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Thailand aims to be global hub for skilled foreign workers Picture courtesy of Etienne Girardet, Unsplash Thailand is aiming to enhance its global competitiveness by becoming a hub for skilled foreign workers, as part of a long-term strategy to drive and sustain economic growth. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329028-thailand-aims-to-be-global-hub-for-skilled-foreign-workers/

Thailand is aiming to enhance its global competitiveness by becoming a hub for skilled foreign workers, as part of a long-term strategy to drive and sustain economic growth. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is spearheading this initiative by introducing a range of new visa types designed to attract international talent, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. This announcement was made yesterday, June 4, highlighting the government’s commitment to positioning Thailand as a prime destination for skilled professionals. Data from the Board of Investment (BOI) reveals that Thailand has already issued working visas and work permits to over 56,000 foreign experts involved in investment-promoted projects. Additionally, more than 4,000 long-term resident (LTR) visas have been granted. The LTR visa holders include 791 from the US, 479 from Russia, 332 from the UK, 277 from China, 236 from Germany, 207 from Japan, and 198 from France. Furthermore, there are 2,170 smart visa holders, who are skilled professionals and investors in key industries, as well as a startup group predominantly from the US, Russia, the UK, Japan, and Germany. These visas are part of a broader effort to attract high-potential foreigners, including specialists, work-from-Thailand professionals, high-income individuals, and retirees with their spouses or companions. Chai emphasised that the LTR visa is pivotal in this strategy, allowing recipients to reside in Thailand for 10 years with unlimited re-entries and work permits. It also offers a significant reduction of up to 17% in personal income tax rates for specialists and extends the reporting period with the Immigration Bureau from every 90 days to once a year. Destination Thailand Adding to these efforts, the Cabinet is considering the introduction of a Destination Thailand visa (DTV) aimed at foreign nationals with digital skills. The DTV, expected to launch this month, is designed to attract more foreign talent to work and travel within the country. To further facilitate the stay of foreign specialists, talents, and investors, the BOI has collaborated with the Immigration Bureau and the Labour Ministry to establish a One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS), Chai stated. “The premier has given importance to attracting investment to boost the country’s competitiveness. “He believes the effort to implement measures for spurring the economy and sustaining growth to align with current circumstances will serve as a tool to put Thailand on the investment map in the long run.” The government’s proactive approach underscores its ambition to create a thriving environment for international professionals, thereby bolstering Thailand’s economic prospects and establishing it as a key player in the global market, reported Bangkok Post. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Etienne Girardet, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Market shooting in Samut Prakan leaves one dead, two injured Image courtesy of Khaosod A heated argument in a Samut Prakan local market quickly turned into a violent shooting, resulting in the tragic death of a woman and serious injuries to two others. The incident stemmed from a confrontation involving inappropriate remarks. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329027-market-shooting-in-samut-prakan-leaves-one-dead-two-injured/

A heated argument in a Samut Prakan local market quickly turned into a violent shooting, resulting in the tragic death of a woman and serious injuries to two others. The incident stemmed from a confrontation involving inappropriate remarks. The incident occurred at 7pm yesterday at the Bang Ya Phraek market in Samut Prakan. Authorities from Samrong Tai Police Station received a report of a shooting at a liquor shop within the market. Local police, medical responders from Samut Prakan Hospital, and the Ruam Katanyu Foundation rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities discovered 44 year old Kamraithong lying in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to the back of her head. She was barely breathing. Nearby, a 57 year old sausage vendor, Chalao, was found shot in the back, and 50 year old Rungphet had sustained gunshot wounds to his leg and abdomen. First responders provided initial medical treatment before transferring the injured to Vibhavadi Chai Prakan Hospital. Unfortunately, Kamraithong succumbed to her injuries due to the severity of her wound. Investigations revealed that before the shooting, Kamraithong had been drinking herbal liquor with her husband, Bancha, at the market. Another patron, 50 year old Chang was also drinking at a nearby table and made inappropriate remarks towards Kamraithong. This angered Bancha, leading to a heated argument. Chang then drew a gun and pointed it at Bancha’s head, but bystanders stepped in to ease the tensions. Chang left the scene, while Bancha took their child home. Shortly after, Chang returned on a motorcycle, armed with a short-barreled shotgun. He opened fire, fatally wounding Kamraithong and injuring Chalao and Rungphet, who were nearby. Authorities are now focused on apprehending Chang, who fled the scene after the shooting. Police are conducting a thorough investigation to bring him to justice, reported Khaosod. The market, usually bustling with activity, turned into a scene of chaos and grief. Witnesses described the panic and horror as shots rang out in the usually peaceful market. Local vendors and residents are left to grapple with the aftermath of the tragic event. This incident underscores the devastating impact of escalating violence, especially ones erupting under the influence of alcohol. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Khaosod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Police Take Action Against Bars Operating Past Legal Hours File photo for reference only On June 2nd, Pattaya police raided four bars in different parts of the city following reports that these places were allegedly staying open past the legal operating hours. The bars were situated on Soi Kho Phai, South Pattaya Road, and Pattaya Third Road. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328958-pattaya-police-take-action-against-bars-operating-past-legal-hours/

On June 2nd, Pattaya police raided four bars in different parts of the city following reports that these places were allegedly staying open past the legal operating hours. The bars were situated on Soi Kho Phai, South Pattaya Road, and Pattaya Third Road. One bar in particular, a host bar, was discovered to be selling alcohol without the required licenses. Some of these bars were also selling beverages infused with kratom, a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, without the necessary license. The police have proceeded to file charges against these establishments. They are also considering permanently closing some of the bars, especially those that have repeatedly disregarded the law. However, the police have chosen not to disclose the names of these bars or the individuals involved due to ongoing legal action. The legal closing times for bars in Pattaya vary based on their location and the specifics of their license. Typically, these establishments are allowed to stay open from midnight until 4AM. The Pattaya police have vowed to keep a close watch on bar establishments and entertainment venues in the city to make sure they adhere to all Thai laws. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai woman allegedly raped by her mother-in-law's former boyfriend and his friends File photo for reference only A Thai woman has appealed to the police to quicken their investigation following her brutal gang-rape by her mother-in-law's ex-boyfriend and his three friends on May 9 in Udon Thani, a province in Isaan, Thailand. The assailants are still at large. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328957-thai-woman-allegedly-raped-by-her-mother-in-laws-former-boyfriend-and-his-friends/

A Thai woman has appealed to the police to quicken their investigation following her brutal gang-rape by her mother-in-law's ex-boyfriend and his three friends on May 9 in Udon Thani, a province in Isaan, Thailand. The assailants are still at large. The 27-year-old survivor narrated her traumatic experience to Channel 7. She mentioned having a dispute with her spouse on the day of the crime, after which she decided to go back to her family. As she was waiting for a bus, the culprit, her mother-in-law's 63-year-old ex-partner, approached her. He suggested giving her a lift to the Udon Thani Railway Station, but she declined. Consequently, he assaulted her physically and forced her into his sidecar motorcycle. The man then contacted three of his friends to meet him in a roadside forest, approximately 10 kilometres from the bus station. The four men proceeded to rape the woman for several hours, later warning her at knifepoint to keep the incident a secret, before fleeing the scene. The traumatized woman was found by a passer-by and immediately taken to a hospital. A report against the culprits was made at the Meuang Udon Thani Police Station. However, the case has not progressed. The woman's mother-in-law stated in a press interview that, unbeknownst to her, while she was dating the main perpetrator for a year, he was already married. Describing him as a womanizer and a sadist who was violent during sex, she expressed her concern that the attackers may escape due punishment due to the woman's learning disability. The survivors and her family voiced their fear concerning her safety as the culprits are connected to influential people. They expressed their hope that the authorities would apprehend and bring the culprits to book swiftly. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pregnant Thai woman blackmailed with her nude photos File photo for reference only A pregnant woman from Khon Kaen province in Thailand is being blackmailed for sex and money after an individual filmed her secretly in a public restroom. The woman, known as Somprattana, fears for her life while the offender remains at large for six months. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328956-pregnant-thai-woman-blackmailed-with-her-nude-photos/

