Despite local suspicions linking him to drug use, the test results showed no purple urine, indicating no drug presence. Nevertheless, police charged Chatree with carrying a weapon in public without a valid reason. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Matichon Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Jealous ex-husband shoots rival after child’s birthday party Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic incident unfolded in Phetchaburi when a former husband, driven by jealousy, shot his ex-wife’s new partner with a 9mm gun, leading to the latter’s death. The incident took place after a child’s birthday party. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329118-jealous-ex-husband-shoots-rival-after-child’s-birthday-party/

A tragic incident unfolded in Phetchaburi when a former husband, driven by jealousy, shot his ex-wife’s new partner with a 9mm gun, leading to the latter’s death. The incident took place after a child’s birthday party. Police Colonel Wanchai Khaoram, Director of Phetchaburi Provincial Police Station, rushed to the emergency room of Phra Chom Klao Hospital in Phetchaburi upon receiving a report of a person being critically injured by a gunshot. The victim, identified as 28 year old Peerapol Lumrod, from Don Yang Subdistrict, Phetchaburi City District, was shot in the hip with a 9mm gun. Despite medical efforts, Peerapol succumbed to his injuries. The perpetrator, Pipat Ngamsuk, also from Don Yang Subdistrict, fled the scene but later contacted the police to surrender at the Phetchaburi Provincial Police Investigation Division. The crime scene, a two-story raised wooden house, revealed three 9mm shell casings—two in the central hall and one in a bedroom. The police have cordoned off the area to allow forensic teams to gather additional evidence. Colonel Wanchai disclosed that the motive behind the shooting was likely jealousy. The victim was the new partner of the ex-wife, while the assailant was her former husband. The incident occurred during a birthday celebration for the ex-couple’s one year old child, reported KhaoSod. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect arrived at the house with his mother to see his child after work. An argument ensued between the suspect and his ex-wife, escalating into a physical altercation that led to the tragic shooting, witnessed by the one year old child, said Colonel Wanchai. “We are conducting thorough interviews with all parties involved to determine the exact cause of this incident.” By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai woman accused of forcing daughter to trade sex for Yaba Photo via MGR Online A 22 year old woman from the Isaan province of Buriram sought help from the director of the Opportunity Foundation, accusing her mother of forcing her to have sex with drug dealers to obtain methamphetamine, also known as Yaba. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329117-thai-woman-accused-of-forcing-daughter-to-trade-sex-for-yaba/

A 22 year old woman from the Isaan province of Buriram sought help from the director of the Opportunity Foundation, accusing her mother of forcing her to have sex with drug dealers to obtain methamphetamine, also known as Yaba. Opportunity Foundation Director Warut Khamkanake accompanied the 22 year old woman, known as A, to Mueang Buriram Police Station to file a complaint against her mother, 44 year old Kanlaya. Warut told police that A had lived at the foundation since she was 12 years old and left to live with her mother when she was 19. A had four other siblings, all of whom lived at the foundation. A entered the foundation when she was 12 years old after being raped by her biological father. According to Warut, A returned to the foundation on June 4 to seek help from him saying Kanlaya forced her to have sex with a drug dealer more than 10 times to get Yaba. A policewoman searched A for signs of sexual assault and found semen on her, so she was taken to a hospital for a thorough examination. Police then visited a rented house in the Pakham district of Buriram province to question A’s mother. Kanlaya insisted that she had never forced her daughter to trade sex for Yaba but admitted to using the drug. Kanlaya said she suspected the owner of the rented house of raping her daughter. Kanlaya explained that she and her daughter did not live in the rented house but lived in front of it because they could not pay the rent. She was waiting for her new husband to give her money to pay the rent. As a result, she and her daughter had to use the owner’s bathroom. She suspected that the owner was using this as an opportunity to rape her daughter. The owner also used to give her daughter 400 baht for sex. She tried to stop this but to no avail. Kanlaya added that her daughter, who suffers from a mental illness, had disappeared from home several times. A neighbour confirmed Kanlaya’s innocence, stating that she had never witnessed Kanlaya abusing her daughter and had always seen her searching for her when she went missing. The police have not yet closed the case and have not disclosed the next steps in the investigation. By Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai monk stole Buddha statues and antiques to fix broken car Photo via TNews Police arrested a Thai monk for stealing Buddha statues and antiques from three temples in the northern province of Phitsanulok. The thief claimed he committed the theft for the first time because he needed money to fix his car. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329116-thai-monk-stole-buddha-statues-and-antiques-to-fix-broken-car/

Police arrested a Thai monk for stealing Buddha statues and antiques from three temples in the northern province of Phitsanulok. The thief claimed he committed the theft for the first time because he needed money to fix his car. The Commander of Phitsanulok Provincial Police, Nikhom Kruenopparat, informed ThaiRath that on the evening of Tuesday, June 4, a 59 year-old monk named Boonshirt Klinyaem was apprehended at a resort in Phitsanulok. Subsequently, the Police escorted the monk to a nearby temple for a disrobing ceremony before interrogation. During their investigation, officers confiscated stolen Buddha statues and antiques from the resort, consisting of two Buddha statue heads, five Buddha statues, and Thai traditional ceramic ware known as Sangkhalok. Nikhom explained that Boonshirt committed the thefts on May 30. He drove his black Honda Accord sedan to the resort to change from his monk’s robe into ordinary clothes. He then went to the first temple, Wat Khuha Sawan, and stole a Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue. Boonshirt then moved to the second temple, Wat Tha Maprang, and stole another Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue. At the last temple, Wat Rat Burana, Boonshirt stole a Buddha statue along with Sangkhalok ceramic ware before returning to the resort. Each temple filed a report with the police, prompting officers to review security camera footage at each location to identify the thief. They successfully arrested Boonshirt at the resort. Boonshirt disclosed that he was a monk at Koh Mai Daeng Temple in the northern province of Sukhothai. He claimed that he needed money to fix his broken car and decided to steal the valuable statues and antiques to sell them online. Boonshirt insisted that this was his first offence and he had not yet sold the stolen objects. However, police were not convinced because two Buddha statue heads did not belong to the three temples. Police suspect Boonshirt may have committed previous crimes. Boonshirt was charged under Section 335 of the Criminal Law: committing theft at night. The penalty is imprisonment from one to five years and a fine from 20,000 to 100,000 baht. By Petch Petpailin Photo via TNews Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mitsubishi Pajero crashes off bridge in Phatthalung, killing one Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic accident occurred when a Mitsubishi Pajero lost control and plunged off a bridge, resulting in severe damage to the vehicle, leaving one person dead and two others injured. Police rushed to the scene on Ban Khu-Kong Ra Road, in Phatthalung Province, following the incident. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329063-mitsubishi-pajero-crashes-off-bridge-in-phatthalung-killing-one/

A tragic accident occurred when a Mitsubishi Pajero lost control and plunged off a bridge, resulting in severe damage to the vehicle, leaving one person dead and two others injured. Police rushed to the scene on Ban Khu-Kong Ra Road, in Phatthalung Province, following the incident. At 11.40pm yesterday, Phatthalung’s Kong Ra Police Station and emergency responders arrived at the accident site in Moo 4, Khlong Chalerm Subdistrict, Kong Ra District. The vehicle, a Mitsubishi Pajero with the licence plate 5973 Songkhla, had veered off the bridge and flipped onto its side in a roadside ditch. The car was found severely damaged, with three people trapped inside. Rescuers used hydraulic cutting tools to free the trapped individuals. They were identified as 55 year old Hronmin Wadthan, 63 year old Jutharat Saenwandi, and the driver, 59 year old Bubakard Yadee. All three were rushed to Kong Ra Hospital with serious injuries. Unfortunately, Bubakard Yadee succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. Locals reported that the accident occurred at a curve in the road, leading to the vehicle losing control and crashing into the ditch. Residents nearby heard the crash and initially attempted to assist the victims before emergency services arrived, said one local. “We heard a loud crash and rushed to the scene. The car was in terrible shape, and we tried to help until the rescue team arrived.” The police are investigating to determine the precise cause of the accident. The curve in the road where the accident occurred is known to be hazardous, and it is suspected that the vehicle may have skidded off the road due to losing control, reported KhaoSod. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai jail escapee accuses Indonesian cops of stealing diamond ring Photo via Facebook/ NationPhoto A notorious Thai prison escapee accused Indonesian police of stealing his diamond ring during his arrest in Bali after seven months on the run. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329062-thai-jail-escapee-accuses-indonesian-cops-of-stealing-diamond-ring/

A notorious Thai prison escapee accused Indonesian police of stealing his diamond ring during his arrest in Bali after seven months on the run. The infamous Chaowalit “Paeng” Thongduang, who escaped from custody during a dental appointment at Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital on October 22, last year. Following his escape, he went live on social media, alleging mistreatment by officials, which he claimed prompted his decision to flee. After seven months on the run, Thai authorities and Indonesian police located the 37 year old in Medan City due to a dispute with an Indonesian lover. He was ultimately arrested in Bali on May 3. Chaowalit disclosed that he had been hiding in multiple countries before his apprehension. Chaowalit was extradited from Indonesia to the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday, June 4, via a flight from Jakarta International Airport. At the airport, Chaowalit assured a ThaiRath reporter that he would not escape again and was confident that authorities would treat him fairly. According to ThaiRath, Chaowalit informed the Thai authorities that his diamond ring went missing during his arrest and detention in Indonesia. Indonesian police denied the accusation, stating that they handed over all of Chaowalit’s belongings and valuables to Thai police. They maintain that no valuables were taken from the prisoner. As of now, Thai authorities have not yet clarified the situation regarding the missing ring to the public. Chaowalit was then transferred from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Bang Kwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. He departed via a flight to Don Mueang International Airport at 9am today, June 5, accompanied by four officers from the Hanuman Special Operations Unit to prevent any escape attempts. Chaowalit will be transferred to a prison with higher security measures and greater stability, such as Khao Bin Central Prison in Ratchaburi or Nakhon Si Thammarat Central Prison, where he was initially detained. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ NationPhoto Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai court remands Chaowalit after nine-hour interrogation Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police have detained Chaowalit “Paeng” Thongduang, who remains resolute after nine hours of interrogation, denying all allegations against him. He was remanded by the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Court before being flown to Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329061-thai-court-remands-chaowalit-after-nine-hour-interrogation/

Police have detained Chaowalit “Paeng” Thongduang, who remains resolute after nine hours of interrogation, denying all allegations against him. He was remanded by the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Court before being flown to Bangkok. Officers from Nakhon Si Thammarat City Police Station escorted Chaowalit from his cell to the provincial court early today, ensuring strict security throughout the journey. The court proceedings took approximately one hour, and by 9.03am, Chaowalit was transported to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport to board a flight to Bangkok. Police Major General Somchai Suetortrakul, the Provincial Police Commander, confirmed that the interrogation concluded at 4am. Initially, local police conducted the questioning, followed by officers from Phatthalung Province who questioned Chaowalit in connection with three additional cases. During the questioning, Chaowalit provided limited information and did not exhibit signs of stress. His brother and two lawyers were present throughout the process. According to the police, Chaowalit exercised his right to remain silent and denied all charges, said Somchai. “Chaowalit denied all allegations and chose not to provide statements during the investigation, which is his legal right. Therefore, there was no need for further detainment for interrogation purposes.” At 8am, police sought the court’s permission to remand Chaowalit. Following the court’s approval, Chaowalit was handed over to the Department of Corrections, which arranged for his transfer to Bangkok. The Air Force’s C130 aircraft awaited him at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, reported KhaoSod. Diamond ring Reporters on the scene noted that after the interrogation ended at 4am, Chaowalit returned to his cell to rest, awaiting the court’s decision. The detention officers reported that Chaowalit appeared relaxed, even smiling, despite the exhaustion from the lengthy interrogation and travel. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Jealous husband kills wife in Ayutthaya shooting spree Image courtesy of Khaosod A domestic dispute turned deadly when a jealous husband fired shots at his relatives yesterday, leaving one severely injured, before fatally shooting his wife in the head while they were playing games outside their home in Ayutthaya Province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329060-jealous-husband-kills-wife-in-ayutthaya-shooting-spree/

A domestic dispute turned deadly when a jealous husband fired shots at his relatives yesterday, leaving one severely injured, before fatally shooting his wife in the head while they were playing games outside their home in Ayutthaya Province. The deceased has been identified as 42 year old Sukanya Yenbumrung, who was shot in the head. Another relative, 24 year old Noppadon Jantha, suffered severe injuries from gunshots to his head. The perpetrator, 30 year old Chanchai Khunthong, is the husband of the deceased. Relatives managed to apprehend him, ensuring he received a beating before handing him over to the police. The Thai police conducted a thorough examination of the crime scene. They found bloodstains on the floor and four .38 calibre bullet casings on the sofa. They also confiscated a .38 calibre handgun. Mother of the perpetrator, 48 year old Rofiyah Khunthong recounted hearing screams from her daughter-in-law being shot. She ran to the house and saw her son holding the gun. Attempts to restrain, and convince her son to put down the weapon were to no avail. He escaped, but only to be captured by his relatives. Rofiyah explained that the police arrived and took her son into custody, accompanied by his father, and transported him to the hospital. Meanwhile, her daughter-in-law lay in a pool of blood inside the house. Noppadon was found injured on the sofa. Relatives rushed both victims to Lad Bua Luang Hospital, where Sukanya was pronounced dead. Rofiyah suggested that jealousy was likely the motive, as her son was extremely possessive. She expressed bewilderment over why he would resort to shooting family members, given that there were no indications of infidelity. She described Sukanya as a good woman who worked as a childminder and seldom went out. Another relative, 26 year old Chaiya Jantha recounted the suddenness of the attack, noting that Chanchai said nothing before opening fire. After attempts to shoot two other relatives failed due to a weapon malfunction, Chanchai instead grabbed his wife and shot her in the head. Ayutthaya police have sent Sukanya’s body for a detailed autopsy at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Pathum Thani Province. They have also summoned witnesses for questioning and detained the injured Chanchai at the hospital to proceed with legal action, reported Khaosod. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Khaosod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Caterpillars chomp through 150-rai lotus pond in record time Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Millions of caterpillars devoured a 150-rai (approximately 60 hectares) lotus pond at Bueng Phra in Chokchai District, Nakhon Ratchasima, within two weeks. Experts identified the culprit as the Nhon Bung caterpillar, a type of moth larvae that prey on lotus plants. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329059-caterpillars-chomp-through-150-rai-lotus-pond-in-record-time/

Millions of caterpillars devoured a 150-rai (approximately 60 hectares) lotus pond at Bueng Phra in Chokchai District, Nakhon Ratchasima, within two weeks. Experts identified the culprit as the Nhon Bung caterpillar, a type of moth larvae that prey on lotus plants. What was once a picturesque lotus pond, brimming with vibrant pink blossoms just two months ago, has now turned into a brown, withered expanse. The transformation has shocked locals and visitors alike. Residents report that these caterpillars have ravaged the lotus leaves and flowers in less than two weeks. Thawatchai Kanpimai, a local fisherman, described the scene. “The lotuses that you see drying up across the pond are the work of a small caterpillar, about the size of a matchstick, with bristles all over its body.” Thawatchai mentioned that he frequently encounters these caterpillars while checking his fish traps in the pond, but they do not cause him any irritation. He noted that the caterpillars primarily target lotus and cattail plants around the pond and do not seem to affect other vegetation. This phenomenon is not entirely new to the area. According to locals, such outbreaks occur almost every year around this time. The caterpillars feed on the lotuses until they wither and turn brown. However, once the caterpillars have finished their cycle, new lotus leaves eventually grow back, restoring the pond to its former beauty. Caterpillar carnage Associate Professor Dr Jariya Roddee from the Department of Plant Production Technology at Suranaree University of Technology confirmed the identity of the caterpillars after examining images sent by reporters. “These are Nhon Bung caterpillars, also known in some regions as Bai Bua caterpillars. They are the larvae of nocturnal moths.” The adult moths lay their eggs on the lotus leaves, and once hatched, the larvae consume the leaves and flowers, leaving only the central veins intact. Dr Jariya outlined the lifecycle of these pests. After feeding, the caterpillars pupate and eventually emerge as adult moths, which then mate and lay eggs, continuing the cycle. She emphasised that the abundance of food sources accelerates the spread and damage caused by these caterpillars, making them difficult to control. Despite the extensive damage, Dr Jariya noted that the affected lotuses are capable of regenerating. In cultivated lotus fields, farmers often use chemical treatments to manage these pests. However, in public and natural water bodies like Bueng Phra, letting the natural cycle run its course might be the only option, reported KhaoSod. Environmental factors such as weather, humidity, and sustained high temperatures contribute to the rapid and extensive damage. The abundance of food sources also plays a crucial role in the caterpillars’ proliferation. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Transport company accused of 10 million baht unpaid wages Image courtesy of Khaosod A prominent transport company in Thailand has come under fire for allegedly failing to pay over 100 subcontracted delivery drivers, with total unpaid wages amounting to more than 10 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329057-transport-company-accused-of-10-million-baht-unpaid-wages/

A prominent transport company in Thailand has come under fire for allegedly failing to pay over 100 subcontracted delivery drivers, with total unpaid wages amounting to more than 10 million baht. Some affected drivers, who had recently bought vehicles to undertake delivery work, have had to return them due to the financial strain from the unpaid wages. Today, June 5, more than ten delivery drivers convened near the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Hall to file complaints against the transport company. After assembling, the group proceeded to the Nakhon Ratchasima City Police Station, bringing along various pieces of evidence to support their case. According to the affected individuals, the transport company had entered into a contract with a well-known delivery service to handle parcel deliveries. However, instead of formalising contracts with the subcontracted drivers, the company failed to provide any legal agreements. In May, the group of subcontracted drivers began to demand their overdue payments from the company but received no clear response regarding the payment timeline. Fleeing from troubles Recently, the company shut down its office in Nakhon Ratchasima and ceased communication with the drivers. Some drivers even found themselves blocked on messaging platforms. Further investigations revealed that this was not the first instance of the company’s dubious behaviour. Similar incidents were reported in several provinces across the central and northeastern regions of Thailand, such as Nakhon Pathom, Chaiyaphum, Surin, Buriram, Sisaket, Khon Kaen, and Roi Et. It is estimated that the total number of affected drivers exceeds 100, with the collective unpaid wages surpassing 10 million baht. A former driver for the company, 27 year old Jutharat explained that she started working for the company in December last year, using a six-wheel truck. The company was supposed to pay her 52,000 baht per month but she only received 10,000 baht per month until March, totalling 30,000 baht. She further disclosed that she and many other subcontractors were unknowingly dismissed from their delivery routes. In the first wave of dismissals, about 30 to 40 drivers were affected, with unpaid wages totalling over 6 million baht. Delaying payments Another driver, 59 year old Saman, indicated that issues began three to four months ago when the company started delaying payments. By May, the company had still not paid the April wages, which were due by May 15. His attempts to contact the company were met with no response, and when a friend checked the company’s office, it was found to be closed. Saman is owed over 100,000 baht but despite filing complaints, he remains sceptical about recovering the lost money but urges authorities to shut down the company to prevent further scams, reported Khaosod. These revelations sparked a call for police and relevant agencies to take swift action against the transport company to protect other potential victims across the country. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Khaosod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Carbon Tax to Start Taking Effect from 2025 File photo for reference only The government aims to establish a carbon tax by 2025 in its bid to combat climate change and endorse green practices. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Director-General of the Excise Department, stated that the system for this tax will be formulated based on globally accepted methods and international norms. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329056-carbon-tax-to-start-taking-effect-from-2025/

The government aims to establish a carbon tax by 2025 in its bid to combat climate change and endorse green practices. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Director-General of the Excise Department, stated that the system for this tax will be formulated based on globally accepted methods and international norms. Ekniti clarified that the carbon tax will be charged on emissions right at the source, beginning with oil products. The tax will come with a rate of 200 baht per metric tonne. Thailand is set to become the second country in ASEAN to introduce a carbon tax, following Singapore, demonstrating its dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable growth. The carbon tax will be included in the current oil tax framework, guaranteeing a revenue-neutral shift. The Excise Department reaffirmed that the tax will act as a driver for lowering carbon emissions and advocating for eco-conscious practices. The government has conducted measures to stimulate the expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), with sales showing a substantial boost of 685% in 2024. Furthermore, the department is considering differentiating battery tax rates. It plans to cut the tax rate for recycling, in an effort to motivate businesses to embrace green practices and contribute to a circular economy. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe