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Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has rescinded the decision about the controversial 300-baht tourism fee. This fee was first proposed last year and has faced resistance from private businesses. The government intended to gather this fee from every tourist coming to Thailand. However, it was scrapped with the belief that getting rid of it might stimulate tourists to spend more in other sectors, thus providing a significant boost to the economy. There have been concerns surrounding Thailand's drop in the World Economic Forum's tourism and travel development index, where it currently holds the 47th place out of 119 countries. In response to this, Srettha stressed on a positive approach rather than pointing fingers. He pointed out the continued recognition of many Thai cities and islands as top global tourist spots and prompted an emphasis on promoting positive advancements within the industry. Additionally, during his visit to the North on June 9, Srettha reported ongoing discussions with Apple Inc. about setting up a startup center and possibly an Apple Developer Academy at the Science and Technology Park of Chiang Mai University. An agreement is likely to be reached soon, with Apple officials planning to visit by the end of 2025 to finalize the agreement. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Public encouraged to stay vigilant as COVID infections rises File photo for reference only The number of COVID-19 patients being admitted to hospitals in Thailand has risen to 2,762 between June 2 and 8, or an average of 395 patients daily. This figure is an increase from the previous week, which saw 1,863 cases, as reported by the COVID-19 Information Centre. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329418-public-encouraged-to-stay-vigilant-as-covid-infections-rises/

The number of COVID-19 patients being admitted to hospitals in Thailand has risen to 2,762 between June 2 and 8, or an average of 395 patients daily. This figure is an increase from the previous week, which saw 1,863 cases, as reported by the COVID-19 Information Centre. The nation also reported five deaths during that week, taking the total death toll for the year to 137. Dr. Thira Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine cautioned the public via a Facebook post. Due to a 48.3% increase in COVID-19 related hospital admissions from the past week, he advised people to remain vigilant and take care of their health. In other news, the Centre for Medical Genomics at Mahidol University made an announcement on its website about a new vaccine, KP.2. This vaccine has the potential to strengthen the immune system against new COVID variants and is anticipated to be approved for usage in the 2024-25 season. The centre stated that the new vaccine marks a significant step towards battling COVID mutations and is expected to curb the global infection rates. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Numerous complaints received regarding non-delivery of 'Labubu' toys File photo for reference only Today, a group of fans of the widely popular 'Labubu' toys reported to the police about being defrauded. They claimed to have ordered the toys online, but the goods were never delivered. The total number of victims nationally is estimated to be around 100, leading to an overall loss of about Bt20 million. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329416-numerous-complaints-received-regarding-non-delivery-of-labubu-toys/

Today, a group of fans of the widely popular 'Labubu' toys reported to the police about being defrauded. They claimed to have ordered the toys online, but the goods were never delivered. The total number of victims nationally is estimated to be around 100, leading to an overall loss of about Bt20 million. The victims explained that their purchases were made through a Facebook page and payment was made upfront. One of the buyers tried reaching out to the vendors but was made to wait for his order, supposedly being shipped internationally. It was only late last month that he discovered he had been swindled. Meanwhile, another buyer stated that he had earlier dealings with the sellers and had received his order. On the strength of this previous experience, he trusted the seller enough to make an advance payment of about Bt1.5 million. The Labubu 'macaron' variety, in particular, has seen high demand in Thailand and overseas ever since a photo of Lisa Blackpink holding a Labubu box was posted on her social media. This immense popularity caused a surge in the toy's price and depletion of stock. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two fishermen saved from capsized boat at Jomtien Beach File photo for reference only Two fishermen survived a boat capsizing incident at Jomtien Beach due to harsh wind and wave conditions. One of the fishermen was seriously injured during the incident. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329414-two-fishermen-saved-from-capsized-boat-at-jomtien-beach/

courtesy The Thaiger, reference only. Two fishermen survived a boat capsizing incident at Jomtien Beach due to harsh wind and wave conditions. One of the fishermen was seriously injured during the incident. The boat overturned around 7.06 am today and the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation was alerted about the situation. Reportedly, two men were injured and stranded in the water after their boat capsized. Rescue team on arrival at the site found 30-year-old Natthapong suffering from water aspiration - a condition in which water enters the lungs. They immediately administered first aid and moved him to Pattaya Hospital for further treatment. The other fisherman, 25-year-old Phongsak, experienced minor injuries and was in shock after the incident. Phongsak shared that they both went out to the sea on their small fishing boat to catch seafood to sell. Although the weather seemed calm initially, it got worse as they were heading back, leading to strong waves and winds, causing their boat to capsize. Both fishermen tried hard to stay afloat and swim back to the beach. Unfortunately, Natthapong had swallowed a large amount of water and was in a serious condition by the time help arrived. Their boat had sunk to the seafloor. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Concerns rise as Chao Phraya River bank collapses File photo for reference only A part of the Chao Phraya River embankment in Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret district collapsed, sparking worry among locals and government officials. The collapse happened around 5:40 pm on June 9 and left concrete debris and exposed rebar in a 75 meters stretch. Phra Khru Nontakun Phiphat, the head monk of Wat Choeng Lane temple, reported the incident to the local administration at 6:40 pm. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329413-concerns-rise-as-chao-phraya-river-bank-collapses/