A pregnant woman from Khon Kaen province in Thailand is being blackmailed for sex and money after an individual filmed her secretly in a public restroom. The woman, known as Somprattana, fears for her life while the offender remains at large for six months. Somprattana, aged 26, reached out to Thai news outlets following an unsuccessful appeal with the Ban Ped Police Station, who did not act upon her complaint. The incident began on January 4 and the blackmailer continues to threaten her with releasing the explicit video and photos while also sending her unsolicited explicit images of himself. As a durian seller, Somprattana runs a stall on Maliwan Road in Khon Kaen. The perpetrator made contact with her on Facebook under the guise of a customer, before switching to the LINE application for further communication. After the purchase, she started to receive pictures and videos of herself using a public restroom near her stall from the individual. Upon receiving these, she immediately reported the incident to her local police station. When the culprit demanded 1,000 baht to delete the content, Somprattana sent him 200 baht in a bid to get his bank account details. Despite providing this information to the police along with the evidence, the local law enforcement did not act on it. In addition to the consistent threats to release the explicit content, the man also demanded to meet her for sexual favours. She felt he was observing her due to his knowledge of her daily activities, which increased her fear. After inspecting the public restroom where the footage was taken from, she discovered small holes in the toilet doors. After providing these details to the police, she was asked to forgive the suspect and drop the case, as they believed he would reoffend even after serving jail time. Frustrated with the lack of police response, Somprattana is calling for justice and seeking police action for her safety. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Elderly man arrested for branded shoe theft at Bangkok temple Image courtesy of Khaosod A 69 year old man has been arrested for stealing expensive branded shoes from outside a renowned temple in Bangkok. The suspect confessed to selling the stolen shoes at a low price in the second-hand market. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328953-elderly-man-arrested-for-branded-shoe-theft-at-bangkok-temple/

A 69 year old man has been arrested for stealing expensive branded shoes from outside a renowned temple in Bangkok. The suspect confessed to selling the stolen shoes at a low price in the second-hand market. On June 4, the Superintendent of Samran Rat Police Station, Police Colonel Thotsaphon Ampaipipatkul alongside the investigation team ordered the arrest of the 69 year old Thirawat for shoe theft. He was caught with a pair of white and grey New Balance shoes in front of the main chapel of Wat Suthat, located in the Sao Chingcha district of Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. The arrest followed a report filed on May 25 by a victim who visited Wat Suthat. The victim had left his shoes outside the chapel for about an hour and returned to find them missing. The authorities reviewed CCTV footage from the area, which showed an elderly Thai man picking out the shoes. The footage led the police to identify the suspect, who matched the description of an individual previously reported for similar thefts. Further scrutiny of the CCTV evidence revealed that the suspect was attempting to steal another pair of shoes from Wat Suthat. The police intervened and apprehended him on the spot. During questioning, the suspect admitted to being the same person who had stolen the branded shoes. He revealed that he had kept the stolen shoes in a rented room in Nonthaburi, intending to sell them as second-hand goods at a lower price. The suspect also confessed that he specifically targeted expensive branded shoes and had committed similar thefts multiple times before being caught in the act this time. The police have charged him with theft or receiving stolen property and transferred him to the Samran Rat Police Station for further investigations, reported Khaosod. Wat Suthat, a significant cultural and religious site in Bangkok, attracts numerous visitors daily. Incidents like these disrupt the peaceful environment and cause inconvenience to devotees. This incident highlights the effectiveness of CCTV surveillance in solving crimes. The police’s swift response and thorough investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, ensuring that justice was served and preventing further thefts in the area. By Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khaosod Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

British mum’s dengue fever warning after son’s Thai holiday tragedy Picture of Bob Toulson-Burke courtesy of his mother Jane A crestfallen British mother urged travellers ahead of the holiday season to be wary of dengue fever after losing her son to the disease while he was on holiday in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328951-british-mum’s-dengue-fever-warning-after-son’s-thai-holiday-tragedy/

A crestfallen British mother urged travellers ahead of the holiday season to be wary of dengue fever after losing her son to the disease while he was on holiday in Thailand. The heartbroken mother, Jayne Toulson-Burke, recalled the last devastating phone call from her son, Bob, just before he died from the disease several years ago. The 59 year old revealed her son’s last words after he called to say he was in a hospital in Phuket in December 2016, where he would eventually succumb to dengue fever. “I’ve got to go now. I can’t breathe and they are putting a tube down my throat.” Toulson-Burke from Davenport in Stockport made known that it was the last time she ever heard from her son as he died on December 7, 2016. “He went into a coma and never regained consciousness.” Patong hospital Bob took ill on a flight from Laos to Thailand. He and his friends sought medical attention in Patong, where he was initially diagnosed with just flu. Despite being transferred to Phuket for further treatment, he never recovered. The grief-stricken mother reflected on whether her son’s fate could have been different with better knowledge about the virus. “I have absolutely no doubt in that. He’s a sensible boy. He wouldn’t take risks. He doesn’t even like heights. He’s a sensible lad. If he had known, if I had known, the outcome would surely have been different because when he first fell ill, he would have insisted on a test.” She stressed the importance for travellers to recognise the symptoms of dengue fever and to demand a blood test at hospitals to confirm the virus and begin treatment, reported the Manchester Evening News. The World Health Organisation highlights that around four billion people across 130 countries are vulnerable to dengue, a mosquito-borne virus prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas globally, including some European regions. Travel Health Pro, part of the Foreign Office, issued warnings that dengue is encroaching into areas previously considered disease-free. Since the beginning of 2024, there have been more than five million reported cases of dengue and over 2,000 deaths linked to the virus as of April 2024. Dengue fever has surged worldwide, with Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean bearing the brunt. Although not endemic in Europe, Travel Health Pro warned that if the environment encourages mosquito populations – the primary carriers of dengue – travel-related spread could result in local outbreaks in parts of Europe where these insects thrive. Several countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, reported local cases in 2023, according to the Foreign Office subsidiary. Amidst this tragedy, Toulson-Burke was at Liverpool’s passport office sorting out a replacement for her expired document so she could travel to Asia. It was then that the devastating news about her son’s passing reached her ears from another son, Mark, who had hurried to Thailand to be with his dying brother Bob. Toulson-Burke has turned her grief into an awareness campaign against dengue. “You might think this only happens in the tropics or Asia. It doesn’t. It’s in Europe now. If Bob had known, if I had known more about this, he would have had more of a chance. People think it won’t affect them, but it may affect them if they travel.” What is dengue Dengue is an illness caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, primarily active during daylight hours, according to an alert published on Travel Health Pro’s website in early May. There are four distinct types of the dengue virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. As per Travel Health Pro, the majority of individuals infected with dengue may not exhibit any symptoms. Dengue treatments If illness develops, it typically manifests suddenly with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. Most infections are self-limiting, with rapid recovery usually occurring three to four days after the rash appears. Are there treatments available for dengue? A small percentage of infected individuals may progress to develop a severe form of the illness, known as severe dengue, previously referred to as dengue haemorrhagic fever. Symptoms of severe dengue include dangerously low blood pressure (shock), fluid accumulation in the lungs, and severe bleeding (haemorrhage). According to Travel Health Pro, all four types of dengue virus infection can lead to either dengue or severe dengue. Currently, there is no specific drug treatment for severe dengue illness. However, supportive treatments for shock and bleeding are available, which can improve survival rates. Without such interventions, severe dengue illness can be fatal. Travelling advice Travel Health Pro says all travellers, including cruise passengers, who are visiting areas where dengue cases have been reported or where dengue is believed to be present, are at risk of infection. Refer to the ‘other risks’ section on Travel Health Pro’s country information web pages to assess the dengue risk at your destination and for specific advice about other health risks. Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) country advice for safety and security information for your destination. Consult your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic to ensure all your recommended travel vaccines and UK routine vaccines, including MMR, are up-to-date. There is a live, attenuated (weakened) dengue vaccine called Qdenga licensed in the United Kingdom, but it is not suitable for all travellers. By Bob Scott Picture of Bob Toulson-Burke courtesy of his mother Jane Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Indonesia seeks Thai help to capture fugitive drug lord Picture courtesy of CBS News Indonesian police have requested Thailand’s assistance in locating and arresting a wanted drug lord believed to be hiding in the kingdom. This request follows the recent arrest of fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang by Indonesian authorities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328948-indonesia-seeks-thai-help-to-capture-fugitive-drug-lord/

Indonesian police have requested Thailand’s assistance in locating and arresting a wanted drug lord believed to be hiding in the kingdom. This request follows the recent arrest of fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang by Indonesian authorities. The chief of Indonesia’s narcotics division, Police Brigader General Mukhi Juharsa, announced on Sunday that the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) are seeking the capture of Fredy Pratama. This exchange is being proposed in return for the extradition of Chaowalit, also known as Paeng Nanode, said Juharsa in a statement issued on Sunday. “There’s a favour, there’s a return. We ask Thailand to also capture Fredy.” The request was officially submitted to the Royal Thai Police Office, as stated by Polri on its X account, formerly Twitter. According to reports, the fugitive is hiding in a forest in Thailand, reported by Malaysia’s Bernama news agency. Fredy Pratama is alleged to be the leader of a syndicate connected to gangs across Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia. His network is involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine pills sourced from the Golden Triangle, Indonesian police claim. Authorities from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand dismantled part of this gang in September last year, arresting 39 individuals during a coordinated three-nation operation. Despite these efforts, Fredy remains at large. Wahyu Widada, the chief of the Indonesian national police criminal investigation department, revealed in September that Fredy’s network had accumulated assets worth more than 10.5 trillion rupiah (around 24 billion baht) since 2020. These assets include significant real estate holdings, according to Reuters. Chaowalit is scheduled to be extradited from Indonesia to Nakhon Si Thammarat tomorrow, according to the chief of the Indonesian narcotics division. Chaowalit escaped from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital during a dental visit on October 22 last year. He will be taken directly to Mueang Police Station. At the station, the murder suspect will face interrogation and formal charges related to his escape. The Royal Thai Police have planned robust security measures both at the airport and along the convoy route, although specific details remain undisclosed. By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of CBS News Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Justice Minister Announces Close Watch on Prisoner Who Escaped and Returned from Indonesia File photo for reference only On June 4th, 2024, Thailand's Minister of Justice, Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, gave an update on the situation of Mr. Chaowalit "Pang Nanod" Thongduang. Thongduang, a convicted criminal, was recently caught in Indonesia and is in the process of being extradited to Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328942-justice-minister-announces-close-watch-on-prisoner-who-escaped-and-returned-from-indonesia/

On June 4th, 2024, Thailand's Minister of Justice, Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, gave an update on the situation of Mr. Chaowalit "Pang Nanod" Thongduang. Thongduang, a convicted criminal, was recently caught in Indonesia and is in the process of being extradited to Thailand. Thongduang, also known as Pang Nanod, has a previous conviction for theft and misuse of firearms. He was initially given a 21-year sentence in a prison based in Phatthalung Province, his hometown. Later, due to suspected involvement in criminal activities with the mafia while in prison, his custody was transferred to Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Prison. Whilst detained in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thongduang broke free from a hospital after a shootout with the police. He fled to Indonesia, pursued by law enforcement, and managed to escape capture again. It was only after an altercation with a local woman that the Indonesian police were able to arrest him. Thongduang had managed to fool authorities with a fake passport until the Indonesian police detected the forgery. Utilizing modern technology, they were able to verify his true identity. Upon his return to Thailand, it is expected that Thongduang will be held in Nakhon Si Thammarat for questioning and court proceedings, and then he will likely be sent to one of Bangkok's higher security prisons. The Justice Minister plans to meet with the head of the Department of Corrections and other concerned bodies about Thongduang's final destination. To prevent any harm to himself, Thongduang will be under strict monitoring by prison officers. Meanwhile, the Thai police will carry on their investigation to identify anyone that may have assisted in his escape, making sure they too face justice. There are rising concerns that Thongduang, who is known to have a considerable following and network, especially in southern Thailand, may plan another escape. The Ministry of Justice is sparing no effort to avoid such a scenario. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Lack of Digital and Literacy Skills May Result 3.3T Baht Loss for Thailand's Economy File photo for reference only On June 3rd, 2024, Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, the head of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), disclosed the employment numbers for the first three months of 2024. The data showed there were slightly fewer people employed, 39.6 million in total, a small decrease of 0.1% from the previous year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328941-lack-of-digital-and-literacy-skills-may-result-33t-baht-loss-for-thailands-economy/

On June 3rd, 2024, Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, the head of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), disclosed the employment numbers for the first three months of 2024. The data showed there were slightly fewer people employed, 39.6 million in total, a small decrease of 0.1% from the previous year. Mr. Danucha explained that one significant shift was a drop of 5.7% in jobs in the agricultural sector after the season ended. However, other sectors saw an increase in employment. The hospitality industry, for example, had a 10.6% rise in workers, and the construction sector's workforce grew by 5%. In reaction to the Thai government's policy to increase the minimum wage starting January 1st, 2024, private companies boosted their employees' wages by an average of 0.5%, raising the average monthly salary to 13,789 baht. However, when looking across all sectors, the average monthly wage decreased by 0.4% to 15,052 baht. Even so, with an inflation decrease, the actual wages were improved. In addition, the unemployment rate was better, with a decrease of 3.2% in the number of people out of work, which was now estimated to be above 410,000. This resulted mainly from fewer out-of-work graduates who had work experience. Nevertheless, there was an increase in unemployment among recent graduates aged 20-24, who made up the most significant proportion of those unemployed. Mr. Danucha also highlighted an issue about the lack of skilled workers in Thailand, which could cause long-term problems for the country's economy. According to a survey called Adult Skills Assessment in Thailand (ASAT), over 64.7% of people have lower-than-average reading skills, and more than 74.1% have lower than average digital skills. This means that there are a lot of Thai adults who have trouble with basic reading and computer use. Also, a survey called "We are Social" that looked into Social Media Statistics, ranked Thailand 39th in digital skills out of 63 countries. Mr. Danucha pointed out that poor digital skills could lead to an economic loss of up to 3.3 trillion baht per year for Thailand. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Police Stops Buses Carrying Over 105 Illegal Immigrants from Chiang Rai to Bangkok File photo for reference only On June 3rd, 2024, Thai highway police were tipped off about a large group of illegal immigrants being transported by coach from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. After receiving this anonymous tip at 11 PM, the police, along with other authorities, launched a strategic response. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328938-thai-police-stops-buses-carrying-over-105-illegal-immigrants-from-chiang-rai-to-bangkok/

On June 3rd, 2024, Thai highway police were tipped off about a large group of illegal immigrants being transported by coach from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. After receiving this anonymous tip at 11 PM, the police, along with other authorities, launched a strategic response. Officers and officials from Phrae immigration as well as related bodies took positions at pivotal points along Yantrakitkoson Road, which runs through the Song District, Rong Kwang District and Mueang Phrae District. They identified three suspicious coaches run by a private tour bus company that operates on the Mae Sai-Bangkok route. On boarding these coaches in Mueang Phrae, police found 85 Burmese nationals who, lacking legal documents, had illegally entered Thailand. During similar policing efforts in Uttaradit, the authorities captured an additional 20 people in similar situations. The total number of undocumented Burmese nationals apprehended surpassed 105. The police reported that bus drivers, whose identities remain unknown, admitted picking up the immigrants from different areas including the Mae Sai bus station and Phayao University, all headed for Bangkok. After thorough examination of the drivers, immigrants and other passengers, the police escorted them to local police stations to undertake legal procedures and start extradition processes. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

American Tourist Dies After Falling Off a Hotel Balcony in Pattaya File photo for reference only A US tourist was discovered dead on Tuesday morning after a fall from the seventh floor of a hotel in Pattaya. The Pattaya police received a call about the incident around 6:06 AM on June 4th. They, along with rescue workers, rushed to the unnamed hotel situated on Soi Thappraya 15. There they found the body of the deceased, a 43-year-old American named Michael Jeffery Bruggink. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328937-american-tourist-dies-after-falling-off-a-hotel-balcony-in-pattaya/

A US tourist was discovered dead on Tuesday morning after a fall from the seventh floor of a hotel in Pattaya. The Pattaya police received a call about the incident around 6:06 AM on June 4th. They, along with rescue workers, rushed to the unnamed hotel situated on Soi Thappraya 15. There they found the body of the deceased, a 43-year-old American named Michael Jeffery Bruggink. Bruggink was found without a shirt and showed no evidence of violence on his body or signs of forced entry in his hotel room. However, police found cannabis and numerous syringes in the room, now locked for further forensic study. The hotel's security guard, 34-year-old Supornchai Hadkham, reported that he didn't see the fall and doesn't know how or when it happened. He found Bruggink during his patrol and called the authorities when he found the tourist unresponsive. The reason behind this incident is unclear. The police are looking at possible scenarios such as an accidental fall or suicide. A forensic examination will be done to establish the exact cause. The incident will also be reported to the US embassy. File photo for reference only -- 2024-06-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreigner unharmed after motorcycle crash with van in Phuket A foreigner narrowly escaped death without a scratch after crashing his motorcycle on a mountain road in Phuket, sliding down Patong Hill, and colliding with a van. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328936-foreigner-unharmed-after-motorcycle-crash-with-van-in-phuket/