A part of the Chao Phraya River embankment in Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret district collapsed, sparking worry among locals and government officials. The collapse happened around 5:40 pm on June 9 and left concrete debris and exposed rebar in a 75 meters stretch. Phra Khru Nontakun Phiphat, the head monk of Wat Choeng Lane temple, reported the incident to the local administration at 6:40 pm. The section of the embankment that collapsed was part of a construction project initiated in 2014 to prevent erosion of the riverbanks. However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its completion from February 2023. The embankment, consisting of the concrete edge, is 3.15 meters wide and 1.2 meters tall, with supporting piles going 21 meters deep. Piles of soil, likely brought in by the water, was found on the riverbank. A digger was seen on site, suggesting that it might have been used for landscaping inside the embankment. Phra Khru Nontakun Phiphat urged that the embankment needs to be stronger, regardless of the reasons for the collapse. He hopes that the new embankment planned by the Royal Irrigation Department will be sturdier. Initial studies suggest that the collapse might have been caused by fluctuating water levels putting stress on the embankment, along with soil-filled structure. The authorities have asked for expert evaluation to ascertain the cause of the collapse. A similar collapse occurred along another part of the Chao Phraya River embankment last month on May 12. It stretched over 70 meters and locals were equally worried, prompting authorities to carry out necessary checks along the river. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Arrest Made in the Murder of a 21-Year-Old Woman from Phetchaburi File photo for reference only A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 21-year-old woman and dumping her body in Phetchaburi, Thailand. The authorities are currently questioning the individual. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329411-arrest-made-in-the-murder-of-a-21-year-old-woman-from-phetchaburi/

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 21-year-old woman and dumping her body in Phetchaburi, Thailand. The authorities are currently questioning the individual. The body of the victim, known as Benjarat or Nong Dream, was found on June 7 in a grassy area by Phetkasem Road. The body was so severely decomposed that initial identification was not possible. However, identifying features like a gold watch, ring, bead bracelet, and a unique tattoo led to the identification of the victim as Benjarat from Nong Khai Province. The mother of Benjarat, who had been report her missing earlier, was able to formally identify her through her Winnie the Pooh shoulder tattoo. She suggested that the murderer was her daughter's boyfriend. Following an investigation, police issued an arrest warrant on charges of theft, illegal burial and destruction of a body for a 20-year-old individual named Anuwat. The suspect was captured on June 10 on Phetkasem Road and is being held for questioning. The shocking crime has left the local community in sorrow and in a state of demand for justice for Benjarat. The family's search for their missing loved one ended tragically with the discovery of her body. A relative of the victim expressed the hope that the police will ensure justice is served. The incident has raised awareness about violence and safety issues, particularly towards young women. The Thai authorities emphasized the importance of public vigilance and urged for reporting any suspicious behavior. The police are expected to provide more information about the case as their investigation progresses. The community is eagerly waiting for justice for Benjarat and hopes such a horrific act won't be repeated. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

British man found dead under mysterious circumstances in a public park in Chiang Mai File photo for reference only A 34-year-old British man, Dax Baker, was found dead in puzzling circumstances in a public park in Chiang Mai's city centre, a northern province of Thailand. An empty foil package, typically linked to drug use, was found near his body. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329408-british-man-found-dead-under-mysterious-circumstances-in-a-public-park-in-chiang-mai/

A 34-year-old British man, Dax Baker, was found dead in puzzling circumstances in a public park in Chiang Mai's city centre, a northern province of Thailand. An empty foil package, typically linked to drug use, was found near his body. The local police were notified about the death at around 12.20 pm on June 9. Baker was found lifeless next to a fountain in a park close to the Somphet Fresh Market. Investigators found no signs of injury or physical attack on his body. Baker was living in a nearby condominium. Noting the empty foil package close to Baker's body, authorities are considering the possibility of drug use. The packet is now under further investigation. Baker's body is currently at Maharat Chiang Mai Hospital for an autopsy. It is suspected that Baker may have died from a drug overdose at the park, but this claim is still unverified until the autopsy results are available. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

House Destroyed by Lightning Strike, Resulting in 700,000 Baht Damage File photo for reference only A house rented by a couple was razed to its foundation by a fire that resulted from a lightning strike. The event resulted in damages costing over 700,000 baht. Thankfully, the pair, who are avid motorcyclists, were out at the time buying dinner and hence escaped harm. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329406-house-destroyed-by-lightning-strike-resulting-in-700000-baht-damage/

A house rented by a couple was razed to its foundation by a fire that resulted from a lightning strike. The event resulted in damages costing over 700,000 baht. Thankfully, the pair, who are avid motorcyclists, were out at the time buying dinner and hence escaped harm. Sunan Chumchua, a rescue worker with the Kusonsathan Trang Foundation, evaluated the damages at the aforementioned house in the Khlong Khlo Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trang Province. The house's occupants, Supoj Napsang and Nisakorn Klabsriaon, suffered this calamity when lightning hit the house at around 5pm the previous day. The lightning hit the center of the house causing serious damage and setting off the fire that ate up everything inside. The SR Gallery motorcycle club, to which they belong, transferred funds immediately after the incident to provide help. Supoj said that he had left the house just before 4.45pm to get dinner from a local market. When Supoj was at the market, he could hear continuous thunder. Soon his partner informed him by phone that lightning had struck their house, setting it on fire. The fire had already gained momentum by the time Supoj rushed back, with fire officials battling the flames. Supoj believes the electrical outlet in the house could be where the lightning hit, starting a fire that later engulfed everything. Supoj catalogued the losses—they lost a motorcycle, a freezer, clothes, a TV, a refrigerator, fans, and all other electric appliances totaling to an estimated loss of 700,000 baht. If they were home when the lightning hit, they could have been in danger. Supoj added that immediate help came from the SR Gallery motorcycle club members who pooled funds to buy essential items. The local municipality also supplied survival kits and started relief aid. The couple has now moved in with Supoj’s mother since their business gear was all lost in the fire, requiring them to replace everything for their work. Supoj is thankful for the help but is also prepared to face the situation if no more aid comes their way. More aid is coming their way though, as the SR Gallery team plans a concert on June 15 to collect more funds. The concert’s purpose is to bring more financial help for Supoj and his partner as they look to rebuild their lives post the fire. The readiness of the community to help is testament to its solidarity and helpfulness during challenging times. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Local administrations are facing challenges with land tax issues File photo for reference only The Permanent Secretary of Finance, Lavaron Sangsnit, says that determining the tax load for unused land is a significant issue for local governments. The existing tax law, which has been in effect for five years, is being reviewed for potential changes, with attention being given to how land use is enforced and interpreted. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329405-local-administrations-are-facing-challenges-with-land-tax-issues/

The Permanent Secretary of Finance, Lavaron Sangsnit, says that determining the tax load for unused land is a significant issue for local governments. The existing tax law, which has been in effect for five years, is being reviewed for potential changes, with attention being given to how land use is enforced and interpreted. A key point of contention, Lavaron notes, is the suggestion of planting lime trees in Silom district, one of the most expensive real estate areas in the country. Lavaron opposes this suggestion, recommending that such land be taxed as unused instead of being taxed as agricultural land. The application of this discretionary judgement is most likely to come into effect in urban areas like Bangkok and Pattaya. Recently, the Finance Ministry carried out a public survey on the land and building tax application, with over 500 people giving their opinions. Currently, the tax rates being used are reference rates set by the government for local tax collection, these are minimum rates that local administrations can raise but not reduce. Lavaron has strongly emphasized that local administrative organisations are allowed to increase taxes to help fund local key service projects like electricity, water supplies, and roads. The ministry is also considering the criteria for designating green areas for land and building tax exemptions, which could allow landowners to turn unused land into public gardens and thus avoid paying tax. Another possible exemption could come from developing land into public parks or forest parks, providing clear rules are set. Additionally, Lavaron stated that landowners could evade taxes by letting local administrations use their land exempt from tax. He revealed that the projected income from land and building taxes for the 2024 financial year is anticipated at 40 billion baht, revealing a possible increase of 3.7 billion from the last fiscal year. This rise in revenue could mean there's no need to raise the average tax rate. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

81 year old Thai man loses 22 million baht to police impersonator Photo via DailyNews An 81 year old Thai man lost life savings worth 22 million baht to a scammer who impersonated a police officer and accused the victim of being involved in illegal businesses. Full Story https://aseannow.com/topic/1329404-81-year-old-thai-man-loses-22-million-baht-to-police-impersonator/

An 81 year old Thai man lost life savings worth 22 million baht to a scammer who impersonated a police officer and accused the victim of being involved in illegal businesses. The 81 year old victim, Praisan, a former leader of the business planning team at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), sought help from his son, who works in the stock market in Singapore, regarding the accusation of his involvement in illegal businesses. Paisan’s son listened to his father’s issue and concluded that he was not involved in any illegal operation but fell victim to a call centre scam. Paisan revealed in an interview with Channel 7 that he received a call from a scammer claiming to be an officer from Ayutthaya Provincial Police. The police impersonator told him that his bank account was involved in illegal businesses and must be investigated. To prove his innocence, the police impersonator ordered Paisan to transfer over 19 million baht to a police bank account for further investigation. The fake police officer told Paisan to follow instructions sent via the Line application instead of visiting the police station. The scammer said he would take care of his case online for Paisan’s convenience, as it would be difficult for a person of his age to travel to Ayutthaya. Fake cop’s actions The scammer did not stop at 19 million baht. The fake police officer continued to trick Paisan into transferring more money, saying he had to place 2.2 million baht as a guarantee to get the initial amount he transferred back. Paisan, who had run out of money, pawned his house for 3 million baht and transferred the amount to the scammer. The police impersonator asked Paisan to pay more but he ran out of money and sought help from his son. Paisan revealed to the media that he could not sleep or eat since the incident. The stress almost drove him to take his own life. He hoped the police would help him retrieve his home and money. Paisan’s son told the media that he was angry at the scammer and wished the scammers would have pity on people and stop scamming them. He said honest people who worked hard their whole lives to save money should not be victims of these scammers. The son also left a message for the Bank of Thailand and relevant authorities to take call centre scams seriously. He said authorities and each bank could use technology to track down the scammers’ accounts or suspend suspicious customer transfers. By Petch Petpailin Photo via DailyNews Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man arrested for online BB gun scam in Thailand Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police apprehended a man for selling BB guns online, deceiving customers into transferring money, and then blocking them on Facebook to avoid contact. The arrested individual claimed to only take orders, not handle deliveries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329403-man-arrested-for-online-bb-gun-scam-in-thailand/

Police apprehended a man for selling BB guns online, deceiving customers into transferring money, and then blocking them on Facebook to avoid contact. The arrested individual claimed to only take orders, not handle deliveries. Today, June 9, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, along with a team including Police Major General Nopasilp Poolsawat and Police Major General Teeradej Thammasuthee, arrested 53 year old Nuttanan (surname withheld) based on a warrant issued by Khon Kaen Provincial Court (warrant number 65/2020, dated March 31, 2020). The charges included fraud and importing false computer data likely to cause damage. The arrest occurred in front of a house in Don Yai Hom, Nakhon Pathom, on June 8. The case began when, on June 4, 2018, the victim reported the incident to Police Lieutenant Colonel Boonsuan Laojum at Khon Kaen City Police Station. The victim, Kittiphat, discovered a Facebook post by Nuttanan advertising BB guns for sale. Believing the offer, Kittiphat agreed to purchase a BB gun for 7,000 baht (US$190), transferring the amount to Nuttanan’s account. More than 20 days passed without receiving the product. Initially, Kittiphat could contact Nuttanan, but on June 23, Nuttanan blocked him on Facebook, making further communication impossible. This led Kittiphat to file a complaint at Khon Kaen City Police Station, demanding the prosecution of Nuttanan. During interrogation, Nuttanan admitted to previously selling BB guns. He conducted business with acquaintances and confirmed receiving 7,000 baht in his account. Nuttanan claimed ignorance about whether his business partner actually delivered the goods to customers, reported KhaoSod. He stated that his role was only to take orders, while another person handled deliveries. Following the confession, police transferred Nuttanan to Khon Kaen City Police Station for legal proceedings, Nuttanan confessed that he was only responsible for taking orders. “I did not handle the deliveries. Someone else did.” By Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Used car dealer suspiciously found dead, foul play suspected Image courtesy of Khaosod A prominent used car dealer was found dead with his right hand propping up his chin, sparking foul play suspicions from his wife. Two men, believed to be loan sharks, were seen leaving the scene before his death. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329402-used-car-dealer-suspiciously-found-dead-foul-play-suspected/

A prominent used car dealer was found dead with his right hand propping up his chin, sparking foul play suspicions from his wife. Two men, believed to be loan sharks, were seen leaving the scene before his death. Police Lieutenant Thanin Kanpai from Mueang Nakhon Phanom Police Station yesterday received a report of a suicide at a well-known car dealership located along the Nakhon Phanom-Tha Uthen road. The police coordinated with medical professionals from Nakhon Phanom Hospital, forensic experts, investigative officers, and emergency response teams from Sawangnava That Phanom and VR Lamkhong Friendship Rescue Units. The incident occurred in a two-story concrete building. In front of the building, five to six cars were parked for sale. On the ground floor, near the staircase leading to the second floor, the body of 52 year old Nattawut was found hanging from the stair railing with his right hand under his chin. A car wheel was found at his feet. An inspection revealed no signs of struggle or theft. A white Toyota Vios, belonging to the deceased, was parked in front of the dealership with its front facing outwards. Nattawut’s 45 year old wife reported that before the incident, her husband mentioned he would go inside the building to sort out some documents. She called and messaged him around 3pm, receiving normal responses. However, when she tried to contact him later in the evening, he did not answer her calls. Concerned, she asked a neighbour to drive over and check. The neighbour found the lights in front of the house and the dealership dimmed. Using a flashlight, the neighbour searched the bathroom but found nothing. Eventually, they discovered the used car dealer’s body hanging from the stair railing. The wife stated that her husband was a cheerful person with many friends and did not seem to be under any stress that would lead him to end his life. She mentioned that two men, believed to be loan sharks, had entered the building before the neighbour found her husband. She suspects there may be foul play involved, possibly indicating that someone killed him and staged the scene to look like a suicide. The police discovered that the security cameras installed at the scene were not functioning. They plan to inspect other security cameras along the road and in nearby homes to gather clues and determine the cause of death, reported Khaosod. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Khaosod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Spitting mad: Russian tourist’s traffic light tantrum in Phuket The suspect's lawyer and Thai female victim. | Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times A Russian man spat on a Thai woman and tried to slap her at Wat Naka Intersection in Phuket on May 29 in anger over a traffic light misunderstanding. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329401-spitting-mad-russian-tourist’s-traffic-light-tantrum-in-phuket/

A Russian man spat on a Thai woman and tried to slap her at Wat Naka Intersection in Phuket on May 29 in anger over a traffic light misunderstanding. The 46 year old Thai woman, Phatchareeya Rattanatorrakarn, accompanied by her husband, Boonyong Burirak, filed a complaint against the Russian at Vichit Police Station at 2pm on May 29. Phatchareeya said the foreign man spat on her and tried to assault her. Phatchareeya recounted the incident to the police, saying Boonyong was driving along Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road and stopped at a traffic light in the right lane at the Wat Naka Intersection. While waiting, a sedan behind them repeatedly honked its horn. The sedan driver honked long and loudly before moving to another lane on the right of Phatchareeya’s car to park next to her. The sedan driver lowered the car window, allowing Phatchareeya to see that he was a foreigner. The foreign man then knocked on Phatchareeya’s window, asking her to open it and speak with him. As soon as she did, he reached into her car and attempted to slap her, but she managed to avoid the assault. He then insulted her with vulgarities before speeding away. Phatchareeya was confident that she had neither annoyed the foreign driver nor broken any traffic laws. She suspected that he might have misunderstood the traffic light. Russian apologises Phatchareeya’s lane was for vehicles turning right and had to wait for a separate traffic light. The man may have thought he could drive straight into the lane and become angry with her and her husband for stopping even if the traffic light was green. However, that light was only for vehicles going straight on the other lanes. Phatchareeya’s husband chased after the foreigner but could not stop him in time. They visited a nearby petrol station to clean her face, which was dirty with the foreign man’s saliva, before filing the complaint. Police officers identified the foreigner as a Russian man but were unable to summon him because he had already returned to his home country. The foreign man sent his lawyer to the police station to acknowledge the charges. The lawyer issued an apology on behalf of his Russian client and the suspect apologised to the victim via video conference. He said he would travel to Thailand in September to receive punishment. The man faces two charges, including: Section 295 of the Criminal Law: physically assaulting. The punishment is imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. Section 393 of the Criminal Law: insulting, humiliating, or causing damage to another person. The penalty is imprisonment of up to one month, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both. By Petch Petpailin The suspect's lawyer and Thai female victim. | Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe